Search Results (1,567)

This study investigated seasonal changes in anthropometric characteristics, vertical and horizontal jump performance, 30 m sprint performance, estimated maximal aerobic capacity, and repeated-sprint ability in competitive youth soccer players across the preparation, mid-season, and end-season phases. A longitudinal repeated-measures design was employed over one competitive season. Anthropometric variables, vertical and horizontal jump performance, 30 m sprint performance, estimated VO₂max derived from the Vam-Eval field test, and repeated-sprint sets (2 × 5 × 20 m with 15 s recovery between sprints and 1 min between sets) were assessed at three time points. Significant seasonal changes were observed in anthropometric characteristics, with body mass and height increasing progressively and body fat percentage decreasing throughout the competitive season (F ≥ 12.0, p < 0.001, η_p² ≥ 0.32). Body mass increased from 64.1 ± 6.7 to 66.7 ± 6.8 kg, height from 1.69 ± 0.07 to 1.72 ± 0.07 m, and body fat percentage decreased from 11.3 ± 2.0% to 9.4 ± 1.8%. Peak height velocity (PHV) significantly influenced changes in body mass and height but not body fat percentage. Seasonal improvements were observed in several physical performance measures. Squat jump, standing long jump, 15 s repeated jump performance, 10- and 30 m sprint performance, estimated maximal aerobic speed, estimated VO₂max, and repeated-sprint performance changed significantly across the season (F ≥ 3.28, p ≤ 0.046, η_p² ≥ 0.11), whereas countermovement jump, five-jump test, and flying 20 m sprint performance remained unchanged. Estimated VO₂max and maximal aerobic speed improved from preparation to mid-season and were subsequently maintained. Repeated-sprint performance exhibited set-dependent seasonal adaptations, with significant Time × Set interactions indicating progressive improvements during the second repeated-sprint set, whereas the first set showed only transient improvements at mid-season. Significant PHV and Time × PHV effects were also observed for aerobic capacity and repeated-sprint performance. In conclusion, these seasonal variations likely reflect the combined influence of biological maturation, training exposure, and competitive demands rather than training effects alone. Full article

Background: Puberty in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is associated with increased insulin requirements, reduced insulin sensitivity, and changes in body composition. Objective: To evaluate body mass index (BMI) and body composition in children with T1D and compare the findings with data obtained 20 years earlier. Materials and Methods: This retrospective comparative study included two historical cohorts of children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) examined at the same tertiary diabetes center 20 years apart. A total of 293 participants were included: 145 age-matched children assessed in 2003 and 148 children assessed in 2023 (mean age 12.15 ± 4.42 years). Body mass index (BMI), fat mass (FM), and fat-free mass (FFM) were analyzed using bioelectrical impedance analysis, and the effects of insulin therapy, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), physical activity, and family history of obesity were evaluated. Results: Mean BMI in 2023 was 19.85 ± 4.47 kg/m²; 85.8% of participants had normal body weight, 6.0% were overweight, and 8.1% had obesity. Children with a family history of obesity had higher BMI values than those without such history (23.2 ± 6.0 vs. 19.4 ± 4.3 kg/m²; p < 0.05). The highest BMI values in both sexes were observed in patients with T1D duration of 5–10 years. Compared with 2003, contemporary prepubertal boys had higher BMI values. Higher FM percentages in girls compared with boys were preserved. CGM use was associated with lower HbA1c, lower insulin dose requirements, and lower BMI values (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: Significant sex- and time-related differences in BMI and body composition were identified in children with T1D. CGM use was associated with better metabolic control and a more favorable body composition profile. Full article

