Relationship between Somatotype and Blood Pressure in a Group of Institutionalized Venezuelan Elders

Human adaptation to cold and warm climatic conditions: A comparison between two geographically diverse Indigenous populations

OBJECTIVES

The present study aims to compare body adiposity and blood pressure (BP) in two climatically and ethnically diverse populations, examining whether thermoregulatory adaptive mechanism may protect Indigenous populations from exhibiting adverse consequences of increased adiposity.

METHODS

A cross sectional sample of 404 subjects, of which 200 were Monpa and 204 were Santhal, from two ethnically and geographically distinct populations of India were studied. Body mass index (BMI; kg/m2 ), fat mass (FM; kg), fat free mass (kg), and percent body fat (%BF) were calculated for evaluation of body adiposity. Multivariate multiple regression analysis was adopted to examine the influence of age and sex of populations under study, on body adiposity and BP variables.

RESULTS

BMI, %BF, and FM were found to be significantly higher (p ˂ .001) among the Monpa males and females compared with their Santhal counterparts. In contrast, the prevalence of hypertension among Monpa and Santhal is comparable (3.5%Monpa vs. 3.9%Santhal for systolic BP; 8.5%Monpa vs. 8.3%Santhal for diastolic BP). Adiposity, as quantitated by the fat mass index and %BF was significantly (p ˂ .001) correlated to age and sex of study population, explaining ~75.3% and ~75.4% of total variations of these variables, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall the present study suggests that modern human populations follow thermoregulatory mechanism for adaptation to different climatic conditions. Consequently, greater adiposity was evident among the Monpa who adapt to the cold climate, in comparison to their Santhal counterparts who dwell in warm climate.

Anthropometry as a readily accessible health assessment of older adults

Anthropometry (derived from the Greek Anthropos: human, and metron: measure) refers to the systematic collection, and measurement of the physical characteristics of the human body, primarily body weight, body size, and shape. Anthropometric values are closely related to genetic factors, environmental characteristics, social, and cultural conditions, lifestyle, functional status, and health. Anthropometric measurements can be used to assess risk of malnutrition, obesity, muscle wasting, increased fat mass, and maldistribution of adipose tissue. Potential modifiable factors include circumferences, skinfolds, and body weight. While are height, and the bone diameters are non-modifiable. Kinanthropometry is the study of size, shape, proportionality, composition, biological maturation, and body function, in order to understand the process of growth, exercise, sports performance, and nutrition. Aging of the population, which is associated with increased risk of chronic disease, and disability, is one of the most important demographic changes facing many countries. Anthropometric indicators are simple, portable, non-invasive, inexpensive, and easily applied measurements that can be readily applied in geriatric populations to guide preventative measures, and medical interventions in older adults.

Familial Resemblance in Body Shape and Composition, Metabolic Syndrome, Physical Activity and Physical Fitness: A Summary of Research in Portuguese Families and Siblings

We report a summary of Portuguese families and siblings research under the umbrella of the Portuguese Healthy Family Project. Families lived in mainland Portugal, as well as in the Azores and Madeira islands. All samples comprise children and adolescents (9-20 years) and their parents (27-57 years). Recruitment procedures and phenotypes were detailed. Familial resemblance in body shape and composition, metabolic syndrome, physical fitness, physical activity and sedentary behaviors are presented, as well as future research avenues.

