Skeletal Muscle Characteristics and Motor Performance After 2-Year Growth Hormone Treatment in Adults With Prader-Willi Syndrome

Context: In adults with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), abnormal body composition with decreased lean body mass and skeletal muscle (SM) volume has been related to altered GH secretion and may possibly contribute to greatly reduced motor capacity. Objective: The scope of the study was to test the hypothesis that GH treatment has favorable effects on SM characteristics and motor performance in adults with PWS. Design, Setting, and Participants: Fifteen obese PWS subjects (nine males and six females; age range, 19–35 y; body mass index, 37.7–59.9 kg/m2) were investigated before and after 12 (GH12) and 24 (GH24) months of GH treatment. Main Outcome Measures: SM cross-sectional area and SM attenuation were determined with computed tomography at the lumbar and midthigh levels. Maximal isometric handgrip strength and isokinetic knee extension peak torque were measured. Motor performance was evaluated with different indoor walking tests, whereas exercise endurance was assessed with a treadmill incremental test to exhaustion. Results: A condition of severe GH deficiency was found in six patients (40%). GH treatment significantly increased lean body mass (GH12, P < .05; GH24, P < .05), reduced percentage of body fat (GH12, P < .05; GH24, P < .05), and augmented SM cross-sectional area and SM attenuation of both lumbar (GH12, P < .01; GH24, P < .001) and thigh muscles (GH24, P < .05). Handgrip strength increased by 7% at GH12 (P < .05) and by 13% at GH24 (P < .001). Peak torque of knee extension extrapolated at zero angular velocity was significantly higher at GH24 (P < .01), and exercise endurance rose by 13% (P < .05) and 17% (P < .05) before exhaustion at GH12 and GH24, respectively, whereas no change was detected with walking tests. No significant difference in the response to GH treatment was detected between patients with and without GH deficiency. Conclusion: Long-term GH treatment in adult PWS patients improves body composition and muscle size and quality and increases muscle strength and exercise tolerance independently from the GH secretory status.

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ACTN3 Genotypes and Their Relationship with Muscle Mass and Function of Kosovan Adults

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18179135 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (17) ◽

pp. 9135

Author(s):

Arben Boshnjaku ◽

Ermira Krasniqi ◽

Harald Tschan ◽

Barbara Wessner

Keyword(s):

Muscle Mass ◽

Handgrip Strength ◽

Knee Extensor ◽

Peak Torque ◽

Knee Extension ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Genotype Distribution ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

And Function ◽

The Impact

Maintaining muscle mass and function is important throughout the lifestyle. While environmental factors such as physical activity and healthy nutrition are well investigated, the contribution of genetic factors is still controversial. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of a common ACTN3 polymorphism (rs1815739) on body composition, handgrip strength, knee extensor peak torque, and physical performance (gait speed, 30-s arm curl, 30-s chair stand) in Kosovan adults. In total, 308 participants (160 females and 148 males, age range from 40 to 91 years) took part in this cross-sectional study. Genomic DNA was extracted from saliva and assessed for ACTN3 genotype distribution (41.5% of RR, 53.9% of RX and 4.6% of XX). Genotype allocation did not account for differences in any of the variables. Interestingly, female XX carriers were taller (p = 0.025) and had a higher isokinetic knee extension peak torque (p = 0.024) than the RX+RR group. In males, XX carriers were also taller (p = 0.049) and had a lower BMI (p = 0.026), but did not differ in any of the strength and performance parameters. These results indicate that the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism might exert a sex-specific impact on knee extensor peak torque and BMI.

