[Metabolic features of the inflammatory syndrome of chronic pelvic pain (category IIIA of chronic non-bacterial prostatitis) in young men, depending on the somatotype].

PURPOSE: dentification of bioimpedance and clinical features in young men with chronic pelvic pain inflammatory syndrome (CP/CPPS NIH IIIa) depending on the somatotype. METHOD: s. 150 men of the first period of adulthood from 22 to 35 years old with CP/CPPS NIH IIIa were examined from 2018 to 2022 years. The average age was 31 [28; 34] year. Somatotypes were computed according to Carter and Heath. Body composition was assessed anthropometry and bioimpedance analysis. RESULTS: Ectomorphs had the least clinical, laboratory and instrumental manifestations of CP/CPPS NIH IIIa, the levels of total and free testosterone were the highest. The active cell mass predominated in the component composition of the body. Manifestations in mesomorphs had a moderate degree of severity. Endomorphs had the most severe manifestations of CP/CPPS NIH IIIa, the largest amount of fat mass was noted in the body composition than in men of other somatotypes, the hormonal status was characterized by the lowest levels of free and total testosterone, and the highest level of estradiol. DISCUSSION: Based on the literature data and our own results, it can be assumed that the identified changes in the body component composition and hormonal status of men contribute to the maintenance of chronic inflammation in the prostate, organ ischemia, impaired intracranial metabolism, recurrent course of CP/CPPS NIH IIIa, which significantly reduces the patients quality of life and increases the risk of prostate inflammation with age. CONCLUSION: Determining the somatotype and conducting a component analysis of body composition allows patients to be divided into groups according to the severity of manifestations of CP/CPPS NIH IIIa. The revealed patterns allow us to classify male endomorphs into the group with the most severe manifestations of CP/CPPS NIH IIIa.

Athletic bioimpedance-based equations underestimate fat free mass components in male elite soccer players: development and validation of new soccer-specific predictive models.

BACKGROUND: Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a rapid and user-friendly technique for assessing body composition in sports. Currently, no sport-specific predictive equations are available, and the utilization of generalized formulas can introduce systematic bias. The objectives of this study were as follows: (i) to develop and validate new predictive models for estimating fat-free mass (FFM) components in male elite soccer players; (ii) to evaluate the accuracy of existing predictive equations. METHODS: A total of 102 male elite soccer players (mean age 24.7 ± 5.7 years), participating in the Italian first league, underwent assessments during the first half of the in-season period and were randomly divided into development and validation groups. Bioelectrical resistance (R) and reactance (Xc), representing the bioimpedance components, were measured using a foot-to-hand BIA device at a single frequency of 50 kHz. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was employed to acquire reference data for FFM, lean soft tissue (LST), and appendicular lean soft tissue (ALST). The validation of the newly developed predictive equations was conducted through regression analysis, Bland-Altman tests, and the area under the curves (AUC) of regression receiver operating characteristic (RROC) curves. RESULTS: Developed models were: FFM = - 7.729 + (body mass × 0.686) + (stature2/R × 0.227) + (Xc × 0.086) + (age × 0.058), R2 = 0.97, Standard error of estimation (SEE) = 1.0 kg; LST = - 8.929 + (body mass × 0.635) + (stature2/R × 0.244) + (Xc × 0.093) + (age × 0.048), R2 = 0.96, SEE = 0.9 kg; ALST = - 24.068 + (body mass × 0.347) + (stature2/R × 0.308) + (Xc × 0.152), R2 = 0.88, SEE = 1.4 kg. Train-test validation, performed on the validation group, revealed that generalized formulas for athletes underestimated all the predicted FFM components (p < 0.01), while the new predictive models showed no mean bias (p > 0.05), with R2 values ranging from 0.83 to 0.91, and no trend (p > 0.05). The AUC scores of the RROC curves indicated an accuracy of 0.92, 0.92, and 0.74 for FFM, LST, and ALST, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The utilization of generalized predictive equations leads to an underestimation of FFM and ALST in elite soccer players. The newly developed soccer-specific formulas enable valid estimations of body composition while preserving the portability of a field-based method.

FEATURES OF RHEOVASOGRAPHIC PARAMETERS OF THE TIBIA IN VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS OF A HIGH LEVEL OF SKILL OF THE YOUTH AGE.

