Lower Percent Body Fat Research Articles

Predictors of the maximal oxygen consumption in adult patients with type1 diabetes treated with personal insulin pumps.

Aims/IntroductionRegular physical activity for adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus improves cardiorespiratory fitness (CF) and quality of life. The aim of our study was to evaluate clinical and biochemical features that might be associated with CF in a homogenous group of adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus who are all treated with a personal insulin pump (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion).Materials and MethodsWe assessed CF in 62 patients (74.2% of whom were men) who fulfilled the eligibility criteria. To determine maximal oxygen consumption, the march‐running test on the treadmill was carried out. Two hours before the test, the patients consumed a defined meal covered by a dose of rapid acting insulin analog that was reduced by 25% from their regular dose. Basal insulin infusion was reduced by 50% for an hour. Additionally, the Perceived Stress Scale‐10 questionnaire was used to measure the perception of stress.ResultsThere was no episode of severe hypoglycemia during or after the test. In the final model, independent predictors of maximal oxygen consumption were sex, body fat percentage, lactate at 20 min after CF test and Perceived Stress Scale‐10 score. Of interest, neither short‐term (continuous glucose monitoring) nor long‐term (glycosylated hemoglobin) metabolic control parameters were predictors of CF.ConclusionsIn our selected homogenous group of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus treated with personal insulin pumps, higher CF was associated with a lower percentage of body fat, male sex, higher lactate level after the CF test and the Perceived Stress Scale‐10 score. The proposed protocol in our cohort proved to be safe with regard to glycemic control.

From culture to chromosomes: A mother-child dyadic study of acculturation, telomere lengths and body fat

Studies suggest that telomere lengths, a biomarker of aging, could also capture the physiological weathering attributable to poor health behaviors and adverse experiences, particularly those experienced in early life. For these reasons, we propose that telomere lengths may be a pivotal biomarker for measuring the heightened susceptibility to illness resulting from the cumulative exposure to acculturation to the US culture. This binational study used an Actor–Partner Interdependence Model to test if maternal acculturation to the US moderates the cross-sectional associations of telomere lengths with percentage of body fat (PBF) among Mexican women, among their children, and the intergenerational associations of mother and children telomere lengths with each other’s PBF. Low income Mexican child–mother dyads (n ​= ​108 dyads) were recruited to participate in this cross-sectional study in Mexico and the US. The pooled dataset included measurements of maternal acculturation to the US, mother and children’s salivary telomere lengths, PBF measured through bioelectrical impedance, and demographic characteristics. Results showed that the influences of maternal acculturation in the associations of telomere lengths with PBF were different for mothers and their children: Among mothers with higher maternal acculturation to the US, longer salivary telomere lengths were associated with lower PBF. In contrast, among mothers with lower maternal acculturation to the US, salivary telomere lengths were not associated with PBF. There were no significant associations between children’s salivary telomere lengths and PBF, and the null associations did not vary across different levels of maternal acculturation to the US. Future longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether acculturation to the US (experienced through immigration or remotely) influences the association of telomere length attrition with obesity risks among immigrant and non-immigrant Mexican children and adults.

Physical profiling of international cricket players: an investigation between bowlers and batters.

This study aimed to develop a physical profile of international cricketers, and investigate if positional differences exist between bowlers and batters. Nineteen, international male cricketers, eleven bowlers (age 24.1 ± 5.2 years; height 179.73 ± 5.27 cm; weight 73.64 ± 6.65 kg), and eight batters (age 22.9 ± 3.8 years; height 180.25 ± 5.57 cm; weight 77.01 ± 8.99 kg) participated in this study. The physical test battery included; power, speed, strength and aerobic fitness tests. Batters demonstrated significantly higher scores for the countermovement jump (p < 0.03; ES = -1.55) and squat jump (p < 0.03; ES = -0.98). Furthermore, batters showed non-significant but small ES for faster 0–5 m (ES = 0.40) and 0–10 m (ES = 0.35) sprint times, superior hand grip strength (ES = -0.20), and higher Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test scores (ES = -0.46). Bowlers showed non-significant but small ES for faster 5 km time trials (ES = -0.51), lower bodyweight (ES = -0.42) and lower body fat percentage (ES = -0.30). However, intra-positional (i.e., seam and spin bowlers) and individual differences amongst players were observed. The physical profiles presented in this study can be used by coaches responsible for the physical development of cricket players to compare their existing data with. Furthermore, it is recommended that practitioners account for individual physical fitness profiles in addition to team profiles, to effectively design and evaluate tailored programs, with the aim of improving both physical and cricket performance.

