Muscular Body Research Articles

Serum metabolome signature response to different types of resistance training.

Pneumatic resistance training (PRT) facilitates a longer time under tension that might lead to greater changes in body composition when compared to traditional resistance training (TRT), possibly enhancing serum metabolite concentrations indicative of healthy metabolic function. To assess the impact of PRT and TRT on muscular strength, body composition and serum metabolome, sixty-nine men (age: 31.8±7.2 years, height: 179.7±5.4 cm, weight: 81.1±9.9 kg) were randomized into two 10-week intervention groups (PRT:n=24 and TRT:n=24) and one control group (CON:n=21). Serum metabolite concentrations were assessed before and after the training intervention by high-throughput nuclear magnetic resonance. Fat mass and lean mass were obtained by bioimpedance analysis. The training intervention resulted in an increase in LM for both PRT (1.85 ± 2.69%; p=0.003) and TRT (2.72 ±4.53%; p=0.004), while only PRT reduced in body fat percentage (PRT: -5.08±10.76%; p=0.019) statistically significantly. Only in PRT and TRT significant increases in small high-density lipoproteins (S-HDL-L) and small HDL particles (S-HDL-P) were observed. When controlling for fat and lean mass, the effects on S-HDL-L/S-HDL-P diminished. Network analysis may suggest that PRT and TRT result in an increase in network connectivity and robustness. It appears that the observed improvements are associated with changes in body composition.

The Questionable Middle Class

Abstract This article examines what the idea of a new or changing India signifies in the way it is experienced from a middle-class perspective. While the often-used adjectives of lower, new, and upper in terms of middle-class belonging seem to indicate economic difference, the article argues that it is more productive to think of this hierarchical structuring as primarily sociocultural in nature. The way studies have attempted to capture the size of the middle class offers important insight here. This article draws upon long-term fieldwork among lower or new middle-class men who hail from vernacular backgrounds and who are employed as fitness trainers in India. The gym floor not only offers an opportunity to make money but also to acquire sociocultural capital through interactions with clients. The upward mobility this facilitates, in which the men's own muscular bodies are key, underscores the porousness as well as the rigidity of middle-class boundaries.

Myostatin serum levels depends on age and diet in athletic and no athletic dogs

Myostatin is a growth factor related to muscular mass atrophy via mTOR pathway inhibition. Mutations in this gene have been correlated with high muscular mass development in different species of mammals, including human and dogs. Different studies have shown that sport practice increases myostatin gene expression. Some of them were conducted in canine breeds selected for different sport practices, including mushing sports. In this study, body weight, muscular mass, and serum levels of myostatin were analysed in different canine breeds, selected, and not selected for sprint and middle-distance racing, and the effect on epidemiological factors was evaluated. Sex, reproductive status, and canine breed affects body weight and muscular mass, being higher in males, and in sled canine breed. Age has an effect in body weight and myostatin serum levels, being lower in elder dogs. Sport practice and type of diet had an effect in muscular mass development but not in myostatin serum levels. Results showed a high positive correlation between muscular mass and body weight but not with myostatin levels. These results suggest that independent-myostatin mechanisms of mTOR pathway regulation could be related to muscular mass development in dogs.

The Pattern of Physique Preferences on Gay Dating App “Blued” in China: A Multiple Group Latent Class Analysis

ABSTRACT Previous studies have indicated homogamy in partner preferences among gay and bisexual men. Individuals on Blued (the most popular gay dating app in China) could identify their body type and preferred physiques according to six categories: monkey (thin gay men), average, muscularity, bear (heavy and hairy gay men), baboon (smaller than bears), and pig (plumper than bears). This study examined patterns of physique preferences across body types as well as sexual self-labels (tops, bottoms, versatiles, and others). In total, 188,716 Blued profiles (M age = 31.1, SD = 7.1) were obtained. Multiple group latent class analysis was used to examine the patterns of physique preferences across the body type groups. The results revealed seven classes of physique preference. The four common physique preferences shared by all body type groups were “like averages,” “like monkeys,” “like muscularity,” and “like bears.” Individuals with a monkey or average body type exhibited a specific pattern of physique preference: “dislike bears.” The two physique preferences specific to gay bear men were “like averages and muscularity,” and “dislike monkeys.” The highest preference for each physique was observed among individuals of the same body type. Furthermore, tops were more likely to have a muscular body and prefer a monkey physique, whereas bottoms were more likely to have a monkey body and prefer a muscular physique. These findings indicate body type-specific physique preferences based on an individual’s own body type and sexual self-label identification, thus partially supporting the concept of homogamy in the physique preferences of gay men.

