Harpenden Skinfold Caliper Research Articles

NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND SOME RELATED FACTORS IN MEDICAL STUDENTS

Background: Today, the global challenge of malnutrition encompasses both undernutrition and overweight, particularly prevalent in low and middle-income nations. Excessive body fat accumulation poses health risks for overweight and obese individuals. Objectives: To assess nutritional status and identify related factors among Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy (CTUMP) medical students. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 137 first-year medical students at CTUMP to evaluate their body fat percentage using the Harpenden Skinfold Caliper. Skinfold measurements were taken from the bicipital, tricipital, subscapular, and suprailiac sites. Furthermore, physical activity levels were classified using the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) consisting of 16 questions on 4 domains. The research was carried out at CTUMP from December 2022 to June 2023. Results: Compared to urban areas, a higher percentage of male students engage in physical activity in rural areas; however, this trend is not observed among female students. Additionally, female students exhibited thicker skin folds in four areas (biceps, triceps, suprailiac, and subscapular) compared to male students. Conversely, the fold thickness in the suprailiac region was greater in female students. The mean body fat percentage was 20.40±4.61% in male students and 30.48±4.32% in female students. Non-obese students comprised the majority in this study, with 84.3% of male students being non-obese. Among female students, 53.7% were classified as obese and 46.3% as non-obese. There was insufficient evidence to indicate differences between residential student groups and physical activity levels. Conclusions: The study reveals that the majority of participating students are non-obese. Furthermore, the average body fat percentage among women is found to be higher compared to both men and the general population. However, there is inadequate evidence to show variances among student groups residing in diverse areas or partaking in varying levels of physical activity.

294 KISS1 Knockout Boars Have Decreased Concentrations of Gonadotropins Leading to Smaller Testes and Reduced Skatole in Backfat

Abstract In swine production, boars are castrated to prevent boar taint from testicular androgens and skatole accumulation in fat. Kisspeptin (KISS1) regulates secretion of gonadotropins and gonadal steroids. We used boars from our line of KISS1-/-pigs (10.3389/fgene.2022.1078991) to understand how loss of KISS1 function affects compounds causing boar taint. Boars were fed ad libitum during development. Body weights and testicular volume (TV) were collected at weaning, 40, 70, 100, 130, 160, and 190 d of age using TV = 4/3*π *a*b2*2 and subtracting scrotal skin thickness measured by a Harpenden skinfold caliper. Average daily gain (ADG) was calculated by subtracting the beginning from ending body weight at each age range and dividing by the number of days. At each age, a blood serum sample was collected by jugular venipuncture to quantify changes in hormones during development. Serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone were quantified with radioimmunoassay and analyzed as repeated measures with genotype (KISS1+/+; KISS1+/-; KISS1-/-; n = 8 – 20 animals per genotype) and age as the fixed effects. Concentrations of androstenone and skatole in backfat (quantified using ELISA and HPLC, respectively) were log transformed and analyzed with ANOVA. Body weight did not differ among KISS1 genotypes but increased normally with age (P < 0.0001). During development, KISS1+/+ and KISS1+/- boars grew at similar rates. Although the ADG of KISS1-/-boars was similar to other genotypes up to 160 d of age, ADG was reduced at 190 d of age (age x genotype; P < 0.05). Mean concentrations of LH and FSH in KISS1+/+ and KISS1+/- boars were similar throughout development (LH, 1.16 ±0.11 and 1.34 ± 0.17 ng/mL; FSH, 0.88 ± 0.06 and 0.89 ± 0.05 ng/mL, respectively), and were greater than KISS1-/- boars (LH, 0.38 ± 0.23 ng/mL; FSH, 0.56 ± 0.07 ng/mL; P < 0.05). TV of KISS1+/+ and KISS1+/- boars did not differ during development and was greater than KISS1-/- boars (P < 0.05), for which testes could not be palpated after 100 d of age. Testosterone concentrations in KISS1+/+ and KISS1+/- increased 40-fold during development but were below detectable limits in KISS1-/- boars (age x genotype; P = 0.06). Androstenone and skatole in KISS1-/- boars (0.30 ± 1.24 µg/g and 12.6 ± 1.6 ng/g, respectively) at 190 d of age was less (P < 0.0001) than in KISS1+/+ and KISS1+/- boars (androstenone, 4.33 ± 1.16 µg/g; skatole, 69.2 ± 1.2 ng/g), which did not differ from one another. Thus, a single functional allele of KISS1 is sufficient to confer normal secretion of reproductive hormones, testicular growth, and skatole in boars. Moreover, knocking out the KISS1 gene will prevent boar taint, but might slightly reduce growth in later stages of development.

