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Objectives: To evaluate body composition, fat distribution, and metabolism at rest and during exercise in premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women., Methods: This cross-sectional study in 72 women ages 35 to 60 years evaluated body composition via a fourcompartment model, fat distribution using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry-derived android to gynoid ratio, metabolic measures via indirect calorimetry, and lifestyle factors using surveys. One-way analyses of variance and one-way analyses of covariance covaried for age and hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone) were used to compare groups., Results: Body fat percent was significantly lower in premenopausal than perimenopausal women (mean difference ± standard error: - 10.29 ± 2.73%, P = 0.026) despite similarities in fat mass and fat-free mass between groups (P≥0.217). Android to gynoid ratio was significantly lower in premenopausal than perimenopausal women (MD ± SE: -0.16 ± 0.05 a.u., P = 0.031). Resting energy expenditure was similar between groups (P = 0.999). Fat oxidation during moderate intensity cycle ergometer exercise was significantly greater in premenopausal than postmenopausal women (MD ± SE: 0.09 ± 0.03 g/min, P = 0.045). The change in respiratory exchange ratio between rest and moderate intensity exercise was significantly lower in premenopausal women than peri- (MD ± SE: -0.05 ± 0.03 a.u., P = 0.035) and postmenopausal women (MD ± SE: -0.06 ± 0.03 a.u., P = 0.040). Premenopausal women reported significantly fewer menopause symptoms than peri- (MD ± SE: -6.58 ± 1.52 symptoms, P = 0.002) and postmenopausal participants (MD ± SE: -4.63 ± 1.52 symptoms, P = 0.044), while similarities between groups were observed for lifestyle factors including diet and physical activity (P>0.999)., Conclusions: Perimenopause may be the most opportune window for lifestyle intervention, as this group experienced the onset of unfavorable body composition and metabolic characteristics., Video Summary: http://links.lww.com/MENO/A932., Competing Interests: Financial disclosures/conflicts of interest: None reported., (Copyright © 2022 by The North American Menopause Society.)

Purpose: To determine body composition, energy availability, training load, and menstrual status in young elite endurance running athletes (ATH) over 1 year, and in a secondary analysis, to investigate how these factors differ between nonrunning controls (CON), and amenorrheic (AME) and eumenorrheic (EUM) ATH. Correlations to injury, illness, and performance were also examined., Methods: Altogether 13 ATH and 8 CON completed the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire. Anthropometric, energy intake, and peak oxygen uptake assessments were made at 4 time points throughout the year: at baseline post competition season, post general preparation, post specific preparation, and post competition season the following year. Logs of physical activity, menstrual cycle, illness, and injury were kept by all participants. Performance was defined using the highest International Association of Athletics Federations points prior to and after the study., Results: ATH had significantly lower body mass (P < .008), fat percentage (P < .001), and body mass index (P < .027) compared with CON, while energy availability did not differ between ATH and CON. The Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire score was higher in ATH than in CON (P < .028), and 8 ATH (vs zero CON) were AME. The AME had significantly more injury days (P < .041) and ran less (P < .046) than EUM, while total annual running distance was positively related to changes in performance in ATH (r < .62, P < .043, n < 11)., Conclusions: More than half of this group of runners was AME, and they were injured more and ran less than their EUM counterparts. Furthermore, only the EUM runners increased their performance over the course of the year.

