Biomedical subjects

G R Hunter

Publications and source records attributed to G R Hunter.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed1998

Energy expenditure and physical fitness in overweight vs non-overweight prepubertal girls.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether overweight children have lower physical activity energy expenditure (EE) and fitness levels than non-overweight children. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-four healthy girls aged 7-10 y were divided into overweight (> 95th percentile weight-for-height) and non-overweight (10-90th percentile) groups. Basal metabolic rate (BMR), sleeping metabolic rate (SMR), 24 h sedentary EE (SEE) and total EE (TEE) were measured by room respiration calorimetry and doubly labelled water. Physical activity EE and physical activity level (PAL) were calculated. Fitness (VO2peak) was measured by a treadmill exercise test. RESULTS: The overweight group had significantly higher body weight, percent fat, fat mass and fat-free mass (FFM) (P < 0.001). The overweight girls had higher BMR, SMR, SEE and TEE (P < 0.001), but not after adjustment for FFM. Physical activity EE and PAL were not significantly different between groups. After adjusting for FFM or weight, submaximal and peak VO2 were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that these overweight girls do not have lower physical activity EE or fitness levels than the non-overweight prepubertal girls, however, the rather high body fat of the non-overweight group may have precluded us from finding any differences between groups.

Basal Metabolism↗

PubMed1998

A role for high intensity exercise on energy balance and weight control.

The objective of this commentary is to remark on the impact, exercise intensity has on energy expenditure and its potential for body weight control. Exercise intensity can favorably impact on energy expenditure in a number of ways. First, exercise-associated energy expenditure is increased by decreasing exercise efficiency and increasing work rate. Second, resistance training that increases muscle mass, in turn increases resting energy expenditure. Third, aerobic exercise > 70% VO2max, increases resting energy expenditure separate from any change in muscle mass. High-intensity exercise training has the added benefit of improving fitness, thus making low-intensity exercise less difficult and more easily tolerated. Although continuous intense exercise is difficult to maintain for extended periods of time, intense interval exercise can be easily endured and may be an important adjunct to lifestyle modifications for body weight control.

Basal Metabolism↗

PubMed1998

Variability of abdominal adipose tissue measurements using computed tomography in prepubertal girls.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the variability of measuring regional adipose tissue area using abdominal computed tomography (CT) in normal-weight, prepubertal girls. DESIGN: Measurements of abdominal CT were performed twice, 6 weeks apart. SUBJECTS: Sixty-one normal-weight, prepubertal girls (age: 4.8-10.3 y, mean (s.d.) BMI: 16.7 +/- 1.5 kg/m2). MEASUREMENTS: Abdominal adipose tissue by CT at baseline and 6 weeks later. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between visits 1 and 2 with regard to the children's average abdominal CT derived intraabdominal adipose tissue (21.64 cm2 vs 23.74 cm2) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (62.49 cm2 vs 65.28 cm2). The Pearson coefficient of correlation (r), P-value, total coefficient of variation (CV) and standard error of the difference (SEdelta) for intra-individual measurements between visits 1 and 2 by abdominal CT were: total abdominal adipose tissue, r = 0.94, P < 0.0001, CV = 12.34%, SEdelta 2.25 cm2; subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue, r = 0.96, P < 0.0001, CV = 10.67%, SEdelta = 1.57 cm2; and intraabdominal adipose tissue, r = 0.67, P < 0.0001, CV = 21.5%, SEdelta = 1.11 cm2. The mean ratios of intraabdominal to subcutaneous adipose tissue on visits 1 and 2 were 0.42 +/- 0.2 and 0.44 +/- 0.24, respectively. CONCLUSION: Regional adipose tissue area measurements using abdominal CT were reliable in healthy, normal-weight, prepubertal girls.

