Enlightenment about using TCM constitutions for individualized medicine and construction of Chinese-style precision medicine: research progress with TCM constitutions.

TCM constitution is a new branch of TCM. It provides enlightenment on individualized medicine, including the development of new models of individualized research based on nine constitutions, the acquisition of comprehensive health information for individuals, and establishment of a consistent individualized diagnosis and treatment system. Further, we propose a Chinese-style "precision medicine" based on individualization using the TCM constitutions.

Relationship Between Modified Body Adiposity Index and A Body Shape Index with Biochemical Parameters in Bariatric Surgery Candidates.

BACKGROUND: Body mass index, an estimate of body fat percentage, has been previously shown to be associated with metabolic disorders. However, there is little data on the associations between a body shape index (ABSI) or modified body adiposity index (MBAI), which provide valuable definitions of body fat, with serum biochemical parameter levels. Therefore, this study was conducted to find either ABSI or MBAI associations with serum biochemical parameter levels in bariatric surgery candidates. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 776 bariatric surgery candidates (age range 18-69 years) between November 2010 and September 2017. Demographic data, anthropometric indices, biochemical parameters, and body composition analysis data were drawn from the National Obesity Surgery Database, Iran. ABSI and MBAI were calculated using related equations. A stepwise multivariate linear regression was used to evaluate whether ABSI or MBAI was associated with each serum biochemical parameter. RESULTS: ABSI, age, and multivitamin/mineral supplementation (MVMS) were independently associated with serum vitamin D (ß = 24.374, SE 10.756, P value 0.026; ß = 0.022, SE 0.007, P value 0.002; ß = 0.639, SE 0.235, P value 0.008). However, a negative association was observed between MBAI and vitamin D (ß = - 0.037, SE 0.016, P value 0.025) in a model adjusted for age and MVMS. Additionally, MBAI and age showed a significant positive association with serum HDL-c (ß = 0.185, SE 0.085, P value 0.028; ß = 0.171, SE 0.033, P value < 0.001), although there was a negative association between male sex and HDL-c (ß = - 4.004, SE 0.891, P value < 0.001). CONCLUSION: ABSI and MBAI may be appropriate indices in predicting serum vitamin D and HDL-c levels.

Severe and protracted cholestasis in 44 young men taking bodybuilding supplements: assessment of genetic, clinical and chemical risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Bodybuilding supplements can cause a profound cholestatic syndrome. AIM: To describe the drug-Induced liver injury network's experience with liver injury due to bodybuilding supplements. METHODS: Liver injury pattern, severity and outcomes, potential genetic associations, and exposure to anabolic steroids by product analysis were analysed in prospectively enrolled subjects with bodybuilding supplement-induced liver injury with causality scores of probable or higher. RESULTS: Forty-four males (mean age 33 years) developed liver injury with a median latency of 73 days. Forty-one per cent presented with hepatocellular pattern of liver injury as defined by the R > 5 ([Fold elevation of ALT] ÷ [Fold elevation of Alk Phos] (mean, range = 6.4, 0.5-31.4, n = 42) despite all presenting with clinical features of cholestatic liver injury (100% with jaundice and 84% with pruritus). Liver biopsy (59% of subjects) demonstrated a mild hepatitis and profound cholestasis in most without bile duct injury, loss or fibrosis. Seventy-one per cent were hospitalised, and none died or required liver transplantation. In some, chemical analysis revealed anabolic steroid controlled substances not listed on the label. No enrichment of genetic variants associated with cholestatic syndromes was found, although mutations in ABCB11 (present in up to 20%) were significantly different than in ethnically matched controls. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with bodybuilding supplements liver injury uniformly presented with cholestatic injury, which slowly resolved. The ingested products often contained anabolic steroids not identified on the label, and no enrichment in genetic variants was found, indicating a need for additional studies.

Can We Determine Sasang Constitutional Body Type Merely by Facial Inspection?

