Lower Percent Body Fat Research Articles

Nutrient Intake and Body Composition of World Karate Champions: 4 Case Reports

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the nutrient intake and body composition of elite Japanese karate practitioners. Methods: Four world champion karate practitioners volunteered as follows: a male kata (forms: pre-established sequences of defensive and offensive techniques and movements) (case 1), a male sparring (case 2), a female kata (case 3), and a female sparring (case 4). Percentage of body fat, fat mass and lean body mass were evaluated using a bioelectric impedance analyzer. Nutrient intake was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire. Results: In both male and female athletes, a lower percentage of body fat and higher body height, heavier weight, and lean body mass were found in the sparring practitioners than the kata athletes. None of the athletes took supplements. Each athlete’ diet was modified to increase or maintain Lean body mass. Because all athletes did not reach the recommended dietary allowances for certain vitamins and minerals, we recommended increasing intake levels of vegetables, fruit, milk and dairy products in order to increase micronutrient intakes. Conclusion: The world karate champions representing Japan have a very low percentage of body fat, especially sparring athletes. The athletes became aware of the importance of a well-balanced diet.

Intrauterine DHA exposure and child body composition at 5 y: exploratory analysis of a randomized controlled trial of prenatal DHA supplementation

Observational studies find associations between maternal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and greater fat-free mass and lower percentage of body fat, but randomized trials of prenatal DHA supplementation have not found significant intent-to-treat effects on childhood body composition. This study sought to explore associations between intrauterine DHA exposure and body composition and size at 5 y in the offspring of women who participated in a randomized trial of prenatal DHA supplementation (corn and soybean oil placebo or 600 mg/d). At 5 y, body composition was measured by air displacement plethysmography in 154 offspring of women who had participated in the Kansas University DHA Outcomes Study and who had red blood cell (RBC) phospholipid (PL) fatty acids assessed at enrollment and delivery. We used linear regression models to analyze the relation among 3 indicators of intrauterine DHA exposure-1) intent-to-treat (placebo or DHA), 2) maternal RBC PL DHA status at delivery, and 3) change in maternal DHA (delivery minus enrollment)-and 6 outcomes of interest: 5-y fat mass, fat-free mass, percentage of body fat, height, weight, and body mass index z score. Change in maternal RBC PL DHA correlated with higher fat-free mass (r = 0.21, P = 0.0088); the association was unchanged after adjustment for maternal, perinatal, and childhood dietary factors. Intent-to-treat and DHA status at delivery showed positive trends with fat-free mass that were not statistically significant. There was no evidence relating intrauterine DHA exposure to any other body composition measure. Change in maternal DHA status during pregnancy was related to higher offspring 5-y fat-free mass. The other 2 indicators of intrauterine exposure to DHA suggested a trend for higher offspring 5-y fat-free mass. Our findings agree with an earlier observational study from the United Kingdom. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00266825.

Sex Differences in World-Record Performance: The Influence of Sport Discipline and Competition Duration.

The current review summarizes scientific knowledge concerning sex differences in world-record performance and the influence of sport discipline and competition duration. In addition, the way that physiological factors relate to sex dimorphism is discussed. While cultural factors played a major role in the rapid improvement of performance of women relative to men up until the 1990s, sex differences between the world's best athletes in most events have remained relatively stable at approximately 8-12%. The exceptions are events in which upper-body power is a major contributor, where this difference is more than 12%, and ultraendurance swimming, where the gap is now less than 5%. The physiological advantages in men include a larger body size with more skeletal-muscle mass, a lower percentage of body fat, and greater maximal delivery of anaerobic and aerobic energy. The greater strength and anaerobic capacity in men normally disappear when normalized for fat-free body mass, whereas the higher hemoglobin concentrations lead to 5-10% greater maximal oxygen uptake in men with such normalization. The higher percentage of muscle mass in the upper body of men results in a particularly large sex difference in power production during upper-body exercise. While the exercise efficiency of men and women is usually similar, women have a better capacity to metabolize fat and demonstrate better hydrodynamics and more even pacing, which may be advantageous, in particular during long-lasting swimming competitions.

Is it Possible to Easily Identify Metabolically Healthy Obese Women?

