Changes In Skinfold Thickness Research Articles

Skinfold thickness in elite male professional football players: changes across 3 seasons including a COVID-19 lockdown period

ABSTRACT This study investigates variations in skinfold thickness in a European professional football team within and across multiple seasons, including before and after COVID-19 restrictions. Skinfold thickness was measured in 49 male players on 32 occasions across three seasons (2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21). Intra- and inter-seasonal trends were examined by comparing values for the sum of eight skinfolds (sum8) at key time points using linear mixed models. In each season, the largest differences in sum8 occurred after the preseason period. These differences ranged from a mean difference (Mdiff) of −11.0 mm (p < 0.001) in 2018/19 to −4.8 mm (p < 0.001) in 2020/21. Increases in sum8 occurred after each off-season; however, the increase after the off-season before the 2020/21 season (which included the COVID-19 lockdown period) was the lowest in magnitude and was not statistically significant (Mdiff = 2.9 mm, p = 0.06). Changes occurring in sum8 between the start and end of the competitive season did not follow a consistent pattern and were generally smaller in magnitude than the changes between other seasonal time points. Despite the notable heterogeneity in sum8 between players, changes within players generally followed a similar pattern between the different seasonal timepoints. In summary, changes in skinfold thickness were predominantly related to off-season and ‘preparation for competition’ periods. Increases in skinfold thickness can be mitigated during extended remote training periods with appropriate training and nutritional strategies.

The effects of timing of High Immune Response phenotyping in relation to weaning on immune responses of crossbred beef calves.

Genetic selection for immune response has the potential to increase the sustainability of the beef industry by breeding cattle that are productive yet with an increased capacity to resist disease. Determining the optimal time to immunophenotype beef cattle is crucial for the accurate prediction of an animal's immune response. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of time of immunophenotyping in relation to weaning on immune responses of beef calves. Antibody- (AMIR) and cell-mediated (CMIR) immune responses were measured on 97 calves on the day of weaning (WEANING, N = 56) or two months post-weaning (POST-WEANING, N = 41). Within each period of immunophenotyping, on day 0, blood was collected, and calves received a 1.0mL intramuscular injection of type-1 and -2 test antigens. On day 14, blood was collected, and baseline skinfold thickness (SFT) was measured. Calves received an intradermal injection of 0.1mg of the type-1 antigen suspended in 0.1mL phosphate buffered saline (PBS) in the right tail fold, and 0.1mL of PBS in the left. Changes in SFT at 24 hours was used to indicate CMIR. To assess AMIR, the titre of type-2 antigen-specific bovine immunoglobulin G in serum from blood collected on day 14 was determined by measuring optical density (OD) using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Among heifers, AMIR was greater for the POST-WEANING group than for the WEANING group (P < 0.01). Among steers, AMIR was not different between the POST-WEANING group and the WEANING group (P = 1.0). Therefore, the AMIR of heifers may be more negatively affected by immunophenotyping at weaning than the AMIR of steers. For steers, CMIR was greater in the POST-WEANING group than the WEANING group (P < 0.001). For heifers, CMIR was not different between the POST-WEANING group and the WEANING group (P = 0.22). The CMIR of steers may be more negatively affected by immunophenotyping at weaning than the CMIR of heifers. Calf age was not associated with AMIR or CMIR for calves phenotyped at weaning or post-weaning. The effect of sire nested within dam age was significant for CMIR for calves in the POST-WEANING group (P < 0.01), but not for calves in the WEANING group (P = 0.67). The results suggest that measuring immunocompetence at weaning may not be representative of a calf's genetic ability to mount an effective immune response, and immunophenotyping should be performed outside the weaning period.

