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Context Sport specialization may contribute to sport injury and menstrual dysfunction in female high school distance runners. Despite the recent growth in sport specialization, including among high school–aged runners, the association of sport specialization with bone mineral density (BMD) remains poorly described. Objective To evaluate whether sport specialization was associated with BMD in female high school distance runners. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Six high schools. Patients or Other Participants Sixty-four female runners (age = 15.6 ± 1.4 years) who competed in cross-country or track distance events and were not currently on birth control medication. Main Outcome Measure(s) Each runner completed a survey on menstrual history and sport participation. Height and weight were measured, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to measure whole-body, spine, and hip BMD. Each runner was assigned a sport specialization status: low (participation in ≥1 nonrunning sport and distance-running sport(s) for ≤8 mo/y); moderate (participation in both distance-running sport(s) ≥9 mo/y and ≥1 nonrunning sport(s) or limited to distance-running sport(s) for ≤8 mo/y); or high (participation only in distance-running sport(s) for ≥9 mo/y). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for sport specialization to BMD values, adjusting for body mass index and gynecological age. Results Overall, 21.9%, 37.5%, and 40.6% of participants were high, moderate, or low sport specializers, respectively. Low BMD (spine or whole-body BMD z score < −1.0 [standardized by age and sex normative values]) was present in 23 (35.9%) runners. Compared with low sport specializers, high sport specializers were 5 times more likely (adjusted odds ratio = 5.42, 95% confidence interval = 1.3, 23.3; P = .02) to have low BMD. Conclusions A high level of sport specialization in high school female distance runners may be associated with a heightened risk for low BMD. Further investigation of this association is warranted due to the health concerns about low BMD in adolescent female runners.

Purpose Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), broadly defined as the body’s ability to utilize oxygen, is a well-established prognostic marker of health, but it is not routinely measured. This may be due to the difficulty of acquiring high-quality CRF measures. The purpose of this study was to independently determine the validity of the Fitbit Charge 2’s measure of CRF (Fitbit CRF). Methods Sixty-five healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 45 yr (55% female, 45% male) were recruited to undergo gold standard V˙O2max testing and wear a Fitbit Charge 2 continuously for 1 wk during which they were instructed to complete a qualifying outdoor run to derive the Fitbit CRF (units: mL·kg−1·min−1). This measure was compared with V˙O2max measures (units: mL·kg−1·min−1) epoched at 15 and 60 s. Results Bland–Altman analyses revealed that Fitbit CRF had a positive bias of 1.59 mL·kg−1·min−1 compared with laboratory data epoched at 15 s and 0.30 mL·kg−1·min−1 compared with data epoched at 60 s (n = 60). F statistics (2.09; 0.08) and P values (0.133; 0.926) from Bradley–Blackwood tests for the concordance of Fitbit CRF with 15- and 60-s laboratory data, respectively, support the null hypothesis of equal means and variances, indicating there is concordance between the two measures. Mean absolute percentage error was less than 10% for each comparison. Conclusions The Fitbit Charge 2 provides an acceptable level of validity when measuring CRF in young, healthy, and fit adults who are able to run. Further research is required to determine if it is a potentially useful tool in clinical practice and epidemiological research to quantify, categorize, and longitudinally track risk for adverse outcomes.

Objective To assess the feasibility, including demand for and acceptability of a physical activity (PA) intervention among pregnant Latinas recruited at the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Methods Women Results WIC was supportive of recruitment, intervention, and evaluation activities. Of an estimated pool of 525 women at Conclusions and Implications Demand and acceptability will need to be improved before this intervention can be considered feasible, potentially by extending eligibility and improving access to intervention.

This prospective study evaluated the 3-year change in menstrual function and bone mass among 40 female adolescent endurance runners (age 15.9 ± 1.0 years) according to baseline disordered eating status. Three years after initial data collection, runners underwent follow-up measures including the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire and a survey evaluating menstrual function, running training, injury history, and prior sports participation. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure bone mineral density and body composition. Runners with a weight concern, shape concern, or global score ≥4.0 or reporting >1 pathologic behavior in the past 28 days were classified with disordered eating. Compared with runners with normal Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire scores at baseline, runners with disordered eating at baseline reported fewer menstrual cycles/year (6.4 ± 4.5 vs. 10.5 ± 2.8, p = .005), more years of amenorrhea (1.6 ± 1.4 vs. 0.3 ± 0.5, p = .03), and a higher proportion of menstrual irregularity (75.0% vs. 31.3%, p = .02) and failed to increase lumbar spine or total hip bone mineral density at the 3-year follow-up. In a multivariate model including body mass index and menstrual cycles in the past year at baseline, baseline shape concern score (B = −0.57, p value = .001) was inversely related to the annual number of menstrual cycles between assessments. Weight concern score (B = −0.40, p value = .005) was inversely associated with lumbar spine bone mineral density Z-score change between assessments according to a multivariate model adjusting for age and body mass index. These finding support associations between disordered eating at baseline and future menstrual irregularities or reduced accrual of lumbar spine bone mass in female adolescent endurance runners.

To evaluate the relationship between hepatic steatosis and bone mineral density (BMD) in children. In addition, to assess 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in the relationship between hepatic steatosis and BMD.A community-based sample of 235 children was assessed for hepatic steatosis, BMD, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Hepatic steatosis was measured by liver magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF). BMD was measured by whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.The mean age of the study population was 12.5 years (SD 2.5 years). Liver MRI-PDFF ranged from 1.1% to 40.1% with a mean of 9.3% (SD 8.5%). Across this broad spectrum of hepatic fat content, there was a significant negative relationship between liver MRI-PDFF and BMD z score (R = -0.421, P .001). Across the states of sufficiency, insufficiency, and deficiency, there was a significant negative association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and liver MRI-PDFF (P .05); however, there was no significant association between vitamin D status and BMD z score (P = .94). Finally, children with clinically low BMD z scores were found to have higher alanine aminotransferase (P .05) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (P .05) levels compared with children with normal BMD z scores.Across the full range of liver MRI-PDFF, there was a strong negative relationship between hepatic steatosis and BMD z score. Given the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and the critical importance of childhood bone mineralization in protecting against osteoporosis, clinicians should prioritize supporting bone development in children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Background/AimsAge-related cognitive decline is a pervasive problem in our aging population. To date, no pharmacological treatments to halt or reverse cognitive decline are available. Behavioral interventions, such as physical exercise and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, may reduce or reverse cognitive decline, but rigorously designed randomized controlled trials are needed to test the efficacy of such interventions.MethodsHere, we describe the design of the Mindfulness, Education, and Exercise study, an 18-month randomized controlled trial that will assess the effect of two interventions—mindfulness training plus moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise or moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise alone—compared with a health education control group on cognitive function in older adults. An extensive battery of biobehavioral assessments will be used to understand the mechanisms of cognitive remediation, by using structural and resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and metabolic and behavioral assessments.ResultsWe provide the results from a preliminary study (n = 29) of non-randomized pilot participants who received both the exercise and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction interventions. We also provide details on the recruitment and baseline characteristics of the randomized controlled trial sample (n = 585).ConclusionWhen complete, the Mindfulness, Education, and Exercise study will inform the research community on the efficacy of these widely available interventions improve cognitive functioning in older adults.

