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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States and globally. The social and biological differences in diet patterns among men and women may play a role in their differential cardiovascular risk. To describe the dietary patterns associated with CVD risk and investigate the differences in diet patterns between men and women, if these differences affect cardiovascular risk, and to explore potential mechanisms of action. Diet patterns associated with CVD risk were described based on epidemiological and experimental trials. Observational and experimental studies together with systematic and non-systematic reviews were synthesised to examine sex differences in diet and cardiovascular risk factors. Differences in vasculature and body composition between sexes may be mediated by dissimilarities in adherence to diet patterns and nutrient metabolism. Salt sensitivity and breakdown and storage of lipids may account for some differences in CVD risk between men and women. Sex differences in social norms, cognitive processing, and odour perception may be affected by biological differences and contribute to differences in cardiovascular risk and dietary patterns. The relation between diet patterns and cardiovascular risk is well-established and sex differences in diet patterns likely differentially affect CVD risk between men and women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Community-based exercise can support long-term management of Parkinson's disease, although it is not known if personal goals are met in these programs. The objectives of this study were to: (1) examine the goals of community based exercise programs from the participant and instructor perspectives; (2) establish the extent to which these programs meet self-described exercise outcomes; and (3) explore participant and instructor perspectives on barriers to meeting exercise expectations. Materials and Methods: This study explores the experiences of people with Parkinson's disease participating in a structured exercise program at six community sites. A mixed-methods approach was used, including participant and instructor interviews, assessment of exercise intensity, and mapping of exercise dosage to participant goals. Twenty-four exercise participants provided interview, quality of life, and exercise intensity data. Results: Twenty-one participants exercised for primary management of their Parkinson's disease. None met the exercise dosage necessary to meet this primary objective, although 60% met exercise dosage required to prevent disuse deconditioning. Participants and instructors did not describe similar goals for the community-based exercise program. Conclusions: Community-based exercise programs could be optimized by better aligning participant goals and exercise intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the associations between indicators of health-related physical fitness (cardiovascular fitness and body mass index) and academic performance (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills). Partial correlations were generally stronger for cardiovascular fitness than body mass index and consistently stronger in the middle school grades. Mixed-model regression analyses revealed modest associations between fitness and academic achievement after controlling for potentially confounding variables. The effects of fitness on academic achievement were positive but small. A separate logistic regression analysis indicated that higher fitness rates increased the odds of schools achieving exemplary/recognized school status within the state. School fitness attainment is an indicator of higher performing schools. Direction of causality cannot be inferred due to the cross-sectional nature of the data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare cardiovascular fitness between obese and nonobese children. Based on body mass index, 118 were classified as obese (boys [OB] = 62, girls [OG] = 56), while 421 were nonobese (boys [NOB] = 196, girls [NOG] = 225). Cardiovascular fitness was determined by a 1-mile [1.6 km] run/walk (MRW) and estimated peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and analyzed using two-way analyses of variance (Gender x Obese/Nonobese). MR W times were significantly faster (p <.05) for the NOB (10 mm 34 s) compared to the OB (13 mm 8 s) and the NOG (13 mm 15 s.) compared to the OG (14 mm 44 s.). Predicted VO2peak values (mL·kg-1·min-1) were significantly higher (p < .05)for the NOB (48.29) compared to the OB (41.56) and the NOG (45.99) compared to the OG (42.13). MRW was compared between obese and nonobese participants on the President's Challenge (2005), the National Children and Youth Fitness Study, and FITNESS- GRAM® HFZ standards. The nonobese boys and girls scored higher on all three, exhibiting better cardiovascular fitness as compared to obese counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curves for Women, the popular new health-club chain, implements circuit resistance training using weight machines. It also incorporates cardiovascular fitness using weight machines and rebound boards. The workout takes 30 minutes, and women all over the U.S. are seeing results and singing its praises. The Curves approach uses a system that is familiar to physical educators. For years, physical education has incorporated interval training, circuit training, stations, and obstacle courses. Yet, as professionals, people often look for fresh approaches to the same old thing.

The article presents a study conducted by K. H. Pitetti, M. W. Beets and C. Combs in 2009 in the U.S. on youths with intellectual disabilities (ID) who are reported to have lower levels of cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength. The researchers assessed physical activity patterns of children with ID in three school settings which include adapted physical education (APE), self-contained classrooms (CR), and inclusive recess (RE). The outcomes of the study are also presented.