Abdomen↗

PubMed1998

Fitness and energy expenditure after strength training in obese prepubertal girls.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a school-based, low-volume strength training program on energy expenditure, strength, and physical fitness in obese prepubertal girls. METHODS: A longitudinal, 5-month strength training exercise program was undertaken by healthy, obese (> 95th percentile weight-for-height, N = 11) girls age 7-10 yr. The following were measured: strength by the one-repetition maximum test; fitness (VO2peak) by a treadmill exercise test; resting metabolic rate (RMR), 24-h sedentary energy expenditure (SEE), and sleeping metabolic rate (SMR) by room respiration calorimetry; and total energy expenditure (TEE) by the doubly labeled water method. Physical activity energy expenditure (AEE) was calculated as TEE-(RMR + 0.1.TEE) and physical activity level (PAL) as TEE/RMR. An age-matched, nonoverweight control group was measured for (VO2peak) and RMR over the same time period. RESULTS: Strength increased by 19.6 and 20.0% in the upper and lower body (P < 0.01), respectively. (VO2peak) (mL.min-1) increased in both groups over time (P < 0.05), but not when covaried for fat-free mass (FFM) or weight. After adjusting for FFM or weight, RMR did not change, but SMR and 24-h SEE decreased significantly in the exercise group. There were no changes in nonprotein respiratory quotient or substrate oxidation. No changes in TEE, AEE, and PAL occurred, either unadjusted or adjusted for FFM or weight. CONCLUSION: This long-term, school-based, low-volume strength training program favorably increases strength in obese prepubertal girls but does not increase their daily energy expenditure.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed1998

Effects of strength training on intra-abdominal adipose tissue in obese prepubertal girls.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of strength training on fat distribution and its relationship to glucose tolerance in obese prepubertal girls. METHODS: A strength training intervention study was designed in which the children exercised three times per week for 5 months. Twelve healthy, obese prepubertal girls (ages 7-10 yr, > 95th percentile weight for height) were enrolled in the study. Body composition was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography, and glucose tolerance was measured by a 3-h oral glucose tolerance test at baseline and after training. RESULTS: Significant increases in height, weight, fat-free mass, fat mass, and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue occurred after training (P < 0.05), whereas intra-abdominal adipose tissue (IAAT) remained stable (N = 11). Insulin area was highly correlated with IAAT before (r = 0.91) and after (r = 0.90) training (both P < 0.01, N = 9). CONCLUSION: In growing obese prepubertal girls undergoing a strength training program, IAAT remains unchanged, whereas subcutaneous abdominal fat and total body fat increased; insulin area is related to IAAT in these children.

Abdomen↗

PubMed1997

Regional fat distribution in women and risk of cardiovascular disease.

Improvements in technology have allowed more precise measurements of regional fat distribution and also present the opportunity to make a systematic evaluation of the various fat depots, including intraabdominal adipose tissue (IAF), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAF), trunk fat, arm fat, and leg fat. The purpose of this study was to determine which of the fat distribution variables (arm fat, leg fat, trunk fat, IAF, or SAF) may have independent relations with cardiovascular (CVD) risk factors [serum triacylglycerol, serum cholesterol, high-density-lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, HDL2 cholesterol, HDL3 cholesterol, low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, very-low-density-lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, VLDL3 cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure] in women after adjusting for age, menopause status, and other fat-distribution variables. Two hundred twenty-four (138 premenopausal and 86 postmenopausal) white females ranging in age from 17 to 77 y were sampled. Percentage body fat ranged from 8.8% to 48.1% and IAF cross sections ranged from 9.2 to 335 cm2. Simple zero-linear correlations and partial correlations were calculated. IAF and trunk fat were consistently positively related to CVD risk factors, whereas leg fat was consistently negatively related to CVD risk, indicating that IAF and trunk fat may put women at increased risk of developing CVD.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed1997

Fat distribution, physical activity, and cardiovascular risk factors.

The purpose of this study was to report the relationship between fat distribution, physical activity (PA), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Percent fat, computed tomography intra-abdominal adipose tissue (IAF), anthropometrics, Baecke activity questionnaire, and CVD risk (blood pressure, cholesterol, HDL, HDL2, HDL3, IDL, LDL, VLDL, and triglycerides) were evaluated in 137 men 30-71 yr old. IAF was consistently more highly related to CVD risk than other fat distribution variables including percent fat and waist:hip ratio (r = 0.3-0.45). IAF was significantly related to CVD risk after adjusting for other fat distribution variables. With the exception of the sum of biceps, triceps, thigh, and calf skinfolds (peripheral skinfolds), which was negatively related to CVD risk, no other fat distribution variable had consistent significant partial correlations with CVD risk. PA was related to IAF after adjusting for peripheral skinfolds, but PA was not related to peripheral skinfolds after adjusting for IAF, indicating more active men have relatively low IAF. IAF was related to CVD risk after adjusting for PA, but PA was not related to CVD risk after adjusting for IAF. These results indicate that IAF is directly related to CVD risk while the lower CVD risk found with more active men is more directly related to the low IAF found in more active men.

