Skinfold Thickness Measurements Research Articles

Prediction and validation of total and regional skeletal muscle volume by using anthropometric measurements in prepubertal Japanese children.

It is difficult to easily estimate skeletal muscle (SM) volume in children. We aimed to develop regression-based prediction equations to estimate the total body and regional SM volume using calliper measurements of skinfold thickness and limb circumference and to investigate the validity of these equations. In total, 142 healthy, prepubertal, Japanese children, aged 6-12 years, were divided into two groups: the model development group (sixty boys, thirty-eight girls) and the validation group (twenty-six boys, eighteen girls). Contiguous magnetic resonance images were obtained from the first cervical vertebra to the ankle joints as reference data. SM volume was calculated from the summation of the digitised cross-sectional areas. Limb and waist circumferences were measured at mid-upper arm, mid-thigh, maximal calf and at the level of umbilicus. Each girth was corrected for subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness, as estimated by skinfold thickness measurements. Skinfold thickness was measured at the posterior upper arm, anterior thigh, medial calf and lateral to the umbilicus, using callipers. Significant correlations were observed between the site-matched SM volume, measured by MRI, and each corrected girth × standing height value in the model development group. When these SM volume prediction equations were applied to the validation group, the measured total body and regional SM volume were similar to the predicted values. These results suggest that the anthropometric prediction equations developed in this study provide reliable information about the total and regional SM volume in prepubertal Japanese children, with varying degrees of estimation accuracy for each region.

The Relationship of Resistin with Disease Severity, Inflammation and Insulin Resistance in Cirrhosis Patients

Introduction: Glucose intolerance has been shown to play an important role in the progression of early liver disease to cirrhosis. It has been suggested that insulin resistance is responsible for glucose intolerance in patients with chronic liver disease. It is thought that increased resistin through chronic inflammation in chronic liver disease may be responsible for insulin resistance. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship of resistin which is released from adipose tissue with insulin resistance, inflammation markers and disease stage in patients with cirrhosis. Methods: Forty-six patients diagnosed with cirrhosis in Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology between March 2008 and July 2009, and 19 healthy individuals as a control group were included in the study. Patients with a diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus, other endocrine disease or Hepatocellular Carcinoma, with fasting blood glucose above 126 mg/dl and using drugs that may affect glucose metabolism were excluded from the study. Participants with obesity were determined by skinfold thickness (biceps, triceps, suprailiac and subscapular) measurement. Statistical analyzes were performed by excluding obese patients from the study and control groups. AssayMax Human Resistin ELISA Kit was used to determine serum resistin level. The "Homaostatic Model for Insulin Resistance" (HOMA-IR) formula was used to detect insulin resistance. The studied parameters were statistically compared between the study and control groups and also between the three groups (Child Pugh stage A, B and C) formed according to the disease stage in the study group. Results: All laboratory parameters reflecting insulin resistance, inflammation markers and resistin levels were found to be significantly higher in the study group. As the Child Pugh stage advances, which is used to determine the severity and prognosis of the disease, resistin levels found higher, but it was observed that the rate of patients with decreased insulin resistance had lower levels in total fat ratio. No significant correlation was found between resistin and other markers of insulin resistance except fasting insulin level. Conclusion: In the future metabolism studies which to be performed in patients with cirrhosis detection of skinfold thickness may be useful in determining body fat ratio. Insulin resistance markers are significantly higher in patients with cirrhosis, as disease severity advances resistin levels increases. We are in the opinion that resistin does not contribute to the development of insulin resistance, which occurs with different mechanisms in patients with cirrhosis.

