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Objectives: We investigated the validity of the Mirwald equation as an estimate of height in a cohort of rugby players., Methods: This was a prospective study with agreement analysis of height assessments conducted in 39 male youth rugby players (mean age 15.1 ± 0.9 years). During the 2007/2008 season, 151 young athletes were selected by rugby coaches using subjective decisions based on current performance and future potential. The rugby players were measured by physician experts and their height was estimated using the Mirwald formula (MF). Only 39 athletes were finally selected because they reached an elite level, allowing actual adult height to be collected from the official team websites in June 2018. Method agreement was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient, regression, and plotted by Bland and Altman analysis., Results: Twenty athletes played in the Italian National team and 19 in the First Italian Division (Eccellenza). Overall, they presented an early maturation and the MF was able to accurately estimate height. The MF underestimated height (187.4-189.1 cm) and showed a high association with actual adult players' height (r = 0.925, P < .001)., Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that the MF, whose estimation of stature is based on height, sitting height, body mass, and leg length is able to predict stature in rugby players., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Context: Sports practice leads athletes to develop a specific body composition, coordination patterns, and basic motor skills based on the different tactical and physical needs., Objectives: To present and compare a wide range of functional movement patterns and body composition (BC) parameters of high-level male athletes playing different sports and to determine if there was a relationship between the parameters examined., Design: Cross-sectional study., Setting: Team facilities., Participants: A total of 30 volleyball, 25 soccer, and 30 rugby players (age = 25.9 [5.0] y and body mass index = 25.6 [4.1] kg/m2)., Interventions: Functional movement patterns and anthropometric measurements were collected by a physician specifically trained., Main Outcome Measures: Body mass index, fat mass, fat-free mass, upper-arm muscle and fat area, calf muscle and fat area, thigh muscle and fat area, and functional movement screen (FMS) scores. In addition to considering the FMS total score, the authors separated the screen into 3 parts: FMSmove, FMSflex, and FMSstab., Results: The rugby players showed a higher number of asymmetrical and dysfunctional movements than the other athletes (P < .01), while the highest scores in FMSflex were obtained by the volleyball players (P < .01). In addition, most of the asymmetrical and painful movements in the athletes were measured on the shoulder mobility test. Muscle and fat areas differed significantly among the athletes (P < .05). Significant associations were found between movement patterns and several BC variables. In particular, large negative correlations were measured between percentage of fat mass (r = -.616; P < .01), upper-arm fat area (r = -.519; P < .01), and FMS total score., Conclusions: Functional movement patterns and BC differ in athletes according to the sport practiced. Furthermore, reaching an optimal BC is essential to achieve a satisfactory quality of movement.

This study aimed to compare immigrants and Italian natives with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) in terms of anthropometric parameters and lifestyle-related characteristics and to investigate the relationship between ethnicity and glycemic control in men and women with DM2 living in Italy. The sample included 100 immigrants (55 Albanians and 45 Africans) and 100 Italians, followed by the Public Health Clinics of Rimini. The association of ethnicity with sex, socioeconomic status, anthropometric and hematological characteristics, and lifestyle were examined. In addition, differences among groups in glycemic control were evaluated. Among males, African participants presented significantly lower values than other groups in adiposity parameters and triglycerides. The highest percentage of obesity and of normal weight was found in Italians and in Africans, respectively. Among females, there were scanty differences, but Italians presented higher WHR values than the other groups. No statistical differences appeared in hematological parameters among groups. There were no significant differences in glycemic control among groups and sexes. Also considering the differences between subjects with optimal (L) or nonoptimal (H) glycemic control, the differences in lifestyle, anthropometric, and hematological variables remained scarce. Among all groups, significantly higher values of glucose were detected in H than in L. A similar condition appeared for triglycerides in males. Immigrant and native Italian diabetics did not present any difference in their clinical characteristics, but Italians generally presented worst lifestyle habits. The percentage of subjects with poor metabolic control of diabetes was not low, but similar in immigrants and natives.

