Comparative analysis of BIA, IBC and DXA for determining body fat in American Football players

Relationship between Muscle Strength and Gait Parameters in Healthy Older Women and Men

Maintaining sufficient muscle strength is fundamental to prevent a decline in basic physical functions such as gait, and is therefore a prerequisite for a healthy independent life in older people. However, the relationship between gait parameters and the strength of single muscle groups is reported with inconclusive results. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship of strength of nine single muscle groups of lower and upper leg muscles as well as handgrip strength for gait parameters in older adults. Sixty-nine independently living older adults participated in the study. Maximum ankle plantar- and dorsiflexion, knee flexion and extension, as well as hip abduction, adduction, flexion, and extension strength, were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Additionally, hand grip strength measured via a hand dynamometer was obtained. Walking gait parameters were recorded with a 3D motion capture system on an instrumented treadmill. The relationships between multiple strength and gait variables were analyzed by Pearson's correlation coefficient. Linear regression analyses were performed to identify the predictive ability of muscle strength (normalized to body weight) for gait speed, stride time, stance time, stride length and step width. Multiple significant weak to moderate positive ([r = 0.343, p = 0.047]-[r = 0.538, p = 0.002]) and negative ([r = -0.340, p = 0.046]-[r = 0.593, p = 0.001]) correlations that were unequally distributed between both sexes were detected. Significant regression models explained ([r² = 16.6%, p = 0.015]-[r² = 44.3 %, p = 0.003]) and ([r² = 21.8%, p = 0.022]-[r² = 36.1%, p = 0.044]) of the gait parameter variations for men and women, respectively. The results suggest a sex-specific relevance of single muscle groups for all gait parameters. This may be attributed to anatomical differences and it is important to prevent strength-related changes in gait parameters.

Measurement of Energy Intake Using the Principle of Energy Balance Overcomes a Critical Limitation in the Assessment of Energy Availability

Prolonged low energy availability, which is the underpinning aetiology of the Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport and the Female and Male Athlete Triad frameworks, can have unfavourable impacts on both health and performance in athletes. Energy availability is calculated as energy intake minus exercise energy expenditure, expressed relative to fat free mass. The current measurement of energy intake is recognized as a major limitation for assessing energy availability due to its reliance on self-report methods, in addition to its short-term nature. This article introduces the application of the energy balance method for the measurement of energy intake, within the context of energy availability. The energy balance method requires quantification of the change in body energy stores over time, with concurrent measurement of total energy expenditure. This provides an objective calculation of energy intake, which can then be used for the assessment of energy availability. This approach, the Energy Availability - Energy Balance (EA_EB) method, increases the reliance on objective measurements, provides an indication of energy availability status over longer periods and removes athlete burden to self-report energy intake. Implementation of the EA_EB method could be used to objectively identify and detect low energy availability, with implications for the diagnosis and management of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport and the Female and Male Athlete Triad.

A comparative analysis of body composition assessment by BIA and DXA in children with type II and III spinal muscular atrophy

BACKGROUND

Body composition analysis is a valuable tool for assessing and monitoring the nutritional status of children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This study was designed to compare the consistency of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), as the gold standard method for assessing body composition in clinical practice when treating children with type II and III SMA.

