Search Results (61)

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with metabolic syndrome and its risk factors contributing substantially to cases in Latin America. In southern Chile, obesity, dyslipidemia, and sedentary behavior are highly prevalent, yet comprehensive baseline data on these factors are scarce. Establishing regional cardiometabolic profiles is crucial to inform prevention strategies. Objective: To describe the RIO-Study protocol and characterize the baseline cardiometabolic profile of adults from Valdivia, southern Chile. Methods: The RIO-Study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial evaluating the effects of nutritional doses of seaweed-derived omega-3 fatty acids on lipid metabolism, inflammation, and molecular lipid regulators in adults with overweight/obesity. The protocol includes a standardized high-fat breakfast challenge and repeated postprandial blood sampling to assess dynamic lipid responses. Screening procedures comprised blood pressure measurement, fasting blood sampling, body composition by bioelectrical impedance, and health and lifestyle questionnaires. Results: Among screened participants, 91% presented overweight/obesity and 55% presented central adiposity, exceeding regional cardiometabolic risk thresholds (waist circumference ≥ 90 cm in men, ≥80 cm in women). Men exhibited higher waist circumference (100 ± 10.8 vs. 91.6 ± 11.9 cm), waist-to-hip ratio (0.99 ± 0.08 vs. 0.92 ± 0.07), systolic blood pressure (130 ± 12.0 vs. 122 ± 13.4 mmHg), triglycerides (168 ± 84.7 vs. 122 ± 64.9 mg/dL), VLDL-C (33.7 ± 17.2 vs. 24.4 ± 13.0 mg/dL), and sedentary time (8.1 ± 2.3 vs. 6.8 ± 2.3 h/day). Women had greater total body fat (39.7 ± 4.75% vs. 31.1 ± 5.30%), higher HDL-C (56.6 ± 13.3 vs. 46.9 ± 9.39 mg/dL), and more often had normal weight (13% vs. 0%). Conclusions: The RIO-Study provides novel insights into cardiometabolic risk and will elucidate the effects of nutritional omega-3 supplementation in a high-risk Chilean population. Full article

Objectives: Conventional Western treatments for obesity are associated with various adverse events (AEs). This study aimed to determine the treatment response and safety assessment of an integrative Korean medicine treatment (IKMT), consisting of herbal medicine (HM) and lifestyle modification (LM), for weight loss (WL) in people with obesity. Methods: The electronic medical records of outpatients from July 2021 to May 2023 at a Daeat Korean medicine clinic in Seoul were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 3161 patients were evaluated using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and blood pressure (BP) index. Moreover, the treatment response to IKMT in the 24 best cases (WL within BMI < 23 kg/m²) was evaluated using BIA and BP index, and the safety profile was determined by analyzing AEs. Results: The mean age was 38.2 ± 11.39 years, and the mean duration of treatment was 142.62 ± 104.92 days (approximately 20 weeks). The mean WL was 8.02 ± 6.67 kg (change from the baseline, 8.71%). Of the 3161 participants, 2146 had a WL of ≥5%. The best-case subgroup (n = 24; age 36.54 ± 11.64 years) achieved 23.02 ± 4.07 kg WL and reached BMIs < 23 kg/m² in 7.83 ± 2.54 months; among those with BP indices available (n = 21), reductions were statistically significant. In this subgroup, the mean treatment duration was 8.71 ± 2.46 months (range, 5–15), exceeding the 6-month safety guideline for Ephedrae Herba-containing HM, and no serious AEs were observed. At the 7-month follow-up, 11 patients maintained a statistically significant WL. Conclusions: This is the first Korean study to apply the professional collaboration of IKMT and dietician-led LM to people with obesity. IKMT combined with LM appears to be a safe and effective approach for obesity management. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and establish standardized treatment protocols. Full article

