Evaluation of the effects of somatotype profiles on pain, proprioception, isokinetic muscle strength and kinesiophobia in patients with meniscopathy.

BACKGROUND: Somatotype causes differentiation of physical, physiological and biochemical metabolisms in the body. To what extent meniscopathy (M) is affected by somatotype profiles has been an issue of concern. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate whether somatotype profiles have an effect on kinesiophobia, pain, proprioception and isokinetic muscle strength in patients with an M diagnosis. METHODS: 172 (85 female, 87 male) M patients between the ages of 18 and 65 were included in the study. The Heath-Carter method was used to determine somatotype components. Biodex Isokinetic system at 120∘/sec angular speed was used for muscle strength measurements, a digital inclinometer with goniometer was used for proprioception measurement, the Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TKS) was used for the assessment of kinesiophobia, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) fatigue scale was used for the assessment of fatigue and pain, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for pain assessment. RESULTS: Five somatotype profiles were found. When the right-left knee proprioception values were compared according to the somatotype profiles of patients, a significant difference was found in favor of balanced ectomorph at 15∘ and 30∘. No significant difference was found when TKS, FACIT, VAS values were compared in terms of somatotype profiles; while no significant difference was found in TKS, FACIT, VAS (REST-NIGHT) in terms of gender, a significant difference was found in VAS MOVE. Endomorph somatotype was dominant in the M patients. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with M disease showed significant differences in terms of endomorph components. Obesity may also be one of the negative findings for M disease. Somatotype classification may represent a suitable tool for monitoring M.

Anthropometric differences between world-class professional track cyclists based on specialty (endurance vs. sprint).

BACKGROUND: Despite previous research suggesting that certain anthropometric characteristics are required to successfully perform in track cycling, current literature fails to describe these characteristics in depth in large cohorts of professional UCI cyclists. The main aims of the present study were to determine the anthropometric characteristics, body composition and somatotype of world-class professional track cyclists (male and female). METHODS: Anthropometric measurements were conducted of the body composition of ninety-eight world-class professional track cyclists in line with the International Society for Advancement of Kinanthropometry protocol. RESULTS: Male sprinters had a significantly larger body mass (85.9±8.3 vs. 74.0±6.5; P<0.001), muscle mass (44.1.9±4.4 vs. 35.3±2.5; P<0.001), body fat percentage (regardless of the formula used) and BMI (26.1±1.5 vs. 22.4±1.2; P<0.001) than endurance male cyclists. Furthermore, in females, sprinters had a higher BMI than endurance cyclists (23.4±2 vs. 1.4±1.6; P<0.01), with no differences in total body mass or body fat (P>0.05). None of the studied anthropometric parameters were found to differ between finalists and non-finalists, with the exception of femur breadth, upper arm girth, thigh girth and thigh skinfold. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-sport differences exist in the anthropometric characteristics of world-class professional track cyclists depending on their discipline (sprinter vs. endurance). Male sprinters showed a greater BMI, muscle mass and limb girth, and lower fat percentage than endurance cyclists. Female sprinters also showed a higher BMI than endurance cyclists, although no differences were seen in fat percentage or muscle mass.

Determination of somatotype and physical activity level in frailty older adults

Abstract Aim: To determine the somatotype profile and level of physical activity in older adults. Methods: Seventy-two older adults were divided into two groups: frail (F = 33) and non-frail (NF = 39). Frailty status was determined using the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI), somatotype using the Heath and Carter method, and physical activity by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results: Somatotype analysis showed a predominance of endomorphy (F = 6.54 ± 1.65 vs NF = 6.12 ± 2.07 p ≤ 0.350) followed by mesomorphy (F = 3.44 ± 1.62 vs NF = 3.15 ± 2.19, p ≤ 0.531) and ectomorphy (F = 0.82 ± 0.99 vs NF = 0.95 ± 0.86 p ≤ 0.163), but no significant differences were observed between groups. Regarding PA, twenty-eight participants (84.7%) of the F group were classified as sedentary and insufficiently active and twenty-one (53.8%) of NF were classified as active and very active. This difference in PA explains the higher total energy expenditure found in NF (median 1,087.43; IAQ = 3,954.30) when compared to F (median = 0.0; IAQ = 462.64 p ≤ 0.001). The frailty group presented a higher endomorphic component as well as lower levels of physical activity and energy expenditure. Conclusion: Endomorphy was the predominant somatotype in F and NF older adults, followed by mesomorphy and actomorphy this profile can affect activities of daily living, functional capacity, and independent living and be associated with chronic diseases.

