International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Editorial

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4 pages, 270 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Body Composition and Physical Health in Sports Practice: An Editorial

by Stefania Toselli

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4534; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094534 - 24 Apr 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2661

Abstract

The assessment of the health status of athletes, at all ages, is an aspect of fundamental importance, and, in recent years, the analysis of body composition has become a fundamental and essential part in its evaluation, such as in the optimization of sports [...] Read more.

The assessment of the health status of athletes, at all ages, is an aspect of fundamental importance, and, in recent years, the analysis of body composition has become a fundamental and essential part in its evaluation, such as in the optimization of sports performance [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Composition and Physical Health in Sports Practice)

Research

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14 pages, 1527 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anthropometrical Features of Para-Footballers According to Their Cerebral Palsy Profiles and Compared to Controls

by José M. Sarabia, Carmen Doménech, Enrique Roche, Néstor Vicente-Salar and Raul Reina

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(23), 9071; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17239071 - 4 Dec 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2069

Abstract

Cerebral palsy (CP) football is a team para-sport practiced by para-athletes with eligible impairments of hypertonia, athetosis, and ataxia. This study aimed: (1) to describe the anthropometrical and body composition profiles of international CP para-footballers with different CP profiles (i.e., spastic diplegia, athetosis/ataxia, [...] Read more.

Cerebral palsy (CP) football is a team para-sport practiced by para-athletes with eligible impairments of hypertonia, athetosis, and ataxia. This study aimed: (1) to describe the anthropometrical and body composition profiles of international CP para-footballers with different CP profiles (i.e., spastic diplegia, athetosis/ataxia, spastic hemiplegia, and minimum impairment); (2) to analyze the differences between both affected/nondominant and nonaffected/dominant sides; and (3) to compare the sample of international-level CP para-footballers (n = 141) with a sample of highly trained able-bodied footballers (n = 39). Anthropometric measures included four breadths, nine girths, and six skinfolds, while body composition was measured through fat mass (including Carter’s, Faulkner’s, and Withers’ equations), muscle mass (Lee’s equation), and bone mass (Rocha’s and Martin’s equations). This study found differences between the able-bodied footballers and the following impairment profiles: spastic diplegia (skinfolds); ataxia/athetosis (corrected calf of the nondominant side, and calf skinfolds for both sides); and spastic hemiplegia (all measurements excepting femur breadth, and thigh and ankle girths). No differences were found between para-athletes with minimum impairment and the able-bodied footballers. This study demonstrates that football players with or without physical impairments of hypertonia athetosis or ataxia may be considered homogeneous in shape when dominant size is compared. Besides, the study provides reference scores on anthropometric measures and body composition of international-level CP para-footballers that can help sports coaches and physical trainers to monitor physical fitness of their para-athletes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Composition and Physical Health in Sports Practice)

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14 pages, 1286 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Maturity Status on Anthropometric Profile and Body Composition of Youth Goalkeepers

by Andrea Di Credico, Giulia Gaggi, Barbara Ghinassi, Gabriele Mascherini, Cristian Petri, Riccardo Di Giminiani, Angela Di Baldassarre and Pascal Izzicupo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(21), 8247; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17218247 - 8 Nov 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2687

Abstract

The anthropometric profile assessment is an important aspect to consider during the growth stages of youth sport practitioners due to its usefulness in controlling maturity status and overall health. We performed an anthropometric profile evaluation in a sample of youth goalkeepers (n [...] Read more.