Background and Aims: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease and frequently improves after bariatric surgery. Conventional postoperative follow-up is mainly based on weight-loss outcomes, such as Body Mass Index (BMI), excess weight loss (EWL), total weight loss (TWL), and routine biochemical parameters, which may not fully characterize hepatic fat response. Ultrasound-derived fat fraction (UDFF) provides a quantitative non-invasive assessment of hepatic steatosis, while DXA-derived visceral adipose tissue (VAT) reflects central adiposity and metabolic risk. This study aimed to evaluate whether combined UDFF and DXA-VAT assessment provides complementary information to conventional bariatric follow-up parameters after bariatric surgery. Methods: We conducted a prospective longitudinal cohort study on 41 patients with severe obesity who underwent bariatric surgery between July 2025 and May 2026. Anthropometric, body composition, metabolic, hepatic, and biochemical parameters were assessed at baseline (T0) and 6 months postoperatively (T1). UDFF, utilizing a DAX ultrasound transducer, was used for hepatic steatosis assessment, while DXA was performed for VAT, android fat mass, total body fat percentage, and lean mass quantification. Correlation analyses, multivariable linear regression, and an exploratory clinical discordance analysis were performed. Results: At 6 months after surgery, patients showed significant improvements in body weight, visceral adiposity, insulin resistance, biochemical parameters, and hepatic steatosis. VAT reduction showed the strongest association with UDFF reduction, whereas conventional weight-loss outcomes, anthropometric, and metabolic parameters did not fully identify patients with residual steatosis. These findings suggest that hepatic fat improvement after bariatric surgery is more closely related to changes in visceral adiposity than to weight loss alone. Conclusions: Combined UDFF and DXA-derived VAT assessment may provide a practical dual-compartment imaging framework for postoperative MASLD monitoring. This approach captures both hepatic fat response and visceral adiposity remodeling, offering information that complements conventional bariatric follow-up based on weight-loss outcomes. Full article

Background: Obesity is a chronic condition that compromises health and quality of life, with physical exercise representing a relevant therapeutic strategy in its management. Functional training (FT) has been adopted as a modality that integrates neuromuscular and cardiorespiratory stimuli, promoting both physical and psychosocial benefits. However, gaps remain in the literature regarding the effects of FT on body composition in individuals with excess weight. In this context, a systematic review was conducted to analyze the current state of scientific knowledge on this approach. Methods: Randomized controlled clinical trials investigating FT were selected, including interventions classified as high-intensity functional training (HIIT-F), multicomponent programs, and CrossFit-like interventions when they fulfilled the predefined FT eligibility criteria. Participants were required to be between 18 and 65 years of age, physically independent, and in generally good health. The systematic search was conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PEDro, and LILACS databases. The risk of bias (RoB 2.0) and the certainty of the evidence (GRADE) were assessed. Results: A total of 2,972 records were identified. Seven studies met the eligibility criteria, comprising 296 participants. Two randomized controlled trials (61 participants) were eligible for meta-analysis. The pooled analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in body fat percentage (%BF) in favor of FT/HIIT-F compared with non-exercising controls (mean difference = −4.44 percentage points; 95% confidence interval −7.08 to −1.80; p = 0.001). Risk of bias assessment showed moderate methodological limitations across studies. None were classified as low risk. Three had high risk due to missing outcome data and deviations from intended interventions, whereas four showed some concerns related to allocation concealment and analysis reporting. Bias in outcome measurement was consistently low. Conclusions: Current evidence suggests that FT/HIIT-F may be associated with reductions in %BF among adults with overweight or obesity. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution because the certainty of the evidence was rated as very low according to the GRADE approach, the quantitative synthesis included only two studies, and important methodological limitations were identified. As the available data are predominantly derived from female participants, the applicability of these findings to men remains uncertain. Full article