Utilization of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry is increasing in clinical settings and the fitness industry as a viable tool to assess total and regional body composition, including visceral adiposity. Previous research using small samples (50) has described several pitfalls in patient positioning, scan acquisition, and/or analysis that alter regional body composition values. Our aim was to quantify the largest probable error in measures of total, android, gynoid, and visceral fat caused by incorrect placement of the head cut-line, in a large sample of adults. Total body images (N = 436) from 196 women and 67 men (20-85 years) scanned on a GE Lunar Prodigy densitometer were analyzed using enCORE software in 2 ways: (1) placing the head cut-line just beneath the bony protuberance of the chin according to manufacturer recommendation (correct method); (2) placing the head cut-line at the lowest point below the chin and just above the soft tissue at the shoulders (incorrect method). All other cut-lines were fixed. Mean differences in adiposity were examined using Lin's concordance correlation coefficient; equality of means and variances were evaluated using Bradley-Blackwood F-tests. The limits of agreement were displayed as Bland-Altman plots and calculated as the mean difference ±1.96 times the standard deviation of the difference. Correlation coefficients for paired comparisons of adiposity for correct vs incorrect cut-line placement ranged from 0.983-0.999 for all variables (all p0.001). Significant mean differences were 172 ± 130, 201 ± 168, 65 ± 122, and -143 ± 336 g for android, gynoid, visceral, and total fat mass, respectively (all p0.0001). These differences exceeded our site's least significant change in 66%, 37%, 29%, and 4% of participant scans for android, gynoid, visceral, and total fat mass, respectively. Our findings underscore the importance of careful review of the manufacturer's auto analysis and consistency in conducting serial scans to ensure accurate and precise measures of regional body fat.

Author(s): Godino, Job G; Wing, David; de Zambotti, Massimiliano; Baker, Fiona C; Bagot, Kara; Inkelis, Sarah; Pautz, Carina; Higgins, Michael; Nichols, Jeanne; Brumback, Ty; Chevance, Guillaume; Colrain, Ian M; Patrick, Kevin; Tapert, Susan F | Abstract: PurposeThis study sought to assess the performance of the Fitbit Charge HR, a consumer-level multi-sensor activity tracker, to measure physical activity and sleep in children.Methods59 healthy boys and girls aged 9-11 years old wore a Fitbit Charge HR, and accuracy of physical activity measures were evaluated relative to research-grade measures taken during a combination of 14 standardized laboratory- and field-based assessments of sitting, stationary cycling, treadmill walking or jogging, stair walking, outdoor walking, and agility drills. Accuracy of sleep measures were evaluated relative to polysomnography (PSG) in 26 boys and girls during an at-home unattended PSG overnight recording. The primary analyses included assessment of the agreement (biases) between measures using the Bland-Altman method, and epoch-by-epoch (EBE) analyses on a minute-by-minute basis.ResultsFitbit Charge HR underestimated steps (~11.8 steps per minute), heart rate (~3.58 bpm), and metabolic equivalents (~0.55 METs per minute) and overestimated energy expenditure (~0.34 kcal per minute) relative to research-grade measures (pl 0.05). The device showed an overall accuracy of 84.8% for classifying moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary and light physical activity (SLPA) (sensitivity MVPA: 85.4%; specificity SLPA: 83.1%). Mean estimates of bias for measuring total sleep time, wake after sleep onset, and heart rate during sleep were 14 min, 9 min, and 1.06 bpm, respectively, with 95.8% sensitivity in classifying sleep and 56.3% specificity in classifying wake epochs.ConclusionsFitbit Charge HR had adequate sensitivity in classifying moderate and vigorous intensity physical activity and sleep, but had limitations in detecting wake, and was more accurate in detecting heart rate during sleep than during exercise, in healthy children. Further research is needed to understand potential challenges and limitations of these consumer devices.

With the aging process, falls and related injuries are common and unwanted events among older women. Lost balance is the last step before the frequent experience of falls. After menopause, women's bone conditions regarding health and balance performance steeply decline often resulting in serious injury. Our purpose in the study is to identify balance performance and its associations with soft tissue components among Korean-American (KA) women with three menopausal conditions. Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study with 63 KA women divided into three age groups: 25-35 years (young), 45-55 years old (middle), and 65+ years (old). Lean and fat mass on the entire body, appendicular and gynoid areas were measured by using the dual X-ray absorptiometry. Static and dynamic balance and physical performance (floor sit to stand) were tested. We found that with increased aging, lean mass, fat and body mass index were changed; balance and physical performance decreased significantly. In regression models, age and fat ratio of android/gynoid changes explain static balance and physical performance; appendicular lean mass predicted dynamic balance. With advancing age, maintaining lean mass and proportion of fat accumulation is critical for stable balance.

Hyperkyhosis is thought to be a fall risk factor in older adults. This large study of older men found that fall risk increased with greater kyphosis measured with the blocks method, but did not find an association between kyphosis and falls when measured by the commonly used the Cobb angle method. Research suggests an association between hyperkyphosis and falls in community-dwelling older adults, though this has not been investigated within large, population-based studies. This study sought to determine whether two measures of kyphosis prospectively predict fall risk over 3 years among older men. Within the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study (MrOS), we conducted two 3-year prospective studies of 2346 and 2928 men. The first group had kyphosis measured by the Cobb angle at visit 1, while the second group had kyphosis assessed with the blocks method at visit 3; both groups then self-reported falls tri-annually for 3 years. Poisson regression with GEE was used to obtain relative risks (RR) of falls. The fall rates over 3 years were 651/1000 person-years among the visit 1 sample (mean age 74 ± 6 years) and 839/1000 person-years among the visit 3 sample (mean age 79 ± 5 years). In adjusted models of the visit 3 sample, the risk of falls was increased by 12% for each standard deviation increase (1.4 blocks) in the number of blocks required to achieve a neutral head and neck position (RR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.06, 1.18). The Cobb angle was not associated with falls in the visit 1 sample. Although the Cobb angle did not predict falls in community-dwelling older men over 3 years, the blocks method of measuring kyphosis was predictive of falls in this population. This difference could be due to the Cobb angle’s focus on thoracic kyphosis, whereas the blocks method may additionally capture abnormal cervical spine curvature.

