Lean Arm Research Articles

Maternal Glycemic Status and Longitudinal Fetal Body Composition and Organ Volumes Based on Three-Dimensional Ultrasonography.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases the risk of fetal overgrowth as measured by two-dimensional ultrasonography. Whether fetal three-dimensional (3D) soft tissue and organ volumes provide additional insight into fetal overgrowth is unknown. We prospectively evaluated longitudinal 3D fetal body composition and organ volumes in a diverse US singleton pregnancy cohort (2015-2019). Women were diagnosed with GDM, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), or normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Up to five 3D ultrasound scans measured fetal body composition and organ volumes; trajectories were modeled using linear mixed models. Overall and weekly mean differences in fetal 3D trajectories were tested across glycemic status, adjusted for covariates. In this sample (n = 2,427), 5.2% of women had GDM, and 3.0% had IGT. Fetuses of women who developed GDM compared with NGT had larger fractional arm and fractional fat arm volumes from 26 to 35 weeks, smaller fractional lean arm volume from 17 to 22 weeks, and larger abdominal area from 24 to 40 weeks. Fetuses of women with IGT had similar growth patterns, which manifested later in gestation and with larger magnitudes, and had larger fractional lean arm volume. No overall differences were observed among thigh or organ volumes across glycemic status. Body composition differed in fetuses of GDM-complicated pregnancies, including larger arm and abdominal measures across the second and third trimesters. Patterns were similar in IGT-complicated pregnancies except that they occurred later in gestation and with larger magnitudes. Future research should explore how lifestyle and medication may alter fetal fat accumulation trajectories among hyperglycemic pregnancies.

Multiethnic growth standards for fetal body composition and organ volumes derived from 3D ultrasonography

BackgroundA major goal of contemporary obstetrical practice is to optimize fetal growth and development throughout pregnancy. To date, fetal growth during prenatal care is assessed by performing ultrasonographic measurement of two-dimensional fetal biometry to calculate an estimated fetal weight. Our group previously established two-dimensional fetal growth standards using sonographic data from a large cohort with multiple sonograms. A separate objective of that investigation involved the collection of fetal volumes from the same cohort. ObjectiveThe Fetal 3D Study was designed to establish standards for fetal soft tissue and organ volume measurements by three-dimensional ultrasonography and compare growth trajectories with conventional two-dimensional measures where applicable. Study DesignThe NICHD Fetal 3D Study included research-quality images of singletons collected in a prospective, racially and ethnically diverse, low-risk cohort of pregnant individuals at 12 U.S. sites, with up to five scans per fetus (N=1,730 fetuses). Abdominal subcutaneous tissue thickness was measured from two-dimensional images and fetal limb soft tissue parameters extracted from three-dimensional multiplanar views. Cerebellar, lung, liver and kidney volumes were measured using virtual organ computer aided analysis (VOCAL). Fractional arm and thigh total volumes, and fractional lean limb volumes were measured, with fractional limb fat volume calculated by subtracting lean from total. For each measure, weighted curves (5th, 50th, 95th percentiles) were derived from 15-41 weeks’ using linear mixed models for repeated measures with cubic splines. ResultsSubcutaneous thickness of the abdomen, arm, and thigh increased linearly, with slight acceleration around 27-29 weeks. Fractional volumes of the arm, thigh, and lean limb volumes increased along a quadratic curvature, with acceleration around 29-30 weeks. In contrast, growth patterns for two-dimensional humerus and femur lengths demonstrated a logarithmic shape, with fastest growth in the 2nd trimester. The mid-arm area curve was similar in shape to fractional arm volume, with an acceleration around 30 weeks, whereas the curve for the lean arm area was more gradual. The abdominal area curve was similar to the mid-arm area curve with an acceleration around 29 weeks. The mid-thigh and lean area curves differed from the arm areas by exhibiting a deceleration at 39 weeks. The growth curves for the mid arm and thigh circumferences were more linear with some decelerations. Cerebellar two-dimensional diameter increased linearly, whereas cerebellar three-dimensional volume growth gradually accelerated until 32 weeks and then decelerated. Lung, kidney, and liver volumes all demonstrated gradual early growth followed by a linear acceleration beginning at 25 weeks for lungs, 26-27 weeks for kidneys, and 29 weeks for liver. ConclusionGrowth patterns and timing of maximal growth for three-dimensional lean and fat measures, limb and organ volumes differed from patterns revealed by traditional two-dimensional growth measures, suggesting these parameters reflect unique facets of fetal growth. Growth in these three-dimensional measures may be altered by genetic, nutritional, metabolic or environmental influences and pregnancy complications, in ways not identifiable using corresponding two-dimensional measures. Further investigation into the relationships of these three-dimensional standards to abnormal fetal growth, adverse perinatal outcomes, and health status in postnatal life is warranted.

