Body Composition Variables Research Articles

Contemporary Themes in Dietary Intake in Rugby Union Players: A Narrative Review.

Rugby union is an intermittent team sport with variability in body composition and match-play demands between positions which requires careful consideration for individual dietary requirements. While previous reviews have detailed the macronutrient intake in rugby players, none have discussed the further determinants of dietary intake in this population. Therefore, the purpose of the current review was to summarise the current evidence detailing dietary intake in rugby union players, report on contemporary nutritional research themes, and provide recommendations for athletes, nutritionists, and other stakeholders. In total, eighteen articles report on dietary intake in rugby players, with only one of these detailing dietary intake in female athletes. Recent studies have reported on both protein and carbohydrate periodisation practices in rugby union players; however, there is currently limited evidence as to the influence of these on performance, recovery, and well-being. Factors influencing eating patterns, the impact of sports nutritionists on dietary intake, and food consumption in catered and non-catered environments has been explored in isolated studies. Nutrition knowledge levels in rugby players have been reported in several studies; however, the influence this has on dietary intake in rugby players is unknown. Collectively, despite new contemporary themes emerging in the literature concerning dietary intake in rugby players, the studies are isolated; as such, there is limited scope to the translatability of information due to heterogeneity in sex, level of play, and location of participants. Given this, future research should aim to build upon the themes identified in this review in combination to support practitioners working within their specific environments. This will subsequently build towards the generation of rugby-specific recommendations.

BIA-assessed cellular hydration and strength in healthy older adults

ObjectivesThe objective of this research was to evaluate the differential relationships between various BIA-estimated compartments of body water and strength, among healthy older adults, by age range and sex. DesignDescriptive and correlational study. Setting and ParticipantsA total of 234 healthy older adults (72.59±7.60 years) participated in the study. Participants were recruited from community centers around Portugal and Spain. Data were recorded during May 2023. This is a physically active sample: all the participants are physically active for a minimum of three days a week. MethodsFor the study of body composition the variables extracted from the Tanita were: fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM), visceral fat rating (VFR), total body water (TBW), extracellular water (ECW) and intracellular water (ICW). Handgrip Strength was used to evaluate upper body strength and the Chair Stand Test for lower body strength. ResultsDifferences across the various data sets were recorded in the gender variable.When looking into the gender variable, significant correlations were recorded for the body composition variables analyzed for all age groups in the upper body strength test, except for BMI(r=0.125-0.878) and Fat mass (0.056 - -0.634). For the lower body strength test, no significant correlations were recorded for the Fat-Free mass variables (r= 0.164 - 0.380), as well as for the Visceral Fat Rating(r= 0.082 - 0.213) and the body water variables (TBW, ECW, ICW). ConclusionsThe hydration parameters analyzed can be related to muscle performance for Handgrip in an independent older adult population with ages ranging from 60 to 90 years.

Body composition asymmetry between dominant and non-dominant arms in experienced overhead throwing sports athletes.

Overhead throwing can cause asymmetric physical characteristics induced by certain repeated asymmetric movements. Characterizing these physical properties could provide insights for health promotion, conditioning, and training planning. The status of asymmetric body composition and physical function in overhead throwing sports athletes remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate body composition asymmetries in experienced overhead throwing sports athletes. This study included 77 college students classified into three groups, overhead throw sports, non-overhead throw sports, and non-sports experience groups, based on past and current sports activities and years of experience. A body composition analyzer was used to measure body composition variables. The asymmetry in body composition variables between limbs was evaluated using the asymmetry index. Differences between groups were compared using one-way analysis of variance and post-hoc tests. The lean muscle mass asymmetry index of the arms in the overhead throw group was significantly higher than that in the other groups. The dominant arm lean muscle mass in the overhead throw group was significantly higher than that in the other groups. However, the non-dominant arm lean muscle mass in the overhead throw group was significantly higher than that in the non-sports experience group. Overhead throwing sports results in increased muscle mass in the dominant arm and produces asymmetry in muscle mass between the arms. This asymmetry may be induced by repeated and frequent asymmetrical motions. Our findings highlight the importance of characterizing the effect of sports activities on the athletes and may provide insights for conditioning regimens for them.