22 Influence of Cell-Mediated Immune Response Classification on Performance of Heat-Stressed Dairy Cattle

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the influence of cell-mediated immune response classification on performance of dairy cattle experiencing conditions of heat stress on pasture. On d 0, pregnant, lactating dairy cows (n = 27; 18 Holstein and 9 Jersey) received a subcutaneous sensitization dose of killed Candida albicans (CA; 0.5 mg) with Quil-A adjuvant (0.75 mg) in 2.5 mL of PBS. Tail skin fold thickness (SFT) was measured with a Harpenden caliper on d 14 immediately following an intradermal injection of killed CA (0.1 mg in 0.5 mL of PBS) in the right tail skin fold and a control injection (PBS) in the left tail skin fold. On d 15, change in SFT was measured and used to assign cell-mediated immune response classifications (CMIR) as High (HR; &amp;gt;0.5 SD above the mean; n = 9), Intermediate (IR; within 0.5 SD above or below the mean; n = 10), or Low (LR; &amp;gt;0.5 SD below the mean; n = 8). Cows from each CMIR were assigned to 1 of 3 environmental conditions (EC): No Abatement (no heat abatement provided; n = 9), Shade (portable shade structure; n = 9), or Sprinklers (polyvinyl chloride sprinkler system; n = 9) for a 38-d period (July 1, 2019 to August 8, 2019). Daily Milk Yield (DMY), Reticulorumen Temperature (RT), Heat Stress Score (HSS; 0 = respiration rate of &amp;lt; 80 breaths/min to 4 = moribund, labored breathing), and instances of Mouth Open (MO), Tongue Out (TO), and Drool were recorded daily. Respiration rate (RR; breaths/min) was recorded 3 times/day (morning, midday, and late afternoon) and averaged on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday weekly. Body Condition Score (BCS; 1 = emaciated to 5 = obese) was recorded weekly. Data were analyzed using MIXED procedures of SAS specific for repeated measures with CMIR, EC, Breed, Time and 2-way interactions as fixed effects and Pen as random. Low exhibited the lowest HSS and BCS, but the greatest MO and TO instances (P &amp;lt; 0.02). High exhibited the greatest instances of Drool (P &amp;lt; 0.02). Heat stress score, MO, and Drool were greatest in the No Abatement group (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Respiration rate was greatest in the No Abatement and Shade groups relative to Sprinklers (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Daily milk yield, RT, and Drool were increased whereas HSS and RR were decreased in Holstein relative to Jersey cows (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Interactions (P &amp;lt; 0.05) included: CMIR by EC for DMY, HSS, RR, MO, TO, and Drool; CMIR by Breed for RT, DMY, and BCS; EC by Breed for RT, DMY, HSS, and RR; and EC by Time for DMY, HSS, BCS, RR, MO, and TO. There was an effect of Time for all variables (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Preliminary results suggest an influence of cell-mediated immune response classification on performance of dairy cattle experiencing conditions of heat stress and warrant future studies with an increased number of animals.

Diversity of change in body mass index and skinfold thickness between different study courses within four years of study among the male students in a university in Poland

Objective: This study examined whether there were significant changes (expectedly increase) in BMI (Body Mass Index), and relative subcutaneous body fat during the four years of study in a university and compared these changes between the students of different courses, viz., Computer science, Law and administration, Humanities and Physical education. Design: This was a prospective follow up study with measurements at two time points with gap of four years. Body mass index, Triceps, subscapular, mid-axillary, abdominal, supra-illiac and medial-calf skinfold thicknesses were measured at two points of time, just after entrance to university and again after completion of four years. Student’s T-test, one-way ANOVA, and repeated measures ANNOVA (two-way) were employed to assess significance of differences in anthropometric measures between groups of students. Setting: The study was conducted at the University of Rzeszów, Poland. Participants: 191 young men university students aged approximately 19.5 years and 24.0 years, at the beginning and after four years, respectively, during this study. Results: Students of all courses underwent increments in BMI, absolute- and relative skinfold thicknesses, except that the students of physical education course did not show change in skinfold thicknesses relative to BMI. Conclusions: It has been concluded that the change in the adiposity profile during the years of study at university varied according to the course types. Further, detailed studies on the nature and cause of such variation occurring between course types may lead to better understanding etiology of overweight and obesity before entering to adult life.

Significant improvement in body contour with multiple cycles of CoolSculpting: Results of a prospective study.

Cryolipolysis is a nonsurgical body sculpting technique that uses controlled cooling for localized fat reduction. The aim of the present study was to assess whether an intensive regimen of CoolSculpting based on multiple cycles/sessions on the same body area(s) could yield greater (more clinically significant) improvements in body contour. This was a prospective analysis of consecutive, healthy, adult patients undergoing CoolSculpting in routine practice across a variety of treatment areas. Patients underwent ≤4 cycles of CoolSculpting per body area during an initial treatment session, and ≤4 further cycles 4 weeks later (if required). They were followed up for ≥12 weeks. Twenty‐eight patients were enrolled (n = 26 female; mean age: 51.6 ± 9.0 years; mean body weight: 69.4 ± 13.7 kg). They were treated across 58 body areas: 48 in a single session; 10 across two sessions. The mean number of cycles per area was 2.8 ± 1.5. Twenty‐seven patients (54 body areas) were considered as treatment “responders.” In these individuals, mean skinfold thickness decreased from 35.4 ± 9.9 mm pretreatment to 22.2 ± 7.6 mm at 12 weeks (mean change: −40%; P < .001). Mean change in skinfold thickness was greater with ≥3 vs 1 to 2 cycles of CoolSculpting (P = .01). Patient satisfaction was high (n = 51/58; 88%). No adverse events were recorded. The study shows that multiple cycles/sessions of CoolSculpting can safely improve overall treatment benefit in body contouring, with greater decreases in skinfold thickness than have typically been previously observed.