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the inter-observer concordance rate of anthroscopic examination on facial features among experts in Sasang constitutional medicine (SCM) in order to evaluate the presence of statistical differences in facial structural characteristics among different body types of Sasang constitution (SC), and to develop an objective method for facial analysis for diagnosing SC types to prevent SCM experts from misdiagnosis by their perceptional errors about faces. METHODS: This was a double-blinded cross-sectional study conducted on 174 people's faces. Ten SCM experts participated in this study. Frontal and lateral photographs of subjects were standardized and displayed to 10 SCM experts for diagnosing the SC type by anthroscopic examination alone (experiment 1). The subjects' faces were analyzed by photogrammetric method to investigate the presence of any typical structural characteristics of the faces to differentiate SC type (experiment 2). Comparing subjects' SC type with anthroscopic diagnosis by 10 SCM experts, the inter-observer concordance rates were measured (experiment 1). Using photogrammetric facial analysis, a multinomial logistic model was made for analyzing the correlation of SC type and subjects' facial structural configuration (experiment 2). RESULTS: The inter-observer concordance rate of anthroscopic examination was 2.9% in experiment 1. Using a multinomial logistic fitting model, the predicted probability for determining SC type was 52.8-57.6% in experiment 2 (p < 0.05). Prototype composite faces were also created from photographs of subjects who received the same SC type from the SCM experts. CONCLUSIONS: As SC type cannot be precisely diagnosed using anthroscopic examination alone, SCM needs a definitive objective and scientific diagnosing method to be a scientifically verified alternative medicine and be globalized in future.

Estudio comparativo del somatotipo de niñas-bailarinas cordobesas y porto-alegregrenses / Somatotype comparative study between spanish and brazilian young females dancers

Casi no se conoce la influencia de la danza sobre el desarrollo morfológico y antropométrico de niñas que la practican. Así, el objetivo de este estudio es obtener y realizar comparaciones entre el somatotipo de niñas-bailarinas pertenecientes a la ciudad de Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil, y de la ciudad de Córdoba (CO), España, practicantes de ballet clásico y danza española, intentando establecer un paralelismo entre estas dos poblaciones, comparando y relacionando los datos obtenidos. Fueron evaluadas 110 niñas-bailarinas: 60 cordobesas, estudiantes del Conservatorio de Danza de Córdoba, España, y 50 porto-alegrenses, estudiantes de academias de ballet clásico de la ciudad de Porto Alegre, Brasil. Intentando atender a los objetivos del estudio, la recogida de datos fue desarrollada por abordaje transversal. Además de las variables de identificación del individuo, de las variables edad cronológica y nacionalidad, el presente estudio comprende las informaciones antropométricas referentes al somatotipo, mediante la medida de varios bloques de parámetros antropométricos, siguiendo las indicaciones del protocolo de la ISAK. El somatotipo fue calculado según el método de Heath-Carter. Para el tratamiento estadístico de los datos se utilizó la estadística descriptiva y el Test t de Student (p<0.05). Los resultados sugieren el predominio del componente mesomórfico en el somatotipo de los dos grupos estudiados, determinando el predominio de la masa muscular. Todavía, no hubo diferencias significativas entre las niñas-bailarinas cordobesas y las porto-alegrenses en el somatotipo

Not much is known about the influence of dance in the morphological and anthropometrical development of young dancers. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to obtain and compare the somatotype of two groups: one group of classical ballet dancers, from Porto Alegre, Brazil, and the other group including spanish dancers and classical ballet dancers, from Cordoba, Spain, trying to draw a parallel between these two groups, comparing and relating the data. We evaluated 110 young female dancers: 60 from Cordoba Conservatory of Dance, Cordoba, Spain, and 50 from private dance schools in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Trying to reach the objectives of the study, data collection was developed by a cross-sectional study. In addition to the individual identification variables, age variable and nationality, this study measured anthropometric variables, based on the ISAK protocol, and calculated the somatotype according to the Heath-Carter method. Descriptive statistical methodology and the "Student t test" was used to analyze and compare the data. The two groups present the dominance of the mesomorphic component, determining the prevalence of muscle mass. Regarding the somatotype no significant statistical differences were found between spanish and brazilian young female dancers

Características morfológicas del triatleta según sexo, categoría y nivel competitivo / Morphological characteristics of the triathlete according to sex, category and competitive level

