Body Composition Research Articles

Associations of Plasma Erythritol with Dietary Factors, Cardiometabolic, Inflammatory, and Gut Health Markers in People with and without HIV: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Recently, elevated levels of plasma erythritol have been associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). It is known that people with HIV (PWH) have a higher cardiovascular disease burden. Whether PWH have higher levels of plasma erythritol has not been evaluated. This study aimed to assess if blood erythritol levels are elevated in PWH and to examine relationships between erythritol and dietary, cardiometabolic, inflammatory, and gut health markers. Plasma erythritol levels were measured using frozen samples from 162 participants, including 109 PWH and 53 people without HIV (PWoH) in a parent study. General linear models were used to assess the linear relationship between characteristics, cardiovascular measures, markers of body composition, inflammation, and gut integrity with plasma erythritol. Logistic regression was used to assess risk factors associated with PWH, and cumulative logit models were used to investigate which factors were associated with having the highest plasma erythritol levels among PWH. Compared to PWoH, PWH had higher plasma erythritol levels (p = 0.03). Every 10% increase in VLDL (p = 0.01), visceral adipose tissue (p < 0.0001), or TNFrI (p = 0.01) was associated with an approximately 1% increase in plasma erythritol. Among PWH, HgbA1c (p = 0.003), TNFrI (p = 0.002), and IFAB-P (p = 0.004) were associated with having the highest tertile of plasma erythritol (≥3.6 μM). Compared to PWoH, PWH were more than two times as likely (p = 0.03) to have plasma erythritol ≥ 3.6 μM. We identified positive associations between plasma erythritol levels and several factors, including HIV status, BMI, adipose tissue, TNFr1, HbA1c, and VLDL. These results underscore the importance of further investigating the role of elevated plasma erythritol levels in people with HIV, particularly in light of their increased vulnerability to cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

Racial diversities in lifespan bone mass: findings from the China BCL study and US NHANES.

Bone mass at different life stages is instrumental for developing effective, long-term osteoporosis prevention strategies. We aimed to investigate the developmental patterns of bone mass across the entire lifespan among the Chinese population and to compare these patterns with those of different racial groups, including Whites, Blacks, and Mexicans in the US population. Our study analyzed data from the China Body Composition Life-course (BCL, 2013-2023) Study and the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2005-2018). We measured bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at various anatomical sites, including the whole-body, lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck. In the Chinese population, whole-body BMC and BMD increased rapidly during childhood and adolescence, with males and females achieving approximately 90.6% and 95.7% of their respective peak bone mass. Peak bone mass for whole-body, total hip, and femoral neck BMC/BMD occurred generally between the ages of 21 and 30, whereas the lumbar spine BMD peak did approximately a decade later. After reaching the peak, a gradual bone loss was observed from ages 30 to 40, with an acceleration post age 40, especially in females. Comparative analyses indicated that Chinese individuals exhibited the lowest bone mass levels and accrual rates over their lifespan, followed successively by Whites, Mexicans, and Blacks. By exploring bone mass changes and racial disparities among the Chinese and US populations, this study emphasizes the need for establishing sex- and ethnic- specific public health strategies to prioritize bone health throughout the entire life course.

Body Composition and Progression of Biopsy-Proven Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients With Obesity.

Obesity is a significant risk factor for the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, a convenient and efficacious non-invasive test for monitoring NAFLD progression in patients with obesity is currently lacking. This study aims to investigate the associations between CT-based body composition and the progression of biopsy-proven NAFLD in patients with obesity. Liver biopsy was conducted in patients with obesity, and the progression of NAFLD was evaluated by the NAFLD activity score (NAS). Body composition was assessed through abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans. A total of 602 patients with an average age of 31.65 (±9.33) years old were included, comprising 217 male patients and 385 female patients. The wall skeletal muscle index (SMI), total SMI, and visceral fat index (VFI) were positively correlated with NAS in both male and female patients. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated significant associations between high liver steatosis and wall SMI (HR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.12 to 2.30), total SMI (HR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.02 to 2.08), VSI (HR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.48 to 3.14), visceral fat to muscle ratio (HR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.05 to 2.18), and visceral to subcutaneous fat ratio (HR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.07 to 2.12). Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) was significantly associated with wall SMI (HR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.06 to 2.19) and VSI (HR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.03 to 2.17). Liver fibrosis ≥ F2 was significantly associated with psoas muscle index (HR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.44 to 0.93) and psoas skeletal muscle density (HR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.41 to 0.89). Our study suggested that certain CT-based body composition indicators, notably high VFI, were significantly associated with the progression of NAFLD in patients with obesity. Great attentions and timely managements should be given to these patients with body composition characteristics associated with the risk of NAFLD progression.

