Sclerostin and Dickkopf-1 Characteristics According to Age and Physical Activity Levels in Premenopausal Women.

We aimed to compare serum concentrations of sclerostin and DKK-1 in young (20-30 yrs, n = 25) and middle-aged (35-45 yrs, n = 25) premenopausal women and based on physical activity (PA) status. PA status was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (low-moderate (≤ 2999 MET-min/week) and high (≥ 3000 MET-min/week). Serum sclerostin and DKK-1 levels were measured in fasting morning blood samples by ELISA. Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) was measured by DXA, and non-dominant tibia bone characteristics were assessed by pQCT. After adjusting for total body aBMD, middle-aged women had significantly (p < 0.001) higher (0.54 ± 0.01 ng/mL) serum sclerostin than young women (0.41 ± 0.01 ng/mL), and sclerostin was positively correlated with age (rs = 0.065, p ≤ 0.001) and total PA score (rs = 0.33, p = 0.021). Young women had higher left trochanter aBMD (p = 0.036) than middle-aged women and aBMD variables were higher (all p ≤ 0.043) in the high active group. Middle-aged women had higher 38% cortical vBMD than young women (p = 0.021), otherwise young women had higher values for pQCT variables (all p ≤ 0.036). Sclerostin showed significant correlations (r = 0.32 to 0.58, all p ≤ 0.026) with spine aBMD for the entire cohort and for each age group. Middle-aged women had significant correlations between sclerostin and hip aBMD sites (r = 0.043 to 0.56, all p ≤ 0.031). Sclerostin and cortical vBMD were positively correlated in the entire cohort (r = 0.35 to 0.50; both p < 0.013); split by age group, middle-aged women had positive correlations (r = 0.45 to 0.61 age and, all p ≤ 0.021) between sclerostin and pQCT variables. No significant differences for physical activity were observed for serum DKK-1 concentrations. Serum sclerostin concentrations were positively associated with age and bone characteristics in premenopausal women; however, these findings were not evident for circulating DKK-1. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms for the discordant results in these Wnt inhibitors.

Oklahoma Family Child Care Home Provider Perceptions of the Child and Adult Care Food Program and Menu Contents.

AIMS: In 2017, the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), which reimburses qualifying food expenses for Family Child Care Home (FCCH) providers, was substantially enhanced. This study's purpose was to explore the perceptions of Oklahoma FCCH providers of these enhancements and to determine current meal practices as an opportunity to foster collaborations between educators, service providers, and health and nutrition professionals. METHODS: This mixed-methods study included a cross-sectional survey (n=30) and semi-structured interviews (n=30) and menu analysis (n=25) of FCCH providers participating in the CACFP. RESULTS: There were 30 survey and interview respondents. Five main themes emerged from the qualitative interviews with providers: 1) they are satisfied, but... ; 2) base meals on what is creditable; 3) choose foods that children will eat; 4) serve what they perceive as healthy; and 5) have limited food preparation time. Quantitative menu analysis indicates most menus met minimum requirements of the CACFP. However, only 4% served a vegetable/fruit for snack; 27% served family-style meals; and 20% limited pre-fried foods. The providers expressed frustrations with CACFP implementation, and they demonstrated limited knowledge of child nutrition. CONCLUSIONS: Providers want to do what is best for children while saving money and time. Collaborative practice between allied health, nutrition, and CACFP service providers and child educators would likely assist FCCH providers in meeting nutrition best practices.

