Importance Of Body Composition Research Articles

Differences in anthropometric and vertical jump force-time characteristics between U16 and U18 female basketball players.

Considering the importance of body composition and lower-body strength and power for basketball players' on-court performance, as well as a lack of sports science research focused on female athletes, the purpose of the present investigation was to record the anthropometric and countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) characteristics of top-tier U16 and U18 female basketball players and examine between-group differences in the aforementioned tests. Thirty-two athletes who were a part of the national basketball academy volunteered to participate in the present investigation. Following the body composition assessment conducted via a segmental multifrequency bioimpedance analyzer, athletes performed three CMJs while standing on a force plate system sampling at 1000 Hz. Independent t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test were used to examine between-group differences. The findings reveal significant differences in body composition and lower-body neuromuscular performance characteristics between female basketball players ages 16 and 18. Although no differences were observed in muscle and body fat percentages, the U18 group had significantly greater height, overall body mass (both muscle and fat mass), as well as greater segmental fat-free mass (trunk, both legs and arms), intracellular and extracellular water, and body mass index when compared to their U16 counterparts. On the other hand, the U18 group demonstrated longer eccentric, concentric, and braking phase duration, as well as overall contraction time when compared to the U16 players. In addition, the U18 athletes exhibited higher eccentric mean force and power, concentric impulse, peak power, and mean and peak force.

Automatic deep learning method for third lumbar selection and body composition evaluation on CT scans of cancer patients.

The importance of body composition and sarcopenia is well-recognized in cancer patient outcomes and treatment tolerance, yet routine evaluations are rare due to their time-intensive nature. While CT scans provide accurate measurements, they depend on manual processes. We developed and validated a deep learning algorithm to automatically select and segment abdominal muscles [SM], visceral fat [VAT], and subcutaneous fat [SAT] on CT scans. A total of 352 CT scans were collected from two cancer centers. The detection of the third lumbar vertebra and three different body tissues (SM, VAT, and SAT) were annotated manually. The 5-fold cross-validation method was used to develop the algorithm and validate its performance on the training cohort. The results were validated on an external, independent group of CT scans. The algorithm for automatic L3 slice selection had a mean absolute error of 4 mm for the internal validation dataset and 5.5 mm for the external validation dataset. The median DICE similarity coefficient for body composition was 0.94 for SM, 0.93 for VAT, and 0.86 for SAT in the internal validation dataset, whereas it was 0.93 for SM, 0.93 for VAT, and 0.85 for SAT in the external validation dataset. There were high correlation scores with sarcopenia metrics in both internal and external validation datasets. Our deep learning algorithm facilitates routine research use and could be integrated into electronic patient records, enhancing care through better monitoring and the incorporation of targeted supportive measures like exercise and nutrition.

Prognostic effect of sarcopenia in patients undergoing laparoscopic rectal cancer resection.

The importance of body composition, in particular skeletal muscle mass, as risk factor affecting survival of cancer patients has recently gained increasing attention. The relationship between sarcopenia and oncological outcomes has become a topic of research in particular in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. However, there are few studies addressing this issue in colorectal cancer, and even less specifically focused on rectal cancer, in particular in Western countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic relevance of preoperative skeletal mass index (SMI) on long-term outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic curative resection for rectal cancer. SMI data and clinicopathological characteristics of rectal cancer patients in a 15-year period (June 2005-December 2020) were evaluated; patients with metastatic disease at surgery were excluded; overall and disease-free survival as well as recurrence were evaluated. Hundred and sixty-five patients were included in the study. Sarcopenia was identified in 30 (18%) patients. Multivariate analysis identified sarcopenia (HR=3.28, CI=1.33-8.11, P=0.015), along with age (HR=1.06, CI=1.02-1.10, P =0.002) and stage III (HR=2.63, CI=1.13-6.08, P < 0.03) as independent risk factors for overall survival. Long-term results of rectal cancer patients undergoing curative resection are affected by their preoperative skeletal muscle status. Larger studies including comprehensive data on muscle strength along with SMI are awaited to confirm these results on both Eastern and Western rectal cancer patient populations before strategies to reverse muscle depletion can be extensively applied.