The aim of this study is to conduct a pilot randomized trial testing an exercise program specifically adapted for post-bariatric patients.A total of 51 post-bariatric patients, 6-24 months post-surgery, were randomly assigned to usual care control (n = 25) or the exercise intervention (n = 26). The intervention included twice weekly 60-min group exercise classes with functional strength, flexibility, and aerobic activities; at least 3 days per week of self-directed exercise; daily pedometer; recording of steps and activities; and weekly telephone counseling. There was also a 6-month maintenance period.Patients were 49 ± 12 years old, 84 % female, 59 % non-Hispanic white, with a BMI of 32.9 ± 5.7 kg/mWhen compared to patients in usual care, a specially adapted exercise program for post-bariatric patients resulted in significant improvements in objectively monitored health outcomes. This program was delivered in a clinical setting and could be implemented in a variety of settings to improve health outcomes for post-bariatric patients.

Early detection of the female athlete triad is essential for the long-term health of adolescent female athletes. The purpose of this study was to assess relationships between common anthropometric markers (ideal body weight [IBW] via the Hamwi formula, youth-percentile body mass index [BMI], adult BMI categories, and body fat percentage [BF%]) and triad components, (low energy availability [EA], measured by dietary restraint [DR], menstrual dysfunction [MD], low bone mineral density [BMD]). In the sample (n = 320) of adolescent female athletes (age 15.9± 1.2 y), Spearman’s rho correlations and multiple logistic regression analyses evaluated associations between anthropometric clinical cutoffs and triad components. All underweight categories for the anthropometric measures predicted greater likelihood of MD and low BMD. Athletes with an IBW ≤85% were nearly 4 times more likely to report MD (OR = 3.7, 95% CI [1.8, 7.9]) and had low BMD (OR = 4.1, 95% CI [1.2, 14.2]). Those in

Physicians are increasingly approached by individuals seeking integrative approaches to health care and well-being. Many integrative modalities include a physical activity component. Patients seek guidance from primary and specialty care providers on the safe and effective incorporation of these modalities into their lifestyle. Physicians and other health professionals receive very limited training in the clinical applications of exercise science. This paper reports on a curriculum designed to teach health professionals key exercise constructs for application to clinical practice for prevention and management of lifestyle-related disease, and incorporating the curriculum into a preventive medicine residency training program. The course was developed in 2012-2013, data collected in 2013-2015, and analysis was done in 2015. Six modules were developed as part of a 24-hour course. Each module included didactic, laboratory, and case examples. The modules included energetics, exercise and cardiorespiratory health, bone health, obesity and sarcopenia, balance and fall prevention, and behavior change and the use of technologies. The delivery was found feasible for all three components, delivered in 2-4-hour segments. The incorporation into the residency curriculum was feasible, efficacious, well received, and easily incorporated into the existing curriculum. This comprehensive curriculum has the potential to close the gap in medical school, residency, graduate, nursing, and integrative curricula on this important topic. Current practitioners would benefit in primary care and geriatric settings. This curriculum would also be useful for cross-disciplinary researchers, including public health, health behaviors, and integrative medicine practitioners.

Objectives. To determine age-associated changes in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) among firefighters. Methods. Male firefighters (n = 1169) underwent annual evaluations from 2005 to 2015 in San Diego, California. We assessed CRF, the ability to deliver and use oxygen, during a maximal graded exercise test and recorded it in metabolic equivalents (METs; 1 MET = 3.5 ml/kg/min). We investigated differences in baseline CRF among 10-year age groups and patterns of change over follow-up using cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, respectively. Results. Both analyses support an inverse relationship between CRF and age. Mean baseline CRF decreased from 15.7 ±1.7 to 11.7 ±1.9 METs in the younger than 30 years and 50 years and older age groups, respectively. There was no interaction between body fat and age in predicting CRF (Page × body fat = .09). Longitudinally, there was a nonlinear decrease in CRF, which differed across age groups: the youngest age group demonstrated the greatest decrease in CRF. Conclusions. Results support a negative, nonlinear association between age and CRF without modification by body fatness. Public Health Implications. Fire departments should recognize the health and safety risks of declining CRF and institutionalize programs to promote firefighter fitness.

Objective We conducted a randomized controlled trial to test whether brief exercise and diet advice provided during child patient visits to their orthodontic office could improve diet, physical activity, and age-and-gender-adjusted BMI. Methods We enrolled orthodontic offices in Southern California and Tijuana, Mexico, and recruited their patients aged 8–16 to participate in a two-year study. At each office visit, staff provided the children with “prescriptions” for improving diet and exercise behaviors. Multilevel models, which adjusted for clustering, determined differential group effects on health outcomes, and moderation of effects. Results We found differential change in BMI favoring the intervention group, but only among male participants (p d = 0.085). Of four dietary variables, only junk food consumption changed differentially, in favor of the intervention group (p = 0.020; d = 0.122); the effect was significant among overweight/obese (p = 0.001; d = 0.335) but not normal weight participants. Physical activity declined non-differentially in both groups and both genders. Conclusion The intervention, based on the Geoffrey Rose strategy, had limited success in achieving its aims. Implications Orthodontists can deliver non-dental prevention advice to complement other health-practitioner-delivered advice. Higher fidelity to trial design is needed to adequately test the efficacy of clinician-based brief advice on preventing child obesity and/or reversing obesity.

The physical demands of firefighting require both cardiovascular and muscular fitness, which both decline with age. While much has been published on age-related changes among male firefighters (FFs), data on female FFs are lacking.To describe cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscular fitness in a sample of female career FFs ranging in age from 25 to 60 years and determine whether ageing affects their achievement of the current recommended professional CRF standards of 12 metabolic equivalents (METs).Data were collected on female FFs over an 11-year period. A cross-sectional analysis using one-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc comparisons was used to compare age groups.There were 96 study participants. Maximum METs was significantly higher (P0.01) in the 25- to 34-year age group (14.6 ± 2.1) compared with the 35-44 age group (12.9 ± 2.0 METs) and the 45-54 age group (12.2 ± 1.8 METs, P0.001). While the mean values of all measured age groups met or exceeded the 12-MET profession standard, as many as one-third of FFs45 years of age and 43% of FFs45 years of age fell below the benchmark of 12 METs. Muscular fitness as measured by maximum number of push-ups, sit-ups and back endurance was not significantly different between age groups.Fire departments should recognize and take steps to ensure all female FFs maintain CRF and muscular fitness throughout their careers.

