Decrease In Body Fat Percentage Research Articles

Diabetes-specific formula with standard of care improves glycemic control, body composition, and cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese adults with type 2 diabetes: results from a randomized controlled trial

Background and aimsMedical nutrition therapy is important for diabetes management. This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of a diabetes-specific formula (DSF) on glycemic control and cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D).MethodsParticipants (n = 235) were randomized to either DSF with standard of care (SOC) (DSF group; n = 117) or SOC only (control group; n = 118). The DSF group consumed one or two DSF servings daily as meal replacement or partial meal replacement. The assessments were done at baseline, on day 45, and on day 90.ResultsThere were significant reductions in glycated hemoglobin (−0.44% vs. –0.26%, p = 0.015, at day 45; −0.50% vs. −0.21%, p = 0.002, at day 90) and fasting blood glucose (−0.14 mmol/L vs. +0.32 mmol/L, p = 0.036, at day 90), as well as twofold greater weight loss (−1.30 kg vs. –0.61 kg, p < 0.001, at day 45; −1.74 kg vs. –0.76 kg, p < 0.001, at day 90) in the DSF group compared with the control group. The decrease in percent body fat and increase in percent fat-free mass at day 90 in the DSF group were almost twice that of the control group (1.44% vs. 0.79%, p = 0.047). In addition, the percent change in visceral adipose tissue at day 90 in the DSF group was several-fold lower than in the control group (−6.52% vs. –0.95%, p < 0.001). The DSF group also showed smaller waist and hip circumferences, and lower diastolic blood pressure than the control group (all overall p ≤ 0.045).ConclusionDSF with SOC yielded significantly greater improvements than only SOC in glycemic control, body composition, and cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with T2D.

Which performance markers have the greatest impact on lacrosse point production?

Purpose: The purpose of this literature review was to explore what performance markers have the greatest impact on lacrosse point production. Method: A literature search was performed using the Google Scholar database. All articles were accessed through a combination of the Lasell University Library and Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis Library. Some journals that were included in this paper are Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, Journal of Athletic Enhancement, International Journal of Exercise Science and many others. The initial criteria for sources were set for peer reviewed articles within the last 10 years. Due to a void in research, older sources were included to help provide a bigger picture of the research. Results: Of the 32 studies, 12 looked at men’s lacrosse, 16 looked at women’s lacrosse, 2 studies collected data from both men’s and women’s teams, and lastly 1 included article looked at sports that were not lacrosse. Of the 32 studies, 24 of them explore performance markers, 2 studies explored exclusively point production variables, and 6 studies looked at the relationship between performance markers and point production. Conclusion: All studies included in this paper create a fundamental base of research for the sport of lacrosse. The base of suggestions from this article appears to be improvements should focus on decreasing body fat percentage, improving anaerobic training, and increasing muscular strength. All three of which could be linked together physiologically.

Impact of a Special Operations Forces Basic Training on Body Composition and Energy Expenditure.

The Belgian Special Operations Regiment undergoes an 8-week basic training course (SOF Basic Course) following the Military Initiation Phase. The aims of the present study were to estimate energy expenditure and changes in body composition during SOF Basic Course. A multi frequency body composition analyser assessed baseline and endpoint body composition. For the purpose of estimating energy expenditure, 41 participants were fitted with triaxial accelerometers. T-tests were performed on paired and unpaired samples in order to estimate statistical significance. Effect size was estimated with Cohen's d. SOF Basic Course was completed by 88 out of 126 participants. The participants' mean (SD) age was 25.0 (4.1) years, weight was 77.6 (8.6) kg, and body fat percentage was 15.3% (3.3). Body weight of completers decreased from 78.3 (8.8) kg to 76.4 (8.0) kg (P = 0.01). Also, body fat decreased by 3.1 (1.8) kg (P = 0.01), and muscle mass increased by 1.2 (1.7) kg (P = 0.01). There was a decrease in body fat percentage from 15.3% (3.3) to 11.6% (3.4) (P = 0.01), with a Cohen's effect size of 1.86.The loss of 3.1 kg of body fat corresponds to a loss of 21,700.0 kcal (90.3 MJ) or 362.0 kcal.d-1 (1.5 MJ.d-1). The mean (SD) energy expenditure by physical activity was 1,943.0 (653.8) kcal.d-1 (14.6 [2.7] MJ.d-1). The average (SD) total energy expenditure was 4,088.0 (710.0) kcal.d-1 (36.8 [3.8] MJ.d-1). Tactical athletes must perform in hypo-energetic environment. Research in the future should investigate the impact of increased energy intake on body composition.

