H2OAthletes study protocol: effects of hydration changes on neuromuscular function in athletes.

We aim to understand the effects of hydration changes on athletes' neuromuscular performance, on body water compartments, fat-free mass hydration and hydration biomarkers and to test the effects of the intervention on the response of acute dehydration in the hydration indexes. The H2OAthletes study (clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT05380089) is a randomised controlled trial in thirty-eight national/international athletes of both sexes with low total water intake (WI) (i.e. < 35·0 ml/kg/d). In the intervention, participants will be randomly assigned to the control (CG, n 19) or experimental group (EG, n 19). During the 4-day intervention, WI will be maintained in the CG and increased in the EG (i.e. > 45·0 ml/kg/d). Exercise-induced dehydration protocols with thermal stress will be performed before and after the intervention. Neuromuscular performance (knee extension/flexion with electromyography and handgrip), hydration indexes (serum, urine and saliva osmolality), body water compartments and water flux (dilution techniques, body composition (four-compartment model) and biochemical parameters (vasopressin and Na) will be evaluated. This trial will provide novel evidence about the effects of hydration changes on neuromuscular function and hydration status in athletes with low WI, providing useful information for athletes and sports-related professionals aiming to improve athletic performance.

Association between Phase Angle and Body Composition of Children and Adolescents Diagnosed with HIV Infection.

The aim of the study was to investigate how phase angle (PhA) is associated with subtotal and lumbar spine bone mineral density [BMD], lean soft tissue mass [LSTM], total body fat mass, android and gynoid in children and adolescents with HIV according to sex. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Florianópolis, Brazil, involving 64 children and adolescents vertically transmitted with HIV. Resistance and reactance values were obtained using bioelectrical impedance analysis, and PhA was subsequently calculated. Dual emission X-ray absorptiometry was used to assess body composition. Antiretroviral medication, physical activity (accelerometers) and skeletal maturation (wrist-carpal radiography) were used in the adjusted model. In males, PhA was directly associated with subtotal BMD (ßadj: 0.65; R²: 0.38, p < 0.01) and lumbar spine BMD (ßadj: 0.53; R²: 0.22, p = 0.01), directly associated with LSTM (ßadj: 0.76; R²: 0.46, p < 0.01), and inversely associated with gynoid fat (ßadj: -0.47; R²: 0.2, p = 0.01), in adjusted models. In females, PhA was directly associated with subtotal BMD (ßadj: 0.46; R²: 0.17, p < 0.01) and lumbar spine BMD (ßadj: 0.48; R²: 0.19, p < 0.01). It is concluded that PhA was directly associated with subtotal and regional BMD, LSTM, and inversely with gynoid fat in boys with HIV. In girls, PA was directly associated only with subtotal and regional BMD.

Phase angle and body composition: A scoping review.

The aim of the study was to map evidence on the association between phase angle (PhA) and body composition in populations healthy and clinical populations). A systematic search for information regarding the topic was conducted in nine electronic databases (CINAHL, LILACS, PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Science Direct, MEDLINE and Web of Science) between October and November 2021. Studies with different designs, which allowed extracting information about the relationship between PhA and body composition (body cell mass [BCM], muscle tissue, bone mineral content, lean mass, total fat mass, visceral fat, and lean soft tissue mass [LSTM]) were included. Of the total of 11,913 initially identified studies, 59 were included after reading titles, abstracts, full texts and references. Most studies (40.67%; n = 24) presented data from Brazilian samples. With regard to the design of studies, 15 (25.42%) had longitudinal design. The age group of studies was wide, with studies involved 3-year-old children and 88-year-old adults. Body fat mass was evaluated by 31 studies (52.54%) in which 11 observed inverse relationships, nine studies showed direct relationships and 11 observed no relationship. Regarding lean mass, muscle mass, and fat-free mass components, most studies observed direct relationship with PhA (n = 37; 86.04%). It could be concluded that the phase angle was directly associated with lean mass and muscle mass in different age groups (children, adolescents, adults and older adults) and in people with different health diagnoses (HIV, cancer, hemodialysis, sarcopenia and without the diagnosis of diseases). Regarding body fat and the other investigated components, there is not enough evidence to establish the direction of associations.

Agreement Between Body Mass Index and Body Fat in Adolescents With Different Physical Activity Levels.