Background: Visceral adipose tissue is more metabolically active than other fat depots and is more closely associated with obesity-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, than indicators of obesity, such as body mass index. Across various strategies to promote weight loss, including energy-reduced diet and exercise, variable effects on VAT compared to loss of total body fat have been reported. Methods: To examine the effect of a behavioral weight loss intervention using portion-controlled prepackaged entrees on VAT, we examined data and measurements from overweight/obese men and women (N=183) who were assigned to a weight loss intervention and prescribed a reduced-energy diet with either portion-controlled prepackaged entrees or self-selected meals in a randomized clinical trial. VAT was estimated with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline and study end (12 weeks). Results: VAT loss was greater for the prepackaged entrees group (p=0.02), with an average loss of 29% compared to an average loss of 19% among participants consuming self-selected meals. VAT (mean [SEM]) was 1651 (71) g and 1546 (157) g at baseline and 1234 (59) g and 1278 (118) g at study end in the prepackaged entrees and self-selected meal groups, respectively. Greater VAT loss was associated with higher baseline weight and VAT, and greater weight loss, but not associated with age or physical activity. Conclusion: Prescribing portion-controlled prepackaged entrees in a behavioral weight loss intervention promotes a reduction in VAT, which should promote improved metabolic profile and reduced cardiovascular disease risk.

Background/objectivesAlthough several studies have reported associations between moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), body fatness and visceral adipose tissue (VAT), the extent to which associations differ among Latinos and non-Latinos remains unclear. This study evaluated the associations between body composition and MVPA in Latino and non-Latino adults.Subjects/methodsAn exploratory, cross-sectional analysis was conducted using baseline data collected from 298 overweight adults enrolled in a 12-month randomized controlled trial that tested the efficacy of text messaging to improve weight loss. MVPA, body fatness and VAT were assessed by waist-worn accelerometry, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and DXA-derived software (GE CoreScan GE, Madison, WI, USA), respectively. Participants with

Author(s): Yamamoto, J; Bergstrom, J; Davis, A; Wing, D; Schousboe, JT; Nichols, JF; Kado, DM | Abstract: BackgroundThe causes of age-related hyperkyphosis (HK) include osteoporosis, but only 1/3 of those most severely affected have vertebral fractures, suggesting that there are other important, and potentially modifiable causes. We hypothesized that muscle mass and quality may be important determinants of kyphosis in older persons.MethodsWe recruited 72 persons g65 years to participate in a prospective study designed to evaluate kyphosis and fall risk. At the baseline visit, participants had their body composition measures completed using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). They had kyphosis measured in either the standing [S] or lying [L] position: 1) Cobb angle from DXA [L]; 2) Debrunner kyphometer [S]; 3) architect's flexicurve ruler [S]; and 4) blocks method [L]. Multivariable linear/logistic regression analyses were done to assess the association between each body composition and 4 kyphosis measures.ResultsWomen (n = 52) were an average age of 76.8 (SD 6.7) and men 80.5 (SD 7.8) years. They reported overall good/excellent health (93%), the average body mass index was 25.3 (SD 4.6) and 35% reported a fall in the past year. Using published cut-offs, about 20-30% were determined to have HK. For the standing assessments of kyphosis only, after adjusting for age, sex, weight and hip BMD, persons with lower TLM were more likely to be hyperkyphotic.ConclusionsLower TLM is associated with HK in older persons. The results were stronger when standing measures of kyphosis were used, suggesting that the effects of muscle on thoracic kyphosis are best appreciated under spinal loading conditions.

BackgroundAs wearable sensors/devices become increasingly popular to promote physical activity (PA), research is needed to examine how and which components of these devices people use to increase their PA levels.Aims(1) To assess usability and level of engagement with the Fitbit One and daily SMS-based prompts in a 6-week PA intervention, and (2) to examine whether use/ level of engagement with specific intervention components were associated with PA change.MethodsData were analyzed from a randomized controlled trial that compared (1) a wearable sensor/ device (Fitbit One) plus SMS-based PA prompts, and (2) Fitbit One only, among overweight/ obese adults (N = 67). We calculated average scores from Likert-type response items that assessed usability and level of engagement with device features (e.g., tracker, website, mobile app, and SMS-based prompts), and assessed whether such factors were associated with change in steps/day (using Actigraph GT3X+).ResultsParticipants reported the Fitbit One was easy to use and the tracker helped to be more active. Those who used the Fitbit mobile app (36%) vs. those who did not (64%) had an increase in steps at 6-week follow-up, even after adjusting for previous web/app use: +545 steps/ day (SE = 265) vs. -28 steps/ day (SE = 242) (p = .04).ConclusionsLevel of engagement with the Fitbit One, particularly the mobile app, was associated with increased steps. Mobile apps can instantly display summaries of PA performance and could optimize self-regulation to activate change. More research is needed to determine whether such modalities might be cost-effective in future intervention research and practice.

Introduction U.S. Latinas do not engage in sufficient leisure-time physical activity. This study examined whether adding promotor-facilitated healthy lifestyle classes to an exercise intervention would promote exercise session attendance and improve health indicators. Methods The Familias Sanas y Activas II (Healthy and Active Families II) study used a within-subjects, longitudinal design, with measures at baseline and at 6 and 12 months post-baseline. The intervention was developed by the San Diego Prevention Research Center and implemented between May 2011 and June 2014 in South San Diego County. Three organizations each hired a part-time coordinator and trained volunteer promotores (six to ten per organization) to deliver the intervention in various community locations. A convenience sample of 442 Latinas were in the evaluation cohort. Measured variables included a step test, blood pressure, waist circumference, height, and weight; physical activity was self-reported. Results Attendance at healthy lifestyle classes was positively associated with exercise session attendance ( p ≤0.001). Mixed effects models showed improvements in systolic and diastolic blood pressure ( p ≤0.001); waist circumference ( p ≤0.001); weight ( p ≤0.05); and BMI ( p ≤0.05) between baseline and 12 months. At 12 months, fewer participants met clinical guidelines for being hypertensive and having an at-risk waist circumference. Exercise session attendance was associated with improved fitness ( p ≤0.05) and increased self-reported MET minutes of leisure-time physical activity ( p ≤0.01). Conclusions The intervention represents an effective strategy for improving the health status of Latinas, a population with significant health disparities, including high obesity rates. Research efforts are needed to assess methods for scaling up such interventions.

Research supports the favorable effects of exercise on physical and psychosocial outcomes in those with arthritis. Few easily disseminated, multi-component, arthritis-specific programs have been evaluated using both physical function and psychosocial measures. Fitness and Exercise for People with Arthritis (FEPA) is a new community-based, 3-month, instructor supervised multi-component exercise program for individuals with arthritis designed to increase strength, flexibility, balance, and aerobic conditioning, while emphasizing joint-protection and proper biomechanics.To conduct a preliminary evaluation of the effects of the FEPA program on physical function and arthritis-related outcomes in individuals with arthritis.Middle-aged (n = 31, M(age) = 54.8 ± 7.2) and older (n = 79, M(age) = 76.0 ± 6.6) adults with arthritis completed the instructor led FEPA program in community senior centers, churches, and adult education settings. Changes in physical function, measured using the arm curl, back-scratch test, 8-foot up-and-go, and 6 min walk and self-reported arthritis-related pain, perceived physical function, affect, and self-efficacy for symptom management were assessed using RM ANOVA.Significant improvements (ps.05) in all physical function measures were found in the older group. In the middle-aged group, significant improvements (ps.05) were found in the 8-foot up-and-go and 6 min walk. Self-reported physical function, pain perceptions, and self-efficacy for pain management significantly improved (ps.05) in middle-aged participants, while only self-reported pain perceptions significantly improved in the older group.FEPA shows promise for improving health-related outcomes in those with arthritis, and has potential for sustainability in community settings.

