Dimitris Vlachopoulos

• PhD University of Exeter
• Senior Lecturer at University of Exeter

Adolescence is a crucial period for bone development, and exercise can enhance bone acquisition during this period of life. However, it is not known how the different loading sports practiced can affect bone acquisition in adolescent male athletes. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine the 1-year longitudinal bone acquisition...

Purpose: Sports have different effects on bone development and effective interventions to improve bone health of adolescent athletes are needed. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of a 9-month jumping intervention on bone geometry and metabolism in adolescent male athletes METHODS: Ninety-three adolescent (14.1 years old) male...

Purpose: Considering the different loading and training characteristics of the sports practiced during growth, it is important to specify and categorize the bone and soft tissue adaptations in adolescent athletes. This study aimed to categorize ten different loading sports and a non-sport group and identify the differences in bone density and soft...

Considering physical activity (PA) volume and intensity may provide novel insights into the relationships of PA with bone, lean, and fat mass. This study aimed to assess the associations of PA volume, PA intensity distribution, including moderate‐to‐vigorous PA (MVPA) with total‐body‐less‐head bone mineral content (BMC), lean, and fat mass in child...

Background This study aimed to assess whether moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sport and exercise as a proxy measure of muscle and bone strengthening activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep were associated with total-body-less-head (TBLH) bone mineral content (BMC) and TBLH lean mass cross-sectionally and longitudinally from age 6 to...

OBJECTIVE Insulin resistance (IR) and dysglycemia can induce cardiac remodeling in adulthood, but little evidence exists with respect to cardiac remodeling in youth with and without evidence of new-onset glucose metabolic alterations. This study investigated whether changes in metabolic status from adolescence to young adulthood are associated with...

Background New approaches involving adolescents in designing and implementing interventions are an opportunity to improve healthy lifestyles. This study aims to describe and analyse the differences and similarities between the four country-specific (Greece, Spain, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom) co-created interventions through a Makeathon...

Introduction: The increasing prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases highlights the urgent need for practical interventions to mitigate their associated public health burden. Whey protein supplementation has emerged as a potential intervention for improving markers of cardiometabolic health. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to...

Background The actions required to achieve higher-quality and harmonised global surveillance of child and adolescent movement behaviours (physical activity, sedentary behaviour including screen time, sleep) are unclear. Objective To identify how to improve surveillance of movement behaviours, from the perspective of experts. Methods This Delphi S...

Introduction The term “Mediterranean lifestyle” has gained increasing prominence in recent years, yet a specific definition remains elusive. In response, the Mediterranean Lifestyle Medicine Institute Board of Directors convened a multidisciplinary panel comprising international experts and leaders in lifestyle medicine. Their goal was to review ex...

Background Obesity in adolescence has increased in the last decades. Adolescents fail to meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity (PA) and healthy diet. Adolescents with a low socioeconomic status (SES) particularly seem to have fewer healthy lifestyle behaviours. The European Science Engagement to Empower aDolescentS (SEEDS) project u...

This study aimed to explore the secular trend of healthy habits from childhood to adolescence and to assess associations with obesity and physical fitness (PF). Healthy habits such as physical activity (PA), screen time, and sleep and dietary habits were assessed through a self-completed questionnaire in a sample of 177,091 children and adolescents...

Background: Childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This systematic review aims to provide the first synthesis of observational and interventional studies on the relationship between diet and cardiovascular health in CCSs. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted for studies published betwee...

Background Sports practice during adolescence is important to enhance bone development, although it may provide different effects depending on the mechanical impact present in the sport. Besides, resistance training (RT) may also induce bone changes directly (via muscle contractions) and indirectly (via myokines). However, there have been no studie...

The study aims to examine the effect of the world’s largest school-feeding programme, the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) programme, on the changes in the underweight prevalence among school-children in India. Data from the Indian Human Development Survey (IHDS) Rounds 1 (2004–05) and 2 (2011–12) were utilized. The sample included individual-level information o...

Background: Bone health is remarkably affected by endocrine side effects due to paediatric cancer treatments and the disease itself. We aimed to provide novel insights into the contribution of independent predictors of bone health in young paediatric cancer survivors. Methods: This cross-sectional multicentre study was carried out within the iBo...

Introduction Improving healthy lifestyles of adolescents is challenging. Citizen Science is a way to engage them in the design and delivery of interventions, and may also increase their interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The Science Engagement to Empower aDolescentS (SEEDS) project aims to use an equity-lens, and e...

Background: Increasing evidence suggests that vitamin D is associated with pulmonary health, which may benefit children and young people diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (cypCF). Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to evaluate primary research to establish associations between 25OHD and pulmonary health in cypCF. Methods: Electronic data...

Two accelerometer metrics (intensity-gradient and average-acceleration) can be used to determine the relative contributions of physical activity (PA) volume and intensity for health, but it is unknown whether epoch length influences the associations detected. This is important when considering bone health, as bone is particularly responsive to high...

Purpose 1) To investigate the effectiveness of school-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) interventions in promoting health outcomes of children and adolescents compared with either a control group or other exercise modality; and 2) to explore the intervention characteristics and process outcomes of published school-based HIIT interventio...

