Body Composition Values Research Articles

The role of MTHFR polymorphisms in the risk of lipedema.

This study examines the role of MTHFR gene polymorphism (rs1801133) in women with lipedema (LIPPY) body composition parameters compared to a control group (CTRL). We carried out a study on a sample of 45 LIPPY and 50 women as a CTRL. Body composition parameters were examined by Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). A genetic test was performed for the MTHFR polymorphism (rs1801133, 677C>T) using a saliva sample for LIPPY and CTRL groups. Mann-Whitney tests evaluated statistically significant differences between four groups (carriers and non-carriers of the MTHFR polymorphism for LIPPY and CTRL groups) on anthropometric/body composition parameters to identify patterns. LIPPY showed significantly higher (p<0.05) anthropometric parameters (weight, BMI, waist, abdominal, hip circumferences) and lower waist/hip ratio (p<0.05) compared to the CTRL group. The association between the polymorphism alleles related to the rs1801133 MTHFR gene and the body composition values LIPPY carriers (+) showed an increase in fat tissue of legs and fat region of legs percentage, arm's fat mass (g), leg's fat mass (g), and leg's lean mass (g) (p<0.05) compared to CTRL (+). Lean/fat arms and lean/fat legs were lower (p<0.05) in LIPPY (+) than in CTRL (+). In the LIPPY (+), the risk of developing the lipedema disease was 2.85 times higher (OR=2.85; p<0.05; 95% confidence interval = 0.842-8.625) with respect to LIPPY (-) and CTRL. The presence or absence of MTHFR polymorphism offers predictive parameters that could better characterize women with lipedema based on the association between body composition and MTHFR presence.

Impact of Manual Gravel Extraction on Practitioners’ Body Composition and Spirometric Values

Impact of Manual Gravel Extraction on Practitioners’ Body Composition and Spirometric Values

Body Composition in Karate: A Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry Study

Karate is a widely practiced combat sport. Karatekas’ body composition has typically been obtained in small groups using skinfolds or bioelectric impedance. In this work, we assessed three-compartment body composition using the accurate dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry technique (QDR Horizon, Hologic) in a large sample (n = 58; 74% males) of black belt karatekas. Stature-adjusted body composition indices (fat mass index; fat-free mass index; bone mineral apparent density) were calculated. The Student’s t-test was used for group–group analysis. Correlation was assessed using the Pearson’s r. The ability of fat-free soft tissue mass to predict bone mineral content and areal bone mineral density was assessed with linear regression. Reference mean and quartile values for whole-body and regional body composition were obtained for the male athletes. The body composition indices were generally more favorable in the male than female karatekas. The bone mineral apparent density was similar in the males and females at all sites except the right leg. The fat-free soft tissue mass predicted the bone mineral content and areal bone mineral density with good accuracy (R2 = 0.542–0.827; p &lt; 0.001 for all models). The data presented in this paper are expected to be of use for karate coaches, physical trainers, and participants interested in assessing and monitoring athletes’ body composition.

여성 노인의 대사증후군 예방을 위한 적정 신체구성성분 및 체력수준의 임계값 분석

The purpose of this study is to analyze the appropriate body composition and senior fitness level for the prevention of metabolic syndrome in elderly women. Participant in this study divided into two groups, metabolic syndrome and normal elderly groups. All participants in this study were subjected to body composition test and elderly-specific physical fitness test. Blood pressure, blood glucose, triglycerides, and HDL-c were also measured. An independent t test was performed to compare the variables of the two groups. The ROC curve was used to analyze the threshold values of optimal body composition and senior fitness level for the prevention of metabolic syndrome. The results were following, There were differences in body weight, BMI, and body fat percentage between the two groups, but there was no difference in muscle mass. In addition, it was confirmed that the relative hand grip strength was a statistically significant level of cut off value among all the senior fitness test variables. It has been confirmed that an appropriate body mass index is essential to prevent metabolic syndrome in elderly women, and we insist that exercise program that can increase the relative hand grip strength should be provided.

