A short-term arm-crank exercise program improved testosterone deficiency in adults with chronic spinal cord injury

Purpose To determine the influence of arm-crank exercise in reproductive hormone levels in adults with chronic SCI. Further objectives were to assess the influence of arm-crank exercise on muscle strength and body composition. Materials and Methods Seventeen male adults with complete SCI at or below the 5th thoracic level (T5) volunteered for this study. Participants were randomly allocated to the intervention (n = 9) or control group (n = 8) using a concealed method. The participants in the intervention group performed a 12-week arm-crank exercise program, 3 sessions/week, consisting of warming-up (10-15 min) followed by a main part in arm-crank (20-30 min [increasing 2 min and 30 seconds each three weeks]) at a moderate work intensity of 50-65% of heart rate reserve (HRR) (starting at 50% and increasing 5% each three weeks) and by a cooling-down period (5-10 min). Serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone and estradiol were determined by ELISA. Muscle strength (handgrip) and body composition (waist circumference [WC]) were assessed. Results After the completion of the training program, testosterone level was significantly increased (p = 0.0166;d = 1.14). Furthermore, maximal handgrip and WC were significantly improved. Lastly, a significant inverse correlation was found between WC and testosterone (r =- 0.35; p = 0.0377). Conclusion The arm-crank exercise improved reproductive hormone profile by increasing testosterone levels in adults with chronic SCI. A secondary finding was that it also significantly improved muscle strength and body composition in this group. .

Asociación entre obesidad abdominal y daño oxidativo seminal en pacientes con síndrome metabólico / Association between abdominal obesity and seminal oxidative damage in adults with metabolic syndrome

Abdominal obesity, metabolic syndrome (MS) and oxidative stress may impair seminal quality leading to derangements in fertility. Aim: To identify an association between abdominal obesity and markers of seminal oxidative damage in adults with MS. Material and Methods: Seventy males aged 25 to 40 years, with MS according to ATP-III criteria volunteered for this cross-sectional study. The control group included 70 healthy and normal weight adults. Semen analysis included volume, sperm concentration, motility and normal morphologic features. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were measured, fat mass was determined by bioelectrical impedance. Results: Sperm concentration and the percentage of sperms with normal motility and morphology were significantly lower in adults with MS, when compared to their healthy normal weight counterparts. Seminal levels of malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine were significantly higher among participants with MS. Significant correlations were found between WC and seminal markers of oxidative stress. Conclusions: Individuals with MS had an impaired seminal quality that may be explained, at least in part, by increased seminal oxidative damage.

Estimaciones de la masa grasa y la masa muscular por métodos antropométricos y de bioimpedancia eléctrica / Assessment of fat mass and skeletal muscle mass by means of conventional anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis

Determinar la masa grasa y sus diferencias estimadas por técnicas de antropometría y bioimpedancia eléctrica de cuerpo entero, así como presentar datos de masa muscular esquelética en jóvenes en edad escolar, por métodos antropométricos. Método: Se ha procedido a la valoración de la composición corporal de 75 niños y 75 niñas de entre 12 y 18 años, mediante técnicas antropométricas y de bioimpedancia eléctrica de cuerpo entero para estimar la masa grasa (Slaughter y Houtkooper, respectivamente), así como la masa muscular esquelética (Poortmans). El análisis estadístico consistió en un estudio comparativo entre métodos que se realizó mediante la prueba de la t de Student, un estudio correlacional mediante el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman, así como un estudio de concordancia entre métodos mediante los procedimientos de Bland-Altman. Resultados: No existen diferencias significativas de la masa grasa determinada por ambos métodos (p > 0.05). Existen diferencias estadísticas en la masa muscular esquelética entre niños y niñas (p < 0.05). El estudio de concordancia muestra pequeñas diferencias entre métodos con errores proporcionales para el grupo de niños, no así en niñas,y con muy amplios límites de concordancia entre métodos. Conclusiones: En general, se puede concluir que la metodología antropométrica y de bioimpedancia eléctrica para la estimación de la composición corporal no son intercambiables para valoraciones longitudinales, en niños en edad escolar de 12 a 18 años, y aunque se observan pequeñas diferencias, existe un efecto de error proporcional entre método...

