Prediction of the metabolisable energy content of forages and mixed diets for horses: validation and comparison of two evaluation systems.

The metabolisable energy (ME) content of feeds is a better estimate of their 'true' energy value than their digestible energy (DE) content, because ME takes account of the gross energy of methane (GEgas) and the gross energy of urine (GEurine) losses. The accuracy and precision of the Gesellschaft für Ernährungsphysiologie (GfE) and Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA) systems for predicting the DE and ME contents of diets for horses were compared using the results of a study comprising 15 mixed diets. The INRA system was more accurate than the GfE system for predicting DE, GEurine and ME: the biases between the predicted and the measured values were -0.26 vs -0.46 MJ/kg DM for DE (P < 0.05), -0.03 vs 0.13 MJ/kg DM for GEurine (P < 0.05) and -0.09 vs -0.62 MJ/kg DM for ME (P < 0.05). The biases for GEgas were not significantly different (P > 0.05) between systems. In addition, a study was carried out with 24 forages to compare the ME value of permanent meadow and lucerne hays predicted with the GfE and the INRA systems. The INRA system gave higher prediction values of DE than the GfE system (P < 0.001) and lower estimates of GEgas (0.34 vs 0.63 MJ/kg DM for permanent meadow hays and 0.38 vs 0.63 MJ/kg DM for lucerne hays) (P < 0.001) and GEurine (0.85 vs 0.93 MJ/kg DM for grassland hays and 1.08 vs 1.37 MJ/kg DM for lucerne hays) (P < 0.001). The INRA system thus gave higher estimates of ME (7.57 vs 6.77 MJ/kg DM for permanent meadow hays and 8.80 vs 6.46 MJ/kg DM for lucerne hays, P < 0.001) in agreement with the results obtained with mixed diets. The ME values of permanent meadow hays and legume hays should therefore be predicted separately using specific equations as previously established for the DE value.

Comparison of three systems for predicting the digestible energy value of natural grassland and lucerne hays for horses.

The accuracy and precision of the National Research Council (NRC), Gesellschaft für Ernährungsphysiologie (GfE) and Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA) systems for predicting the digestible energy (DE) value of hays were determined from the results of 15 digestibility trials with natural grassland hays and 9 digestibility trials with lucerne hays that all met strict experimental and a tight corpus of methods. The hays were harvested in the temperate zone. They covered broad ranges of chemical composition and DE value. The INRA system was more accurate than the other two systems, with the bias between the predicted and measured DE values of natural grassland and lucerne hays averaging -0.11 and -0.04 MJ/kg DM with the INRA system, 0.34 and -0.70 MJ/kg DM with the NRC system and -0.50 and -1.69 MJ/kg DM with the GfE system (P < 0.05). However, the precision of the three systems was similar; the standard error of prediction corrected by bias was not significantly different (P > 0.05). The GfE system underestimated the DE value of hays, especially of lucerne hays. The differences between the predicted and measured DE values resulted mainly from the errors in the prediction of organic matter digestibility and energy digestibility for both natural grassland and lucerne hays. Discrimination according to botanical family (grassland v. lucerne) can help improve the prediction of the DE value of hays. The choice of appropriate predictive variables is discussed in the light of differences in chemical composition and digestibility of the various cell wall components of grassland and lucerne hays. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) may thus be preferable to ADF in the prediction equation of the DE value of lucerne hays, whereas ADF and NDF may both be relevant for natural grassland hays.

Protein requirements in male adolescent soccer players.

Few investigations have studied protein metabolism in children and adolescent athletes which makes difficult the assessment of daily recommended dietary protein allowances in this population. The problematic in paediatric competitors is the determination of additional protein needs resulting from intensive physical training. The aim of this investigation was to determine protein requirement in 14-year-old male adolescent soccer players. Healthy male adolescent soccer players (N = 11, 13.8 +/- 0.1 year) participated in a short term repeated nitrogen balance study. Diets were designed to provide proteins at three levels: 1.4, 1.2 and 1.0 g protein per kg body weight (BW). Nutrient and energy intakes were assessed from 4 day food records corresponding to 4 day training periods during 3 weeks. Urine was collected during four consecutive days and analysed for nitrogen. The nitrogen balances were calculated from mean daily protein intake, mean urinary nitrogen excretion and estimated faecal and integumental nitrogen losses. Nitrogen balance increased with both protein intake and energy balance. At energy equilibrium, the daily protein intake needed to balance nitrogen losses was 1.04 g kg(-1) day(-1). This corresponds to an estimated average requirement (EAR) for protein of 1.20 g kg(-1) day(-1) and a recommended daily allowance (RDA) of 1.40 g kg(-1) day(-1) assuming a daily nitrogen deposition of 11 mg kg(-1). The results of the present study suggest that the protein requirements of 14-year-old male athletes are above the RDA for non-active male adolescents.