The effect of calf and thigh circumferences in determining brain lesion characteristics in patients with acute stroke: A hospital-based study

The role of stroke risk factors in stroke patterning and differentiation is poorly investigated, especially for measures of body composition. This study aimed to investigate the effect of skinfold thickness, waist and limb circumference measurements in patterning and differentiation of stroke in hospitalized patients. Prospective study of acute stroke patients hospitalized in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Nigeria was conducted in 16 months. Biceps brachii, triceps brachii, suprailiac and subscapular skinfold thickness measurements were taken using Skyndex Research Caliper. Upper arm, waist, thigh, and calf circumferences were taken, using an inelastic measuring tape according to the same standards. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, unpaired sample t-test, and Binary logistic regression using SPSS IBM version 20. The results shown that the studied anthropometric parameters, do not only predispose to stroke but tend to determine the specific stroke pathologic type. Thigh circumference predisposes more, and calf circumference predisposes less to ischemic stroke subtype. This means that these studied anthropometric parameters can predict stroke subtype and serve as predisposing factors conclusively.

Association of Birth Weight, Body Composition and Blood Pressure During Infancy in 1-Year-Old Jamaican Children

ObjectivesTo investigate the association of birth weight (BW), body composition (BC), and blood pressure (BP) in healthy, one-year-old infants in Jamaica.MethodsA cross-sectional study where fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) was assessed by whole-body bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and skinfold thickness measurements in a sample of 101 healthy one-year-old infants (58 girls and 43 boys). Oscillometric Blood Pressure was measured in triplicate in each infant. The main independent variable was birth weight. Pearson's correlation test and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the association between birth weight and body composition and blood pressure..ResultsSignificant associations were observed between birth weight and fat-free mass(r = 0.35.p = 0.0001) and fat mass(r = 0.25.p = 0.013) at the simple bivariate level, weight, and length significantly correlated with body composition using the multiple linear regression. 12% of girls and 265 of boys had excess body fat. The mean BP was 110/67 mm Hg for boys and 108/67 mm Hg for girls. At the bivariate level, birth weight was significantly correlated with systolic blood pressure (r = 0.21, p = 0.019). There was no association between birth weight and blood pressure in the regression models. Socioeconomic status did not impact the association of birth weight and body composition in this study. Significant associations were observed between birth weight and fat-free mass(r = 0.35.p = 0.0001) and fat mass(r = 0.25.p = 0.013) at the simple bivariate level, weight, and length significantly correlated with body composition using the multiple linear regression. 12% of girls and 265 of boys had excess body fat. The mean BP was 110/67 mm Hg for boys and 108/67 mm Hg for girls. At the bivariate level, birth weight was significantly correlated with systolic blood pressure (r = 0.21, p = 0.019). There was no association between birth weight and blood pressure in the regression models. Socioeconomic status did not impact the association of birth weight and body composition in this study.ConclusionsIn this sample of one-year-old infants, birth weight was associated with fat-free mass and fat mass, and weight and length were associated with fat-free mass, fat mass, and percentage body fat.Funding SourcesThis research was not funded.

Comparison of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and Skinfold Thickness to Determine Body Fat Percentage among Young Women

Body composition analysis (BCA) measurements are the quantitative methods to evaluate nutritional status and adiposity. There is an increased need for BCA methods, especially calculation of body fat percentage with better sensitivity and precision. This study is focused on estimation of body fat percentage using two methods. Objective of the study was to compare body fat percentage obtained using four-site skinfold thickness (SFT) measurement with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) of young women. The 4-site SFTs were measured at triceps, bicep, subscapular and suprailiac region, using Harpenden caliper. Body fat percentage was computed using sum of skinfolds and Durnin-Womersley equation. BIA was done using a body composition analyzer. Statistical analysis including the Bland-Altman plot was performed in SPSS software v.23.0 and MS Excel. A total of 310 women (age 18-25 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. Mean BMI of participants was 22.2±5.05 kg/m2. Body fat percentage from skinfold thickness and BIA techniques were 32.79±5.048% and 33.85±5.32% respectively. Although there was a positive correlation (p<0.01) observed between the two methods, Bland-Altman plot indicated a proportional bias (r=0.176, p<0.05). It also showed difference of agreement between SFT & BIA methods. BIA overestimates the body fat percentage with limits of agreement range -5.33% to 3.28%. Our study reported that BIA overestimates body fat percentages compared to SFT. However, the two methods are not interchangeable. Evaluating anthropometric measurements is considered useful method as it controls regional changes of subcutaneous adiposity, whereas BIA technique can be used for its practical applicability.