Mejoras del porcentaje y distribución abdominal de masa grasa en mujeres con discapacidad intelectual tras entrenamiento aeróbico de 10 semanas / A short training program reduced fat mass and abdominal distribution in obese women with intellectual disability

En la actualidad se acepta que la obesidad es un grave problema de salud pública. La situación es aún más preocupante entre las personas con discapacidad intelectual, especialmente entre las mujeres. Afortunadamente recientes estudios sugieren la utilidad del ejercicio como estrategia frente a la obesidad. Sin embargo, la mayoría de estos estudios utilizan grupos mixtos (hombres y mujeres) o varones, siendo escasa la información sobre un grupo homogéneo de mujeres. Por consiguiente nos planteamos como hipótesis que un programa de entrenamiento de 10 semanas podría reducir el porcentaje de masa grasa y la distribución abdominal en mujeres obesas con síndrome de Down. En nuestro estudio participaron 20 mujeres adultas (18-30 años) con un cociente intelectual de 50-69 según la escala Stanford-Binet y diagnóstico citogenético de trisomía 21. Todas presentaban obesidad definida como IMC>30 kg/m2. Once de las participantes se asignaron aleatoriamente al grupo experimental y desarrollaron un programa de entrenamiento de 10 semanas de tipo aeróbico con 3 sesiones/semana. El porcentaje de masa grasa se determinó mediante impedanciometría bioeléctrica (Tanita TBF521). Para obtener el índice cintura/cadera se midieron las circunferencias de la cintura y la cadera utilizando una cinta antropométrica. Nuestro protocolo fue aprobado por un Comité de Ética Institucional. Nuestros resultados confirman que el ejercicio aeróbico redujo significativamente el porcentaje de masa grasa, el índice cintura/cadera y el perímetro de la cintura (p<0,05). Por el contrario no se observaron cambios en el grupo control. Concluimos que un programa de entrenamiento de 10 semanas consiguió mejorar la composición corporal de mujeres obesas con síndrome de Down. Futuros estudios longitudinales bien conducidos y controlados son necesarios para conocer el impacto de esta mejora en el manejo clínico de este grupo.

Recent studies have reported obesity prevalence in people with intellectual disability is even higher than in the general population what may finally lead to impair their health status and increase healthcare costs. Fortunately several studies have reported regular exercise may improve body composition in obese people with and without intellectual disability. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study conducted exclusively in female participants with intellectual disability, in an attempt to keep our sample homogeneous. To date, many studies focused on the influence of regular exercise in people with intellectual disability have recruited mixed (males and females) groups in order to increase their sample size to strengthen research designs. Therefore, we assessed the influence of a 10-week aerobic training program on fat mass percentage and indices of obesity in women with Down syndrome. To get this goal, twenty obese young women with Down syndrome volunteered for this study. Eleven were randomly assigned to perform a 10-week aerobic training program, 3 sessions/week, consisting of warming-up followed by a main part in a treadmill (30-40 min) at a work intensity of 55-65% of peak heart rate and a cooling-down period. Control group included 9 age, sex and BMI matched women with Down syndrome. Fat mass percentage and fat distribution were measured. This protocol was approved by an Institutional Ethics Committee. When compared to baseline, fat mass percentage, waist circumference and waist to hip ratio were significantly reduced after training. Conversely, no changes were reported in controls. It was concluded a 10-week training program reduced fat mass in obese adult women with Down syndrome.

