Bone Density and Bone Geometry in University Athletes From Sports With Different Levels of Impact: Simultaneous Association With Multiple Factors.

ABSTRACT: Moraes, MS, Fernandes, RA, Moreno, YMF, Pelegrini, A, and Silva, DAS. Bone density and bone geometry in university athletes from sports with different levels of impact: simultaneous association with multiple factors. J Strength Cond Res 36(11): 3113-3121, 2022-The aim of this study was to use the bone loading unit (BLU) classification to compare bone density and bone geometry of sports with different levels of impact, simultaneously controlling the multiple factors that interfere with bone metabolism in athletes. Overall, 167 university athletes (92 men) participated in the study. Bone mineral density (BMD), strength index, cross-sectional area (CSA) at the moment of inertia, section modulus (Z), CSA, neck-shaft angle (NSA), and hip axis length (HAL) were measured. Sports were categorized by level of impact, high BLU (higher impact) and moderate/low BLU (lower impact). Covariates were fat mass, lean tissue mass, training volume, time of practice, dietary supplementation, use of oral contraceptives and menstrual status. Multiple linear regression with 5% significance level ( p < 0.05) was used. In men, HAL was higher in sports with high BLU compared with those with moderate/low BLU (ß: -0.21; R2 : 0.30; p = 0.03). In women, NSA was higher in sports with moderate/low BLU compared with those with high BLU (ß: 0.31; R2 : 0.11; p = 0.02). There was no difference between BLU groups for BMD. These results persisted when the simultaneous interference of covariates was controlled. Thus, this study recommends BLU to classify sports and reinforces the importance of monitoring HAL and NSA in athletes in addition to the control of multiple factors that interfere with bone metabolism, because they influence physical performance and bone health during and after athletic life.

Prediction of body fat in adolescents: validity of the methods relative fat mass, body adiposity index and body fat index.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the validity of anthropometric methods body adiposity index (BAI), relative fat mass (RFM) and body fat index (BFI) to estimate body fat percentage (%BF) in adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 420 Brazilian adolescents aged 15-19 years, stratified by age (< 18 years, n = 356; ≥ 18 years, n = 64) and sex (boys, n = 216; girls, n = 204). The Anthropometric measurements height, body weight, hip circumference and waist circumference were collected to calculate the %BF by BAI, RFM, BFI methods. Subsequently, %BF was measured by dual emission X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), adopted as a reference method. In the statistical analysis of the data, the Pearson correlation test and the paired t test between %BF obtained by the equations and by the DXA were performed. The method validation criterion was that 68% of individuals should be within an acceptable error range of ± 3.5% of BF and Cohen's Kappa index ≥ 0.61. Additionally, the Bland-Altman graphical analysis was performed. RESULTS: All methods showed a high correlation with DXA. For the Kappa index, only the RFM reached the criterion in the total sample (0.67) and in the sample < 18 years (0.68). None of the methods reached the criterion of 68% of the sample within the error range of ± 3.5% of BF. CONCLUSION: The BAI, RFM and BFI equations were not valid for predicting BF in the studied sample according to the criteria adopted regardless of sex or age. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.

Equations based on anthropometric measurements for adipose tissue, body fat, or body density prediction in children and adolescents: a scoping review.

PURPOSE: Assessing the body composition of children and adolescents is important to monitor their health status. Anthropometric measurements are feasible and less-expensive than other techniques for body composition assessment. This study aimed to systematically map anthropometric equations to predict adipose tissue, body fat, or density in children and adolescents, and to analyze methodological aspects of the development of anthropometric equations using skinfolds. METHODS: A scoping review was carried out following the PRISMA-ScR criteria. The search was carried out in eight databases. The methodological structure protocol of this scoping review was retrospectively registered in the Open Science Framework ( https://osf.io/35uhc/ ). RESULTS: We included 78 reports and 593 anthropometric equations. The samples consisted of healthy individuals, people with different diseases or disabilities, and athletes from different sports. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was the reference method most commonly used in developing equations. Triceps and subscapular skinfolds were the anthropometric measurements most frequently used as predictors in the equations. Age, stage of sexual maturation, and peak height velocity were used as complementary variables in the equations. CONCLUSION: Our scoping review identified equations proposed for children and adolescents with a great diversity of characteristics. In many of the reports, important methodological aspects were not addressed, a factor that may be associated with equation bias. LEVEL IV: Evidence obtained from multiple time series analysis such as case studies. (NB: dramatic results in uncontrolled trials might also be regarded as this type of evidence).

