Search Results (785)

Background: the purpose of this study was to analyze the reliability of a field-based fitness test battery in young trained football players, according to biological age. Methods: 197 young trained football players (12–19 years old) participated in the study. We measured anthropometric measurements (i.e., height, sitting height, length leg, and body mass), a bilateral vertical jumping test (CMJ), a progressive loading test of squats and hip thrust, acceleration and speed tests (10 m and 30 m sprint tests), a change-of-direction ability test (V–cut test), and a cardiorespiratory fitness test (30–15 intermittent fitness test). Statistical data are shown as the mean ± standard deviation by PHV group in tests and retests. Test reliability was assessed through the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), with an ICC above 0.9 being considered high. To evaluate accuracy and repeatability, standard error of measurement, coefficient of variation, and minimum detectable change at 90% were determined and Bland–Altman diagrams were used, establishing a statistical significance of p < 0.05. Results: All of the tests showed non-significant differences between the test and retest in the pooled sample (p > 0.05). Furthermore, all of them presented a trivial effect size (<0.2) and high intraclass correlation coefficients (>0.9), which indicates the high reproducibility of the tests, despite some of them presenting a significant difference between trials (i.e., the CMJ, 10 m sprint, V–cut, and squat tests). Low measurement errors were found for all tests (coefficient of variation [CV] = 4.39–9.39), except for the CMJ and the progressive loading test for squat and hip thrust exercises (CV = 12.2–21.11). Similar results were found irrespective of biological age group. Conclusions: All tests were reliable for the pooled sample as well as for the biological age groups. Full article

Background and Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) measures, maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂ max), and minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production (V_E/VCO₂ slope and others) among the T2DM population based on glycated haemoglobin (HBA1c). Material and Methods: The present study comprised a cross-sectional design, with two groups, based on HbA1c values (≤7 and ≥7.1). Laboratory samples were taken to evaluate glycated haemoglobin and fasting blood glucose (FBS). Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed to calculate various fitness-related parameters. Data analysis: An independent t-test was used to analyse the outcomes in the two groups. p < 0.05 was considered significant. Linear regression was used to examine the influence of predictor variables on dependent variables. Results: A total of 70 patients agreed to participate in the study, with 19 females and 51 males. The mean (standard deviation) BMI (body mass index) of all participants was 29.7(5.2), the mean (SD) weight was 84.4 (18.9) kg, and the mean height was 167.4 (23) cm. The average age of the individuals was 52 ± 8 years. The independent t-test revealed a significant difference between the two groups in terms of CRF measures. Conclusions: The current research identified the presence of poor glycaemic control and cardiorespiratory fitness measures among the Brazilian population with T2DM. HBA1c, duration of diabetes, age, and BMI can be employed to predict the ventilatory threshold (VT) and VO₂ max. Full article

A burgeoning corpus of scholarly inquiry indicates that engagement in physical activity among children yields a plethora of advantageous outcomes, including enhanced cardiorespiratory endurance, improved academic performance, augmented cognitive functioning, as well as advancements in social and psychological well-being. Given that students participate in schooling for up to 200 days per annum, physical education (PE) possesses the potential to substantially influence the physiological and cognitive maturation of school-aged children through purposeful pedagogical practices. The notion of quality physical education (QPE), whose paramount objective is the cultivation of physical literacy, represents a critical element in the facilitation of both physiological and cognitive growth in children. Consequently, the objective of this investigation was to examine the ramifications of a continuing professional development program on educators’ self-efficacy and, in turn, on their students’ physical fitness and educational outcomes. The inquiry was conducted over a 32-week span during which teachers and students participated in a continuing professional development training (CPD) intervention and a physical literacy (PL) program, respectively. At both the initiation and conclusion of the intervention programs, a comprehensive series of standardized assessments were administered, including the Motorfit battery, Spirometry, Physical Education Teaching Efficacy Scale (PETES), and Amos 8–15. As a consequence, a significant Time × Group interaction effect for the Motorfit battery, Spirometry, PETES, and Amos 8–15 was identified. This finding suggests a meaningful improvement in the treatment groups (p < 0.001). Conversely, no notable alterations were recorded within the comparison groups. The outcomes of this research reinforce the assertion that exemplary instruction in physical education exerts a profound influence on the physiological well-being and academic achievements of students. Full article