Anthropometric and Body Composition Changes during Pre-Season of Spanish Professional Female Soccer Players According to Playing Position.

In professional soccer, body composition analysis is crucial to assess preparation and optimize performance. Different playing positions have different physical demands, which can lead to variations in body composition. However, there are few studies on women's soccer that consider the playing position. This study aims to fill that gap by examining position-specific differences in anthropometric and body composition characteristics among Spanish professional female soccer players at the beginning and end of pre-season. Furthermore, it investigates the possible changes during the pre-season period between positions and correlates the data obtained from anthropometric equations with bioimpedance (BIA) measurements. Thirty-four female soccer players: 8 midfielders, 12 defenders, 11 forwards, and 3 goalkeepers (age: 23.06 ± 4.29 years, height: 164.15 ± 5.84 cm, weight: 58.39 ± 6.62 kg, and ∑6 skinfolds: 74.57 ± 18.48 mm) completed the study that lasted 4 weeks (pre-season) where they were measured anthropometrically and by bioimpedance twice. Goalkeepers showed greater wingspan (176.60 ± 7.06 p < 0.05) compared to other positions. Regarding differences during pre-season, midfielders had the greatest decrease in ∑6 skinfolds compared to other positions (∆ -12.10 ± 5.69 p < 0.05). There was a correlation of % fat between Faulkner's equation and BIA (Pearson's r = 0.817). It seems that there are no significant differences in terms of positions and body composition, except for the wingspan and ankle diameter. During pre-season, midfielders are the ones who improve their body composition the greatest. The anthropometric equation for body fat that shows the highest correlation with BIA is Faulkner's equation, followed by Durnin's equation.

An Interdisciplinary Intervention Based on Prescription of Physical Activity, Diet, and Positive Mental Health to Promote Healthy Lifestyle in Patients with Obesity: A Randomized Control Trial.

This study used a multimodal approach to address the issue of obesity among individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 30 and 40 residing in a rural region of north-east Spain. A pretest-posttest model was employed in a clinical trial design, comparing an intervention group with a control group. The intervention, which lasted for a period of nine months, was based on three main strategies: the prescription of physical activity, the promotion of healthy nutritional habits, and the management of emotional wellbeing through Positive Mental Health (PMH). A variety of assessment tools were employed, including the CLASS-AF scale and a stress test for physical activity levels; advanced anthropometry and blood analysis for metabolic and body composition variables; a Mediterranean diet adherence questionnaire for nutritional habits; and a PMH multifactorial questionnaire for the assessment of emotional management. The results revealed significant improvements in the level of physical activity and adherence to the Mediterranean diet in favor of the intervention group, where 89.4% (n = 17) of the participants went from being not very active/sedentary to being active. Also, adherence to the Mediterranean diet improved with a mean increase of 2.2 points on the scale [mean: 10.5 (CI 95%: 9.90, 11.09)]. In addition, significant reductions in body fat [mean: -2.50 kg (CI 95%: -3.56, -1.44)] and free fat mass [mean: -3.38% (IC 95%: -4.34, -2.41), along with decreased cholesterol levels (196 vs. 182 mg/dL), were observed, suggesting a decrease in cardiovascular and metabolic risk. In conclusion, this multimodal intervention was effective at improving the lifestyle of people with obesity and reducing their cardiovascular and metabolic risk. The combination of interventions focused on physical activity, diet, Positive Mental Health, and metabolic changes and were perceived as a comprehensive and complementary strategy in obesity care. These findings highlight the importance of approaching this condition from multiple perspectives to ensure optimal health outcomes.

A mobile app-based intervention improves anthropometry, body composition and fitness, regardless of previous active-inactive status: a randomized controlled trial.