Abdomen↗

PubMed1997

Resistance exercise prevents plantar flexor deconditioning during bed rest.

Because resistance exercise (REX) and unloading induce opposing neuromuscular adaptations, we tested the efficacy of REX against the effects of 14 d of bed rest unloading (BRU) on the plantar flexor muscle group. Sixteen men were randomly assigned to no exercise (NOE, N = 8) or REX (N = 8). REX performed 5 sets x 6-10 repetitions to failure of constant resistance concentric/eccentric plantar flexion every other day during BRU. One-repetition maximum (1RM) strength was tested on the training device. The angle-specific torque-velocity relationship across 5 velocities (0, 0.52, 1.05, 1.75, and 2.97 rad.s-1) and the full range-of-motion power-velocity relationship were assessed on a dynamometer. Torque-position analyses identified strength changes at shortened, neutral, and stretched muscle lengths. Concentric and eccentric contractile work were measured across ten repetitions at 1.05 rad.s-1. Maximal neural activation was measured by surface electromyography (EMG). 1RM decreased 9% in NOE and improved 11% in REX (P < 0.05). Concentric (0.52 and 1.05 rad.s-1), eccentric (0.52 and 2.97 rad.s-1), and isometric angle-specific torques decreased (P < 0.05) in NOE, averaging 18%, 17%, and 13%, respectively. Power dropped (P < 0.05) in NOE at three eccentric (21%) and two concentric (14%) velocities. REX protected angle-specific torque and average power at all velocities. Concentric and eccentric strength decreased at stretched (16%) and neutral (17%) muscle lengths (P < 0.05) in NOE while REX maintained or improved strength at all joint positions. Concentric (15%) and eccentric (11%) contractile work fell in NOE (P < 0.05) but not in REX. Maximal plantar flexor EMG did not change in either group. In summary, constant resistance concentric/eccentric REX completely prevented plantar flexor performance deconditioning induced by BRU. The reported benefits of REX should prove useful in prescribing exercise for astronauts in microgravity and for patients susceptible to functional decline during bed- or chair-bound hospital stays.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Maximal aerobic capacity in African-American and Caucasian prepubertal children.

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in resting, submaximal, and maximal (VO2max) oxygen consumption (VO2) in African-American (n = 44) and Caucasian (n = 31) prepubertal children aged 5-10 yr. Resting VO2 was measured via indirect calorimetry in the fasted state. Submaximal VO2 and VO2max were determined during an all out, progressive treadmill exercise test appropriate for children. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to determine total fat mass (FM), soft lean tissue mass (LTM), and leg soft LTM. Doubly labeled water was used to determine total energy expenditure (TEE) and activity energy expenditure (AEE). A significant effect of ethnicity (P < 0.01) was found for VO2max but not resting or submaximal VO2, with African-American children having absolute VO2max approximately 15% lower than Caucasian children (1.21 +/- 0.032 vs. 1.43 +/- 0.031 l/min, respectively). The lower VO2max persisted in African-American children after adjustment for soft LTM (1.23 +/- 0.025 vs. 1.39 +/- 0.031 l/min; P < 0.01), leg soft LTM (1.20 +/- 0.031 vs. 1.43 +/- 0.042 l/min; P < 0.01), and soft LTM and FM (1.23 +/- 0.025 vs. 1.39 +/- 0.031 l/min; P < 0.01). The lower VO2max persisted also after adjustment for TEE (1.20 +/- 0.02 vs. 1.38 +/- 0.0028 l/min P < 0.001) and AEE (1.20 +/- 0.024 vs. 1.38 +/- 0.028 l/min; P < 0.001). In conclusion, our data indicate that African-American and Caucasian children have similar rates of VO2 at rest and during submaximal exercise, but VO2max is approximately 15% lower in African-American children, independent of soft LTM, FM, leg LTM, TEE, and AEE.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed1997

Vulvar melanoma in childhood.