Testing the concurrent validity and reliability of a lipowise digital skinfold caliper to assess muscle mass in healthy young adults

The aim of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of a novel tool to assess skinfolds and to compare the muscle mass measured through dual-x-ray-absorptiometry (DXA) and estimated using the Lee equation from the values of the skinfolds and girths in a healthy young adult population. Methods: The present study followed a cross-sectional design, including 38 participants, with 27 males (22.04 ± 5.20 years) and 11 females (21.55 ± 2.39 years). The measurement protocol included a DXA evaluation, basic measurements of body mass and stature, eight skinfolds with two skinfold calipers of different brands (Harpenden and Lipowise), and three girths. The order in which the skinfold calipers were used was randomized. The muscle mass was then calculated using the formula established by Lee et al. Results: No significant differences were found between the two skinfold calipers considering all the outcomes (p > 0.05). The correlation coefficients were between 0.724 and 0.991, which suggest very-large to nearly perfect correlations. The correlations performed revealed that muscle mass estimated from DXA is nearly perfectly correlated with both muscle mass estimated from the data obtained with the Harpenden skinfold caliper (r = 0.955) and muscle mass estimated from the data obtained with the Lipowise skinfold caliper (r = 0.954). From the results, we conclude that Lipowise caliper is an accurate skinfold caliper and it can be an alternative tool for the technician that need to assess body fat or muscle mass in precise, valid and time efficient evaluation. It should be noted that the caution to use skinfold calipers interchangeable with each other when evaluating skinfolds remains a necessity and is advisable to perform the measurements with the same brand and model of skinfold caliper when the purpose is to perform follow-up assessments.

The Effects of Bioimpedance Analysis Results and Upper Extremity Anthropometric Measurements on Grip Strength in Young Adults

Aim: Among the hand functions, grasping is an important function for the continuity of daily living activities. The assessment of grip strength is crucial for identifying athletic prowess, neuromuscular illnesses, assessing potential side effects following hand surgery, and treatment plans. It was aimed to examine whether bioimpedance analysis (BIA) and upper extremity anthropometric measurements are effected grip strength in young adults. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on 110 young adults, 55 males and 55 females, aged 18-25 years. Individuals with a history of trauma, musculoskeletal problems, and cardiac, respiratory, metabolic, or systemic diseases were not included in the study. Non-flexible tape measure, Harpenden anthropometric set, digital caliper, hand dynamometer, and skinfold caliper were used for anthropometric measurements. Body fat percentage and lean body mass, muscle mass, basal metabolic rate, and total body fluid parameters were investigated by bioelectrical impedance measurement. Three measurements were taken to reduce the error rate, and the average of these measurements was considered. Results: Excluding arm circumference, forearm length, and wrist circumference from anthropometric measurements, and mineral from BIA parameters; anthropometric measurements and BIA results were found to be statistically significantly correlated with grip strength. Conclusion: Upper extremity anthropometric measurements and BIA were associated with grip strength and varied according to gender. Significant correlations were found between grip strength with most of the anthropometric parameters and BIA.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, SELF-ESTEEM AND BODY COMPOSITION AMONG MALE COLLEGE TEACHERS

