Effects of heavy-load strength training during (neo-)adjuvant chemotherapy on muscle strength, muscle fiber size, myonuclei, and satellite cells in women with breast cancer.

To investigate the effects of heavy-load strength training during (neo-)adjuvant chemotherapy in women with breast cancer on muscle strength, body composition, muscle fiber size, satellite cells, and myonuclei. Women with stage I-III breast cancer were randomly assigned to a strength training group (ST, n = 23) performing supervised heavy-load strength training twice a week during chemotherapy, or a usual care control group (CON, n = 17). Muscle strength and body composition were measured and biopsies from m. vastus lateralis collected before the first cycle of chemotherapy (T0) and after chemotherapy and training (T1). Muscle strength increased significantly more in ST than in CON in chest-press (ST: +10 ± 8%, p < .001, CON: -3 ± 5%, p = .023) and leg-press (ST: +11 ± 8%, p < .001, CON: +3 ± 6%, p = .137). Both groups reduced fat-free mass (ST: -4.9 ± 4.0%, p < .001, CON: -5.2 ± 4.9%, p = .004), and increased fat mass (ST: +15.3 ± 16.5%, p < .001, CON: +16.3 ± 19.8%, p = .015) with no significant differences between groups. No significant changes from T0 to T1 and no significant differences between groups were observed in muscle fiber size. For myonuclei per fiber a non-statistically significant increase in CON and a non-statistically significant decrease in ST in type I fibers tended (p = .053) to be different between groups. Satellite cells tended to decrease in ST (type I: -14 ± 36%, p = .097, type II: -9 ± 55%, p = .084), with no changes in CON and no differences between groups. Strength training during chemotherapy improved muscle strength but did not significantly affect body composition, muscle fiber size, numbers of satellite cells, and myonuclei compared to usual care.

Body Composition and Energy Expenditure in Youth With Spina Bifida: Protocol for a Multisite, Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity prevalence in youth with spina bifida is higher than in their typically developing peers. Obesity is associated with lifelong medical, psychological, and economic burdens. Successful prevention or treatment of obesity in individuals with spina bifida is compromised by (1) the lack of valid and reliable methods to identify body fat in a clinical setting and (2) limited data on energy expenditure that are necessary to provide daily caloric recommendations. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study will be to develop 2 algorithms for use in youth with spina bifida in a clinical setting, one to model body fat and one to predict total daily energy expenditure. In addition, physical activity and dietary intake will be described for the sample. METHODS: This multisite, prospective, national clinical study will enroll 232 youth with myelomeningocele aged 5 to 18 years (stratified by age and mobility). Participants will be enrolled for 1 week. Data obtained include 4 measures of body composition, up to 5 height measures, a ramped activity protocol, and a nutrition and physical activity screener. Participants will wear an accelerometer for the week. On the final study day, 2 samples of urine or saliva, which complete the doubly labeled water protocol, will be obtained. The analysis will include descriptive statistics, Bland-Altman plots, concordance correlation, and regression analysis. RESULTS: The study received extramural federal funding in July 2019. Data collection was initiated in March 2020. As of April 2024, a total of 143 (female participants: n=76, 53.1%; male participants: n=67, 46.9%) out of 232 participants have been enrolled. Data collection is expected to continue throughout 2024. A no-cost extension until November 2025 will be requested for data analysis and dissemination of findings. CONCLUSIONS: This study furthers previous pilot work that confirmed the acceptability and feasibility of obtaining alternate height, body composition, and energy expenditure measures. The findings from this study will enhance screening, prevention, and treatment of abnormal weight status by facilitating the accurate identification of youths' weight status category and recommendations of daily caloric needs for this population that is at higher risk of obesity. Furthermore, the findings have the potential to impact outcomes for youth diagnosed with disabilities other than spina bifida who experience similar challenges related to alterations in body composition or fat distribution or measurement challenges secondary to mobility issues or musculoskeletal problems. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/52779.