Adolescents’ health literacy is directly associated with their physical activity but indirectly with their body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness: mediation analysis of the Slovak HBSC study data

BackgroundHealth literacy is a core public health issue in relation to children and adolescents associated with multiple health behaviours and health outcomes. The aim of the study is to test the direct associations between health literacy, physical activity behaviour, health outcomes of body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness among Slovak adolescents and possible indirect effect of health literacy on health outcomes of body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness mediated by adolescents’ physical activity behaviour.MethodsData from the Slovak Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study conducted in 2022 were used. For the purposes of this study, a subsample of the adolescents (n = 508; mean age = 14.50; SD = 0.82; 54.3% boys) which provided HBSC questionnaire data on health literacy, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and vigorous physical activity and participated in body composition (InBody 230) and cardiorespiratory fitness (20-m shuttle run test) measurements. Data were analysed using linear regression analysis.ResultsThe findings showed that higher health literacy of the adolescents was directly associated with higher frequency of physical activity represented by moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and vigorous physical activity and only with the visceral fat area in the crude model. Furthermore, there was an indirect effect of health literacy on cardiorespiratory fitness and most of the body composition variables (except the Body Mass Index) which was mediated by physical activity of the respondents.ConclusionsHealth literacy is indirectly associated to body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness through higher frequency of physical activity. It seems that health literacy as cognitive and social competencies need behavioural components to be involved in the proposed causal pathway between health literacy and health outcomes. Our findings may contribute to the process of creating a framework for future health literacy interventions in adolescents.

Association between Anthropometric Parameters and Physical Fitness in HIV-Diagnosed Children and Adolescents

Background: Little is known regarding the association between physical fitness and anthropometric parameters in HIV-diagnosed children and adolescents. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between anthropometric parameters and physical fitness in this population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with HIV-diagnosed children and adolescents (aged 5–15 years). Body composition was assessed by anthropometric measurements and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, cardiorespiratory fitness by peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), muscle strength/endurance by handgrip strength, standing broad jump, abdominal and modified push-up tests, and flexibility using the sit-to reach test. Linear regression analyses (simple and multiple) were applied to investigate the association between anthropometric parameters and physical fitness. Results: In total, 86 children and adolescents (mean age: 11.44 ± 2.20 years) participated in the study. A significant association was observed between anthropometric parameters, whereby the sum of four skinfolds could explain 69% of the fat mass percentage and 30% of VO2peak; the sum of two bone diameters could explain 70% of fat-free mass, 55% of bone mineral content, and 43% of bone mineral density; calf skinfold and subscapular skinfold tests could explain the distance of standing broad jump, and the number of modified push-ups explained 16% of the standing broad jump and 19% of the modified push-up test results. Conclusions: Adding the measurements of four skinfolds and two bone diameters to a follow-up routine can provide relevant information regarding fat accumulation, bone development, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscle strength/endurance status in HIV-diagnosed children and adolescents, supporting decision-making and measures for the adequate development of this population.

Relationship between Body Composition and Physical Performance by Sex in Professional Basketball Players

Relationship between Body Composition and Physical Performance by Sex in Professional Basketball Players

Plant protein, fibre and physical activity solutions to address poor appetite and prevent undernutrition in older adults: study protocol for the APPETITE randomised controlled trial.

