scholarly journals The Road to the UCI: Profiling a professional Brazilian female road cycling team

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel Barreto ◽  
Luana Farias de Oliveira ◽  
Tiemi Saito ◽  
Rafael Klosterhoff ◽  
Pedro Perim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Time Trial ◽  
Energy Availability ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Testosterone Levels ◽  
The Road ◽  
Stress Markers ◽  
Road Cycling ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
Total Body ◽  
And Performance

Women’s professional cycling has grown exponentially in popularity in the past years and it has been no different in Brazil. In 2019 the first Brazilian female cycling team achieved UCI ranking status. Nonetheless, there is a paucity of data regarding the seasonal demands that these athletes encounter. This semi-observational study monitored 5 athletes from a Brazilian professional female cycling team throughout their 2018 season, obtaining training and competition data, laboratory-based physiological and performance measures, and clinical and nutritional analyses. Total distance covered over the year was 11124±2895 km (range: 7382 to 14698 km). The athletes competed in 58 races across 5 countries and 3 out of the 5 athletes sustained injuries at different moments throughout the season. Maximal oxygen uptake was reduced over the season (P=0.005), but Wingate and 4-km time-trial performance was unaltered (all P>0.05). All athletes were healthy at the start of the season as demonstrated by the clinical analyses, while all reported regular menstrual cycles; three of the five athletes were taking oral contraceptives. Immunological and haematological parameters were maintained throughout the season and there were few reported cases of infection. Nutritional and stress markers remained largely unchanged throughout the season, although testosterone levels were low for some at various moments. Mean estimated energy availability (EEA) ranged from 32.3 to 56.8 kcal·kgLBM-1·day-1 during training and from 26.4 to 53.8 kcal·kgLBM-1·day-1 during competition. The percent of training spent in optimal EEA was generally low, with three athletes spending less than 35% within the optimal intake. Bone mineral density total body Z-scores ranged from -0.6 to 0.5. Training and competition schedules of these professional Brazilian female cyclists were like those of female World Tour cyclists. Reduced exercise capacity towards the end of the season may be indicative of a gruelling year-long schedule and several of the athletes may have been exposed to sub-optimal energy availability during the season, potentially affecting testosterone levels in several athletes. No further alterations in the hormonal profile, menstrual cycle or incidences of infection were shown. These data demonstrate the complexity of professional female cycling and further longitudinal studies on top-level female cyclists are warranted.

Reduced Endurance Capacity and Suboptimal Energy Availability in Top-Level Female Cyclists

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel Barreto ◽  
Luana Farias de Oliveira ◽  
Tiemi Saito ◽  
Rafael Klosterhoff ◽  
Pedro Perim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exercise Capacity ◽  
Anaerobic Power ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Endurance Capacity ◽  
Energy Availability ◽  
Testosterone Concentration ◽  
Stress Markers ◽  
Global Positioning ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Professional Cycling

Purpose: Women’s professional cycling has grown in popularity, and this increase is also apparent in Brazil, which has increased its female cycling calendar in recent years. The aim of this observational study was to (1) determine training and competition loads of a top-level Brazilian female cycling team, (2) evaluate nutrition and clinical health, and (3) measure whether exercise capacity changed throughout the season. Methods: Training and competition data were collected over the season using global positioning system monitors, while laboratory-based physiological and performance measures (incremental cycling test, 30-s Wingate, 4-km time trial) and clinical and nutritional analyses were performed at time points throughout the season. Results: Total distance covered over the year was 11,124 (2895) km (7382–14,698 km). Endurance capacity was reduced over the season (P = .005) but not anaerobic power (all P > .05). Nutrition and stress markers remained largely unchanged throughout the season, although there were some individual fluctuations in some measures, and testosterone concentration was low for some. Median estimated energy availability ranged between 32.3 and 56.8 kcal·kgLBM−1·d−1 during training and 26.4 and 53.8 kcal·kgLBM−1·d−1 during competition. Percentage of training spent in optimal estimated energy availability was generally low, with 3 athletes spending <35% within the optimal intake. Conclusions: Substantial training and competition loads of the monitored professional Brazilian female cyclists may have reduced exercise capacity toward the end of the season, indicative of a grueling yearlong schedule. Several athletes may have had suboptimal energy availability during the season, potentially affecting testosterone concentration. These data demonstrate the difficulties in maintaining optimal nutrition, health, and performance throughout a season in professional female cycling and highlight the need for quality sport-science support for this type of top-level athlete.

