Lower Percent Body Fat Research Articles

Self-recorded heart rate variability profiles are associated with health and lifestyle markers in young adults.

To quantify associations between self-recorded heart rate variability (HRV) profiles and various health and lifestyle markers in young adults. Otherwise healthy volunteers (n = 40, 50% male) recorded 60-s, post-waking HRV with a cost-free mobile application in supine and standing positions for 7days. The 7-day average and coefficient of variation (CV, reflects daily fluctuation) for the mean RR interval and root mean square of successive differences (LnRMSSD) were assessed. 7-day sleep duration and physical activity profiles were characterized via wrist-worn accelerometer. Subsequent laboratory assessments included aerobic fitness ([Formula: see text]O2peak) and markers of cardiovascular, metabolic, and psychoemotional health. Associations were evaluated before and after [Formula: see text]O2peak adjustment. Bivariate correlations (P < 0.05) demonstrated that higher 7-day averages and/or lower CV values were associated with higher activity levels and superior cardiovascular (lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure [BP] and aortic stiffness [cf-PWV]), metabolic (lower body fat percentage, fasting glucose, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C]), and psychoemotional health (lower perceived stress) markers, with some variation between sexes and recording position. In males, associations between HRV parameters and cf-PWV remained significant following [Formula: see text]O2peak adjustment (P < 0.05). In females, HRV parameters were associated (P < 0.05) with numerous cardiovascular (systolic and diastolic BP, cf-PWV) and metabolic (fasting glucose and LDL-C) parameters following [Formula: see text]O2peak adjustment. Higher or more stable supine and standing HRV were generally associated with superior health and lifestyle markers in males and females. These findings lay groundwork for future investigation into the usefulness of self-recorded ultra-short HRV as a health-promoting behavior-modification tool in young adults.

Rheumatoid arthritis and nutritional profile: A study in Brazilian females.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may have nutritional impairment. In RA, muscle loss is associated with an increase in fat tissue, and the patients may not have body mass index (BMI) alterations. To study the nutritional status in a sample of patients with RA in Brazil through mini nutritional assessment (MNA) and electric bioimpedance and its relationship to BMI, functionality, disease activity, and treatment. Seventy-one RA females were included. Chart review was used to obtain epidemiological, clinical, and treatment data. Patients answered the MNA and were submitted to electrical bioimpedance and anthropometric measurements. Disease activity was assessed through simple disease activity index (SDAI), clinical disease activity index (CDAI), and function, through health assessment questionnaire (HAQ). According to MNA, 23 (32.4%) patients were at risk for malnutrition and 1 (1.4%) was malnourished. MNA were associated with disease activity and function impairment (SDAI P=.02; CDAI P=.02, and HAQ P=.002) but not with used medications. According to BMI, 76% were overweight or obese. An increased percentage of body fat was found in 98.7% and a lower percentage of lean mass in 95.7%. Disease activity and function were not associated with the percentage of body fat of any used medications, with a lower percentage of body fat in those using abatacept (P=.01). Almost one-third of patients had nutritional impairment according to MNA which was associated with disease activity and loss of function. Almost the whole sample had an increased percentage of fat mass and a diminished percentage of muscle mass that could not be linked with disease activity, function or used medications.

Dietary Intakes and the Risk of Low Energy Availability in Male and Female Advanced and Elite Rock Climbers.

Monedero, J, Duff, C, and Egan, B. Dietary intakes and the risk of low energy availability in male and female advanced and elite rock climbers. J Strength Cond Res 37(3): e8-e15, 2023-There is a culture among rock climbers of striving to maintain low body mass and percentage body fat to enhance performance. Diet practices based on this belief might lead to increased risk of low energy availability (LEA) or eating disorders (EDs). Twenty-five advanced or elite rock climbers (male, n = 14; female, n = 11) had body composition measured, completed 4-day food intake and physical activity diaries while wearing an accelerometer and heart rate monitor, and completed the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT)-26 and the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q; n = 11 female subjects only). EAT-26 scores of 3.5 (1.8, 7.0) [median (IQR)] and 9.3 ± 6.4 (mean ± SD ) for male and female subjects, respectively, indicated low risk of ED in this cohort, but 4 female subjects were at high risk of LEA according to LEAF-Q scores. Suboptimal (<45 kcal·kg·FFM -1 ·d -1 ) and LEA (<30 kcal·kg·FFM -1 ·d -1 ) were evident in 88 and 28%, respectively, of climbers. However, only the female climbers had energy intakes (1775 ± 351 kcal·d -1 ) significantly lower than their calculated energy requirements (2056 ± 254 kcal·d -1 ; p = 0.006). In all subjects, carbohydrate intakes were lower (male subjects: 3.8 ± 1.2 g·kg -1 ·d -1 , p = 0.002; female subjects: 3.4 ± 0.7 g·kg -1 ·d -1 , p < 0.001), and fat intakes were higher (male subjects: 1.6 ± 0.5 g·kg -1 ·d -1 , p < 0.001; female subjects: 1.4 ± 0.4 g·kg -1 ·day -1 , p < 0.001) than current sports nutrition recommendations, and inadequate intakes of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D were observed. Female subjects specifically had lower than recommended intakes of protein and iron. These results show that advanced and elite rock climbers have a high prevalence of LEA and have a risk of having nutritional deficiencies as result of their diet.