Seasonal variation of lean arm fat and fat arm area among Ellisras population from childhood to young adulthood

Seasonal variation of lean arm fat and fat arm area among Ellisras population from childhood to young adulthood

Exploring Handgrip Strength as a Cross-cultural Correlate of Body Composition and Upper Body Strength in Older Adults from Costa Rica and Kansas.

Sarcopenia and disability in older adults are often characterized by body composition measurements; however, the gold standard of body composition measurement, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), is expensive to acquire and maintain, making its use in low and middle income countries (LMIC) it out-of-reach in developing nations. Because these LMIC will bear a disproportionate amount of chronic disease burden due to global aging trends, it is important that reliable, low-cost surrogates need to be developed. Handgrip strength (HGS) is a reliable measure of disability in older adults but has not been used widely in diverse populations. This study compared HGS to multiple measurements of body composition in older adults from the US (Kansas) and a middle-income country (Costa Rica) to test if HGS is a cross-culturally appropriate predictive measure that yields reliable estimates across developed and developing nations. Percent body fat (%BF), lean tissue mass index (LTMI), appendicular lean soft tissue index (ALSTI), body fat mass index (BFMI), bone mineral density (BMD), and HGS were measured in older Costa Ricans (n = 78) and Kansans (n = 100). HGS predicted lean arm mass with equal accuracy for both samples (p ≤ 0.05 for all groups), indicating that it is a reliable, low-cost and widely available estimate of upper body lean muscle mass. Older adults from Costa Rica showed different body composition overall and HGS than controls from Kansas. Handgrip operates equivalently in the US and Mesoamerica and is a valid estimate of lean arm muscle mass as derived by the more expensive DEXA.

Sarcopenia Definition and Outcomes Consortium 2020 definition: Association and discriminatory accuracy of sarcopenia with disability in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.

Previous sarcopenia definitions have poor discriminatory accuracy for identifying people with/without relevant health outcomes, and poor agreement between methods of operationalizing sarcopenia criterion. The 2020 Sarcopenia Definitions and Outcomes Consortium (SDOC) definition recommends grip strength (absolute, or standardized to body mass index, total body fat, lean arm mass, or weight), and gait speed. The agreement between methods of operationalizing grip strength and discriminatory accuracy of the SDOC-definition for health outcomes such as activities of daily living (ADL) disability is unknown. Cross-sectional analyses of 27,924 Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging participants aged 45-85 at baseline (2012-2015) stratified by sex. The associations of the SDOC definitions with ADL disability were assessed using logistic regression. Area under the curve (AUC) analyses were conducted to assess discriminatory accuracy. Agreement between methods of operationalizing grip strength was measured using Cohen's kappa. Sarcopenia was associated with a 1.60 (1.42-1.80) to 5.80 (4.89-6.88) greater odds of ADL disability with AUC values between 0.60 and 0.81. Agreement between methods of operationalizing grip strength was between 0.10-0.80 for grip strength alone and 0.45- 0.91 when combined with gait speed. The SDOC-suggested criteria of grip strength and gait speed are significantly associated with ADL disability and have high discriminatory accuracy. However, the agreement between methods of operationalizing grip strength tended to be modest, and AUC, sensitivity, and specificity differed depending on the definition. We suggest a single measure of grip strength be considered and age-stratified cut off values to improve AUC values.