Background: Obesity is recognized as a major risk factor for the development of several metabolic complications. However, some obese individuals have a favorable metabolic profile.Objective: The aim of this study was to identify an easy parameter for recognizing metabolically healthy obese (MHO) women.Methods: A total of 292 non-diabetic women with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 were selected, and 239 composed the final cohort. We classified the participants according to their metabolic state determined by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) into MHO or metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO). Both groups were compared regarding biochemical, anthropometric, and body composition characteristics.Results: The average age of the cohort was 43.9 ± 10.9 years and the average BMI was 37.2 ± 5.3 kg/m2. In total, 75.7% of the participants were classified as MHO by HOMA. A cutoff of 108.2 cm for waist circumference (WC) identified MHO participants with a sensitivity of 72.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 59.8-82.3%), specificity of 66.9% (95% CI: 59.71-73.3%), and negative likelihood ratio of 0.41 (95% CI: 0.36-0.47). Additionally, a visceral adiposity index cutoff value of 99.2 identified MHO women with a sensitivity of 89.7% (95% CI: 79.2-95.2%), specificity of 48.6% (95% CI: 41.4-55.9%), and negative likelihood ratio of 0.21 (95% CI: 0.15-0.30).Conclusion: Women classified as MHO exhibited smaller WC measurements and lower body fat percentages, as well as lower blood glucose and insulin levels. WC emerged as an easy parameter for identifying MHO women.

Relationship between adiposity and heart rate recovery following an exercise stress test in obese older women

The aim of the present study was to compare differences in heart rate (HR) response during and following exercise in obese older women with different percent body fat levels. Ninety older, obese women aged 60-87 years participated in the study, were categorized, and enrolled to one of two groups based on a lower percent body fat (LPBF ≤ 41.10 %) or higher percent body fat (HPBF > 41.10 %) as measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. The peak HR during exercise and in the first and second minutes of recovery period were compared between groups. The HPBF group presented a lower peak HR during exercise (p = 0.001) and an impaired HR recovery (p = 0.001) when compared to LPBF group. The present study demonstrated that older women who were in exceedingly obese level have an impaired heart rate response during exercise and in the recovery period, indicating possible autonomic dysfunction.

Preconception Prebiotic and Sitagliptin Treatment in Obese Rats Affects Pregnancy Outcomes and Offspring Microbiota, Adiposity, and Glycemia.

Maternal obesity is associated with increased risk of pregnancy complications and greater risk of obesity in offspring, but studies designed to examine preconception weight loss are limited. The objective of this study was to determine if a combined dietary [oligofructose (OFS)] and pharmacological (sitagliptin) preconception intervention could mitigate poor pregnancy outcomes associated with maternal obesity and improve offspring metabolic health and gut microbiota composition. Diet-induced obese female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to one of four intervention groups for 8 weeks: (1) Obese-Control (consumed control diet during intervention); (2) Obese-OFS (10% OFS diet); (3) Obese-S (sitagliptin drug); (4) Obese-OFS + S (combination treatment). Two reference groups were also included: (5) Obese-HFS (untreated obese consumed high fat/sucrose diet throughout study); (6) Lean-Control (lean reference group that were never obese and consumed control diet throughout). Offspring consumed control diet until 11 weeks of age followed by HFS diet until 17 weeks of age. The Obese-OFS + S rats lost weight during the intervention phase whereas the OFS and S treatments attenuated weight gain compared with Obese-HFS (p < 0.05). Gestational weight gain was lowest in Obese-OFS + S rats and highest in Obese-HFS rats (p < 0.05). Prepregnancy intervention did not affect reproductive parameters but did affect pregnancy outcomes including litter size. Male Obese-OFS offspring had significantly lower percent body fat than Obese-HFS at 17 weeks. Female Obese-S and Obese-OFS offspring had significantly lower fasting glucose at 17 weeks compared with Obese-Control and Obese-HFS. Clostridium cluster XI was higher in Obese-HFS and Obese-S dams at birth compared with all other groups. Dams with an adverse pregnancy outcome had significantly lower (p = 0.035) Lactobacillus spp. compared with dams with normal or small litters. At weaning, male offspring of Obese-HFS had higher levels of Methanobrevibacter than all other groups except Obese-S and female Obese-HFS offspring had higher Enterobacteriaceae compared with all other groups. At 11 and 17 weeks of age, Bacteroides/Prevotella spp. was significantly lower in male and female offspring of Obese-HFS dams compared with all other groups except Obese-OFS + S. Modest weight loss induced with a diet-drug combination did not affect maternal fecundity but did have sex-specific effects on offspring adiposity and glycemia that may be linked to changes in offspring microbiota.