Not the enemy: superficial subcutaneous adipose tissue may bring protective benefits

Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) has been suggested to be a protective fat depot. Measurement of skinfold thickness (ST) is a simple means of superficial SAT (SSAT) assessment, but its correlation with mortality risk is controversial. We aimed to investigate the association between ST measured at 4 commonly assessed sites and the risk for all‑cause, cardiovascular (CV), and cancer mortality. A total of 10 261 eligible individuals aged 20 to 90 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III were included. Hazard ratios (HRs) for all‑cause, CV, and cancer mortality were examined for 4 sites of ST measurement: the triceps, subscapular and suprailiac regions, and the thigh. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine the predictive ability of ST for mortality risk. All 4 STs were associated with a lower risk for mortality, with an HR below 1. Among the 4 sites, suprailiac ST had the greatest protective benefit in terms of all‑cause mortality (HR, 0.972; P <0.001) and CV mortality (HR, 0.562; P <0.001), and was the best predictive factor for all‑cause mortality (area under the curve = 0.576; P <0.001). In subgroup analyses, men and elderly patients (≥65 years old) manifested protective effects of SAT at more sites and with respect to more causes of mortality. The inverse association between ST and mortality risk implies possible benefits of SSAT in terms of mortality risk reduction. This effect was especially notable for ST measured at the suprailiac region.

Comparison of Simple Tools For Measurement Of Obesity With Anthropometric Examination As A Predictor Of Metabolic Syndrome

Visceral fat shows a stronger relationship with the incidence of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk than subcutaneous fat tissue. Visceral fat inhibits the action of adiponectin, so the body produces more fat than what we need. This study aims to compare simple tools for measuring obesity and visceral fat as predictors of metabolic syndrome. This research was a cross-sectional study with a sample of 50 subjects, the type of research was comparative and correlational. The variables in this study were bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA), skinfold thickness (ST), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-hip ratio (WHR) results. Data were analyzed with paired t-test and Pearson correlation test. There was a significant difference in body fat examination using BIA with ST (p=0.000). Body fat examination using BIA correlates with BMI, WC, and WHR (p=0.000). On the other hand, body fat examination using ST correlates with BMI and WC (p=0.000) but not with WHR (p=0.151). In conclusion, BIA and ST measurements were different, however, there was a significant correlation between BIA and ST. Body fat examination results of both BIA and ST correlate with other anthropometric examinations, except between ST and WHR.

The Relationship Between Body Compositions of Taekwondo Practitioners Aged 14-16 and Their Aerobic Endurance

Background: Taekwondo (TKD) is a combat sport practiced by millions of children, young people and adults around the world.1 It is an Olympic sports branch with many complex features and constant interaction between two opponents in the competitions, where attack-contact techniques are applied quickly, attacking techniques are strong2,3 but also have good flexibility. Aim: This study has been carried out to identify the relationship between body composition of taekwondo practitioners aged 14-16 who regularly practice taekwondo, and their aerobic endurance. Methods: A total of 33 registered taekwondo practitioners (17 male, 16 female) participated to this study on a voluntary basis. The age, height, weight, and body mass index of all the athletes who took part in the study are 14.96±0.80 years, 162.59±11.59 cm, 50.97±7.51 kg and 19.14±2.39 kg/m² respectively. The group who participated to the study practice taekwondo two days a week, for 2 hours each, for a period of 1.5 years. The aerobic endurance of taekwondo athletes was measured by 20-meter-long Shuttle Run Test. In order to measure the body composition values of the athletes, measurements of skinfold thickness (biceps, triceps, subscapula, subrailiac) were carried out. In calculating the body density, the formula of Durning-Womersley was used; and in calculating the body fat percentage, the formula of Siri was employed. Data was evaluated by SPSS 22.0. The normality distribution of the data obtained at the end of the study was evaluated by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and it was observed that the data was in line with normal distribution. Following the normalcy assessment, the relationship between body compositions and aerobic endurances was determined by Pearson Correlation analysis. Results: It is possible to say that the body composition values of taekwondo practitioners aged 14-16 have positive and negative impact on their aerobic endurance. It is observed that as the values 20-meter Shuttle Run test increases, fat percentage of athletes decreases. Conclusion: It is concluded that the findings obtained from the research results support the literature, and that body composition and aerobic capacity are important as performance criteria in many studies. It is thought that it may be beneficial for the athletes to perform aerobic endurance exercises during the annual training periods to perform the necessary practices to optimize their body composition and improve their aerobic capacity. Keywords: Taekwondo, Body Composition, Aerobic Endurance