Obesity is one of the major risks for chronic health conditions. Immigrants from low- and middle-income to high-income countries show a tendency to weight gain, with the country of origin, lifestyle habits, socioeconomic status and length of residence as the main factors involved. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the association between fat distribution and obesity with length of residence and other socio-demographic variables in a sample of North African women migrated to Italy. Socio-demographic variables were collected by structured face-to-face interview. For the assessment of weight status and body composition, various anthropometric traits were directly measured by an expert anthropometrist. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA adjusted for age to test the differences between length of residence (divided into three groups) and logistic regression models adjusted for covariates to test the association between overweight and/or obesity and length of residence. Significant differences between the three groups were observed in waist circumference (p = 0.004), waist-to-hip ratio (p = 0.001), and upper arm muscularity (p = 0.025), with higher values in those with longer duration of residence. In the crude logistic regression model length of residence resulted positively associated with obesity with the odds of being obese increased by 2.4 times in long term immigrants [OR 2.364 (0.766; 7.296)]. After adjusting for covariate the association remained significant [OR 3.584 (0.779; 16.480)], and being poorly educated [OR 5.737 (0.641; 51.363)], unemployed [OR 6.892 (0.940; 50.528)] and not practicing regular physical activity [OR 17.736 (1.569; 200.418)] increased the odds ratio of being obese. In conclusion, length of residence, socioeconomic status, and physical activity were significantly correlated with obesity, with a longer duration of residence being positively associated with central fat adiposity and upper arm muscle area in North African migrant women., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The aim of this work is to study age, sex, and population variations in epiphyseal fusion and persistence of the epiphyseal line in the appendicular skeleton of two identified modern (19th-20th c.) adult skeletal samples, using a specifically designed macroscopic scoring method. The use of epiphyseal closure and persistence of the epiphyseal line as an adult-age marker is also discussed., Materials and Methods: This study examined 981 adult skeletons of both sexes from two identified modern (20th c.) skeletal samples from the Sassari Collection (Museum of Anthropology, University of Bologna, Italy) and the Colecção de Esqueletos Identificados (Museum of Anthropology, University of Coimbra, Portugal). Our scoring method considers a five-degree scale, from nonfusion (Degree 0) to complete fusion (Degree 4). In addition, the persistence of the epiphyseal line, a feature that is not commonly collected during routine anthropological analyses, is taken into account here as Degree 3., Results: Intra- and interobserver errors of 1.2% and 5.2%, respectively, were found, suggesting a good reproducibility of this scoring method. Some sites show variable degrees of epiphyseal fusion still in adult skeletons (e.g., secondary center of ossification of the clavicle, iliac crest, ischial tuberosity, distal epiphysis of the radius and ulna)., Conclusions: Population differences have been observed, showing a delay in the complete epiphyseal closure for the Sassari sample compared to the Coimbra sample. Degree 3 seems to be a good adult-age indicator for individuals less than 35-year-old., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Purpose: The exercise-induced increase in skin and body temperature, cutaneous blood flow and electrolyte accumulation on the skin affects the validity of bioimpedance analysis (BIA) to assess post-exercise changes in hydration. This study aimed to assess the influence of a 10-min cold (22°C) shower on the time course of impedance measurements after controlled exercise., Methods: Ten male athletes (26.2±4.1 yr and BMI 23.9±1.7 kg/m 2 ) were tested on two different days. During both trials, athletes ran for 30 min on a treadmill in a room at 22°C. In a randomized cross-over trial, the participants underwent a 10-min cold shower in the trial occasion and did not shower in the control trial. BIA variables were measured before running (i.e. baseline (T0)), immediately after exercising (T1), then at 20 (T2), 40 (T3) and 60 min (T4) after the exercise. The shower was performed after T1 in the shower trial., Results: Body weight decreased similarly after running (-0.4±0.1%, p<0.001 and -0.4±0.1%, p<0.001). Resistance and vector length returned to baseline at T2 in the shower trial, whereas baseline values were achieved at T3 in the control trial (p>0.05). In the control trial, reactance remained at a lower level for the entire testing period (38.1±6.9 vs. 37.3±6.7, p<0.001). Forehead skin temperature returned to baseline values at T2 with shower, while it was still high at T4 without shower (p<0.001)., Conclusions: The present data show that a 10-min cold shower enables the stabilization of BIA measurements within 20 min after exercise, which might facilitate the assessment of hydration change after exercise.

This study aimed to evaluate the associations of anthropometry, functional movement patterns (FMP) and physical performance characteristics with repeated-sprint ability (RSA) in male youth soccer players. Thirty six athletes (ages 16.6±0.5 years, BMI 22.0±1.3 kg/m 2 ) completed the RSA test and other physical tests including countermovement jump with (CMJA) and without the help of arms (CMJ), 10-m and 20-m straight-line sprints, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo), and functional movement screen (FMS). In addition, a battery of anthropometric variables was measured. RSA performance components such as best time (BT), mean time (MT) and sprint decrement were calculated. Results showed that measures of physical performance derived from horizontal plane in 10-m and 20-m sprints, were more strongly associated (p<0.01) with RSA performance than those obtained with CMJ or CMJA (p<0.05). High correlations (p<0.01) were found between MT, BT and Yo-Yo distance (r=-0.79, r=-0.67, respectively), as well as with FMS scores (r=-0.68, r=-0.58, respectively). Anthropometric measures, such as fat mass, upper fat area, thigh fat area, calf muscle area, and endomorphy were associated with RSA components (p<0.05). Predictors for the RSA performance identified in the stepwise multivariate analysis included Yo-Yo distance, time in sprints, FMP, and calf muscle area., Competing Interests: No conflict of interest has been declared by the authors., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