Associations of active travel with adiposity among children and socioeconomic differentials: a longitudinal study

ObjectivesExamine longitudinal associations between modes of travel to school and adiposity.SettingThe UK.Participants8432 children surveyed at ages 7, 11 and 14 years from the UK Millennium Cohort Study.Primary and secondary outcomesObjective...

Relationships between inflammatory and metabolic markers, exercise and body composition in young individuals

Physical exercise may help combat disease and elicits a possible "protective" anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Inflammatory cytokines, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), along with transcription factor, nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB) in young (n=16, 21.1±2.1 years) individuals were examined in a cross-sectional descriptive study, to assess the effects of chronic stimulation on their expression and relationship with health parameters. Fasting venous whole blood and lipid levels along with body composition measurements were obtained from young, healthy, endurance-trained NCAA Division III student-athletes and untrained individuals. Assays (ELISA) were conducted to analyze fasting plasma (CRP, IL-6, and TNFα) and isolated lymphocyte NF-κB activation (lymphocytes were isolated from whole blood samples through differential centrifugation and Ficoll-Paque). A Spearman's rank order correlation coefficient was used for associations between variables and a regression analysis was performed to determine which measurement accounted for the inflammation in this young and apparently healthy population. While the inflammatory markers were not associated with each other, CRP levels were associated with body composition and following regression analyses, body fat percentage (P>0.05) was a significant factor for elevated CRP. Chronic physical exercise eliciting lower body fat percentages in young adults may have a positive protective impact through anti-inflammatory status, minimizing disease risk in a young population. Chronic physically active young adult patients may exhibit less inflammation and lower body fat levels which may decrease their risk for chronic disease.

Maternal Physical Activity During Pregnancy and the Effect on the Mother and Newborn: A Systematic Review.

The practice of physical exercise during pregnancy has benefits for both the mother and baby. Currently, there is scientific evidence that supports the inclusion of a monitored physical activity program in the daily activities of pregnant women. The objective of this study is to provide an overview of the current status of the association between physical activity during pregnancy and the effects on the mother and the newborn. A systematic review of the literature, assessing each study using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, from different databases PubMed, Embase, or ScienceDirect, on the association between maternal physical activity and its effects on the mother and the newborn published from 2010 until 2018 was conducted. About 25 studies were identified and divided into categories according to the health problems affecting the mother or newborn. It was found that 8% of all the studies received a grade B, 68% obtained a grade C, and the remaining 24% obtained less than a grade C. Improved cardiovascular function, decreased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and the limitation of weight gain are among the benefits to the mother with lower percentage of body fat, increased gestational age, and potentially improved neurodevelopment as benefits for the child. The realization of physical activity during pregnancy is supported by most of the studies reviewed. However, given the vulnerability of the studied populations, more studies on the association between physical activity and pregnancy are necessary.

Body fat-related differences in gait parameters and physical fitness level in weight-matched male adults

BackgroundIncreased body weight is associated with an increased magnitude of foot pressures. Although body mass index (BMI) has been widely used in the assessment of obesity, BMI does not differentiate between muscle and adipose tissue, which may play an important role in characterizing walking patterns. The purpose of the study was to compare gait biomechanics between obese and weight-matched control group. MethodsSixty male adults were assigned to a normal and obese group based on body fat percentage. Body compositions and BMI were measured by the bioelectrical impedance method. Plantar pressure and gait parameters were recorded with a force-distribution-measure treadmill system during walking at the preferred speed. Physical fitness assessment was also conducted to assess muscular strength, muscular endurance, maximum oxygen uptake, flexibility, and agility. FindingsNormal group displayed greater muscle strength, flexibility, and maximum oxygen uptake compared to the obese group. Foot-pressure measures indicated significantly greater peak pressure values for the front and rear of the foot in the normal group. Greater muscle strength was correlated with higher BMI and lower body fat percentage. A significant negative correlation between body fat percent and gait variables was also exhibited. InterpretationThe results demonstrated different force application patterns during walking between the obese and weight-matched control group, indicating a potential influence of body fat percent on foot pressure characteristics in walking. Therefore, a comprehensive classification of obesity, including body fat percent, should be administered for the prescription of safe physical activity.