The anthropometric profile assessment is an important aspect to consider during the growth stages of youth sport practitioners due to its usefulness in controlling maturity status and overall health. We performed an anthropometric profile evaluation in a sample of youth goalkeepers (n = 42) during a training camp, dividing them into three categories based on their years from peak height velocity (YPHV). We also checked if the selection of goalkeepers was associated with the birth quartile. The results showed that most of the participants’ anthropometric parameters followed the normal trend according to the maturation stages. However, several subjects showed an overweight/obese condition and/or high waist circumference. Non-optimal values were found, mostly in the group of goalkeepers around the PHV. In addition, no selection based on birth quartile was seen. Therefore, the anthropometric profile and body composition of youth goalkeepers are physiologically affected by maturity status. However, several subjects were found to be overweight/obese and at cardiometabolic risk, suggesting that children and adolescents, although practicing sport, should pay attention to potentially contributing factors such as the attainment of the recommended levels of physical activity, lowering sedentary time, and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Composition and Physical Health in Sports Practice)

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12 pages, 376 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differences in Fat Mass Estimation Formulas in Physically Active Adult Population and Relationship with Sums of Skinfolds

by Raquel Vaquero-Cristóbal, Mario Albaladejo-Saura, Ana E. Luna-Badachi and Francisco Esparza-Ros

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(21), 7777; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17217777 - 23 Oct 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3532

Abstract

Changes in body composition and specifically fat mass, has traditionally been used as a way to monitor the changes produced by nutrition and training. The objective of the present study was to analyse the differences between the formulas used to estimate fat mass [...] Read more.

Changes in body composition and specifically fat mass, has traditionally been used as a way to monitor the changes produced by nutrition and training. The objective of the present study was to analyse the differences between the formulas used to estimate fat mass and to establish the existing relationship with the body mass index and sums of skinfolds measurement in kinanthropometry. A total of 2458 active adults participated in the study. Body mass index (BMI) and skinfolds were measured, and the Kerr, Durnin-Womersley, Faulkner and Carter equations were used to assess fat mass. Significant differences were found between all the formulas for the percentage of fat mass, ranging from 10.70 ± 2.48 to 28.43 ± 5.99% (p < 0.001) and fat mass from 7.56 ± 2.13 to 19.89 ± 4.24 kg (p < 0.001). The correlations among sums of skinfolds and the different equations were positive, high and significant in all the cases (r from 0.705 to 0.926 p < 0.001), unlike in the case of BMI, were the correlation was lower and both positive or negative (r from −0.271 to 0.719; p < 0.001). In conclusion, there were differences between all the formulas used to estimate fat mass; thus, for the evaluation of fat mass with kinanthropometry of an active adult, the use of the same formula is recommended on all occasions when the results are going to be compared or when an athlete is compared with a reference. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Composition and Physical Health in Sports Practice)

14 pages, 1310 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Maximal Oxygen Uptake Adjusted for Skeletal Muscle Mass in Competitive Speed-Power and Endurance Male Athletes: Changes in a One-Year Training Cycle

by Jacek Trinschek, Jacek Zieliński and Krzysztof Kusy

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(17), 6226; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17176226 - 27 Aug 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2644

Abstract

We compared the changes in maximum oxygen uptake (

\overset{\cdot}{V} O_{2}

max) calculated per skeletal muscle mass (SMM) with conventional

\overset{\cdot}{V} O_{2}

max measures in a 1-year training cycle. We hypothesized that the pattern of changes would differ between [...] Read more.

We compared the changes in maximum oxygen uptake (

\overset{\cdot}{V} O_{2}

max) calculated per skeletal muscle mass (SMM) with conventional

\overset{\cdot}{V} O_{2}

max measures in a 1-year training cycle. We hypothesized that the pattern of changes would differ between SMM-adjusted and absolute or weight-adjusted values, and the differences between groups of distinct training specialization and status will depend on the measure used. Twelve sprinters (24.7 ± 3.3 years), 10 endurance runners (25.3 ± 5.3 years), and 10 recreationally trained controls (29 ± 4.5 years) performed a treadmill test until exhaustion to determine

\overset{\cdot}{V} O_{2}

max. Their SMM was estimated based on the dual X-ray absorptiometry method and a regression equation. The significance of differences was assessed using analysis of variance (p ≤ 0.05). The pattern of the longitudinal change was not different between