“You started working out to get a flat stomach and a fat a$$”: A content analysis of fitspiration videos on TikTok

Fitspiration presents idealised bodies to viewers, emphasising a fit ideal to women and a muscular ideal to men. Previous content analyses have focused on images from Instagram, with research yet to examine video content on TikTok or verify the accuracy of the diet and exercise information posted by fitness influencers. This content analysis examined 200 videos from popular TikTok fitspiration hashtags (fitness, fitspo, gymtok, fittok). Two independent coders used a standardised codebook containing definitions and examples for coding. Overall, 78 % of videos showed only women, and 10 % of videos showed only men. Videos of women included both fit and thin idealised bodies, whole body and specific body part objectification, harmful themes, and promoted appearance-related reasons for exercise more frequently than videos containing men. Videos of men included muscular idealised bodies and objectification through face obscurity (excluding the face from view) more frequently than videos of women. Most videos were posted by fitness influencers, and 60 % of videos presented incorrect or harmful information. Findings suggest that fitspiration TikTok content contains characteristics known to negatively impact body image and highlights gendered differences in content themes. Further investigation is required on the promotion of appearance reasons to exercise, and the credibility of information and content creators.

RE-READING OF VULNERABLE MINDS IN COSTUME- A SELECT STUDY ON TWO MALAYALAM MOVIES

Masculinity as depicted in visual culture is often appropriated as the ideal to adhere in most of the representations, whether it is cinema or performing arts. Patriarchal order tends to project masculinity as the source of power from which the matrix of a society is outlined. Representation of masculinity on screen and their dimensions convey human experiences in a hitherto unperceived way. Apart from being a muscular figure which is categorized against a vulnerable woman, the dawn of 20th century has witnessed varied representations onscreen including sensitive, vulnerable, possessive protagonists trapped in a well-toned muscular body striving for an identity. Performing arts, unlike movies gives space for representing varying emotions pertaining to their role in society using costumed characters and images.

Telerehabilitation improves cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness and body composition in older people with post-COVID-19 syndrome.

The effects of post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) syndrome on the cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness in older people are of utmost relevance. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 12-week telerehabilitation programme on cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness and body composition in older patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome. One hundred twenty older patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome were randomly assigned to one of two groups: patients who carried out the telerehabilitation programme (n=60; age: 65.0±5.2; female: 14.2%) and a control group (n=60; age: 64.3±5.0; female: 24.5%). An incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing, isokinetic strength test, and bioelectrical impedance analysis were performed to compare cardiorespiratory and muscle strength responses and body composition between telerehabilitation and control groups. A significant increase in the cardiopulmonary exercise testing duration was found in the telerehabilitation group compared to the control group (mean difference=88.9s, P=0.001). Peak oxygen uptake increased in the telerehabilitation group (mean difference=3.0mL·kg-1·min-1, P<0.001) and control group (mean difference=1.9mL·kg-1·min-1, P<0.001). Power output in cycle ergometer (mean difference=25.9 watts, P<0.001), fat free mass (mean difference=2.1kg, P=0.004), soft lean mass (mean difference=2.1kg, P=0.003), and skeletal muscle mass (mean difference=1.4kg, P=0.003) only increased in the telerehabilitation group. A significant increase in the power output was observed in the telerehabilitation group compared with the control group in both lower limbs after isokinetic strength test of the leg extension at a speed of 60° (right: mean difference=18.7 watts, P=0.012; left: mean difference=15.3 watts, P=0.010). The peak torque of right leg extension increased only in the telerehabilitation group after isokinetic strength test at a speed of 60° (mean difference=13.1N·m, P<0.001). A significant increase in the power output was observed in the telerehabilitation group compared with the control group in the left leg extension after isokinetic strength test at a speed of 180° (mean difference=30.2 watts, P=0.003). The telerehabilitation programme improved cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, and body composition in older patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome to a greater extent than a control group. The telerehabilitation programmes may be an alternative to improve the sequelae of post-COVID-19 syndrome in older patients.

