Circumference Body Research Articles

Prediction of body weights from linear body parameters of rabbit genotypes in the humid tropics

This study aimed to determine the association between body weight and linear body parameters in rabbits. A total of 93 kittens generated from crosses of New Zealand White (NZW) x NZW, Chinchilla (CHA) x CHA, NZW x CHA, and CHA x NZW genotypes of rabbit in a nested classification of a Completely Randomized Design were used for this study. Data on body circumference weight (BW) and linear body parameters namely, body length (BL), ear length (EL), heart girth (HG), head-to-shoulder (HS), length of hind limb (LHB), length of forelimb (LFB), tail length (TL) and thigh girth (TG) were taken bi-weekly from weeks 2 to 12. The regression procedure used was a stepwise multiple regression using the backward elimination method. The body weight was regressed on linear body parameters using the stepwise multiple regression procedure in SPSS software. The result showed that the regressions of body weight on linear body parameters are all positive and highly significant (p<0.01; 0.05) except for CHA x CHA in week 2. The values of the coefficient of determination (R2) ranged from 26 - 91% in NZW x NZW, 85 - 98% in NZW x CHA, 1 - 88% in CHA x CHA, and 92 - 99% in CHA x NZW. CHA x NZW had the highest R2 value of 94, 99, 94, 97, and 96% in weeks 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12, respectively. NZW x CHA also had a similar R2 value of 94, 96, and 98% in weeks 2, 8 and 10, respectively. For predicting body weight at weeks 2 and 4, LFB and TG were good predictors of body weight for NZW x NZW mating type while at weeks 6 and 10, LFB was a good predictor of body weight. Also, BL and HS proved to be the best predictors of body weight for NZW x CHA mating type. For CHA x CHA, HG and TG were good predictors of body weight while in CHA x NZW, BL was a good predictor of body weight at these periods except for weeks 10 and 12. This suggests that body weight increases with an increase in linear body measurements. Except CHA x CHA in weeks 2 and 12, all the multiple regression equations were significant; all the parameters had R2 values above 60% which shows that the linear model was a perfect fit. Hence, BL can be predicted with accuracy using CHA x NZW cross to facilitate the selection of rabbits for body weight-related purposes.

Estimation of body weight from selected body circumferences in hospital setting

Estimation of body weight from selected body circumferences in hospital setting

Identification of key somatic features that are common and the ones that differ between swim strokes through allometric modeling.

The aim of this study was to explore which key somatic features are common to four swim strokes and medley, and specifically to identify which characteristics benefit only specific strokes. The sample was composed of 130 swimmers (95 males aged 19.5 ± 2.9 years and 35 females aged 18.4 ± 2.8 years). A set of anthropometric variables was used to predict swimming speed in the four swimming strokes and medley. A multiplicative model with allometric body size components was used to identify the demographic and anthropometric predictors of swimming speed. Trunk height and waist circumference were the only variables significantly different among swimming strokes (p < 0.05). Associations between swimming speed and arm length were similar in breaststroke and medley, and in freestyle, backstroke and butterfly (R2 = 60.9%). The model retained as swimming speed predictors the age2, upper body circumference, hand breadth, waist circumference, and subscapular skinfold thickness (these last two had negative associations). All these predictors were common to all four swim strokes and medley. Arm length was also retained as a significant predictor, but this one varied significantly between the four different swim strokes and medley. These findings highlight the importance of having a "V-shape" trunk, longer upper limbs, and large hands as predictors of swimming performance.

Body circumference fitting model based on coupled linear regression and body type classification

Body circumference fitting model is a key technology for personalization in smart manufacturing by the apparel industry. First, the paper collected front and side images plus manual measurement data of 122 young men. Second, through contour recognition and feature point detection of the collected images, the width and thickness of each body part plus the height were estimated. Then, a correlation analysis of these known factors was conducted. The paper proposed that weight was included in initial regression model for circumferences as an additional independent variable along with width and thickness. Finally, according body type classification, a multivariate regression model was established. After validation, the values predicted by the multivariate regression model were within ±1.5 cm of the manual values for 90.9% of the individuals on average. The paper provides theoretical support for body circumference fitting and may also be beneficial to the development of the smart manufacturing of garments.