Phenotypic differences between highlanders and lowlanders in Papua New Guinea.

OBJECTIVES: Altitude is one of the most demanding environmental pressures for human populations. Highlanders from Asia, America and Africa have been shown to exhibit different biological adaptations, but Oceanian populations remain understudied [Woolcock et al., 1972; Cotes et al., 1974; Senn et al., 2010]. We tested the hypothesis that highlanders phenotypically differ from lowlanders in Papua New Guinea, as a result of inhabiting the highest mountains in Oceania for at least 20,000 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected data for 13 different phenotypes related to altitude for 162 Papua New Guineans living at high altitude (Mont Wilhelm, 2,300-2,700 m above sea level (a.s.l.) and low altitude (Daru, <100m a.s.l.). Multilinear regressions were performed to detect differences between highlanders and lowlanders for phenotypic measurements related to body proportions, pulmonary function, and the circulatory system. RESULTS: Six phenotypes were significantly different between Papua New Guinean highlanders and lowlanders. Highlanders show shorter height (p-value = 0.001), smaller waist circumference (p-value = 0.002), larger Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) (p-value = 0.008), larger maximal (p-value = 3.20e -4) and minimal chest depth (p-value = 2.37e -5) and higher haemoglobin concentration (p-value = 3.36e -4). DISCUSSION: Our study reports specific phenotypes in Papua New Guinean highlanders potentially related to altitude adaptation. Similar to other human groups adapted to high altitude, the evolutionary history of Papua New Guineans appears to have also followed an adaptive biological strategy for altitude.

Mechanical control of tissue shape and morphogenetic flows during vertebrate body axis elongation.

Shaping embryonic tissues into their functional morphologies requires cells to control the physical state of the tissue in space and time. While regional variations in cellular forces or cell proliferation have been typically assumed to be the main physical factors controlling tissue morphogenesis, recent experiments have revealed that spatial variations in the tissue physical (fluid/solid) state play a key role in shaping embryonic tissues. Here we theoretically study how the regional control of fluid and solid tissue states guides morphogenetic flows to shape the extending vertebrate body axis. Our results show that both the existence of a fluid-to-solid tissue transition along the anteroposterior axis and the tissue surface tension determine the shape of the tissue and its ability to elongate unidirectionally, with large tissue tensions preventing unidirectional elongation and promoting blob-like tissue expansions. We predict both the tissue morphogenetic flows and stresses that enable unidirectional axis elongation. Our results show the existence of a sharp transition in the structure of morphogenetic flows, from a flow with no vortices to a flow with two counter-rotating vortices, caused by a transition in the number and location of topological defects in the flow field. Finally, comparing the theoretical predictions to quantitative measurements of both tissue flows and shape during zebrafish body axis elongation, we show that the observed morphogenetic events can be explained by the existence of a fluid-to-solid tissue transition along the anteroposterior axis. These results highlight the role of spatiotemporally-controlled fluid-to-solid transitions in the tissue state as a physical mechanism of embryonic morphogenesis.

The effect of change in mass distribution due to defensive posture on gait in fat-tailed scorpions.

In terrestrial legged locomotion, the distribution of mass can influence the gait characteristics. This can be due to a change in the magnitude or distribution of the load. The latter occurs in scorpions when they lift their large metasoma from a trailing position in ambulatory posture to the well-known arched forward position in the defensive posture. We measured how locomotion changes between these two postures by recording scorpions walking using high-speed video. We found that the metasoma in the fat-tailed scorpion (Androctonus australis) represents about a quarter of the total mass. Moving this mass anteriorly over the body changes the position of the center of mass forward 8.15 ± 1.86 mm. We found this increases the overall duty factor, and particularly that of the second leg pair, even when taking the reduced speed in defensive posture into account. In the five scorpions we recorded, also the ipsilateral phase of leg pairs 3 and 4 differed in defensive posture. We found that the trajectory the 4th foot describes during a single stride also differed significantly between postures, showing this to be a sensitive measure of changes in gait. The change from an ambulatory to a defensive posture places different demands on the gait of scorpions, possibly largely due to the forward displacement of the center of mass.

