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Biomedical subjects

B J Lowdon

Publications and source records attributed to B J Lowdon.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Nutritional practices of elite female surfers during training and competition.

The aim of this study was to assess the dietary practices of 10 elite female surfers. Four- and five-day food diaries completed over competition and training periods demonstrated energy intakes (mean +/- SD) of 9,468 kJ (+/- 2,007) and 8,397 kJ (+/- 1,831), respectively. This level of energy intake was less than that estimated for the requirements of surfing. Female surfers' carbohydrate intakes failed to meet the recommendations, and suboptimal zinc intake was observed with 90% of subjects not meeting the Australian RDI. Comparisons between competition and training demonstrated that carbohydrate (g and g/kg body weight) and confectionary (g) intakes were significantly higher (p < .05) and protein intake was significantly lower (p < .05) during competition. These results show that although body fat stores were not compromised (mean 22%), self-reported energy, carbohydrate, and nutrient intakes were marginal in elite female surfers. Questionnaires revealed that 90% of surfers did not have good nutritional habits while traveling, which was compounded by a lack of knowledge of nutritional practices.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Pulmonary function testing in children with the airflometer.

Use of the airflometer (AFM) as an inexpensive apparatus for routine screening of pulmonary function has been hindered by the lack of established norms of AFM readings for young children. Using both the airflometer and the vitalograph, lung function was measured in 828 children, aged five to 11 years, randomly selected from six schools. Results indicate that girls aged five, 8-11 years have lower Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1, and AFM scores than boys. High correlations were observed between AFM units and FEV1 (0.93), between height and FEV1 (0.88), and between FVC (0.89) and AFM units (0.84). Regression equations are given to enable prediction of AFM from height and from age for boys and girls. Tables indicate scores that should be followed with further pulmonary function testing. A protocol is outlined to enable the airflometer to be used as a first level screening device.

Child↗
PubMed1982

Mechanical and physiological calibration of four cycle ergometers.

Mechanical and physiological calibrations were performed on four research-grade cycle ergometers. Ten subjects rode each ergometer twice in a randomized testing order. The subjects pedaled at 60 rpm for 5 min at each of three power outputs, i.e., 49, 98, and 147 W. Heart rate, metabolic, and perceptual data were obtained each minute. Prior to and immediately following these test rides, mechanical calibrations were obtained in duplicate. From the mechanical calibrations, Ergometer A was approximately 10% below actual values at each power output. Ergometer B demonstrated a variable error, with the largest percentage and absolute errors occurring at the lower power outputs. Ergometers C and D generally demonstrated less than a +/- 3% error. Following the physiological calibration, Ergometer B exhibited a substantial drift in calibration, while Ergometers A, C, and D maintained their original calibration. The physiological data supported the mechanical calibration, and Ergometer B demonstrated a substantial drift between the first and second trials and produced substantially different results compared with the other three ergometers. Ergometers A, C, and D demonstrated acceptable consistency in results both within trials and among ergometers. These results demonstrate the importance of proper calibration and of understanding the calibration characteristics of ergometers selected for research purposes.

Adult↗
PubMed1975

Determinants and nature of intramuscular temperature changes during cold therapy.

The purpose of this study was to examine the intramuscular temperature response during an ice massage treatment. In addition, the effect of subcutaneous tissue thickness and limb circumference on temperature changes was investigated. Intramuscular temperature was measured by intramuscular thermocouples each minute during ice massage treatments of five, ten and fifteen minutes. It was shown that ice massage produces a significant drop in intramuscular temperature. However, there was no significant difference in temperature change after five minutes of treatment. In addition it was shown that there is a high multiple correlation between logarithmic time, subcutaneous tissue thickness, limb circumference, and intramuscular temperature change.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Surfboard-riding injuries.

The results of a study aimed at determining the nature, rate, and cause of traumatic surfing injuries by gathering injury data directly from surfers rather than by retrospective analysis of hospital or first-aid station records are reported. Three hundred and forty-six surfers of varying ages, experience, and competence reported 337 injuries sustained over a two-year period. The most common injuries requiring medical attention or resulting in inability to surf were lacerations (41%) and soft-tissue injuries (35%). The high incidence of back and shoulder sprains and strains has not previously been reported. As the rate of moderate and severe injuries among the sample was calculated to be 3.5 injuries per 1000 surfing days, and because more than 25% of the lacerations were caused by the sharp fin, or by the tail, or by the nose of the surfboard, some safety modifications in board design or structure may be necessary.

Adolescent↗