Relationship between percentage of VO2max and type of physical activity in obese and non-obese adolescents.

AIM: The objective of the present study was to determine oxygen uptake (VO(2)) and percentage of maximum oxygen uptake (%VO2max) in obese and non-obese adolescents during various activities in standardised conditions, and the corresponding %VO2max in free-living conditions. METHODS: Twenty-seven obese and 50 non-obese adolescents aged 12 to 16 years participated in this study. Body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), VO2max by treadmill tests, VO2 corresponding to various activities by whole body calorimetry, and time and % VO2max corresponding to various activities in free-living conditions using the heart-rate recording method and a physical activity diary. RESULTS: VO2max (l/min) was 27.4% higher in obese than in non-obese subjects (p<0.001), but not significantly different after adjustment for fat-free mass (FFM). In the whole body calorimeters, with the same activity program, % VO2max corresponding to sleep and sedentary activities were lower in obese than in non-obese girls (-15.1% and -12.3%, p<0.05), but not significantly different between obese and non-obese boys. However, walking at 4-5-6 km/h corresponded to 47-59% and 71% of VO2max, respectively, in obese, and 34-41% and 48% of VO2max in non-obese subjects (p<0.001). In free-living conditions, moderate physical activities and sports corresponded to 52% vs 35%, and 39% vs 51% of VO2max, respectively, in obese and non-obese adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: In standardised conditions %VO2max did not correspond to the same type of physical activity in obese compared to non-obese adolescents. Consequently, % VO2max is inadequate for comparing the types of physical activities of obese and non-obese adolescents in free-living conditions.

Changes in adipocyte hormones and lipid oxidation associated with weight loss and regain in severely obese adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes in adipocyte hormones and lipid oxidation during and after a weight-reduction programme in severely obese adolescents. DESIGN: Longitudinal-clinical investigation including a 9-month multidisciplinary weight-reduction programme in a specialised institution with lifestyle education, moderate energy restriction and regular physical activity, followed by a 4-month period at home. SUBJECTS: A total of 26 (12 boys and 14 girls) severely obese adolescents (mean BMI: 33.9 kg/m2; 41.5% fat mass (FM)). MEASUREMENTS: Before starting (M0), at the end (M9), and 4 months after the end (M13) of the intervention blood samples were collected at fast, body composition was assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry, and energy expenditure (EE) and substrate oxidation were assessed by whole-body indirect calorimetry over 24 h. RESULTS: At M9, adolescents had lost 19.0% body weight (BW), 41.3% FM (P<0.001), with a minor fat free mass (FFM) loss in girls (6.4%, P<0.001) but no significant FFM changes in boys. Plasma leptin concentration at M9 was 70% lower (P<0.001), whereas plasma adiponectin concentration was 26.6% higher (P<0.001). The results also suggest that after adjustment for FFM and energy balance, sleeping and sedentary activity lipid oxidation rates were higher at M9 than at M0. At M13, plasma adiponectin, insulin, glucose and LDL concentrations returned to the initial levels, and leptin to an intermediate level in the 10 adolescents who had regained BW. Adjusted lipid oxidation rate decreased in both groups of subjects but it was not correlated to any change in plasma adipocyte hormones, which rather changed in relation to FM modifications. CONCLUSION: Moderate energy restriction and regular moderate and high intensity physical activities in obese adolescents induced beneficial changes in BW and composition, lipid oxidation and blood parameters, especially adipocyte hormones.

[Longitudinal changes in body composition and basal metabolic rate in institutionalized or domiciled obese adolescents]. / Analyse longitudinale des variations de la composition corporelle et du métabolisme de base d'adolescents obèses pris en charge en institution ou à domicile.

