[Evaluation of isometric force in lower limbs and body composition in preterm infants]. / Valoración de fuerza isométrica en extremidades inferiores y composición corporal en prematuros.

INTRODUCTION: Strength is a physical quality with a clear influence on quality of life. It is determined by the structure of the musculoskeletal system, and depends on the muscular structure. It has been described that prematurity conditions both qualities. The aims of this study are to determine whether prematurity is associated with strength or body composition and evaluate the relationship between prematurity, strength and muscle mass. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Case-control study. Participants were premature 7-to-11 year-old children and full-term birth controls. Strength was measured by a strength gauge and body composition from DEXA (duel-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scans. A total of 89 subjects were included and divided into three groups: 30 prematures with birth-weight ≤ 1500g, 29 prematures with birth-weight 1500-2000g, and 30 controls. RESULTS: Weight and BMI z-score was lower in the premature group. No differences were found in muscular mass or strength between groups. A ratio was established between strength and weight or muscular mass. It was observed that it was possible for them to move four times their weight, without finding any differences between groups or a relationship with birth-weight. CONCLUSIONS: Between 7 and 11 years of age, children who were premature have lower weight and BMI than the rest of the children. However, there were no differences in body composition or strength between preterm children and controls.

[Treatment of obesity in a hospital endocrinology clinic. Influence of parental body mass index]. / Tratamiento de la obesidad en la consulta de endocrinología de un hospital. Influencia del índice de masa corporal de los padres.

INTRODUCTION: Parental obesity is a risk factor for childhood obesity. The aim of this study was to determine if parental obesity influences the adherence and success of obesity treatment in a hospital paediatric endocrinology clinic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An analytical, prospective, longitudinal study was conducted on obese children aged 4-14. An initial body mass index (BMI), and again at 6 months after receiving health, hygiene and dietary recommendations. Success was considered as a decrease of 0.5 in the BMI Z-score, and adherence to attending the 6-month review. Parental BMI was determined to identify overweight. The χ(2) test was used for qualitative variables and the T-Student test for quantitative (significance, p<<.05). RESULTS: The study included 100 children (52 male), 9.9±2.7 years old, BMI 28.1± 4.5kg/m(2) and BMI Z-Score 3.11±0.98. (85% had a BMI Z-score>3). More than half (59%) of the children had one or both parents obese (41 fathers and 37 mothers were obese). Treatment was not adhered to by 25 children. Adherence was worse if both parents were obese OR 3.65 (1.3 to 10.5) (P<=.01) and adherence was better if the mother was not obese, although the father was (P=.01). The treatment had significant success in 40 patients. If the mother was the only obese one in the family, the possibility of treatment failure was greater OR 5.6 (1.4 to 22.4) (P<.01) CONCLUSIONS: A high percentage of children with severe obesity have obese parents. The mother has an important influence on adherence and response to treatment for the severely obese child.

Effects of a resistance training program in multiple sclerosis Spanish patients: a pilot study.

CONTEXT: Physical exercise is regarded as a useful tool in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Generally, physical rehabilitation have been based on the prescription of aerobic exercises, while fewer programs have been aimed at developing muscular strength. OBJECTIVE: To establish whether the physical fitness of MS sufferers can be improved by a training program for developing muscular strength. DESIGN: Before and after study SETTING: University multipurpose room PARTICIPANTS: 36 patients, all able to walk, belonging to the Leon Multiple Sclerosis Association. INTERVENTIONS: The physical exercise programme consisted in resistance training sessions, based mainly on callisthenic, or bodyweight, exercises, during six weeks.