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Generalized equations for predicting body density

Authors:

Abstract

1. Skinfold thickness, body circumferences and body density were measured in samples of 308 and ninety-five adult men ranging in age from 18 to 61 years. 2. Using the sample of 308 men, multiple regression equations were calculated to estimate body density using either the quadratic or log form of the sum of skinfolds, in combination with age, waist and forearm circumference. 3. The multiple correlations for the equations exceeded 0.90 with standard errors of approximately ±0.0073 g/ml. 4. The regression equations were cross validated on the second sample of ninety-five men. The correlations between predicted and laboratory-determined body density exceeded 0.90 with standard errors of approximately 0.0077 g/ml. 5. The regression equations were shown to be valid for adult men varying in age and fatness.
Br.
J.
Nufr.
(19781,
40,
497
497
Generalized equations for predicting body density
of
men
BY
A.
S.
JACKSON*
AND
M.
L.
POLLOCK?
Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina and Institute
of
Aerobics
Research, Dallas, Texas, USA
(Received
3
August
19-77
-
Accepted
28
February
1978)
I.
Skinfold thickness, body circumferences and body density were measured in samples
of
308
and ninety-
five adult men ranging in age from
18
to
61
years.
2.
Using
the sample of
308
men, multiple regression equations were calculated
to
estimate body density
using either the quadratic or log form of the sum of skinfolds, in combination with age, waist and forearm
circumference.
3.
The multiple correlations for the equations exceeded
0.90
with standard errors
of
approximately
+oao73
g/ml.
4.
The regression equations were cross validated on the second sample of ninety-five men. The corre-
lations between predicted and laboratory-determined body density exceeded
0.90
with standard errors of
approximately
0.0077
g/ml.
5.
The regression equations were shown
to
be valid for adult men varying in age and fatness.
Anthropometry is a common field method for measuring body density (Behnke
&
Wilmore,
1974).
BroZek
&
Keys
(1951)
were the first to publish regression equations with functions
of predicting body density with anthropometric variables. Subsequently, numerous investi-
gators have published equations using various combinations of skinfolds and body
circumferences.
The development of generalized equations for predicting body density from anthropo-
metric equations has been found to have certain limitations. First, equations have been
shown to be population specific and different equations were needed for samples of men
varying in age and body fatness. It was shown that with samples of men differing in age,
the slopes
of
the regression lines were homogeneous, but the intercepts were significantly
different (Durnin
&
Womersley,
1974;
Pollock, Hickman, Kendrick, Jackson, Linnerud
&
Dawson,
1976).
It was further shown that the slopes
of
the regression lines of young adult
men and extremely lean world class distance runners were not parallel (Pollock, Jackson,
Ayres, Ward, Linnerud
&
Gettman,
1976).
The differences of either slopes or intercepts
resulted in bias body density estimates. A related problem has been that linear regression
models have been used to derive prediction equations, when research has shown that a curvi-
linear relationship exists between skinfold fat and body density (Allen, Peng, Chen,
Huang, Chang
&
Fang,
1956;
Chen, Peng, Chen, Huang, Chang
&
Fang,
1975;
Durnin
&
Womersley,
1974).
This non-linear relationship may be the reason for the differences in
slopes and intercepts.
Durnin
&
Womersley
(1974)
logarithmically transformed the sum of skinfolds to create
a
linear relationship with body density, but still needed different intercepts to account for
age differences. The purpose of this investigation was to derive generalized regression
equations that would provide unbiased body density estimates for men varying in age and
body composition. Efforts were concentrated
on
the curvilinearity of the relationship and
the function of age
on
body density.
*
Present address: Department of Health and Physical Education, University of Houston, Houston,
Texas,
USA.
t
Present address
:
Cardiovascular Disease Section,
Mount
Sinai Medical Center, University of Wiscon-
sin, School of Medicine, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
17-2
498
A.
S.
JACKSON
AND
M.
L.
POLLOCK
Table
I.
Physical characteristics
of
the validations and cross-validation samples*
Validation sample Cross-validation sample
(n
308)
(n
95)
,.
7,
.,
Variable Mean
SD
Range Mean
SD
Age (year)
Height
(m)
Weight
(kg)
Body
density (g/ml)
Fat
(%It
Lean weight (kg)
Fat weight (kg)
Sum
7
skinfolds (mm)
Log
7
skinfolds (mm)
Sum
3
skinfolds (mm)$
Log
3
skinfolds (mm)
Waist circumference (m)
Forearm circumference
(m)
32.6 10.8
74.8
11.8
17'7 8.0
1.792
0.065
1.05E6 0.0181
63.9 7.4
14'5 7'9
122.6
52.0
59'4 243
4'70 0.49
3'98 0.49
0.871 0'097
0.288 0.019
I
8-6
I
1.63-2.01
54-
1
23
I
'01
61-1.0996
1-33
48-
100
1-42
3.47-5'61
14-1
18
32-272
2-64-4'78
0.67-1
'25
0'22-0'37
33'3
77.6
18.7
62.4
15.2
124.7
59'2
1.784
1.0564
4'7
I
3'95
0.874
0.287
11.5
0.059
11.7
0.0188
8.3
6.7
7'9
53'1
0.53
25'4
036
0'
I
0'02
I
Range
18-59
1.66-1.91
1.0259-1q98
1-33
47-81
1-31
31-222
3'43-5'40
10-111
2'30-471
0'244,'39
53-102
0.68-1.14
*
For explanation see p.
