WPU Wellness Watch

Volume: 1 Issue: Fall 2017

Contents
Page 2: Clinical Health and Wellness:

Page 3: Sport Performance: Benefits of using TRX

Page 4: Nutrition: Spice Up Your Health

Page 5: Technology: Wearable Technology

Page 6: Research: Recent Discovery of Fat Loss Hormone

Page 7: Fact or Fiction:

Page 8: Word Find & Summary Quiz

Clinical Health and Wellness

Cardiac Rehabilitation Benefits
By: Jennifer Soriano
When hearing the words
Cardiac and Rehabilitation, the first
thing that comes into peoples minds are
heart and therapy. However, is that all
these two words provide. Cardiac rehabilitation is a
prevention program that helps strengthen an individuals
heart after undergoing a major cardiac event. The heart is a
major muscle that we as humans depend on for life. It is what
allows oxygen and blood to travel throughout the body
feeding the major muscles and organs. For that reason, it is
our responsibilities to care and maintain our hearts to the
best of its ability. The purpose of cardiac rehabilitation is to
help those individuals who suffered a traumatic cardiac event
strengthen their heart muscle back to its full and or close to
its full capacity. This is done with the use of physical activity,
counseling, and consistent monitoring.
Attending a cardiac rehabilitation program comes
with its benefits. Every patient will receive a consistent
medical evaluation to see how they're progressing
throughout the program. Every individual patient will also
receive prescribed exercises that will best suit them based off
their physical ability and exercise capacity Another great
thing about rehab is that it takes place in a clinical setting, a
hospital to be exact. Being that it is done in a setting like this,
patients fear of being active after surgery is reduced. Feeling
a sense of fear is common in cardiac patients. The reasoning
being is because most of these patients never exercised or
are afraid they might overwork or hurt themselves. The
patients will feel calmer and confident knowing that if
something were to happen they are in a secure setting that
will attend to them when needed.
Aside from the benefits stated above, there are also
other great physical and physiological outcomes that come
with attending cardiac rehabilitation. Mortality has been
shown to reduce as well as morbidity. There is a reduction in
skeletal muscle mass, body weight, and body fat. (5). The use
of endurance and aerobic training, which is part of this
program, also shows signs of AF reduction, increase in
VO2peak, left ventricular ejection fraction, reduction in heart
rate, a decrease in total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein
cholesterol, and triglyceride levels (1). Cardiac rehabilitation
also shows to have an improvement in functional capacity, a
reduction in stress levels, ischemia, coronary atherosclerosis,
and the risk of having any further coronary event. All of these
benefits show to have led to an increase in the patients
energy, METS, and overall steps per day. Overall the patients
felt better and looked better.
Nonetheless, this program is very educational. It has
been found that every patient that completes this program
always leaves with useful information that they continue to
use and follow when they complete and leave the program.
The given information allows for the patients to be
empowered with tips that will help reduce risk factors. By
reducing risk factors and taking the given information into
consideration, their ability to self-care will increase as well as
a complete positive change in lifestyle.

Fiset CCA, Khoury NE. Faculty of 1000 evaluation for Aerobic Interval Training Reduces the Burden of Atrial Fibrillation in the Short Term: A Randomized Trial. F1000 -
Post-publication peer review of the biomedical literature 2016;

Parvand M, Goosheh B, Sarmadi A. Effect of Cardiac Rehabilitation on Heart Rate and Functional Capacity In Patients After Myocardial Infarction. Iranian
Rehabilitation Journal2015:: 157-61

Sumner J, Harrison A, Doherty P. The effectiveness of modern cardiac rehabilitation: A systematic review of recent observational studies in non-attenders versus
attenders. Plos One2017;12(5)

Rion JH, Kautz DD. The Walk to Save: Benefits of Inpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation. MEDSURG Nursing 2016;:15662.

Takagawa Y, Yagi S, Ise T, et al. Improved Exercise Capacity After Cardiac Rehabilitation Is Associated with Reduced Visceral Fat in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure.
International Heart Journal 2017;58(5):74651

