Changes In Circumference Research Articles

The contribution of health behaviours to waist circumference change following employment transitions

Abstract Background Mechanisms through which retirement and later-life job loss lead to subsequent weight change are poorly understood, and include changes to one’s health behaviours (HBs) after employment changes. Our study assessed the potential role of HBs in the impact of employment transitions (ET) on waist circumference (WC), by gender. Methods We used two waves of survey data from a Canadian sample of 45- to 85-year-olds with objectively measured WC. For 10,117 participants who were working at baseline, we categorized them into three ET statuses: stayed working, entered retirement, and stopped working. Changes in HBs [sleep, smoking, drinking, and physical activity (PA)] were coded by comparing baseline and follow-up responses. Change in WC was analyzed using multivariable linear regression and multinomial logistic regression models (≥5% gain or loss, no change). Results Multivariable models showed that the addition of change in HBs did not alter the effect sizes of ETs on WC change. Regardless of ET status, women who quit smoking had an increased WC compared to persistent non-smokers (1.43cm, 95% Confidence Interval 0.07 - 2.79). Women who became habitual drinkers showed more increases in WC compared to non-habitual drinkers (1.43cm, 0.16 - 2.69). Changes to sleep duration were not associated with WC change; however, women who became satisfied with their sleep had greater WC increases compared to already satisfied sleepers (0.79cm, 0.12 - 1.46). Men who increased their PA by > 1hr to 2hrs were less likely to gain ≥5% weight compared to men with no PA change (OR = 0.75, 0.57 - 0.99). Women who increased their PA by > 1hr to 2hrs were less likely to lose ≥5% weight (OR = 0.74, 0.56 - 0.99). Conclusions Our study of this Canadian cohort of middle-aged and older adults suggests some HBs are independent risk factors for weight change rather than mechanisms in the employment-anthropometry relationship. Key messages • Health behaviour changes in middle-aged and older adults have anthropometric effects that differ by sex/gender, independent of employment transitions. • Promotion of persistently good sleep quality to women may help maintain waist size.

Central Adiposity Indicators Maintain a Stronger Association With the Risk of Hypertension: A Prospective Cohort Study in Southwest China.

Objectives: Studies have linked obesity to an increased risk of hypertension, but the optimal adiposity indicators to predict hypertension remains controversial. We comprehensively explored the correlation between body mass index, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), long-term weight and WC change, and hypertension in an adult population in Southwest China. Methods: We studied 9,280 participants from 48 townships of 12 districts with a follow-up of 10 years in the Guizhou Population Health Cohort Study. We used Pearson’s correlation coefficients combined with Dunn and Clark’s z test and Zou’s confidence interval test, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses, and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regressions adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, disease history, and lipid information of participants. Results: Baseline central adiposity indicators (WC and WHtR) had closer associations with hypertension than BMI, and long-term WC change was more predictive of hypertension compared with weight change in the studied population. Conclusion: Central adiposity indicators maintain a stronger association with the risk of hypertension, hinting at the importance of WC management in the precaution of hypertension.

Effects of vinegar consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Studies that investigated the association between the consumption of vinegar and various cardiometabolic parameters have yielded conflicting results. In this work, we investigated the effects of vinegar consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors using a meta-analysis. Relevant studies were identified using four databases (Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science) up to January 2022. Of the 2806 articles from the initial search, 11 RCTs with 12 treatment arms were included in the meta-analysis. The RCTs focused on both healthy individuals and individuals with cardiometabolic disorders. Consumption of vinegar was associated with significant reductions in fasting blood glucose (WMD: -9.36 mg/dL, 95% CI: -14.82, -3.91) and glycated hemoglobin (WMD: -0.67, 95% CI: -1.36, - 0.01). In terms of lipid profile, there was a significant reduction in total cholesterol (WMD: -18.87 mg/dL, 95% CI: -34.44, -3.29) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: -21.37 mg/dl, 95% CI: -37.54, -5.20), but non-significant reductions in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were noted, although the latter reduction was of clinical significance (WMD: -21.47 mg/dl, 95% CI: -49.72, 6.77). In addition, no significant changes in fat mass and waist circumference were observed, while significant reductions in body mass index (WMD: -0.39 kg/m 2 , 95% CI: -0.74, -0.04, p = 0.028) and body weight (WMD: -0.73 kg, 95% CI: -1.45, -0.01) were noted with dubious clinical relevance. In conclusion, the consumption of vinegar may have beneficial effects on some glycemic and lipid indices and could be considered as an intervention for weight loss.