Incorporating ultrasonography to the nutritional assessment process in intensive care settings to improve the prescription of enteral and parenteral nutrition: Benefits, practicality, and challenges.

The validity of the traditional nutritional assessment tools in intensive care settings might be compromised when the patient has conditions such as oedema and inflammation. Ultrasound (US) is considered a non-invasive, bedside tool that can be utilized to assess changes in muscle mass. Hence, US could guide healthcare practitioners in identifying the varying degrees of malnutrition and adjusting the nutritional prescription accordingly. This review discusses the currently available data regarding the feasibility and practicality of using US measurements in intensive care settings. Overall, the data suggest that using US as part of the standard anthropometric assessment for critically ill patients is a promising tool to track variations in muscle mass. This has the potential to enhance nutritional prescription and tailor the provision of protein and energy to critically ill patients based on their lean body mass measurements. Therefore, it is recommended to train dietitians on utilizing US for body composition measurements.

The role of sarcopenic obesity for the prediction of prognosis of patients with gastrointestinal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenic obesity (SO) in patients with gastrointestinal cancer is associated with a poor prognosis. We aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of SO in patients with gastrointestinal cancer, as well as the diagnostic cut-off value of SO in patients with gastrointestinal cancer among Chinese population. METHODS: We conducted a consecutive cohort study. Between January 2017 and January 2019, 289 patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer were included in our study. Skeletal muscle area, total fat area, and subcutaneous fat area were measured by CT scan. All patients were followed up for 5 years. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were adopted to determine the cut-off values of visceral fat obesity for the prediction of sarcopenia. Based on the cut-off values, patients with sarcopenia combined with visceral fat obesity were divided into the SO group, and the others were divided into the non-sarcopenic obesity (NSO) group. Kaplan-Meier curves and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were employed to explore the associations of body composition profiles with 5-year overall survival and disease-specific survival. RESULTS: Obtained from Youden's Index for ROC for the prediction of 5-year survival, skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) ≤40.02 cm2/m2 with VFA ≥ 126.30 cm2 in men and SMI ≤32.05 cm2/m2 with VFA ≥72.42 cm2 in women indicate a risk of poor prognosis in patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer. Patients with SO had poorer 5-year overall survival (OS) than patients with NSO (6.74% vs. 82.84%, p < 0.001), and poorer 5-year DFS (6.74% vs. 81.82%, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, we found that the long-term mortality risk was approximately 13-fold higher among patients in the SO group compared to those with no conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative assessment of SO is useful not only for monitoring nutritional status but also for predicting 5-year OS in gastrointestinal cancer patients.

Digital Physical Activity and Exercise Interventions for People Living with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review of Health Outcomes and Feasibility.

Physical activity is essential to interrupt the cycle of deconditioning associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, access to targeted physical activity interventions remain under-supported due to limited funding and specialised staff. Digital interventions may address some of these factors. This systematic review sought to examine the evidence base of digital interventions focused on promoting physical activity or exercise and their effect on health outcomes for people living with CKD. Electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane) were searched from 1 January 2000 to 1 December 2023. Interventions (smartphone applications, activity trackers, websites) for adults with CKD (any stage, including transplant) which promoted physical activity or exercise were included. Study quality was assessed, and a narrative synthesis was conducted. Of the 4057 records identified, eight studies (five randomised controlled trials, three single-arm studies) were included, comprising 550 participants. Duration ranged from 12-weeks to 1-year. The findings indicated acceptability and feasibility were high, with small cohort numbers and high risk of bias. There were inconsistent measures of physical activity levels, self-efficacy, body composition, physical function, and psychological outcomes which resulted in no apparent effects of digital interventions on these domains. Data were insufficient for meta-analysis. The evidence for digital interventions to promote physical activity and exercise for people living with CKD is limited. Despite popularity, there is little evidence that current digital interventions yield the effects expected from traditional face-to-face interventions. However, 14 registered trials were identified which may strengthen the evidence-base.