Associations of Total Body Fat Mass and Skeletal Muscle Index with All-Cause and Cancer-Specific Mortality in Cancer Survivors.

Purpose: The importance of body composition on cancer outcomes is of great clinical interest. Measures of body composition that differentiate fat mass from skeletal muscle mass can help redefine our understanding of body composition for cancer survival. We investigated whether the risk of all-cause and cancer-specific mortality differ by levels of total fat mass and sarcopenia status in cancer survivors. Our secondary aim was a subgroup analysis assessing the role of race within these associations. Methods: Participants included 1682 adult cancer survivors who had undergone a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) examination to measure body composition, from the 1999-2006 and 2011-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Total fat mass was categorized into tertiles (we assessed high vs. low tertiles), and sarcopenia was considered as having an appendicular skeletal muscle mass index less than 7.26 kg/m2 for males and less than 5.45 kg/m2 for females. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models estimated the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The mean age of study participants was 61.9 years, and they were followed up for an average of 9.67 years. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 25.0% (N = 304), and 33.4% (N = 561) had a high total fat mass. Participants with a higher fat mass (aHR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.06-1.61) and with sarcopenia (aHR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.22-1.88) had a 30% and 51% increased risk of all-cause mortality compared to participants with a low fat mass and with no sarcopenia, respectively. Further, sarcopenia (aHR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.23-2.29) was associated with a higher risk of cancer-specific mortality in cancer survivors. The association between sarcopenia and all-cause mortality was twice as strong in Black people (aHR = 2.99, 95% CI = 1.39-6.06) compared to White people (aHR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.19-1.95). Conclusions: Our findings show the opposing relations of fat mass and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index with mortality in a national sample of cancer survivors, and that the relationships may differ by race. These results emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy body composition among cancer survivors.

ASO Visual Abstract: Sex Differences in Renal Cell Carcinoma: The Importance of Body Composition.

ASO Visual Abstract: Sex Differences in Renal Cell Carcinoma: The Importance of Body Composition.

Sex Differences in Renal Cell Carcinoma: The Importance of Body Composition

PurposeTo examine sex-specific differences in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in relation to abdominal fat accumulation, psoas muscle density, tumor size, pathology, and survival, and to evaluate possible associations with RCC characteristics and outcome.MethodsA total of 470 patients with RCC who underwent nephrectomy between 2006 and 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Specific characteristics of RCC patients were collected, including sex, height, tumor size, grade, and data on patient survival, if available. Abdominal fat measurements and psoas muscle area were determined at the level of L3 (cm2).ResultsWomen had a higher subcutaneous (p < 0.001) and men had a higher visceral fat area, relative proportion of visceral fat area (p < 0.001), and psoas muscle index (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed an association between higher psoas muscle index and lower grade tumors [women: odds ratio (OR) 0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89–0.99, p = 0.011; men: OR 0.97 (95% CI, 0.95–0.99, p = 0.012]. Univariate regression analysis demonstrated an association between psoas muscle index and overall survival (women: OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.03–1.93, p = 0.033; men: OR 1.62 (95% CI, 1.33–1.97, p < 0.001). In contrast, there were no associations between abdominal fat measurements and tumor size, grade, or survival. Also, there were no sex-specific differences in tumor size or tumor grades.ConclusionsA higher preoperative psoas muscle index was independently associated with overall survival in RCC patients, with a stronger association in men compared with women. In addition, the psoas muscle index showed an inverse association with tumor grade, whereby this association was slightly more pronounced in women than in men.

