Hip Girth Research Articles

Association of MC4R (rs17782313) gene polymorphism with obesity measures in Western India

Background and aimsThe association of melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R) gene with adiposity measures is widely studied in European populations. Only six studies have investigated the role of MC4R gene with adiposity measures among Indian populations. We have evaluated the role of MC4R (rs17782313) gene polymorphism in influencing adiposity measures in India among children and adults. Materials and methodsThe present population based cross sectional study was conducted among 303 individuals (208 children and 95 adults) of age group 10–30 years, belonging to Rajasthan. Somatometric measurements (standing height, weight, and waist and hip girths) and blood samples were taken after obtaining written informed consent. Genotyping of MC4R rs17782313 single nucleotide polymorphism was done using restriction fragment length polymorphism method for polymerase chain reaction amplified fragments. We examined association between rs17782313 and different adiposity measures (height, weight, BMI, WHR, and waist and hip girths) using linear regression models. ResultsThe MC4R variant (rs17782313) predicted increased body weight (0.15 kg, S.E ± 0.076, P = 0.043) among children. In combined population, the rs17782313 variant was moderately associated with body weight (0.13 kg, S.E ± 0.070, P = 0.057). This variant was not found to be associated with any other adiposity measure. ConclusionFurther studies are needed to evaluate the association of MC4R variants through sequencing and functional genomics with different adiposity measures in Indian populations for understanding the genetic underpinnings of adiposity in India.

Effect of circuit strength training programme on waist-to-hip ratio of college students

The purpose of this study is to examine the amount of fat stored around the hips and thighs (waist-to-hip ratio) of college students in Ikere Ekiti, Nigeria, after a 12-week circuit strength training programme. The study adopted randomised pre-test post-test control group research design. Simple random sampling technique and fish bowl method with replacement were used. Anthropometric tape was the instrument used for the pre-test post-test data collection on the waist, girth and gluteal (hip girth) of participants. The two hypotheses formulated were tested with analysis of covariance statistics at a significant level of 0.05. It was observed that the intervention programme prevented the storage of fat around the hips and thighs of the experimental group from increasing to the level of high disease risk ≥ 1.00 for men and ≥ 0.85 for women. The study identified circuit strength training programme as a recipe to ameliorate hypokinetic conditions.
 Keywords: Circuit strength training, resistance exercise, waist girth, waits-to-hip ratio.

"Measurement Reliability and Precision of Anthropometric Measures for the Estimation of Whole-Body Density in Professional Football Players"

Introduction: It is not uncommon to encounter measurement reliability issues, yet when they are required to develop practical calibration models to estimate whole body density the reliability of anthropometric measures is imperative. Methods: Data was gathered from n = 206 male professional footballers ( s; age = 24.1 5.4 years, body mass = 78.8 8.4 kg and stretched stature = 180.1 7.0 cm). Reliability of n = 28 anthropometric variables (skinfolds, girths, breadths, depths, widths, residual lung volume, air displacement plethysmography and hydrostatic weighing) was investigated by applying Technical Error of Measurement (TEM%) and the Limits of Agreement (LoA) method. Results: TEM% indicated a range of 6.5 – 1.0% and 3.8 – 0.6% and the study’s a priori criterion was set at  3.8% for LoA and were statistically significant (P < 0.001). The contentious measurements of the iliac crest, supraspinale and anterior thigh skinfold, chest and hip girth and biiliocristal breadth indicated z scores values for R2 between 0.006 – 0.022% and exhibited significant bias (P = < 0.05) and possible heteroscedasticity issues with highest r values of 0.611 and R2 (%) coefficients of 37.3%. Conclusion: Test-retest values demonstrated agreement and reliability to be of practical use with this population.