Diet is associated with ankle-brachial index, inflammation, and ambulation in patients with intermittent claudication.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this investigation were to determine whether the daily dietary intake of nutrients by patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and intermittent claudication (IC) met recommended levels for adults older than 50 years and to determine whether meeting recommended levels of nutrients was associated with ankle-brachial index (ABI), inflammation, and ambulation of patients with PAD and IC. METHODS: A total of 48 patients were assessed on their dietary intake of 20 nutrients during a 3-day period. Patients were further characterized on demographic variables, comorbid conditions, cardiovascular risk factors, ABI, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) concentration. RESULTS: Few patients met the daily recommended intakes for calcium (4%), fiber (6%), vitamin E (6%), trans fatty acids (13%), vitamin A (15%), total sugars (19%), potassium (23%), sodium (29%), saturated fat (29%), and vitamin C (31%), and none of the patients met the daily recommended intake of vitamin D (0%). Overall, patients met few of the 20 dietary recommendations as the median score was seven recommendations. Only 17 of 48 patients met more than seven of the recommendations. For the ABI regression model adjusted for age, sex, race, smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, body mass index, and percentage body fat, the only significant predictor was total sugars (P < .001); patients who did not meet the recommendation had lower ABI values. For the hsCRP-adjusted regression model, the strongest significant predictor was omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (P = .001), indicating that those who did not meet the recommendation had higher hsCRP values. Finally, for the 6MWD-adjusted regression model, folate (P = .011) and dietary score index (P = .014) were significant predictors; those who did not meet the recommendation for folate and those who met 5 or fewer of the 20 recommendations had shorter 6MWD. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PAD and IC consume a low-nutrient-dense diet that is deficient in many vitamins, calcium, fruits, and vegetables and contains too much added sugar, saturated and trans fats, and processed foods. In addition, more severe PAD, greater inflammation, and ambulatory dysfunction are independently associated with aspects of a low-nutrient-dense diet, such as too much intake of added sugars, low intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and folate, and meeting the recommended intakes of only five or fewer nutrients.

Family Eating Behavior and Child Eating Patterns Differences Between Children With and Without Siblings.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the differences in family eating behaviors and child eating patterns in children with siblings (nonsingletons) and without siblings (singletons). METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of mother-child dyads of 5-7-year-old children, (nonsingletons with a 2-to-4-year-old sibling) was conducted. Anthropometrics were measured. Mothers completed questionnaires and a child dietary log. Healthy Eating Index 2010 (HEI) score was calculated. Linear regression models adjusting for child age, child sex, maternal body mass index, and hours-away-from-home were conducted, with a revised P < .021. RESULTS: Sixty-eight mother-child dyads (27 singletons, 41 nonsingletons) participated. Singletons exhibited less healthy family eating behaviors (ß = -4.98, SE = 1.88, P = .003), and lower total HEI scores than did nonsingletons (average: ß = -8.91, SE =2.40, P = .001). On average, singletons had lower scores in 3 HEI components compared with nonsingletons (P < .021 for all). CONCLUSION: In this sample, singleton children exhibited less healthy eating behaviors. Additional investigation into parent-level differences is warranted.

Obesogenic Behaviors and Depressive Symptoms' Influence on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in American Indian Children.

BACKGROUND: American Indian (AI) populations suffer disproportionately from cardiovascular disease and depression as compared to other racial/ethnic groups. Behaviors that contribute to obesity are considered obesogenic and include poor diet, low physical activity, and high screen time. This study examined the relationship between depressive symptoms and obesogenic behaviors on cardiometabolic risk factors in AI youth. METHODS: Participants (n=121) were evaluated for depressive symptoms, obesogenic behaviors, weight, blood pressure, lipids, and glucose levels. RESULTS: All participants failed to meet guidelines for intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and fruits/vegetables, 74% did not meet physical activity guidelines, and 85% did not meet screen time guidelines. Lower physical activity was associated with higher body fat percentage (b=-4.20 ± 1.82, p=0.022). Elevated depressive symptoms and presence of at-risk cardiometabolic risk factors were found. Higher depressive symptoms were associated with higher blood glucose (random, fasting, and hemoglobin A1c). CONCLUSIONS: Low physical activity, high screen time, and the presence of depressive symptomology heighten cardiometabolic risk factors in AI children. Associations between depressive symptoms and blood glucose underscore the impact of emotional health on cardiometabolic disease and emphasize need for proper depression assessment in chronic disease prevention efforts.

Difference in Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Obesity in Children With and Without Siblings.

