Significant Improvements In Body Composition Research Articles

Exercise, Body Composition, and Functional Ability: A Randomized Controlled Trial

In women, age and the menopausal transition contribute to an increase of body fat and a reduction of lean body mass associated with functional decline, affecting independent living. Sarcopenia and adiposity in the elderly has been associated with increased mortality and functional decline affecting independent living. This study was conducted to determine the effect of a multipurpose exercise program on the body composition and functional ability of elderly women living in a community. An 18-month single-blinded RCT comparing participants in an exercise program with an active control group was conducted from May 2005 through December 2007. Analyses were conducted from January 2008 to July 2008. Two hundred forty-six women (aged 69.1+/-4.0 years) living independently in the area of Erlangen-Nürnberg (Germany) participated in the study. Subjects (n=123) performed a multipurpose exercise program with special emphasis on exercise intensity but with low-level requirements for training facilities and materials. The 123 women in the control group focused primarily on well-being. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Further, strength was evaluated using isometric techniques for the back and legs. Aerobic fitness was determined from a progressive-intensity treadmill test. After 18 months, significant effects in favor of the exercise program for body composition were increases in appendicular skeletal muscle mass and lean body mass along with reductions in abdominal fat and total body fat. Significant performance effects also favored the exercise program and included enhanced isometric maximum trunk-extensor and leg press strength, leg press power, timed up-and-go test, and aerobic fitness. A high-intensity multipurpose exercise program produced significant improvements in body composition and functional ability in a cohort of elderly women living in a community.

Effects of Manual Resistance Training on Fitness in Adolescents

Manual resistance training (MRT), an alternative to traditional resistance training, requires minimal equipment and may be effective when applied in school-based physical education (PE) classes. The purpose of this study was to document the physical changes in adolescents (n = 222) using MRT in school-based PE settings. Six fitness tests from the Fitnessgram assessment tool were selected to assess students' cardiovascular and muscular fitness, and skinfold tests were used to assess body composition. One control and 2 experimental groups were defined. The control group of students (n = 129) attended regular PE classes. One experimental group (n = 63) attended PE that was complemented by the MRT system. A second experimental group (n = 30) attended PE complemented by MRT and cardiovascular endurance training. With use of the selected Fitnessgram tests, post-test measurements were performed after 9 and 18 weeks of PE. At baseline, there were no significant differences among the 3 groups for most measures. Compared with baseline, the experimental groups improved significantly in all 6 fitness measures and showed more improvements than the control group in most fitness measures both at 9 and 18 weeks. None of the groups showed significant improvement in body composition. The results documented that an MRT-complemented PE program was effective in improving adolescents' muscular fitness. An 18-week combined MRT and cardiovascular endurance training program effectively improved cardiovascular and muscular fitness but was ineffective in improving adolescent body composition. An MRT-based exercise session requires minimal equipment and set-up and can be performed in a short period of time, and therefore it is suitable for application in regular PE settings.

Effects of a 12-Month Randomized Controlled Trial of Aerobic or Resistance Exercise During and Following Cancer Treatment in Women

Weight gain is common during and following cancer treatment and contributes to many adverse health consequences and increased risk of recurrence for cancer survivors. The purpose of this longitudinal randomized controlled trial was to compare differences in weight change and body composition among newly diagnosed cancer survivors receiving chemotherapy who were randomly assigned to usual care control, aerobic exercise, or resistance exercise interventions. It was hypothesized that cancer survivors become more sedentary during treatment, leading to positive energy balance that in turn worsens body composition. One hundred one subjects completed the 12-month study. Data collected included body composition (body weight and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scan), aerobic capacity (12-minute walk), and muscle strength (1 repetition maximum). Aerobic exercisers were found to have significant improvements in body composition, aerobic capacity, and muscle strength. Resistance exercisers also benefitted, but were less compliant with the intervention over time. Thus, exercise during and following cancer treatment is an important intervention to maintain and perhaps improve body composition of cancer survivors, which may improve survival, reduce comorbidities, and improve quality of life.