OBJECTIVE: Aim of the work was to determine the peculiarities of rheographic parameters of the tibia in volleyball players of the general group and individual somatotypes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: A comprehensive examination of 108 highly skilled volleyball players and 130 practically healthy girls aged between 16 and 20 years who did not play sports was conducted. The rheovasographic parameters of the tibia were determined using tetrapolar reocardiography on a computer diagnostic complex with the assessment of amplitude, time, and indicators of the ratio of amplitude and time rheovasographic parameters. A somatotypological study was conducted based on a calculated modification of the Heath-Carter method (1990) with the division of volleyball players and non-athletes into 4 constitutional groups: mesomorphic, ectomorphic, ecto-mesomorphic, and intermediate type. RESULTS: Results: Significant differences in the value of individual amplitude and most tibia rheovasographic parameters between volleyball players and girls of the control group were revealed. In athletes, the amplitudes of the systolic, diastolic and rapid blood filling, the duration of the rheographic wave, the time of the ascending and descending parts of the rheogram and slow blood filling were statistically significantly higher. Somatotypological features of peripheral hemodynamic indicators were determined in volleyball players; the greatest differences in the indicators of regional blood circulation on the tibia were recorded for representatives of the ectomorphic somatotype; between volleyball players and non-athletes with ecto-mesomorphic somatotype, there was no significant difference in the value of all tibia rheovasographic parameters. CONCLUSION: Conclusion: Systematic training and competitions lead to prominent changes in rheovasographic indicators of the tibia in young female volleyball players, which are manifested by a better state of capillary and venous blood filling of the tibia muscles, but at the same time a reduced speed of regional blood flow due to a reduced tone of the vascular wall of small and medium arteries.

GENDER AND SOMATOTYPOLOGICAL PECULIARITIES OF INDICATORS OF AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC PRODUCTIVITY OF ENERGY SUPPLY OF THE BODY IN THE POST-PUBERTAL PERIOD OF ONTOGENESIS IN THE RESIDENTS OF THE ZAKARPATTIA REGION.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To establish gender differences in aerobic and anaerobic productivity in practically healthy residents of the Zakarpattia region in the post-pubertal period of ontogenesis, depending on the somatotypological characteristics of the organism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: A comparative analysis of physical health status of 456 individuals, was carried out, whit was assessed by indicators of aerobic and anaerobic productivity of the body, depending on the somatotype, which was determined by the Heath-Carter method, and depending on the component body composition which was determined using the impedance method. RESULTS: Results: The relative value Vo2 mах in females corresponds to "excellent", which guarantees a "safe health level" according to H.L. Apanasenko. At the same time, the level of aerobic productivity in males in terms of the relative value Vo2 mах is "average", which cannot guarantee a "safe health level". The anaerobic productivity of females is lower than in males in terms of the relative value of alactic power, lactic power, and the capacity of lactic energy supply processes by 55.6%, 54.7%, and 38.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The level of aerobic productivity, regardless of the area of residence, in females is higher than in males according to Ya.P. Pyarnat's criteria. In males the increase in the fat component has a negative effect on the aerobic and anaerobic energy supply of the body. On the contrary, the growth of the muscle component of body mass helps to increase the aerobic and anaerobic capacity of the body.