Background/Context: Children without siblings (singletons) have higher rates of obesity than do children with siblings (nonsingletons). Higher moderate to vigorous physical activity (PA) and less sedentary behavior (SB) are associated with lower childhood obesity. PURPOSE: To examine the difference in PA and SB between singleton and nonsingleton children. METHODS: Mothers of children ages 5.0-7.9 years old who were singletons or nonsingletons with a sibling between the ages of 2.0 and 4.9 years old were recruited. Height, weight, and waist circumference of the 5.0- to 7.9-year-old children were measured, and age and sex percentiles were calculated. Accelerometry measured SB and PA, including light PA, moderate to vigorous PA, and counts per minute. RESULTS: Fifty-six mother-child dyads (23 singletons and 33 nonsingletons) with an average child age of 5.7 (0.7) years participated. More singletons were classified as overweight or obese than were nonsingletons (49% vs 17%, P = .04). In adjusted linear models, singletons had less light PA per day (ß = -38.1, SE = 19.2, P = .001) and more SB (ß = 38.0, SE = 16.5, P = .02) than did nonsingletons, with no difference in moderate to vigorous PA or counts per minute. CONCLUSION: In this sample, singletons had higher obesity and lower light PA than did nonsingleton children. Investigation into differences in singleton/nonsingleton families, including family health behaviors, may help assess sibling influence in early behavior development.

Association of Vitamin D Status with Chronic Disease Risk Factors and Cognitive Dysfunction in 50⁻70 Year Old Adults.

Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency has been primarily associated with skeletal disorders, however, since vitamin D receptors are found on multiple types of cells, there is also a link to increased chronic disease risk and all-cause mortality. The aim of this study was to examine whether deficient/insufficient vitamin D levels are associated with risk factors of chronic diseases and cognitive dysfunction in 50 to 70 year old adults. Participants completed the health status, three-day dietary record and vitamin D food frequency, sun exposure, and international physical activity questionnaires. Cognitive function of the participants was assessed using the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics while body composition (percent body fat, android/gynoid ratio) was assessed using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. Applanation tonometry was used to obtain pressure wave forms at the radial artery to examine arterial stiffness and central pressures. A fasting blood draw was taken to measure vitamin D, blood lipid and glucose levels. Fifty percent of the participants (36/72) were vitamin D deficient/insufficient. Individuals in the low physical activity (PA) group had lower serum vitamin D concentration compared to those in the high PA group (p = 0.04). Moreover, serum vitamin D levels were negatively related to risk factors of chronic diseases; blood glucose (r = -0.38; p = 0.01), triglycerides (r = -0.27; p = 0.02), and android/gynoid ratio (r = -0.32; p = 0.01). Deficient/insufficient vitamin D levels are linked to the risk factors of chronic diseases in men and women aged 50 to 70 years.

Feasibility of Ideal Cardiovascular Health Evaluation in a Pediatric Clinic Setting.

The feasibility of "point-of-care" screening for ideal cardiovascular health was explored in a pediatric specialty clinic setting. Children and adolescents aged 9-18 years (n=91) with treated and stabilized diseases were recruited at a pediatric endocrinology clinic. A table-top device was used to assay fingerstick samples for non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-C), which was used to divide participants into two groups based on the non-HDL-C threshold for comparison of the remaining metrics between groups. A significant number of children had low scores, and score frequency distribution was similar to larger retrospective studies, with few participants achieving none or all of the health metrics. Healthy diet was the metric least often achieved. Those with a non-HDL-C above the ideal threshold of 3.1 mmol/L (120 mg/dl) had a higher BMI percentile (p<0.01) and diastolic blood pressure percentile (p<0.05). We conclude that pediatric risk factor screening and scoring can be performed in a specialty clinic with meaningful cardiovascular health scores for patients and providers. Association of abnormal "point-of care" non-HDL-C levels with elevated BMI and blood pressure supports evidence for risk factor clustering and use of the ideal health construct in pediatric clinic settings.