Back Pain Related with Age, Anthropometric Variables, Sagittal Spinal Curvatures, Hamstring Extensibility, Physical Activity and Health Related Quality of Life in Male and Female High School Students

Spinal pain (SP) is widely extended among adolescents. The origin of SP can be multifactorial; thus, the present study aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk of SP in high school students and to determine the differences in sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt, hamstring extensibility, age, anthropometric variables and healthy lifestyle habits dependent on SP between sexes. Two hundred seventy-three teenagers took part in this cross-sectional study. Age, sagittal spinal curvatures, hamstring extensibility, physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, anthropometric variables and health related quality of life (HRQL) were recorded. SP was reported by 16.12% of adolescents. Differences were observed in the HRQL according to SP (p < 0.05). Participants without SP were less sedentary (22.12%) and younger (13.10 years old) than participants with SP (40.91% and 13.66, respectively) (p < 0.05). A logistic regression model showed that both variables were significantly collinear (VIF = 1.01; Durbin-Watson = 2.10). Subjects with low back pain (LBP) had a higher weight, body max index, and hip girth than subjects without pain (p < 0.05). A misalignment in the lumbar spine was associated with LBP for males (Cramer’s V = 0.204, p = 0.022). In conclusion, adolescents with SP were older and had a lower HRQL in all dimensions. SP could be predicted according to age and sedentary habits.

Body Proportions of Football Players and the Untrained Population, and the Impact on the fit of the Trousers

The aim of this research was to identify the differences in body proportions between football players and the untrained population, and their influence on trouser fit. By identifying the differences in body measurements, and comparing the empirical and constructional values of body measurements required for the construction of men’s trousers, an attempt was made to prove the need for a change in the existing cut of trousers. A total of 324 men aged 15 to 26 years participated in the research. The survey involved 162 football players with an average playing experience of 10.7 years and 162 untrained subjects from the general population. A total of 19 variables were analysed relating to the study of the fit of men’s trousers. The SPSS software package was used for statistical data processing. The results showed that the football players were slightly but not significantly, taller, that their chest girth was almost the same as untrained subjects, and that their hip girth was slightly smaller. The greatest and most significant statistical difference was in the mid-thigh girth, which is greater in football players, and the waist girth, which is smaller in football players. Due to the identified value of a statistically significant increase of the mean thigh girth in football players, the modelling of trousers in this area was performed. The performed modelling of men’s trousers met the criterion of garment fit, and opens the possibility of cooperation with industry in terms of improving the making of cuts for the surveyed sport population.

Prediction of Body Weight at Six Months of Age from Body Measurements at Birth in Iraqi Buffalo Calves

This study has been conducted in Basrah province during 2019 by using 90 buffalo calves, weight at birth(W0) and weight at six months of age (BW6) and their body measurements at the same age such as, body length (BL), wither height (WH), hip height (HH), chest grith (CG) and hip girth (HG) are recorded. The current study aims to predict (BW6) from the body measurements at birth, also to predict BW6 from their body measurements at the same age.The results obtained of the current study can be summarized as follow :The overall means of W0 and BW6 are 37.159 and 124.241 kg respectively, and the overall means for body measurements at birth and at six months of age are : 76.778 (BL0) 73.088 (WH0), 91.470 (HH0), 104.274 (CG0) and 112.780 (HG0) and 90.815 (BL6), 88.333 (WH6), 102.852 (HH6), 122.00 (CG6) and 129.852 cm for (HG0) respectively. The results in this study explain that the first equation which depending on BL0 is the best predictor to weigh at six months of age where inquires a high correlation coefficient as 0.577 with adjusted R2=0.320.It is observed that the twenty –fourth equation is the best equation among the equations to predict BW6 from body measurements at birth which is based on four measures (WH0, HH0, CG0, HG0),as it achieved adjusted R2=0.384 and with allow standard error estimate (4.20) . It is found that first equation is the the best that depended on (BL6) as achieved adjusted R2=0.447. Significantly simple correlation coefficients between BW6 with their body measurements are ranging from 0.209 to 0.676 at six months of age. Also it is observed that fourth equation to predict W6from body measurements at the same age is the best which is based on (BL6, HG6),where the values of correlation coefficient and adjusted R2 are 0.700 and 0.470 respectively and the standard error estimate for this eqation is low (3.90) comparison with other equations.Finally, previous equations could be used to predict weights from body measurements at birth and six months of age, easily, cheaply, rabidly and well accepted by the breeds when weighing scales are not available in the commercial herds.

