Skinfold Sites Research Articles

Anthropometric characteristics and Somatotypes in Elite Pro Kabaddi League Players

Introduction: Kabaddi players exhibit diverse body compositions that vary by playing position. Understanding these traits provides valuable insights into their physical profiles and performance potential. The study aimed to examine the anthropometric characteristics and somatotypes of elite professional Indian Kabaddi players and to evaluate the differences in anthropometric traits between defenders and raiders. Method: Twenty male elite Kabaddi players (raiders n = 9, and defenders n = 11) part of the Haryana Steelers pre-season squad during Season-10, participated in the study. Anthropometric measurements included body mass, stature, 8 skinfold sites, 3 girths, and 2 breadths. Somatotypes, body fat percentage, fat mass, and lean body mass were calculated for each participant. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate the basic functional status of the athletes. Independent samples t test was used to test for significant differences between raiders and defenders. Results: Significant differences were found between raiders and defenders across seven out of thirty-six variables. Raiders had higher mean values for height [t (18) = 2.71, p = 0.01], leg length [t (18) = 2.20, p = 0.04], height-weight ratio [t (18) = 2.79, p = 0.01], and ectomorph component [t (18) = 2.50, p = 0.02]. In contrast, defenders had significantly higher values for supraspinale skinfolds [t (18) = -2.17, p = 0.04], arm span to height ratio [t (18) = -2.53, p = 0.02], and mesomorph component [t (18) = -2.33, p = 0.03]. The 95% confidence intervals for these differences showed substantial variability across the examined parameters. Conclusion: The study reveals anthropometric and somatotype differences between raiders and defenders in elite Indian Kabaddi players, emphasizing the need for position-specific training programs. These findings provide valuable insights into the physical attributes associated with each position, aiding coaches in optimizing player development and positional assignment while emphasizing the importance of individual variability in training programs.

Anthropometric characteristics and 20-m sprint times among Malaysian University athletes

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anthropometric characteristics of the Malaysian University level athletes and to explore potential relationships between the anthropometric measures and 20-m linear sprint performance. Method: Forty male Malaysian University level athletes associated with Malaysian Universities and regularly competing in state level competitions took part in the study. Anthropometric measurements were performed for body mass, stature, 8 skinfold sites, 3 girths, and 2 breadths. Somatotype, body fat % and sum of skinfolds were calculated. A 20-m linear sprint test was performed to assess acceleration and running speed. Results: The pairwise comparison analysis revealed that throwers had significant differences in endomorphy with athletes competing in sprinting, karate, and middle distance (p ˂ 0.05), in mesomorphy with athletes competing in long distance, middle distance, sprinters, footballers and karate (p ˂ 0.05), and in ectomorphy with athletes competing in middle distance and karate. The Pearson correlation coefficient between Body Fat Percent and Sprint Time was found to be 0.374 (p = 0.025, two-tailed), indicating a statistically significant positive correlation between the two variables. Conclusion: Physique is highly correlated with the physical characteristics and the development of the athletic functions required in each sport and is a determinant of success. Body fat percentage influences the ability of an individual to accelerate and run maximally.

Somatotype and Body Composition of Indian Male and Female Swimmers, and their Relationship to Countermovement Jump Performance