Trans men can achieve adequate muscular development through low-dose testosterone therapy: A long-term study on body composition changes.

Transgender individuals undergo the gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) to achieve physical changes consistent with their gender identity. Few studies are available on the long-term safety and efficacy of GAHT. To investigate the long-term physical effects and the safety of the testosterone therapy for trans men and to assess the impact of differential hormone dose. Trans men who initiated GAHT between May 2000 and December 2021 were included in this retrospective analysis. Physical findings (body mass index, body fat percentage (BFP), lean body mass (LBM), and grip strength), blood testing results (hemoglobin, hematocrit, uric acid, creatinine, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and total testosterone), and menstrual cessation were recorded. We assessed the effects of testosterone on body composition changes and laboratory parameters, comparing a low-dose group (≤ 62.5mg/wk) to a high-dose group(>62.5mg/wk). Of 291 participants, 188 patients (64.6%) were in the low-dose group and 103 (35.4%) in the high-dose group. Cumulative menstrual cessation rates up to 12 months were not significantly different between groups. Both groups showed a decrease in BFP and an increase in LBM during the first year of therapy, followed by a slight increase in both over the long term. The high-dose group exhibited greater LBM gains during the first year. Higher hormone doses and lower initial LBM values were associated with LBM increases at 3 and 6 months (3mo, P=0.006, P<0.001; 6mo, P=0.015, P<0.001). There were no long-term, dose-dependent side effects such as polycythemia or dyslipidemia. Long-term GAHT for trans men is safe and effective. Low-dose testosterone administration is sufficient to increase LBM in trans men. Higher testosterone doses can lead to an earlier increase in muscle mass.

Comparing verum and sham acupoint catgut embedding for adults with obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Previous clinical trials have reported that acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) is a useful modality for weight loss. However, no study has specifically investigated the effectiveness and safety of comparing verum and sham ACE in adults with obesity. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of comparing verum and sham ACE in obese adults. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the electronic databases of PUBMED, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and China Biomedical Literature Service System from inception to April 1, 2022. Randomized clinical trials that focused on evaluating the effectiveness of comparing verum and sham ACE in adults with obesity were included. The primary outcomes included reduction in body weight, body mass index, hip circumference, and waist circumference. The secondary outcomes consisted of a decrease in body fat percentage and the occurrence rate of adverse events. The methodological quality of the included randomized clinical trials was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk-of-bias tool. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. Six trials involving 679 adults with obesity were included in this study and entered in the data analysis of systematic review and meta-analysis. Results of the meta-analysis revealed significant reduction in body weight (mean difference [MD] = -1.68, 95% confidence intervals (CI) [-2.34, -1.01], I2 = 51%, P < .001), body mass index (MD = -0.51, 95% CI [-0.81, -0.21], I2 = 74%, P < .001), hip circumference (MD = -1.11, 95% CI [-1.67, -0.55], I2 = 0%, P < .001), waist circumference (MD = -2.42, 95% CI [-3.38, -1.45], I2 = 68%, P < .001), and decrease in body fat percentage (MD = -0.83, 95% CI [-1.30, -0.36], I2 = 16%, P < .001) in comparing verum and sham ACE. However, no significant difference was identified in AEs (odds ratio = 1.53, 95% CI [0.80, 2.95], I2 = 0%, P = .20) between the 2 groups. ACE is effective in the treatment of obesity in adults with safety profile. Further studies with higher quality and larger sample size are warranted to confirm the current findings.

Effects of weight loss rate on myostatin and follistatin dynamics in patients with obesity.

