Search Results (68)

Background: Sarcopenia is a progressive muscle disease that compromises mobility and quality of life in older adults. Although dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the standard for assessing Appendicular Lean Mass Index (ALMI), it is costly and often inaccessible. This study aims to develop machine learning models using anthropometric measurements to predict low ALMI for the diagnosis of sarcopenia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 183 Mexican adults (67.2% women and 32.8% men, ≥60 years old). ALMI was measured using DXA, and anthropometric data were collected following the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) protocols. Predictive models were developed using Logistic Regression (LR), Decision Trees (DTs), Random Forests (RFs), Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), and LASSO regression. The dataset was split into training (70%) and testing (30%) sets. Model performance was evaluated using classification performance metrics and the area under the ROC curve (AUC). Results: ALMI indicated strong correlations with BMI, corrected calf girth, and arm relaxed girth. Among models, DT achieved the best performance in females (AUC = 0.84), and ANN indicated the highest AUC in males (0.92). Regarding the prediction of low ALMI, specificity values were highest in DT for females (100%), while RF performed best in males (92%). The key predictive variables varied depending on sex, with BMI and calf girth being the most relevant for females and arm girth for males. Conclusions: Anthropometry combined with machine learning provides an accurate, low-cost approach for identifying low ALMI in older adults. This method could facilitate sarcopenia screening in clinical settings with limited access to advanced diagnostic tools. Full article

Objectives: The primary aim of this single cross-sectional study was to identify the physical characteristics (anthropometric, somatotype, body composition) of orienteering athletes (OAs) and to compare them with nutrition knowledge (NK) and physical activity level (PAL). Methods: Data were collected from 58 subjects of seven countries, including Angola (n = 1), Brazil (n = 5), Poland (n = 1), Portugal (n = 26), South Africa (n = 1), Spain (n = 22) and Sweden (n = 2). The subjects included 10 elite (E) female (F) OAs [age: 25.5 ± 6.4 years, body mass: 59.5 ± 7.7 kg, stature: 168.1 ± 6.5 cm, body mass index (BMI): 21.0 ± 1.9 kg/m²], 13 E male (M) OAs (age: 24.3 ± 5.0 years, body mass: 65.0 ± 5.5 kg, stature: 175.1 ± 6.0 cm, BMI: 21.3 ± 2.2 kg/m²), 18 non-elite (NE) FOAs (age: 41.7 ± 10.3 years, body mass: 60.6 ± 8.5 kg, stature: 161.3 ± 11.7 cm, BMI: 23.4 ± 3.7 kg/m²), and 17 NEMOAs (age: 37.2 ± 14.6 years, body mass: 71.5 ± 14.2 kg, stature: 174.0 ± 8.8 cm, BMI: 23.6 ± 4.1 kg/m²). The participants were selected to ensure a diverse and representative sample of international-level orienteering athletes. Measurements were taken at two IOF world ranking events, the “Portugal “O” Meeting (POM)” and the “35° Trofeo Internacional Murcia Costa Cálida”, where only top-ranked orienteers compete. The selected participants from these seven countries were among the registered athletes in these international competitions. The OAs were measured according to the guidelines of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). NK was evaluated using the updated Abridged Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire (A—NSKQ). PAL was assessed using the short version of the self-reported International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Short Form (IPAQ—SF). Results: The percentage of body fat (p < 0.01) in MOAs was significantly lower than in FOAs. Endomorphy (p = 0.037) and mesomorphy (p = 0.025) in EOAs were significantly lower than in NEOAs, but ectomorphy (p = 0.038) was significantly higher. EMOAs are ectomorphic mesomorphs, while NEMOAs are balanced mesomorphs, EFOAs are central, and NEFOAs are endomorphic mesomorphs. Significant differences (p < 0.01) were also observed in sports nutrition knowledge (SNK) among EOAs and NEOAs, with the former group achieving a higher percentage of correct responses. In the case of total nutritional knowledge (TNK), EOAs of both sexes scored significantly higher (p = 0.043) than their NEOA counterparts. A significant negative correlation was also observed between percentage of body fat (%BF) and metabolic equivalent (MET) in minutes per week (min/week) (r = −0.39, p = 0.038), bone mass (BM) and MET-min/week (r = −0.40, p = 0.033), and endomorphy and SNK (r = −0.38, p = 0.045) in FOAs. Among MOAs, the most significant findings included a negative correlation between age and METmin/week (r = −0.49, p = 0.010), kilocalorie (kcal) per week (r = −0.46, p = 0.016), and SNK (r = −0.40, p = 0.029). Conclusions: The key findings indicate that EOAs have lower BF percentages and higher NK scores compared to NEOAs. These results on the physical characteristics of OAs and the score of PAL and classification of NK can be useful to coaches and sports scientists to improve orienteer’s performance. Full article