Prevalence of Obesity and Lifestyle Risk Factors Following Two Years' COVID-19 Related Service Closure at Wellness Center, Primary Health Care.

COVID-19 lockdown has affected health behaviors and daily life in unprecedented ways. This study aimed to assess (i) the prevalence of lifestyle behaviors including physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, and stress levels during the COVID confinement, and (ii) evaluate anthropometric measures, body composition, cardiopulmonary and muscular endurance among regular Wellness Center attendees, following two years' service closure. A cross-sectional study was undertaken between 1st June 2022 and 30th January 2023. A structured validated questionnaire was utilized to retrospectively collect data related to the closure period, and quantitative objective measurements were obtained at the time of data collection. A total of 100 adults with a mean age of 49.6 ± 10.5 years, mostly female (80%) and Qatari (76%) participated in the study. The results revealed high rates of low physical activity (47%), sedentary behavior (62%), poor sleep (58%), and stress levels (61% moderate and 5% high). Results also confirmed high prevalence of obesity (57%) marked by BMI and body circumferences, fat mass (34 ± 10.5 kg)/fat percentage (42.7 ± 7.2%) and muscle mass (20.6 ± 5.4 kg)/muscle percentage (25.4 ± 3.9%) above and below normal levels, respectively. The average cardiopulmonary (mean VO2 MAX was 15.5 ± 11 mL O2kg-1min-1) and muscular endurance (pushups per min 19 ± 8.9, L-sit 46 ± 35 secs, plank 42.7 ± 27.8 secs) were distinctly below normal levels for age and sex. The findings indicate that physically active adults have experienced adverse lifestyle behaviors during the COVID-19 lockdown. Obesity, unfavorable body composition, low cardiopulmonary and muscular endurance were evident. More emphasis should be put on the development of targeted intervention strategies to promote positive lifestyle behaviors during any potential future crises.

Smartphone derived anthropometrics: Agreement between a commercially available smartphone application and its parent application intended for use at point-of-care

Smartphone applications can now automate body composition and anthropometric measurements remotely, prompting applications intended for use at point-of-care to provide commercially available smartphone applications intended for personal use. However, the agreement between such anthropometrics remain unclear. A total of 123 apparently healthy participants (F: 69; M: 54; age: 28.1±11.3; BMI: 26.9±5.9) completed consecutive body composition scans using a 3D smartphone application intended for personal use (MeThreeSixty; MTS) and it stationary counterpart intended for use in practice (Mobile Fit Booth; MFB). Agreement between devices were evaluated using root mean square error (RMSE), Bland-Altman analyses, and linear regression for all measurements, and additional equivalence testing was conducted for all circumference and limb length comparisons. When evaluated against the MFB, MTS significantly overestimated all measurements other than waist circumference (p=0.670) using paired t-tests. RMSE was 2.5% for body fat percentage (BF%), 0.64-3.74cm for all body circumferences, 0.71-2.3kg for all lean mass estimates, and 126-659cm2 and 608-4672cm3 across all body surface area and body volume estimates, respectively. BF% was the only body composition estimate that did not demonstrate proportional bias (p=0.221). Circumferences of the chest, shoulder, biceps, forearm, and ankle all demonstrated proportional bias (all coefficients: p<0.050), but only chest, shoulder, and arm circumferences did not demonstrate equivalence. Arm surface area (p<0.001) and arm (p=0.002) and leg volumes (p=0.004) were the only body surface area and volume estimates to reveal proportional biases. These findings demonstrate the agreement between 3D anthropometric applications intended for clinical and personal use, particularly for whole-body composition estimates and clinically meaningful body circumferences. Given the advantages of commercially available remote applications, practitioners and consumers may consider using this method in place of those intended for clinical practice, but should express caution when overestimation is a concern.