Herbal products and supplements use by athletes has increased over the past decade. One such item being polyphenols. These are reported to reduce weight and modify body composition, which could aid athletes in many sports. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to determine the effect of 6 weeks supplementation with carob, a naturally occurring polyphenol, on body composition and aerobic capacity in youth taekwondo athletes. Twenty-three taekwondo athletes (21.9 ± 1.2 years; 1.64 ± 0.03 m; 67.4 ± 17.3 kg;BMI: 22.8 ± 5.5 kg/m 2 ) participated in a short-term (6-week) double-blind randomized design parallel fully controlled training study (pre-to-post measurements): Supplemented group (SG), n = 11;placebo group (PG), n = 12. Body composition, aerobic capacity, heart rate and RPE were analyzed before and after 6 weeks of carob rich polyphenol ingestion. Significantly greater decreases in weight were observed for SG and PG (-2.82% and - 0.51%respectively) with differences between groups (p < 0.001). No significant differences were reported in percentage body fat and muscular volume between groups. Our results revealed an improvement of aerobic performance score and RPE with differences between groups. A cute polyphenol supplementation seemed to be effective in reducing body weight and improving aerobic performance in athletes., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O 2 max), fractional utilization of V̇O 2 max during running, and running economy (RE) are crucial factors for running success for all endurance athletes. Although evidence is limited, investigations of these key factors indicate that East Africans' superiority in distance running is largely due to a unique combination of these factors. East African runners appear to have a very high level of RE most likely associated, at least partly, with anthropometric characteristics rather than with any specific metabolic property of the working muscle. That is, evidence suggest that anthropometrics and body composition might have important parameters as determinants of superior performance of East African distance runners. Regrettably, this role is often overlooked and mentioned as a descriptive parameter rather than an explanatory parameter in many research studies. This brief review article provides an overview of the evidence to support the critical role anthropometrics and body composition has on the distance running success of East African athletes. The structural form and shape of these athletes also has a downside, because having very low BMI or body fat increases the risk for relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) conditions in both male and female runners, which can have serious health consequences.

Adipocytokines are signaling molecules released by adipose tissue with numerous functions, including regulation of metabolism, inflammatory process, and body mass. They are particularly interesting in youth, considering the rising prevalence of overweight/obesity and the linkage of this condition to inflammation. This chapter examines the relationship between body composition and select adipocytokines: leptin, adiponectin, IL-6, TNF-α, and resistin, in overweight, normal weight and anorexic youth. Leptin, which stimulates energy expenditure and promotes satiety, is highest in overweight youth, followed by normal weight and lastly anorexic youth. Adiponectin has similar functions to leptin but is negatively correlated with measures of body composition. Anorexic youth have the highest adiponectin per kg fat mass, followed by normal weight and overweight. Conversely, IL-6 is positively associated with body composition; however, research in anorexic youth is inconclusive. It has some pro-inflammatory effects and promotes glucose and fat use, therefore beneficial for maintenance of normal weight status. TNF-α is also a pro-inflammatory adipocytokine thought to be somewhat protective against cancer. TNF-α is highest in overweight, followed by normal weight and anorexic youth, similar to leptin. Finally, resistin is also involved in the pro-inflammatory response and the development of insulin resistance. However, far less research exists on this adipocytokine and its relation to body composition in overweight or anorexic youth is equivocal. In conclusion, several consistent relationships exist regarding adipocytokines and body composition; however, there is a need for additional research on these relationships in youth especially at extremes of adiposity such as overweight and anorexics., (Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

During adolescence, little is known about the relationship between leptin and metabolic hormones and how these are modified by body composition and exercise. This study determined: 1) the relationships between leptin, triiodothyronine, cortisol, and insulin, and 2) whether these relationships were modified by body composition and exercise. Fasting hormonal concentrations were assessed from 80 girls and 80 boys, aged 11-18 yr. In a multiple regression model, including the hormones and gender, only gender and insulin were significant predictors of leptin (R2 = 0.394; p <0.001). In a second model, including body fat and exercise, the levels of body fat, gender, free triidothyronine and cortisol explained 59.6% of the variance in leptin (p <0.05). The results suggest that in adolescents, the relationship between leptin and insulin is mediated by body fat. Leptin is negatively associated with cortisol in boys and with thyroid hormones in girls; these hormones possibly interact to sustain normal growth and maturation.