PHYSIQUE AND BODY COMPOSITION OF GIRLS PRACTISING CONTEMPORARY DANCE

Abstract Introduction. Physique and body composition are often explored in sport-related research. This is due to the fact that morphological features can be useful for determining a person’s predispositions for practising a given type of physical activity. Dance, as any other sports discipline, has an impact on the physique and motor skills of those who practise it. Most research concerning the physique and body composition of dancers conducted so far has focused on persons practising ballet or competitive ballroom dancing. Investigating these issues in contemporary dancers is a new field of study. The aim of the current study was to examine the physique and body composition of girls aged 14-17 years practising contemporary dance. Material and methods. The study involved 23 girls who trained contemporary dance twice a week for 2 hours. The participants of the study had been training since the age of six. Basic anthropometric measurements were performed. Body composition was analysed based on parameters measured using a Tanita body composition analyser. Conclusions. The analysis found that girls training contemporary dance were characterised by a leptosomatic physique. BMI values in both younger and older contemporary dancers indicated that their weight was normal. Compared to girls who did not practise any particular type of sport, contemporary dancers had a lower weight, a lower body water percentage, and a lower body fat percentage. The dancers were also characterised by a greater circumference of the waist, hips, arm, and chest compared to untrained peers.

Effects of 3 months of full-court and half-court street basketball training on health profile in untrained men

PurposeThe aim of the present study was to investigate whether street basketball organized as 3 v 3 on either a half court (HC) with 1 basket or a full court (FC) with 2 baskets could improve fitness and health profiles of untrained men after 3 months of supervised training. MethodsThirty-five untrained men (aged 20–42 years) completed the pre- and post-intervention testing (FC: n = 13, HC: n = 12, CO (control): n = 10). The training attendance was 2.0 ± 0.4 and 1.9 ± 0.3 times per week in FC and HC, respectively. Mean heart rate (HR) was 83.8 ± 6.0 percent of maximal heart rate (%HRmax) and 84.5 ± 2.9 %HRmax in FC and HC, respectively. ResultsThe 3 months of street basketball training on an FC with 2 baskets increased maximal oxygen uptake (2.4 mL/min/kg (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0–3.9)), time to exhaustion (47 s (95%CI: 26–67)), lean body mass (0.8 kg (95%CI: 0.1–1.5)), and bone mineral density (0.021 g/cm2 (95%CI: 0.011–0.031)), whereas mean arterial pressure (–5.6 mmHg (95%CI: –7.5 to 3.7)), body fat percentage (–1.6%, (95%CI: –2.5 to –0.7)), heart rate (–18 bpm (95%CI: –24 to –12)), and blood lactate (median: –1.4 mmol/L (interquartile range: –1.5 to –0.6)) during submaximal running were lowered. The changes were less pronounced after the training period when playing on an HC with 1 basket, but increases in maximal oxygen uptake (1.6 mL/min/kg (95%CI: –0.1 to 3.3)), time to exhaustion (28 s (95%CI: 9–47)), lean body mass (1.3 kg (95%CI: 0.3–2.4)), and lower body fat percentage (–0.9% (95%CI: –1.9 to –0.1)) were observed in this group. ConclusionThree months of 3 v 3 street basketball training improved fitness and led to broad-spectrum improvements in variables related to overall health profile, with the most marked effects observed when playing on an FC with 2 baskets.

Aerobic capacities, anaerobic power, and anthropometric characteristics of elite female canoe polo players based on playing position