The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship of physical activity level with self-esteem, anthropometric characteristics and body composition among male college teachers. Total 300 male college teachers from different colleges of Malwa Region of Punjab were selected thorough purposive sampling technique. The age of subjects ranged between 31 to 60 years. Height was measured by using the standard anthropometric rod. Body weight of the subjects was measured with a portable weighing machine. Body mass index was then calculated using the formula weight (kg)/height2 (m). The skinfolds thicknesses of body parts of the subjects were taken with Harpenden skinfold caliper. Percentage body fat as estimated from the sum of skinfolds was calculated using standardized equations. Physical activity level of the subjects was evaluated with the help of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) long version (2002). Self-esteem of the subjects was examined with the help of Rosenberg’s self-esteem scale. The results of the study revealed that 30 % of male college teachers were physically inactive, 54.67% were moderately active and 15.33% were highly physically active. It was shown from results that 47 % of male college teachers had normal weight, 41.33% were overweight and 11.67% were reported to be obese. The result of the study shows that physical activity level of college teachers was found to have significantly negative relationship with height (p<0.05), weight (p<0.05), BMI (p<0.05), fat percent (p<0.05) and lean body mass(p<0.05). Self-esteem had significantly positive association (p<0.05) with physical activity level among college teachers. It is concluded that the physical activity enhances the self-esteem and body composition among the college teachers. Article visualizations:

Obesity Prevalence and Determinants among Young Adults, with Special Focus on Normal-Weight Obesity; A Cross-Sectional Study in Mumbai.

Background:India has >135 million obese individuals at present. Body mass index (BMI) has been used to assess obesity until recent times. Later, studies have shown that central body fat (BF) measurements as a reliable predictor of metabolic diseases. Hence, normal-weight obesity (NWO) is defined. Those with a normal range of BMI but increased fat percentage are found to be having metabolic syndromes at a very early life. The young adult group is specifically focused on the study with diet and physical activity as potential determinants; as an intervention at the right time can prevent the development of many noncommunicable diseases.Objectives:The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of obesity and its determinants with special reference to NWO.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted based on diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors on a sample of 269 young adults. Using Harpenden skinfold calipers, BF percentage was calculated based on Jackson and Pollock and Siri's equation. Binary logistic regression was also applied appropriately.Results:The proportion of obesity was 42.01%, and that of NWO was 16.1%. Sex, high protein diet, number of restaurant visits, less homemade tiffin intake, heavy physical activity, alcohol intake were found to be significantly associated with obesity. Intake of fish, physical activity, protein diet, day-time sleep were found to be significantly associated with NWO.Conclusion:The study emphasizes the need for including BF percentage in addition to BMI in regular clinical practice. It may help in preventive and promotive efforts.

Significance of Body Mass Index in the Classification of PCOS: A Comparative Study in Northeast India

ABSTRACTAimTo compare the clinical and biochemical characteristics of obese and lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). To confirm the significance of body mass index (BMI) in classifying PCOS.Materials and methodsThis was a comparative cross-sectional study done at Assam Medical College Hospital, Dibrugarh, Assam, in 1 year. Women who attended the hospital diagnosed to have PCOS based on Rotterdam's criteria were divided into lean and obese with BMI cut-off of 23. Clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical characteristics of both were compared. Body fat percentage was calculated using Harpenden skinfold calipers, and based on it, the lean group was found to have a normal weight, and obese subgroup with body fat percentage more than the cut-off.ResultThere was a significant difference in age, hirsutism score, and family history of diabetes and PCOS between the groups. The systolic blood pressure, serum cholesterol, and serum low-density lipoprotein (S.LDL) were statistically higher in the obese group. The normal weight obese group had features of the lean group, except for hyperandrogenism.ConclusionThe lean and obese PCOS are two discrete groups. Obese patients have a more androgenic and atherogenic lipid profile, but both groups should be screened. Body mass index is the easily available method, but it has a chance of missing out on the normal weight obese PCOS.Clinical significanceFollow-up is needed in both the groups, and the normal weight obese group behaves as the lean PCOS group; hence, BMI can be continued to be used as the differentiating factor.How to cite this articlePillai SS, Phukan PK, Dihingia P. Significance of Body Mass Index in the Classification of PCOS: A Comparative Study in Northeast India. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2020;12(3):145–149.