El triatlón combina 3 modalidades deportivas de resistencia y necesita unas características físicas para optimizar el rendimiento de cada segmento. El objetivo fue determinar el perfil morfológico del triatleta. Se analizaron retrospectivamente 153 protocolos incluyendo: peso, talla, perímetros, diámetros, longitudes y pliegues cutáneos. Se dividieron las muestras masculina y femenina en sénior y junior, y los sénior en primer y segundo nivel competitivo. El somatotipo fue ecto-mesomórfico, excepto en mujeres junior, que fue central. Los sénior tuvieron menor porcentaje graso (Whiters, 1987) que los junior (varones 7,4 vs 8,5; mujeres 13,9 vs 16,8), y las mujeres de nivel 1 respecto al 2 (11,8 vs 16,2). La masa muscular (Lee, 2000) fue mayor en sénior respecto a los junior, en varones en kilos (32,1 vs 30,9) y en mujeres en porcentaje (42,8 vs 41); las mujeres de nivel 1 respecto al 2 (44,2 vs 41,2). Las áreas musculares transversales (Heysmfield, 1982) fueron mayores en sénior varones en brazo y muslo respecto al junior, y mujeres sénior de nivel 1 mayor en muslo en relación al 2. Los índices se situaron en rango medio, teniendo los sénior varones un mayor índice braquial que los junior. Los varones hasta la etapa sénior no alcanzan el desarrollo musculoesquelético del tren superior; mientras que las mujeres lo alcanzan en la etapa junior. En las mujeres sénior su nivel de rendimiento lo marca una mayor edad y niveles de grasa más bajos. Los triatletas deberán tener un peso con bajo porcentaje graso y un componente musculoesquelético en rango medio

The triathlon combines three resistance sport disciplines and requires physical characteristics to optimize the performance of each segment. The aim of this study was to determine the morphological profile of the triathlete. A retrospective analysis was performed on 153 protocols including: weight, height, perimeters, diameters, lengths, and skin folds. The male and female samples were divided into senior and junior, and senior into first and second ranking levels. The somatotype was ecto-mesomorph, except for junior females, for which it was central. The senior category had a fat percentage (Withers, 1987) lower than the junior, men 7.4 vs.8.5; females 13.9 vs. 16.8; and level 1 compared to level 2 in females, 11.8 vs. 16.2. Muscle mass (Lee, 2000) for the senior was higher than for the junior, in males in kilograms (32.1 vs.30.9), and females in percentage (42.8 vs. 41); level 1 female compared to 2 (44.2 vs. 41.2).Muscle cross-section areas (Heysmfield, 1982) in arm and thigh were higher in senior male than in junior male; and for senior female in the thigh it was higher in level 1 than in level 2. The indices were in the middle range, the senior male having a brachial index greater than the junior male. Males only reached the senior phase in the upper body musculoskeletal development; while females reach it in the junior phase. The performance in the senior females is marked by greater age and lower fat levels. Triathletes should have a weight with low percentage of body fat and a musculoskeletal component in the medium range

O uso da maturação somática na identificação morfofucional em jovens jogadores de futebol / The use of somatic maturation in the morphofunctional identification in young soccer players

Objetivo. As modificações que ocorrem com os jovens nas idades anteriores ao pico de velocidade de crescimento (PVC) podem influenciar de maneira direta o seu desempenho nas atividades esportivas. Considerando esse pressuposto, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o efeito da maturação somática nas variáveis motoras e corporais de jovens futebolistas. Método. Os 45 sujeitos foram divididos em três grupos de acordo com a maturação somática e submetidos à avaliação antropométrica e a uma bateria de testes que analisaram a flexibilidade (banco de Wells), a potência aeróbia (Yoyo endurance teste, nível 1) e a potência anaeróbia (salto horizontal e vertical). Resultados. Os resultados da análise de variância demonstram que o desempenho no salto vertical com contra movimento (F = 5,10 e p = 0,01) e no salto horizontal (F = 7,19 e p = 0,002) é influenciado pelo nível maturacional, o mesmo ocorrendo para a flexibilidade (F = 6,83 e p = 0,02). Por outro lado, o desempenho no teste de potência aeróbia não foi afetado pelo nível maturacional. As variáveis corporais somatotipo e o recíproco do índice ponderal se mantiveram estáveis independentemente do grau de maturação; apenas foram verificadas diferenças nos valores corporais para o IMC. Conclusão: Assim, pode-se concluir que a determinação dos estágios maturacionais dada pelos anos em relação ao PVC (APVC) dentro de uma determinada faixa etária pode ser um valioso instrumento de orientação para técnicos e treinadores na adequação dos treinamentos em função da real condição funcional de seus jovens atletas(AU)