\overset{\cdot}{V} O_{2}

max/SMM and standard measures. Also, the significance of differences between sprinters and endurance athletes remained similar regardless of the

\overset{\cdot}{V} O_{2}

max measure. Sprinters and controls had similar absolute (~4.3 L·min⁻¹) and total weight-adjusted (~52 vs. ~56 mL·min⁻¹·kg)

\overset{\cdot}{V} O_{2}

max, but they significantly differed in SMM-adjusted

\overset{\cdot}{V} O_{2}

max (~110 vs. ~130 mL·min⁻¹·kg SMM⁻¹). In summary, SMM-adjusted

\overset{\cdot}{V} O_{2}

max is not more useful than standard measures to track longitudinal changes in competitive athletes. However, it allows to better distinguish between groups or individuals differing in training status. The results of our study are limited to male athletes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Composition and Physical Health in Sports Practice)

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19 pages, 1236 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Acid-Base Balance in High-Performance Athletes

by Marius Baranauskas, Valerija Jablonskienė, Jonas Algis Abaravičius, Laimutė Samsonienė and Rimantas Stukas

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(15), 5332; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17155332 - 24 Jul 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5756

Abstract

Physical exercise leads to metabolic changes that affect the acid-base balance in skeletal muscles and other tissues. Nutrition is one of the factors that may influence the acid-base balance in the body. Keeping alkaline circumstances in the body is important not only for [...] Read more.

Physical exercise leads to metabolic changes that affect the acid-base balance in skeletal muscles and other tissues. Nutrition is one of the factors that may influence the acid-base balance in the body. Keeping alkaline circumstances in the body is important not only for health and athletic performance in training but also during competition in many sport events. This is especially significant for athletes who practice in sport at the highest level of competition. The aim of the study was to determine the dietary acid-base balance in competitive Lithuanian high-performance athletes, and to evaluate the effect of actual diets of athletes on NEAP (net endogenous acid production), muscle mass and body mineral content during a four-year Olympic cycle. The research participants were 18.1 ± 3.3-year-old Lithuanian high performance athletes (n = 323). The actual diet was investigated using the 24 h recall dietary survey method. The measurements of body composition were performed using BIA (bioelectrical impedance analysis). The potential renal acid load of the diets of athletes (dietary PRAL) and NEAP were calculated. In 10.2% of athletes, NEAP exceeds 100 mEq

\cdot

day⁻¹ and is on average 126.1 ± 32.7 mEq

\cdot

day⁻¹. Higher NEAP in athletes is associated with lower muscle mass (β -1.2% of body weight, p < 0.001) but has no effect on the amount of minerals in the body (β 0.01% of body weight, p = 0.073). Overall, 25–30% of Lithuanian high-performance athletes use high-protein diets (2.0–4.8 g

\cdot

kg⁻¹

\cdot

day⁻¹) leading to a dietary acid-base imbalance as well as an excessive production of endogenous acids in the body. Athletes are recommended to consume higher amounts of potassium and magnesium. An increase in calcium intake up to 1500 mg per day is recommended. In exceptional cases, periodised nutrition for athletes may involve diets complemented with bicarbonate and/or beta-alanine supplements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Composition and Physical Health in Sports Practice)

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11 pages, 1321 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bone Mineral Reference Values for Athletes 11 to 20 Years of Age

by Irina Kalabiska, Annamária Zsakai, Robert M. Malina and Tamas Szabo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(14), 4930; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17144930 - 8 Jul 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2663

Abstract

Objectives. Training for sport is associated with the development of bone minerals, and the need for reference data based on athletes is often indicated. The purpose of this study was to develop a reference for bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC) specific [...] Read more.