Assessing the Validity of Bioelectrical Impedance and Skinfold Calipers for Measuring Body Composition in NOLS Backcountry Hikers

The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) conducts backcountry research in an effort to provide the most up-to-date support to its students. Past research efforts have used a variety of body composition measurement tools, including bioelectrical impedance (BIA), skinfold calipers, and air displacement plethysmography (Bod Pod), but these tools are not interchangeable. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and accuracy of the Tanita scale and the Harpenden skinfold calipers for assessing body composition in backcountry hikers. Twenty-two NOLS participants completed a 23-d backpacking trip into the Wind River Range in Wyoming. Pre- and postexpedition anthropometric measures were collected using 3 different body composition measurement tools: Tanita segmental body composition monitor, Harpenden skinfold calipers, and the Bod Pod. For the purposes of this study, the Bod Pod was used as the standard against which other methods were compared. Participants lost a significant amount of weight and fat during the expedition. Fat-free mass increased by 0.4±1.9 kg, but this did not reach significance. A high degree of reliability was found between skinfold calipers and the Bod Pod and between BIA and the Bod Pod. The BIA measurements significantly underreported body fat percentage when compared to the Bod Pod, whereas the skinfold measurements were not significantly different from the Bod Pod, but measurements were more variable. This study shows that the skinfold caliper and the Tanita scale give measurements comparable to the less readily available and more costly Bod Pod measurement in backcountry expedition participants.

Progression in Youth Soccer: Selection and Identification in Youth Soccer Players Aged 13-15 Years.

Bidaurrazaga-Letona, I, Lekue, JA, Amado, M, and Gil, SM. Progression in youth soccer: Selection and identification in youth soccer players aged 13-15 years. J Strength Cond Res 33(9): 2548-2558, 2019-The aim of this study was to identify the factors that are important for the identification and selection of young soccer players. Ninety-four adolescent soccer players from the under-13 (U13; age = 12.3 ± 0.3 years; n = 50) and under-15 (U15; age = 14.0 ± 0.2 years; n = 44) categories belonging to a professional club participated in the study. Anthropometric measurements, physical tests (sprint, agility, endurance and jump), and maturity status (age at peak height velocity) were recorded over 4 seasons. Comparisons were performed among new players joining the club (Enter players, n = 15), players progressing to the next age category (Club players, n = 54), and players leaving the club (Deselected players, n = 25). A 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to determine if significant differences existed between groups and testing time. Better physical performance and improvements observed during the season in performance were found to be one of the main factors for U13 players to continue in the club (p < 0.05-0.001). In the U15 group, although body size, maturation and physical performance appeared to be the most important characteristics for being identified to play in the club (p < 0.05), Club players demonstrated better improvements during the season (p < 0.05). Overall, these results indicate that the identification or promotion of players by coaches depends on indicators which are age-dependent. Therefore, this study has shown that the talent identification program was more a selection process than a promotion process, selecting and identifying a posteriori rather than a priori.

Skinfold Thickness Measurement in Term Nigerian Neonates: Establishing Reference Values.