Nutrition risk, physical activity and fibre intake are associated with body composition in OA: analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

ObjectiveSarcopenic obesity is a key feature in osteoarthritis (OA). While ideal OA treatment involves physical activity and diet, how diet influences OA pathophysiology is unclear. We explored the associations between...

Physical performance in women ́s football preseason. Body composition, heart rate and biomarkers, are they important? Rendimiento físico durante la pretemporada en fútbol femenino. Composición corporal, frecuencia cardíaca y biomarcadores, ¿son importantes?

A well-designed football pre-season is crucial for the subsequent physical performance of the players. This study aimed to analyse, in this period, the effects of body composition, heart rate variability and physiological biomar- kers on female football players’ physical performance. To this end, 22 amateur female football players (23.68 ± 3.69 years) of the same team participated in the study. Physical performance factors (acceleration capacity and jumping ability), body composition, perceived exertion load, heart rate variability and some physiological biomarkers (salivary testosterone and cortisol) were evaluated weekly during a 5-week pre-season period (from T0 to T5). Wilks’ Lambda indicated a significant F-value in all variables except the high and low heart frequency ratio (LFtoHF). Scheffe’s post-hoc identified differences between T0 and all weeks in anthropometry variables, and between T0 and T5 in all other variables. According to the regression analyses, it was revealed a negati- ve impact between percentage of body fat and physical capacities, particularly with 20-m (-13.77) and 40-m (-14.46) when the exertion is measured by the logarithm of the root mean square of successive R-R interval differences (RMSSD). Therefore, the present research suggests that amateur female football players who start the training season with a lower body fat percentage are able to achieve a better fitness level in a short period of time.

Consumption of takeaway and delivery meals is associated with increased BMI and percent fat among UK Biobank participants

ABSTRACTBackgroundConsumption of meals bought from out-of-home sources is a suggested risk factor for obesity, but the supporting evidence is mixed.ObjectivesTo investigate the association between consumption of different types of meals and BMI or percent body fat.MethodsData were from the UK Biobank in response to a “Type of Meals Eaten” survey, which specified the sources of the meals consumed over the previous 24 h. Because direction of causality is unknown, the data were analyzed with meal choice as the dependent variable first and then BMI as the dependent variable second.ResultsThe total number of participants was 5197 (2841 women and 2356 men). Participants with higher BMI and percent body fat were more likely to report consuming takeaway and/or delivery meals, with prevalence ORs (95% CIs) of 2.12 (95% CI: 1.40, 3.22; Bonferroni P < 0.0001) for women's adjusted BMI, 1.95 (95% CI: 1.30, 2.93; Bonferroni P < 0.0001) for women's adjusted percent body fat, 1.65 (95% CI: 1.05, 2.59; Bonferroni P < 0.002) for men's adjusted BMI, and 1.41 (95% CI: 0.70, 2.84; Bonferroni P < 0.01) for men's adjusted percent body fat. As BMI and percent body fat increased, both men and women were increasingly less likely to report having consumed a home-cooked and prepared meal during the previous 24 h. Analyzing the data with BMI and percent body fat as the dependent variable showed that both unadjusted and adjusted BMI and percent body fat were higher in individuals reporting consumption of takeaway and delivery foods the previous day and lower in those consuming homecooked meals. The probability of having consumed a meal that was prepared and eaten at a restaurant and/or café was also associated with BMI and percent fat among men but not women.ConclusionsHomecooked meals were more often consumed by those with low BMI and percent body fat, whereas delivery and takeaway meals were more often eaten by individuals with higher BMI. Consumption of fast-food/café meals was not consistently associated with BMI or percent body fat. The direction of causality in these associations cannot be inferred from this cross-sectional study.