This investigation examined the effect of partial-body cryostimulation (PBC) performed in the recovery time between a strength training and an interval running (IR) session. Nine rugby players (age, 23.7 ± 3.6 years; body mass index, 28.0 ± 2.6 kg·m -2 ) were randomly exposed to 2 different conditions: (i) PBC: 3 min at -160 °C, and (ii) passive recovery at 21 °C. We performed the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and recorded temperature and cardiac autonomic variables at 3 time points: at baseline, after strength training, and after 90 min of recovery. In addition, blood lactate concentration was measured 1 min before and 2.5 min after the IR. Heart rate (HR), energy cost, minute ventilation, oxygen uptake, and metabolic power were assessed during the IR. Homeostatic hydration status was affected by the execution of an intense strength training subsession. Then, after PBC, the BIA vector was restored close to normohydration status. Autonomic variables changed over time in both conditions, although the mean differences and effect sizes were greater in the PBC condition. During IR, HR was 3.5% lower after PBC, and the same result was observed for oxygen uptake (∼4.9% lower) and ventilation (∼6.5% lower). The energy cost measured after cryotherapy was ∼9.0% lower than after passive recovery. Cryotherapy enhances recovery after a single strength training session, and during subsequent IR, it shows a reduction in cardiorespiratory and metabolic parameters. PBC may be useful for those athletes who compete or train more than once in the same day, to improve recovery between successive training sessions or competitions.

Purpose: To establish a specific player profile on body-composition parameters and to provide a data set of bioelectric impedances values for male volleyball players., Methods: The study included 201 athletes (age 26.1 [5.4] y, height 191.9 [9.7] cm, weight 86.8 [10.8] kg) registered in the Italian volleyball divisions. The athletes were divided into 3 groups: The elite group comprised 75 players participating in the 1st (Super Lega) division, the subelite group included 65 athletes performing in the 2nd (Serie A2) division, and the low-level group included 61 players participating in the 3rd (Serie B) division. Bioelectric impedance, body weight, and height of the athletes were measured in the second half of the competitive season. In addition, bioelectrical impedance vector analysis was performed., Results: The elite group showed a greater amount of fat-free mass (FFM) and total body water (TBW) and a lower fat mass (FM) than the subelite group (P < .05). In addition, the elite players were taller and heavier and had a higher FFM, FM, TBW, and body cellular mass than the low-level athletes (P < .05). Finally, the mean impedance vectors of the elite group significantly differed from those measured in the normal population and in the other 2 groups (P < .05)., Conclusions: This study provides an original data set of body-composition and bioelectric impedance reference values of elite male volleyball players. The results might be useful for interpretation of individual bioimpedance vectors and for defining target regions for volleyball players.

Toselli, S and Campa, F. Anthropometry and functional movement patterns in elite male volleyball players of different competitive levels. J Strength Cond Res 32(9): 2601-2611, 2018-The aim of this study was to establish specific profiles for anthropometry and functional movement parameters and identify which characteristics can be modified by training to achieve a better quality of movement in elite male volleyball players competing at the Italian National League (Super Lega = 39, aged 25.6 ± 4.7 years and A2 = 30, aged 26.2 ± 5.3 years). Another aim was to value functional movement patterns in relation to morphological traits, with special focus on differences by division and playing positions. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. According to discriminant analysis, the differences between players of the 2 Divisions were primarily due to nonmodifiable parameters (humerus width, height, and bicrestiliac width) and modifiable parameters (contracted arm circumference and muscle area of upper arm). Our results highlighted differences according to playing positions. Middle hitters and opposites were taller, heavier and generally showed wide dimensions in contracted arm circumference, upper limb length widths, and handgrip strength than the players of the other roles. Percentage of fat mass was low in players of all roles, such as endomorph somatotype component. Ectomorphic component was maximal in middle hitters, whereas mesomorphic component was maximal in liberos. The players of the 2 Divisions did not show differences in the movement patterns, even if approximately 33% of them showed a dysfunctional movement, with a prevalence of asymmetric movements in the shoulder mobility test. Multiple regression showed that, in volleyball players, an optimal flexibility and mobility was closely related to anthropometric characters with particular emphasis on body fat.