Background: Exercise is an essential pillar for human health, as it contributes to physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Well-recognized international organizations, such as the World Health Organization, advocate for integrating exercise into healthy lifestyles, recognizing its importance in disease prevention and improving quality of life. However, despite the consensus on its value, there is no universal agreement on specific prescriptions for vulnerable groups, highlighting the need for personalized approaches that consider the unique characteristics and needs of everyone. Emerging studies have demonstrated that exercise training performed at the intensity that elicits maximal fat oxidation improves insulin sensitivity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body composition in patients with obesity, making it a highly effective strategy for long-term weight management and metabolic health in this specific population. Methods: The present study protocol settles the basis for a 16-week randomized clinical trial based on exercise prescription at the maximal fat oxidation rate combined with resistance training in young individuals with overweight and obesity. Expected Results: This study will elucidate how FatMax, with or without resistance exercises, can enhance metabolic flexibility, increase fat oxidation, and improve body composition, evaluating changes in biochemical parameters (cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides, and inflammatory markers), metabolic biomarkers (determination of fat and carbohydrate utilization rates during rest and exercise), and epigenetic indicators (focusing on microRNAs associated with adipogenesis, inflammation, and fat metabolism). ClinicalTrials.gov identification number: NCT06553482 (FatMax Training on Metabolic and Epigenetic Parameters). Full article

Background: The value of maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2MAX) is a key health indicator. Usually, VO_2MAX is determined with cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), which is cumbersome and time-consuming, making it impractical in many testing scenarios. The aim of this study is to validate a novel seismocardiography sensor (Seismofit^®, VentriJect DK, Hellerup, Denmark) for non-exercise estimation of VO_2MAX. Methods: A cohort of 94 healthy subjects (52% females, 48.2 (8.7) years old) were included in this study. All subjects performed an ergometer CPET. Seismofit^® measurements were obtained 10 and 5 min before CPET in resting condition and 5 min after exhaustion. Results: The CPET VO_2MAX was 37.2 (8.6) mL/min/kg, which was not different from the two first Seismofit^® estimates at 37.5 (8.1) mL/min/kg (p = 0.28) and 37.3 (7.8) mL/min/kg (p = 0.66). Post-exercise Seismofit^® was 33.8 (7.1) mL/min/kg (p < 0.001). The correlation between the CPET and the Seismofit^® was r = 0.834 and r = 0.832 for the two first estimates, and the mean average percentage error was 11.4% and 11.2%. Intraclass correlation coefficients between the first and second Seismofit^® measurement was 0.993, indicating excellent test-retest reliability. Conclusion: The novel Seismofit^® VO_2MAX estimate correlates well with CPET VO_2MAX, and the accuracy is acceptable for general health assessment. The repeatability of Seismofit^® estimates obtained at rest was very high. Full article