Introduction We aimed to investigate whether the relationship between fat mass and bone mineral content (BMC) is mediated by insulin, leptin, adiponectin, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, testosterone and estradiol in children aged 9-11 years. Materials and Methods We utilised cross-sectional data from the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Childr...

Background: Cardiovascular diseases may originate in childhood. Biomarkers identifying individuals with increased risk for disease are needed to support early detection and to optimise prevention strategies. Methods: In this prospective study, by applying a machine learning to high throughput NMR-based metabolomics data, we identified circulatin...

Purpose: Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) positively influences bone mineral content (BMC) in prepubertal children, but it is unknown whether this relationship is partially mediated by free leptin index. The aim of this study was to examine whether the relationship between MVPA and total body less head (TBLH) BMC is mediated or modera...

This study aimed to identify the mediating effect of lean soft tissue (LST) in the association between somatic maturation and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) in adolescents by sex and sport participation. The sample included 558 adolescents (401 males, mean age of 14.0 years) that were practitioners of sports (11 sport modalities, n = 402) and a...

It is unclear how physical activity intensity and vitamin D status are related to bone health in prepubertal children. We found positive associations between vitamin D status and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity with bone in boys and girls. This highlights the importance of lifestyle factors for skeletal health prepuberty. Introduction: The...

Background: This study examined the effects of whey protein supplementation, compared with an isocaloric carbohydrate beverage and water, consumed immediately following an intense swimming trial on bone turnover in adolescent swimmers. Methods: Fifty-eight (31 female, 27 male) swimmers (14.1 ± 0.4 years) were stratified into three groups matched...

This study investigated the impact and non-impact sports on bone mineral density accrual in adolescents over 18 months. The impact sports were beneficial for bone health (accrual of bone density). In contrast, swimmers had similar or lower bone mineral density compared with the control group depending on the skeletal site.PurposeTo investigate the...

Background: New approaches on paediatric cancer treatment aim to maintain long-term health. As a result of radiotherapy, chemotherapy or surgery, paediatric cancer survivors tend to suffer from any chronic health condition. Endocrine dysfunction represents one of the most common issues and affects bone health. Exercise is key for bone mass accrual...

This study investigated the effects of a 10-month high-intensity interval-type neuromuscular training programme on musculoskeletal fitness in overweight and obese women. Forty-nine inactive females (36.4 ± 4.4 yrs) were randomly assigned to either a control (N = 21), a training (N = 14, 10 months) or a training-detraining group (N = 14, 5 months tr...

Background Recent research has proposed an association between desaturation during a six minute walking test (6MWT) and osteoporosis in an elderly group of individuals with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. A causative pathway through activation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) has been proposed. Commentary Queries regarding the stat...

Objective: To analyze the risk of bone traumatic fractures according to the engagement in sports, as well as to identify the potential impact of sports participation and traumatic fractures on health-care costs among adolescents. Methods: This is a longitudinal 12-month study of 285 adolescents of both sexes in Brazil. We assessed the occurrence of...

Context: primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) has been related to bone loss. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) cannot distinguish between trabecular and cortical bone compartments but the recently developed 3D-DXA software might overcome this issue. Objective: to examine the differences in DXA-derived areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and 3D-DXA...

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to (1) investigate the cross-sectional (baseline) and longitudinal (12 months) effects of football (weight-bearing sport), swimming and cycling (non-weight-bearing sports), and an active control group on bone turnover markers in adolescent males and (2) examine the effect of a 9-month progressive jumping in...

Objective: To assess the evidence regarding the differences in areal bone mineral density (aBMD) between children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF) compared with their healthy peers, based on data from longitudinal studies. Study design: We searched MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, the Cochrane Library, PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database), and...

We identified the determinants of 12-month changes of areal bone mineral density (aBMD), hip geometry and trabecular bone score (TBS) in adolescent male athletes. Changes in region-specific lean mass and the type of sport are the most consistent determinants in this population. Purpose This study aims to identify the determinants of 12-month chang...

This study demonstrates that a 9-month jumping intervention can improve bone mass gains and physical fitness performance in adolescent males participating in non-osteogenic sports, such as swimming and cycling. Purpose To examine the effect of a jumping intervention on bone mass, bone stiffness and fitness parameters in adolescents involved in dif...

Objectives: To describe differences in bone outcomes according to biological age in male athletes participating in osteogenic (OS) or non-osteogenic (NOS) sports. Design: Longitudinal (12-months). Methods: 104 adolescents (12-14years) were measured at baseline and after 1y: OS group (n=37 football or soccer players) and NOS group (n=39 swimmer...

Purpose: The present study aims to investigate the association between dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters and the intermethods agreement in active males. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, bone health (by DXA and calcaneal QUS), physical activity (by accelerometers), and anthropometrics measu...

Purpose: To examine the intermethods agreement of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and foot-to-foot bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to assess the percentage of body fat (%BF) in young male athletes using air-displacement plethysmography (ADP) as the reference method. Methods: Standard measurement protocols were carried out in 104 at...