499.
t
Fat
(%)
=
[(4.95/BD)+4.5]
IOO
(Siri,
1961)
Fat
(%).
t:
Sum
of chest, abdomen and thigh skinfolds.
METHODS
A total of
403
adult men between
18
and
61
years of age volunteered as subjects. The
sample represented a wide range of men who varied considerably in body structure, body
composition, and exercise habits. The subjects were tested in one of two laboratories
(Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina and Institute for Aerobics
Research, Dallas, Texas) over a period of
4
years. The total sample was randomly divided
into a validation sample consisting
of
308
men and a cross-validation sample
of
ninety-five
subjects. The validation sample was used to derive generalized regression equations and
were cross-validated with the second sample. This procedure has been recommended by
Lord
&
Novick
(1968).
The physical characteristics of the two samples are presented in
Table
I.
Upon arrival at the laboratory, the subjects were measured for standing height to the
nearest
0.01
m
(0.25
in) and for body-weight to the nearest
10
g. Skinfold fat was measured
at the chest, axilla, triceps, subscapula, abdomen, supra-iliac, and thigh with
a
Lange
skinfold fat caliper, manufactured by Cambridge Scientific Industries, Cambridge, Mary-
land, USA.
Recommendations published by the Committee on Nutritional Anthropometry of the
Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council were followed in obtaining
values for skinfold fat (Keys,
1956).
A previous study (Pollock, Hickman
et
al.
1976)
showed
that waist and forearm circumference accounted for body density variance beyond skinfold
fat, and for this reason, were included jn this study. Waist and forearm circumferences
were measured to the nearest
I
mm with a Lufkin steel tape, manufactured by the Lufkin
Rule Company, Apex, North Carolina, USA. The procedures and location of the anthro-
pometric sites measured were shown and described by Behnke
&
Wilmore
(1974).
The hydrostatic method was used to determine body density. Underwater weighing was
conducted in a fibreglass tank in which a chair was suspended from a Chatillon
15
kg scale.
The hydrostatic weighing procedure was repeated six to ten times until three similar read-
ings to the nearest
20
g were obtained (Katch,
1968).
Water temperature was recorded
after each trial. Residual volume was determined by either the nitrogen washout
or
helium
dilution technique. The procedure for determining body density followed the method out-
Generalized body density equations
499
Table
2.
Regression analysis for predicting body density using the
sum
of
seven skinfolds in
adult men aged
18-61
yearst
F, ratio Standard regression
Degrees of Sum
of
Mean for statistical certificate for
Source of variance freedom squares square significance full model
Sum
of
seven skinfolds
Full model
Skinfold fat
Linear
Quadratic
Circumferences
Age
Waist
Forearm
Residual
0.084
I
8
0.07878
(0'07757)
(0'00121)
0'00279
0.00261
-
0.01612
0.01
684
0.03939
0,07757
0'00121
0'00279
0~00261
L
Log transformation of seven skinfolds
Full model
4
0.08425 0~02106 421.20*
-
Log skinfold fat
(I)
0.07706 0.07706 1541.20*
-
0.64
(I)
0.00284 0.00284 56.80*
-0.13
Age
-
-
-
-0.38
-
-
0.23
Residual
303
0.01605
0~00005
-
-
-
Circumferences
(2)
0.00435 0.00435 87~*
Waist
-
Forearm
-
-
*
P
<
0'01.
t
For details, see Table
I.
lined by Goldman
&
Buskirk
(1961).
Body density was calculated from the formula of
Broiek, Grande, Anderson
&
Keys
(1963)
and fat percentage according to Siri
(1961)
(see Table
I).
In
a
factor analysis study,
it
was shown (Jackson
&
Pollock,
1976)
that skinfolds measured
the same factor; therefore, the skinfolds were summed. The sum of several measurements
provides
a
more stable estimate of subcutaneous fat. A second sum consisting of
chest, abdomen and thigh skinfolds was also derived. These three skinfolds were selected
because of their high intercorrelation with the sum of seven and
it
was thought that they
would provide
a
more feasible field test. The sum of skinfolds were also logarithmically
transformed
so
that they could be compared with the work of Durnin
&
Womersley
(1974).
Regression analysis (Kerlinger
8t
Pedhazur,
1973)
was used to derive the generalized
equations. Polynomial models were used to test if the relationship between body-density
and the sum
of
skinfolds was curvilinear. 'Step-down' analysis was used to determine if
age, and then age in combination with the circumference measurements, accounted for
additional body-density variance beyond that attributed
to
the sum of skinfolds. The cross-
validation procedures recommended by Lord
&
Novick
(1968)
were followed to determine
if the equations derived
on
the validation sample accurately predicted the body density of
the cross-validation sample.