Skin fold thickness (SFT) measurement is a reliable, cheap, simple, noninvasive method of body fat estimation at all ages including the neonatal period. Objective. To determine reference values of biceps, triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac skinfold thickness measurements in term Nigerian newborns. Method. A prospective cross-sectional study over a six-month period (Dec 2010–May 2011) was carried out on term and healthy neonates delivered between 37 and 41 weeks. The anthropometric measurements were taken within the first 48 hours of life including the skinfold thickness. The skinfold thickness measurements were taken at four sites, namely, triceps, biceps, subscapular, and suprailiac, using Harpenden skinfold calipers. The mean of two readings was recorded. Result. A total of one thousand one hundred and sixty-eight neonates were studied. The birth weight ranged between 2000 g and 5000 g with a mean birth weight of the neonates at 3259 ± 470 g. The mean birth weight of the males (3339 ± 0.45) was significantly higher than that of females (3200 ± 0.44) (p < 0.0001). Female neonates had higher mean values of triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac skinfold thickness (p < 0.001, resp.) while male neonates had higher mean value of biceps skinfold thickness (p = 0.008). Females also had higher mean values of the sum of skinfold thicknesses at all four sites and the sum at the two truncal sites at every stratified gestational age. Conclusions. The sex specific percentile chart developed for skinfold thickness measurements can be used to detect deviation from the reference population such that infants who are at risk of nutritional or health problems are identified early, and intervention is instituted promptly.

A New Test for the Assessment of Agility and Dribbling Skill of Soccer Players Aged 14-15 Years Old

The aim of the study was the development of a new agility and dribbling skill test for young footballers. Twenty-one amateur soccer players aged 14.48 ± 0.11 years old participated in the study. Their overall mean height, weight and playing experience were 166.76 ± 2.06 cm, 58.03 ± 2.73 kg, 6.05 ± 0.51 years respectively. The anthropometric characteristics were examined by a portable Seca stadiometer, a calibrated Seca weight scale and a certified Harpenden skinfold caliper. Timing gates (Photocells; Microgate, RACETIME 2) were used for the assessment of sprint time, agility and dribbling skill. Descriptive statistics, t-test for dependent groups and Pearson correlation were executed by SPSS package (v. 17) in a statistical significance level of p< .10. The results showed that MM test with and without ball is a reliable and valid test for the assessment of dribbling skill and agility of young players. Furthermore, 10m speed, 20m speed, 30m speed and agility (Little and MM test) present a statistical significant correlation. However, 10m speed revealed higher correlation with 20m and 30m than MM and Little test without ball.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE ANTHROPOMETRIC VARIABLES AND THROWING SKILL IN MALE SOFTBALL PLAYERS

The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between the anthropometric variables and throwing skill in among male softball players. Total 150 male university and national level softball players of different universities and states of India were selected thorough purposive sampling technique. The age of subjects ranged between 18 to 30 years. Body weight of the subjects was measured with a portable weighing machine. Height measurements were taken using the standard anthropometric rod. Body mass index was then calculated using the formula weight (kg)/height 2 (m). The circumferences of body parts were measured with the help of flexible steel tape. The diameters of the body parts were assessed with sliding caliper. The skinfolds thicknesses of body parts of the subjects were taken with Harpenden skinfold caliper. Percentage body fat as estimated from the sum of skinfolds was calculated using standardized equations. Throwing skill of the players was assessed as given in the AAHPERD softball skill test battery. Karl Pearson’s product moment co-efficient of correlation was computed to assess the relationship between anthropometric characteristics and throwing skill test of softball among the softball players. The result of the study shows that height (p=0.026), weight (p=0.008), total arm length (p=0.001), the upper arm length (p=0.018) and lower arm length (p=0.007) had significant relationship with the throwing skill in softball. The throwing skill was significantly associated with the upper arm circumference (r=0.265, p=0.001), biacromial (p=0.007) and bicondylar humerus (p=0.009) diameters. Lean body mass (p=0.000) was also found to be significantly associated with the throwing skill test in the male softball players. Article visualizations:

Anthropometric Prediction of Skeletal Muscle Cross-sectional Area in Persons with Spinal Cord Injury