Purpose: This study aimed to verify the agreement between body mass index (BMI) and body fat in adolescents with different physical activity (PA) levels. Method: This cross-sectional study collected body fat data in 118 adolescents (aged 10 to 14 years) estimated using air-displacement plethysmography (ADP). Body mass 10 and height were used to calculate BMI. Physical activity levels were measured objectively by accelerometers. Results: For boys with low PA, BMI overestimated body fat values measured by ADP (mean error = -0.42; p = .018) which also occurred in group high PA (mean error = -0.76; p = .001). For girls, BMI underestimated body fat values measured by ADP values in group high PA (mean error = 0.43; p = .001) and low PA (mean error = 0.72; p < .001). Conclusion: It is recommended that researchers and practitioners 15 cautiously interpret BMI results, especially considering that most adolescents do not practice enough PA.

Reference Percentiles for Bioelectrical Phase Angle in Athletes.

The present study aimed to develop reference values for bioelectrical phase angle in male and female athletes from different sports. Overall, 2224 subjects participated in this study [1658 males (age 26.2 ± 8.9 y) and 566 females (age 26.9 ± 6.6 y)]. Participants were categorized by their sport discipline and sorted into three different sport modalities: endurance, velocity/power, and team sports. Phase angle was directly measured using a foot-to-hand bioimpedance technology at a 50 kHz frequency during the in-season period. Reference percentiles (5th, 15th, 50th, 85th, and 95th) were calculated and stratified by sex, sport discipline and modality using an empirical Bayesian analysis. This method allows for the sharing of information between different groups, creating reference percentiles, even for sports disciplines with few observations. Phase angle differed (men: p < 0.001; women: p = 0.003) among the three sport modalities, where endurance athletes showed a lower value than the other groups (men: vs. velocity/power: p = 0.010, 95% CI = -0.43 to -0.04; vs. team sports: p < 0.001, 95% CI = -0.48 to -0.02; women: vs. velocity/power: p = 0.002, 95% CI = -0.59 to -0.10; vs. team sports: p = 0.015, 95% CI = -0.52 to -0.04). Male athletes showed a higher phase angle than female athletes within each sport modality (endurance: p < 0.01, 95% CI = 0.63 to 1.14; velocity/power: p < 0.01, 95% CI = 0.68 to 1.07; team sports: p < 0.01, 95% CI = 0.98 to 1.23). We derived phase angle reference percentiles for endurance, velocity/power, and team sports athletes. Additionally, we calculated sex-specific references for a total of 22 and 19 sport disciplines for male and female athletes, respectively. This study provides sex- and sport-specific percentiles for phase angle that can track body composition and performance-related parameters in athletes.

Association of phase angle with muscle strength and aerobic fitness in different populations: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to summarize the evidence on the association of phase angle (PhA) with muscle strength and aerobic fitness in different populations. METHODS: A systematic search on this topic was performed in nine electronic databases (CINAHL, LILACS, PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, ScienceDirect, MEDLINE, and Web of Science) in January 2021. Studies with different designs that permitted extraction of information about the relationships between PhA and muscle strength and between PhA and aerobic fitness were included. A total of 4446 studies were initially identified; 34 were included after reading of the title, abstract, full text, and references. Four of the studies included had a longitudinal design, with samples consisting of participants ages 6 to 92 years. Thirty-two of the 34 studies evaluated the relationship between PhA and muscle strength, two cross-sectional studies investigated only PhA and aerobic fitness, and three cross-sectional studies evaluated both components (muscle strength and aerobic fitness). RESULTS: PhA was directly associated with muscle strength in 30 cross-sectional studies and two longitudinal studies; the two studies that did not find a direct relationship had a cross-sectional design. For aerobic fitness, the five studies identified reported a direct relationship with PhA. CONCLUSIONS: PhA is directly associated with muscle strength and aerobic fitness in different age groups (children, adolescents, adults, and older adults) and in people with different health conditions (human immunodeficiency virus, Crohn's disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bariatric surgery, kidney transplant, cancer, hemodialysis, and sarcopenia).

Estimating resting energy expenditure from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry: A cross-sectional study in healthy young adults.

