Maximal Oxygen Consumption and Composite Indices of Femoral Neck Strength in a Group of Young Overweight and Obese Men

Composite Indices of Femoral Neck Strength in Middle-Aged Inactive Subjects Vs Former Football Players

The purpose of this study was to compare composite indices of femoral neck strength ((compression strength index [CSI], bending strength index [BSI], and impact strength index [ISI]) in inactive middle-aged men (n = 20) and middle-aged former football players (n = 15). 35 middle-aged men participated in this study. Body composition and bone variables were evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Composite indices of femoral neck strength (CSI, BSI, and ISI) were calculated. Handgrip strength, vertical jump, maximum power of the lower limbs (watts), horizontal jump, maximal half-squat strength, maximal bench-press strength, sprint performance (10 meters), and maximum oxygen consumption (VO₂ max, ml/min/kg) were evaluated using validated tests. CSI, BSI, and ISI were significantly higher in football players compared to inactive men. Vertical jump, horizontal jump, maximal half-squat strength, VO₂ max and sprint performance were significantly different between the 2 groups. CSI, BSI, and ISI remained significantly higher in football players compared to inactive men after adjusting for physical activity level. The current study suggests that former football practice is associated with higher composite indices of femoral neck strength in middle-aged men.

Influence of Physical Activity Level on Composite Indices of Femoral Neck Strength in a Group of Young Overweight Men

The aim of the present study was to explore the influence of physical activity level on composite indices of femoral neck strength (compression strength index [CSI], bending strength index, and impact strength index) in a group of young overweight men. To do so, we compared composite indices of femoral neck strength in active overweight men and insufficiently active overweight men. They were divided into 2 groups based on their physical activity level: 70 active overweight men (engaging in more than 150 minutes of physical activity per week; 8.7 ± 4.8 h/wk) and 26 insufficiently active overweight men (engaging in less than 150 minutes of physical activity per week; 1.2 ± 0.7 h/wk). Height (m) and weight (kg) were measured, and body mass index (kg/m²) was calculated. Bone mineral density was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at whole body, lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck. Body weight, lean mass, fat mass, and body mass index were not significantly different between the 2 groups. CSI, bending strength index, and impact strength index were significantly higher in active overweight men compared to insufficiently active overweight men. After adjustment for age, physical activity (h/wk) and lean mass, only CSI remained higher in active overweight men compared to insufficiently active overweight men. This study suggests that, in young overweight men, being active (engaging in more than 150 minutes of physical activity per week) is associated with greater composite indices of femoral neck strength. To our knowledge, this is the first study that finds a significant difference regarding composite indices of femoral neck strength between 2 groups of young overweight men with different levels of physical activity.

Physical Performance Variables and Bone Parameters in a Group of Young Overweight and Obese Women

The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between physical performance variables and bone parameters such as bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content, hip geometry indices, and trabecular bone score in a group of young overweight and obese adult women. Sixty-eight overweight/obese (body mass index ≥25 kg/m²; 25.5-42.4 kg/m²) young women whose ages range from 18 to 35 yr participated in this study. Body composition and bone outcomes were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Maximum oxygen consumption (VO₂ max, in liter per minute) was determined indirectly using a progressive shuttle run test. One-repetition-maximum half-squat was directly measured. Vertical jump was measured and maximum power (P max) of the lower limbs was calculated. Lean mass was positively correlated to whole body (WB) BMD, total hip BMD, femoral neck (FN) BMD, femoral neck cross-sectional area (FN CSA) and femoral neck cross sectional moment of inertia (FN CSMI) (p < 0.05). VO₂ max (in liter per minute) and muscle power were positively correlated to WB BMD, total hip BMD, FN BMD, FN CSA, and FN CSMI (p < 0.05). One-repetition-maximum half-squat was positively correlated with lumbar spine trabecular bone score, WB BMD, FN BMD, FN CSA and FN CSMI (p < 0.05). This study suggests that lean mass, vertical jump, VO₂ max (liter per minute), muscle power and one-repetition-maximum half squat are positive determinants of BMD and hip geometry indices in young overweight and obese women.