Search Results (426)

Animal growth involves changes in size with age and is associated with environmental factors. The aim was to conduct a study of a representative group of the Santandereana Creole goat breed to evaluate morphometric allometry according to sex. A sample of 23 males and 76 females, ranged 8–72 and 8–84 months of age respectively, was studied. Morphometric allometry was evaluated using 30 linear characters. A Mann–Whitney test assessed right- and left-side differences in horns (length and perimeter) and ears (length and width). A one-way PERMANOVA, using Gower distances, assessed sex differences. Principal component analysis (PCA) using a var-covar matrix identified the most discriminating traits. A one-way ANCOVA, using loadings at PC1, was performed to compare allometric trends between sexes. Differences between sexes were observed in linear traits (p = 0.0101) and indices (p = 0.0364). No differences were observed between the right and left sides in horns and ears. Differences were observed in size, with body weight, body length, thoracic perimeter, and horn length (right/left) being the most discriminating values reflecting sexual dimorphism of size. The indexes corroborated the larger size of males, especially in relation to skull width, rump length, chest depth, and body weight. Detected differences may reflect variations in the development of skeletal maturity. The indexes confirm that the Santandereana Creole goat is an animal with a tendency for meat production, with larger males and brachycephalic features due to the shape of the head. Discriminatory measures can be considered as parameters of interest for preserving the breed and establishing genetic improvement programs. Full article

Background: In critically ill patients, the non-linear relationship between body mass index (BMI) and survival has persisted across studies, but whether it is affected by the triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index is unclear. Methods: We extracted critically ill patients without diabetes mellitus from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC)-IV database and categorized them into T1, T2, and T3 groups according to the TyG index tertiles, with the primary outcome of 365-day all-cause mortality. We used Kaplan–Meier (KM) survival curves, COX regression analyses, and restricted cubic spline curves (RCS) to assess the effect of TyG on the risk of BMI-related mortality. Estimation of optimal change points using segmented linear models. Results: The final analytic cohort comprised 6933 critically ill patients with a median age of 66 (54, 76) years, showing male predominance (60.9%). KM curves showed a lower protective effect of obesity in the high-TyG group. COX regression analyses showed that overweight and obesity were associated with lower 365-day all-cause mortality in the T1 and T2 groups and not in the T3 group. RCS analyses showed a U-shaped association between BMI and 365-day all-cause mortality in the T1 and T2 groups and a J-shaped association in the T3 group. The optimal BMI change points were 33 kg/m² (T1), 32.5 kg/m² (T2) and 29.7 kg/m² (T3). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that the protective effect of obesity was significantly reduced in patients with high TyG levels. Consequently, it is necessary to consider the TyG index in the weight management of critically ill patients. Full article

Background/Objectives: Acylcarnitine has been linked to adiposity, yet evidence in healthy adults is scarce. Hence, we aim to investigate associations of circulating acylcarnitine levels with traditional and newer anthropometric markers cross-sectionally, and with future weight change prospectively. Methods: We used data from CoLaus|PsyCoLaus cohort of apparently healthy adults in Lausanne, Switzerland. Anthropometry markers include body mass index, waist circumference, waist–hip ratio, conicity index, body roundness index, body shape index, leptin, adiponectin and grip strength. Results: Cross-sectionally, free carnitine, short-chain acylcarnitines (SCACs: C0, C3:0, C4:0 C5:0 and C5:0-OH), medium-chain acylcarnitines (MCACs: C6:0 and C8:1) and long-chain acylcarnitines (LCACs: C16:0) were positively associated with most anthropometric markers. After multivariate adjustment, only free carnitine, SCACs (C3:0 and C5:0), and MCAC C8:1 retained their positive associations with multiple markers. SCACs showed the strongest associations (−log10 p-values up to 91), followed by free carnitine and Deoxycarnitine. When stratified by sex, C8:1 showed consistent positive associations with anthropometric markers only in females. Prospectively, a higher baseline level of SCAC (C5:0-OH) was associated with ≥5 kg weight gain at both 5- and 10-year follow-ups, whereas higher baseline levels of MCAC (C8:1) and LCACs (C16:0 and C18:2) were associated with weight gain only at 10 years. Conclusions: SCAC showed most consistent associations with multiple anthropometric markers. Prospectively, specific ACs were associated with weight gain, suggesting that baseline AC levels may reflect early metabolic alterations linked to adiposity. Full article