OBJECTIVE: To qualify a 3C approach model of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to estimate multicomponent resting energy expenditure (REE) referenced by indirect calorimetry (IC). METHODS: A sample of 155 college students, of both sexes (18-30 years old) was evaluated. Anthropometric measures, REE by IC, and whole-body DXA-scans were performed. The REE for each body component was determined after transforming the components from the molecular (DXA) to the organ tissue level. Bland-Altman and proportional bias analyses were used to verify agreement between REE measured (REEIC ) and estimated (REEDXA ). RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found for all sex comparisons (P < .001), except for age (P = .950). Differences from the final sex-specific models' were not found between REEIC and REEDXA (P > .05). Men also presented greater expenditure (P < .001) in each component, except for adipose tissue. The plots confirmed the validity of the model for both sexes, with low difference values between the measured and estimated REE. The mean of the differences of REEIC and REEDXA showed heteroscedasticity of the data for men (P = .004). The same error tendency was not evident for women (P = .333). CONCLUSIONS: This 3C model, estimating REE from a multicomponent approach, allows a new application of DXA as tool for understanding intraindividual differences in terms of the mass of metabolically active tissue. Sex and populational differences should be taken in account. Consequently, we present qualified sex-specific DXA models that can be applied in different contexts such as health and sports, besides considering interpersonal differences in terms of energy expenditure.

Cut-off points of appendicular lean soft tissue for identifying sarcopenia in the older adults in Brazil: a cross-sectional study / Puntos de corte de la masa muscular apendicular esquelética para identificar la sarcopenia en los adultos mayores de Brasil: un estudio transversal

INTRODUCTION: appropriate appendicular lean soft tissue (ALST) parameters to identify sarcopenia in Brazil are scarce. The use of international references may lead to a false positive diagnosis. The objective was to propose cut-off points to identify sarcopenia in older men and women using DXA-derived ALST values from a young adult population. METHODS: this was an observational study with a cross-sectional analysis. University students of both sexes (n = 125), aged 20 to 30 years, underwent anthropometric measurements and DXA scanning to obtain their ALST (kg). Cut-off points for sarcopenia were set at -2 standard deviations (-2SDs) away from the mean ALST of a young sample. Absolute values and index (ALST/height2, ALST/weight, and ALST/body mass index [BMI]) were considered as recommended by international consensus. RESULTS: compared to women, men presented higher values of weight, height, BMI, bone mineral content, lean soft tissue, ALST, and ALST index (kg/m²). Only fat mass was higher in women, and age was not different between genders. The -2SD ALST index obtained were = 6.56 kg/m² for men and = 4.67 kg/m² for women. They were below international and national values, which tended to classify false positives. CONCLUSIONS: the -2SD ALST values proposed here are validated cut-offs for identifying low muscle in older adults and to prevent misdiagnosis with sarcopenia. In addition, they contribute to efficient monitoring and control of this disease in geriatric populations

INTRODUCCIÓN: los parámetros apropiados de masa muscular esquelética apendicular (MMEA) para identificar la sarcopenia en Brasil resultan escasos. Ello se debe al uso de referencias internacionales, lo cual puede conducir a un diagnóstico falso positivo. El objetivo del presente trabajo es proponer puntos de corte para determinar la sarcopenia en hombres y mujeres mayores empleando valores de MMEA derivados de las DXA de una población de adultos jóvenes. MÉTODOS: estudio observacional con análisis transversal. Estudiantes universitarios de ambos sexos (n = 125), de 20 a 30 años de edad, se sometieron a mediciones antropométricas y DXA para obtener el MMEA (kg). Los puntos de corte de la sarcopenia se establecieron en -2 desviaciones estándar (-2SD) de la media de MMEA de una muestra joven. Se consideraron los valores absolutos e índices (MMEA/altura2, MMAE/ peso y MMAE/índice de masa corporal [IMC]), según lo recomendado por el consenso internacional. RESULTADOS: los hombres, en comparación con las mujeres, presentaron valores superiores de peso, altura, IMC, contenido mineral óseo, masa magra, MMEA e índice MMEA (kg/m²). Por otro lado, solo la masa grasa fue mayor en las mujeres, no habiendo diferencias de edad entre ambos géneros. El índice MMAE -2SD obtenido fue = 6,56 kg/m² para los hombres y = 4,67 kg/m² para las mujeres. Dichos resultados, al encontrarse por debajo de los valores internacionales y nacionales, tienden a clasificar los falsos positivos. CONCLUSIONES: los MMAE -2SD propuestos aquí son valores de corte validados para identificar las cuantificaciones musculares bajas en los adultos mayores y para prevenir el diagnóstico erróneo de sarcopenia. Además, contribuyen a la monitorización y el control eficiente de esta enfermedad en las poblaciones geriátricas