Reduced appetite with ageing is a key factor that may increase risk of undernutrition. The objective of this study is to determine the impact of innovative plant protein fibre (PPF) products within a personalised optimised diet (PD), a physical activity (PA) programme, and their combination on appetite, and other nutritional, functional and clinical outcomes in community-dwelling older adults in a multi-country randomised controlled intervention trial. One hundred and eighty community-dwelling adults (approximately sixty per trial centre in Germany, Ireland and Italy) aged 65 years and over will be recruited to participate in a 12-week, parallel-group, controlled trial. Participants will be randomised into one of four groups: 1, PD (incorporating two PPF products): 2, PA; 3, PD + PA; and 4, no intervention (control). The primary outcome is appetite measured by visual analogue scales and energy intake from an ad libitum test meal. Secondary outcomes include fasting and postprandial appetite-related gut hormones, Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire score, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, physical function and PA. In addition, self-efficacy, cognitive status, dietary restraint, depressive symptoms and compliance and acceptability of the intervention will be assessed. Metabolomic profiles, RMR, muscle motor unit properties and gut microbiome will also be assessed to explore potential underlying mechanisms. This multi-centre randomised controlled trial will advance knowledge on how PD (incorporating PPF products), PA and their combination influence appetite, nutritional status and related health outcomes in community-dwelling older adults and contribute to the prevention of undernutrition. Trial registration: Clinical Trials.gov Registry NCT05608707 (registered on 2 November 2022). Protocol Version: NCT05608707 Version 4 (registered on 29 September 2023).

Effects of Ginseng Consumption on Cardiovascular HealthBiomarkers in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Ginseng, with various pharmacological activities, has received increasing attention to improve cardiovascular health (CVH). Therefore, this meta-analysis synthesized the effect of ginseng consumption on biomarkers of CVH in adults. A systematic search was performed in the databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library through July 24, 2023 to screen out English-language randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of ginseng consumption on body composition, blood pressure, vascular stiffness, lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, inflammatory cytokines, and adipocytokines in adults. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate the overall effect size, and STATA 12.0 was used for comprehensive analysis. Forty-five studies were included in the meta-analysis. Ginseng consumption significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) (WMD = -2.57 mmHg, 95% CI = -4.99 to -0.14, p = 0.038), total cholesterol (TC) (WMD = -4.40 mg/dL, 95% CI = -8.67 to -0.132, p = 0.043), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD = -2.81 mg/dL, 95% CI = -4.89 to -0.72, p = 0.008), C-reactive protein (CRP) (WMD = -0.41 mg/L, 95% CI = -0.73 to -0.10, p = 0.010), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (WMD = -2.82 pg./mL, 95% CI = -4.31 to -1.32, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses suggested that supplementation with ginseng for less than 12 weeks significantly reduced SBP, but 12 weeks or more improved TC and CRP. Ginseng consumption on SBP, TC, and CRP seemed to be more effective on unhealthy participants. The meta-analysis showed that ginseng consumption might have the potential to improve SBP, TC, LDL-C, CRP, and IL-6. These findings suggest that ginseng is a potential candidate for the maintenance of CVH. However, our results had high heterogeneity. Future high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of ginseng consumption.

Impact of sarcopenia and muscle strength on postoperative complication risk following pancreatic resection