This study aimed to present a suspension exercise training program suitable for older adults and to verify the effect of 12 weeks of training on handgrip strength (HS) and anthropometric and bioelectrical impedance parameters in older adults. Thirty older women (age 66.1±4.7 years, BMI 30.6±5.3 kg/m 2 ) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a training group (TG, n=15) or a control group (CG, n=15). The TG participated in a 12-week suspension training program, while the CG maintained their normal physical activity habits for the duration of the study. Anthropometric, bioelectrical impedance and strength parameters were evaluated before and after the intervention period. There was a significant group by time interaction (p<0.05) for triceps, biceps, subscapular skinfold, percentage of fat mass, phase angle (PhA), resistance, reactance, specific resistance, specific reactance and HS, with significant improvements in the TG after the intervention period (p<0.05) even after adjusting for age and BMI. The results suggest that suspension training promotes increases in PhA and HS in older women., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflict of interest to declare., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

The present research evaluated the psychosocial health and quality of life of North African (NA) immigrant women living in Italy. A survey of 205 NA-born and Italian-born women was carried out. Psychosocial, sociodemographic and migration data were collected. Anthropometric indices were computed by direct measurements of height, weight, waist and hip circumferences. Multivariate analysis showed that the main explanatory variable for all dimensions of psychosocial status was the migrant status. Other explanatory variables were educational level and number of children for psychological discomfort, and weight status for well-being, quality of life and stress. Anthropometric indices were explanatory variables for quality of life. In conclusion, this study provides further evidence of higher psychological stress and discomfort and lower well-being and quality of life in immigrant women. Public social support is necessary to control, maintain and improve the mental health outcomes of immigrant communities in the host country.

Background: The aim of this study was to estimate body image perception in undergraduate students, and to investigate its associations with weight status, abdominal obesity, muscularity, gender and sport., Methods: The sample consisted of 231 Italian students (174 males and 57 females); anthropometric measurements, taken by trained technicians, were: height, weight, arm-circumference, waist and hip circumferences. BMI, WHR and Δ arm-circumference were calculated. Body image was assessed using body silhouette charts. Information about sport (currently practiced sport, starting age, and weekly hours of sport) was acquired with questionnaires., Results: Females perceived themselves as slightly overweight, while males identified themselves as normal weight. Females had a tendency to desire to be thinner in all weight status categories; in males, normal weight subjects had a tendency to desire to be larger, while overweight wished to be thinner. Sport practice was significantly higher in males. Individuals who were overweight and did less sport were significantly more likely to have higher body dissatisfaction., Conclusions: The present study highlights a positive relationship between sport practice, corpulence and body image perception.

Aim: Despite the health benefits of physical activity in early childhood, little is known about sports practices in preschool children with different ethnic origins. The aim of this study was to investigate the sport activity patterns in native and immigrant children in northern Italy. The influence of some child and family determinants on the child's practice of club-organised sport was analysed to plan interventions., Methods: The study group comprised 2682 preschool children (49.5% girls) aged 5.9 ± 0.3, 2396 fathers and 2478 mothers. All the children had their height and weight measured and their parents completed a self-administered questionnaire on their child's sports participation and family characteristics., Results: Sports activities were significantly more frequent in native Italian girls than in native Italian boys and immigrant girls. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the weekly amount of club-organised sport in preschool children was related to the sex and migrant status in the whole sample, to paternal educational level and occupation in the native-born sample and to paternal body mass index, offspring and paternal occupation in the immigrant group., Conclusion: This study highlighted the need to develop specific interventions for native and immigrant preschool children to promote a healthy lifestyle., (©2017 Foundation Acta Paediatrica. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: To investigate the nutritional status of North African (NA) immigrant women in Italy, analysing their body size, adiposity and body image perception in comparison to Italian natives and NA residents., Design: The study utilized a cross-sectional design. Anthropometric traits were directly measured and a few indices were computed as proxy measures of nutritional status and adiposity. Body image perception was assessed using silhouette drawings. ANCOVA, adjusted for age, was used to compare anthropometric traits among different groups of women and the χ 2 test to analyse differences in the prevalence of nutritional status., Setting: Italy and North Africa (Tunisia, Morocco)., Subjects: A sample of 433 women aged 18-60 years old: NA immigrants (n 105); Italians (n 100); Tunisians (n 104); Moroccans (n 124)., Results: Overweight/obesity prevalence was very high in immigrants (79·8 %). Immigrants had the highest BMI value, the greatest hip circumference and mid upper-arm circumference. Their triceps skinfold thickness was significantly higher than that of Italians, but lower than that of NA residents., Conclusions: NA immigrant women in Italy showed a higher incidence of overweight compared with Italians and NA residents. All groups showed a preference for a thinner body in comparison to their actual bodies and the immigrants are the most dissatisfied. Immigrants remain a high-risk group for obesity. Assessment of their body composition and health risk profile should be improved by using specific anthropometric measures that are easy to collect even in the case of large migration flows.