Objectives: The study aimed to assess the impact of interactive video games (IVGs) as a form of physical activity (PA) on the quality of life. Methods: The study used a quality-of-life questionnaire (KIDSCREEN-10) and the HBSC questionnaire. In order to determine individual IVGs training parameters, an initial assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness level was performed, using the Cardio Pulmonary Exercise Test—Godfrey’s progressive protocol. Children in the intervention group participated in 12 interval training sessions using IVGs (Microsoft’s Xbox 360 S console with Kinect,). Results: The study included 21 patients (7–13 years old; 12 boys and 9 girls) treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n = 13) and acute myeloid leukemia (n = 8). Before the IVGs, all children had insufficient PA levels (90% of children in the intervention group and 90.91% of children in the control group did not engage in any PA during the last 7 days). After the intervention, 80% of the children in the IVGs group undertook PA lasting at least 60 min a day, three times a week. They exhibited better well-being, a subjective feeling of improved physical fitness (p < 0.0001), a greater subjective sense of strength and energy (p < 0.0001), and less feeling of sadness (p = 0.0016) than the children from the control group (p = 0.0205). Conclusions: The results of our study confirmed that an attractive form of virtual game or sport is willingly undertaken by children undergoing cancer treatment, and has significant benefits in improving the quality-of-life parameters. There is a clear need to create specific recommendations and rehabilitation models for children with cancer. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of dementia worldwide, profoundly impacts health and quality of life. While cognitive impairments—such as memory loss, attention deficits, and disorientation—predominate in AD, motor symptoms, though common, remain underexplored. These motor symptoms, including gait disturbances, reduced cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle weakness, sarcopenia, and impaired balance, are often associated with advanced stages of AD and contribute to increased mortality. Emerging evidence, however, suggests that motor symptoms may be present in earlier stages and can serve as predictive markers for AD in older adults. Despite a limited understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving these motor symptoms, several key pathways have been identified, offering avenues for further investigation. This review provides an in-depth analysis of motor symptoms in AD, discussing its progression, potential mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies. Addressing motor symptoms alongside cognitive decline may enhance patient functionality, improve quality of life, and support more comprehensive disease management strategies. Full article

Background and Aim: Functional somatic disorders (FSDs) are a unifying diagnosis that includes functional somatic syndromes (FSSs) as well as the unifying diagnostic construct of bodily distress syndrome (BDS). FSDs are characterized by persistent and troublesome physical symptoms that are prevalent across all medical settings and for which no clinical tests can establish a definitive diagnosis. The aim of this study was to explore associations between BDSs and objective measurements of body composition, cardiorespiratory health, and physical performance. Methods: Analyses are based on data from the Danish population-based cohort study, DanFunD, comprising data on 9656 participants aged 18–76 years and BDS case status, which was established using self-reported questionnaires. Adjusted multiple linear regression analysis was employed to evaluate associations between BDS and different measures of body composition, cardiorespiratory health, and physical performance assessed as part of a general health examination. Results: Compared to controls, individuals with single- or multi-organ BDS exhibited less optimal body compositions characterized by a higher BMI and fat percentage and larger waist circumference, as well as impaired cardiorespiratory health and reduced physical performance (lower maximal oxygen consumption and lower hand grip strength). Further, individuals categorized with multi-organ BDS had a less healthy body composition, lower cardiorespiratory health, and lower physical performance compared to individuals with single-organ BDS. Conclusions: In this cross-sectional study, we found BDS to be associated with suboptimal body composition, impaired cardiorespiratory health, and reduced physical performance. Individuals with multi-organ BDS tended to exhibit lower physical fitness or reduced cardiorespiratory health than individuals with single-organ BDS. Full article

The importance of dietary calcium intake in bone metabolism has been well established; however, it is still less investigated in health-related components, especially addressing muscle performance. This study aims to compare dietary calcium intake and its relationship with cardiovascular and muscular performance in young athletes (Lacrosse, Baseball, and soccer players). In this cross-sectional study, 95 participants (ages 18 to 30) participated during two visits to the Human Performance Laboratory. Participants completed body composition, lower and upper body muscle performance, cardiorespiratory protocol, and questionnaires related to dietary calcium intake. One-way ANOVA was used to determine the difference in the calcium intake between groups. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient was used to investigate the relationship between dietary calcium intake and muscle performance variables. Further, linear regression was used to assess the predictive value of calcium variables on overall muscle performance. Lacrosse players had significantly higher calcium intake than Baseball and soccer players (p < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between dietary calcium intake and the number of push-ups (r = 0.28; p = 0.03). CIBW and CI explained 4.3% and nearly 25% of the change in MPI, respectively (p < 0.001). This suggests the possible role of dietary calcium intake in enhancing health-related fitness components and highlights the need to explore its involvement in muscle-bone crosstalk. Full article