Health benefits of a 4-month group-based diet and lifestyle modification program for individuals with metabolic syndrome

Individualised highly prescriptive lifestyle programs for obesity management tend to be limited by resource constraints and difficulty with uptake. To evaluate the health benefits of a minimally prescriptive group-based lifestyle intervention in participants with the metabolic syndrome (MetS). 153 obese adults with MetS were randomised to intervention (INT) or control (CON) for 16 weeks. INT was provided with education, practical strategies and group-based support to achieve diet and physical activity (PA) modifications based on Australian national guidelines. Anthropometric, cardio-metabolic, physical fitness and diet assessments were undertaken at baseline and 16 weeks. Compared with CON, INT demonstrated greater improvements in weight, BMI, body fat mass and percent, abdominal fat mass (AbdoFat) and waist circumference; systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure; total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; physical work capacity (PWC) and handgrip strength (p < 0.01, group × time for all). Energy intake and % energy from saturated fat (%Sfat) decreased in both groups (p < 0.05 for time). Dietary glycemic index (GI) decreased more in INT (p < 0.01, group × time). Reductions in weight, waist and AbdoFat were associated with reductions in %Sfat (r = 0.379, 0.306, 0.319, respectively; p < 0.01) and GI (r = 0.308, 0.411, 0.296, respectively; p < 0.01). Reductions in AbdoFat were inversely related to increased PWC (r = -0.385; p < 0.001). Withdrawals were similar in INT (6%) and CON (14%) (p = 0.48). A group-based minimally prescriptive lifestyle modification program with a high retention rate achieved significant improvements in body composition, physical and cardio-metabolic fitness. Group-based programs may provide an achievable and effective, but less resource intensive, method for obesity and MetS management than individualised approaches.

The Effect of Duration of Resistance Training Interventions in Children Who Are Overweight or Obese

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different durations of resistance training on body composition and power in children. The study was a 24-week longitudinal design involving 31 preadolescent children who were overweight or obese (ages 7-12 years), divided into 3 groups and resistance trained 3 times per week. Group 8 (G8) trained for 8 weeks, group 16 (G16) trained for 16 weeks, and group 24 (G24) trained for 24 weeks. All participants were measured at weeks 0, 8, 16, and 24 for body composition and power. Subjects in G8 and G16 continued to be tested during the testing weeks after cessation of their training programs. Body composition and bone mineral content were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Significant improvements in body composition were seen in the initial 8-week training phase, and these improvements were maintained for the subsequent 16 weeks. Significant changes in percent body fat ( approximately 5-7%) were observed at 8 weeks in all 3 groups. Total fat mass decreased significantly at week 8 in G16 and G24 (5.9%). By week 24, total fat mass was significantly reduced by 8.1% in G24. Significant improvements were observed in static jump power, which improved by 10.5% at week 16 in G24. These results suggest that an 8-week resistance training program is sufficient time to significantly change body composition, strength, and power measures in children who are overweight or obese. However, further improvements are realized with longer-duration resistance training programs. On cessation of the training programs, the G8 and G16 groups maintained the benefits of the exercise program until the end of the study period.

Effects of long-term testosterone administration in HIV-infected women: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Androgen deficiency is common in HIV-infected women. We investigated the long-term effects of transdermal testosterone on body composition, bone mineral density, quality of life, and safety. Twenty-five HIV-infected women with free testosterone below the median (< or =3 pg/ml) of the female normal range were randomized to receive transdermal testosterone (300 microg twice weekly) or identical placebo over 18 months. Women demonstrated low androgen levels (1.3 +/- 0.1 pg/ml) with relatively low weight (22.8 +/- 0.6 kg/m) and low bone mineral density (-0.61 +/- 0.17 SD hip T score) at baseline. No statistically significant differences were seen between the groups at baseline. The discontinuation rate was 16% and did not differ between treatment groups (P = 0.24). Free testosterone by equilibrium dialysis increased over 18 months (7.9 +/- 1.8 vs. 0.3 +/- 0.4 pg/ml; P = 0.002, testosterone vs. placebo). Testosterone was well tolerated and did not affect lipids, liver, or safety indices. Lean mass (1.8 +/- 0.5 vs. 0.8 +/- 0.9 kg; P = 0.04) and BMI (1.6 +/- 0.4 vs. 0.8 +/- 0.6 kg/m; P = 0.03, testosterone vs. placebo) increased in response to testosterone, whereas fat mass remained unchanged. Testosterone increased bone mineral density at the hip (0.01 +/- 0.01 vs. -0.01 +/- 0.01 g/cm; P = 0.02) and trochanter (0.01 +/- 0.01 vs. -0.02 +/- 0.01 g/cm; P = 0.01, testosterone vs. placebo). Testosterone significantly improved depression indices (-6.8 +/- 2.2 vs. -1.9 +/- 3.1; P = 0.02) and problems affecting sexual function (-1.8 +/- 0.8 vs. 0.5 +/- 0.5; P = 0.01, testosterone vs. placebo). Long-term testosterone administration was well tolerated in HIV-infected women and resulted in significant improvements in body composition, bone mineral density, and quality of life indices. Further evaluation of the safety and efficacy of testosterone use among HIV-infected women is warranted.