Nutritional disorders are now spreading worldwide both in developed and developing countries. Body image ideals and dissatisfaction have been linked to a number of poor health outcomes, including nutritional disorders. While previous studies have offered insight into weight status and body image perception of immigrants in North America, very few studies have analysed these aspects in migrants from Africa to Europe. Our review examines the effects of the migration process on beauty ideals and body dissatisfaction in African immigrants in Europe compared to residents in their own countries. The PubMed, PsycINFO and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies published from January 2000 till November 2015. Of the 730 titles identified, 26 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the present review. Among African residents, the body preferences depend on the country of residence and their socio-cultural status. Ethnic groups living in great isolation or with low incomes still have an ancestral idea of beauty, preferring a shapely body. However ethnic groups living in urban areas are moving toward Westernization of beauty ideals, preferring underweight or normal weight bodies. This review highlights that both residents and migrants are at high risk of nutritional disorders due to the adoption of Western beauty ideals. The results suggest that body dissatisfaction and BMI are increasing from Southern Africa to Europe according to a geographical gradient (described for females by Spearman's coefficient and linear regression, respectively). We emphasize the need for monitoring of the weight and psychological status of immigrants and the development of specific preventive strategies in European countries.

In this study, we evaluated the risk factors associated with overweight and obesity in 2,640 preschool children in Italy taking into account the ethnic background of the parents. Height and weight were measured and BMI was calculated. Personal and lifestyle data for the children (birth weight, type of breastfeeding, sleep duration, skipping breakfast, snacking, physical activity) and parents (ethnicity, educational level, occupation, weight, height) were collected by means of a questionnaire. Italian and Other European children generally showed the highest percentage of normal weight, while the other ethnic groups presented a greater imbalance. Overweight and obesity were high in African males, who also presented high birth weight. Breastfeeding was most common, although formula feeding was significantly higher in Italians than in immigrants. Immigrants, particularly males, tended to skip breakfast more than Italians. Physical activity was significantly higher in Italians than in immigrants. In the parents, underweight was particularly high in Italian and Other mothers. African parents had high rates of overweight and obesity and a low educational level. The most common profession was worker for the fathers and housewife for the mothers, with the exception of Italians in which clerical work prevailed. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the BMI of children was closely related to the BMI of the parents and the birth weight. Hence, these are the most informative parameters in preventing obesity.

Objective: To examine the health status of ethnic minorities in Italy. Furthermore, we aimed to assess the association between anthropometric and blood parameters connected with health status., Design: A cross-sectional study. Anthropometric data were collected by direct measurements and blood glucose, total cholesterol and TAG were analysed., Setting: Bologna, northern Italy., Subjects: A multi-ethnic sample of adult immigrants and Roma., Results: Significant correlations between anthropometric and blood parameters were found. Among the ethnic groups, Roma males had the highest values of glucose, total cholesterol and TAG. In the females the situation was more balanced among ethnic groups., Conclusions: The data from this survey indicate that poor health status is a very common problem among ethnic groups living in Italy, especially the Roma. The use of anthropometric parameters as rapid indicators of health status in screenings of a large number of subjects could be an effective and cheap method to provide preliminary indications on individuals or ethnic groups at greater risk of poor health.

The present study aimed to analyze, in Italian children and adolescents, the beliefs about which foods are fattening, the appreciation of fattening foods, and the perception of some socio-cultural attributes of them. 244 children (F: 125, M: 119, aged 8-11) and 305 adolescents (F: 153; M: 152, aged 11-14) from Bologna, Northern Italy, were asked to indicate five fattening foods. For each of the indicated foods, a yes-no answer was required to the question: "is this food special for you?", and to six questions concerning socio-cultural attributes of the food, which were modelled using a latent variable with two classes named "traditional" and "modern". Pearson's chi square tests revealed, both in boys and girls, significant associations between the age class and the foods indicated as fattening: lean meat, condiments, non-sweet fruit and vegetables were more often indicated as fattening by children than by adolescents. Overall, boys showed higher appreciation and perception of fashionability of fattening foods. Girls appreciated less bread and pasta, and indicated more often than boys these foods as fattening. The different food perception of between age classes and sexes can be respectively explained by a better dietary awareness of adolescents, and by girls worrying about their look more than boys.

Background: Cross-sectional study among immigrant and native children from Emilia-Romagna (Italy)., Aim: The purpose of the present study was to examine the relative contribution of weight status, ethnicity and sex on body dissatisfaction in a sample of children from Emilia-Romagna (Italy)., Subjects and Methods: Primary school children (226 immigrants and 1206 Italians) aged 6-11 years were measured: immigrant children were divided into Asians, Africans, Latin Americans and East Europeans. Height and weight were measured and Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. Body image perception was assessed using Body Silhouette Charts. A body dissatisfaction score (BDS) was derived by subtracting the "ideal self" from the "self" score., Results: Weight status disorders were higher in immigrants than in native-born males; Italian females had higher prevalence of underweight and overweight and lower prevalence of obesity than immigrants peers. BDS rose with the increase of weight status categories., Conclusions: Awareness of body image size and increasing body dissatisfaction with higher weight status is established in childhood, regardless of ethnicity and gender.