anyone can use this training because TRX is adjustable to

Sport Performance
Benefits of using TRX
By: Carlisha Phillips
What does TRX stand for?
TRX stands for Total Resistance Exercise. TRX is a total body
training workout that allows you to do a lot of different
exercises using your body weight. TRX was invented by a
Navy Seal. The Navy Seal needed a way to keep himself, and
his Navy Seals in shape, no matter where they were in the
world, they could be on a mission or standing by, they were
always on the move. TRX was invented because you cant just
expect a Navy Seal to just randomly stop what theyre doing
to find a gym and get a good workout in, so thats how TRX
came along. TRX is portable, you can set up anywhere to get a
workout in, and thats why its so beneficial for Navy Seals
and anybody else like cops, firefighters, etc. to do TRX
workouts, because the equipment is portable, and you can
work out anywhere.
There are plenty of benefits from using TRX, one
benefit is, that anybody can do TRX, you dont have to be an
athlete to want to do TRX you can be a person from off the
street that wants to start out on a workout journey and
decide you want to do TRX and that is perfectly fine, you can
increase, or decrease the load on your muscles, meaning that
what youre comfortable with. Another benefit of TRX is that
it is adaptable, just from using two adjustable bands; it can
lead to a great workout to every single muscle in your body. It
is transportable, you can set up anywhere, at home a hotel or
you can even get a TRX workout in at the gym, there are a
few gyms that offer TRX training, and I know the gym I am
currently with offers TRX training. TRX workouts are very
simple, but at the same time can be very challenging, you can
complete a full body workout in 20 minutes with just one
piece of equipment and not even notice it. TRX is good for
boosting cardio and strength, if you change the speed in
which you do the workout in; you can speed up the blood
flow and air circulation to both your heart and your lungs.
From doing TRX it is also a good way to lose weight,
resistance training speeds your metabolism if consistently do
workout from workout, so adding resistance training to your
workout in TRX can help you lose weight quicker. You can
burn a range between 360 and 530 calories from just doing
TRX training. So instead of going to the gym and working out
on the treadmill, you can do TRX workout and lose more
calories from doing that, than walking/running on the
treadmill or the elliptical.
All of those benefits listed above should make you
want to go out, and start TRX training right away. TRX is safe,
anybody can do it, burn more calories from doing TRX than
you will on a treadmill or elliptical, and its a good way to
boost your cardio and strength.

Wills J. TRX Suspension Training [Internet]. 2012; Available from:

https://www.officer.com/on-the-street/apparel/article/10686507/trx-suspension-training-do-more-with-a-couple-straps

Saad M. CombatMindset [Internet]. 7 Benefits of TRX Suspension Training2017; Available from: https://combatmindset.com/trx-suspension-training-benefits/

Health and Fitness Travel [Internet]. [Internet]. 7 Benefits of TRX Suspension Training2015; Available from:
http://www.healthandfitnesstravel.com/blog/7-benefits-of-trx-suspension-training

True Conditioning [Internet]. [Internet]. 4 Benefits of TRX Suspension Training2017; Available from:
http://www.trueconditioning.com/blog/2017/3/13/4-benefits-of-trx-suspension-training

Von Duerring J. Wellbridge [Internet]. TRX: A Workout That's Sure To Move You2017; Available from:
https://www.wellbridge.com/fit-like-that/eb63e78b-e2a2-41c0-a8b5-fb7b91ce299c

Various studies conclude that ingesting curcumin both before

Nutrition
Spice Up Your Health
By: Lauren Coleman
Many have heard of the spice
turmeric, but do you know how great it can be for your
health? Curcumin comes from the curcuma plant and is
extracted from the root. It is seen in the spice turmeric and is
responsible for the yellow pigment in curry dishes. Many
recent studies have shown the various health benefits
curcumin can provide. These include decreasing the risk of
cardiovascular disease, acting as a powerful
anti-inflammatory, and improving brain health. We will take a
closer look at how this natural supplement can do all of these
things.
Curcumin works in a few different ways that lower
the risk for CVD. Studies have shown that it can have a
massive effect on the bodys lipid profile. Not only can
curcumin get rid of bad lipids but it also promotes the good
ones! Research reveals that this supplement can lower LDL,
total cholesterol, and triglyceride values along with increasing
amounts of HDL. Curcumin is also shown to treat the negative
effects that diabetes has on the heart. This is because it can
help reduce body fat, increase blood flow, and improve
arterial stiffness. Its anti-inflammatory characteristics protect
the heart by reducing oxidative stress on cardiovascular
tissues.
Curcumins anti-inflammatory properties benefit the
body in other ways too. It can aid in muscle recovery as well
as reducing and preventing pain and swelling in the joints.
and after exercise has decreased the occurrence and severity
of delayed onset muscle soreness. One specific double-blind
study showed significant results in that curcumin reduced
swelling and pain 24-48 hours after exercise. This study
examined specific muscle groups associated with the exercise
program that was given and was able to discuss the positive
effects the supplementation had on its subjects. Curcumin
has also been used on individuals with rheumatoid arthritis to
prevent joint inflammation. Some cases show that this
supplement can work better than many medications used to
treat this condition.
Keeping our brains healthy is important as we age.
About 5.5 million Americans are diagnosed with Alzheimers
disease. This disease has no cure so prevention is the only
hope at this point. That is where curcumin comes into play.
This root has shown to increase levels of Brain-Derived
Neurotrophic Factor. Low levels of this hormone have been
linked with developing Alzheimers disease. In addition to
Alzheimers, the lack of BDNF has also shown to be connected
to depression. All in all, curcumin can help keep your brain
healthy and be a preventative measure to some tragic
diseases.
If you are considering utilizing turmeric for its
curcumin it is important to note that it only accounts for
about 2-5% of the spice. Finding the right supplement with a
higher percentage of curcumin is critical. It is also available in
a powder form in which it is suggested to take 1 gram twice
per day. Whether you ingest it as a supplement or add it into
an Indian dish, curcumin may be a healthy option to keep
your body well!

