Cross-Validation of Resting Metabolic Rate Prediction Equations.

Background: Resting metabolic rate (RMR) measurement is time consuming and requires specialized equipment. Prediction equations provide an easy method to estimate RMR; however, their accuracy likely varies across individuals. Understanding the factors that influence the accuracy of RMR predictions will help to revise existing, or develop new and improved, equations.

Felder-Soloman's Index of Learning Styles: internal consistency, temporal stability, and factor structure.

Background: Strategies to facilitate learning include using knowledge of students' learning style preferences to inform students and their teachers.

Purpose: Aims of this study were to evaluate the factor structure, internal consistency, and temporal stability of medical student responses to the Index of Learning Styles (ILS) and determine its appropriateness as an instrument for medical education.

Methods: The ILS assesses preferences on four dimensions: sensing/intuitive information perceiving, visual/verbal information receiving, active/reflective information processing, and sequential/global information understanding.

Body density estimates from upper-body skinfold thicknesses compared to air-displacement plethysmography.

Background & Aims: Determine the accuracy of body density (Db) estimated with upper-body skinfold thickness (SFT) measurements compared to air-displacement plethysmography (ADP) and ascertain whether body mass index (BMI) impacts the accuracy of SFT to assess Db.

Methods: We estimated Db with SFT and ADP in 131 healthy men and women with normal (N; 18.5-24.

Validity of segmental multiple-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis to estimate body composition of adults across a range of body mass indexes.

Objective: We compared body composition estimates using an eight-electrode, segmental, multiple-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (segmental MF-BIA) and dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in a group of healthy adults with a range of body mass indexes (BMIs).

Methods: Percentage of body fat (%BF), fat-free mass, and fat mass assessed by DXA and segmental MF-BIA in 132 healthy adults were classified by normal (N; 18.5-24.

Interaction of clothing and body mass index affects validity of air-displacement plethysmography in adults.

Objective: We determined the effect of clothing type on the validity of air-displacement plethysmography (ADP) to estimate percentage of body fat (%BF) and ascertain if these effects differ by body mass index (BMI).

Methods: The %BF by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and %BF, density, and body volume by ADP were assessed in 132 healthy adults classified by normal (N; 18.5-24.

Assessment of change in hydration in women during pregnancy and postpartum with bioelectrical impedance vectors.

Objective: This study tested the hypothesis that bioelectrical impedance vectors, group and individual, are valid indicators of total body water (TBW) and hydration status in women experiencing fluid gain and loss during and after pregnancy.

Methods: We measured TBW, assessed with D(2)O dilution, and resistance (R) and reactance (Xc), determined with 800 microA at 50 kHz and standardized for height (H) and plotted on a bivariate (R-Xc) graph, in 15 women, 21-37 y of age, longitudinally before and during pregnancy and postpartum (PP).

Results: Body weight (61.

Chromium picolinate supplementation in women: effects on body weight, composition, and iron status.

Objective: This study tested the hypothesis that supplementation of chromium picolinate (CrPic), 200 microg Cr/d, compared with an equivalent amount of picolinic acid (1720 microg) in CrPic and placebo, decreases body weight, alters body composition, and reduces iron status of women fed diets of constant energy and nutrients.

Methods: We fed 83 women nutritionally balanced diets, used anthropometry and dual x-ray absorptiometry to assess body composition, and measured serum and urinary Cr and biochemical indicators of iron status before and serially every 4 wk for 12 wk in a double-blind, randomized trial.

Results: CrPic supplementation increased (P < 0.

Validity and accuracy of regional bioelectrical impedance devices to determine whole-body fatness.

Objective: Growing emphasis on obesity as a risk factor for chronic diseases and commercial availability of impedance devices for the at-home assessment of body fatness have stimulated the need for a critical evaluation of the validity of these instruments. This study determined the reproducibility and accuracy of two commercial impedance devices that use upper (hand-to-hand) or lower (foot-to-foot) body contact electrode placements in adults with a wide range of body fatness.

Methods: Body composition was assessed with dual x-ray absorptiometry in apparently healthy adults (62 women and 48 men) ages 21 to 60 y, with a range in body mass index of 18.

Association of dominant somatotype of men with body structure, function during exercise, and nutritional assessment.

This study examined the hypothesis that somatotype determines body structure, functional responses at peak exercise, and nutritional status of 63 men ages 18-40 years who lived under controlled conditions. Data were grouped by dominant somatotype to emphasize differences in body types. Dominant ectomorphs (n = 19) had less (P < 0.