Somatotype, diet and nutritional status of women

The relationship between energy value and nutrients intake and the body shape and size parameters (weight, height, waist and hip circumferences) has become an interesting research area for nutritionists and dieticians. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the body shape and size parameters (weight, height, waist and hip circumferences), somatotype (according to the Rohrer (RI) index) and energy value and nutrients intake of women. The study was conducted in 2014 and 2016 on 148 female volunteers aged 57-88 from the Mazovian and Lublin province (Poland). Sample selection was targeted at elderly people with different body types. The exclusion criteria were: multi-organ failure, cancer and disability. Then among the subjects, a survey was conducted, that included demographic data, lifestyle, health status and vitamins and minerals supplements use. Food intake has been assessed using a 3-day dietary food records. The somatotype was determined using the RI with the Curtis key, classifying the subjects as ectomorphic (n=30), mesomorphic (n=31) and endomorphic (n=87). The somatotype was significantly related to place of residence, physical activity, waist and hip circumference, WHR and BMI index, total protein intake, animal protein intake, vitamin E intake (p≤0.05) and to fat, phosphorus and thiamine intake (p≤0.1). The obtained results showed that the place of residence, physical activity, chronic diseases, the use of specialized diet, body weight fluctuations, BMI and WHR were different depending on the somatotype in the examined group of women. Endomorphic subjects had significantly greater waist and hip circumference and diastolic blood pressure compared to the other somatotypes. The somatotype had only a significant effect on total protein, animal protein and vitamin E intake, and ectomorphic elderly women may be particularly susceptible to nutrient deficiencies. Due to the risk of macronutrient, vitamin and mineral deficiencies in the diets of the examined women, it seems necessary to educate this group as well as caregivers and doctors in the area of nutrition adapted to the needs of the elderly.

Somatotype characteristics of normal-weight and obese women among different metabolic subtypes

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a well known risk factor for the development of metabolic abnormalities. However, some obese people are healthy and on the other hand some people with normal weight have adverse metabolic profile, therefore it can be assumed that there is a difference in physical characteristics amongst these people. The aim of this study was to establish whether there are somatotype differences between metabolically healthy and metabolically obese women who are obese or of normal weight.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Study included 230 women aged 44.76 ± 11.21y. Metabolic status was assessed according to IDF criteria, while somatotype was obtained using Heath & Carter method.

RESULTS

Significant somatotype differences were observed in the group of women with normal-weight: metabolically healthy women had significantly lower endomorphy, mesomorphy and higher ectomorphy compared to metabolically obese normal-weight women (5.84-3.97-2.21 vs. 8.69-6.47-0.65). Metabolically healthy obese women had lower values of endomorphy and mesomorphy and higher values of ectomorphy compared to 'at risk' obese women but the differences were not statistically significant (7.59-5.76-0.63 vs. 8.51-6.58-0.5). Ectomorphy was shown as an important determinant of the favorable metabolic profile (cutoff point was 0.80).

CONCLUSION

We concluded that, in addition to fat mass, metabolic profile could be predicted by the structure of lean body mass, and in particular by body linearity.

SOMATÓTIPO E IMAGEM CORPORAL EM PESSOAS VIVENDO COM HIV/AIDS

RESUMO Introdução: A terapia antirretroviral de alta atividade (HAART) está associada ao surgimento de diversos efeitos adversos na população com HIV/Aids, dentre as quais, a lipodistrofia. Caracterizada pela reorganização anormal de gordura pelo corpo, é um dos efeitos mais relevantes, envolvendo riscos cardiometabólicos e prejuízos na imagem corporal. Objetivo: Analisar a somatotipia e a imagem corporal em pessoas vivendo com HIV/AIDS. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por cinco mulheres (47,8 ± 6,53 anos) em uso da HAART e fisicamente ativas. Foi realizada uma intervenção com o treinamento concorrente e aconselhamento dietético e avaliou-se a conformação corporal pelo somatótipo e a imagem corporal pela escala de silhuetas. Resultados: Não houve diferença na classificação do somatótipo, entretanto, os resultados apontaram diferença significativa para a análise da distância de dispersão entre somatótipos (DDS) na 1ª semana (DDS = 2,63) e 16ª semana de intervenção (DDS = 2,96), quando avaliado pelas médias; e quando avaliado individualmente, verificou-se diferença significativa tanto na DDS quanto na distância espacial entre somatótipos (DES) nos casos 1, na 8ª semana (DDS = 3,20 e DES = 1,01) e 16.a semana (DDS = 2,73); e caso 3, na 1ª semana (DDS = 9,25 e DES = 1,44) e 16ª semana (DDS = 8,06 e DES = 1,37). Quanto à imagem corporal, observou-se a aproximação da imagem atual à imagem ideal (imagem atual inicial = 6; imagem atual final = 5; e imagem ideal inicial e final = 3). Conclusão: O programa de treinamento concorrente associado à orientação nutricional produziu resultados positivos tanto no somatótipo quanto na percepção da imagem corporal das participantes, comprovando sua eficácia no controle da lipodistrofia e na satisfação da imagem corporal do grupo avaliado.