Purpose: Τo investigate the effect of a complex, short-term strength/power training protocol on performance and body composition of elite early-adolescent soccer players. Methods: Twenty-two players (14-15 years) were randomly assigned to (a) an experimental (EG, n=12, participated in a 5-week training protocol with traditional multi-joint power...

Purpose: The influence of birth weight and length on bone mineral density and content later in life is unclear, especially in adolescence. This study evaluated the impact of birth weight and length on bone mineral density and content among adolescents. Methods: We included 961 participants from the population-based Fit Futures study (2010-2011)....

Purpose: Childhood fracture may be an early marker of skeletal fragility, or increased levels of physical activity (PA), which are beneficial for bone mineral accrual. This study investigated the association between a previous history of childhood fracture and adolescent bone mineral outcomes by various PA levels. Methods: We recruited 469 girls...

Objectives: Research investigating the longitudinal effects of the most popular sports on bone development in adolescent males is scarce. The aim is to investigate the effect of 12-month participation in osteogenic and non-osteogenic sports on bone development. Design: A 12-month study was conducted in adolescent males involved in football, swimmin...

Objective: the main aim was to evaluate associations between muscular fitness indices and bone outcomes, including hip geometry estimates in young males. Methods: one hundred twenty one males (13.1±0.1 years) were included: 41 swimmers, 37 footballers, 29 cyclists and 14 non-athletes. Lean mass, areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and hip structural...

Objective: the main aim was to evaluate associations between cardiorespiratory fitness and bone outcomes, including hip geometry estimates in young males. Methods: one hundred twenty one males (13.1±0.1 years) were included: 41 swimmers, 37 footballers, 29 cyclists and 14 non-athletes. Lean mass, areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and hip structura...

Adolescence is a crucial period for bone development and exercise can enhance bone acquisition. However, it is not known how the different loading sports practised can affect bone acquisition in adolescent male athletes. 116 adolescent males (12-14 years) were monitored 1 year: 37 swimmers, 37 footballers, 29 cyclists and 14 active controls. 37 swi...

Aim: This study investigated the associations between fitness indices and bone outcomes in young males. Methods: Data were collected between autumn and winter 2014-2015 on 121 males with a mean age of 13.1 ±0.1 years: 41 swimmers, 37 footballers, 29 cyclists and 14 non-athletes. Participants were recruited from athletic clubs and schools across So...

Purpose: Soft tissues, such as fat mass (FM) and lean mass (LM), play an important role in bone development but this is poorly understood in highly active youths. The objective of this study was to determine whether FM or LM is a stronger predictor of areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and hip geometry estimates in a group of physically active boys...

Purpose: The determinants of areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and hip geometry estimates in adolescent athletes are poorly understood. This study aimed to identify the determinants of aBMD and hip geometry estimates in adolescent male athletes. Methods: One hundred twenty one males (13.1±0.1 years) were measured: 41 swimmers, 37 footballers, 29...

The objective of the present study is to investigate the relationships between body composition, nutritional profile, muscular fitness (MF) and bone health in a sample of children and adolescents from Colombia. Participants included 1,118 children and adolescents (54.6% girls). Broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) was obtained as a marker of bone...

Purpose: Exercise is an effective approach for developing bone mass and adolescence is a key period to optimize bone health. However, sports specific training may have different effects on bone outcomes. This study examined the differences on bone outcomes between osteogenic (football) and non-osteogenic (swimming and cycling) sports and a control...

Adults demonstrate an upregulation of their pro- and anti-oxidant mechanisms in response to acute exercise while systematic exercise training enhances their antioxidant capacity, thereby leading to a reduced generation of free radicals both at rest and in response to exercise stress. However, less information exists regarding oxidative stress respo...

Sports specific training may have different impact on bone outcomes, and adolescence is a key period to optimize bone health. The aim was to examine hip differences on bone outcomes between osteogenic (football) and non-osteogenic (swimming and cycling) sports in adolescent males. One hundred twenty one males (13.1±0.1 years) volunteered to partake...

Calcium, vitamin D and exercise are recognized as important factors for bone health in children and adolescences. In this chapter, we discussed the potential independent and combined effects of calcium, vitamin D and exercise on bone health in children and adolescents. The beneficial effects of calcium in relation to vitamin D and exercise were fou...

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease associated with high morbidity, mortality and increased economic costs. Early prevention during adolescence appears to be one of the most beneficial practices. Exercise is an effective approach for developing bone mass during puberty, but some sports may have a positive or negative impact on bone mass accrual. Ply...

Background Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease associated with high morbidity, mortality and increased economic costs. Early prevention during adolescence appears to be one of the most beneficial practices. Exercise is an effective approach for developing bone mass during puberty, but some sports may have a positive or negative impact on bone mass a...

Objectives: High-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) may offer a time efficient means to improve health outcomes compared to moderate-intensity exercise (MIE). This study examined the acute effect of HIIE compared to a work-matched bout of MIE on glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity (IS), resting fat oxidation and exercise enjoyment in adolescent...