Updated Meta-Analysis of Studies from 2011 to 2021 Comparing the Effectiveness of Intermittent Energy Restriction and Continuous Energy Restriction.

BackgroundDespite the considerable number of trials and meta-analyses of studies on intermittent energy restriction (IER), it is not preferred to continuous energy restriction (CER) by the majority of obesity specialists. In this meta-analysis, we compare the effects of IER and CER on obesity using evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs).MethodsA systematic electronic literature search was conducted to find RCTs published between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2021 that directly compared IER and CER for an active weight loss period of at least 12 weeks and reported obesity indices or metabolic markers in adults with overweight or obesity. Finally, 16 RCTs from 25 articles with 1,438 participants were included.ResultsThe attrition rates were 26.6% and 24.1% in the IER and CER groups, respectively, with no significant differences in changes in body weight, waist circumference, or body fat composition. CER changed blood glucose levels more than IER, but there was no significant difference in glycated hemoglobin levels. Systolic blood pressure was significantly lower in the CER group than the IER group, but diastolic blood pressure did not differ significantly between the groups. Changes in blood lipids did not differ significantly between the interventions. No differences between IER and CER were observed in the sensitivity analyses.ConclusionIER can be an alternative to CER because it induces comparable weight reduction and metabolic improvement. However, the effect of IER was not superior to that of CER, and its attrition rate was not lower than that of CER.

Quantification of patient-specific coronary material properties and their correlations with plaque morphological characteristics: An in vivo IVUS study

BackgroundA method using in vivo Cine IVUS and VH-IVUS data has been proposed to quantify material properties of coronary plaques. However, correlations between plaque morphological characteristics and mechanical properties have not been studied in vivo.Method: In vivo Cine IVUS and VH-IVUS data were acquired at 32 plaque cross-sections from 19 patients. Six morphological factors were extracted for each plaque. These samples were categorized into healthy vessel, fibrous plaque, lipid-rich plaque and calcified plaque for comparisons. Three-dimensional thin-slice models were constructed using VH-IVUS data to quantify in vivo plaque material properties following a finite element updating approach by matching Cine IVUS data. Effective Young's moduli were calculated to represent plaque stiffness for easy comparison. Spearman's rank correlation analysis was performed to identify correlations between plaque stiffness and morphological factor. Kruskal-Wallis test with Bonferroni correction was used to determine whether significant differences in plaque stiffness exist among four plaque groups. ResultOur results show that lumen circumference change has a significantly negative correlation with plaque stiffness (r = −0.7807, p = 0.0001). Plaque burden and calcification percent also had significant positive correlations with plaque stiffness (r = 0.5105, p < 0.0272 and r = 0.5312, p < 0.0193) respectively. Among the four categorized groups, calcified plaques had highest stiffness while healthy segments had the lowest. ConclusionThere is a close link between plaque morphological characteristics and mechanical properties in vivo. Plaque stiffness tends to be higher as coronary atherosclerosis advances, indicating the potential to assess plaque mechanical properties in vivo based on plaque compositions.