A Single 10k Run Session does not Change neither Skinfold Thickness nor Body Circumferences

Background and Aim: In everyday practice, the anthropometric assessment including measures of skinfolds and body girths must be performed avoiding previous physical exercise. However, few studies are conducted using situations with ecological validity. Thereby, this study aimed to compare if 10k treadmill run alters skinfold measures and body girths of runners. Methods: Eighteen runners of both sexes and levels (34 ± 6 years old with 8 ± 7 years of run practice and 63.6 ± 8.8 ml*kg-1*min-1 of VO2max) underwent body girths, skinfolds thickness and body weight assessments before and after the 10k run. The anthropometric parameters were compared by Student’s t-Test dependent for paired samples and correlations between body weight reduction and anthropometric parameters were compared by Pearson’s correlation coefficient with α= 5%. Results: The 10k run reduces 1.4% of body weight. However, no significant changes were observed in the sum and neither of skinfold thickness nor body girths. The percentage of body weight reduction also not correlated with the exercise-induced changes in skinfold thickness and body girths. Conclusion: Therefore, although 10k run causes a body weight reduction, the skinfold thickness and body girths were not altered by previously exercise and not correlates with body weight reductions. In this way, the use of these anthropometric assessment techniques can occur both before and after a conventional training session in runners.

Effect of reducing the ratio of omega-6-to-omega-3 fatty acids in diets of low protein quality on nursery pig growth performance and immune response.

A total of 240 newly weaned pigs (5.25 ± 0.15 kg BW) were used to determine the dietary omega-6-to-omega-3 (ω-6:ω-3) fatty acid ratio that optimized growth performance and immune responses when fed corn and soybean meal (SBM)-based diets with low protein quality. Pigs were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 dietary treatments (n = 6 pens per treatment; day 0 of study): [1] positive control (High; included animal proteins and 5% corn oil), [2] negative control (Low0; corn- and SBM-based and 5% corn oil), or 1 of 3 Low diets with increasing supplementation of fish oil to replace corn oil: [3] 1.25% (Low1.25), [4] 2.5% (Low2.5), [5] 5% (Low5) to achieve 5:1, 3:1, and 1:1 ω-6:ω-3 ratios, respectively. Pigs were fed dietary treatments in 2 phases for 7 and 14 d, respectively, followed by a common phase III diet for 21 d. On day 6 and 20, 12 pigs per treatment were immune sensitized with 0.5 mg ovalbumin (OVA) and 0.5 mg Quil A adjuvant in 1 mL saline. The dermal hypersensitivity response (DHR) was evaluated on day 40 in these same pigs, using intradermal injection of OVA; changes in skin-fold thickness were measured. On day 21, 4 pigs per pen were immune challenged with LPS (30 µg Escherichia coli LPS per kg BW) or saline (n = 12); rectal temperature was monitored over 3 h. During phase I only, ADG, ADFI, and G:F were greater for pigs fed the High diet vs. those fed the Low diet (P < 0.05), and increased with increasing fish oil supplementation up to 2.5% (Low2.5), but decreased for pigs fed the Low5 diet (quadratic; P < 0.05, P = 0.086, and P < 0.05 for ADG, ADFI, and G:F, respectively). On day 21, LPS increased rectal temperature (vs. saline at 1-, 2-, and 3-h post-challenge; P < 0.001); fish oil supplementation reduced rectal temperature 2-h post-challenge in the Low-fed pigs (linear; P < 0.05). On day 22, serum haptoglobin was greatest for pigs fed Low0 and decreased with increasing fish oil supplementation (linear; P < 0.05). Immunization with OVA induced a serum anti-OVA IgG response, which was reduced on day 34 among pigs fed Low diets with increasing fish oil supplementation (linear; P = 0.050). On day 40, and 6 h after intradermal injection of OVA, the DHR was least for pigs fed the Low2.5 diet (P < 0.05). Inclusion of 2.5% fish oil (3:1, ω-6:ω-3) optimized growth performance during the early nursery phase when pigs were most sensitive to diets with low protein quality; the ideal ω-6-to-ω-3 fatty acid ratio may differ when using immune responses as the major outcome.