RESULTS
Table
I
shows that basic results derived from the validation and cross-validation samples
including natural log transformations of the sum of skinfolds. The standard deviations
and ranges showed that the men differed considerably in both age and body composition.
Tables
z
and
3
show the regression analysis using the sum of seven and sum of three skin-
500
A.
s.
JACKSON
AND
M.
L.
POLLOCK
Table
3.
Regression analysis for predicting body density using the
sum
of
three skinfoldst
Source of variance
Full model
Skinfold fat
Linear
Quadratic
Circumferences
Age
Waist
Forearm
Residual
Full model
Log skinfold fat
Circumferences
Age
Waist
Forearm
Residual
Sum of
squares
F, ratio Standard regression
Mean for statistical certificate for
square significance full model
Sum of three skinfolds
0.01691 338.20*
0~04000 800.00*
0.07943 1588.60*
000055
I
I.OO*
0'00220
44'00*
0.0011~ 23.40.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-1.11
-0.12
0.43
-
-0.31
0.19
-
0.01571
0~00005
-
Log
transformation
of
three skinfolds
0.08415 0~02104 420.80*
-
007614
0.07674 1534.80~ -0.62
om~248 0.00248 49'60*
-0.11
0.00493 0.00493 98.60*
-
-0.41
0.23
0.01626
0~00005
-
-
-
- -
-
-
-
*
P
<
0'01
t
For details,
see
Table
I.
folds respectively. The correlation between the sum of three and seven skinfolds was
0.98;
thus, the regression analyses for these variables were nearly identical. The full model
consisted of either the linear and quadratic or the log transformed sum of skinfolds in
combination with age, and body circumferences. The multiple correlations for these full
models were nearly identical, ranging from
0.915
to
0.9
18.
Regression equations for the
full models may be found in Table
4.
Since the full models were significant, the step-down analysis was conducted to determine
if
each variable accounted for
a
significant proportion of body-density variance. The first
analysis within the full model was to determine if the relationship between skinfold fat and
body density was linear or quadratic. This was found to be quadratic which supported the
findings of other investigators (Allen
et al.
1956;
Chen
et
al.
1975;
Durnin
&
Womersley,
1974).
Durnin
&
Womersley
(1974)
used a log transformation to form a linear relationship
between skinfold fat and body density. For this reason, only the linear relationship with
log transformed skinfolds was used.
Age was the next variable entered into the regression model and it accounted for a signifi-
cant proportion of body-density variance beyond the log-transformed
or
quadratic form
of skinfolds. Waist and forearm circumference were the last two variables entered into the
full model and these measures accounted for a significant proportion of body-density
variance beyond age and skinfold fat.
The standardized regression coefficients for the full model are presented in Tables
2
and
3.
The magnitude of these weights represented the relative importance of each variable with
the effects of the other variables held constant. These statistics showed that the linear and
quadratic components accounted for most of the body density variance. The negative
weighting of the sum of skinfolds and positive weighting of the squared sum
of
skinfolds
represent the quadratic relationship between body density and the sum of skinfolds. The
Generalized body density equations
501
Table
4.
Generalized regression equations
for
predicting body density
(BD)
of
adult men
ages
I
8-61
years*
Anthropometric Eauation
variables
S,P,
age
S,Sz,
age,
C
log
S,
age
log
S,
age,
C
S,S1,
age
(5)
Regression equation no. R
Sum of seven skinfolds
BD
=
1.1
IZOOOOO-0.00043499
(X1)+0.00000055
I
0.902
BD
=
1~10100000
-
0.00041
I
50
(X,)
+
0~00000069
(
X,),
z
0916
-0~00028826 (X3)
-0.0002~63I (X3)-0'0059239 (X4)+0.0190632
(X,)
BD
=
1'21394-0'03101 (log X,)-0~00029 (X3) 3 0.893
BD
=
1.17615-0.02394 (log
X,)-OQOOZZ (X,)
4 0'917
-0.0070
(X4)+0'02120
(X,)
Sum of three skinfolds
BD
=
1.1093800-0~0008267 (X,)+0~0000016
(X,)a
5
0'905
-0.0002574
(Xs)
BD
=
1.0990750-0.0008~09 (X2)+0~0000026
(A',),
6
0.918
BD
=
1,18860-0.03049 (log X,)-0~00027
(X,)
7
0.888
-00002017 (X3)-0*005675
(X,)
-t
0.018586
(X,)
BD
=
1.15737-0.02288 (log X,)-000019
(X,)
8
0,915
-0.0075
(xd)+O'OZ23
(XE.)
SE
0.0078
0'0073
0.0082
0.0073
0.0077
om72
0.0083
0.007
3
s,
Sum of skinfolds;
C,
circumference;
X,,
sum of chest, axilla, triceps, subscapula, abdomen, suprailium
and front thigh skinfolds;
X,,
sum of chest, abdomen and thigh skinfolds; X3, age;
X4,
waist circumference;
X,,
forearm circumference.
*
For details, see Table
I.
Table
5.