Background and aimsThe association between sarcopenia and postoperative complications has been widely reported in patients with cancer. Yet, the lack of standardized population-specific diagnostic cut-off points and assessments of muscle strength is hampering prospective clinical utilization. Therefore, we aimed to examine the impact of sarcopenia, defined by both regional and international cut-off points, along with various methods of measuring skeletal muscle and muscle strength, on the risk of postoperative complications following pancreatic resection. MethodsThe present prospective observational study enrolled patients scheduled for pancreatic resection. Body composition was assessed by DXA and CT prior to surgery. We applied the algorithm and cut-off points suggested by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) as well as cut-off points from a Danish normative reference population to classify patients as sarcopenic. Physical performance was assessed by usual gait speed while muscle strength was assessed by handgrip strength, leg extensor power, and 30-second sit-to-stand. Postoperative complications within 30 days following surgery were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo classification and the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Complications graded ≥3 according to Clavien-Dindo were considered major complications. ResultsA total of 134 patients with a mean age of 67 years (SD: 9) were enrolled of whom most underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (64%). Using international cut-off points, eight patients (7%) were classified as sarcopenic using CT scans and sarcopenia was associated with an increased risk of major postoperative complications (RR 2.14 [1.33-3.43]). Using DXA, four patients (3%) were classified as sarcopenic, all of whom experienced a major complication. With regional cut-off points, 16 patients (13%) were classified as sarcopenic using CT scans, but sarcopenia was not associated with major complications (RR 1.39 [0.80-2.42]). Nine patients (7%) were classified as sarcopenic using DXA, but sarcopenia was not associated with major complications (RR 1.15 [0.54-2.48]). Across the different muscle strength assessment methods, handgrip strength consistently demonstrated a stronger association with postoperative complications. ConclusionSarcopenia defined according to the EWGSOP criteria and with international cut-off points is associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications following pancreatic resection. Using regionally based cut-off points, the prevalence of sarcopenia is higher, but it does not confer a higher postoperative complication risk. The use of different muscle strength assessment methods results in vastly different estimates of prevalence of low strength and associations with postoperative outcomes.

Gut Microbiome and Metabolome Alterations in Overweight or Obese Adult Population after Weight-Loss Bifidobacterium breve BBr60 Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Probiotics, known for regulating gut microbiota, may aid those with overweight or obesity, but their mechanisms require more research. This study involved 75 overweight or obese young adults, randomly assigned to either a Bifidobacterium breve BBr60 (BBr60) group or a placebo group. Both groups received diet guidance and took either BBr60 (1 × 1010 CFU/day) or a placebo for 12 weeks. Researchers analyzed body composition, serum glucose, lipids, liver and kidney function, comprehensive metabolome, and intestinal homeostasis before and after the intervention. After 12 weeks, BBr60 significantly reduced weight and BMI compared to pretreatment levels and outperformed the placebo. The BBr60 group also showed improved blood biochemistry, with notably lower fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels than the placebo group (p < 0.05). Additionally, BBr60 influenced vital serum and fecal metabolites related to three amino acid metabolic pathways and regulated the bacteria Dialister, Klebsiella, and Bacteroides, which correlated strongly with serum metabolites. These findings indicate that BBr60 can safely and effectively regulate BMI, body weight, serum glucose, lipids, and liver function markers, which may involve BBr60's impact on key gut bacteria, which influence metabolites related to the valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis; glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism; and alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism.

Effect of School-Based Endurance and Strength Exercise Interventions in Improving Body Composition, Physical Fitness and Cognitive Functions in Adolescents

Effect of School-Based Endurance and Strength Exercise Interventions in Improving Body Composition, Physical Fitness and Cognitive Functions in Adolescents

Sarcopenia and osteoporosis in patients with psoriatic arthritis: A single-center retrospective study

ObjectiveThe risk of both osteoporosis and sarcopenia is high in inflammatory diseases, but there have been few reports of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). This study aimed to evaluate the rate of sarcopenia and osteoporosis, and the association of sarcopenia with osteoporosis in patients with PsA at our institution. MethodsThe data in this study were extracted from 320 patients with PsA meeting CASPAR criteria diagnosed between January 2010 and December 2021. The 156 patients who had undergone body composition measurements with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were included. ResultsOverall, the rate of sarcopenia and presarcopenia were 5.1% and 16.7%. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly lower in the presarcopenia and sarcopenia group. Furthermore, the presarcopenia and sarcopenia group had a significantly lower T-score in all regions. Multivariate analysis of the determinants of T-score for each site showed that SMI was significantly involved for the lumbar spine and the femoral neck, and BMI and rheumatoid factor positivity for the total hip. ConclusionsIn patients with PsA, the rate of sarcopenia was 5.1%. Osteoporosis rates for males and females were 5.7% and 7.5%, respectively. SMI, T-score, and BMI are significantly correlated with each other and should be considered in clinical practice.