Body Type and Body Dissatisfaction in Instagram Posts by Dietetics and Nursing Students

Students in health professions seeking to establish professional credibility through their appearance could be at greater risk of body dissatisfaction. Instagram posts featuring #rd2be (n = 865) or #nursingstudent (n=1610) were reviewed for body type and body image messages. A greater proportion of #rd2be posts contained images of thin or muscular bodies and text with body image–related messages than #nursingstudent posts. Posts with #nursingstudent had a higher prevalence of text expressing dissatisfaction with weight, fat, or muscle than posts with #rd2be. Results suggest that nursing and dietetics students may grapple with body image while establishing their professional identity.

GCT-27. Β-HCG STIMULATION WITH RAPIDLY PROGRESSIVE PUBERTY (PP) IN INTRACRANIAL NON-GERMINOMATOUS GCT (NGGCT): CASE REPORT

Abstract BACKGROUND Intracranial non-germinomatous are rare heterogenous group of Central Nervous System (CNS) tumors that consist of embryonal carcinomas, yolk sac tumors, choriocarcinomas, and teratomas (mature, immature), with or without malignant transformation, as well as mixed types. Presentation frequently includes endocrinopathies, visual changes and signs of raised intracranial pressure. CASE We present a 9-year-old boy with history of headaches, voice changes, increased height and muscle mass, and new onset pubic hair for one month. Examination showed mild papilledema with no cranial nerve palsies, advanced linear growth with height velocity of 15.8 cm/yr with height and weight at 94th and 85th percentile respectively for age. Tanner 2 pubic hair, muscular body habitus and testicles volume of 10-12mLs bilaterally. MRI brain showed a localized pineal region mass with obstructive hydrocephalus. Tumor markers were elevated in serum (β-hCG;69 IU/l and AFP;36.8 ng/ml) with high CSF β-hCG of 41 IU/l with AFP &amp;lt;10ng/ml. Work up for advanced puberty showed bone age of 11.3yrs. Markedly elevated testosterone levels at 929 ng/dl with free testosterone of 135 pg/m. Both LH and FSH were undetectable supporting the diagnosis of peripheral non-gonadotropic puberty (PP). Diagnosis of NGGCT was established on biopsy. He received therapy with chemotherapy, second look surgery and radiation. He remains in remission (negative tumors markers and MRI). Interestingly initiation of therapy resulted in age-appropriate testosterone level and slowing down of rapidly progressive puberty clinically. CONCLUSION We herein present a rare association of β-hCG secreted by NGGCT that cross-reacts with testicular and adrenal LH receptors resulting in increased testosterone levels and rapidly progressive or precocious puberty in males. The incidence of PP in pineal NGGCT remains unknown with very few cases reported in the literature however these are an important consideration in children with advanced puberty in the absence of exogenous hormone exposure and or non-CNS etiologies.

Neighbourhood walkability and greenspace and their associations with health-related fitness in urban dwelling Canadian adults

ObjectiveMuscular strength and body composition are important components of health-related fitness (HRF). Grip strength and body fat percent, in particular, are associated with chronic disease and affected by health behaviours. Evidence suggests relationships between the neighbourhood built environment (BE) and HRF exist, however, few studies have focused on grip strength and body fat percent. Therefore, our study aimed to estimate the sex-specific associations between the neighbourhood BE, grip strength, and body fat percent among urban-dwelling Canadian adults. MethodsWe analyzed cross-sectional survey and HRF data collected in 2011-2015 from 4052 males and 7841 females (Alberta's Tomorrow Project, Canada). Grip strength and body fat percent were measured via handgrip dynamometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis, respectively. Walkability (Canadian Active Living Index) and greenness (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) estimates were linked to participant data. Sex-stratified covariate-adjusted linear regression models estimated the associations between the BE and HRF variables. ResultsWalkability was negatively associated with grip strength and body fat percent in males (β -0.21, 95%CI: -0.31 to -0.11 and β -0.08, 95%CI: -0.15 to -0.02, respectively) and females (β -0.06, 95%CI: -0.10 to -0.01 and β -0.08, 95%CI: -0.14 to -0.02, respectively). Greenness was positively associated with grip strength in males (β 6.99, 95%CI: 3.62 to 10.36) and females (β 2.72, 95%CI: 1.22 to 4.22) but not with body fat percent. Controlling for physical activity and sitting did not attenuate these associations. ConclusionCharacteristics of the neighbourhood BE appear to be associated with muscular strength and body composition, independent of physical activity and sedentary behaviour.