SIMULATION OF APPROPRIATE RHEOVASOGRAPHIC INDICATORS OF THE FEMUR IN VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS OF ECTOMORPHIC SOMATOTYPE DEPENDING ON ANTHROPOMETRIC FEATURES.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to build regression models of rheovasographic parameters of the femur in volleyball players of ectomorphic somatotype depending on the features of anthropometric indicators. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: 113 volleyball players of a high level of sportsmanship of adolescence (from 16 to 20 years old) underwent somatotypological study according to the calculated modification of the Heath-Carter method. 26 volleyball players of ectomorphic somatotype were selected. They performed tetrapolar rheocardiography on a computer diagnostic complex according to the method of Ronkin and Ivanov to establish the indicators of peripheral hemodynamics and anthropometry according to the method of V.V. Bunak. The mathematical models were built in the package "STATISTICA 5.5" for Windows using direct stepwise regression analysis. RESULTS: Results: Due to the use of multifactor regression analysis, we performed mathematical modeling of rheovasographic parameters of the femur in volleyball players of ectomorphic somatotype, which allows to determine the appropriate values of these indicators taking into account anthropometric and somatotypological features of each athlete. Linear regression equations for 16 indicators of peripheral hemodynamics were constructed from possible rheovasographic parameters of the femur. 4 models were built for time indicators (in which the indicators of the external structure of the body by 59.31 - 78.01% determine the value of the parameters of this group); for amplitude - 5 (coefficient of determination of features from 54.00 to 76.13%); for integral indicators of the rheovasogram of the femur - 7 (coefficient of determination 60.10 - 77.41%). CONCLUSION: Conclusions: In volleyball players of ectomorphic somatotype up to 16 constructed regression models to determine the appropriate rheovasographic parameters of the femur included 94 dimensions of the external body structure, among them were often the thickness of fat folds, craniometric parameters, girth and anterior-posterior body dimensions, somatotype components.

The relationship between children's somatotypes, motor examination results, and motor skills: assessing 6- to 10-year-olds.

[Purpose] Childhood motor disorders and obesity are major health problems and concerns in children today. We performed a physical examination to test the motor system and motor ability of elementary school children based on their body types. [Participants and Methods] The obesity levels of 161 elementary school students aged six to ten were calculated based on the gender, age, and standard weight for each height category to classify them into somatotype groups, and analyze the relationships among the results of four motor examination items, Physical Fitness Test, and body composition analysis for two groups. [Results] More obese children were unable to reach the floor while performing a standing forward bend compared to non-obese children. In addition, a significant difference was found in the assessment of motor performance while performing side-to-side jumping, and obese children showed better values. Many endomorphic children were also unable to touch the floor with their hands when performing the standing forward bend. Among the items from a physical fitness test, the side-to-side hops revealed significant differences. There were no somatotype-related differences in the results of the body composition analysis. [Conclusion] In children aged six to ten years, somatotype differences were not associated with motor skill or body composition.

[The history of development of doctrine of somatotypes: the publications review].

The study required o apply various modes of corresponding publications search through such international databases as RussiaScopus, Web of Science, Medline, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Global Health, CyberLeninka, RISC, eLIBRARY.RU. Actually, there are not less than one hundred definitions of constitution of individual. For the first time, constitutional differences were mentioned in Ayurveda. The following mentioning about constitutional types is found in the teachings of Hippocrates. The Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle supplemented the teachings of Hippocrates. In the 18th century the somatic predispositions of the psyche were mentioned for the first time by J.-A. de La Mettrie. However, the systemic study of constitutional characteristics begins only in the 19th century. In the 20th century, the constitutional characters of human began to be associated with such clinical science as psychiatry. In the mid-30s of the 20th century acquires significance the classification of types approved by I. P. Pavlov. After Pavlov's theory, numerous works begin to appear where attempts are made to determine the main somatotypic reactions of individuals (V. B. Shtefko, A. D. Ostrovsky, V. N. Shevkunenko). In 1929, V. N. Shevkunenko, the outstanding Leningrad scientist, developed the classification that was lead as foundation of the theory of W. H. Sheldon (1940, 1942). Approximately in the same time period (1941) the Russian researcher V. V. Bunak develops criterion estimated indices of classification for males. In the end of 20th century classifications by B. Heath and L. Carter, V. P. Chtetsov, R. N. Dorokhov, V. G. Petrukhin, A. V. Kondrashov acquire great reputation. In the 21st century, the methods directed to biologically differential indices lined up with consideration of medical individual indices of body mass and body length are developed. Nowadays, despite of enormous number of methods, the universal criteria for somatotyping are to be developed.

Image-Based Somatotype as a Biometric Trait for Non-Collaborative Person Recognition at a Distance and On-The-Move.