Cut-off points of appendicular lean soft tissue for identifying sarcopenia in older adults in Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: appropriate appendicular lean soft tissue (ALST) parameters to identify sarcopenia in Brazil are scarce. The use of international references may lead to a false positive diagnosis. The objective was to propose cut-off points to identify sarcopenia in older men and women using DXA-derived ALST values from a young adult population. Methods: this was an observational study with a cross-sectional analysis. University students of both sexes (n = 125), aged 20 to 30 years, underwent anthropometric measurements and DXA scanning to obtain their ALST (kg). Cut-off points for sarcopenia were set at -2 standard deviations (-2SDs) away from the mean ALST of a young sample. Absolute values and indices (ALST/height2, ALST/weight, and ALST/body mass index [BMI]) were considered as recommended by international consensus. Results: compared to women, men presented higher values of weight, height, BMI, bone mineral content, lean soft tissue, ALST, and ALST index (kg/m²). Only fat mass was higher in women, and age was not different between genders. The -2SD ALST indices obtained were ≤ 6.56 kg/m² for men and ≤ 4.67 kg/m² for women. They were below international and national values, which tended to classify false positives. Conclusions: the -2SD ALST values proposed here are validated cut-offs for identifying low muscle in older adults and to prevent misdiagnosis with sarcopenia. In addition, they contribute to efficient monitoring and control of this disease in geriatric populations.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: los parámetros apropiados de masa muscular esquelética apendicular (MMEA) para identificar la sarcopenia en Brasil resultan escasos. Ello se debe al uso de referencias internacionales, lo cual puede conducir a un diagnóstico falso positivo. El objetivo del presente trabajo es proponer puntos de corte para determinar la sarcopenia en hombres y mujeres mayores empleando valores de MMEA derivados de las DXA de una población de adultos jóvenes. Métodos: estudio observacional con análisis transversal. Estudiantes universitarios de ambos sexos (n = 125), de 20 a 30 años de edad, se sometieron a mediciones antropométricas y DXA para obtener el MMEA (kg). Los puntos de corte de la sarcopenia se establecieron en -2 desviaciones estándar (-2SD) de la media de MMEA de una muestra joven. Se consideraron los valores absolutos e índices (MMEA/altura2, MMAE/peso y MMAE/índice de masa corporal [IMC]), según lo recomendado por el consenso internacional. Resultados: los hombres, en comparación con las mujeres, presentaron valores superiores de peso, altura, IMC, contenido mineral óseo, masa magra, MMEA e índice MMEA (kg/m²). Por otro lado, solo la masa grasa fue mayor en las mujeres, no habiendo diferencias de edad entre ambos géneros. El índice MMAE -2SD obtenido fue ≤ 6,56 kg/m² para los hombres y ≤ 4,67 kg/m² para las mujeres. Dichos resultados, al encontrarse por debajo de los valores internacionales y nacionales, tienden a clasificar los falsos positivos. Conclusiones: los MMAE -2SD propuestos aquí son valores de corte validados para identificar las cuantificaciones musculares bajas en los adultos mayores y para prevenir el diagnóstico erróneo de sarcopenia. Además, contribuyen a la monitorización y el control eficiente de esta enfermedad en las poblaciones geriátricas.

Association between phase angle and isolated and grouped physical fitness indicators in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: Examine association between phase angle and isolated and grouped physical fitness indicators in adolescents. METHODS: The sample consisted of 353 adolescents, aged 10-16 years. Phase angle was calculated based on crude resistance and reactance values (50 kHz frequency) obtained by tetrapole electrical bioimpedance (BIA). Fat mass and lean mass were estimated by means of anthropometric equations. Hydraulic dynamometer was used to measure handgrip strength and aerobic fitness was obtained by means of the 20-m back-and-forth test. The z-score for isolated and grouped physical fitness indicators was calculated. Covariates were age, habitual physical activity and screen time (obtained by questionnaire), and sexual maturation (self-reported). RESULTS: For males, phase angle was directly associated with lean mass (ß = 0.02, p < 0.01), handgrip strength (ß = 0.03, p < 0.01), and aerobic fitness (ß = 0.01, p = 0.05), even adjusting for covariates. For females, phase angle was directly associated with lean mass (ß = 0.02; p = 0.04) after adjusting for covariates. Phase angle was directly associated with composite physical fitness z-score in both sexes (male, ß = 0.09, p < 0.01, female, ß = 0.03, p = 0.05), even adjusting for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Phase angle was directly associated with isolated and grouped physical fitness indicators in adolescents. In this way, the phase angle can be used to monitor the health of adolescents.