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GH Is Needed for the Maturation of Muscle Mass and Strength in Adolescents

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism ◽

10.1210/jcem.86.10.7897 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 86 (10) ◽

pp. 4765-4770 ◽

Cited By ~ 35

Author(s):

Lena Hulthén ◽

Bengt-Åke Bengtsson ◽

Katharina Stibrant Sunnerhagen ◽

Leif Hallberg ◽

Gunnar Grimby ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Young Adults ◽

Muscle Strength ◽

Lean Body Mass ◽

Body Mass ◽

Lean Mass ◽

Gh Deficiency ◽

Handgrip Strength ◽

Adolescents And Young Adults ◽

Gh Treatment ◽

The Mean

The postpubertal period and the early years of adulthood may be of importance for continuing tissue maturation of importance in adulthood and aging. An example of this is the peak bone mass. This study has evaluated the importance of GH for lean mass and muscle strength in adolescents and young adults. GH treatment was discontinued in 40 adolescents aged 16–21 yr with GH deficiency of childhood onset. Measurements of isometric and isokinetic knee-extensor and flexor strength, handgrip strength, lean body mass, fat-free mass, and total body nitrogen were performed annually for 2 yr. Two hundred fifty healthy adolescents were randomly selected for prospective measurements of lean mass and handgrip strength between the ages of 17 and 21 yr. In the adolescents with continuing GH deficiency, lean body mass decreased, compared with the patients defined as having sufficient endogenous GH. The isometric strength in knee flexors increased in the sufficient endogenous GH group and was unchanged in the GH deficiency group during the 2 yr off GH treatment (between group, P < 0.05). The mean and peak handgrip strength increased on average by 9–15% in the group with sufficient endogenous GH and was unchanged in those with GH deficiency (P< 0.05). Lean body mass and handgrip strength (both, P < 0.001) increased in both the healthy boys and girls who were followed for 4 yr with a more marked increase in the boys. The mean increase in handgrip between the age of 17 and 21 yr was 7–9%. The increased lean mass and improved muscle performance seen in healthy adolescents did not occur in adolescents with GH deficiency. These findings suggest that GH is of importance for the maturation of lean mass and muscle strength in adolescents and young adults.

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Correlation of Body Mass Index with Handgrip Strength and Endurance of Dominant Hand in Medical Students

Journal of Institute of Medicine ◽

10.3126/jiom.v42i3.37583 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 42 (3) ◽

pp. 57-61

Author(s):

Lava Shrestha ◽

Sanyukta Gurung ◽

Neeti Bhat ◽

Narayan B Mahotra ◽

Mahesh M Bajimaya ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Mass Index ◽

Medical Students ◽

Body Mass ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Handgrip Strength ◽

Extended Period ◽

Dominant Hand ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Positive Correlation ◽

Hand Dynamometer

Introduction Hand grip strength is used in evaluation of muscle strength and is also increasingly being used as an indicator for nutritional status. The maximum force applied voluntarily by the subject is called maximum handgrip strength, which is measured in kilograms. Muscular endurance is the ability of a muscle or muscle group to perform against a load for an extended period of time, measured in seconds. This study aims to correlate body mass index with handgrip strength and handgrip endurance in medical students. MethodsThis is a cross sectional, observational study which included 74 undergraduate students of Maharajgunj Medical Campus by convenient sampling method. Body mass index was calculated by Quetelet’s formula. Camry digital hand dynamometer was used to measure handgrip strength in the dominant hand in kilograms. Participants were instructed to hold dynamometer with maintained pressure of 30% of maximum handgrip strength for as long as possible to determine the handgrip endurance. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS Statistics software. ResultsThe handgrip strength was more in males than females with a mean of 43.09±3.72 kg, while handgrip endurance was more in females with a mean of 123.60±50.65 sec. Positive correlation was seen between body mass index and handgrip strength (r=0.23 and p=0.045). Body mass index and handgrip endurance also showed positive correlation (r=0.34 and p=0.003). ConclusionSignificant correlation of body mass index with handgrip strength and handgrip endurance was seen in medical students.