Analysis of sarcopenic obesity prevalence and diagnostic agreement according to the 2022 ESPEN and EASO Consensus in hospitalized older adults with severe obesity.

Background: Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is a clinical disorder characterized by increased adiposity and decreased muscle mass and function, commonly observed in older adults. However, most of the studies that investigated SO prevalence rates were not based on current standardized diagnostic methods. Thus, this study aims to estimate the prevalence rates of SO and their level of agreement using different instruments proposed by the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) and the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) Consensus, in a sample of hospitalized older adults with severe obesity. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 90 older adults (≥ 60 years) with severe obesity (body mass index ≥ 35 kg/m/²) seeking an in-hospital multidisciplinary body weight reduction program. Skeletal muscle function was assessed using the five-repetition Sit-Stand test (5-SSt) and Handgrip Strength (HGS). Body composition was evaluated by high percentages of fat mass (FM), low appendicular lean mass (ALM/W), and skeletal muscle mass (SMM/W), adjusted to body weight. The stage of SO was assessed on the presence of at least one comorbidity and specific cut-offs were adopted for each step. All analyses were performed according to gender and age range. Results: The prevalence rates of SO in the total sample were 23.3%, 25.5%, 31.1%, and 40.0% considering altered values of 5-SSt+FM+ALM/W, HGS+FM+ALM/W, 5-SSt+FMSSM/W, and HGS+FM+SSM/W, respectively. Higher prevalence rates were observed among female and old elderly subgroups, regardless of the diagnostic combination. There were weak agreements between the muscle function tests (5-SSt versus HGS) using both muscle mass indexes in the total sample and all subgroups. Moderate agreements were observed between muscle mass indexes (SMM/W versus ALM/W) in the total sample, male and younger older adults (using 5-SSt), and strong agreements for men and younger older adults (using HGS). Conclusion: The discrepancies observed between the prevalence rates and their levels of agreement reinforce the need for new studies in similar populations aiming for better standardization of SO assessment.

Effects of a physical exercise programme on bodyweight, body condition score and chest, abdominal and thigh circumferences in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Research on the effects of physical exercise on canine body composition is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a physical exercise programme on bodyweight, body condition score (BCS) and chest, abdominal and thigh circumferences in dogs. Twenty-one healthy dogs of different breeds exercised together with their owners during an eight-week programme consisting of jogging and strength exercises. Standardised measurements were performed in triplicates with a measuring tape on standing dogs. Chest circumference was measured at three anatomical locations, abdomen at two and thigh at one. Data on bodyweight, BCS (9-point scale) and circumferences were analysed with mixed model repeated measures analyses to evaluate changes after the programme and effects of target distance. RESULTS: Seven dog owners choose a target distance of 2 km and 14 owners choose 5-10 km. Mean BCS decreased (P = 0.007) after the programme (5.1 ± 0.9 vs. 4.7 ± 0.6) but there was no effect of target distance. Almost all chest and abdominal circumference measurements decreased (P ≤ 0.007) with the 2 km group driving the reduction in chest circumference and the 5-10 km group driving the reduction in abdominal circumference. In contrast, thigh circumference (28.8 ± 0.4 vs. 30.2 ± 0.4) increased (P = 0.007) while bodyweight was maintained. There were positive correlations between BCS and abdominal/chest ratios before and after the programme (Pearson correlation; R square ≤ 0.43, P ≤ 0.0012) but the mean ratio remained constant. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated a redistribution between total body fat and muscle mass in body composition of normal weight to slightly overweight dogs after the physical exercise programme. The use of bodyweight alone was not a reliable evaluation method to complement the BCS assessment. However, repeated measurements of chest, abdominal and thigh circumference might aid in the assessment of body composition in dogs performing physical exercise. Further research should include a control group and objective evaluations of total body fat and lean mass, in order to investigate the effectiveness of physical exercise as a freestanding method for decreasing BCS and increasing muscle mass in overweight dogs.