Introduction: The aim of this study was:1) to ascertain the anthropometric characteristics of Indian swimmers and 2) to investigate the potential association between these characteristics and countermovement jump metrics. Method: Forty-two national level Indian swimmers (18 females and 24 males) who regularly compete in national and/or international competitions, took part in the study. Anthropometric measurements were performed for body mass, stature, 8 skinfold sites, 3 girths, and 2 breadths. Somatotypes, body fat %, fat mass and lean body mass for all athletes were also calculated. A CMJ test was performed to measure vertical jump height, peak power output, and relative peak power output. Results: The Pearson correlation analysis of body composition variables and CMJ measures revealed a very large negative association between body fat percent and vertical jump height (R = - 0.726; p = 0.000) and between body fat percent and relative peak power (R = -0.757; p = 0.000); a large negative association between body fat percent and peak power (R = - 0.577; p = 0.000) and between fat mass and relative peak power (R = -0.560, p = 0.000); a moderately negative association between fat mass and vertical jump height (R = -0.490, p = 0.001); a very large positive association between lean body mass and peak power (R = 0.862, p = 0.000); and a large positive association between lean body mass and vertical jump height (R = 0.599, p = 0.000) and a large positive association between lean body mass and relative peak power (R = 0.530, p = 0.000); and a moderately positive association between BMI and peak power (R = 0.413, p = 0.007). Conclusion: There are significant differences in anthropometric characteristics when analyzing the anthropometric characteristics of Indian swimmers which could be attributed to the specific demands of each event. Anthropometric characteristics and body composition differences influence swim performance and vary according to gender, age and maturation status. A robust and significant positive correlation exists between lean body mass and vertical jump height suggesting that an enhancement of an individual's lean mass seems to have a positive impact on lower body power production in swimmers. Individualised training plans that focus on lower limb strength will have a potential positive effect on swim performance.

Anthropometric characteristic, somatotype, and body composition of Indian Female Combat Sport Athletes: A comparison between Boxers, Judokas, and Wrestlers

Introduction: The aim of this study was:1) to ascertain the anthropometric characteristics of Indian female combat athletes and 2) to determine and compare the sport-specific (boxing, judo, and wrestling) somatotype of Indian female combat athletes. Method: Ninety-nine national level female combat sports athletes (40 Boxers, 25 Judokas, and 34 Wrestlers who regularly compete in national and/or international competitions, took part in the study. Anthropometric measurements were performed for body mass, stature, 7 skinfold sites, 3 girths, and 2 breadths. Somatotypes for all subjects were also calculated. All measurements were statistically analyzed using pairwise comparison analysis and differences between groups were also compared. Results: Significant differences between boxing and judo for the mean value of BMI. Pairwise comparison analysis revealed significant differences in the mesomorphy component between boxing and judo (p = 0.001; 95% CI: -1.83 – -0.40) and between boxing and wrestling (p = 0.001; 95% CI: -1.69 – -0.39); as well as in the ectomorphy component between boxing and judo (p = 0.009; 95% CI: 0.16 – 1.35) and between boxing and wrestling (p = 0.007; 95% CI: 0.17 – 1.25). Conclusion: There are significant differences in anthropometric characteristics when analyzing the somatotype of Indian female combat athletes which could be attributed to the specific demands of each sport. Sport-specific training programmes that consider the anthropometric characteristics and somatotype of female athletes participating in Boxing, Judo and Wrestling should be considered by practitioners and coaches.

Evaluation of Skinfold Techniques in People with Down Syndrome: Development of a New Equation.

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of skinfold thickness (SFT) measurements for the estimation of %Fat when compared to dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). The secondary aim was to develop a new SFT-based body fat equation (SFTNICKERSON). SFT-based %Fat was estimated using a body fat equation from González-Agüero (SFTG-A) and body density conversion formulas from Siri (SFTSIRI) and Brozek (SFTBROZEK). Criterion %Fat was measured via DXA. SFTG-A, SFTSIRI, and SFTBROZEK were significantly lower than DXA (mean differences ranged from -7.59 to -13.51%; all p < 0.001). The SEE values ranged from 3.47% (SFTBROZEK) to 8.60% (SFTG-A). The 95% limits of agreement were greater than ±10% for all comparisons. Mid-axilla and suprailium were significant predictors of %Fat (both p < 0.05). %Fat SFTNICKERSON = 10.323 + (0.661 × mid-axilla) + (0.712 × suprailium). Age and all other skinfold sites were not statically significant in the regression model (all p > 0.05). Current findings indicate that SFTG-A, SFTSIRI, and SFTBROZEK erroneously place an individual with excessive adiposity in a normal healthy range. Accordingly, the current study developed a new equation (SFTNICKERSON) that can easily be administered in people with DS in a quick and efficient time frame. However, further research is warranted in this area.