Fitness Profiling in Top-Level Youth Sport Climbing; Gender Differences

Sport climbers should possess specific anthropometric characteristics and conditioning capacities to reach a top level in this sport. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine gender differences in the fitness status of the top-level youth sport climbers. METHODS: The study was conducted on 20 elite Croatian youth sport climbers (all members of the national team, ten females; 13-18 years of age). The variables included anthropometric status (mass, height, arm span, and body fat percentage), generic- (countermovement- and squat-jump, grip strength), and specific-fitness tests (power slap test and Draga foot lift). RESULTS: Boys were taller than girls (t-test=2.51, p=0.02, moderate effect size (ES)), and had lower body fat percentage (t=- 5.66, p=0.001, very large ES). Boys achieved better results in countermovement- (t=5.39, p=0.001, very large ES) and squat-jump (t=2.19, p=0.04, moderate ES), while there were no gender differences in the specific fitness tests. CONCLUSION: Gender differences were observed in generic but not in specific fitness, which may indicate that climbing is a specific sport that requires and develops specific abilities in a similar way in boys and girls.

A Comparison of Substrate Utilization Profiles During Maximal and Submaximal Exercise Tests in Athletes.

BackgroundExercise is primarily sustained by energy derived from lipids (plasma free fatty acids and intramuscular triglycerides), and glucose (plasma glucose and muscle glycogen). Substrate utilization is the pattern by which these fuel sources are used during activity. There are many factors that influence substrate utilization. We aim to delineate the effect of exercise intensity and body composition on substrate utilization.ObjectiveThe objective of our study was to discern the differences in substrate utilization profiles during a maximal and submaximal graded exercise test, and to determine the extent to which body composition influences substrate utilization during the exercise tests.MethodsA total of 27 male athletes, 32.5 ± 11 years of age, were recruited for this study. Body composition was analyzed using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Maximal and submaximal exercise tests were performed on a treadmill. A novel graded submaximal treadmill protocol was used for the submaximal test.ResultsAverage percent body fat (PBF) was 15.8 ± 5%. Average maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) was 47.6 ± 9 mL/kg/min, while the average exercise intensity (percent VO2max) at which participants were shifting to glucose predominance for energy during the maximal and submaximal tests were 76 ± 8.3% and 58.4 ± 21.1%, respectively. A paired-samples t-test was conducted to compare percent VO2max at crossover point in maximal and submaximal graded exercise tests. There was a significant difference in percent VO2max at the crossover point for maximal (76 ± 8.3%) and submaximal (58 ± 21.1%) tests (t = 4.752, p = 0.001). A linear regression was performed to elucidate the interaction between exercise intensity at the crossover point and body composition during a maximal and submaximal graded exercise test. There was a significant effect of PBF on percent VO2max at crossover point during the maximal graded exercise test [F(1,24) = 9.10, P = 0.006] with an R2 of 0.245. However, there was no significant effect of PBF on percent VO2max at crossover point during the submaximal graded exercise test (P > 0.05).ConclusionSubstrate utilization, represented by the crossover point, is dependent on the rate of increase in exercise intensity. At maximal efforts, the crossover to carbohydrates from fats as the predominant fuel source occurs at a significantly later stage of percent VO2max than at submaximal efforts. Furthermore, body composition represented by PBF is a significant predictor of substrate utilization during maximal efforts. Athletes with a relatively higher PBF are more likely to have increased lipid oxidation during high intensity exercises than those with a lower body fat percentage.

Validity of the Swimming Capacities and Anthropometric Indices in Predicting the Long-Term Success of Male Water Polo Players: A Position-Specific Prospective Analysis over a Ten-Year Period.