Kinanthropometry is the study of body dimensions and composition measurements, which are influenced by factors such as age and nutritional status, establishing a relationship between static measurements and dynamic performance. This study aimed to evaluate the kinanthropometric differences among 403 individuals (aged 18–42), categorized by biological sex and the recreational sport they practiced. The main objective of this study was to clarify whether or not there were statistically significant differences between these groups. All of the measurements and indices were obtained following the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) protocol. Significant differences were found in most variables among the different sports. In general, the men showed higher values in terms of weight, height, body circumference, body mass index (BMI), relative index of the lower limbs (RILLs), percentage of muscle mass (%M), and percentage of residual mass (%R). The women exhibited higher values in terms of skinfold thicknesses, Cormic index (CI), body density index (BDI), percentage of fat mass (%F), and percentage of bone mass (%B). These findings can guide individuals in selecting sports based on their morphotype, optimizing their physical performance in recreational activities and improving their health and quality of life. Full article

Outdoor fitness equipment (OFE) are strength training installations comparable to those found in indoor gyms but are located outdoors with greater accessibility. However, the scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness remains limited. The objective of this study was to analyze and compare the electromyographic (EMG) activity of upper limb muscle groups during the use of a traditional seated chest press (SCP) machine, a classic OFE SCP (OFE-SCP), and a new OFE-SCP featuring a load selector system (BIOFIT-SCP). The sample was composed of 34 active young men. EMG activity of five muscle groups was analyzed: the anterior deltoid (AD), the clavicular (CP) and sternal (SP) heads of the pectoralis major, and the lateral (LHTB) and long heads of the triceps brachii (LongHTB), under different intensities. The OFE-SCP showed significantly lower EMG activity compared with the SCP and BIOFIT-SCP in all muscles and phases (p < 0.001). Significantly lower EMG activity for the SP in all three phases was found on the BIOFIT-SCP compared with the SCP (p < 0.001), but it was significantly higher for the LHTB and AD in the BIOFIT-SCP compared with the SCP during the full and concentric phases (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). In conclusion, training with the OFE-SCP generates less EMG activity than traditional machine training, while, in general, BIOFIT-SCP proved effective for strength training comparable to the SCP. Full article

(1) Background: The kick of the ball in soccer is considered one of the most important technical gestures in soccer. Despite this, there is little evidence on ball-striking performance factors in base soccer. The main objectives of the present study were to identify the potential factors of long-ball kicking (LBK) performance and to determine the target training cut-off for LBK performance in young soccer players. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 31 soccer players, with ages ranging from 12 to 18 years. Age, anthropometric data, sport experience, range of motion (ROM) and maximal isometric strength (MIS) of the lower limb were noted. Kick-of-the-ball performance was assessed by maximum ball displacement per kick. A k-mean cluster analysis determined two groups according to ball-kicking performance: low group (LPG-LBK) and high group (HPG-LBK). (3) Results: Differences were found between both groups in age, body mass, body mass index, leg length and knee flexion ROM (BF10 ≤ 6.33; δ ≥ 0.86 (moderate or higher)). Among the factors discussed above, age was the strongest predictor of ball-striking performance (odds ratio = 2.867; p = 0.003). The optimal cut-off for age predicting those players most likely to have a higher ball-striking performance was determined to be 13.5 years (p = 0.001; area under the curve = 85.3%). (4) Conclusions: Age over 13.5 increases the chances of a higher optimal ball-striking performance. The flexibility (knee flexion ROM) and strength (knee flexors) must be specifically trained in soccer players beginning at an early age. Full article