Objectives. Training for sport is associated with the development of bone minerals, and the need for reference data based on athletes is often indicated. The purpose of this study was to develop a reference for bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC) specific for youth athletes of both sexes participating in several sports. Methods DEXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) was used for total body measurements of bone minerals in 1385 athletes 11 to 20 years, 1019 males and 366 females. The athletes were training in several sports at Hungarian academies. Reference values for total bone mineral density and bone mineral content, and also BMD excluding the head (total body less head, TBLH) were developed using the LMS chartmaker pro version 2.3. Results. The centile distributions for BMD and BMC of the athletes differed significantly from those of the age- and sex-specific references for the general population. The youth athletes had higher BMD and BMC than those of the reference for the general population. Conclusion. The potential utility of the DEXA reference for male and female youth athletes may assist in monitoring changes in the BMC and BMD associated with normal growth and maturation, and perhaps more importantly, may be useful in monitoring changes specific to different phases of sport-specific training protocols. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Composition and Physical Health in Sports Practice)

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8 pages, 306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sex Differences in Body Composition Changes after Preseason Training in Elite Handball Players

by Ireneusz Cichy, Andrzej Dudkowski, Marek Kociuba, Zofia Ignasiak, Anna Sebastjan, Katarzyna Kochan, Slawomir Koziel, Andrzej Rokita and Robert M. Malina

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(11), 3880; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17113880 - 30 May 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 7605

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in the estimated body composition of elite female and male Polish handball players during a five-week preseason training camp. Height and weight were measured, while body composition was estimated with bioelectrical impedance in 18 [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in the estimated body composition of elite female and male Polish handball players during a five-week preseason training camp. Height and weight were measured, while body composition was estimated with bioelectrical impedance in 18 male and 17 female handball players before and after the five-week training protocol. Components of body composition included total body water (TBW), fat-free mass (FFM), muscle mass (MM), and absolute and relative fat mass (FM). Weight and body mass index (BMI) did not change in males, but declined in females after five weeks of training. FM and %FM declined, while estimated TBW, FFM, and MM increased significantly after training in both males and females. In contrast, comparisons of log transformed ratios for changes in weight, the BMI and body composition in males and females, respectively, suggested that estimated TBW, FFM, and MM increased relatively more in females than in males, while FM and %FM decline relatively more in males than females. Overall, the five-week preseason training program modified the body composition of male and female handball players. FM and %FM decreased, while estimated TBW, FFM, and MM increased, in both males and females after the preseason training program. Comparisons of log transformed ratios for changes in body composition in males and females suggested sexual dimorphism in response to intensive preseason training. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Composition and Physical Health in Sports Practice)

13 pages, 1466 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lower Percentage of Fat Mass among Tai Chi Chuan Practitioners

by Silvia Stagi, Azzurra Doneddu, Gabriele Mulliri, Giovanna Ghiani, Valeria Succa, Antonio Crisafulli and Elisabetta Marini

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(4), 1232; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17041232 - 14 Feb 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3136

Abstract

The aim of the study was to analyze total and regional body composition in Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) middle-aged and elderly practitioners. A cross-sectional study on 139 Italian subjects was realized: 34 TCC practitioners (14 men, 20 women; 62.8 ± 7.4 years) and [...] Read more.

The aim of the study was to analyze total and regional body composition in Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) middle-aged and elderly practitioners. A cross-sectional study on 139 Italian subjects was realized: 34 TCC practitioners (14 men, 20 women; 62.8 ± 7.4 years) and 105 sedentary volunteers (49 men, 56 women; 62.8 ± 6.4 years). Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, arm, waist, and calf circumferences), hand-grip strength, and physical capacity values were collected. Total and regional (arm, leg, and trunk) body composition was analyzed by means of specific bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (specific BIVA). TCC practitioners of both sexes were characterized by a normal nutritional status, normal levels of physical capacity, and normal values of hand-grip strength. Compared to controls, they showed lower percentages of fat mass (lower specific resistance) in the total body, the arm, and the trunk, and higher muscle mass (higher phase angle) in the trunk, but lower muscle mass in the arm. Sexual dimorphism was characterized by higher muscle mass (total body, arm, and trunk) and lower %FM (arm) in men; sex differences were less accentuated among TCC practitioners than in the control. TCC middle-aged and elderly practitioners appear to be less affected by the process of physiological aging and the associated fat mass changes, compared to sedentary people. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Composition and Physical Health in Sports Practice)

