Changes in Muscle Contractile Properties after Cold- or Warm-Water Immersion Using Tensiomyography: A Cross-Over Randomised Trial.

Muscle contractile properties in clinical practice are often measured using either subjective scales or high-cost, inaccessible equipment. In this randomised cross-over study, we aimed to explore the use of tensiomyography (TMG) to assess changes in muscle contractile properties after cold- and warm-water immersion. The muscle contractile properties of the biceps femoris (BF) were assessed using TMG in 12 healthy active men (mean age 23 ± 3 years, Body Mass Index 22.9 ± 1.3 kg/m2) before and after a 20-min warm- or cold-water immersion over a period of 40 min. Muscle displacement (Dm) and contraction time (Tc) were registered as the main variables of the study. There was a significant condition by time interaction for Dm (p < 0.01). Post hoc analysis showed that, compared to the baseline, there was an increase in Dm 40 min after warm-water immersion (p < 0.01) and a decrease at 10 min after cold-water immersion (p < 0.01). No significant effect was found for Tc. Our results indicate that muscle contractile properties are affected by water temperature and time after the immersion; therefore, these factors should be taken into account when water-immersion is used as a recovery strategy.

Preliminary Results of an Exercise Program After Laparoscopic Resective Colorectal Cancer Surgery in Non-Metastatic Adenocarcinoma: A Pilot Study of a Randomized Control Trial.

Performing physical exercise after a colorectal cancer diagnosis is associated with lower mortality related to the tumor itself. In order to improve physical recovery after elective surgery, there are no specific exercise protocols after discharge from the hospital. The purpose of this study is to show the preliminary results of an exercise program after colorectal cancer surgery. Six patients with non-metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma addressed to respective laparoscopic were randomly assigned to a mixed supervised/home-based exercise program for six months and compared to a control group without exercise. To assess the effectiveness of the program, functional and body composition parameters were evaluated. Three months after surgery, the exercise group increased flexibility (p < 0.01, ES = 0.33), strength of lower limbs (p < 0.01, ES = 0.42) and aerobic capacity (p < 0.01, ES = 0.28). After surgery, the six patients experienced a significant reduction in body mass index (BMI) and free fat mass. More specifically, fat mass reached the lowest values, with a concomitant increase in cell mass after six months (p < 0.01, ES = 0.33). This did not occur in the control group. Colorectal cancer treatment induces a reduction in physical function, particularly during the first six months after treatment. A mixed exercise approach appears promising in countering this process after colorectal cancer surgery.

Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomic Profiling of Thrombotic Material Obtained by Endovascular Thrombectomy in Patients with Ischemic Stroke.

Thrombotic material retrieved from acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients represents a valuable source of biological information. In this study, we have developed a clinical proteomics workflow to characterize the protein cargo of thrombi derived from AIS patients. To analyze the thrombus proteome in a large-scale format, we developed a workflow that combines the isolation of thrombus by endovascular thrombectomy and peptide chromatographic fractionation coupled to mass-spectrometry. Using this workflow, we have characterized a specific proteomic expression profile derived from four AIS patients included in this study. Around 1600 protein species were unambiguously identified in the analyzed material. Functional bioinformatics analyses were performed, emphasizing a clustering of proteins with immunological functions as well as cardiopathy-related proteins with blood-cell dependent functions and peripheral vascular processes. In addition, we established a reference proteomic fingerprint of 341 proteins commonly detected in all patients. Protein interactome network of this subproteome revealed protein clusters involved in the interaction of fibronectin with 14-3-3 proteins, TGFß signaling, and TCP complex network. Taken together, our data contributes to the repertoire of the human thrombus proteome, serving as a reference library to increase our knowledge about the molecular basis of thrombus derived from AIS patients, paving the way toward the establishment of a quantitative approach necessary to detect and characterize potential novel biomarkers in the stroke field.

Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) and Body Mass Changes in an Ultra-Endurance Triathlon Event.

