Faculty of Humanities
School of Professional Social Sciences
Department of Biokinetics, Sport and Leisure Sciences
Selected Highlights from Research Findings
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was used to assess whole body and regional soft tissue mass, fat mass and lean body mass compositional changes in 68 female recruits (age 20.8 ± 1.14 years; body mass 59.5 ± 8,79 kg stature 159.57 ± 5.53 cm) pre- and post 12-week of military basic training. A decrease in total body fat tissue mass (10.2%) and regional percent fat (10.9%) was measured with an increase in total lean body mass (8.7%). Of interest were the differences in the responses in the tissue composition of the arms (16.2% loss in fat mass with an 11.6% gain in lean mass), trunk (17.0% decrease in fat mass with a 10.4% increase in lean mass) and the legs (10.5% increase in lean mass but no change in fat mass). These findings show the importance of considering regional rather than whole body composition changes when assessing the effects of a training programme. Statement of relevance: Female soldiers experienced a change in total body fat tissue (-10.2%) and lean body mass (+8.7%) after basic training; however, no significant fat mass decrease was evident in the leg region. Regional rather than whole body composition changes need to be considered when assessing the effects of a training programme.
Contact person: Dr PS Wood.
Exercise-induced anaphylaxis (EIA) is a unique physical allergy characterised by a spectrum of symptoms occurring during physical activity that ranges from mild cutaneous signs to severe systemic manifestations such as hypotension, syncope and even death. Although EIA is a rare condition, it is becoming increasingly recognized, as more people participate in physical activity and sport. The specific aetiology of EIA is unclear; however results from skin biopsies reveal a lowering of the mast-cell degranulation threshold, which causes the release of histamine and other mediators. Five types of EIA can be distinguished and have been described in the literature. Because of the fact that there are specific precipitating factors in EIA, physicians in collaboration with their patients should develop individual long-term management strategies for controlling EIA. Management of acute episodes of EIA typically includes cessation of exercise, administration of epinephrine and antihistamines, vascular support and airway maintenance.
Contact person: Mrs K Nolte.
|