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10 pages, 1264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of the Effect of Different Resistance Training Frequencies on Phase Angle and Handgrip Strength in Obese Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Stefania Toselli, Georgian Badicu, Laura Bragonzoni, Federico Spiga, Paolo Mazzuca and Francesco Campa

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(4), 1163; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17041163 - 12 Feb 2020

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 4339

Abstract

Phase angle (PA) is a strong predictor of sarcopenia, fragility, and risk of mortality in obese people, while an optimal muscular function and handgrip strength (HS) are required to perform different daily activities. Although there is a general agreement that resistance training improves [...] Read more.

Phase angle (PA) is a strong predictor of sarcopenia, fragility, and risk of mortality in obese people, while an optimal muscular function and handgrip strength (HS) are required to perform different daily activities. Although there is a general agreement that resistance training improves health status in obese people, the optimal weekly training frequency for PA and physical performance parameters is not clear. This study aimed to compare the effects of different weekly resistance training frequencies performed over a 24 week exercise program on PA and HS in obese people. Forty-two women (56.2 ± 9.1 years, body mass index (BMI) 37.1 ± 4.9 kg/m²) were randomly allocated to one of two groups: a group with a high weekly training frequency of three times a week (HIGH, n = 21) and a group that performed only one weekly session (LOW, n = 21). The groups trained with an identical exercise intensity and volume per session for 6 months. Before and after the intervention period, the participants were assessed for anthropometric measures, bioimpedance analysis, and HS. There was a significant group × time interaction (p < 0.05) for waist circumference, bioimpedance reactance divided by body height (Xc/H), PA, and HS measures. In addition, only the HIGH group increased Xc/H, PA, and HS after the intervention period (p < 0.05), even after adjusting for weight loss and menopausal status. Physical exercise performed three times a week promotes better adaptations in PA and HS when compared with the same program performed once a week in obese women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Composition and Physical Health in Sports Practice)

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10 pages, 1023 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Dehydration on Metabolic and Neuromuscular Functionality during Cycling

by Francesco Campa, Alessandro Piras, Milena Raffi, Aurelio Trofè, Monica Perazzolo, Gabriele Mascherini and Stefania Toselli

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(4), 1161; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17041161 - 12 Feb 2020

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6705

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effects of dehydration on metabolic and neuromuscular functionality performance during a cycling exercise. Ten male subjects (age 23.4 ± 2.7 years; body weight 74.6 ± 10.4 kg; height 177.3 ± 4.6 cm) cycled at 65% VO_2max [...] Read more.

This study aimed to determine the effects of dehydration on metabolic and neuromuscular functionality performance during a cycling exercise. Ten male subjects (age 23.4 ± 2.7 years; body weight 74.6 ± 10.4 kg; height 177.3 ± 4.6 cm) cycled at 65% VO_2max for 60 min followed by a time-to-trial (TT) at 95% VO_2max, in two different conditions: dehydration (DEH) and hydration (HYD). The bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) and body weight measurements were performed to assess body fluid changes. Heart rate (HR), energy cost, minute ventilation, oxygen uptake, and metabolic power were evaluated during the experiments. In addition, neuromuscular activity of the vastus medialis and biceps femoris muscles were assessed by surface electromyography. After exercise induced dehydration, the bioimpedance vector significantly lengthens along the major axis of the BIVA graph, in conformity with the body weight change (−2%), that indicates a fluid loss. Metabolic and neuromuscular parameters significantly increased during TT at 95% VO_2max with respect to constant workload at 65% of VO_2max. Dehydration during a one-hour cycling test and subsequent TT caused a significant increase in HR, while neuromuscular function showed a lower muscle activation in dehydration conditions on both constant workload and on TT. Furthermore, a significant difference between HYD and DEH for TT duration was found. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Composition and Physical Health in Sports Practice)