Exercise-induced cytokines involved in controlling body composition include myostatin (MST) and follistatin (FST), both of which are influenced by physical activity. This study investigated changes in body composition and physical activity during a weight loss program, as well as the impact on serum MST and FST levels at various weight loss rates. A total of 126 patients with obesity who completed a 6-month weight loss program were divided into three groups based on weight loss rate (%): low (< 3%), middle (3-10%), and high (≥10%). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used for assessing physical activity, whereas dual X-ray absorptiometry was used to determine body composition. Serum MST and FST levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The middle and high groups showed a significant decrease in percent body fat and a significant increase in percent lean body mass and physical activity. Serum MST levels increased significantly in all three groups, although FST levels reduced significantly only in the middle group. After adjusting for sex and body composition, changes in peak oxygen intake (β = -0.359) and serum FST levels (β = -0.461) were identified as independent factors for the change in MST levels in the low group. Sex (β = -0.420) and changes in MST levels (β = -0.525) were identified as independent factors for the change in serum FST levels in the low group, whereas in the high group, sitting time (β = -0.600) during the weight loss program was identified as an independent factor for change in serum FST levels. Serum MST levels in patients with obesity increased significantly following the weight loss program, independent of weight loss rate. In contrast, serum FST levels reduced significantly only in the 3-10% weight loss group. These findings indicate that MST and FST secretion dynamics may fluctuate in response to physical activity, while also reflecting feedback regulation of body composition and metabolism during weight reduction.

Evaluating Change in Body Composition and Impact of Menarche Across a Competitive Season in Elite Collegiate Gymnasts

The purpose of this study was to evaluate change in bone mineral density (BMD), BMD percentile (BMDp), lean mass (LM), fat-free mass index, body fat percentage (BF%), and muscle size (mCSA) and quality (EI) in collegiate female gymnasts over a competitive season and characterize the impact of menarche on changes. Twenty gymnasts completed a validated survey to assess age of menarche. Body composition was assessed via whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans at pre- and postseason. mCSA and EI were determined from a panoramic ultrasound scan of the vastus lateralis. Pre- to postseason changes were evaluated using paired sample t tests, and strength of relationships between were analyzed via bivariate correlations and linear regression. Significant losses in body fat percentage (Δ -1.1 ± 1.9%; p = .022) and EI (Δ -5.0 ± 5.8 a.u.; p = .002) were observed. No significant changes were observed in BMDp, mCSA, BMD, LM, or fat-free mass index (p = .310–.869). Age of menarche (15.4 ± 1.5 years) was negatively correlated with Δ BMDp (r = −.454; p = .044) and Δ mCSA (r = −.658; p = .002), explaining 21% and 43% of variation in Δ BMDp and Δ mCSA, respectively. Positive outcomes of gymnastics training, such as gains in LM and mCSA, may be attenuated by delayed menarche, suggested by increased EI and decreased body fat percentage, despite no changes in mCSA or overall LM. These findings may indicate a higher priority of fat utilization within the muscle over muscle and bone growth. Considering menarche as a significant predictor for Δ mCSA, this lack of increase (despite improved EI), may signify increased injury risk resulting from team-specific training style or insufficient energy intake to support appropriate muscle growth.

A Systematic Review for Stand-up Paddle

Background: The goal is to investigate how the length and height of passes impact a team's performance in national championships. A predictive model will be developed to analyse the success of different pass characteristics, including short, medium, and long length and ground, low, and high height. The model will be based on the points earned and will determine which combination of pass characteristics is most effective. Objective: Therefore, this systematic review aims to identify and synthesize the external and internal parameters commonly used to evaluate SUP performance under different test conditions. Methods: The search was conducted in multiple scientific databases (Google Scholar, MEDLINE/(PubMed), Science Direct, and Web of Science) and was completed on January 31, 2022, using the following keywords: “stand up paddle,” “stand up paddling”, and “stand up paddle boarding.” Results: Twenty-one articles were selected, involving a total of 238 subjects at both the competitive and recreational levels. SUP athletes have increased muscle mass, decreased body fat percentage, and used more efficient paddling techniques, highlighting the importance of equipment evaluation in improving athletic performance. Conclusion: More research is needed to improve the performance and expand the culture of SUP. The integration of specific technologies can help to understand better the variables that affect performance outcomes.

Effect of 12-week rehearsal on cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition in Brazilian samba dancers.

To investigate the effect of 12 weeks of rehearsals on cardiorespiratory parameters and body composition in Brazilian samba dancers belonging to a first-league samba school. Twenty-six women were divided into a Samba Group (n=13) and a Control Group (n=13). Cardiorespiratory parameters (cardiopulmonary exercise test) and body composition (skinfold assessment) were assessed before and after the 12 weeks of rehearsals. The Samba Group rehearsed three times per week for 30-60 minutes, and the Control Group participated in no physical activity. A comparison test was performed within and between groups, with p<0.05 indicating statistical significance. Compared with the Control Group, the Samba Group showed a significant increase in maximal oxygen uptake (19%), oxygen pulse (13%), and lean body mass (3%) and a decrease in body fat percentage (11%) and fat mass (12%). Twelve weeks of samba dance rehearsals improved the cardiorespiratory and body composition parameters in women dancers compared with the Control Group. These findings suggest that dancing samba regularly can increase physical activity levels and positively affect the health parameters of samba dancers.

