Nutritional insults and conditions in fetal life and infancy may influence later growth and body composition as well as the development of chronic diseases in adult life. We studied the effects of maternal food and micronutrient supplementation and exclusive breast-feeding counseling on offspring growth 0-54 months and body composition at 54 months of age. We also validated and developed equations for a leg-to-leg bioimpedance analyzer in order to assess body composition of Bangladeshi children aged 4-10 years. In the MINIMat trial in Matlab, Bangladesh, pregnant women were randomized to Early (around 9 weeks) or a Usual invitation (around 20 weeks) to food supplementation and to one of three daily micronutrient supplementations with capsules of either 30 mg Fe and 400 µg folic acid, or 60 mg Fe and 400 µg folic acid, or multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) (15 micronutrients including 30 mg Fe and 400 µg folic acid). They were also randomized to exclusive breastfeeding counseling (EBC) or to usual health messages (UHM). Growth of their children was measured from birth to 54 months, when body composition also was assessed. There were no differences in background characteristics across the different intervention groups. There was no differential effect by prenatal interventions on birth weight or length. Early invitation to food supplementation reduced stunting from early infancy up to 54 months for boys (average difference 6.5 percent units, 95% CI=1.7 to 11.3, p=0.01), but not for girls (average difference 2.4 percent units, 95% CI=-2.2 to 7.0, p=0.31). MMS resulted in more stunting than standard Fe60F (average difference 4.8 percent units, 95% CI=0.8 to 8.9, p=0.02). Breast-feeding counseling prolonged the duration of exclusive breastfeeding (difference 35.0 days, 95% CI 30.6-39.5, p<0.001). Neither the pregnancy interventions nor the breast-feeding counseling influenced body composition at 54 months. Early food supplementation in pregnancy reduced the occurrence of stunting in boys 0-54 months, while prenatal MMS increased the proportion of stunting. Early food and multiple micronutrient supplementation or exclusive breastfeeding intervention provided to rural Bangladeshi women during pregnancy did not affect offspring body composition at 54 months of age. The effects on postnatal growth suggest programming effects in early fetal life.

Tyrimo problema – rengiant 8–9 metų krepšininkus taikomos skirtingos treniravimo programos, tačiau jų veiksmingumas sportiniam parengtumui nėra pagrįstas. Kokios treniravimo programos yra veiksmingiausios 8–9 metų krepšininkų sportiniam parengtumui? Daroma prielaida (Butautas, 2002), kad integralaus treniravimo programa galėtų būti veiksmingiausia. Tyrimo hipotezė – treniravimo programa vyraujant integraliajam rengimui turi didžiausią poveikį jaunųjų krepšininkų (8–9 metų) parengtumui. Tyrimo objektas – skirtingų treniravimo programų poveikis jaunųjų krepšininkų (8–9 m.) parengtumui. Tyrimo tikslas – nustatyti ir įvertinti jaunųjų krepšininkų (8–9 m.)skirtingų treniravimo programų veiksmingumą. Tikslui pasiekti keliami uždaviniai: 1. Nustatyti ir įvertinti jaunųjų krepšininkų (8–9 metų) techninio, atletinio parengtumo ir kūno sudėjimo kaitos ypatumus. 2. Nustatyti skirtingų treniravimo programų veiksmingumą techniniam, atletiniam parengtumui. Tiriamieji – tyrime dalyvavo 8–9 (8,5 ± 0,27) metų amžiaus (n = 38) krepšinio mokyklos „Perkūnas“ krepšininkai. Eksperimento metu tiriamieji buvo paskirstyti į tris (universalaus, techninio, integralaus) skirtingo rengimo programų grupes. Išvados: 1. Nustatyta, kad jaunųjų krepšininkų dalyvavusių ekperimente techninis ir atletinis parengtumas gerėjo bei atitiko gero parengtumo lygį. Kūno sudėjimo rodiklių kaita atitiko tendencijas šio amžiaus krepšininkams, pateiktas ankstesniuose mokslininkų darbuose. Didėjant ūgiui, didėjo ir kūno masė... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Research problem – When developing 8–9 years old basketball players, different types of training programs are used, but effectiveness of those programs are not valid.Which training programs has the best effect on 8–9 years old basketball players ? Others assume (Butautas, 2002), that special training programs might be the most effective. Reserach hipothesis – training program with integral preparation has the biggest effect on youth basketball players (8–9 years old) qualification. Reserach object – the effect of different training programs for youth basketball players (8-9 years old). Research aim – research the effect of different training programs for youth basketball players (8–9 years old). Research objectives: 1. Determine and evaluate the change of peculiarity in technical, physical qualification and body constitution for youth basketball players (8–9 years old). 2. Determine the effect of different training programs in technical, physical and body constitution. Participants: basketball players (n = 38) of 8 (8,5 ± 0,27) years old from “Perkūnas” basketball school participated in the research. During the research participants were divided into three (universal, technical and integral) different training groups. Conclusions: 1. Determined, that technical ant physical qualification of the participants got better, and matched the level of good qualification. Indicator changes of body constitution matched the tendencies that are stated by other authors. When player grow in... [to full text]