Effect of metformin as an adjuvant therapy to letrozole on estradiol and other biomarkers involved in the pathogenesis of breast cancer in overweight and obese postmenopausal women: a pilot study

IntroductionMetformin may provide a therapeutic benefit in different types of malignancy.PurposeWe aimed at evaluating the effect of metformin as an adjuvant therapy to letrozole on estradiol and other biomarkers involved in the pathogenesis of breast cancer in overweight and obese postmenopausal women.MethodsSeventy-five postmenopausal stages II–III breast cancer female patients were assessed for eligibility in an open-labeled parallel pilot study. Forty-five patients met the inclusion criteria and were assigned into three arms: the lean arm (n = 15) women who received letrozole 2.5 mg/day, the control arm (n = 15) overweight/obese women who received letrozole 2.5 mg/day, and the metformin arm (n = 15) overweight/obese women who received letrozole 2.5 mg/day plus metformin (2000 ± 500 mg/day). The intervention duration was 6 months. Blood samples were obtained at baseline and 6 months after intervention for the measurement of serum estradiol, leptin, osteocalcin levels, fasting blood glucose concentration, and serum insulin.ResultsAfter the intervention and as compared to the control arm, the metformin arm showed a significantly lower ratio to the baseline (significant reduction) for estradiol (p = 0.0433), leptin (p < 0.0001), fasting blood glucose (p = 0.0128), insulin (p = 0.0360), osteocalcin serum levels (p < 0.0001), and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance “HOMA-IR” value (p = 0.0145). There was a non-significant variation in the lactate ratio to the baseline among the three study arms (p = 0.5298).ConclusionMetformin may exert anti-cancer activity by decreasing the circulating estradiol, leptin, and insulin. Metformin might represent a safe and promising adjuvant therapy to letrozole in overweight/obese postmenopausal women with breast cancer.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05053841/Registered September 23, 2021 - Retrospectively.

COMPARISON OF BODY COMPOSITION OF VOLLEYBALL, HANDBALL AND FOOTBALL FEMALE PLAYERS

Body composition is an important factor in the physical fitness and health of athletes. The aim of this research is to identify and compare body composition (BC) of female players including volleyball (VB) (X with Age=21.48±2.64), handball (HB) (X with Age =18.42±2.62), and soccer (SOC) (X with Age =18.37±2.41). Total and regional body composition of each player were evaluated with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry method (DXA). According to the results of the MANOVA, there was a statistically significant difference between female players from different team sports on the combined dependent variables (F=2.14; p=.007; Pillai’s Trace=1.45; η2=.73). When the results for the dependent variables were considered separately, SOC players had significantly lower lean arm mass (F=6.27; p=.004; η2=.23), lean leg mass (F=7.92; p=.001; η2=.27), lean android mass (F=8.85; p=.001; η2=.29), lean gyonoid mass (F=9.01; p=.001; η2=.30), and Total BMC (F=7.25; p=.002; η2=.25) than those of VB and HB players. In addition, while SOC players had significantly lower lean body mass (F=4.97; p=.011; η2=.19) than VB players; HB players had significantly higher leg fat mass (F=4.77; p=.013; η2=.18) and gyonoid fat mass (F=4.37; p=.019; η2=.17) than SOC players. In conclusion, body compositions of female team players of SOC, VB, and HB varied. Coaches and sports scientists are advised to plan training considering the differences between sports branches.

Relationship Between Body Composition, Multiple Repeated Sprint Ability and Vertical Jump Performance in Elite Badminton Players

The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation between the body composition, multiple repeated sprint ability (MRSAB) test, and vertical jump performance. Fifteen voluntary elite Turkish badminton players participated in the study. The MRSAB test consisted of 2 repetitions of 4 movements (4x3m) separated by 30 seconds of passive recovery. The best time (BT), meantime (MT), total time (TT), and fatigue index (FI) were measured. Body composition was evaluated through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Squat jump (SJ) test for explosive power and countermovement jump (CMJ) test for elastic power were used. The main findings were that there was a significant correlation between MRSAB MT and TT with lean body mass, lean arm mass, and trunk lean mass (kg) of male badminton players. However, no significant correlation was observed among MRSAB MT, BT, and TT with another total/regional body composition of female badminton players (p>0.05). Moreover, the results of male badminton players showed that there was a significant negative correlation between FI and percentage ofbody fat (%BF), percentage of leg fat (%LF), percentage of trunk fat (%TF), and trunk mass. In addition, there was a significant negative correlation between FI with %BF, body fat mass kg, percentage of arm fat (%AF), arm fat mass, and %LF of female badminton players. It was also found in the study that there was a significant correlation between SJ and %LF; CMJ and %BF, body fat mass kg, %AF, %LF and leg fat mass kg. However, no significant correlation was observed among CMJ and SJ with other total/regional body compositions of male badminton players (p>0,05). Finally, changes in body composition are important issues for the physical performance level of badminton players as regional excess body fat may cause deterioration, especially in repeated-sprint ability and jumping performance.