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

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

Effect of somatometric parameters on the prevalence and severity of varicocele: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Published studies have shown contradictory results regarding the relationship between somatometric parameters and varicoceles. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the possible effects of age, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) on the presence and severity of varicoceles. METHODS: Databases including EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Web of Science, and Google Scholar were systematically searched to identify relevant articles published up to March 2020. Two researchers independently identified eligible articles and extracted data. Cochran's Q statistic and I2 statistics were used to assess heterogeneity. Meta-analysis was performed using StataSE 12.0 software (StataCorp LP, USA). Random-effects models were used to obtain the weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Publication bias was assessed using Begg's funnel plot and Egger's regression test. RESULTS: The search strategy produced 272 articles, of which 18 articles were eligible according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria. A total of 56,325 patients with varicocele and 1,334,694 patients without varicocele were included in the meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of somatometric parameters on the presence and severity of varicocele. The overall results demonstrated that the presence of varicoceles was significantly associated with height (WMD = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.07 to 1.74, P < 0.001) and inversely correlated with BMI (WMD = - 1.35, 95% CI = -1.67 to - 1.03, P < 0.001) but not with age (WMD = -0.93, 95% CI = -2.19 to 0.33, P = 0.149) or weight (WMD = 0.24, 95% CI = -2.24 to 2.72, P = 0.850). The severity of varicocele was inversely correlated with increased BMI but not with age. CONCLUSION: The presence of varicoceles was significantly associated with height and inversely correlated with BMI.

Constructing a Talent Identification Index System and Evaluation Model for Cross-Country Skiers.

A talent identification index system for male and female cross-country skiers in four age groups (11-12 years old, 13-14 years old, 15-16 years old, and 17-18 years old) was established. The system comprises five body shape indexes ( i =5): Leg-to-Body Ratio (LBR), body fat percentage, maturity status, spreaded brachia index, and upper extremity length. The physiological function indexes ( i =2) are VO2max and haemoglobin mass (Hb). The psychological indexes ( i =5) cover reaction time, perception speed, a quality-of-will scale, an attention test, and operational thinking. The physical fitness indexes ( i =11) comprise upper limb explosiveness, vertical jump, 3000-metre run, orthostatic forward flexion, closed-eyes single-leg stand, standing long jump, 20-metre sprint, pull-ups (males), flexed arm hang (females), hexagon jump, and a Functional Movement Screen (FMS) test. The athletic performance indexes ( i =3) comprise on-snow time trials for 1.2 km, 5 km, and 10 km. The talent identification evaluation model was created using automated evaluation software. The talent identification index system and evaluation standard table for cross-country skiers passed the P60 shortlist and P90 elite boundaries established using the percentile method. Thus, the results of this test profile verify that the evaluative model is objectively effective.

Physiological, biomechanical, and subjective effects of medio-lateral distance between the feet during pedalling for cyclists of different morphologies.

Improper medio-lateral distance between the feet in cycling can increase the risk of injuries and decrease performance due to hip/knee/ankle misalignment in the frontal plane. The objective of this study was to measure the impact of pedal spacing changes during pedalling on the biomechanical, physiological, and subjective variables of people with different morphologies. Twenty-two cyclists were divided into two groups according to their pelvis width (narrow and wide). They performed four submaximal pedalling tests with different pedal spindle lengths (+20 mm, +40 mm, and +60 mm compared to the pedal spindle lengths of standard road bikes). EMG activity, 3D joint kinematics of the lower limbs, comfort, and perceived exertion were measured during each test. Moreover, gas exchange data were collected to measure gross mechanical efficiency and cycling economy. No significant differences in muscular activity or joint kinematics were observed among the four experimental conditions. However, gross mechanical efficiency, cycling economy, and perceived comfort significantly improved while perceived exertion significantly reduced with the narrowest pedal spacing for the whole population, as well as for the narrow and wide pelvis groups. Therefore, the lowest medio-lateral distance between the feet seems more suitable for comfort and performance improvement, irrespective of the individual's morphology.

Different conformations of the German shepherd dog breed affect its posture and movement.

The conformation of the German shepherd dog (GSD) varies considerably within the breed. These differences may result in large variation in the movement and limb loading and undesirable consequences to their musculoskeletal health. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between conformation and biomechanical measures in 60 GSDs. Full body kinematic and kinetic measures were computed from 3D motion capture and pressure data. The dogs were divided into groups based on their back slope and curvature. Correlation analysis and statistical differences between groups showed that GSDs with a greater back slope have a greater contact area in their forelimbs and place them closer together when standing (n = 60). During trot, the dogs with sloped back showed a greater vertical force in the forelimbs and a greater mid-thoracic flexion (n = 60). Unilateral differences were found in the stifle flexion, hock flexion and hock adduction, suggesting greater movement asymmetry with an increase in the back slope (n = 30). In conclusion, several biomechanical parameters are affected by the GSD's slope of the back and not by its curvature. Further studies are required to determine whether the variation in movement, posture and conformation within the breed relates to an increased susceptibility to musculoskeletal disorders.