10 Proven Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin [Internet]. [Internet]. Healthline[date unknown]; [cited 2017 Nov 21 ] Available from:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-turmeric

Ahn JK, Kim S, Hwang J, et al. Metabolomic Elucidation of the Effects of Curcumin on Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Plos One2015;10(12)

Curcumin Provides Targeted Cardiovascular Protection [Internet]. [Internet]. LifeExtensioncom[date unknown]; [cited 2017 Nov 21 ] Available from:
http://www.lifeextension.com/Magazine/2017/10/Curcumin-Targets-Cardiovascular-Disorders/Page-01

Latest Alzheimer's Facts and Figures [Internet]. [Internet]. Latest Facts & Figures Report | Alzheimer's Association2016; [cited 2017 Nov 21 ] Available from:
https://www.alz.org/facts/

Nicol LM, Rowlands DS, Fazakerly R, Kellett J. Curcumin supplementation likely attenuates delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). European Journal of Applied
Physiology2015;115(8):176977.

Technology
Wearable Technology
By: Carlisha Phillips
There are plenty of forms, of wearable technology,
some are: implantables, smart watches, smart jewelry, fitness
trackers, smart clothing, and head mounted displays. A lot of
people wear, wearable technology, you dont have to work
out in order to wear, wearable technology, you can have a
disability and wear wearable technology. You can be in the
best of shape and decide you want to wear, wearable tech, or
you can even just want to wear it, just as a fashion sense.
Implantables, smartwatches, and fitness trackers are the
most common wearable technology, I havent heard much
about smart jewelry, smart clothing, or head mounted
displays. Implantables can be anything from getting a
pacemaker put in to help regulate peoples heart
contractions. Smartwatches used to be used to just receive
notifications like text messages from your phone, but now
smart watches can still send you text notifications, and track
how many steps youve taken. Just like a Smartwatch, a
Fitness tracker can do the same thing, it can track how many
steps youve walked, keep track of your heart rate, and more.
Wearable technology even has an impact on
healthcare, from patients wearing this technology, doctors,
and nurses can track peoples sleeping patterns, physical
activity, heart rate, and provide on screen workouts. From
healthcare places having wearable technology it's better, and
easier, because the patient is not able to hide anything from
the doctor or nurse, because all of the patients information is
on their watches, or any other device that they have
connected to the patient. The patient doesnt have to meet
with their doctor, or to go to a personal trainer to, because
the technology they have, gives them a full workout plan of
what they should do.
Is wearable technology safe? There are lots of
articles that say wearable technology is not safe, that it
causes radiation. Even though there are a lot of articles
that says that wearable technology isnt safe, wearable
technology is going to continue to increase, and people are
going to continue to buy the wearable technology and wear
it. Not only are adults wearing/buying wearable technology,
but children are too, and that can lead to them not paying
attention in classes, or doing the things theyre supposed to
do at their homes. Wearable technology is also very
expensive, fitbits, smart watches; implantables, etc are ever
pricey items. That will still not stop people from buying
wearable technology because its easier for people to travel
and asses things.