Maternal anthropometric measurements and correlation to maternal and fetal outcomes in late pregnancy.

Background:Body mass index does not distinguish between lean and fat body mass; therefore, its utility defining body composition is limited in pregnancy. Anthropometric measurements may better represent variation in body composition among women who are overweight or obese. We sought to examine body fat composition using maternal anthropometric measurements in late pregnancy and correlate with mode of delivery.Methods:A prospective study of pregnant patients who were overweight (body mass index: 25–29.9 kg/m2) or obese (body mass index ⩾ 30 kg/m2) with singleton pregnancies who underwent anthropometric measurements between 27 weeks, 0 days to 34 weeks, 6 days gestation. Maternal skinfold thicknesses from eight sites were used to estimate body fat mass. Correlation of skinfold thickness, anthroprometric measurements, and estimated body fat percentage on mode of delivery were analyzed with p < .05 as significant.Results:A total of 41 women with overweight (34.1%) or obese (65.9%) body habitus were included. Mean age was 29.9 years, and the majority (43.9%) were Black and 31.7% identified Hispanic/Latinx. The average gestational age at recruitment was 30 weeks, 2 days and 38 weeks, 6 days at delivery. A greater weight at recruitment (94.2 vs 81.8 kg, p = .023), waist circumference (47.1 vs 43.5 inches, p = .010), Huston–Presley body fat percentage (36.4% vs 31.8%, p = .030), triceps skinfold thickness (20.1 vs 15.7 mm, p = .030), biceps skinfold thickness (18.6 vs 15.0 mm, p = .042), and skinfold thickness, as well as sum of skinfold sites (83.3 vs 68.8 mm, p = .049) were associated with cesarean delivery compared to vaginal delivery on univariate analysis.Conclusion:Third-trimester anthropometric measurements may help predict increased risk for c-section in women with obesity. Further research may elucidate utility in nutritional counseling and delivery planning.

Understanding anthropometry, metabolism and menstrual status of Japanese college female long-distance runners

Aim: To understand the anthropometry, metabolism, and menstrual status of Japanese collegiate female long-distance runners. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 29 Japanese college female long-distance runners divided into three menstruation status groups: 1) Regular; 2) Irregular; and 3) Amenorrhea. The amenorrhea group was further divided into participants who consulted a gynecologist and those who did not. Metabolism was measured using resting metabolic rate, total energy expenditure, and physical activity level. Energy was measured using energy intake, exercise energy expenditure, and energy availability (EA). Anthropometric measurements were performed following standardized techniques from the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry. Results: Of the 29 runners, 68% had menstrual dysfunction. The amenorrhea group who had consulted a gynecologist had lower body mass index (BMI) and lower skinfolds than the other groups. All groups had more than 30 kcal/kg fat free mass/day for EA with no difference between the groups. Conclusions: There was high prevalence of menstrual dysfunction in the female Japanese college long-distance runners. Runners with amenorrhea had lower BMI and lower skinfolds than the other groups, despite having consulted a gynecologist for medical support. All the runners had an energy deficiency higher than the published threshold; therefore, this threshold did not differentiate the amenorrhea or irregular menstruating athletes from regular menstruating athletes. Longitudinal tracking of athletes should include measurement of height, body mass, and skinfolds to enable evaluation of BMI, the sum of eight skinfold sites, and leanness ratio score as possible indicators over time for menstrual dysfunction.