Background: Depressive symptoms can lower adherence and change in dietary studies. Behavioral activation may reduce these effects. Purpose: This study aims to assess relationships among depressive symptoms on adherence and dietary change in the Women’s Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL) Study Methods: Secondary analyses from the WHEL Study, which achieved major dietary change in breast cancer survivors (N = 2817), were conducted. Logistic regressions were undertaken of baseline depressive symptoms (six-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)) with (1) completion of 1- and 4-year study assessments and (2) validated change in dietary behavior in the intervention group. Results: In the comparison group (vs. intervention), depressive symptoms lowered completion of dietary recalls and clinic visits [4years: odds ratio (OR) = 2.0; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.4–3.0]. The behaviorally oriented intervention achieved major change in those furthest from study targets, although changes were lower in those with depressive symptoms: fruit/vegetable (+37.2%), fiber (+49.0%), and fat (−22.4%). Conclusions: Behavioral activation in dietary change interventions can overcome the impact of depressive symptoms.

Endurance runners with low bone mass during adolescence may risk attaining a low peak bone mineral density (BMD) in adulthood. Alternatively, they may mature late and undergo delayed bone mineral accumulation. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate 40 adolescent runners (aged 15.9 ± 0.2 yr) at two time points, approximately 3 yr apart, to assess bone mass status and identify variables associated with bone mass change. Methods: Follow-up measures included a questionnaire to assess menstrual status, training, and sports participation history, height and weight, and a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan to assess total body, total hip, and lumbar spine BMD, bone mineral content (BMC), BMD z-score, and body composition. We used -1 and -2 BMD z-score cutoffs to categorize runners with low bone mass. Results: Eighty-seven percent of girls with low BMD at baseline had low BMD at the follow-up. Girls with low compared with normal baseline BMD had lower follow-up adjusted total body (2220.4 ± 65.8 vs 2793.1 ± 68.2 g, P < 0.001), total hip (27.0 ± 1 vs 33.9 ± 1.0 g, P < 0.05), and lumbar spine (47.8 ± 2.0 vs 66.3 ± 2.2 g, P < 0.001) BMC values. Variables related to 3-yr training volume, menstrual function, age, developmental stage, and change in body mass explained 29%-54% of the variability in BMC change. Conclusions: The majority of adolescent runners with low BMD at baseline had low BMD after a 3-yr follow-up. Our observations suggest that "catch-up" accrual may be difficult and, thus, emphasize the importance of gaining adequate bone mineral during the early adolescent years.

During adolescence, skeletal integrity of girls is largely dependent on menstrual function and impact exercise, yet currently there is limited research regarding the interaction between menstrual status and type of mechanical loading associated with various high school sports. Our purpose was to examine associations of menstrual status, type of mechanical loading, and bone mineral density (BMD) in female high school athletes participating in high/odd impact or repetitive/non-impact sport. Participants were 161 female high school athletes (15.7+/-1.3 years; 165.3+/-6.9 cm; 59.4+/-8.7 kg) representing high/odd impact (n=93, including soccer, softball, volleyball, tennis, lacrosse, and track sprinters and jumpers), or repetitive/non-impact sports (n=68, including swimmers, cross-country and track distance runners who participated in events>or=800 m). Areal BMD was measured by DXA at the spine (L1-L4), proximal femur, and total body. Menstrual status was determined by self-report. Athletes with primary, secondary or oligomenorrhea were combined into a single group (oligo/amenorrheic) and compared to eumenorrheic athletes. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with Bonferroni post hoc comparisons adjusted for age, BMI, and gynecological age were used to compare BMD of athletes in combined mechanical loading and menstrual status groups. We found significantly greater total hip (p=0.04) and trochanter (p=0.02) BMD (g cm(-2)) among eumenorrheic high/odd impact compared to eumenorrheic repetitive/non-impact athletes, and greater spine (p=0.01) and trochanter (p=0.04) BMD among high/odd impact eumenorrheic athletes compared to repetitive/non-impact oligo/amenorrheic athletes. Chi-squared analysis of BMD Z-scores adjusted for gynecological age showed a significantly greater percentage of repetitive/non-impact athletes (33.9%) compared to high/odd impact athletes (11.8%) with low spine BMD for their age (BMD Z-score

© Copyright 2015, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 2015. Background: Studies have shown self-monitoring can modify health behaviors, including physical activity (PA). This study tested the utility of a wearable sensor/device (Fitbit®One™; Fitbit Inc., San Francisco, CA) and short message service (SMS) text-messaging prompts to increase PA in overweight and obese adults. Materials and Methods: Sixty-seven adults wore a Fitbit One tracker for 6 weeks; half were randomized to also receive three daily SMS-based PA prompts. The Fitbit One consisted of a wearable tracker for instant feedback on performance and a Web site/mobile application (app) for detailed summaries. Outcome measures were objectively measured steps and minutes of PA by intensity using two accelerometers: Actigraph™ (Pensacola, FL) GT3X+ (primary measure) at baseline and Week 6 and Fitbit One (secondary measure) at baseline and Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Results: Mixed-model repeated-measures analysis of primary measures indicated a significant within-group increase of +4.3 (standard error [SE]=2.0) min/week of moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA) at 6-week follow-up (p=0.04) in the comparison group (Fitbit only), but no study group differences across PA levels. Secondary measures indicated the SMS text-messaging effect lasted for only 1 week: the intervention group increased by +1,266 steps (SE=491; p=0.01), +17.8 min/week MVPA (SE=8.5; p=0.04), and +38.3 min/week total PA (SE=15.9; p=0.02) compared with no changes in the comparison group, and these between-group differences were significant for steps (p=0.01), fairly/very active minutes (p

Female high school athletes are an at-risk population for the Female Athlete Triad—a syndrome including low energy availability (with or without disordered eating), menstrual dysfunction, and low bone mineral density. School nurses can play an important role in reducing the health burden of this syndrome, by educating coaches and athletes, and by referring symptomatic student-athletes to appropriate community resources for evaluation and treatment. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, communication, and referral behaviors of U.S. high school nurses about the Female Athlete Triad. Participants were a random sample of 370 U.S. high school nurses. The results indicated that only 19% of the nurses were able to identify the three components of the Triad and only 25% reported that they work proactively with coaches to help prevent health issues among their female athletes. Over 95% expressed interest in learning more about the Triad. Implications for educational program design are discussed.