The Impact of Nutritional Therapy in the Management of Overweight/Obese PCOS Patient Candidates for IVF.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common female endocrine disorder, and it has two main pathological aspects: reproductive and metabolic. Overweight/obesity is a risk factor in terms of adverse effects during hormone stimulation, a reduced response to ovulation induction regimens, reduced success of IVF, and an increased risk of obstetric complications. To resolve this vicious cycle of pathological events, weight loss and lifestyle modifications are promising strategies. Among these possible approaches, the consumption of a very-low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) or Mediterranean diet (MD) represents a valid option. In our study, 84 obese/overweight PCOS patients were recruited to evaluate the effects induced by the VLCKD and MD on weight, hormonal, and metabolic parameters. BMI decreased significantly among the VLKCD patients compared to the MD patients (both presenting p values < 0.0001 at 90 and 120 days), and a significant reduction in body circumference was observed. At the same time, HOMA index values statistically decreased for the VLCKD patients compared to those on the MD (p value < 0.001 at 90 days and p value < 0.05 at 120 days), and this phenomenon was also observed for AFC at 90 and 120 days (both p values < 0.001) and AMH at 90 days (p value < 0.05). Interestingly, the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) incidence was statistically lower in the VLKCD patients compared to the MD patients (p < 0.001). We state that these dietary regimes may improve anthropometric parameters (such as BMI) and women's reproductive health, restore menstrual regularity, and reduce the risk of OHSS. Regarding the different nutritional therapies, the results suggest that the VLCKD is an optimal choice for entry into IVF, especially in terms of the time range in which these results are achieved.

The value of ultrasound measurement of muscle thickness at different sites and shear wave elastography in Parkinson's disease with sarcopenia: a pilot study.

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and sarcopenia often exhibit resilience, frailty, disability, and depression, highlighting the complex and interrelated nature of these conditions. Despite the presence of clinical manifestations of muscle atrophy in both PD and sarcopenia, accurately discerning the coexistence of sarcopenia in PD patients remains a challenging task with significant implications for treatment strategies and prognostic assessments. This study aims to elucidate the specific ultrasonic diagnostic parameters associated with PD accompanied by sarcopenia through a comparative analysis of muscle ultrasound parameters in patients with PD, thereby presenting a novel approach for rapid identification of this condition. A total of 110 participants were enrolled in this study, including patients with PD and control subjects. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, physical performance tests, appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), bioelectrical impedance analysis and muscle ultrasound measurements were collected from all participants. The muscle ultrasound measurements encompassed assessments of muscle thickness, pennation angle and shear wave elastography at various anatomical sites. Parkinson's disease patients exhibited decreased muscle strength and physical performance, and increased shear wave elastography value. In PD patients with sarcopenia, body circumference, including calf circumference, mid-arm circumference, Waist-to-Hip Ratio and body mass index (BMI) were all significantly decreased. Biceps brachii muscle thickness (MT) and gastrocnemius MT decreased in PD patients with sarcopenia and low ASMI. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that male PD patients, BMI and gastrocnemius MT were predictive factors for ASMI in PD patients. Biceps brachii MT and gastrocnemius MT are important indicators for distinguishing whether PD patients have sarcopenia. Male patients, low BMI and gastrocnemius MT were identified as valid predictors of low ASMI in PD patients. The findings of this study provide important insights into the use of muscle ultrasound in the diagnosis of PD with sarcopenia.

Mathematical modelling of peripheral haemodynamics of the shin in volleyball players of mesomorphic somatotype