METHODS

From 2019 to 2021, we performed a retrospective analysis of body composition by DXA and BIA measurement methods in patients with type II and III SMA treated at a Chinese tertiary children's hospital. Fat mass (FM), muscle mass (MM), bone mineral content (BMC), and visceral fat area (VFA) were compared using paired sample t-tests. We calculated Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and Spearman correlation coefficient to verify the correlation between DXA and BIA measurements. Bland-Altman analysis was used to assess the consistency of the two methods.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven children with type II and III SMA were recruited. Compared with body composition measured by DXA, the average FM measured by BIA is significantly lower (P <0.001), whereas the average MM, BMC, and VFA measured by BIA are significantly higher (P < 0.001) in children with SMA. Overall, the difference between MM (Delta [BIA-DAX] = 1.6 kg) and FM (Delta [BIA-DAX] = -1.6 kg) measured by DXA and BIA was minor, whereas the difference of VFA (Delta [BIA-DAX] = -43.5 cm) was significantly large. Correlation analysis indicated a substantial correlation of MM (CCC = 0.96 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.93-0.98], r = 0.967 [P < 0.0001]) and FM (CCC = 0.95 [95% CI = 0.92-0.97], r = 0.953 [P < 0.0001]), and poor correlation of BMC (CCC = 0.61 [95% CI = 0.42-0.75], r = 0.612 [P < 0.0001]) and VFA (CCC = 0.54 [95% CI = 0.33-0.70], r = 0.689 [P < 0.0001]) measurements between the two methods. The Bland-Altman analysis suggests that the majority of participants were within LOA. In addition, differences in MM and VFA measurements between BIA and DAX increased according to patients' increasing height, whereas differences in FM and BMC did not differ with height.

CONCLUSION

BIA overestimates MM and underestimates the FM, BMC, and VFA in children with SMA compared with DXA measurements. Overall, the non-invasive, easy-to-use, and repeatable BIA measurements were found to be in good agreement with DXA measurements, especially for FM and MM, which are essential parameters for the nutritional evaluation of children with SMA.

Effect of 8-Week β-Alanine Supplementation on CRP, IL-6, Body Composition, and Bio-Motor Abilities in Elite Male Basketball Players

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 8-week β-alanine supplementation on C-Reactive Protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), body composition, and bio-motor abilities in elite male basketball players. Twenty male basketball players (age: 23 + 0.6 years; body mass: 78.3 + 4.8 kg; height:185.3 + 5.4 cm, %BF, 15.2 ± 4.8) volunteered to participate in this study. They were divided into a β-alanine group (BG, N = 10) and a placebo group (PG, N = 10). All players were preparing for university competitions and had played for over five years. Players used 6.4 g/d of β-alanine in BG and maltodextrin in PG. The participants were involved in regular basketball training three months before the study. CRP, IL-6, body composition parameters, and bio-motor abilities were measured before starting the exercises and after completing the eight-week training period. The research findings showed a significant decrease in CRP and IL-6 and an increase in anaerobic peak power between the pre-test and post-test, as well as between BG and PG groups (p < 0.05). Although the other measured factors were a relative improvement compared to the pre-test and also compared to PG, these changes were not statistically significant (p < 0.05). Eight weeks of β-alanine supplementation ameliorated increases in IL-6 and CRP associated with in-season physical stressors in collegiate basketball players. These changes in pro-inflammatory cytokines suggest that β-alanine supplementation may be a useful nutritional strategy for immune regulation and can also improve anaerobic performance compared to PG.

The Effect of 12-Weeks Recreational Football (Soccer) for Health Intervention on Functional Movement in Older Adults

There is growing evidence that recreational football offers health benefits for older adults and an important pathway for physical activity for older adult groups. Despite anecdotal evidence that recreational football is beneficial for older adults, no empirical data are available to support this assertion. This study addressed this issue and examined the effects of a 12-week recreational football intervention on the functional fitness of older adults. Using a pre-post case-control design, thirteen males, aged 61-73 years (mean age ± SD = 66 ± 4 years) undertook a twice-weekly, 12-week recreational football for health intervention, and were matched with a control group, comprising thirteen males, aged 62-78 years (mean age ± SD = 66 ± 4 years) who maintained their typical exercise habits during the intervention period. Pre- and postintervention, participants underwent assessment of functional fitness, using the Rikli and Jones functional fitness battery as well as an assessment of body fatness, via bioelectrical impedance analysis and dominant handgrip strength using handgrip dynamometry. Results from a series of 2 (pre-post) X 2 (intervention vs. control) repeated-measures ANOVAs indicate significant pre-post X group interactions for the 30-second chair stand (p = 0.038, Pƞ² = 0.168), 8-foot timed up and go (p = 0.001, Pƞ² = 0.577) and 6 min walk test (p = 0.036, Pƞ² = 0.171). In all cases, performance improved significantly after the intervention for the football intervention group but not the control group. There were no significant differences in the 30 s arm curl test or dominant handgrip strength (p > 0.05). There was a non-significant trend (p = 0.07, Pƞ² = 0.127) towards a pre-post X group interaction for body fatness, showing a decreased percent body fat for the intervention group over the control group. The results of the present study demonstrate the utility of recreational football as a physical activity intervention in older adults to improve functional movement.