The prevalence of weight disorders among school-aged children is an increasing phenomenon and it is of great importance to identify the characteristics of individuals at risk of gaining or retaining weight. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of weight disorders and their tracking over a 3-year period in a sample of Italian children. Body mass, body height and selected skinfold thicknesses were assessed in 355 children at the age of 7 and 10 years. Tracking of body mass index (BMI), inverted BMI (iBMI) and skinfold-based body fat were analyzed and the relationships between changes in BMI and body fat were examined. Children presenting with overweight or obesity at 7 years old showed a trend toward lower weight categories at 10 years old. Conversely, a trend to become overweight was observed among normal weight boys, and a trend to become underweight was observed among normal weight girls. BMI, iBMI and body fat showed good levels of tracking, with high correlations between measurements performed at 7 and 10 years of age. Furthermore, BMI and iBMI changes were correlated to body fatness changes. The present study shows the importance of carefully following children's development over time because weight disorders may appear even in previously normal weight children.

The somatotyping method is especially helpful in sports in which the body could directly influence the biomechanics of movements and the performance's results. The purpose of this study was to determine the somatotype of elite Italian gymnasts and to compare it in terms of competition levels. The sample comprised 64 elite gymnasts (42 females (F), somatotype 1.4-4.4-3.2; and 22 males (M), somatotype 1.6-6.3-2.1) belonging to the Italian National Artistic Gymnastic Team (2007) at different competition levels: Allieve, Junior, and Senior. Mean whole somatotypes, by competition levels, were not significantly different in both sexes (Female gymnasts: Allieve, 1.3-4.6-3.3; Junior, 1.3-4.2-3.6; Senior, 1.7-4.2-2.7; Male gymnasts: Junior, 1.5-6.3-2.5; Senior, 1.7-6.3-1.6). Male Junior gymnasts exhibited greater ectomorphy than Senior athletes (F1,20 = 7.75, p < 0.01). Compared to other elite athletes male and female gymnasts tend to be less endomorphic and more mesomorphic. This study highlighted the peculiarities of the somatotype of Italian elite gymnasts and their strong homogeneity, evident also from the low values of somatotype attitudinal mean (SAM). The results emphasize the need for a specific somatotype to reach an elite level in sport and the need to integrate the somatotype analysis between the scientific instruments for selecting talent also in artistic gymnastics.

Background: Recent studies have shown that body image perception is an important factor in weight control and may be influenced by culture and ethnicity. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between immigrant status of the mother and weight status and body image perception of the child., Methods: In total, 2706 schoolchildren (1405 boys and 1301 girls) aged 8-9 years and their mothers participated in a cross-sectional survey in Emilia-Romagna region (northern Italy). Weight and height of the children were measured and Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. Actual and ideal body image perception by the children and by the mothers with respect to their children was evaluated according to Collins' body image silhouettes., Results: The BMI values were significantly lower in children of immigrants than in children of Italian mothers (F:17.27 vs 17.99 kg/m²; M:17.77 vs 18.13 kg/m²). The prevalence of overweight/obesity was lower, and the prevalence of underweight higher, in children of immigrant mothers than in those of Italian mothers (overweight- F:21.3 vs 29.1%; M. 28.3 vs 31.4%; underweight- F:5.16 vs 3.84%; M:6.63 vs 2.82%). The children's body image perception was consistent with the differing pattern of nutritional status. In the comparison between actual and ideal figures, the Feel-Ideal Difference Index (FID) scores resulted different between the subsample with foreign-born mother in comparison to the native one (significantly lower in daughters of immigrants) (FID- F: 0.31 vs 0.57; M: 0.35 vs 0.32). There were significant differences in the choice of the ideal figure of the child between immigrant mothers and Italian mothers (FID- F: -0.05 vs 0.19; M: -0.35 vs -0.03): the ideal figure values were higher in the immigrant mothers of male children and lower in the Italian mothers of female children., Conclusion: Our results suggest that cultural and behavioral factors linked to ethnicity play an important role in the nutritional status of children and in the perceived and ideal body image.

Background: Immigration to Italy has increased drastically, but there is a paucity of data on the health of these immigrant populations and the need to improve their health care. Therefore, we analyzed a multiethnic immigrant population in Bologna (northern Italy) to identify the risk factors for health. This anthropometric study was part of a multiregional project "Health Assistance and Monitoring for Indigent Italian Citizens and Immigrants" funded by the Italian Ministry of Health., Methods: The sample consisted of 401 adult immigrants from southeastern Europe (Kosovars, Gypsies, or Roma) and four extra European countries (Senegalese, Moroccans, Tunisians, and Pakistanis). Ethnic ancestry was self-reported. Anthropometric (height, weight, and waist circumference) and blood pressure data were collected during the survey., Results: The prevalence of overweight (and obesity) exceeded 50% in Moroccans and Kosovars of both sexes and in male Roma. The ethnic heterogeneity was associated with different patterns of obesity: the highest prevalence of abdominal obesity was in Moroccan and Kosovar women and in male Kosovars and Gypsies. The highest prevalence of hypertension (more than 20%) was in Senegalese, Kosovar, and Gypsy males., Conclusions: Some of the immigrant subsamples had a high prevalence of obesity, which is associated with morbidity. Our findings on the relationships between the anthropometric traits and the blood pressure suggest different cardiovascular disease risk profiles in the ethnic groups (higher for Kosovars and Roma) and an urgent need for preventive measures.