An IOC consensus group has recently introduced a new umbrella term, that is, ‘Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport’ (RED-S) to describe the physiological and pathophysiological effects of energy deficiency in male and female athletes.1 The authors assert that “new terminology is required to more accurately describe the clinical syndrome originally known as the Female Athlete Triad” that is a “more comprehensive, broader term for the overall syndrome, which includes what has so far been called the ‘Female Athlete Triad’.”1 This new terminology (RED-S) is insufficiently supported by scientific research to warrant adoption at this time. The Female Athlete Triad has more than 30 years of published evidence to support its existence in the scientific literature with strong evidence for its clinical sequelae and should remain a focus of scientific inquiry and translation.2–6 Moreover, several major concerns and errors with the IOC consensus statement should give researchers and practitioners great pause before adopting the IOC's new terminology, its theoretical construct and its proposed recommendations for screening and return to play. As stated by the IOC authors, the science of energy deficiency in the male athlete and in other groups is still in its ‘infancy’.1 In contrast, research on the Triad has been published since the early 1990s4 and, in fact, even earlier. Reports of menstrual and other problems in athletes were becoming prevalent in the literature as early as the 1960s, but particularly in the 1970s and 1980s.7–10 The first symposium related to the topic at the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Annual Meeting was organised by Barbara Drinkwater in 1981 and was entitled ‘Menstrual Irregularities in Female Athletes’. The term ‘Female Athlete Triad’ was introduced at a workshop in 1992.4 The first position stand from the ACSM was published in 1997,2 and …

The female athlete triad is a medical condition often observed in physically active girls and women and involves three components: (1) low energy availability with or without disordered eating, (2) menstrual dysfunction, and (3) low bone mineral density. Female athletes often present with one or more of the three triad components, and early intervention is essential to prevent its progression to serious end points that include clinical eating disorders, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis. This consensus statement presents a set of recommendations developed following the first (San Francisco, CA) and second (Indianapolis, IN) International Symposia on the Female Athlete Triad. This consensus statement was intended to provide clinical guidelines for physicians, athletic trainers, and other health care providers for the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of the female athlete triad and to provide clear recommendations for return to play. The expert panel has proposed a risk stratification point system that takes into account magnitude of risk to assist the physician in decision making regarding sport participation, clearance, and return to play. Guidelines are offered for clearance categories, management by a multidisciplinary team, and implementation of treatment contracts.

This study evaluated whether obese patients who lost weight before their total joint replacement and kept it off post-operatively were at lower risk of surgical site infection (SSI) and re-admission compared with those who remained the same weight. We reviewed 444 patients who underwent a total hip replacement and 937 with a total knee replacement who lost weight pre-operatively and sustained their weight loss after surgery. After adjustments, patients who lost weight before a total hip replacement and kept it off post-operatively had a 3.77 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.59 to 8.95) greater likelihood of deep SSIs and those who lost weight before a total knee replacement had a 1.63 (95% CI 1.16 to 2.28) greater likelihood of re-admission compared with the reference group. These findings raise questions about the safety of weight management before total replacement of the hip and knee joints. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:629–35.

Background: Inadequate energy intake has been hypothesized to partially contribute to runners’ low BMD levels. Purpose: To assess the nutritional adequacy of adolescent runners’ diets and identify ...

Background:Identifying the risk factors associated with a bone stress injury (BSI), including stress reactions and stress fractures, may aid in targeting those at increased risk and in formulating prevention guidelines for exercising girls and women.Purpose:To evaluate the effect of single or combined risk factors as defined by the female athlete triad—a syndrome involving 3 interrelated spectrums consisting of energy availability, menstrual function, and bone mass—with the incidence of BSIs in a multicenter prospective sample of 4 cohorts of physically active girls and women.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:At baseline, participants’ (N = 259; mean age, 18.1 ± 0.3 years) anthropometric characteristics, eating attitudes and behaviors, menstrual function, sports participation or exercise activity, and pathological weight control behaviors were assessed. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measured the bone mass of the whole body, total hip, femoral neck, lumbar spine, and body composition. Participants were followed prospectively for the occurrence of injuries; those injuries confirmed by a physician were recorded.Results:Twenty-eight participants (10.8%) incurred a BSI. Forty-six percent of those who had ≥12 h/wk of purposeful exercise, a bone mineral density (BMD) Z score 2, oligo- or amenorrhea, elevated dietary restraint, and/or participation in a leanness sport exercise/activity at baseline, incurred a BSI during the prospective study period. Single factors significantly ( P < .05) associated with the development of a BSI included ≥12 h/wk of purposeful exercise (14.7%), BMI 2(15.3%), and low bone mass (BMD Z score Conclusion:In the sample, which included female adolescents and young adults participating in competitive or recreational exercise activities, the risk of BSIs increased from approximately 15% to 20% for significant single risk factors to 30% to 50% for significant combined female athlete triad–related risk factor variables. These data support the notion that the cumulative risk for BSIs increases as the number of Triad-related risk factors accumulates.

Context: Although prevalence of obesity and incidence of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) have dramatically increased over the last two decades in the US, little is known of the preoperative and postoperative weight patterns of patients undergoing TJA. Objective: To describe the preoperative and postoperative weight patterns ofpatients undergoing TJA and evaluate characteristics associated with these patterns. Design: Retrospective cohort study. A cohort of patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2010, was identified. Using weight obtained at patient encounters, patients were categorized into gainers (increased weight by 5%), losers (decreased weight by 5%),or remained the same (changed < 5%) for the preoperative and postoperative periods.Patients were characterized by sex, age, and race. Main Outcome Measures: Weight change before and after TJA. Results: Of 30,632 patients with TJA identified, 34.5% underwent THA and 65.5%had TKA. Most patients remained the same weight during the year before (THA, 71.5%;TKA, 75.7%) and after the procedure (64.0% and 68.5%, respectively). Before and after THA, men were less likely to lose or gain weight than were women. Older patients were less likely to gain weight. Among patients undergoing TKA, men were less likely to lose weight preoperatively or postoperatively, or gain weight postoperatively, and older patients were less likely to gain weight before or after arthroplasty. Some racial associations with weight patterns were observed. Conclusions: Specific groups are more susceptible to weight change and could benefit from weight management interventions. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the physiological effects of detraining and retraining in a female master cyclist (age, 49.5 yr; wt, 54 kg) following a surgically-treated clavicular fracture complicated by brachial plexus impingement. Methods: Variables associated with cycling performance, including VO 2max , lactate threshold (LT), power output at a blood lactate concentration of 4 mM (LT 4 mM), peak power output (PPO), muscular resistance to fatigue measured by a timed ride to exhaustion at 110% of peak power output (PPO 110 ), and body composition (hydrostatic weight) were assessed 2 d before the injury when the subject was at the peak of her competitive season, and at days 0, 14, 28,42, and 77 of the retraining period. Retraining gradually increased from 3 h.wk -1 to 9-10 h.wk -1 with an increase in intensity from approximately 70 to 95+% of HR max . Results: Detraining resulted in a 25.7% decrease in VO 2max and a 16.7% and 18.9% decrease in LT and LT 4 mM ' respectively, while peak power output and PPO 110 declined 18.2% and 16.6% respectively. Body fat percent increased 2.1 percentage points, while fat-free mass decreased nearly 2 kg. After 2 wk of retraining, all variables except the LT and LT4 mM had improved considerably; however, VO 2max was still 14.8% lower and PPO and PPO 110 were 12.7% and 5.7% lower than preinjury values. By the 11th week of retraining, all variables had essentially returned to their preinjury values. Conclusion: These data demonstrate a pattern of retraining in which aerobic power steadily improved over 6 wk, while measures of lactate threshold did not change until the fourth week of retraining when the intensity of training was markedly increased. Additional data are needed to determine whether this pattern of retraining would be consistent in other master athletes.