Antiobesity Effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Fermented Barley Extracts via the Interactions with Gut Microbiota of the Obese Adult Humans

Extracts of fermented barley with Lactiplantibacillus plantarumdy-1 (LFBE) have been reported to exert antiobesity activity in vivo and in vitro. However, whether it worked in clinical trials remained uncovered. In the current study, we conducted a single-blind experiment by enrolling on some obese adult humans with hyperlipemia to test the effects of products containing LFBE (No. ChiCTR1800019614 by the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry). Results indicated that LFBE intervention could ameliorate the symptoms of the obese, characterized by the decrease of body fat percentage, visceral fat area, and serum lipid levels. More interestingly, products containing the β-glucan ingredients had similar antiobesity effects. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that LFBE modulated the community structure of the gut microbiota of the obese adults as shown by the diversity analysis. For gut microbiota composition, LFBE significantly increased the Bacteroides genus while decreasing Streptococcus and Haemophilus genus. At the species level, beneficial microorganisms such as Bifidobacterium_longum_subsp_longum, Alistipes_sp_AL-1, Bacteroides_plebeius, and Bacteroides_vulgatus were enriched by LFBE, which was different from the effects of β-glucan. Furthermore, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis indicated that LFBE particularly regulated the steroid biosynthesis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy pathways. Furthermore, correlation analysis suggested that body fat percentage and visceral fat area were significantly positively correlated with Desulfovibrio and Sutterella, the basal metabolic rate was negatively correlated with Haemophilus, and fasting blood glucose was positively correlated with Dialister. In all, this clinical study demonstrated the antiobesity function of LFBE in humans, probably via its interactions with the gut microbiota, and LFBE could be developed as a prebiotic ingredient with antiobesity effects for a healthy diet. This trial is registered with ChiCTR1800019614.

Resistance Exercise and Creatine Supplementation on Fat Mass in Adults < 50 Years of Age: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The combination of resistance exercise and creatine supplementation has been shown to decrease body fat percentage in adults ≥ 50 years of age. However, the effect on adults < 50 years of age is currently unknown. To address this limitation, we systematically reviewed the literature and performed several meta-analyses comparing studies that included resistance exercise and creatine supplementation to resistance exercise and placebo on fat mass and body fat percentage Twelve studies were included, involving 266 participants. Adults (<50 years of age) who supplemented with creatine and performed resistance exercise experienced a very small, yet significant reduction in body fat percentage (-1.19%, p = 0.006); however, no difference was found in absolute fat mass (-0.18 kg, p = 0.76). Collectively, in adults < 50 years of age, the combination of resistance exercise and creatine supplementation produces a very small reduction in body fat percentage without a corresponding decrease in absolute fat mass.

노인 당뇨병 환자들의 신체활동이 우울과 삶의 만족에 미치는 영향

Objectives The primary aim of this study is to identify the factors that influence the psychological well-being of elderly individuals with diabetes through the implementation of a physical activity exercise program. Additionally, the study seeks to analyze the changes that occur in these factors.&#x0D; Methods A cohort of nine elderly diabetic patients, who received education at the J Diabetes and Hypertension Registration Education Center in J City, participated in an eight-week exercise program conducted on a weekly basis. Pre- and post-program assessments were performed to measure the outcomes. Subsequently, interviews were conducted with the participants upon completion of the program to evaluate its effects and analyze the obtained results.&#x0D; Results The findings of study indicated that the exercise program implemented for elderly diabetic patients had some impacts, albeit not statistically significant, on various health indicators. The intervention led to a minor reduction of 0.3 in body mass index and a 0.5 decrease in body fat percentage. However, these changes did not show statistical significance. Similarly, the Berg Balance Scale evaluation showed a moderate increase of 0.44, but this increase did not reach statistical significance either. Nonetheless, when examining specific aspects of balance perception, the study indicated noteworthy and statistically significant results (p&lt;.001). With respect to psychological factors, the findings indicated a slight reduction of 0.25 points in depression scores and a modest increase of 0.2 points in life satisfaction scores. However, similar to the physical health indicators, these changes did not show statistical significance. Notably, during the qualitative interviews conducted with the participants, positive experiences were reported by the participants regarding adecrease in depressive symptoms and an overall improvement in life satisfaction.&#x0D; Conclusions The findings of this study indicate that the exercise program leads to a significant reduction in body mass index and body fat, along with an improvement in balance perception. Additionally, it exerts a positive influence on psychological factors by reducing depressive symptoms and increasing life satisfaction among elderly individuals with diabetes. Further research is required to explore the health status, levels of depression, and life satisfaction of elderly diabetic patients in more depth.