Systematic Review: The Impact and Importance of Body Composition in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Alterations in body composition are common in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] and have been associated with differences in patient outcomes. We sought to consolidate knowledge on the impact and importance of body composition in IBD. We performed a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and conference proceedings by combining two key research themes: inflammatory bowel disease and body composition. Fifty-five studies were included in this review. Thirty-one focused on the impact of IBD on body composition with a total of 2279 patients with a mean age 38.4 years. Of these, 1071 [47%] were male. In total, 1470 [64.5%] patients had Crohn's disease and 809 [35.5%] had ulcerative colitis. Notably, fat mass and fat-free mass were reduced, and higher rates of sarcopaenia were observed in those with active IBD compared with those in clinical remission and healthy controls. Twenty-four additional studies focused on the impact of derangements in body composition on IBD outcomes. Alterations in body composition in IBD are associated with poorer prognoses including higher rates of surgical intervention, post-operative complications and reduced muscle strength. In addition, higher rates of early treatment failure and primary non-response are seen in patients with myopaenia. Patients with IBD have alterations in body composition parameters in active disease and clinical remission. The impacts of body composition on disease outcome and therapy are broad and require further investigation. The augmentation of body composition parameters in the clinical setting has the potential to improve IBD outcomes in the future.

P608 Systematic review: The impact and importance of body composition in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract Background Alterations in body composition are common in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and have been associated with differences in patient outcomes. We systematically reviewed the literature to consolidate knowledge on the impact and importance of body composition in IBD. Methods We conducted a systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines. A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and conference proceedings was undertaken by combining two key research themes: Inflammatory Bowel Disease and body composition. Studies which examined alterations in body composition in patients with IBD and studies which explored the impact of body composition on IBD therapeutic outcomes and prognosis were included. Results 55 studies were included in this review. 31 studies focused on the impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease on body composition with a total of 2,279 patients and mean age of 38.4 years. Of these, 1,071 (47%) were male. 1470 (64.5%) patients had CD and 809 (35.5%) had UC. Notably, fat mass and fat-free mass were reduced, and higher rates of sarcopaenia were observed in those with active IBD compared with those in clinical remission and healthy controls. 24 additional studies focused on the impact of derangements in body composition on IBD outcomes. Alterations in body composition were associated with poorer prognoses including higher rates of surgical intervention, post-operative complications, and reduced muscle strength. In addition, higher rates of early treatment failure and primary non-response were seen in patients with myopaenia. Conclusion Patients with IBD have alterations in body composition parameters in active disease and clinical remission. The impact of body composition on disease outcome and therapy are broad and require further investigation. The augmentation of body composition parameters in the clinical setting has the potential to improve IBD outcomes in the future.

Peak oxygen uptake in sportsmen with spinal cord injury: importance of body composition.

Although peak oxygen uptake (VO<inf>2peak</inf>) is considered the most useful index of functional capacity, it's difficult to interpret the results of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). In fact, VO<inf>2peak</inf> is usually normalized for total body weight, but body composition in persons with SCI largely varies depending on physical activity and time since injury, with a progressive loss of fat-free mass (FFM). This can lead to a misinterpretation of the cardiopulmonary fitness in this population. Our study proposes a methodology of evaluation, based on bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), which could provide more individualized and accurate data in sportsmen with SCI. Case-control study. Ambulatory patients at the Sports Medicine Unit of the IRCCS A. Gemelli University Polyclinic Foundation, Rome, Italy. Comparison of data derived from BIA, echocardiography and CPET between 10 male sportsmen with complete, high SCI (group T) and 10 able-bodied controls (group C). Mean VO<inf>2peak</inf>, weight-normalized VO<inf>2peak</inf>, fat-free mass (FFM)-normalized VO<inf>2peak</inf> and body cellular mass (BCM)-normalized values were significantly lower in group T. At the same heart rate (on average the 55% of the maximal theoretical for age), mean of absolute VO<inf>2</inf>, weight-normalized VO<inf>2</inf> and FFM-normalized VO<inf>2</inf> were still significantly lower in group T. Considering the BCM-normalized VO<inf>2</inf>, the group T showed greater values than controls, 39.4±7.8 vs. 31.1±8.5 mL/kg/min. Body composition is a crucial factor for properly interpreting a CPET in individuals with SCI. In particular, normalization of VO<inf>2peak</inf> values for the BCM seems the most reliable tool to assess the real functional capacity in this population. A more accurate definition of the aerobic power and functional capacity of people with SCI can improve the monitoring of rehabilitations protocols and physical exercise in this population.