Background: The incidence of injuries in rugby union has increased on both professional and amateur levels since the introduction of professionalism in 1995. Although rugby union is a body contact sport with an expected high injury rate, limited research has been done regarding the postural and biomechanical characteristics of the players and the effect these variables have on the incidence and nature of rugby union injuries. Large body size is a significant predictor of success in rugby union and the body mass and mesomorphy of players has increased over the last years. It has, however, not been thoroughly investigated whether changes in body composition have any effect on the incidence of rugby union injuries. Intrinsic risk factors that have been identified to contribute to rugby union injuries are Hyper-mobility of joints, lack of dynamic mobility and core stability, previous injuries, aerobic and anaerobic fitness as well as the personalities and characteristics of players which affect their on-field awareness. The findings of studies investigating the relation between player characteristics and rugby union injuries are inconsistent because of the differences in player characteristics under investigation and playing conditions, different research methodologies used as well as differences in the way injury is defined. Therefore, the need exists to determine the differences in the biomechanical, postural and anthropometrical characteristics of injured and uninjured rugby union players by making use of a prospective design and a standardized injury definition. Objectives: The objectives of this study were firstly, to determine the incidence and nature of injuries among U/21 rugby union players at the Rugby Institute (RI) of the North-West University (NWU) (South Africa) and secondly, to determine which of the selected biomechanical, postural and anthropometrical characteristics contributed to musculoskeletal injuries obtained during the first five months of the 2005 season. Method: s A prospective once-off subject availability study was performed that included forty-nine U/21-rugby union players of the RI of the NWU. Biomechanical, postural and anthropometrical assessments were performed on all subjects before the start of the 2005- season. All the injuries sustained during the first five months of the 2005 season were recorded by means of a validated rugby union injury report questionnaire. A stepwise discriminant analysis identified the independent variables that discriminated mostly between the players with and without injuries within the different body regions. Back-classification by means of the "Jack-knife method" determined whether the independent characteristics that were selected to contribute to injuries was valid and the effect size, I ("better than chance"), was then determined, with I > 0.3 accepted as practically significant. Results: A total of 66 injuries with an injury rate of 8.611000 training hours and 61.811000 game hours were reported. Severe injuries accounted for 53% of all injuries to forward players with the ankle being the most injured anatomical region. In the backline severe injuries accounted for 11% with the shoulder being the most injured region. The tackle was the phase of play in which most injuries occurred. The statistical analysis identified uneven hips, pronated feet, tight hamstrings, anatomical leg length differences, gait pronation and a tall stature to be practically significant predictors for lower extremity injuries (I>0.3). No practical significance was obtained for the selected biomechanical, postural and anthropometrical characteristics related to shoulder girdle as well as back or spine injuries. Conclusions: The conclusions that can be drawn from this study are that the injury incidence of rugby union players of the U/21-squad of the RI of the NWU is high in comparison with those of other club level players and that postural and biomechanical imbalances of the lower extremities may increase the risk for injury in this area. / Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