Impact of beta‐Hydroxy‐beta‐methylbutyrate plus Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Skeletal Muscle Size, Function and Quality in Sedentary and Resistance Exercise Trained Women

The age‐related loss of skeletal muscle mass, quality, and strength can lead to the loss of independence later in life. Beta‐hydroxy‐beta‐methylbutyrate (HMB), a leucine metabolite, can increase skeletal muscle size and function. However, emerging evidence suggests HMB may be less effective at improving muscle function in people with insufficient Vitamin D3 levels (25‐hydroxy‐Vitamin D (25‐OH‐D) &lt;30 ng/mL,) common in middle‐aged and older adults. Therefore, our current study tested the hypothesis that combining HMB (Calcium salt) with Vitamin D3 (HMB+D) would increase skeletal muscle size, quality and function in middle aged women (53±1 yrs, 26±1 kg/m2, n=43) randomized to sedentary control (SED) or progressive resistance exercise training (RT). In a placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded fashion, women were further randomized to placebo or HMB+D (3g of HMB + 2000IU of Vitamin D3). Study enrollment and recruitment occurred before and after COVID‐19 stay at home measures. In both RT and SED, HMB+D raised circulating levels of 25‐OH‐D after 8 (33±2 ng/mL) and 12 (35±2 ng/mL) weeks to reach sufficient Vitamin D3 levels. In SED, HMB+D prevented the loss of lean arm mass observed in the placebo group (0.07±0.06 vs ‐0.19±0.06 kg; P&lt;0.05). HMB+D also increased thigh skeletal muscle (26±13 vs ‐5±8 cm3; P&lt;0.05) and decreased intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) volume (‐20±11 vs 5±6 cm3; P&lt;0.05) compared to placebo. However, 12‐weeks of HMB+D did not change skeletal muscle function. In the RT, 12‐weeks of HMB+D decreased IMAT compared to placebo (‐22±13 vs 6±4 cm3; P&lt;0.05) but did not influence the increase in skeletal muscle mass or function. These data show that 12‐weeks of HMB+D supplementation consistently decreased thigh IMAT volume in both SED and RT. HMB+D in sedentary middle‐aged women was beneficial for skeletal muscle size but did not lead to improved muscle function or quality. Further, HMB+D did not influence the hypertrophic or functional improvements after resistance exercise training in middle‐aged women. HMB+D may be able to help combat the age‐related loss of skeletal muscle mass in sedentary women. These results lend support to conducting a larger study for a longer duration to validate these findings as well as explore additional populations who may also benefit from HMB+D.

Cellulitis Is Associated with Severe Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: An Observational Study of Tissue Composition.

Simple SummaryCellulitis is a common complication in Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema (BCRL); however, it is not known whether cellulitis is associated with the severity and biocompositon of BCRL. This study showed that cellulitis was associated with more excess volume, fat, and lean arm mass. Treatments should aim to prevent cellulitis in BCRL to possibly avoid the condition exacerbating.Cellulitis is a common complication in Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema (BCRL). The excess amount of fat and lean mass in BCRL is a vital factor in patient stratification, prognosis, and treatments. However, it is not known whether cellulitis is associated with the excess fat and lean mass in BCRL. Therefore, this prospective observational study was designed to fundamentally understand the heterogonous biocomposition of BCRL. For this study, we consecutively enrolled 206 patients with unilateral BCRL between January 2019 and February 2020. All patients underwent Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry scans, bioimpedance spectroscopy, indocyanine green lymphangiography comprehensive history of potential risk factors, and a clinical exam. Multivariate linear and beta regression models were used to determine the strength of association and margins effect. Sixty-nine patients (33%) had at least one previous episode of cellulitis. Notably, a previous episode of cellulitis was associated with 20 percentage points more excess fat and 10 percentage points more excess lean mass compared to patients without cellulitis (p < 0.05). Moreover, each 1 increase in the patients BMI was associated with a 0.03 unit increase in the fat mass proportion of the lymphedema arm. Cellulitis was associated with more excess fat and lean arm mass in BCRL. In addition, patients BMI affect the proportion of fat mass in the arm.