Reduced growth velocity from the mid-trimester is associated with placental insufficiency in fetuses born at a normal birthweight

BackgroundFetal growth restriction (FGR) due to placental insufficiency is a major risk factor for stillbirth. While small-for-gestational-age (SGA; weight < 10th centile) is a commonly used proxy for FGR, detection of FGR among appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA; weight ≥ 10th centile) fetuses remains an unmet need in clinical care. We aimed to determine whether reduced antenatal growth velocity from the time of routine mid-trimester ultrasound is associated with antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal indicators of placental insufficiency among term AGA infants.MethodsThree hundred and five women had biometry measurements recorded from their routine mid-trimester (20-week) ultrasound, at 28 and 36 weeks’ gestation, and delivered an AGA infant. Mid-trimester, 28- and 36-week estimated fetal weight (EFW) and abdominal circumference (AC) centiles were calculated. The EFW and AC growth velocities between 20 and 28 weeks, and 20–36 weeks, were examined as predictors of four clinical indicators of placental insufficiency: (i) low 36-week cerebroplacental ratio (CPR; CPR < 5th centile reflects cerebral redistribution—a fetal adaptation to hypoxia), (ii) neonatal acidosis (umbilical artery pH < 7.15) after the hypoxic challenge of labour, (iii) low neonatal body fat percentage (BF%) reflecting reduced nutritional reserve and (iv) placental weight < 10th centile.ResultsDeclining 20–36-week fetal growth velocity was associated with all indicators of placental insufficiency. Each one centile reduction in EFW between 20 and 36 weeks increased the odds of cerebral redistribution by 2.5% (odds ratio (OR) = 1.025, P = 0.001), the odds of neonatal acidosis by 2.7% (OR = 1.027, P = 0.002) and the odds of a < 10th centile placenta by 3.0% (OR = 1.030, P < 0.0001). Each one centile reduction in AC between 20 and 36 weeks increased the odds of neonatal acidosis by 3.1% (OR = 1.031, P = 0.0005), the odds of low neonatal BF% by 2.8% (OR = 1.028, P = 0.04) and the odds of placenta < 10th centile by 2.1% (OR = 1.021, P = 0.0004). Falls in EFW or AC of > 30 centiles between 20 and 36 weeks were associated with two–threefold increased relative risks of these indicators of placental insufficiency, while low 20–28-week growth velocities were not.ConclusionsReduced growth velocity between 20 and 36 weeks among AGA fetuses is associated with antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal indicators of placental insufficiency. These fetuses potentially represent an important, under-recognised cohort at increased risk of stillbirth. Encouragingly, this novel fetal assessment would require only one additional ultrasound to current routine care, and adds to the potential benefits of routine 36-week ultrasound.

Timing and Frequency of Daily Energy Intake in Adults with Prediabetes and Overweight or Obesity and Their Associations with Body Fat.

Knowledge on how energy intake and macronutrients are distributed during the day and the role of daily eating patterns in body composition among adults with overweight/obesity and prediabetes is lacking. Therefore, we evaluated the diurnal dietary intake and studied the associations of daily eating patterns with body fat percentage. A total of 119 adults with prediabetes were included (mean (SD) HbA1c 41 (2.3) mmol/mol, BMI 31.5 (5.0) kg/m2, age 57.8 (9.3) years, 44% men). Information on dietary intake was obtained from self-reported food records for three consecutive days. All foods and beverages (except water) were registered with information on time of ingestion. Body fat was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. A total of 60.5% of the participants reported a daily eating window of 12 or more hours/day, and almost half of the daily total energy intake was reported in the evening. In analyses adjusted for age, gender, and total daily energy intake, having the first daily energy intake one hour later was associated with slightly higher body fat percentage (0.64% per hour, 95% CI: 0.28; 1.01; p < 0.001), whereas higher meal frequency was associated with slightly lower body fat percentage (0.49% per extra daily meal, 95% CI: −0.81; −0.18; p = 0.002). Prospective studies are warranted to address the clinical implications of daily eating patterns on body fat and cardiometabolic health.

Physical and Physiological Match-Play Demands and Player Characteristics in Futsal: A Systematic Review.