Gears Team 42. 42 Gears Mobility Systems [Internet]. 6 Forms of Wearable Technology You Must Know Right Now2015; Available from:
http://www.citationmachine.net/medicine-and-science-in-sports-and-exercise/cite-a-journal/manual

Wallack R. Los Angeles Times [Internet]. Wearable technology catapulting health and fitness into future2015; Available from:
http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-future-wearables-20150124-column.html

Tech Target [Internet]. [Internet]. Wearable health technology in medical and consumer arenas2014; Available from:
http://searchhealthit.techtarget.com/essentialguide/Wearable-health-technology-in-medical-and-consumer-arenas

Eaton K. Fringe Benefits Analysts [Internet]. The Impact of Wearable Devices in the Healthcare Industry2016; Available from:
http://www.fbabenefits.com/impact-wearable-devices-healthcare-industry/

Razani A. readwrite [Internet]. Are wearables exposing us to unwanted health risks? 2016; Available from:
https://readwrite.com/2016/04/13/wearables-health-risks-radiation

FLP-7 was also found to be directly related to

Research
Recent Discovery of Fat Loss
Hormone
By: Lauren Coleman
In January 2017, The Scripps Research Institute
published a study identifying a specific hormone that triggers
fat loss. Previous studies had shown how serotonin could
cause the body to burn fat, but the mechanism of action was
unknown. A tedious study done on roundworms displayed
just how serotonin has been affecting fat loss. Although
worm physiology is not exactly like humans, the simplicity of
their systems makes them perfect for experiments. They also
have enough in common with humans that we can use them
as a precursor to research on our own species.
It was evidently found that the neuropeptide
hormone FLP-7 was the only gene that was vital to this fat
loss process. It acts upon receptors in the intestine and
prompt them to turn fat into energy. This finding required a
series of trial and error by the scientist conducting the study.
This was done with fluorescent microscopy and the pathways
were able to be visualized throughout the study. Each gene
was tested to see if it was the component needed for fat loss.
In mammals this gene is called Tachykinin. In the late 1930s,
scientists had studied this gene and hypothesized a link
between the brain and the gut. 80 years later our technology
allowed us to confirm that theory.
serotonin secretion. This neuropeptide hormone was
secreted when there were high levels of serotonin in the
brain. Scientists have finally cracked the reasoning behind
serotonin aiding as a fat burner. Some believed that basing a
diet around increasing serotonin levels could help promote
satiety and therefore aid in fat loss. Investigation of
fluctuating serotonin levels have shown that there could be
some negative aspects involved as well. Though it may be
beneficial in triggering FLP-7 secretion for fat loss, serotonin
levels can have a big impact of biological processes. This
involves food intake, mood, and the reproductive system.
Manipulating this can cause adverse effects on the individual
and may be counterproductive. Manipulating FLP-7 alone on
the other hand may be the way to go. With the current
research at hand it is probable that increasing this gene alone
will not have any negative secondary consequences. The
issue here is that scientists must find a way to change FLP-7
levels without affecting serotonin secretion.
Research is still developing on this topic and the
hormone relationships have not been directly studied on
humans as of now. This discovery was only announced this
year, which means there could be a lot more to it than we
now know. Studies continue with the hopes of ending the
current prevalence of obesity. With over one-third of
American adults being classified as obese, this research can
make a significant impact on health in the U.S. Obesity is the
cause of many life-threatening conditions as well as rising
medical costs. With promising new findings, FLP-7 may be the
answer we are looking for. Only time will tell as future
research uncovers the unknown.

Li C, Kim K. Family of FLP Peptides in Caenorhabditis elegans and Related Nematodes. Frontiers in Endocrinology2014;5

Overweight & Obesity [Internet]. [Internet]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention2017; [cited 2017 Nov 22 ] Available from:
https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html

Palamiuc L, Noble T, Witham E, Ratanpal H, Vaughan M, Srinivasan S. A tachykinin-like neuroendocrine signalling axis couples central serotonin action and nutrient
sensing with peripheral lipid metabolism. Nature Communications2017;8:14237.

Scientists find brain hormone that triggers fat burning [Internet]. [Internet]. ScienceDaily2017; [cited 2017 Nov 22 ] Available from:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/01/170127142411.htm

Simkovic S. Brain hormone serotonin may lead to weight loss [Internet]. Since 18962017; [cited 2017 Nov 22 ] Available from:
http://www.jhunewsletter.com/2017/02/09/brain-hormone-serotonin-may-lead-to-weight-loss/

