Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Kinesiology
Document Type
Dissertation
Abstract
Warfighter-like personnel face extreme physical and psychological demands that necessitate optimized performance and resilience. This dissertation investigates the physiological and molecular adaptations to acute and chronic physical stressors and evaluates the potential of therapeutic interventions to mitigate negative effects. Three interrelated studies were conducted to address key gaps in understanding the effects of stressors and interventions on performance and recovery.
The first study assessed the impact of a multi-ingredient sport supplement on moderate-intensity exercise performance, muscle damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, no significant differences were observed between the treatment and placebo groups on the assessed variables, suggesting the need for further exploration under varied conditions or populations.
The second study examined the effects of caloric restriction combined with testosterone supplementation on cytokine dynamics during a 28-day, 1,500 calorie energy deficit. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design revealed significant increases in circulating concentrations of IL-10, and IFNy in the testosterone group, indicating an increased immunomodulatory response that may support inflammation regulation during sustained physical and nutritional stress. These findings indicate testosterone’s potential to influence cytokine responses during sustained stress and highlight its therapeutic relevance.
The third study focused on circulating plasma miRNA levels in response to high-volume exercise and energy deprivation, with and without testosterone supplementation. Results demonstrated significant alterations in 17 miRNAs between testosterone and placebo groups, while the placebo group showed no significant changes from baseline. These findings emphasize the role of miRNA in cellular communication and adaptation to physical and nutritional stressors, particularly in response to testosterone supplementation.
Overall, the findings of this dissertation provide critical insights into the physiological and molecular mechanisms underpinning recovery, resilience, and performance optimization. Testosterone supplementation emerged as a potent modulator of cytokine activity and exosome-mediated signaling, offering insight as a possible therapeutic intervention for high-stress populations. While the multi-ingredient supplement showed no efficacy, the study highlights the importance of tailoring interventions to specific stress profiles and populations. The identification of exosomal miRNAs as biomarkers offers new avenues for biomarker monitoring and possible precision medicine applications. These results contribute to advancing evidence-based strategies to enhance performance and health in warfighter-like personnel and other high-stress populations.
Date
11-3-2025
Recommended Citation
Soileau, Jason P., "PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO ACUTE AND CHRONIC ENVIRONMENTAL AND OPERATIONAL STRESSORS IN WARFIGHTER PERSONNEL AND POSSIBLE THERAPEUTICS" (2025). LSU Doctoral Dissertations. 6958.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/6958
Committee Chair
Johannsen, Neil