Cross-validation
of
generalized equations
on
the calibration sample (n
95)
Range of
SE
A
,
\
Variables Equation no.*
ryyf
SET
Age$ Fat§
S,S2,
age
I
0.915 0.0078 0~0064-0~0085 0~0066-0~0092
S,
Sa,
age,
C
2
0.915 00077 00057-0Oog4 00067-0.0084
log
S,
age 3 0.914 0.0078
oao55-0.0085
0.0054-0.oog1
log
S,
age,
C
4 0.913 0.0078 0.0061-0.0098 0~0064~~oog1
S,
S2,
age
5
0.917 0~x177 0~0066-0m83
0~00574~0087
S,
S2,
age,
C
6
0920
0.0076 00066-00092 oa~58-0~0087
Sum
of
seven skinfolds
Sum of three skinfolds
Log
S,
age 7 0.904
0.0085
0.0064-0.0112
0~00474'0102
log
S,
age,
C
8
0.910
0.0082
OfX357-0~0100
OC€&-O~oOg7
s,
sum of skinfolds;
C,
circumference;
ruvt,
correlation between predicted
(y')
and laboratory determined
*
For
details, see Table
4.
t
SE
=
2/[~(J"--Y)a/~1.
2
Age (years) categories
;
<
19.9, ZOe--299, 39'0-39'9, 40'0-49'9,)
50'0.
3
Fat
(%)
categories: <9.9, 10.0-14.9, 15c-19.9, 20.0-249,)
25.0.
b)
body
density.
positive weighting for waist and negative weighting for forearm is consistent with the results
reported by Katch
&
McArdle
(1973).
Table
4
lists selected raw score equations and the equation's multiple correlation and
standard error. The high multiple correlations are due partially to the heterogeneous sample
studied. However, the standard errors are low and well within the values reported by other
502
A.
s.
JACKSON
AND
M.
L.
POLLOCK
1.100
1.095
1.090
1.085
1.080
1.075
1.070
1.065
2
1,060
.-
1.055
1.050
1.045
8
1.040
1.035
1,030
1.025
1.020
1.015
1.010
.
0
-
+
-
'
+*
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
investigators (Katch
&
McArdle,
1973;
Pascale, Grossman, Sloane
&
Frankel,
1956;
Pollock, Hickman
et
af.
1976;
Sloan,
1967;
Wilmore
&
Behnke,
1969;
Wright
&
Wilmore,
1974)
who used more homogeneous samples.
The 'raw score' equations were applied to the anthropometric results
of
the cross-
validation sample. The cross-validation analysis is presented in Table
5.
The product
moment correlation between laboratory determined and estimated body density were all
higher than
0.90,
and the standard errors were within the range found with tte validation
sample results.
The cross-validation sample was then reduced first, to five age categories, and next,
to
levels
of
body fat content by five fat
(%)
categories. The ranges
of
standard errors for these
different categories are also presented
in
Table
5.
With the exception
of
the
log
equations,
none
of
the standard
errors
exceeded
O.OIOO
g/ml. Since these standard error estimates
were based on sample sizes that varied from ten to thirty-three cases, more variability was
expected. These analyses showed that the regression equations accurately predicted body
density for samples differing in age and fatness.
DISCUSSION
The findings
of
several studies (Durnin
&
Womersley,
1974;
Pollock, Hickman
ct
d.
1976)
showed that regression equations were population specific. The application
of
regres-
sion equations derived
on
one sample, but applied
to
other samples that differed in age and
fatness, produced biassed body density estimates. The findings of this study showed that
some of this bias may be attributed to the use
of
linear regression models because the
Generalized body density equations
503
relationship between skinfold fat and body density was quadratic. This is shown by the
‘scattergram’ between the sum of seven skinfolds and body density which is presented as
Fig.
I.
Both linear and quadratic regression lines are provided. The differences between the
two regression lines showed where the largest bias prediction errors would occur. This was
at the ends
of
the bivariate distribution. For example, the fat
(yo)
differences between the
linear and quadratic sum of seven skinfold equations for
250
and
40
mm of skinfold fat
were
2.9
and
1.3
fat
(yo)
respectively, while the difference was only
0.5
fat
(yo)
for
150
mm.
In
a previous study (Pollock, Jackson
et
al.
1976),
it was found that the slopes of the
regression lines of lean world-class distance runners and young adult men were not parallel.
The prediction of the body-density of the lean runner with linear equations derived on
a
sample of young adult men systematically underestimated the body density of these lean
subjects. This source of systematic error is documented by the differences between the linear
and quadratic regression lines shown in Fig.
I
and confirms the need for quadratic equations.
Jt has been shown that the intercepts of the regression lines of young adult men and older
(+
35
years) and fatter men were different (Pollock, Hickman
et
al.
1976).
Since the relation-
ship between body-density and skinfold fat was quadratic, the differences in intercepts
could be partly due to the use of linear regression equations. The results reported by
Durnin
&
Womersley
(1974)
showed, however, that age was also responsible for the inter-
cept differences. Durnin
&
Womersley
(1974)
used
a
logarithmic transformation of the
sum of four skinfolds. This transformation changed the quadratic relationship between
body density and the sum of skinfolds, in the ‘raw score’ form, into
a
linear relationship.