It has recently been shown in Re-Identification (Re-ID) work that full-body images of people reveal their somatotype, even after change in apparel. A significant advantage of this biometric trait is that it can easily be captured, even at a distance, as a full-body image of a person, taken by a standard 2D camera. In this work, full-body image-based somatotype is investigated as a novel soft biometric feature for person recognition at a distance and on-the-move. The two common scenarios of (i) identification and (ii) verification are both studied and evaluated. To this end, two different deep networks have been recruited, one for the identification and one for the verification scenario. Experiments have been conducted on popular, publicly available datasets and the results indicate that somatotype can indeed be a valuable biometric trait for identity recognition at a distance and on-the-move (and hence also suitable for non-collaborative individuals) due to the ease of obtaining the required images. This soft biometric trait can be especially useful under a wider biometric fusion scheme.

Familial Resemblance in Body Shape and Composition, Metabolic Syndrome, Physical Activity and Physical Fitness: A Summary of Research in Portuguese Families and Siblings.

We report a summary of Portuguese families and siblings research under the umbrella of the Portuguese Healthy Family Project. Families lived in mainland Portugal, as well as in the Azores and Madeira islands. All samples comprise children and adolescents (9-20 years) and their parents (27-57 years). Recruitment procedures and phenotypes were detailed. Familial resemblance in body shape and composition, metabolic syndrome, physical fitness, physical activity and sedentary behaviors are presented, as well as future research avenues.

Peculiarities of teeth size in adolescents who are diagnosed to have angle's class i malocclusion and display different somatotypes.

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: The issues on identifying criteria for teeth aesthetic and teeth size evaluation regarding body constitutional characteristics are still remaining undeveloped. The aim of this study was to specify the peculiarities of teeth size in adolescents who were diagnosed with Angle's Class I malocclusion and display different somatotypes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The study included 63 male and 66 female subjects diagnosed with Class I malocclusion by E. Angle classification (1906). RESULTS: Results: It has been determined that the 33rd tooth in hypersthenic female individuals is of a greater mesiodistal size than in normosthenic and asthenic body types (p <0.05). Left maxillary incisor in hypersthenic individuals is of a larger size than in asthenic and normosthenic (p <0,05). The normosthenic male individuals have been found out to have significantly larger size of all canines than that in the females (p <0,05). The asthenic male adolescents compared with females of the same somatotype there has been revealed the difference in the size of the left mandibular canine (p <0.05). The hypersthenic male adolescents demonstrate an increase in the size of the lateral maxillary incisors and the first right premolar (p <0,05) compared with those in female individuals of the same somatotype. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Some peculiarities of mesiodistal size typical for adolescents with Angle's Class I malocclusion and their somatotypes should be taken into account in treatment planning and maintaining the stability of orthodontic treatment results.

Body physique and proportionality of Brazilian female artistic gymnasts.

This study aimed to identify physique characteristics (anthropometry, somatotype, body proportionality) of Brazilian female artistic gymnasts, and to compare them across competitive levels (sub-elite versus non-elite) within competitive age-categories. Two hundred forty-nine female gymnasts (68 sub-elite; 181 non-elite) from 26 Brazilian gymnastics clubs, aged 9-20 years and split into four age-categories, were sampled. Gymnasts were assessed for 16 anthropometric traits (height, weight, lengths, widths, girths, and skinfolds); somatotype was determined according to Heath-Carter method, body fat was estimated by bioimpedance, and proportionality was computed based on the z-phantom strategy. Non-elite and sub-elite gymnasts had similar values in anthropometric characteristics, however non-elite had higher fat folds in all age-categories (P < 0.01). In general, mesomorphy was the salient somatotype component in all age-categories, and an increase in endomorphy, followed by a decrease in ectomorphy across age was observed. Regarding proportionality, profile similarity was found between sub-elite and non-elite within age-categories. In conclusion results suggest the presence of a typical gymnast's physical prototype across age and competitive level, which can be useful to coaches during their selection processes in clubs and regional/national teams.

Quantitative genetic analysis of the body composition and blood pressure association in two ethnically diverse populations.

