Effects of a daily mixed nutritional supplement on physical performance, body composition, and circulating anabolic hormones during 8 weeks of arduous military training

2011 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 967-975 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew B. Fortes ◽  
Bethany C. Diment ◽  
Julie P. Greeves ◽  
Anna Casey ◽  
Rachel Izard ◽  
...  

The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of a daily mixed nutritional supplement upon body composition, physical performance, and circulating anabolic hormones in soldiers undergoing arduous training. Thirty males received either a habitual diet alone (CON, n = 15) or with the addition of a daily mixed supplement (SUP, n = 15) of ∼5.1 MJ·d–1 during 8 weeks of training. Body composition (DEXA), maximal dynamic lift strength (MDLS), and vertical jump (VJ) were assessed, and resting blood samples were collected before and after training. Blood analysis included insulin-like growth factors (IGF-1, IGF BP-1, and IGF BP-3), testosterone, and cortisol. There were no group differences at baseline. Body mass loss (mean ± SD) (CON 5.0 ± 2.3, SUP 1.6 ± 1.5 kg), lean mass loss (CON 2.0 ± 1.5, SUP 0.7 ± 1.5 kg), and fat mass loss (CON 3.0 ± 1.6, SUP 0.9 ± 1.8 kg) were significantly blunted by SUP. CON experienced significant decrements in MDLS (14%), VJ (10%), and explosive leg power (11%) that were prevented by SUP. Military training significantly reduced circulating IGF-1 (28%), testosterone (19%), and the testosterone:cortisol ratio (24%) with no effect of SUP. Circulating IGF BP-1 concentration and cortisol remained unchanged throughout, although SUP abolished the significant decrease in circulating IGF BP-3 (20%) on CON. In conclusion, a daily mixed nutritional supplement attenuated decreases in body mass and lean mass and prevented the decrease in physical performance during an arduous military training program.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily K Farina ◽  
Lauren A Thompson ◽  
Joseph J Knapik ◽  
Stefan M Pasiakos ◽  
James P McClung ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Introduction Anthropometrics and body composition characteristics differentiate many types of athletes and are related to performance on fitness tests and tasks in military personnel. Soldiers competing to enter elite units must demonstrate physical fitness and operational competence across multiple events. Therefore, this study determined whether anthropometrics and body composition predicted physical performance and selection for special forces training among soldiers attending the rigorous Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) course. Materials and Methods Soldiers attending the SFAS course between May 2015 and March 2017 were enrolled in a longitudinal, observational study. Anthropometrics (height, body mass, and body mass index [BMI]; n = 795) and body composition measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (percentage body fat, fat mass, lean mass, bone mineral content [BMC], and bone mineral density [BMD]; n = 117) were assessed before the course start. Associations with physical performance were determined with correlation coefficients. Associations with selection were determined with analyses of variance and t-tests; effect sizes were calculated as Cohen’s d. The U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine Institutional Review Board (IRB) initially approved this study, and the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command IRB approved the continuing review. Results Lower percentage body fat and fat mass predicted better performance on all assessments: Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), pull-ups, SFAS run, loaded road march, obstacle course, and land navigation (P ≤ .05). Higher lean mass predicted better performance on the loaded road march (P ≤ .05). Lower body mass and BMI predicted better performance on APFT, pull-ups, run, and obstacle course; higher body mass and BMI predicted better performance on the loaded road march (P ≤ .05). Shorter stature predicted better performance on push-ups (APFT) and pull-ups; taller stature predicted better performance on SFAS run and loaded road march (P ≤ .05). On average, the selected soldiers were taller (179.0 ± 6.6 vs. 176.7 ± 6.7 cm), had higher body mass (85.8 ± 8.8 vs. 82.1 ± 9.6 kg), BMI (26.8 ± 2.2 vs. 26.3 ± 2.6 kg/m2), lean mass (67.2 ± 7.3 vs. 61.9 ± 7.6 kg), BMC (3.47 ± 0.40 vs. 3.29 ± 0.56 kg), and BMD (1.34 ± 0.10 vs. 1.28 ± 0.10 g/cm2), and lower percentage body fat (17.3 ± 3.4 vs. 20.1 ± 4.5%) and fat mass (14.2 ± 3.7 vs. 15.8 ± 4.4 kg) (P ≤ .05). Effect sizes were largest for lean mass (Cohen’s d = 0.71) and percentage body fat (d = 0.70), followed by BMD (d = 0.60), body mass (d = 0.40), fat mass (d = 0.39), BMC (d = 0.37), height (d = 0.35), and BMI (d = 0.21). Body mass adjustment attenuated associations between height and selection. Conclusions Anthropometrics and body composition are predictors of physical performance and SFAS success. Since these measures are modifiable (excluding height), they may be the focus of intervention studies aiming to improve performance in arduous military training courses, sports that require competition in multiple events, and occupations that have varied physical demands, such as firefighting, law enforcement, and construction.


Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 309
Author(s):  
Kun-Yun Yeh ◽  
Hang Huong Ling ◽  
Shu-Hang Ng ◽  
Cheng-Hsu Wang ◽  
Pei-Hung Chang ◽  
...  

Background: This study investigates whether the appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI) was an independent prognostic predictor for patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC) receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) and whether there were any differences in lean mass loss in different body regions during CCRT. Methods: In this prospective study, we analyzed the clinicopathological variables and the total body composition data before and after treatment. The factors associated with the 2-year recurrence-free survival rate (RFSR) were analyzed via logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 98 patients were eligible for analysis. The body weight, body mass index, and all parameters of body composition significantly decreased after CCRT. The pretreatment ASMI was the only independent prognostic factor for predicting the 2-year RFSR (hazard ratio, 0.235; 95% confidence interval, 0.062–0.885; p = 0.030). There was at least 5% reduction in total lean and fat mass (p < 0.001); however, the highest lean mass loss was observed in the arms (9.5%), followed by the legs (7.2%), hips (7.1%), waist (4.7%), and trunk (3.6%). Conclusions: The pretreatment ASMI was the only independent prognostic predictor for the 2-year RFSR of LAHNC patients undergoing CCRT. Asynchronous loss of lean mass may be observed in different body parts after CCRT.


Author(s):  
Clíodhna McHugh ◽  
Karen Hind ◽  
Aoife O'Halloran ◽  
Daniel Davey ◽  
Gareth Farrell ◽  
...  

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate longitudinal body mass and body composition changes in one professional rugby union team (n=123), (i) according to position [forwards (n=58) versus backs (n=65)], analysis of players with 6 consecutive seasons of DXA scans (n=21) and, (iii) to examine differences by playing status [academy and international], over 7 years. Players [mean age: 26.8 y, body mass index: 28.9+kg.m2] received DXA scans at fourtime points within each year. A modest (but non-significant) increase in mean total mass (0.8 kg) for professional players was reflected by increased lean mass and reduced body fat mass. At all-time points, forwards had a significantly greater total mass, lean mass and body fat percentage compared to backs (p<0.05). Academy players demonstrated increased total and lean mass and decreased body fat percentage over the first 3 years of senior rugby, although this was not significant. Senior and academy international players had greater lean mass and lower body fat percentage (p<0.05) than non-international counterparts. Despite modest increases in total mass; reflected by increased lean mass and reduced fat mass, no significant changes in body mass or body composition, irrespective of playing position were apparent over 7 years.


Retos ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 52-57
Author(s):  
Oswaldo Ceballos-Gurrola ◽  
Fernando Bernal-Reyes ◽  
Marquelia Jardón-Rosas ◽  
María Cristina Enríquez-Reyna ◽  
Jesús Durazo- Quiroz ◽  
...  

Se propuso determinar la relación que existe entre la composición corporal y el rendimiento físico de jugadores de fútbol soccer universitario. Participaron 26 jugadores de sexo masculino con edad promedio de 20.7 años (DT = 1.7), pertenecientes a los equipos representativos de fútbol soccer de dos universidades mexicanas. Se midieron características morfológicas, de composición corporal y físicas para las posiciones de defensa, mediocampo y delantero. Se determinó el nivel de asociación entre las variables. Los resultados muestran que los defensas presentan mayor masa corporal, diámetro de húmero y circunferencia de cadera que los delanteros (p < .05), no así respecto a los jugadores de mediocampo. No se presenta diferencia en la expresión de las capacidades físicas y del porcentaje de masa grasa de los jugadores por posición de juego (p > .05). La masa grasa se asoció de manera directa con la velocidad (.427*, p < .05). Se encontraron diferencias en la masa ósea y corporal por posición de juego entre defensas, mediocampistas y delanteros. Los hallazgos sugieren la influencia de la composición corporal en el rendimiento físico de los participantes.  Abstract. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between body composition and physical performance in college soccer players. Twenty-six male players with an average age of 20.7 years (SD = 1.7), belonging to the representative soccer teams of two Mexican universities participated in the research. Morphological, body composition, and physical characteristics were measured for the defense, midfield, and forward positions. The level of association between variables was determined. The results show that defenders have greater body mass, humerus diameter, and hip circumference than forwards (p <. 05), whereas no differences were found in comparison to midfielders. There is no difference in players’ expression of physical abilities and percentage of fat mass by playing position (p > .05). Fat mass was directly associated with speed (.427 *, p < .05). Differences were found in bone and body mass by playing position between defenders, midfielders, and forwards. The findings hint at an influence of body composition on participants’ physical performance.