Skeletal muscle is a viable metabolic organ representing more than 40% of the whole body mass. Skeletal muscle atrophy following spinal cord injury (SCI) triggers a spectrum of health related metabolic consequences. Magnetic resonance imaging is considered the gold-standard technique in measuring muscle size in response to disuse and training. However, we are lacking a field method to accurately evaluate muscle size after SCI. PURPOSE: To establish and validate a prediction equation using mid-thigh circumference and skinfold measurements to estimate muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) in persons with chronic SCI. METHODS: Fifteen men (35 ± 10 years old; 80 ± 14 kg; 1.79 ± 0.5 m and BMI of 25 ± 4 kg/m2) with motor complete SCI (C5-T11) participated in the current study. Magnetic resonance imaging was captured to measure whole thigh CSA (Whole thigh MRI-CSA), whole skeletal muscle CSA (Muscle MRI-CSA) and subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness (SATT). This was followed by a circumferential measurement of the mid-thigh (Thigh circum. = 2πr) using a standard inflexible measuring tape and a Harpenden skinfold caliper to measure subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT). The thigh circum. and SFT were used to predict the whole thigh MRI-CSA and thigh muscle MRI-CSA that yielded whole thigh predicted-CSA and muscle predicted-CSA using the following mathematical equations [circumference =2π*radius & area =π*(radius)2]. RESULTS: Whole thigh MRI-CSA, Muscle MRI-CSA, Thigh circum. and SFT were 189 ± 48 cm2, 104 ± 27 cm2, 51± 7 cm, 4.15 ± 1.5 cm, respectively. Predicted thigh predicted-CSA and muscle predicted-CSA were 211 ± 58 cm2 and 96 ± 29 cm2, respectively. Predicted thigh predicted-CSA and muscle predicted-CSA explained 88% (r2 =0.88, P<0.0001) and 69% (r2 =0.69, P<0.0001; (n=14)) in thigh MRI-CSA and muscle MRI-CSA, respectively. The following field equation can be used to predict muscle MRI-CSA; muscle predicted-CSA = thigh circumference/2π-([0.27(skin fold thickness)+0.1153]+0.142), where 0.142 cm represents the radius of the mid femur. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that thigh circumference and skinfold thickness can be used to predict whole thigh and skeletal muscle CSA in persons with chronic motor complete SCI.

Assessment of functional, coordination and power fitness of 7-8 form boys

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to compare some anthropometric, body composition indexes and VO2max of Ahvaz elite soccer players of different playing positions. Material : Participants were 60 male soccer players (age 24.31±4.20 years) from 4 teams in the two highest divisions in Iran. The sample included 8 goalkeepers, 18 defenders, 20 midfielders and 14 strikers. Anthropometric variables of subjects (height, weight and BMI) and body composition (%BF) were measured. Skinfold thickness measurements were taken using Harpenden skinfold calipers at three sites (triceps, subscapular and abdominal) and the VO2max of the subjects was estimated by participation in a multi-stage 20m shuttle-run test. One-way ANOVA and Tukey testes were used for possible differences in test variables between different player positions. Results : Results revealed that the goalkeepers were significantly (p-0.05) the tallest, heaviest and had lower VO2max than another positions. Beside the midfielders had significantly (p-0.05) higher VO2max than the goalkeepers. Also, no difference in estimated body fat percentage and BMI was observed between players of all positions. Discussion: Thus, it can be concluded that anthropometric and physiological differences are exist among soccer players who play in different positions. These differences fit with their different workload in a game. Therefore, programs must be include specific sessions for each positional role.

Reference centile curves for triceps skinfold thickness for Indian children aged 5–17 years and cut-offs for predicting risk of childhood hypertension: A multi-centric study