BACKGROUND: Malignant melanoma is rarely diagnosed during childhood. Approximately 2% of malignant melanomas occur in patients younger than 20 years, with 0.3% to 0.5% of cases occurring in prepubescent children. In adult females malignant melanoma of the vulva and vagina is 100-fold less common than malignant melanoma of nongenital skin. Malignant melanoma of the vulva occurring in a child has been reported once before. OBSERVATIONS: We report 2 cases of childhood vulvar malignant melanoma presenting in preteenage girls. In both cases, the lesions were asymptomatic enlarging hyperpigmented macules on the labium minus. In addition to features diagnostic of malignant melanoma, histological evidence of lichen sclerosus et atrophicus was identified in both lesions. Local excision with conservative margins was the treatment modality of choice in both cases, with good preservation of anatomic structure and function. CONCLUSIONS: This report is of 2 cases of vulvar melanoma in childhood, a rare, yet potentially devastating, presentation of melanoma. Biopsies on suspicious pigmented lesions on the vulva of prepubescent children should be done to rule out malignant change.

Child↗

PubMed1996

Dietary fat in relation to body fat and intraabdominal adipose tissue: a cross-sectional analysis.

Numerous studies report positive links between dietary fat and adiposity. However, the relation between fat intake and intraabdominal adipose tissue (IAAT), a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, is not known. We therefore evaluated the association between dietary fat and adipose tissue stores in 135 white men aged 44 +/- 10 y (mean+/- SD: weight, 86 +/- 14 kg; body fat, 23 +/- 8%) and in 214 white women aged 45 +/- 14 y (weight, 64 +/- 12 kg; body fat, 33 +/- 10%). Dietary intake was estimated from 3-d food records, body composition from hydrostatic weighing, IAAT and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (SCAAT) by computed tomography, and physical activity by using the Baecke Questionnaire. After adjustment for fat-free mass, sex, age, physical activity, and nonfat energy intake, fat intake was weakly correlated with fat mass, explaining only 2% of the variance (partial R2 = 0.018, P < 0.01). In a separate model that evaluated type of fat, saturated fat was positively related (partial R2 = 0.025, P < 0.01) to fat mass after adjustment for fat-free mass, sex, age, physical activity, and nonfat energy intake whereas polyunsaturated fat intake was negatively related (partial R2 = 0.007, P = 0.056). On the basis of partial correlation analyses, dietary fat was also associated with SCAAT adjusted for nonfat energy intake and IAAT (partial R2 = 0.014, P < 0.01), but not IAAT adjusted for nonfat energy intake and SCAAT. However, the association between dietary fat and adjusted SCAAT was not significant after further adjustment for sex, age, and physical activity. Thus, results of this cross-sectional analysis suggest that dietary fat independently plays a very minor role in increasing overall adiposity and does not specifically influence fat accretion in the intraabdominal region.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed1996

Effects of exercise intensity on 24-h energy expenditure and substrate oxidation.

The purpose of this study was to determine: 1) the reliability of 24-h respiratory calorimetry measurements, and 2) the effects of low- versus high-intensity exercise on energy expenditure (EE) and substrate oxidation over a 24-h period. Eight women (age 28 +/- 4.3 yr) were measured for body composition, maximal oxygen consumption while cycling, and EE in three, 24-h calorimeter tests, with identical work output but differing intensity during a 60-min exercise session. Low-intensity (LI) exercise involved continuous cycling at 50% VO2max; whereas high-intensity (HI) exercise involved interval cycling (2 min exercise/recovery) at 100% VO2max. Subjects were randomly assigned to the first two tests at LI or HI, with the third test at the alternate intensity. No differences in EE or respiratory quotient (RQ) during rest, sleep, exercise, or over the 24 h were found between the first two tests (C.V. = 6.0%), demonstrating the reliability of the measurements. The HI protocol elicited significantly higher EE than LI during rest, exercise, and over 24 h, whereas sleeping EE approached significance. No significant differences in RQ during rest, sleep, or over 24 h were found, but 24-h lipid and carbohydrate oxidation were similar in the two protocols. The HI exercise RQ was significantly higher than LI. These findings demonstrated higher 24-h EE in the HI than LI protocol, but similar 24-h substrate oxidation rates.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Intra-abdominal adipose tissue cut-points related to elevated cardiovascular risk in women.