Long-term predictors of success in water polo are rarely reported. This study aimed to evaluate the position-specific validity of the swimming and anthropometric/body build tests on the prediction of the long-term success of male water polo players. The participants were 85 top-level players observed at baseline (junior level, when they were 17–18 years of age; 35 centers and 50 perimeter players) in tests of swimming capacities (15 m water polo sprint, 25 m sprint, and 100 and 400 m freestyle swimming) and anthropometric/body build indices (body mass, body height, arm span, body mass index, and body fat percentage). Over a period of 10 years, participants’ senior-level success was prospectively observed. Multinomial logistic regression with three levels of criteria (high achievement, medium achievement, and low achievement at the senior level) was applied to identify the predictive validity of the swimming and anthropometric/body build indices. For the total sample (not dividing perimeter from center players), all observed swimming capacities, body height, and arm span were significantly associated with success, with more successful players being taller, with a longer arm span, and superior swimming capacities. Body height and 100 m freestyle swimming were significant predictors of success among centers. Achievement in 100 and 400 m freestyle swimming, body height, and a lower percentage of body fat were correlated with higher senior-level performance in perimeter players. The results showed better validity of the anaerobic-lactate and aerobic swimming tests than sprint swimming in predicting the long-term achievement of male water polo players. Differences in the influence of swimming capacities and body-build indices on senior-level success between observed playing positions are related to differences in game duties, playing time, and consequent metabolic demands.

Creatinine: An Inaccurate Measure of Renal Function in Men with Testosterone-Induced Muscle Hypertrophy

ABSTRACT Introduction Renal function is often estimated using validated study equations and serum creatinine (Cr) as a filtration marker. Contemporary studies suggest that cystatin C may be used as a more accurate alternative to Cr, as it avoids limitations related to diet and muscle mass that affect Cr and predispose to an overdiagnosis of chronic kidney disease. Elite athletes are often noted to have an elevated body mass index (BMI) despite maintaining an overall favorable level of percent body fat (PBF) and fitness. This is due to an increase level of body muscle. Objective This study evaluates the relationship between Cr, cystatin C, BMI, and PBF in fitness and elite athlete populations. Methods Elite athletes presenting to a men's health tertiary referral center with muscle-induced hypertrophy were evaluated for renal function through serum levels of Cr and cystatin C. BMI and PBF were obtained through bioimpedance testing at the time of serum level determinations. Elite athletes were those identified as pursuing competition in professional or amateur sporting events. Cr and cystatin c were plotted for correlation in best fit models for percentage increments of BMI (“normal”, “overweight”, and “obese”) and PBF. Results A total of 228 elite athletes were identified and stratified by BMI and PBF (Figures 1,2). The majority of athletes were classified as “overweight” (n = 88) or “obese” (n = 129) per BMI. None of the BMI groups demonstrated a significant correlation between Cr and cystatin C levels (Figure 1). The obese cohort demonstrated increased levels of cystatin C (mean = 1.00337, P&amp;lt;0.0001) compared with the overweight cohort (mean = 1.474462, p P&amp;lt;0.0001). The majority of athletes maintained a PBF of 10-20% (n = 87). PBF did not demonstrate a significant correlation between Cr and cystatin C levels, with the PBF 20-30% cohort approaching moderate correlation (R2 = 0.49, p =&amp;lt;0.0001). Conclusions Our study affirms that elite athletes maintain an increased BMI and low PBF. Hence, cystatin C may demonstrate a more accurate reflection of renal function in these patients, as Cr may be inaccurately elevated. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Abbie, American Medical Systems, Augmenta LLC, Clarus Therapeutics, Endo Pharmaceuticals, Lipocine, Vault Health

The Difference of Anthropometric Characteristics Between Elite and Novice Bodybuilders in Thailand

Research purpose. This study aims to compare anthropometric characteristics between elite and novice bodybuilders.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Twenty bodybuilders consisted of 10 elites and 10 novices were recruited. Percent body fat, segmental lean mass, and segmental fat mass were measured by a bioelectrical impedance analysis device. Other measure includes the circumference of body segment and body height.&#x0D; Results. Results of the study indicated that significant differences were found in terms of upper arm (flexed) circumference, upper arm circumference, and chest circumference, with the elite, were bigger than the novice. Elite bodybuilders also had significantly lower body fat percentage, with a better segmental lean mass of the right arm, left arm, and trunk. Interestingly neck, arm, waist, hip, thigh, and calf circumferences were not significantly different between groups. Similar insignificant differences were also found in body mass index, a segmental lean mass of right leg and left leg, a segmental fat mass of left and right arm, trunk, and left and right leg. With regards specifically to the group of bodybuilders that participated in this study, the non-significant differences variables may indicate areas that can be improved in terms of training in both elite and novice. The variables with significant differences may indicate the area that may have been over-emphasized by the elite group, which may also contribute to their better (winning) performance.&#x0D; Conclusions. In a conclusion, the results also correspond well with bodybuilding judging criteria, where one of them such as size (circumference) may be similar, but bodybuilders with lean and well-defined bodies will be in the winning group.