This study aimed to provide the first description of the whole-body bioimpedance vector of nine non-professional triathletes, and to assess body mass (BM) and vector variations evoked by an ultra-endurance triathlon event. Anthropometric and bioelectrical assessments were performed before (PRE), after (POST), and 48 hours following the race (POST48h). Bioimpedance vector analysis (BIVA) showed triathletes' vectors placed to the left of the major axis and mostly outside the 50% tolerance ellipse of the reference population. Vector migration in POST indicated dehydration, paralleled by a decrease in BM (p = 0.0001). Increased hydration status from POST to POST48h was suggested by a reversed vector migration and increased BM (p = 0.0001). Compared to PRE, POST48h values reflected fluid retention by changes in BIVA, while BM was still lower (p = 0.0001). Racing time was positively related to basal resistance -R/h- (r = 0.68; p = 0.04) and bioimpedance -Z/h- (r = 0.68; p = 0.045). Besides, basal R/h and Z/h were positively related to PRE-to-POST changes of R/h and Z/h (r = 0.80; p = 0.009). PRE-to-POST changes of R/h and Z/h were positively related to racing time (r = 0.80, p = 0.01) and internal workload (r = 0.80, p ≤ 0.02). Notwithstanding the lack of significant correlation between BM and bioelectrical parameters, the vector's behavior was explained from a multifactorial perspective (including BM variations) by using multiple regression analysis. On the other hand, BM changes were not related to racing time, internal workload or energy deficit (ranges: r = - 0.46 to 0.65; p = 0.06 to 0.98). In conclusion, these triathletes exhibit a specific bioelectrical distribution. Furthermore, vector migration was consistent with fluid loss induced by the event. Finally, vector analysis seems to provide additional information about hydration changes 48h after the event in comparison with BM alone.

Reliability and validity of a low-cost, wireless sensor and smartphone app for measuring force during isometric and dynamic resistance exercises.

The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of an affordable wireless force sensor in measuring mean and peak forces during resistance training.A Suiff Pro wireless force sensor (Suiff, Spain) and a MuscleLab force platform (Ergotest, Norway) were used concurrently to assess tensile load and the ground reaction force resulting from an upright row exercise. Thirteen participants (28.2 ± 5.7 years, 76.2 ± 9.6 kg, 178.2 ± 9.2 cm) performed the exercise under three velocity conditions and isometrically. Each condition involved three sets of exercise. Mean (Fmean) and peak (Fpeak) force values from both sensors were collected and compared.Suiff Pro exhibited excellent reliability for Fmean and Fpeak (ICCs = 0.99). When compared to the criterion measures, Suiff Pro showed trivial standardized bias for Fmean (Mean = 0.00 [CI 95% = 0.00 to 0.01]) and Fpeak (-0.02 [-0.04 to 0.00]). The standardized typical error was also trivial for Fmean (0.03 [0.02 to 0.03]) and Fpeak (0.07 [0.05 to 0.09]). Correlations with the MuscleLab force platform were nearly perfect: Fmean (0.97 [0.94 to 0.98]; p<0.001); Fpeak (0.96 [0.92 to 0.97]; p<0.001).The findings demonstrate that the Suiff Pro sensor is reliable and valid device for measuring force during isometric and dynamic resistance training exercises. Therefore, practitioners can confidently use this device to monitor kinematic variables of resistance training exercises and to obtain real-time augmented feedback during a training session.

Effects of acute beetroot juice intake on performance, maximal oxygen uptake, and ventilatory efficiency in well-trained master rowers: a randomized, double-blinded crossover study.