Secondary Bone Defect in Neuromuscular Diseases in Childhood: A Longitudinal “Muscle-Bone Unit” Analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (06) ◽  
pp. 397-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Ribstein ◽  
D. Courteix ◽  
N. Rabiau ◽  
C. Bommelaer ◽  
Y. Bourdeau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Defect ◽  
Functional Relationship ◽  
Bone Markers ◽  
Neuromuscular Diseases ◽  
Muscular Dystrophies ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
Spinal Muscular Atrophies ◽  
Total Body

AbstractTo evaluate the potential bone defect in neuromuscular diseases, we conducted a longitudinal study including three groups of patients: 14 Duchenne muscular dystrophies (DMD) and 2 limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD); 3 Becker muscular dystrophies (BeMD) and 7 spinal muscular atrophies (SMA). Yearly osteodensitometries assessed body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) associated with bone markers and leptin. Along the 7-year study, 107 osteodensitometries showed that bone status evolved to osteopenia in most patients except BeMD. When analyzing the crude values, BMD improved with age in BeMD and SMA but not in DMD/LGMD. The correlation using the Z-scores displayed a decrease in BMD with age in DMD/LGMD for all regions, in SMA at total body less head, whereas BMD increased in BeMD at lumbar spine. As observed in healthy persons, muscular mass and bone tissue were significantly correlated. Glucocorticoids were deleterious on trabecular and cortical bone. Leptin was high in most patients and correlated to fat mass and bone parameters. This study confirms a secondary bone defect in neuromuscular diseases, further confirming the functional relationship between bone and muscle and arguing for regular bone follow-up in patients to prevent fracture risk. Adipose tissue seems to interfere with bone remodeling in neuromuscular diseases.

Physiological Profile of an Uphill Time Trial in Elite Cyclists

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 268-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana B. Peinado ◽  
Nuria Romero-Parra ◽  
Miguel A. Rojo-Tirado ◽  
Rocío Cupeiro ◽  
Javier Butragueño ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Cycling Performance ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Road Cycling ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Mean Power Output ◽  
Elite Cyclists

Context: While a number of studies have researched road-cycling performance, few have attempted to investigate the physiological response in field conditions. Purpose: To describe the physiological and performance profile of an uphill time trial (TT) frequently used in cycling competitions. Methods: Fourteen elite road cyclists (mean ± SD age 25 ± 6 y, height 174 ± 4.2 cm, body mass 64.4 ± 6.1 kg, fat mass 7.48% ± 2.82%) performed a graded exercise test to exhaustion to determine maximal parameters. They then completed a field-based uphill TT in a 9.2-km first-category mountain pass with a 7.1% slope. Oxygen uptake (VO2), power output, heart rate (HR), lactate concentration, and perceived-exertion variables were measured throughout the field-based test. Results: During the uphill TT, mean power output and velocity were 302 ± 7 W (4.2 ± 0.1 W/kg) and 18.7 ± 1.6 km/h, respectively. Mean VO2 and HR were 61.6 ± 2.0 mL · kg−1 · min−1 and 178 ± 2 beats/min, respectively. Values were significantly affected by the 1st, 2nd, 6th, and final kilometers (P < .05). Lactate concentration and perceived exertion were 10.87 ± 1.12 mmol/L and 19.1 ± 0.1, respectively, at the end of the test, being significantly different from baseline measures. Conclusion: The studied uphill TT is performed at 90% of maximum HR and VO2 and 70% of maximum power output. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study assessing cardiorespiratory parameters combined with measures of performance, perceived exertion, and biochemical variables during a field-based uphill TT in elite cyclists.