To determine the aerobic capacities, anaerobic power, and anthropometric characteristics of elite female canoe polo players. A secondary purpose was to investigate positional differences between goalkeepers (GKs), flat 3 defenders (FDFs), and chase defenders (CHDFs). Twenty-one elite female canoe polo players (age 26.8 ± 2.1 years; height 166.9 ± 5.2 cm; body mass 61.4 ± 7.1 kg; and percent body fat 21.0 ± 3.8%) volunteered. Anthropometric variables, peak oxygen uptake ( $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{{2{\text{peak}}}} $$ ), ventilatory threshold (VT), anaerobic peak power output (PPO), and mean power output (MPO) were determined. $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{{ 2 {\text{peak}}}} $$ was 40.88 ± 4.0 ml kg−1 min−1 or 2.50 ± 0.29 l min−1, VT was 79.1 ± 8.6 $$ \% \dot{V}O_{2peak} $$ , PPO was 348.7 ± 32.1 W, 5.66 ± 0.64 W kg−1, and MPO was 266.5 ± 29.4 W, 4.37 ± 0.56 W kg−1. CHDFs and FDFs had significantly (p < 0.05) greater relative $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{{2{\text{peak}}}} $$ (19.5 and 15.0%, respectively) compared to GKs. GKs were significantly (p < 0.05) taller than CHDFs (6.3%) and FDFs (4.8%). Elite female canoe polo players have well-developed oxidative and non-oxidative energy systems, as well as low percent body fat. Positional differences demonstrated that CHDFs and FDFs had significantly higher aerobic power compared to GKs; however, GKs were significantly taller. These results may assist the coach or sport scientist to construct and implement tailored training programs and may be beneficial for talent identification.

Biodanza Reduces Acute Pain Severity in Women with Fibromyalgia

Biodanza is a useful therapy for the fibromyalgia management; however, there is no evidence of its effectiveness on acute pain. The objectives of the present study were: to determine the changes of a 3-month Biodanza program on acute pain severity (before vs. after session) and cumulative pain severity in women with fibromyalgia; and to check the associations of acute pain severity reduction with presession pain severity, body fat percentage, and satisfaction with the session. This was a 3-month low-moderate intensity (rate of perceived exertion around 12, based on a 6-20 point scale) Biodanza intervention study (1 session/week). Twenty-seven women with fibromyalgia (54.2 ± 6.2 years) participated. Pain severity was assessed before and after each single session with a visual analog scale. There were immediate changes in all sessions (p = .001-.028), except in the first, second, and fourth sessions. An overall 16% decrease of acute pain severity before and after each session was noted (mean presession pain vs. postsession pain, 5.8 ± 2.1 vs. 4.9 ± 2.4; respectively). There was an independent association of pain severity reduction (presession–postsession) with presession pain severity (unstandardized coefficient B = .21 ± .05; standardized coefficient β = .25; p < .001), body fat percentage (B = −.05 ± .02; β = −.18; p = .003), and satisfaction with the session (B = .40 ± .15; β = .16; p = .007). There was a significant cumulative effect decrease in postsession pain severity (p < .001; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −.14, −.05) and presession–postsession pain severity (p = .007; 95% CI = .02, .12) along the 3-month intervention. No significant cumulative effect in presession pain severity was identified (p > .05). In conclusion, Biodanza is an alternative therapy that reduced acute pain severity in women with fibromyalgia. The intervention also yielded cumulative pain severity reduction, which were higher in those women with fibromyalgia presenting higher presession pain severity and lower body fat percentage. The satisfaction with the session was also a key factor positively associated with pain reduction.

Increased Adipose and Muscle Insulin Sensitivity Without Changes in Serum Adiponectin in Young Female Collegiate Athletes.

Background: Effects of endurance training on adipose insulin sensitivity in association with body composition, circulating adipokines, and markers of inflammation have been studied less in young Asian subjects.Methods: Adipose insulin sensitivity/resistance was compared between 170 female Japanese collegiate athletes and 311 nonathletes (18–24 years), who underwent measurements of serum adipokines, markers of insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Two separate subsamples of two groups of women underwent either a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test or a standardized meal test, but not both.Results: As compared with nonathletes, athletes, characterized by higher skeletal muscle mass and lower percentage of body fat (both P < 0.001), had lower adipose insulin resistance (IR) (a product of fasting insulin and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) and lower leptin/adiponectin ratio (both P < 0.001). Although athletes had lower postmeal/postglucose insulinemia (P = 0.009 and 0.01, respectively), the two groups did not differ in postmeal percentage NEFA suppression and postmeal/postglucose glycemia, suggesting increased insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, respectively. Serum leptin (P < 0.001) and tumor necrosis factor-α (P = 0.01) were lower in athletes, whereas adiponectin and homeostasis model assessment IR did not differ.Conclusions: Endurance training was associated with increased insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue as well as skeletal muscle without changes in circulating adiponectin even in young, normal-weight Japanese women.