EVALUATION OF SELECTION TRAITS AND THEIR VARIABILITY IN PUREBRED HORSES OF THE MAIN BREEDS IN BELARUS

The competitiveness of domestic horse breeding can only be ensured with appropriate directed breeding work, the most important part of which is conducting research to improve the system for assessing the genetic value of horses based on predicting their productivity using an extended database of ancestors and all available information contained in the family register. The article presents the results of the evaluation of selection traits and their variability in purebred horses of the main breeds in Belarus : Belarusian Harness, Russian Heavy Draft, Trakehner and Hanoverian. It has been established that over a 10-year period of using programs aimed to improve horses of these breeds, the indicators for evaluating stallions and mares have basically reached the target level, including measurements. They exceed the requirements of the breed standards, especially in the Russian Heavy Draft, where the horses are close to the parameters of large types in terms of development. The positive dynamics of changes in withers height and chest circumference of evaluated mares over the course of two generations of ancestors predominantly on the maternal side has been established. The horses studied are characterized by a comparative uniformity of exterior and constitution parameters, but a high variability of performance indicators.

New Moms Wellness Study: the randomized controlled trial study protocol for an intervention study to increase fruit and vegetable intake and lower breast cancer risk through weekly counseling and supplemental fruit and vegetable box delivery in breastfeeding women

BackgroundLaboratory studies indicate that chemicals in fruits and vegetables have anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory activities that can lower breast cancer risk. However, epidemiologic studies of the association between fruit and vegetable intake and breast cancer risk have produced mixed results. Measurement error, confounding, and an emphasis on diet in later adulthood may contribute to weak associations. This paper describes a randomized controlled diet intervention trial in breastfeeding women to examine the effect of high fruit and vegetable intake on breast cancer risk factors, including weight, DNA methylation and inflammatory markers.MethodsEligible breastfeeding women who reside within a 35-mile radius of Amherst, MA are enrolled at five to six weeks postpartum and randomly assigned to a Fruit and Vegetable Intervention Arm (target n = 200) or to a USDA MyPlate Control Arm (target n = 200). The Fruit and Vegetable Intervention group receives weekly telephone or video-based counseling to encourage intake of at least eight to ten daily servings of fruits and vegetables and a weekly delivery of a supplemental box of fruits and vegetables for 20 weeks, and less intensive counseling for up to one year. Breastmilk and infant fecal specimens are collected at baseline, 10 and 20 weeks. Anthropometric measurements are obtained at these timepoints and at the 1-year follow-up. The primary outcomes are change in DNA methylation in breast epithelial cells and change in inflammatory markers in breastmilk from randomization to 20 weeks; and change in weight, waist circumference, and fruit and vegetable intake for the period from randomization to 20 weeks and 1 year.DiscussionThis 1-year randomized diet intervention trial in breastfeeding women will assess whether intake of at least eight to ten daily servings of fruits and vegetables per day improves biomarkers of breast cancer risk directly in the breast (i.e., DNA methylation and inflammatory markers) and helps women maintain a healthy weight.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04374747. Registered May 5, 2020. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04374747.

Effects of preoperative personal education on shoulder function and lymphedema in patients with breast cancer: A consort.

Background:To compare the incidence and severity of ipsilateral shoulder dysfunction and lymphedema of 2 groups of patients needing to undergo unilateral breast cancer surgery, one of which had only received printed education materials and the other group which had received educational materials plus preoperative education.Methods:We selected 61 patients who had been diagnosed with unilateral breast cancer and planned to undergo surgery. Before surgery, patients were randomly assigned, either to a control group that only received printed education materials about exercise for shoulder pain relief and lymphatic edema prevention following breast cancer surgery, or to an experimental group that received the printed education material with personal education. Participants were evaluated at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the surgery. To evaluate the impairment of shoulder function, we measured the passive shoulder range of motion (ROM), the degree of pain as visual analog scale (VAS), the short version of the disability of arm, shoulder, and hand (short DASH) scores, and the shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI). We checked arm circumferences to evaluate lymphedema.Results:There was no significant difference in demographic or clinical variables between the control and experimental groups. The experimental group showed significantly less limitation in abduction (P = .042) and forward flexion (P = .039) in the 6 months following surgery. Change in the VAS, short DASH, and SPADI scores were 1.633 (P < .001), 2.167 (P < .001), and 4.1 (P = .003) at 1 month following surgery, respectively. These then decreased with time. These changes started before shoulder ROM and arm circumference changes had occurred, which had started 3 months following surgery.Conclusions:Preoperative education might be helpful for the prevention of a shoulder ROM limitation, and we need to focus on pain and disability in patients immediately following breast cancer surgery, and then on ROM and lymphedema.