2020 ◽  
Vol 185 (7-8) ◽  
pp. e1175-e1182
Author(s):  
William De Bry ◽  
Patrick Mullie ◽  
Eva D’Hondt ◽  
Peter Clarys

Abstract Introduction Malnutrition, suboptimal hydration, and inadequate body composition can have negative consequences on soldiers’ performance and health. A recent consensus statement concerning “soldiers’ physical performance” points to the scarcity of data in specific military populations. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess and compare dietary intake, hydration status, and body composition of three military groups during their specific military training. Materials and Methods Eighty-five soldiers (ie, 21 in a qualification course to join the Special Forces [SF], 22 Infantrymen [Chasseurs Ardennais, CA], and 42 Recruits [REs]) participated in this 3- to 4-day study. Body mass was assessed before and after each study period. All soldiers self-reported their dietary intakes, from which energy and macronutrient intakes were calculated. In addition, their morning urine samples were collected daily to assess urine specific gravity (USG) as a measure of hydration status. Fat mass was estimated at the end of the study using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results All groups lost significant amounts of body mass (ie, mean losses ranging between 1.3 and 1.7 kg). Macronutrient intakes were not fully met in respect to the recommendations. Most notably, REs’ fat intake was high (ie, 42.3 [±1.6] energy percent [E%]), while their carbohydrate intake was low (ie, 44.5 [±2.1] E%). Furthermore, saturated fat intakes were high among all groups (ie, group means ranging between 13.6 and 21.4 E%). USG values indicated suboptimal hydration status was prevalent in all groups. Most noteworthy, for SF, only 5.4% of the USG values indicated optimal hydration. The average fat mass (%) for SF, CA, and RE was 11.2 (±3.1), 18.8 (±5.1), and 19.4 (±5.0), respectively. Conclusion The present study showed that military men are not always adequately fed nor hydrated. These issues should be resolved by creating nutritional packages, and individual dietary and hydration strategies, all in function of military planning and weather conditions.


1999 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 146-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael H. Stone ◽  
Kimberly Sanborn ◽  
Lucille L. Smith ◽  
Harold S. O'Bryant ◽  
Tommy Hoke ◽  
...  

The purpose of this investigation was to study the efficacy of two dietary supplements on measures of body mass, body composition, and performance in 42 American football players. Group CM (n = 9) received creatine monohy-drate, Group P (n = 11) received calcium pyruvate. Group COM (n = 11) received a combination of calcium pyruvate (60%) and creatine (40%), and Group PL received a placebo. Tests were performed before (Tl) and after (T2) the 5-week supplementation period, during which the subjects continued their normal training schedules. Compared to P and PL. CM and COM showed significantly greater increases for body mass, lean body mass, 1 repetition maximum (RM) bench press, combined 1 RM squat and bench press, and static vertical jump (SVJ) power output. Peak rate of force development for SVJ was significantly greater for CM compared to P and PL. Creatine and the combination supplement enhanced training adaptations associated with body mass/composition, maximum strength, and SVJ; however, pyruvate supplementation alone was ineffective.


2011 ◽  
Vol 43 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 44
Author(s):  
Julie P. Greeves ◽  
Anna Casey ◽  
Rachel M. Izard ◽  
Bethany C. Diment ◽  
Matthew B. Fortes ◽  
...  