Longitudinal Changes In Skinfold Thicknesses In Relation To Body Fat Changes Assessed with DXA

The assessment of skinfold thicknesses is a widespread anthropometric technique to evaluate body composition. However, little is known about the relation between the changes through time in body fat assessed with only skinfolds compared with DXA. PURPOSE: To determine the relation between changes in body fat through time assessed with DXA and the changes of skinfold thicknesses. METHODS: We analyzed the data for 66 professional male soccer players. Subjects’ body composition was evaluated two times with a time difference of one to five years between them. Ten skinfold thicknesses (10SKF, triceps, subscapular, biceps, chest, mid-axilla, iliac crest, supraspinal, abdomen, thigh, calf) were evaluated by anthropometry, and body fat (BF) by a DXA scanning (Hologic QDR4500). The changes between evaluation 1 and 2 were calculated for both 10SKF and BF for every subject. Then the determination coefficient (assuming a zero intercept), slope and SEE for the slope were calculated, where the changes in 10SKF predicted the changes in BF. We also calculated the changes in BF related to initial BF (CBF= [BF evaluation 1 - BF evaluation 2]/ BF evaluation 1). The mean ±SD, [min-max] is reported. RESULTS: The 10SKF (in mm) at evaluations one and two were 84 ± 31 and 89 ± 27 respectively (Δ 5 ± 22 [-57 to 74]). The BF (in kg) at evaluation one and two were 10 ± 3 and 11 ± 3 (Δ 1 ± 2 [-6 to 8]). The %BF at evaluation one and two were 14 ± 3 and 15 ± 3 (Δ 1 ± 3 [-7 to 9]). The CBF (expressed as percentage) was 14 ± 25 (-40 to 92). There were a strong relationship between the changes in skinfold thicknesses and the changes in absolute and relative BF, but the best estimation was observed with Δ%10SKF - %CBF. CONCLUSIONS: The changes in BF (kg, % and CBF) were well estimated with the changes in 10SKF and %10SKF through time. The Δ%10SKF had a ≈1% of change for every 1% in %CBF, which is an easier relationship to remember. However these changes had an error estimate threshold to overcome for increasing the chance to assess a significant change.Table 1: Determination coefficient and slope for skinfold thicknesses and body fat changes

Fishmeal supplementation during ovine pregnancy and lactation protects against maternal stress-induced programming of the offspring immune system.

BackgroundPrenatally stressed offspring exhibit increased susceptibility to inflammatory disorders due to in utero programming. Research into the effects of n-3 PUFAs shows promising results for the treatment and prevention of these disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether maternal fishmeal supplementation during pregnancy and lactation protects against programming of the offspring’s immune response following simulated maternal infection. MethodsIn order to accomplish this, 53 ewes were fed a diet supplemented with fishmeal (FM; rich in n-3 PUFA) or soybean meal (SM; rich in n-6 PUFAs) from day 100 of gestation (gd 100) through lactation. On gd135, half the ewes from each dietary group were challenged with either 1.2 μg/kg Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin to simulate a bacterial infection, or saline as the control. At 4.5 months of age the offspring’s dermal immune response was assessed by cutaneous hypersensitivity testing with ovalbumin (OVA) and candida albicans (CAA) 21 days after sensitization. Skinfold measurements were taken and serum blood samples were also collected to assess the primary and secondary antibody immune response. ResultsOffspring born to SM + LPS mothers had a significantly greater change in skinfold thickness in response to both antigens as well as a greater secondary antibody response to OVA compared to all treatments.ConclusionsSupplementation during pregnancy with FM appears to protect against adverse fetal programming that may occur during maternal infection and this may reduce the risk of atopic disease later in life.