Characteristics of children of the Microcephaly Epidemic Research Group Pediatric Cohort who developed postnatal microcephaly

The number of studies published on postnatal microcephaly in children with Congenital Zika Syndrome is small, clinical presentations vary and aspects of the evolution of these children remain unclarified. The present case series examined clinical characteristics and assessed the growth velocity of the head circumference, weight and height Z-scores in 23 children who developed postnatal microcephaly during follow-up in the Microcephaly Epidemic Research Group Pediatric Cohort. To estimate the change in the head circumference, weight and height Z-scores over time and compare the mean difference between sexes, we used multilevel mixed-effects linear regressions with child-specific random effects. Among these children, 60.9% (n = 14/23) presented with craniofacial disproportion, 60.9% (n = 14/23) with strabismus, 47.8% (n = 11/23) with early onset seizures, 47.8% (n = 11/23) with dysphagia and 43.5% (n = 10/23) with arthrogryposis. Of the 82.7% (n = 19/23) children who underwent neuroimaging, 78.9% (n = 15/19) presented with alterations in the central nervous system. Monthly growth velocity, expressed in Z-scores, of the head circumference was − 0.098 (95% CI % − 0.117 to − 0.080), of weight was: − 0.010 (95%-CI − 0.033 to 0.014) and of height was: − 0.023 (95%-CI − 0.046 to 0.0001). Postnatal microcephaly occurred mainly in children who had already presented with signs of severe brain damage at birth; there was variability in weight and height development, with no set pattern.

The human tickle response and mechanisms of self-tickle suppression.

A tickle is a complex sensation: it occurs in response to touch but not unequivocally so, and makes us laugh albeit not when we self-tickle. We quantified human ticklishness by means of physiological, visual and acoustic measures alongside subjective reports, and assessed mechanisms of self-tickle suppression. Tickle responses arose faster than previously reported as changes in thoracic circumference and joyous facial expressions co-emerge approximately 300 ms after tickle onset and are followed by vocalizations starting after an additional 200 ms. The timing and acoustic properties of vocalizations tightly correlated with subjective reports: the faster, louder and higher-pitched participants laughed, the stronger they rated the experienced ticklishness. Externally evoked ticklishness is reduced by simultaneous self-tickling, whereby self-touch evokes stronger suppression than sole self-tickle movement without touch. We suggest that self-tickle suppression can be understood as broad attenuation of sensory temporally coincident inputs. Our study provides new insight on the nature of human ticklishness and the attenuating effects of self-tickling.This article is part of the theme issue ‘Cracking the laugh code: laughter through the lens of biology, psychology and neuroscience’.