UNLABELLED: The prevalence of obesity in children has increased dramatically during the past decades, and requires efficient care. OBJECTIVES: To determine changes in anthropometric parameters and basal metabolic rate (BMR) in obese adolescents during and after 2 types of weight-reduction programs. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-six adolescents (group I, Z-score of BMI = 4.72) followed a 9-month-weight reduction program including a moderate energy restriction and regular physical activities in a specialized institution. In addition, 39 adolescents (group E, Z-score of BMI = 2.83) followed at home a 9-month-weight reduction program including medical and dietetic advices. Body composition (by impedancemetry) and BMR (by indirect calorimetry) were assessed before the beginning (M0), 4 months after (M4) and at the end (M9) of the programs, then 4 months (M13) and 16 month (M25) after the end of the weight-reduction programs. RESULTS: Twenty-two adolescents in group I and 20 adolescents in group E completed the study. At M0, age, body weight (BW), fat-free mass (FFM) and BMR of subjects of group I were higher (1.0 year, 36 %, 30 % and 23 %, respectively, P < 0.001), than those of group E. Pubertal stage and percentage of fat mass (FM) were not significantly different between the 2 groups. At M9, adolescents of group I showed significant reductions in BW and FM (-19 and -37 %, respectively, P < 0.001), but not significant differences in FFM. In addition, BMR decreased significantly between M0 and M4, both in absolute value (-6.7%, P < 0.001) and after adjustment for FFM (-5.8%, P < 0.001), and the difference was maintained until M9. Between M9 and M13, BW and Z-score of BMI were maintained in 12 adolescents, but increased (+9.7% and 14.8%, respectively, P < 0.001) in 10 adolescents. However, BMR did not change significantly in all adolescents. Between M13 and M25, BW, FM, FFM and BMR increased significantly (+13%, +34%, +6% et +5%, respectively, P < 0.001). During the 25 month period, adolescents of group E showed significant increases in BW, FFM and BMR (+8%, +14% and +10%, respectively, P < 0.001), and maintained their Z-score and FM. CONCLUSION: The reduction in BMR during the weight-reduction program at the institution could contribute to body weight regain in the post-obese adolescents if they do not maintain the lifestyle habits taught during the weight-reduction period. In other respects, Z-score was stabilized in 51% of domiciled obese adolescents.

[Which alternative method to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for assessing body composition in overweight and obese adolescents?]. / Quelle méthode alternative à l'absorptiométrie biphotonique (DEXA) utiliser pour évaluer la composition corporelle des adolescents en surpoids ou obèses?

CONTEXT: Professionals in charge of overweight and obese children and adolescents need a simple, reliable and precise method for assessing body composition. OBJECTIVES: To compare body composition as assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and the skinfold thickness (SFT) method in overweight and obese adolescents, and to establish and validate new predictive equations of body composition from BIA measurements using DXA as standard method. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Body composition was assessed in 143 obese adolescents (Z-score = 3.2 +/- 1.4) aged 12 to 17 years by DXA, BIA (RJL System, Analycor and Analycor XF models) and SFT (Siri and Slaughter's equations). New prediction equations of fat mass (FM) as assessed by DXA were computed from BIA measurements in a calibration group, and validated in an homologous group of subjects. Results. - The Bland-Altman test showed that compared to DXA, BIA underestimated FM by 2.8 +/- 2.0 kg and 2.3 +/- 2.1 kg using the RJL System and Analycor impedancemeter, respectively (P < 0.001). With the Analycor XF model, FM was underestimated by 3.3 +/-2.6 kg in boys, and over-valued by 0.6 +/- 2.4 kg in girls. On the contrary, the predictive equation of Wabitsch et al. overvalued FM by 6.2 +/- 2.9 kg. The SFT method overvalued FM by 2.1 +/- 5.0 kg in boys and underestimated FM by 2.3 +/- 3.5 kg in girls using Slaughter et al. equation, while Siri's equation underestimated FM by 4.0 +/- 2.9 kg (P < 0.001). The alternative to the DXA method to assess FM was BIA with new prediction equations including gender, body weight, height(2)/resistance and reactance. CONCLUSION: DXA, BIA and the SFT method were not directly interchangeable. The SFT method was inadequate to assess body composition in overweight and obese adolescents. BIA and new prediction equations could be an alternative to the DXA method in overweight and obese adolescents.