Relationship of Feeding Human Milk by Breast Versus Bottle with Infant Growth

Research suggests that infants fed human milk from a bottle versus the breast may have higher weight gains in the first 6 to 12 months of life. The purpose of this study was to determine if infants fed human milk directly from the breast differed in growth and adiposity measurements compared to those fed human milk from the bottle. Infant's weight, length, and tricep and subscapular skinfold thickness were measured at 2 and 4 months. Mothers reported birth weight and length and completed monthly questionnaires on infant feeding practices (e.g., number of human milk feedings by bottle or breast per day, age of introduction to complementary foods, and infant bottle‐emptying behavior). Infants were placed into 2 groups based on their reported mode of feeding at 3 months: Nursing Group (NG, n=15), infants fed predominantly at the breast with less than 25% of the feeds from a bottle and Bottle Group (BG, n=10), infants fed human milk from the bottle more than 25% of the feeds. Change in BMI Z scores from 2 to 4 months were significantly different between groups (NG=‐0.18 ± 0.67 vs BG=0.48 ± 0.73, p=0.03). Changes in skinfold thickness from 2 to 4 months were not statistically different between groups. Weight gain velocity from 2 to 4 months was compared to WHO weight velocity standards. Only 3 infants in each group exceeded the 75th percentile for weight gain velocity. The majority of parents reported those infants fed human milk from the bottle finished the bottle “most of the time” or “all of the time.” None of the infants were introduced to complementary foods before 4 months. The results of this study suggest that bottle‐feeding human milk may be related to differences in weight gain during 2 to 4 months. However, follow up for a longer time period with a larger sample size is necessary to fully investigate the relationship of bottle‐feeding with infant growth.

415 km ウルトラマウンテンランニングレース参加者の形態，身体組成の特性およびレース前後における皮下脂肪厚の変化

415 km ウルトラマウンテンランニングレース参加者の形態，身体組成の特性およびレース前後における皮下脂肪厚の変化

High Altitude Impairs In Vivo Immunity in Humans

The aim was to assess the effect of high altitude on the development of new immune memory (induction) using a contact sensitization model of in vivo immunity. We hypothesized that high-altitude exposure would impair induction of the in vivo immune response to a novel antigen, diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP). DPCP was applied (sensitization) to the lower back of 27 rested controls at sea level and to ten rested mountaineers 28 hours after passive ascent to 3777 m. After sensitization, mountaineers avoided strenuous exercise for a further 24 hours, after which they completed alpine activities for 11-18 days. Exactly 4 weeks after sensitization, the strength of immune memory induction was quantified in rested mountaineers and controls at sea level, by measuring the response to a low, dose-series DPCP challenge, read at 48 hours as skin measures of edema (skinfold thickness) and redness (erythema). Compared with control responses, skinfold thickness and erythema were reduced in the mountaineers (skinfold thickness,-52%, p=0.01, d=0.86; erythema, -36%, p=0.02, d=0.77). These changes in skinfold thickness and erythema were related to arterial oxygen saturation (r=0.7, p=0.04), but not cortisol (r<0.1, p>0.79), at sensitization. In conclusion, this is the first study to show, using a contact sensitization model of in vivo immunity, that high altitude exposure impairs the development of new immunity in humans.

Association between sweet drink intake and adiposity in Danish children participating in a long‐term intervention study

In some previous studies direct associations between intake of soft drinks, sugar-sweetened beverages and adiposity have been reported. The majority of these studies were, however, conducted in the USA and it is uncertain if the results are applicable to non-US countries. To assess the association between sweet drink intake at age 6 and 9 years and the subsequent 3- to 7-year changes in body mass index (BMI) and sum of four skin-folds (Σ4SF). Information on sweet drink intake (7 days food record) and physical activity (accelerometer) was obtained at age 6 years (n = 366) [Correction made here after initial online publication.] and 9 years (n = 269). Weight, height and Σ4SF were measured at age 6, 9 and 13 years. Additional information on socio-economic status, maternal BMI and pubertal status was obtained. No associations were observed between sweet drink intake at age 6 years and change in BMI or logΣ4SF from age 6 to 9 years or 6 to 13 years. Also, no associations were observed between change in sweet drink intake from age 6 to 9 years and subsequent change in BMI or logΣ4SF from age 9 to 13 years. A weak direct association was observed between sweet drink intake at age 9 years and change in logΣ4SF from age 9 to 13 years (per 100 g ∼ 3.38 fl oz) (β: 0.014, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.001 to 0.029, P = 0.06), while no association was seen for BMI. In supplementary analyses a similar association was observed for soft drinks (β: 0.087, 95% CI: 0.048 to 0.126, P = 0.001) but only in the intervention group. We observed associations between intake of sweet drinks and soft drinks and change in skin-fold thickness in a group of Danish children. However, as the associations did not remain significant when multiple testing was considered or was only significant among children from the intervention group, the results do not confirm or refute the direct association reported in previous studies.