Effects of Milk Fat Globule Membrane Supplementation Following Exercise Training on Physical Performance in Healthy Young Adults: A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial.

The purpose of this study was to examine whether 4 wk of daily ingestion of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) combined with exercise training improves physical performance-muscle strength, agility and muscle power-in healthy young adults. The study was designed as a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial. Twenty healthy young adults received either an MFGM powder containing 1.6 g of fat and 160 mg of sphingomyelin or an isocaloric placebo powder daily throughout 4 wk of power or agility training. Physical performance tests and body composition measurements were conducted before and after the 4-wk intervention. Ingestion of MFGM did not affect isometric or isokinetic muscle strength, but it was associated with a greater increase in vertical jump peak power compared with placebo. There were no significant changes in body weight or lean body mass during the intervention period in either group, and no significant differences between groups. We conclude that daily MFGM supplementation combined with exercise training has the potential to improve physical performance in young adults; however, further studies with larger sample sizes should be conducted to obtain more evidence supporting achievement of improved physical performance through MFGM supplementation.

Effects of whole-body vibration on body composition, microbiota, cardiometabolic markers, physical fitness, and quality of life after bariatric surgery: protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Morbid obesity is a complex chronic condition characterized by a body mass index of 40 kg/m2 or higher. The incidence of the condition is on the rise in developed countries, and bariatric surgery has been proposed as a potential solution to address this trend. Nonetheless, bariatric surgery may also result in adverse effects, including a reduction in bone mineral density (BMD) and muscle mass, as well as an increased risk of fractures. The present study aims to elucidate the effects of bariatric surgery and whole-body vibration (WBV) training on body composition, microbiota, physical fitness, quality of life, and cardiometabolic markers. METHODS: Twenty-eight participants (14 females), aged 18 to 50 years, will undergo sleeve gastrectomy surgery. They will be randomly allocated into a control group or a WBV training group. The WBV group will train three times per week with increasing intensities and duration ranging from 30 to 45 min over the 4-month training period. Measurements of body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography), physical fitness (muscular strength, agility, cardiorespiratory fitness, and balance), gait biomechanics, cardiometabolic markers, gut microbiota, quality of life, and physical activity levels will be collected at four different time points: (1) prior to the surgery, (2) 45 days post-surgery, (3) 6 months post-surgery, and (4) 18 months post-surgery. DISCUSSION: Both groups are expected to experience improvements in most of the aforementioned variables. Nonetheless, we expect the WBV group to show larger improvements proving that the training is effective and safe. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05695599. Registered on January 25, 2023.

Association between Variants of the TRPV1 Gene and Body Composition in Sub-Saharan Africans.

In humans, the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) gene is activated by exogenous (e.g., high temperatures, irritating compounds such as capsaicin) and endogenous (e.g., endocannabinoids, inflammatory factors, fatty acid metabolites, low pH) stimuli. It has been shown to be involved in several processes including nociception, thermosensation, and energy homeostasis. In this study, we investigated the association between TRPV1 gene variants, sensory perception (to capsaicin and PROP), and body composition (BMI and bioimpedance variables) in human populations. By comparing sequences deposited in worldwide databases, we identified two haplotype blocks (herein referred to as H1 and H2) that show strong stabilizing selection signals (MAF approaching 0.50, Tajima's D > +4.5) only in individuals with sub-Saharan African ancestry. We therefore studied the genetic variants of these two regions in 46 volunteers of sub-Saharan descent and 45 Italian volunteers (both sexes). Linear regression analyses showed significant associations between TRPV1 diplotypes and body composition, but not with capsaicin perception. Specifically, in African women carrying the H1-b and H2-b haplotypes, a higher percentage of fat mass and lower extracellular fluid retention was observed, whereas no significant association was found in men. Our results suggest the possible action of sex-driven balancing selection at the non-coding sequences of the TRPV1 gene, with adaptive effects on water balance and lipid deposition.