Anthropometric profile, body composition, and somatotype in stand-up paddle (SUP) boarding international athletes: a cross-sectional study / Perfil antropométrico, composición corporal y somatotipo en atletas internacionales de stand-up paddle (SUP): un estudio transversal

INTRODUCTION: the anthropometric characteristics of international stand-up paddle (SUP) boarders are relevant aspects when it comes to their performance. However, very little research has been carried out within this sport, almost none regarding the body composition and anthropometric characteristics of SUP practitioners. Therefore, the aim of this research will be to describe the anthropometric profile of international SUP boarders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a cross-sectional design in thirty-one international SUP boarders (34.2 ± 12.4 years). Height, body mass, 8 skinfolds, 2 bone diameters, and 5 perimeters were measured, and corrected perimeters were calculated by the same two level-2 internationally certified anthropometrists. Anthropometric measurements were taken following the International Society of Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) protocol. Body fat mass (FM) was calculated using Carter, Faulkner, Yuhasz, and Withers equations, whereas muscle mass (MM) was estimated using the Lee 2000 equation. Somatotype was calculated by applying the Heath and Carter equation. Bioimpedance (BIA) measurements were also recorded. RESULTS: international SUP athletes had a body mass of 74.6 (6.6) kg, a body fat percentage of 7.6 % (2.1 %) (Carter), 11.3 % (3.5 %) (Faulkner), 7.6 % (2.1 %) (Yuhasz), and 9.0 % (3.6 %) (Whiters), and skinfold sums of 48.2 (20.6) mm for 6, and 57.8 (22.2) mm for 8 skinfolds. Muscle mass was 47.3 % (2.6 %) and somatotype was ecto-mesomorphic with values of 1.9 (0.9) for endomorphy, 5.4 (1.0) for mesomorphy, and 2.4 (0.9) for ectomorphy. BIA results for FM were 11.7 % (4.4 %), and for MM were 50.0 % (2.9 %). CONCLUSION: these results suggest that a low body fat percentage and high muscle mass are representative characteristics of international stand-up paddlers, as well as a balanced mesomorphic somatotype. According to these, a low skindfold sum and high arm muscle mass may represent key factors for performance in this sport because of their relation to acceleration and stroke force

INTRODUCCIÓN: las características antropométricas de los atletas internacionales de stand-up paddle (SUP) son aspectos relevantes para su rendimiento. Sin embargo, se han realizado muy pocas investigaciones dentro de este deporte, y casi ninguna cuando se trata de la composición corporal y las características antropométricas de los palistas de SUP. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de esta investigación será describir el perfil antropométrico de los palistas internacionales de SUP. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: se reunieron treinta y un palistas internacionales de SUP (34,2 ± 12,4 años). Se midieron la altura, la masa corporal, 8 pliegues de piel, 2 diámetros de huesos y 5 perímetros, y se corrigieron otros 2 perímetros, por los mismos dos antropometristas certificados como ISAK 2. Las mediciones antropométricas se realizaron siguiendo el protocolo de la Sociedad Internacional para el Avance de la Cinantropometría (ISAK). La masa grasa (FM) se calculó utilizando las ecuaciones de Carter, Faulkner, Yuhasz y Withers, mientras que la masa muscular (MM) se calculó utilizando la ecuación de Lee 2000. El somatotipo se obtuvo aplicando la ecuación de Heath y Carter. Se registraron también las mediciones mediante bioimpedancia (BIA). RESULTADOS: los atletas internacionales de SUP tenían una masa corporal de 74,6 (6,6) kg, un porcentaje de grasa corporal de 7,6 % (2,1 %) (Carter), 11,3 % (3,5 %) (Faulkner), 7,6 % (2,1 %) (Yuhasz) y 9,0 % (3,6 %) (Whiters) y sumas de pliegues cutáneos de 48,2 (20,6) mm para 6, y 57,8 (22,2) mm para 8 pliegues cutáneos. La masa muscular era del 47,3 % (2,6 %) y el somatotipo era ectomesomórfico con valores de 1,9 (0,9) para la endomorfia, 5,4 (1,0) para la mesomorfia y 2,4 (0,9) para la ectomorfia. Los resultados de la BIA fueron del 11,7 % (4,4 %) para la FM y del 50,0 % (2,9 %) para la MM. CONCLUSIÓN: estos resultados sugieren que un bajo porcentaje de grasa y un elevado porcentaje de masa muscular, junto a un somatotipo mesomórfico equilibrado, son características antropométricas representativas de los atletas internacionales de SUP. Así mismo, y de acuerdo con estos resultados, un bajo sumatorio de pliegues y una elevada masa muscular del brazo pueden ser factores clave en el rendimiento de este deporte, debido a su relación con la aceleración y la fuerza de la palada