scholarly journals Depression in Anorexia Nervosa: A Risk Factor for Osteoporosis

2005 ◽  
Vol 90 (9) ◽  
pp. 5382-5385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerzy Konstantynowicz ◽  
Halina Kadziela-Olech ◽  
Maciej Kaczmarski ◽  
Roger M. D. Zebaze ◽  
Sandra Iuliano-Burns ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anorexia Nervosa ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Tanner Stage ◽  
Bone Fragility ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
Total Body

Abstract Context: Both anorexia nervosa (AN) and depression are associated with osteoporosis. We hypothesized that adolescent girls with AN and depression will have lower bone mineral density (BMD) than anorexic girls without depression. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate whether depression is an independent risk factor for osteoporosis in anorexic adolescent girls. Design: This study was cross-sectional. Setting: This study was conducted at the University Children’s Hospital (Bialystok, Poland) from October 2002 through September 2003. Participants: Forty-five Caucasian anorexic girls aged 13–23 yr, matched by age, Tanner stage, weight, height, calcium intake, and duration of AN, were studied, including 14 with comorbid depression (based on Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale) and 31 anorexic girls without depression. Main Outcome Measures: Total body and lumbar spine (LS) BMD, fat mass, and lean mass assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry were compared between AN girls with and without depression. Results: BMD was reduced in both groups, relative to reference data, but girls with AN and depression had lower BMD than those with AN alone (LS Z-scores, −2.6 ± 0.3 vs. −1.7 ± 0.3; P = 0.02) (mean ± sem). Quantitative assessment of depression correlated independently with total body BMD (r = −0.4; P &lt; 0.05) and LS BMD (r = −0.6; P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Anorexic girls with depression are at higher risk of osteoporosis than those without depression. The mechanisms responsible for decreased BMD in depression are not known. Independent treatment of the depressive disorder in AN may partly alleviate the bone fragility.

scholarly journals Case Report: Low Bone and Normal Lean Mass in Adolescents With Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron Misakian ◽  
Michelle McLoughlin ◽  
Louisa C. Pyle ◽  
Thomas F. Kolon ◽  
Andrea Kelly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Bone Mineral ◽  
Lean Mass ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome ◽  
Androgen Insensitivity ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
Total Body

IntroductionOsteopenia and osteoporosis have been reported in adults with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS). Little is known about changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in adolescents with CAIS and whether it is affected by early gonadectomy. Body composition data have not been reported.MethodsSingle-center, retrospective study of CAIS adolescents who underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) (Hologic, Horizon A). Body composition is presented as lean and fat mass indices (LMI, FMI). Z-scores for lumbar spine areal BMD (LBMD), total body less head (TBLH), bone mineral content (BMC), LMI, and FMI were calculated using female normative data. Results are expressed as median and min, max.ResultsSix females with genetically confirmed CAIS were identified—one with intact gonads and five with history of gonadectomy at 2–11 months. In the subject with intact gonads, LBMD-Z and TBLH BMC-Z were −1.56 and −1.26, respectively, at age 16 years. Among those with gonadectomy, LBMD-Z was −1.8 (−3.59 to 0.49) at age 15.6 years (12–16.8) and decreased in all three subjects who had longitudinal follow-up despite hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Adherence to HRT was intermittent. LMI-Z and FMI-Z were 0.1 (−1.39 to 0.7) and 1.0 (0.22 to 1.49), respectively.ConclusionsThese limited data indicate that adolescents with CAIS have bone mass deficit. Further studies are needed to understand the extent of BMD abnormalities and the effect of gonadectomy, especially early in childhood, and to establish the optimal HRT regimen for bone accrual. Data on lean mass are reassuring.