Postural balance and functional mobility in relation to BMI and body composition among female students at a College of Applied Medical Sciences: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to compare different Body Mass Index (BMI) categories, body composition parameters, postural balance, and functional mobility among female students at a College of Applied Medical Sciences; and examine the relationship between BMI and body composition with postural balance and functional mobility among female students at the college of applied medical sciences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female students, aged 18‒25 years old. They were subdivided into four groups according to their BMI category: underweight, normal, overweight, or obese, with n = 20 participants in each group. A Bioelectrical Impedance Human Body Analyzer (BIA) was used to assess the following body composition parameters: Fat Percentage (FATP), fat mass, muscle mass, and Total Body Water (TBW). A NeuroCom Balance Master was used to assess postural balance and functional mobility. A Timed Up and Go (TUG) test was employed to assess functional mobility. All data were analyzed using SPSS. RESULTS: Participants' ages and heights were matched (p > 0.05). However, there were variables that were statistically significantly higher in terms of weight, BMI and body composition, including FATP, fat mass, muscle mass, and TBW (p = 0.000), among the obese group. Moreover, postural balance was lower among the obese group. There was a significant relationship between BMI and body composition variables in respect of postural balance but not in relation to functional mobility. CONCLUSION: Postural instability but not functional mobility was related to higher BMI and body composition values among the study groups.

Prediction the changes of anthropometric indices following a weight-loss diet in overweight and obese women by mathematical models.

Estimating the change rates in body size following the weight loss programs is very important in the compliance of those programs. Although, there is enough evidence on the significant association of body weight change with the other anthropometric indices and/ or body composition, there is so limited studies that have depicted this relationship as mathematical formulas. Therefore, the present research designed to use a mathematical model to predict changes of anthropometric indices following a weight-loss diet in the overweight and obese women. In this longitudinal study, 212 overweight/obese women who received an individualized low-calorie diet (LCD) were selected and followed-up for five months. Anthropometric measurements such as weight, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and body composition (lean mass and fat mass) were performed. Then, body mass index, waist to hip ratio (WHR), waist to height ratio (WHtR), a body shape index (ABSI), abdominal volume index (AVI), and body adiposity index (BAI) were calculated using the related formula. Following the LCD led to the substantial and consistent changes in various anthropometric indices over time. All of these anthropometric variations were significantly related with the percent change (PC) of body weight except than WHR. Moreover, according to the mathematical formulas, weight loss was closely related to the decrease of WC (PC-WC = - 0.120 + 0.703 × PC-WT), HC (PC-HC = - 0.350 + 0.510 × PC-WT), body fat percentage (PC-Body Fat = - 0.019 + 0.915 × PC-WT), WHtR (PC-WHtR = - 0.113 + 0.702 × PC-WT), and improvements in ABSI (PC-ABSI = - 0.112 + 0.034 × PC-WT) and AVI (PC-AVI = - 0.324 + 1.320 × PC-WT). The decreasing rates of WC, HC, body fat percentage, WHtR, ABSI, and AVI in relation to the weight loss were clinically and statistically significant. This means that a healthy weight lowering diet would be accompanied by decreasing the body fat, body size and also the risk of morbidities.

Extracellular Water Ratio and Phase Angle as Predictors of Exacerbation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by high-energy metabolism, often leads to malnutrition and is linked to exacerbations. This study investigates the association of malnutrition-related body composition and handgrip strength changes with exacerbation frequencies in COPD patients. METHODS: We analyzed 77 acute exacerbation COPD (AECOPD) patients and 82 stable COPD patients, categorized as frequent and infrequent exacerbators. Assessments included body composition, handgrip strength, nutritional risk, dyspnea scale, and COPD assessment. RESULTS: Among AECOPD patients, there were 22 infrequent and 55 frequent exacerbators. Infrequent exacerbators showed better muscle parameters, extracellular water ratio, phase angle, and handgrip strength. Significant differences in intracellular water, total cellular water, protein, and body cell mass were observed between groups. Logistic regression indicated that extracellular water ratio (OR = 1.086) and phase angle (OR = 0.396) were independently associated with exacerbation risk. Thresholds for exacerbation risk were identified as 0.393 for extracellular water ratio and 4.85° for phase angle. In stable COPD, 13 frequent and 69 infrequent exacerbators were compared, showing no significant differences in weight, muscle, and adipose parameters, but significant differences in extracellular water ratio, phase angle, and handgrip strength. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that increased exacerbations in COPD patients correlate with higher extracellular water ratios and lower phase angles.