Background/Objectives: The impact of physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (ST) during preschool years on the physical fitness (PF) levels of school-aged children remains unaddressed. This study aimed to investigate the associations of objectively measured vigorous physical activity (VPA), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), total physical activity (TPA), and ST in the last year of preschool (age of 6–7 years; n = 77; 51% boys) with cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscular fitness (MF) in the first grade of school among Estonian children. Methods: We assessed PA (accelerometers), CRF (20 m shuttle run), and MF (z-score of relative upper- and lower-limb muscular strength). Results: In the unadjusted analysis, higher VPA, MVPA, and TPA in preschool were associated with a higher MF in school among boys, while a higher VPA in preschool was related to a higher CRF in school among girls. However, VPA, MVPA, TPA, and ST in preschool were unrelated to CRF and MF among boys and girls after adjustment for baseline age, accelerometer wear time, the corresponding PF item, and parent’s education. In addition, a higher PF level in preschool was frequently related to a higher corresponding PF item in school among both genders. Conclusions: Moderate-to-vigorous and vigorous type of activities during final year of preschool, as well the amount of TPA that preschoolers are involved in, are not sufficient to affect their CRF and MF longitudinally. In addition, ST in preschool did not impact the CRF and MF of boys and girls in the first grade. Full article

For most individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2, the acute illness resolves completely. However, for millions of people, symptoms or sequelae from COVID-19 recur or persist for months to years after infection. Post-COVID-19 sequelae are wide-ranging, often affecting the musculoskeletal, pulmonary, and cardiovascular systems. All who experience post-COVID-19 sequelae face significant challenges navigating home and work life. Occupations such as firefighting, however, are of particular concern given the strenuous nature of a job that relies on a healthy musculoskeletal, pulmonary, and cardiovascular system. Research has documented significant musculoskeletal impairment (including muscle weakness, pain, and fatigue), respiratory dysfunction (including reduced lung function, interstitial disease, and diffusion abnormalities), cardiovascular conditions (including cardiac events, ischemic disease, dysrhythmias, and infectious diseases), and diminished cardiorespiratory fitness that continues for months to years in some individuals. These persistent post-COVID-19 conditions may affect a firefighter’s ability to return to work, function at full capacity while at work, and potentially compromise firefighter health and public safety. This review, therefore, explores musculoskeletal, pulmonary, and cardiovascular sequelae post-COVID-19 and the impact of these sequelae on firefighter health and occupational readiness. Full article

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) offers a comprehensive bio-psycho-social model for evaluating the multifaceted needs of individuals with disabilities. While its adoption in healthcare settings is widespread, its utilization within the domain of physical activity interventions, particularly for adolescents with intellectual disabilities (IDs), remains insufficiently explored. This study rigorously examines the efficacy of a 6-month ICF-based Adaptive Physical Activity (APA) intervention on the development of fundamental motor skills (FMSs), improvements in physical fitness (PF), and enhancements in quality of life (QoL) among adolescents with ID. A total of thirty-eight adolescents were randomly allocated into either an intervention group (IG), which participated in the tailored APA program, or a control group (CG), which received standard physical education. The findings demonstrated statistically significant improvements in the IG’s test of gross motor development (TGMD) total, locomotor, object control, and QOL scores relative to the CG (p < 0.001, η² = 0.330, 0.249, 0.224, and 0.439, respectively). Furthermore, substantial gains were observed in PF measures, including upper and lower limb strength as well as cardiorespiratory fitness (p < 0.001, η² = 0.254, 0.351, 0.176). Strong positive correlations were noted between FMS, PF, and QoL (r = 0.34–0.71, p < 0.05). This study underscores the importance of tailoring physical activity programs for adolescents with ID, offering insights into the relationships between FMS, PF, and QoL, and guidance for future interventions aimed at improving health outcomes in this population. Full article