Pilates and telomere dynamics: A 12-month longitudinal study

Telomeres are dynamic structures that appear to be positively influenced by healthy lifestyle factors such as exercise. Pilates is an increasingly popular exercise modality that is reported to exert beneficial physiological effects in the body, although the cellular mechanisms are poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of Pilates exercise on telomere length. This longitudinal study followed experienced female Pilates practitioners (n = 11, 50.8 ± 7.5 years) and healthy age- and sex-matched sedentary controls (n = 11, 49.3 ± 6.1 years) over a 12-month period. Leukocyte telomere length was quantified using qPCR. Circulatory inflammatory markers, mRNA gene expression, body composition, physical performance, and mental well-being were also assessed. Telomere length was comparable between Pilates practitioners and controls at baseline (Pre) and 12-months (Post) (p > 0.0125). Pilates practitioners displayed enhanced mRNA gene expression of antioxidant enzymes (SOD2 and GPX1), and lower body fat percentage and visceral fat rating, compared with sedentary controls (p < 0.0125). Over the 12-month longitudinal period, Pilates participants significantly increased dynamic balance (p < 0.05). In conclusion, long-term Pilates participation does not appear to influence telomere length. Nonetheless, Pilates exercise appears to increase antioxidant enzyme gene expression, effectively manage body composition, and improve dynamic balance.

The Effects of Antral Preservation and Antral Resection on Body Composition, Glycemic Control and Bone Mineral Density Following Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy in C57BL/6J Mice with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes.

PurposeSleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most currently popular operation for obesity and related metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of antrum preservation SG (AP-SG) and antrum resection SG (AR-SG) on the body composition, glycemic control and bone mineral density (BMD) in mice.MethodsSham, AP-SG and AR-SG operation were performed on obese and T2D C57BL/6J mice (8 in each group). Body weight, food intake, and fasting glucose (FG) levels were measured at the 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks post-operatively. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed preoperatively and at the eighth postoperative week. The body fat content and total body BMD were evaluated by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. After being euthanized, the femurs were harvested and analyzed by micro-CT.ResultsThe improvements in body weight, food intake, FG, glycemic control and body fat were statistically significant following AP-SG and AR-SG. Both AP-SG and AR-SG groups decreased total body BMD and regional BMD in the distal femur compared to the sham group. No significant difference of FG was observed in AP-SG and AR-SG group postoperatively, but AR-SG showed significantly superior OGTT glucose AUC than AP-SG. Except for a lower BMD, AR-SG achieved superior outcomes in body fat and glycemic control than AP-SG.ConclusionAntrum resection SG shows a lower percentage of body fat and better glycemic control than antrum preservation SG. However, antrum resection SG has a higher risk of having a lower bone mass. Further human clinical trials are needed to confirm this finding.

Total and Abdominal Adiposity are Lower in Overweight and Obese Children with High Cardiorespiratory Fitness

The study goal was to determine the impact of cardiorespiratory fitness on the total and abdominal adiposity in a sample of children aged 6 to 10. It was hypothesised that high cardiorespiratory fitness would result in lower total and abdominal obesity. The research was conducted on a sample of 1432 respondents where 717 (50.1%) are boys, and 715 (49.9%) are girls aged 6 to 10. The average age of the respondents was 8.72±1.4 years. Three anthropometric measures (body height, body weight and waist circumference) were considered and the body composition was determined by BIA. Body mass index sex - and age-specific cut-off points were used for overweight and obesity definition and children were placed in two groups: overweight/obese and non overweight. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was assessed with the endurance shuttle-run test. Participants were grouped into high and low CRF based on age and sex distributions. The results were statistically analyzed by using t-tests and a χ2 test, analysis of covariance, Pearson correlation and hierarchical linear regression. On the basis of the obtained results, one can conclude that children who are overweight or obese and have a high level of cardiorespiratory fitness, have lower body mass index values, lower waist circumference, lower body fat percentage and a higher muscle mass percentage compared to children who are classified in the same BMI category, but have low values of cardiorespiratory fitness. The results of this study suggest that an appropriate level of cardiorespiratory fitness can reduce the threats of obesity among the pediatric population.

