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The article reports on research which was conducted to investigate muscle size, quality and body composition characteristics in Division I cross country runners with a history of stress fractures and without. Researchers evaluated 21 male and 15 female subjects. They found that male and female runners with a history of fractures were not different in any studied variables compared to runners with no fracture history and that more muscle mass is associated with higher bone mineral density and bone mineral content.

Many studies indicate racial differences in areal bone mineral density (aBMD). African-Americans tend to have the greatest aBMD, followed by Caucasian, Hispanic and Native Americans. Asian Americans, on average, have the lowest aBMD. Differences in aBMD are attenuated when adjustments are made for bone size, weight and lifestyle factors. While many studies have focused on racial differences in bone density, it is important to consider fracture risk since it is the clinically meaningful outcome and is determined by many factors other than bone density. African- and Asian-Americans have a relatively low risk of fracture compared to other groups, despite drastically different bone density, as measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Factors that cannot be completely evaluated by DXA, such as bone size, volumetric density, bone microarchitecture and turnover may be important in explaining disparate fracture rates. Newer technologies such as central quantitative computed tomography (CT) and high-resolution peripheral CT promise to contribute important knowledge in this regard. Despite recent advances, more fracture risk data is needed for non-Caucasian groups to assist in the development of relevant screening and treatment guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity in the United States is a serious and preventable health concern. Previous research suggests that habitual short sleep may influence obesity-risk behaviors, such as increased caloric intake, decreased physical activity and increased engagement in sedentary activities (e.g., media consumption, computer usage). Given that existing longitudinal research studies have methodological concerns preventing conclusive interpretations, Project STARLIT was designed to address these limitations and identify future intervention targets., Methods: A sample of young adults (n = 300) will be recruited during the summer prior to entering college. Participants will be screened for eligibility requirements prior to the inclusion in the Time 1 assessment though phone and in-person interviews. Once enrolled, participants will complete four assessments over a two year period (i.e., approximately 8, 16 and 24 months after Time 1). Each assessment will consist of one week of data collection including both objective (i.e., habitual sleep, physical activity, body fat composition) and subjective (i.e., sleep diary, 24-h food recall, technology use, and sleep-related beliefs/behaviors) measures., Discussion: Project STARLIT is designed to address methodological concerns of previous research. In addition to clarifying the relationship between habitual short sleep and weight gain among young adults, the proposed study will identify problematic obesity risk behaviors associated with habitual short sleep (e.g., increased caloric intake, physical/sedentary activity). The results will identify prevention or intervention targets related to obesity risk., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04100967, 9/23/19, Retrospectively registered.