Changes in Body Composition and Physical Performance in Children with Excessive Body Weight Participating in an Integrated Weight-Loss Programme

The problem of overweight and obesity is a growing phenomenon in the entire population. Obesity is associated with many different metabolic disorders and is directly associated with an increased risk of death. The aim of the study was to assess the changes in body composition and physical fitness in children participating in an integrated weight-loss programme and to analyse the possible relationship between changes in body composition and improvements in fitness. Participants of the study were recruited from the “6–10–14 for Health”-multidisciplinary intervention programme for children aged 6 to 15 years old. A total of 170 patients qualified for the study, and 152 patients were enrolled. Statistically significant changes in body composition were found after the end of the intervention program, as measured by both BIA (bioimpedance) and DXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry). The differences in KPRT (Kasch Pulse Recovery Test) results at baseline and after intervention are positively correlated with the difference in fat mass between baseline and the after-intervention measure. Improving physical fitness is positively correlated with a decrease in FM (fat mass) and an increase in FFM (fat-free mass) measured in both absolute values and %. Both BIA and DXA methods proved to be equally useful for measuring body composition.

Assessment of Risk Factors Associated with Cardiovascular Diseases in Overweight Women

The assessment of anthropometric variables has been shown to be useful as a predictor of cardiovascular risk in overweight and obese patients. The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of the relationship between breast volume and body mass index as an indicator of cardiovascular risk in premenopausal women with overweight and mild obesity. A prospective observational study of 93 premenopausal women was performed. Evaluation of anthropometric measures included age, body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, breast projection, and ptosis. Cardiovascular risk factors were evaluated using the Framingham cardiovascular risk score, the triglycerides/HDL cholesterol ratio and the waist-hip ratio. Ninety-three women were included, with a mean 36.4 ± 7.5 years. Mean BMI was 27.3 ± 1.9 kg/m², waist-to-Hip ratio was 0.8 ± 0.07, and mammary volume was 1045 ± 657.4 cm³. Mean body fat mass was 30.6 + 3.6% and mean visceral fat was 6.6 + 3.2%. The mean triglycerides to HDL ratio was 1.7 ± 0.8 and waist-to-hip ratio was 0.8 ± 0.07. Breast volume related to body mass index can be used as a predictor of cardiovascular risk in premenopausal women who are overweight and mildly obese.

Severe Reduction of Energy Availability in Controlled Conditions Causes Poor Endurance Performance, Impairs Explosive Power and Affects Hormonal Status in Trained Male Endurance Athletes

The aim of this study was to severely reduce energy availability (EA) in controlled conditions in trained male endurance athletes to observe any effects on health, performance, and psychological and energy markers. EA was reduced by 50% over 14 days in athletes by maintaining identical energy intake and increasing exercise energy expenditure. Blood was drawn, performance was measured by three specific tests (endurance, explosive power and agility) and two psychological questionnaires were used. Reduced EA (17.3 ± 5.0 kcal/kg FFM/day) resulted in lower body fat% (t(12) = 3.36, p = 0.006), lower power output and relative power output (t(12) = 2.69, p = 0.021 t(12) = 2.34, p = 0.036), explosive power was reduced (t(12) = 6.41, p = 0.000), lactate metabolism was altered (p = 0.001). EA was negatively correlated with haemoglobin and testosterone (r = −0.557, p = 0.30 and r = −0.532, p = 0.037), anaerobic threshold (r = −0.597, p = 0.02) and respiratory compensation point (r = −0.575, p = 0.025). There were significant differences in Well-being (t(12) = 4.11, p = 0.002) and the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (t(12) = −2.71, p = 0.020). This is the first study to demonstrate that endurance performance and explosive power can be affected before detrimental health effects occur in male athletes. Drastic reductions of EA could lead to poor eating behaviours. The two psychological questionnaires seem to be more sensitive to EA changes than blood markers.