RELATIONS BETWEEN FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OF STUDENTS

The aim of this study was to determine the relation between physical activity and functional capacity at the primary school pupils. Many people are not aware that the health of the most important in human life and associated with the movement. In recent decades, the number of obese people, children and adolescents is is significantly increasing. The modern life style of children and young people are increasingly missing movement and outdoor games, is prevalent sedentary lifestyle (TV, Internet, Play Station ..) adverse effects the development of abilities and skills of children and their health status. The study included 80 students of the third grade of primary school, of which 43 boys (mean age 9.30 ± 0.46 years) and 37 girls (mean age 9.29 ± 0.47 years). The students attended two elementary schools in the city of Petrinja., First Primary School and Elementary School Dragutin Tadijanović. The survey was conducted in the school year 2014/2015. The sample of variables consisted of anthropometric measures of body height, weight, skin fold of the upper arm, back skinfold, abdominal skinfold. The functional abilities were measured test run for 3 minutes - F3, which is used to assess the level of functional ability in primary education in the Republic of Croatia. The level of physical activity was estimated PAQ-C questionnaire. From the results it is evident that of the total sample 60% of them have a normal percentage of body fat, while almost 40% of students with excessive fat in the body. The conclusion of this study indicates a high percentage of students who are overweight. Functional capacity was inversely associated with indicators of obesity, which means that students with high levels of functional capacity have a lower percentage of body fat. School age is the best time to stimulate and positive impact on the growth and development of children and the missed possibilities to that age cannot be recovered in later stages of life. Keywords: aerobic capacity, functional ability, obesity, students, school

Assessment of dietary habits and nutritional status of depressive patients, depending on place of residence.

An increased incidence of depressive disorders observed in recent years in the Polish and world population is a serious health problem. The aim of the study was to compare dietary habits and nutritional status of patients with recurrent depressive disorders, depending on their place of residence. Their impact on selected metabolic parameters was also considered. The study group comprised 96 women and 84 men reporting to the Outpatient Mental Health Clinic at the Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Bialystok in north-eastern Poland. The average age of the women was 46.7±11.7 years, and of men 47.0±11.3 years. In the quantitative assessmentof diets, 24-hour food recall interviews were conducted. Assessment of the nutritional status of the respondents consisted of anthropometric measurements, body composition analysis and biochemical parameters. It was show that the diets of female urban inhabitants were characterized by a significantly lower energy value and total fat content, compared to their rural counterparts. The food rations of men living in the city had a significantly higher energy value, protein content and total FAT, compared to rural residents. It was also noted that urban residents of both genders were characterized by a lower percentage of body fat, both visceral and subcutaneous (women), and a higher water content than rural residents. The study showed dietary errors in all compared groups, regardless of place of residence, which was reflected in the nutritional status of the respondents. The results also indicated that during the declared change in dietary habits, the treatment of depressive patients should include dietary instructions in order to ensure an optimum supply of nutrients.

Anthropometric and performance characteristics of the German rugby union 7s team.

Somatotyping is advantageous in sports for the optimal development of performance level and injury prevention. The aim of this study was to describe the anthropometric and physical performance characteristics of the German national rugby union 7s team. Seventeen male rugby players, classified as forwards (N.=9; 24.2±2.1 years) and backs (N.=8; 24.3±5.05 years) were assessed. Anthropometric measurements included: body height, weight, height to weight ratio (H/W), five skinfolds, biepicondylar humerus and femur breadth, upper arm- and calf girth, estimated lower body fat percentage and determination of the individual and mean somatotype. The physical performance tests included: sit-and-reach, handgrip strength, one minute of sit-ups, one minute of push-ups, vertical jump performance, peak power performance, bent arm hanging, 40-m sprint, and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Test. The forward players were significantly taller (P=0.003), heavier (P=0.001) with a smaller H/W (P=0.009) compared to the backs. Humerus and femur bone breadths (P<0.05) and flexed upper arm and calf girths (P<0.05) were significantly different between the groups. Handgrip strength left (P=0.04), one minute of sit-ups (P=0.03), and peak power output (P=0.015) were also significantly different between the groups. The data indicate that German forward and back players have a similar somatotype and performance level. However, a higher body mass of forward players could be advantageous in that their playing position is much more body contact intensive, and requires a significant amount of tackling. The nominative data of this study may assist coaches to detect weak links in rugby specific athletic performance.