El ejercicio y el síndrome metabólico / Exercise and the metabolic syndrome

El síndrome metabólico (SM) será la pandemia del siglo XXI. En Europa y en las Américas la prevalencia de obesidad alcanza a 17% de la población que padece SM, duplicándose el riesgo de ASCVD (enfermedad aterosclérotica cerebrovascular). Se debe priorizar la reversión de la obesidad y de la inactividad física.El SM se presenta como una secuencia de alteraciones metabólicas e inflamatorias a nivel molecular, celular o hemodinámico, compartiendo la resistencia a la insulina y la adiposidadde predominio abdominal.La asociación SM y nuevos factores de riesgo independientes como la homocisteína plasmática (HC) y la proteína C reactiva (PCR), son considerados como predictores de riesgo cardiometabólico. Entre los componentes del SM de mayor relevancia actualmente debe considerarse el estrés oxidativo y la influencia del ejercicio físico.La obesidad central o abdominal es un importante elemento diagnóstico del SM, estrechamente relacionada con enfermedades cardiovasculares, no existiendo una clara y directa relación con cardiopatías isquémicas, siendo la edad un factor ligado a la relación entre SM y cardiopatías, llegando a 86% en mujeres de edad avanzada. El valor del riesgo cardiovascular es variable y depende de los factores de riesgo específico.Nuestro objetivo es mostrar los beneficios que nos puede proporcionar el ejercicio físico frente al SM y, como consecuencia, reducir el riesgo de alteraciones vasculares, especialmente cardíacas. Los apartados utilizados en esta revisión son los relacionadoscon componentes fundamentales como obesidad abdominal, alteración del metabolismo glucídico, dislipidemia e hipertensión, además de aquellos implicados como factores de riesgode enfermedades cardiovasculares como inflamación sistémica y estado protrombótico.

The metabolic syndrome (MS) will be the 21st Century syndrome. In Europe and the Americas, prevalence ofobesity accounts for 17% of the population suffering from metabolic syndrome, doubling the risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The metabolic syndrome will be the 21st Century pandemia. We need to prioritize reversing obesity and the lack of exercise. The metabolic syndrome is characterized by a seriesof hemodynamic, molecular or cellular metabolic and inflammatory alterations. It also includes insulin resistance and localized adiposity in the abdominal area. The association of the MS and new, independent riskfactors such as plasma homocysteine and C-reactive protein are considered risk predictors of cardiometabolic risk factors. Among the most relevant components of MS today, we need to consider oxidative stress and the impact of exercise. Central or abdominal obesity is an important diagnostic element for MS, closely related to cardiovascular diseases, there being no clear and direct relation with ischemic heart disease. Also, age is associated to the relation between MS and heart disease, accounting for 86% of women of old age. The rate of cardiovascular risk is variable and it depends on specific risk factors.We aim to show the positive impact of exercise on the MS and as a consequence, how it reduces the risk ofvascular alterations, in particular heart alterations. This review examined the main components of abdominal obesity, alterations the glucidic metabolism, dyslipidemia and high blood pressure, apart from thosethat have to do with heart disease risk factors, such as systemic inflammatory response syndrome and prothombotic state.

A síndrome metabólica (SM) será a pandemia do século XXI. Na Europa e nas Américas, a prevalência de obe-sidade alcança 17% da população que com SM, duplica o risco de ASCVD (doença aterosclerótica cardiovascular). Deve-se priorizar a reversão da obesidade e da faltade atividade física. A SM se apresenta como uma sequência de alterações metabólicas e inflamatórias a nível molecular, celular ou hemodinâmico tendo como elemento comum a resistência à insulina e a adiposidade predominantemente abdominal.A associação SM e novos fatores de risco independentes, como a homocisteína plasmática (HC) e a proteína C reativa (PCR), são considerados como preditoresde risco cardiometabólico. Entre os componentes da SM de maior relevância, atualmente se deve considerar o estresse oxidativo e ainfluência do exercício físico.A obesidade central ou abdominal é um elemento importante no diagnóstico da SM, fortemente relacionada com doenças cardiovasculares, não existindo uma relação clara e direta com cardiopatias isquêmicas, sendoa idade um fator ligado à relação entre SM e cardiopatias, alcançando 86% em mulheres de idade avançada. O valor do risco cardiovascular é variável e depende dos fatores de risco específico.Nosso objetivo é mostrar os benefícios que o exercício físico pode proporcionar com relação a SM e, comoconsequência, reduzir o risco de alterações vasculares, especialmente cardíacas. Os artigos utilizados nesta revisão são os relacionados com componentes fundamentais como obesidade abdominal, alteração do metabolismo glicosídico, dislipidemia e hipertensão, além daqueles implicados como fatores de risco de doenças cardiovasculares como inflamação sistêmica e estado pro trombótico.