This study aimed to provide reference values for anthropometric characteristics of elite male and female soccer players, considering a group of individuals from the general population as controls. The anthropometric profiles of 357 elite soccer players [184 males (age 24.3 ± 4.3 y) and 173 females (age 25.2 ± 5.1 y)] participating in the first Italian league (Serie A) and 363 subjects from the general population [188 males (age 24.2 ± 4.8 y) and 175 females (age 25.0 ± 5.1 y)] were measured according to the guidelines of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Reference percentiles for stature, body mass, circumferences, eight skinfolds (biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, supraspinal, abdominal, front thigh, and calf), breadths, and somatotype were calculated and stratified by player position and sex. No difference (p > 0.05) was found in age between the two groups. Soccer players showed lower values for the sum of the eight ISAK skinfolds than individuals from the general population of the same sex. This suggests lower adipose tissue, as indicated by a lower endomorphic component. The somatotype was endomorphic mesomorph and mesomorphic endomorph for the male and female individuals from the general population, respectively. The male soccer players were ectomorphic mesomorphs, while the females were balanced mesomorphs, defining a sport-specific morphology. This study provides sex- and role-specific anthropometric standards for elite soccer players. Raw anthropometric reference values may be useful for evaluating body composition without using any predictive equations or assumptions. Full article

Background: Soccer is a game in constant evolution and the intensity of play is increasing. Nutrition can play a role in the physical performance of elite players, maintaining their health and facilitating recovery. It is important to cover players’ energy demands, and low energy availability may therefore result in impaired performance. This study aimed to evaluate alterations in body composition to determine the effects of a nutritional program led by a sport nutritionist. Methods: A group of 88 elite soccer players from a Serie A club in Italy (44 males aged 26.5 ± 3.0 years and 44 females aged 27.1 ± 5.2 years) were enrolled. To evaluate changes in body composition, bioimpedance and anthropometric measurements were obtained following the protocol of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Results: Compared with females, males had more muscle mass and less fat mass in both seasons evaluated. Comparing the first and last seasons, the male soccer players showed increased muscle mass and decreased fat mass while the female soccer players only showed decreased fat mass. Conclusions: The presence of a specialist sport nutritionist on the staff of professional soccer clubs could be important to ensure energy availability and evaluate body composition during the season. Full article

Body composition is an important factor in a soccer player’s performance, and anthropometry is one of the most widely used methods of measurement. The physical demands of Spanish soccer have evolved over time, so the ideal body composition requirements must be adapted to the present day. The aim of this study was to describe the anthropometric and body composition profiles of professional soccer players in the second, second B, and third divisions during the 2019–2020 season in order to compare the anthropometric parameters of players among positions and competitive divisions. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine differences in kinanthropometric and derived variables in a sample of Spanish soccer players. A total of 615 soccer players from the second (116 players), second B (310 players), and third (189 players) divisions participated in this study. After comparing the groups according to the playing position and category, it was observed that at higher levels of play, soccer players show lower values of fat mass (FM) and higher values of muscle mass (MM) and bone mass (BM); at lower levels of play, soccer players show more anthropometric differences between playing positions. Lastly, the somatotype of the elite soccer player is balanced mesomorphic, with higher levels of mesomorphy at higher levels of play. In summary, this is the first study to evaluate the body composition of the different Spanish soccer divisions. Full article