Non-Genetic and Genetic Effects on Growth Traits from Birth to 120 days of Age of G2 Sapera Goat

Information on non-genetic and genetic factors is required in the selection program. Indonesian Research Institute for Animal Production (IRIAP) has been conducting a selection of the growth traits of Sapera goat (50% Saanen, 50% PE). This research was aimed to study non-genetic and genetic effects on growth traits from birth to the age of 120 days old of the 2&lt;sup&gt;nd &lt;/sup&gt;generation (G&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;) of Sapera goat. Data on body weight and measurement were collected from kids at birth (105 head.) to the age of 120 days old (51 head). The 30 days interval growth data were calculated by linear interpolation. Non-genetic effects were analyzed by General Linear Model for unbalanced data by considering sex, type of birth, the month of kidding, and year of kidding as fixed variables. The genetic component was analyzed by a mixed linear model by considering sire as a random variable. Heritability was estimated by the paternal half-sib method. Non-genetic factors mostly had no significant effect (P&amp;gt; 0.05) on body weight and measurement. The 90 days old and 120 days old males had higher weights than females (P&amp;lt;0.05). Birth type and year of kidding had significant effects (P&amp;lt;0.05) on body weight and some measurements at certain ages. No significant months of kidding effect on the growth traits (P&amp;gt;0.05). Heritability values of body weight (h&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; = 0.11-0.19) and body sizes (h&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; = 0.03-0.24) were relatively low. Except high heritability values for birth weight and for body weight at 30 days old (h&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; = 0.59 and 0.29), and for hip girth at 30 days old and at 60 days old (h&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; = 0.13-0.54). The growth traits of G&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; Sapera kids were affected by sex and year of kidding and slightly influenced by genetic (sires) factors.

Personal protective ensemble reference size development for Indian male defence personnel based on 3D whole body anthropometric scan

Introduction Proper protective gear sizing is an important factor both for civilian and defence population. This is much more so in the defence sector as a well fitted personal protective ensemble (PPE), for example, a bullet proof jacket could be the difference between survival and fatality. So in order to develop a size reference for personal protective ensemble, a pan India anthropometric study was planned and carried out on Indian defence male personnel from various locations. Materials and methods Between 2016 and 17, the research team carried out an anthropometric survey of male Indian soldiers (n = 2281), posted in different parts of the country whose age ranged from 21 to 50 years. Descriptive analysis of the volunteers was carried out using Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) v. 21. Principle component and cluster analysis was carried out for clustering them into various categories. Chest circumference is taken as the main component for the upper protective gear sizing and hip circumference is considered for lower protective gear sizing. Results Three sizes were developed for Upper Personal Protective Ensemble (UPPE) using chest girth as the main measurement and corresponding three size ranges for the Lower Personal Protective Ensemble (LPPE) using belt girth as the main measurement, with size range intervals of 4 cm and 6 cm. Other parameters included were arm length, neck to wrist length, inter acromion length, circumference at deltoid for upper ensemble; stomach girth, natural waist height and hip girth for lower ensemble. Conclusion Using the system of cluster analysis, three major sizes were developed namely Small, Medium and Large for both Upper and Lower Personal Protective Ensembles. Small size was further divided into XXS, XS, S and Large was further divided into L, XL, XXL and XXXL so as to have maximum coverage.

Association of litter size with sex hormones and body measurements of Iraqi awassi ewes

Litter size is the most important reproductive trait in sheep production, which is influenced by the ovulation rate, a few hormones, and the fecundity genes. Ewe reproductive performance is known to be affected by body measurements. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the possibility of an association between the litter size with sex hormones and body measurements in Iraqi Awassi ewes. A total of 224 sexually mature ewes, non-pregnant, non-lactation and healthy (124 ewes with single birth and 100 ewes with twin birth), aged between 2.5 to 5 years were included in this study. Blood samples were collected from the sheep, and then the serum was separated from blood to determine the concentrations of the estradiol and progesterone. Live body weight and body measurements were determined for each animal. The result of the present study refers that the live body weight of Awassi ewes was significantly (P&lt;0.05) influenced in the litter size. The association analysis of litter size with body measurements indicated that the neck length, height at hip and chest girth were different for the type of birth of Awassi ewes. The highest positive correlation (P &lt; 0.01) was recorded among litter size with live body weight (r=0.698, P=0.001), with height at shoulder (r=0.242, P=0.031) and height at hip (r=0.309, P=0.005).In conclusion, the litter size of Awassi ewes is influenced by the other phenotypic traits. The ewes with heavier live body weight and higher body measurements are more favorable to having more lambs than ewes with a single birth.