Anthropometric profile, body composition, and somatotype in stand-up paddle (SUP) boarding international athletes: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: the anthropometric characteristics of international stand-up paddle (SUP) boarders are relevant aspects when it comes to their performance. However, very little research has been carried out within this sport, almost none regarding the body composition and anthropometric characteristics of SUP practitioners. Therefore, the aim of this research will be to describe the anthropometric profile of international SUP boarders. Material and methods: a cross-sectional design in thirty-one international SUP boarders (34.2 ± 12.4 years). Height, body mass, 8 skinfolds, 2 bone diameters, and 5 perimeters were measured, and corrected perimeters were calculated by the same two level-2 internationally certified anthropometrists. Anthropometric measurements were taken following the International Society of Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) protocol. Body fat mass (FM) was calculated using Carter, Faulkner, Yuhasz, and Withers equations, whereas muscle mass (MM) was estimated using the Lee 2000 equation. Somatotype was calculated by applying the Heath and Carter equation. Bioimpedance (BIA) measurements were also recorded. Results: international SUP athletes had a body mass of 74.6 (6.6) kg, a body fat percentage of 7.6 % (2.1 %) (Carter), 11.3 % (3.5 %) (Faulkner), 7.6 % (2.1 %) (Yuhasz), and 9.0 % (3.6 %) (Whiters), and skinfold sums of 48.2 (20.6) mm for 6, and 57.8 (22.2) mm for 8 skinfolds. Muscle mass was 47.3 % (2.6 %) and somatotype was ecto-mesomorphic with values of 1.9 (0.9) for endomorphy, 5.4 (1.0) for mesomorphy, and 2.4 (0.9) for ectomorphy. BIA results for FM were 11.7 % (4.4 %), and for MM were 50.0 % (2.9 %). Conclusion: these results suggest that a low body fat percentage and high muscle mass are representative characteristics of international stand-up paddlers, as well as a balanced mesomorphic somatotype. According to these, a low skindfold sum and high arm muscle mass may represent key factors for performance in this sport because of their relation to acceleration and stroke force.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: las características antropométricas de los atletas internacionales de stand-up paddle (SUP) son aspectos relevantes para su rendimiento. Sin embargo, se han realizado muy pocas investigaciones dentro de este deporte, y casi ninguna cuando se trata de la composición corporal y las características antropométricas de los palistas de SUP. El objetivo de esta investigación será describir el perfil antropométrico de los palistas internacionales de SUP. Material y métodos: se reunieron 31 internacionales de SUP (34,2 ± 12,4 años). Se midieron la altura, la masa corporal, 8 pliegues de piel, 2 diámetros de huesos y 5 perímetros, y se corrigieron otros 2 perímetros, por los mismos dos antropometristas certificados como ISAK 2. Las mediciones antropométricas se realizaron siguiendo el protocolo de la Sociedad Internacional para el Avance de la Cinantropometría (ISAK). La masa grasa (FM) se calculó utilizando las ecuaciones de Carter, Faulkner, Yuhasz y Withers, mientras que la masa muscular (MM) se calculó utilizando la ecuación de Lee 2000. El somatotipo se obtuvo aplicando la ecuación de Heath y Carter. Se registraron también las mediciones mediante bioimpedancia (BIA). Resultados: los atletas internacionales de SUP tenían una masa corporal de 74,6 (6,6) kg, un porcentaje de grasa corporal de 7,6 % (2,1 %) (Carter), 11,3 % (3,5 %) (Faulkner), 7,6 % (2,1 %) (Yuhasz) y 9,0 % (3,6 %) (Whiters) y sumas de pliegues cutáneos de 48,2 (20,6) mm para 6, y 57,8 (22,2) mm para 8 pliegues cutáneos. La masa muscular era del 47,3 % (2,6 %) y el somatotipo era ectomesomórfico con valores de 1,9 (0,9) para la endomorfia, 5,4 (1,0) para la mesomorfia y 2,4 (0,9) para la ectomorfia. Los resultados de la BIA fueron del 11,7 % (4,4 %) para la FM y del 50,0 % (2,9 %) para la MM. Conclusión: estos resultados sugieren que un bajo porcentaje de grasa y un elevado porcentaje de masa muscular, junto a un somatotipo mesomórfico equilibrado, son características antropométricas representativas de los atletas internacionales de SUP. Así mismo, y de acuerdo con estos resultados, un bajo sumatorio de pliegues y una elevada masa muscular del brazo pueden ser factores clave en el rendimiento de este deporte, debido a su relación con la aceleración y la fuerza de la palada.