A Comparative Analysis of the Fitness of Collegiate Dancers as compared to Collegiate Volleyball and Softball Players

Few studies directly compare the various fitness components of collegiate dancers and athletes in acknowledged sports. The limited studies that do exist fail to consider certain variables or to assess multiple fitness components. The purpose of this study was to provide a more comprehensive comparison of collegiate dancers and collegiate volleyball and softball players. We used multiple fitness components as an indicator of the comparative physical demands of these activities, to assess whether the physical demands of collegiate dance may warrant a comparable level of medical support as afforded to the volleyball and softball players. Thirty dancers and thirty volleyball and softball players were tested using six different measurements of physical fitness commonly used in athletic assessments at universities. A two-tailed independent t-test was performed to determine differences between dancers and athletes in each fitness component. Three tests revealed significant differences between the groups, with the dancers having a lower percent body fat and greater flexibility, and the athletes having greater relative upper body strength. No significant differences were found in relative leg strength, core strength, or estimated VO2max. The results of the current study suggest that dance provides training adaptations equivalent to traditional intermittent sports and thus support the use of similar levels of medical care for collegiate dancers to that afforded to collegiate volleyball and softball players. KEYWORDS: Physical Fitness; Dance; Dance Medicine; Athletics; Dance Health Benefits

Somatic Profile of the Elite Boulderers in Poland.

Ozimek, M, Krawczyk, M, Zadarko, E, Barabasz, Z, Ambroży, T, Stanula, A, Mucha, DK, Jurczak, A, and Mucha, D. Somatic profile of the elite boulderers in Poland. J Strength Cond Res 31(4): 963-970, 2017-The study was designed to determine the values of selected somatic characteristics, body proportions, and the somatotype of elite bouldering climbers in Poland and to establish the relationships between the values of the somatic characteristics and climber's performance in bouldering. The study was conducted in a group of elite sport climbers (n = 10) who were ranked by the Polish Mountaineering Association in 2011, 2012, and 2013. The anthropometric measurements were made according to the relevant rules and standards. The results were used to calculate the values of somatic variables and body proportion indices for the climbers and to establish their somatotype. The results were compared with the data on untrained students (n = 165). The boulderers were found to differ significantly from the controls regarding body height (p < 0.01), body mass (p ≤ 0.05), body density (p < 0.01), fat mass percentage (FM%) (p < 0.01), fat mass (FMkg) (p < 0.01), lean body mass (p ≤ 0.05), arm span (p ≤ 0.05), and leg length (p < 0.01). Body proportions in the groups significantly differed in the arm length index (p < 0.01), arm-to-leg length ratio (p < 0.01), and in the indices of the forearm (p < 0.01), thigh (p < 0.01), and lower leg (p ≤ 0.05) muscles. With regard to the somatotypes of the analyzed groups, the biggest differences were observed for the levels of mesomorphy (NS) and endomorphy, the latter being statistically significant (p < 0.01). The strongest and significant correlations between the competitive level of the climbers and the values of their somatic characteristics were established for FM% (r = -0.81), fat mass (in kilograms) (r = -0.82), body density (r = 0.81), endomorphy (r = -0.74), arm length (r = 0.77), and the arm length index (r = 0.80). The results of linear regression showed that the competitive level of a bouldering climber was significantly explained (p < 0.01) by fat mass (in kilograms) and the value of the arm length index. A high level of performance in bouldering is related to small stature (an ecto-mesomorph somatotype) and a low body fat percentage (low endomorphy). Regarding body proportions, greater than average arm length to body height ratio and well-developed musculature of the limbs are required for a boulderer to perform on a competitive level. High arm length index and low body fat percentage represent the strongest determinants of performance in bouldering. It can be assumed that arm length index has a high diagnostic value for recruitment and selection of climbers.