Categorization of lower body shapes of abdominal obese men using a script-based 3D body measurement software

The objectives of this study are to identify the principal components that represent distinctive shapes from the silhouette and profile views of the lower body shapes of abdominal obese Korean men and to categorize their body types. Using 3D scans of 625 men aged 35–64 in the 6th SizeKorea dataset, 173 scans (27.7%) of men in ‘abdominal obese’ category (BMI value of 25, waist girth to height ratio of 0.53, and waist girth to hip girth ratio of 0.9 or higher) were utilized. We developed a script to measure 38 items such as front/back crotch length and front/back depths and angles using the SNU-BM program, which is a script-based automated 3D body scan measurement software. The measurements used for principal component (PC) analysis were 31 drops, 2 heights, 2 lengths and 4 angles. Ten PCs representing distinctive silhouettes and profiles of lower body shapes were extracted. The PCs were interpreted as follows: abdomen prominence, thigh to knee profile, upper buttocks prominence, waist to hip drop, thigh to knee silhouette, lower body tilt angle, waist to crotch length, vertical height, abdomen to crotch height, and lower buttocks slope. The three body shape groups were categorized using a K means cluster analysis with ten PC scores. Group 1 had a flat abdomen but prominent buttocks. Group 2 had a developed abdomen and buttocks with vertical thighs. Group 3 had drooped buttocks with tilted thighs.

Red clover and lifestyle changes to contrast menopausal symptoms in premenopausal patients with hormone-sensitive breast cancer receiving tamoxifen.

To determine whether a red clover preparation plus dietary intervention administered to premenopausal women with breast cancer (BC), improves menopausal symptoms due to anti-oestrogen treatment, and hence promotes compliance with tamoxifen, prevents weight gain and is safe. Surgically-treated premenopausal women with oestrogen receptor (ER) positive disease taking tamoxifen were recruited to a prospective double-blind randomized trial (NCT03844685). The red clover group (N = 42) received one oral tablet/day (Promensil® Forte) containing 80mg red clover extract for 24months. The placebo group (N = 39) received one oral tablet/day without active ingredient. All women were encouraged to follow a Mediterranean-type diet and keep active. Outcomes were Menopausal Rating Score (MRS), body mass index (BMI), waist and hip girth, insulin resistance, and levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and sex hormones. As safety indicators, endometrial thickness, breast density, and effects of patient serum on ER-positive BC cell lines were investigated. MRS reduced significantly (p < 0.0001) with no between-group difference (p = 0.69). The red clover group had significantly greater reductions in BMI and waist circumference (p < 0.0001 both cases). HDL cholesterol increased significantly in both groups (p = 0.01). Hormone levels and insulin resistance changed little. Endometrial thickness remained constant (p = 0.93). Breast density decreased significantly in both groups (p < 0.0001). Proliferation and oestrogen-regulated gene expression didn't differ in cell lines treated with serum from each group. This is the first trial to assess red clover in BC patients on tamoxifen. The preparation proved safe clinically and in vitro, and was associated with reduced BMI and waist circumference, but the diet-lifestyle intervention probably improved the menopausal symptoms.

Building up the foundation for the elderly apparel industry through the study on a clothes-sizing system of elderly obese males

This study presents an efficient clothes-sizing system for those experiencing obesity in old age with the aim of revitalizing the clothing industry for older obese people. The study targets 249 obese men aged 60 to 85 who satisfy a Rohrer index score of 1.6 or higher and a BMI (body mass index) of 25 or higher. Elderly obese males showed more obesity in the body based on the waist. In particular, those in their 60s were the most obese, and after reaching their 70s, characteristics of old age in which the stature was reduced and the limbs were tapered were shown. The clothes-sizing system was set to 5cm in stature, 5cm and 3cm in chest girth, 2cm in waist girth (omphalion), and 2cm in hip girth according to the KS standards. Through the two-way distribution of each section, the name of the section with a high distribution was given. Casual tops were selected from eight sizes, ranging from 155 to 170cm in stature and 95 to 105cm in chest girth. Suit top sizes were selected from eight sizes, ranging from 160 to 170cm in stature and 94 to 103cm in chest girth. Bottoms suggested 10 sizes distributed between 90 and 100cm in waist girth (omphalion) and 92 and 98cm in hip girth. According to the KS standards, the detailed size was divided into the basic part and the reference part.