Body composition and muscle composition phenotypes in patients on waitlist and shortly after liver transplant – results from a pilot study

BackgroundSarcopenia is common in end-stage liver disease and negatively impacts patients awaiting or undergoing liver transplantation (LT). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to measure body composition and sarcopenia. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of MRI-based LT body composition profiling, describe waitlist body composition, and assess the natural rate of change in body composition while on the waitlist and post-LT.MethodsThis prospective pilot study recruited adults listed for LT at an urban, tertiary care facility. Eighteen participants were scanned at time of waitlisting and 15 had follow-up MRIs (waitlist and/or post-LT). An 8-min MRI was used to measure body composition (AMRA® Researcher) including thigh fat-free muscle volume (FFMV) and fat infiltration (MFI), visceral (VAT) and abdominal subcutaneous (ASAT) adipose tissue volumes, and liver fat. A sex- and BMI invariant FFMV z-score (z-FFMV) was calculated, and muscle composition (MC) phenotypes were defined using the muscle assessment score (consisting of the FFMV z-score and sex-adjusted MFI). Rate of body composition change was calculated using mixed-effect modelling and is presented as rate per 30 days.ResultsAt time of waitlisting, 73% of the 18 participants had high MFI and 39% had the adverse MC (low FFMV z-score and high MFI) phenotype. Seven participants received an LT. Post-LT serial MRIs, at a median of 147 days apart within the first 200 days post-LT, demonstrated increased z-FFMV 0.22 SDs/(30 days) (p = 0.002), VAT 0.23 (p < 0.001), and ASAT 0.52 (p = 0.001) L/(30 days), but no change in MFI (p = 0.200) nor liver fat (p = 0.232).ConclusionMRI-based body composition profiling is feasible in LT patients and shortly after LT. This can be amended to routine clinical scans and may help in early identification of patients who may benefit from interventions to improve body composition. In addition, body composition changes significantly over time after LT.

The Relationship Between the Percentage of Skeletal Muscle (SMP) and the Emergence of Degenerative Diseases (Hypertension) in Posyandu for the Elderly Mugi Sehat

Degenerative disease is a condition of continuous decline in body function with increasing age. Hypertension is a degenerative disease that is often suffered by the elderly. The aging process results in changes in body composition, often without being accompanied by weight changes. Increasing age in the elderly will experience functional limitations caused by changes in body composition, one of which is the Percentage of Skeletal Muscle. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the percentage of skeletal muscle and the emergence of degenerative diseases (hypertension) in the elderly at the Mugi Healthy Elderly Posyandu. The instruments in this study used a Digital Sphygmomanometer to measure blood pressure and an Omron Karada Scan Body Composition Monitor Model HBF-375 to measure Skeletal Muscle Percentage. This research method uses a cross-sectional research design. The sample in this study is 58 people. The research was conducted at the Mugi Sehat Elderly Posyandu in the working area of the 2022 UPTD Kembar I health center in May-June 2023. The sampling technique in this study uses total sampling and data analysis using the Spearman Rank test. The results of this study from the bivariate analysis showed that there was no relationship between the Percentage of Skeletal Muscle and the emergence of degenerative diseases (hypertension) in the elderly at the Mugi Healthy Elderly Posyandu, namely the Percentage of Skeletal Muscle with hypertension P value = 0.576 (CC=-0.075).

Associations of nutritional status and dietary habits with the development of female infertility. A case-control study.