Statistical modelling of peripheral haemodynamics indicators, which is conducted based on determining anthropometric and somatotypic features of the organism, can be considered a new way of personalising instrumental diagnostic examination. Therefore, determining the suitable rheovasographic parameters of the shin in highly skilled volleyball players of a particular somatotype is relevant. The purpose of this study was to investigate the total influence of indicators of the external structure of the body on the value of indicators reflecting the specific features of blood circulation in the shin in volleyball players of mesomorphic somatotype. A comprehensive clinical and laboratory study of the state of health and physical development of 108 volleyball players aged 16-20 years was conducted. The method of tetrapolar rheography with the use of a diagnostic computer multifunctional apparatus was used to determine the rheovasographic parameters of the shin, amplitude, time, and indicators of the ratio of amplitude and time rheovasographic parameters were evaluated. An anthropometric study of total and partial body measurements was carried out. Somatotyping was performed using the Heath-Carter method. The study selected 28 volleyball players of mesomorphic somatotype. Statistical models were created using direct stepwise multivariate regression analysis. For all amplitude and time rheovasographic parameters of the hip in volleyball players of mesomorphic somatotype, statistical models with high accuracy of description of signs were built. The 10 models included 94 anthropometric dimensions. The key determinants of shin blood circulation parameters are body circumference (most often forearm, neck, and shin circumference), chest and pelvic diameters, thickness of skin and fat folds (most often on the shin, abdomen, flank), and width of the epiphyses of long tubular bones. It was found that the indicators of external body structure within 63.84- 99.99% determine the value of indicators of regional blood circulation on the shin in volleyball players of mesomorphic somatotype. Statistical modelling makes it possible to determine the proper values of individual rheovasographic indicators on the shin depending on the anthropometric parameters of individuals of a certain gender, age, somatotype, which is especially significant for athletes of a certain sport, since their cardiovascular system indicators are greatly influenced by the specifics of sports activity

Effect of the Mediterranean diet supplemented with nicotinamide riboside and pterostilbene and/or coconut oil on anthropometric variables in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A pilot study.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes the death of motor neurons and alters patients' body composition. Supplementation with the antioxidants nicotinamide riboside (NR) and pterostilbene (PTER) can combat associated oxidative stress. Additionally, coconut oil is an alternative energy substrate that can address mitochondrial dysfunction. The aim of the present study is to assess the impact of a Mediterranean Diet supplemented with NR and PTER and/or with coconut oil on the anthropometric variables of patients with ALS. A prospective, mixed, randomized, analytical and experimental pilot study in humans was performed through a clinical trial (registered with ClinicalTrials.gov under number NCT03489200) with pre- and post-intervention assessments. The sample was made up of 40 subjects categorized into four study groups (Control, Antioxidants, Coconut oil, and Antioxidants + Coconut oil). Pre- and post-intervention anthropometric assessments were carried out to determine the following data: weight, percentage of fat and muscle mass, skinfolds, body perimeters, Body Mass Index (BMI), Waste-to-Hip Index (WHI) and Waist-Height Ratio (WHR). Compared to the Control group, GAx significantly increased muscle mass percentage and decreased fat mass percentage, triceps, iliac crest, and abdominal skinfolds. GCoco significantly increased muscle mass percentage and decreased fat mass percentage, subscapular skinfolds, and abdominal skinfolds. GAx + coco significantly increased muscle mass percentage and decreased abdominal skinfolds. Therefore, our results suggest that the Mediterranean Diet supplemented with NR and PTER and the Mediterranean Diet supplemented with coconut oil (ketogenic diet) are the two nutritional interventions that have reported the greatest benefits, at anthropometric level.

Development and validation of an accurate smartphone application for measuring waist-to-hip circumference ratio

Waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR) is now recognized as among the strongest shape biometrics linked with health outcomes, although use of this phenotypic marker remains limited due to the inaccuracies in and inconvenient nature of flexible tape measurements when made in clinical and home settings. Here we report that accurate and reliable WHR estimation in adults is possible with a smartphone application based on novel computer vision algorithms. The developed application runs a convolutional neural network model referred to as MeasureNet that predicts a person’s body circumferences and WHR using front, side, and back color images. MeasureNet bridges the gap between measurements conducted by trained professionals in clinical environments, which can be inconvenient, and self-measurements performed by users at home, which can be unreliable. MeasureNet’s accuracy and reliability is evaluated using 1200 participants, measured by a trained staff member. The developed smartphone application, which is a part of Amazon Halo, is a major advance in digital anthropometry, filling a long-existing gap in convenient, accurate WHR measurement capabilities.