Background: Taekwondo (TKD) athletes’ nutritional and health statuses and body composition are critical to their physical performance and overall fitness. In Lebanon, TKD is widely practiced; however, there is a significant gap in the literature regarding the nutritional and health profiles of its athletes. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status, anemia prevalence, body composition, and other health-related characteristics, among Lebanese TKD athletes. Additionally, it explored the determinants of normal hemoglobin (Hb) levels, blood pressure, normal muscle mass, and normal fat mass. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and July 2023, involving 110 TKD athletes. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were measured to assess anemia, while body composition was evaluated using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Blood pressure was also recorded. Household dietary diversity was assessed using the Food Consumption Score, and additional data on sociodemographic factors, training frequency, and supplement or medication use were gathered through a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression models were applied to identify predictors of normal Hb levels, hypertension, and optimal muscle and fat mass. Results: Results showed that male athletes had significantly higher rates of normal Hb (p-value = 0.013) and muscle mass percentages (p-value < 0.001), while females had higher rates of normal blood pressure (p-value = 0.002) and were more likely to use iron supplements (p-value = 0.002) and painkillers (p-value = 0.041). Normal fat mass was positively associated with normal Hb levels (aOR: 11.98, p-value = 0.033). Female gender was linked to a lower likelihood of normal muscle mass (aOR: 0.13, p-value < 0.001) and hypertension (aOR: 0.19, p-value = 0.009). Higher training duration (10 h or more per week) (aOR: 3.46, p-value = 0.04) and normal BMI (aOR: 4.93, p-value = 0.003) were positively associated with normal muscle mass. Normal BMI (aOR: 14.68, p-value < 0.001) was positively associated with normal fat mass. Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of individualized dietary interventions to enhance athletes’ overall health and performance, through the optimization of athletes’ body composition, and the prevention of deficiencies, especially iron deficiency. Full article

Background/Objectives: Microvascular complications are a major source of disability in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We investigated whether body composition indices derived from multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) independently predict neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, and stroke, and whether they improve risk discrimination beyond the established clinical variables. Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical study (March 2024–February 2025), 124 adults with T2DM ≥ 12 months attending the outpatient diabetes clinic of the Universidad Técnica de Ambato (Ecuador) were enrolled. After an overnight fast and 15 min supine rest, thirteen whole-body BIA metrics including skeletal muscle mass (SMM), intracellular water (ICW), phase angle (PhA), and visceral fat area (VFA) were obtained with a segmental analyzer (InBody S10). Complications were ascertained with standard clinical and laboratory protocols. Principal component analysis (PCA) summarized the correlated BIA measures; multivariable logistic regression (adjusted for age, sex, diabetes duration, HbA1c, BMI, and medication use) generated odds ratios (ORs) per standard deviation (SD). Discrimination was assessed with bootstrapped receiver-operating characteristic curves. Results: The first principal component, driven by SMM, ICW, and PhA, accounted for a median 68% (range 65–72%) of body composition variance across all complications. Each SD increase in SMM lowered the odds of neuropathy (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.41–0.71) and nephropathy (OR 0.70, 0.53–0.92), whereas VFA raised the risk of neuropathy (OR 1.55, 1.22–1.97) and retinopathy (OR 1.47, 1.14–1.88). PhA protected most strongly against stroke (OR 0.55, 0.37–0.82). Composite models integrating SMM, PhA, and adiposity indices achieved AUCs of 0.79–0.85, outperforming clinical models alone (all ΔAUC ≥ 0.05) and maintaining good calibration (Hosmer–Lemeshow p > 0.20). Optimal probability cut-offs (0.39–0.45) balanced sensitivity (0.74–0.80) and specificity (0.68–0.72). Conclusions: A lean tissue BIA signature (higher SMM, ICW, PhA) confers independent protection against neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, and stroke, whereas visceral adiposity amplifies the risk. Because the assessment is rapid, inexpensive, and operator-independent, routine multifrequency BIA can be embedded into diabetes clinics to triage patients for early specialist referral and to monitor interventions aimed at preserving muscle and reducing visceral fat, thereby enhancing microvascular risk management in T2DM. Full article