Dance and reminiscence have each demonstrated positive outcomes in adults with dementia, yet few studies have examined their combined effects on apathy, particularly older male veterans. This pilot study investigated the preliminary effects of a seated dance with reminiscence intervention on apathy, mood, engagement, and physiological outcomes in older male veterans in a long-term care community. Fifteen males with dementia (82 ± 5 years) participated in a 12-week intervention of 17 seated dance sessions incorporating reminiscence. Apathy, grip strength, body fat percentage, and body mass index (BMI) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Mood and engagement were assessed pre- and post-session. Apathy significantly decreased from pre- to post-intervention, below the clinical cutoff of 42 (d = 2.20). Mood improved from pre- to post-session, with a higher mood associated with higher engagement. Grip strength improved significantly pre- to post-intervention (p = 0.018, d = 0.73), with nonsignificant changes in body fat percentage and BMI. In this single-group pilot study, seated dance combined with reminiscence was associated with preliminary improvement in apathy, mood, engagement and grip strength. Larger, controlled studies are needed to determine efficacy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] is common in pediatric overweight and obesity, but it remains unclear whether direct adiposity assessment adds information beyond an age- and sex-adjusted model containing BMI z-score and season. We tested whether DXA-derived total body fat percentage is associated with 25(OH)D and whether it adds explanatory power to that model. Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional data from 768 children/adolescents (10–18 years) with overweight/obesity. Anthropometry was available for all; DXA data for 489. The primary analysis used complete-case DXA data (n = 485). Vitamin D supplementation status was not available. Results: Participants with and without DXA were similar in age, sex, BMI z-score, and serum 25(OH)D, but blood sampling season differed (p < 0.001). Adding DXA-derived body fat percentage to the age- and sex-adjusted base model increased R² from 0.0498 to 0.0657 (ΔR² = 0.0159). Within the complete-case DXA subgroup (n = 485), DXA-derived total body fat percentage was inversely associated with 25(OH)D after adjustment for BMI z-score, season, age, and sex (B = −0.265; 95% CI, −0.448 to −0.082; p = 0.005). BMI z-score was significant in the base model but not after adjustment for DXA fat percentage. Conclusions: DXA-derived total body fat percentage added explanatory value for serum 25(OH)D beyond BMI z-score and season, but the incremental gain was small (ΔR² = 0.0159). The findings are consistent with BMI z-score acting as a less direct proxy for the adiposity compartment that DXA quantifies more specifically. Causal interpretation is precluded by the cross-sectional design, unknown supplementation status, and non-random DXA availability. Full article

Aim: Asprosin, a white adipose tissue-derived glucogenic adipokine, and spexin, a satiety-promoting neuropeptide, are dysregulated in obesity, yet their collective modulation by structured exercise and nutritional supplementation remains poorly characterized. This trial investigated the effects of 12 weeks of combined aerobic–resistance training, with and without taurine supplementation, on plasma asprosin, spexin, and body composition in obese men. Methods: Forty-four obese men (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) were allocated in a randomized, placebo-controlled, supplement-blinded design to control plus placebo (CON), taurine supplementation alone (SUP; 3 g/day), exercise plus placebo (EX), or exercise plus taurine (EX + SUP; n = 11 per group). The 12-week protocol combined aerobic training at 60% heart rate reserve (Karvonen formula) with progressive resistance training at 60% of one-repetition maximum, with load re-estimated every four weeks. Plasma asprosin and spexin were quantified by ELISA; body fat percentage (BFP) was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc correction and Cohen’s d effect size estimation were applied throughout. Results: Significant Group × Time interactions were detected for all five outcomes (all p < 0.05). EX + SUP generated the greatest reductions in plasma asprosin (Δ = −11.20 ng/mL, p < 0.001), body mass (Δ = −5.50 kg, p = 0.003), BMI (Δ = −1.80 kg/m², p = 0.002), and BFP (Δ = −4.90%, p < 0.001), together with the greatest elevation in plasma spexin (Δ = +0.29 ng/mL, p < 0.001); effect sizes were large across all EX + SUP outcomes (Cohen’s d = 1.17 to ≥1.87). CON showed no significant change in any variable (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: Combined aerobic–resistance training with taurine supplementation produced statistically superior, large-magnitude improvements in adipokine regulation and body composition relative to either modality in isolation, demonstrating greater improvements in the combined intervention group compared with either modality applied independently. Given the per-group sample of n = 11, these findings should be considered preliminary and exploratory; independent replication in larger, adequately powered trials is required before any clinical translation can be considered. Full article