SGLT2 Inhibitors Correct Fluid Overload in Adult Kidney Transplant Recipients-A Prospective Observational Study.

In this longitudinal observational study, we measured urinary glucose concentration, body composition and volume status (bioimpedance spectroscopy) and plasma renin and aldosterone concentrations in n = 22 kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) initiating on SGLT2I at baseline (BL), and after 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decreased by -2 mL/min/1.73 m2 (IQR -10-0) after 1 week and remained stable thereafter. Urinary glucose concentration was 10 (3-24) g/g creatinine after 1 week and correlated with eGFR (r2 = 0.273; p = 0.057). SGLT2I did not affect HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, body weight, fat or lean mass. SGLT2I decreased fluid overload dependent on baseline overhydration (OH, r2 = 0.54, p = 0.0003) without occurrence of dehydration. Plasma aldosterone increased at day 7, while plasma renin did not change significantly. In conclusion, SGLT2I corrected fluid overload in patients with elevated overhydration at baseline, while in euvolemic KTRs fluid status remained stable without reduction of body water below the reference range, thus promoting the safety of SGLT2I therapy in patients following kidney transplantation. Glucosuria, together with effects of SGLT2I on blood glucose control and body weight, is attenuated in KTRs dependent on eGFR.

The effect of different high-intensity interval training protocols on cardiometabolic and inflammatory markers in sedentary young women: A randomized controlled trial.

Few studies have reported the cardiovascular health effects of different high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols among sedentary young women. We investigated the impact of a traditional HIIT programme and a high-intensity circuit training (HICT) programme on lipid profiles and inflammatory cytokine levels in sedentary young women. Forty-two women were randomly assigned to HICT (body weight-based training), HIIT (cycling-based training), or control groups (n = 14 each). HICT and HIIT participants completed an 8-week training programme of three sessions per week. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride, high- and low-density lipoprotein, leptin, resistin, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-8, and interferon-gamma levels were measured before and after the intervention. Post-intervention, TC and leptin were decreased in the HICT group. The HICT group also demonstrated increased lean mass, upper and lower limb strength, and balance, while the HIIT group displayed improved lower limb strength. Additionally, the control group showed significant increases in triglyceride levels, weight, body mass index, and fat mass. In conclusion, although both HICT and HIIT interventions showed improvements in cardiovascular health and physical fitness, participants in the HICT group experienced more health benefits.

Appendicular lean mass index and motor function in ambulatory patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Appendicular lean mass index (ALMI) has been linked to motor function in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). However, quantification of the relationship between ALMI and disease-specific clinical outcome assessment trajectories is needed. The purpose of this study was to determine associations between dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) derived estimates of ALMI and motor function in ambulatory patients with DMD. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of longitudinal clinical visit data from 137 glucocorticoid-treated patients with DMD collected via structured motor assessment protocol evaluated associations between ALMI and motor function indexed by the North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA) and 10 Meter Walk/run Test (10MWT). Body composition was assessed using DXA. ALMI was calculated by dividing arm and leg lean mass by height in m2; fat mass index (FMI) was calculated by dividing whole body fat mass by height in m2. Linear mixed-effects models were used to estimate associations between ALMI and motor function, controlling for age and FMI. RESULTS: The full prediction model (age, age,2 ALMI, and FMI) explained 57% of the variance in NSAA scores and 63% of the variance in 10MWT speed. A 1 kg/m2 higher ALMI value predicted a 5.4-point higher NSAA score (p < .001) and 0.45 m/s faster 10MWT speed (p < .001). A 1 kg/m2 higher FMI value predicted a 1.5-point lower NSAA score (p < .001) and 0.14 meters/second slower 10MWT speed (p < .001). DISCUSSION: DXA-derived estimates of ALMI and FMI are associated with motor function in DMD and may explain variation in DMD disease progression.

