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.

Handgrip strength and associated factors among Brazilian adolescents: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The handgrip strength (HGS) is an indicator of muscle strength associated with several health outcomes in adolescents and adults. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify HGS levels and associated modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors in adolescents. METHODS: The study included 971 adolescents (496 boys) aged 15-18 years. The HGS was measured by a dynamometer, and the maximum value of right and left hands were summed for a total score. Age, economic status, balanced diet, physical activity, and sedentary behavior were assessed by questionnaires, while body mass index was determined by measuring body weight and height. Multiple linear regression was carried out to examine the association. RESULTS: 65.4% of the adolescents presented low levels of HGS (boys: 73.8%; girls: 56.6%). Low levels of HGS were associated with weight status and height in both sexes. In boys, low levels of HGS were associated with age, balanced diet, physical activity, and sedentary behavior. CONCLUSION: About six out of ten adolescentes presented low levels of HGS. The main predictors of low levels of HGS in boys were age, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and balanced diet, and weight status and height in both sexes.

A 6-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial to evaluate the effect of Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) and concurrent training on erectile function and testosterone levels in androgen deficiency of aging males (ADAM).

BACKGROUND: Androgen deficiency of aging males (ADAM) largely manifests as sexual symptoms. Erectile dysfunction is one of the most common symptoms of ADAM. AIM: To ascertain the effect of concurrent training and supplementation with Eurycoma longifolia on erectile function and testosterone levels in men with ADAM, and the association of erectile function with levels of total testosterone. METHODS: 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled four-arm clinical. 45 men (47.38 ± 5.03 years) were randomized into 4 groups (G1: control + placebo; G2: control + Eurycoma longifolia; G3: concurrent training + placebo; G4: concurrent training + Eurycoma longifolia). 22 received a 200 mg supplement of Eurycoma longifolia and 23 underwent the intervention with concurrent training, 3 times a week for 60 min at progressive intensity. OUTCOMES: International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), Aging Male Scale (AMS) and total testosterone. RESULTS: Erectile function demonstrated improvements in both interventions; however, the most significant results were obtained by men allocated to concurrent training + Eurycoma longifolia. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: A 200 mg supplement of Eurycoma longifolia and the practice of concurrent training for 6 months significantly improved the erectile function of men with ADAM. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: The study's design stands out as a strength, in addition to the six-month intervention. The main limitation is the study not having groups that used only Eurycoma longifolia and only concurrent training. CONCLUSION: The combination of Eurycoma longifolia and concurrent training improved erectile function and increased total testosterone levels in men with ADAM.

Exercise associated or not to the intake of Eurycoma longifolia improves strength and cardiorespiratory fitness in men with androgen deficiency.

This study aims to analyze the effects of a concurrent training (CT) associated with Eurycoma longifolia (EL) supplementation on the muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and symptomatology score of men with the androgen deficiency of aging male (ADAM). Forty-five subjects (47.6 ± 5.2 years) were included in the study. The randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled clinical trial lasted for 6 months. Participants were randomized into four groups, control (C; n = 12); EL (n = 11); CT (n = 11); and CT + EL (n = 11). Along this period, the isokinetic peak torque of the knee extensors increased in the CT (14%) and CT + EL (17%) groups (p = 0.040; p = 0.006, respectively), while the isokinetic peak torque of knee flexion increased in the CT + EL group only (p < 0.05). For all participants, testosterone levels were correlated with isokinetic peak torque of knee extension (r = 0.517, p = 0.001) and flexion (r = 0.362, p = 0.028). Subjects of the CT (27.3%) and CT + EL (36.1%) groups decreased the symptomatology of ADAM (p = 0.005). This study demonstrated the benefits of CT and EL consumption as a non-pharmacological treatment for ADAM.

Low handgrip strength levels among adolescents in a city in southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of low handgrip strength (HGS) levels and sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviours and body fatness status related in adolescents. METHOD: Cross-sectional epidemiological study with 636 adolescents aged 14-19 years in a city in southern Brazil. HGS was measured by dynamometer. Sociodemographic and behavioural data were collected using self-report questionnaires. Body mass and height was measured by Body Mass Index. RESULTS: Prevalence of low HGS levels was 47% (63.5% boys, 37.7% girls). Boys aged 14-16 years were more likely to have low HGS levels. Girls who were of higher socioeconomic status and who were less physically active were more likely to have low HGS levels. Overweight girls were less likely to have low HGS levels. CONCLUSIONS: High prevalence of low HGS levels was observed in adolescents. Increased HGS levels should be focused on younger boys and normal-weight girls with higher socioeconomic status and lower levels of physical activity.