Objectives: This cross-sectional study examined associations between field bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)-estimated body composition, handgrip strength, event-defined centre-of-pressure (CoP) variables, and short-range police precision-shooting accuracy. Methods: Fifty-seven Police Officer Training Course cadets completed body-composition assessment, handgrip testing, and five-shot Glock 19 pistol tasks at 5 and 7 m. CoP variables were extracted during an event-defined aiming phase and a fixed 1 s post-discharge phase. Results: Shooting accuracy was higher at 5 m than at 7 m (p < 0.001). Higher BIA-estimated fat mass percentage was associated with lower shooting accuracy at both distances (p < 0.050), whereas handgrip strength was not associated with accuracy. Compared with the aiming phase, the post-discharge phase was characterized by greater CoP velocity-related measures and lower CoP amplitude and displacement (p < 0.010); these phase comparisons should be interpreted with caution because of differences in phase duration. Associations between CoP variables and shooting accuracy were generally weak. Sex-adjusted exploratory fixed-entry regression models showed modest explanatory capacity after internal validation (5 m: adjusted R² = 0.281, LOOCV_R² = 0.240; 7 m: adjusted R² = 0.193, LOOCV_R² = 0.131). BIA-estimated fat mass percentage and AP peak velocity during aiming were retained across distances, but these model-based findings should be interpreted as exploratory candidate associations rather than stable predictors. Conclusions: These findings suggest that field BIA-estimated body composition and task-specific postural regulation may be related to police precision-shooting accuracy but should be interpreted as correlates rather than determinants of performance. Full article

Lower-limb strength asymmetries are common in handball players and may negatively influence athletic performance while increasing injury risk. This study examined the effects of a six-week unilateral compound training program on lower-limb strength asymmetry, isokinetic strength, the hamstring-to-quadriceps (H/Q) ratio, body composition, and physical performance in competitive female handball players. Thirty highly trained female handball athletes (age: 18.75 ± 1.91 years) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 14) or a control group (n = 16). The experimental group completed a unilateral compound training program consisting of unilateral resistance and plyometric exercises three times per week for six weeks, in addition to regular handball training, whereas the control group continued regular training only. Before and after the intervention, participants underwent assessments of body composition, isokinetic knee strength, bilateral strength asymmetry, H/Q ratios, 20 m sprint performance, change-of-direction (COD) ability, countermovement jump (CMJ), and single-leg CMJ performance. Significant group × time interaction effects were observed for body fat percentage, muscle percentage, muscle mass, knee flexor strength (both limbs), left knee extensor strength, bilateral quadriceps and hamstring asymmetries, H/Q ratios, sprint performance, COD performance, CMJ height, and single-leg jump performance (p < 0.05); the interaction for right knee extensor strength did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.072). The experimental group’s improvements coincided with substantial reductions in quadriceps (13.19% to 7.60%; −42.38%) and hamstring (16.65% to 7.83%; −52.97%) asymmetries, alongside changes in H/Q ratios, isokinetic strength, sprint performance (−4.68%), COD performance (−5.91%), CMJ height (+12.56%), and single-leg jump performance (+11.42–18.36%; partial η² = 0.19–0.46 across these primary outcomes). Given the relatively modest sample size, these percentage reductions should be interpreted with appropriate caution, as they may be subject to overestimation. Because the experimental group received three additional weekly training sessions relative to the control group, the observed improvements cannot be unambiguously attributed to the unilateral training modality itself, as opposed to the additional training volume. These findings suggest that adding a supplemental unilateral compound training program to regular handball training may improve lower-limb strength asymmetry and neuromuscular performance. However, because the intervention also increased total training volume, these effects cannot be attributed exclusively to the unilateral training modality itself. Full article