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11 pages, 2280 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of a Bout of Intense Exercise on Some Executive Functions

by Marinella Coco, Andrea Buscemi, Claudia Savia Guerrera, Donatella Di Corrado, Paolo Cavallari, Agata Zappalà, Santo Di Nuovo, Rosalba Parenti, Tiziana Maci, Grazia Razza, Maria Cristina Petralia, Vincenzo Perciavalle and Valentina Perciavalle

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(3), 898; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17030898 - 31 Jan 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2937

Abstract

The present study examined the effects of an exhaustive exercise on executive functions by using the Stroop Color Word Test (SCWT), Trail Making Test (TMT), A and B, and simple Reaction Time (RT). Thirty adults agreed to participate; 15 participants had a mean [...] Read more.

The present study examined the effects of an exhaustive exercise on executive functions by using the Stroop Color Word Test (SCWT), Trail Making Test (TMT), A and B, and simple Reaction Time (RT). Thirty adults agreed to participate; 15 participants had a mean age of 24.7 years ± 3.2 Standard Deviation (SD, Standard Deviation) (group YOUNG), while the remaining 15 had a mean age of 58.9 years ± 2.6 SD (group OLD). Each subject performed the cognitive tasks at rest and blood lactate was measured (pre); each subject executed the acute exhaustive exercise and, immediately after the conclusion, executed the cognitive tasks and blood lactate was again measured (end). Cognitive tests were repeated and blood lactate measured 15 min after its conclusion of the exhaustive exercise (post). We observed: (1) a significant positive correlation between blood lactate levels and RT levels; (2) a significant negative relationship between levels of blood lactate and the SCWT mean score; (3) no significant correlation between blood lactate levels and TMT scores (time and errors), both A and B; (4) variations in blood lactate levels, due to exhaustive exercise, and parallel deterioration in the execution of RT and SCWT are significantly more pronounced in the group YOUNG than in the group OLD. The present study supports the possibility that high levels of blood lactate induced by an exhaustive exercise could adversely affect the executive functions pertaining to the prefrontal cortex. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Composition and Physical Health in Sports Practice)

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14 pages, 797 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Predictive Role of Raw Bioelectrical Impedance Parameters in Water Compartments and Fluid Distribution Assessed by Dilution Techniques in Athletes

by Ruben Francisco, Catarina N. Matias, Diana A. Santos, Francesco Campa, Claudia S. Minderico, Paulo Rocha, Steven B. Heymsfield, Henry Lukaski, Luís B. Sardinha and Analiza M. Silva

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(3), 759; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17030759 - 24 Jan 2020

Cited by 56 | Viewed by 3168

Abstract

The aims of this study were to analyze the usefulness of raw bioelectrical impedance (BI) parameters in assessing water compartments and fluid distribution in athletes. A total of 202 men and 71 female athletes were analyzed. Total body water (TBW) and extracellular water [...] Read more.

The aims of this study were to analyze the usefulness of raw bioelectrical impedance (BI) parameters in assessing water compartments and fluid distribution in athletes. A total of 202 men and 71 female athletes were analyzed. Total body water (TBW) and extracellular water (ECW) were determined by dilution techniques, while intracellular water (ICW) was calculated. Fluid distribution was calculated as the ECW/ICW ratio (E:I). Phase angle (PhA), resistance (R) and reactance (Xc) were obtained through BI spectroscopy using frequency 50kHz. Fat (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. After adjusting for height, FM, FFM, age and sports category we observed that: PhA predicted ICW (females: β = 1.62, p < 0.01; males: β = 2.70, p < 0.01) and E:I (males and females: β = −0.08; p < 0.01); R explained TBW (females: β = −0.03; p < 0.01; males: β = −0.06; p < 0.01) and ECW (females: β = –0.02, p < 0.01; males: β = −0.03, p < 0.01) and ICW (females: β = –0.01, p < 0.053; males: β = –0.03 p < 0.01); and Xc predicted ECW (females: β = −0.06, p < 0.01; males: β = −0.12, p < 0.01). A higher PhA is a good predictor of a larger ICW pool and a lower E:I, regardless of body composition, age, height, and sports category. Lower R is associated with higher water pools whereas ECW expansion is explained by lower Xc. Raw BI parameters are useful predictors of total and extracellular pools, cellular hydration and fluid distribution in athletes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Composition and Physical Health in Sports Practice)