Longitudinal changes in activity patterns, physical capacities, energy expenditure, and body composition in severely obese adolescents during a multidisciplinary weight-reduction program.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the longitudinal changes in body composition, physical capacities, and time and energy expenditure (EE) devoted to various activities in the course of a 9-month weight-reduction period. DESIGN: Longitudinal, clinical intervention including lifestyle education, moderate energy restriction, progressive training, and psychological follow-up. SUBJECTS: A total of 27 (13 boys and 14 girls) severely obese adolescents (mean BMI: 33.9 kg/m2; 41.5% fat mass (FM)), aged 12-16 y. MEASUREMENTS: Before the beginning and after the weight-reduction program, body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), physical capacities by multistage treadmill test, and EE both by whole-body calorimetry and in free-living conditions using the heart rate-recording method. During 8 months of the weight-reduction period, type and duration of each activity were recorded using a daily controlled activity diary. RESULTS: One boy resigned after 5 months. Body weight (BW) and FM decreased (-19 and -42%, respectively, P<0.001) both in boys and in girls, but fat-free mass (FFM) decreased only in girls (-6%, P<0.001). VO2max (l/min) did not vary significantly, but strength and fitness were improved (P<0.001). Time and EE spent at sedentary activities decreased significantly (P<0.001) to the benefit of moderate (recreational) activities and total physical activities (P<0.001) at the institution during the weekdays, and at home during the weekends and holidays. CONCLUSION: The great BW and FM losses, preservation of FFM, and improvement of physical capacities of obese adolescents obtained under experimental conditions were associated with increases in leisure physical activities in free-living conditions at the expense of sleep and sedentary activities.

Energy value of a low-digestible carbohydrate, NUTRIOSE FB, and its impact on magnesium, calcium and zinc apparent absorption and retention in healthy young men.

BACKGROUND: Long-term consumption of imbalanced diets, poor in dietary fibres, resulted in the prevalence of several nutritional pathologies. However, low digestible carbohydrates (LDC) have many beneficial effects, especially on energy intake, digestive physiology, and mineral absorption. AIM OF THE STUDY: To determine the digestive effects of a LDC, called NUTRIOSE FB, its metabolisable energy (ME) value, and its effects on mineral absorption in humans. METHODS: Ten healthy young men were fed for 31 d periods a maintenance diet supplemented with either dextrose or the LDC at a level of 100 g DM/d, in six equal doses per d according to a cross-over design. After a 20 d adaptation period, food intake was determined for 11 days using the duplicate meal method, and faeces and urine were collected for 10 d for further analyses. RESULTS: Ingestion of the LDC did not cause severe digestive disorders, except excessive gas emission, and flatulence and slight abdominal pain in some subjects for intakes above 50 g DM/d. Wet and dry stool outputs increased by 45 and 70%, respectively (P<0.02). In vitro enzymatic digestibility of the LDC was 15 (SD 1.5) %, and 9.2 (SD 8.3) % of the LDC was excreted in faeces (P<0.001). The ME value of the LDC was 14.1 (SD 2.3) kJ/g DM, that is 14 % less than the tabulated values of sucrose and starch. Its net energy value (NEV), estimated using three prediction equations, was 8.7, 8.9, and 11.4 kJ/g DM. Ingestion of the LDC significantly increased the relative apparent absorption of Mg, and Mg retention by 67% and 31 mg/d, respectively, tended to increase Ca apparent absorption (P=0.110) and Ca retention (P=0.059), but did not significantly alter Zn parameters. CONCLUSION: NUTRIOSE FB can be used as a "bulking" agent, and substituted up to 50 g/d for usual maltodextrins without causing digestive disorders in healthy subjects. It would reduce intestinal transit disorders and energy intake, and improve magnesium and calcium absorption and retention.

Ryegrass-based diet and barley supplementation: partition of energy-yielding nutrients among splanchnic tissues and hind limbs in finishing lambs.