The use of mobile apps to promote physical activity in adolescents can improve health-related parameters. However, previous studies have not evaluated whether the benefits depend on the users' prior active or inactive status. Therefore, the main objective was to analyze differences in physical activity levels, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (AMD), anthropometry, body composition, and physical fitness between active and inactive adolescents. The study was conducted through a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 462 adolescents, divided into experimental (EG) and control groups (CG), further categorized as active and inactive. Variables of physical activity, kinanthropometry, body composition, and physical fitness were measured before (pre-test) and after (post-test) a 10-week intervention using step-tracking apps (Strava, Pacer, MapMyWalk, and PokémonGo) at least three times per week. The results showed that inactive EG adolescents significantly increased their physical activity levels, body mass, and muscle mass, and improved in all fitness variables except the countermovement jump (CMJ). The sum of three skinfolds also significantly decreased. Active EG adolescents increased body and muscle mass and improved in all fitness variables. Additionally, they significantly reduced fat mass and the sum of three skinfolds. All covariates, mainly gender and maturity, had significant effects on the study variables. Comparing changes between the active EG and CG groups, significant differences were found in body mass index (BMI) and CMJ in favor of the EG. However, while significant differences were observed in the study variables when analyzing each app individually, there were no differences between the changes produced by each app in these variables. After a 10-week program of physical activity promoted through step-tracking apps, improvements were observed in fat variables, cardiorespiratory fitness, and curl-up performance. Furthermore, only inactive adolescents perceived an increase in their level of physical activity. The measurement protocol was registered prior to the start of the intervention at ClinicalTrials.gov (code: NCT04860128).

Exploring body composition and somatotype profiles among youth professional soccer players

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the body composition and somatotype of professional soccer players, investigating variations across categories and playing positions. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study was conducted with 51 male professional soccer players in the U-19 and U-20 categories. Data about sex, age, height, and weight were collected between March and May 2023. Body composition analysis utilized the ISAK protocol for the restricted profile, while somatotype categorization employed the Heath and Carter formula. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics V.26, which involved the application of Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests to discern differences in body composition variables and proportionality based on categories and playing positions. The Dunn test further identified specific positions exhibiting significant differences. RESULTS: The study encompassed 51 players, highlighting meaningful differences in body composition. The average body mass in kg was 75.8 (±6.9) for U-20 players and 70.5 (±6.1) for U-19 players. The somatotype values were 2.6-4.6-2.3 for U-20 players and 2.5-4.3-2.8 for U-19 players, with a predominance of muscle mass in all categories, characterizing them as balanced mesomorphs. CONCLUSIONS: Body composition and somatotype findings underscore distinctions in body mass across categories and playing positions, with notably higher body mass and muscle mass predominance in elevated categories. However, the prevailing skeletal muscle development establishes a significant semblance with the recognized somatotype standard for soccer.

Association between lifestyle factors and mental health in apparently healthy young men

ObjectiveThe study aims to explore the relationship between modifiable lifestyle factors (physical activity, sedentary time, body composition, muscle strength) and mental health, and predict future changes in mental health.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted on 133 men (age: 29.03 ± 6.605 years, BMI: 23.58 ± 2.688 kg/m²) to assess baseline body composition, muscle strength, sedentary time, and mental health, with follow-up at 3 months. F-tests were employed to compare the differences in mental health on sedentary time and body composition variables. Spearman correlation analysis was used to examine correlations between variables.ResultsSpearman’s correlation analysis showed that sedentary time, muscle strength and mental health of the subjects were significantly correlated. BMI, BFM, BFMI, PBF were higher in subjects with ≥ 4 h of sedentary time than in the other two shorter sedentary time groups. Subjects with higher PBF (p = 0.047, η2 = 0.030) and BFM (p = 0.032, η2 = 0.035) had severer depression. Subjects who sat for ≥ 4 h at a time were more severely depressed than those who sat for 2–4 h (p = 0.020). Change in depression was significantly negatively correlated with BMI, BFM, BFMI and PBF. Subjects with higher PBF (p = 0.023, η2 = 0.050) and BFM (p = 0.005, η2 = 0.075) at the baseline had less change in depression.ConclusionA Significant correlation was found between sedentary time, body composition and mental health, and baseline body composition predicted changes in mood three months later.