Testing validity of FitnessGram in two samples of US adolescents (12-15 years).

BACKGROUND: This study examined the validity of the FitnessGram® criterion-reference cut-points for cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) based on two samples of US adolescents (aged 12-15 years). This study also established the CRF cut-points for metabolically healthy weight status based on a recent national fitness survey for the purposes of cross-validating with pre-existing cut-points including FitnessGram. METHODS: Two cross-sectional data from the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (n = 378) and 2012 NHANES National Youth Fitness Survey (NNYFS) (n = 451) were used. CRF (estimated V ˙ O2max in mL/kg/min) was estimated from a submaximal exercise test. CRF categories based on FitnessGram cut-points, a clustered cardiometabolic risk factors score and weight status were used. A series of Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were conducted to identify age- and sex-specific CRF cut-points that were optimal for metabolically healthy weight status. RESULTS: Based on FitnessGram cut-points, having high risk CRF, but not low risk CRF, was associated with high cardiometabolic risk (OR = 3.17, 95% CI = 1.14-8.79) and unhealthy weight status (OR = 5.81, 95% CI = 3.49-9.68). The optimal CRF cut-points for 12-13-year-olds and 14-15-year-olds were 40 and 43 mL/kg/min in males and 39 and 34 mL/kg/min in females, respectively. Compared to meeting new CRF cut-points, not meeting new CRF cut-points was associated with higher odds of showing high cardiometabolic risk (OR = 2.91, 95% CI = 1.47-5.77) and metabolically unhealthy weight status (OR = 4.47, 95% CI = 2.83-7.05). CONCLUSION: FitnessGram CRF cut-point itself has rarely been scrutinized in previous literature. Our findings provide partial support for FitnessGram based on two samples of US adolescents. CRF cut-points established in this study supports international criterion-referenced cut-points as well as FitnessGram cut-points only for males. FitnessGram should be continuously monitored and scrutinized using different samples.

Nanoparticles for Protein Sensing in Primary Containers: Interaction Analysis and Application.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are known to interact with proteins, leading to modifications of the plasmonic absorption that can be used to monitor this interaction, entailing a promising application for sensing adsorption of therapeutic proteins in primary containers. First, transmission electron microscopy in combination with plasmonic absorption and light scattering responses were used to characterize AgNPs and protein-AgNP complexes, including its concentration dependence, using two therapeutic molecules as models: a monoclonal antibody (mAb) and a synthetic copolymer (SC). Upon interaction, a protein corona was formed around AgNPs with the consequent shifting and broadening of their characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band (400 nm) to 410 nm and longer wavelenghts. Additional studies revealed secondary and three-dimensional structure modifications of model proteins upon interaction with AgNPs by circular dichroism and fluorescence techniques, respectively. Based on the modification of the SPR condition of AgNPs upon interaction with proteins, we developed a novel protein-sensing application of AgNPs in primary containers. This strategy was used to conduct a compatibility assessment of model proteins towards five commercially available prefillable glass syringe (PFS) models. mAb- and SC-exposed PFSs showed that 74 and 94% of cases were positive for protein adsorption, respectively. Interestingly, protein adsorption on 15% of total tested PFSs was negligible (below the nanogram level). Our results highlight the need of a case-by-case compatibility assessment of therapeutic proteins and their primary containers. This strategy has the potential to be easily applied on other containers and implemented during early-stage product development by pharmaceutical companies and for routine use during batch release by packaging manufacturers.

Relationship between Brazilian adolescents' physical activity and social and economic indicators of the cities where they live.