Objective. The changes in young people at ages preceding the peak height velocity (PHV) can influence their performance in sports. Taken this issue into account, this study aimed to analyze the effect of maturity level on body composition and motor performance in young soccer players. Methods. The 45 subjects were divided into three groups according to somatic maturation and were submitted to anthropometric assessment and to a battery of tests that assessed flexibility (Wells' bench), aerobic power (Yoyo endurance test level 1) and anaerobic power (horizontal and vertical jumps). Results. The results of ANOVA indicate that performance in vertical jump with counter movement (F = 5.10, p = 0.01), standing long jump (F = 7.19, p = 0.002) and flexibility (F = 6.83, p = 0.02) are influenced by the level of maturation status. On the other hand, the performance in the aerobic power test was not affected by maturity status. The somatotype and the reciprocal of ponderal index variables remained steady regardless the degree of maturity; differences were only observed in body mass index values (BMI). Conclusion. Thus, we can conclude that the determination of maturational stages by means of years from PHV can be a valuable tool in order to aid coaches and trainers planning and monitoring training related to the actual functional condition of young athletes(AU)

Physical and physiological profile of elite karate athletes.

This review focuses on the most important physical and physiological characteristics of karate athletes from the available scientific research. It has been established that karate's top-level performers require a high fitness level. Top-level male karate athletes are typified by low body fat and mesomorphic-ectomorphic somatotype characteristics. Studies dealing with body composition and somatotype of females are scarce. Aerobic capacity has been reported to play a major role in karate performance. It prevents fatigue during training and ensures the recovery processes during rest periods between two subsequent bouts of fighting activity within a fight and between two consecutive matches. It has been established that there is no significant difference between male and female kata (forms) and kumite (sparring/combat) athletes with regard to aerobic performance. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to support these findings. Concerning anaerobic performance, there is a difference in maximal power explored by the force-velocity test between national and international level karatekas (karate practitioners) but, for the maximum accumulated oxygen deficit test there is no difference between them. Muscle explosive power plays a vital role in a karateka's capacity for high-level performance. However, it has been revealed that vertical jump performance, maximal power and maximal velocity differed between national- and international-level karatekas. Moreover, it has been reported that karate performance relies more on muscle power at lower loads rather than higher ones. Thus, karate's decisive actions are essentially dependent on muscle explosive power in both the upper and lower limbs. With regard to dynamic strength, limited research has been conducted. The maximal absolute bench press, half-squat one-repetition maximum and performance of isokinetic tasks differed significantly between highly competitive and novice male karatekas. Studies on female karate athletes do not exist. Concerning flexibility, which is important for the execution of high kicks and adequate range of action at high speeds, it has been demonstrated that karate athletes' ranges of bilateral hip and knee flexion are greater compared with non-karate athletes. Finally, reaction time is a crucial element in karate because high-level performance is based essentially on explosive techniques. A significant difference in the choice reaction time between high-level and novice karatekas exists. Further research is needed concerning the physiological characteristics of female karatekas, the differences between kata and kumite athletes and variations based on weight categories.

Genome-wide association study of the four-constitution medicine.

BACKGROUND: Four-constitution medicine (FCM), also known as Sasang constitutional medicine, and the heritage of the long history of individualized acupuncture medicine tradition, is one of the holistic and traditional systems of constitution to appraise and categorize individual differences into four major types. OBJECTIVE: This study first reports a genome-wide association study on FCM, to explore the genetic basis of FCM and facilitate the integration of FCM with conventional individual differences research. DESIGN: Healthy individuals of the Korean population were classified into the four constitutional types (FCTs). A total of 353,202 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were typed using whole genome amplified samples, and six-way comparison of FCM types provided lists of significantly differential SNPs. RESULTS: In one-to-one FCT comparisons, 15,944 SNPs were significantly differential, and 5 SNPs were commonly significant in all of the three comparisons. In one-to-two FCT comparisons, 22,616 SNPs were significantly differential, and 20 SNPs were commonly significant in all of the three comparison groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents the association between genome-wide SNP profiles and the categorization of the FCM, and it could further provide a starting point of genome-based identification and research of the constitutions of FCM.

Dry heat, moist heat and body fat: are heating modalities really effective in people who are overweight?