Splanchnic metabolism of energy-yielding nutrients and their uptake by the hind limb were studied in finishing lambs receiving ryegrass harvested at grazing stage (ear at 10 cm) with or without barley supplementation. Six ruminally cannulated and multicatherized lambs (40.2 +/- 1.5 kg) were fed with frozen ryegrass (RG) at 690 kJ of metabolizable energy intake (MEI) x d(-1) x BW(-0.75) successively with and without barley supplementation (RG + B), according to a triplicated Latin square design. Barley supplementation represented 21% of DM intake and increased the MEI by 32% (P < 0.002). In ruminal fluid, barley supplementation increased the acetate and butyrate concentrations by 21.2 and 49.6%, respectively (P < 0.04), without modifying those of propionate. Thus, molar proportions of acetate and butyrate were not modified, and those of propionate tended (P < 0.06) to decrease from 26 to 23%. As a result, the net portal appearance of propionate was not modified. Net portal appearance of butyrate and beta-hydroxybutyrate increased (P < 0.03), and that of acetate was not modified. Consequently, hepatic uptake of butyrate increased and probably spared acetate from hepatic metabolism. The hepatic fractional extraction of propionate decreased (P < 0.03), whereas the net flux of lactate switched from a net release to a net uptake, suggesting an alteration in the contribution of gluconeogenic substrates to glucose synthesis without modification in net hepatic glucose release. As a consequence, barley supplementation increased net splanchnic release of acetate (P < 0.02), propionate (P < 0.001), and beta-hydroxybutyrate (P < 0.01) by 60, 157, and 78%, respectively. In addition, the net splanchnic release of insulin increased (P < 0.03) because of a decrease (P < 0.02) in its hepatic extraction. Despite those changes, the net uptake of nutrients by the hind limb was not modified and even decreased in the case of glucose (P < 0.02), suggesting a stimulation of lipogenesis in adipose tissues. Results from the present study suggested that supplementation of a ryegrass-based diet would likely have little effect on the orientation of muscle energy metabolism and on meat quality because the net uptake of nutrients by the hind limb was unchanged.

The extent to which breakfast covers the morning energy expenditure of adolescents with varying levels of physical activity.

BACKGROUND: Energy intake at breakfast affects the performance of creativity tests, memory recall and voluntary physical endurance in children before lunch, and food craving during the whole day. OBJECTIVES: To assess the adequacy of breakfast energy supply (BES) and energy expenditure (EE) in adolescents during a schoolday without or with 2 h of physical education lesson (PEL) in the morning. DESIGN: Sixty adolescents (four groups of 14-16 boys and girls aged 12-16 y) participated in a cross-sectional study. Activity patterns and EE were determined by whole-body calorimetry during 36 h and in free-living conditions during 5 days using both a diary and the validated heart rate recording method. BES was determined by weighing individual foods. The pyloric energy flow was assessed using a model of fractional stomach emptying. RESULTS: BES averaged 24.9% (s.d.=6.1) of daily EE in the four groups of subjects. It covered the mean morning EE on a schoolday without PEL, but not in a schoolday with 2 h of PEL in any group. When PEL took place from 8-10 am the cumulative EE exceeded the cumulative pyloric energy flow after 105-150 min, that is during the PEL session, and the energy deficit increased until lunch. With a light breakfast (BES-1 s.d.) energy deficiency happened after 90 min. CONCLUSION: The results stress the need for a heavy breakfast for children and adolescents on the days with PEL in the morning, and a carbohydrate rich snack at 10 am to improve attention, memory and willing participation in physical activities.

Daily energy expenditure, activity patterns, and energy costs of the various activities in French 12-16-y-old adolescents in free living conditions.

BACKGROUND: Changes in lifestyle and increases in sedentary activities during recent decades have been shown to contribute to the prevalence of overweight in adolescents. OBJECTIVES: To determine the inter-individual variability and the day-to-day variations in daily energy expenditure (DEE) and activity pattern, and the energy costs and EE of the various activities of adolescents in free-living conditions. DESIGN: Sixty adolescents (four groups of 14-16 boys or girls aged 12-16 y) participated in this cross-sectional study during spring or autumn. Activity patterns and EE were determined during five consecutive days, using both a diary and the heart rate recording method validated by whole-body calorimetry and laboratory tests. RESULTS: Mean DEE increased significantly with age in boys, but not in girls. However, the physical activity level did not vary significantly with sex and age. Mean DEE was significantly higher in spring than in autumn in the 12.6-y-old subjects. It was also 21% higher during the free days than during the schooldays in the active subjects, but 7% lower in the sedentary subjects. The energy cost of 22 activities was determined. Time and energy devoted to moderate and sport activities exhibited great inter-individual variability. They were lower in girls than in boys and decreased with age. The increase in EE resulting from moderate and sport activities instead of sedentary activities ranged from 0.2 to 2.7 MJ/day over the week. CONCLUSION: The great variability in DEE of adolescents resulted mainly from differences in the nature, duration and intensity of physical activities during the free days.

Net energy value of two low-digestible carbohydrates, Lycasin HBC and the hydrogenated polysaccharide fraction of Lycasin HBC in healthy human subjects and their impact on nutrient digestive utilization.