The associations between diet and physical activity with body composition and walking a timed distance in adults with Prader-Willi syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Research on aging in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is limited, although people with PWS are living longer. Individuals with PWS present with high fat mass, low lean mass, and low levels of physical activity (PA). Previous reports in children and young adults with PWS show inadequate nutrient intake and body fat percentage indicating obesity. Previous studies in PWS rarely included individuals beyond young adulthood, especially studies conducted in the United States. This study includes adults from 18 to 62 years of age, and includes 19 of the estimated 60 adult individuals with PWS in Oklahoma. Because individuals with PWS are living longer, information must be provided on aging with PWS. This study is a report of the initial data for a planned longitudinal study on aging with PWS. OBJECTIVE: Determine associations between body composition, diet, PA, and a timed walk for adults with PWS, and to assess adequacy of dietary intake for those individuals aging with PWS. DESIGN: This cross-sectional investigation determined dietary habits, PA, and body composition of adults with PWS, and tested associations between these variables. RESULTS: Participants ranged in age from 18 to 62 years. They had healthier body composition, at 26.8% body fat, than previously reported. Mean body mass index (BMI) was in the overweight range at 26.7. Those who consumed higher amounts of fat (as a percent of total kilocalories) had statistically significant lower body fat percentage, but this may simply reflect that individuals with lower body fat percentages felt freer to consume fat. Mean steps taken per day was 7631.7 steps but only 16% of participants met healthy PA recommendations despite participating in daily structured exercise. All participants' diets met Dietary Guidelines for macronutrient distribution, but 80% were deficient in calcium, 100% were deficient in dietary vitamin D, and 87% were deficient in fiber. Sample size was small, so it was difficult to reach statistical significance, despite seeing clinical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Recommend working toward healthy PA recommendations for all age groups by decreasing time in sedentary activity. Recommend increasing vitamin A and D fortified dairy products and high-fiber foods, and consider dietary supplementation, especially for calcium, vitamin D, and fiber.

Predictive Factors for Weight Loss Following Pancreatic Resection.

BACKGROUND: In pancreatic cancer, postoperative weight loss is associated with higher mortality. This study assessed preoperative factors associated with postoperative weight loss so that at-risk patients can be identified for intervention. METHOD: A retrospective review of patients who underwent pancreatic surgery was completed. Demographics and routine blood work were analyzed to determine association with postoperative weight loss. RESULTS: Of 74 patients, 85% lost weight after surgery. Weight loss was associated with time since surgery, preoperative weight, and preoperative albumin, making patients who appear best nourished the most at-risk. CONCLUSIONS: Weight loss was prevalent. in contrast to conventional assessment, patients who weighed more and had higher serum albumin lost the most weight. An interprofessional team may help to address this disparity.

Effects of Blood-Flow Restriction Combined With Postactivation Potentiation Stimuli on Jump Performance in Recreationally Active Men.

Miller, RM, Keeter, VM, Freitas, EDS, Heishman, AD, Knehans, AW, Bemben, DA, and Bemben, MG. Effects of blood-flow restriction combined with postactivation potentiation stimuli on jump performance in recreationally active men. J Strength Cond Res 32(7): 1869-1874, 2018-Whole-body vibration (WBV) and maximum voluntary contractions (MVCs) combined with blood-flow restriction (BFR) to augment postactivation potentiation have yet to be examined. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to examine the augmented effects of postactivation potentiation when WBV and MVC are combined with BFR. Twenty men (21.8 ± 2.6 years, 180.5 ± 6.2 cm and 84.5 ± 12.1 kg) completed the study. Participants completed 3 testing sessions in a randomized design that included one of the following: (a) control (CON), (b) WBV and WBV combined with BFR (WBV + BFR), or (c) MVC and MVC combined with BFR (MVC + BFR). Jump height and power were recorded for 3 trials, PRE and POST jump height (cm) mean ± SD for each were as follows: CON 58.9 ± 8.6 and 57.9 ± 8.6, WBV 58.2 ± 8.1 and 59.9 ± 8.1, WBV + BFR 58.7 ± 7.6 and 60.2 ± 8.1, MVC 59.7 ± 7.4 and 60.2 ± 8.6, and MVC + BFR 57.7 ± 7.9 and 59.4 ± 8.1. PRE and POST jump power (W) mean ± SD for each were as follows: CON 1,224.3 ± 221.5 and 1,234.3 ± 189.2, WBV 1,251.1 ± 230.4 and 1,266.1 ± 215.7, WBV + BFR 1,265.8 ± 207.9 and 1,259 ± 223.3, MVC 1,264.7 ± 211.9 and 1,263.5 ± 236.5, and MVC + BFR 1,252.3 ± 222.0 and 1,294.6 ± 256.6. Significant differences were revealed in jump height between the 5 interventions (p < 0.01), WBV (p < 0.01), WBV + BFR (p < 0.01), and MVC + BFR (p < 0.01) revealed significant differences in time but no differences in jump power. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that WBV, WBV + BFR, and MVC + BFR significantly improve jump height and time in air but not jump power.