Morphological asymmetry, sex and dominant somatotype among Polish youth.

The aim of the present study was to determine the level of morphological asymmetry among the general population of Polish youth as it correlates to sex and body type. The anthropometric characteristics of a group of 618 Polish youths (354 males aged 19.5 ± 1.2 years and 264 females aged 19.2 ± 1.2 years) were evaluated to assess their somatotypes using the Heath-Carter method. Body composition was calculated using the bioelectrical impedance method, and the absolute asymmetry index was used for comparisons between the right and left sides of the body. Significant differentiation was observed between all morphological characteristics (≤ 0.0001) and two body types (≤ 0.0001) among sexes. Females and males largely exhibited endomorphic and mesomorphic somatotypes, respectively. The findings demonstrated that dominant somatotype and sex both affect the level of fat mass asymmetry in the arms and legs. Furthermore, significant variations in the levels of asymmetry between sexes were observed in fat mass in both the arms and legs, with greater variation observed in the arms. In the case of muscle mass, no great differences were observed between men, women, or body types. This study provides new data on the morphological asymmetry of given body composition according to somatotype and sex. This study has potential medical implications, given that a large degree of inter-limb imbalance could be shown to have a negative effect on health; the findings of the present study would therefore be important for arriving at an understanding of how to prevent such imbalances, or to mitigate their negative effects.

Comparisons of summer break effect on anthropometric profile, body composition and somatotype between adolescent swimmers and less active adolescents / Comparación del efecto de las vacaciones de verano en el perfil antropométrico, la composición corporal y el somatotipo entre nadadores adolescentes y adolescentes menos activos

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare changes in anthropometric profile, body composition, and somatotype of adolescent swimmers and less active adolescents. METHOD: We selected 16 swimmers and 8 less active adolescents. The swimmers were divided based on the amount of swimming activity performed per week. A longitudinal study with repeated measures was carried out. The anthropometric profile, body composition, and somatotype were assessed before and after the summer break from swimming activity. RESULTS: Both groups of swimmers showed more changes in anthropometric profile, body composition, and somatotype than the less active adolescents. The very active swimmers showed a higher increase in the sum of the two central skinfolds than peripheral ones (p = 0.018). Both groups of swimmers had a great increase of the percent change in the sum of the two central skinfolds (medium active swimmers: p = 0.006, medium effect size = 0.72; very active swimmers: p = 0.001, medium effect size = 0.64). CONCLUSIONS: The fat component seems to be more variable than the muscular and bone component during 55 - 65 days of summer break from swimming activity. The two groups of swimmers showed a preferential accumulation of central fat after the summer break compared to the less active adolescents. The suprailiac and abdominal skinfolds could be used as early predictive measurements to assess changes in body fat

OBJETIVO: El objetivo del estudio fue comparar los cambios en el perfil antropométrico, la composición corporal y el somatotipo entre nadadores adolescentes y adolescentes sedentarios. MÉTODO: Se llevó a cabo un estudio longitudinal con medidas repetidas. Se analizó el perfil antropométrico, la composición corporal y el somatotipo antes y después del verano. Se seleccionaron 24 adolescentes: 16 nadadores y 8 sedentarios. Los nadadores se dividieron en dos grupos según los minutos de entrenamiento realizado por semana: actividad intensa = 960 minutos, actividad media = 480 minutos. RESULTADOS: Los nadadores mostraron mayores cambios en el perfil antropométrico, la composición corporal y el somatotipo respecto a los adolescentes sedentarios tras el verano. Ambos grupos de nadadores tuvieron un aumento en la suma de los dos pliegues centrales (nadadores de actividad media: p = 0.006, tamaño de efecto medio = 0.72; nadadores de actividad intensa: p = 0.001, tamaño de efecto medio = 0.64). Los nadadores de actividad intensa mostraron un aumento en la suma de los dos pliegues centrales frente a los periféricos (p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONES: En nadadores adolescentes, la grasa corporal parece ser más variable frente al componente muscular y óseo después del verano. Ambos grupos de nadadores mostraron una acumulación preferencial de grasa central después del verano frente a los adolescentes sedentarios. Los pliegues centrales podrían usarse como medidas predictivas tempranas para evaluar los cambios en la grasa corporal