Importance of body composition in grading body mass index and weight loss-related nutritional risk in cancer patients

Rationale: A robust prognostic grading system incorporating the independent significance of both body mass index (BMI) and percentage of unintentional weight loss (%WL) over the preceding 6 months has been recently developed for cancer patients [1]. However, despite the growing interest in body composition as integral part of nutritional assessment, the independent prognostic significance of altered body composition (reduced muscle mass) next to BMI and WL has been scantily investigated.

Obesity and Body Composition in Man and Woman: Associated Diseases and the New Role of Gut Microbiota.

Obesity is now recognized as a worldwide health issue and has reached epidemic proportions, affecting both developed and developing countries. The World Obesity Federation stated that "Obesity is a chronic relapsing disease process": as a result, obesity has been recognized internationally as a chronic disease. The primary cause of the metabolic syndrome and increase of the cardiovascular risk have been identified in "sick fat", a condition then defined as adiposopathy. Heart attacks, strokes and renal failures are pathologies that have mid-risk factors such as dyslipidemia, hypertension and diabetes, which in turn are caused by obesity, whose primary risk factor is represented by the diet. The aim of the present review is to consider the importance of body composition, together with chronic inflammation and a new gut microbiota data that may turn out to be crucial elements of some target treatment of human obesity. In this review, we performed research using PubMed database reviewing the evidence in the literature of evidence information regarding the link between obesity and body composition in the development of metabolic disease via inflammation markers and in particular, the new role exerted by gut microbiota. Several papers were evaluated searching for differences in fat mass and disease risk. We also identified the same papers dealing with differences in body composition and metabolic syndrome. Our attention focuses also on a new frontier of gut microbiota composition in the body weight decrease and anti-inflammatory effects. To the saving of lean mass, for the prevention of cardiometabolic diseases, also considering the relationship with obesity, it is necessary to reduce the inflammatory state, acting on the gut-microbiota and on the intestinal permeability. To improve the health of the intestinal flora, we propose a 4P medicine and treatment with probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and polyphenols.

Heart Rate Response, Duration, Grip Strength, and Anthropometric Characteristics in Recreational Indoor Rock Climbers.

Smetanka, RG, Armenta, RF, Nessler, JA, and Newcomer, SC. Heart rate response, duration, grip strength, and anthropometric characteristics in recreational indoor rock climbers. J Strength Cond Res 36(3): 832-837, 2022-Despite the growing popularity of recreational indoor rock climbing, there is a lack of research on cardiovascular responses to rock climbing. In addition, although the importance of body composition and grip strength has been established in elite climbers, their effect on recreational climbing is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to characterize the physiological and anthropometric characteristics of indoor climbers engaging in climbing at a recreational or noncompetitive setting. We hypothesized that heart rates and climbing durations would meet the standards set by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for eliciting health benefits and that grip strength would decrease over the course of a typical climbing session. One hundred twenty-one male and female adult recreational climbers participated in this study. Following informed consent, subjects were instrumented with a heart rate monitor (Polar V800) which recorded heart rate and duration. Preclimb and postclimb grip strength were evaluated using a hand grip dynamometer and used to calculate fatigue. Subjects were 30.9 ± 8.3 years old and had participated in climbing for 5.6 ± 6.5 years. The average heart rate during climbing sessions was 122.3 ± 14.5 b·min-1, and session duration was 90.6 ± 31.3 minutes. Mean grip strength was 49.9 ± 11.2 kg, whereas the strength to mass ratio was 0.71 ± 0.14, and fatigue was 13.1 ± 11.6%. Results from the current study suggest that recreational indoor climbing elicits exercise heart rates and durations that are consistent with the CDC and ACSM's recommendations for cardiovascular health. Grip strength data suggested that forearm muscle fatigue may limit climbing durations.