With male subjects who ranged from
16
to
59
years of age, they reported that the slopes for
samples divided by
10
year intervals were parallel, but had different intercepts. This would
result in biassed estimates due to age differences, thus Durnin
&
Womersley
(1974)
pro-
vided five different equations which had the same slope, but different intercepts.
The finding of this study, that age accounted for
a
significant proportion of body-density
variation beyond that attributed to quadratic or logarithmic sum of skinfolds agreed with
the findings reported by Durnin
&
Womersley
(1974).
They suggested that this age-
relationship may be due to
a
higher proportion of total body fat being situated internally
and a decrease in the density of fat-free mass. The decrease in fat-free mass was primarily
attributed to skeletal changes (Durnin
&
Womersley,
1974).
In the present study, the use
of age as an independent variable accounted for intercept difference, and eliminated the
need for several different age-adjusted equations. The cross-validation results documented
the accuracy
of
a
generalized equation for samples differing in age and fatness. The standard
errors found in these analyses are within the range reported by Durnin
&
Womersley
(1974).
Using
209
men who varied in age from
16
to
72,
Durnin
&
Womersley
(1974)
reported standard errors that ranged from
0.0059
to
0.0
I
17
g/ml for prediction equations
derived for similar age groups.
The multiple correlations for the generalized equations derived with the logarithmic
or
quadratic sum of skinfolds were nearly identical. The results of the cross-validation analysis
suggested that the quadratic equations were more accurate. The standard errors tended to
be lower for the total sample and less variable for the total sample and for the different
age and fat
(Oh)
categories. This was expecially true for the sum of three skinfolds.
The generalized equations provided valid and accurate body-density estimates with adult
men varying in age and fatness. The cross-validation of equations is important because one
is not certain that equations developed with one sample will predict body density with the
same accuracy when applied to the data of a different sample. The best evidence
is
pro-
vided by the standard error when the equation is cross-validated on the second sample. The
standard errors for the cross-validation analysis were low and nearly identical to the
standard errors found with the validation sample. This provided the strongest evidence
504
A.
s.
JACKSON
AND
M.
L.
POLLOCK
that the generalized equations were accurate and valid
for
use with adult men varying in
age and body density.
REFERENCES
Allen,
T.
H., Peng,
M.
T.,
Chen, K. P., Huang,
T.
F.,
Chang, C.
&
Fang, H.
S.
(1956).
Metabolism
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... Their Body weight and height were obtained with standard techniques to the nearest 0.1 kg and 0.1 cm, respectively. Body fat percentage was calculated from four skinfold measurements using a caliper (Hapenden Skinfold, Iceland) on the right side of the body [15] . ...
... Anthropometric characteristics: Body weight and height were obtained with standard techniques to the nearest 0.1 kg and 0.1 cm, respectively. Body fat percentage was calculated from four skinfold measurements using a caliper (Hapenden Skinfold, Iceland) on the right side of the body [15] . ...
... The body mass and height of the volunteers were measured using a Welmy brand scale (model W200/5 class III, Santa Bárbara d'Oeste, São Paulo, Brazil), with a precision of 0.1 kg and 0.1 cm. The percentage of body fat was measured using the seven-fold protocol [12] with an adipometer (cescorf, Innovare 4, Tristeza, Porto Alegre, Brazil). The skin folds were always measured by the same evaluator. ...
... It is important to note that tolerance to supplementation can be individual [10], along with its possible ergogenic effects [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. In this scenario, given that at present an individual analysis of the volunteers was not performed, it is possible that adopting different doses, possibly relativised by body mass, would lead to different results. ...
... Anthropometric measurements were performed twicebefore and after dietary intake. Following variables were measured for the assessment of morphological characteristics: body height, body mass, upper arm skinfold, back skinfold, chest skinfold, abdomen skinfold, suprailiac skinfold, thigh skinfold, axillary skinfold and fat percentage calculated from seven skinfolds using an algorithm (14). ...
... To estimate the body fat percentage, the general equation of body density (ρ) for men was used (14): ...
Article
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Research background In this study, we investigated the effects of soluble dietary fibre on improving neuromuscular and cardiovascular endurance and perception of fatigue in a closely monitored group of basketball players. Prebiotics have been sidelined in sports nutrition and their effect on performance remains poorly investigated and understood. Experimental approach Eighteen healthy male basketball players were divided into two groups; one received 17 g/day of soluble dietary fibre (Nutriose®) for four weeks and the other group received placebo. Their morphological characteristics, neuromuscular and cardiovascular endurance, and rating of perceived exertion according to the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale were assessed. Measurements were taken before supplementation and after four weeks of supplementation. Faecal samples were collected from all participants immediately before and after the supplementation period, their total DNA extracted and sent for amplicon sequencing. Results and conclusions In this study, fibre had no statistically significant effect on the vertical-type explosive power, no statistically significant effect on sprint-type explosive power, nor on aerobic and anaerobic endurance in the experimental group. Soluble fibre had a statistically significant effect on reducing the rating of perceived exertion of basketball players during the competitive part of the season (RPE 7.27±0.04 versus 8.82±0.81). This was confirmed by two-way ANOVA with replication, which showed that within-group interaction (p=0.0193), before and after dietary intake (p=0.0049), and between-group interaction before and after dietary intake (p=0.0313) had a significant effect on the result. The overall conclusion of the study is that soluble dietary fibre supplementation does not improve neuromuscular and cardiovascular endurance over a 4-week period. However, fibre supplementation could have a significant effect on reducing the rating of perceived exertion, as shown by the statistics. Both amplicon sequencing and subsequent bioinformatics results suggest that this could be the result of the beneficial effect on the intestinal microbiota and its metabolites. Novelty and scientific contribution This work highlights the importance of prebiotics in sports nutrition. Dietary fibre has been a neglected component of sports nutrition. This study demonstrated a statistically significant positive effect on the perception of fatigue, highlighting the need for further studies in this direction.