Сравнительный анализ физического развития школьников и детей, профессионально занимающихся плаванием

Health of children and adolescents is an essential criterion of well-being of the society. Monitoring of health among children is impossible without assessment of physical development of children and adolescents. Individual-based analysis of anthropometric characteristics is required to develop personalized preventive activities. Considering different levels of physical load of schoolchildren in case of a disturbed nutritional status, an approach to body mass constituent study that deviates from the normal values requires examination. The study purpose was to assess physical development and component composition in schoolchildren during a medical examination and in children involved in classic swimming at a sports club in the city of Samara. The study object involved children studying at a general educational institution and not engaged in any sports sections (first group), and children involved in classic swimming at a sports club in Samara (second group. Significant differences in basic values of body composition were found during the conducted study of physical development and component composition of schoolchildren who do not go in for sports and junior athletes.

Can We Predict Cardiorespiratory Fitness From Body Composition and Core Symptoms in People With Schizophrenia?

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) can be directly measured and assessed by the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) or estimated from different field tests such as the Modified Shuttle Walking Test (MSWT). The CRF in population with schizophrenia (SP) may be altered due to sex, age, body composition, and core symptoms variables. The objective was to analyze the predictive value of body composition and core symptoms in SP for CRF. <h3>Design</h3> Prospective, randomized, single-blinded (by psychiatrists to the patient group) comparison of SP patients. <h3>Setting</h3> Hospital and clinic records. A psychiatric hospital and a mental health network. <h3>Participants</h3> Participants (N = 122, 41.7 ± 10.3 yr old) adults with SP. <h3>Interventions</h3> Baseline data pre-intervention. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Body composition (body mass index and fat percentage), CRF (direct by cardiopulmonary exercise test with ramp protocol on a bicycle ergometer, and the MSWT), and positive and negative symptoms of the disease (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, PANSS; and "The Brief Negative Symptom Scale", BNSS). Stepwise Multiple Regression analyses were performed to determine which variables predict CRF scores. <h3>Results</h3> Lower negative symptoms (P< 0.001) and positive PANSS (P=0.035) predicted peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) (L·min−1) (R2=28.3%). Lower negative symptoms (P< 0.001), positive PANSS (P=0.006), and fat body mass (P< 0.001) explained V̇O2peak (mL·kg−1·min−1) (R2=46.5%). MSWT was predicted (R2=58.9%) by lower negative symptoms (P=0.001), body mass (P< 0.001), and total PANSS (P=0.004). <h3>Conclusions</h3> In people with SP significantly higher CRF was detected in those with lower negative and positive symptoms, as well as lower body mass. Exercise interventions for improving CRF should be promoted in this population for better control of core symptoms. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> Absence of conflicts of interest.

Body Composition and Physical Fitness in Madeira Youth.

Research on composition and physical fitness is lacking in school-aged children from Madeira. This study aimed to examine the frequencies of overweight and obese participants and, in addition, to compare the fitness levels of Madeira youth with reference data. The sample comprised 521 participants (n = 258 boys; n = 263 girls) aged 10.0-18.9 years old. Height and weight were measured. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and percent fat was derived from skinfolds. Tests detailed on FITESCOLA battery were performed. BMI was plotted against U.S. reference data and physical assessment contrasted with the cut-off points of FITESCOLA protocol and corresponding data developed in Portuguese youth. The percentages of overweight and obesity were 15% (overweight) and 14% (obesity) for boys and 16% (overweight) and 6% (obesity) for girls. The median values of fat mass percentage were closely related to the cut-off standards; however, substantial variation was noted. Boys and girls tended to be below the recommendations of cardiorespiratory fitness. Sport participation should be promoted in Madeira to attain acceptable values of body composition and physical fitness levels.

Prognostic Value of Body Composition in a Cohort of Elderly Pts with Newly Diagnosed Classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma: A Retrospective Single Center Study