The aim of the study was to investigate how phase angle (PhA) is associated with subtotal and lumbar spine bone mineral density [BMD], lean soft tissue mass [LSTM], total body fat mass, android and gynoid in children and adolescents with HIV according to sex. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Florianópolis, Brazil, involving 64 children and adolescents vertically transmitted with HIV. Resistance and reactance values were obtained using bioelectrical impedance analysis, and PhA was subsequently calculated. Dual emission X-ray absorptiometry was used to assess body composition. Antiretroviral medication, physical activity (accelerometers) and skeletal maturation (wrist-carpal radiography) were used in the adjusted model. In males, PhA was directly associated with subtotal BMD (βadj: 0.65; R²: 0.38, p < 0.01) and lumbar spine BMD (βadj: 0.53; R²: 0.22, p = 0.01), directly associated with LSTM (βadj: 0.76; R²: 0.46, p < 0.01), and inversely associated with gynoid fat (βadj: −0.47; R²: 0.2, p = 0.01), in adjusted models. In females, PhA was directly associated with subtotal BMD (βadj: 0.46; R²: 0.17, p < 0.01) and lumbar spine BMD (βadj: 0.48; R²: 0.19, p < 0.01). It is concluded that PhA was directly associated with subtotal and regional BMD, LSTM, and inversely with gynoid fat in boys with HIV. In girls, PA was directly associated only with subtotal and regional BMD. Full article

In order to maximize sports performance of team sportswomen, knowledge of the player’s characteristics in terms of different aspects and at different times of the season is needed. While the anthropometric and physical characteristics of men’s sports teams have been extensively studied, research on women’s basketball and volleyball is scarce. (1) Purpose: This study aims to contribute data about the anthropometric and physical characteristics of female basketball and volleyball players from elite women’s teams (age: 24.3 ± 2.7 years; playing experience: 14.825 ± 2.8 years) (n = 23) with a two-fold objective: (1) to describe and compare the anthropometric characteristics of these two disciplines; and (2) to identify possible differences in various parameters of sports performance depending on the discipline. (2) Methods: The anthropometric profile includes the measurements recommended by the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry; the performance tests described aerobic and anaerobic power exercises. (3) Results: The overall somatotype of the players was moderate mesomorphic and low endomorphic (5.107–3.046–1.883). Statistical differences were found between the improvement of the physical performance level of female basketball players (77%) and female volleyball players (10%) from the first to the last measurement, with better results in most of the performance tests (p < 0.05). The sum of skinfolds was higher in female basketball players (p > 0.05). The percentage of fat-free mass correlated with improvements in lower body strength. (4) Conclusion: Lean body mass is an important predictor of exercise performance intensity. Excess fat mass is detrimental to the development of strength and endurance. Full article

The previous scientific literature has shown how detrimental addictive internet and mobile phone use can be for the adolescent population. However, little is known about their influence on the physical activity, kinanthropometry and body composition, nutrition patterns, psychological state, and physical fitness of this population. For this reason, the objectives of this research were (a) to determine the differences in the physical activity level, kinanthropometric and body composition variables, adherence to Mediterranean diet (AMD), psychological state, and physical fitness according to gender and different levels of problematic use of the internet and mobile phones; and (b) to establish the differences in the physical activity level, kinanthropometric and body composition variables, AMD, psychological state, and physical fitness among adolescents when considering problematic use of the internet and mobile phones in combination. The sample consisted of 791 adolescent males and females between 12 and 16 years of age (1st to 4th course) from four compulsory secondary schools (404 males and 387 females; mean age: 14.39 ± 1.26 years-old; mean height: 163.47 ± 8.94 cm; mean body mass: 57.32 ± 13.35 kg; mean BMI: 21.36 ± 3.96 kg/m²). The physical activity level (baseline score: 2.64 ± 0.67), kinanthropometric variables and body composition, AMD (baseline score: 6.48 ± 2.48), psychological state (baseline life satisfaction: 17.73 ± 4.83; competence: 26.48 ± 7.54; autonomy: 25.37 ± 6.73; relatedness: 24.45 ± 6.54), and physical condition variables were measured. The results showed that adolescent males and females with problematic internet and/or mobile phone use presented a worse psychological state, but it is especially relevant to highlight that females also had a lower level of physical activity and AMD, with problematic mobile phone use being especially relevant, mainly in the psychological state of adolescents. In conclusion, problematic use of the internet and mobile phones can have detrimental effects on the level of physical activity, AMD, and psychological state of adolescents, with the differences found in females being particularly relevant. Full article

