Effects of 3 years of ballet training on bone health, body composition, and physical performance in elite adolescent dancers

Objectives. We aimed to assess the impact of ballet training on multiple parameters of musculoskeletal development in a group of elite adolescent dancers with respect to body and bone composition, mobility and strength, and physical performance over a period of three years. Design. Subgroup analysis of a prospective cohort study consisting of elite adolescent ballet dancers of the Royal ballet school of Antwerp, who had longitudinal follow-up data available during their first and third year of training. Methods. Baseline and follow-up data were available for 10 dancers (mean age at baseline 12.40 ±0.38) out of 38 participants in the cohort study. The total body (ТВ) and upper and lower limb regions bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were assessed using dual X-ray absorptiometry. Physical performance were also assessed. Results. Compared to baseline in the first year of training, lean mass, BMD total and BMD legs improved significantly over time (P=0.005). There was also a significant correlation between a-ВМС left and a-power both plantar flexors (p=0.721; P=0.019) and Л-ВМС left and A-isometric both plantar flex (p=0.685; P=0.029). Discussion. The causal association of changes in musculoskeletal development with ballet training cannot be ascertained because of the lack of a control group and the small size. Insights into the relationships between site-specific bone density and foot strength may guide future studies for a better understanding of the impact of dance training on bone and muscle development

Wastewater monitoring can anchor global disease surveillance systems

To inform the development of global wastewater monitoring systems, we surveyed programmes in 43 countries. Most programmes monitored predominantly urban populations. In high-income countries (HICs), composite sampling at centralised treatment plants was most common, whereas grab sampling from surface waters, open drains, and pit latrines was more typical in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Almost all programmes analysed samples in-country, with an average processing time of 2·3 days in HICs and 4·5 days in LMICs. Whereas 59% of HICs regularly monitored wastewater for SARS-CoV-2 variants, only 13% of LMICs did so. Most programmes share their wastewater data internally, with partnering organisations, but not publicly. Our findings show the richness of the existing wastewater monitoring ecosystem. With additional leadership, funding, and implementation frameworks, thousands of individual wastewater initiatives can coalesce into an integrated, sustainable network for disease surveillance—one that minimises the risk of overlooking future global health&nbsp;threats.</p

Wastewater monitoring can anchor global disease surveillance systems

ILRI staff Ekta Patel is a member of the Global Wastewater Action Group.To inform the development of global wastewater monitoring systems, we surveyed programmes in 43 countries. Most programmes monitored predominantly urban populations. In high-income countries (HICs), composite sampling at centralised treatment plants was most common, whereas grab sampling from surface waters, open drains, and pit latrines was more typical in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Almost all programmes analysed samples in-country, with an average processing time of 2·3 days in HICs and 4·5 days in LMICs. Whereas 59% of HICs regularly monitored wastewater for SARS-CoV-2 variants, only 13% of LMICs did so. Most programmes share their wastewater data internally, with partnering organisations, but not publicly. Our findings show the richness of the existing wastewater monitoring ecosystem. With additional leadership, funding, and implementation frameworks, thousands of individual wastewater initiatives can coalesce into an integrated, sustainable network for disease surveillance—one that minimises the risk of overlooking future global health threats