Futsal, also known as five-a-side indoor soccer, is a team-sport that is becoming increasingly popular. In fact, the number of futsal-related investigations is growing in recent years. This review aimed to summarize the scientific literature addressing the match-play demands from the following four dimensions: time-motion/external load analysis and physiological, neuromuscular, and biochemical responses to competition. Additionally, it aimed to describe the anthropometric, physiological, and neuromuscular characteristics of elite and sub-elite male futsal players, contemplating the differences between competition levels. The literature indicates that elite futsal players cover greater total distance with higher intensities and perform a greater number of sprints during match-play when compared to sub-elite players. The physiological demands during competition are high (average intensity of ≥85% maximal heart rate and ~80% maximum oxygen uptake [VO2max]), with decrements between the two halves. Research suggests that neuromuscular function decreased and hormonal responses increased up to 24 h after the match. Considering anthropometric characteristics, players present low percentage of body fat, which seems commonplace among athletes from different on-court positions and competition levels. Elite players display greater values and at VO2max with respect to sub-elite competitors. Little is known regarding elite and sub-elite futsal players' neuromuscular abilities (strength, jumping, sprinting, and change of direction [COD]). However, it appears that elite players present better sprinting abilities compared to lower-level athletes. Futsal players aiming to compete at the highest level should focus on developing maximal speed, lower-body power and strength, aerobic capacity, and lean muscle mass.

Vasculometabolic effects in patients with congenital growth hormone deficiency with and without GH replacement therapy during adulthood.

To evaluated the metabolic profiles and vascular properties in congenital growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD) and its replacement in adults. Cross-sectional study conducted in a single tertiary center for pituitary diseases. Eighty-one adult subjects were divided into three groups: (1) 29 GHD patients with daily subcutaneous GH replacement therapy (GHRT) during adulthood; (2) 20 GHD patients without GHRT during adulthood and (3) 32 controls. Only patients with adequate adherence to others pituitary hormone deficiencies were included. Anthropometric parameters, body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, metabolic profiles and vascular properties (carotid intima media thickness, pulse wave velocity and flow-mediated dilation) were compared among the groups. Waist-to-height ratio (WHR), body fat percentages and fat mass index (FMI) were lower in patients with GHRT than patients without GHRT during adulthood (0.49 ± 0.06 vs. 0.53 ± 0.06 p = 0.026, 30 ± 10 vs. 40 ± 11 p = 0.003 and 7.3 ± 4 vs. 10 ± 3.5 p = 0.041, respectively). In addition, association between longer GHRT and lower body fat percentage was observed (r = - 0.326, p = 0.04). We found higher triglyceride (113.5 ± 62 vs. 78 ± 36, p = 0.025) and lower HDL cholesterol (51 ± 17 vs. 66 ± 23, p = 0.029) levels in patients without GHRT during adulthood in comparison to controls. No statistical differences were observed for vascular properties among the groups. No differences in vascular properties were observed in congenital GHD adult patients with or without GHRT despite patients without GHRT had an unfavorable body composition. GHRT currently remains an individualized decision in adults with GHD and these findings bring new insight into the treatment and follow-up of these patients.

Healthy Vascular Aging Is Associated With Higher Cardiorespiratory Fitness.

Healthy vascular aging (HVA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are each independently associated with lower cardiovascular disease-related mortality. It is unknown, however, whether the CRF-related reductions in cardiovascular disease risk are related to HVA. We hypothesized that HVA would be associated with higher CRF in men and women from the Ball State Adult Fitness Longitudinal Lifestyle STudy (BALL ST). Apparently healthy men and women ≥50 yr of age from the BALL ST cohort (n = 101) who underwent a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test to assess CRF (V˙O2peak) were included in the study. Participants were divided into either HVA, defined as brachial systolic blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg without taking medications and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity <7.6 m/sec, or no HVA for subjects with SBP >140/90 mm Hg and/or PWV >7.6 m/sec. Participants with HVA had a higher age- and sex-adjusted CRF percentile (62 ± 5 vs 47 ± 3, P < .05), with women having a greater prevalence of HVA than men (36% vs 15%, P < .05). Both carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (r =-0.27, P < .05) and brachial systolic blood pressure (r =-0.23, P < .05) were independently and inversely associated with CRF for the entire cohort. Men and women with HVA were younger having a lower body fat percentage and higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < .05, all). These data demonstrate that HVA is associated with higher CRF, which may partially explain the preventative cardioprotective effects of CRF.