Relationship between selected body composition components and self-efficacy among 12-14-year-old rural adolescents in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

Adolescence is a crucial developmental stage of growing and development. This stage is characterised by physiological and psychological changes, such as changes in body composition and self-efficacy. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between certain body composition components and self-efficacy among 12- to 14-year-old rural boys (n=49) and girls (n=43). The anthropometrical measurements included body mass, body stature, three skinfold sites, waist and hip circumferences and were used to determine Body Mass Index (BMI), fat percentages and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). The Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Children (SEQ-C) was used to measure general self-efficacy. Descriptive statistics and the Pearson product-moment practical correlation for analysis of data was performed. Only girls presented significantly high practical correlations between BMI and emotional self-efficacy (r=0.33, p=0.02), total self-efficacy and WHR (r=0.44, p=0.00), social self-efficacy and WHR (r=0.39, p=0.01), and emotional self-efficacy and WHR (r=0.33, p=0.02). The boys presented significant and positive practical correlations between social self-efficacy and body mass (r=0.31, p=0.02) and body stature (r=0.39, p=0.00). The findings seem to suggest that the practical correlations between body composition and self-efficacy could be specific to certain cultures and specific countries. Keywords: Self-efficacy; Body composition; Rural children; Body Mass Index; Fat percentage; Waist-to-hip ratio.

The Effects Of Training Method And Experience Level On Measurement Error For Skinfold Thicknesses

Accurate estimation of fatness from skinfolds is highly dependent on using the appropriate skinfold protocol, the methods of training and experience of the trainee. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of the type of training method and experience level on the accuracy of performing skinfold thickness measures at the triceps, subscapular and calf skinfold sites. METHODS: This study was designed to test the experience of the trainee using three different methods of training in a 2x3 factorial plan with a manual (M), audiovisual (AV) and in person (IP) training approach. Half of the trainees had no experience and half had some or considerable experience as judged by the number of subjects they had measured previously assessed by self report. Thirty subjects were randomly assigned to each of three methods in instruction (n=10/method). Half of the trainees were inexperienced in each training method. Three skinfolds (triceps, subscapular and calf) were measured using standardized procedures. To be trained on the skinfold measurement method, the M method group read a description of the skinfold method, the AV method group watched a training video, and the IP method group attended an IP workshop. All trainees measured the skinfolds of from 15 participants and were compared to an expert. An ANOVA was used to determine whether expert versus trainee systematic errors were different due to the method of training, experience level, or their interaction were significant. RESULTS: The mean systematic errors for the tricep were 1.0±0.9, 1.4±1.0, 1.0±0.6 for the M, AV and IP groups, respectively. For the calf, the mean errors were 1.4±0.7, 1.6±1.1, 0.7±0.3 for the M, AV and IP groups, respectively. For the subscapular, the mean errors were 1.1±1.0, 1.2±0.7, 0.8±0.7 for the M, AV and IP groups, respectively. There was no effect (p>0.05) of experience level or training method for all skinfolds except for the training method in the calf with the IP group trending toward the lowest error (p<0.10). The interaction between type of training and experience level was also not significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The systematic errors in measuring skinfolds were not influenced by experience level of the trainee or the training method however, outliers were found in every treatment group which contributed to the variability in the measures.

Multiple Points Change in the Association of Blood Pressure Subtypes with Anthropometric Indices of Adiposity among Children in a Rural Population.

Background: Hypertension has gained global significance and risk of cardiovascular disease, and adiposity is the most important of the conditions associated with and considered responsible for hypertension in children. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine whether indices of adiposity independently predicted blood pressure at multiple points in gender-specific groups. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 10 randomly selected primary schools within the Ellisras Longitudinal Study, and involved 1816 adolescents (876 girls and 940 boys) aged 8 to 17 years. All the anthropometric indices and blood pressures (BP) were examined according to the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry protocol. Results: In an adjusted linear quantile regression analysis of boys, waist circumference (WC) was associated with BP across all multiple points of systolic blood pressure (SBP). Furthermore, the triceps skinfold site was associated with high SBP. In girls, body mass index (BMI) was significantly associated with SBP after adjustment for potential confounders. Other anthropometric indices of adiposity, including WC, biceps, and triceps skinfold sites were not associated with SBP. Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that in black South African children, variables such as WC and triceps skinfold site may provide stronger explanatory capacity to SBP variance and systolic hypertension risk in boys than other adiposity indices; whereas in girls, only WC and BMI predict diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and SBP, respectively.