EFFECTS OF DAILY 5-MINUTE ECCENTRIC-BIASED EXERCISES ON PHYSICAL FITNESS, BODY COMPOSITION, CRITICAL HEALTH MARKERS AND WELL-BEING IN SEDENTARY INDIVIDUALS

INTRODUCTION Exercise is fundamental for maintaining and improving health and fitness; however, many individuals do not participate in regular exercise, with perceived lack of time a key barrier. Minimal dose strategies, which reduce weekly exercise volumes to less than recommended guidelines, might improve health outcomes with minimal time investment. However, minimal dose strategies and their effects on health and fitness are still unclear. Therefore, we developed a bodyweight eccentric-biased exercise program consisting of 4 exercises (1 set of 10 repetitions each), which took just 5-min to complete, and investigated the effects of the program performed daily for 4 weeks on health and fitness outcomes in sedentary individuals. METHODS We recruited 22 healthy but sedentary individuals (32 – 69 years) whose daily steps were &amp;lt;5000. Participants completed a two-week control period, followed by a 4-week daily exercise intervention. Muscular strength, physical fitness, body composition and critical health markers were assessed before (PRE-1) and after the control period (PRE-2), as well as after the intervention (POST). RESULTS Participants adhered to the exercise program &amp;gt;90%. No significant changes in any measures were observed from PRE-1 to PRE-2. Following the exercise intervention, no significant changes in body mass, bone mineral density, fat mass, lean mass, heart rate, blood pressure, grip strength, squat jump or countermovement jump were evident. However, isometric mid-thigh pull, representing lower limb muscle strength (13%), push-ups (42%) and sit-ups (44%), representing upper body strength and sit and reach, representing flexibility (12%) increased significantly (P&amp;lt;0.05), and the increase in heart rate from a 3-minute step test was attenuated (8%) from PRE-2 to POST (P&amp;lt;0.05). Finally, mental health assessed by SF-36 significantly improved (15%) (P&amp;lt;0.05). CONCLUSION These results suggest that the 5-min eccentric exercise program was effective for improving physical fitness and mental health of sedentary individuals when performed every day for 4 weeks.

INDIVIDUAL AND AGE PROPERTIES OF BEGINNING SINGERS AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON THE PROCESS OF VOCAL SKILLS’ FORMATION

The article examines the influence of individual and personal properties of junior and teenage pupils, which significantly affect the ontogenesis of musical abilities and their singing training. It was noted that taking these factors into account should lay the foundation for teaching singing to pupils of different ages. In teaching singing to elementary school students, attention is focused on the fact that, due to the adverse influence of the musical environment, a significant proportion of children develop a so-called «partial brake», which becomes an obstacle to the spontaneous and natural mastery of the skills of repeating the simplest melodies, and with it, to the development of pitch hearing, harmonic sense, musical memory and internal auditory images. The internal and external factors of these inhibitory processes are characterized, which include the peculiarities of children’s temperament and behavioral tendencies and their combination with habits that are formed in them as a result of pedagogical mistakes and family circumstances that negatively affect the process of realizing their speech and intonation potentials. Two types of temperament and the peculiarities of their manifestation in the process of teaching singing students are distinguished, namely: choleric temperament with a preference for the excitatory state of the nervous system and melancholic temperament with a characteristically weak type of nervous system and a preference for inhibitory processes. These properties often lead to the emergence of problems in the individual at the initial stage of musical development and negatively affect their condition throughout life. The external signs of their manifestation are the condition of the muscular body, the peculiarities of speech and communication, tending to the corresponding behavioral style. In the first case, the student’s excessive activity, general muscle stiffness, the need to quickly switch attention and the inability to concentrate it on the performance of tasks, the inability to act on the advice (instructions) of an adult are characteristic. For children with impaired tone of the nervous system, an overly relaxed, «flabby» muscle state is typical, which negatively affects the lack of support in the process of sound production and sound conduction, increased fatigue, slow formation of conditioned reflexes, which are the basis of the motor-singing skills formation. Keywords: individual and age psychological properties; development of musical abilities; singing lessons; vocal skills; students of different ages.