Fact or Fiction
Caffeine and Performance?
By:Jennifer Soriano
Caffeine has been used as an
enhancer for performance and
awareness for many years. Until this day many still believe
that by consuming caffeine before doing any type of physical
activity will better an individuals performance. However,
how do we know if its true? Is caffeine a form of drug that
does harm or an enhancer? This is a question that many do
not stop and think about when consuming this substance.
Caffeine is present in many different forms, whether
it is pre-workout, coffee, an energy drink, or a supplement it
still provides some form of adrenaline to an individuals body.
Basketball players have been found to have benefited from
using this enhancer. After consuming this drug, these athletes
jump height was found to have increased as well their
performance index rate. Runners performance has also been
found to benefit from this enhancer. After consuming coffee
60 minutes prior to running, their overall performance
increased tremendously. The reason being is because the
body absorbed the caffeine also instantly leading to the effect
of adrenaline. The feeling of being aware and pumped when
performing has its advantage but is it a good thing?
As mentioned previously the consumption of
caffeine in the form of coffee, was found to enhance
basketball players and runners performance, however,
energy drinks, which are another form of caffeine, were
found to have a negative effect on sprint cycling
performance. Consuming energy drinks prior to sprinting
caused a dramatic increase in heart rate also leading to
Clarke ND, Richardson DL, Thie J, Taylor R. Coffee Ingestion Enhances One-Mile Running Race Performance. International Journal of Sports Physiology and
Performance 2017;:120.
fatigue. Due to feeling overworked and exhausted, the
athletes performance did not improve as planned. Some
athletes were later found to have insomnia and felt a sense of
nervousness and restlessness on a regular bases.
Although caffeine has been found to have its positive
and negative effects, there has been studies where caffeine
benefited one side and effected the other. For instance in a
study that looked into work done above critical power after
caffeine consumption, showed that caffeine did increase
aerobic energy expenditure. It did increase the subjects total
work done above critical power but did not benefit the
anaerobic work that was given. The caffeine allowed for the
subjects to have a higher exercise tolerance and maintenance
when reaching their maximal oxidative metabolic rate.
Another study that looked into caffeines effects during
post-exercise recovery after performing aerobic exercise
showed how caffeine had the ability to delay
parasympathetic recovery after exercise. It did not influence
however the subjects respiratory rate and oxygen saturation
which is an important component when performing aerobic
activity.
Nonetheless, we are still left with the question of
whether or not caffeine is an enhancer that increases an
individuals performance or a drug that decreases
performance. Caffeine might help a person perform better
due to the increase in adrenaline or it might cause a person
to feel fatigue. It all depends on the persons body and how
they react to this substance

Gonzaga LA, Vanderlei LCM, Gomes RL, Valenti VE. Caffeine affects autonomic control of heart rate and blood pressure recovery after aerobic exercise in young
adults: a crossover study. Scientific Reports 2017;7(1)

Jeffries O, Hill J, Patterson SD, Waldron M. Energy Drink Doses Of Caffeine And Taurine Have A Null Or Negative Effect On Sprint Performance. Journal of Strength and
Conditioning Research 2017;:1.

Puente C, Abin-Vicn J, Salinero J, Lara B, Areces F, Coso JD. Caffeine Improves Basketball Performance in Experienced Basketball Players. Nutrients 2017;9(9):1033.

Silveira R, Andrade-Souza VA, Arcoverde L, et al. Caffeine Increases Work Done above Critical Power, but not Anaerobic Work. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
2017;:1.

Word Find

Summary Quiz
1. What kind of Program is Cardiac Rehabilitation?
2. Is TRX transportable?
3. What are the three main health benefits that curcumin has to offer?
4. Why are scientists currently researching the gene FLP-7?
5. Who can benefit from wearing wearable technology?

ANSWERS: 1. Prevention Program for future cardiac events 2. Yes 3. Brain health, heart health, anti-inflammatory 4. Its ability to trigger fat loss 5. anybody

About the Authors

Lauren Coleman

As I finish my Exercise Science degree at William Paterson University I aim to continue my education in a Doctor of Physical Therapy
degree program. I enjoy learning about exercise and human movement and I am excited to use the experiences I have gained in the
past four years to develop a career. I also have a passion for motocross racing. I love motorcycles and I always make time to get on
the track!

Carlisha Phillips

When I finish my Exercise Science degree at William Paterson University, I plan to take a year off from school, and hopefully get a full
time job. Then after I get a stable full time job, I will be going back to school to get my Masters Degree, still havent decided if I want
to continue my education at William Paterson University, or at a different university. I enjoy learning about the human body, and
how it works, to be completely honest I actually enjoyed taking anatomy and physiology in college. I enjoy working with older adults
and younger children. In my free time I enjoy reading books, and spending time with my friends and family.

Jennifer Soriano

Once I finish my program at William Paterson University, I plan to continue my education out of state. My education has always be
very important to me and I hope to continue my studies at the university of Delaware. This major as well as its topic has taught me
many things. The passion I have for the human body and its ability to performance continues to amaze me everyday. I cannot wait to
further my knowledge and use what Ive learned to help others.

300 Pompton Road, Wayne NJ, 07470
Department of Kinesiology
973-720-2362