Effect of baseline physical activity on the fat gain of adolescents in a 5-year cohort study in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.

Differences in physical activity (PA) might lead to long-term weight control. Studies on inverse relations between PA and changes in fatness among adolescents are limited. This paper examined the effect of PA on adolescents' changing body fatness over 5 years in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). Two hundred thirty-five boys and 247 girls who have had skinfold thickness measurements in the baseline survey in 2004 were selected to follow yearly. We estimated PA as the average number of accelerometers' counts/h. Slopes of triceps, sub-scapular skinfolds and BMI were calculated and classified as increasing or stable/decreasing. To assess the effects of the low level of activity (i.e. below the median of the average number of counts) on the fat gain (i.e. increasing slopes), relative risk and 95 % CI were estimated using Poisson regression. The average number of counts/h in boys (7·8) was significantly higher than that in girls (5·0) (P < 0·001). On average, active girls still gained 0·51 mm in triceps skinfold (TSF) over 5 years, while active boys lost 0·12 mm. After controlling for baseline energy intake, baseline triceps and baseline age, inactive adolescents were 1·39 times higher than active ones to increase the slope of triceps (95 % CI 1·19, 1·63). The risk ratio was 1·62 for those with more body fat at baseline. In general, inactive students gained substantially more subcutaneous fat, especially in their TSF, than more active ones. Thus, strategies to prevent adolescent obesity in HCMC should consider the important role of PA to control this problem in adolescents effectively.

Four-site skinfolds thickness percentiles of schoolchildren and adolescents in Turkey.

The primary purpose of the current study was to establish Turkish smoothed centile charts and Lambda, Mu, Sigma (LMS) tables for four-site skinfold thickness based on a population-based sample, and secondary purpose was to elaborate a reference for the percentage of body fat. A cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted between January and May 2017. Triceps, biceps and subscapular, suprailiac skinfold thicknesses were measured using Holtain skinfold caliper. Age- and gender-specific percentile values were determined with the LMS method, and body fat percentage was calculated using the Westrate and Deurenberg equation. Afyonkarahisar province in Turkey. The current study was conducted on 4565, 6-18-year-old students. The triceps, biceps and subscapular skinfolds of the girls were higher than the boys. From the age of seven, the sum of four skinfold thicknesses of the girls was more than those of the boys. This difference became more evident after the age of 12. Although fat percentages of girls showed a fluctuating change, it decreased with the age in boys. Westrate and Deurenberg equation fat percentages of girls until adolescence were lower than boys, but increased after 12 years of age and exceeded that of boys. The current study has provided sex- and age-specific reference values for skinfold thickness and has shown that obesity in girls is higher than in boys in schoolchildren in Afyonkarahisar. The current study has also shown that skinfold thickness measurements are a valuable tool for screening obesity in children.

Association of Hypertension with Anthropometric Parameters among Indian Male Adults

Obesity is chronic disease characterized by BMI &gt;30 and body fat percentage &gt;20%. It is often associated with non-communicable diseases including cardiovascular diseases like hypertension. While the hypertension has been associated with obesity previously, present study aims to assess association of anthropometric parameters of obesity with hypertension including central obesity indicators and body fat percentage. Total 152 subjects were included for the study, 76 of them were of hypertensive and 76 were controls. All of the participants were subjected to evaluation of obesity parameters. BMI, Waist Hip Ratio, Body Fat Percentage and Ponderal index were found to significantly associated with hypertension. While BMI, Waist Hip ratio, body fat percentage and Ponderal index has the significant association with hypertension, central obesity indicators like waist hip ratio and body fat percentage using skinfold thickness measurement also show a significant association with hypertension with higher odds compared to BMI.