Background and Objective: Dietary interventions are the first-line treatment for overweight individuals (OW) and individuals with obesity (OB) with high-normal blood pressure (BP) or grade I hypertension, especially when at low-to-moderate cardiovascular risk (CVR). However, current guidelines do not specify the most effective dietary approach for optimising cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes in this population. This study aimed to compare the effects of a low-calorie, high-protein ketogenic diet (KD) vs. a low-calorie, low-sodium, and high-potassium Mediterranean diet (MD) on BP profiles assessed via ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), as well as on anthropometric measures, metabolic biomarkers, and body composition evaluated by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Methods: This prospective observational bicentric pilot study included 26 non-diabetic adult outpatients with central OW status or OB status (body mass index, BMI > 27 kg/m²) and high-normal BP (≥130/85 mmHg) or grade I hypertension (140–160/90–100 mmHg), based on office BP measurements. All participants had low-to-moderate CVR according to the second version of the systemic coronary risk estimation (SCORE2) and were selected and categorized as either KD (n = 15) or MD (n = 11). Comprehensive blood analysis, BIA, and ABPM were conducted at baseline and after three months. Results: At baseline, no significant differences were observed between the groups. Following three months of dietary intervention, both groups exhibited substantial reductions in body weight (KD: 98.6 ± 13.0 to 87.3 ± 13.4 kg; MD: 93.8 ± 17.7 to 86.1 ± 19.3 kg, p < 0.001) and waist circumference. Mean 24 h systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) significantly declined in both groups (24 h mean SBP decreased from 125.0 ± 11.3 to 116.1 ± 8.5 mmHg (p = 0.003) and 24 h mean DBP decreased from 79.0 ± 8.4 to 73.7 ± 6.4 mmHg (p < 0.001)). Fat-free mass (FFM) increased, whereas fat mass (FM), blood lipid levels, and insulin concentrations decreased significantly. The ΔFM/ΔFFM correlates with ABP improvements. However, no significant between-group differences were detected at follow-up. Conclusions: The KD and the MD mediated weight loss and body composition changes, effectively improving bio-anthropometric and cardiovascular parameters in individuals with OW status or OB status and high BP. Although more extensive studies are warranted to elucidate potential long-term differences, our findings suggest the manner in which these two different popular dietary approaches may equally confer metabolic and cardiovascular benefits, emphasising the importance of weight and FM loss. Full article

Purpose: This case study examines the anthropometric characteristics and body composition changes of a 41-year-old Cuban Greco-Roman 130 kg wrestler, a five-time Olympic gold medalist (2008–2024). To optimize his preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, another athlete participated in the qualifying process, allowing him to train without competition gear. Methods: The study monitored changes in body composition using anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) at three key time points in 2024: January, June, and July. The final assessment occurred 25 days before the Olympic event, coinciding with the final phase of his preparation. Results: The analysis revealed a significant reduction in total body mass, from 150 kg in January to 138.5 kg in July, with fat mass decreasing from 37.06 kg (24.11%) to 29.7 kg (21.5%). Muscle mass decreased slightly (77.41 kg to 72.3 kg), while bone mass remained stable. The somatotype classification was endomorphic–mesomorphic at all assessments, with slight shifts in its components (4.6–10.4–0.1 in January to 4.4–10.3–0.1 in July), reflecting an improved muscle–fat ratio. Notably, hydration levels and cellular integrity remained stable, as indicated by BIVA analysis. Conclusions: This study provides insight into the anthropometric characteristics and body composition of an elite Greco-Roman wrestler, as well as the changes observed during his preparation for his final Olympic participation. These data serve as a valuable reference for wrestlers and sports professionals, highlighting the physical profile of one of the most emblematic figures in Olympic history. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cancer and related treatments can impair body composition (BC), increasing the risk of malnutrition and sarcopenia, poor prognosis, and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). To enhance BC parameter interpretation through Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), we developed a predictive model based on unsupervised approaches including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and k-means clustering for sarcopenia risk in cancer patients at the Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale” (Naples). Methods: Sarcopenia and malnutrition risks were assessed using the NRS-2002 and SARC-F questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and BIA. HRQoL was evaluated with the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. PCA and clustering analysis were performed to identify different BC profiles. Results: Data from 879 cancer patients (mean age: 63 ± 12.5 years) were collected: 117 patients (13%) and 128 (15%) were at risk of malnutrition and sarcopenia, respectively. PCA analysis identified three main components, and k-means determined three clusters, namely HMP (High Muscle Profile), MMP (Moderate Muscle Profile), and LMP (Low Muscle Profile). Patients in LMP were older, with a higher prevalence of comorbidities, malnutrition, and sarcopenia. In the multivariable analysis, age, lung cancer site, diabetes, and malnutrition risk were significantly associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia; among the clusters, patients in LMP had an increased risk of sarcopenia (+62%, p = 0.006). Conclusions: The NUTRISCREEN project, part of the ONCOCAMP study (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06270602), provides a personalized nutritional pathway for early screening of malnutrition and sarcopenia. Using an unsupervised approach, we provide distinct BC profiles and valuable insights into the factors associated with sarcopenia risk. This approach in clinical practice could help define risk categories, ensure the most appropriate nutritional strategies, and improve patient outcomes by providing data-driven care. Full article