The Role of Somatic Maturation on Bioimpedance Patterns and Body Composition in Male Elite Youth Soccer Players.

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of chronological age (CA) and somatic maturation on body composition (BC) and bioimpedance parameters in male elite soccer players. BC and bioimpedance variables were measured in a sample of 249 players aged 9-18 years of age and registered in two professional Italian soccer teams. Results from segmental analysis showed transition time points where the influence of CA and somatic maturation on bioimpedance patterns and BC characteristics increased or subsided. The accelerated phases were assessed for fat free mass, total body water, and upper muscle area, with a starting time point at approximately -2.00 years from peak at velocity (YPHV), and for body cell mass, whose developmental tempo sped up around -1.00 YPHV. An increase in the rate of development was also observed close to -2.00 YPHV for phase angle (PA), although without accelerated phases. From a CA point of view, significant slope changes were found for all BC and bioimpendance variables, except for the calf muscle area. Although the starting points and the span of the accelerated phases were different, they subsided or disappeared at ~ 15 years, except for PA, whose growth waned at ~ 17 years.

The usefulness of Tanita TBF-310 for body composition assessment in Judo athletes using a four-compartment molecular model as the reference method.

Body composition assessment at the molecular level is relevant for the athletic population and its association with high performance is well recognized. The four-compartment molecular model (4C) is the reference method for fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) estimation. However, its implementation in a real context is not feasible. Coaches and athletes need practical body composition methods for body composition assessment, and the bioelectrical impedance analysis method (BIA) is usually seen as a useful alternative. The aim of this study was to test the validity of BIA (Tanita, TBF-310) to determine the FM and FFM of elite judo athletes. A total of 29 males were evaluated in a period of weight stability using the reference method (4C) and the alternative method (Tanita, TBF-310). Regarding the 4C method, total-body water was assessed by deuterium dilution, bone mineral by DXA, and body volume by air displacement plethysmography. The slops and intercepts differed from 1 (0.39 and 1.11) and 0 (4.24 and -6.41) for FM and FFM, respectively. FM from Tanita TBF-310 overestimated the 4C method by 0.2 kg although no differences were found for FFM. Tanita TBF-310 explained 21% and 72% respectively in the estimation of absolute values of FM and FFM from the 4C method. Limits of agreement were significant, varying from -6.7 kg to 7.0 kg for FM and from -8.9 kg to 7.5 kg for FFM. In conclusion, TBF-310 Tanita is not a valid alternative method for estimating body composition in highly trained judo athletes.

The usefulness of Tanita TBF-310 for body composition assessment in Judo athletes using a four-compartment molecular model as the reference method

SUMMARY Body composition assessment at the molecular level is relevant for the athletic population and its association with high performance is well recognized. The four-compartment molecular model (4C) is the reference method for fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) estimation. However, its implementation in a real context is not feasible. Coaches and athletes need practical body composition methods for body composition assessment, and the bioelectrical impedance analysis method (BIA) is usually seen as a useful alternative. The aim of this study was to test the validity of BIA (Tanita, TBF-310) to determine the FM and FFM of elite judo athletes. A total of 29 males were evaluated in a period of weight stability using the reference method (4C) and the alternative method (Tanita, TBF-310). Regarding the 4C method, total-body water was assessed by deuterium dilution, bone mineral by DXA, and body volume by air displacement plethysmography. The slops and intercepts differed from 1 (0.39 and 1.11) and 0 (4.24 and -6.41) for FM and FFM, respectively. FM from Tanita TBF-310 overestimated the 4C method by 0.2 kg although no differences were found for FFM. Tanita TBF-310 explained 21% and 72% respectively in the estimation of absolute values of FM and FFM from the 4C method. Limits of agreement were significant, varying from -6.7 kg to 7.0 kg for FM and from -8.9 kg to 7.5 kg for FFM. In conclusion, TBF-310 Tanita is not a valid alternative method for estimating body composition in highly trained judo athletes.