Lumbar Multifidus Muscle Characteristics, Body Composition, and Injury in University Rugby Players.

A smaller lumbar multifidus (LM) muscle was reported to be a strong predictor of lower limb injury in professional Australian Football League players. However, despite the high prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and lower limb injury in rugby players, their LM characteristics have yet to be explored. To (1) examine LM characteristics in male and female university rugby players and their possible associations with LBP and lower limb injury and (2) investigate the relationship between LM characteristics and body composition in this group of athletes. Cross-sectional study. University research center. Thirty-four university rugby players (20 women, 14 men). Ultrasound measurements of LM cross-sectional area (CSA), thickness, and percentage change in thickness during contraction were obtained bilaterally, at the L5-S1 level, in prone and standing positions. Body composition measures were obtained using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Self-reported questionnaires were used to obtain LBP and lower limb injury history. Players who reported LBP in the previous 3 months showed a smaller percentage change in thickness during contraction in the standing position (F = 5.21, P = .03). The LM CSA side-to-side asymmetry (right versus left) was greater in players who reported having a lower limb injury in the previous 12 months (F = 4.98, P = .03). The LM CSA was significantly associated with body composition measurements. A greater percentage change in thickness during contraction was significantly associated with a lower percentage of body fat. The LM echo intensity was strongly associated with the total percentage of body fat and was significantly greater in women. The influence of body composition on LM morphology in athletes cannot be ignored and warrants further investigation. Our findings also provide preliminary evidence of an association among LM morphology, LBP, and lower limb injury in university rugby players.

The Effects of Participating in Recreational Games on Health Markers and Reaction Time in Middle-aged Tribal Women

Background: Taking part in recreational activities, especially outdoors, can greatly improve physical health. People, who take part in park activities such as walking, hiking, or skiing, schedule fewer office visits, maintain lower body fat percentages, and have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Although recreational games was proven to be a useful physical activity to stimulate some health benefits, we do not know if there are significant benefits of recreational games played on a smaller area with fewer players in the middle-age population. Because exercise is known to increase blood flow and oxygen to the skeletal muscles and the brain, it was inferred that exercise would also affect an individual’s reaction time.&#x0D; Aims: The present study aimed to investigate whether recreational games could improve health and reaction time of middle-aged tribal women after 16 weeks of training. To determine this, twenty subjects gave baseline blood pressure, heart rate, and simple reaction time measurements.&#x0D; Methodology: Twenty healthy middle-aged tribal women aged 50–55 were randomized in a group to involve in recreational games training (n = 20; age: 52.4 ± 2.48 years). The participants performed 3 training sessions of 40 min per week.&#x0D; Results: Results from a repeated measure ANOVA indicated a time interaction (pre training, mid training and post training) for Blood Pressure (Systolic), Blood Pressure (Diastolic), Resting Heart Rate and Reaction Time (Audio) in favor of the participants. The results concluded that Recreational games can be an effective training modality to stimulate a decrease in resting HR and reaction time with small improvements in systolic and diastolic Blood Pressure.&#x0D; Conclusion: To participate in Recreational games only three times per week shows helpful health-related adaptations and decreased reaction time, means there was significant improvement in health markers and reaction time abilities, which may be an affirmative impact to the reduction of the risk of developing lifestyle diseases and is beneficial to people in their daily live.

Associations Between Office Location and Adiposity in Office Workers.

Evaluate whether having to walk longer distances to common destinations within office buildings is associated with less adiposity and greater occupational physical activity. Distances between offices and amenities were measured for 108 office-based workers, as was body fat percentage, waist circumference, number of sedentary breaks at work, and duration and intensity of activity at work. Being further away from the building entrance was correlated with lower body fat percentage. Greater distance from a participant's office to the copier was associated with smaller waist circumferences. Correlations were found between distance to the bathroom and work activity, and sedentary breaks with distance to the break room and distance from the printer or copier. Worksites interested in improving the health of their employees should consider how building design affects occupational physical activity and health.