Somatotipo, fatores de risco e razão cintura-estatura em indivíduos fisicamente ativos

INTRODUÇÃO: A relação entre o tipo físico e o risco cardiovascular vem sendo estudada em diversas populações do mundo. No Brasil, estudos que avaliam esta relação são escassos, principalmente quando se trata de indivíduos que praticam atividades físicas. Objetivo: Analisar a relação do somatotipo com fatores de risco cardiovascular e razão cintura-estatura (RCEst) em praticantes de atividade física.MÉTODOS: Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva com delineamento transversal. A amostra foi constituída por 280 sujeitos, usuários da pista de Cooper da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, na cidade de Recife, PE, Brasil. Para identificação do nível de atividade física, utilizou-se a versão curta do International Physical Activity Questionnaire(IPAQ). Os indivíduos classificados como muito ativos, ativos ou irregularmente ativos A ou B, foram incluídos na amostra. Excluíram-se os sujeitos inativos fisicamente. O somatotipo foi estimado através do protocolo antropométrico de Carter e Heath (1990). Determinaram-se como fatores de risco cardiovascular o tabagismo, o consumo de bebida alcoólica e a pressão arterial (PA). Empregou-se a estatística descritiva para caracterização da amostra, em seguida, utilizou-se a Análise de Variância Multivariada (MANOVA), com nível de significância de p < 0,05.RESULTADOS: Não foi identificada relação significativa para as variáveis tabagismo e consumo de bebida alcoólica. Na análise da PA (Pillai's trace = 0,082; F = 8,187; p < 0,05) e da RCEst (Pillai's trace = 0,298; F = 39,081; p < 0,05), verificou-se significância estatística com o somatotipo.CONCLUSÃO: O tipo físico foi positivo e significativamente relacionado com a PA e com a RCEst, demonstrando que esse indicador antropométrico pode ser utilizado para predizer precocemente o risco de desenvolvimento de doenças cardiovasculares.

Selecting the implant height in breast augmentation with anatomical prosthesis: the "number Y"

BACKGROUND

Selecting the appropriate implant is one of the most important and demanding decisions in breast augmentation with anatomical implants, because different widths, heights, and projections can be found for a given volume. Most of the related literature and surgeons' concern have focused on width and projection. Implant height selection, however, has remained deeply overlooked, and it has been assumed that it depended on the suprasternal notch-to-nipple distance and, to a large extent, on the patient's height.

METHODS

With more than 5123 breast augmentations performed over the past 15 years, the authors performed an analysis of the breast and implant height with consequences in aesthetic augmentation of the breast. Two concepts--breast implantation base (or breast footprint) and somatotype--were explored. Their influence in the selection of the appropriate anatomical implant height is investigated.

RESULTS

Selection of implant height should follow the patient's breast implantation base, which is highly influenced by her somatotype. With this assumption, a "number Y" is proposed that correlates the suprasternal notch-to-nipple distance with the thoracic perimeter and unveils the shape of the breast implantation base in the particular patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjusting the implant shape/footprint to the breast implantation base/breast footprint gives the surgeon control over the upper pole of the breast and allows a predictable postoperative result. The number Y rationalizes the selection of the implant height in breast augmentation.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

A violência doméstica contra idosos nas áreas de abrangência do Programa Saúde da Família de Niterói (RJ, Brasil)