Effects Of A 30-day Fitness Challenge On Body Composition And Markers Of Health In Women

Numerous studies have documented the value of exercise in controlled clinical trials. However, results achieved in clinical trials may not be realized when applied to the general public. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of a national 30-day weight loss and fitness challenge on fitness and markers of health in a large number of women. METHODS: 43,764 sedentary women (44.5 ± 14 yrs, 82.6 ± 20 kg, 164 ± 7 cm, 37.7% fat) at 4,450 Curves® clubs participated in the study. Subjects signed consent statements and then completed online questionnaires and baseline measures. Participants followed the Curves 30-min circuit training program 3 d/wk with a recommended 30-min walk 4 d/wk. Approximately 2% of the participants also followed the Curves 6-week solution weight loss diet (1,200 kcals/d for 1 wk; 1,600 kcals/d for 3 wk of either higher CHO [45% CHO, 30% PRO, 25% F] or higher PRO [45% PRO, 30% CHO, and 25% F]). After 4-wks, subjects repeated testing and online questionnaires. Data were analyzed by dependent t-test. RESULTS: Post-study results were reported from 1,370 clubs with 20,182 participants. Participants experienced significant (P < 0.05) decreases in weight (-1.8 ± 5 lbs, n = 20,141), percent fat (-0.8 ± 2.5 %, n = 20,037), sum of inches (-4.0 ± 6 in, n = 19,065), systolic BP (-2.6 ± 13 mmHg, n = 7,792), diastolic BP (-2.2 ± 8 mmHg, n = 7,792), cholesterol (-3.6 ± 19mg/dl, n = 781), and blood glucose (-1.9 ± 11 mg/dl, n = 413). Weight loss was significantly correlated with exercise adherence, diet adherence, and use of online tracking system (Curves Complete). Participants also reported significantly less alcohol consumption, sugar intake, and fat intake with greater calcium intake, fiber intake, lifestyle activity, and vigorous activity. CONCLUSIONS: Significant improvements in body composition, markers of health, and positive health behaviors can be achieved through short-term national fitness initiatives.

Visceral Adipose Tissue Loss and Insulin Resistance 6 Months after Laparoscopic Gastric Banding Surgery: A Preliminary Study

Increased visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is thought to be a risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. There are only limited data on whether VAT loss after laparoscopic gastric banding surgery (LGBS) is related to risk factor reduction. This study determined whether improvements in risk markers, in particular insulin resistance, were related to VAT reduction at 6 months after LGBS (T2). Thirty-four LGBS patients and 17 normal weight controls underwent initial and T2 testing. Fasting venous blood samples were taken to evaluate glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A(1c), lipids, C-reactive protein (CRP), and hormone profiles. Insulin resistance was estimated using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index. VAT was measured using CT techniques. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and regression analysis. Results at T2 showed that patients had significant improvements in body composition, HOMA, and hemoglobin A(1c). There were also reductions in plasma renin activity and leptin, and increases in ghrelin and GLP-1. Reductions in VAT were significantly correlated with reductions in insulin, HOMA, and glucose. While high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, CRP, and the apolipoprotein A1/B ratio were also improved, VAT reduction was significantly correlated only with an increased apolipoprotein A1/B ratio. These data indicate that 6 months after LGBS there were significant improvements in many cardiovascular and metabolic risk markers. However, VAT reduction was most strongly associated with reductions in insulin resistance. Body weight loss was not associated with markers of improved insulin sensitivity.

Body Composition and Flexibility Changes in Exercising Breast Cancer Survivors

Subsequent to treatment for breast cancer, many people may adopt sedentary lifestyles due to psychosocial and physical side effects associated with their cancer experience. Sedentary lifestyles may lead to increased body weight and decreased flexibility. Increased body weight and body fat are associated with increased risk of co-morbidities and an increase in cancer mortality rates for women. Aerobic exercise has been shown to reduce body fat percentage and increase measures of flexibility in healthy populations. Flexibility and body composition changes in response to exercise have not been extensively reported for cancer survivors. PURPOSE: To examine the effect of an aerobic exercise program on body composition and flexibility measures in breast cancer survivors. METHODS: Twenty-one breast cancer survivors (43-79 years, at least one month post-treatment) were randomly assigned to either an exercise group (n=11) or control group (n= 10). The exercise group participated in a low to moderate intensity (30-50% heart rate reserve) aerobic exercise program three times a week for ten weeks. The control group did not participate in the exercise program or change their normal daily activities. Body composition was assessed utilizing a three site (tricep, iliac crest, thigh) skin-fold test. Flexibility was measured with the Modified Sit-and-Reach test. RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed a significant improvement in body composition in the exercise group compared to the control group (p = .002). The exercise group decreased body fat by 1.5% (29.8% to 28.3%) while the control group showed no change in body fat percentage (32.7% to 33.2%). The exercise group showed a significant increase in lower body flexibility when compared to the control group (p = .006). The exercise group increased flexibility 13.4% (26.7 cm to 30.3 cm) while the control group decreased flexibility 3.3% (23.0 cm to 22.2 cm). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that low to moderate intensity exercise is effective in reducing body fat and increasing flexibility in breast cancer survivors. These changes may increase a personââ'â,,¢s ability to function physically and may reduce the risk of co-morbidities associated with increased body weight. Cancer survivors should be encouraged to adopt similar exercise programs.