Intra-abdominal adipose tissue (IAF) seems to be the primary fat depot putting individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The purpose of this study was to determine IAF cut-points for identifying CVD risk in pre- and post-menopausal women. Age ranged from 18 to 77 y and percentage fat ranged from 9 to 48%. Computed tomography (CT), IAF, DEXA determined regional fat and blood lipid profiles were obtained on 220 Caucasian women. Student's t-tests were run to determine differences between pre- and post-menopausal women. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to develop IAF cut-points associated with elevated CVD risk. Post-menopausal women had higher percentage fat, greater proportion IAF and higher CVD risk. Menopausal status was not consistently independently related to CVD risk after adjusting for IAF, but IAF was after adjusting for menopausal status. The same cut-points for CVD risk were found with both 4- and 6-CVD risk factor analysis and for both pre- and post-menopausal as well as pooled data. 4-CVD risk factor analysis comprised cholesterol (C), HDL-C, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. 6-CVD risk factor analysis comprised the 4-CVD risk factors plus triglycerides and cholesterol : HDL-C ratio. ROC L positive values indicate levels of IAF above which metabolic disturbances will be increased and were determined to be 110 cm2. ROC L negative values indicate levels of IAF below which CVD risk will not be affected and were determined to be 40 cm2. False positives were 3% and false negatives were 9%. ANOVA comparing women with IAF cross-sections less than 40 cm2, between 40 and 110 cm2 and more than 110 cm2 demonstrate large differences in CVD risk profile. It is suggested women who have IAF values above 110 cm2 are in jeopardy of possessing elevated CVD risk.

Abdomen↗

PubMed1996

Anthropometric equations for estimating abdominal adipose tissue distribution in women.

OBJECTIVES: (1) to develop multiple regression equations for predicting computed tomography (CT) derived intra-abdominal (IAF), subcutaneous (SCF) and total (TOTF = IAF + SCF) abdominal adipose tissue areas from anthropometric measures and (2) to validate the equations. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: 204 healthy Caucasian females subjects with a large range of age (17-76 years) and percentage body fat (8.8%-48.1%). Fifty-one subjects served as an independent sub-sample for the validation of the equations. MEASUREMENTS: Various fatness and fat distribution parameters (hydrodensitometry, single CT scan, skinfold and circumference measures). RESULTS: Multiple regression equations were developed to estimate IAF, SCF and TOTF. R2 for IAF, SCF and TOTF was 0.75, 0.81 and 0.85, respectively. The equations were validated on an independent sub-sample of 51 subjects. All three equations met validation criteria with R2 validations of 0.79, 0.71 and 0.84 for IAF, SCF and TOTF, respectively. CONCLUSION: These equations might be used as an inexpensive estimation of IAF, SCF and TOTF in adult Caucasian females varying greatly in age and percentage body fat.

Abdomen↗

PubMed1996

Intra-abdominal adipose tissue, physical activity and cardiovascular risk in pre- and post-menopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: Determine whether the independent inter-relationships between intra-abdominal adipose tissue (IAF) cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, and physical activity (PA) support the hypothesis that the beneficial effect of PA of CVD risk is mediated through the effects of activity on IAF. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SUBJECTS: 220 female Caucasian women 17-77 years old. MEASUREMENTS: Computed tomography IAF and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (SAF), percent fat, CVD risk factors (blood lipids and blood pressure) and PA using the Baecke questionnaire. RESULTS: Zero-order correlations indicated that IAF, SAF, percent fat, age, menopausal status (MS), and all 4 of the PA indexes were consistently related to CVD risk. After adjusting for age, MS, SAF, and percent fat, IAF was negatively related to PA (r2 = 0.04), indicating that more active women had relatively small IAF compared to other fat depots. After adjusting for IAF, MS, and age none of the PA indexes were related to any of the CVD risk factors except cholesterol/HDL ratio (partial r2 = 0.02). However, after adjusting for PA, MS and age, IAF was related to all CVD risk factors except cholesterol (partial r2 = 0.03-0.23). CONCLUSION: These results support the hypothesis that PA may obtain at least part of its effect on CVD risk by reducing IAF.