Este artigo investiga a magnitude e as características da violência contra idosos no domicílio por pessoas de confiança no bairro da Ilha da Conceição, em Niterói (RJ), adscritos ao Programa Saúde da Família. Através de um inquérito domiciliar, foram entrevistados 343 indivíduos com 60 anos ou mais, selecionados por amostragem aleatória simples. Para identificação de violência usou-se a Escala Tática de Conflitos. As informações sobre identificação, características demográficas e socioeconômicas foram obtidas pela Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílio. Avaliou-se a saúde mental pelo Miniexame do Estado Mental. Para avaliação da capacidade funcional, usou-se o Health Assessment Questionnaire. Quanto à suspeita de uso de álcool pelos homens, utilizou-se o instrumento CAGE; para a idosa ou cuidadora, o instrumento TWEAK. 43% relataram pelo menos um episódio de violência psicológica. A violência física foi relatada por 9,6% dos entrevistados; 6,1% referiram ocorrência de violência física grave nesse período. A prevalência das diversas modalidades de violência foi maior entre os mais novos, com maior escolaridade, entre os que apresentam uma das patologias que caracterizam o idoso como tendo uma vulnerabilidade (depressão e/ou incontinência urinária/fecal e/ou diabetes e/ou reumatismo) e entre os que moram com maior número de indivíduos.

Somatotype and blood pressure of rural South African children aged 6-13 years: Ellisras longitudinal growth and health study

BACKGROUND

Physique has been useful in assessing the outcome of underlying growth and maturity processes, which leads to a better understanding of variation in child and adult health. However, a high endomorphy rating has been associated with hypertension in adults, posing a serious threat to their health status, while receiving little attention in children.

AIM

The study examined the association between somatotypes, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) in 6-13-year-old rural children, in Ellisras, South Africa.

SUBJECTS

A total of 1902 subjects (980 boys and 922 girls) aged 6-13 years were studied as part of the Ellisras Longitudinal Study. Height, weight, four skinfold sites, two breadths, and two girths were measured according to the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). The Heath-Carter method of somatotyping was used, together with internationally recommended cut-off points for BMI in children. Hypertension, defined as the average of three separate BP readings, where the systolic or diastolic BP is greater than or equal to the 95th percentile for age and sex, was determined.

RESULTS

The prevalence of hypertension ranges from 1 to 5.8% in boys and 3.4-11.4% in girls. The prevalence of overweight ranges from 1.1 to 2.9% in boys and 0.6-4.6% in girls. Systolic BP and BMI showed a significant positive correlation at age 6 years (r = 0.436) and 10-13 years (r = 0.180-0.246 in boys and r = 0.221-0.271 in girls). Diastolic BP showed an insignificant correlation with the BMI and somatotype components in boys and girls.

CONCLUSION

A significant association exists between BP and BMI, and ectomorphy components even after being adjusted for age, gender and height. The need to manage hypertensive individuals is evident in this sample to combat this chronic disease from an early age. Follow-up studies should investigate the relationship between BP and the dietary intake of these children.

Somatotype in Alzheimer's disease

BACKGROUND

The clinical picture of Alzheimer's disease includes anthropometric and body composition variations. Somatotyping is a practical non-invasive method to assess body type.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to describe the somatotype of a sample of Alzheimer's patients.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 55 Alzheimer disease individuals in the mild-moderate stage (17 men, mean age = 76.9 +/- 7.2 years; 38 women, mean age = 79.6 +/- 6.4 years). The pathological subjects were compared with a control group consisting of 280 healthy individuals (134 men, mean age = 74.2 +/- 7.3 years; 146 women, mean age = 74.9 +/- 7.4 years). The Heath-Carter somatotype was applied.

RESULTS

The Alzheimer patients (mean somatotype: 6.1-5.5-0.8 in men, 7.0-5.3-0.7 in women) are less mesomorphic and more ectomorphic than the controls (mean somatotype: 6.1-6.3-0.6 in men, 7.7-6.3-0.4 in women), the differences being significant in women (mesomorphy, p = 0.000; ectomorphy, p = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

Alzheimer patients show peculiar somatometric characteristics. The somatotype technique could represent a suitable tool for the study and monitoring of physical variations.