53 Associations between body composition, ClearCode34, and clinical outcomes in localized clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Abstract Background Emerging evidence suggests that pre-surgical body composition is a prognostic factor for cancer outcomes. Lower skeletal muscle quantity and radiodensity have been associated with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) outcomes in other studies, while reports of the relationship between visceral adipose tissue and RCC outcomes have been inconsistent. Mechanisms underlying these associations are unclear but may relate to tumor biology. We leveraged a large molecular epidemiology study of localized clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients to examine how pre-surgical body composition features were associated with survival post-nephrectomy as well as ClearCode34 status, a previously validated prognostic gene expression signature. Methods The RESOLVE study at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is a retrospective study of 1,239 patients with stage I-III ccRCC undergoing nephrectomy without systemic therapy. Pre-surgical CT scans at the third lumbar vertebrae were segmented for the cross-sectional areas and radiodensities of skeletal muscle, subcutaneous adipose and visceral adipose tissues using Automatica software. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissue samples were available for 929 patients, which were sent to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and assayed for gene expression. RNA was extracted from these samples and analyzed using the Nanostring nCounter system on a custom panel of 356 genes, including the 34 genes used in the ClearCode34 assay. Of the 929 patients with tumor tissue available, gene expression data from 837 patients (90.1%) passed RNA extraction and data QC. Samples were classified into either ccA or ccB ClearCode34 classes using a reference data set and PAM (prediction analysis of microarrays) centroid-based classification. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for disease-free survival (DFS) within five years of diagnosis using Cox proportional hazards models for both body composition variables and ClearCode34 subtype. We also estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs for associations between ClearCode34 subtype and body composition with logistic regression. All multivariable models were adjusted for age, sex, and all body composition variables. Results Of the 837 patients in our analytic sample, 219 (26%) had ccB tumors. Men, patients with high stage or grade tumors, and patients with chronic kidney disease prior to nephrectomy were more likely to present with ccB tumors. Lower skeletal muscle density (SMD) was significantly associated with lower five-year DFS [HR (95% CI) per 10 HU decrease in SMD: 1.7 (1.2, 2.3)]. While no other body composition features were significantly associated, we also observed non-significantly increased HRs for VATI and VATD [HR (95% CIs): 1.3 (0.8, 2.0) and 1.5 (0.9, 2.7), respectively]. ClearCode34 subtype was significantly associated with five-year DFS, where patients with ccB tumors had poorer DFS [HR (95% CI): 1.7 (1.1, 2.5)] compared to patients with ccA tumors. Notably, we observed no significant associations between any body composition feature and ClearCode34 in univariable analyses. However, in multivariable models that accounted for all body composition variables simultaneously as well as age and sex, lower SMD emerged as significantly associated with ccB subtype [OR (95% CI) per 10 HU decrease in SMD: 1.3 (1.0, 1.7)]. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the associations observed between body composition features and clinical outcomes in ccRCC may be related to tumor biology. Lower pre-surgical SMD, which may represent myosteatosis and metabolic dysregulation in ccRCC patients, was associated with both decreased five-year DFS and an increased likelihood of presenting with a more aggressive ccB tumor. Future studies should investigate body composition features related to ccRCC prognosis and additional markers of tumor biology, such as immune-related gene expression patterns, to extend these findings.

23 Pre-surgical visceral adipose tissue may be a novel pre-surgical risk factor for acute kidney injury among clear cell renal cell cancer patients undergoing radical nephrectomy