Assessment of Malnutrition, Sarcopenia and Frailty in Patients with Cirrhosis: Which Tools Should We Use in Clinical Practice?

Malnutrition is a common comorbidity in patients with cirrhosis. Its prognostic value is indisputable as it greatly affects the evolution of liver diseases. It has a major impact on both morbi-mortality before and after liver transplantation. Being now integrated in the definition of malnutrition and recognized as a new entity in the international classification of diseases, physicians have taken great interest in sarcopenia. Its negative consequences on the fate of patients with cirrhosis are well-demonstrated. The concept of frailty has recently been enlarged to chronic liver diseases as symptoms of impaired global physical functioning. In this article, we will discuss the definitions of malnutrition and emphasize its links with sarcopenia and frailty. We will show the relevance of frailty and sarcopenia in the course of liver diseases. The emerging role of muscle depletion on the cardiorespiratory system will also be highlighted. The importance of body composition will be demonstrated and the main tools reviewed. Finally, we adapted the definition of malnutrition to patients with cirrhosis based on the assessment of sarcopenia together with reduced food intakes.

Body composition of elite Olympic combat sport athletes

Physique traits of a range of elite athletes have been identified; however, few detailed investigations of Olympic combat sports (judo, wrestling, taekwondo and boxing) exist. This is surprising given the importance of body composition in weight category sports. We sought to develop a descriptive database of Olympic combat sport athletes, compare variables relative to weight division and examine differences within and between sports. Additionally, we investigated the appropriateness of athletes’ self-selected weight classes compared to an internationally recognised classification system (the NCAA minimum wrestling weight scheme used to identify minimum ‘safe’ weight). Olympic combat sport athletes (56♂, 38♀) had body mass (BM), stretch stature and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry derived body composition assessed within 7–21 days of competition. Most athletes were heavier than their weight division. Sport had an effect (p < .05) on several physique traits, including; lean mass, lean mass distribution, stretch stature and BMI. BM was strongly positively correlated (r > 0.6) with; fat free mass, fat mass and body fat percentage, however, was not predictive of total mass/weight division. The Olympic combat sports differ in competitive format and physiological requirements, which is partly reflected in athletes’ physique traits. We provide reference ranges for lean and fat mass across a range of BM. Lighter athletes likely must utilise acute weight loss in order to make weight, whereas heavier athletes can potentially reduce fat mass.

Body composition, muscle function, and physical performance in fibrotic interstitial lung disease: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundPatients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease (ILD) are frequently physically inactive and many ILD subtypes are characterized by risk factors for myopathy; however, the importance of body composition, muscle strength, and physical performance in this population is largely unknown.MethodsPatients were prospectively recruited from a specialized ILD clinic, baseline characteristics were collected from the clinical record, pulmonary function tests were performed per established protocols, and dyspnea was measured using the University of California San Diego Shortness of Breath Questionnaire. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to assess body composition; handgrip strength to determine muscle strength, and 4-m gait speed to measure physical performance.ResultsOne hundred and fifteen patients with fibrotic ILD including 40 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis were recruited. The mean age was 69+/− 10 years in men (62% of the cohort), and 66+/− 9 years in women, with mild and moderate reduction in FVC and DLCO, respectively, for both sexes. ILD severity (measured by FVC %-predicted, DLCO %-predicted, or the Composite Physiologic Index in separate models) significantly predicted muscle mass and percent body fat including with adjustment for age, sex, and weight. ILD severity was associated with grip strength and gait speed independent from body composition.ConclusionsILD severity has an important impact on body composition, particularly in men. Future studies are needed to confirm and further explore the possibility of additional pathways through which ILD directly impacts limb muscle function and physical performance.