Anthropometric profiles of elite athletes

Quantifying body composition is central to monitoring performance and training in athletes, however limited sport-specific anthropometric reference data, assessed and reported in a standardised manner, is available. This study provides anthropometric profiles in elite male athletes from different sports. Elite male athletes (n = 73) from National squads of boxing (n = 10), cricket (n = 21), swimming (n = 23), hockey (n = 10) and eventing (n = 9) were assessed for body mass, height, eight skinfolds (triceps, subscapular, biceps, iliac crest, supraspinal, abdominal, thigh and medial calf), body circumferences (arm, waist, hip, thigh and calf) and muscle circumferences (arm, thigh, calf) using ISAK standardised guidelines. For all athletes, large variability exists for measures of skinfold thickness at each skinfold site. Swimming (64.6 ± 16.1 mm) and boxing (63.5 ± 16.1 mm) were similar for the sum of eight skinfolds (∑8SKF) but swimming had lower ∑8SKF compared to cricket (86.1 ± 21.3 mm; p = .011) and eventing (89.9 ± 30.7 mm; p = .028). Hockey (81.9 ± 26.3 mm) and eventing had the most varied ∑8SKF. Thigh body (p=.006) and muscle circumferences (p = .005) were significantly reduced in boxing compared to hockey. No differences were seen between sports for arm (p = .346; ES = .06) and calf (p = .382; ES = .06) muscle circumferences. The anthropometric profiles for elite athletes from various sports during pre-season training will be a useful resource for sports professionals when monitoring and interpreting body composition data. Large variation exists in anthropometric profiles between the different athletes and different sports, highlighting the necessity to have sport-specific normative ranges available to allow optimal monitoring of individual athletes particularly varying across sports as well as age, training status and position.

The Seasonal Variations in Anthropometric and Performance Characteristics of Elite Intercounty Gaelic Football Players.

Kelly, RA, and Collins, K. The seasonal variations in anthropometric and performance characteristics of elite inter county gaelic football players. J Strength Cond Res 32(12): 3475-3482, 2018-There is limited research assessing the anthropometric and performance variations in elite Gaelic football. The aim of this study was to assess the anthropometric and performance characteristics of an elite intercounty squad within a season. After ethical approval and informed consent, 26 participants were assessed at the start of preseason (November), after early in-season (January), and midseason (March). Measurements included stature, body mass, sum of 8 skinfold sites (ΣSkf8), estimated body fat percentage (bf%), squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ), 5-, 10-, and 20-m sprint times, upper body and lower-body strength (1 repetition maximum), and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test 2 (Yo-Yo IR2). A multivariate analysis of variance was used to determine seasonal and positional variations. Anthropometric variations were observed with an overall increase in participants' body mass and a concomitant decrease in ΣSkf8 and bf% (-21.5%, p = 0.002, η = 0.15; -1.43%, p = 0.004, η = 0.13). Performance variations showed improvements in sprint time over 5-m (p = 0.001, η = 0.19) and 10-m (p = 0.008, η = 0.11), SJ (p = 0.013, η = 0.1), CMJ (p = 0.013, η = 0.1) height and Yo-Yo IR2 (p < 0.001, η = 0.34) noted from preseason to midseason. Significant anthropometric variations are observed between the preseason and early in-season; meanwhile, significant performance variations are observed between the preseason and midseason. Distinct positional variations are evident for both anthropometric and performance characteristics at all time points. Applied practitioners should consider these findings when implementing a seasonal training plan.