Varenicline and Lorcaserin for Smoking Cessation and Weight Gain Prevention: A Randomized Clinical Trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and effectiveness of combination varenicline with lorcaserin in preventing post-cessation weight gain. Participants and MethodsWe conducted a randomized (varenicline for 12 weeks + lorcaserin for 24 weeks vs varenicline for 12 weeks + placebo for 24 weeks) phase II clinical study to obtain preliminary data on the safety and effectiveness of combination varenicline and lorcaserin in preventing post-cessation weight gain in overweight and obese smokers. Eighty-four overweight and obese (body mass index [BMI], 27-40 kg/m2) cigarette smokers were randomized before study termination (lorcaserin: n=40; placebo: n=44). The primary outcomes were weight and waist circumference (WC) changes at 12 and 24 weeks in smokers meeting criteria for prolonged smoking abstinence. ResultsThirty-nine participants met criteria for prolonged smoking abstinence at 12 weeks (46%) and 21 at 24 weeks (25%). No significant treatment effect was observed at 12 weeks with lorcaserin compared with placebo (weight difference, −0.7 kg; 90% CI, −2.6 to 1.1 kg; P=.51; WC difference, −1.9 cm; 90% CI, −4.2 to 0.5 cm; P=.18; or BMI difference, −0.4 kg/m2; 90% CI, −1.1 to 0.3 kg/m2; P=.33). No significant treatment effect was observed between lorcaserin at 24 weeks compared with placebo (weight, 1.4 kg; 90% CI, −3.8 to 6.7 kg; P=.65; WC, −0.9 cm; 90% CI, −5.8 to 4.0 cm; P=.75; or BMI 0.29 kg/m2; 90% CI, −1.5 to 2.12 kg/m2; P=.79). ConclusionWeight gain and WC increases after prolonged smoking abstinence were not reduced using combination varenicline and lorcaserin. The results do not support further research in the obese and weight-concerned smoking population using lorcaserin or similar drugs. Trial Registrationclinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02412631

Protocol for the POMELO (Prevention Of MusclE Loss in Osteoarthritis) randomized pilot feasibility trial

ObjectiveIndividuals with advanced knee osteoarthritis (OA) and a large body size [a body mass index (BMI) ≥35 ​kg/m2] have a higher risk of complications with total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and hence may be ineligible for surgery unless they reduce their BMI. However, pre-TKA weight-loss has not been shown to reduce surgical infection risk and may inadvertently increase risk for muscle loss and development of sarcopenic obesity (low muscle and low strength with higher fat mass). This suggests that a knee OA management approach that doesn't focus on weight change (weight-neutral) may be beneficial. This study examines if a weight-neutral behavioural intervention is feasible and acceptable to participants, and improves muscle mass and physical function in comparison to usual care. DesignThis pilot randomized clinical trial compares a 12-week multimodal intervention [including targeted nutrition, progressive resistance exercise, and arthritis self-management support] to usual care. Co-primary outcomes are feasibility and acceptability, with secondary outcomes of change in lean soft tissue and physical function within and between groups at 3-months and 9-months from baseline. Change in waist circumference, fat mass, blood biomarkers, energy metabolism, OA-related pain and function, health-related quality of life, self-efficacy for arthritis management, and interest in pursuing a TKA within and between groups will be explored. ConclusionThis study will inform future development of more personalized knee OA treatment approaches for adults with larger bodies. Further, this will contribute to effective alternative treatment pathways that reduce inequities in access to OA care for this understudied patient population.

Volume Fluctuations in Active and Nonactive Transtibial Prosthetics Users.

This study aims to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Biosculptor's Bioscanner system in capturing transtibial residual limb volume fluctuations in active and nonactive amputees during walking activity. Residual limb volume was obtained by measuring the limb circumference after amputees walked for 5 to 25 minutes for five consecutive days. The comparison of mean circumference between Bioscanner and manual measurements (i.e., tape measure) showed that the Bioscanner gave a higher estimation of circumference for the different amputees. Short-term changes in girth and volume due to an activity such as walking do not fluctuate uniformly. The results reflected as such as nonconsistence circumference change identified at different locations of the circumference profiles. Both amputees experienced a significant increase in circumference at the distal end of the limbs after 5 minutes of walking (7.35% change in nonactive and 8.83% in active amputees), and the measurement decreased as amputees walked longer. At 4-8 cm below the mid-patella tendon (pressure tolerant areas), both amputees experienced minor changes in the size of their circumference. The residual limb volume calculation resulted in the percentage difference between the two methods ranging from 2.4% to 9.3%. Pearson coefficient correlation obtained showed a high correlation between the two techniques, ranging from 0.97 to 1. The analysis of the limit of agreements showed that the majority of measurements were closed to the mean, suggesting that Bioscanner and manual techniques may be interchangeable and agree with one another. This study has implied that Bioscanner is comparable to the standard measurement method and may serve as an alternative tool in managing daily residual limb volume change.