OBJECTIVES: The major aim of this study was to conduct comparative quantitative-genetic analysis of the body composition (BCP) and somatotype (STP) variation, as well as their correlations with blood pressure (BP) in two ethnically, culturally and geographically different populations: Santhal, indigenous ethnic group from India and Chuvash, indigenous population from Russia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Correspondently two pedigree-based samples were collected from 1,262 Santhal and1,558 Chuvash individuals, respectively. At the first stage of the study, descriptive statistics and a series of univariate regression analyses were calculated. Finally, multiple and multivariate regression (MMR) analyses, with BP measurements as dependent variables and age, sex, BCP and STP as independent variables were carried out in each sample separately. The significant and independent covariates of BP were identified and used for re-examination in pedigree-based variance decomposition analysis. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Despite clear and significant differences between the populations in BCP/STP, both Santhal and Chuvash were found to be predominantly mesomorphic irrespective of their sex. According to MMR analyses variation of BP significantly depended on age and mesomorphic component in both samples, and in addition on sex, ectomorphy and fat mass index in Santhal and on fat free mass index in Chuvash samples, respectively. Additive genetic component contributes to a substantial proportion of blood pressure and body composition variance. Variance component analysis in addition to above mentioned results suggests that additive genetic factors influence BP and BCP/STP associations significantly.

[Changes in the content of catecholamines in blood lymphocytes after food consumption in young men in accordance with pronounced body fat component].

We examined practically healthy young men (81 in the ages from 17 to 21 years), the students living in the city of Krasnoyarsk, for whom we defined their somatotypes according to V.P. Chtetzov scheme (1978) and component content of the body (fat, muscle and bone) by caliperometry technique. Catecholamine content (CC) in blood lymphocytes was analysed by luminescence-histochemical technique. Medical examination was carried out both in the fasted state, and in an hour after food intake (mixed breakfast). On an empty stomach CC content was practically the same in the young men of all the compared somatotypes. After food intake, CC statistically meaningful increase was revealed only in abdominal somatotype youngsters as compared to the same indices on an empty stomach (p=0.026). In abdominal somatotype we also found considerably higher CC content after food intake in comparison with the other somatotypes: chest (р=0.021), muscle (р=0.022) and inexplicit (р=0.029). Also, in abdominal somatotype, we revealed the highest absolute indices of fatty tissue content in body composition as compared to other somatotypes: chest (р=0.00000002), muscle (р=0.0002), inexplicit (р=0.000007). Considering CC level before and after food intake, we didn't mark any statistically relevant difference between the youngsters with different body mass indices (BMI). This finding could be caused by the following peculiarity of the BMI evaluation: on the one hand, the growth/weight ratio was calculated, on the other hand, body fatty tissue pronouncement wasn't. Besides, it is fatty tissue, which makes one of the most massive target tissues for CC, and therefore it greatly influences and regulates adipocyte functions. The research allows making the conclusion on the role of the expressiveness of body fatty tissue content as considerable factor, which influences CC content after food loads.

[Main indicators of physical development and somatotypological features of men in older age groups].

The article presents the anthropometric indicators of 210 old age men (aged 60-74 years), 108 elderly men (aged 75-90 years) and 125 long-liver men (aged 90-98 years) of the Slavic ethnic group, living in Moscow and Moscow region. Significant differences in basic anthropometric parameters have been established in body weight and body mass index between the three age groups. Average values of body height in elderly men were lower by 0.6% (p>0.05), and in long-liver men were significantly lower by 4.6% than in old age men. Diameters did not have statistically significant differences in all age groups. Averages values of all circumferences of available limbs significantly differed in three age groups, averages values of waist and thigh circumference significantly differed only in the group of long-liver men and old age men. Averages values of breast circumference were not statistically different in three age groups. Average values of all eight skin-fat folds were significantly lower in long-liver men compared with old age men, whereas in elderly men only skin-fat folds of shoulder front and back, forearms, chest and lower leg were significantly less than in old age men. Somatotypological analysis revealed a different frequency of somatotype occurrence and the prevalence of 3 main types among men of older age groups (old age men, elderly men, long-liver men) - chest (18.5, 26.2 and 28.4%), abdominal-muscle (20.1, 15.4 and 16.8%) and abdominal (20.8, 22.2 and 19.4% respectively). Also the peculiarities of the component body composition of men of older age groups were revealed. Body composition analysis revealed a decrease in the average indicators of the absolute content of bone, fat and muscular body components from the old age to the period of longevity (long-liver men). Absolute content of bone tissue in elderly men (7.9±0.3 kg) didn't differ and in the period of longevity (6.8±0.2 kg) was less by 1.18 fold (p<0.05) than in old age men (8.0±0.3 kg). Absolute amount of body fat tissue in elderly men (16.1±1.2 kg) was less by 1.09 fold (p<0.05) and in long-liver men (12.5±1.0 kg) was less by 1.41 fold (p<0.05) than in old age men (17.6±1.4 kg). Absolute amount of body muscle tissue in elderly men (18.2±0.3 kg) was less by 1.17 fold (p<0.05) and in the period of longevity (16.3±0.2 kg) was less by 1.31 fold (p<0.05) than in old age men (21.3±0.2 kg). Average relative indicators of the major body components with aging undergo a number of changes, which are reflected in the reduction of quantity of bone and muscle tissue and increasing rates of adipose tissue.

