Eccentric Cycling Training Improves Health-Related Quality of Life in Adolescents with Obesity

IntroductionWhile eccentric (ECC) training appears to be more efficient than concentric (CON) training at improving body composition in adolescent with obesity, its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has never been studied.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to compare the effects of 2 cycling training modalities, i.e., ECC vs. CON, in adolescents with obesity on HRQOL and health perception (HP).MethodsA total of 24 adolescents with obesity, aged 12–16 years, were randomized to either a 12-week ECC or a CON cycling training program performed at the same oxygen consumption (VO₂). Anthropometric measurements, body composition, maximal incremental tests, HRQOL (Vécu et Santé Percue de l''Adolescent [VSP-A], Medical Outcome Study Short Form [SF-36]), and HP were assessed at before and after training.Results and ConclusionBoth CON and ECC cycling trainings promoted significant improvements in BMI, VO_2peak, total fat mass, and fat-free mass, with better improvements in body composition parameters in the ECC group (p < 0.05). The VSP-A total score increased after CON (p < 0.01) and ECC (p < 0.001) training, with better enhancement for the ECC group (p < 0.05). The SF-36 physical score increased after both CON (p < 0.01) and ECC (p < 0.001) trainings. The global HP score increased only after ECC training (p < 0.001). Except for the energy-vitality item, no significant correlation was found between changes in HRQOL and its subdomains and anthropometric, body composition, and functional parameters. Both ECC and CON cycling trainings are associated with positive changes in HRQOL and HP. However, ECC seems to induce greater improvements in HRQL and HP than CON cycling training, which is probably not due to the anthropometric, body composition, and functional changes.     

Obesity,dyslipidemia, and high blood pressure are associated with cardiovascular risk,determined using high-sensitivity C-reactive protein concentration,in young adults

ObjectiveFew studies have investigated the relationships between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentration and conventional cardiometabolic markers in young adults. The aim of this study was to characterize the cardiometabolic profile of young adults who are at high cardiovascular risk, according to hs-CRP concentration.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 300 young adults (18 to 30 years old) from southern Mexico (n = 150 normal-weight and n = 150 obese). Their circulating lipid and glucose concentrations were measured using colorimetric enzymatic assays, and their hs-CRP, ApoA, and ApoB concentrations were measured using turbidimetric assays.ResultsThe most prevalent abnormalities in the participants with high cardiovascular risk, determined using an hs-CRP >28.57 nmol/L, were high waist circumference (85.7%), obesity (83.9%), high low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (64.3%), low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (50%), Apo B in the highest tertile (39.3%), hypertriglyceridemia (35.7%), and high blood pressure (30.4%). In addition, there were strong associations between hs-CRP >28.57 nmol/L and obesity (odds ratio [OR] = 13.9), high waist circumference (OR = 8.0), hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 4.0), high blood pressure (OR = 3.4), hypercholesterolemia (OR = 2.8), and Apo B in the highest tertile (OR = 2.4).ConclusionThe principal cardiometabolic alterations associated with high cardiovascular risk, determined using hs-CRP, are obesity, dyslipidemia, and high blood pressure in young adults.     

Association of LXRα polymorphisms with obesity and obesity-related phenotypes in an Iranian population

Background: Obesity is a multifactorial disorder due to the complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Liver X receptor alpha (LXRα), encoded by the gene NR1H3, is involved in lipoprotein metabolism and its genetic variations may also play a role in the aetiology of obesity.

Aim: To assess the association of two NR1H3 polymorphisms (rs11039155 and rs2279238) and their haplotypes with obesity in an Iranian population.

Subjects and methods: A total of 447 unrelated subjects (including 206 overweight, 162 obese and 79 controls) were enrolled in the study and were genotyped by TaqMan assay using DNA from peripheral blood. The association of these two LXRα polymorphisms with the presence of obesity and overweight was assessed.

Results: There was no significant association between the two SNPs and obesity, even after adjustment for age and sex. By logistic regression using a dominant model, the odds ratios for obesity were: 1.32 (0.85–2.74) for rs11039155 and 0.77 (0.30--1.99) for rs2279238. Haplotype analyses identified three common haplotypes GC, GT and AC with frequency greater than 1%, but none of the haplotypes was associated with the risk of obesity.

Conclusions: This study revealed that there was no significant association between LXRα polymorphisms and the presence of obesity in an Iranian population and suggests that these two SNPs are not major contributors to obesity risk in this population.     

Adolescents Just Do Not Know What They Want: A Qualitative Study to Describe Obese Adolescents’ Experiences of Text Messaging to Support Behavior Change Maintenance Post Intervention

Background

Adolescents are considered a hard to reach group and novel approaches are needed to encourage good health. Text messaging interventions have been reported as acceptable to adolescents but there is little evidence regarding the use of text messages with overweight and obese adolescents to support engagement or behavior change after the conclusion of a healthy lifestyle program.

Objective

The intent of this study was to explore the opinions of overweight adolescents and their parents regarding the use of text messages as a support during the maintenance period following an intervention.

Methods

This paper reports on the findings from focus groups conducted with adolescents (n=12) and parents (n=13) who had completed an eight-week intensive intervention known as Curtin University’s Activity, Food and Attitudes Program (CAFAP). Focus groups were conducted three months post intensive intervention. Participants were asked about their experiences of the prior three-month maintenance phase during which adolescents had received tri-weekly text messages based on the self-determination theory and goal-setting theory. Participants were asked about the style and content of text messages used as well as how they used the text messages. Data were analyzed using content and thematic analyses.

Results

Two clear themes emerged from the focus groups relating to (1) what adolescents liked or thought they wanted in a text message to support behavior change, and (2) how they experienced or responded to text messages. Within the “like/want” theme, there were five sub-themes relating to the overall tone of the text, frequency, timing, reference to long-term goals, and inclusion of practical tips. Within the “response to text” theme, there were four sub-themes describing a lack of motivation, barriers to change, feelings of shame, and perceived unfavorable comparison with other adolescents. What adolescents said they wanted in text messages often conflicted with their actual experiences. Parent reports provided a useful secondary view of adolescent experience.

Conclusions

The conflicting views described in this study suggest that overweight and obese adolescents may not know or have the ability to articulate how they would best be supported with text messages during a healthy lifestyle maintenance phase. Further, supporting both engagement and behavior change simultaneously with text messaging may not be possible. Intervention texts should be personalized as much as possible and minimize feelings of guilt and shame in overweight and obese adolescents. Future research with text messaging for overweight and obese adolescents should incorporate clear intervention aims and evaluation methods specifically related to adolescent engagement or behavior change.

Trial Registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12611001187932; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12611001187932 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6LGSbk8d9).