Micronutrient status is strongly influenced by dietary patterns; however, the extent to which plant-forward dietary patterns versus omnivorous diets shape micronutrient profiles and their associations with blood pressure, body composition, and cardiovascular health remains unclear. This cross-sectional study aimed to comprehensively assess associations between blood micronutrient profiles, blood pressure, and body composition in adults, with analyses stratified by dietary patterns to compare omnivorous and plant-forward dieters. Secondary cross-sectional analyses were conducted using data from an exploratory study of 488 Austrian adults (median age: 38 y [IQR 21]; 48% female, 52% male). Participants were classified as omnivores (n = 260) or plant-forward dieters (including 194 flexitarians, 25 vegetarians, and 9 vegans; n = 228). Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were obtained alongside fasting venous blood sample analysis to quantify a comprehensive panel of micronutrient, hematological, lipid, and inflammatory biomarkers. Micronutrient concentrations were standardized (scaled −1 to +1, truncated ±3) and evaluated for deficiency or excess according to sex-specific reference ranges. Linear regression was used to analyze the association of micronutrients with BMI, including age and sex as covariates. Vitamin D showed the highest micronutrient deficiency, observed in 96% of omnivores and 93% of plant-forward dieters. Across both dietary subgroups, multiple micronutrients, together with age and sex, were significant correlates of body weight, body mass index, and blood pressure (p < 0.05). Significant differences between omnivores and plant-forward dieters were observed for blood pressure, lipid, hematological, and inflammatory markers, with participants adhering to plant-forward dietary habits exhibiting lower blood pressure and more favorable lipid profiles (p < 0.05). The findings highlight the potential of diet-type-specific strategies for personalized cardiometabolic risk management. Full article

Systemic inflammation is influenced by regular physical activity and diet. While moderate exercise can transiently alter inflammatory markers, high-intensity activity may increase muscle turnover without substantially elevating systemic inflammation. The combined effects of physical activity and dietary inflammatory potential in healthy young men remain poorly defined. In this cross-sectional observational study, 233 healthy men aged 18–30 years were categorized according to physical activity level: low (NA, n = 52), moderate (A, n = 93), and high (S, n = 88). Anthropometry and body composition were assessed using bioelectrical impedance. Dietary intake was recorded over 4 days and used to calculate the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII). Blood samples were collected and analyzed for complete blood counts, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), and creatine kinase (CK). Differences between groups were evaluated using the Kruskal–Wallis test with Dunn’s post hoc correction, and principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to explore multivariate inflammatory patterns. The highest BMI, fat percentage, and DII were observed in low-activity men, whereas fat-free mass and CK activity were greatest in highly active men. Slightly higher systemic inflammatory markers (hs-CRP and SAA) were observed in moderately active men compared to other groups. PCA revealed two principal axes: PC1 representing systemic inflammation and PC2 representing leukocyte distribution. Weak associations were found between DII and these components, indicating a limited link between dietary inflammatory potential and circulating inflammatory biomarkers. Body composition is strongly influenced by physical activity, with high activity promoting lean mass and moderate activity associated with modest elevations in inflammatory markers. Dietary inflammatory potential was only weakly associated with systemic inflammation, suggesting that exercise-induced physiological stress may play a more prominent role in shaping inflammatory profiles in healthy young men. Full article