Abstract 4605: Increased Body Mass Index is Protective against Low Bone Mineral Density in Patients with Heart Failure

Circulation ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Demetrius A Abshire ◽  
Debra K Moser ◽  
Jody L Clasey ◽  
Misook L Chung ◽  
Susan J Pressler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Bone Mineral Density ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Bone Mineral ◽  
Nyha Class ◽  
Obese Patients ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Patients With Heart Failure ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
Total Body

Patients with heart failure (HF) may be at greater risk for decreased bone mineral density (BMD) than similarly-aged healthy adults due to limited activity and medications. Being overweight or obese may protect against decreased BMD due to greater weight bearing and hormonal differences. However, these assumptions have never been tested. The purposes were to compare BMD between patients with HF and similarly-aged healthy adults, compare BMD among normal weight, overweight, and obese patients with HF, and determine whether body mass index (BMI) is a predictor of BMD in patients with HF. A total of 119 patients with HF (preserved or non-preserved systolic function, age = 61 ± 12 yrs, 61% NYHA Class III/IV) and 58 community-dwelling older adults free of cardiovascular disease (age = 70 ± 7 yrs) underwent total body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans. Bone mineral density Z-scores (matched for sex, age, weight, and ethnicity) were compared between patients with HF and healthy elders. Patients with HF were divided into four BMI categories to compare differences in total body BMD by BMI. Multiple linear regression was used to test whether BMI predicted BMD in patients with HF after controlling for age, sex, and NYHA class. Patients with HF had lower total body area BMD Z-scores (0.32 ± 1.20) than the healthy elders (0.88 ± 1.30, p = 0.005). Within the HF group, those with a BMI <25 kg/m 2 had lower total body BMD (1.13 ± 0.13 g/cm 2 ) compared to those with BMIs of 25–29.9 kg/m 2+ (1.24 ± 0.13 g/cm 2 , p = 0.002), 30 –34 kg/m 2+ (1.23 ± 0.12 g/cm 2 , p = 0.019), and >34 kg/m 2 (1.26 ± 0.13 g/cm 2 , p < 0.001). In the multiple linear regression, BMI was a significant predictor of BMD in patients with HF (β= 0.337, p < 0.001), explaining an additional 11% of the variance beyond age, sex, and NYHA class (R 2 = 0.40, p <0.001). These results suggest that while HF is associated with decreased BMD, being overweight or obese may be protective against low BMD. This may be another example of better outcomes in overweight and obese patients with HF. This research has received full or partial funding support from the American Heart Association, AHA Great Rivers Affiliate (Delaware, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania & West Virginia).

scholarly journals Power Assessment in Road Cycling: A Narrative Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 5216
Author(s):  
Sebastian Sitko ◽  
Rafel Cirer-Sastre ◽  
Francisco Corbi ◽  
Isaac López-Laval
Keyword(s):  
Performance Assessment ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Fitness Level ◽  
Power Meter ◽  
The Road ◽  
Road Cycling ◽  
Power Profiling ◽  
Threshold Testing ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Power Outputs

Nowadays, the evaluation of physiological characteristics and training load quantification in road cycling is frequently performed through power meter data analyses, but the scientific evidence behind this tool is scarce and often contradictory. The aim of this paper is to review the literature related to power profiling, functional threshold testing, and performance assessment based on power meter data. A literature search was conducted following preferred reporting items for review statement (PRISMA) on the topic of {“cyclist” OR “cycling” AND “functional threshold” OR “power meter”}. The reviewed evidence provided important insights regarding power meter-based training: (a) functional threshold testing is closely related to laboratory markers of steady state; (b) the 20-min protocol represents the most researched option for functional threshold testing, although shorter durations may be used if verified on an individual basis; (c) power profiling obtained through the recovery of recorded power outputs allows the categorization and assessment of the cyclist’s fitness level; and (d) power meters represent an alternative to laboratory tests for the assessment of the relationship between power output and cadence. This review elucidates the increasing amount of studies related to power profiling, functional threshold testing, and performance assessment based on power meter data, highlighting the opportunity for the expanding knowledge that power meters have brought in the road cycling field.

scholarly journals Assessment of bone mineral density in young female handball players