Verification of the effect of an exercise programme using walking and diet adjustment in hypertension

One of the leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease is hypokinesis. Therefore, an exercise regimen is emphasized for the prevention and control of hypertension, while at the same time aiming to reduce overall cardiovascular risk in addition to achieving normal blood pressure values.&#x0D; The aim of this study was to verify the effect of an exercise programme using walking and dietary modification on the reduction of blood pressure values in hypertension, while the effect of the intervention on weight reduction and change in body composition was also studied.&#x0D; The research method in our work was case study. The proband was a physically inactive overweight woman, age 55 years, treated hypertensive, whose blood pressure at entry to the program reached the values of mild hypertension even with treatment. Baseline data were resting blood pressure values measured for 7 days in the morning and evening, a two-day record of physical activity, a seven-day record of diet, diagnosis and analysis of body composition with the InBody device, and calculation of the WHR index. The proband developed a physical activity intervention program using walking for 12 weeks, a minimum of 5 times per week, at moderate intensity, with a gradual increase in daily walking time from 30 to 60 min/day. As an adjunct to the exercise intervention, she was recommended a dietary modification. At the end of the follow-up period, blood pressure values were measured in the same way, a diagnostic and body composition analysis was performed with the InBody device, and the WHR index was calculated. The intervention program was also evaluated in relation to overweight and body composition as important factors in hypertension.&#x0D; After 12 weeks of the intervention programme, the mean reduction in systolic blood pressure was 6,29 mmHg in the morning and 4,86 mmHg in the evening. The average reduction in diastolic blood pressure was 4,57 mmHg in the morning and 3,14 mmHg in the evening. There was also a decrease in heart rate by an average of 4,07 beats per minute. At the same time, the intervention program led to a reduction in the proband's body weight (by 7,2 kg), a decrease in BMI (from 27,8 to 25,5 kg/m2), a decrease in body fat percentage (by 3,9 %) and a decrease in WHR index (from 0,91 to 0,88).&#x0D; These results confirmed that regular physical activity and dietary modification play an important role in the treatment of high blood pressure and verified the effectiveness of expert recommendations in hypertension. They also confirmed the positive effect of these recommendations on weight reduction and body composition. In summary, this work verified the beneficial effects of walking supported by dietary modification on the following risk factors for cardiovascular disease - high blood pressure, overweight, body fat, and central obesity.

Resistance training diminishes mitochondrial adaptations to subsequent endurance training in healthy untrained men.

We investigated the effects of performing a period of resistance training (RT) on the performance and molecular adaptations to a subsequent period of endurance training (ET). Twenty-five young adults were divided into an RT+ET group (n=13), which underwent 7weeks of RT followed by 7weeks of ET, and an ET-only group (n=12), which performed 7weeks of ET. Body composition, endurance performance and muscle biopsies were collected before RT (T1, baseline for RT+ET), before ET (T2, after RT for RT+ET and baseline for ET) and after ET (T3). Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine fibre cross-sectional area (fCSA), myonuclear content, myonuclear domain size, satellite cell number and mitochondrial content. Western blots were used to quantify markers of mitochondrial remodelling. Citrate synthase activity and markers of ribosome content were also investigated. RT improved body composition and strength, increased vastus lateralis thickness, mixed and type II fCSA, myonuclear number, markers of ribosome content, and satellite cell content (P<0.050). In response to ET, both groups similarly decreased body fat percentage (P<0.0001) and improved endurance performance (e.g. , and speed at which the onset of blood lactate accumulation occurred, P<0.0001). Levels of mitochondrial complexes I-IV in the ET-only group increased 32-66%, while those in the RT+ET group increased 1-11% (time, P<0.050). Additionally, mixed fibre relative mitochondrial content increased 15% in the ET-only group but decreased 13% in the RT+ET group (interaction, P=0.043). In conclusion, RT performed prior to ET had no additional benefits to ET adaptations. Moreover, prior RT seemed to impair mitochondrial adaptations to ET. KEY POINTS: Resistance training is largely underappreciated as a method to improve endurance performance, despite reports showing it may improve mitochondrial function. Although several concurrent training studies are available, in this study we investigated the effects of performing a period of resistance training on the performance and molecular adaptations to subsequent endurance training. Prior resistance training did not improve endurance performance and impaired most mitochondrial adaptations to subsequent endurance training, but this effect may have been a result of detraining from resistance training.