Skinfolds compressibility and calliper’s time response in male athletes

Introduction: The body skinfolds compressibility is an individual characteristic determined by tissues properties. Compressibility could affect the skinfold thicknesses inducing error in the assessment of subcutaneous adipose tissue and in the estimation of body composition. Objectives: This study aims to firstly describe the time behaviour of eight body skinfolds’ physical response to the skinfold calliper pressure during measurement. Methods: Using a digital skinfold calliper that gathers 60 measurements per second, the dynamic response of height skinfolds to pressure was characterized in 36 adult male athletes. To assess the skinfolds compressibility, two points were defined L and H: the SL corresponds to the lowest value within the 120 measurement the time when it was obtained was defined as TL. The TH corresponds to the first moment where the 110% of of the value SL was measured. The equations of the average of each skinfold as a function of time were obtained from a non-linear fitting. Results: Skinfold compressibility varied according subjects (p<0.05). Significant differences were found among skinfold sites within SH, SL, TH and TL, confirming that each skinfold compressibility is different from the other, even within a homogeneous study group. Biceps was the first skinfold to reach the minimum thickness value (TL=1.08 ± 0.38s), while iliac crest was the last one (TL=1.63±0.27s). Given the very good fits that were obtained for all skinfolds (R2 ≥ 0.997), it was postulated that the skinfold thickness y changes with time t according to the equation: y = y0 + a⁄(b + tn). Conclusions: Inter and intraindividual skinfolds’ variation in compressibility was documented, supporting a reduction in protocolled time during evaluations.

South Asian Children Have Increased Body Fat in Comparison to White Children at the Same Body Mass Index.

The ability of body mass index (BMI) to predict excess fat in South Asian children is unknown. This cross-sectional study examines the influence of ethnicity on body fatness in children. Weight status and body fat were determined using BMI, waist circumference (WC), two skinfold sites (SF; triceps and subscapula) and leg-to-leg bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA; Tanita BF350, Tanita, Tokyo, Japan) in 194 children aged 8.47 ± 0.50 years from Coventry, United Kingdom. Biological maturity was also determined. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) identified significant differences between ethnic (p < 0.001) and gender groups’ BMI (p = 0.026), with a significant covariate for skinfold (p < 0.001) and bioelectrical impedance (p < 0.001). For a given body fat value, South Asian children and females had a lower BMI value (−1.12 kg/m2, p < 0.001 and −0.50 kg/m2, p = 0.026, respectively, when adjusted for SF; −1.56 kg/m2, p < 0.001 and −0.31 kg/m2, p = 0.16, respectively, when adjusted for BIA) compared with white children and boys. The prediction model including ethnicity, gender and BIA explained 80.4% of the variance in BMI. Maturation was not found to be a significant covariate (p > 0.05). To conclude, the findings suggest that BMI cut-points may need to be lowered in South Asian children, and thus age-by-sex-by-ethnicity specific BMI cut-points are needed in children. Further research examining body composition with health parameters in this population is needed.

KINANTHROPOMETRIC ATTRIBUTES OF ELITE MALE JUDO, KARATE AND TAEKWONDO ATHLETES

ABSTRACT Introduction: It is well known that the body composition of an athlete plays a critical role in sports performance. However, although many studies exist concerning the kinanthropometric attributes of mainstream sports, few studies are forthcoming on individual martial arts disciplines, especially in elite athletes. Objective: This study aimed at establishing the kinanthropometric attributes of Judo, Karate, and Taekwondo athletes. Methods: Thirty-eight elite male Judo (n=42, mean age: 21.7±2.9 years), Taekwondo (n=46, mean age: 21.1±2.6 years) and Karate (n=50, mean age: 21.3±3.0 years) athletes were chosen randomly. The study determined and compared stature, body mass (BM), body mass index (BMI), fat mass (FM), lean body mass (LBM), body surface area (BSA), sum of skinfolds (∑SK3), percentage body fat (%BF), and somatotype. Results: The findings of the present study demonstrate that although within normal levels, the sampled Judo athletes have significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher FM, ∑SK3 (particularly at the triceps and subscapular skinfold sites), %BF and lower percentage LBM that either the Taekwondo and Karate athletes. In addition, the sampled Judo athletes displayed a more significant (p&lt;0.05) endomorphic somatotype when compared to the Taekwondo and Karate athletes. Conclusions: These findings are essential in determining the optimal kinanthropometric attributes of elite male Judo, Karate, and Taekwondo athletes and may assist in the context of talent identification.