Effects of an 8-Week Mat Pilates Training Program on Body Composition, Flexibility, and Muscular Endurance

PURPOSE: to examine changes in body composition, flexibility and muscular endurance after 8 wks of traditional mat Pilates. METHODS: 22 (16 Caucasian; 6 Hispanic) of the original 28 adults from the University of Miami who volunteered and gave written informed consent completed the study. Nine novice students (8 women) enrolled in the mat Pilates class were the treatment group (P), and 13 University community members (12 women) were the control group (C). Pre- and post-intervention assessments of body mass, barefoot standing height, 3-site skinfold (SKF) thickness, circumferences at 6 sites (neck, chest, waist, hip, thigh, arm), upper and lower body flexibility, as well as abdominal and lower back muscular endurance were conducted by the same experienced technician. A minimum of 2 measurements were averaged and used for subsequent data analysis for all but the muscular endurance tests. Relative body fat (%BF) was determined following calculations of body density from Jackson and Pollack equations subsequently converted into %BF using the Siri conversion formula. Pilates instruction was provided 3 d/wk for 1 hr/class by an instructor certified in traditional mat Pilates; attendance requirement for inclusion in the study was set at 85% of all classes for P. Those in C agreed to maintain their current physical activity and nutritional regimens. A 2 (group) x 2 (time) ANOVA was run for the body composition, flexibility, and muscular endurance variables of interest using SPSS-PC v. 10.1; post hoc testing was performed as needed using the Scheffe technique. Significance was set at p <.05 for all analyses. RESULTS: There was a significant main effect for time (pre v post) for %BF, sit-and-reach, shoulder reach, timed curl-ups and low back extensions, as well as circumference at 3 sites (waist, chest, and arm) (p <.05). There was a significant main effect for group (PvC) for timed low-back extensions (p <.05). Significant interaction effects were noted for %BF, sit-and-reach, shoulder reach, timed curl-ups and low back extensions, and the 3 circumference sites (p <.05). Compared to respective baseline values, P, but not C, showed significant improvement in all variables of interest with the exception of hip and thigh circumferences where changes were not significant. Body weight also did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: Significant improvements in body composition, flexibility, and muscular endurance were noted following 8-wk of traditional mat Pilates class comprised primarily of beginner and intermediate level exercises. Caution is urged in interpreting the clinical significance of some of the statistically significant changes (i.e. %BF) noted.

Randomized, Controlled Trial of Metformin for Obesity and Insulin Resistance in Children and Adolescents: Improvement in Body Composition and Fasting Insulin

Metformin therapy for adults and children with type 2 diabetes is well established. However, its role in the treatment of insulin resistance and obesity in children and adolescents is less clearly defined. We assessed the effect of metformin on body composition and insulin sensitivity in pediatric subjects with exogenous obesity. Patients referred to a pediatric endocrine clinic were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial. Twenty-eight patients (13 males) aged 9-18 yr participated in the study. Patients received metformin (1 g twice daily) and placebo for 6 months, each with a 2-wk washout period. Body composition (anthropometry, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and abdominal magnetic resonance imaging), and insulin sensitivity (Si; minimal model, fasting insulin and glucose) were measured at baseline and 6 and 12 months. Mean age of subjects at baseline was 12.5 +/- 2.2 yr, median body mass index z-score 2.54 (range, 1.93-2.85). Metformin had a greater treatment effect over placebo for weight (-4.35 kg, P = 0.02), body mass index (-1.26 kg/m(2), P = 0.002), waist circumference (-2.8 cm, P = 0.003), sc abdominal adipose tissue (-52.5 cm(2), P = 0.002), and fasting insulin (-2.2 mU/liter, P = 0.011). Si improved in 45% of subjects while on metformin and 27% of subjects while on placebo (P = 0.21). Metformin therapy for obese insulin-resistant pediatric patients results in significant improvement in body composition and fasting insulin. Although improvement in Si was noted in many individuals, Si was a less useful parameter for analysis of group data, possibly because of effects of variable compliance and changing Si during puberty.

A randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study of the effects of chromium picolinate supplementation on body composition: A replication and extension of a previous study

A previous study using a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled design found that supplementation with a minimum of 200 μ;g of chromium (in the form of chromium picolinate [CrP]) per day can lead to significant improvement in body composition (as measured by underwater testing using the displacement method). The present study used a similar design in which 122 subjects were randomized to receive either CrP 400 μ;g (n = 62) or placebo (n = 60). To control caloric intake and expenditure (which was not done in the first study), participants were required to monitor and maintain a log of their daily physical activity and caloric intake. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry measurements were taken before and after the 90-day period. Analysis of the prestudy data for the two groups revealed no significant differences in any of the initial body composition variables studied. After controlling for differences in caloric intake and expenditure, as compared with the placebo group, subjects in the active treatment group lost significantly more weight (7.79 kg vs 1.81 kg, respectively) and fat mass (7.71 kg vs 1.53 kg, respectively), and had a greater reduction in percent body fat (6.30% vs 1.20%, respectively) without any loss of fat-free mass. A more conservative analysis of covariance revealed similar and statistically significant reductions in percent body fat and fat mass without any loss of fat-free mass. It was concluded that this study replicated earlier findings that supplementation with CrP can lead to significant improvements in body composition.

The Short-Term Effects of Periodized and Constant-Intensity Training on Body Composition, Strength, and Performance

ABSTRACT This study examined the effects of manipulating training intensity on strength, body composition, and performance in trained ROTC cadets. Fourteen male ROTC cadets were pre-and posttested for % body fat and 1-RM strength on the bench press and parallel squat. Performance was measured via the physical fitness components of the Army Ranger Challenge and consisted of push-ups, sit-ups, 2-mile run, and 10-km ruck-run. Subjects were matched according to military experience and randomly assigned to a periodized model or a constant-intensity model for 10 weeks of resistance training. Total training volume was equal between groups. The periodized group significantly increased in 1-RM bench press, 1-RM parallel squat, and push-ups, and significantly decreased % fat and ruck-run time. The constant-intensity group significantly increased 1-RM parallel squat and push-ups, and significantly decreased their 2-mile run and ruck-run time. The periodized group completed the ruck-run significantly faster than the constant-intensity group. The results indicate that following a 10-week training cycle with trained subjects, significant improvements in body composition, strength, and performance can be obtained using two different training programs that have equal total relative training volume.

Effects of chromium picolinate supplementation on body composition: a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study

To examine the effect of chromium picolinate (CrP) on body composition, a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study was conducted. A total of 154 patients received either a placebo or 200 μg or 400 μg of CrP per day. Subjects were asked to consume at least two servings of a protein/carbohydrate nutritional drink a day that contained the different amounts of CrP. Subjects were free-living and were not provided with weight loss, dietary, or exercise guidance. Body composition was measured before and after the 72-day test period by using underwater testing (displacement method) with residual lung volumes determined by helium dilution. On completion of the posttest, a body composition improvement (BCI) index was calculated for each subject by adding the loss of body fat and gain in nonfat mass and subtracting fat gained and lean lost. Analysis of the prestudy data revealed that there were no significant differences in body composition between the three groups. After the test period, both the 200-μg and 400-μg groups had significantly higher positive changes in BCIs compared with placebo. A single-factor analysis of variance weighted linear trend was also highly significant. No significant differences in BCI were found between the 200- and 400-μg groups. Supplementation with a minimum of 200 μg/d of chromium (as CrP) can lead to significant improvement in body composition.

Obesity in Black Adolescent Girls: A Controlled Clinical Trial of Treatment by Diet, Behavior Modification, and Parental Support

Recent findings indicate that nearly 50% of black American women are obese and that adolescence is a critical period for the development of their obesity. This study investigated the efficacy of a behavioral weight control program in 36 black female adolescents with a mean age of 14.0 years, weight of 95.0 kg, and height of 163.2 cm. All subjects participated in the same 16-week program but had different levels of parent participation: (1) child alone with no parent participation; (2) mother and child treated in the same session; and (3) mother and child treated in separate but concurrent session. At the end of the 16-week program, children in the three conditions lost 1.6, 3.7, and 3.1 kg, respectively. Differences among conditions were not statistically significant; however, a secondary analysis revealed that the greater the number of sessions attended by mothers, the greater their daughters' weight losses. Weight reduction was associated with significant improvements in body composition, serum total cholesterol concentrations, and psychological status. Results are discussed in terms of the need to improve the maintenance of weight loss in adolescents and to explore possible differences between black and white females in their preferred body types.