This study investigated the relationship between sufficient amounts of physical activity among Brazilian adolescents and the economic and social indicators of the cities where they live. Data from a large national survey including 109,104 boys and girls ages 13 to 15 yr. (47.8% boys, 52.2% girls) were analyzed. The economic and social indicators were the Human Development Index (HDI), which is a comparative measure to rank cities according to their degree of human development, the Gini index (income inequality), population density, and maternal education. Stepwise regression was used to identify associations between physical activity and economic and social indicators of the cities. The physical activity of Brazilian adolescents was associated with the social and economic conditions of the cities where they live. The amount of physical activity of girls was greater in the cities with fewer income inequalities. For boys, physical activity was greater in the cities with a higher HDI and fewer income inequalities.

BODY IMAGE AMONG MEN WHO PRACTICE BODY BUILDING: COMPARISON BY AGE, ECONOMIC STATUS, AND CITY SIZE.

Identifying the factors that influence the body image of body builders is important for understanding this construct. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between body image and age, socioeconomic status, and place of residence of body builders from two cities in Brazil. A cross-sectional study of 301 body builders with an average age of 25.2 yr. (SD = 3.5) was carried out. The Muscle Silhouette Measure scale was used, in which the discrepancy between current and desired silhouette was examined. Older body builders showed greater discrepancy between current and desired silhouette, reflecting their desire for a more muscular body.

Actions of oestradiol and progesterone on the prostate in female gerbils: reversal of the histological effects of castration.

The female prostate is a functionally active gland in several mammalian species, including humans and rodents. Investigations of prostate morphophysiology during the phases of the oestrous cycle have shown that the female prostate is influenced by fluctuations in serum concentrations of oestradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of combined prolonged administration of E2 and P4 on the prostate in ovariectomised female gerbils. Ovariectomy caused atrophy and decreased glandular secretory activity. Administration of E2 and P4 (0.1mgkg(-1) diluted in 0.1mL of mineral oil, every 48h over 30 days) resulted in a recovery of overall prostate structure, as evidenced by increased epithelial height, mass and prostatic secretory activity, without leading the appearance of significant lesions. Evaluation of androgen receptor (AR) expression revealed increased immunoreactivity in the E2+P4-treated group. Immunostaining for oestrogen receptor (ER) α was decreased in the castrated groups, but increased in the group subjected to hormone treatment. There were no significant differences in ERß immunoreactivity among the groups. Assessment of cell proliferation revealed greater immunoreactivity in the treated group. Together, the results indicate that the interaction between E2 and P4 may be responsible for maintaining female prostate gland histophysiology.

Brazilian adolescents' body weight misperception and the Human Development Index of the cities where they live.

This study investigated the relationship between adolescents' body weight misperception and the Human Development Index (HDI) of the cities in which they live in Brazil. Data from a large national survey that included 60,973 boys and girls between 13 and 15 yr. (M = 14.2, SD = 1.1; 47.5% boys, 52.5% girls) were analyzed. Regression analyses were adjusted for potential confounding factors such as population density, income inequality, nutritional status (BMI), and mothers' education. In both sexes, the relationship between perceived underweight showed an inverse relationship with HDI. The highest prevalences of participants who perceived themselves as overweight for girls were found in cities with high HDI.

Muscle Strength Indexes and Its Association With Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Adolescents: An Allometric Approach.

Background and aims: Muscle strength (MS) has been associated with better cardiometabolic health prognosis. However, the result for the beneficial relationship seems to be dependent on the influence of body size in determining MS levels. We investigate the association between allometric MS indexes and its association with cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study comprising 351 adolescents (male: 44.4%; age range 14-19 years) from Southern Brazil. MS was assessed by handgrip strength and three different allometric approaches were adopted: 1) MS index based on theoretical allometric exponent; 2) MS index including body mass and height; 3) MS index including fat-free mass and height. Obesity, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, glucose imbalance and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were investigated as individual factors or as combinations (either as combinations of components - presence of two adverse conditions, or number of components present in an individual - 0, 1, 2, 3+ cardiometabolic risk factors). Logistic and multinomial logistic regression analyses adjusted for confounding factors were used. The statistical significance adopted was 5%. Results: MS index based on theoretical allometric exponent was associated with lower likelihood (OR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.28 - 0.89) for the presence of three or more cardiometabolic risk factors in the same individual. Conclusion: This study suggests that MS index based on the theoretical allometric exponent can be superior to allometric MS indexes that included body mass and height, or fat-free mass and height in representing the presence of high number of cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents.