Introduction: Project Graduate Ready for Activity Daily evaluated a program to promote physical activity through the transition of university graduation in a randomized controlled trial. Methods: Three hundred thirty-eight university seniors participated in either a cognitive-behavioral intervention course or a knowledge-oriented general health course during the semester before graduation. Behaviorally oriented phone and mail follow-up was delivered to the intervention group for 18 months. Physical activity outcomes and mediating variables were assessed at baseline, 1 and 2 years (93% retention rate). Results: There were no significant intervention effects on physical activity outcomes at 2 years for either men or women. Experiential and behavioral processes of change were significantly improved for intervention women over 2 years. Conclusions: Despite excellent participation in a theoretically based, well-attended intervention, few long-term effects on physical activity or its mediators were found. Additional research is needed to determine optimal interventions for physical activity and to validate or alter current behavior change theory.

The purpose of this study was to examine maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), lactate threshold (LT), and 13.5 km bicycle time trial performance in elite, female master (>40 yr) cyclists during the course of a 6 month training season. Five elite, female cyclists (mean age = 47 yr), and five age‐matched recreational cyclists served as subjects for the study. VO2 max, LT, and 13.5 km bicycle time were measured at the end of the off‐season (December) and again following 6 months of intensified training. During the off‐season, the master cyclists averaged 160 km a week of moderate (HR 160 bpm) interval training. The results showed that the 13.5 km bicycle time significantly decreased (p < 0.05) from a mean of 1406 sec to 1316 sec in the master cyclists during the course of the competitiv...

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of resistance training alone or in combination with balance and gait training on balance and gait measures in seniors. Subjects, ranging in age from 65 to 83 years, were randomly assigned to a strength and balance/gait group (SB, n = 21 ) or a control group (S, n = 18) receiving strength and relaxation training. Both groups significantly increased their strength and gait speed over the 12-week training period, but step length remained unchanged. The results suggest that elders can make significant gains in muscular strength and walking speed through resistance training, and that adding balance and gait training to resistance training can significantly improve some balance and gait measures beyond improvements achieved from strength training alone. If replicated, these results set the stage for investigations of injury control benefits possible from balance training.

The cumulative effect of the female athlete triad (Triad) risk factors on the likelihood of low bone mineral density (BMD) in exercising women is unclear.This study aimed to determine the risk of low BMD in exercising women with multiple Triad risk factors.We retrospectively examined cross-sectional data from 437 exercising women (mean ± SD age of 18.0 ± 3.5 yr, weighed 57.5 ± 7.1 kg with 24.5% ± 6.1% body fat) obtained at baseline from 4 prospective cohort studies examining Triad risk factors. Questionnaires were completed to obtain information on demographic characteristics, self-reported eating attitudes/behaviors, menstrual function, sport/activity participation, and medication use. Height and body weight were measured. BMD was measured using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Low BMD was defined as z-scores of-1 and ≤-2. Chi-square tests were performed to determine the percentage of women with low BMD who met the criteria for individual (current oligo/amenorrhea, late menarche, low body mass index (BMI), elevated dietary restraint, lean sport/activity participation) or multiple (2, 3, 4, or 5) Triad risk factors.Late menarche and low BMI were associated with the highest percentage of low BMD (z-score-1), 55% and 54%, respectively, and low BMD (z-score ≤-2), 14% and 16%, respectively. The percentage of participants with low BMD (z-score-1 and ≤-2) increased from 10% to 62% and from 2% to 18%, respectively, as women met the criteria for an increasing number of Triad risk factors.A cumulative number of Triad risk factors were associated with an increased risk of low BMD, suggesting a dose-response association between the number of Triad risk factors and BMD in exercising women. Further research should be conducted to develop a user-friendly algorithm integrating these indicators of risk for low BMD in exercising women (particularly factors associated with low BMI/body weight, menstrual dysfunction, lean sport/activity participation, and elevated dietary restraint).

The Korean population in the US increased by a third between 2000 and 2010. Korean women in the US report low calcium intake and relatively high rate of fractures. However, little is known about the prevalence of osteoporosis among Korean American women. This paper examined the relationship between prevalence of osteoporosis and milk consumption, and their relationship with acculturation among a representative sample of immigrant California women of Korean descent. Bilingual telephone surveys were conducted from a probability sample (N = 590) in 2007. Lower acculturation significantly related to lower milk consumption for women during the age periods of 12–18 and 19–34 years. Acculturation was related to higher prevalence of osteoporosis among post-menopausal, but not pre-menopausal Korean women in California. Future research should include larger cohorts, objective measures of osteoporosis, other sources of calcium specific to Korean cuisine, and assessment of bone-loading physical activity.

Objective To describe the effects of activity level and energy intake over time on the body weight of patients with Alzheimer's disease compared with cognitively normal subjects. Design Repeated measures, case-control design with measurements taken at quarterly intervals for 12 months. Subjects were grouped by gender and activity level (sedentary or active) within cognitive status. Setting The Alzheimer's disease Special Care Unit, The Clinical Research Center at University of California, San Diego, and the Fred Kasch Exercise Physiology Laboratories at San Diego State University. Patients Seventeen institutionalized subjects with Alzheimer's disease and 23 community-dwelling control subjects successfully completed the 1-year study. Measurements Before admission to the nursing home, the patients with Alzheimer's disease had a formal assessment for dementia, which showed that they met the criteria of the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke and the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association work group for probable or possible Alzheimer's disease. Control subjects were screened using the Information-Memory-Concentration Mental Status Test and were found to have no cognitive disabilities. Baseline and quarterly measurements included height, weight, bioimpedance for body composition, and activity by accelerometer counts. Dietary intake of energy and protein was determined at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. Results Patients with Alzheimer's disease had a significantly higher energy intake than patients in the control group. Both women and men with Alzheimer's disease maintained their weight. Women with Alzheimer's disease had higher percentage of fat-free mass than the control group, but there were no differences in body composition between the groups of men. Conclusion Subjects with Alzheimer's disease can maintain their weight if they are given a diet with adequate energy (35 kcal/kg of body weight). J Am Diet Assoc. 1996; 96:1013-1018.