(1) Background: Adolescence is a critical period in human life, particularly in relation to the development of a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity, body composition and adherence to healthy dietary patterns are key indicators for preventing adolescent overweight and obesity. The aim of this study is to explore the associations between systematic engagement in physical activity, dietary habits and body composition in a sample of Greek adolescents. (2) Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 292 adolescent volunteers, aged 12 to 18 years, from high schools in the Attica region (169 boys [57.9%] and 123 girls [42.1%]) participated. The participants’ socio-demographic characteristics and physical activity levels were assessed through self-reported questionnaires. Their dietary habits were evaluated using the KIDMED questionnaire, and their body composition was determined via bioelectrical impedance analysis. (3) Results: The majority of the students (80.8%) was involved in organized exercise, either as part of a team or in individual sports activities. Physically active participants had significantly improved body composition profiles compared to their non-active peers. No significant differences were observed in the KIDMED scores between boys and girls. However, significantly higher KIDMED scores were found in the group of physically active adolescents compared to the non-active group, with this difference being more pronounced among boys. (4) Conclusions: Engagement in organized physical activity is associated with healthier dietary choices, contributing to a more favorable overall lifestyle profile among adolescents. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study examines the relationship between visceral fat (VF), metabolic health, and dietary patterns in patients with obstructive bronchial diseases (OBDs) using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Methods: A total of 75 patients diagnosed with OBD, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and/or asthma, were assessed for VF levels via BIA. Dietary habits were evaluated using a structured questionnaire to explore their correlation with VF accumulation. Results: The study cohort comprised predominantly male participants (66.7%), with the majority aged between 61 and 70 years (46.7%). Significant gender differences in VF distribution were observed, with 60% of females maintaining normal VF levels (1–9) compared to only 28% of males, while 38% of males exhibited very high VF levels (15–30; p = 0.003). Body mass index (BMI) showed a strong correlation with VF (p < 0.0001), as overweight and obese individuals predominantly displayed elevated VF levels (≥10). Moreover, metabolic syndrome (MS) was present in 66.7% of participants, with these individuals exhibiting significantly higher VF levels compared to those without MS (p = 0.001). Dietary analysis revealed that frequent consumption of fast food (r = 0.717, p < 0.001), carbonated drinks (r = 0.366, p = 0.001), and refined carbohydrates (r = 0.438, p < 0.001) was significantly associated with increased VF accumulation. Conversely, higher intake of water (r = −0.551, p < 0.001), fruits (r = −0.581, p < 0.001), and vegetables (r = −0.482, p < 0.001) correlated with lower VF levels. Lack of physical activity was also strongly linked to VF accumulation (r = 0.481, p < 0.001), further reinforcing the role of lifestyle factors in metabolic health. Conclusions: The findings underscore the significant impact of dietary habits and physical activity on VF accumulation in OBD patients. BMI and MS emerged as critical predictors of VF, while unhealthy dietary patterns and sedentary lifestyles further exacerbated VF deposition. Elevated VF levels were linked to adverse lipid profiles, reinforcing the need for dietary and lifestyle modifications in managing metabolic health among OBD patients. Although no direct association was identified between VF and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), the results highlight the necessity of integrated nutritional and metabolic interventions in the management of chronic respiratory diseases. Full article