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tathyane Krahenbühl ◽  
Juliano Henrique Borges ◽  
Antonio de Azevedo Barros-Filho ◽  
Gil Guerra-Junior ◽  
Ezequiel Moreira Gonçalves
Keyword(s):  
Bone Mineral Density ◽  
Lumbar Spine ◽  
Femoral Neck ◽  
Bone Mass ◽  
Bone Mineral ◽  
Bone Diseases ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
Total Body

Optimizing bone mass gain during childhood and adolescence may help prevent bone diseases in advanced ages. The aim of this study was to verify the bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) in female adolescent’s handball players. This is a cross-sectional study where 68 female adolescents (12–17 years) were allocated into two groups: handball players (n = 29) (HG) and control group (n = 39) (CG). BMC and BMD from total body (TB), total body less head (TBLH), lumbar spine (L1–L4), femoral neck (FN), Ward’s triangle (WT) and respectively Z-scores were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Sexual maturity, menarche, PHV, time of sun exposure, physical activity level and Calcium and vitamin D intake were assessed. The HG showed significantly higher BMC, BMD as well Z-scores values (p≤0.05) of total body, TBLH, femoral neck, hip and lumbar spine than the CG. When the values were adjusted for lean soft tissue (LST) the HG showed significantly higher BMC of femoral neck (p≤0.05), as well as BMD of TBLH and femoral neck (p≤0.05) and Z-score values all bone sites except hip, than the CG. We conclude that handball players have significantly higher bone mass values compared to group of girls of the same age.

Body Composition and Bone Mineral Density in Craniopharyngioma Patients: A Longitudinal Study Over 10 Years

2020 ◽  
Vol 105 (12) ◽  
pp. e4626-e4637
Author(s):  
Selveta S van Santen ◽  
Daniel S Olsson ◽  
Casper Hammarstrand ◽  
Mark Wijnen ◽  
Marta Fiocco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Mineral Density ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Bone Mineral ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Longitudinal Changes ◽  
Femur Neck ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
Total Body

Abstract Context Patients with craniopharyngioma suffer from obesity and impaired bone health. Little is known about longitudinal changes in body composition and bone mineral density (BMD). Objective To describe body composition and BMD (change). Design Retrospective longitudinal study. Setting Two Dutch/Swedish referral centers. Patients Patients with craniopharyngioma (n = 112) with a dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan available (2 DXA scans, n = 86; median Δtime 10.0 years; range 0.4-23.3) at age ≥ 18 years (58 [52%] male, 50 [45%] childhood onset). Main outcome measures Longitudinal changes of body composition and BMD, and associated factors of ΔZ-score (sex and age standardized). Results BMI (from 28.8 ± 4.9 to 31.2 ± 5.1 kg/m2, P &lt; .001), fat mass index (FMI) (from 10.5 ± 3.6 to 11.9 ± 3.8 kg/m2, P = .001), and fat free mass index (FFMI) (from 18.3 ± 3.2 to 19.1 ± 3.2 kg/m2, P &lt; .001) were high at baseline and increased. Fat percentage and Z-scores of body composition did not increase, except for FFMI Z-scores (from 0.26 ± 1.62 to 1.06 ± 2.22, P &lt; .001). Z-scores of total body, L2-L4, femur neck increased (mean difference 0.61 ± 1.12, P &lt; .001; 0.74 ± 1.73, P &lt; .001; 0.51 ± 1.85, P = .02). Linear regression models for ΔZ-score were positively associated with growth hormone replacement therapy (GHRT) (femur neck: beta 1.45 [95% CI 0.51–2.39]); and negatively with radiotherapy (femur neck: beta –0.79 [–1.49 to –0.09]), glucocorticoid dose (total body: beta –0.06 [–0.09 to –0.02]), and medication to improve BMD (L2-L4: beta –1.06 [–1.84 to –0.28]). Conclusions Z-scores of BMI, fat percentage, and FMI remained stable in patients with craniopharyngioma over time, while Z-scores of FFMI and BMD increased. Higher glucocorticoid dose and radiotherapy were associated with BMD loss and GHRT with increase.

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