This study examined the efficacy of a progressive resistance exercise program, using equal concentric/eccentric (CE) or greater eccentric/concentric (GE) workloads, for increasing strength and improving functional abilities of community-dwelling older adults. Sixty men and women were randomly assigned to one of three groups: CE, GE, or control. All strength testing and training took place on six Lifecircuit machines. Functional tests included a bas carry, weighted stair climb, shelf task 1-RM, and static balance. Significant interactions in strength tests were noted for the chest, back, and shoulder exercises. GE improved in shoulder strength more than CE and control For functional measures, all weight trainers were grouped and compared to controls. A significant interaction occurred for the stair climb and balance with the exercise groups decreasing stair climb time by 11% and increasing balance time by 26%. Relative improvements by weight trainers of 12% for the shelf task and 7% for the bag carry were not significant. These data indicate that a moderate intensity resistance program can have positive effects on tasks required for everyday function.

The effect for cyclists of the typical forward sitting position on neck strength and its possible relationship to neck pain have not been examined. The purpose of this study was to measure the peak isometric cervical extension strength (PICES) of both recreational and experienced road cyclists and to compare these values to those of noncyclists. Subjects, 45 men between the ages of 18 and 40, were tested for voluntary PICES through a 126° range of motion on a MedX cervical extension machine. No significant differences were found between the three groups in PICES at any angle. When expressed relative to body weight, significant differences in PICES were found at 126° between the control group and the recreational cyclist group (p

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of high-intensity strength training on bone mineral density (BMD) of 34 non-estrogen-repleted, active women over 60 years of age. The study was designed as a randomized, nonblinded trial in which subjects were stratified into rank-ordered pairs by level of physical activity, then randomly assigned into either a weight training (WT) or a control (CON) group. BMD of the spine (L2–L4), hip, and total body was assessed at 0, 6, and 12 months by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Group-by-time repeated-measures ANOVA demonstrated no effect of weight training on BMD, despite marked gains in muscular strength for all exercises. The high-intensity weight training utilized in this study did not induce positive changes in BMD of the hip and spine of previously active, non-estrogen-repleted older women. However, the protocol was safe, enjoyable, and highly effective in increasing muscular strength.

Obesity is associated with an increased risk for recurrence and all-cause mortality in breast cancer survivors. Excess adiposity is associated with increased estrogen, insulin, and leptin, and with decreased sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations, which may promote breast cancer progression and recurrence. This study aimed to assess the effects of weight loss on these factors.Breast cancer survivors who were overweight or obese (n = 220) and who were enrolled in a weight loss intervention study provided baseline and follow-up blood samples and weight data. Serum estrogens, SHBG, insulin, and leptin were measured at baseline, 6 months, and 18 months.Weight loss of ≥5% of initial weight decreased leptin and insulin compared with those who did not achieve that amount of weight loss (P.0001). Weight loss also increased SHBG at 6 and 18 months (P.01). Postmenopausal women who lost ≥5% of body weight at 6 months had lower estrone (P = .02), estradiol (P = .002), and bioavailable estradiol (P = .001) concentrations than women who did not lose at least 5% of body weight, and weight loss at 18 months was significantly related to a change in serum bioavailable estradiol concentration (P = .02).Favorable changes in estrogens, SHBG, insulin, and leptin were observed in association with weight loss in these women who were overweight or obese and who had been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. Weight loss appears to have favorable effects on hormonal and biologic factors associated with increased risk for recurrence and poorer prognosis.

The purpose of this study was to examine the growth pattern and sexual maturation rate of identical triplets, one of whom was a highly ranked competitive gymnast who subsequently retired from the sport 8 months into the study. Baseline measurements were conducted when the sisters were 11.5 years of age. They were then repeated 18 and 24 months later. The gymnast had been in training and competition for 5 years at the time of the initial measurements. At the time of baseline measurements on the three girls, the gymnast's height fell between that of her two sisters, but at the 18‐month measurement, which was 10 months after she retired, she had grown 10.2 cm, compared with 4.9 and 5.8 cm for her sisters. Likewise, during this same time frame, she gained 13.6 kg, while sister 1 gained 10.9 kg and sister 2 gained 5.9 kg. At baseline, the gymnast was at the 68th percentile of weight for age, and her sisters were at the 83rd and 95th percentiles, respectively. Eighteen months later, the gymnast had increased to...

Objective: To determine the effects of resistance training on muscular strength, body composition (percent fat and lean tissue mass), and program adherence in active women over 60 years of age. Design: This study was designed as a stratified, randomized, non-blinded trial. Subjects were stratified into rank-ordered pairs by level of physical activity according to the Blair Seven-Day Recall, then randomly assigned into either a weight-training (WT, n = 18) or control (CON, n = 18) group. Participants and Setting: Thirty-six women over the age of 60 (67.1 ± 1.5, x ± SE) were recruited from the San Diego community. All subjects had to be engaging in some form of aerobic exercise at least 3 days each week for a minimum of 6 months. Measurements and Intervention: Subjects engaged in isotonic training 3 days/week on Polaris machines at a target intensity of 80% of the 1 repetition maximum (1 RM) for three sets of seven exercises selected to train major muscle groups of the trunk and upper and lower body. The 1 RM was re-tested every 6 weeks in WT and the workload adjusted to maintain target intensity. The 1 RM was tested at 0, 12, and 24 weeks in CON. Body fatness and lean tissue mass, excluding skeletal mass, were assessed at 0 and 24 weeks by dual energy radiography using a total body scan. Results: Increases in muscle strength of the weight trainers were significant for all seven exercises (5%–65%), with the greatest gains in the shoulder and trunk muscles. Percent body fat of weight trainers decreased significantly (from 38.8% to 37.9%, P < 0.05), while lean tissue mass increased by 1.5 kg (P < 0.01). No changes in body composition were observed in control subjects. Overall program adherence was 83% (15 weight trainers and 15 control women completed the study). Monthly attendance averaged 86.8 ± 3.3%, with no incidence of injury during the training sessions. Conclusions: These data indicate that heavy-resistance weight training is safe and enjoyable for older women and that meaningful gains in muscular strength and body composition can be made even in women who are already highly active.