The prevalence of obesity is a growing problem for children and adolescents worldwide (Schwellnus & Derman, 2003:12; Verster, 2001:15; Cameron, 1999:75). Obesity contributes to primary and secondary health risks such as coronary heart disease and diabetes (Kalk, 2001:576). Obesity is inheritable as well as the health disorders associated with the type of obesity (Kalk, 2001:576; Dietz, 1995:157; Garfinkel & Cosina, 1990:511; Bouchard et a/., 1985:64). A possible cause for the increase of obesity is inactivity, and this generates numerous health problems for children and adolescents (Du Toit & Van der Merwe, 2003:49; Verster, 2001:15; Kalk,2001:576; Steinbeck, 2000:28; Cameron, 1999:75; Reilley et a/., 1999:217). Research has shown that regular exercise can lower the risk of obesity and have many health benefits in general (Deheeger et a/., 1997:375).Consequently the participation of physical activity is important for everyone not only for the obese individual (Van Mil et a/., 1999:842). Physical activity has physical as well as psychological benefits such as positive development in self-concept (Walters & Martin, 2000:51). A positive self-concept during adolescence can have an influence on mental and physical health, and the development of a positive self-concept is critical during the adolescent period (Park, 2003:42). Research also indicates that a strong self-concept can lead to an increase in participation physical activity (Park, 2003:47). Physical activity can also be a social opportunity during which self-concept and self-worth can develop (Marsh, 1997:28). The objective of this study firstly was to determine the influence of a 16-week physical activity intervention program on body composition and self-concept of black South African adolescents. The second objective was to determine the incidence of obesity among these adolescents. The third objective was to determine the influence of body composition on self-concept after participation in a 16-week physical activity intervention program. A total of 95 black adolescents (ages 13 to 18) were recruited to participate in the PLAY study (Physical Activity for the Youth). A control group of 24 adolescents did not participate in any exercise, where an experimental group of 71 adolescents did indeed participate in a 16-week physical activity intervention program. Anthropometric measurements and a comprehensive body composition were taken, using skin folds, BMl and the Bod Pod. The subjects completed a self-concept questionnaire (PASWIN2004 computer program). The findings in this study seems to indicate that there was a positive relationship, between physical activity and BMI as well as Bod Pod changes, after a 16-week activity intervention program in the experimental boys group. No further correlations were traced in the other groups. Among all the adolescents (experimental and control groups), were 80.85% overweight, of which 40.42% were classified as obese. This shows that the majority of this group of adolescents were overweight. No significant changes were found in body composition. The girls showed a slight increase in BMI as well as body fat percentage and a decrease in self-concept. This indicates that an increase in body fat can lead to a lower self-concept. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

Obesity is currently the most common and costly nutritional problem in developed countries and ten percent of the world's school-aged children are estimated to be overweight to some extent. Low-grade systemic inflammation is increasingly emerging as a significant component of the metabolic syndrome. Youth in lower income families are particularly vulnerable because of poor diet and limited opportunities for physical activity. In developing countries obesity among youth is rising among the urban poor, possibly due to their exposure to Westernised diets coinciding with a history of under-nutrition. The aim of this study was to assess the association between serum CRP and physical activity and to assess the association between serum CRP and body composition in black high-school children from a township in the North West Province (NWP), South Africa. Methods and results: The study group consisted of 193 school children between the ages 13 to 18 years (78 boys and 115 girls) residing in lkageng, the township outside of Potchefstroom in the North West Province, South Africa. Children were from a black ethnic group, living in a poor socioeconomic setting. Demographic and body composition measurements were taken and fasting blood samples were drawn for serum C-reactive protein (CRP) measurements. The difference between serum CRP of overfat versus girls with a normal fat percentage was non-significant (p = 0.46). Boys with body fat percentage >20% (n=16) had .a mean serum CRP of 1.42 2.16 mg/L and for boys with a normal fat percentage (n=53) mean serum CRP was 0.89 k 1.62 mg/L. The Mann-Whitney U-test for the difference between mean CRP of the two groups of boys was Z=1.39, p=0.16 (no significant difference), but with a trend of higher serum CRP concentration in the boys with higher % body fat. For the boys, the only positive partial correlation was between serum CRP and triceps skinfold (r=0.327, p=0.045). In the girls' group no statistically significant partial correlations were found between CRP and body composition variables. There was no significant difference between serum CRP concentrations of the three physical activity categories of girls. Interestingly, there was an inverse correlation between percentage body fat and fitness in the boys' group (r=-0.509 and p= 0.008). The difference in log CRP between activity groups showed a trend of lower serum CRP with higher physical activity in the girls. Conclusion: This study showed no statistically significant associations between serum CRP and body composition, except for the positive correlation between triceps skin fold and serum CRP in boys, or CRP and physical activity, but clear trends were noted of an inverse association between CRP and physical activity in the girls. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Nutrition))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007