Abstract Background Patients with renal cancer undergoing partial (PN) or radical nephrectomy (RN) are at risk for acute kidney injury (AKI). Established risk factor for AKI include baseline comorbidities (e.g., obesity, hypertension), normal renal parenchymal loss, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Pre-surgical body composition may be an overlooked modifiable patient characteristic that influences risk of AKI. We hypothesized that patients with higher visceral adipose tissue quantity or lower skeletal muscle quantity would have a higher risk of AKI. Methods The RESOLVE study at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is a retrospective study of 1239 patients with stage I-III clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) undergoing PN or RN from 2000 to 2020. We excluded from analysis patients with solitary kidney, those without preoperative serum creatinine (sCr) measurements, and those without a sCr measurement within seven days following nephrectomy, yielding a study population of 1,200 ccRCC patients with longitudinal sCr assessment (n=754 PN; n=446 PN). AKI was defined as a binary variable using the Kidney Disease – Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria, based on a threshold of either a 1.5x relative or 0.3 mg/dl absolute increase in sCr within seven days. The cross-sectional areas and radiodensities of visceral adipose and skeletal muscle tissues were determined from pre-surgical computed tomography (CT) scans at the third lumbar vertebrae using Automatica software. We used generalized linear models with a binomial family and identity link to estimate seven-day risk differences (RD) and 95% confidence intervals in subgroups defined by surgery type. Results AKI was more frequent among patients undergoing RN (66% vs 26% among PN). Male patients, those with higher eGFR prior to surgery, those with lower stage/smaller tumors, and those with a history of hyperlipidemia more frequently experienced AKI in the post-operative period. No associations were observed with other reported comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension). While no association was observed between BMI and risk of AKI, visceral adipose and skeletal muscle variables were significantly associated with risk of AKI in univariate models. After adjustment for age, sex, comorbidities, and other body composition variables, only higher visceral adipose tissue quantity remained significantly associated with increased risk of AKI [RD per 40 unit increase (95% CI): 5.2 (1.3, 9.2)]. Muscle characteristics were not associated with AKI in multivariable models. Among patients undergoing PN, we observed a higher frequency of AKI among male patients, those with higher stage/larger tumors, and those with longer ischemia times. No significant associations were observed with comorbidity histories. In univariate models, visceral adipose tissue quantity and quality as well as skeletal muscle quantity were associated with AKI risk; however, after adjustment for age, sex, comorbidities, and other body composition variables, we observed no significant associations between any body composition feature and AKI in patients undergoing PN. Conclusions Associations between pre-surgical body composition and risk of AKI vary by surgery type. Visceral adipose tissue quantity was associated with risk of AKI among patients undergoing RN, but not PN. This finding may be relevant for patient counseling, consideration for nephron-sparing surgery, and development of interventions to lower visceral adipose tissue quantity. Future studies should evaluate the impact of both pre-surgical and post-surgical change in body composition in relation on chronic kidney disease after nephrectomy.

Physical Activity, Body Composition, and Fitness Variables in Adolescents After Periods of Mandatory, Promoted or Nonmandatory, Nonpromoted Use of Step Tracker Mobile Apps: Randomized Controlled Trial.

It is not known whether an intervention made mandatory as a physical education (PE) class assignment and aimed at promoting physical activity (PA) in adolescents can create a healthy walking habit, which would allow further improvements to be achieved after the mandatory and promoted intervention has been completed. The aims of this study were to (1) investigate whether, after a period of using a step tracker mobile app made mandatory and promoted as a PE class assignment, adolescents continue to use it when its use is no longer mandatory and promoted; (2) determine whether there are changes in the PA level, body composition, and fitness of adolescents when the use of the app is mandatory and promoted and when it is neither mandatory nor promoted; and (3) analyze whether the covariates maturity status, gender, and specific app used can have an influence. A total of 357 students in compulsory secondary education (age: mean 13.92, SD 1.91 y) participated in the study. A randomized controlled trial was conducted consisting of 2 consecutive 10-week interventions. Participants' PA level, body composition, and fitness were measured at baseline (T1), after 10 weeks of mandatory and promoted app use (T2), and after 10 weeks of nonmandatory and nonpromoted app use (T3). Each participant in the experimental group (EG) used 1 of 4 selected step tracker mobile apps after school hours. The results showed that when the use of the apps was neither mandatory nor promoted as a PE class assignment, only a few adolescents (18/216, 8.3%) continued the walking practice. After the mandatory and promoted intervention period (T1 vs T2), a decrease in the sum of 3 skinfolds (mean difference [MD] 1.679; P=.02) as well as improvements in the PA level (MD -0.170; P<.001), maximal oxygen uptake (MD -1.006; P<.001), countermovement jump test (MD -1.337; P=.04), curl-up test (MD -3.791; P<.001), and push-up test (MD -1.920; P<.001) in the EG were recorded. However, the changes between T1 and T2 were significantly greater in the EG than in the control group only in the PA level and curl-up test. Thus, when comparing the measurements taken between T1 and T3, no significant changes in body composition (P=.07) or fitness (P=.84) were observed between the EG and the control group. The covariates maturity status, gender, and specific app used showed a significant effect in most of the analyses performed. A period of mandatory and promoted use of step tracker mobile apps benefited the variables of body composition and fitness in adolescents but did not create a healthy walking habit in this population; therefore, when the use of these apps ceased to be mandatory and promoted, the effects obtained disappeared. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06164041; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06164041.