Association of Sarcopenia and Oxygen Uptake Efficiency Slope in Male Patients With Heart Failure.

PURPOSE: Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass and function, is a common comorbidity in patients with heart failure (HF). The skeletal muscle modulates the respiratory response during exercise. However, whether ventilatory behavior is affected by sarcopenia is still unknown. METHODS: We enrolled 169 male patients with HF. Muscle strength was measured by a handgrip dynamometer. Body composition was measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Sarcopenia was defined by handgrip strength <27 kg and appendicular lean mass divided by height squared (ALM/height 2 ) <7.0 kg/m 2 . Oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES), ventilation (VE), oxygen uptake (VO 2 ), and carbon dioxide output (VCO 2 ) were measured by a cardiopulmonary exercise test. RESULTS: Sarcopenia was identified in 29 patients (17%). At the first ventilatory threshold, VE/VO 2 (36.9 ± 5.9 vs 32.7 ± 6.5; P = .003) and VE/VCO 2 (39.8 ± 7.2 vs 35.3 ± 6.9; P = .004) were higher in patients with sarcopenia compared to those without sarcopenia. At the exercise peak, compared to patients without sarcopenia, patients with sarcopenia had lower OUES (1186 ± 295 vs 1634 ± 564; P < .001), relative VO 2 (16.2 ± 5.0 vs 19.5 ± 6.5 mL/kg/min; P = .01), and VE (47.3 ± 10.1 vs 63.0 ± 18.2 L/min; P < .0001), while VE/VCO 2 (42.9 ± 8.9 vs 38.7 ± 8.4; P = .025) was increased. OUES was positively correlated with ALM/height 2 ( r = 0.36; P < .0001) and handgrip strength ( r = 0.31; P < .001). Hemoglobin (OR = 1.149; 95% CI, 0.842-1.570; P = .038), ALM/height 2 (OR = 2.166; 95% CI, 1.338-3.504; P = .002), and VO 2peak (OR = 1.377; 95% CI, 1.218-1.557; P < .001) were independently associated with OUES adjusted by cofounders. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that sarcopenia is related to impaired ventilatory response during exercise in patients with HF.

Body Composition in Patients With Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease: Impact of Body Surface Area.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To examine the relationship between the body surface area (BSA) and body composition in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, 2,141 men and 986 women). MATERIALS AND METHODS: BSA and body composition parameters were examined. RESULTS: The median body mass index (BMI) was 25.0 kg/m2 for both men and women (p=0.7754). The median body surface area (BSA) was 1.854 m2 for men and 1.618 m2 for women (p<0.0001). In men, the median fat mass was 17.7 kg, whereas in women, it was 22.1 kg (p<0.0001). Additionally, the median fat-free mass was 55.4 kg in men and 39.3 kg in women (p<0.0001).). In male cases, BSA significantly correlated with fat mass (r=0.82, p<0.0001) and fat-free mass (r=0.95, p<0.0001). In female cases, BSA significantly correlated with fat mass (r=0.87, p<0.0001) and fat-free mass (r=0.94, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: BSA could be a useful marker for the estimation of body composition in patients with MASLD.

Is Weight Loss-Induced Muscle Mass Loss Clinically Relevant?

This Viewpoint explores the effects of weight loss achieved through GLP-1­based antiobesity medications on weight regain, fat-free mass, and skeletal muscle mass in people with obesity.