Association between overweight/obesity and clinical activity in rheumatoid arthritis

IntroductionThe effect of overweight/obesity on clinical status in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is still a controversial topic. AimTo assess the association between body composition and clinical status in RA patients. MethodsA prospective, comparative, cross-sectional study was performed on 123 (98.4% women, 86.3% FR+, 9.3±8.7 duration years) RA patients diagnosed according to ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria who were assessed for inflammatory activity (DAS 28), functional status (HAQ-Di), and type of treatment. Body composition was evaluated by BMI, waist, hip, and middle arm girths, waist/hip ratio, skin fold measurements, and bioelectrical impedance analysis. ResultsThe prevalence of overweight and obesity (BMI-WHO cut-off points) was 30.9% and 45.5% respectively. Using Stavropoulos-Kalinoglou cut-off points, each corresponding prevalence increased to 31.7% and 58.5%, respectively. Pooled patients in the overweight/obesity classification (Stavropoulos-Kalinoglou classification) exhibited a significantly higher number of swollen joints as compared to subnormal/normal body composition subjects (3.8±3.3 vs 1.9±2.5; P=.02). Swollen joint count showed significant positive correlation with 6 out of 11 body composition parameters: BMI; arm and hip girths, triceps skin fold, body fat average determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and skin fold measurements. ConclusionsPrevalence of obesity in RA varies according to BMI cut-off points. Overweight and obesity were associated with higher inflammatory activity characterised by a higher count of tender and swollen joints. A positive correlation was found between swollen joint amount and the majority of the body fat mass indicators assessed. Body composition assessment/improvement should be an important part of the routine care of RA patients.

Virtual try-on technologies in the clothing industry: basic block pattern modification

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate basic block pattern modification according to fabric used and the mismatch between 2D and 3D measure lines at bust, waist and hip girths when ease allowance is changed uniformly. Design/methodology/approach For the investigation, virtual try-on software Modaris 3D Fit (CAD Lectra) was used. The straight shape dress fitting was done using seven cotton and cotton blended plain weave fabrics. After virtual try-on, the mismatch d (dbust, dwaist, dhip) between 2D and 3D measure lines was measured in order to determine base pattern adjustments using different fabrics. Findings It was found that the position and length of 3D measure lines at bust, waist and hip girths does not match the position and length of corresponding lines in 2D base patterns after virtual try-on due to fabrics deformation, which is related to mechanical properties. It was proved that derived linear equations presenting a relation between mismatch and ease allowance values could be used for basic block pattern modification that 3D and 2D measure lines would coincide during clothing try-on. Research limitations/implications This research is limited to cotton/cotton blended woven fabrics and straight dress; therefore, other fabric types and other clothing could be investigated in the future to expand data basis. Practical implications The main practical point of the proposed method is that in order to obtain particular 3D ease value in a garment, it can be calculated from 2D ease allowance value and the fabric’s tensile properties using linear equations. The basic block patterns could be modified using this method not only for tested fabrics but also for other fabrics with similar composition, structural and mechanical properties. 3D ease values in garment can be easily checked by using virtual try-on technology without production of real prototypes. The method is applicable for making ready-to-wear or individually tailored clothing. Originality/value The proposed method in this paper presented opportunity to modify the basic block patterns of the dress according to the fabric’s tensile properties and 2D ease allowance. The basic block patterns could be modified according to presented linear functions for each tested fabric. The application of this method can fully ensure the interaction between the garment 2D patterns to 3D garment so that a desired 3D garment fitting effect to the body can easily be satisfied by the adjustment of particular fabric characteristics. It offers further possibilities, especially with developing virtual try-on technologies.

Can baseline cardiometabolic markers predict the efficacy of carbohydrate restriction in healthy adults? A pilot study