Determining percentage body fat of male South African jockey apprentices irrespective of hydration status

Objective: The aim was to determine the most appropriate field techniques to measure %BF when both euhydrated and dehydrated. Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken. Setting: South Africa. Subjects: 17 male apprentice jockeys (mean age 18.8 ± 1.7 years). Outcome measures: Agreement of %BF results determined using predictive equations based on skinfold thickness measurements and bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) with that of the reference method, euhydrated deuterium dilution (eDD). Results: The mean %BF according to eDD was 9.5 ± 2.8%. The skinfold equations by Slaughter et al. (1988) for ages 8–18 years in either hydration state, Durnin and Womersley 1 using either Siri 2 or Brožek et al. 3 for ages 17–19 years when dehydrated only, and the Van Loan et al. 4 BIA equation when euhydrated only were the most acceptable methods. Conclusion: Regardless of hydration status, the skinfold equation by Slaughter et al. 5 is recommended for jockey apprentices 18 years and younger. For those > 19 years, the hydration state must be confirmed prior to measurement. If euhydrated, the Van Loan et al. 4 BIA equation is recommended and if dehydrated the Durnin and Womersley 1 using either Siri 2 or Brožek et al. 3 is recommended.

Prenatal exposure to ambient air pollutants and early infant growth and adiposity in the Southern California Mother\u2019s Milk Study

BackgroundPrior epidemiological and animal work has linked in utero exposure to ambient air pollutants (AAP) with accelerated postnatal weight gain, which is predictive of increased cardiometabolic risk factors in childhood and adolescence. However, few studies have assessed changes in infant body composition or multiple pollutant exposures. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine relationships between prenatal residential AAP exposure with infant growth and adiposity.MethodsResidential exposure to AAP (particulate matter < 2.5 and 10 microns in aerodynamic diameter [PM2.5, PM10]; nitrogen dioxide [NO2]; ozone [O3]; oxidative capacity [Oxwt: redox-weighted oxidative potential of O3 and NO2]) was modeled by spatial interpolation of monitoring stations via an inverse distance-squared weighting (IDW2) algorithm for 123 participants from the longitudinal Mother’s Milk Study, an ongoing cohort of Hispanic mother-infant dyads from Southern California. Outcomes included changes in infant growth (weight, length), total subcutaneous fat (TSF; calculated via infant skinfold thickness measures) and fat distribution (umbilical circumference, central to total subcutaneous fat [CTSF]) and were calculated by subtracting 1-month measures from 6-month measures. Multivariable linear regression was performed to examine relationships between prenatal AAP exposure and infant outcomes. Models adjusted for maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index, socioeconomic status, infant age, sex, and breastfeeding frequency. Sex interactions were tested, and effects are reported for each standard deviation increase in exposure.ResultsNO2 was associated with greater infant weight gain (β = 0.14, p = 0.02) and TSF (β = 1.69, p = 0.02). PM10 and PM2.5 were associated with change in umbilical circumference (β = 0.73, p = 0.003) and TSF (β = 1.53, p = 0.04), respectively. Associations of Oxwt (pinteractions < 0.10) with infant length change, umbilical circumference, and CTSF were modified by infant sex. Oxwt was associated with attenuated infant length change among males (β = -0.60, p = 0.01), but not females (β = 0.16, p = 0.49); umbilical circumference among females (β = 0.92, p = 0.009), but not males (β = -0.00, p = 0.99); and CTSF among males (β = 0.01, p = 0.03), but not females (β = 0.00, p = 0.51).ConclusionPrenatal AAP exposure was associated with increased weight gain and anthropometric measures from 1-to-6 months of life among Hispanic infants. Sex-specific associations suggest differential consequences of in utero oxidative stress. These results indicate that prenatal AAP exposure may alter infant growth, which has potential to increase childhood obesity risk.