Background: Strength training (ST) primarily enhances physical fitness (e.g., muscle strength, power, speed) and bone density in female soccer players. Less information is available on the injury preventive effects of ST in female athletes. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week in-season ST on measures of physical fitness and injury occurrence in young elite female soccer players. Methods: Thirty elite female soccer players (15.4 ± 1.9 years; maturity offset + 2.3 ± 1.1 years) participated in this study, and were randomly assigned to a strength training group (STG, n = 14) or an active control (CG, n = 16) group. ST lasted twelve weeks and included full body muscle strengthening exercises using primarily weight machines at progressive intensities ranging between 40 and 85% of the one-repetition-maximum (1-RM). The CG practiced a traditional soccer training program. Overall, training volumes of the two groups were similar with a training load (rating of perceived exertion × time) of 1158.4 ± 67.7 arbitrary unity (AU) for the STG and 1188.8 ± 44.1 AU for the CG. Pre and post training, the following physical fitness tests were applied: dynamic muscle strength (relative [to body mass] and absolute 1-RM bench/leg press, lat-pull down), jump performance (countermovement jump [CMJ], squat jump [SJ], five-jump-test [5JT]), linear-sprint speed (5-m, 10-m, 30-m), change-of-direction speed (T-test with and without ball), sport-specific performance (Yo-Yo Intermittent Level1 [YYIRTL1], and repeated shuttle sprint ability [RSSA]). The injury rate per 1000-h exposure was monitored throughout the soccer season. Results: No significant baseline differences were observed between groups. Statistically significant group-by-time interactions were found for absolute (p < 0.001, d = 2.59) and relative 1-RM bench press (p < 0.001, d = 2.39), absolute 1-RM lat-pull down (p < 0.001, d = 1.68), and relative 1-RM leg press (p < 0.001, d = 1.72). Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for CMJ (p = 0.005, d = 1.27), RSSAmean (p = 0.007, d = 0.81), and RSSAtotal (p < 0.001, d = 1.90). Post-hoc tests indicated that the STG group demonstrated greater improvements in all tested variables compared to CG (1.2 < d < 2.5). However, no significant interaction effects were noted for measures of linear sprint speed and YYIRTL1 performance. Additionally, non-contact injuries during the season were significantly lower (p = 0.003, d = 1.31) in the STG (0.48/1000 h of exposure) than the CG (2.62/1000 h of exposure). Conclusions: Twelve weeks of an in-season ST resulted in larger physical fitness improvements and fewer injuries compared with an active control in elite young female soccer players. Accordingly, ST should be systematically applied in female soccer to enhance performance and prevent injuries. Key Finding: This study showed that the incorporation of 12 weeks of strength training with two weekly sessions during the soccer season improves anthropometric and body composition characteristics as well as measures of physical fitness in adolescent elite female soccer players. Strength training reduces the incidence of non-contact injuries in young female soccer players. The usage of strength training machines is safe in elite young female soccer players with no previous experience in weightlifting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low energy availability, particularly when problematic (i.e., prolonged and/or severe), has numerous negative consequences for health and sports performance as characterized in relative energy deficiency in sport. These consequences may be driven by disturbances in endocrine function, although scientific evidence clearly linking endocrine dysfunction to decreased sports performance and blunted or diminished training adaptations is limited. We describe how low energy availability-induced changes in sex hormones manifest as menstrual dysfunction and accompanying hormonal dysfunction in other endocrine axes that lead to adverse health outcomes, including negative bone health, impaired metabolic activity, undesired outcomes for body composition, altered immune response, problematic cardiovascular outcomes, iron deficiency, as well as impaired endurance performance and force production, all of which ultimately may influence athlete health and performance. Where identifiable menstrual dysfunction indicates hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis dysfunction, concomitant disturbances in other hormonal axes and their impact on the athlete's health and sports performance must be recognized as well. Given that the margin between podium positions and "losing" in competitive sports can be very small, several important questions regarding low energy availability, endocrinology, and the mechanisms behind impaired training adaptations and sports performance have yet to be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Both strength and endurance training are included in global exercise recommendations and are the main components of training programs for competitive sports. While an abundance of research has been published regarding concurrent strength and endurance training, only a small portion of this research has been