Female infertility is a multifactorial condition influenced by lifestyle and dietary factors. Understanding the relationship between nutritional status, dietary habits, and infertility could provide insights for targeted interventions. A case-control study was conducted in health centers and hospitals in Alicante, Spain. The study included 60 infertile and 30 fertile women aged 18-40, selected through consecutive sampling. Data on body composition and dietary intake were collected and analyzed. Infertile women exhibited significantly lower muscle mass (p = 0.005) and larger hip circumference (p = 0.034) compared to fertile women. Additionally, a significant association was found between high red meat consumption and an increased risk of female infertility (p = 0.011). These results suggest that body composition and dietary habits, particularly muscle mass and red meat intake, play a key role in female fertility. Interventions aimed at improving muscle mass, reducing localized body fat, and limiting red meat consumption may enhance fertility outcomes. Further longitudinal research is needed to confirm these findings across diverse populations.

Association between body composition and incisional surgical site infection after laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis

PurposeSurgical site infection (SSI) is common after laparoscopic appendectomy, resulting in prolonged hospital stay and increased costs. This study examined the relationship between body composition parameters and risk of incisional SSI in patients with complicated appendicitis.MethodsWe included 411 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for complicated appendicitis at a single institution between March 2015 and October 2023. Body composition parameters were derived from preoperative computed tomography (CT). A nomogram was constructed based on the independent predictors of incisional SSI.ResultsOverall, 45 (10.9%) patients developed incisional SSI. Visceral fat area (VFA) was independently associated with risk of incisional SSI (hazard ratio 1.015, 95% confidence interval 1.010–1.020, P < 0.001). A nomogram integrating VFA and two other independent predictors (diabetes and conversion) demonstrated high discriminative (area under the curve = 0.793) and calibration abilities.ConclusionsCT-derived VFA could be a valuable predictor of incisional SSI in patients with complicated appendicitis undergoing laparoscopic surgery. A VFA-based nomogram may help in identifying patients at high risk of SSI.

Study protocol for a single-arm pilot trial investigating the feasibility of a multimodal digital technology for managing metabolic syndrome in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Individuals diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are exposed to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS), which negatively affects their health outcomes and quality of life. Lifestyle interventions have shown promise in managing MetS. This study outlines the protocol for a web-based multimodal self-care program, Digital Metabolic Rehabilitation, for managing MetS in patients with COPD. The Digital Metabolic Rehabilitation is a single-arm pilot trial that integrates the Canadian Health Advanced by Nutrition and Graded Exercise (CHANGE) Program and a web-based wellness platform. The web-based wellness platform employed in this study is My Viva Plan (MVP)®, which integrates a holistic, multicomponent approach to promote wellness. The intervention will primarily focus on lifestyle changes for patients with COPD. Over 6 months, participants will use the web-based wellness platform and engage in weekly online support group sessions. Fifty patients diagnosed with stage I-II COPD and MetS will participate. Blood tests, anthropometrics, body composition, physical function, muscle strength, physical activity, energy metabolism, quality of life and mental health will be assessed at baseline, 3, and 6 months. The Digital Metabolic Rehabilitation program aims to explore whether a multimodal integrative intervention delivered through a web-based wellness platform can be implemented by patients with COPD with MetS. By combining the expertise of the CHANGE Program with the digital delivery format, the intervention seeks to enhance self-monitoring and foster better self-management practices. The protocol outlines a novel and potentially impactful intervention for managing MetS in patients with COPD.

Exploring the Influence of BMI on Gait Metrics: A Comprehensive Analysis of Spatiotemporal Parameters and Stability Indicators

Background: Gait analysis is a vital tool for evaluating overall health and predicting outcomes such as mortality and cognitive decline. This study explores how normal and obese BMI categories impact gait dynamics, addressing gaps in understanding the effect of body composition on specific gait parameters. Research Question: The primary objective is to investigate differences in spatiotemporal gait parameters—specifically, gait speed, step length, cadence, and double support time—between normal and obese BMI groups to understand the effects of obesity on gait. Methods: This observational case-control study analyzed spatiotemporal gait metrics from 163 participants, using inertial measurement units (IMUs) to collect data on various gait parameters. Statistical analyses explored the relationship between BMI categories and these metrics. Results: No significant differences were found in gait speed, cadence, stride duration, or double support time between the normal and obese groups. However, significant differences were identified in age, hypertension prevalence, balance problems, and the incidence of falls, emphasizing the complex effects of obesity on factors influencing gait stability. Significance: This study contributes to our understanding of obesity’s impact on gait by highlighting the need to consider associated health and stability parameters. These findings prompt a re-evaluation of how BMI is integrated into clinical gait assessments and emphasize the necessity for personalized healthcare strategies. This research highlights the importance of future studies with larger, more diverse populations and a wider array of biomechanical measures to dissect the relationship between BMI, body composition, and gait dynamics.