Effects of an 8-Month Ashtanga-Based Yoga Intervention on Bone Metabolism in Middle-Aged Premenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Although Yoga has the potential to be an alternative physical activity to enhance bone health, there is a lack of high quality evidence for this type of intervention. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to examine the effects of a progressive 8-month Ashtanga-based Yoga program on bone turnover markers (BTM), areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and volumetric bone characteristics in premenopausal women. Thirty-four premenopausal women (35-50 years) were randomly assigned either to a Yoga group (YE, n = 16) or a control group (CON, n = 18). Participants in YE group performed 60 minutes of an Ashtanga-based Yoga series 2 times/week with one day between sessions for 8 months, and the session intensity was progressively increased by adding the number of sun salutations (SS). Participants in CON were encouraged to maintain their normal daily lifestyles monitored by the bone specific physical activity questionnaire (BPAQ) at 2 month intervals for 8 months. Body composition was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Bone formation (bone alkaline phosphatase, Bone ALP) and bone resorption (Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase-5b, TRAP5b) markers were assessed at baseline and after 8 months. aBMD of total body, lumbar spine and dual proximal femur and tibia bone characteristics were measured using DXA and peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (pQCT), respectively. We found that the serum Bone ALP concentrations were maintained in YE, but significantly (p = 0.005) decreased in CON after the 8 month intervention, and there were significant (p = 0.002) group differences in Bone ALP percent changes (YE 9.1 ± 4.0% vs. CON -7.1 ± 2.3%). No changes in TRAP5b were found in either group. The 8-month Yoga program did not increase aBMD or tibia bone strength variables. Body composition results showed no changes in weight, fat mass, or % fat, but small significant increases in bone free lean body mass occurred in both groups. The findings of this study suggest that regular long-term Ashtanga Yoga had a small positive effect on bone formation but did not alter aBMD or tibia bone characteristics in premenopausal women. Key pointsRegular long-term Ashtanga-based Yoga program had a small positive effect on bone formation, but no effects were found on bone resorption.None of the bone density or geometry variables were changed by the 8-month Ashtanga-based Yoga intervention.Future Yoga interventions should focus on longer duration and greater frequency to elicit improvements in bone mineral density.

Dietary Intake among American Indians with Metabolic Syndrome - Comparison to Dietary Recommendations: the Balance Study.

BACKGROUND: American Indians have a very high prevalence of metabolic syndrome that increases their risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Dietary habits are of central importance in the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this article was to describe dietary intake among American Indians with metabolic syndrome and compare it to several dietary recommendations. A secondary objective was to identify certain barriers to dietary adherence experienced by this population. METHODS: A total of 213 participants with metabolic syndrome were enrolled in the Balance Study, a randomized controlled trial with two intervention groups: Guided Group and Self-Managed Group. Dietary intake was assessed using the Block Food Frequency questionnaire. Dietary intakes were evaluated against the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. RESULTS: Intakes of saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium were higher and intakes of dietary fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin E were lower than recommended. Additionally, intake of many food groups was noticeably low. Economic factors seem to be related to low adherence to dietary recommendations. CONCLUSION: Results showed low adherence by the participants to dietary recommendations for key nutrients and food groups related to risk factors for metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Economic factors are related to this low adherence. These findings illustrate a need to develop innovative, focused, and perhaps individualized health promotion strategies that can improve dietary habits of American Indians with metabolic syndrome.

A cardiovascular risk reduction program for American Indians with metabolic syndrome: the Balance Study.

The Balance Study is a randomized controlled trial designed to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in 200 American Indian (AI) participants with metabolic syndrome who reside in southwestern Oklahoma. Major risk factors targeted include weight, diet, and physical activity. Participants are assigned randomly to one of two groups, a guided or a self-managed group. The guided group attends intervention meetings that comprise education and experience with the following components: diet, exercise, AI culture, and attention to emotional wellbeing. The self-managed group receives printed CVD prevention materials that are generally available. The duration of the intervention is 24 months. Several outcome variables will be compared between the two groups to assess the effectiveness of the intervention program.

Leptin, fat mass, and bone mineral density in healthy pre- and postmenopausal women.