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10 pages, 1430 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Overweight in Young Athletes: New Predictive Model of Overfat Condition

by Gabriele Mascherini, Cristian Petri, Elena Ermini, Vittorio Bini, Piergiuseppe Calà, Giorgio Galanti and Pietro Amedeo Modesti

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(24), 5128; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16245128 - 16 Dec 2019

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3097

Abstract

The aim of the study is to establish a simple and low-cost method that, associated with Body Mass Index (BMI), differentiates overweight conditions due to a prevalence of lean mass compared to an excess of fat mass during the evaluation of young athletes. [...] Read more.

The aim of the study is to establish a simple and low-cost method that, associated with Body Mass Index (BMI), differentiates overweight conditions due to a prevalence of lean mass compared to an excess of fat mass during the evaluation of young athletes. 1046 young athletes (620 male, 426 female) aged between eight and 18 were enrolled. Body composition assessments were performed with anthropometry, circumferences, skinfold, and bioimpedance. Overweight was established with BMI, while overfat was established with the percentage of fat mass: 3.5% were underweight, 72.8% were normal weight, 20.1% were overweight, and 3.5% were obese according to BMI; according to the fat mass, 9.5% were under fat, 63.6% were normal fat, 16.2% were overfat, and 10.8% were obese. Differences in overfat prediction were found using BMI alone or with the addition of the triceps fold (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) for BMI = 0.867 vs. AUC for BMI + TRICEPS = 0.955, p < 0.001). These results allowed the creation of a model factoring in age, sex, BMI, and triceps fold that could provide the probability that a young overweight athlete is also in an overfat condition. The calculated probability could reduce the risk of error in establishing the correct weight status of young athletes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Composition and Physical Health in Sports Practice)

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12 pages, 2262 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Classic Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Reference Values for Assessing Body Composition in Male and Female Athletes

by Francesco Campa, Catarina Matias, Hannes Gatterer, Stefania Toselli, Josely C. Koury, Angela Andreoli, Giovanni Melchiorri, Luis B. Sardinha and Analiza M. Silva

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(24), 5066; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16245066 - 12 Dec 2019

Cited by 55 | Viewed by 5300

Abstract

Bioimpedance standards are well established for the normal healthy population and in clinical settings, but they are not available for many sports categories. The aim of this study was to develop reference values for male and female athletes using classic bioimpedance vector analysis [...] Read more.

Bioimpedance standards are well established for the normal healthy population and in clinical settings, but they are not available for many sports categories. The aim of this study was to develop reference values for male and female athletes using classic bioimpedance vector analysis (BIVA). In this study, 1556 athletes engaged in different sports were evaluated during their off-season period. A tetrapolar bioelectrical impedance analyzer was used to determine measurements of resistance (R) and reactance (Xc). The classic BIVA procedure, which corrects bioelectrical values for body height, was applied, and fat-free mass, fat mass, and total body water were estimated. In order to verify the need for specific references, classic bioelectrical values were compared to the reference values for the general male and female populations. Additionally, athletes were divided into three groups: endurance, velocity/power, and team sports. In comparison with the general healthy male and female populations, the mean vectors of the athletes showed a shift to the left on the R–Xc graph. Considering the same set of modalities, BIVA confidence graphs showed that male and female endurance athletes presented lower body fluids, fat mass, and fat-free mass than other sets of modalities. This study provides BIVA reference values for an athletic population that can be used as a standard for assessing body composition in male and female athletes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Composition and Physical Health in Sports Practice)

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