Breastfeeding is associated with reduced risks of central obesity and hypertension in young school-aged children: a large, population-based study

BackgroundPrevious studies examined the effects of breastfeeding on measured values of body circumferences or blood pressure during childhood. However, limited data are available for the association between child feeding and a specific disease diagnosed as central obesity or hypertension. Hence, we aimed to examine whether the type and duration of breastfeeding are associated with obesity/central obesity or hypertension in young school-aged children.MethodsWe matched the data obtained from a cross-sectional survey in 2019 with retrospective breastfeeding information recorded in the database. Heights, weights, waist circumferences, and blood pressures of 8480 children in first grade of primary schools in Shanghai, China were measured to diagnose obesity, central obesity, and hypertension. Data on child feeding was collected retrospectively from clinical records. Associations between the type/duration of breastfeeding and children’s measured values of body mass index, waist circumference, and blood pressure were analysed by linear regression. Associations between the type/duration of breastfeeding and risks of obesity, central obesity, and hypertension were analysed by generalised linear models.ResultsBreastfeeding duration was inversely associated with blood pressure values in children in the first grade. Each month’s increase in the duration of any breastfeeding was associated with a 0.07 mmHg decrease in systolic blood pressure (P < 0.01) and a 0.05 mmHg decrease in diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.01). Any breastfeeding > one month was associated with a reduced risk of hypertension (adjusted risk ratio 0.84; 95% CI 0.73, 0.96, P = 0.01). Exclusive breastfeeding > one month was associated with a reduced risk of central obesity (adjusted risk ratio 0.76; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.96, P = 0.02). Any breastfeeding > 12 months was linked with a lower risk of hypertension (adjusted risk ratio 0.83; 95% CI 0.70, 0.98, P = 0.03).ConclusionsLack of breastfeeding is associated with higher risks of central obesity and hypertension during middle childhood. As a potential component of the public health strategy to reduce population levels of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, breastfeeding could be a vital prevention strategy.

Morphometric Measurements and Muscle Atrophy Scoring as a Tool to Predict Body Weight and Condition of Horses.

Accurate estimation of body weight (BW) and condition (BCS) is important in the equine practice. The main goal of this research was to develop models for the prediction of BW and BCS of horses in the practice using both common morphometric measurements and measurements of Cresty Neck Score (CNS) and Muscle Atrophy Scoring System (MASS) as a measure of muscularity. Our model showed that the BW of horses could be predicted with high reproducibility (concordance correlation coefficient = 0.97), accuracy (0.99), and precision (0.97) using the morphometric measurements of the height at withers, circumference of the chest, cane circumference, body length, and body circumference as well as the BCS, CNS, and muscle atrophy score of the hindlimbs. The stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that the BCS of horses can be predicted with the data of parameters such as age, body length and an index consisting of measurements of the body circumference to height of withers, and the atrophy of the neck. Future research should use larger cohorts of animals to validate the findings of this study.

Effect of Solanum Sessiliflorum Dunal (Maná-cubiu) Extract in Diet-induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats

Obesity is a multifactorial disease, defined by the excessive accumulation of body fat, causing negative consequences for health. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is characterized by the association between abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Experimental models are essential to elucidate the pathophysiology, development, and treatment of the disease. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of man&amp;aacute;-cubiu extract (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) in experimental models of diet-induced MS. Male Wistar rats received a high-fat, high-calorie diet for 24 weeks, with exception of the healthy control group, which received commercial AIN-93 chow, and both groups were supplied with filtered water. After this period, the animals began to receive daily gavages containing 150 mg of extract/kg or 300 mg of extract/kg for another 8 weeks. The control group received only metformin (150mg/kg). Body weight, bioelectrical impedance (BIA), body circumferences and the Lee index were used to assess body composition. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee under protocol n&amp;ordm; 501. The experimental group treated with 150mg/kg of the extract showed weight reduction in the first month of treatment, followed by an average reduction of 54 grams per animal. The group treated with 300mg/kg of the extract suffered weight reduction only after the second month of treatment (on average 9g/animal). This same group and the group treated with metformin were the only ones to reduce the percentage of body fat, comparing the two evaluation moments. The results suggest that man&amp;aacute;-cubiu has a potential therapeutic use in obesity, and that the evaluation methods in animal models need to be better standardized.