Body Composition Evaluation Issue among Young Elite Football Players: DXA Assessment.

Accurate assessment of body composition is an important issue among athletes. Different methodologies generate controversial results, leading to a deep uncertainty on individual exercise prescriptions. Thus, this study aims to identify the differences between field methods, such as bioelectrical impedance (BIA) and skinfold assessment, with a clinical method, highly accurate, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), among elite young football players. Thirty-eight male football players with a mean (sd) age of 16.7 (0.87) years, involved in the Portuguese national competition of U16 (n = 13) and U19 (n = 25), were evaluated and objective measures of body composition, muscle strength and football skills were collected by trained specialists. Body composition was assessed using BIA (Tanita BC-418, Tanita Corp., Tokyo, Japan), in agreement with all the evaluation premises. Additionally, all athletes were evaluated using the clinical method DXA (Hologic Inc., Waltham, MA, USA). Among the U19 athletes, three skinfold sites (SKF) were assessed: chest, abdomin and thigh. The Spearman correlation coefficients and the mean difference between methods were calculated. The agreement between both methods was analyzed using Bland-Altman plots. Among the evaluated athletes, lower mean values of body fat % were found using BIA as a method of body composition assessment compared with DXA (12.05 vs. 15.58 for U16; 11.97 vs. 14.16 for U19). Despite the moderate correlation between methods (r = 0.33) to estimate the percentage of total fat, the median of the difference (DXA vs. BIA) was relevant in clinical terms, with 2.90% and 1.47% for U16 and U19 athletes, respectively. Stronger correlations were found between the sum of the SKF and DXA fat estimation (r = 0.68). The Bland-Altman plots showed a clear underestimation in the evaluations using the BIA, namely among athletes with better body composition profiles (8%–12% of fat). Using BIA, an underestimation of body fat assessment was observed among 94.5% of the athletes with less than 12% body fat mass. Among the evaluated athletes, fat mass was underestimated at a median value of 2.21% using BIA in comparison with DXA. The sum of the SKF showed a stronger correlation with the reference method (DXA) (r = 0.68) than BIA.

The Issue of Coincident Weight Gaining and Fat-Loss through Exercise and Diet Planning

Nowadays, weight loss, weight-gaining programs and diet plans separately are being prescribed by exercise physiologists and dieticians to fill the non-drug treatment gaps for diabetics. From the perspective of exercise science, there are barriers to achieve these results because of the specificity of exercise plan for clinical conditions specially for diabetics. The aim of present case-study report was to develop a well-established exercise plan for diabetics to achieve their non-diabetic range through performing such exercise programs under their exercise physiologists. The novelty of exercise plan is the key in solving the diabetics non-drug treatment. In present study, a 39-year-old diabetic male with 113 kg weight participated in a 2-month exercise plan. Exercise plan included sessions in which there were 3 sections. First section was warm-up and second section consisted of weight training specific to diabetics (low weight – high repetitions). Diet plan was based on 2000 calories a day (restricted sugar and higher glycemic foods). Before and after the end of plan, Fasting Blood Sugar (mg. DL-1), Cholesterol skinfold (mg. DL-1), Triglyceride skinfold, Fat Percentage (%) (mg DL-1) skinfold sites were measured. After performing 2-month programme, all values of factors were lower than before and all in normal range. Clinically this diabetic adult was changed into a non-diabetic person with normal range of risk factors. Conclusion of present study is to introduce a novel and wellestablished exercise plan for diabetics and a non-drug treatment to achieve their health. The specificity of exercise plan is muscle groups weight training with specific loads and repetitions and diet plan with restricted sugar and high glycemic foods based on 2000 calories a day. Also there needs several researches to be assured such training methods have similar results among other clinically diabetics for both males and females.