Thesis (M.Sc. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Menopause is an important period for bone health in women. Objective: To assess the determinants of bone mineral density (BMD) changes in women transitioning to menopause. Method: A secondary data analysis of the MONET (Montreal-Ottawa New Emerging Team) study. Outcome measures included yearly assessment of menopause status, body composition, BMD, physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) and dietary calcium and vitamin D intakes. Results: 84 of the original 102 women had complete data for the purpose of the present study. Repeated measures analysis revealed significant decreases in lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD (P< 0.01). Regression analysis revealed that baseline femoral neck BMD, changes in PAEE and trunk fat explained 31% of the variation of BMD changes at the femoral neck, while changes in both PAEE and trunk fat account for 27% of BMD change at lumbar spine. Conclusion: Baseline femoral neck and changes in physical activity energy expenditure and trunk fat are determinants of the reduction of bone mineral density in women transitioning to menopause.

Thesis (M.Sc. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Background: Factors that contribute to body fat and adiposity include energy consumption, macronutrient intake, and physical activity. Alcohol not only contributes to total energy consumed but also influences metabolic pathways that may alter fat oxidation and storage. Alcohol provides 7.1 kilocalories per gram (kcal/g) and makes up 6-10% of the daily caloric intake of adults in the United States. Cross-sectional studies have shown that increased alcohol intake is associated with higher body mass index (BMI), especially in men. Other studies suggest that there is a “U” shaped association whereby non-drinkers and heavy drinkers have a higher BMI and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) then low to moderate drinkers. While many previous studies evaluate alcohol based on the average consumption (g/day), there is increasing evidence that it is the pattern of alcohol consumption (ie. frequency) that influences body composition. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of the frequency of wine, beer, and liquor consumption on body fat percent (BF%) and WHR in a population of university faculty and staff. Methods: The Center for Health Discovery and Well Being (CHDWB) cohort trial is being conducted at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Recruitment of faculty and staff for the study began in 2007. Demographic, reported dietary intake including wine, beer, and liquor consumption, and anthropometric data including weight, height, BF%, and waist circumference are collected at baseline and annually thereafter. We used linear regression models to determine the effect of frequency and quantity of wine, beer, and liquor consumption on BF% while controlling for age and the effects of the other types of alcohol. We applied the Kruskal-Wallis test to determine if the median BF% and waist-hip ratio (WHR) was significantly different for those that reported at different five different frequencies (several times a year to 5-7 days a week). Results: Baseline visits have been conducted on 700 participants. Their median age was 51 years (66% female). Median weight was 76.9 kg (range, 65.3 - 90.5 kg) and mean BMI was 27.9 + 6.4 kg/m2. A significant negative relationship was observed between frequency of beer consumption and BF% in women (p Conclusions: The frequency of wine intake consumed by university employees and staff independently predicted BF% and BMI. Greater frequency of wine consumption was associated with lower BF%.

Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) have long been advocated as potential weight-lowering agents or potential tools in the treatment and prevention of human obesity. These statements have been made after findings from human and animal trials that consumption of MCT increases energy expenditure and fat oxidation compared to long chain triglycerides (LCT). In addition, animal studies have resulted in lower body weight gain and smaller fat depots when animals were fed MCT compared to those fed LCT. However, long-term controlled trials studying the effects of consumption of MCT in humans have not been conducted and the longest trial to date, 14 d of duration, has shown that the effect of MCT on energy expenditure may be transient. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether, in controlled feeding conditions, consumption of MCT for 4 wk would lead to differences in energy expenditure and substrate oxidation versus consumption of an isocaloric diet rich in LCT. Furthermore, our aim was to establish whether consumption of MCT for 4 wk would lead to greater changes in body composition than would LCT consumption. We conducted two randomized, controlled, crossover feeding trials involving overweight women and men to test our objectives. A secondary objective was to examine the potential satiating effect of MCT, and this was tested in men. Finally, a third objective was to determine whether, when combined with phytosterols and flaxseed oil, MCT consumption would result in different blood lipid profile compared to LCT. Nineteen healthy overweight women and 24 healthy overweight men participated in two separate randomized controlled trials to test these objectives. Energy expenditure and body composition were assessed at the beginning and end of each experimental phases, which differed only in the type of fat included in the controlled diets. Blood samples were also taken at baseline and endpoint of each phase to determine plasma lipid concentrations. Result