Background/Objectives: Physical activity behaviours are established early in life and tend to track across developmental stages. However, the role of continuity of sport participation across multiple developmental periods in shaping current physical activity levels remains insufficiently understood. This study aimed to examine the association between continuity of sport participation across developmental stages and current physical activity levels in university students, and to assess whether this association followed a graded pattern and differed by sex. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 796 fourth-year undergraduate students enrolled in a Primary School Education degree program at the University of Turin. Data were collected using an anonymous online survey. Current physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and categorised as non-active, sufficiently active, or active. Sport participation across six developmental stages was retrospectively assessed and summarised into a three-level continuity variable (discontinuous, intermediate, continuous). Associations were examined using chi-square tests and ordinal logistic regression models adjusted for sex, age, and body mass index (BMI). Predicted probabilities were estimated to aid interpretation. Results: Continuity of sport participation was significantly associated with current physical activity levels (χ²(6) = 67.55, p < 0.001), with a graded pattern evident. In adjusted models, discontinuous participation (OR = 0.24, 95% CI 0.14–0.39) and intermediate participation (OR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.46–0.82) were associated with lower odds of belonging to higher physical activity categories than continuous participation. Predicted probabilities showed a clear dose–response pattern, with progressively higher likelihoods of being active as continuity increased. This pattern was consistent across sexes, although males exhibited higher overall activity levels. Conclusions: Greater continuity of sport participation across developmental stages is associated with higher current physical activity levels. Promoting sustained engagement in sport may support the development of active lifestyles across the lifespan. Full article

Background: Tirzepatide is a novel therapeutic option for the management of metabolic disorders which has started to be implemented in routine practice. The study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of tirzepatide use and patient education in the field of healthy eating and weight loss, based on real-life data from the practice of a primary care physician, in metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) patients during a one-year follow-up period. Methods: This is a retrospective study based on real-life data of 118 MetSyn patients who were under the supervision of a general practitioner (GP). Analysis was conducted on 62 patients supported by trizepatide (2.5 mg for 4 weeks, then 5 mg for 4 weeks and 7 mg for 46 weeks) with dietary education and 56 patients that underwent dietary education with motivation only. Lipid profile, glucose level and blood pressure were assessed. Body Mass Index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), A Body Shape Index (ABSI), Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP), Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) and Body Roundness Index (BRI) were calculated. The KomPAN^® questionnaire was used for dietary assessment and WHO Quality of Life-BREF for the quality of life assessment at 52 weeks. Results: Patients from both groups significantly reduced their body weight and WC and the values of the following indices: BMI, WHtR, ABSI, LAP and BRI. A significant increase in LDL cholesterol and triglyceride values was observed in both groups and a significant decrease in glucose level only in the group with tirzepatide combined with dietary modification. Energy value, energy density of food and nutrient intake did not differ between groups, while the intensity of beneficial nutritional features (pHDI-10) was low. Significant differences in patients’ QoL were observed, especially in the domain related to mental health (higher in trizepatide + diet group). Conclusions: Support in primary care by a physician was successful from a long-term perspective in the group using tirzepatide in combination with diet modification as well as in the group based on dietary modification only. The data do not indicate a significant advantage of any one approach for patients, prioritizing an individualized approach to treatment. Full article

Background: Normal-weight obesity (NWO) is a nutritional status in which individuals have a normal body mass index (BMI) with a high percentage of body fat (%BF). However, the impact of elevated %BF on cardiometabolic risk remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate whether NWO is associated with worse cardiometabolic risk markers and scores. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using a convenience sample of employees from a public hospital. Participants aged ≥18 years with a BMI between 18.5–24.9 kg/m² were included in the study. %BF was categorized according to sex and age (InBody720). Normal weight and normal %BF (NWNB) and NWO were defined using cutoff points. Body composition, serum biochemical and inflammatory markers, hemodynamics, and autonomic function were considered cardiometabolic risk markers. The visceral fat area (VFA), atherogenic coefficient (AC), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), body shape index (ABSI), and Framingham Risk (FR) score were considered cardiometabolic risk scores. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Of the 228 eligible participants, 52 met the inclusion criteria (NWNB, N = 29 and NWO, N = 23). Participants with NWO presented worse values of lipid profiles, anthropometric measurements, hemodynamic parameters, and autonomic function indices. After adjustment for age and sex, NWO remained associated with selected cardiometabolic markers, particularly LDL-c, triglycerides, and autonomic indices, whereas body composition findings should be interpreted as confirmatory of the phenotype. Conclusions: In this cross-sectional secondary analysis, NWO was associated with worse cardiometabolic markers and selected risk scores compared with NWNB. These findings support an unfavorable cardiometabolic profile in individuals with NWO, but do not allow inferences about future cardiometabolic events or causal relationships. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify its prognostic significance. Full article