Background: Elderly patients (pts) diagnosed with classical Hodgkin lymphoma have poorer outcomes relative to younger counterparts. Elderly pts have comorbidities which contributes to treatment delays and higher rates of toxicities, leading to poor clinical outcome. Frailty measurements are subjective and cumbersome to perform in busy clinical settings. Body composition analysis based on CT has shown prognostic value in several malignancies in this age group. We therefore report the findings of body composition analysis in elderly cHL pts in the frontline setting. Methods: Pts aged ≥60 with newly diagnosed cHL treated with combinations of anti-PD1 antibody nivolumab (Nivo), brentuximab vedotin (Bv), and/or chemotherapy between 2014 and 2021 were queried. We excluded pts with concomitant malignancies or unavailable baseline imaging. Patient characteristics were scored. Baseline axial CT images at the level of 3rd lumbar vertebra (L3) were segmented using MIM 7.2 (MIM Software Inc, Cleveland, OH). Cross sectional areas of skeletal muscle (SKM), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) were measured based on densities of −29 to +150, −190 to −30, and -150 to -50 hounds field units (HUs), respectively. Total adipose tissue (TAT) was obtained as sum of VAT and SAT. An index of each was calculated by normalization for stature (height in m2). Radiation attenuation of skeletal muscles density (SMD) was measured as mean HUs at the same level. The primary end point was progression free survival (PFS). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were used to determine optimal cutoff points. Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to compare survival. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. EOT response assessment was done according to Lugano 2014 criteria. Results: A total of 63 newly diagnosed elderly cHL patients were screened and 33 patients met the eligibility criteria, males were 20 (61.5%), median age 73.8, range (71.2, 77.2), advanced stage 24 (72%). Fifteen (45.4%) were treated with AVD/ABVD, 12 (36.4%) Bv-AVD/AD and 6 (18.2) Nivo Bv. Response at interim PET (iPET) was negative in 26 (78.8%). Complete remission at EOT was observed in 28 (84.8%) patients. Among body composition variables, SMD showed consistent correlation with survival in both males and females (AUC=0.76 and 0.76, respectively). Cutoffs of 40 HU in males and 28 HU in females were used to group the patients into high- and low-SMD. The SMD was not significantly different between treatment groups (P=0.64) and distribution of age and BMI were the same in low and high SMD (P= 0.84, and 0.81, respectively). Patients with low SMD had a CR rate of 69.2% compared to 95% in the high SMD patients (P<0.05), while patients with negative iPET achieved 91% CR at EOT compared to 71.4% in positive iPET (P=0.20). The mean follow-up time of the study cohort was 55.7 months (CI 95% 46.2, 65.4). High SMD group had a 48-months PFS of 89% vs 58% in pts with low SMD (P=0.013). Combining SMD and iPET status allowed for enhanced stratification of the iPET-negative group: pts with high SMD and iPET negative iPET had 93% PFS compared to 62.5% PFS in low SMD and iPET negative iPET at 48 months (P<0.01) (Figure-1) Conclusion: Our results suggest that SMD may add value to the prognostication in elderly pts with cHL. In addition, the incorporation of SMD with iPET could identify a cluster of pts with low SMD who had worse prognosis compared to those with high SMD. This may allow for better treatment adjustments in this population. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Exercise as a tool to improve the quality of life of patients after breast cancer treatment.

The increasing quality of cancer treatment and early detection of tumors have an impact on the number of patients who survive cancer treatment. Therefore, the attention of physicians as well as scientists is increasingly focused on the consequences of the treatment than just on the treatment itself. One of the ways to positively influence the side effects of oncological treatment seems to be physical activity. In our research, there were involved 18 women after breast cancer treatment, 17 completed the research (average values of the tested group: 55.9 years, 165.1cm, 76.9kg, body mass index (BMI) 28.3). The patients who signed informed consent were divided into 3 groups (SAPA = supervised exercises 3times a week, HAPA = home exercises 3times a week, and a control group without exercises). The whole intervention lasted 12 weeks and the exercise unit itself contained an aerobic-resistant component and a yoga component. During the exercise, the patients heart rate was monitored using a chest belt and sports testers. We used spiroergometry (peak oxygen uptake - VO2peak), bio-electric impedance, and spectral analysis of the heart rate variability to evaluate changes in the quality of life. VO2peak increased in training groups by an average of 5ml/min/kg (P = 0.082). A similar tendency was evident in some body composition values (skeletal muscle: P = 0.005; fat free mass: P = 0.006). Statistical significance did not reach the values of BMI (P = 0.131) and autonomic nervous system (P = 0.513; P = 0.585). Although our results suggest a positive trend in affecting the quality of life of patients after breast cancer treatment by exercises, similar research needs to be repeated in a larger study to confirm our results.