RESUMO A avaliação da composição corporal ao nível molecular é relevante para a população esportiva e sua associação com o alto rendimento é bem reconhecida. O modelo molecular a quatro compartimentos (4C) é o método de referência para as estimativas de massa gorda (MG) e massa livre de gordura (MLG). No entanto, sua implementação no contexto real não é viável. Técnicos e atletas precisam de métodos práticos de composição corporal para a avaliação da composição corporal e o método de análise de impedância bioelétrica (BIA) é geralmente visto como uma alternativa útil. O objetivo deste estudo foi testar a validade da BIA (Tanita, TBF-310) na determinação de MG e MLG em atletas de elite de judô. Um total de 29 atletas masculinos foi avaliado em um período de estabilidade de peso usando o método de referência (4C) e o método alternativo (Tanita, TBF-310). Em relação ao método a 4C, a água corporal total foi avaliada pela diluição de deutério, mineral ósseo por DXA e volume corporal por pletismografia por deslocamento de ar. Os declives e interceções diferiram de 1 (0,39 e 1,11) e 0 (4,24 e -6,41) para MG e MLG, respectivamente. A MG da Tanita TBF-310 superestimou o método 4C em 0,2 kg, embora não tenham sido encontradas diferenças para MLG. A Tanita TBF-310 explicou 21% e 72%, respectivamente, na estimativa dos valores absolutos de MG e MLG do método a 4C. Os limites de concordância foram grandes, variando de -6,7 kg a 7,0 kg para MG e de -8,9 kg a 7,5 kg para MLG. Em conclusão, a TBF-310 Tanita não é um método alternativo válido para estimar a composição corporal em judocas altamente treinados.

Phase angle is associated with the physical fitness of HIV-infected children and adolescents.

The objective of this study was to identify the association of phase angle with physical fitness in children and adolescents infected with HIV. Sixty-four children and adolescents infected with HIV (8-15 years old) were tested for vertical transmission. The electrical bioimpedance was used to obtain the phase angle. Body fat (BF) and lean soft tissue mass (LSTM) were measured by x-ray absorptiometry, and the manual grip strength was evaluated by dynamometry. The peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak) was measured by respiratory change in a submaximal incremental test. Moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVP) and sedentary behavior were measured using accelerometers and were used as covariates. Multiple linear regression was used. The linear correlation analyses demonstrated that the phase angle was inversely proportional to relative BF (r = -0.26), but was not associated with absolute body fat (r = -0.02). The phase angle was directly associated with LSTM (r = 0.57), handgrip strength, and (r = 0.43) peak VO2 (r = 0.55). The phase angle was not associated with absolute BF (ß = -0.017, P = 0.413) and relative (ß = -0.014, P = 0.175). The phase angle presented a direct association with LSTM (ß = 0.041, P = 0.019) and peak VO2 (ß = 0.005; P = 0.019), regardless of age, sex, sexual maturation, MVPA, sedentary behavior, antiretroviral drugs, and viral load. No association was found between phase angle and handgrip strength (ß = 0.153; P = 0.199). It was concluded that phase angle was associated with LSTM and the aerobic fitness in HIV-infected children and adolescents.

Fluid distribution and cell integrity indicators evaluated by bioelectrical impedance in university athletes: comparison between team sports and individual sports.

OBJECTIVE: To compare indicators of fluid distribution and cellular integrity in university athletes through a cross-sectional study of 167 university athletes (18-35 years) who competed in team sports and individual sports. APPROACH: Bioimpedance was used to estimate total body water (TBW), intracellular water (ICW), extracellular water (ECW), ECW/ICW ratio, impedance (Z), reactance (Xc), resistance (R), phase angle, body cell mass (BCM) and ECW/BCM ratio at a frequency of 50 kHz. X-ray absorptiometry was used to determine lean soft tissue mass and body fat. As covariables, sex, age, time of practice and type of modality were obtained by questionnaire. MAIN RESULTS: Individual male athletes presented higher values of ECW/ICW ratio (means difference MD = 0.006, p  = 0.020) and ECW/BCM ratio (MD = 0.006, p  = 0.017) than team sports male athletes. Values of Z (MD = 24.988, p  = 0.009), Xc (MD = 3.327, p  = 0.008) and R (MD = 24.755, p  = 0.09) were higher in male athletes practicing team sports than individual sports. Female team sports athletes presented higher values of Z (MD = 32.029, p  = 0.015) and R (MD = 31.987, p  = 0.015) than individual female athletes. It was concluded that ECW/ICW and ECW/BCM ratios were higher in male athletes who practiced individual sports. For the Z, R, and Xc values, the athletes in team sports presented higher values. The female athletes who practiced team sports presented higher values of Z and R than did individual female athletes. SIGNIFICANCE: ECW/ICW and ECW/BCM ratios were higher in male athletes who practiced individual sports. For the Z, R, and Xc values, the athletes in team sports presented higher values. The female athletes who practiced team sports presented higher values of Z and R than did individual female athletes.