Abdomen↗

PubMed1995

Relationship of co-morbidities of obesity to weight loss and four-year weight maintenance/rebound.

This study examined the effect of weight loss (separate from energy restriction) and weight maintenance/rebound over time on blood pressure, serum lipids, and body composition in 24 obese (mean 137% ideal body weight (IBW)) females with mild to moderate hypertension. Weight loss was induced under tightly controlled General Clinical Research Center conditions until each subject had lost at least 10 kg (mean 13 kg) and attained normal body weight (< 120% IBW). After 4 years subjects returned for repeat evaluation. Weight changes were compared with 24 pair-matched normal weight controls who were also followed for 4 years. With weight loss, significant improvements were seen in standing mean arterial pressure (MAP), serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. Subjects regained 11 kg (87% of the weight lost) over the 4 year follow-up period while control subjects gained only 2 kg. Subjects who chose self-selected exercise gained less weight than nonexercisers (6 kg vs. 13 kg, P < 0.05). With weight regain there were significant increases in standing and supine MAP, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. The amount of weight regained was significantly correlated with standing MAP (r = 0.73), triglycerides (r = 0.43), and HDL cholesterol (r = -0.47). The percentage fat of the weight regained was no greater than that of the weight previously lost. Weight loss, distinct from energy restriction, was associated with improvements in blood pressure and serum lipid levels. The ability to sustain these improvements in the co-morbidities of obesity was directly related to the persistence and magnitude of weight loss maintenance.

Aged↗

PubMed1995

Estimating intraabdominal adipose tissue in women by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

The purposes of this study were 1) to derive a prediction equation for estimating the intraabdominal adipose tissue (IAAT) by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) with computed tomography (CT) scans as the criterion method, 2) to examine whether a smaller, more specific region was a better estimator of IAAT than the trunk alone by drawing three regions of interest (upper trunk, lower trunk, and pelvis) in the DXA scan, and 3) to cross-validate the newly developed equations and earlier equations by Svendsen. Body composition was measured in 206 pre- and postmenopausal women by anthropometry, DXA, and CT. Subjects were randomly divided into estimation (n = 151) and validation (n = 55) samples. Body-composition variables were analyzed by stepwise multiple regression to determine equations to estimate IAAT. The two equations developed to estimate IAAT both yielded an R2 of 0.81 when using the following variables: 1) sagittal diameter, age, waist circumference, and DXA trunk percent fat, and 2) sagittal diameter, age, waist circumference, and DXA pelvic percent fat. The R2 between the actual IAAT and estimates of IAAT for both equations was 0.81, whereas the R2 values were 0.63 and 0.71 for the Svendsen equations. In conclusion, we developed new equations using DXA and other simple measures that can be used to estimate IAAT in women of varying ages and body compositions.

Abdomen↗

PubMed1995

The effects of strength conditioning on older women's ability to perform daily tasks.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of a strength-training program on walking speed and relative muscular stress, as measured by normalized integrated electromyographic (nIEMG) activity, while carrying a box of groceries and standing from a chair. DESIGN: Prospective intervention study. SETTING: Volunteer subjects from the community of Birmingham, Alabama. PARTICIPANTS: Fourteen healthy women aged 60 to 77 years. INTERVENTION: Sixteen weeks of total body strength conditioning. MEASUREMENTS: Before and after 16 weeks of strength conditioning, the following variables were evaluated for all subjects: (1) strength, six isotonic tests and two isometric tests; (2) walking velocity; (3) nIEMG of the biceps while carrying a box of groceries; and (4) nIEMG of the rectus femoris while standing from a chair. MAIN RESULTS: After the strength training program, subjects' isotonic strength increased significantly, an average of 52% on the isotonic tests and 31% on the isometric tests. Walking velocity also increased significantly (18%). nIEMG of the biceps decreased 36% while carrying a box of groceries. Rectus femoris nIEMG decreased 40% while standing and 47% while sitting. CONCLUSIONS: After strength conditioning, healthy older women showed not only substantially increased strength but also improvements in walking velocity and the ability to carry out daily tasks such as rising from a chair and carrying a box of groceries.

Activities of Daily Living↗