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Clinical features of GH deficiency and effects of 3 years of GH replacement in adults with controlled Cushing's disease

Acta Endocrinologica ◽

10.1530/eje-09-0836 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 162 (4) ◽

pp. 677-684 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Charlotte Höybye ◽

Oskar Ragnarsson ◽

Peter J Jönsson ◽

Maria Koltowska-Häggström ◽

Peter Trainer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Features ◽

Cushing’S Disease ◽

Gh Deficiency ◽

Low Density Lipoprotein ◽

Group Versus ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Cushing's Disease ◽

Gh Treatment ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Gh Replacement

ObjectivePatients in remission from Cushing's disease (CD) have many clinical features that are difficult to distinguish from those of concomitant GH deficiency (GHD). In this study, we evaluated the features of GHD in a large cohort of controlled CD patients, and assessed the effect of GH treatment.Design and methodsData were obtained from KIMS, the Pfizer International Metabolic Database. A retrospective cross-sectional comparison of background characteristics in unmatched cohorts of patients with CD (n=684, 74% women) and nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA;n=2990, 39% women) was conducted. In addition, a longitudinal evaluation of 3 years of GH replacement in a subset of patients with controlled CD (n=322) and NFPA (n=748) matched for age and gender was performed.ResultsThe cross-sectional study showed a significant delay in GHD diagnosis in the CD group, who had a higher prevalence of hypertension, fractures, and diabetes mellitus. In the longitudinal, matched study, the CD group had a better metabolic profile but a poorer quality of life (QoL) at baseline, which was assessed with the disease-specific questionnaire QoL-assessment of GHD in adults. After 3 years of GH treatment (mean dose at 3 years 0.39 mg/day in CD and 0.37 mg/day in NFPA), total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased, while glucose and HbAlc increased. Improvement in QoL was observed, which was greater in the CD group (−6 CD group versus −5 NFPA group,P<0.01).ConclusionIn untreated GHD, co-morbidities, including impairment of QoL, were more prevalent in controlled CD. Overall, both the groups responded similarly to GH replacement, suggesting that patients with GHD due to CD benefit from GH to the same extent as those with GHD due to NFPA.

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Linkage of myostatin pathway genes with knee strength in humans

Physiological Genomics ◽

10.1152/physiolgenomics.00224.2003 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 17 (3) ◽

pp. 264-270 ◽

Cited By ~ 48

Author(s):

W. Huygens ◽

M. A. Thomis ◽

M. W. Peeters ◽

J. Aerssens ◽

R. Janssen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Linkage Analysis ◽

Muscle Mass ◽

Single Point ◽

Young Male ◽

Peak Torque ◽

Knee Extension ◽

Candidate Gene Approach ◽

Potential Candidate ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Knee Strength

This study was the first to explore the potential role of the myostatin ( GDF8) pathway in relation to muscle strength and estimated muscle cross-sectional area in humans using linkage analysis with a candidate gene approach. In young male sibs ( n = 329) 11 polymorphic markers in or near 10 candidate genes from the myostatin pathway were genotyped. Muscle mass was estimated by anthropometric measurements, and maximal knee strength was evaluated using isokinetic dynamometers (Cybex NORM). Single-point nonparametric variance components and linear quantitative trait locus regression linkage analysis methods were used. Linkage patterns were observed between knee extension and flexion peak torque with markers D2S118 ( GDF8), D6S1051 ( CDKN1A), and D11S4138 ( MYOD1), and a maximum LOD score of 2.63 ( P = 0.0002) was observed with D2S118. The ratios of peak torque over muscle and bone area of the midthigh of the lower contraction velocity (60°/s) showed more frequently significant LOD scores than the torques at high velocity (240°/s). Although myostatin is physiologically more related to muscle mass through possible effects of hyperplasia and hypertrophy than it is to strength, only two estimated muscle cross-sectional areas were marginally linked (LOD 1.06 and 1.07, P = 0.01) with marker D2S118 near GDF8 (2q32.2). The present results gave suggestive evidence that the myostatin pathway might be important for strength phenotypes, and GDF8, CDKN1A, and MYOD1 are potential candidate regions for a further and denser mapping with respect to these phenotypes.