Changes in Phase Angle and Handgrip Strength Induced by Suspension Training in Older Women.

This study aimed to present a suspension exercise training program suitable for older adults and to verify the effect of 12 weeks of training on handgrip strength (HS) and anthropometric and bioelectrical impedance parameters in older adults. Thirty older women (age 66.1±4.7 years, BMI 30.6±5.3 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a training group (TG, n=15) or a control group (CG, n=15). The TG participated in a 12-week suspension training program, while the CG maintained their normal physical activity habits for the duration of the study. Anthropometric, bioelectrical impedance and strength parameters were evaluated before and after the intervention period. There was a significant group by time interaction (p<0.05) for triceps, biceps, subscapular skinfold, percentage of fat mass, phase angle (PhA), resistance, reactance, specific resistance, specific reactance and HS, with significant improvements in the TG after the intervention period (p<0.05) even after adjusting for age and BMI. The results suggest that suspension training promotes increases in PhA and HS in older women.

Lower protein and higher carbohydrate intake are related with altering metabolic syndrome components in elderly women: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is an energy-disturbance disease associated with insulin resistance. Hence, the intake of energy-rich macronutrients might affect some MetS components. The aim of this study was to explore the association of ingested macronutrients with MetS components in older women. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted in 245 older women (≥60 years). Whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to assess total body fat, percentage body fat (absolute and relative), and skeletal muscle mass. Venous blood samples were collected after a 12 h fasting to determine glucose, high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c), and triglycerides. Anthropometric measurements and resting blood pressure were also evaluated. Food consumption was assessed through the 24-hour dietary recall method, and the macronutrients were distributed by tertiles of consumption. The Student t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The MetS and non-MetS groups demonstrated similar food-energy intake and fat consumption. The MetS group presented lower protein and higher carbohydrate intake than the non-MetS group. Individuals in the lowest protein intake (<0.72 g/kg/d) had greater odds of presenting abdominal obesity and impaired glucose levels. Higher consumption of carbohydrates was associated with lower HDL levels and higher hypertriglyceridemia. The chances of having MetS were increased by three times when ingesting either a low protein or high carbohydrate diet. CONCLUSION: Either high carbohydrate or low protein intake would be risk factors for altering MetS components and the presence of MetS in elderly women.

Phase angle is related with inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in older women.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the relation between phase angle (PhA) and inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in older women. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-five physically independent older women participated in this study (67.7±5.7years, 27.0±4.4kg/m2). Inflammatory markers included interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and acute phase reactive protein (CRP). Oxidative stress biomarkers comprised superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and total radical-trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP). A spectral bioelectrical impedance device was used to estimate resistance (R) and reactance (Xc) at frequency 50kHz, and subsequently PhA was calculated as arc-tangent (Xc/R)×180°/π. The covariates appendicular lean soft-tissue (ALST), trunk fat mass, and total body fat were determined by whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Linear regression analysis was conducted to further test if PhA is related with the dependent variables, after adjusting for potential covariates. RESULTS: After controlling for the potential covariates (age, trunk fat mass, ALST, and number of diseases) PhA exhibited a significant inverse relation with IL-6 (ß=-0.97; P<0.01), TNF-α (ß=-0.84; P<0.01), and CRP (ß=-0.58; P<0.01). Conversely, PhA was significantly related to CAT (ß=7.27; P<0.01), SOD (ß=10.55; P<0.01) and TRAP (ß=73.08; P<0.01). The AOPP did not demonstrate a significant correlation with PhA (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings show that PhA is a simple and relevant explanatory variable which is related inflammatory and stress oxidative markers in physically independent older women, regardless of age, number of diseases, and body composition.