Obesity and Breast Cancer.

The relationship between adiposity and breast cancer risk and prognosis is complex, with associations that differ depending on when body size is assessed (e.g., pre- vs. postmenopausal obesity) and when breast cancer is diagnosed (i.e., pre- vs. postmenopausal disease). Further, the impact of obesity on risk differs by tumor hormone receptor status (e.g., estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptor) and, among postmenopausal women, use of exogenous hormones (i.e., hormone replacement therapy (HRT)). In the context of these complexities, this review focuses on associations between childhood and adolescent adiposity, general adiposity, weight changes (i.e., loss and gain), abdominal adiposity, and breast cancer risk and survival. Finally, we discuss potential mechanisms linking adiposity to breast cancer.

Prospective study of body size throughout the life-course and the incidence of endometrial cancer among premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Although adult obesity is known to increase endometrial cancer risk, evidence for childhood obesity is limited. We prospectively examined the association between body fatness throughout life and endometrial cancer risk. 47,289 participants in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and 105,386 of the Nurses' Health Study II (NHS II) recalled their body fatness at ages 5, 10 and 20 using a pictogram. Childhood and adolescent body fatness were derived as the average at ages 5 and 10 and ages 10 and 20, respectively. We obtained adult weight from concurrent questionnaires. We calculated hazard ratios (HR) of endometrial cancer using Cox proportional hazards models. During follow-up, 757 incident cases of endometrial cancer were diagnosed. Body fatness in childhood, at age 10, in adolescence and at age 20 were positively associated with endometrial cancer risk (HR for ≥ Level 5 versus ≤ Level 2 in adolescence: 1.83 (95% CI 1.41-2.37). After adjusting for most recent BMI, none of the associations persisted. Weight change since age 18 was positively associated with endometrial cancer risk [HR for ≥ 25 kg gain versus stable: 2.54 (95% CI 1.80-3.59). Adult BMI was strongly associated with endometrial cancer risk [HR BMI ≥ 35 kg/m(2) versus BMI ≤ 25 kg/m(2) : 4.13 (95% CI 3.29-5.16)]. In postmenopausal women, the association with BMI was significantly stronger among non-users of hormone therapy. In conclusion, obesity throughout life is positively associated with endometrial cancer risk, with adult obesity one of the strongest risk factors. Maintaining a healthy weight throughout life remains important.

Psychopathological manifestations of joint hypermobility and joint hypermobility syndrome/ Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hypermobility type: The link between connective tissue and psychological distress revised.

Psychological distress is a known feature of generalized joint hypermobility (gJHM), as well as of its most common syndromic presentation, namely Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hypermobility type (a.k.a. joint hypermobility syndrome - JHS/EDS-HT), and significantly contributes to the quality of life of affected individuals. Most published articles dealt with the link between gJHM (or JHS/EDS-HT) and anxiety-related conditions, and a novel generation of studies is emerging aimed at investigating the psychopathologic background of such an association. In this paper, literature review was carried out with a semi-systematic approach spanning the entire spectrum of psychopathological findings in gJHM and JHS/EDS-HT. Interestingly, in addition to the confirmation of a tight link between anxiety and gJHM, preliminary connections with depression, attention deficit (and hyperactivity) disorder, autism spectrum disorders, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder were also found. Few papers investigated the relationship with schizophrenia with contrasting results. The mind-body connections hypothesized on the basis of available data were discussed with focus on somatotype, presumed psychopathology, and involvement of the extracellular matrix in the central nervous system. The hypothesis of positive Beighton score and alteration of interoceptive/proprioceptive/body awareness as possible endophenotypes in families with symptomatic gJHM or JHS/EDS-HT is also suggested. Concluding remarks addressed the implications of the psychopathological features of gJHM and JHS/EDS-HT in clinical practice.