Aim: Aim of this study was to investigate leaping ability and morphological characteristics in rhythmic gymnastics, in order to verify which parameters are useful indicators for the talent identification., Methods: Twenty-five national gymnasts of international level (age 14.7+/-2.2 years) underwent three testing sessions: anthropometric measurements, vertical jumps (counter movement jump and hopping test), and three technical split leaps with stretched legs (SL), with ring (RG) and with back bend of the trunk (BBT)., Results: Elite had significantly different values (P < 0.05) of stature (1.65+/-0.03 vs 1.55+/-0.09 m), thigh length (0.42+/-0.03 vs 0.39+/-0.02 m) and FFM(42.42+/-2.81 vs 35.84+/-5.66 kg) compared to sub-elite. The height of hopping test was significantly higher in elite than sub-elite gymnasts (0.34+/-0.05 vs 0.27+/-0.04 m; P < 0.05), but no significant differences in counter movement jump between two groups were found. Ground contact time of hopping test was significantly correlated (P < 0.01) with SL (r = 0.613), RG (r = 0.632), and BBT (r = 0.542) values. By multiple regression analysis, among anthropometric and vertical jump variables, the hopping ground contact time was the strongest predictor of ground contact time of the three technical leaps (SL, RG, BBT) accounting for 26-37% of variance., Conclusion: Some anthropometric measurements are good indicators for the better performance in rhythmic gymnastics. Level of muscle compliance (stiffness) evaluated by hopping test is a good parameter for athletes selection and for monitoring leaps training.

The worrying increase of nutritional disorders and psychological discomfort in young population, mainly from western societies, shows that body image could be a basic variable in a population screening especially during growth when physical changes and biological and emotional development occur. This is one of the first studies in northern Italy investigating differences in body shape concerns among different age-groups and sexes. The sample consisted of 1754 Italian youths aged 11-23 years. Participants were examined during a cross-sectional study. Body image perception was assessed using appropriate Body Silhouette Charts. Body Mass Index was calculated from measured height and weight. The results demonstrated age variability and sexual dimorphism in body image perception. The analysis of body image perception is a valid source of information and should be assessed in studies on youth growth, since it varies with age, sex, population, pathologies and socio-cultural environment.

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationships between handgrip and pinch strength values with basic body (body height, body mass, BMI) and with specific hand anthropometric parameters (fingers spans, lengths and perimeters) in prepubertal children. Body height, body mass and five fingers spans, lengths and perimeters were measured in 461 6-10 year old Estonian children according to Visnapuu & Jürimäe (2007). BMI was calculated (kg/m2). The maximal handgrip strength of the right and left hand was measured with hand dynamometer. The right and left key and tip pinch were measured with a pinch gauge. Body height, as a rule, in combination with BMI, was the strongest predictor of handgrip strength, especially in older children (about 40-60 % of the total variance, R2 x 100). From the hand anthropometry, the most important span parameter was FS2 (see explanations in the methods), which explained about 10-50% (R2 x 100) of the total variance. In older groups, the FS1 and FS3 were added to the models. From the length parameters, the most important was IFL, which in younger groups together with MFL explained 10-30% of the total variance, and in older groups the addition of RFL increased the influence to 45% (R2 x 100). From the perimeters, the most important one was P2 which explained the variability of the handgrip strength in younger groups by 15-30% (R2 x 100) and in older groups together with P3 and P4 even 30-40%. In children, the basic anthropometric parameters (body height and BMI) contribute more to the prediction of handgrip strength than the specific anthropometric parameters. With increasing age the contribution of basic and specific hand anthropometry increases and the relation between anthropometry and handgrip strength is stronger in boys compared with girls. The relation of basic and hand anthropometry to the tip and key pinch strength is relatively low.