BACKGROUND: Beetroot juice (BRJ) intake has been considered a practical nutritional strategy among well-trained athletes. This study aimed to assess the effects of BRJ intake on performance, cardiorespiratory and metabolic variables during a simulated 2000-meter rowing ergometer test in well-trained master rowers. METHOD: Ten well-trained male master rowers (30-48 years) participated in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design for 3 weeks. In the first week, a researcher explained all the experimental procedures to the participants. In the next two weeks, the participants were tested in 2 rowing ergometer sessions, separated from each other by a 7-day washout period. In both strictly identical sessions, the participants randomly drank BRJ or placebo (PL) 3 hours before the start of the tests. Subsequently, the participants carried out the 2000-meter rowing ergometer tests. Oxygen saturation and blood lactate measurements were performed before starting (pretest) and at the end of the test (posttest). Performance parameters and cardiorespiratory variables were recorded during the rowing ergometer test. RESULTS: An improvement in time trial performance was observed, with a mean difference of 4 seconds (90% confidence limits ± 3.10; p ≤ 0.05) compared to PL. Relative and absolute maximaloxygenuptakeV˙O2max increased (mean difference of 2.10 mL·kg-1·min-1, 90% confidence limits ± 1.80; mean difference of 0.16 L·min-1 90% confidence limits ± 0.11, respectively; p ≤ 0.05) compared to PL. No ergogenic effect was observed on ventilatory efficiency and blood lactate concentrations after BRJ intake. CONCLUSION: Acute BRJ intake may improve time trial performance as well as V˙O2max in well-trained master rowers. However, BRJ does not appear to improve ventilatory efficiency.

Physiological demands and motion analysis of elite foil fencing.

The aim of this study was to determine the physiological demands and motion analysis of a simulated fencing competition. Eighteen fencers each completed 5 'poule' (5 touches) and 'direct elimination (DE)' (15 touches) fights. Expired gases were measured during 1 poule and DE fight. Heart rate (HR), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and movement data were recorded throughout all fights. Motion analysis was undertaken using the software LINCE PLUS. Differences between poule and DE fights were determined by either a paired t-test or a one-way repeated measures ANOVA. HR and RPE were significantly greater during DE compared to poule (170 ±10 vs 163 ±13 beats·min-1; P<0.05). A greater distance was covered during a DE fight compared to a poule fight (459.9 ± 117.7 m vs 162.6 ± 74.2 m; P<0.05). The average values of [Formula: see text] were 42.5 ±5.6 ml·kg-1·min-1 in men and 34.4 ±3.2 ml·kg-1·min-1 in women. Work-to-rest ratios reduced during the DE fights along with a lower average speed and increased max speed (11.7 ± 2.8 km∙h-1 vs 9.6 ± 1.6 km∙h-1; P<0.05). In conclusion, there is an increased physiological demand during a DE fight accompanied by a reduction in average speed and decreased work-to-rest ratio.

Correction: Cebrián-Ponce et al. Bioelectrical, Anthropometric, and Hematological Analysis to Assess Body Fluids and Muscle Changes in Elite Cyclists during the Giro d'Italia. Biology 2023, 12, 450.

In the original publication [...].

Bioelectrical, Anthropometric, and Hematological Analysis to Assess Body Fluids and Muscle Changes in Elite Cyclists during the Giro d'Italia.

This study aimed to characterize and monitor the body fluid and muscle changes during the Giro d'Italia in nine elite cyclists via bioelectrical (whole-body and muscle-localized) anthropometric and hematological analysis. There were three checkpoint assessments: at the beginning, middle, and end of the race. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the data at baseline and follow up. The Spearman correlation was used to explore relationships between variables. Hotelling's T2 test was used to determine bioelectrical differences in the complex vector. Bodyweight did not change during the competition, despite bioelectrical and hematological data indicating that at the first half of the race, there was a fluid gain, and in the second half a fluid loss occurred, reaching baseline values. These changes were especially prevalent in the extracellular water compartment. Significant correlations between whole-body bioelectrical vector changes and red blood cell parameter changes were reported. The muscle group most sensitive to changes were the calves. Quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves reported a PhA decrease trend during the first half of the race, and an increase during the second half. Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis appears to be sensitive enough to detect hydration and cellular integrity adaptions induced by competitions as demanding as the Giro d'Italia.

Body fluids and muscle changes in trail runners of various distances.