Fat-Related Anthropometric Variables and Regional Patterns of Body Size and Adiposity of Adolescents in Aba South LGA, Abia State, Nigeria.

This study assessed fat-related anthropometric variables and regional patterns of body size and adiposity of adolescents in Aba South LGA. A total number of 600 adolescents who were secondary school students aged 10 to 19 years wereselected from 61 registered secondary schools. A multi-random sampling technique was used to select the patients. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained from the patients who participated in the study. Each patient was subjected to weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and skinfolds measurements using standard methods. Body fat percentage was calculated by the formulas described by Slaughter, Siris, and Shailk equations. Descriptive statistics of frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation were used to examine the gender-specific anthropometric indices. Chi-square and independent t test were also applied to determine the differences between the parameters or variables of the genders at P< .05. The respondents aged 19 years had the highest measurement for triceps (14.60 mm), thigh (35.05 mm), and MUAC (25.95 mm), while those aged 18 years had the highest measurement for suprailiac (15.00 mm) and subscapular (16.94 mm). Females had more fat deposits than males in all the skinfold sites. They also had a significantly ( P = .05) higher body fat percentage than males. A multiple regression analysis revealed that maximum calf fat was a strong predictor of body fat percentage of the patients. High prevalence of obesity was found in this study, and the 3 equations of body fat percentage showed similar findings that more females than males had higher body fat percentage.

Application of a Sub-set of Skinfold Sites for Ultrasound Measurement of Subcutaneous Adiposity and Percentage Body Fat Estimation in Athletes.

Body composition assessment is an integral feature of elite sport as optimization facilitates successful performance. This study aims to refine the use of B-mode ultrasound in the assessment of athlete body composition by determining suitable sites for measurement. 67 elite athletes recruited from the Human Performance Laboratory, University College Cork, Ireland, underwent dual measurement of body composition. Subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness at 7 anatomical sites were measured using ultrasound and compared to percentage body fat values determined using Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. Multiple linear regressions were performed and an equation to predict percentage body fat was derived. The present study found subcutaneous adipose tissue depths at the triceps, biceps, anterior thigh and supraspinale sites correlated significantly with percentage body fat by X-ray absorptiometry (all p<0.05). Summation of the depths at these locations correlated strongly with percentage body fat by Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (R²=0.879). The triceps, biceps, anterior thigh and supraspinale sites are suitable anatomical landmarks for the estimation of %BF using B-mode ultrasound. Use of B-mode ultrasound in the assessment of athlete body composition confers many benefits including lack of ionising radiation and its potential to be used as a portable field tool.

Length of urban residence and obesity among within-country rural-to-urban Andean migrants.

To evaluate the association between length of residence in an urban area and obesity among Peruvian rural-to-urban migrants. Cross-sectional database analysis of the migrant group from the PERU MIGRANT Study (2007). Exposure was length of urban residence, analysed as both a continuous (10-year units) and a categorical variable. Four skinfold site measurements (biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailiac) were used to calculate body fat percentage and obesity (body fat percentage >25% males, >33% females). We used Poisson generalized linear models to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios and 95 % confidence intervals. Multicollinearity between age and length of urban residence was assessed using conditional numbers and correlation tests. A peri-urban shantytown in the south of Lima, Peru. Rural-to-urban migrants (n 526) living in Lima. Multivariable analyses showed that for each 10-year unit increase in residence in an urban area, rural-to-urban migrants had, on average, a 12 % (95 % CI 6, 18 %) higher prevalence of obesity. This association was also present when length of urban residence was analysed in categories. Sensitivity analyses, conducted with non-migrant groups, showed no evidence of an association between 10-year age units and obesity in rural (P=0·159) or urban populations (P=0·078). High correlation and a large conditional number between age and length of urban residence were found, suggesting a strong collinearity between both variables. Longer lengths of urban residence are related to increased obesity in rural-to-urban migrant populations; therefore, interventions to prevent obesity in urban areas may benefit from targeting migrant groups.