... For this purpose, Sanny® equipment was used, namely: a stadiometer, measuring tape, caliper, and adipometer, in addition to a Tanita® scale. To determine the fat percentage, the protocol by Jackson and Pollock (1978) 7 folds [14] and the physical evaluation software Avaesportes were selected. ...
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Introduction: Aging contributes to loss of functional mobility and quality of life, and, consequently, health complications and diseases incidence. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the strength levels of men (M) and women (W) for lower (LL) and upper (UL) limbs in different age groups to map the normative references of these profiles. Methods: 270 individuals, adults, and non-athletes, aged between 20 and 59 years old and residing in the metropolitan region of Vitória/ES, participated in the research. Separated into groups having 160 (M) and 110 (W), in the age groups between 20 to 29 years (A), 30 to 39 years (B), 40 to 49 years (C), and 50 to 59 years (D). Body composition assessment: body mass, height, perimeters, bone diameters, and skinfolds, using Sanny equipment and the fat percentage determination using physical assessment software, Jackson and Pollock protocol (7 skinfolds). Maximum isometric strength levels were assessed using a computerized digital dynamometer. Results: The assessed population shows a trend towards strength loss with age, especially from the 30-39 age group for men and women. Despite not being statistically significant, the data make the loss of strength evident. Notably, low levels can also be highlighted, following the references for functional health classification. Conclusion: The assessed population shows a tendency towards loss of strength with age, in addition to pointing out low levels of strength, according to the references for functional health classification.
... Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from body mass and body height. Percentage of body fat was calculated from measurements of skinfold thickness (Jackson & Pollock, 1978). To estimate the dimensions of the upper limbs, variables of arm length, wrist diameter, the length of the hand, planimetric parameter of the hand and arm span were used (Karisik et al., 2016). ...
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SUMMARY: The aim of this study was to determine influence of upper limbs on the ball throwing velocity. A total of 10 professional handball players (25.74±4.84 years) participated in this study. All of them were playing in the top Montenegrin professional handball league. The results obtained in this study shows that upper limbs have high influence on ball throwing velocity. This study provides normative data and performance standards for professional handball. Coaches can use this information to determine the type of anthropometric characteristics that are needed for handball. Anthropometric parameters such as arm length, wrist diameter, hand length and arm span are the most relevant aspects related to ball throwing speed, given that these parameters cannot be changed through training, they should be taken into account when discovering talents.
... All measurements followed the international Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (iSAK) standard. the equations proposed by Jackson and Pollock [18] and Jackson, Pollock and Ward [19] were used to calculate body density for men and women, respectively. the fat percentage was calculated using the equation of Siri [20]. ...
... If any measurement was >2mm different than the previous measure, a third thickness was taken. The Jackson and Pollock equation [19] was used to estimate body-fat percentage, and the same investigator took all measurements. ...
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Purpose: This study examined the effect of proximity to failure on hypertrophy, strength, and fatigue. We hypothesized strength gains would be superior in non-failure groups compared to those that include sets to momentary failure, while hypertrophy would be similar in all groups. Methods: 38 men were randomized into four groups (4-6 rating of perceived exertion-RPE per set, 7-9 RPE per set, 7-9+ RPE [last set taken to momentary failure], and 10 RPE per set) and completed an eight-week program. Back squat and bench press strength, muscle thickness, subjective fatigue, muscle soreness, and biomarkers (creatine kinase-CK and lactate dehydrogenase-LDH) were assessed. Results: Bench Press strength gains were comparable between the 4-6 RPE (9.05 kg [95% CI: 6.36, 11.76]) and 7-9 RPE (9.72 kg [95% CI: 7.03, 12.42]) groups, while outcomes in the 7-9+ (5.07 kg [95% CI: 2.05, 8.1]) and 10 RPE (0.71 kg [95% CI:-4.51, 5.54]) groups were slightly inferior. Squat strength gains were comparable between 4-6 RPE (13.79 kg [95% CI: 7.54, 19.92]) and 7-9 RPE (18.05 kg [95% CI: 12.28, 23.99]) groups, but data for 7-9+ RPE and 10 RPE are difficult to interpret due to poor feasibility of the protocols. For muscle hypertrophy, our data do not provide strong conclusions as to the effects of proximity to failure due to the large variability observed. The indices of fatigue were largely comparable between groups, without strong evidence of the repeated bout effect. Conclusion: These data suggest strength outcomes are comparable when taking sets to either a self-reported 4-6 RPE or 7-9 RPE, while training that includes sets to momentary failure may result in slightly inferior outcomes (i.e., 7-9+ and 10 RPE). However, the influence of proximity to failure on hypertrophy remains unclear and our data did not reveal clear differences between groups in any measure of fatigue.