Background and Aims: Statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) is a frequent side effect of statin therapy, limiting its clinical use and increasing cardiovascular risk. Its relationship with muscle performance and quality is not completely understood. The aim of our study was to retrospectively assess the differences between body composition and muscle strength in patients with SAMS, compared with matched controls. Material and Methods: cardiovascular risk factors, lipid profile, and body mass index (BMI), were analyzed in 148 statin-intolerant (SI) and in 145 sex- and age-matched statin-tolerant (ST) patients attending a secondary-level outpatient lipid clinic. At the end of follow-up (mean 45 months), the evaluations were reassessed and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)-assessed body composition, and muscle quality (handgrip/skeletal muscle mass) were further determined. Results: At baseline, BMI, cholesterol, and triglycerides in SI were higher than in ST patients. During follow-up, SI patients underwent a further increase in BMI and low-density lipoproteins (LDL)-cholesterol remained significantly higher than in ST patients. At the end of the follow-up, BIA-assessed fat mass percentage was higher in SI than in ST. Handgrip absolute values or standardized for skeletal muscle mass (muscle quality) were significantly lower in SI patients (p < 0.001), but this was confirmed only in their non-dominant arm (p < 0.01 for all arms). Circulating creatine kinase levels, which was higher in SI patients at baseline (p < 0.001), remained higher in those who never restarted statins after re-challenge (p = 0.029). Conclusions: Statin intolerance is clinically associated with lower muscle quality, particularly in less exercised arms. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Childhood obesity and its associated complications are an emerging public health problem; thus, non-communicable chronic disease prevention should be implemented as early as possible. On the other hand, obesity management in children is a challenge in terms of achieving fat tissue reduction without any adverse outcomes on overall development. This is why close cooperation with young patients and their parents is crucial for success. Moreover, non-invasive but detailed monitoring guaranties insight in this process’s progress and safety. As obesity is a chronic disease with a tendency for recurrence, further follow-up should also be considered. Case Presentation: We present a case of a 10-year-old boy who was referred to a dietitian due to concerns about a diagnosis of obesity and metabolic complications including abnormal lipid profile and liver function. During the dietary consultation, body composition assessment with bioelectrical impedance analysis was conducted, which confirmed obesity. A detailed interview allowed for the identification of improper dietary patterns. The implemented lifestyle education and qualitative diet modifications led to fat mass reduction without any significant muscle loss after just one month. The metabolic profile was also improved. The patient remained under the care of a dietitian for the next 4 years with constant body composition monitoring, which enabled the relevant parties to address if body mass gain was a part of his normal development or if he suffered from obesity recurrence. The patient and his parents benefited from an individualized, patient-centered approach including dietary education, overall lifestyle modification, and detailed body composition monitoring. This way, the patient succeeded in fat content reduction with the constant assessment of the safety of this process. Moreover, the dietary education impacted the whole family’s lifestyle. Conclusions: This case emphasizes the role of body composition assessment in children. Obesity and metabolic complications resulting from an improper lifestyle can affect pediatric patients. Bioelectrical impedance analysis is a non-invasive tool that can improve the safety and effectiveness of nutritional interventions and could be included in routine pediatric obesity assessment. Full article

Background: Systemic inflammation and oxidative stress are fundamental contributors to the onset of conditions related to childhood obesity, such as cardiovascular (CV) diseases. We aimed to assess CV risk in childhood obesity by examining sex differences in adiposity indices, cardiometabolic profiles, inflammation, and oxidative stress biomarkers. We also aimed to assess the potential of the interferon-inducible T-cell alpha chemoattractant (I-TAC/CXCL11) as a novel biomarker. Methods: Eighty children (36 girls) aged 5–18 years with overweight, obesity, or normal weight were analyzed. Fasting blood samples were obtained to assess C-reactive protein (CRP), leukocytes, myeloperoxidase (MPO), adiponectin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, superoxide dismutase-1, I-TAC/CXCL11, and a comprehensive cardiometabolic profile, including glucose, lipid, renal, liver, and thyroid function markers. Adiposity indices were determined using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and anthropometric measures, including BMI, waist-to-hip and waist-to-height ratios, and visceral and subcutaneous fat thickness. Blood pressure (BP) and pulse wave velocity were also evaluated. Results: Girls had less central obesity and fewer CV risk factors than boys, despite having similar total fat mass. Both girls and boys with overweight or obesity showed higher CRP levels. Girls with excess weight had increased leukocyte counts, while boys had elevated MPO levels, which correlated positively with adiposity indices, systolic BP, and homocysteine, and negatively with HDL. I-TAC/CXCL11 levels were similar across groups. Conclusions: Adiposity indices are essential for evaluating CV risk in children and adolescents, with sex differences underscoring the need for tailored approaches. MPO correlated significantly with CV risk markers, supporting its inclusion in routine assessments. I-TAC/CXCL11 warrants further study in childhood obesity. Full article