Compassionately fat: An autotheoretical exploration of queer bodies

ABSTRACT The concept that queer scholars hold a shared responsibility for all queer people forms the driving inspiration for this exploration at the juncture of queerness and fatness. We advocate that cultivating compassion can be a way for queer fat people to engage in new relations with their embodiment that reflect the tenets of fat social justice. Drawing from fat activists of color and fat studies scholars, our relationships with our bodies are political. Within queer men’s communities, hegemonic constructs of queer men’s bodies privilege muscular bodies that are lean with very little fat. In this article, we advocate for compassion as an approach to queer fat activism. Compassion is a social construction and social beliefs, values, and knowledge shape not only how compassion is practiced and enacted but also who is able to receive compassion. We cannot ignore how cis-heteronormativity and fatphobia influences the way compassion is understood and practiced. In this dual autotheoretical work, we will explore the meanings of compassion within the context of fat activism as queer men. Our approach combines practices of self-narration with critical theory, and thus unites the authors’ bodily experiences through creative means with philosophy. We relate, through storytelling, our experiences of queerness and (non)compassion with fat studies scholarship for the purpose of advocacy and social transformation.

'You Are Not Alone, We've Got You': Power Plays, Devotion, and Punishment on Healthy Eating and Pro-Eating Disorder Websites.

Healthy eating (HE) and pro-eating disorder (pro-ED) websites are popular sources of dietary and weight loss information, social support, and lifestyle inspiration. However, the discursive styles and language used by authors/moderators and users of these two site genres have not been widely studied or compared. Forty-three HE websites and twenty-four pro-ED websites were analysed using Fairclough's model of critical discourse analysis. Findings indicate that sites share common characteristics in terms of power relations played out by authors, 'successful' dieters, and those attending these sites. These power plays encourage moral and spiritual commitment to the care of one's body, with authoritative language used to support readers' loyalty and adherence to dietary plans. On HE sites, medicinal properties were attributed to 'clean' or 'pure' foods, whereas pro-ED sites conveyed their importance for weight reduction. Healthy eating sites were largely entrepreneurial, promoting products or themselves. Pro-eating disorder sites typically featured discussions of bodily disgust, the chastisement of others, and self-discipline in the name of 'Ana', such that dieting came to be framed as part of a devotional, often punitive, body project. On both sites, morality discourses were gendered around the thin female body and the 'ideal mother', with occasional praise for muscular male bodies. Our findings indicate how transitioning from healthy eating preoccupations to eating disorders may be facilitated by normalising discussions about restrictive dieting and the shaming of bodies, overseen by self-appointed diet 'experts' and 'buddies' online.

Impact of circuit training on physical fitness among team sports athletes: A systematic review

Background of the Study. Physical fitness is crucial for athletes, enabling them to endure rigorous training and meet competitive demands effectively. It encompasses both health-related attributes, such as cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength, and skill-related components like agility and speed. Various training methods, including circuit training (CT), have been explored to enhance fitness levels among athletes. Despite the growing popularity of CT in various sports, comprehensive research on its effects on athletes' physical fitness has been limited. Aim. The present review aims to clarify the effects of CT on physical fitness among team sports Athletes. Material and Methods. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA) Statement guidelines, the systematic search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases was undertaken on the 28th of August, 2023, to identify the reported studies, using a combination of keywords related to CT, physical fitness, and athletes. Of the 566 studies, only 18 articles met all eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review. The assessment was performed on the Pedro scale, and the study quality included in the eighteen studies was fair (ranging from 5 to 6). Results. The results showed that speed (n = 12) was the aspect of physical fitness studied in CT interventions, followed by muscular strength (n = 10), power (n = 13), balance (n = 2), body composition (n = 2), agility (n = 14), flexibility (n = 5), muscular endurance (n = 7), and cardiovascular endurance (n = 8). Existing evidence concludes that CT significantly impacts speed, muscular strength, power, balance, flexibility, agility, body composition, and cardiovascular endurance. Conclusions: The CT method is one of the ways of physical fitness training aiming at general development, which includes all the physical aspects. Furthermore, there is still limited numbers of evidence showing the effect of CT on agility, body composition, and speed.