The countermovement jump (CMJ) is a common measure of lower-body power and neuromuscular performance. Incorporating an arm swing (AS) enhances CMJ outcomes, yet the contributions of anthropometrics, body composition (BC), and muscular power to performance are not fully understood in recreationally active adults. This study examined these factors in CMJ trials with and without AS. Thirty adults (15 males, 15 females; 18–25 years) performed CMJs on a force plate. Upper-body power was assessed via an 8 kg medicine ball throw, and lower-body power using a maximal cycling-based power test. Three-dimensional body scanning captured anthropometric data. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted for the total sample and by sex. Jump height and peak power were significantly greater with AS than without (p < 0.001). Strong positive correlations were observed among jump- and power-related variables (r = 0.73–0.92). Body fat percentage showed moderate-to-strong negative associations with relative peak power, particularly in females. Regression analyses revealed that BC accounted for the largest proportion of variance in AS Peak Power, whereas upper-body power did not provide additional predictive value beyond anthropometrics and BC. These findings indicate that CMJ performance may be influenced primarily by lower-body mechanical capacity and BC, with adiposity consistently reducing relative power output. The results underscore the importance of BC in explosive performance training and support the use of AS-restricted jumps to isolate lower-body power during performance assessments. Full article

Excess adiposity increases cardiovascular and cardiometabolic risks, while aquatic exercise may reduce mechanical barriers to participation. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined aquatic exercise training in individuals with overweight or obesity. PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched through to June 2026. Eight randomized controlled trials involving 295 participants were included. Random-effects meta-analyses showed increased VO₂ max (MD 3.70 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, 95% CI 2.49–4.90; p < 0.001) and lower resting heart rate (MD −1.47 beats/min, 95% CI −2.73 to −0.21), systolic blood pressure (MD −4.50 mmHg, 95% CI −7.05 to −1.94), diastolic blood pressure (MD −2.17 mmHg, 95% CI −4.11 to −0.22), triglycerides (MD −15.75 mg/dL, 95% CI −23.12 to −8.39), and fasting glucose (MD −7.82 mg/dL, 95% CI −12.48 to −3.16). No significant pooled effects were observed for total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, BMI, or body fat percentage. Evidence certainty ranged from low to very low. Aquatic exercise may improve selected cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes, although small samples and heterogeneity limit confidence. Future research must focus on high-quality RCTs to further confirm these findings. PROSPERO: CRD420261340445. Full article

(1) Background: Adolescence is a critical period for the development of health-related behaviors, including dietary habits and physical activity. This cross-sectional study examined the associations between participation in organized sports, nutrient intake, and body composition in a sample of Greek adolescents. (2) Methods: A total of 224 adolescents aged 12–18 years from schools in the Attica region, Greece, participated in the study. Physical activity and organized sports participation were assessed using a validated questionnaire. Body composition was estimated using bioelectrical impedance analysis, and dietary intake was evaluated using three-day self-reported food records analyzed with Cronometer^® nutrition analysis software. (3) Results: Boys had higher fat-free mass and basal metabolic rate and lower fat-mass percentage than girls. Organized sports participation was common and differed by sex, with boys reporting higher participation and greater adherence to physical activity recommendations than girls. Organized sports participation was associated with differences in selected nutrient intakes, particularly among late adolescents; however, several differences were attenuated when nutrient intake was standardized per 1000 kcal, suggesting that part of the observed pattern may reflect differences in total energy intake. (4) Conclusions: These cross-sectional findings suggest that age-defined adolescent stage and organized sports participation are associated with differences in sports involvement, body composition, and nutrient intake among Greek adolescents; however, causal relationships cannot be established, and the findings should be interpreted as associations. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study describes body composition, bone mineral density (BMD), and dietary intake in pediatric patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation compared to healthy children. Methods: In this prospective observational study, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to assess appendicular lean mass index (ALMI), fat mass index (FMI), fat mass percentage (FM%), and BMD, and a 4-day dietary record was used to assess dietary intake at 3 months and 1 year post-transplant. Healthy children were assessed once by the same methods. Results: We included 28 patients (mean 10.3 years, SD 4.0) and 50 healthy children (mean 10.0 years, SD 3.6). At 1 year, median Z-scores were lower for ALMI (−1.34 vs. 0.40, p < 0.001), higher for FMI (0.34 vs. −0.33, p < 0.012) and FM% (0.59 vs. −0.98, p < 0.001), lower for BMD total body less head (−1.0 vs. 0.3, p = 0.006), but similar for BMD spine compared to healthy children. At 1 year, 9/15 (60%) had ALMI Z-score ≤ −1, 6/15 (40%) had FMI Z-score ≥ 1, 5/15 (33%) had FM% Z-score ≥ 1, and 8/18 (53%) had BMD total body less head Z-score ≤ −1, and 3/15 (20%) had BMD spine Z-score ≤ −1. Dietary intake improved, and at 1 year, energy and protein intakes were comparable, fat, calcium, and vitamin D intakes were higher, but fiber intake remained lower in patients than in healthy children. Conclusions: Patients had a more unfavorable body composition and bone health. Dietary intake improved from 3 months to 1 year post-transplant. However, the results indicate a need for nutritional follow-up, particularly targeting protein, fat, fiber, calcium, and vitamin D. Full article