Strength training increases skeletal muscle quality but not muscle mass in old institutionalized adults: a randomized, multi-arm parallel and controlled intervention study.

Age related loss of skeletal muscle mass is accompanied by changes in muscle quality leading to impairment of functional status. This study investigated the effect of resistance training and nutritional supply on muscle mass and muscle quality in very old institutionalized adults. Prospective, randomized, multi-arm parallel and controlled intervention study. This study was conducted in five retirement care facilities. This subgroup of the Vienna Active Ageing Study included 54 women and men (82.4±6.0 years) with impaired health status. Participants were randomly assigned either to elastic band resistance training (N.=16), training with nutritional supplementation (N.=21) or control group (N.=17). Health status was assessed at baseline with functional tests, cognitive status, nutritional status, sum of medications as well as sum of diseases. Skeletal muscle mass, determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, isokinetic knee extension and flexion force and handgrip strength were assessed at baseline and after 6 months. Muscle quality of lower extremities was defined as ratio of the extensor (MQ_LE (Ext.)) or flexor strength (MQ_LE (Flex.)) to lean leg mass. Muscle quality of upper extremity was defined as ratio of handgrip strength to lean arm mass. Follow-up examinations were performed after 12 and 18 months of intervention. Muscle quality, but not muscle mass, showed significant correlations to functional tests at baseline (0.300 - 0.614, P<0.05). Resistance training significantly enhanced muscle quality of lower extremity after 6 months (MQ_LE (Ext.) +19.8%, MQ_LE (Flex.) +30.8%, P<0.05). Nutritional supplementation could not further increase the training effect. Participants with lower muscle quality at baseline benefit most from the training intervention. Skeletal muscle mass was not changed by any intervention. Resistance training with elastic bands improved muscle quality in very old people. Additional nutritional supplementation was not able to further improve the effects obtained by training alone. Elastic band resistance training could be safely used to improve muscle quality even in old people with impaired health status. Weak and chronically ill participants benefit most from this training.

Prediction of Performance in Vasaloppet through Long Lasting Ski-Ergometer and Rollerski Tests in Cross-Country Skiers

The main purpose was to investigate if long lasting cross-country (c-c) test procedures could predict performance time in ‘Vasaloppet’ and secondly the effect of a 16 weeks training period on a 90 min double poling performance test. 24 moderate trained c-c skiers participated in the study and completed Vasaloppet. All skiers carried out pre and post training tests in a 90 minutes ski-ergometer double poling test and a 120 minutes rollerski field test on a closed paved circuit. 19 skiers provided detailed training logs that could sufficiently establish their training preparation for Vasaloppet. Racing time in Vasaloppet correlated negatively with average work output (W/kg) at the pre ski-ergometer test (Figure 3A) (n = 24; r = -0.79; P < 0.001), i.e. c-c ski performance was positively associated with ergometer performance. Likewise, a similar correlation was obtained after the 16 week training period between average post-test work output in the ski-ergometer and performance in Vasaloppet (n = 24; r = -0.76; P < 0.001). The distance improved significantly from 18.0 ± 0.6 to 19.2 ± 0.7 km/h from pre to post in the ski-ergometer tests. Pre-field-test time performance on rollerskies as measured by average lap time for the 3 km circuit also correlated significantly to performance in Vasaloppet (n = 23; r = 0.78; P < 0.001). In addition, the rollerski post-field-test also showed good agreement with Vasaloppet performance, but a number of individual cancellations appeared and performance time was only measured in 11 skiers. (r = 0.82; P < 0.001). There was no change in body weight, BMI and lean arm mass but borderline increase in lean leg mass (P < 0.067), a significant increase in trunk and total lean body mass (P < 0.05) and a reduction of total body fat percentage (P < 0.05). Long lasting ski-ergometer and Rollerski field tests correlate strongly with performance in Vasaloppet and therefore might be useful test tools for recreational skiers who wish to participate in long lasting c-c competitions.