Cadaveric study of flexor digitorum profundus and superficialis and flexor pollicis longus innervation patterns for application in selective neurectomy

PurposeSpasticity management in finger flexors (flexor digitorum profundus and superficialis and flexor pollicis longus) is a challenge.Recent studies demonstrated the short- and long-term efficacy of selective and hyperselective neurectomy for the spastic upper limb. However, hyperselective neurectomy of flexor digitorum profundus and flexor digitorum superficialis branches was incomplete, without impairing their muscular body and function.This cadaveric study describes a novel medial approach in the forearm, to reach all the muscular branches: flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus and flexor pollicis longus. Material and methodsFourteen cadaveric fresh frozen upper limbs were used. The feasibility of the medial surgical approach was studied, as well as the number, length and point of emergence of the muscular branches from the median and ulnar nerves to the flexor pollicis longus, flexor digitorum profundus and flexor digitorum superficialis. ResultsThe medial approach to the forearm gave access to all the muscular branches from the median and ulnar nerves to the flexor pollicis longus, flexor digitorum superficialis and flexor digitorum profundus, in all cases. A Martin Gruber communicating branch was found in 7 cases out of 14. ConclusionThe medial approach to the forearm gave access to all the muscular branches from the median and ulnar nerve to the flexor pollicis longus, flexor digitorum superficialis and flexor digitorum profundus, without extensive transmuscular dissection of the pronator teres or flexor digitorum superficialis muscles. This approach opens the way for selective neurectomy of the flexor pollicis longus, flexor digitorum profundus and flexor digitorum superficialis muscles. Level of evidenceIV.

THE IMPACT OF HORMONAL, NON-HORMONAL SUPPLEMENT AND TOTAL DAILY ENERGY INTAKE ON BODYBUILDERS' HEALTH DURING OFF-SEASON STRENGTH TRAINING IN SULAYMANIYAH CITY- IRAQ

Nutrition programs, proper guidance, and supplements (hormonal and non-hormonal supplements) that enhance muscle mass could be key factors for bodybuilders to reach their goals with a correct strategy. However, they could involve them in possible adverse health risks. The suit questionnaire form was designed to collect information about bodybuilders' total daily energy intake and supplements to strengthen and boost their muscle mass. It was used to discover whether they were on the right track regarding required energy intake. Moreover, the impact of hormonal and non-hormonal substances on their health has also been investigated. For that, thirty-one advanced bodybuilders as participants were taken (as volunteers); most of them had a long period of training experience and had a muscular body shape. The rest have at least more than four years of bodybuilding experience. Results show that the majority of them didn’t reach the required total daily calorie intake or exceeded by a great margin (3800 kcal). Surprisingly, they also had an unacceptable amount of administrated anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), some of which are on the banned list by authorized food organizations. According to sports supplements' dose-related effects and health risks, nutrition program strategy and practicing that kind of supplement use may help them build muscle mass but in a very unhealthy way. Bodybuilders seem to be at the possible risk of practicing incorrect paths, because they may be misguided in terms of proper nutritional programs and using muscle enhancers.