Validation of anthropometric models in the estimation of appendicular lean soft tissue in young athletes / Validação de modelos antropométricos na estimação da massa isenta de gordura e osso apendicular em jovens atletas

Abstract Magnetic resonance imaging and Computer tomography are gold standards in the measurement of muscle tissue (MT), but are expensive. Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) is also costly but safer and allows for the measurement of Appendicular Lean Soft Tissue (ALST), a strong predictor of MT. Alternatively, there are anthropometric models that predict the ALST of Portuguese athletes with low cost/risk that have not been validated in other populations. The aim of this study was to validate anthropometric Portuguese models that predict ALST in young athletes or, if the validation fails, to propose new models. The ALSTDXA of 174 young athletes was determined by DXA. Two anthropometric models (ALSTmod1 and ALSTmod2) measuring ALST among Portuguese athletes were tested. To validate the coefficient of determination, the difference (bias) and concordance correlation coefficient between predicted and actual values were computed. Finally, association between mean and difference of methods was verified. Validation failed and, for this reason, new multiple regression models were proposed and validated using PRESS statistics. The Portuguese models explained ~96% of the ALSTDXA variability. The difference between ALST (-0.7kg) was less than that found for the ALSTmod2 and ALSTDXA limits of agreement from 3.6 to -2.1 and from 6.1 to -1.5kg, respectively. The new models included three predictive equations for ALST. Only ASLTmod1was valid; however, it was prone to bias, depending on the magnitude of ALST values. The newly proposed models present validity with greater concordance (r2PRESS=0.98), lower standard error of estimate (SEEPRESS [kg]=0.91) and more homogeneous predicted extreme values.

Resumo Ressonância magnética e tomografia computadorizada são referências para medir o tecido muscular (TM), porém apresentam custo elevado. A Absorciometria Radiológica de Dupla Energia (DXA) é segura, embora ainda dispendiosa, permite medir a Massa Isenta de Gordura e Osso apendicular (MIGOap), forte preditor do TM. Alternativamente, existem modelos antropométricos preditivos da MIGOap de atletas portugueses com baixo custo/risco, porém sem validação para outras populações. Objetivou-se validar modelos antropométricos portugueses preditivos da MIGOap em jovens atletas ou propor novos modelos, caso a validação falhe. A determinação da MIGOapDXA de 174 jovens atletas foi realizada por DXA. Dois modelos antropométricos (MIGOapmdJ1 e MIGOapmd2) de atletas portugueses foram testados para predizer MIGOap. Para validação o coeficiente de determinação, a diferença (viés) e a concordância entre valores medidos e preditos foram calculados. Finalmente, a associação entre média-e-diferença dos métodos foi calculada. A validação falhou, assim foram propostos novos modelos de regressão múltipla validados por estatística PRESS. Os modelos portugueses explicaram ~96% da variabilidade da MIGOapDJAf A diferença entre MIGOapmod1 e MIGOapDXA (-0,7kg) foi menor do que MI-GOapmod2 (-2,3kg), com limites de concordância de3,6 a -2,1 e de 6,1 a -1,5kg, respectivamente. Os novos modelos incluíram três equaçõespreditivaspara MIGOap. Somente MIGOapmd1foi válido, todavia mostrou grande tendência a vieses, conforme magnitude dos valores de MIGOap. Os novos modelos propostos mostraram validade com maior concordância (r2PRESS=0,98), menores erros de estimativa (EPEPRESS =0,91) e valores preditos mais homogêneos para casos extremos.

Prevalence of physical activity through the practice of sports among adolescents from Portuguese speaking countries.

This study evaluated the prevalence of physical activity through the practice of sports in adolescents from schools in two Brazilian cities and a Portuguese school, and its association with independent variables, such as gender and age. A cross-sectional study was conducted of schoolchildren from two cities in Brazil and one in Portugal. The total study sample was 3694 subjects (1622 males and 1872 females). Physical activity levels were assessed using Baecke's questionnaire. Body weight was measured on electronic scales and stature was measured with a portable wooden stadiometer. Numerical variables were expressed as mean, categorical variables were expressed as percentages and the chi-square test analyzed associations. The prevalence of no sport was high (39.7%), being higher in the Portuguese school than in the Brazilian schools (p < 0.001). Irrespective of being an adolescent in a Brazilian or Portuguese school, boys showed higher engagement in sports practice than girls (p < 0.001). In both, differences were identified between adolescents aged 13 to 15 (P = 0.001) and 16 to 17 (P = 0.001). The prevalence of physical inactivity among schoolchildren from two cities in Brazil and a school in Portugal was high, with the girls practicing less sport than the boys and with this imbalance likely to be higher in adolescents.