Clustering of risk behaviors for chronic noncommunicable diseases: a population-based study in southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and identify factors associated with simultaneous risk behaviors for chronic noncommunicable diseases in adults in a southern capital in Brazil. METHOD: A cross-sectional, population-based study was carried out with 1720 adults in Florianópolis, Brazil. The simultaneous occurrence of tobacco smoking, abusive drinking, inadequate or unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity during leisure was assessed. The independent variables were demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. RESULTS: Only 8.3% of the respondents did not have any of these factors, whereas the simultaneous occurrence of two or more risk behaviors was 59.4%. The simultaneous presence of four risk behaviors (3.4%) was 220% higher of what would be expected by combining the individual prevalence of these factors (1.5%). The likelihood of individuals having two or more risk behaviors simultaneously was greater in young men, with black skin color, living without a partner, with lower household per capita income, and lower education. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to implement programs that reduce the risk behaviors for chronic noncommunicable diseases among adults in Brazil, especially between young men with low education and income.

Anthropometric indicators as discriminators of high body fat in children and adolescents with HIV: comparison with reference methods.

BACKGROUND: Body fat assessment is needed in individuals with HIV. The objective was to identify the discriminatory capacity of the abdominal skinfold (ASF) tricipital skinfold (TSF), subscapular fold (SSF), calf skinfold (CSF), body adiposity index (BAI), body mass index, conicity index (IC), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), waist circumference (WC), perimeter of neck (PN) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) for high body fat in children and adolescents with HIV, compared Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and air displacement plethysmography (ADP). METHODS: Descriptive study, cross - sectional study, with 65 children and adolescents with HIV by vertical transmission. Body fat was measured by DXA and ADP. Measures were measured by international standardization. The diagnostic properties for high body fat were assessed by area under the ROC curve (AUC). RESULTS: For boys, having DXA as a reference for fat, ASF (AUC: 0.920), TSF (AUC: 0.792), SSF (AUC: 0.766), CSF (AUC: 0.866), BAI satisfactory discriminatory capacity. With ADP as the reference method, ASF (AUC: 0.920), TSF (AUC: 0.921), SSF (AUC: 0.766), CSF (AUC: 0.901), BAI (AUC: 0.756) and BMI (AUC: 0.699) presented satisfactory results. For girls, having DXA as a reference for fat, ASF (AUC: 0.838), TSF (AUC: 0.842), SSF (AUC: 0.840), CSF (AUC: 0.887), BAI (AUC: 0.846), and BMI (AUC: 0.859) presented satisfactory discriminatory capacity. Assuming ADP as a reference for fat, ASF (AUC [AUC: 0.799], TSF [AUC: 0.825], SSF [AUC: 0.767], CSF [AUC: 0.897], BAI 0.788), were satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: The ASF, TSF, SSF, CSF, BAI and BMI anthropometric indicators may be suggested as the most suitable for the detection of high body fat in children and adolescents with HIV.

Muscle Strength Assessed by Handgrip Strength Moderates the Relationship Between Overweight and Obesity With Cardiometabolic Risk Markers Among Adults and Older Adults.

Background and aims: Few population-based studies have studied whether muscle strength (MS) levels influence the relationship between cardiometabolic markers with excess body weight. We investigate the possible moderator role of MS in the relationship between overweight and obesity with cardiometabolic markers. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis using data from two studies in Florianópolis, Brazil (EpiFloripa Adult Cohort Study, n = 862, 39.3 ± 11.4 years; EpiFloripa Aging Cohort Study, n = 1,197, 69.7 ± 7.1 years). MS was assessed by handgrip strength. Body mass index (BMI) was classified as overweight or obesity (BMI 25.0-29.9 or ≥30.0 kg/m2, respectively). Cardiometabolic markers included systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), C-reactive protein (CRP), lipids, glucose markers, and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). Linear regression models stratified by age groups (adults: <60 years; older adults: ≥60 years) and adjusted for confounders were used. Results: Compared to those with a normal BMI, overweight and obesity were related to higher SBP, DBP, lnCRP, ln triglycerides, fasting glucose (FG), and glicated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and inversely associated with HDL-C among adults and older adults (p value < .05 for all). Additionally, BMI was positively associated with LDL-C and CIMT only among adults (p value < .05). Among adults and older adults, elevated MS attenuated the adverse relationship between excess body weight with FG and HbA1c. Conclusion: Higher MS might help adults and older adults with overweight or obesity reduce their cardiovascular risk by keeping their FG and HbA1c at the same levels of those with a normal BMI.