Cardiometabolic risk factors and cardiovascular disease predictions in older African and European Americans

Cardiometabolic (CMO) risks factors do not provide similar cardiovascular disease (CVD) predictions in young African (AA) and European Americans (EA) adults. Whether CMO risk predictions contribute to this disparity in older adults is unclear. We hypothesize that older AA CMO clustering pattern will be different from EA clustering patterns when determine with non-fasting lipid and lipoproteins. The participants were 106 older adults (66 AA and 40 EA) from a working/middle class neighborhood (income $46,364 – $80,904) in an urban North Carolina community. The participants were evaluated for CMO risk factors (total cholesterol, high- (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL), triglyceride (TG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), systolic –SBP- and diastolic blood pressures -DBP), body mass index (BMI), body fat % (BF%) and timed up and go test (assessed falls risk and physical function). The AA participants were heavier, had higher BMI, BF%, and timed up and go values (p < 0.01). The data were evaluated for differences (t-test) and Pearson correlations for relationships. If data differ by p < 0.05 the data were significantly different. The AA had a 17.6 % higher HDL (64.7 vs 55.1 mg/dL – p < 0.05) and 7.6 % higher HbA1c (5.8 vs 5.4 % – p < 0.01) than EA. Higher HDL values in EA indicate lower CVD risks. The HDL paradox for AA (AA had higher HDL values, but greater CVD risks) was observed and the HbA1c difference may be misleading, as similar glucose values in AA tend to have higher HbA1c values. Lipid, lipoprotein, and blood pressure was not different between the races. AA had higher body composition and HDL values. Although future research on this topic with larger samples, dietary data and detailed descriptions of participations medications is warranted to validate findings from this study. These data suggest older AA and EA adults with similar environmental conditions have similar CMO risks when measures with none fasting blood samples. Since AA have a greater prevalence of CVD, these finding suggests that population specific CMO risk factor clustering may be more effective predictors of CVD for AA.

Normative reference data for body composition in healthy indigenous populations on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Body composition represents an important aspect of physical fitness and has received increasing attention in recent years. The present study was designed and conducted to provide reference values for age-, sex-, and altitude-specific body composition for healthy indigenous Tibetan adults living on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, which has not yet been studied. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2,356 healthy Tibetan adults (1,433 females and 923 males) living on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau for generations. The body composition of the participants was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The measurements included weight, basal metabolic rate (BMR), fat-free mass (FFM), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), protein mass (PM), bone mass (BM), fat mass (FM), percentage of body fat (PBF), subcutaneous fat mass (SFM), visceral fat mass (VFM), total body water (TBW), intracellular water (ICW), and extracellular water (ECW). Overall, males had greater FFM, SMM, PM, BM, and water mass, whereas females were high in fat mass. Participants from plains generally had higher body composition values, and PM, BM, FM and body water values decreased with increasing altitude, with the lowest values found in >4,000 m Shigatse. FFM, SMM, PM, and BM tended to decrease with increasing age, whereas fat mass and ECW tended to increase with increasing age. This study provides the first normative reference data of body composition for healthy indigenous individuals on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. These datasets are important for future research related to body composition. A considerable decrease in body composition values in > 4,000 m-altitude areas suggested that body composition cutoff values should be established by altitude. Age-, sex-, and altitude-specific alterations in body composition values also inform the prevention and amendment of abnormal body composition changes and resultant health complications.

Development and validation of a nomogram to predict anastomotic leakage in colorectal cancer based on CT body composition.

BackgroundAnastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most serious postoperative complications. This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of preoperative body composition for AL in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).MethodsWe first reviewed data from 3,681 patients who underwent radical CRC resection 2013–2021 in our hospital, and 60 patients were diagnosed with AL after surgery. We designed a nested case-control study and two controls were randomly selected for each case according to the time and position of surgery. Body composition was measured at the level of the third lumbar vertebra based on computed tomography (CT) images. The risk factors of AL were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis. Nomogram was built using binary regression analysis and assessed for clinical usefulness, calibration, and discrimination.ResultsIn the multivariate analysis, gender, blood glucose, nutrition risk screening (NRS), skeletal muscle area (SMA) and visceral fat area (VFA) were independent risk factors for developing anastomotic leakage after surgery. The prognostic model had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.848 (95% CI, 0.781–0.914). The calibration curve showed good consistency between the predicted and observed outcomes. Decision curve analysis indicated that patients with colorectal cancer can benefit from the prediction model.ConclusionsThe nomogram that combined with gender, blood glucose, NRS, SMA, and VFA had good predictive accuracy and reliability to AL. It may be conveniently for clinicians to predict AL preoperatively and be useful for guiding treatment decisions.