Validation of a multi-parameter algorithm for personalized contrast injection protocol in liver CT

BackgroundIn liver computed tomography (CT), tailoring the contrast injection to the patient’s specific characteristics is relevant for optimal imaging and patient safety. We evaluated a novel algorithm engineered for personalized contrast injection to achieve reproducible liver enhancement centered on 50 HU.MethodsFrom September 2020 to August 31, 2022, CT data from consecutive adult patients were prospectively collected at our multicenter premises. Inclusion criteria consisted of an abdominal CT referral for cancer staging or follow-up. For all examinations, a web interface incorporating data from the radiology information system (patient details and examination information) and radiographer-inputted data (patient fat-free mass, imaging center, kVp, contrast agent details, and imaging phase) were used. Calculated contrast volume and injection rate were manually entered into the CT console controlling the injector. Iopamidol 370 mgI/mL or Iohexol 350 mgI/mL were used, and kVp varied (80, 100, or 120) based on patient habitus.ResultsWe enrolled 384 patients (mean age 61.2 years, range 21.1–94.5). The amount of administered iodine dose (gI) was not significantly different across contrast agents (p = 0.700), while a significant increase in iodine dose was observed with increasing kVp (p < 0.001) and in males versus females (p < 0.001), as expected. Despite the differences in administered iodine load, image quality was reproducible across patients with 72.1% of the examinations falling within the desirable range of 40–60 HU.ConclusionThis study validated a novel algorithm for personalized contrast injection in adult abdominal CT, achieving consistent liver enhancement centered at 50 HU.Relevance statementIn healthcare’s ongoing shift towards personalized medicine, the algorithm offers excellent potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient management, particularly for the detection and follow-up of liver malignancies.Key PointsThe algorithm achieves reproducible liver enhancement, promising improved diagnostic accuracy and patient management in diverse clinical settings.The real-world study demonstrates this algorithm’s adaptability to different variables ensuring high-quality liver imaging.A personalized algorithm optimizes liver CT, improving the visibility, conspicuity, and follow-up of liver lesions.Graphical

Advancements in sarcopenia diagnosis: from imaging techniques to non-radiation assessments.

Sarcopenia is a prevalent condition with significant clinical implications, and it is expected to escalate globally, demanding for effective diagnostic strategies, possibly at an early stage of the disease. Imaging techniques play a pivotal role in comprehensively evaluating sarcopenia, offering insights into both muscle quantity and quality. Among all the imaging techniques currently used for the diagnosis and follow up of sarcopenia, it is possible to distinguish two classes: Rx based techniques, using ionizing radiations, and non-invasive techniques, which are based on the use of safe and low risk diagnostic procedures. Dual-energy x-ray Absorptiometry and Computed Tomography, while widely utilized, entail radiation exposure concerns. Ultrasound imaging offers portability, real-time imaging, and absence of ionizing radiation, making it a promising tool Magnetic Resonance Imaging, particularly T1-weighted and Dixon sequences, provides cross- sectional and high-resolution images and fat-water separation capabilities, facilitating precise sarcopenia quantification. Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), a non-invasive technique, estimates body composition, including muscle mass, albeit influenced by hydration status. Standardized protocols, such as those proposed by the Sarcopenia through Ultrasound (SARCUS) Working Group, are imperative for ensuring consistency across assessments. Future research should focus on refining these techniques and harnessing the potential of radiomics and artificial intelligence to enhance diagnostic accuracy and prognostic capabilities in sarcopenia.