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Lower-Extremity Isokinetic Strength Profiling in Professional Rugby League and Rugby Union

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2013-0129 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 358-361 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Scott R. Brown ◽

Matt Brughelli ◽

Peter C. Griffiths ◽

John B. Cronin

Keyword(s):

Lower Extremity ◽

Knee Flexion ◽

Peak Torque ◽

Rugby League ◽

Knee Extension ◽

Rugby Union ◽

Joint Torque ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Hip Strength ◽

Hip Extension

Purpose:While several studies have documented isokinetic knee strength in junior and senior rugby league players, investigations of isokinetic knee and hip strength in professional rugby union players are limited. The purpose of this study was to provide lower-extremity strength profiles and compare isokinetic knee and hip strength of professional rugby league and rugby union players.Participants:32 professional rugby league and 25 professional rugby union players.Methods:Cross-sectional analysis. Isokinetic dynamometry was used to evaluate peak torque and strength ratios of the dominant and nondominant legs during seated knee-extension/flexion and supine hip-extension/flexion actions at 60°/s.Results:Forwards from both codes were taller and heavier and had a higher body-mass index than the backs of each code. Rugby union forwards produced significantly (P < .05) greater peak torque during knee flexion in the dominant and nondominant legs (ES = 1.81 and 2.02) compared with rugby league forwards. Rugby league backs produced significantly greater hip-extension peak torque in the dominant and nondominant legs (ES = 0.83 and 0.77) compared with rugby union backs. There were no significant differences in hamstring-to-quadriceps ratios between code, position, or leg. Rugby union forwards and backs produced significantly greater knee-flexion-to-hip-extension ratios in the dominant and nondominant legs (ES = 1.49–2.26) than rugby union players.Conclusions:It seems that the joint torque profiles of players from rugby league and union codes differ, which may be attributed to the different demands of each code.

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Comparison of anthropometric profile and handgrip strength between inter-university volleyball players and a reference group

Biomedical Human Kinetics ◽

10.2478/bhk-2020-0011 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 82-90

Author(s):

Archana Khanna ◽

Shyamal Koley

Keyword(s):

Lean Body Mass ◽

Body Mass ◽

Reference Group ◽

Handgrip Strength ◽

Upper Arm ◽

Muscle Area ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Fourth Digit ◽

Volleyball Players ◽

Digit Length

SummaryStudy aim: In a volleyball game, multiple elements can influence competitive success, e.g. height, arm span and other anthropometric variables. The present cross-sectional study was undertaken to find out whether any differences exist between Indian inter-university male and female volleyball players as well as between players and a reference group in terms of anthropometry and handgrip strength.Materials and methods: The present cross-sectional research was conducted on 114 randomly selected Indian inter-university male (n = 50) and female (n = 64) volleyball players aged 18–25 years. An equal number of reference group individuals who did not participate in any exercise or training programme were also taken. Height, body weight, body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2), hand length, hand breadth, second digit length, fourth digit length, second and fourth digit ratio (2D/4D ratio), upper arm length, forearm length, total arm length, upper arm circumference, hip circumference; humerus and femur biepicondylar diameters, handgrip strength (dominant/non-dominant), arm muscle area, arm area, arm fat area, arm fat index, % body fat, and % lean body mass were measured with equipment including an anthropometer, sliding caliper, handgrip dynamometer and skinfold caliper using standard techniques. The data were analysed using SPSS version 17.0. Student’s t-test was applied for the comparison of data between players and the reference group. Differences between the groups were analysed using the oneway ANOVA test. Bonferroni post hoc test was applied after application of the ANOVA test. Effect size was also calculated. Statistical significance (p < 0.05) was indicated using a 5% level of probability.Results: Male volleyball players had higher mean values in height, body weight, hand length, hand breadth, second and fourth digit length, dominant and non-dominant handgrip strength, humerus and femur biepicondylar diameter, upper arm length, forearm length and total arm length, arm muscle area, arm area and percent lean body mass than the reference group. Similar findings were observed between female players and the reference group also. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05–0.001) were also observed between male and female players except BMI, 2D/4D ratio, and arm fat area. These findings were supported by the effect size (η) calculations.Conclusion: Volleyball players had better height, weight, hand and arm anthropometrics, handgrip strength and % lean body mass as compared to the reference group. Significant differences were found in anthropometry and handgrip strength between players and reference group individuals, suggesting that these findings could be very useful for player selection and talent identification in sports.

