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The Cooper test (CT) is used to assess cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in pre-adolescents and adolescents, although it was originally developed to assess healthy adults. The aim of this study is to examine the available scientific evidence on the reliability and criterion validity of CT when administered to pre-adolescents and adolescents. Systematic searches were performed in three electronic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, SPORTDiscuss and Scopus). To examine reliability and validity, four separate meta-analyses were implemented, finding high heterogeneity in studies with low methodological quality. There was a paucity of research regarding absolute reliability, while studies attempting to develop or cross-validate VO2max/VO2peak equations were almost non-existent. Information on the psychometric properties of CT in pre-adolescents under 12 years of age is scarce. The findings of this review cast doubt on the usefulness of CT both in identifying CRF and in determining the impact of strategies developed to improve CRF among pre-adolescents and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Evaluation of physical functioning is a key issue in clinical geriatrics and in aging research. In recent years, different physical performance batteries in which individuals are asked to perform several tasks and are evaluated using different criteria have been designed and used in elderly populations. These batteries include different types of test which range from basic motor abilities to relevant everyday activities, depending on the construct area in the domain of physical function that must be measured. This paper reviews and classifies the main physical functioning batteries that can be found in the scientific field of aging research in order to provide knowledge on selection, administration, and interpretation of this indispensable assessment tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a rheumatic disease characterized by a variety of symptoms, especially fatigue, pain and reduced quality of life. Physical exercise is a useful tool for improving cardiovascular fitness, reducing metabolic abnormalities and fatigue and improving quality of life. However, very few studies have focused on the relationship between SLE and physical exercise. This paper reviews the main SLE symptoms that can be alleviated by exercising, as well as the results of studies seeking to analyse the exercise capacity and physical training possibilities of SLE patients. Considerations for future research are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence, severity and type of urinary incontinence (UI) in female and male CrossFit® practitioners.Study Design: The study design is an online cross-sectional survey distributed to CrossFit® practitioners across all Spanish regions. The questionnaire included categorical questions related to CrossFit® practice, multiple-choice questions to determine the exercises performed during reported UI symptoms, and The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short-Form questionnaire items.Results: Five hundred seventy-one practitioners (34.0 ± 8.37 years, Body Mass Index 24.20 ± 3.34 kg/m2) met inclusion criteria and completed the survey. There were and 316 females and 255 males. Around 45 % of women and 6 % of men reported having UI (p < 0.001). The severity of UI mainly was slight (30.3 % women, 3.5 % men) and moderate (11.7 % women, 2.3 % men) (p < 0.001). Stress and urgent UI were the most prevalent types among women (36 %) and men (5 %) (p < 0.001).Conclusions: This study found that UI is relatively common among female CrossFit® practitioners, especially in repetitive jumps. The practitioners' profile (amateur/competitor) does not affect the prevalence or severity of UI. Male athletes can also experience urine leakage while performing CrossFit®, although its prevalence is much lower when compared to female practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]