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BackgroundRecent studies have revealed that many discharged patients with COVID-19 experience ongoing symptoms months later. Rehabilitation interventions can help address the consequences of COVID-19, including medical, physical, cognitive, and psychological problems. To our knowledge, no studies have investigated the effects of rehabilitation following discharge from hospital for patients with COVID-19. ObjectiveThe specific aims of this project are to investigate the effects of a 12-week exercise program on pulmonary fibrosis in patients recovering from COVID-19. A further aim will be to examine how Chinese herbal medicines as well as the gut microbiome and its metabolites regulate immune function and possibly autoimmune deficiency in the rehabilitation process. MethodsIn this triple-blinded, randomized, parallel-group, controlled clinical trial, we will recruit adult patients with COVID-19 who have been discharged from hospital in Hong Kong and are experiencing impaired lung function and pulmonary function. A total of 172 eligible patients will be randomized into four equal groups: (1) cardiorespiratory exercise plus Chinese herbal medicines group, (2) cardiorespiratory exercise only group, (3) Chinese herbal medicines only group, and (4) waiting list group (in which participants will receive Chinese herbal medicines after 24 weeks). These treatments will be administered for 12 weeks, with a 12-week follow-up period. Primary outcomes include dyspnea, fatigue, lung function, pulmonary function, blood oxygen levels, immune function, blood coagulation, and related blood biochemistry. Measurements will be recorded prior to initiating the above treatments and repeated at the 13th and 25th weeks of the study. The primary analysis is aimed at comparing the outcomes between groups throughout the study period with an α level of .05 (two-tailed). ResultsThe trial has been approved by the university ethics committee following the Declaration of Helsinki (approval number: REC/19-20/0504) in 2020. The trial has been recruiting patients. The data collection will be completed in 24 months, from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022. ConclusionsGiven that COVID-19 and its sequelae would persist in human populations, important findings from this study would provide valuable insights into the mechanisms and processes of COVID-19 rehabilitation. Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04572360; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04572360 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/25556

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate secular trends in selected cardiovascular disease risk factors (namely adiposity, physical activity, physical fitness and diet) in a sample of Welsh 12-13 year olds between 2002 and 2007. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: A secondary school based in South West Wales. Method: Two studies in 2002 (n = 71) and 2007 (n = 83), were compared to evaluate changes in adiposity, physical activity, physical fitness and diet in school children. On both occasions testing was carried out in the same school and using identical procedures. Results: Between the two time periods, mean adiposity levels remained stable. The percentage of school children who were classified as overweight or obese in 2002 was 39.4 per cent (boys) and 26.3 per cent (girls). In 2007, this was 21.3 per cent and 26.0 per cent respectively. Physical activity and fitness levels improved for boys and girls; however, 80.0 per cent of girls still did not meet the recommended one hour per day of moderate physical activity. For both sexes, there were no significant differences in dietary fat intake between 2002 and 2007 cohorts. Both boys and girls continued to consume a diet that was heavily reliant on foods that were high in saturated fat. Conclusion: We identified a trend towards increased physical activity among 12-13 year olds but there were no changes in dietary habits or adiposity. The findings indicate that increased physical activity, used in isolation without dietary modification, has no effect on adiposity. This study has demonstrated a need for large-scale studies to better evaluate existing and future initiatives targeting obesity in young people. (Contains 3 tables.)

This study examined the dietary habits of Welsh 12-13 year olds. A cohort of 84 boys and 81 girls, age 12.9 SD 0.3 years; body mass 51.3 SD 12.6kg; and stature 1.54 SD 0.08m, completed a food frequency questionnaire and seven-day food diary. Mean daily kilocalories (kcal/d), and percentages of total fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, and protein, as well as fibre intake were calculated. The mean daily intake of total fat for this cohort was 34.7 percent, for saturated fat the value was 13.8 percent. The mean daily intake of carbohydrate and protein were 50.5 and 14.9 percent, respectively. The schoolchildren in this study reported a mean daily fibre intake of 12.3g. The absolute intake of kilocalories was significantly greater (p [less than or equal to] 0.05) among boys than girls, but no other significant differences were reported. This study revealed that the diets of Welsh 12-13 year olds exceeded recommendations for fat, while at the same time did not meet the recommendations for fibre, and particularly fruit and vegetable intake. Our data indicated that, despite schools offering a range of healthy lunchtime foods, young people continue to consume an energy-dense and nutrient-poor diet, both at school and at home. (Contains 3 tables.)