Age estimation biases based on body size: the differential impacts of soft tissue on skeletal ageing

AbstractThe aim of this research project is to explore the differential impacts of soft tissues on skeletal ageing and apply these findings to skeletal age estimation methods. Computed tomography (CT) scans of 412 size‐selected individuals from Ontario, Canada, were assessed using an adapted pubic symphysis age estimation method. Individuals ranged from 20 to 79 years of age (mean = 49.46 years), with 208 males and 204 females. Almost 80 per cent of the sample was assigned to the correct age phase; those not correctly aged followed a similar pattern. Individuals with higher body mass, body mass index (BMI), circumference, and total fat area were over‐aged and those with lower body mass, BMI, circumference, and total fat area were under‐aged. High amounts of adipose tissue led to increased skeletal degeneration, but high amounts of muscle tissue did not have a protective effect. Skeletal elements were not reliable proxies for body mass; however, other morphological features may help identify individuals with high body mass from skeletal remains.

Cardiovascular fitness is associated with child adiposity at 5 years of age: findings from the ROLO longitudinal birth cohort study

BackgroundCardiovascular fitness is strongly linked with metabolic risk; however, research is limited in preschool children. Although there is currently no simple validated measure of fitness in preschool children, heart rate recovery has been highlighted as an easily accessible and non-invasive predictor of cardiovascular risk in school-aged children and adolescents. We aimed to investigate whether heart rate recovery was associated with adiposity and blood pressure in 5-year-olds.Study designThis is a secondary analysis of 272 5-year-olds from the ROLO (Randomised cOntrol trial of LOw glycaemic index diet in pregnancy to prevent recurrence of macrosomia) Kids study. Three-minute step tests were completed by 272 participants to determine heart rate recovery duration. Body mass index (BMI), circumferences, skinfold thickness, heart rate, and blood pressure were collected. Independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U, and Chi-square tests were used to compare participants. Linear regression models examined associations between heart rate recovery and child adiposity. Confounders included child sex, age at study visit, breastfeeding, and perceived effort in the step test.ResultsThe median (IQR) age at the study visit was 5.13 (0.16) years. 16.2% (n = 44) had overweight and 4.4% (n = 12) had obesity based on their BMI centile. Boys had a quicker mean (SD) heart rate recovery after the step test than girls (112.5 (47.7) seconds vs. 128.8 (62.5) seconds, p = 0.02). Participants with a slower recovery time (> 105 s) had higher median (IQR) sum of skinfolds (35.5 (11.8) mm vs. 34.0 (10.0) mm, p = 0.02) and median (IQR) sum of subscapular and triceps skinfold (15.6 (4.4) mm vs. 14.4 (4.0) mm, p = 0.02) compared to participants with a quicker recovery time. After adjusting for confounders (child sex, age at study visit, breastfeeding, effort in the step test), linear regression analyses revealed heart rate recovery time after stepping was positively associated with sum of skinfolds (B = 0.034, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.06, p = 0.007).ConclusionChild adiposity was positively associated with heart rate recovery time after the step test. A simple stepping test could be used as a non-invasive and inexpensive fitness tool in 5-year-olds. Additional research is needed to validate the ROLO Kids step test in preschool children.

Physical activity and/or dietary intervention in overweight or obese breast cancer survivors: results of the InForma randomized trial.

This study aimed to test the efficacy of a 6-month intervention on weight loss in a group of overweight or obese breast cancer (BC) survivors. We promoted adherence to a healthy diet or/and to increase physical activity, making use of a step counter device. Here we present results regarding the change in anthropometric measures and blood parameters. 266 women treated for BC with a BMI ≥ 25kg/m2 were randomized to a 6-month intervention into four arms: Dietary Intervention (DI); Physical Activity Intervention (PAI); Physical Activity and Dietary Intervention (PADI); Minimal Intervention (MI). Women were offered individualized counseling by a dietitian, a physiotherapist and a psychologist. Participants were followed up for an additional 18months. 231 women completed the 6-month intervention and 167 completed the additional 18-month follow-up. Respectively, 37.5% and 36.7% of women included in the DI and PADI arm reached the objective of the trial (weight reduction > 5%). Significant weight and circumferences decrease was observed at 6-month in the four arms. Weight decrease was more pronounced in the DI (-4.7% ± 5.0%) and PADI (-3.9% ± 4.5%) arms, persisted over time (at 12 and 24months), where counseling was mainly focused on the dietic component. The intervention had an effect on the glucose level with a significant reduction in whole population (-0.9 ± 11.7 p-value 0.02) and most pronounced in the PADI arm (-2.4 ± 7.8 p-value 0.03). Lifestyle intervention mainly focused on the dietetic component and making use of a step counter improved body weight, circumferences and glucose levels. A personalized approach yields a potential clinical benefit for BC survivors.