Background: Binge eating (BE) is frequently associated with negative emotional states, obesity, and physical inactivity. Although yoga may improve binge eating and emotional symptoms, its effects on physical fitness remain unclear. In contrast, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been demonstrated to effectively enhance physical fitness. This study compared the effects of low-volume HIIT (LV-HIIT), high-volume HIIT (HV-HIIT), and yoga on binge eating, negative emotional states, and physical fitness in female college students with binge eating. Methods: Fifty-five physically inactive female college students with binge eating (BES ≥ 18) were randomly assigned to LV-HIIT (n = 19), HV-HIIT (n = 18), or yoga (n = 18) for 8 weeks. The Binge Eating Scale (BES), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), body fat percentage, waist circumference, and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) were assessed before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using intention-to-treat linear mixed models, with per-protocol repeated-measures ANOVA as a supplementary analysis. Results: After 8 weeks of intervention, significant improvements over time were observed across all groups in binge eating, negative emotional states, and cardiorespiratory fitness (all p < 0.05). Waist circumference and body fat percentage did not change significantly in the ITT analysis. No significant time × group interaction effects were detected for any outcome (all p > 0.05), indicating that the improvements did not differ significantly among the LV-HIIT, HV-HIIT, and yoga groups. Conclusions: An 8-week intervention of LV-HIIT, HV-HIIT, and yoga was associated with improvements in binge eating behaviors, negative emotional states, and VO2max in inactive young women with binge eating, with no evidence of differential efficacy between interventions. LV-HIIT may be promising because of its shorter duration and higher adherence; however, this requires confirmation in larger trials. Full article

Weekend cyclists are individuals who engage in vigorous physical activity only on weekends, as opposed to those who exercise regularly during the week. Research suggests that concentrating physical training on one or two days may benefit heart health and metabolism, similar to exercising regularly. However, it remains unclear whether weekend cyclists exhibit similar adaptations in metabolic, performance, and muscle oxygenation markers. The aim of this study is to compare cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, cardiometabolic risk markers, muscle strength, and muscle oxygenation between cyclists who concentrated training on weekends and cyclists who distributed training across three or more days per week. In this study, we used an analytical, observational, non-experimental design that recruited 28 cyclists, divided into weekend cyclists (n = 14) and regular cyclists (n = 14). Body composition, blood tests, lower body strength, aerobic capacity, and muscle oxygen saturation were assessed. Results: Weekend cyclists exhibited lower VO₂max (36.7 ± 3.9 vs. 48.9 ± 6.3 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹), lower knee extension strength (3.16 ± 0.57 vs. 4.42 ± 0.83 Nm·kg⁻¹), and reduced ΔSmO₂ responses during exercise compared with regular cyclists (all p < 0.05). In addition, weekend cyclists presented higher body fat percentage (25.9 ± 3.8 vs. 17.2 ± 4.2%), greater waist circumference (90.5 ± 4.3 vs. 83.6 ± 5.1 cm), and lower HDL cholesterol levels (54.2 ± 8.4 vs. 64.1 ± 11.0 mg/dL). In conclusion, weekend cyclists have lower cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and reduced ΔSmO₂ responses during incremental exercise, along with higher levels of visceral fat and triglycerides, compared to those who train three or more days a week. The distribution and frequency of training within their workout plans were associated with differences in cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiometabolic markers. Full article