Mechanical efficiency: associations with body composition and glycemic profile in healthy adults.

The aim of this study was to assess the association between net mechanical efficiency (NME) and body composition and glycemic profile, in middle-aged (38.3 ± 14.3years) participants from the Quebec Family Study (QFS). Analyses were completed on a sample of 605 participants (271 males and 334 females) who performed a submaximal exercise test on an ergometer consisting of three consecutive 6-min workloads at increasing intensity during which respiratory gas exchange was assessed. The calculation of NME [power output/ (vO2-vO2seated before exercise)] was based on the values of the last 3min of the first workload at a targeted power output of 30W. Correlations between NME and dependent variables were computed separately in males and females. Associations between NME and body composition and glucose-insulin variables were assessed by comparing groups of subjects categorized in sex-specific tertiles of NME after adjustments for age. Significant negative correlations were observed between NME and body composition and glycemic profile in both sexes. Comparison across tertiles showed that individuals with high NME displayed more favorable adiposity and glycemic profiles. These differences remained significant after further adjustments for participation in vigorous physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and mean exercise respiratory exchange ratio whereas most differences in glucose-insulin variables became non-significant after further adjustment for percent body fat. QFS familial data indicate that the heritability of NME reaches about 30%. In conclusion, the results of this study show that beyond aerobic fitness and physical activity-participation, mechanical efficiency is an additional activity-related variable that is independently associated with variations in body composition and glycemic profile.

Sex differences in body composition and shock attenuation during running

Running-related impact shock is absorbed via biological tissue deformation. Given known sex differences in body composition, shock attenuation may also differ between sexes thereby influencing sex-specific running-related injury risk. This study examined sex differences in body composition and shock attenuation during running. Seventeen female (mean ± 1SD age: 34.7 ± 16.1) and twenty-one male runners (age: 29.0 ± 13.8) ran overground as inertial measurement units with triaxial accelerometers measured impact shock at the distal tibia and low-back. Frequency-domain axial and resultant shock attenuation were calculated between the low-back relative to the tibia using a transfer function of the power spectral density within 9–20, 21–35, and 36–50 Hz. Bone mineral density and content, fat and lean mass were measured in the lower extremity and pelvis/gynoid regions using dual x-ray absorptiometry. The association between sex and shock attenuation was tested using age-adjusted linear regression models, adjusted and unadjusted for body composition as a post-hoc analysis (α = 0.05). Body composition variables normalized to body mass were compared between sexes using independent samples t-tests (α = 0.05). Body composition differed between sexes (p-range: <0.001–0.01, Cohen’s d range: 0.17–2.41). Before adjusting for body composition, sex was not significantly associated with axial or resultant shock attenuation (p > 0.05), but adjusting for select body composition variables like lower extremity lean and bone mass revealed greater attenuation in females than males (β-range: −124.76 to −46.42, negative indicates greater attenuation; p-range = 0.004–0.04). Sex may not influence shock attenuation during running, but body composition must be accounted for to better understand this association and consequently sex-specific tissue capacities relative to applied loads.

Body composition and aging: cross-sectional results from the INSPIRE study in people 20 to 93years old.

Aging is characterized by several major changes, including altered body composition, which is associated with numerous negative clinical consequences such as sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and frailty. The study is to evaluate body composition parameters depending on age and sex in a population ranging from the young adult to the very old, and to identify break points in the association between body composition and age. In this cross-sectional study, we included the enrolment population of the French INSPIRE-T prospective cohort, accounting for 915 subjects (62% female). Age ranged from 20 to 93years, median age (years) was 63 (IQR 27). Body composition (lean mass, fat mass, and bone mineral content) was assessed with dual-X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Different break points in the relationship between age and body composition variables in males and females were identified using a segmented regression analysis adjusted on physical activity, nutritional status, educational level, and comorbidities. Lean mass decreased from the age of 55years for males (CI 95% 44-66) and 31years for females (CI 95% 23-39). For fat mass, we observed a trend towards an increase with age for males. For females, we observed an increase with age up to age 75 (CI 95% 62-86), followed by a decreasing trend. In this study, we described the relationship between body composition and age as a function of sex, establishing a foundation for further studies on predictive biomarkers of age-related body composition alteration.