2001 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael R. Bracko ◽  
Gilbert W. Fellingham

Fifty-four female and 77 male hockey players ranging in age from 10–15 years volunteered for this study. Demographic data included: age (AGE) and years of playing experience (YPE). Off-ice tests included: height (HGT), body mass (BM), lean body mass (LBM), predicted body fat % (FAT%), 40-yard dash (40YD), vertical jump (VJ), push-ups/min (PUPS), sit-ups/min (SUPS), and sit-and-reach flexibility (S&R). On-ice performance skating tests included: acceleration (ACC), agility (AGL), and speed (SPD). On-ice anaerobic power (AnPow) was calculated using the formula of Watson and Sargeant (IS). Generally speaking, the females and males in this study had similar results in office fitness. The males consistently out-performed the females in the on-ice tests. It would be difficult for females to compete with or against same-aged males based on the fact that males are superior skaters.


2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (9) ◽  
pp. 279
Author(s):  
Sandra Peterson ◽  
Edralin A. Lucas ◽  
Djibril Traore ◽  
Lawrance Christopher ◽  
Christine French ◽  
...  

Background: Exotic mushrooms have long been used in Asia for treatment and/or prevention of chronic diseases due to their immunomodulatory properties. However, the health benefits of portabella mushrooms (PM) (brown Agaricus bisporous), on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and associated complications, (i.e. loss of lean mass, increased fat mass and inflammatory cytokines), have not been previously investigated.Methods: We investigated CIA pathogenesis, body composition and plasma levels of IL- 6, TNF-α and sICAM1 in DBA1 female mice fed either the AIN76 diet or the same diet fortified with 5% lyophilized PM (n=19-20/group). Ten mice/group were immunized with 100 µg bovine collagen type II on day 42 of the protocol, followed by 50 µg lipopolysaccharides on day 62, and euthanized on day 73-74. Cytokines were measured by ELISA.Results: Compared to baseline diet, PM had: no protective effect from CIA since all collagen-immunized mice developed severe edema, bone erosion, and mononuclear cell infiltration in paws. In mice with and those without CIA, feeding a PM-fortified diet resulted in higher percent of body fat than feeding the baseline diet (p<0.05). After CIA induction, PM provided the following beneficial effects: (a) a smaller reduction in lean mass and absolute thymus weight; (b) a higher fat mass loss; and (c) lower plasma TNF-α levels (p <0.05). PM-fortification did not alter plasma IL-6 and sICAM1 regardless of CIA status; but it increased in vitro IL-6 secretion by mitogen-treated spleen cells.Conclusion: Our data suggest that PM may reduce plasma TNF-α, attenuate lean mass loss and thymus atrophy associated with arthritis, and protect spleen cell function assessed by IL-6 secretion. However, PM-fortification did not attenuate overall CIA pathogenesis which may be due to lack of effect on plasma IL-6. Decreased TNF-α without alterations in IL-6 may reduce the risk of other conditions associated with chronic inflammation such as cardiovascular disease.Key words: portabella mushrooms, inflammatory cytokines, collagen-induced arthritis, body composition, TNF-α, IL-6, thymus, DBA1 mice.


Author(s):  
Lilian Keila Barazetti ◽  
Pedro Rafael Varoni ◽  
Fernando de Souza Campos ◽  
Michelli Demarchi ◽  
Lucielle Baumann ◽  
...  

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics of somatic maturation, anthropometric and physical performance (vertical jump and aerobic power) in young basketball players of different playing positions (under 13 years) and analyze these relationships using Peak Height Velocity (PHV) as a measure of somatic maturation. For this, 26 male athletes were evaluated. Anthropometric variables were: body mass, standing and sitting height, and length of lower limbs. Maturation was determined by age at PHV. Physical performance was determined by lower limb power (counter movement jump - CMJ) and aerobic power (Intermittent Recovery Test) tests. MANOVA reported significant differences (p<0.05) among playing positions regarding variables Maturity Offset, estimated PHV age, standing height, sitting height, estimated leg length, body mass and Yo-Yo IR1. In addition, it was identified that point guards reached estimated PHV at later age than their peers who act as small forwards and centers. Regarding CMJ, no significant differences were identified among playing positions, but in relation to aerobic power, point guards and small forwards presented higher performance. These findings confirm that maturation has great effect on growth and physical performance measures and the estimated PHV age is an applicable tool in young athletes, mainly aiding professionals in structuring the teaching-learning- training process in this age group.


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