Physical fitness (PF) has been identified as a critical health marker in youth and is significantly influenced by environmental factors, such as the specificity of training involved in different sports. This study investigated PF differences among young athletes who participated in water polo and volleyball to understand how different training programs and environments impact physical development. A sample of 98 youth athletes, including 46 water polo players (46% female; mean age: 13.07 ± 2.27 years) and 52 volleyball players (100% female; mean age: 13.80 ± 1.86 years) was assessed using Handgrip (HG), Standing Long Jump (SLJ), and Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) tests. Results were normalized against European percentile reference values and analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test. The PACER test revealed a significant difference (U = 639, p < 0.001, r = −0.466), with water polo athletes exhibiting superior cardiorespiratory fitness compared to volleyball players. The HG test also showed significant differences (U = 1571, p = 0.007, r = 0.314), indicating greater grip strength in volleyball players. No significant difference was observed in the SLJ test. These findings underscore the importance of sport-specific training in youth athletes, but also the importance of well-rounded physical development training for all youth sports. Results suggest that practicing different sports that involve different training and environments is significantly associated with certain aspects of PF components. This awareness can guide grassroots coaches and trainers towards effective and balanced training strategies to promote performance and long-term health. Full article

Background: Little is known regarding the association between physical fitness and anthropometric parameters in HIV-diagnosed children and adolescents. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between anthropometric parameters and physical fitness in this population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with HIV-diagnosed children and adolescents (aged 5–15 years). Body composition was assessed by anthropometric measurements and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, cardiorespiratory fitness by peak oxygen consumption (VO_2peak), muscle strength/endurance by handgrip strength, standing broad jump, abdominal and modified push-up tests, and flexibility using the sit-to reach test. Linear regression analyses (simple and multiple) were applied to investigate the association between anthropometric parameters and physical fitness. Results: In total, 86 children and adolescents (mean age: 11.44 ± 2.20 years) participated in the study. A significant association was observed between anthropometric parameters, whereby the sum of four skinfolds could explain 69% of the fat mass percentage and 30% of VO_2peak; the sum of two bone diameters could explain 70% of fat-free mass, 55% of bone mineral content, and 43% of bone mineral density; calf skinfold and subscapular skinfold tests could explain the distance of standing broad jump, and the number of modified push-ups explained 16% of the standing broad jump and 19% of the modified push-up test results. Conclusions: Adding the measurements of four skinfolds and two bone diameters to a follow-up routine can provide relevant information regarding fat accumulation, bone development, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscle strength/endurance status in HIV-diagnosed children and adolescents, supporting decision-making and measures for the adequate development of this population. Full article

Maintaining a high level of physical activity provides significant health benefits for children, particularly in enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness and maintaining a healthy weight. This study aimed to investigate the impact of weight status on children’s hemodynamic parameters and aerobic fitness levels. This cross-sectional study included 350 rural primary school children (146 boys and 204 girls) aged 11–13 years, randomly selected from two schools in the King Cetshwayo District, KwaDlangezwa area of KwaZulu-Natal. The anthropometric measurements recorded included height, weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference, with percentiles calculated using Cole’s Lambda, Mu, and Sigma method. Additionally, skinfold measurements were obtained at four sites (biceps, triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac). Hemodynamic measurements included systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate. Aerobic fitness was assessed using the 20 m shuttle run test, which evaluated speed, level, and age. The healthy group demonstrated significantly lower ratios in several measurements compared to those of the overweight group, i.e., the VO₂max was 6% higher (<0.001), the waist-to-hip ratio was 6% lower (<0.001), the body fat percentage was 16% lower (<0.001), the waist circumference was 12% lower (<0.001), and the resting heart rate was 3% lower (p ≤ 0.055). Differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were also observed, with the systolic pressure 2% lower (p ≤ 0.116) and the diastolic pressure 3% lower (p ≤ 0.086) in the healthy group. The study revealed a significant association between body weight status, aerobic fitness, and blood pressure parameters. Conducted in rural primary schools in KwaDlangezwa, KwaZulu-Natal, the research highlights notable correlations among weight status, aerobic competence, and blood pressure (BP) in children aged 11 to 13 years. The findings indicate that children with a healthy body weight showed higher VO₂max levels and a reduced risk of developing childhood obesity and hypertension, unlike their overweight or obese peers, who displayed lower aerobic fitness and higher blood pressure. Full article