The metabolizable energy content of low-digestible carbohydrates does not correspond with their true energy value. The aim of the present study was to determine the tolerance and effects of two polyols on digestion and energy expenditure in healthy men, as well as their digestible, metabolizable and net energy values. Nine healthy men were fed for 32 d periods a maintenance diet supplemented either with dextrose, Lycasin HBC (Roquette Frères, Lestrem, France), or the hydrogenated polysaccharide fraction of Lycasin HBC, at a level of 100 g DM/d in six equal doses per d according to a 3 x 3 Latin square design with three repetitions. After a 20 d progressive adaptation period, food intake was determined for 12d using the duplicate meal method and faeces and urine were collected for 10 d for further analyses. Subjects spent 36 h in one of two open-circuit whole-body calorimeters with measurements during the last 24h. Ingestion of the polyols did not cause severe digestive disorders, except excessive gas emission, and flatulence and gurgling in some subjects. The polyols induced significant increases in wet (+45 and +66% respectively, P<0.01) and dry (+53 and +75 % respectively, P<0.002) stool weight, resulting in a 2% decrease in dietary energy digestibility (P<0.001). They resulted also in significant increases in sleeping (+4.1%, P<0.03) and daily energy expenditure (+2.7 and +2.9% respectively, P<0.02) compared with dextrose ingestion. The apparent energy digestibility of the two polyols was 0.82 and 0.79 respectively, their metabolizable energy value averaged 14.1 kJ/g DM, and their net energy value averaged 10.8 kJ/g DM, that is, 35 % less than those of sucrose and starch.

Weaning affects lipoprotein lipase activity and gene expression in adipose tissues and in masseter but not in other muscles of the calf.

The nutritional and physiological modifications that occur during the weaning period induce adaptations of tissue metabolism in all mammal species. Among the adaptations due to weaning in ruminants, the regulation of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity, one of the rate-limiting steps of fatty acid utilization by tissues, was still unknown. The present study aimed at comparing LPL activity and gene expression in the heart, seven skeletal muscles and three adipose tissue sites between two groups of seven preruminant (PR) or ruminant (R) calves having a similar age (170 d), similar empty body weight (194 kg) at slaughter, and similar net energy intake from birth onwards. Triacylglycerol content of adipose tissues was 16 % lower in R than in PR calves, This could be partly the result from a lower LPL activity (-57 %, ). LPL mRNA levels were also lower in R calves (-48 % to -68 %, ) suggesting a pretranslational regulation of LPL activity. Activity and mRNA levels of LPL did not differ significantly in the heart and skeletal muscles except in the masseter in which LPL activity and mRNA levels were higher (+50 % and +120 % respectively, ) in the R calves. Regulation of LPL in masseter could be explained by the high contractile activity of this muscle after weaning due to solid food chewing. In conclusion, weaning in the calf affects LPL activity and expression in adipose tissues, but not in skeletal muscles except the masseter.

Components and variations in daily energy expenditure of athletic and non-athletic adolescents in free-living conditions.

The objectives of the study were to determine: (1) daily energy expenditure (EE) of athletic and non-athletic adolescents of both sexes in free-living conditions; (2) day-to-day variations in daily EE during 1 week; (3) energy costs of the main activities; and (4) the effect of usual activity on EE during sleep, seated and miscellaneous activities. Fifty adolescents (four groups of eleven to fifteen boys or girls aged 16-19 years) participated in the study. Body composition was measured by the skinfold-thickness method, and VO2max and external mechanical power (EMP) by a direct method (respiratory gas exchanges) on a cycloergometer. Daily EE and partial EE in free-living conditions were computed from heart-rate (HR) recordings during seven consecutive days using individual prediction equations established from the data obtained during a 24 h period spent in whole-body calorimeters with similar activities. Fat-free mass (FFM), VO2max, EMP, daily EE and EE during sleep were significantly higher in athletic than in non-athletic subjects. After adjustment for FFM, VO2max, EMP, daily EE and EE during exercise were still higher in athletic than in non-athletic adolescents (P < 0.001). However, adjusted sleeping EE was not significantly different between athletic and non-athletic adolescents. Increases in exercise EE were partly compensated for by significant reductions in EE during schoolwork and miscellaneous activities. Thus, the differences in daily EE between athletic and non-athletic subjects resulted mainly from increases in FFM and EE during exercise (duration and energy cost).

Longitudinal changes in body composition, physical capacities and energy expenditure in boys and girls during the onset of puberty.