Objective: This study considers the physical activity (PA) and dietary habits of British young people according to socio-economic status (SES). Methods: The PA and dietary habits of 98 boys and 101 girls (12.9 0.3 years) from two Welsh secondary schools (school 1 and school 2) were examined. Free school meal eligibility and Census 2001 data were used as indicators of SES. School 1 was designated high SES, while school 2 represented low SES. Participants were classified according to SES. Physical activity was estimated by seven-day recall and questionnaire; dietary patterns were assessed using a seven-day food diary and questionnaire. Results: Two-thirds of all participants had not taken part in vigorous activity over the last week. Furthermore, 83.8 per cent of participants did not meet the Health Education Authority's recommendation of one hour per day moderate activity. Boys were more active than girls, (P less than or equal 0.05), but SES did not influence time spent in activity. Ninety-four percent of participants were taken to school via motorized transport. There were no significant differences in fat intake between the sexes or across SES. In addition, 93 per cent of the participants, irrespective of SES, exceeded the 10 per cent saturated fat cut off point recommended by the World Health Organization. Conclusion: Physical activity and dietary patterns are modifiable through suitable lifestyle changes. The present data support the notion that preventative strategies for combating chronic diseases should begin early in life and across socio-economic statuses. (Contains 4 tables.)

This study determined the prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors in young people of differing socio-economic status (SES). A cohort of 100 boys and 108 girls, aged 12.9, SD 0.3 years drawn of differing SES were assessed for CHD risk factors. Measurements included indices of obesity, blood pressure, aerobic fitness, diet, blood lipids and lipoproteins. Significant differences (P [less than or equal to] 0.05) were detected with respect to SES, for systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol, but in boys only. Significant sex differences (P [less than or equal to] 0.05) were identified for systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, aerobic fitness, waist to hip ratio, summation of four skinfold thicknesses, average daily kilocalorie intake, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol. Moreover, increased body fatness, low aerobic fitness, a high fat diet and elevated lipoprotein (a), were the most frequently identified CHD risk factors in this cohort. This study reveals a high incidence of CHD risk factors in young people irrespective of SES and sex, and highlights the need for vigilance in identifying such risk factors from a young age. (Contains 4 tables and 1 note.)

The current case study attempted to document the contemporary demands of elite rugby union. Players (n = 2) were tracked continuously during a competitive team selection game using Global Positioning System (GPS) software. Data revealed that players covered on average 6,953 m during play (83 minutes). Of this distance, 37% (2,800 m) was spent standing and walking, 27% (1,900 m) jogging, 10% (700 m) cruising, 14% (990 m) striding, 5% (320 m) high-intensity running, and 6% (420 m) sprinting. Greater running distances were observed for both players (6.7% back; 10% forward) in the second half of the game. Positional data revealed that the back performed a greater number of sprints (>20 km x [h.sup.-1]) than the forward (34 vs. 19) during the game. Conversely, the forward entered the lower speed zone (6-12 km-h 1) on a greater number of occasions than the back (315 vs. 229) but spent less time standing and walking (66.5 vs. 77.80/0). Players were found to perform 87 moderate-intensity runs (>14 km x [h.sup.-1]) covering an average distance of 19.7 m (SD = 14.6). Average distances of 15.3 m (back) and 17.3 m (forward) were recorded for each sprint burst (>20 km x [h.sup.-1]), respectively. Players exercised at ~80 to 85% [Vo.sub.2]max during the course of the game with a mean heart rate of 172 b x [min.sup.-1] (~88% HRmax). This corresponded to an estimated energy expenditure of 6.9 and 8.2 M J, back and forward, respectively. The current study provides insight into the intense and physical nature of elite rugby using 'on the field' assessment of physical exertion. Future use of this technology may help practitioners in design and implementation of individual position-specific training programs with appropriate management of player exercise load. KEY WORDS work-rates, games analysis, GPS technology, team sport

A study assessing the prevalence of the identified coronary heart disease risk factors in children and adolescents of differing socioeconomic status is carried out. Results conclude that elevated fibrogen, homocyst(e)ine, and C-reactive protein are present in this cohort of British children and although some social variation in the identified CHD risk factors in young people exists, the evidence is weak but differences might become more apparent in later life as environmental factors become more influential.

Research indicates that muscularity and adiposity are significant factors in higher risk of coronary artery disease in men averaging about 60 years of age. Findings include data on endormorphy, mesomorphy and ectomorphy.