Numerical investigation on energy efficiency and pollutant emission of a green double-chambered cremator

Cremation is the main approach to disposing of corpses as a traditional burial substitute. With the increasing number of deaths from the aging society, the growing trend of hazard pollutant and carbon emissions from crematories requires immediate actions to promote upgrades to existing cremators. However, a comprehensive optimizing of crematories is challenging because energy conservation and reduction of HAPs conflictly require reducing and increasing the combustion intensity, respectively. To solve the dilemma, this study developed a 3-D numerical model for the combustion and heat transfer processes in a double-chambered cremator. The model was validated by the experimental data extracted from an in-operation crematoria plant. The effect of cremator structure, fuel usage, and air–fuel ratio on velocity and temperature distributions in the chambers were quantitatively evaluated to satisfy the requirements for the energy consumption and the pollutant reduction. Up to 60% of fuel usage reduction was achieved by optimizing the inlet conditions compared to the conventional cremators. A clearly decline in combustion intensity was observed with a decreasing body fat percentage. Adopting an inter-chamber conduction layer helped to transport a maximum of 3079 kJ heat from the primary chamber to the secondary chamber, which contributed to the energy conservation for the green cremator.

Pilates-mat training and detraining: Effects on body composition and physical fitness in pilates-trained women

IntroductionPilates-mat is an effective training method to enhance several physiological and fitness parameters, although the effects of pilates-mat detraining on body composition and physical fitness remains largely unknown. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of pilates-mat training and detraining on body composition and physical fitness in pilates-trained females. MethodsTwenty females (age: 45.1 ± 8.7 years) followed an 8-week pilates-mat training program followed by a 3-week detraining period. Measurements performed at the beginning of the training intervention, at the end of the 8-week training program and at the end of the 3-week detraining period and included: anthropometric characteristics, body composition analysis, thigh, hip and waist circumferences, blood pressure, heart rate at rest (HRr), maximum handgrip strength, abdominal curls, lower body flexibility and aerobic capacity. ResultsPilates-mat training significantly decreased body fat percentage (BF%), visceral fat and HRr (p < 0.05) but these variables returned to baseline after detraining. Trunk fat, thigh and waist circumferences decreased significantly after training and remained significantly low following detraining (p < 0.05). Abdominal curls, lower body flexibility and aerobic capacity increased significantly following pilates-mat training and remained unchanged after detraining (p < 0.05). ConclusionsThese results suggest that 8 weeks of pilates-mat training enhanced body composition and physical fitness and these physiological and physical fitness benefits were remained unaltered during the 3-week of pilates-mat detraining period. However, BF% and visceral fat returned to baseline levels following the detraining period suggesting that for maintaining the reduction in BF% and visceral fat a long-period of pilates-mat detraining should be avoided.

Relationship of the Behavior of Older Participants with Body Composition Change: Results of the Second Wave of the Cognition of Older People, Education, Recreational Activities, Nutrition, Comorbidities, and Functional Capacity Studies (COPERNICUS).

To examine the relationship between the frequency of physical activities and food product consumption with body composition change after two years in a sample of older people. Body composition, mass change, frequency of physical activity, and food products consumption were measured. Depression severity, health self-assessment, cognitive function, and demographic data were included as confounders. There were no significant changes in body composition except for a reduction in visceral fat level within two years (p < 0.05). Drinking beer and eating sweets a few times per week were associated with a significant increase in body fat percentage (p < 0.05). Drinking green or white tea more frequently than a few times per year was related to an increase in body fat (3.18 to 3.88%, p < 0.05). Contrarily, daily consumption of coffee was related to a decrease in body fat (p = 0.029). Subjects who ate sweets once a week or more frequently consumed coffee more often. More frequent drinking of beer or of green or white tea and consumption of sweets were related to an increase in body fat percentage, while daily coffee consumption was related to a decrease in body fat percentage after two years in older, healthy subjects. Noteworthily, the frequencies of food product consumption are interrelated.