**Background.** Low-carbohydrate diets are frequently used and are effective for improving a range of health outcomes. There is some evidence to suggest that certain individuals will achieve greater results from higher- or lower-carbohydrate diets but at this time there is little evidence to indicate the relative ‘appropriateness’ of diets differing in carbohydrate content for an individual. This study explores associations between baseline and changes in blood measures of cardiometabolic health, relative to carbohydrate allocation. **Methods.** Seventy-seven healthy, non-diabetic participants (25 males, 52 females; mean age: 39 years, range: 25 to 49; mean body mass index (BMI) 27 kg/m2, range: 20-39) participated in a 12-week, randomised, clinical intervention study. Participants completed baseline testing of blood measures and basic anthropometric measures and a lead-in week to identify habitual calorie intake. Participants were assigned to one of three low-carbohydrate diet plans which advised intakes of either 5%, 15%, or 25% of energy derived from carbohydrate, individualised to the participant and standardised for protein, at 1.4 g per kg of body weight (bw) per day. For the final nine weeks of the intervention they were advised to eat ad libitum but to adhere as closely as possible to the carbohydrate energy limit for their treatment group. Participants were instructed to continue habitual exercise patterns. Blood measures of cardiometabolic health (glucose, insulin, c-peptide, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides (TG)) and anthropometric measures (height, weight, and waist and hip girth) were measured at baseline and at the conclusion of the 12-week dietary intervention. The associations between baseline blood and anthropometric measures and the changes in these measures were made by undertaking multiple linear regression for the baseline measure and treatment group as independent variables with the change in outcome measures as dependent variables. **Results.** There was a greater improvement in participants who had more adverse baseline cardiometabolic measures from a greater carbohydrate restriction, with 7 of 11 measures most benefiting from a very low carbohydrate ketogenic diet (VLCKD) intervention relative to baseline measurements. Only HDL cholesterol reached between-group significance, with every 1 mmol/L higher HDL cholesterol at baseline associated with a 0.5 and 0.2 mmol/L improvement in HDL cholesterol for the moderate-low carbohydrate diet and low-carbohydrate diet groups respectively, and a 0.4 mmol/L worsening for VLCKD (_p_ = 0.0006). **Conclusions.** Overall, there is a consistent association between baseline markers of cardiometabolic health and changes in these markers relative to the amount of carbohydrate included in the diet. However, low HDL cholesterol might be improved most by a moderate restriction of carbohydrate to ~25% of TE when compared to greater carbohydrate restriction. Because most results were not significant due to the small sample size and preliminary nature of this study, further research is required with larger cohorts to investigate this hypothesis further.

Land- versus water-walking interventions in older adults: Effects on body composition

ObjectivesIncreasing physical activity is a priority worldwide, including for older adults who may have difficulty performing traditional forms of exercise, and for whom retention of muscle mass is an important consideration. Water-based exercise may provide an alternative if benefits are comparable. We compared the impact on body composition of 24-week water- versus land-walking interventions in healthy but inactive older adults. DesignRandomised, controlled trial. Methods72 participants (62.5±6.8yr) were randomised to a land-walking (LW), water-walking (WW) or control (C) group in a supervised centre-based program. The exercise groups trained 3 times/week at matched intensity (%HRR), increasing from 40–45% to 55–65% heart rate reserve (HRR). Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist and hip girths were recorded; dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) provided fat and lean tissue masses. Participants were re-assessed 24 weeks after completion of the intervention. ResultsThere were no significant changes in body mass or BMI following either exercise protocol, however central adiposity was reduced in both exercise groups, and the WW group increased lower limb lean mass. These benefits did not persist over the follow-up period. ConclusionsExercise can confer beneficial effects on body composition which are not evident when examining weight or BMI. Both WW and LW improved body composition. Water walking can be recommended as an exercise strategy for this age group due to its beneficial effects on body composition which are similar to, or exceed, those associated with land-walking. For benefits to persist, it appears that exercise needs to be maintained.

Association of the 3'UTR polymorphism (rs11665896) in the FGF21 gene with metabolic status and nutrient intake in children with obesity.

Background Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is considered an important regulator of lipid and glucose metabolism. However, the role of FGF21 in macronutrient intake and metabolic disease, particularly in pediatric population, still needs further clarification. This study aimed to evaluate the association of rs11665896 in the FGF21 gene with metabolic status and macronutrient intake in a cohort of Mexican children with obesity. Methods Eighty-four lean children and 113 children with obesity, from 8 to 11 years of age, were recruited. FGF21 rs11665896 was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Somatometric evaluations, nutrient intake, glucose, lipids, insulin and FGF21 serum levels were measured in the obesity group. Results The T allele of rs11665896 in the FGF21 gene was associated with obesity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14-3.46; p = 0.0151). Subjects with obesity carrying the TT genotype consumed less lipids and more carbohydrates compared to other genotypes. Circulating FGF21 levels correlated negatively with carbohydrate intake (r = -0.232, p = 0.022) and positively with body weight (r = 0.269, p = 0.007), waist (r = 0.242, p = 0.016) and hip girth (r = 0.204, p = 0.042). FGF21 levels were lower in carriers of at least one T allele. Conclusions Genetic variants in FGF21 could influence metabolic status, food preferences and qualitative changes in nutritional behavior in children.