conducted in females or has addressed their unique physiological circumstances (e.g., hormonal profiles related to menstrual cycle phase, menstrual dysfunction, and hormonal contraceptive use), which may influence training responses and adaptations. Objective: The aim was to complete a systematic review of the scientific literature regarding training adaptations following concurrent strength and endurance training in apparently healthy adult females. Methods: A systematic electronic search for articles was performed in July 2021 and again in December 2022 using PubMed and Medline. This review followed, where applicable, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The quality of the included studies was assessed using a modified Downs and Black checklist. Inclusion criteria were (1) fully published peer-reviewed publications; (2) study published in English; (3) participants were healthy normal weight or overweight females of reproductive age (mean age between > 18 and < 50) or presented as a group (n > 5) in studies including both females and males and where female results were reported separately; (4) participants were randomly assigned to intervention groups, when warranted, and the study included measures of maximal strength and endurance performance; and (5) the duration of the intervention was ≥ 8 weeks to ensure a meaningful training duration. Results: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria (seven combined strength training with running, four with cycling, and three with rowing or cross-country skiing). These studies indicated that concurrent strength and endurance training generally increases parameters associated with strength and endurance performance in female participants, while several other health benefits such as, e.g., improved body composition and blood lipid profile were reported in individual studies. The presence of an "interference effect" in females could not be assessed from the included studies as this was not the focus of any included research and single-mode training groups were not always included alongside concurrent training groups. Importantly, the influence of concurrent training on fast-force production was limited, while the unique circumstances affecting females were not considered/reported in most studies. Overall study quality was low to moderate. Conclusion: Concurrent strength and endurance training appears to be beneficial in increasing strength and endurance capacity in females; however, multiple research paradigms must be explored to better understand the influence of concurrent training modalities in females. Future research should explore the influence of concurrent strength and endurance training on fast-force production, the possible presence of an "interference effect" in athletic populations, and the influence of unique circumstances, such as hormone profile, on training responses and adaptations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low energy availability (LEA) occurs inadvertently and purposefully in many athletes across numerous sports; and well planned, supervised periods with moderate LEA can improve body composition and power to weight ratio possibly enhancing performance in some sports. LEA however has the potential to have negative effects on a multitude of physiological and psychological systems in female and male athletes. Systems such as the endocrine, cardiovascular, metabolism, reproductive, immune, mental perception, and motivation as well as behaviors can all be impacted by severe (serious and/or prolonged or chronic) LEA. Such widely diverse effects can influence the health status, training adaptation, and performance outcomes of athletes leading to both direct changes (e.g., decreased strength and endurance) as well as indirect changes (e.g., reduced training response, increased risk of injury) in performance. To date, performance implications have not been well examined relative to LEA. Therefore, the intent of this narrative review is to characterize the effects of short‐, medium‐, and long‐term exposure to LEA on direct and indirect sports performance outcomes. In doing so we have focused both on laboratory settings as well as descriptive athletic case‐study‐type experiential evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Well programmed strength and conditioning training is an indispensable part of the long-term training process for athletes in individual and team sports to improve performance and prevent injuries. Yet, there is a limited number of studies available that examine the effects of resistance training (RT) on muscular fitness and physiological adaptations in elite female athletes. Objectives: This systematic review aimed to summarize recent evidence on the long-term effects of RT or combinations of RT with other strength-dominated exercise types on muscular fitness, muscle morphology, and body composition in female elite athletes. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in nine electronic databases (Academic Search Elite, CINAHL, ERIC, Open Access Theses and Dissertations, Open Dissertations, PsycINFO, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus) from inception until March 2022. Key search terms from the MeSH database such as RT and strength training were included and combined using the operators "AND," "OR," and "NOT". The search syntax initially identified 181 records. After screening for titles, abstracts, and full texts, 33 studies remained that examined the long-term effects of RT or combinations of RT with other strength-dominated exercise types on muscular fitness, muscle morphology, and body composition in female elite athletes. Results: Twenty-four studies used single-mode RT or plyometric training and nine studies investigated the effects of combined training programs such as resistance with plyometric or agility training, resistance and speed training, and resistance and power training. The training duration lasted at least 4 weeks, but most studies used ~ 12 weeks. Studies were generally classified as 'high-quality' with a mean PEDro score of 6.8 (median 7). Irrespective of the type or combination of RT with other strength-dominated exercise regimens (type of exercise, exercise duration, or intensity), 24 out of 33 studies reported increases in muscle power (e.g., maximal and mean power; effect size [ES]: 0.23 < Cohen's d < 1.83, small to large), strength (e.g., one-repetition-maximum [1RM]; ES: 0.15 < d < 6.80, small to very large), speed (e.g., sprint times; ES: 0.01 < d < 1.26, small to large), and jump performance (e.g., countermovement/squat jump; ES: 0.02 < d < 1.04, small to large). The nine studies that examined the effects of combined training showed significant increases on maximal strength (ES: 0.08 < d < 2.41, small to very large), muscle power (ES: 0.08 < d < 2.41, small to very large), jump and sprint performance (ES: 0.08 < d < 2.41, small to very large). Four out of six studies observed no changes in body mass or percentage of body fat after resistance or plyometric training or combined training (ES: 0.026 < d < 0.492, small to medium). Five out of six studies observed significant changes in muscle morphology (e.g., muscle thickness, muscle fiber cross-sectional area; ES: 0.23 < d < 3.21, small to very large). However, one study did not find any changes in muscle morphology (i.e., muscle thickness, pennation angle; ES: 0.1 < d < 0.19, small). Conclusion: Findings from this systematic review suggest that RT or combined RT with other strength-dominated exercise types leads to significant increases in measures of muscle power, strength, speed, and jump performance in elite female athletes. However, the optimal dosage of programming parameters such as training intensity and duration necessary to induce large effects in measures of muscular fitness and their physiological adaptations remain to be resolved in female elite athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine how different resistance training protocols affect gremlin 1, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), cardiometabolic, and anthropometric measures in obese men. Forty-four males with obesity (weight: 93.2 ± 2.2 kg, BMI: 32.9 ± 1.2 kg/m2, age: 27.5 ± 9.4 years) were randomly assigned to traditional resistance training (TRT, n = 11), circuit resistance training (CRT, n = 11), interval resistance training (IRT, n = 11) or control (C, n = 11) groups. TRT group performed ten exercises at 50% of 1RM with 14 repetitions for three sets and 30 seconds rest interval between exercises and 1.5 min rest between sets, the CRT protocol included three circuits of 10 exercises, at an intensity of 50% of 1-RM, 14 repetitions with a minimum rest (< 15 s) between exercises and 3 min rest between sets, and the IRT group performed two sets of the same exercises with 50% of 1 RM, and 14 repetitions were followed with active rest of 25% of 1RM and 14 repetitions. All resistance training groups performed 60 min per session resistance exercises, 3 days per week, for 12 weeks. Measurements were taken at baseline and after 12 weeks of exercise training. Resistance training (TRT, CRT, and IRT) significantly decreased plasma levels of gremlin (TRT from 231.0 ± 5.8 to 210.0 ± 11.6 ng/ml, CRT from 226.0 ± 7.6 to 188.0 ± 7.7 ng/ml and, IRT from 227.0 ± 6.3 to 183.0 ± 9.0 ng/ml, effect size (ES): 0.50), MIF (TRT from 251.0 ± 7.4 to 260.0 ± 6.5 ng/ml, CRT from 248.0 ± 10.9 to 214.0 ± 9.0 ng/ml and, IRT from 247.0 ± 8.9 to 196.0 ± 6.9 ng/ml, ES: 0.55) and CRP (TRT from 28.4 ± 1.7 to 23.3 ± 2.1 nmol/l, CRT from 28.5 ± 2.2 to 21.1 ± 1.8 nmol/l, IRT from 28.1 ± 1.3 to 20.8 ± 1.3 nmol/l, ES: 0.49) compared to the control group (p <.05), but these reduction were greater in the CRT and IRT groups compared to the TRT group (p <.05). The CRT and IRT protocols had more beneficial improvement in gremlin 1, MIF, body composition, and cardiometabolic risk factors compared to the beneficial changes produced by TRT protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the effects of different intensities of interval resistance training (IRT) protocols on the levels of select myokines (decorin, follistatin, myostatin, activin A, transforming growth factor beta-1 [TGF-β1]), and cardiometabolic and anthropometric measures in males with obesity. Methods: Forty-four obese males (age: 27.5 ± 9.4 yr.; height: 165.4 ± 2.8 cm; weight: 97.9 ± 2.6 kg and BMI: 35.7 ± 4.3 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to one of four