The purpose was to examine relationships between age, fat mass, and bone mineral density (BMD) with resting leptin levels in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Young (aged 18-30 yr, n=30) and estrogen-deficient postmenopausal (aged 55-75 yr, n=43) women were recruited. Total body and segmental fat mass and bone-free lean body mass (BFLBM) and total body, lumbar spine, and proximal femur BMD were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Serum-resting, fasted leptin levels were measured by Immunoradiometric Assay (IRMA), and leptin-to-fat mass ratios were calculated. Young and older women had similar amounts of BFLBM, but older women had greater (p<0.05) amounts of fat mass and 35% higher leptin levels. Age differences in leptin concentrations were no longer significant after controlling for fat mass. Older women had significantly (p<0.05) lower hip BMD values. Age was negatively related (r=-0.29, p<0.05) to leptin:trunk fat ratio. Increases in fat mass, not menopause per se, contributes to higher leptin levels in older women. Relationships between leptin and BMD may be age dependent.

Dietetic preceptor educational needs from the preceptor, student, and faculty perspectives.

Quality dietetic education relies on strong preceptors to encourage, motivate, and teach dietetic students so that they can excel as practitioners. The purpose of this study was to examine the needs of dietetic preceptors, determine how those needs should be met, and suggest who can best address those needs. Grounded theory methodology was used to design this study of preceptor needs. Focus groups and one-on-one interviews were conducted with 22 preceptors, 5 former students, and 4 faculty members of a clinical dietetic training program. Data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. The central category/ factor that influenced preceptor participation and effectiveness was determined to be lack of time. Preceptors felt they did not have sufficient time to devote to precepting students. Other categories found to be important for successful precepting included student-preceptor orientation, the teaching-learning environment, views of dietetic professionalism, and the responsibilities and rewards of precepting. Based on the themes that emerged with this grounded theory methodology, this study suggests that preceptors should be trained in the following five areas: 1) basic teaching skills, 2) time management strategies, 3) methods for coaching students, 4) adult learning styles, and 5) methods for providing constructive feedback. This training should increase the likelihood that the experience will be both time-efficient and successful for the preceptor, student, and faculty involved. This should improve the effectiveness of preceptors as educators, which should consequently facilitate recruitment and retention of dietetic preceptors.

Effects of combined whole-body vibration and resistance training on muscular strength and bone metabolism in postmenopausal women.

Whole-body vibration (WBV) has been shown to be osteogenic in animal models; however, its application in humans is not clear. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an 8-month program involving WBV plus resistance training on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolism in older postmenopausal women. Fifty-five estrogen-deficient postmenopausal women were assigned to a resistance training group (R, n=22), a WBV plus resistance training group (WBVR, n=21), or a control group (CON, n=12). R and WBVR performed upper and lower body resistance exercises 3 days/week at 80% 1 Repetition Maximum (1RM). WBVR received vibration (30-40 Hz, 2-2.8 g) in three different positions preceding the resistance exercises. Daily calcium intake, bone markers (Bone alkaline phosphatase (Bone ALP); C-terminal telopeptide of Type I collagen (CTX), and BMD of the spine, dual femur, forearm, and total body (DXA) were measured at baseline and after the intervention. At baseline, there were no significant group differences in strength, BMD, or bone marker variables. After 8 months of R or WBVR, there were no significant group or time effects in Bone ALP, CTX, or total body, spine, left hip or right trochanter BMD. However, right total hip and right femoral neck BMD significantly (p<0.05) decreased in all groups. A group x time interaction (p<0.05) was detected at radius 33% BMD site, with CON slightly increasing, and WBVR slightly decreasing. R and WBVR significantly (p<0.05) increased 1RM strength for all exercises, while CON generally maintained strength. WBVR had significantly (p<0.05) greater percent increases in muscular strength than R at 4 months for lat pull down, seated row, hip abduction and hip adduction and at 8 months for lat pull down, hip abduction and hip adduction. Bone metabolism in postmenopausal women was not affected by resistance training either with or without WBV. In contrast, the addition of WBV augmented the positive effects of resistance training on muscular strength in these older women.