Surface heating modalities are commonly used in physical therapy and physical medicine for increasing circulation, especially in deep tissues, to promote healing. However, recent evidence seems to indicate that in people who are overweight, heat transfer is impaired by the subcutaneous fat layer. The present investigation was conducted on 10 subjects aged 22-54 years, whose body mass index averaged 25.8+/-4.6. Subcutaneous fat above the quadriceps muscle varied from 0.51 to 0.86 cm of thickness. Three heating modalities were examined: the application of dry heat with a commercial chemical heat pack, hydrocollator heat packs (providing a type of moist heat), and a whirlpool, where conductive heat loss through water contact would be very high. The temperature of the skin and the temperature in the muscle (25 mm below the skin surface) were assessed by thermocouples. The results of the experiments showed that for heating modalities that are maintained in skin contact for long periods of time, such as dry heat packs (in place for 6 hours), subcutaneous fat did not impair the change in deep muscle temperature. In contrast, when rapid heat modalities were used, such as the hydrocollator and the whirlpool (15 minutes of sustained skin contact), the transfer of heat from the skin to deep muscle was significantly impaired in people with thicker subcutaneous fat layers. We observed that the greater the impairment in heat transfer to muscle from skin covered by body fat, the warmer the skin temperature increase during the modality.

Heat transfer to deep tissue: the effect of body fat and heating modality.

The purpose of this study was to quantify the thermal transfer characteristics of the skin in relation to body composition as assessed by the ability of water immersion and hot and cold packs with different thicknesses of towels layers to heat or cool deep tissue. Two sets of experiments were conducted to determine the interrelationships between body fat content and muscle temperature after immersion of the limb in water or the application of hot and cold packs. In the first series of experiments, subjects immersed their lower body in water at 42, 37, 34, 27, 24 and 0 degrees C for 20 minutes. Muscle temperature was measured in the skin above and in the belly of the quadriceps and medial gastrocnemius muscles by a thermistor on the skin and one implanted with a 20-gauge needle 25 mm below and perpendicular to the skin. To see the effect of circulation, a series was conducted with the circulation occluded. In the second series, hot or cold packs were used with different thicknesses of towel layers. The muscle temperature after immersion in water approached that of the packs within approximately 20 minutes. In contrast, when hot and cold packs were used with various thickness of towels ranging from 2 to 10 mm in thickness, the change in muscle temperature was much less and it was still changing at the end of a 20 minute period. Subjects with high body fat changed their deep tissue temperatures much more slowly with a time constant nearly double that of the thin subjects with all modalities. Even after water immersion, if the body fat exceeded 25% of the subject's weight, 20 min of immersion was not enough to either warm the muscle or cool it down substantially. Cold packs and hot packs were very ineffective in changing muscle temperature under these same conditions. Body fat plays a major role, as did limb blood flow in controlling the movement of heat across the limb.

Los estilos afectivos en la población española: un cuestionario de evaluación del apego adulto / Affective styles in a Spanish sample: a questionnaire for the assessment of adult attachment

Este artículo detalla el proceso de elaboración y baremación del “Cuestionario de Apego Adulto”. Un total de 445 sujetos, 159 hombres y 286 mujeres con una media de 30,5 años cumplimentaron el cuestionario original. Los análisis factoriales mostraron la solución de 4 factores como la más idónea, con un total de 40 ítems. Estos factores fueron: Baja autoestima, necesidad de aprobación y miedo al rechazo, Resolución hostil de conflictos, rencor y posesividad, Expresión de sentimientos y comodidad con las relaciones y Autosuficiencia emocional e incomodidad con la intimidad. Para establecer tipologías se realizaron análisis de conglomerados. La solución de dos clusters clasificó a los sujetos en seguros e inseguros, y la solución de cuatro en seguros, preocupados, alejados y temerosos hostiles. Nuestros resultados identifican un estilo temeroso algo diferente al de Bartholomew y Horowitz (1991). Se discuten las particularidades de los estilos afectivos y sus propiedades psicométricas (AU)