Association between Body Fat and Elevated Blood Pressure among Children and Adolescents Aged 7-17 Years: Using Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) from a Cross-Sectional Study in China

To investigate the associations between body fat percentage (BF%) with childhood blood pressure (BP) levels and elevated BP (EBP) risks, and further examine the validity of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), we conducted a cross-sectional study of 1426 children and adolescents aged 7–17 years in Beijing, 2020. EBP, including elevated systolic BP (ESBP) and elevated diastolic BP (EDBP), was defined based on the age- and sex-specific 90th BP reference values of children and adolescents in China. BF% was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and BIA devices, and was divided into four quartiles. Log-binomial models were applied to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Girls tended to have higher BF% levels than boys (p < 0.05). There was 41.0% of girls who developed EBP. High BF% was associated with increased BP levels with ORs of 0.364 (95%CI = 0.283–0.444) for SBP, 0.112 (95%CI = 0.059–0.165) for DBP, and 1.043 (95%CI = 1.027–1.059) for EBP, while the effects were more pronounced in girls and older-aged children. BIA devices agreed well with BF% assessment obtained by DEXA. High BF% might have negative effects on childhood BP. Convenient measurements of body fat might help to assess childhood obesity and potential risks of hypertension.

Come Back Skinfolds, All Is Forgiven: A Narrative Review of the Efficacy of Common Body Composition Methods in Applied Sports Practice

Whilst the assessment of body composition is routine practice in sport, there remains considerable debate on the best tools available, with the chosen technique often based upon convenience rather than understanding the method and its limitations. The aim of this manuscript was threefold: (1) provide an overview of the common methodologies used within sport to measure body composition, specifically hydro-densitometry, air displacement plethysmography, bioelectrical impedance analysis and spectroscopy, ultra-sound, three-dimensional scanning, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and skinfold thickness; (2) compare the efficacy of what are widely believed to be the most accurate (DXA) and practical (skinfold thickness) assessment tools and (3) provide a framework to help select the most appropriate assessment in applied sports practice including insights from the authors' experiences working in elite sport. Traditionally, skinfold thickness has been the most popular method of body composition but the use of DXA has increased in recent years, with a wide held belief that it is the criterion standard. When bone mineral content needs to be assessed, and/or when it is necessary to take limb-specific estimations of fat and fat-free mass, then DXA appears to be the preferred method, although it is crucial to be aware of the logistical constraints required to produce reliable data, including controlling food intake, prior exercise and hydration status. However, given the need for simplicity and after considering the evidence across all assessment methods, skinfolds appear to be the least affected by day-to-day variability, leading to the conclusion 'come back skinfolds, all is forgiven'.

Identification of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Obese Adolescents With Metabolic Syndrome

Objective: There are studies that show different associations between metabolic syndrome (MS) and cardiovascular disease in adolescent. This study is aimed to identify probable cardio-vascular risk factors in obese adolescents with MS. Methods: Sixty-five obese adolescents with a body mass index (BMI) > 95 percentile were enrolled and divided into two groups with MS or without MS. Left ventricular mass (LVM), left ventricular mass index, ejection fraction, epicardial fat thickness, visceral fat thickness (VFT) and carotid intima-media thickness were measured. Anthropometric and blood chemistry parameters were estimated. Above parameters were compared based on presence or absence of MS. Results: The prevalence of MS was 23.1% in obese adolescents. LVM showed significant correlation with body mass index (BMI), hip circumference (HC), fat mass, total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and waist circumference (WC). VFT significantly correlated with WC, BMI, hip circumflex (HC), obesity index (OI), fat %, fat mass, insulin, TC, LDL-C, insulin, triglyceride (TG), glucose, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and leptin. Conclusions: Screening for the MS in overweight adolescents may help to predict risk of future cardiovascular disease. These data suggest that LVMI and VFT are significant parameters for predicting cardiovascular disease risk in obese adolescents.