Basic life support for children and young people with a learning or physical disability and an altered body shape.

The number of people with complex health needs is increasing and this includes children and young people with a learning or physical disability. People with a learning or physical disability are at an increased risk of developing an altered body shape due to their lack of movement, which typically affects the chest. This has implications for healthcare professionals who may be required to provide basic life support (BLS) to such people. This article considers how the delivery of BLS for children and young people with a learning or physical disability and an altered body shape may need to be modified while still complying with the Resuscitation Council (UK) paediatric and adult BLS guidelines.

Morphological predictors of swimming speed performance in river and reservoir populations of Australian smelt Retropinna semoni.

Dam construction is a major driver of ecological change in freshwater ecosystems. Fish populations have been shown to diverge in response to different flow velocity habitats, yet adaptations of fish populations to river and reservoir habitats created by dams remains poorly understood. We aimed to evaluate divergence of morphological traits and prolonged swimming speed performance between lotic and lentic populations of Australian smelt Retropinna semoni and quantify the relationship between prolonged swimming speed performance and morphology. Prolonged swimming speed performance was assessed for 15 individuals from each of three river and two reservoir populations of R. semoni using the critical swimming speed test (Ucrit ). Body shape was characterized using geometric morphometrics, which was combined with fin aspect ratios and standard length to assess morphological divergence among the five populations. Best subsets model-selection was used to identify the morphological traits that best explain Ucrit variation among individuals. Our results indicate R. semoni from river populations had significantly higher prolonged swimming speed performance (Ucrit = 46.61 ± 0.98 cm s-1 ) than reservoir conspecifics (Ucrit = 35.57 ± 0.83 cm s-1 ; F1,74 = 58.624, Z = 35.938, P < 0.001). Similarly, R. semoni sampled from river populations had significantly higher fin aspect ratios (ARcaudal = 1.71 ± 0.04 and 1.29 ± 0.02 respectively; F(1,74) = 56.247, Z = 40.107, P < 0.001; ARpectoral = 1.85 ± 0.03 and 1.33 ± 0.02 respectively; F(1,74) = 7.156, Z = 4.055, P < 0.01). Best-subset analyses revealed Ucrit was most strongly correlated with pectoral and caudal fin aspect ratios (R2 adj = 0.973, AICc = 41.54). Body shape, however, was subject to a three-way interaction among population, habitat and sex effects (F3,74 = 1.038. Z = 1.982; P < 0.05). Thus sexual dimorphism formed a significant component of unique and complex variation in body shape among populations from different habitat types. This study revealed profound effects of human-altered flow environments on locomotor morphology and its functional link to changes in swimming performance of a common freshwater fish. While past studies have indicated body shape may be an important axis for divergence between lotic and lentic populations of several freshwater fishes, fin aspect ratios were the most important predictor of swimming speed in our study. Differences in body morphology here were inconsistent between river and reservoir populations, suggesting this aspect of phenotype may be more strongly influenced by other factors such as predation and sexual dimorphism.

Anthropometric characteristics and somatotype profile in amateur rugby players / Características antropométricas y somatotipo en jugadores amateur de rugby