To create age and gender specific Triceps Skinfold Thickness percentile curves for Indian children; and to determine cut-offs for predicting the risk of childhood hypertension. Cross-sectional. Multicentric, school-based, 5 major Indian cities. 13375 children (7590 boys) aged 5-17 years. Data on height, weight, blood pressure, triceps skinfold thickness (using Harpenden Skinfold caliper) were collected. Reference triceps skinfold thickness percentile curves were derived for boys and girls by LMS (lambda-mu-sigma) method. Receiver operating curve analyses were performed to determine the optimal cut-off of triceps skinfold thickness centile for predicting the risk of hypertension. Percentile curves for boys plateau around 13 years whereas for girls the curves increase steadily till the age of 17 years. Median triceps skinfold thickness increased by 7% to 9% till the age of 9 years in boys and girls. After 12 years, median triceps skinfold thickness decreased by 1% to 2% in boys but increased by 3% to 4% in girls. The optimal cut-off percentile yielding maximal sensitivity (68%) and specificity (74-78%) for predicting high blood pressure was the 70th triceps skinfold thickness percentile in both genders. Percentile curves for triceps skinfold thickness developed in the present study would be useful in the assessment of adiposity and the risk of hypertension in Indian children.

Skinfold creep under load of caliper. Linear visco- and poroelastic model simulations.

This paper addresses the diagnostic idea proposed in [11] to measure the parameter called rate of creep of axillary fold of tissue using modified Harpenden skinfold caliper in order to distinguish normal and edematous tissue. Our simulations are intended to help understanding the creep phenomenon and creep rate parameter as a sensitive indicator of edema existence. The parametric analysis shows the tissue behavior under the external load as well as its sensitivity to changes of crucial hydro-mechanical tissue parameters, e.g., permeability or stiffness. The linear viscoelastic and poroelastic models of normal (single phase) and oedematous tissue (twophase: swelled tissue with excess of interstitial fluid) implemented in COMSOL Multiphysics environment are used. Simulations are performed within the range of small strains for a simplified fold geometry, material characterization and boundary conditions. The predicted creep is the result of viscosity (viscoelastic model) or pore fluid displacement (poroelastic model) in tissue. The tissue deformations, interstitial fluid pressure as well as interstitial fluid velocity are discussed in parametric analysis with respect to elasticity modulus, relaxation time or permeability of tissue. The creep rate determined within the models of tissue is compared and referred to the diagnostic idea in [11]. The results obtained from the two linear models of subcutaneous tissue indicate that the form of creep curve and the creep rate are sensitive to material parameters which characterize the tissue. However, the adopted modelling assumptions point to a limited applicability of the creep rate as the discriminant of oedema.

Exercise before Scuba Diving Ameliorates Decompression-Induced Neutrophil Activation

The goals of this study were to investigate the difference in responses between a scuba dive preceded by aerobic exercise (EX) and a nonexercise control dive (CON) and to further evaluate the potential relation between venous gas emboli (VGE) and microparticles (MP). We hypothesized that exercise would alter the quantity and subtype of annexin V-positive MP and VGE. Nineteen divers performed two dives to 18 m seawater for 41 min separated by at least 3 d, one of which was preceded by 60 min of treadmill interval exercise. Blood was obtained before exercise, before diving, and 15 min, 2 h, 4 h, and 24 h after surfacing. Intravascular bubbles were quantified by transthoracic echocardiography at 15, 40, 80, and 120 min. The median VGE remained unchanged between the two dives; however, there was a significant increase in VGE in the exercise dive at 40 and 80 min at rest. MP were significantly elevated by approximately 2 times at all time points after CON compared with those after EX. Markers of neutrophil and platelet activation were elevated by both dives, and these elevations were attenuated in the EX dive. We conclude that some of the differences observed between the EX and CON related to MP and platelet and neutrophil activation provide additional insight into the potential protective benefits of exercise; however, further study is needed to understand the mechanism and true potential of these benefits.

