Title: The influence of whole-body electromyostimulation on muscle strength and body composition in healthy individuals Objectives: The aim of the diploma thesis is to collect and give comprehensive theoretical information concerning the whole body electromyostimulation topic. Furthermore, find out what the effect of the whole body electromyostimulation method on body weight, fat-free mass, body fat and other parameters of body composition. The aim of this work is to verify whether it is possible to achieve changes in bone mineral density values by means of the WB-EMS method or to increase maximal isometric muscle strength in healthy individuals. Methods: The diploma thesis is an intragroup experiment. The method of qualitative research was used for data collection. Bioelectric impedance analysis was used to evaluate body composition. DXA (Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry) was used to assess bone mineral density and body composition, and isometric muscle strength was evaluated using isometric dynamometry. The research group consisted of 10 young and healthy probands (average age 23.9 years). Probands completed 10 exercise units using the whole body electromyostimulation method. The frequency of exercise was once a week. Results: We have found that after ten weeks of using the whole-body...

Title: Relation between motor skills, physical fitness and body composition in preschoolers age 4. Objectives: The aim of this thesis is to determinate if there are any significant relationships between motor skills, physical fitness and body composition in preschool age. Furthermore, to determine the degree of these relationships and their stability over time using repeated measures. Methods: The research group consisted of n=17 preschool-age children. For the evaluation of body composition we used the method according to Matiegka (1921) The level of gross motor skills was assessed with a TGMD-2 (Ulrich, 2000). To determine the level of physical fitness, a combination of agility test 4x5 metre, multistage 20-metre shuttle run, standing long jump, sit-ups, sit-and-reach and throw ball with alternative hands. Basic descriptive statistics, normality tests, Pearson correlation, paired T-test and regression analysis with level of clinical significance were used to analyze obtained data. Results: The results of our study did not find any clinically significant relationships between the level of motor skills, physical fitness and body composition. The largest relationship was found between the 4x5 m agility test and the jump within TGMD- 2 (r = -0.68). We found the highest stability (reliability) in the...

Physical inactivity and obesity in adolescence are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although exercise is recommended for the management of obesity, we know little about which types of exercise training are the most effective in reducing excess body fat and improving CVD risk in obese adolescents. This dissertation examined the effects of aerobic training, resistance training and their combination on the cardiometabolic health (body composition, CVD risk markers, resting metabolic rate (RMR), and fitness) of obese adolescents who participated in the Healthy Eating Aerobic and Resistance Training in Youth (HEARTY) trial. After a 4-week supervised moderate-intensity exercise run-in period, 304 overweight and obese adolescents were randomized to 4 groups for 22 weeks: Aerobic training, Resistance training, Combined aerobic and resistance exercise training, or a non-exercising Control. All four groups received dietary counseling designed to promote healthy eating with a maximum daily energy deficit of 250 kcal. Participants were assessed at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. Body composition was assessed using magnetic resonance imaging. Blood tests for traditional and non-traditional CVD risk markers were measured after a 12-hour fast. RMR and cardiorespiratory fitness were assessed using indirect calorimetry at rest and during a maximal treadmill test respectively. Musculoskeletal fitness (muscular strength, endurance, flexibility) was assessed using eight repetition maximum tests (8-RM) on the leg press, chest press and upright row machines and using the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology- Canadian Physical Activity Fitness and Lifestyle Appraisal (CSEP-CPAFLA) tests for grip strength, push-ups, sit-ups, sit and reach and vertical jump. Decreases in percent body fat and abdominal fat were greatest in the combined training group. Although body weight, RMR and traditional CVD risk markers did not improve following the exercise intervention, the combined training group showed improvements in cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal fitness and some non-traditional CVD risk markers. Cumulatively, combined aerobic and resistance exercise training showed the greatest improvements in cardiometabolic health in overweight and obese adolescents. This thesis concludes with a knowledge translation article detailing the practical lessons learned from exercise interventions with obese youth with hopes of increasing adherence to future exercise programs and improving the overall health of children and adolescents with obesity.

The late second and early third decades of life are critical periods for bone health due to the attainment of peak bone mass during this time, yet little is known about relationships between lifestyle factors and bone health among young-adult females. Therefore, anthropometric, body composition, and nutritional variables were examined in relation to bone mineral density (BMD) and biochemical markers of bone turnover in a group of 60 healthy, young-adult females aged 18 to 25 years. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), fat-free soft tissue mass (FFST), and fat mass had statistically significant and positive associations with BMD. Mean daily dietary protein, magnesium, and iron intakes had statistically significant and negative associations with BMD. A second study compared dietary intake, BMD, and biochemical markers of bone turnover in young-adult females with chronic dieting habits to nondieters. Anthropometric and body composition variables between chronic dieters and nondieters were not statistically different; however, chronic dieters had statistically significantly lower average daily dietary intakes of energy, macronutrients, and selected micronutrients compared to nondieters. Chronic dieters had statistically significantly higher whole body (WB) BMD compared to nondieters. Moderate effects were observed for WB, lumbar spine, trochanter, and total proximal femur BMD such that chronic dieters possessed greater BMD compared to nondieters. It appears that among young-adult females, total body weight, particularly FFST mass, has an important association with BMD. Although nutritional inadequacies among young-adult females raise concerns, overconsumption of nutrients may increase the likelihood of nutrient-nutrient interactions that may have a less than optimal impact on BMD. Future investigations of dietary intake and BMD among young-adult females are warranted. / Master of Science