groups (n=11 per group): low-intensity interval resistance training (LIIRT), moderate-intensity interval resistance training (MIIRT), high-intensity interval resistance training (HIIRT) or control (C). The LIIRT group performed 10 exercises in 3 sets of 40% (20 repetitions), the MIIRT group performed 10 exercises in three sets of 60% (13 repetitions), and the HIIRT group performed 10 exercises in three sets of 80% (10 repetitions) of one maximum repetition (1RM), which were followed with active rest of 20% of 1RM and 15 repetitions. The resistance training groups exercised ~70 min per session, 3 days per week, for 12 weeks. Measurements were taken at baseline and after 12 weeks of exercise training. Results: Baseline levels of myokines, cardiovascular risk factors, anthropometry, body composition, and cardio-respiratory fitness were not different between the four groups (p>0.05). The group x time interactions for decorin, activin A, follistatin, myostatin, and TGF-β1, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density cholesterol (HDL), low-density cholesterol (LDL), anthropometry, body composition, and cardio-respiratory fitness were statistically significant (p<0.05). There were increases in post-test values for decorin, follistatin, HDL (p<0.05) and decreases in TC, TG, TGF-β1, LDL, and myostatin levels in the LIIRT, MIIRT, and HIIRT groups compared to pretest values (p<0.05). Changes in fat mass, VO2peak, HDL, TG, glucose, activin A, decorin were not significant in LIIRT compared to the control group, while changes in activin A, follistatin, and TFG-β1 levels were greater in HIIRT and MIIRT groups compared to the LIIRT group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The LIIRT, MIIRT, and HIIRT protocols all produced beneficial changes in decorin, activin A, follistatin, myostatin, and TGF-β1 levels, and cardiometabolic risk factors, with greater effects from the MIIRT and HIIRT protocols compared to LIIRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effects of 12 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on selected circulating adipokines and other cardiovascular diseases risks factors in men with obesity. Thirty men with obesity (age: 24.96±3.11 year, BMI: 30.92±1.04 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to HIIT and control groups. The HIIT group participated in a 12-week HIIT program (5×2 min interval bout at an intensity of 85–95% HRmax interspersed by 1 min passive recovery, three times per week), while the control group maintained their usual lifestyles. Blood lipids, insulin resistance, and select serum adipokines were assessed before and after 12 weeks of the intervention period. HIIT improved body composition and lipid profiles (p<0.05) and also decreased fasting insulin levels (p=0.001) and HOMA-IR (p=0.002) levels. Furthermore, HIIT increased levels of lipocalin-2 (p=0.002) while decreasing omentin-1 levels (p=0.001) in men with obesity. Changes in lcn2 and omentin-1 concentrations correlated with the changes in risk factors in the HIIT group (p<0.05). The results indicate that 12 weeks of supervised HIIT significantly improves both circulating concentrations of lcn2 and omentin-1, two recently described adipokines, and risk markers of cardiovascular diseases in men with obesity. Further research is necessary to understand the molecular mechanisms involved with these changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this case series was to evaluate the presence of low Energy Availability (EA) and its impact on components of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) in a population of female collegiate runners. Seven female NCAA Division I athletes (age: 22.3 ± 1.5 yrs; height: 169.7 ± 5.7 cm; weight: 58.3 ± 4.1 kg) were tracked from August until February, covering the beginning (Pre XC), end (Post XC) of their competitive cross country season, and beginning of the following track season (Pre Track). The athletes were assessed for female athlete triad (Triad) risk, energy availability, body composition, resting metabolic rate (RMR), nutritional intake, and blood markers (including vitamin D, ferritin, and triiodothyronine (T3)). From Pre XC to Post XC there were no significant differences in body mass, fat free mass or body fat percentage. At Pre XC, mean EA was 31.6 ± 13.3 kcal/kg FFM∙d-1. From Post XC to Pre Track, there was a significant increase in body mass (59.1 ± 5.1 to 60.6 ± 5.7 kg, p<0.001,d=0.27). From Post XC to Pre Track, there was a significant increase in RMR (1466 ± 123.6 to 1614.6 ± 89.1 kcal·d-1, p<0.001,d=2.6). For 25(OH) vitamin D, there was a significant reduction from Pre XC to Post XC (44.1 ± 10.6 vs 39.5 ± 12.2 ng·mL-1, p=0.047,d=-0.4), and a significant increase from Post XC to Pre Track (39.5 ± 12.2 vs. 48.1 ± 10.4 ng·mL-1, p=0.014,d=0.75). For ferritin, there was a trend towards a decrease from Pre XC to Post XC (24.2 ± 13.2 vs. 15.7 ± 8.8 ng·mL-1, p=0.07, d=-0.75), as well as a trend toward an increase from Post XC to Pre Track (15.7 ± 8.8 vs. 34.1 ± 18.0 ng·mL-1, p=0.08, d=1.3). No differences in T3 were observed across time points. Average Triad risk score was 2.3 ± 1.4. Notably, 5 of 7 athletes met criteria for moderate risk. Despite many athletes meeting