Background: The rising prevalence of childhood overweight/obesity (OWOB) and elevated blood pressure (EBP) parallels a global decline in muscular fitness. However, evidence linking whole-body muscular strength to the comorbidity of these cardiometabolic risks remains scarce. Methods: Data were obtained from five nationally representative waves of the Chinese National Survey on Students’ Constitution and Health (CNSSCH, 2000–2019), including 1,072,404 children and adolescents aged 7–18 years. A novel Muscle Strength Index (MSI) was developed by integrating handgrip strength (HGS) and standing broad jump (SBJ), standardized for body weight and height, respectively. Generalized linear mixed-effects models (GLMMs) with restricted cubic splines (RCS) were first applied to characterize dose–response associations. Subsequently, categorical analyses and forest plots were conducted to quantify risks of OWOB, EBP, and their comorbidity across five waves and subgroups. Sex-specific normative reference curves were established using the LMS method, and population-attributable fractions (PAFs) were estimated to assess the potential public health benefits of improving muscular strength. Results: Between 2000 and 2019, the prevalence of OWOB, EBP, and comorbidity increased markedly, reaching 25.80%, 12.23%, and 4.83% in 2019, and are projected to rise further to 37.88%, 20.16%, and 10.01% by 2030. Over the same period, mean MSI increased from 2000, peaked in 2005, and subsequently declined by 2019 with the values for boys and girls, being 1.73, 1.75, 1.63 and 1.46, 1.49, 1.41, respectively. Dose–response analyses revealed consistent L-shaped associations, with the greatest risk reductions observed when moving from low to moderate MSI levels. In 2019, participants with low MSI had higher odds of OWOB (OR 4.81, 95% CI 4.65–4.97), EBP (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.36–1.49), and comorbidity (OR 3.49 95% CI 3.26–3.73) compared with those at middle levels. PAF analyses indicated that improving MSI to at least the 40th percentile could potentially avert 43.5% of OWOB cases, 12.3% of EBP cases, and 48.2% of comorbidity cases. The highest potential benefits were observed in northern and northeastern provinces, particularly Tianjin and Heilongjiang. Conclusions: Chinese children and adolescents face a dual burden of rising cardiometabolic comorbidity and declining muscular strength. Muscular strength demonstrates a strong nonlinear protective association with OWOB, EBP, and their co-occurrence. Targeted improvement among those with low muscular strength may substantially reduce future cardiometabolic burden. Full article

Background/Objective: Health is a multidimensional construct shaped not only by clinical conditions but also by psychological, social, environmental and cultural factors. In low- and middle-income countries undergoing rapid epidemiological transition, understanding health requires integrated and culturally informed approaches. However, quality of life, perceived health status and lifestyle behaviors are often investigated separately, limiting the interpretation of well-being in specific local contexts. This study aimed to provide an integrated assessment of quality of life, perceived health status and lifestyle behaviours among adults attending a peri-urban public hospital in Kenya, using internationally validated instruments applied within a specific local cultural context. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Tigoni Level 4 Hospital, Kiambu County, Kenya. Adult outpatients (N = 40) were consecutively recruited. Quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF, perceived health status using the EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS, and lifestyle behaviours using selected modules of the WHO STEPS instrument. Descriptive statistics were performed, and exploratory associations were examined using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Results: Participants had a mean age of 35.9 ± 11.4 years, with a balanced gender distribution. Lifestyle risk factors were prevalent, including insufficient physical activity (40%) and overweight or obesity (>50%). WHOQOL-BREF scores revealed a heterogeneous profile, with relatively preserved social relationships and lower scores in the psychological and environmental domains. Pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression were the most frequently reported EQ-5D-5L problems. The mean EQ-VAS score was 68.2 ± 15.7. Perceived health was positively associated with physical and psychological quality of life, while higher body mass index was associated with lower physical quality of life. Mental health emerged as a cross-cutting factor across instruments. Conclusions: The findings highlight the multidimensional nature of health in a peri-urban Kenyan context and suggest the importance of considering local social and cultural influences when interpreting standardized health measures. Mental health and environmental conditions play a central role in shaping quality of life and perceived health, while lifestyle risk factors are already prevalent in a relatively young outpatient population. Integrating standardized health measures within a cross-cultural framework may support more holistic and person-centred approaches in primary care and public health in similar settings. Full article