The effect of training volume and intensity on improvements in muscular strength and size in resistance-trained men.

This investigation compared the effect of high-volume (VOL) versus high-intensity (INT) resistance training on stimulating changes in muscle size and strength in resistance-trained men. Following a 2-week preparatory phase, participants were randomly assigned to either a high-volume (VOL; n = 14, 4 × 10–12 repetitions with ∼70% of one repetition maximum [1RM], 1-min rest intervals) or a high-intensity (INT; n = 15, 4 × 3–5 repetitions with ∼90% of 1RM, 3-min rest intervals) training group for 8 weeks. Pre- and posttraining assessments included lean tissue mass via dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, muscle cross-sectional area and thickness of the vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), pectoralis major, and triceps brachii muscles via ultrasound images, and 1RM strength in the back squat and bench press (BP) exercises. Blood samples were collected at baseline, immediately post, 30 min post, and 60 min postexercise at week 3 (WK3) and week 10 (WK10) to assess the serum testosterone, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1), cortisol, and insulin concentrations. Compared to VOL, greater improvements (P < 0.05) in lean arm mass (5.2 ± 2.9% vs. 2.2 ± 5.6%) and 1RM BP (14.8 ± 9.7% vs. 6.9 ± 9.0%) were observed for INT. Compared to INT, area under the curve analysis revealed greater (P < 0.05) GH and cortisol responses for VOL at WK3 and cortisol only at WK10. Compared to WK3, the GH and cortisol responses were attenuated (P < 0.05) for VOL at WK10, while the IGF1 response was reduced (P < 0.05) for INT. It appears that high-intensity resistance training stimulates greater improvements in some measures of strength and hypertrophy in resistance-trained men during a short-term training period.

High-Intensity Resistance Training Increases Upper Body Muscle and Bone Variables in Resistance Trained Males

BACKGROUND: Physiological adaptation consequent to resistance training is thought to be specific to training intensity and training volume. However, studies comparing high intensity and high training protocols on muscle strength and growth in experienced, resistance trained (RT) men are limited. PURPOSE: Compare high volume versus high intensity training on changes in lean body mass, bone mineral content (BMC), bone area (BA), and bone mineral density (BMD) in the upper body. In addition, changes in upper body strength and power were also examined in RT men. METHODS: Following a 2-wk preparatory phase, 29 RT men completed pre-testing (PRE) measures of skeletal and muscular mass via dual energy X-ray absorptiometry to determine BMC, BA, BMD, and lean arm mass (LAM). Peak (PP) and mean (MP) power were determined by a linear force transducer attached to the barbell during one repetition maximum (1RM) assessment of the bench press (BP), as well as during a single repetition at a resistance corresponding to 40, 60, 80% of the participant’s BP 1RM. Participants were then randomly selected to complete either a high volume, low intensity (HV, n = 14, 4 x 10-12RM, 1min rest) or a high intensity, low volume (HI, n = 15, 4 x 3-5RM, 3min rest) whole body resistance training program. Participants completed post-testing following 8-wks (4 d · wk-1) of training. Outcomes were assessed by ANCOVA with posttest means adjusted for pretest differences among the groups. RESULTS: The ANCOVA indicated significant differences for POST BP 1RM (p=0.013, [[Unsupported Character - Symbol Font η]][[Unsupported Character - Symbol Font 2]]=0.214), LAM (p=0.036, [[Unsupported Character - Symbol Font η]][[Unsupported Character - Symbol Font 2]]=0.158), and BMC (p=0.035, [[Unsupported Character - Symbol Font η]][[Unsupported Character - Symbol Font 2]]=0.160). The group means (± standard error) for the adjusted POST variables were HI 121.76 ± 2.25 vs HV 113.11 ± 2.33kg for 1RM BP, HI 10.2 ± 0.11 vs HV 9.84 ± 0.12kg for LAM, and HI 548.56 ± 4.10 vs HV 535.40 ± 4.25g for BMC. No other group differences were observed between the two RT protocols. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study indicate that during an 8-wk training program in RT men that the HI RT protocol may provide a greater stimulus to bone and muscle tissue adaptation than HV. However, no preferential increase in peak or mean power between the two protocols were observed.