Unlabelled: The concept of frame size has not undergone a thorough evaluation in non-Caucasian populations. Using data from the Central Asia High Altitude Population (CAHAP) study, we tested whether: (1) the relationship between frame size and body composition is different in high-, medium- and low-altitude populations; (2) elbow breadth is a better index of frame size than biacromial and biiliac breadth; and (3) measures of frame size are associated with blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides. A number of 334 male subjects aged 33 +/- 10 years (mean +/- standard deviation) were selected from the CAHAP population (n = 384) on the basis of the availability of breadth measurements. The subjects were 85 high-altitude Kirghizs, 105 medium-altitude Kazakhs, 79 low-altitude Kirghizs and 65 low-altitude Uighurs. A detailed anthropometric evaluation and blood pressure, cholesterol and trygliceride measurements were performed on all individuals. Among breadths, elbow had the lowest correlation with arm fat area, thigh fat area, calf fat area and the sum of trunk skinfolds (r < or = 0.196, P < 0.01). Even if elbow breadth did not have the highest correlation with muscularity indexes, its constantly lower association with adiposity indexes shows that it is a better measure of frame size than biacromial breadth and biiliac breadth. The relationship between frame size and body composition did not differ in high-, medium- and low-altitude subjects (P = not significant, analysis of co-variance). Only a weak association was present between breadths, blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides (r < or = 0.230, P < 0.01) and it was not influenced by altitude (P = not significant, analysis of co-variance). Elbow breadth was significantly correlated only with diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.121, P < 0.05)., In Conclusion: (1) the relationship between frame size and body composition is similar in high- and low-altitude populations; (2) elbow breadth is an index of frame size independent of altitude; and (3) elbow breadth is correlated with diastolic blood pressure, but this correlation is of doubtful biological relevance.

Although much information is available about the effects of high altitude on physiological characteristics, less is know about its effect on body composition. In the present study, anthropometric and body composition variables were investigated in a sample of 77 adult Quechua males from the Peruvian Central Andes (Huancavelica, 3,680 m). The subjects are shorter in relation to body weight than other ethnic groups, whereas body proportions are macrocormic (indicating a long trunk relative to the lower extremities), with intermediate values of the acromial-iliac index. All skinfold thicknesses are low (approximately 15th percentiles of NHANES reference values for the triceps and subscapular skinfolds), but tend to be higher than in the other Quechua populations. Similar results are obtained when percentage fat is estimated. Somatotypes are dominant in mesomorphy with very low ectomorphy. Comparison with a sample of high-altitude Kirghiz (3,200 m), previously studied with the same methods, shows higher values in the Peruvian sample for all variables related to adiposity. The presence of low adiposity in the Quechua population could be associated with stresses of the high-altitude environment. Mean values of blood pressure are very low and there is no correlation with age.

Eleven anthropometric variables related to fat patterning were analyzed in two populations of Central Asia, the Kazakhs of the Tien Shan mountains (2100 m) and the Uighurs of the Semericia plains. Subjects were healthy unrelated males, 122 Kazakhs and 79 Uighurs, 19-65 years. Comparisons were done with a preliminary analysis of variance and then by covariance analysis, taking into account the influence of age. The Uighurs, independently of age, show higher values than Kazakhs for all of the characteristics related to fat patterning, but principal components analysis suggests a similar somatic structure in the two samples. The presence of lower adiposity in the Kazakhs than in the Uighurs could be related to stress, probably associated with nutrition and lifestyle in a mountain environment. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 10:241-247, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc., (Copyright © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

A sample of 104 adults underwent testing of body composition by multiple frequency bioelectric impedance analysis (MBIA) under controlled conditions, by anthropometric methods (skinfold thicknesses and BMI) and by the urinary creatinine method. The statistical comparison of body composition parameters (Fat, FFM, TBW), estimated by different methods for the same subjects, pointed out significant differences in mean values. The precision of skinfold and MBIA measurements was evaluated by a second control measurement. Concerning the MBIA, the reliability increased with increasing frequencies. Nevertheless, measurement reliability is higher for skinfolds than for MBIA. Under the condition that there is a real anthropometric technical ability, we affirm that the body composition parameters may at present be better estimated by the skinfold method.

The relationship between parameters of estimated body composition (FFM = fat free mass, FM = fat mass, %F = percentage fat) and blood pressure was examined in a sample of 1418 school-children (712 males, 706 females), 6-14 years of age from L'Aquila and its province (Abruzzo), Italy. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures increased from 6-14 years in both sexes (males: systolic pressure 93.08 ± 14.95 to 122.29 ± 13.27 mm Hg; diastolic pressure: 59.60 ± 11.60 to 74.83 ± 8.35 mm Hg; females: systolic pressure: 97.12 ± 13.16 to 120.56 ± 8.02 mm Hg; diastolic pressure: 61.93 ± 10.23 to 76.67 ± 4.85 mm Hg). FFM and FM estimated by anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance, exhibited similar growth trends (Anthropometry: in males, FFM: 20.55-47.20 kg and FM: 4.14-12.01 kg; in females, FFM: 19.95-41.90 kg and FM: 5.03-15.84 kg; Impedance: in males, FFM: 18.40-47.30 kg and FM: 6.26-11.91 kg; in females, FFM: 17.47-36.97 kg and FM: 7.61-20.77 kg). Correlations between body composition parameters and blood pressures were generally significant. In particular, there was a strong relationship between systolic blood pressure and both FM and %F, the correlations being higher when the body composition parameters were estimated by anthropometry. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 9:535-544, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc., (Copyright © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)