Salivary Microbiological and Gingival Health Status Evaluation of Adolescents With Overweight and Obesity: A Cluster Analysis

Given the high prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents, the investigation of early markers is of clinical importance to better manage this condition. Thus, the aim was to evaluate the cross-sectional relationship between salivary microbiota, gingival health status, and excess weight in adolescents. A total of 248 students (14–17 y; 119 girls) were included, free of caries lesions and periodontal pockets. Physical examination included measures of height, weight, and body fat percentage (%BF). Oral examination was performed to gather information on dental (DMFT index) and gingival health status. Unstimulated saliva was submitted to qPCR reactions to quantify Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Bifidobacteria, and Streptococcus pneumoniae percentages and the NFKappaB expression. Two-way ANOVA was applied considering group (normal-weight/overweight/obesity) and sex factors, in addition to cluster analysis. Group effect was significant for %S. mutans (partial eta2 = 0.20; p < 0.001) and %Bifidobacteria (partial eta2 = 0.19; p < 0.001), with overweight and obesity groups showing the highest levels compared to normal-weight ones, with no significant sex effect. There was no difference in the frequency of gingivitis, P. gingivalis, and S. pneumoniae percentages or NFKappaB expression between groups. Cluster analysis generated three clusters according to body fat accumulation: “Higher %BF,” “Moderate %BF,” and “Lower %BF.” “Higher %BF” cluster was characterized by higher body fat percentage and higher salivary %Bifidobacteria, while cluster “Lower %BF” was characterized by lower body fat percentage and lower frequency of gingivitis (“Moderate %BF” cluster was the contrast). According to nutritional status, a difference in salivary S. mutans and Bifidobacteria percentages was found, with overweight or obesity adolescents showing the highest percentages than normal-weight ones. Besides, a positive relationship between body fat accumulation and Bifidobacteria count was observed, indicating a possible interaction between oral bacteria communities and weight gain.

Physical activity trajectories from childhood to late adolescence and their implications for health in young adulthood

Physical activity has been associated with physical and mental health across the life course, yet few studies have used group-based trajectory modeling to examine the effect of longitudinal patterns of physical activity during childhood and adolescence on adult health outcomes. The Raine Study data from Gen2 follow-ups at 8, 10, 14, 17, 20, and 22 years collected between 1998 and 2014 were used. Latent class analysis identified trajectories using parent-reported physical activity for ages 8 to 17. Associations between trajectories and physical and mental health outcomes at ages 20 and 22 were explored, adjusting for current physical activity and considering sex interactions. Analysis in 2019 identified three trajectories: low (13%), mid (65%) and high (22%) physical activity (n = 1628). Compared to the low-activity trajectory, those in the high-activity trajectory had lower adiposity, insulin, HOMA-IR and fewer diagnosed disorders, higher HDL-cholesterol, and faster cognitive processing. For example, those in the high-activity trajectory had lower percent body fat at age 20 compared to those in the mid-activity (−4.2%, 95%CI: −5.8, −2.7) and low-activity (−9.5%, 95%CI: −11.7, −7.2) trajectories. Physical activity trajectories showed different associations between sexes for self-reported physical and mental health, BMI, systolic blood pressure, and depression symptoms. Being in the high- or mid-activity trajectory was associated with a more favorable cardiometabolic and mental health profile in young adulthood. Strategies are needed to help less active children to increase physical activity throughout childhood and adolescence to improve young adult health outcomes.

Effects Of Compression Apparel On Body Composition Measurements By Air Displacement Plethysmography In College Males

Body composition measured by air displacement plethysmography (ADP) accounts for the effects of trapped isothermal air in hair by having the subject wear a swim cap to compress the hair on the head. It is recommended that even subjects with very little hair wear a swim cap. Currently, there are no recommendations that account for the effects of trapped isothermal air in body hair. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of exposed body hair and the effect of wearing limb length single layer compression apparel on body composition measurements using ADP in college males. METHODS: Forty male college students (age 20.0±1.2 yrs; BMI 24.1±3.1 kg/m2) volunteered to participate in the study. Percentage of body fat was evaluated by ADP. To assess the impact of body hair on body composition measurements, ADP measures were performed in two conditions: wearing single layer compression shorts (CS) apparel with a swim cap (as recommended) and wearing limb length single layer compression (LC) apparel with the same swim cap. The order of apparel was conducted in random order to avoid any potential order effects. RESULTS: Wearing limb length single layer compression apparel to compress body hair increased body mass by an average of 0.3 kg (±0.02); however, there was no significant difference in body density between the CS condition (1.0580±0.014 g/cm3) and the LC condition (1.0629±0.015 g/cm3, p < 0.001). The mean percentage of body fat in the LC condition (15.9±6.5%) was significantly lower than the mean percentage of body fat in the CS condition (18.0±6.2%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The effect of trapped isothermal air in body hair impacts body composition measurements by ADP. Covering exposed body hair in males when assessing body composition via ADP results in a significantly lower percentage of body fat compared to the minimal clothing recommendation. Attention should be paid to minimizing exposed body hair on males when assessing body composition by air displacement plethysmography. The present results suggest that this minimization may be achieved with males by wearing limb length single layer compression apparel.