The effects of dietary and lifestyle interventions among pregnant women with overweight or obesity on early childhood outcomes: an individual participant data meta-analysis from randomised trials

BackgroundThe impact of maternal obesity extends beyond birth, being independently associated with an increased risk of child obesity. Current evidence demonstrates that women provided with a dietary intervention during pregnancy improve their dietary quality and have a modest reduction in gestational weight gain. However, the effect of this on longer-term childhood obesity-related outcomes is unknown.MethodsWe conducted an individual participant data meta-analysis from RCTs in which women with a singleton, live gestation between 10+0 and 20+0 weeks and body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 in early pregnancy were randomised to a diet and/or lifestyle intervention or continued standard antenatal care and in which longer-term maternal and child follow-up at 3–5 years of age had been undertaken. The primary childhood outcome was BMI z-score above the 90th percentile. Secondary childhood outcomes included skinfold thickness measurements and body circumferences, fat-free mass, dietary and physical activity patterns, blood pressure, and neurodevelopment.ResultsSeven primary trials where follow-up of participants occurred were identified by a systematic literature search within the International Weight Management in Pregnancy (i-WIP) Collaborative Group collaboration, with six providing individual participant data. No additional studies were identified after a systematic literature search. A total of 2529 children and 2383 women contributed data. Approximately 30% of all child participants had a BMI z-score above the 90th percentile, with no significant difference between the intervention and control groups (aRR 0.97; 95% CI 0.87, 1.08; p=0.610). There were no statistically significant differences identified for any of the secondary outcome measures.ConclusionsIn overweight and obese pregnant women, we found no evidence that maternal dietary and/or lifestyle intervention during pregnancy modifies the risk of early childhood obesity. Future research may need to target the pre-conception period in women and early childhood interventions.Trial registrationPROSPERO, CRD42016047165

Influence of sensor mass and adipose tissue on the mechanomyography signal of elbow flexor muscles

Mechanomyography (MMG) is a non-invasive technique that records muscle contraction using sensors positioned on the skin's surface. Therefore, it can have its signal attenuated due to the adipose tissue, directly influencing the results. This study evaluates the influence of different mass added to a sensor's assembly and the adipose tissue on MMG signals of elbow flexor muscles. Test protocol consisted of skinfold thickness measurement of 22 volunteers, followed by applying 2–3 s electrical stimulation for muscle contraction during the acquisition of MMG signals. MMG signals were processed in the time domain, using the average of the absolute amplitude, and expressed in gravity values (G), termed here as MMG(G). Tests occurred four times with different sensor masses. MMG data were processed and analyzed statistically using Friedman and Kruskal-Wallis tests to determine the differences between the MMG signals measured with different sensor masses. The Mann-Whitney analysis indicated differences in the MMG signals between groups with different skinfold thickness. MMG(G) signals suffered attenuation with increasing sensor mass (0.4416 G to 0.94 g; 0.3902 G to 2.64 g; 0.3762 G to 5.44 g; 0.3762 G to 7.14 g) and adipose tissue.

Correction to: Anthropometric and Skin Fold Thickness Measurements of Newborns of Gestational Glucose Intolerant Mothers: Does it Indicate Disproportionate Fetal Growth?

The article ‘Anthropometric and Skin Fold Thickness Measurements of Newborns of Gestational Glucose Intolerant Mothers: Does it Indicate Disproportionate Fetal Growth?’, written by Ramya Shankar, Arulmozhi Ramarajan, Susheela Rani and V. Seshiah, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on 25 August 2020 with open access.

성별, 비만 및 피하지방이 신체 부위별 온냉감 민감도에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of gender, obesity, and subcutaneous fat on regional cutaneous warm and cold sensitivity. A total of 52 male and female subjects were recruited and classified into four groups by gender and obesity based on the fat percentage of 25% and 30% for men and women, respectively. Cutaneous warm and cold sensitivity was measured on ten body regions, using a method of limit together with the measurements of regional skinfold thickness. The results indicated no significant interaction between gender and obesity while women exhibiting a higher sensitivity to both cold and warm stimuli than men. However, thermal sensitivity was not significantly associated with skinfold thickness on most regions of the body in men and women. In conclusion, women were more sensitive to both cold and warm stimuli than men. Obesity and local subcutaneous fat appeared not to influence regional thermal sensitivity. Further research is warranted to confirm the effects of obesity and local subcutaneous fat on regional thermal sensitivity.