... The total of these skinfold measurements was then used to calculate the comprehensive body fat percentage. Subsequently, this value was used to derive body density using the provided equations [18], [19]: = 1.112 -(0.00043499 × sum of skinfolds) + (0.00000055× square of the sum of skinfold sites) -(0.00028826 × age). ...
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Soccer elite players' nutrition is crucial to optimizing their performance and improving body composition. Currently, less is known about the correlation between added sugars, salt, and oil intake and body composition. The aim of this current study was to evaluate the impact of increased consumption of sugars, salt, and oil on the body mass index (BMI) and fat percentage of elite soccer players hailing from Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional, self-administered Saudi Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was collected from 81 young Saudi elite soccer athletes aged between 18 and 25 years, with a mean age of 19 years, to assess participants' food intake. Body fat percentage was determined through the measurement of skinfold thickness, while the BMI was computed for all participants, resulting in an average value of 22 kg/m². Our results showed that the total score indexes of sugar, salt, and oil intake were [0-4], [0-10], and [0-63], respectively. An evident and statistically significant correlation (P = 0.003) was noted between the sugar index and the BMI of the athletes, exhibiting an R-squared coefficient of 0.106. Moreover, a positive and significant relationship (P = 0.033) was found between salt intake and fat mass, with an R-squared value of 0.056. Our results suggest that elite soccer athletes should avoid overconsumption of added sugar, salt, and oil in order to improve body composition and enhance performance.
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Introdução: O aumento da gordura na região abdominal pode estar associado a diversas complicações metabólicas e doenças cardiovasculares. Exercícios físicos parecem reduzir a obesidade abdominal, entretanto faltam evidências conclusivas sobre quais tipos e intensidades de treinamento são mais eficazes. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar e comparar os efeitos dos exercícios aeróbico e resistido sobre a gordura abdominal de mulheres com excesso de peso. Métodos: O estudo incluiu 31 mulheres (19 grupo aeróbico e 12 grupo resisitido) de 44,5 ± 8,6 anos, com alto índice de gordura abdominal, não praticantes de exercício físico regular. O treinamento do grupo aeróbico (GA) incluiu caminhada e corrida em pista de atletismo e do grupo resistido (GR) exercícios com pesos. Os grupos realizaram de 50 a 70 minutos de exercícios, três vezes por semana, durante 10 semanas. Foram aferidos massa corporal, estatura, circuferência da cintura (CC), dobras cutâneas e calculados o índice de massa corporal (IMC) e a composição corporal nos períodos pré e pós treinamento. Resultados: Ambos os programas de exercícios promoveram diminuições significativas (p < 0,01) na CC (1,9% GA e 2,5% GR), no percentual de gordura corporal (2,3% GA e 3,1% GR) e dobra cutânea do abdome (6,6% GA e 6,8% GR), entretanto a massa corporal e o IMC não alteraram significativamente. Apesar do GR ter apresentado maiores reduções de CC, gordura subcutânea abdominal e percentual de gordura corporal que o GA, não houve diferença estatística entre os valores. Conclusão: Concluímos que tanto o exercício aeróbico como o resistido, realizados com intensidade moderada e duração de 150 a 210 minutos semanais, promovem diminuição da obesidade abdominal e ajustes positivos na composição corporal de mulheres com excesso de peso.
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Astorino, TA, Robson, T, and McMillan, DW. Classifying intensity domains from arm cycle ergometry differs versus leg cycling ergometry. J Strength Cond Res 37(11): 2192–2199, 2023—This study compared the distribution of exercise intensity domains in response to progressive leg cycle ergometry (LCE) and arm cycle ergometry (ACE). Seventeen active men and women (age and body fat = 26 ± 7 years and 18 ± 3%) initially performed graded exercise on each modality to assess maximal oxygen uptake (V̇ o 2 max) and peak power output (PPO). Using a randomized crossover design, they subsequently performed moderate intensity continuous exercise consisting of three 15-minute bouts at 20, 40, and 60% PPO on each modality. Gas exchange data (V̇ o 2 , V̇ co 2 , and V E ), respiratory exchange ratio, heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration (BLa), and perceptual responses were acquired. Only 2 subjects were classified in the same intensity domains across modalities, with LCE eliciting more subjects exercising at “vigorous” and “near-maximal” intensities than ACE. Time spent above 70 (22 ± 7 vs. 15 ± 8 minutes, d = 1.03) and 80 %HRmax (15 ± 6 vs. 9 ± 6 minutes, d = 1.04) was significantly greater with LCE vs. ACE. Compared with ACE, LCE revealed significantly higher ( p < 0.05) peak (94 ± 6 vs. 88 ± 9 %HRmax, d = 0.81) and mean HR (73 ± 6 vs. 66 ± 6 %HRmax, d = 1.20), V̇ o 2 (54 ± 5 vs. 50 ± 7 %V̇ o 2 max, d = 0.68), and BLa (5.5 ± 2.0 vs. 4.7 ± 1.5 mM, d = 0.48). The results exhibit that progressive leg cycling at identical intensities elicits a greater cardiometabolic stimulus than ACE.