Clusters of lifestyle behaviors associated with atherosclerosis risk factors in children and adolescents with congenital heart disease: Floripa CHild Study.

Secondary cardiovascular disease is the main cause of mortality in congenital heart disease (CHD) patients. The cardiovascular risk could be widely prevented with adherence to a healthy lifestyle; however, clusters of lifestyle behaviors related to atherosclerosis risk factors in children and adolescents with CHD remain unclear. We aimed to describe the clusters of lifestyle behaviors of children and adolescents with CHD and to evaluate their association with atherosclerosis risk factors. We conducted a cross-sectional study on 227 children and adolescents with CHD (median age:10.02 [IQR:7.08-13.02] years). Dietary intake, physical activity (PA), and sedentary behavior (SB) were evaluated. Clusters of lifestyle behaviors were determined using a two-step cluster analysis. Atherosclerosis risk factors evaluated include body fat mass, central obesity, blood pressure, lipid parameters, glucose, C-reactive protein, and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT). Multiple logistic regressions were used. The "unhealthy: high SB + low PA" cluster was associated with elevated body fat mass, central obesity, and elevated cIMT. Furthermore, the "unhealthy: low PA + unhealthy eating habits" cluster was associated with elevated body fat mass, central obesity, and elevated glucose. The unhealthier lifestyle behavior clusters were associated with atherosclerosis risk factors in children and adolescents with CHD. Multidisciplinary strategies to promote healthy behaviors are needed to prevent cardiovascular disease in later life.

Burden of disease due to amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, and opioid use disorders in South America, 1990-2019: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