Bakgrund & syfte: Europa befinner sig sedan femton månader tillbaka i en förändrad säkerhetspolitisk verklighet. Mot bakgrund av Rysslands invasion av Ukraina, som katalyserade Sveriges medlemsansökan till försvarsalliansen NATO, får mänsklig och teknisk beredskap på landets regementen betydligt större betydelse i internationell kontext de kommande åren. Studiens primära syfte är att utvärdera det fysiska stridsvärdet hos värnpliktskullen 2022/2023 på Norrbottens Flygflottilj i relation till nuvarande gränsvärden för Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), ett batteri som tillämpas regelbundet i US-amerikanska armén, och belysa eventuella skillnader mellan befattningsutbildningarna flygbassäkerhet, flygunderhåll, markunderhåll och sjukvård. Det sekundära syftet är att undersöka i vilken utsträckning kroppssammansättning korrelerar med fysisk prestation inom urvalsgruppen. Metod: Tvärsnittsstudie med 24 värnpliktiga, där 15 män och 9 kvinnor genomförde en bioimpedansmätning och ACFT innehållande sex delmoment som syftar till att mäta soldatens förmåga att utföra skarpa tjänsterelaterade uppgifter. Potentiella skillnader mellan prestationen på gruppnivå undersöktes medels ANOVA; en korrelationsanalys med variablerna relativ fettmassa, BMI, relativ och absolut muskelmassa genererade värden för samband med uppnådda totalpoäng. Resultat: Av studiens 24 deltagare presterade 22 över gränsen för hög fysisk kravprofil, med en testdeltagare under gränsen för godkänt och ytterligare en inom spannet för betydande fysisk kravprofil. Uppnådda totalpoäng visade varierande resultat mellan befattningsutbildningarna, dock utan att ANOVA visade någon signifikant skillnad. Korrelationsanalysen visade på svaga värden för samtliga variabler kopplade till kroppskomposition för samband med prestation i testbatteriet. Slutsats: Baserat på populationen i denna studie visar svenska värnpliktiga på ett högt stridsvärde och får anses fysiskt likvärdiga i internationellt sammanhang, vilket är lovande för en integration i NATOs strukturer. Dock behövs studier i större skala för att dra några generella slutsatser kring beredskap på svenska förband då detta arbete är begränsat till ett regemente i Norrbotten. / Objective: Over the past fifteen months, Europe has had to adjust to a fundamentally altered political reality. Against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Sweden’s subsequent application to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, human and technical readiness at Swedish regiments will gain much greater significance internationally during the coming years. The study’s primary objective is to assess physical combat readiness among recruits at Norrbotten Air Base (class of 2023) guided by cut-off values established for the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), and highlight possible differences in performance between the military occupational specialties avionic mechanic, critical care nursing, helicopter repairer, military police, and wheeled vehicle mechanic. The secondary objective is to analyze to which extent body composition correlates with physical performance for this group. Method: Twentyfour recruits, 15 male and 9 female, participated in this cross-sectional study consisting of a body composition scan and the ACFT, comprising six events designed to assess a soldier’s ability to efficiently execute combat-related tasks. Possible differences between occupational specialties were analyzed using ANOVA; relative fat mass, BMI, relative and absolute muscle mass were analyzed for correlation with participants’ total scores. Result: All but two participants achieved total scores beyond the cut-off value for heavy physical duty. One participant did not reach a level for pass, another scored within the bracket for significant physical duty. Total scores varied within and between occupational specialties, though ANOVA showed no significant difference between groups. Correlation analysis generated low values for all body composition variables when matched with performance in the ACFT. Conclusion: Based on the sample in this study, Swedish recruits display a high level of physical combat readiness, which is promising for a future integration into the NATO structure. Studies with greater sample sizes are needed to draw nation-wide conclusions.

No description available.

Genetic variations in taste receptor genes play a notable role in human taste perception and food preferences and intake, which may affect nutritional and health status. Understanding how genetic variations in taste receptor genes influence food perception, preferences, and intake can play an important role in designing effective interventions to improve the quality of peoples' nutrition and minimize the risk of diet-related diseases such as obesity. The objective of this study was to investigate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of umami taste receptor gene TAS1R1 and GRM4 and sweet taste receptor gene TAS1R3 and percentage of body fat mass (BF%) among young adults. 833 young adults aged 18-31 years old were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Umami and sweet taste receptor genotypes were determined and analyzed. A strong association was observed between the allele frequencies of sweet taste receptor gene TAS1R3 for SNPs rs307355 and rs35744813 and BMI, and between the same SNPs rs307355 and rs35744813 and BF%. In addition, the allele frequencies of SNP rs2499729 were significantly related to the likelihood of having obesity based on BMI classification. However, there was no association between the allele frequencies of the SNPs of the umami taste receptor genes; TAS1R1 for rs34160967 and BMI or BF%. The results of this study also indicated association in total energy intake and the percentage of energy from carbohydrates, protein, and fat intake between the alleles of the sweet receptor gene TAS1R3 for rs307355 and 35744813. Furthermore, a notable association was also detected in the percentage of energy from fat intake among the alleles of the umami receptors gene TAS1R1 rs34160967, and a significant relation in the percentage of energy from carbohydrates and protein intake between the different genotype polymorphisms of the umami receptor GRM4 gene for rs2499729.