INTRODUCTION: It has been proposed that body composition plays an essential role in sport performance. However, there are few studies that have analyzed body composition in amateur rugby players. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to examine the anthropometric characteristics, somatotype profile, fat and muscle components in rugby players from an amateur Spanish team. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Height, body mass, diameters, perimeters and skinfolds from thirty-one rugby players were measured. Fat and muscle components and somatotype profile were determined. Proportionality was determined with the z-phantom strategy. Descriptive statics (mean ± SD) and t-student were used. RESULTS: Mean body mass was 85.32 ± 14.36 kg, mean fat mass percentage was 12.35 ± 3.46%, mean muscle mass percentage was 50.29 ± 7.74% and mean somatotype was 4.50-5.80-0.95. The sum of six skinfolds was 92.92 ± 32.95 mm. Significant diffe-rences were observed between forwards and backs in body mass (95.24 vs 77.15 kg; p < 0.001), in sum of six skinfolds (107.67 vs 80.77 mm; p = 0.021), in body fat percentage (13.90 vs 11.07%; p = 0.021), in muscle mass percentage (45.16 vs 54.54%; p=<0.001) in endomorphy (5.31 vs 3.76; p = 0.013) and in ectomorphy (0.62 vs 1.33; p = 0.002). Regarding proportionality, differences were found in function on the position in on the field. CONCLUSION: Anthropometrical measures would be an adequate instrument to evaluate body composition in rugby. Anthro-pometric profile in rugby could be related to the specific position the field, although further studies would be necessary to confirm this idea. The level of professionalism could affect to the anthropometrics characteristics in rugby players

INTRODUCCIÓN: Se ha propuesto que la composición corporal juega un papel esencial en el rendimiento deportivo. Sin embargo, hay pocos estudios que hayan analizado la composición corporal en jugadores amateurs de rugby. OBJETIVO: El objetivo del presente estudio fue examinar las características antropométricas, el somatotipo, el compartimento muscular y de grasa en jugadores amateurs de rugby de nacionalidad española. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Se midió la altura, el peso, los diámetros, los perímetros y los pliegues corporales de treinta y un juga-dores. Se analizó los componentes de grasa y músculo y el somatotipo. Se determinó la proporcionalidad con el z-phantom. Se utilizaron métodos estadísticos descriptivos (mean ± SD) y t-student. RESULTADOS: El peso medio fue 85,32 ± 14,36 kg, el porcentaje de grasa medio fue 12,35 ± 3,46%, el porcentaje medio de masa muscular fue 50,29 ± 7,74% y el somatotipo medio fue 4,50-5,80-0,95. La suma de los seis pliegues corporales fue 92,92 ± 32,95 mm. Se observaron diferencias entre jugadores de ataque y defensa en el peso (95,24 vs 77,15 kg; p < 0,001), en la suma de los seis pliegues corporales (107,67 vs 80,77 mm; p = 0,021), en el porcentaje de grasa corporal (13,90 vs 11,07%; p = 0,021), en el porcentaje de masa muscular (45,16 vs 54,54%; p = < 0,001) en la endomorfia (5,31 vs 3,76; p = 0,013) y en la ectomorfia (0,62 vs 1,33; p = 0,002). En cuanto a la proporcionalidad, se observaron diferencias en función de la posición de los jugadores en el campo. CONCLUSIÓN: Las medidas antropométricas serían un adecuado instrumento para evaluar la composición corporal en rugby. El perfil antropométrico en rugby podría estar relacionado con la posición ocupada en el campo de juego, aunque serían necesario más estudios para confirmar esta idea. El nivel de profesionalismo podría afectar a las características antropométricas de los jugadores de rugby

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

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

Body size and shape characteristics for Cooper's 12 minutes run test in 11-13 years old Caucasian children: an allometric approach.

BACKGROUND: The Cooper Test, is a field test, simple and useful in the school context. The aim of this research was the definition of the trend in Cooper endurance test along with the growth. In particular, through the scaling method (allometric). METHODS: A total of 556 of European sedentary children aged 11-13 years (282 boys; 274 girls) were involved. All subjects were evaluated through the Endurance Cooper test (12 min run test). To identify the most appropriate body size and shape characteristics as well as any categorical differences (sex, age) associated with the measure of the Cooper test, a multiplicative model with allometric body-size components was applied. RESULTS: The multiplicative model relating to the Cooper test and the body-size components was: Cooper test = a · mass-0.325 · height0.878 with the mass and height exponents being k1=-0.325 (SEE=0.40) and k2= 0.878 (SEE=0.141), respectively. The adjusted coefficient of determination (adj R2) was 32.3%, with a log-transformed error ratio of 0.136 or 14.5% having taken antilogs. Significant differences in the constant 'a' parameter were identified by sex (P<0.001) and age (P<0.001) while the interaction of sex per age was not significant (P=0.761). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that the scaling method identified the optimal height-to-body mass ratios associated with Cooper endurance test corresponding to ectomorph body shape. Furthermore, growth fluctuations become important to avoid alarming judgment in case children will be poorly evaluated.