BACKGROUND: South America's substance use profile, poverty, income inequality, and cocaine-supplier role make it a unique place for substance use research. This study investigated the burden of disease attributable to amphetamine use disorder, cannabis use disorder (CAD), cocaine use disorder, and opioid use disorder (OUD) in South America from 1990 to 2019, on the basis of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019. METHODS: GBD 2019 estimated the incidence, prevalence, mortality, years of life lost (YLL), years of life lived with disability (YLD), and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) due to substance use disorders in each of the 12 South American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela). Data were modelled using standardised tools (ie, the Cause of Death Ensemble model, spatio-temporal Gaussian process regression, and disease modelling meta-regression) to generate estimates of each quantity of interest by sex, location, and year. The analysis included comparisons by sex and country, and against regional and global estimates. FINDINGS: In 2019, the highest amphetamine use disorder burden per 100 000 population in South America was in Peru (66 DALYs). CAD DALY rates per 100 000 in South America were stable between 1990 and 2019, except in Chile and Colombia, which had the highest rates in 2019 (19 DALYs for Chile and 18 DALYs for Colombia). OUD DALYs per 100 000 increased during the period in Brazil and Peru, which in 2019 had the highest rates in South America (82 DALYs for Brazil and 70 DALYs for Peru). In 2019, Brazil had the highest cocaine use disorder DALYs per 100 000 (45 DALYs), nearly double its rate in 1990. DALY rates were higher in males than females for each substance use disorder, except in Paraguay. The overall burden of substance use disorders was higher in males than in females, mainly because of cocaine use disorder and CAD, whereas for amphetamine use disorder, the difference between sexes was minimal, and for OUD there was no difference. For males and females, the highest rate of substance use disorders DALYs per 100 000 was for OUD except in Argentina (in males, 58 DALYs for cocaine use disorder vs 52 DALYs for OUD) and in Paraguay (in females, 77 for amphetamine use disorder vs 50 for OUD). CAD DALY rates were generally the lowest among the substance use disorders for males and females. Amphetamine use disorder YLD rates were reasonably stable throughout the period and were highest in Peru, Paraguay, and Uruguay (>40 YLD per 100 000). For CAD, YLD rates were stable in all countries except Chile and Colombia. Cocaine use disorder YLD rates per 100 000 for the top four countries (Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and Brazil) increased from 1990 to 2010 (eg, from 19 to 33 in Brazil), but decreased between 2010 and 2019 (eg, from 36 to 31 in Chile). For OUD, YLD rates showed a slight increase in most countries apart from Brazil, which increased from 52 in 1990 to 80 in 2019 and was top among the countries. Amphetamine use disorder YLL rates per 100 000 were highest in Suriname and Peru during the period, although in Suriname it increased from 2·7 in 2010 to 3·2 in 2019, whereas in Peru it decreased from 2·1 to 1·7. The highest YLL rate for cocaine use disorder was in Brazil, which increased from 3·7 in 1990 to 18·1 in 2019. Between 2000 and 2019, Chile and Uruguay showed the highest OUD YLL rates (11·6 for Chile and 10·9 for Uruguay). A high incidence of CAD was found in Chile, Colombia, Guyana, and Suriname. There were high incidences of amphetamine use disorder in Paraguay, cocaine use disorder in Argentina, and OUD in Ecuador. A decrease in annual prevalence for substance use disorders during the period was observed in Venezuela (amphetamine use disorder, CAD, and OUD), Brazil (CAD and amphetamine use disorder), Colombia (amphetamine use disorder and cocaine use disorder), Peru (amphetamine use disorder and cocaine use disorder), Chile and Suriname (amphetamine use disorder), Uruguay (CAD), and Bolivia (OUD). Overall, the cocaine use disorder burden stabilised then decreased. OUD was less prevalent than other substance use disorders but its burden was the highest. INTERPRETATION: The decrease in the burden of cocaine use disorder probably reflects the success of national standardised treatment programmes. Programmes for amphetamine use disorder, CAD, and OUD management should be improved. We did not find an increase in CAD burden in Uruguay, the country with the highest degree of cannabis decriminalisation in the region. Countries in South America should improve monitoring of substance use disorders, including regular surveys to provide more accurate data on which to base policy decisions. FUNDING: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Tooth loss is associated with increased blood pressure in adults--a multidisciplinary population-based study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether tooth loss is associated with increased blood pressure among adults after controlling for socioeconomic, health, and lifestyle confounders. We also assessed the interactions between tooth loss and smoking status and tooth loss and age on systolic blood pressure (SBP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out with 1720 adults from Florianópolis, Brazil. Data collection included blood pressure, anthropometric measures, and a questionnaire on socio-demographics, self-rated health, diabetes, self-reported number of natural teeth, and dental prosthesis. We used linear multivariable regression models for the association of blood pressure with tooth loss adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: Edentulous subjects had a SBP 8.3 mmHg (95% CI 0.1; 16.7) higher than those with more than 10 teeth in both arches after adjustment for potential confounders. We found interaction between tooth loss and smoking status. Moderate/heavy smokers were associated with considerably higher SBP than light, former or non-smokers among edentulous and also partly among dentate with less than 10 teeth in at least one arch, but there was no real association between smoking and SBP among those with 10 or more teeth in both arches. CONCLUSIONS: Total tooth loss is associated with increased levels of SBP in this adult population.

Anthropometric profiles of elite older triathletes in the Ironman Brazil compared with those of young Portuguese triathletes and older Brazilians.

The objective of this study was to describe the anthropometric profiles of elite older triathletes participating in the 2009 Ironman Brazil and to compare their somatotype, anthropometric and body composition characteristics with those of elite young triathletes and older non-athletes. The sample consisted of 64 males, divided into three groups: (1) older triathletes (n = 17), (2) young triathletes (n = 24), and (3) older non-athletes (n = 23). Somatotype was analysed according to the Carter and Heath ( 1990 ) method. Body mass index, sum of four skinfolds, percentage body fat, body fat mass, and fat-free mass were also estimated. Older non-athletes had higher endomorphy, sum of four skinfolds, fat percentage, and body fat mass than the athletes. Older athletes who participated in the Ironman and elite young triathletes had higher fat-free mass than older non-athletes. Older triathletes and older non-athletes were considered mainly endomorphic mesomorphs and young triathletes mainly ectomorphic mesomorphs. The findings that characterize the anthropometric profile of athletes in this sports modality could be used as a reference.