Anthropometric and Physiological Profiles of Hungarian Youth Male Soccer Players of Varying Ages and Playing Positions: A Multidimensional Assessment with a Critical Approach.

Background: This study aimed to create preliminary anthropometric and physiological profiles of Hungarian male soccer players belonging to different age categories (14, 15, 16, and 17–18-years) and assigned to different playing positions (forward, defender, midfielder, goalkeeper). Methods: Anthropometric and physiological profiles were created for four age groups: 14- (n = 20), 15- (n = 16), 16- (n = 22) and 17–18-year-olds (n = 23) representing the Hungarian soccer academy. Additionally, the variables were analyzed across the four player positions mentioned above. Results: The mean values of body mass, fat mass and BMI were within normal limits, although in some cases the anthropometric and body composition values were too high, particularly among the 17–18-year-olds. The mean values of HRrest were lowest among the 15-year-olds. The highest mean and maximal values of rVO2max and rVO2/AT [57.6 ± 8.12 (43.8–68.3) and 51.2 ± 7.24 (38.9–60.8) mL/kg/min, respectively] were noted in 14-year-olds. Goalkeepers performed significantly better than the remaining soccer players in terms of the most anthropometric and physiological characteristics, except for the Yo-Yo test (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The values of anthropometric parameters increased with age. As expected, the oldest group achieved the best results in the performance tests. Goalkeepers outperformed the players representing other playing positions in the tests when assessing lower limb strength, sprint performance (5- and 10-m distance), and agility tests. From a practical point of view, the presented anthropometric and physiological profiles of players representing different age groups and playing positions can be useful for soccer coaches, strength and conditioning specialists, and athletic trainers of other soccer clubs in terms of the individualization and optimalization of soccer training.

Sarcopenia in knee osteoarthritis: the association with clinical and sonographic findings, physical function, and nutrition.

The purposes of this study were to examine to (1) the relation between OA and sarcopenia and to identify the most practical, easily accessible, and inexpensive method for investigating sarcopenia; (2) evaluation of sarcopenia risk factors in patients with OA. One hundred two patients with clinical and radiological diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis and 33 healthy control subjects were included in the study and all subjects were evaluated for sarcopenia. Dual-X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is used to measure body composition parameters and muscle thickness measurements with ultrasonography for diagnosis of sarcopenia. The mean age of the group with sarcopenia was statistically higher than the other two groups (p < 0.001). The weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, upper-mid-arm circumference, thigh, and leg circumference of osteoarthritis (OA) patients with sarcopenia were statistically lower than those of non-sarcopenic and control group (p < 0.01, p < 0.001). Body composition parameter results showed that sarcopenic patients had statistically lower values as fat mass, lean body mass, and skeletal muscle index (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) than those of non-sarcopenic and control group and fat mass index values (p = 0.012) are lower than the non-sarcopenic group. With respect to sarcopenia, the effect of adiponectin and leptin levels were not detected. It was determined that body composition values measured with DEXA, ultrasonographic measures, isokinetic muscle strength assessment, handgrip strength, and gait speed had predictive values for sarcopenia. We found that patients with sarcopenic OA were older, weaker, undernourished, and restricted in their level of physical activity in the study. Among the methods of determining sarcopenia, ultrasound becomes prominent with its practical, cheap, and easily accessible features. We think that our results will increase the awareness of the presence of sarcopenia in OA patients.