Anthropometric profile, body composition and somatotype in elite traditional rowers: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Given the importance of body composition in sports performance, it is vital to have references of elite athletes which serve as a guide when it comes to overseeing diet and training.The aim of this study was to describe the anthropometric values of an elite team of traditional rowers in order to build an anthropometric profile in this sport. Material and methods: A cross-sectional design with twenty elite, male traditional rowers aged at 29.3 (3.6) years reported to the laboratory on a single day at the start of the competitive season. Height, wingspan, body mass, 8 skinfolds, 2 bone diameters and 6 perimeters were measured by the same internationally certified anthropometrist. Anthropometric measurements were taken following the International Society of Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) protocol. Fat mass was calculated using different equations for athletes and muscle mass using the Lee equation. For the somatotype components, the Carter and Heath equation was applied.Results: elite traditional rowers had a wingspan of 189 (5.8) cm, body fat percentage of 8.0 (1.2)% (Carter), 8.0 (1.8) (Withers), 7.0 (1.2)% (Yuhasz), and 10.9 (1.1)% (Faulkner). Muscle mass was 43.3 (2.4)% (Lee). The somatotype was endo-mesomorphic with endomorphy values of 3.5 (0.4), mesomorphy 4.7 (0.6) and ectomorphy 2.4 (3.5).Conclusion: These results suggest that wingspan seems to be of great importance for elite traditional rowers; while average height may not be as important for performance as wingspan. Meanwhile, reducing body fat percentage is likely to be beneficial in order to achieve elite rowing status.

Importance of Body Composition in the National Hockey League Combine Physiological Assessments.

Chiarlitti, NA, Delisle-Houde, P, Reid, RER, Kennedy, C, and Andersen, RE. Importance of body composition in the national hockey league combine physiological assessments. J Strength Cond Res 32(11): 3135-3142, 2018-The National Hockey League (NHL) combine was designed to assess draft-eligible players based on body composition, speed, power, and strength. The importance of body composition in the battery of combine physical tests was investigated, and differences in results based on position were explored. Thirty-seven elite male Canadian university hockey players (age = 22.86 ± 1.55 years, mass = 87.21 ± 6.52 kg, and height = 181.69 ± 6.19 cm) participated in the study at the beginning of their hockey season. All participants underwent physical testing (as outlined in the 2016 NHL combine) and 1 total body dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scan to measure body composition. Partial correlations (controlling for body mass) were used to explore the relationship among body composition measures (body fat percentage, visceral fat, body mass index, lower lean tissue mass, upper lean tissue mass, upper fat mass, and lower fat mass) with NHL fitness tests (bench press, pull-ups, grip strength, long jump, proagility, vertical jump, V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, and the Wingate Anaerobic Test). In 4 of the 6 strength/power tests (Wingate Anaerobic Test, long jump, bench press, and both grip strengths), lower and upper lean tissue mass explained significant amounts of variance. Although forwards and defensemen significantly differed in right grip strength and proagility left scores, they did not differ in regard to any body composition variables. Body composition has a significant influence on several combine-specific tests, which may help sport scientists and strength and conditioning coaches to better tailor training programs and to optimize performance in elite hockey players.

Skeletal Muscle Loss During Definitive Chemoradiotherapy is Negatively Associated with Outcomes in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer

Concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) is the mainstay of treatment for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). Emerging reports suggest that sarcopenia might be associated with poor prognosis in many cancers; however, the effect of sarcopenia and skeletal muscle loss during CCRT for LACC remains unknown. We hypothesized that skeletal muscle loss during CCRT could impact outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of sarcopenia and skeletal muscle changes on the outcomes of patients with LACC. We analyzed the pre- and post-CCRT computed tomography (CT) images of 245 patients with LACC who were treated between 2004 and 2015. The post-CCRT CT images were acquired within 3 months of CCRT. The third lumbar vertebrae (L3) was chosen as a standard landmark, and two consecutive CT images were used to measure the cross-sectional area of the skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle was identified and quantified by the use of Hounsfield unit thresholds (–29 to +150). The skeletal muscle index (SMI) was calculated as the area of total L3 skeletal muscle (cm2) divided by the square of the height (m2). Sarcopenia was defined as SMI <38.5 cm2/m2. The SMI change was calculated as follows: [(post-CCRT SMI - pre-CCRT SMI)/pre-CCRT SMI] × 100. Patients with an SMI loss or gain of more than 10% were classified as having experienced ‘SMI loss’ or ‘SMI gain,’ respectively. The Cox’s proportional hazards model was used to test for the combined effects of prognostic factors. Survival probabilities were expressed as hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The median follow-up was 62.7 (range, 7.3-152.3) months. Among the 245 patients, 108 (44%) had pre-CCRT sarcopenia. The median interval between pre- and post-CCRT CT scans was 4.8 (range, 3.5-5.9) months. The number of patients who were diagnosed with SMI loss, stable SMI, and SMI gain were 51 (21.8%), 144 (58.5%), and 50 (20.4%), respectively. The survival outcomes were similar in the pre-CCRT sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups (5-year overall survival [OS]: 82.5% vs. 83.0%, p = 0.78; 5-year progression-free survival [PFS]: 72.2% vs. 78.8%, p = 0.25). The 5-year OS for the SMI loss, stable SMI, and SMI gain groups was 44.8%, 91.7%, and 95.8%, respectively (p < 0.001), and the 5-year PFS was 38.4%, 84.7 %, and 89.3%, respectively (p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis adjusted for FIGO stage, lymph node status, histology, and treatment, the SMI change, as a continuous variable (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.71–0.83; p < 0.001), and SMI loss (HR, 6.22; 95% CI, 3.12–12.43; p < 0.001) were significant prognostic factors for OS. Pre-CCRT sarcopenia was not an independent prognostic factor for OS (p = 0.78). Skeletal muscle loss during CCRT was a poor prognostic factor for survival in patients with LACC. Our results demonstrate that the importance of body composition in patients with cancer, highlighting the need for specific interventions to improve unfavorable body compositions for potentially improving outcomes.

Body Composition and Metabolic Caging Analysis in High Fat Fed Mice

Alterations to body composition (fat or lean mass), metabolic parameters such as whole-body oxygen consumption, energy expenditure, and substrate utilization, and behaviors such as food intake and physical activity can provide important information regarding the underlying mechanisms of disease. Given the importance of body composition and metabolism to the development of obesity and its subsequent sequelae, it is necessary to make accurate measures of these parameters in the pre-clinical research setting. Advances in technology over the past few decades have made it possible to derive these measures in rodent models in a non-invasive and longitudinal fashion. Consequently, these metabolic measures have proven useful when assessing the response of genetic manipulations (for example knockout or transgenic mice, viral knock-down or overexpression of genes), experimental drug/compound screening and dietary, behavioral or physical activity interventions. Herein, we describe the protocols used to measure body composition and metabolic parameters using an animal monitoring system in chow-fed and high fat diet-fed mice.

Body Composition and Metabolic Caging Analysis in High Fat Fed Mice.

Alterations to body composition (fat or lean mass), metabolic parameters such as whole-body oxygen consumption, energy expenditure, and substrate utilization, and behaviors such as food intake and physical activity can provide important information regarding the underlying mechanisms of disease. Given the importance of body composition and metabolism to the development of obesity and its subsequent sequelae, it is necessary to make accurate measures of these parameters in the pre-clinical research setting. Advances in technology over the past few decades have made it possible to derive these measures in rodent models in a non-invasive and longitudinal fashion. Consequently, these metabolic measures have proven useful when assessing the response of genetic manipulations (for example knockout or transgenic mice, viral knock-down or overexpression of genes), experimental drug/compound screening and dietary, behavioral or physical activity interventions. Herein, we describe the protocols used to measure body composition and metabolic parameters using an animal monitoring system in chow-fed and high fat diet-fed mice.