Mejora de defensas antioxidantes mediante ejercicio aeróbico en mujeres con síndrome metabólico / Aerobic training improves antioxidant defense system in women with metabolic syndrome

En la actualidad se acepta que el daño oxidativo juega un papel esencial en la patogénesis del síndrome metabólico. Estudios recientes proponen al daño oxidativo como diana terapéutica frente al síndrome metabólico. Precisamente nuestro objetivo fue mejorar el estatus total antioxidante (TAS) de mujeres con síndrome metabólico mediante ejercicio aeróbico. Participaron voluntariamente 100 mujeres con síndrome metabólico de acuerdo con los criterios del National Cholesterol Educational Program (Adult-Treatment-Panel-III) distribuidas aleatoriamente en grupo experimental (n = 60) y control (n = 40). El grupo experimental desarrolló un programa de entrenamiento aeróbico sobre tapiz rodante de intensidad ligera/moderada de 12 semanas (5 sesiones/semana). La determinación del TAS plasmático se realizó mediante espectrofotometría utilizando kits comercializados por Randox Lab. Este protocolo fue aprobado por un Comité de Etica Institucional. Tras completar el programa de entrenamiento se incrementó significativamente el TAS (0.79 ± 0.05 vs.1.01 ± 0.03 mmol/l; p = 0.027). No hubo cambios en grupo control. El ejercicio aeróbico de intensidad ligera/moderada aumenta las defensas antioxidantes en mujeres con síndrome metabólico. Son necesarios futuros estudios longitudinales para conocer su impacto en la evolución clínica.

A 12-week training protocol increased antioxidant defense system in young adult women with metabolic syndrome. It is generally accepted that oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, recent studies have reported that stress may be acting as a therapeutic target in metabolic syndrome. Consequently, this study was designed to explore whether aerobic training may increase plasmatic total antioxidant status in women with metabolic syndrome. A total of 100 young adult women with metabolic syndrome according to the criteria reported by the National Cholesterol Education Program (Adult-Treatment-Panel-III) volunteered for this study. Of them, 60 were randomly included in the experimental group to enter a 12-week aerobic training program, 5 days/week, at low/moderate intensity. The control group included 40 age, sex and body mass index (BMI)-matched women with metabolic syndrome who did not enter any training program. Total antioxidant status (TAS) was assayed in plasma using colorimetric Randox kits. This protocol was approved by an Institutional Ethics Committee. When compared to baseline, plasmatic TAS was significantly increased (0.79 ± 0.05 Vs 1.01 ± 0.03 mmol/l; p = 0.027). No changes were found in controls. A 12-week aerobic training program increased plasmatic TAS in adult women with metabolic syndrome. Further long-term well-conducted studies are required in order to highlight the potential clinical benefits of TAS improvement.

Medidas antropométricas como predictores del comportamiento lipídico sérico en adolescentes con síndrome de Down / Anthropometrical measurements as predictor of serum lipid profile in adolescents with Down syndrome

Current findings suggest that more attention needs to be given to the increase in body mass being achieved by disabled populations in general and individuals with mental retardation in particular, to minimize long-term negative health consequences. Given that physical activity programs have been reported as one of the most effective ways of improving the health of individuals with Down syndrome, it would be of interest facilitate different tools to contribute to their clinical follow-up. Consequently, this study was designed to assess the correlation between anthropometrical parameters and lipid profile in adolescents with Down syndrome. Anthropometric variables such as body mass index, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio as well as serum lipids (total cholesterol, high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, total-choles-terol/high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides) were measured in 21 male adolescents (16.3 ± 1.1 years) with Down syndrome. Anthropometric parameters presented a positive association with serum lipids except for high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol that was negative. It should be emphasized the strongest association of waist-to-hip ratio to total cholesterol/high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (r = 0.48; p < 0.05). It is concluded waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio may be highly recommended in clinical practice as appropriate anthropometric predictors of lipid profile in adolescents with Down syndrome. Further studies are required to assess their behavior during physical activity programs as well as to determine more correlations in these individuals.