Validity Of B-mode Ultrasound For Body Composition Assessment In The Field

Shane Draper, Nate Jensen, Conner Dearden, Brett Holmes, Andrew Creer Utah Valley University; Orem, UT Air displacement plethysmography (ADP) is a common way to assess athlete body composition in many laboratories. While this method provides accurate values for body composition, it is not a feasible option for field work. Identifying an accurate, user friendly alternative to skinfold calipers may allow for accurate assessment of body composition in more applied settings, such as various training and competition venues. PURPOSE: To determine the validity of B-mode ultrasound (BMUS) for body composition assessment by comparing this method to values obtained using ADP. METHODS: Twenty actively training runners (≥ 4 hours/week for 12 months) have participated in this study. Participants (37.5 ± 10.2 yrs; 173.2 ± 9.8 cm; 69.4 ± 12.5 kg) included males (n = 12) and females (n = 8) that have undergone two forms of body composition assessment during a single lab visit; ADP and BMUS. ADP body density was estimated using an air displacement chamber (BodPod, COSMED USA Inc.) in combination with measured lung volume. BMUS body density was estimated from measuring the Jackson-Pollock 7 site skinfolds with a portable, app-based ultrasound device (Lumify, Philips) to determine subcutaneous fat thickness. Images were then analyzed using proprietary software (MuscleSound, Glendale, CO). Body density values for both methods were converted to body fat percentage using the Siri equation. A paired samples t-test was used to compare values obtained from ADP and BMUS. RESULTS: There was no difference between ADP (18.7 ± 7.1%) and BMUS (17.7 ± 7.8%; p = 0.2) for percent body fat. In addition, data analysis revealed a strong positive correlation (R = 0.91) for percent body fat obtained from ADP and BMUA methods. CONCLUSION: These data suggest BMUS is a valid method for assessing body composition when compared to ADP, and therefore provide a portable, accurate method for assessing body composition in applied settings.

IMPACT OF WHOLE-BODY ELECTROMYOSTIMULATION AND RESISTANCE TRAINING ON BONE MINERAL DENSITY IN WOMEN AT RISK OF OSTEOPOROSIS

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in physical activity programs for older adults. Questions have been raised about the efficacy of programs regarding real effects on life. The purpose of the study is to compare the impact of ten weeks of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) and resistance training (RT) programs on one mineral density (BMD) and T-score values in women at risk of osteoporosis. The WB-EMS was carried out once per week (total: ten sessions), the RT was carried out twice per week (total: 20 sessions). Twenty-eight elderly women participated in the study, nine in a WB-EMS group (weight: 69.84±10.29kg; BMI: 25.04±4.18 kg/m2), eight in a RT group (weight: 74.16±4.19kg; BMI: 27.35±2.76 kg/m2), and ten in a control group (CG) (weight: 79.72±15.61kg kg; BMI 28.58±5.70 kg/m2). A dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanner (DXA) was used to assess body composition, BMD, and T-score values. To identify the statistical significance of the differences between pre-test and post-test in all groups, the parametric t-test was used. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Although no significant differences were found in either BMD or T-score values, the study appeared to elicit some positive behaviour that could have an impact for more than ten weeks. The present study was designed to determine the effect of RT and WB-EMS on selected parameters in groups of women at risk of osteoporosis. Even though the results were not statistically significant, we consider the impact of programs on the level of BMD and T-score beneficial. Results show that the RT method is more practical. More tested subjects of the RT reported the same or higher level of BMD in the post-test compared to the WB-EMS method (RT 50% vs WB-EMS 44.7%). It was impossible to further investigate the significant relationships between selected parameters and intervention because the sample size was too small. Therefore, a further study with more focus on the duration of intervention and an increase in sample size is suggested.

Differences in body composition and physical fitness parameters among prepubertal and pubertal children engaged in extracurricular sports: the active health study.

BackgroundThis study aimed to analyze the associations of maturity status, chronological age and sex with physical fitness and body composition among active children.MethodsA total of 1682 children (72% boys; age = 11.22 ± 2.64 years; height = 147.57 ± 15.87 cm; weight = 44.55 ± 15.29 kg) from rural areas participating in extracurricular sports were divided into four groups according to their sex and maturity status (prepubertal and pubertal according to stages described by Tanner). Body composition (body mass index, muscle mass and fat mass) and physical fitness (20-m shuttle-run test, handgrip strength and vertical jump) were assessed using standardized procedures. A two-way ANOVA and product–moment correlations were performed.ResultsPrepubertal boys had more fat mass (%) than pubertal boys [P<0.001; effect size (ES): 0.45], while prepubertal girls had more muscle mass (%) than pubertal girls (P<0.001; ES: 0.47). The pubertal group displayed higher fitness outcomes (absolute values) regardless of sex (P<0.05). However, the prepubertal group had higher percentile values in the 20-m shuttle-run test and vertical jumps than the pubertal group regardless of sex (P < 0.001; ES: 0.29–0.48). All the measures of physical fitness were positively associated with chronological age and muscle mass (%).ConclusionsAlthough absolute values of body composition and physical fitness appear to increase among pubertal children participating in extracurricular sports, the percentiles indicate that puberty is accompanied with a loss of a physical fitness levels. Thus, extracurricular sports might not be enough to enhance fitness among adolescents.