Predicting Maximal Oxygen Consumption In Normal Weight Cyclists Using Lean Arm Mass

Predicting Maximal Oxygen Consumption In Normal Weight Cyclists Using Lean Arm Mass

Upper-Body Resistance Training and Self-Efficacy Enhancement in COPD.

PurposeLoss of skeletal muscle strength is commonly seen with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study aim was to determine the effects of comprehensive upper-body resistance training (8 different lifts) and a self-efficacy enhancing intervention in COPD with respect to muscle strength, symptoms, functional status and exercise adherence.MethodsThis randomized trial had 3 groups: upper-body resistance training with an intervention to enhance self-efficacy (UBR + SE), upper-body resistance training and health education (UBR + HE), gentle chair exercises and health education (CE + HE). Subjects performed 16 weeks of supervised training, then 12 months of long-term maintenance at home. Outcomes were: muscle strength, dyspnea, functional status, self-efficacy, and adherence.ResultsSixty-four subjects completed 16 wks of training: age 71 ± 8 yr, fat-free mass index 19 ± 3 kg/m2, forced expiratory volume in one second 58 ± 18 percent predicted. The UBR + SE intervention produced a 46% increase in strength compared to a 36% increase in the UBR + HE group (P = 0.054). The combined UBR + SE and UBR + HE groups produced a 41% increase in strength compared to an 11% increase in the CE+HE (P < 0.001). The combined UBR groups also demonstrated increases in lean arm mass (P = 0.003) and a trend toward decreased dyspnea (P = 0.053). There were no group differences in attrition, attendance and training progression. Fifty subjects completed long-term maintenance and the UBR + SE and UBR + HE groups retained some gains in muscle strength, 24% and 21% respectively, and the CE + HE group lost 3% of muscle strength from baseline.ConclusionThe study provides strong evidence that comprehensive resistance training increased strength and lean arm mass and that strength can be partially maintained through a simple home program using hand weights. It provides limited evidence that upper-body resistance training improved dyspnea and that the exercise-specific self-efficacy enhancing intervention was beneficial.

Long-term effect of exercise on bone mineral density and body composition in post-menopausal ex-elite athletes: a retrospective study

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the long-term effect of exercise on bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC) and body composition (BC) in post-menopausal women who were elite athletes during their youth compared with sedentary controls. It is a retrospective study and carried out in an outpatient clinic. A total of 48 post-menopausal women (54-73 years of age) were enrolled. Ex-elite athletes with long-term (>20 years) histories of significant training and performance were divided into two groups: weight-bearing sports (runners, n=12) and non-weight-bearing sports (swimmers, n=12). The athletes were age matched with sedentary controls (n=24). BMD, BMC and BC were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Healthcare and sport activity histories were evaluated using a questionnaire. No significant differences were found with regard to body weight, height, body mass index and hours of activity between the two groups of athletes. There were no significant differences in activity levels between athletes and controls at the time of this study. BMD and BMC were not significantly different between athletes; they were significantly higher in athletes than in controls (P<0.001). Although the ex-athletes did not significantly differ in BC, left and right lean arm mass and arm BMD were significantly higher in swimmers than in runners (P<0.0001). The high level of physical activity observed in female athletes is associated with improved muscle mass, BMD and BMC, and physical activity during youth seems to have a beneficial effect on bone mass and helps to prevent bone loss due to aging.

Asian and Caucasian UK women With low vitamin D status exhibit poorer indices of musculoskeletal health: results of the D-FINES study

More data is urgently required examining the link between poor vitamin D status on bone health and muscle function in different UK ethnic groups. The D-FINES study examined a total of 373 Surrey-dwelling Caucasian (C) and Asian (A) women in four seasons of the year for diet, sunlight exposure, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and grip strength (GS). In the autumn season, lumbar spine bone mineral density (LSBMD) was also measured. The specific aim of this work was to examine differences in LSBMD and GS in A and C pre and postmenopausal women according to 25(OH)D. When women were grouped by 25(OH)D ( 75nmol/l. For GS, controlling for lean arm mass, a statistically significant difference between the four ethnic/menopausal groups (F=24.851, p 0.05). In summary, LS BMD was found to be significantly higher in individuals with 25(OH)D >75nmol/l compared to those with <39nmol/l. These key findings show that poor 25(OH)D is associated with a detrimental effect on bone health. If maintained, these findings could potentially translate into increased fracture risk long-term. Furthermore, 25(OH)D was positively correlated with GS in all women in all seasons, indicating low 25(OH)D may decrease GS, most likely via poorer muscle function. These findings are a cause for public health concern. This work was funded by the UK Foods Standards Agency (NO5064). The views expressed are those of the authors alone.