The impact of social rhythm and sleep disruptions on waist circumference after job loss: A prospective 18-month study.

This study prospectively examined change in waist circumference (WC) as a function of daily social rhythms and sleep in the aftermath of involuntary job loss. It was hypothesized that disrupted social rhythms and fragmented/short sleep after job loss would independently predict gains in WC over 18 months and that resiliency to WC gain would be conferred by the converse. Eligible participants (n=191) completed six visits that included standardized measurements of WC. At the baseline visit, participants completed the social rhythm metric and daily sleep diary and wore an actigraph on their nondominant wrist each day for a period of 2 weeks. When controlling for obesity and other covariates, WC trajectories decreased for individuals with more consistent social rhythms, more activities in their sdiocial rhythms, and higher sleep quality after job loss. WC trajectories did not change for individuals with lower scores on these indicators. The frequency and consistency of social rhythms after job loss play a key role in WC loss. These findings support the implementation of social rhythm interventions after job loss, a potentially sensitive time for the establishment of new daily routines that have an impact on metabolic health.

Head circumference and anthropometric changes and their relation to plexiform and skin neurofibromas in sporadic and familial neurofibromatosis 1 Brazilian adults: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundNeurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is a common autosomal dominant syndrome with complete penetrance and highly variable expressivity. The cutaneous neurofibroma (Cnf) and plexiform neurofibroma (Pnf), café-au-lait spots, and freckle-like lesions are common in NF1, but many other manifestations can occur. We aimed to evaluate head circumference, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), head circumference-to-height ratio (HCHR) and waist–hip ratio (WHR) in adult NF1 Brazilian individuals versus a paired control group and investigate their correlation with the presence of clinically visible Pnfs, and number of “skin neurofibromas” (Snf), which include both cutaneous and subcutaneous neurofibromas.MethodsA case–control study was conducted with 168 individuals, 84 with NF1 and 84 without NF1, paired by sex and age. Head circumference and anthropometric measurements, Snf quantification, evaluation of clinically visible Pnf and familial inheritance were accessed.ResultsPrevalence of macrocephaly was significantly higher in NF1 women. Height and weight were significantly lower in both males and females with NF1. HCHR was higher in the NF1 group than in the control group for both sexes. BMI was significantly lower in men with NF1. Waist and hip circumferences were significantly reduced in NF compared with the controls, but the mean WHR was significantly lower only in NF1 women. No correlation was found between the Snf and head circumference and anthropometric measurements, sex or family history. The presence and larger size of clinically visible plexiform neurofibromas were associated with normal stature (p = 0.037 and p = 0.003, respectively).ConclusionsNF1 individuals have increased prevalence of macrocephaly, short stature, low BMI, and reduced abdominal fat. There is no relation between head circumference and anthropometric data with family history, or neurofibromas.

The effect of the combined use of complex decongestive therapy with electrotherapy modalities for the treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundWe evaluated the effects of combined complex decongestive therapy (CDT) with electrotherapy modalities (ultrasound and faradic currents) in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), investigating upper extremity circumference, volume, pain, and functional disability.MethodsThirty-nine patients with unilateral BCRL were randomly allocated to three groups (n = 13) as the following: The control group received CDT, the ultrasound group received CDT and therapeutic ultrasound, and the faradic group received CDT and faradic current. All the participants underwent treatment for 10 sessions. The outcomes including volume, circumference (measured at five points), pain intensity, and functional disability of the affected upper extremity were evaluated at baseline and after the treatment.ResultsFollowing the treatment, an improvement was noted in lymphedema volume, pain, and functional disability in all the three groups and there was a significant difference between the groups (P < 0.05). However, changes in limb circumference at the end of the treatment were not significantly different among the three groups in any sites (P > 0.05).ConclusionThe combination of electrotherapy modalities, faradic current or ultrasound, with CDT can result in a greater reduction in lymphedema volume, pain, and functional disability in patients with BCRL.Trial registrationIRCT, IRCT201310292391N14, registered 03/01/2016.