Background: This study aims to investigate body fluids and muscle changes evoked by different trail races using anthropometric, bioelectrical, and creatine kinase (CK) measurements. Methods: A total of 92 subjects (55 men, 37 women) participating in three different races of 14, 35, and 52 km were evaluated before (PRE) and after (POST) the races. Classic bioelectrical impedance vector analysis was applied at the whole-body level (WB-BIVA). Additionally, muscle-localized bioelectrical assessments (ML-BIVA) were performed in a subgroup of 11 men (in the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves). PRE-POST differences and correlations between bioelectrical values and CK, running time and race distance were tested. Results: Changes in whole-body vectors and phase angles disclosed an inclination towards dehydration among men in the 14, 35, and 52 km groups (p < 0.001), as well as among women in the 35 and 52 km groups (p < 0.001). PRE Z/H was negatively correlated with running time in the 35 km men group and 14 km women group (r = -0.377, p = 0.048; r = -0.751, p = 0.001; respectively). POST Z/H was negatively correlated with running time in the 14 km women group (r = -0.593, p = 0.02). CK was positively correlated with distance in men and women (p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with reactance and vector length in the 14 km men group (p < 0.05). ML-BIVA echoed the same tendency as the WB-BIVA in the 35 and 52 km runners, with the most notable changes occurring in the calves (p < 0.001). Conclusions: WB-BIVA and CK measurements underscored a conspicuous trend towards post-race dehydration and muscle damage, displaying a weak association with performance. Notably, ML-BIVA detected substantial alterations primarily in the calves. The study underscores the utility of BIVA as a technique to assess athlete's body composition changes.

Derivo embolization device for intracranial aneurysms: a Spanish multicenter retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Flow diverters have emerged in recent years as a safe and effective treatment for intracranial aneurysms, with expanding indications. The Derivo embolization device (DED) is a second-generation flow diverter with a surface finish that may reduce thrombogenicity. We report our multicenter experience evaluating its safety and efficacy. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all patients treated with the DED in eight centers in Spain between 2016 and 2020. Demographics, clinical data, procedural complications, morbidity and aneurysm occlusion rates were collected. RESULTS: A total of 209 patients with 250 aneurysms were treated (77.5% women). The majority of aneurysms were located in the internal carotid artery (86.8%) and most (69.2%) were small (<10 mm) with a median maximum diameter of 5.85 mm and median neck size of 4 mm. DED deployment was successful in all cases, despite two malfunctioning devices (1%). Major complications occurred in nine patients (4.3%), while mild neurologic clinical events were registered in 23 (11%); four patients died (1.9%). A total of 194 aneurysms had an angiographic follow-up at 6 months and showed complete aneurysm occlusion in 75% of cases. Twelve-month follow-up was available for 112 of the treated aneurysms, with a total occlusion rate of 83%. CONCLUSION: The DED is a second-generation surface-modified flow diverter that presents an option for treatment of intracranial aneurysms with comparable safety and efficacy to other available flow diverter devices. Nonetheless, risks are not negligible, and must be balanced against the natural history risk of cerebral aneurysms, considering the tendency to widen indications for treatment of smaller and less complex lesions in day-to-day use.

The bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) international database: aims, scope, and call for data.

BACKGROUND: Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a technique widely used for estimating body composition and health-related parameters. The technology is relatively simple, quick, and non-invasive, and is currently used globally in diverse settings, including private clinicians' offices, sports and health clubs, and hospitals, and across a spectrum of age, body weight, and disease states. BIA parameters can be used to estimate body composition (fat, fat-free mass, total-body water and its compartments). Moreover, raw measurements including resistance, reactance, phase angle, and impedance vector length can also be used to track health-related markers, including hydration and malnutrition, and disease-prognostic, athletic and general health status. Body composition shows profound variability in association with age, sex, race and ethnicity, geographic ancestry, lifestyle, and health status. To advance understanding of this variability, we propose to develop a large and diverse multi-country dataset of BIA raw measures and derived body components. The aim of this paper is to describe the 'BIA International Database' project and encourage researchers to join the consortium. METHODS: The Exercise and Health Laboratory of the Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon has agreed to host the database using an online portal. At present, the database contains 277,922 measures from individuals ranging from 11 months to 102 years, along with additional data on these participants. CONCLUSION: The BIA International Database represents a key resource for research on body composition.