Are patterns of family evening meal practices associated with child and parent diet quality and weight-related outcomes?

Family meal practices such as family member presence, fast food consumption and media usage have been associated with health outcomes. However, little is known about combinations of family meal practices and their effects on diet and health. This secondary data analysis aimed to identify patterns of family evening meal practices and examine their associations with family characteristics (e.g., demographics and chaos) and child and parent diet quality and weight-related outcomes. We used baseline data from a community-based randomized controlled trial with 7- to 10-year-old children and their parents in rural Minnesota (n = 114). Parent-reported structural (e.g. media usage) and interpersonal (e.g. mealtime routines) aspects of family evening meal practices were included in latent profile analyses to identify patterns. Diet quality was assessed by child Healthy Eating Index-2015 and parent fruit and vegetable intake. Weight-related outcomes were determined using measured body mass index (z-scores) and percent body fat. A 3-class model was the model of best-fit. The Unplanned Infrequent Family Evening Meals with Mixed Healthfulness class (C1) featured the least frequent family evening meals and the lowest scores for mealtime routines and planning skills. The Family Evening Meals with Fast Food class (C2) characterized having family evening meals four times a week, but fast food was often served. The Planful, Healthful and Frequent Family Evening Meals class (C3) reported the highest meal routine and planning scores as well as frequent family evening meals. Parents in C3 had higher consumption of fruits and vegetables and children in C3 had lower percent body fat, compared to those in other classes. Distinctly different patterns of family evening meal practices suggest a need for considering heterogeneity of family evening meal practices in developing tailored family-meal interventions.

Effects of smartphone mirroring-based telepresence exercise on body composition and physical function in obese older women.

AimsThis study aimed to develop a smartphone mirroring-based telepresence exercise program that can be performed at home while allowing for real-time feedback by instructors.MethodsFor this randomized controlled trial, 29 obese older women aged 66–87 years with ≥ 30% body fat were recruited at a senior citizen center. The intervention group was provided with the smartphone mirroring-based telepresence exercise program, in which participants exercised in their homes for 20–40 min three times a week for 12 weeks. Participants in the control group performed the same exercise program at the senior citizen center. Body composition and functional abilities were measured before and after the program.ResultsWomen in the intervention group showed a decrease in their body fat percentage (P = 0.026) and an increase in grip strength (P = 0.008). In the control group, women demonstrated a decrease in their weight (P = 0.006) and body fat percentage (P = 0.001) and an increase in skeletal muscle (P = 0.044) and grip strength (P = 0.006).ConclusionSmartphone mirroring-based telepresence exercises at home lower body fat percentage and increase muscle strength similar to traditional group exercises. They present an innovative way for obese older women to improve and maintain their health.Trial registrationClinical Research Information Service KCT0006147.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40520-021-02033-4.

The practice of physical exercise in the cardiovascular and psychobiological health of university students

This study evaluated the effects of physical exercise on cardiovascular and psychobiological health (levels of anxiety, depression, fatigue) in university students. A cross-sectional study was conducted, including 72 students in the health care field in 2018. First, an anamnesis was conducted, with information on the eligibility criteria and the physical exercise they practice, to obtain the groups "practices physical exercise" and "no physical exercise." Among eligible individuals, anthropometric measurements were taken, heart rate variability was recorded, questionnaires on depression, anxiety, fatigue, and physical activity were applied, along with a cardiorespiratory test. Of the student participants, 45.0% were female, 20.0% were male, and 42 reported exercising, 30 did not. High levels of depression, anxiety, fatigue, and body fat percentage above adequate levels were observed in the study group. Students who practiced physical exercise had lower depression scores, lower body fat percentage, and better autonomic modulation when comparing study groups. There was no difference in cardiorespiratory fitness between practitioners and non-practitioners of physical exercise. A more active lifestyle, including the practice of regular physical activity, is a practical component in improving cardiometabolic and psychobiological profiles in university students and, therefore, should be encouraged during university life.

Bone and body characteristics of freestyle and non-freestyle skiers.