Genetically-estimated Telomere Length Weakly Associates With Body Composition And Metabolic Profiles But Not Cardiorespiratory Fitness

Telomere length is associated with many age-related diseases. However, its association with fitness-related traits and exercise responses are less understood. PURPOSE: To investigate the association of genetically estimated telomere length (gTL) with cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) traits and metabolic traits before and after endurance exercise training in the HERITAGE Family Study. METHODS: gTL was calculated in Black and White adults from the HERITAGE Family Study (n=708) using 9 established telomere length GWAS SNPs. Race-stratified associations between gTL and baseline measures and changes in CRF traits, body composition, and the components of metabolic syndrome were determined using partial correlations controlling for age. RESULTS: Mean (±SE) gTL significantly (p<0.001) differed between Black (754.5±8.2 bp) and White subjects (603.1±5.98 bp). There were no associations between gTL and CRF traits at baseline or in response to training in Black or White subjects. Furthermore, there were no associations between gTL and body composition traits at baseline or in response to training in Black subjects. In White subjects, gTL was negatively, weakly correlated with baseline body composition measures including: BMI (r=-0.14), waist circumference (r=-0.12), visceral fat (r=-0.11), fat mass (r=-0.13), percent body fat (r=-0.11); all p<0.05. Only change in waist circumference was correlated with gTL in Whites subjects (r=-0.12, p=0.02). At baseline, Black (n=55) and White (n=97) subjects with metabolic syndrome had significantly shorter mean gTL compared to those without (p<0.05). Furthermore, gTL was negatively correlated with number of baseline metabolic syndrome components in Whites (r=-0.12, p=0.02), but not Blacks. In response to training, gTL was negatively correlated with change in number of metabolic syndrome components in Whites (r=-0.10, p=0.044), but positively correlated in Blacks (r=0.15, p=0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Baseline CRF traits and their response to training were not associated with gTL. Increased central adiposity and metabolic syndrome components are associated with shorter gTL in Whites. The gTL estimate used may not be optimized in Blacks and perhaps not sensitive enough to fully capture hypothesized associations with fitness traits or metabolic health.

The Effects Of Venous Pooling During Prolonged Sitting On Central Arterial Stiffness

PURPOSE: Higher arterial stiffness (AS) is associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. During prolonged sitting (PS), AS increases. However, the mechanism for increased AS during PS has not been elucidated. One plausible mechanism is lower-extremity venous pooling (VP), which would subsequently reduce venous return and aortic shear stress. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of venous pooling manipulation on central AS. In order to more fully understand how AS increases during PS, pulse wave velocity, the “gold standard” non-invasive arterial stiffness measurement, was used to measure AS. In order to more fully understand CVD risk, it is important to see if there is relationship between PS and AS. METHODS: Nine participants were part of a randomized crossover trial, where they were assigned to one of two groups: a group who had a bilateral tourniquet applied bilaterally to their legs to induce VP (CUFF) and a control group who did not wear a bilateral tourniquet (NON-CUFF). The participant then sat in a standard chair for 120 minutes. VP was measured the change in calf circumference. Linear mixed models were used to compare the bfPWV values over time and across conditions. RESULTS: The calf circumference measurements increased by 3.69% for the CUFF condition and increased by 0.25% for the NON-CUFF condition. There was no interaction effect in this study. The main effect for time was non-significant for bfPWV (p=0.249, ß = 0.453 m/s). The main effect for condition was trending toward significance, but non-significant (p=0.069,ß = 0.273 m/s). One participant was not included because the participant suffered a vasovagal episode. CONCLUSIONS: While no significant results were found, this preliminary data resulted in a non-significant, condition effect (p=0.069, ß = 0.273 m/s) that trended toward significance. These preliminary data may show more statistically significant results when tested in a full-scale trial, with greater participant count. This is something that can be used as pilot data, and can be further investigated in future and on-going studies. If an increase in bfPWV is found, treatments targeting VP could be used to affect bfPWV outcome.