This article describes the elaboration and measurement of the “Adult Attachment Questionnaire”. A total of 445 subjects, 159 men and 286 women, with a mean age of 30.5 filled in the original questionnaire. The results suggested the four factor solution as the most suitable –it consists of 40 items. These factors were Low Self-Esteem, Need for Approval and Fear of Rejection, Hostile Conflict Resolution, Rancour and Possessiveness, Expression of Feelings and Comfort with Relationships, and Emotional Self-Sufficiency and Discomfort with Intimacy. In order to obtain typologies, clusters analyses were made. A two cluster solution classified subjects in secure and insecure, and a four factor solution into secure, preoccupied, dismissing and hostile fearful. Our results point out a somehow different fearful style from that of Bartholomew and Horowitz’s (1991). Furthermore, particularities of the affective styles found in the factorial solution are also discussed, along with its psychometric properties (AU)

Valoración multimétodo de la composición corporal en karatecas / Multimethod valuation of the body composition in karatecas

La imporatncia que la constitución física, tanto la composición corporal como el somatotipo, presenta con relación al rendimiento deportivo ha sido ampliamente estudiada en múltiples disciplinas atléticas dado que existen patrones de referencia construidos a partir de los individuos que configuran la élite de cada deporte. En el caso del kárate, la escasez de trabajos con deportistas de nuestro país nos animó a realizar un estudio de un grupo de karatecas utilizando técnicas de Cineantropometría Bioimpedanciometría y Densiometría Pletismográfica. Hemos estudiado un amplio grupo de karatecas de sexo masculino, de edades comprendidas entre los 20 y los 30 años, con un nivel mínimo de cinturón verde, que entrena un mínimo de 4 horas semanales y que participa en competiciones regionales, nacionales y/o internacionales. Nuestro interés se centró en calcular su Prototipo Morfológico y su Composición Corporal, así como en estudiar el grado de similitud existente entre los diversos métodos que evalúan dicha composición corporal. Nuestro grupo tiene un somatotipo medio (3.4-5.7-1.6), que puede ser definido como Endo-Mesomórfico. Además, no encontramos la suficiente homogeneidad biotipológica en nuestra muestra ya que el Indice de Dispersión del Somatotipo es de 3.05. En cuanto a la composición corporal, el porcentaje de grasa calculado por los diferentes métodos, superó claramente el 10% y el Indice de Masa Corporal (IMC) se situó en 25.1. Por último, observamos unos resultados muy similares en los distintos parámetros hallados mediante Impedanciometría y Densiometría, y más dispares si comparamos cualquiera de estos métodos con los antropométricos clásicos, especialmente en lo referente al compartimento graso y al método de Carter

The importance that the physical constitution, both the corporal composition and somatotype, it presents with relation to the sport performance has been widely studied in multiple athletic disciplines provided that there exit patterns of reference constructed from the individuals who form the elite of each sport. In case of karate, the shortage of works with sportsmen of our country animated to us to realize a study of a group of karatecas using technologies of Kinanthropometry, Bioelectrical-Impedance and Plethysmographic Densitometry. We have studied a wide group of karatecas of masculine sex, of ages includes between 20 and 30 years, with a minimal level of green belt, which they dedicate to the training at least 4 weekly hours and which they take part in competitions regionals, nationals and /or internationals. Our interest centred on calculating its Morphologic Protoype and its Corporal Composition, as well as on studing the degree of existing similarity between the diverse methods that evaluate the above mentioned corporal composition. Our group proved an average somatotype had (3.4-5.7-1.6), which it can be defined as Endo-Mesomorfic. In addition, we did not find sufficient biotipologycal homogeneity in our sample since the Somatotype Dispersion Index was of 3.05. As for the corporal composition, the percentage of fat calculated by the different methods, overcame clearly 10% and the Body Mass Index (BMI) placed in 25.1. Finally, we observed very similar results in the different parameters found by means of Impedance and Densiometry, and more unlike if we compared anyone of these method with the classic anthropometrics, specially in what concerns to the greasy compartment and the method of Carter

Menstrual cycle and Yin-Yang in healthy nursing college students.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between several menstrual characteristics and Yin-Yang, using the traditional Korean Sasang typology in 565 female college students. Using the questionnaire for the Sasang Constitution Classification, which consists of 121 forced-choice items, subjects were classified into three groups: So-Yang (small Yang, n=194), Tae-Eum (large Yin, n=164) and So-Eum (small Yin, n=207). Tae-Eum-type subjects showed significantly higher body mass index (BMI) values than other types. There was also a significant difference in menstrual duration between the Tae-Eum and So-Eum groups. However, there were no differences in the cycle or pattern of menstruation, or in the amount of menstrual blood among the groups. There were also no significant differences in the menstrual variables between Yin and Yang subjects. In conclusion, our results regarding the relationship between menstrual cycle and Yin-Yang types are inconsistent with traditional theory. However, this study shows that menstrual duration and BMI differ significantly among Sasang types.