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The Importance of Functional Hamstring/Quadriceps Ratios in Knee Osteoarthritis

Journal of Sport Rehabilitation ◽

10.1123/jsr.2019-0143 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 (7) ◽

pp. 866-870

Author(s):

Özlem Aslan ◽

Elif Balevi Batur ◽

Jale Meray

Keyword(s):

Patient Group ◽

Critical Role ◽

Peak Torque ◽

Knee Extension ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Knee Oa ◽

Hamstring Muscles ◽

Grade 3

Context: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic joint condition. Muscle dysfunction plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of knee OA. Objective: It has been suggested that the agonist–antagonist strength relationship for the knee may be better described by a functional hamstring/quadriceps (H/Q) ratio (Hconcentric/Qeccentric: the representative of knee flexion and Qeccentric/Hconcentric: the representative of knee extension). Therefore, in this study, the authors aimed to investigate this ratio and its importance for knee OA. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Research clinic. Patients or Other Participant(s): Twenty healthy women and 20 women with grade 2 or grade 3 primer knee OA between the age of 50 and 80 years were included in this study. Intervention(s): Concentric and eccentric peak torque of quadriceps and hamstring muscles were evaluated for all individuals in patient and control groups with a Cybex isokinetic device. Functional H/Q ratio is calculated manually. Main Outcome Measure(s): Functional H/Q torque ratios were analyzed between the patients with OA and healthy individuals by using the isokinetic system. Results: The values of peak torque of hamstring concentric and eccentric and quadriceps concentric for the patient group were significantly lower than the control group (P < .05). No statistically important difference was found for quadriceps eccentric peak torque between 2 groups (P > .05). H/Q ratio for extension in the patient group was significantly higher than the control group (P < .05), whereas the H/Q ratio for flexion in the patient group was significantly lower than the control group (P < .05). Conclusion: This study showed the weakness of both quadriceps and hamstring muscles in patients with knee OA. The combination of functional H/Q ratio with hamstring and quadriceps muscles concentric and eccentric strength values can help to analyze the knee functions and develop preventive-therapeutic approaches for knee OA.

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Psychometric properties of Body Mass Index in screening malnutrition of COPD inpatients admitted at Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital, Vietnam: a cross-sectional study

MedPharmRes ◽

10.32895/ump.mpr.5.3.5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (3) ◽

pp. 27-33

Author(s):

Uyen Phuong Truong ◽

Lan-Anh Thi Pham ◽

Ngoc Van Anh Huynh ◽

Thi Van Tran ◽

Gia Kien To

Keyword(s):

Body Mass Index ◽

Health Status ◽

Nutritional Status ◽

Body Mass ◽

Medical Records ◽

Handgrip Strength ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Mean

Introduction: This study assessed the validation of Body Mass Index (BMI) against Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), and identify the prevalence of malnutrition and its associated factors in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) inpatients at Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to consecutively select COPD inpatients based on medical records and consultancy with doctors. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect socio-demographic characteristics, health status and comorbidities, nutritional status, and handgrip strength. Nutritional status was assessed using SGA and BMI. Handgrip strength was measured using a hand dynamometer. Health status was collected from medical records. Results: The mean age of 83 COPD inpatients recruited in this study was 67 (SD=10.4) years. Most of the sample population was ≥60 years old (75%), male (86%), Kinh ethnic (89%), married (72%), not currently working (70%), and less than junior high school (81%). Nearly 68% had at least one comorbidity and 27% were active smokers. The mean handgrip strength was 21.6 kg (SD=8.7), and mean weight was 53.9 kg (SD=10.0). The mean BMI was 20.4 kg/m2 (SD=3.4) with 58% having BMI <21 kg/m2. SGA provided the prevalence of malnutrition of 65%. Age-group, BMI and handgrip strength were associated with malnutrition. A BMI cut-off point of <21 kg/m2 provided the highest ROC area of 84% (95%CI: 76%-92%). Conclusion: Malnutrition is common in COPD inpatients. This study confirms findings of previous studies that a BMI cut-off point of <21 kg/m2 was sensitive and specific for screening malnutritional risk at bedside.

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