Regional body composition changes in women after 6 months of periodized physical training

Abstract

Data are lacking regarding regional morphological changes among women after prolonged physical training. This study employed dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to assess changes in whole body and regional (i.e., trunk, legs, arms) fat mass, lean mass, and bone mineral content body composition adaptations in 31 healthy women pre-, mid-, and post-6 mo of periodized physical training. These results were compared with those of 1) a control group of women who had not undergone the training program and were assessed pre- and post-6 mo and 2) a group of 18 men that was tested only once. Additionally, magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess changes in muscle morphology of the thigh in a subset of 11 members of the training group. Physical training consisted of a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise in which the subjects engaged for 5 days/wk for 24 wk. Overall, the training group experienced a 2.2% decrease, a 10% decrease, and a 2.2% increase for body mass, fat mass, and soft tissue lean mass, respectively. No changes in bone mineral content were detected. The women had less of their soft tissue lean mass distributed in their arms than did the men, both before and after the women were trained. Novel to this study were the striking differences in the responses in the tissue composition of the arms (31% loss in fat mass but no change in lean mass) compared with the legs (5.5% gain in lean mass but no change in fat mass). There was a 12% fat loss in the trunk with no change in soft tissue lean mass. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and magnetic resonance imaging fat mass measurements showed good agreement (r = 0. 72-0.92); their lean mass measurements were similar as well, showing approximately 5.5% increases in leg lean tissue. These findings show the importance of considering regional body composition changes, rather than whole body changes alone when assessing the effects of a periodized physical training program.

Can dual energy X-ray absorptiometry provide a valid assessment of changes in thigh muscle mass with strength training in older adults?

“…In addition, the relatively small sample size used in that investigation may have limited the statistical power of that study to detect small changes in DXA-estimated SM mass. However, another investigation in young women compared leg DXA-estimated leg SM mass and mid-thigh CSA measured by MRI and found a correlation between the two measures with regard to change in lean tissue with ST (Nindl et al, 2000). That study however was limited by use of a cross-sectional scan of the mid-thigh, which has been shown not to be a valid predictor of overall aSM mass (Tracy et al, 2003).…”

The effects of 8-week aerobic training on body weight among sedentary females

“…With the aim of analyzing intensity of maximal fat oxidation (FatMax) in sedentary females, they applied physical fitness in the experimental group for 10 weeks, therefore, there was a significant (p<0.05) difference in maximal fat oxidation of the experimental group as there was not any significant difference in the control group (19). Nindl et al (2000) carried out an exercise program of resistance and aerobic combination in 31 healthy females for 5 days in a week during 6 months and recorded a decrease of 2.2% in their body mass as a result of trainings (13). Polat (2000) suggested that there was a significant difference in body fat rate as a result of an exercise program performed during 8 weeks, when the significant reduction in fat percentage was evaluated in the light of information within the literature, our study was parallel with thes ones (14).…”

Effect of Exercise Therapy on the Body Composition and Blood Components of Obese Men

“…In a study conducted by Flanklin et al 12) , body fat mass in middle-aged women decreased by 2.9 kg following 12 weeks of endurance exercise. Nindle et al 13) examined the effects of endurance and resistance exercise on the body fat mass of women. The participants exercised five days a week for 24 weeks and reduced their body fat mass during the intervention.…”