The effect of the dietary macronutrient composition on weight loss has been a controversial issue for decades. During that time, a high-protein, high-fat, and low-carbohydrate diet has been one of the more popular weight loss diets with the public. We hypothesized that a computer simulation model using STELLA software could help to better understanding the effect of the dietary macronutrient composition on weight loss. We calculated daily total oxidation instead of total energy expenditure as others have done based on the facts that carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake influence carbohydrate, fat, and protein oxidation. In order to create a simple and accurate model comparing dietary macronutrient composition effects, we eliminated exercise as a factor and focused on a sedentary population. The model was validated by five sets of published human data. Following model validation, simulations were carried out to compare the traditional high-carbohydrate diet recommended by the American Dietetic Association and two well-known high-protein diets (Atkins and the Zone diet). The results of computer simulation suggested that the lean tissue retention effect of a high-protein diet, especially with a lower-fat diet, compared with a traditional high carbohydrate diet over 6 months.

Objective. Determine the relationship between dietary quality and body weight/composition in college women. Specific emphasis was made regarding adherence to current MyPyramid guidelines, fruit, vegetable and junk food consumption. Design/Participants. The study used a cross-sectional design. One hundred and sixty three women were recruited to participate in the study. All participants were university students (20.4 ± 1.6 y). Diet intake was measured using the Dietary History Questionnaire (DHQ) and the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) was calculated to assess diet quality. Body fat percentage was assessed using the Bod Pod and BMI was calculated using height and weight measurements. Physical activity was measured objectively using accelerometers over seven consecutive days. Results. There was no significant difference in BMI or body fat percentage across university year. There was no relationship between diet quality (as measured using the Healthy Eating Index) and percent body fat or BMI. The number of MyPyramid equivalents of fruit was negatively correlated to body fat percentage (r = -0.2, p ≤ 0,05) but not BMI (r = -0.093, p =0.26). The number of MyPyramid equivalents of dairy was also negatively related to both body fat percentage (r = -0.21, p ≤ 0.05) and BMI (r = -0.21, p ≤ 0.05). Percentage of calories from Non Nutrient Dense Foods (NNDF) was positively related to percent body fat ( r= 0.179, p = 0.029). For every 1-percentage increase in NNDF, there was a 0.12 percentage point increase in body fat. Conclusion. Increasing fruit, dairy, and vegetable intake, and reducing intake from Non Nutrient Dense Foods (NNDF) such as French fries, cookies, and candy, may have a beneficial influence on body composition in college women.

Travis, SK, Mujika, I, Zwetsloot, KA, Gentles, JA, Stone, MH, and Bazyler, CD. The effects of 3 vs. 5 days of training cessation on maximal strength. J Strength Cond Res 36(3): 633-640, 2022-The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 3 vs. 5 days of training cessation on body composition, perceived recovery and stress state, and maximal strength. Nineteen strength-trained athletes (23.8 ± 4.1 year; 90.8 ± 20.7 kg; 174.2 ± 7.3 cm) completed a powerlifting specific 4-week training block followed by either 3 or 5 days of training cessation. During the 4-week training block, athletes were trained 3 days per week, performing 3-4 movements that included at least 2-3 competition lifts per session while performing 4-5 sets of 3-5 repetitions with intensity ranging from 75 to 100% 1 repetition maximum (1RM). Body composition, psychometric measures, upper-body maximal strength, and lower-body maximal strength were assessed before (T1) and after 4 weeks of training (T2) and at 3 or 5 days of training cessation (T3). The alpha level was set at p < 0.05. After the 4-week training block (T1 to T2), trivial significant increases in body mass (p = 0.016, Hedge's g = 0.04) and bench press 1RM (p = 0.01, g = 0.16) were observed, as well as small significant increases in back squat 1RM (p < 0.001, g = 0.23), deadlift 1RM (p = 0.003, g = 0.20), powerlifting total (p < 0.001, g = 0.21), and Wilks Score (p < 0.001, g = 0.27). There were no significant differences between groups for isometric back squat performance, psychometric measures, and body composition after training cessation (T2-T3). However, small significant decreases in isometric bench press performance were observed after 5 days (p < 0.001, g = 0.16), but not 3 days of training cessation. The results of this study suggest maximal lower-body strength can be preserved during 3 and 5 days of training cessation, but maximal upper-body strength is only preserved for 3 days after 4 weeks of strength training in athletes.