The development of chemical analytic techniques during the early nineteenth century was followed closely by their application to biological materials. During the past century a number of fetal, and a few adult, carcasses have been chemically analyzed; until very recently, the results of these analyses formed the basis of our knowledge concerning body composition in man. The past 2 decades have witnessed an increasing interest in body composition, an interest fostered by the development of techniques suitable for use in living subjects. Early in 1959, at a conference held under the sponsorship of the Quartermaster Research and Engineering Command, these newer techniques were reviewed and discussed. The present volume represents the proceedings of this conference and includes some 19 presentations in all. The discussion centers about the chemical "dissection" of the body into 4 major components: water, fat, mineral, and nonosseous solids. Some of the techniques, such as measurement of
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1. Pigs growing from 20 to 60 kg live weight were given diets based on barley, weatings and fish meal, or starch, sucrose and groundnut meal or starch, sucrose and casein. Seventeen pigs were fitted with single re-entrant cannulas in the duodenum (posterior to entry of bile and pancreatic ducts), jejunum or terminal ileum and twenty-four non-cannulated pigs were used in a conventional digestibility trial. 2. The amounts of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and potassium passing through the reentrant cannulas and amounts excreted in the faeces were measured. These values were used to calculate the direction and extent of net movements of the five elements through the walls of the four parts of the digestive tract anterior to the collection sites. 3. The small intestine was the principal site of Ca and P absorption but there were differences between the diets in the relative importance of the regions anterior and posterior to the mid-jejunum. 4. Secretion of small amounts of Mg occurred in the anterior small intestine; the ileum and large intestine were the principal sites of net absorption. 5. There was a large net secretion of Na anterior to the duodenal cannulas and further secretion into the anterior small intestine with each diet. There were marked differences between diets in the amounts secreted but the ileal Na concentration was the same in each instance. Absorption occurred in the ileum and large intestine. 6. Secretion of small amounts of K was evident anterior to the duodenal cannulas and net absorption occurred in both parts of the small intestine with each diet.
Article
1. An experiment has been described in which pigs were fed rations containing four different levels of cellulose, each ration being fed successively at three different levels of water intake. The cellulose levels were superimposed on a highly digestible basal ration. 2. It appears that altering the level of water intake, while keeping the ration constant, has only a very limited effect on the level of faecal dry-matter percentage, and on the pattern of variation therein. 3. Further evidence is cited in support of the theories, advanced in a previous paper, relating to the influence of fibrous cellulose on water relationships in the digesta and faeces.
Article
1. Two experiments have been described in which pigs were fed different levels of fibrous cellulose superimposed on a highly digestible purified basal ration. These experiments involved 24 hr. faecal collections and ultimate slaughter of the animals, together with analysis of faecal material and gut contents. 2. The results of these experiments, together with those from experiments described in the previous paper in this series, have provided the basis for a discussion of the effects of adding bran and cellulose to pig rations, and of the influence of the progress of the residues of feeds through the digestive tract, on the pattern of excretion and the dry matter content of the faeces.
Article
1. Six pigs, four with caecal cannulae, were given diets containing 8% or 26% cellulose. Cannulation did not affect the digestibility of dry matter or cellulose. 2. Digestibility of cellulose, though variable, was higher for the 8%-cellulose diet. 3. Pigs on the 26%-cellulose diet had larger amounts of digesta in the caecum, and lower caecal retention times, than pigs on the 8%-cellulose diet. 4. Measurements of production rates of volatile fatty acids in the caecum indicated that only 2·7% and 1·9% of the apparent digestible energy of the 26%- and 8%-cellulose diets respectively came from the acids, and it was concluded that the caecum played only a small role in the breakdown of feed substances.
Article
1. Twelve blocks of six enzootic-pneumonia-free Large White litter-mate pigs were individually fed, wet, from 20 to 92 kg live weight on six different levels of feed intake. Four groups were fed according to scales based on live weight and two were fed on a ‘semi-ad libitum ’ system. One of the scales used was based on the ARC (1967) recommendations. 2. Pigs on ‘semi-ad libitum ’ feeding grew significantly faster than those on scale feeding although the feed: gain ratios were similar. Differences in performance between the four scale-fed groups were relatively small. 3. Although treatment differences in carcass measurements were in the main small, the commercial grading results favoured the carcasses from the scale-fed pigs. The firmness of backfat assessed by thumb pressure was reduced as the level of feeding was increased. 4. The results were compared with those obtained in a similar trial carried out at Shinfield in 1957 using pigs of a completely different genetic background. The general conclusions reached were similar in the two trials, that to obtain the most satisfactory overall results some form of controlled scale-feeding was necessary.
Article
The design and manufacture of plastic cannulae are described and the chief hazards associated with cannulated re-entrant fistulae in sheep are discussed.(Received April 17 1962)(Online publication October 1962)