Impact of maternal body mass index on neonate birthweight and body composition.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare bodyweight and composition (percent fat, fat mass, and fat-free mass) in neonates born to mothers with a normal pregravid body mass index (BMI; < 25 kg/m(2)) vs neonates born to mothers with an overweight/obese pregravid BMI (> or = 25 kg/m(2)). STUDY DESIGN: Seventy-two neonates (33 from normal mothers and 39 from overweight/obese mothers) of singleton pregnancies with normal glucose tolerance had their bodyweight and body composition assessed by air-displacement plethysmography. RESULTS: After controlling for neonate age at time of testing, significant differences were found between groups for percent fat (12.5 +/- 4.2% vs 13.6 +/- 4.3%; P < or = .0001), fat mass (414.1 +/- 264.2 vs 448.3 +/- 262.2 g; P < or = .05), and fat-free mass (3310.5 +/- 344.6 vs 3162.2 +/- 343.4 g; P < or = .05), with no significant differences between birth length (50.7 +/- 2.6 vs 49.6 +/- 2.6 cm; P = .08) or birthweight (3433.0 +/- 396.3 vs 3368.0 +/- 399.6 g; P = .44). CONCLUSION: Neonates born to mothers who have a normal BMI have significantly less total and relative fat and more fat-free mass than neonates born to overweight/obese mothers. Although preliminary, these data suggest that the antecedents of future disease risk (eg, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity) occur early in life.

Use of personal digital assistants among dietitians and dietetic students in Oklahoma: should programs incorporate PDA training into their curricula?

The objective of this study was to assess the use of personal digital assistants (PDAs) among dietitians and dietetic students in Oklahoma and the desire for training in the use of PDAs. A survey was mailed to 648 dietitians and dietetic students to assess their PDA use and interest in PDA training. Frequency and percentage of responses were determined. A total of 320 usable surveys were returned, for a response rate of 49%. Sixteen percent of responders were dietetic students. The responses of students did not differ from those of dietitians, so all responses were combined. Subjects were primarily female, between 21 and 50 yrs of age, and had practiced for 5 yrs or more, similar to the demographics of dietitians nationally. Twenty-four percent of responders currently use a PDA, primarily as an organizational tool. Twenty-eight percent of the users indicated that they had received training in PDA use. Thirty-seven percent of the users were using a PDA for nutrition assessments, and 28% were using it for nutrition support. Of nonusers, 80% indicated that they would use a PDA if training were available. PDAs were used most often as an organizational tool, seldom for nutrition-specific applications. Dietitians and students expressed an interest in receiving training in PDA use, preferably from state and local dietetic associations. PDA training might also be incorporated into academic dietetic programs, and employers could provide training in the workplace.

Effects of ballates, step aerobics, and walking on balance in women aged 50-75 years.

This study examined the effectiveness of Ballates training (strengthening of the central core musculature by the inception of balance techniques) compared to more traditional exercise programs, such as step aerobics and walking, on balance in women aged 50- 75 years. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three supervised training groups (1 hour/day, 3 days/week, 13 weeks), Ballates (n = 12), step aerobics (n = 17), or walking (n =15). Balance was measured by four different methods (modified Clinical Test for the Sensory Interaction on Balance - mCTSIB; Unilateral Stance with Eyes Open - US-EO or Eyes Closed - US-EC; Tandem Walk - TW; Step Quick Turn - SQT) using the NeuroCom Balance Master. A 2-way (Group and Trial) repeated measures ANOVA and post-hoc Bonferroni Pair-wise Comparisons were used to evaluate changes in the dependent variables used to describe stability and balance (sway velocity, turn sway, speed, and turn time). Measures of static postural stability and dynamic balance were similar for the three groups prior to training. Following the different exercise interventions, sway velocity on firm and foam surfaces (mCTSIB) with eyes closed (p < 0.05) increased for the Ballates group while the other two exercise groups either maintained or decreased their sway velocity following the training, therefore suggesting that these two groups either maintained or improved their balance. There were significant improvements in speed during the TW test (p < 0.01), and turn time (p < 0.01) and sway (p < 0.05) during the SQT test for each of the three groups. In general, all three training programs improved dynamic balance, however, step aerobics and walking programs resulted in be better improvements in postural stability or static balance when compared to the Ballates program. Key PointsExercise training can improve balanceNeed to consider both static and dynamic aspects of balance individuallyImproved balance can reduce the risk of fall.