Physical Fitness and Performance in Talented & Untalented Young Chinese Soccer Players.

Sports performance is a complex process that involves many factors, including ethnic and racial differences. China's youth soccer is in a process of constant development, although information about the characteristics of its players and their methodological systems is scarce. The aim of this retrospective study was to characterize the physical fitness and the competitive performance of 722 Chinese players of three sports categories (8.0-9.9, 10.0-11.9 and 12.0-13.9 years), who were classified by their coaches as talented (n = 204) or untalented (n = 518). Players were assessed for anthropometry (body height, body mass, body mass index), lung capacity (Forced Vital Capacity), jumping performance (Squat Jump, Countermovement Jump and Abalakov tests), sprinting performance (10 m and 30 m Sprint tests), agility performance (Repeated Side-Step test) and flexibility (Sit & Reach test). A descriptive, comparative, correlational and multivariate analysis was performed. Competitive ranking was created in order to act as dependent variable in multiple linear regression analysis. Results indicate that Chinese players classified as talented have better motor performance than untalented ones. However, these differences are neither related nor determine the competitive performance of one group or the other.

Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms Using the New Silk Vista Flow Diverter: Safety Outcomes at Short-Term Follow-Up.

Background: Flow diverters are widely used as the first endovascular treatment option for complex brain aneurysms due to their high percentage of occlusion and low morbi-mortality. The Silk Vista device is a new generation of flow diverters designed to facilitate full visibility, improve apposition to the vessel wall, and enhance navigability. Indeed, its greatest advantage is that it enables the easier navigation of stents between 3.5 and 4.75 mm through a 0.021 microcatheter. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Silk Vista systems for treating cerebral aneurysms. Methods: This prospective observational study included 25 consecutive patients with 27 wide-necked unruptured aneurysms treated with SILK Vista who were retrospectively analyzed for safety and efficacy. Results: Endovascular treatment was successfully performed in all patients. The final morbidity and mortality rates were both 0.0%. Short-term (3-5 months) angiographic follow-up revealed 21 complete occlusions and 6 near-complete occlusions. No significant parent artery stenosis was observed. Conclusions: This report demonstrates the efficacy of Silk Vista in treating brain aneurysms, although longer experiences should be carried out to confirm our results.

Segmental body composition estimated by specific BIVA and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to analyse the association between specific bioelectric impedance vector analysis (BIVA) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess segmental body composition using DXA as the reference technique. METHODS: The sample comprised 50 young active students who practised or played different sports (25 men, age: 24.37 ± 4.79 y; 25 women, age: 24.32 ± 4.43 y) from the National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC). Anthropometric data (height, weight, arm, waist, and calf circumferences) and bioelectrical measurements (R, ohm; Xc, ohm) were recorded. Body composition was analysed with specific BIVA. DXA was used as the reference method to assess body composition of the whole-body, the trunk, and the limbs. The percentage of fat mass (%FMDXA) and fat-free mass index (FFMIDXA = FFM/length2) were calculated. The agreement between specific BIVA and DXA was evaluated by a depth-depth analysis, two-way ANOVA, and Pearson's correlations. RESULTS: The depth-depth analysis showed a good agreement between DXA and BIVA (F = 14.89, p < 0.001) in both sexes and all body segments. Specific vector length (Zsp; i.e. indicative of %FM) was correlated with %FMDXA in the whole body and all body segments, and the phase angle was correlated with FFMIDXA, with he trunk in women as the only exception. Specific BIVA demonstrated to balance the effect of body size on bioelectrical measurements in both whole and segmental approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Segmental specific BIVA and DXA provided a consistent evaluation of body composition in both sexes, of the whole body and each body segment. The indices %FM and FFMI obtained with DXA were correlated to vector length and phase angle in each segment, respectively. Specific BIVA represents a promising technique for monitoring segmental body composition changes in sport science and clinical applications.