BACKGROUND: The onset of puberty is a period of rapid anatomical and physiological alterations expected to induce changes in metabolic rate and energy requirements of children. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the changes in anthropometrical features, body composition, physical capacities, and energy expenditure (EE) of boys and girls during the period of onset of puberty. METHODS: Sixteen children (8 boys and 8 girls were recruited in the same school-class and studied both at 10.4 and 12.8 years of age. Body composition was assessed by bioimpedance analysis. Peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) was measured using an automated on-line system during exercising on a cycle ergometer. Energy expenditure (EE) was determined by whole-body indirect calorimetry over a 24-h period after a 12-h period of adaptation to the calorimeters. Volunteers followed the same activity programme that included four 15-min periods of exercise. RESULTS: During the onset of puberty, boys and girls gained 4.7 +/- 2.1 kg x y(-1) (P < 0.0003) fat-free mass (FFM), whereas fat mass gain was 1.0 +/- 1.2 kg x y(-1) (P < 0.05) in girls and 0.20 +/- 0.66 kg x y(-1) in boys (NS). Peak VO2 adjusted for differences in FFM was not significantly affected by gender or pubertal stage. However, adjusted external mechanical power performed at peak VO2 was higher in pubertal than in prepubertal children, by 40% (P < 0.0001) and 22% (P < 0.003) in boys and girls, respectively. It was also 17% (P < 0.0002) higher in pubertal boys than in pubertal girls. Daily and sleeping EE increased by 38% and 32% in boys and girls, respectively, during the 2.4-y period (P< 0.0001). Adjusted EEs were also significantly higher in pubertal than in prepubertal boys (P< 0.05 and P< 0.003), but not in girls. The main significant determinants of daily EE were FFM (r2 = 0.866, P < 0.0001), peak VO2 (r2 = 0.017, P < 0.04), and age (r2 = 0.014, P < 0.05). Tanner's stage was an additional determinant of sleeping EE (r2 = 0.025, P < 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: The increases in physical capacities and EE during the onset of puberty indicated clear gender differences, which could be explained mainly by alterations of body composition in boys and girls, and by changes in hormonal status in boys. They also stressed the significant increase in energy requirements of children, especially boys, at an early stage of puberty.

Daily energy expenditure and its main components as measured by whole-body indirect calorimetry in athletic and non-athletic adolescents.

The objectives of the present study were to determine whether differences in usual physical activity affect BMR, sleeping energy expenditure (EE), and EE during seated activities between athletic and non-athletic adolescents, and to establish individual relationships between heart rate and EE. Adolescents (n 49, four groups of eleven to fifteen boys or girls aged 16-19 years) participated in the study. Body composition was measured by the skinfold-thickness method and maximum O2 consumption (VO2max) by a direct method (respiratory gas exchange) on a cycloergometer. The subjects each spent 36 h in one of two large whole-body calorimeters. They followed a standardized activity programme including two periods of exercise simulating their mean weekly physical activities. Fat-free mass (FFM), VO2max, daily EE and EE during sleep and seated activities were significantly higher in athletic than in non-athletic subjects of both sexes. VO2max, daily EE and EE during exercise adjusted for FFM were higher in athletic than in non-athletic adolescents (P < 0.001), whereas sleeping EE, BMR and EE during seated activities and adjusted for FFM were not significantly different between athletic and non-athletic adolescents. However, sex differences in EE remained significant. Thus, differences in EE between athletic and non-athletic adolescents resulted mainly from differences in FFM and physical exercise. Usual activity did not significantly affect energy utilization of substrates. Finally, individual relationships were computed between heart rate and EE with activity programmes simulating the usual activities of athletic and non-athletic adolescents with the goal of predicting EE of the same subjects in free-living conditions.

Benefit of endurance training in elderly people over a short period is reversible.