Assessing Various Body Composition Measurements as An Appropriate Tool for Estimating Body Fat in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Female Collegiate Athletes

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine if various convenient and cost affordable body composition techniques correlate well with more expensive “gold standard” instruments for measuring body composition in female collegiate athletes. Methods: Thirty-two Division I track and field and basketball female athletes participated in the study. The host university’s Institutional Review Board approved the protocols towards ethical treatment of all subjects before the study commenced. Within one hour, each subject underwent body composition assessments via air displacement plethysmography (ADP), skinfold (SF) measurements, and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Results: No significant differences were found between basketball and track athletes thus data was normalized. No significant difference in calculated percent body fat was noted between ADP and SF (p = .002), but there was a significant difference between ADP and BIA (p = .478). Per Pearson correlations, moderate correlations existed between body fat percentages obtained by ADP and SF (r = .689) as well as between body fat percentages estimated by ADP and BIA (r = .447). Conclusions: Results indicate the SF technique had the highest correlation when compared to the BOD POD®. Skinfold measurements obtained with the Harpenden Skinfold Calipers may be used as a quick, affordable, and reliable technique for measuring body fat percentages in female collegiate athletes when performed by an experienced skinfold assessor.

Population-based centile curves for triceps, subscapular, and abdominal skinfold thicknesses in Polish children and adolescents—the OLAF study

Skinfold thicknesses are used as valid anthropometric indicators of regional body fatness. Actual population-based values for skinfold thicknesses for Polish children are not available. The purpose of this study was to provide population-based values for triceps, subscapular, and abdominal skinfold thicknesses in healthy children and adolescents. A total number of 17,416 boys and girls aged 6.5–18.5 years, randomly selected from whole Polish population of children and adolescents, were enrolled in the study. Skinfold thicknesses (triceps, subscapular, and abdominal) were measured using Harpenden skinfold caliper. All measurements were taken after the training of participating investigators. The LMS method was used to fit percentile curves across age for each skinfold. Q tests for fit were used to assess the global goodness of fit of our final models. The study shows for the first time smoothed population-based values of body fat distribution indices for Polish children and adolescents 7–18 years of age. Reported skinfold centiles are higher compared to previously established for Warsaw children and very close to the actual US data. Conclusion Our study provided for the first time population-based values for skinfold thicknesses evaluation in a way allowing to calculate reliable Z scores. The early detection of abnormal fat stores, using our population-based values and respective Z scores, may be now implemented for practice.

Effect of nutritional status and selected sex hormones on plasma leptin level in female athletes with menstrual disorders

Studies on female athletes with low fat mass showed that low plasma leptin level can predict menstrual disorders, but the relationship between levels of leptin and sex hormones in athletes, especially those with menstrual disorders, is unknown. This study investigated secondary regulators of plasma leptin level, such as prolactin, testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and nutritional status, in female athletes. Thirty-two female professional swimmers with oligomenorrhoea, aged 18±2 years, with a training period of 5.3±2.7 years and body mass index (BMI) of 21.1±2.1 kg/m2, divided in two groups with too high (IL) or too low plasma leptin level (DL) participated in the study. The nutritional status was evaluated basing on analysis of the body composition using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis method (percentage of adipose tissue (FM) and lean body mass (FFM)) and skinfold thickness using Harpenden skinfold caliper. Serum levels of leptin, prolactin, testosterone and SHBG were measured. IL athletes were younger (IL: 17±1 years, DL: 19±2 years; p&lt;0.05) than DL athletes. BMI, ST and FM were higher (p&lt;0.05) in IL athletes but FFM was lower (p&lt;0.05) compared to DL swimmers (BMI: IL 22.4±2.3 kg/m2, DL 20.3±1.5 kg/m2, ST: IL 12.6±4.0 mm, DL 9.6±2.1 mm, FM: IL: 23.2±5.0%, DL: 19.2±3.5%, FFM; IL 76.8±5.0%, DL 80.8±3.5%). Furthermore, the results of plasma leptin level correlated (p&lt;0.05) with anthropometric parameters (age: r=−0.39, body mass: r=0.47, BMI: r=0.52, ST: r=0.38), body composition (FM%: r=0.45, FFM kg: r=−0.45), prolactin (r=0.67) and testosterone level (r=0.45). The results confirm the strong influence of body mass and fat mass on serum leptin levels. Moreover, high prolactin and testosterone levels may also favourably increase plasma leptin level in athletes and affect menstrual disorders.