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health challenge, with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) causing significant morbidity and mortality mainly in high-burden countries. Following exposure to M. tuberculosis, individuals may become infected, developing TB infection (TBI) through inhalation of the bacillus: this affects approximately one-fourth of the global population and serves as a critical reservoir for potential disease reactivation and transmission. The risk of being infected with M. tuberculosis is shaped by bacterial load of people with TB, contact patterns, environmental factors, and host susceptibility, particularly in high-risk congregate settings. Elucidating these determinants is instrumental for optimising TB prevention and control strategies. Methods: A preliminary PubMed search was conducted on 25 August 2024, using the keywords “latent tuberculosis infection,” “risk factors,” and “systematic review.” Targeted reviews were then performed in November 2024 to examine factors influencing progression from exposure to M. tuberculosis to TBI. Systematic reviews published between January 2000 and November 2024 were included. Results: The scoping review analysed eight systematic reviews, grouping findings into three key themes: (1) proximity and behavioural risk factors; (2) environmental risk factors; and (3) host immune vulnerabilities. Close contact with people with TB in crowded settings, such as dormitories, healthcare facilities, and prisons, was strongly associated with an elevated risk of TBI. Healthcare workers travelling from low- to high-incidence regions faced the highest risk due to frequent exposure to M. tuberculosis, while military personnel and general travellers had lower risks. Environmental exposures, including second-hand smoke and inadequate ventilation, further heightened susceptibility among children and adults. Host immune risk factors, such as advanced age, low body mass index, lack of BCG vaccination, and metabolic disorders such as diabetes, markedly increase susceptibility to TBI. The interplay between proximity, behavioural and environmental risk factors, and host immune vulnerabilities highlights the multifactorial nature of TBI risk. Conclusion: Effective TBI control demands a multifaceted approach, combining robust infection prevention and control measures, comorbidity management, and mitigation of behavioural risk factors like smoking. Tailored strategies are crucial for high-risk settings such as healthcare facilities and prisons. Multisectoral collaboration is essential to address key risk factors and protect vulnerable populations from progressing to TBI. Full article

Background: Conventional reference intervals (RIs) are typically expressed as fixed limits and may not adequately reflect continuous biological variation across age and sex. Next-generation reference intervals (NGRIs) allow dynamic modeling of laboratory parameters across the lifespan. This study aimed to establish age- and sex-specific NGRIs for routine hematological parameters using large-scale health examination data and to evaluate their temporal stability. Methods: Health examination records were linked with laboratory data, and a relatively healthy reference population was defined based on age (18–80 years), normal body mass index, normal blood pressure, and absence of documented disease history. NGRIs were constructed using generalized additive models for location, scale, and shape (GAMLSS) with the Box–Cox Cole and Green distribution. Age-dependent percentile curves (2.5th–97.5th) were generated using bootstrap resampling (100 iterations). Temporal external validation was conducted in five independent annual cohorts (2019–2023). Results: Age- and sex-dependent distributional patterns were observed across multiple hematological parameters, particularly RBC, HGB, and HCT. Continuous percentile curves demonstrated gradual age-related trends, with more pronounced changes in females after midlife. In temporal validation cohorts, the proportion of individuals classified outside the reference intervals remained consistently below 10% across years and sexes, indicating stable performance. Conclusions: Using large-scale real-world health examination data and a flexible distributional modeling framework, we established stable age-continuous next-generation reference intervals for routine hematological parameters. The proposed approach provides a reproducible strategy for modernizing laboratory reference interval construction and supports broader implementation in population-based laboratory medicine. Full article