Load carriage does not reduce absolute mechanical power output but reduces agility in elite military police officers

Objectives. The main objective of this study was to evaluate mean propulsive velocity (MPV), mean propulsive force (MPF) and mean propulsive power (MPP) in elite police officers under LOADED and UNLOADED conditions. The study also investigated the association of body composition and strength levels under the same load conditions. Methods. Twenty-one men from an elite unit in Brazil participated in the study, performing Smith machine half squats and an agility test. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry measured body composition; a linear encoder measured MPV, MPF and MPP during the half squats; and a manual chronometer registered agility test performance. Results. The results showed that wearing and carrying occupational loads did not alter the squat exercise’s MPP, MPV and MPF but reduced the performance of relative MPP and agility (p < 0.05). The results also showed that MPP had a higher association with force (i.e., MPF and one-repetition maximum [1RM]) than velocity (i.e., MPV and agility) under the LOADED condition (p < 0.05). Among the body composition variables, only lean body mass was associated with MPP under the LOADED condition (p < 0.05). Conclusion. These findings suggest that load carriage does not reduce absolute mechanical power output, but reduces the relative MPP and agility in military police officers.

Insights into the clinical impact of complete blood cell inflammatory markers on body composition variations and fatty liver grading in Iranian adults undergoing bariatric surgery: a retrospective longitudinal study.

In bariatric surgery, inflammatory biomarkers predict outcomes. Limited research on complete blood cell (CBC) markers stresses the need for correlation study. This research explores links between CBC inflammatory markers, body changes, and fatty liver grades in Iranian bariatric patients. This retrospective longitudinal study examined 237 bariatric surgery patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria and were deemed eligible for participation. These criteria encompassed patients who had undergone sleeve or mini-bypass surgery and were aged between 18 and 65 years. The study gathered demographic data, pre and post-surgery changes in CBC inflammatory biomarkers [neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), mean platelet volume (MPV), MPV-to-platelet count ratio (MPV/PC), and red cell distribution width (RDW)] and fatty liver grades. Additionally, it recorded pre and post-surgery changes in body composition, such as weight, muscle mass (MM), fat mass (FM), and fat-free mass (FFM). The pre-surgery RDW marker significantly associated with FM changes, highlighting its predictive nature. While no significant association was found between changes in patients' fatty liver grade and baseline marker values, it's worth noting that individuals with higher MM at 3 months achieved a fatty liver grade of zero. Also, at 6 months, higher FFM and MM were also associated with reaching a fatty liver grade of zero. While the retrospective design of this study limits its findings to existing clinical data, future prospective research should collect additional samples, extend the observation time, and examine the long-term predictive value of these markers.

Growth and physical development of children at apparent risk of sarcopenia.

The consequences of sarcopenia on growth have received little attention. We analysed the potential risk resulting from the low lean mass for age expressed through the appendicular lean body mass index (aLBMI) and the ratio aLBM/trunk fat mass (trFM). The sample consisted of 580 participants 10-13 yrs evaluated twice in a 12-month interval: height, trFM, total and aLBM, whole-body bone mineral density less head (WBLH BMD), tibia and radius SOS, maturity and handgrip strength were measured. All variables except maturity and BMI were standardised according to sex and age group (Z-score) using the sample as a reference. A high risk of sarcopenia was identified for Z-scores ≤ -1 on aLBMI (Group B) or aLBM/trFM (Group C), while Z-scores > -1 on both markers were considered at low risk for sarcopenia (Group A). The ANCOVA adjusted for maturity was used to compare the three groups. Girls showed a more significant decrease in the total BMC/LBM ratio in Group B and a minor increase in WBLH BMD in Group C (p < 0.050); boys in Group B showed a tendency to gain less height (p = 0.053). The high risk of sarcopenia expressed through aLBMI or aLBM/trFM Z-score ≤ -1 compromises bone mineralisation in girls. The findings emphasise the necessity of implementing routine screening protocols for sarcopenia risk within clinical environments and educational institutions. Such screenings should extend beyond merely assessing body mass index to encompass broader body composition variables like lean body mass. By integrating these assessments into routine health evaluations, healthcare professionals and educators can proactively identify at-risk individuals and initiate timely interventions for suboptimal physical growth and development.