Evidence for Higher Heritability of Somatotype Compared to Body Mass Index in Female Twins

The influence of genetics on human physique and obesity has been addressed by the literature. Evidence for heritability of anthropometric characteristics has been previously described, mainly for the body mass index (BMI). However, few studies have investigated the influence of genetics on the Heath-Carter somatotype. The aim of the present study was to assess the heritability of BMI and somatotype (endomorphy, mesomorphy, and ectomorphy) in a group of female monozygotic and dizygotic twins from childhood to early adulthood. A total of 28 females aged from 7 to 19 years old were studied. The group included 5 monozygotic and 9 dizygotic pairs of twins. The heritability was assessed by the twin method (h(2)). The anthropometric measures and somatotype were assessed using standard validated procedures. Significant differences between monozygotic and dizygotic pairs of twins were found for height, endomorphy, ectomorphy, and mesomorphy, and the heritability for these measures was high (h(2) between 0.88 and 0.97). No significant differences were found between monozygotic and dizygotic twins for weight, and the BMI and the heritability indexes were lower for these measures (respectively 0.42 and 0.52). The results of the present study have indicated that the somatotype may be more sensible to genetic influences than the BMI in females.

Sex- and age-related variations of the somatotype in a Chuvasha population

The aim of this large, cross-sectional study was to describe the age- and sex-related variations of the somatotype, employing Heath and Carter's method, in a Chuvasha population residing in a rural region in central Russia. The investigated sample included 802 males aged 18-89 years (mean 46.9) and 738 females aged 18-90 years (mean 48.6). We evaluated the age and sex differences by one-way ANOVA with somatotype components as dependent variables and sex or age groups as grouping variables. Sex differences of somatotypes appear to be the strongest for endomorphy, with generally higher values in women. Endomorphy in males remained virtually unchanged after 30 years of age, but endomorphy in females kept increasing up to the 6th decade, and then subsequently decreased. Virtually no differences were noted in mesomorphy and a very small difference in ectomorphy between males and females aged 18-30 years. A reduction of sexual dimorphism in all somatotype components after age 70 was also observed. The largest difference of all somatotype components appeared between age groups 18-30 and 31-40 years. Thereafter, somatotypes remained practically unchanged. Mesomorphy continued to increase until the 5th decade in both sexes, while in females, endomorphy continuously increased until their 6th decade. In the 7th and 8th decades, a decrease in mean values was observed. Mesomorphy and ectomorphy showed opposite age-related trends. Results of our study clearly suggest that in physique investigations, the somatotypes need to be studied in each sex separately, and in studies of young people, they need also to be adjusted to age.

Variations of Somatotype in elderly Sardinians

Somatotyping is an effective technique for the study of anthropometric variations and body composition in elderly subjects, even though it has not often been used in this field. The present study was conducted on a sample of 280 healthy Sardinians (134 men and 146 women) of age 60-89 years, subdivided into three age classes (60-69 years; 70-79 years; and 80-89 years). Somatotypes were computed according to Carter and Heath (Somatotyping-Development and Applications. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press; 1990). The results show a dominance of the endo- and mesomorphic components in the elderly subjects, with less development of ectomorphy than in younger individuals. In a comparison with other populations, our sample shows strong development of endomorphy and especially of mesomorphy, while ectomorphy values are generally low. Age-related variations are significant in both sexes and consist in a progressive reduction of the endomorphic component, particularly in the 80-89-year class (endomorphy in the three age classes: 6.4, 6.1, and 5.3 in men; 8.1, 7.8, and 6.8 in women). The mesomorphic component is characterized by stability (age variations: 6.4, 6.4, and 5.9 in men; 6.3, 6.4, and 6.3 in women) and the ectomorphic component by a slight increase (age variations: 0.5, 0.6, and 0.8 in men; 0.4, 0.3, and 0.5 in women). Sex differences are significant and especially large for the endomorphic component, with generally higher values in women. The sexual dimorphism tends to decrease with age. The results are discussed with regard to the biology of aging, with emphasis on the potential application of somatotype to studies of the elderly population.