Si la obesidad como epidemia está alcanzando cotas preocupantes en la población general, la situación es aún más alarmante entre poblaciones con retraso mental en general y síndrome de Down en particular. Afortunadamente, recientes estudios sugieren que los programas de actividad física parecen una buena estrategia para combatirla, especialmente a edades tempranas. Para facilitar el seguimiento clínico de los mismos, diseñamos este trabajo para determinar las correlaciones más significativas entre parámetros antropométricos (índice masa corporal; índice cintura cadera; perímetro cadera) y el perfil lipídico sérico (colesterol total; colesterol-HDL; ratio colesterol total/HDL; triglicéridos) de 21 jóvenes adolescentes (16.3 ± 1.1) con trisomía 21. El coeficiente de correlación de Pearson demostró que las variables antropométricas ensayadas mostraron una correlación positiva con los distintos parámetros lipidicos excepto para colesterol-HDL que fue negativa. En líneas generales el perímetro de la cintura mostró el mejor comportamiento, mientras el índice cintura cadera mostró la mayor fuerza de asociación con la ratio colesterol-total/colesterol-HDL (r = 0.48; p < 0.05). Futuros estudios en los que se confirme la utilidad de estos hallazgos durante la aplicación de programas de actividad física y en los que se evalúen nuevas asociaciones son necesarios para contribuir a un mejor seguimiento y manejo de estos pacientes.

La morfología femenina como método de valoración de la estética corporal em estudiantes universitarias de Andalucia (España) / Na aesthetic analysis by means of assessment of female morphology in university students from Andalusia (Spain)

El presente trabajo pretende conocer y analizar la morfoestética corporal real e ideal de la mujer joven universitaria de Andalucía (España). Para ello diseñamos un estudio en el que participarán 400 jóvenes, 50 porcada una de las universidades de las 8 provincias andaluzas, a las que se hará un examen antropométrico paradeterminar su índice de masa corporal así como el porcentaje de masa grasa. Asimismo cada participantecumplimentará un cuestionario diseñado por nuestro propio equipo con 20 ítems referentes a la morfoestética. El valor medio del IMC de las encuestadas fue de 21.45 ± 1.68 Kg/m2 con un porcentaje de masa grasa del 25.13 ± 2.46 % lo que en conjunto muestra una clara tendencia a la delgadez. Igualmente convendría destacarse que el 77% de las jóvenes universitarias afirmó encontrarse satisfecha con su imagen corporal y que tan solo el 11% considero que si adelgazara se sentiría más feliz. En cualquier caso es interesante que la práctica deejercicio físico sea el método preferido mayoritariamente para perder peso.De todo esto se deduce, además dela coherencia en las respuestas, que las jóvenes estudiantes universitarias andaluzas son conscientes de sufigura corporal y se sienten mayoritariamente a gusto con su cuerpo que encaja en un prototipo muy similar almarcado por la sociedad actual.

In the present study the actual and desired morpho-aesthetic aspects of young female university students from Andalusia (Spain) were assessed and analyzed. To reach this goal, 400 young female students from 8 Universities of Andalusia enrolled the study. Initially they all underwent a kineanthropometric assessment to determine their Body Mass Index as well as their fat mass percentage. They filled out an anonymous questionnaire that included 20 items referred to morpho-aesthetics aspects. The mean value of BMI was 21.45 ± 1.68 Kg/m2 and the fat mass percentage of the group was 25.13 ± 2.46 % of total body mass. In addition, 77% of participants accept their body image whereas only 11% of them expressed that they would be happier if they lose weight. In any case it should be mentioned that physical activity was considered the best strategy to loseweight. Finally, we concluded that young female university students from Andalucia accept their body imagebecause, among other reasons, it is very similar to the morphological type valued by our society.