Perfil antropométrico en seleccionados nacionales dewaterpolo / The anthropometric profile in elite waterpolo players

El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las características morfológicas de 3 categorías de selecciqnados nacionales de waterpolo en nuestro país. Se realiza un estudio transversal descriptivo de los parámetros morfológicos (peso, talla composición corporal y somatotipo) de 37 seleccionados nacionales de waterpolo pertenecientes a las categorías: infantil (N = 13), juvenil (N = 12) Y junior (N = 12). Los cuales se encontraban dentro de su programa de entrenamiento en fase de preparación general. Presentando las siguientes características para cada categoría: junior edad 18,6 +/- 1,1 años, peso 70,9 +/- 7,3kg, talla 178,8 +/- 8,2cm, % de masa grasa 8,5 +/- 3,7, % de masa muscular 49 +/- 2,5 y somatotipo 2,6-5,0-3,1 (d.s. +/- 1,0-1,3-1,5). Juvenil edad 17,4 +/- 0,7 años, peso 73,6 +/- 1O kg., talla 177,7 +/-62,cm, % grasa 1O,4 +/- 3,4, % masa muscular 48,2 +/- 2,6 y somatotipo 3,1-5,5-2,3 (d.s. +/- 1,0-0,7-0,7). Infantil edad 14,5 +/- 0,7años, peso 56,4 +/-5,1 kg., talla 167,8 +/- 5,4 cm, % grasa 13,5 +/- 1,9, %masa muscular 43,4 +/- 2,3 y somatotipo 2,7-4,9-3,0 (d.s. +/- 0,6-0,8-0,9). El comportamiento de estos parámetros es de acuerdo a la edad ascendente en cuanto a talla, pero no en peso ya que la categoría juvenil presenta un mayor peso corporal promedio contra la junior, debido probablemente a que la primera presenta un rango más amplio. Con lo que respecta a la composición corporal la masa grasa tiene un decremento conforme aumenta la edad, no así la masa muscular cuyo comportamiento es a la inversa por estar interrelacionadas. En relación al somatotipo la mesomorfia predomino en todas las categorías, y además en la juvenil el valor de la endomorfia es ligeramente mayor, debido a la amplitud morfológica de sus integrantes como se menciono anteriormente. Existen escasos reportes internacionales en cuanto a aspectos morfológicos de jugadores de waterpolo y nulos en nuestro país, sin embargo es un deporte olímpico con gran número de aficionados y practicantes a nivel mundial, por lo que creemos importante mencionar estas características de nuestros seleccionados. Con este estudio podemos concluir que nuestros jugadores elite no presentan grandes diferencias en cuanto a composición corporal y somatotipo con lo reportado por otros autores

The aim of this study was to analyze the morphological characteristics in three national teams ofwaterpolo players. This study was transversal and descriptive of the morphology characteristics in 37 elite players belonging to the three categories: infantile (N = 13), youth (N= 12) andjunior (N = 12). Reporting the next results for every group. Junior: age 18.6 +/- 1.1 years weight 70.9 +/-7.3 kg, height 178.8 +/- 8.2 cm, % body fat 8.5 +/- 3.7, % muscle mass 49 +/- 2.5 and somatotype 2.6-5.0-3.1 (sd. +/- 1.0-1.3-1.5). Youth: age 17.4 +/- 0.7 years, weight 73.6 +/- 1O.0 kg, height 177.7 +/- 6.2 cm, % body fat 1O.4 +/- 3.4, % muscle mas s 48.2 +/- 2.6 and somatotype 3.1-5.5-2.3 (sd. +/- 1.0-0.7-0.7). Infantile: age 14.5 +/-0.7 years, weight 56.4 +/- 5.1 kg, height 167.4 +/- 5.49 cm, % body fat 13.5 +/- 1.9 % muscle mas s 43.4 +/- 2.3 and somatotype 2.7-4.9-3.0 (sd. 0.6-0.8-0.9).These yardisticks are according to age in an upwards scale regarding size but not in average weight due to the fact that the youth has an average body weight against the junior. These national players show weight and size above the media of the population. Regarding the body composition the fat mas s decreases as coming of age, the opposite applies in muscular mass. In relation to the somatotype there are no major important differences. There are a few international reports regarding morphological aspects in waterpolo players and none in our country even though it is an olympic sport with a considerable number of followers and world wide players so it is important to mention the characteristics of our national players. With this study we can conclude that our elite players do not show great differences within body composition and somatotype with the data reported by others authors

Anthropometric features and body composition of young athletes practicing karate at a high and medium competitive level.