Electrical Impedance Myography in Health and Physical Exercise: A Systematic Review and Future Perspectives.

Background: Electrical impedance myography (EIM) is a non-invasive method that provides information about muscle health and changes that occur within it. EIM is based on the analysis of three impedance variables: resistance, reactance, and the phase angle. This systematic review of the literature provides a deeper insight into the scope and range of applications of EIM in health and physical exercise. The main goal of this work was to systematically review the studies on the applications of EIM in health and physical exercise in order to summarize the current knowledge on this method and outline future perspectives in this growing area, including a proposal for a research agenda. Furthermore, some basic assessment principles are provided. Methods: Systematic literature searches on PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science up to September 2020 were conducted on any empirical investigations using localized bioimpedance devices to perform EIM within health and physical exercise contexts. The search included healthy individuals, elite soccer players with skeletal muscle injury, and subjects with primary sarcopenia. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist was used to develop the systematic review protocol. The quality and risk of bias of the studies included were assessed with the AQUA tool. Results: Nineteen eligible original articles were included in this review, which were separated into three tables according to the nature of the study. The first table includes six studies on the bioelectrical characterization of muscle. The second table includes five studies analyzing muscle changes in injured elite soccer players. The third table includes studies on the short-, medium-, and long-term bioelectrical adaptations to physical exercise. Conclusions: EIM has been used for the evaluation of the muscle condition in the clinical field over the last few years, especially in different neuromuscular diseases. It can also play an important role in other contexts as an alternative to complex and expensive methods such as magnetic resonance imaging. However, further research is needed. The main step in establishing EIM as a valid tool in the scientific field is to standardize the protocol for performing impedance assessments.

The Relationship between Resistance Exercise Performance and Ventilatory Efficiency after Beetroot Juice Intake in Well-Trained Athletes.

The assessment of ventilatory efficiency is critical to understanding the matching of ventilation (VE) and perfusion in the lungs during exercise. This study aimed to establish a causal physiological relationship between ventilatory efficiency and resistance exercise performance after beetroot juice (BJ) intake. Eleven well-trained males performed a resistance exercise test after drinking 140 mL of BJ (~12.8 mmol NO3-) or a placebo (PL). Ventilatory efficiency was assessed by the VE•VCO2-1 slope, the oxygen uptake efficiency slope and the partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (PetCO2). The two experimental conditions were controlled using a randomized, double-blind crossover design. The resistance exercise test involved repeating the same routine twice, which consisted of wall ball shots plus a full squat (FS) with a 3 min rest or without a rest between the two exercises. A higher weight lifted was detected in the FS exercise after BJ intake compared with the PL during the first routine (p = 0.004). BJ improved the VE•VCO2-1 slope and the PetCO2 during the FS exercise in the first routine and at rest (p < 0.05). BJ intake improved the VE•VCO2-1 slope and the PetCO2 coinciding with the resistance exercise performance. The ergogenic effect of BJ could be induced under aerobic conditions at rest.

Brain glucose metabolism in vascular white matter disease with dementia: differentiation from Alzheimer disease.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The boundary between vascular dementia and Alzheimer disease (AD) continues to be unclear. Some posit that gradually progressive vascular dementia, as with small vessel disease, is simply vascular disease plus AD. Because AD presents a characteristic pattern on fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, we sought to determine whether the fluorodeoxyglucose pattern of vascular dementia resembled more AD or the pattern in nondemented patients with severe microvascular brain disease. METHODS: Vascular disease patients were selected on the basis of confluent white matter lesions on both hemispheres. Among them, with a similar degree of vascular disease on MRI, neuropsychological testing separated groups with dementia and without dementia. Patients with AD and healthy controls were also studied. The 4 groups, with 12 subjects each, were matched by age, gender, and educational level. Fluorodeoxyglucose distribution was analyzed using both voxel-based and volume of interest methods. RESULTS: The AD group had the characteristic pattern of bilaterally decreased metabolism in parieto-temporal association cortex and precuneus. By contrast, patients with vascular disease and dementia had a similar anatomic pattern to that of the vascular patients without dementia, but with greater metabolic abnormalities, particularly in the frontal lobes and deep nuclei. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomy of metabolic abnormalities in vascular disease with dementia suggests that, at least in some cases, dementia with vascular disease may be independent of AD. The metabolic abnormality involves the thalamus, caudate, and frontal lobe, a pattern concordant with the neuropsychological findings of impaired executive function characteristic of vascular dementia.

Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) in renal transplant recipients during an unsupervised physical exercise program.

BACKGROUND: Muscle weakness, incorrect body water distribution and reduced exercise tolerance are the main characteristics found in renal transplant recipients after surgical treatment. Regular physical supervised exercise programs, at moderate intensity, have been promoted to contrast these aspects, while few data are available for long-term unsupervised mixed exercise plans. Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) provides a semi-quantitative evaluation of body cell mass and body water. This study aims to approach the role of the BIVA analysis in the follow-up of Renal Transplant Group (RTG) and analyze the impact of unsupervised exercise program. METHODS: Thirteen male RTG and ten healthy subjects, adherent to a tailored exercise program, at moderate intensity and prescribed in an unsupervised way, have been followed up for one year. Every six months all the subjects have been submitted to the ergometric test, echocardiographic exam and an analysis of body composition by bioimpedance. They were compared to a healthy control group (HG). RESULTS: A significant reduction of the BMI was observed at the end of the study in the RTG group (T0 24.8±3.2, T12 24.2±3.2 kg/m2; P<0.05). BIVA has shown a lower right quadrant for RTG. All echocardiographic parameters were in a normal range, and no differences were found over time. CONCLUSIONS: Unsupervised tailored and mixed exercise intervention reduces some cardiovascular risks factors. However, it does not modify the frailty of RTG. BIVA analysis seems to have appropriate sensitivity to highlight this aspect.

Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) in sport and exercise: Systematic review and future perspectives.

BACKGROUND: Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) is a general concept that includes all methodologies used in the analysis of the bioelectrical vector, whereas the "classic" BIVA is a patented methodology included among these methods of analysis. Once this was clarified, the systematic review of the literature provides a deeper insight into the scope and range of application of BIVA in sport and exercise. OBJECTIVE: The main goal of this work was to systematically review the sources on the applications of BIVA in sport and exercise and to examine its usefulness and suitability as a technique for the evaluation of body composition, hydration status, and other physiological and clinical relevant characteristics, ultimately to trace future perspectives in this growing area, including a proposal for a research agenda. METHODS: Systematic literature searches in PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Scopus databases up to July, 2017 were conducted on any empirical investigations using phase-sensitive bioimpedance instruments to perform BIVA within exercise and sport contexts. The search included healthy sedentary individuals, physically active subjects and athletes. RESULT: Nineteen eligible papers were included and classified as sixteen original articles and three scientific conference communications. Three studies analysed short-term variations in the hydration status evoked by exercise/training through whole-body measurements, eleven assessed whole-body body composition changes induced by long-term exercise, four compared athletic groups or populations using the whole-body assessment, and two analysed bioelectrical patterns of athletic injuries or muscle damage through localised bioimpedance measurements. CONCLUSIONS: BIVA is a relatively new technique that has potential in sport and exercise, especially for the assessment of soft-tissue injury. On the other hand, the current tolerance ellipses of "classic" BIVA are not a valid method to identify dehydration in individual athletes and a new approach is needed. "Specific" BIVA, a method which proposes a correction of bioelectrical values for body geometry, emerges as the key to overcome "classic" BIVA limitations regarding the body composition assessment. Further research establishing standardised testing procedures and investigating the relationship between physiology and the bioelectrical signal in sport and exercise is needed.