Parametric design of garment pattern based on body dimensions

Garment pattern-making is one of the most important parts in fashion design and production. However, the traditional pattern-making is an experience based work and very time-consuming. In this paper, we proposed a parametric design method of garment pattern based on body dimensions. Based on this method, we constructed a jeans' pattern recommendation system. The input items of the proposed system are three geometric constraint parameters (jean silhouette type, length and waist height) and three-dimensional constraint parameters (human body stature, waist girth and hip girth); the output of the proposed system are jeans' patterns. Also, four adjustable parameters (jeans' length, waist height, knee and leg opening) are designed to adjust patterns generated by the proposed system. If the jeans' pattern is not satisfying after virtual or real try-on, the adjustable input parameters of the proposed system can be applied for adjustment until the patterns are acceptable. Our proposed system can combine traditional pattern-making methods to generate jeans’ patterns automatically and rapidly, hence improving pattern-making efficiency significantly.

Investigation of chest girth and height variation affecting other body dimensions for men’s upper body clothes pattern grading

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the chest girth and height related to men’s upper body dimensions to develop men’s grading system for semi-customized clothing. Design/methodology/approach A data set of the 3,012 men between the age group of 18 and 59 years from 6th Size Korea was used in this study. The men’s upper body dimensions were tested in terms of five horizontal lengths, seven circumferences and seven vertical lengths. Experiment and data analysis were carried out with two methods: one is multiple linear regression with chest girth and height as each independent variable and the other is calculating variation among chest girth size groups and height size groups, respectively. Findings Regression analysis showed that some horizontal lengths are affected not only by chest girth, but also by height, and some vertical lengths are affected not only by height, but also by chest girth. In variation analysis it was found that the variation value for each part of the body is different and it was observed that with an increase in chest girth vertical length also increases. In variation analysis of height, it is found that some horizontal body dimensions and hip girth increase with an increase in height. In the comparison of upper body dimension variation among height groups with the size based on the chest girth, we found that a tall person who already has long vertical length is less affected by the increase in dimensions by increases in their horizontal girth than a short person. Originality/value The findings showed detailed numerical body shape changes according to chest girth and height, and it may be used as the basis for determining pattern grading values by chest girth or height.

Evaluation of a Community Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme

The transition from hospital-based (phase II) to community-based (phase III) cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an important step in the long-term maintenance of positive health behaviour change. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of participation in a phase III, community-based CR (CBCR) programme on selected fitness indices in comparison to a control group that received usual care advice and to explore participant experiences and perceived benefits in transitioning from hospital-based phase II CR to CBCR. METHODS: Following completion of phase-II CR, 95 individuals were referred to a 10-week CBCR exercise programme (intervention). A total of 22 (73% male) participants were unable to attend CBCR classes and were assigned to the control group. The remaining 73 (67% male) were assigned to the CBCR exercise program. Aerobic fitness (6MWT), functional upper (hand grip) and lower (timed sit to stand) limb strength, flexibility (sit and reach test) and body composition (waist & hip girth and BMI) were measured pre and post the intervention. All participants from the intervention group were invited to attend a focus group on completion and a thematic analysis was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 51 participants (69% male) completed the 10-week program (70% compliance). There was a significant improvement (p<0.05) in the timed sit to stand (26.5±7.21 v 21.4±5.65sec), 6MWT (505±66.6 v 534±71.9m),) and waist circumference (100.9±13.09 v 98.5±13.37cm) in the intervention group. There was no significant change in any of the fitness indices in the control group. The focus groups were attended by 20 participants (60% male). The main themes identified included the strong sense of need for CBCR programmes and the reassurance provided by the link between the hospital and community provider. Physical, psychological and social benefits were described including moving from fear to confidence in their ability to exercise. CONCLUSION: Participation in a 10-week CBCR programme resulted in improved lower limb strength, aerobic fitness and waist circumference with maintenance of all other measured fitness components. Participants self-reported an increased ability and motivation to undertake exercise. This study provides an important insight into the experience and benefits, both perceived and actual, in the early transition to CBCR.