Body Composition and Performance in Cross-Country Skiing

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between body composition and performance in cross-country skiing. Ten male college-aged elite cross-country skiers (17.9 yrs; S 1.0 yrs) participated in a 5.6-km cross-country skiing time trial and in dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA, Lunar DPX-L, Madison, WI, USA) body composition measurements. A differential global positioning system (dGPS, GPS 12 CX, Garmin Int. Inc., Olathe, KS, USA; RXMAR 2, Aztec SA, Strasbourg, France) was used to compute speed in different sections of the course. Spearman correlation analyses were applied. Total body weight and absolute lean body mass were significantly related to final time (r = - 0.721; p < 0.05 and - 0.830; p < 0.01, respectively). Absolute lean arm mass (kg) was negatively correlated to final time (r = - 0.648; p < 0.05) and the relative lean arm mass was significantly related to speed mainly in uphill sections (r = 0.636 to 0.867; p < 0.05 to p < 0.01). We suggest that large amounts of lean body mass, especially in the arms, seem to be of great importance for cross-country skiing performance.

Body composition and time course changes in regional distribution of fat and lean tissue in unselected cancer patients on palliative care—Correlations with food intake, metabolism, exercise capacity, and hormones

Several investigations that yielded different results in terms of net changes in body composition of weight-losing cancer patients have been reported that employed a variety of methods based on fundamentally different technology. Most of those reports were cross-sectional, whereas to the authors' knowledge there is sparse information available on longitudinal follow-up measurements in relation to other independent methods for the assessment of metabolism and performance. For the current report, the authors evaluated time course changes in body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) with measurements of whole body and regional distribution of fat and lean tissue in relation to food and dietary intake, host metabolism (indirect calorimetry), maximum exercise capacity (walking test), and circulating hormones in cancer patients who were receiving palliative care during 4-62 months of follow-up. The entire cohort comprised 311 patients, ages 68 years +/- 3 years who were diagnosed with solid gastrointestinal tumors (84 colorectal tumors, 74 pancreatic tumors, 73 upper gastrointestinal tumors, 51 liver-biliary tumors, 3 breast tumors, 5 melanomas, and 21 other tumor types). Decreased body weight was explained by loss of body fat, preferentially from the trunk, followed by leg tissue and arm tissue, respectively. Lean tissue (fat-free mass) was lost from arm tissue, whereas trunk and leg tissue compartments increased, all concomitant with declines in serum albumin, increased systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate), increased serum insulin, and elevated daily caloric intake; whereas serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), resting energy expenditure, and maximum exercise capacity remained unchanged in the same patients. Serum albumin levels (P < 0.001), whole body fat (P < 0.02), and caloric intake (P < 0.001) predicted survival, whereas lean tissue mass did not. Daily intake of fat and carbohydrate was more important for predicting survival than protein intake. Survival also was predicted by serum IGF-1, insulin, leptin, and ghrelin levels (P < 0.02 - P < 0.001). Serum insulin, leptin, and ghrelin (total) levels predicted body fat (P < 0.001), whereas IGF-1 and thyroid hormone levels (T3, free T3) predicted lean tissue mass (P < 0.01). Systemic inflammation primarily explained variation in lean tissue and secondarily explained loss in body fat. Depletion of lean arm tissue was related most to short survival compared with the depletion of lean leg and trunk tissue. The current results demonstrated that body fat was lost more rapidly than lean tissue in progressive cancer cachexia, a phenomenon that was related highly to alterations in the levels of circulating classic hormones and food intake, including both caloric amount and diet composition. The results showed importance in the planning of efficient palliative treatment for cancer patients.