The aim of the study was to examine the anthropometric features and body composition of athletes practising karate at a high and medium competitive level. Our study was carried out on a sample of 35 subjects practising karate and aged from 16.0 to 32.5 years. This sample was divided into two groups: group 1 ( n=14 elite athletes) and group 2 ( n=21 amateur athletes). Various anthropometric measurements were taken (weight, height both standing and sitting, diameters, circumferences and skinfold thickness) from which different anthropometric indices were calculated (body mass index, Scelic and Grant indices, arm muscle circumference and area), and the somatotype was then determined. The body composition of each subject was assessed using the skinfold technique and the Jackson-Pollock (J-P) and Sloan-Weir (S-W) equations. The two groups of athletes showed very similar measurements regarding anthropometric characteristics. Only the Scelix index presented a significantly different value in the two groups (49.6+/-1.3 for group 1 vs. 51.1+/-1.3 for group 2; p<0.01). Group 1 showed a mesomorphic-ectomorphic somatotype, while the amateur athletes presented a balanced mesomorphic type. Moreover, a lower percentage of fat mass was more frequent in the first group (J-P=8.1+/-2.4%; S-W=8.9+/-3.3%) than in the second one (J-P=9.8+/-1.6%; S-W=11.2+/-3.7%), although the differences between the two groups were not significant. We conclude that group 1 is characterized by a slightly prominent vertical development of the skeletal frame. This could be an anthropometric characteristic that is best suited to meet the specific functional requirements of this sport. Moreover, both groups of athletes are characterized by a low percentage of fat mass, particularly the elite group.

Determinación y análisis de la morfoestructuta de un equipo de fútbol profesional / Determination and analysis of the morphostructure on a professional football team

Es preocupante la situación del deporte en nuestro país, resultan críticos los resultados en competencias de alto rendimiento y se cuestiona la adecuación de los estándares de selección y la carencia de un plan de fomento y de politícas deportivas a largo plazo, para ir mejorando las marcas que están por debajo de las mínimas. Como una forma de ir entregando nuevos antecedentes de la morfología y sus adecuaciones con el entrenamiento, hemos seleccionado a 26 futbolistas de elite, en sus especialidades de: delanteros, mediocampistas, defensas y arqueros. Aplicando la metodología de Heath-Carter, Durning y Womersley, y de acuerdo al Programa Biológico Internacional, se han valorado alrededor de 50 variables antropométricas. El biotipo promedio es un mesomórfico balanceado 2-5-2; con un distribución homogénea de la endo, meso y ectomorfía ya que sus coeficientes de variación son muy bajos. Los porcentajes de MG, porcentajes de MO, porcentajes de MM no presentan variabilidad importante en el grupo. Tampoco encontramos diferencias en perímetros torácicos y otros. El futbolistas, pese a desempeñarse en diferentes actividades de esfuerzo en la cancha, son sometidos indistintamente al mismo trabajo técnico y físico, lo que se ha permitido formar un equipo de similares características morfológicas. Por lo anterior, mientras no modifiquemos esta modalidad de entrenamiento, no podremos lograr marcas más altas y conseguir los objetivos deseados.

Anthropometric somatotype of Italian sport participants.

Somatotypes of 1593 young Italian sport participants (717 males and 876 females) were described and analyzed. The average somatotype for sport participants was 2.7-4.7-2.7 for males and 3.6-3.7-2.8 for females. The predominance of mesomorphy on the other two components was found in all sport-groups examined. This was particularly evident in males for gymnasts and rowers and in females for martial arts competitors. As for sexual dimorphism, females were endo-mesomorphs, while males were balanced mesomorphs. Somatotypes show statistically significant changes with the level of performance in some sport-groups with an increase in the mesomorphic component (in ballgames and martial arts) and in the endomorphic component (in swimming). Comparisons with other sport-groups from literature were greatly limited by several genetic and environmental factors.