The present study assessed daily activity, physical capacity and body composition in 11 initially sedentary healthy subjects [5 men and 6 women, mean age 62.8 (SD 2.7) years] before training (T(o)), after completion of 7 (T(7w)) and 14 (T(14w)) weeks of training, and again 6 (T(6m)) and 12 (T(12m)) months after training. The mean daily activity index decreased from T(7w) to T(12m) reaching a lower level than at T(o) [T(12m) - T(o) = -1.5 (SD 4.6) units, P = 0.18]. Mean maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2max)) and its corresponding mean power output (Wdot(max)) were increased by 12.5 (SD 6.6)% (P = 0. 003) and 22.8 (SD 12.8)% (P = 0.003), respectively, at T(14w), and returned to their T(o) levels within 1 year. Mean body mass (m(b)) remained stable until T(6m) but increased significantly by 2.6 (SD 3. 7)% from T(6m) to T(12m) (P < 0.05). Mean fat mass (m(f), from bioelectrical impedance analysis measurements) tended to decrease [-2.0 (SD 4.2)%, P = 0.10] during the training period but increased by 7.8 (SD 10.9)% between T(6m) and T(12m) (P < 0.05). The mean fat free mass did not vary during the study period (P = 0.81) but magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed that mean thigh muscle volume decreased between T(7w) and T(12m) to less than at T(o) [T(12m) - T(o) = -2.3 (SD 3.6)%, P = 0.05]. Therefore, this study confirmed the favourable effects of endurance training on the physical capacity and body composition of elderly people, but demonstrated that the training programme would have to be continued to maintain the training-related benefits (i.e. increased VO(2max) and Wdot(max)) which would otherwise be lost within 1 year. After training, m(b) and m(f) were found to be increased. Furthermore, a fast and reproducible MRI protocol was validated for study of small intra-individual variations in tissue volumes in longitudinal studies.

Time-course effects of endurance training on fat oxidation in sedentary elderly people.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate alterations in whole body fat oxidation after 7 and 14 weeks of progressive endurance training in sedentary elderly subjects. DESIGN: Longitudinal, 14 weeks of progressive endurance training on a cycle ergometer (3 training sessions per week). Full sets of measurements were performed before, and after 7 and 14 weeks of training. SUBJECTS: 13 healthy sedentary subjects (5 men, 8 women) (age 62.8 +/- 2.3 y). MEASUREMENTS: 24 h indirect calorimetric measurements under standardised conditions: light-activity programme, fixed food composition, neutral daily energy balance. Body composition (by isotope dilution and skinfold thicknesses). Maximal oxygen consumption. RESULTS: Loss of 0.7 kg fat mass in the first 7 weeks of training and a further 2.4 kg of fat in the second 7 weeks. There was a transient increase in sleeping fat oxidation after 7 weeks of training (+26.1%), associated with transient increase in daily fat oxidation (+/- 11.9%), but fat oxidation then returned to baseline values in the second 7 weeks. There was a correlation between within-subject changes in sleeping fat oxidation after 7 weeks of training and variations in FFM (r = 0.62, P = 0.02) and maximal oxygen consumption (r = -0.56, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In sedentary elderly subjects, progressive endurance training was associated with a transient increase in sleeping fat oxidation and daily fat oxidation. In free-living conditions, possible changes in daily fat oxidation may have induced a negative fat balance, as judged by fat mass loss.

Variations and determinants of energy expenditure as measured by whole-body indirect calorimetry during puberty and adolescence.

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is characterized by rapid anatomic, physiologic, and behavioral alterations expected to induce changes in metabolic rate. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate variations in daily energy expenditure (DEE) and its main components during adolescence and to quantify their significant determinants. DESIGN: Eighty-three children and adolescents (44 boys and 39 girls aged 10-16 y) participated in this cross-sectional study. Tanner stages ranged from 1 to 5. Body composition was assessed by both the skinfold-thickness method and bioimpedance analysis. Energy expenditure (EE) was determined continuously over 24 h by using 2 whole-body calorimeters. The subjects followed a standardized activity program that included four 15-min periods of exercise on a cycle ergometer. RESULTS: Body composition, DEE, sleeping EE (SEE), resting EE, and EE during meals, miscellaneous activities, and physical exercise varied significantly with sex and stage of puberty. The DEE of boys and girls averaged 8.22 and 7.60 MJ in prepubertal children, 11.35 and 9.10 MJ in pubertal children, and 11.73 and 9.68 MJ in postpubertal adolescents, respectively. The significant determinants of DEE and SEE, respectively, were fat-free mass (r2 = 0.842 and 0.826), sex (r2 = 0.017 and 0.022), and season (r2 = 0.021 and 0.011). Stage of puberty and fat mass were not significant factors. DEE and SEE adjusted for fat-free mass were on average 5% higher in boys than in girls and 6% higher in spring than in autumn. CONCLUSIONS: The DEE of adolescents measured under standardized conditions varied with sex, body composition, and season, but not with stage of puberty. These variables could be predicted accurately from fat-free mass, sex, and season.