Background and objectives: Sexual function commonly declines during late pregnancy and early postpartum, but recovery is heterogeneous and influenced by obstetric and psychosocial factors. We aimed to (i) describe longitudinal Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) trajectories from the first trimester to 12 months postpartum and (ii) test whether sleep quality and relationship satisfaction are independently associated with sexual function at 6–12 months postpartum, beyond obstetric factors and depressive symptoms. Methods: In this single-center prospective cohort study, pregnant women (singleton pregnancy, ≥18 years, enrolled ≤20 gestational weeks) completed the FSFI at six timepoints: first trimester, second trimester, third trimester, 6–8 weeks postpartum, 3 months postpartum, and 6–12 months postpartum. At 6–12 months postpartum, participants also completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depressive symptoms, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for sleep quality, WHOQOL-BREF for quality of life, a brief body-image disturbance scale, and a 1–5 relationship satisfaction rating. Delivery was categorized as vaginal low trauma, vaginal higher trauma, or cesarean. Multivariable linear and logistic regression modeled FSFI at 6–12 months postpartum and FSFI-defined dysfunction (FSFI < 26.55). Results: Among 112 women, FSFI-defined dysfunction at 6–12 months postpartum affected 58.0% (65/112). Mean FSFI declined from the first trimester (26.5 ± 4.1) to 6–8 weeks postpartum (18.8 ± 4.3) and recovered by 6–12 months postpartum (25.4 ± 5.0) (time effect p < 0.001). Dysfunction prevalence differed by delivery group (42.2% vaginal low trauma, 63.2% cesarean, 75.9% vaginal higher trauma; p = 0.012). In adjusted models, worse sleep quality and higher-trauma vaginal birth increased the odds of dysfunction, whereas higher relationship satisfaction was protective. Depressive symptoms and sleep quality were independently associated with lower FSFI in linear models. Conclusions: Late-postpartum sexual function follows a nadir-then-recovery trajectory shaped by additive psychosocial (sleep, mood, relationship) and obstetric trauma factors, supporting multi-domain postpartum screening and targeted referral pathways. Full article

Avian morphology is a product of complex interactions among ecology, behavioral traits, and phylogeny. The wing, as a primary aerodynamic structure, is particularly indicative of these selective pressures, which are especially pronounced in migratory species. This study investigates interspecific variation in wing morphology among three migratory warblers of the family Sylviidae: the Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin), Eurasian Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla), and Common Whitethroat (Curruca communis). We combined traditional morphometric measurements (body mass, wing length, primary feather lengths, and wing area) with functional aerodynamic indices (wing loading, aspect ratio, Kipp’s index) and geometric morphometric analysis of wing shape. Data were collected during autumn migration on the Greek island of Antikythera, a key stopover site in the Mediterranean. Our analysis revealed distinct morphological adaptations: Garden Warblers possessed elongated, pointed wings with a high aspect ratio, indicative of selection for long-distance, energy-efficient flight. Conversely, Eurasian Blackcaps exhibited shorter, rounder wings, a morphology associated with high maneuverability and quicker takeoffs in dense habitats. Common Whitethroat displayed an intermediate wing morphology, balancing aerodynamic efficiency with maneuverability. These findings possibly demonstrate how wing morphology reflects a compromise shaped by selective pressures, including migratory distance, habitat structure, foraging behavior and predation risk. Full article

Background: Assessment of body-related perceptual disturbances is important in adolescent girls. Objective: This pilot exploratory study investigates distortion and dissatisfaction related to trunk symmetry perception in a non-clinical sample of female adolescents using Scoliosis 3D, a virtual reality-based tool. Methods: Entry criteria were females aged 12–18 years with no scoliosis or other spinal deformities confirmed by clinical examination. Thirty participants (mean age 15.03 ± 1.30 years; mean Body Mass Index [BMI] 22.88 ± 4.68 kg/m²) were evaluated using the virtual reality application, the Body Esteem Scale, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire–25. Virtual reality-based indicators were derived from participants’ selections of perceived and desired trunk symmetry and their comparison with actual clinically assessed trunk alignment. Results: The difference between estimated current and actual body shape (trunk symmetry distortion) was significant (p = 0.001), as was the difference between estimated current and desired body shape (trunk symmetry dissatisfaction, p = 0.001). Conclusions: These findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the feasibility of Scoliosis 3D for exploratory assessment of perceptual discrepancies related to trunk symmetry in healthy adolescent females. Participants frequently misperceived their current trunk symmetry and experienced dissatisfaction with it, with higher distortion and dissatisfaction associated with a less positive attitude toward physical condition. Full article