Effects Of An Online Weight Management Program On Weight And Physical Activity Changes.

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of an online weight management program through only online education(OO) or tailored video feedback with online education (OF) or control(CO). METHODS: This intervention included 60 overweight and obese Korean women aged 19 -39 years old. Participants are randomly allocated to one of three groups: (1) 20 women in OO group (online education video and self-monitoring application), (2) 20 women in OF group (online education video, self-monitoring application, and 1:1 tailored video feedback), and (3) 20 women in CO group (only self-monitoring application). Online education included nutrition, physical activity, psychological factors, and medical knowledge for weight loss, goal-setting, and cognitive/behavioral strategies. Tailored feedback helped to motivate weight loss and give solutions for weight loss through real-time video coaching once a week for 10 minutes per session. Effectiveness was assessed using repeated measure ANOVA to compare outcome changes between groups and Tukey’s post-hoc tests were performed. RESULTS: After 6-weeks, a total of 17(85%) of OO group, 17(85%) of OF group, and 19(95%) of CO group completed the post-measurement at 6 weeks. In the intention-to-treat analysis including all 60 participants, there was a significant difference in weight change at 6 weeks in OO and OF groups with a mean weight change of -0.86 kg (95%CI, -1.72 to -0.1) in OO group and -2.23 kg (95%CI, -2.93 to -1.52) in OF group, while no significant change was observed in CO group with a mean weight change of 0.08 kg (95%CI, -0.65 to 0.8). Changes in waist circumference were -2.29 cm (95% CI, -3.48 to -1.11) in OF group, -1.64 cm (95 CI, -3.14 to -0.09) in OO group, and 0.03 cm (95% CI, -1.05 to 1.11) in CO group. In the post-hoc analysis, there was a significant difference only between OF group and CO group in body weight and waist circumference (P > 0.001, P = 0.039, respectively). However, no significant group × time effects were found for the moderate to vigorous physical activity and sedentary behavior (P = 0.979, P = 0.578, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our online weight management program showed significant weight loss and waist circumference reduction in overweight or obese Korean women. Further research is needed to track the long term effects.

허브 볼의 비수술적 처치를 통한 유방 확대에 따른 집단 간 비교분석

This study attempted to compare differences in breast augmentation, using herb ball therapy, one of traditional Thai therapeutic treatments as a nonsurgical method. For this, a total of 36 women in their 20-40s were collected from social media and online communities, and a questionnaire survey was performed against them to examine demographic characteristics and satisfaction and perception of their breast. Specifically, after measuring chest circumference, inter-nipple distance, collarbone-right nipple distance and collarbone-left nipple distance, the therapy was given, and breast satisfaction was examined. This experiment was performed once a week (3 times in total) against three different groups: a group of the massage pushing breast muscles into the nipples by creating a space in the back of breast after pectoralis fascia massage; a herb ball group in which breast muscles and blood are pushed into nipples, using heated herb balls by creating a space in the back of breast after temporal pectoralis fascia massage; control group (no treatment was given). The collected data were analyzed by SPSS 25.0. To examine breast augmentation effects, repeated measures two-way ANOVA was conducted, and the results found the followings: In terms of interactions, a statistical significance was found at each measurement by group (F(6, 99)=30.307, p<.001). In other words, all three groups revealed changes in breast circumference after each therapy. In particular, the herb ball group was relatively greater than the massage and control groups in terms of breast circumference improvements.