Changes in body weight and body composition during the menstrual cycle.

The general perception is that menstrual cycle is a factor related to body weight and body composition fluctuations in women. The lack of a standardized methodology of the so far conducted studies has led to controversial results. The aim of the current study is to identify if there are any changes in body weight and body composition during the menstrual cycle. In the current study measurements of body weight, circumferences, skinfolds and body composition with bioelectrical impedance analysis were conducted twice per week in 42 women during their menstrual cycle. Body weight was found to be statistically significantly higher during menstruation compared to the first week of the menstrual cycle by 0.450 kg, which could be attributed to a statistically significant increase of 0.474 kg observed in extracellular water. No other statistically significant changes were observed regarding body composition. An increase of approximately 0.5 kg was observed during women's menstrual cycle, mostly due to extracellular fluid retention at menstruation days. These findings could be taken into account to interpret body weight and composition periodic fluctuations in women of reproductive age.

Assessment of body linear measurements of semi-intensively managed Bunaji calves raised during major dry season in the derived savanna zone of Nigeria

Survival of semi-intensively managed cattle during dry season is critical towards their successful development. Cattle are of large size that obviously require high volume of feeds, for sustenance and productive purposes. A completely randomized design study over a period of three months during the major dry season (January to March) was carried out. The mean body measurements [chest girth (CG), body length (BL), body circumference (BC), tail length (TL), height at withers (HW) and body weights (BW)] were monitored fortnightly. The calves were allowed to graze in the morning, between 7.00 - 11.00 h and concentrate feed of 2 kg/day was offered in the afternoon on daily basis. Results from the study showed that the all the body measurements for the males increased till 6th week of the study, decreased till 9th week and thereafter increased till the 12th week. The estimated body weight for the males were 113.27 kg and 118.16 kg for the females at the end of the study. The mean CG was 122.89± 3.54 cm, BC was 132.41± 4.45 cm, TL was 81.74 ±2.01 cm, BL 89.54 ± 2.01 cm, HW 102.24 ± 3.22 cm and BW was 125.04 ± 2.89 kg. The correlation coefficient values were generally positive and significant. Highest positive correlations with significant differences were observed in all the parameters except for CG and BL (r= -0.07); and BL and HW (r= -0.57) which were negatively correlated. It was concluded that Bunaji calves would survive remarkably, with improved body measurements and weight gain if managed semi-intensively with available forage and concentrate during the dry season.

The examination of the relationship between body composition and acceleration

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of body composition on acceleration. A total of 63 men, who are recreationally active and part of different sports branches (soccer, judo, basketball, tennis, taekwondo, and athletics), participated in the research voluntarily. Some of the participants’ characteristics were measured respectively including mean age (20.52±1.635 years), mean body height (179.25±7.121 cm), mean body weight (72.44±10.066 kg), and mean sports age (6.90±3.125 years). Data were collected through using a 3-door photocell, a measuring tape, and a Skinfold caliper. When the results were examined, mean body mass index (BMI=22.498±2.217 kg/m2), mean skinfold measurements (SM=8.34±2.975 mm), mean body circumference measurements (BCM=71.76±4.581 cm), mean body fat % (19.277±4.731), mean 10 m acceleration (1.74±0.096 sec) and mean 15 m acceleration (2.40±0.171 sec). It was concluded that one unit change in body fat percentage (BF%) affects 10 m acceleration performance at the rate of 0.006, while one unit change in BF% affects 15 m acceleration performance at the rate of 0.01. It was observed that the SM affected the acceleration performance of 10 m at the rate of 0.008, while it affected the acceleration performance of 15 m at the rate of 0.017. Additionally, it was determined that BMI affects 15 m acceleration performance at the rate of 0.19. In addition, the body fat percentage explains the 10 m acceleration performance by 9.4% (p