criteria for low EA and having elevated Triad risk assessment scores, most were able to maintain body mass and RMR. One athlete suffered severe performance decline and a reduced RMR. Surprisingly, she was the only athlete above the recommended value for ferritin. Following increased nutritional intake and reduced training volume, her performance and RMR recovered. Changes in body mass and body composition were not indicative of the presence of other concerns associated with RED-S. This exploratory work serves as a guide for future, larger studies for tracking athletes, using RMR and nutritional biomarkers to assess RED-S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myllyaho, MM, Ihalainen, JK, Hackney, AC, Valtonen, M, Nummela, A, Vaara, E, Häkkinen, K, Kyröläinen, H, and Taipale, RS. Hormonal contraceptive use does not affect strength, endurance, or body composition adaptations to combined strength and endurance training in women. J Strength Cond Res 35(2): 449-457, 2021-This study examined the effects of a 10-week period of high-intensity combined strength and endurance training on strength, endurance, body composition, and serum hormone concentrations in physically active women using hormonal contraceptives (HCs, n = 9) compared with those who had never used hormonal contraceptives (NHCs, n = 9). Training consisted of 2 strength training sessions and 2 high-intensity running interval sessions per week. Maximal bilateral isometric leg press (Isom), maximal bilateral dynamic leg press (one repetition maximum [1RM]), countermovement jump (CMJ), a 3,000-m running test (3,000 m), body composition, and serum hormone levels were measured before and after training between days 1-5 of each subject's menstrual cycle. Both groups increased 1RM and CMJ: HC = 13.2% (p < 0.001) and 9.6% (p < 0.05), and NHC = 8.3% (p < 0.01) and 8.5% (p < 0.001). Hormonal contraceptive improved 3,000 m by 3.5% (p < 0.05) and NHC by 1% (n.s.). Never used hormonal contraceptive increased lean mass by 2.1% (p < 0.001), whereas body fat percentage decreased from 23.9 ± 6.7 to 22.4 ± 6.0 (-6.0%, p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in body composition in HC. No significant between-group differences were observed in any of the performance variables. Luteinizing hormone concentrations decreased significantly (p < 0.05) over 10 weeks in NHC, whereas other hormone levels remained statistically unaltered in both groups. It seems that the present training is equally appropriate for improving strength, endurance, and body composition in women using HC as those not using HC without disrupting hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Increasing the amount of physical activity is an important strategy for weight loss. This systematic review summarizes recent findings on the effects of physical training on anthropometric characteristics, physical performances and physiological capacities in individuals with overweight and obesity. A systematic literature search strategy was conducted from inception until June 2019 using four electronic databases that identified 2,708 records. After screening for titles, abstracts and full texts, 116 studies were included in our final analysis. Both aerobic (e.g., endurance training) and anaerobic training (e.g., high‐intensity training, resistance training) improved body composition and physical fitness indicators in adults, adolescents and children with obesity (effect size: 0.08 < d < 2.67, trivial to very large). This systematic review suggests that both low‐ and high‐intensity training significantly reduced body weight and fat mass while increasing fat‐free mass in individuals with obesity (effect size: 0.04

Context: Individuals with an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are at an increased risk of developing posttraumatic osteoarthritis. How osteoarthritis risk factors, such as increased body mass index (BMI), may influence early changes in joint tissue metabolism is unknown. Objective: To determine the association between BMI and type 2 cartilage turnover in individuals with an ACLR. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Forty-five individuals (31 women, 14 men) with unilateral ACLR at least 6 months earlier who were cleared for unrestricted physical activity. Main Outcome Measure(s): Body mass index (kg/m²) and type 2 collagen turnover were the primary outcomes. Body mass index was calculated from objectively measured height and mass. Serum was obtained to measure type 2 collagen turnover, quantified as the ratio of degradation (collagen type 2 cleavage product [C2C]) to synthesis (collagen type 2 C-propeptide [CP2]; C2C : CP2). Covariate measures were physical activity level before ACLR (Tegner score) and current level of disability (International Knee Documentation Committee Index score). Associations of primary outcomes were analyzed for the group as a whole and then separately for males and females. Results: Overall, greater BMI was associated with greater C2C : CP2 (r = 0.32, P = .030). After controlling for covariates (Tegner and International Knee Documentation Committee Index scores), we identified a similar association between BMI and C2C: CP2 (partial r = 0.42, P = .009). Among women, greater BMI was