Changes in skinfold thickness and body composition among children and adolescents in Shandong, China from 1995 to 2010

There is strong evidence of a upward secular trend in skinfold thickness (SFT) and the prevalence of obesity has increased substantially over recent decades in developed countries. However, no studies on this trend have been reported in Shandong Province, China. The present study aimed to assess the decennial change in SFT and body composition among children and adolescents in Shandong Province during the past 15years (1995-2010). Data were obtained from two national surveys on student's constitution and health carried out by the government in 1995 and 2010 in Shandong Province, China. A total of 14780 (7198 in 1995 and 7582 in 2010) students aged 7-18years participated in the present study. Weight and SFT of all subjects were measured. Percentage body fat (%FM) was estimated by SFT, and fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) were calculated from: FM (kg)=%FM×weight (kg)/100; FFM (kg)=weight (kg)-FM(kg). The range of differences of weight, SFT, FM and FFM over the different age groups between the 1995 and 2010 samples were calculated. In the past 15years, mean values of SFT have increased. The mean (range) increments of SFT were 6.28 (2.91-11.22) mm for boys and 3.29 (2.22-4.29) mm for girls, demonstrating a mean increase of 32% for boys and 14% for girls. The mean (range) increments of weight, FM and FFM were 7.26 (4.41-10.82) kg, 3.70 (1.47-6.58) kg and 3.56 (1.24-5.27) kg, at rates of 18%, 47% and 10% for boys, respectively, and 4.14 (2.78-5.64) kg, 1.68 (1.02-2.27) kg and 2.46 (1.52-3.49) kg, at rates of 11%, 20% and 8% for girls, respectively. The mean values of SFT, FM and FFM have increased over time. Rates of increase were greater for FM than FFM.

Changes in Skinfold Thicknesses and Body Fat in Ultra-endurance Cyclists

The present study investigated the changes in single skinfold thicknesses and body fat during an ultra-endurance cycling race. One hundred and nineteen ultra-endurance cyclists in the 'Swiss Cycling Marathon' covering a distance of 600 km were included. Changes in skinfold thickness, fat mass, skeletal muscle mass and total body water were estimated using anthropometric methods. The subjects were riding at a mean speed of 23.5±4.0 km/h and finished the race within 1,580±296 min. During the race, body mass decreased by 1.5±1.2 kg (P<0.001), and fat mass decreased by 1.5±1.1 kg (P<0.001). Skeletal muscle mass and total body water remained unchanged (P>0.05). The decrease in body mass correlated to the decrease in fat mass (r = 0.20, P=0.03). The skinfold thicknesses at pectoral (-14.7%), abdominal (-14.9%), and thigh (-10.2%) site showed the largest decrease. The decrease in abdominal skinfold was significantly and negatively related to cycling speed during the race (r = -0.31, P<0.001). Cycling 600 km at ∼23 km/h led to a decrease in fat mass and in all skinfold thicknesses. The largest decrease in skinfold thickness was recorded for pectoral, abdominal, and thigh site. The decrease in abdominal skinfold thickness was negatively related to cycling speed. The body seems to reduce adipose subcutaneous fat during an ultra-endurance performance at the site of the thickest skinfold.

Development and Pilot Testing of Active Kids

Purpose: Physical activity (PA) in children is associated with decreased obesity and risk for preventable diseases. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of a twice weekly, 15-week gamesbased afterschool PA intervention at a local park for Hispanic youth. Methods: Pedometers and heart rate (HR) monitors were used to assess PA duration and intensity. Pre- and posttest measures of body mass, waist circumference, skinfolds, cardiovascular fitness, and blood pressure were compared on 18 participants (11 girls, 7 boys, ages 8-11, 45% overweight) who attended the program at least 65% of the sessions. Results: The program provided a mean of 29 minutes of PA of moderate to vigorous intensity (HR &gt; 130 beats/min) each session, averaging 2,043 - 3,370 steps per session. Participants displayed significantly improved cardiovascular fitness pretest to posttest. Over time, body mass index and body mass increased significantly; however, the proportion of overweight youth did not change. There were no significant changes in skinfold thickness, waist circumference, or blood pressure. Conclusion: A community PA intervention with a games-based curriculum meeting twice weekly has the potential to improve cardiovascular fitness, providing benefits of PA consistent with public health recommendations.