Risk of malnutrition in general surgical patients

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the malnutrition risk of patients hospitalized in the general surgery clinic and to evaluate the relationship between malnutrition risk and anthropometric measurements.&#x0D; Material and Methods: The study was carried out with 228 adults who were hospitalized in the general surgery clinic. Weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, upper middle arm circumference (MUAC), triceps skinfold thickness (TSF) and handgrip strength measurements were taken. The nutritional status of the patients was evaluated with Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS)-2002 and Subjective Global Assessment (SGA).&#x0D; Results: According to the NRS-2002, 30.3% of patients had a risk of malnutrition; according to the SGA 34.2% had moderate and 12.3% had severe malnutrition. The anthropometric measurements evaluated in the study and the length of hospital stay (LHOS) were found to be related to the NRS-2002 score and SGA level (p

Physical fitness in preschool children in relation to later body composition at first grade in school.

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate whether better physical fitness in kindergarten predicts later healthier body composition in first grade at school.MethodsBody composition was assessed by skinfold thickness measurements. Physical fitness tests included 20 m shuttle run test, handgrip strength test, standing long jump test, 4x10 m shuttle run test as part of PREFIT fitness test battery, and one-leg stance test from EUROFIT test battery. The participants of this study were 147 Estonian children (51% boys) aged 6–8 years, who were measured in the transition from kindergarten to school.ResultsAfter adjusting for maternal body mass index, educational attainment, child’s sex, age at the measurements, greater cardiovascular and motor fitness, relative lower body strength, static balance at 6.6 yr were associated with lower fat mass index, fat mass percentage at 12-month follow-up. The relative lower body strength above the median at 6.6 yr were related to lower fat mass index and fat mass percentage at 12-month follow-up, while the static balance test results demonstrated the opposite associations. Improvements in the 4x10 m shuttle run test results during the 12-month follow-up period were associated with the most beneficial changes in body composition status, such as increases in fat-free mass index and decreases in fat mass index, fat mass percentage, waist-to-height ratio after adjusting for maternal body mass index, educational attainment, child’s sex, age, at the measurements and baseline values of exposures.ConclusionBetter physical fitness tests results at 6.6 yr in kindergarten generally predicted lower body fat parameters in children at 7.6 yr in first grade at school.

The relationship between gestational weight gain, maternal upper-body subcutaneous fat changes and infant birth size: A pilot observational study amongst women with obesity

BackgroundIt is widely acknowledged that maternal obesity and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) are associated with increased risk of fetal macrosomia and recent studies have suggested a role for the timing and composition of GWG. AimsTo examine the effect of the rate of change in GWG and maternal upper-body subcutaneous fat on neonatal anthropometric outcomes in a pilot observational study amongst women with obesity. Study designExpectant women with a body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2 at first antenatal appointment were recruited at 12 weeks gestation. Maternal height, weight and skinfold thickness (SFT) measurements were collected at baseline and repeated at 28 and 36 weeks gestation. Following delivery, World Health Organisation (WHO)-UK infant birthweight z-scores were calculated, and infant anthropometric measurements were obtained. ResultsThe sum of upper body SFT measurements increased in mid-pregnancy (0.08 ± 0.71 mm/week) and decreased in late pregnancy (−0.04 ± 1.17 mm/week). After adjustment for maternal age, BMI and parity, mid- but not late- pregnancy GWG was positively associated with infant birthweight z-score (p<0.05), while mid- but not late-pregnancy changes in the sum of SFT were inversely associated with infant birthweight z-score (p<0.01). ConclusionsThe present study suggests that mid- rather than late-pregnancy changes in weight and upper-body subcutaneous fat are associated with infant birthweight. Further research is required in larger, more diverse populations to explore whether pregnancy interventions aiming to improve maternal and offspring health can be personalised beyond BMI and GWG.