The Effect of Passive Dehydration on Phase Angle and Body Composition: A Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis.

To determine the effect of body weight loss elicited by passive dehydration on body composition scores, including phase angle (PhA). Twenty-five euhydrated apparently healthy and physically active men's (age = 22.6 ± 3.3 yr.; body mass = 76.7 ± 15.9 kg; height = 172.0 ± 6.3 cm) body composition variables and PhA were measured before and after sitting quietly for 5 h in a controlled environment (26.6 ± 1.7 °C, 72 ± 4.9%RH). It was found that five hours of passive dehydration caused a loss in body weight (Δ = 0.76 ± 0.34 kg, p < 0.05) and a decrease in body fat estimation (Δ = 0.90 ± 0.87 kg, p < 0.001). Additionally, an increase in ECW (Δ = 0.12 ± 0.30 L, p < 0.021) and PhA (Δ = 0.10 ± 0.15°, p < 0.005) was observed. Body weight loss due to passive dehydration decreased BIA-derived fat mass, and increased extracellular water and PhA in physically active and apparently healthy men. Nonetheless, these changes had a negligible effect on the accuracy of the equipment, rendering them clinically insignificant.

Cardiovascular and autonomic behavior of the use of combined therapy as a strategy to reduce abdominal fat: non-randomized clinical trial

Introduction: Physiological and therapeutic changes promoted by combined therapy (CT) can act as a stressor for the body and generate changes in cardiovascular and autonomic behaviors. Objective: To analyze changes in body composition, cardiovascular variables, and heart rate variability (HRV) indices after applying CT in young women. Materials and Methods: Non-randomized clinical trial, 41 volunteers, using oral contraceptives, passive, and with a 4 cm supra-iliac skin fold. During 12 visits to the beauty center, initial and final assessments were carried out (anthropometric: body mass index, skin fold, percentage of body fat; cardiovascular: heart rate and blood pressure; and autonomic (HRV indices) and 10 CT sessions Results: After the 10 CT sessions, there were reductions in skin fold values ​​and percentage of body fat (p&lt;0.05). However, there were no differences in cardiovascular variables or HRV when comparing the moments before and after ten sessions. CT sessions (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: The combined therapy proved effective in reducing localized fat and safe in terms of changes in HRV indices without causing changes in blood pressure.

Genetic Evidence of Endocannabinoid System on Perceived Stress and Restricted Food Intake: The Role of Variants rs324420 in FAAH Gene and rs1049353 in CNR1 Gene.

Background: The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is active in brain regions involved in stress, food intake, and emotional regulation. The CB1 receptor and the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) enzyme regulate the ECS. Genetic variants in the FAAH gene (rs324420) and in the CNR1 gene (rs1049353) have been involved in both chronic stress and obesity. As a maladaptive strategy to evade the stress, three dysfunctional eating patterns may appear: cognitive restriction, disinhibition, and emotional eating. Aim: To evaluate the association of variants rs324420 in the FAAH gene and rs1049353 in the CNR1 gene with perceived stress, dysfunctional eating patterns, and anthropometric and body composition variables. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 189 participants from western Mexico. The Spanish version of the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire and the Perceived Stress Scale were applied. Genotyping was performed with TaqMan® probes. Results: It was found that subjects with CA/AA genotypes in FAAH had a higher risk of presenting high scores in stress perception than CC genotype carriers (odds ratio [OR] 1.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.007-3.339; p = 0.048); in addition, the CC genotype of this genetic variant was related to higher body weight and body fat, but no association was found with dysfunctional eating patterns. As for the CNR1 single-nucleotide polymorphism, this variant showed no significant association with stress perception scores, but subjects with GA/AA genotypes in CNR1 had a lower risk of presenting high scores of restriction in food intake compared with GG genotype carriers (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.046-0.322; p < 0.001). Therefore, this study suggests a differential role of the ECS genes FAAH and CNR1 in perceived stress and dysfunctional eating patterns, respectively. Further studies in other populations are required.