Percentile curves for skinfold thickness in 7- to 14-year-old children and adolescents from Jena, Germany

To present age- and sex-specific percentile curves for triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness, and to investigate long-term changes in skinfold thickness in children. A cross-sectional study of children and adolescents was conducted in Jena/Germany in 2005/2006. The sample consisted of 2132 children (1018 girls and 1114 boys) aged 7-14 years and equated to the anthropometric characteristics of the German sample included in the reference values for body mass index (BMI). Height, weight and triceps and subscapular skinfold measurements were obtained using standardized methods. Smoothed percentile curves for triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness were derived by the LMS method. Data were compared with historical data of Jena schoolchildren from 1975. In both sexes, skinfold thickness increased between 7 and 14 years of age in a sex-specific pattern, with generally higher median values for triceps and subscapular skinfold in girls than boys. A comparison with skinfold thickness measured in Jena schoolchildren three decades ago showed a significant increase in subcutaneous fat. The changes in the lower range (below the tenth percentile) of the distribution exceed those in the upper range (above the 90th percentile) for both triceps and subscapular skinfold in both sexes. Furthermore, this gain in subcutaneous fat mainly occurred in underweight and normal-weight subjects, whereas skinfold thickness remained nearly unchanged in overweight subjects. The up-to-date percentile curves for skinfold thickness provide a basis for monitoring of individuals and evaluation of long-term trends in German children and adolescents. The changes in skinfold thickness indicate an unfavourable increase in adiposity, as well as an unfavourable change in the relationship between BMI and body fat in children and adolescents over time.

Changes in skinfold thickness and waist circumference after 12 and 24 months resulting from the NHF-NRG In Balance-project

BackgroundMore knowledge is needed regarding the effectiveness of weight gain prevention programmes. The present study tested the 12-and 24-month effectiveness of the 'Netherlands Research programme weight Gain prevention' (NHF-NRG)-In Balance-project, a worksite-based intervention aimed at the prevention of weight gain.MethodsTwelve worksites (n = 553 participants) were matched and assigned to either intervention or control group. The worksites and employees of the intervention group received individual (i.e. pedometer, computer-tailored advice) and environmental (i.e. changes in worksite canteen) interventions, directed at physical activity and food intake over 1-year. Differences between the intervention and control group in changes in body weight, BMI, skinfold thickness and waist circumference at 12 and 24 months were examined using multilevel linear regression analyses adjusting for various baseline characteristics (age, gender, BMI, marital status, education and smoking status).ResultsA significant greater reduction in skinfold thickness was found in the intervention group than in the control group, both after 12-and 24 months (Unstandardized regression coefficients (B) = -2.52, 95% C.I. -4.58, -0.45; p = 0.018; B = -4.83, 95% C.I. 6.98, -2.67; p < 0.001 respectively). Significant differences were also observed for changes in waist circumferences both at 12 months (B = -1.50, 95% C.I. -2.35, -0.65; p < 0.001) and at 24 months (B = -1.30, 95% C.I. -2.18, -0.42; p = 0.005). No significant changes were observed for weight and BMI.ConclusionsThe project was effective with regard to changes in skinfold thickness and waist circumference both at 12 and 24 months. It supports the usefulness of worksite-based prevention, especially regarding maintenance of behavioral changes.

Effect of Topical Vitamin D Analogue on In Vivo Contact Sensitization

The immunomodulatory role of vitamin D and its analogues has been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo using animal models. We evaluated the effect of a vitamin D analogue, calcipotriene, in vivo on human subjects using a contact hypersensitivity model. Subjects were pretreated with topical calcipotriene, simulated solar radiation, or both on buttock skin. They were then sensitized and challenged using the contact allergen dinitrochlorobenzene. Immune response was measured by change in skinfold thickness before vs after elicitation across the challenge sites. Calcipotriene-treated individuals demonstrated 64% immunosuppression compared with untreated controls. This is equivalent to the immunosuppression induced by UV exposure.

Anthropometry profiles of elite rugby players: quantifying changes in lean mass

Objective: To demonstrate the utility of a practical measure of lean mass for monitoring changes in the body composition of athletes. Methods: Between 1999 and 2003 body mass and sum...