Effect of different doses of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei K56 on body fat and metabolic parameters in adult individuals with obesity: a pilot study

BackgroundStudies have shown that probiotics have an effect on reducing body fat on a strain-specific and dose–response bases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a novel probiotic strain Lacticaseibacillus paracasei K56 on body fat and metabolic biomarkers in adult individuals with obesity.Methods74 adult subjects with obesity (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2, or percent body fat > 25% for men, percent body fat > 30% for women) were randomized into 5 groups and supplemented with different doses of K56 (groups VL_K56, L_K56, H_K56, and VH_K56: K56 capsules, 2 × 107 CFU/day, 2 × 109 CFU/day, 2 × 1010 CFU/day, 2 × 1011 CFU/day, respectively) or placebo (group Pla: placebo capsule) for 60 days. Subjects were advised to maintain their original dietary intake and physical activity. Anthropometric measurements, body composition assessment, and metabolic parameters were measured at baseline and after 60 days of intervention.ResultsThe results showed that the L_K56 group had significant decreases in percent body fat (p = 0.004), visceral fat area (p = 0.0007), total body fat mass (p = 0.018), trunk body fat mass (p = 0.003), waist circumference (p = 0.003), glycosylated hemoglobin(p = 0.002) at the end of the study compared with baseline. There were non-significant reductions in Body weight and BMI in the L_K56, H_K56, VL_K56 groups, whereas increases were observed in the placebo and VH_K56 groups compared with baseline values. In addition, K56 supplementation modulated gut microbiota characteristics and diversity indices in the L-K56 group. However, mean changes in body fat mass, visceral fat area, weight, body mass index, waist circumference and hip circumference were not significantly different between groups.ConclusionsThe results suggest that supplementation with different doses of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei K56 has certain effect on reducing body fat and glycosylated hemoglobin, especially at a dose of 109 CFU/day.Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT04980599.

Influence of Strength Training Variables on Neuromuscular and Morphological Adaptations in Prepubertal Children: A Systematic Review

Strength training in prepubertal children is one of the topics that has aroused the most interest and controversy among training professionals in recent years. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the available scientific evidence on the influence of strength training variables on morphological and/or neuromuscular adaptations in healthy prepubertal populations with no previous experience in this type of training according to the descriptive sample characteristics. According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis, 22 studies were selected after a systematic search and selection process using four electronic databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and SPORT Discus. Furthermore, the internal validity of the studies included was assessed using the modified PEDro scale. The sample consisted of 604 prepubertal children (age, 10.02 ± 0.75 years), of whom 473 were boys and 131 were girls, with 104 strength training programs recorded. Strength training resulted in a significant increase in jumping (n = 29) and sprinting (n = 13) abilities. Moreover, muscle strength was increased in 100% of the cases. Morphologically, strength training resulted in a decrease in body fat percentage (n = 19) and an increase in lean body mass (n = 17). With regard to gender, increases in general sport skills and basic physical abilities were significant in males but not in females. Thus, the results are more heterogeneous in girls due to the small number of studies carried out. Therefore, this research provides practical applications for coaches to design and implement more effective training programs to maximize adaptations, enhance physical performance, and reduce injury risk.

Chronic Adaptations to Eccentric Cycling Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of eccentric cycling (ECCCYC) training on performance, physiological, and morphological parameters in comparison to concentric cycling (CONCYC) training. Searches were conducted using PubMed, Embase, and ScienceDirect. Studies comparing the effect of ECCCYC and CONCYC training regimens on performance, physiological, and/or morphological parameters were included. Bayesian multilevel meta-analysis models were used to estimate the population's mean difference between chronic responses from ECCCYC and CONCYC training protocols. Group levels and meta-regression were used to evaluate the specific effects of subjects and study characteristics. Fourteen studies were included in this review. The meta-analyses showed that ECCCYC training was more effective in increasing knee extensor strength, vastus lateralis fiber cross-sectional area, and six-minute walking distance compared to CONCYC. Moreover, ECCCYC was as effective as CONCYC in decreasing body fat percentage. CONCYC was more effective in increasing V˙O2max and peak power output attained during concentric incremental tests. However, group-level analyses revealed that ECCCYC was more effective than CONCYC in improving V˙O2max in patients with cardiopulmonary diseases. ECCCYC is a viable modality for exercise interventions aiming to improve parameters of muscle strength, hypertrophy, functional capacity, aerobic power, and body composition, with more advantages than CONCYC training in improving neuromuscular variables.