associated with greater C2C : CP2 before (r = 0.47, P=.008) and after (partial r=0.50, P=.008) controlling for covariates. No such association occurred in men. Conclusions: Greater BMI may influence greater type 2 collagen turnover in those with ACLR. Individuals, especially women, who maintain or reduce BMI may be less likely to demonstrate greater type 2 collagen turnover ratios after ACLR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypothesis/introduction: The association of ACE I/D polymorphism and hemodynamic response to exercise have been limited to primarily aerobic exercises. We hypothesized that D allele carriers would show greater hemodynamic response to resistance exercise, as has been observed with aerobic. This study aimed to investigate the association of ACE I/D polymorphism and hemodynamic (blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and rate-pressure product (RPP)) response to resistance exercise in young healthy subjects.Materials and Methods: ACE I/D polymorphisms were studied by PCR analysis from 75 healthy men. Subjects completed a resistance exercise session of three sets of 10 knee extension repetitions with loads of 50, 75 and 100% of 10RM and two-minute rest intervals. Hemodynamic measures were recorded before and immediately after each set. Analysis of variance was used to identify significant differences among ACE genotypes.Results: ACE I/D polymorphism is associated with hemodynamic response to resistance exercise, as healthy subjects with ACE D allele were prone to higher responses. In addition, this phenotypic difference seems to be a load-dependent trend.Conclusion: ACE DD carriers exhibit greater heart work during resistance exercise. Future studies should focus on the influence of resistance training period with different workloads on the hemodynamic response in healthy individuals with different ACE genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence suggests that higher testosterone levels may provide an athletic advantage. Therefore, it is of practical interest to examine the association between testosterone levels and power- and strength-related traits in young professional track and field athletes, and to consider the factors that determine testosterone levels. The study involved 68 young professional athletes (45 females, 17.3 ± 2.6 years; 23 males, 18.2 ± 1.9 years). Testosterone levels were assessed via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. All subjects performed two 20 m and two 30 m sprint trials, and countermovement jump without arm-swing. A bioimpedance analysis of body composition was carried out and biological maturity was examined using the Khamis-Roche method. The average testosterone levels were 26.4 ± 9.6 nmol/l and 1.5 ± 0.7 nmol/l in males and females, respectively. In female athletes, testosterone levels did not correlate with any of traits. Males with the highest testosterone levels were significantly faster in the 20 m (p = 0.033) and 30 m (p = 0.014) sprint trials compared to males with lower testosterone levels. Testosterone levels in males were positively associated with fat mass (p = 0.027), and degree of biological maturation (p = 0.003). In conclusion, we found a positive relationship between testosterone levels and sprint performance in young male athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Obesity is a key health risk factor characterized by an excessive accumulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines that play a major role in the development of metabolic syndrome. • Intermittent fasting (IF) is among the popular strategies to prevent or improve obesity-related risk factors. • IF affects positively body composition and systemic inflammation biomarkers in individual with obesity. • IF could be an effective strategy modify inflammation in individual with obesity. To determine the effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) on inflammatory (C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)) and biochemical markers of liver-renal function (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), urea and creatinine) in males with obesity. Twenty-eight males with obesity were randomly allocated to an experimental group (EG, n = 14) or a control group (CG, n = 14). The EG group completed their fasting rituals for the entire month of Ramadan (30 days) whereas the CG group continued with their normal daily habits. Blood samples were collected 24 h before the start of Ramadan (T0), on the 15th day of Ramadan (T1), the day after the end of Ramadan (T2), and 21 days after the end of Ramadan (T3). Resting plasma volume variation between pre and post-RIF (ΔPV) was calculated. Decreases were noted for interleukin-6 (p = 0.02, d = 1.4) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (p = 0.01, d = 0.7), with no changes for C-reactive protein (p = 0.3; d = 0.1) in the EG compared to CG group. There were no changes (P > 0.05) in ΔPV recorded after RIF for either EG (-0.035 ± 0.02%) and CG (0.055 ± 0.06%). This study demonstrates that RIF improves systemic inflammation biomarkers in males with obesity. Moreover, RIF did not negatively affect biomarkers of liver and renal function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]