Relationship between plasma adropin levels and body composition and lipid characteristics amongst young adolescents in Taiwan

Adropin is a 76 amino acid peptide hormone with a molecular weight of 4999.9Da that may be associated with energy homeostasis, insulin resistance and lipid metabolism in mice and human. There is only a few studies that examine plasma adropin levels and body composition in children. This study is to evaluate the relationship between plasma adropin levels, body composition and lipid variables amongst young adolescents in Taiwan. We examined 492 adolescents (269 females and 223 males) ranging from 12 to 15 years old, with a mean age of 13.6 years. Body composition was measured using impedance method by Tanita-BC418. Plasma lipid variables were measured using standard methods and plasma adropin levels were measured using the ELISA method. There was no significant difference in plasma adropin levels between males and females (3.52 vs. 3.58ng/ml). Plasma adropin levels were negatively correlated with fat free mass (r=-0.12, p<0.01). More interestingly, children with higher plasma adropin levels had lower waist-to-hip ratios (WHR) and lower body fat percentage by mass. Furthermore, there is no difference in lipid profiles in high vs. low adropin subjects. Plasma adropin levels are not consistency associated with body composition and no association with lipid variables amongst Taiwanese adolescents. The role of adropin in the development of obesity is still not clear, and further studies are need especially for children.

Body composition, blood pressure and cardiorespiratory functional capacity in elite athletes

Summary Objectives Regular endurance training in athletes is associated with a higher maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), a lower body fat percentage (BF%), and improved blood pressure (BP) control. However, are those adaptive changes present in athletes with higher BF%, has not been previously examined. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the body composition to the resting and maximal BP values and cardiorespiratory functional capacity in elite athletes. Equipment and methods A total of 194 men elite athletes were examined. According to World Health Organization recommendation, athletes were divided according to BF% in 3 groups: low: ≤ 8, optimal: 9–19%, overweight: ≥ 20%. Anthropometric measurements, resting systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) pressures were measured. VO2max and maximal BP were directly measured by maximal graded exercise test on treadmill until exhaustion. Results Seventy-six (39%) athletes had low BF%, 107 (55%) had optimal BF%, while 11 (5%) athletes had BF% in overweight category. The incidence of hypertension (SBP ≥ 140 and/or DBP ≥ 90 mmHg) was 4% in low BF%, 6% in optimal and 21% in the overweight group. Athletes in overweight category had significantly higher resting SBP and DBP values, and maximal DBP and lower VO2max compared to all other athletes (P

Abstract P234: The Relationship Between Polyphenols and Body Composition within the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos Nutrition and Activity Study

Background: Polyphenols have antioxidant properties that may protect against chronic disease.Epidemiological evidence regarding potential impact on body composition and obesity is limited, particularly among Hispanics/Latinos who are disproportionately prone to obesity. Hypothesis: Polyphenols are associated with lower percent body fat (%BF) and prevalence of obesity, with moderate intra-class correlations between repeated measures. Methods: Participants were 442 adults from SOLNAS aged 18-74y. Doubly labeled water, a recovery biomarker, estimated Total Energy Expenditure . Polyphenol excretion from 24-hour urine samples was assessed for enterolactone, enterodiol, resveratrol, daidzein, urolithin A, naringenin, hesperetin, and quercetin (nmol/liter). Measures were repeated in a subsample (N=90) to provide a reliability measure. Anthropometric measures were obtained by trained personnel, and %BF was measured by 18 O dilution. Diet was assessed using two 24-hour recalls. Linear regression models were used to evaluate the multivariable associations between body composition and polyphenols. Spearman correlations between BMI and %BF with polyphenols and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) between repeated polyphenol measures were computed. Results: Resveratrol and %BF were weakly correlated (r=-0.11, p=0.02), but 69% of urinary resveratrol levels were below detectable limits. Hesperetin was associated with a 12% lower odds of obesity in models unadjusted for TEE (Table 1), while enterolactone was associated with 16% higher odds in fully-adjusted models. Repeated polyphenol measures were moderately correlated (ICCs:0.11-0.65). Urinary polyphenols and their main food sources were weakly correlated (r=0.10-0.17, p&lt;0.03). Conclusions: Hesperetin and quercetin were inversely while enterolactone was positively associated with obesity. Findings are indicative of an immigrant group in transition. Repeated measures of urinary polyphenols could help clarify impact on obesity.

Association between physical activity and body fat percentage, with adjustment for BMI: a large cross-sectional analysis of UK Biobank

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to examine if, in the general population, physically active adults have less body fat after taking body mass index (BMI) into account.DesignA cross-sectional analysis...