Freestyle skiers must optimize their aerial performance by maintaining the strength and coordination to propel themselves in the air and adapt to landings and take-offs on uneven surfaces. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and body composition in freestyle skiers and non-freestyle skiing controls. We hypothesized that the unique demands and summation of forces experienced by freestyle athletes would manifest as greater femoral neck aBMD, lower percent body fat, and lower Body Mass Index (BMI) than non-freestyle skiing controls. This is a retrospective cohort study. Eighteen freestyle skiers (14 M 4 F, [27.56±5.22 years]) and 15 controls (7 M 8 F, [26.93±3.54 years]) were measured with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to determine total body composition, hip and lumbar spine aBMD, and bone mineral composition (BMC). Height and weight were measured with an in-office stadiometer and scale. Questionnaires were used to determine physical activity and pertinent medical history. Between-group variations were analyzed with an analysis of variance (ANOVA) and stratified by sex. Percent body fat, hip and lumbar spine aBMD, BMC, and area were all similar between freeski and non-freeski athletes (P<0.05 for all). BMI was significantly lower in male freeski athletes (23.97 kg/m2, 95% CI: 22.75-25.18) compared to non-freestyle skiing controls (26.64 kg/m2, 95% CI: 24.43-28.86) (P=0.03). Freestyle skiers have a lower BMI than non-freestyle skiers. All skiers in this study have similar percent body fat, aBMD, and BMC. This pilot study supports that there are unique musculoskeletal adaptations based on type of skiing. Skiers endure a variety of intense physical forces yet remain understudied despite high orthopedic injury rates. This study serves to broaden the current sports health literature and explore the physical demands and subsequent physiology of freestyle skiers.

Biathlon Performance: Heart Rate, Hit Rate, Speed and Physiological Variables

Aim: Biathlon is a sport that combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. The athlete is fast in the cross-country skiing section, in the gun shooting section, the heart rate should be low. This study aims to determine the hitting rate of the shots made with different training loads on low altitude in elite biathletes in terms of maximum speed and physiological variables. Methods: To evaluate shooting performances first with the resting pulse and then after 2.5 km skiing respectively with 50%, 70% and 100% pulse rate which is separately calculated for each athlete according to karvonen formula. Results: Our findings show that while there was negative relation between maximum speed and body fat there was a positive relation with lean body mass. It has been determined that low body fat percentage and high lean body mass are effective at the athletes’ maximum speed and the pulse level with the highest target shooting accuracy rate was at rest and 70% in the second level. Conclusion: Since the pulse of the athlete who comes to the shooting area cannot be reduced to a resting level in a short time, focusing the 70% pulse zone may be beneficial in terms of shooting accuracy and acceleration after the shot. The lowest results in target shooting accuracy were seen at 50% and 100% loads. Keywords: Athletes, performance, heart, rate, lean body mass.

Musclin Is Related to Insulin Resistance and Body Composition, but Not to Body Mass Index or Cardiorespiratory Capacity in Adults.

BackgroundWe studied whether musclin function in humans is related to glycemic control, body composition, and cardiorespiratory capacity.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed in sedentary adults with or without metabolic syndrome (MS). Serum musclin was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Insulin resistance (IR) was evaluated by the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR). Body composition was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and muscle composition by measuring carnosine in the thigh, a surrogate of fiber types, through proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Cardiorespiratory capacity was assessed through direct ergospirometry.ResultsThe control (n=29) and MS (n=61) groups were comparable in age (51.5±6.5 years old vs. 50.7±6.1 years old), sex (72.4% vs. 70.5% women), total lean mass (58.5%±7.4% vs. 57.3%±6.8%), and peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) (31.0±5.8 mL O2./kg.min vs. 29.2±6.3 mL O2/kg.min). Individuals with MS had higher body mass index (BMI) (30.6±4.0 kg/m2 vs. 27.4±3.6 kg/m2), HOMA-IR (3.5 [95% confidence interval, CI, 2.9 to 4.6] vs. 1.7 [95% CI, 1.1 to 2.0]), and musclin (206.7 pg/mL [95% CI, 122.7 to 387.8] vs. 111.1 pg/mL [95% CI, 63.2 to 218.5]) values than controls (P<0.05). Musclin showed a significant relationship with HOMA-IR (β=0.23; 95% CI, 0.12 to 0.33; P<0.01), but not with VO2peak, in multiple linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, fat mass, lean mass, and physical activity. Musclin was significantly associated with insulin, glycemia, visceral fat, and regional muscle mass, but not with BMI, VCO2peak, maximum heart rate, maximum time of work, or carnosine.ConclusionIn humans, musclin positively correlates with insulinemia, IR, and a body composition profile with high visceral adiposity and lean mass, but low body fat percentage. Musclin is not related to BMI or cardiorespiratory capacity.