Comparison of bone mineral density and bone mineral content in university athletes from different sports.

BACKGROUND: Bone parameters are influenced by multiple factors. However, when comparing sports, few studies have considered the simultaneous interference of these factors in bone parameters. The aim of this study is to compare bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) between university athletes from different sports, according to sex. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 71 male and female university athletes practicing indoor soccer (14 male, 20 female), judo (eight male, six female) and volleyball (11 male, 12 female) aged 22.37±3.71 years. Dependent variables were BMD and BMC corrected by height measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The sport practiced (indoor soccer, judo and volleyball) was the independent variable and covariates were fat mass, lean tissue mass, training volume, practice time and gynecological aspects (in female athletes) such as regular menstruation and use of oral contraceptives. Analysis of covariance was used, with P<0.05. RESULTS: Female volleyball players (mean: 1.23; standard error [SE]: 0.03) presented with higher lumbar BMD values compared to judo athletes (mean: 1.08; SE: 0.05). In addition, lumbar BMC values of indoor soccer athletes (mean: 0.41; SE: 0.01) was higher compared to judo athletes (mean: 0.34; SE: 0.02). In males, no differences were observed among sports. CONCLUSIONS: Sports performance technicians and professionals will be able to broaden the understanding of variations in BMD and BMC lumbar between judo, indoor soccer and volleyball athletes, which allows monitoring these parameters in the sports context and in the athlete's health.

Perception of environmental obstacles to commuting physical activity in Brazilian elderly.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between perceived environmental attributes and commuting physical activity (PA) in a population-based sample of elderly persons. METHODS: Cross-sectional study was performed in 2009/2010, including 1652 elderly individuals aged 60 years or greater living in Florianopolis-SC, Brazil. Physical activity was measured using the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Perceived environmental variables were assessed using a modified version of the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale. Multinomial logistic regression was used and a 5% significance level was taken into account. RESULTS: 36.8% and 35.2% of the subjects were inactive or did not reach 150 min/week on transport-related physical activity, respectively. Physical and social environmental characteristics, such as the absence of parks and athletic courts (OR(Inactive):1.75; 95% CI:1.22-2.51); presence of garbage (OR(Low-active):1.55; 1.04-2.30); street lighting (OR(Low-active):2.51; 95% CI:1.36-4.64; OR(Low-active):2.43; 95% CI:1.43-4.15); not walking with the dog (OR(Inactive): 3.08; 95% CI:1.42-6.69) and don't have a dog (OR(Inactive):2.45; 95% CI:1.06-5.66) were associated with lower levels of commuting PA. CONCLUSIONS: Results showed that poor physical and social environmental characteristics were related to lower commuting. Building public facilities and promoting physical activity in groups are likely to impact in active commuting among the elderly in Brazil.

Cell integrity indicators in university athletes: comparison among playing positions in indoor football.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare cell integrity indicators according to the playing position in university indoor football athletes. METHODS: The sample consisted of 34 university athletes (20 female and 14 male). Dependent variables were cell integrity indicators: total body water (TBW), intracellular water (ICW), extracellular water (ECW), ECW/ICW ratio, body cell mass (BCM), ECW/BCM ratio, phase angle (PhA), resistance (R), Xc (reactance) and impedance (Z), evaluated by the electrical bioimpedance method. Independent variable was the playing position: goalkeeper (a), defender (a), winger (left and right) and pivot collected through questionnaire. Control variables were age, time of sport practice, participation in competitions per year and training load obtained by applying the anamnesis form, and body fat and fat and bone-free mass were obtained through dual emission X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Covariance analysis (ANCOVA) was used, with post-hoc Tukey's test, to identify difference between groups, with P<0.05. RESULTS: In the adjusted analysis, female athletes in the defense position had BCM values (31.1±2.1) higher than those in the wing position (25.8±1.1, P<0.01). In males, pivots showed higher ICW values (31.47±0.77) when compared to defenders (25.7±0.8, P=0.02). In addition, goalkeepers had higher TBW values (52.7±2.5) compared to wingers (42.3±1.2) (P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Cell integrity indicators may vary according to the playing position in indoor football.