The individual and combined association between unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and body weight dissatisfaction in adolescents was investigated. This cross-sectional research used data from 676 students (348 female), aged between 14 and 19 years old (mean of 14.6 years old) from southern Brazil. Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and body weight dissatisfaction were assessed through a questionnaire. Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors included smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet, and were analyzed as individual factors and as combinations of behaviors. For males, smoking (OR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.6–4.0) and the combination of smoking/excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.1–5.8) were directly associated with the desire to reduce body weight, whereas the combination of smoking/inadequate diet (OR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.0–1.6) was associated with the desire to increase body weight. For females, the combinations of inadequate diet/physical inactivity (OR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.0–2.5) and of smoking/excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages (OR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.4–2.8) were directly associated with the desire to reduce body weight. The presence of simultaneous unhealthy lifestyle behaviors is associated with bodyweight dissatisfaction in adolescents. Full article

The aims of this research were to analyze the differences in kinanthropometric characteristics and physical performance as a function of biological maturation, as well as to analyze these differences with the inclusion of the covariates age, maturity offset and diet, and to know how the players were classified according to BMI z-score. Seventy-three handball players (mean age: 14.17 ± 0.61) underwent a kinanthropometric assessment, physical performance tests and self-completed the KIDMED questionnaire. The sample was divided into three groups based on age at peak height velocity (APHV). Significant differences were found for basic measurements, BMI, BMI z-score, Cormic Index, muscle mass, medicine ball throw and SJ jump (p < 0.000–0.048), with early maturers having the highest values. All covariates included had a determinant influence on the kinanthropometric characteristics (p < 0.000–0.014), and both age and maturity offset showed significant differences in most physical tests (p < 0.000–0.033), so these covariates should be considered in evaluations to predict the future performance of players. Finally, significant differences were found between the biological maturation groups in the distribution of the BMI classification, with the normal-weight grade being the predominant one. Full article

The performance of male soccer players (MSP) depends on multiple factors such as body composition. The physical demands of modern soccer have changed, so the ideal body composition (BC) requirements must be adapted to the present. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to describe the anthropometric, BC, and somatotype characteristics of professional MSP and to compare the values reported according to the methods and equations used. We systematically searched Embase, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science following the PRISMA statement. Random-effects meta-analysis, a pooled summary of means, and 95% CI (method or equation) were calculated. Random models were used with the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) method. Seventy-four articles were included in the systematic review and seventy-three in the meta-analysis. After comparing the groups according to the assessment method (kinanthropometry, bioimpedance, and densitometry), significant differences were found in height, fat mass in kilograms, fat mass percentage, and fat-free mass in kilograms (p = 0.001; p < 0.0001). Taking into account the equation used to calculate the fat mass percentage and ∑skinfolds, significant differences were observed in the data reported according to groups (p < 0.001). Despite the limitations, this study provides useful information that could help medical technical staff to properly assess the BC of professional MSP, providing a range of guidance values for the different BC. Full article

Anthropometry and kinanthropometry are sciences that measure variations in the physical dimensions and composition of the human body. There are studies that analyze these parameters individually, but we believe that it is much better to analyze them globally. We realized a multivariate analysis, to determine which variables could explain the profiles of the subjects depending on sex, lifestyle, and type of sports modality. We analyzed 25 variables in a population of 574 people aged between 18 and 42 years. A multivariate statistical analysis was performed using exploratory factor analysis, and then we obtained five differentiating variables: fat mass, muscle mass, bone mass, skinfolds, and robustness. We classified the population into sedentary lifestyle, amateur athletes with predominance of the upper and lower train, and amateur athletes with predominance mainly of the lower train, in an attempt to analyze the existence of statistical significance between them. Amateur athletes with a predominance of the upper and lower train have a higher Body Mass Index and a lower Relative Index of the Lower Limbs, in addition to greater muscle mass and robustness than those athletes with a predominance mainly of the lower train. The sedentary control group presented higher values in terms of skinfolds and fat mass. This work could help people to choose the best sport according to their morphotype, and also could be used to plan sports training to potentiate different body regions, injury recovery, selection of talented athletes, etc. Full article