A single-center, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial assessed the efficacy in improving body composition and in weight management of a dietary supplement consisting of 400 mg of a standardized extract of the persimmon fruit (Diospyros kaki L.f.) in adult subjects with a BMI between 25 and 34.99 kg/m² administered for 120 consecutive days. In total, 36 participants were assigned to the placebo group and 35 to the experimental group (registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05750342)). Primary analysis focused on overweight subjects (placebo, n = 26; experimental, n = 23). In this group, fat mass expressed in kg and percentage evaluated by both dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) decreased significantly (between-group differences p < 0.001) in those receiving the persimmon extract as compared with the placebo. No significant reduction in lean mass was observed, suggesting that the muscle mass was maintained during fat loss. The use of the investigational product improved classic anthropometric parameters to a statistically significantly greater extent than the placebo, including body weight, BMI, and waist and abdominal circumference (p < 0.001), in the overweight group. In the overall population, similar improvements were observed, with significant between-group differences (p < 0.001) in fat mass reduction and improvements in body composition. Changes in the biochemical lipidic, glycemic, and anti-inflammatory profile were not found, except for between-group significant differences (p < 0.001) in decreases in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) and increases in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in favor of the experimental condition. There was a significant increase in fecal fat excretion in the experimental group at the end of the study in subjects with low fecal fat (9%) at baseline. Consumption of the investigational product vs. placebo improved the quality of life, with significantly greater scores in the total score and the mental health component of the SF-12 questionnaire. The persimmon extract was safe and well tolerated. Full article

Background/Objectives: Using advanced methodologies may enhance athlete profiling. This study profiled morphological and laboratory-derived performance biomechanics by position of American-style football players training for the draft. Methods: Fifty-five players were categorized into three groups: Big (e.g., lineman; n = 17), Big–skill (e.g., tight end; n = 11), and Skill (e.g., receiver; n = 27). Body fat (BF%), lean body mass (LBM), and total body mass were measured using a bioelectrical impedance device. Running ground reaction force (GRF) and ground contact time (GCT) were obtained using an instrumented treadmill synchronized with a motion capture system. Dual uniaxial force plates captured countermovement jump height (CMJ-JH), normalized peak power (CMJ-NPP), and reactive strength. Asymmetry was calculated for running force, GCT, and CMJ eccentric and concentric impulse (IMP). MANOVA determined between-group differences, and radar plots for morphological and performance characteristics were created using Z-scores. Results: There was a between-group difference (F(26,80) = 5.70, p < 0.001; Wilk’s Λ = 0.123, partial η² = 0.649). Fisher’s least squares difference post hoc analyses showed that participants in the Skill group had greater JH, CMJ-NPP, reactive strength, and running GRF values versus Big players but not Big–skill players (p < 0.05). Big athletes had greater BF%, LBM, total body mass, and GCT values than Skill and Big–skill athletes (p < 0.05). Big–skill players had greater GCT asymmetry than Skill and Big players (p < 0.05). Asymmetries in running forces, CMJ eccentric, and concentric IMP were not different (p > 0.05). Morphological and performance biomechanics differences are pronounced between Skill and Big players. Big–skill players possess characteristics from both groups. Laboratory-derived metrics offer precise values of running and jumping force strategies and body composition that can aid sports science researchers and practitioners in refining draft trainee profiles. Full article

Body and anthropometric profiles of football players vary depending on the physiological and technical demands imposed by different positions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the body composition of professional soccer players in relation to their position on the field during a training macrocycle. The Direct Segmental Multi-Frequency Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis method was used to analyze 58 players at six key moments of the macrocycle. The results show that body profiles are adjusted to the specific demands of each position. Midfielders showed the lowest muscle mass, while defenders showed many notable changes. In general, as the season progressed, all field players experienced an increase in trunk body fat. Fat and lean mass values of goalkeepers differed greatly from the rest. The greatest variations in body composition were observed during pre-season and transition in relation to variations in training load and competitive intensity. The results suggest that the phase of the macrocycle has a greater influence on these variations, although the physical characteristics of each position are relevant. Understanding these dynamics allows for the design of more personalized and efficient training programs to optimize the performance of footballers according to their roles and each stage of the season. Full article