Body physique and dominant somatotype in elite and low-profile athletes with different specializations.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Somatotyping is helpful in sports in which the body shape could influence the resulting performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the somatotype of high profile Lithuanian athletes in kayaking, basketball and football and to compare between disciplines and with low level sportsmen of the same age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 72 young male sportsmen aged from 18 to 24 years were divided into three groups (kayakers, basketball and football players). Each group contained almost equal numbers of low level and elite, international level sportsmen. Anthropometric measurements of the players were used to establish somatotypes. RESULTS: The greatest difference was observed in the mesomorphic component of elite kayakers compared to the low profile sportsmen. Mesomorphy could also be used to predict sport ability. The range of mesomorphy for elite footballers was from 0 to 4.6, for basketball players from 4.6 to 5.9, and for kayaking, from 5.9 and higher. Individual groups of elite sportsmen displayed different modes of somatotype. The kayakers were predominantly endomorphic; the basketball players mostly endomorphic and the footballers most often ectomorphic. No distinguishable patterns of somatotype were displayed by the low level sportsmen. CONCLUSIONS: Morphometric characteristics of the athlete's body and the fractional somatotype can be used as guiders and markers of the chosen sport and method of training. The results emphasize the necessity for a specific somatotype to reach a high profile in the selected area of sport and thus support morphometric oriented studies. Further studies could elucidate differentiation by age and sex.

Somatotype and body composition analysis of Korean youth soccer players according to playing position for sports physiotherapy research.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the somatotype and physical characteristic differences among elite youth soccer players. [Subjects and Methods] In the present study, we evaluated twenty-two Korean youth soccer players in different playing positions. The playing positions were divided into forward (FW), midfielder (MF), defender (DF), and goalkeeper (GK). The participants' lean body mass (LBM), fat free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), and basal metabolic rate (BMR) were measured and their somatotype determined according to the Heath-Carter method. [Results] The youth soccer players had twelve ectomorphic, eight mesomorphic, and two central predominant types. The DFs were taller than, but otherwise similar in physical characteristics to the FWs and MFs. The GKs were taller and heavier than the other players; however, their somatotype components were not significantly different. LBM, FFM, and BMR were significantly higher in GKs than in FWs and MFs. Although LBM, FFM, and BMR values between GKs and DFs showed large differences, they were not statistically significant. [Conclusion] The present study may contribute to our understanding of the differences in somatotype and body composition of Korean youth soccer players involved in sports physiotherapy research.

Relationships between anthropometric measures and athletic performance, with special reference to repeated-sprint ability, in the Qatar national soccer team.

The aim of this study was to determine potential relationships between anthropometric parameters and athletic performance with special consideration to repeated-sprint ability (RSA). Sixteen players of the senior male Qatar national soccer team performed a series of anthropometric and physical tests including countermovement jumps without (CMJ) and with free arms (CMJwA), straight-line 20 m sprint, RSA (6 × 35 m with 10 s recovery) and incremental field test. Significant (P < 0.05) relationships occurred between muscle-to-bone ratio and both CMJs height (r ranging from 0.56 to 0.69) as well as with all RSA-related variables (r < -0.53 for sprinting times and r = 0.54 for maximal sprinting speed) with the exception of the sprint decrement score (Sdec). The sum of six skinfolds and adipose mass index were largely correlated with Sdec (r = 0.68, P < 0.01 and r = 0.55, P < 0.05, respectively) but not with total time (TT, r = 0.44 and 0.33, P > 0.05, respectively) or any standard athletic tests. Multiple regression analyses indicated that muscular cross-sectional area for mid-thigh, adipose index, straight-line 20 m time, maximal sprinting speed and CMJwA are the strongest predictors of Sdec (r(2) = 0.89) and TT (r(2) = 0.95) during our RSA test. In the Qatar national soccer team, players' power-related qualities and RSA are associated with a high muscular profile and a low adiposity. This supports the relevance of explosive power for the soccer players and the larger importance of neuromuscular qualities determining the RSA.