Reference Ranges of Body Composition Using Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry and Its Relation to Tri-Ponderal Mass Index

Introduction/background Increased body fat is related to obesity and its comorbidities later in life. To determine the amount of body fat in children and adolescents, reference intervals should be applied. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a good tool for accurately measuring body composition. Methodology The body composition reference ranges in Korean children and adolescents were determined using nationally representative cross-sectional data. The performances of the body mass index (BMI) and tri-ponderal mass index (TMI) in measuring body fat were compared using the reference percentiles derived from this analysis. Results A total of 1,661 subjects (891 boys and men and 770 girls and women) were included. Age- and sex-specific percentiles and the corresponding LMS variables for DXA-assessed parameters for the whole body and the trunk were determined. The coefficients of determination of the whole body FM SDS and FMI SDS for the BMI SDS were 0.783 and 0.784, respectively, and those for the TMI SDS were 0.685 and 0.769, respectively. Conclusion Based on the reference values for body composition, the correlation coefficients of TMI for adjusted FM measured by DXA were comparable to those of BMI. TMI estimated body fat levels more accurately than BMI in this study population.

Cross-calibration of two dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry devices for the measurement of body composition in young children

This study aimed to cross-calibrate body composition measures from the GE Lunar Prodigy and GE Lunar iDXA in a cohort of young children. 28 children (mean age 3.4 years) were measured on the iDXA followed by the Prodigy. Prodigy scans were subsequently reanalysed using enCORE v17 enhanced analysis (“Prodigy enhanced”). Body composition parameters were compared across three evaluation methods (Prodigy, Prodigy enhanced, iDXA), and adjustment equations were developed. There were differences in the three evaluation methods for all body composition parameters. Body fat percentage (%BF) from the iDXA was approximately 1.5-fold greater than the Prodigy, whereas bone mineral density (BMD) was approximately 20% lower. Reanalysis of Prodigy scans with enhanced software attenuated these differences (%BF: − 5.2% [95% CI − 3.5, − 6.8]; and BMD: 1.0% [95% CI 0.0, 1.9]), although significant differences remained for all parameters except total body less head (TBLH) total mass and TBLH BMD, and some regional estimates. There were large differences between the Prodigy and iDXA, with these differences related both to scan resolution and software. Reanalysis of Prodigy scans with enhanced analysis resulted in body composition values much closer to those obtained on the iDXA, although differences remained. As manufacturers update models and software, researchers and clinicians need to be aware of the impact this may have on the longitudinal assessment of body composition, as results may not be comparable across devices and software versions.

Changes in irisin, inflammatory cytokines and aerobic capacity in response to three weeks of supervised sprint interval training in older men.

This study investigated the effects of supervised short-term sprint interval training (SIT) on circulating irisin, interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α concentrations, and aerobic capacity and body composition values in healthy older men. Eleven older men (63±8 years; 178.0±5.5 cm; 82.7±8.6 kg; 22.7±3.7% body fat) underwent SIT (6 repetitions of 30 s all-out cycling bouts with 4 min active recovery after each bout) three days a week for three consecutive weeks. Body composition measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, aerobic capacity assessed by direct peak oxygen consumption (VO<inf>2peak</inf>) test and morning fasting blood samples were obtained before and after a 3-week SIT intervention. Nine supervised SIT sessions moderately (effect size [ES] =0.65; P<0.05) increased irisin concentrations (from 135.40±28.73 to 154.20±47.09 ng.mL-1) together with moderate decreases (P<0.05) in IL-6 (ES=0.89; from 1.26±0.44 to 0.87±0.44 pg.mL-1) and TNF-α (ES=0.64; from 5.10±1.23 to 4.31±1.20 pg.mL-1) levels in older men. In addition, increase in VO<inf>2peak</inf> was significant but small (ES=0.25; P<0.05; from 36.0±7.1 to 37.8±6.7 mL.min.-1kg-1), while no changes (P>0.05) in body composition variables were observed after a short-term SIT period. A 3-week SIT intervention with only nine training sessions increased circulating irisin concentrations, improved inflammatory profile and aerobic capacity without changes in body composition in healthy older men. Accordingly, a short-term SIT programme is a time efficient alternative for traditional aerobic training to improve metabolic health and aerobic capacity in older adults.