THE IMPACT OF HORMONAL, NON-HORMONAL SUPPLEMENT AND TOTAL DAILY ENERGY INTAKE ON BODYBUILDERS' HEALTH DURING OFF-SEASON STRENGTH TRAINING IN SULAYMANIYAH CITY- IRAQ

Nutrition programs, proper guidance, and supplements (hormonal and non-hormonal supplements) that enhance muscle mass could be key factors for bodybuilders to reach their goals with a correct strategy. However, they could involve them in possible adverse health risks. The suit questionnaire form was designed to collect information about bodybuilders' total daily energy intake and supplements to strengthen and boost their muscle mass. It was used to discover whether they were on the right track regarding required energy intake. Moreover, the impact of hormonal and non-hormonal substances on their health has also been investigated. For that, thirty-one advanced bodybuilders as participants were taken (as volunteers); most of them had a long period of training experience and had a muscular body shape. The rest have at least more than four years of bodybuilding experience. Results show that the majority of them didn’t reach the required total daily calorie intake or exceeded by a great margin (3800 kcal). Surprisingly, they also had an unacceptable amount of administrated anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), some of which are on the banned list by authorized food organizations. According to sports supplements' dose-related effects and health risks, nutrition program strategy and practicing that kind of supplement use may help them build muscle mass but in a very unhealthy way. Bodybuilders seem to be at the possible risk of practicing incorrect paths, because they may be misguided in terms of proper nutritional programs and using muscle enhancers.

Improvement in muscular strength, body flexibility and balance by yoɡasana and with reduced detraining effects by yoɡa breathing maneuvers: A non-randomized controlled study

BackgroundYoɡa was reported to have the potential to improve physical fitness. Its applications are being used by common persons for wellness, but literature on the training and detraining effects of components of yoga is scarce. ObjectivesTo explore the potential of different proportions of yoga postures (Yogasana) and yoga breathing maneuvers (YBM), consisting of Pranayama and kriya, on muscular strength, flexibility, and balance in training and detraining management. Methodsː 32 physically active male students, aged 20.5 ± 1.3 yrs, were divided into control (CG) and yoga group (YG). YG practiced yogasana, YBM, and dhyana for 45 min in each session for 6 days per week for 12 weeks. From 1st week to 6th week, they practiced yogasana in greater proportion. 7th week onwards YBM was inducted by increasing its duration and varieties. CG did not practice yoga. Back-leg strength (BLS), Hand Grip Strength (HGS), flexibility, and balance were recorded before, the 6th week and 12th weekend of training. Resultsː.In YG, the pre-training value of BLS was 110.8 ± 12.6 kg. It increased (2.3 %) to 113.3 ± 11.4 kg (p < 0.001) on the 6th weekend. On the 12th weekend, it further increased in lesser magnitude (0.4 %) to 113.7 ± 11 kg (p < 0.05) and the pattern of improvement was the same in other parameters, but in flexibility and balance its magnitude was greater (p < 0.001). CG did not show such changes. Conclusionsː Yogasana helps in the improvement of muscular strength, flexibility, and balance and YBM counteracts detraining effects in the absence of yogasana. Judiciously selected components of yoga/YBM may have applications in sports, occpational health and recuperative patients.

Body Dissatisfaction in Overweight Adolescents: The Role of Self Compassion and Gender

The body changes during adolescence, from puberty to adulthood. Late adolescents generally have completed physical development and grown to their full adult height. These changes make them pay great attention to their body. Females tend to regard a slender body shape as attractive, while males tend to perceive a more masculine muscular body shape as attractive. They might feel that their body is not as good as other people, especially adolescents who are overweight. Body dissatisfaction refers to holding negative thoughts or feelings about one’s body image. Those who are dissatisfied with their body will describe the difference between their subjective perception of their body and their ideal body image. Individuals’ attitude who are patient, kind, and understanding instead of judging themselves when facing shortcomings is known as self-compassion. The first purpose of this research was to find out the relationship between self-compassion with body dissatisfaction among overweight adolescents, and the second was how body dissatisfaction differs between males and females. The sample in this research used purposive sampling and obtained 103 late adolescent participants who had BMI &gt; 23kg/m². Measuring tools used in this study were the Indonesian version of Self-Compassion Scale and the Body Shape Questionnaire-34. Based on the correlation test results obtained a negative relationship between self-compassion with body dissatisfaction. So if overweight adolescents’ self-compassion is getting higher, their body dissatisfaction becomes lower and vice versa. The difference test showed that females were more dissatisfied with their bodies than males. In general, the level of both self-compassion and the level of body dissatisfaction of participants were at medium category.