The Influence Of Macronutrient Intake And Body Composition On Biomarkers In Female Ballet Dancers

Low body fat percentage (%BF) and caloric intake may be associated with hormonal disruptions and adverse health effects in athletes. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess relationships between body composition (BC), dietary intake, and hormonal disruptions in female ballet dancers with self-reported oligomenorrhea. METHODS: Female ballet dancers (N=7; Mage=15.8±1.4y; MBMI=18.8±1.5kg/m2) underwent BC testing to determine %BF and fat-free mass (FFM). Blood was drawn and analyzed for lipids (total cholesterol [TC], LDL, HDL, triglycerides [TG]), thyroid markers (thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH], T3, T4), and adipokines (leptin [LEP], adiponectin [APN]). Five-day diet logs were recorded to determine energy (kcal) and macronutrient (CHO, PRO, fat) intake relative to body mass (kg). Pearson product correlations (r) were used to determine relationships between BC, biomarkers, and diet. Significance was set at P<0.05. RESULTS: While BC did not significantly correlate with lipid markers, FFM correlated with T3 (r=-0.85; P<0.05), and the relationship with APN trended towards significance (r=0.93; P=0.07). Kcal/kg was positively correlated with TC (r=0.82), and CHO/kg positively correlated with TG (r=0.91) (P<0.05). Correlations between CHO/kg and both LEP (r=0.83) and APN (r=-0.93) approached significance (P<0.10), while PRO/kg negatively correlated with TSH (r=-0.91; P<0.01). Fat/kg correlated positively with TC (r=0.76; P<0.05), and correlations with LDL (r=0.59) and T4 (r=-0.67) approached significance (P<0.10). CONCLUSION: Energy and macronutrient intake, rather than BC measures, appear to have greater associations to blood lipids levels, indicating dietary intake may play a larger role in augmenting lipid status and metabolism in this population. Additionally, increased PRO intake may play a unique role in overall metabolic status, suggested by the negative correlations with TSH. However, more research is needed to determine the influences of both energy intake and BC on menstrual status in this population. These findings warrant future investigations into dietary interventions designed to improve overall metabolism and health in ballerinas. Funding provided by Quest Diagnostics.

Measurement Of Muscle Thickness In The Forearms Of Rock Climbers Using Ultrasound

The flexor muscles of the forearm are repeatedly found to be the rate limiting factor in performance for rock climbers. Previous studies have shown that cross sectional area (CSA) measurements via Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) have a strong correlation to ultrasound measured muscle thickness (MT) in the forearm flexors. However, few studies have employed this relatively low-cost alternative to MRI to assessing forearm muscles of rock climbers. PURPOSE: To compare differences in MT of the finger flexors in the forearms of early-stage rock climbers and non-rock climbers using ultrasound. METHODS: The study consisted of 22 climbers (22.23±3.01 year; 68% male) and 11 controls (21.91±1.97; 55% male). Body fat percentage and BMI were measured in all participants. An image of the thickest portion of the forearm, from the ulna and radius to the muscle-skin interface, was captured with ultrasound, and MT was measured using Image J. Independent samples t-tests were conducted to compare MT over the ulna and radius between climbers and controls. RESULTS: Climbers had an average of 2.44±1.24 years of experience, and had lower body fat percentages (19.14±6.99) than controls (30.02±7.6) (p<.001). BMI was similar for climbers and controls at 21.77±3.23 and 22.62±22.62kg/m2, respectively. Both ulnar and radial MT values were significantly higher in climbers, 4.23±.39cm and 2.32±.39cm (p<.001) respectively, and 3.61±.6cm and 1.84±.31cm in controls (p<.001). CONCLUSION: Despite a relatively low average climbing experience rock climbers had larger MT values than controls. The present study demonstrated that ultrasound can be used to detect differences in flexor MT in rock climbers compared to controls. Future studies should examine longitudinal changes in MT in climbers as they progress in training.