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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is closely related to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We aimed to examine the association of ideal cardiovascular health (ICH) with arterial stiffness, inflammation, and physical fitness in women with SLE.This cross-sectional study included 76 women with SLE (age 43.4±13.8 years old). Ideal levels of 7 health metrics (smoking, body mass index, physical activity, healthy diet, blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose) were used to define the ICH score (ranging from 0 to 7 ideal metrics) and the ICH status ( defined as presenting ≥4 ideal metrics). Arterial stiffness was measured through pulse wave velocity (PWV) and inflammation through serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was measured by 6-min walk test (6MWT), and Siconolfi step test and muscular strength by handgrip strength and 30-s chair stand, and range of motion (ROM) by the back-scratch test.Higher ICH score was associated with lower PWV (β = -0.122, p = 0.002), lower hs-CRP (β = -0.234, p = 0.056), higher CRF [6MWT (β = 0.263, p = 0.041); Siconolfi step test (β = 0.330, p 0.001)], higher ROM (β = 0.278, p = 0.013) and higher relative handgrip strength (β = 0.248, p = 0.024). Women with ICH status presented lower PWV (mean difference 0.40 m/s, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.63, p = 0.001), and higher CRF [assessed by 6MWT (mean difference 43.9 m, 95% CI 5.0 to 82.7, p = 0.028)], than women with non-ICH status. Sensitivity analyses using ICH score ranging 0-14 and considering ICH status with ≥5 metrics revealed consistent results.ICH is associated with lower arterial stiffness, lower inflammation, and higher fitness in women with SLE. Although these results extend current knowledge about the potential role of ICH for primordial prevention of CVD in SLE, they are yet to be confirmed in future prospective research .

The purpose of this systematic review was to provide updated evidence synthesis of the effectiveness of exercise training in patients with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery to improve cardio-metabolic risk. We systematically searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases. The studies selected were those in which an exercise-based intervention was performed after bariatric surgery, a control group was present, and at least one of the following outcomes was investigated: VO2max or VO2peak, resting heart rate (RHR), blood pressure, lipid profile, glucose, and insulin. The study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale and the data were meta-analyzed with a random effects model, comparing control groups to intervention groups using standardized measurements. Twenty articles were included in the systematic review and fourteen (70%) in the meta-analysis. Significant differences were observed between the control and intervention groups (always in favor of exercise) for absolute VO2max / VO2peak (ES = 0.317; 95% CI = 0.065, 0.569; p = 0.014), VO2max / peak relative to body weight (ES = 0.673; 95% CI = 0.287, 1.060; p = 0.001), HDL cholesterol (ES = 0.22; 95% CI = 0.009, 0.430; p = 0.041) and RHR (ES = -0.438; 95% CI = -0.753, -0.022; p = 0.007). No effects were observed for either systolic or diastolic blood pressure. Exercise training for patients undergoing bariatric surgery appears to be effective in improving absolute and relative VO2max / VO2peak, HDL cholesterol and reducing the RHR. More intervention studies using (better) exercise interventions are needed before discarding their effects on other cardiometabolic risk factors. This systematic review and meta-analysis has been registered in Prospero (CRD42020153398).

This review discusses the associations of muscular strength (MusS) with cardiovascular disease (CVD), CVD-related death, and all-cause mortality, as well as CVD risk factors, such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. We then briefly review the role of resistance exercise training in modulating CVD risk factors and incident CVD.The role of MusS has been investigated over the years, as it relates to the risk to develop CVD and CVD risk factors. Reduced MusS, also known as dynapenia, has been associated with increased risk for CVD, CVD-related mortality, and all-cause mortality. Moreover, reduced MusS is associated with increased cardiometabolic risk. The majority of the studies investigating the role of MusS with cardiometabolic risk, however, are observational studies, not allowing to ultimately determine association versus causation. Importantly, MusS is also essential for the identification of nutritional status and body composition abnormalities, such as frailty and sarcopenia, which are major risk factors for CVD.

Obesity has been associated with reduced vagal function and increased sympathetic activity. Cardiac autonomic dysfunction has emerged as a major risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease. Cardiac autonomic function (CAF) can be assessed by heart rate variability (HRV), an independent predictor of mortality based on changes in time intervals between adjacent heartbeats (RR). Bariatric surgery is considered the most effective treatment for obesity and its comorbidities, with sleeve gastrectomy (SG) being the most frequent bariatric procedure. There are few studies on HRV changes in women with obesity after SG. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term impact of SG on CAF and its relationship with weight loss. An observational cohort study was conducted. Twenty-three female patients were assessed before SG and at 1 and 3 months after surgery. CAF was evaluated by analyzing HRV from 5-min records of RR intervals while the subject was supine. HRV was analyzed in time and frequency domains and with a nonlinear method. Patients (36.0 ± 11.1 years old, BMI 35.1 ± 3.4 kg/m2) presented higher HRV values, on average, in all domains both at 1 and 3 months after SG (p

Although bariatric surgery (BS) is recognized as an effective strategy for body weight loss, its impact on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is still unclear. We aimed to examine postoperative changes in CRF (VO

This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO), Plan Nacional de I+D+i calls RETOS 2016 (reference DEP2016-74926-R) and RETOS 2018 (reference RTI2018-093302-A-I00). EM-R and MAI were funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (FPU18/01107 and FPU17/01158, respectively). AH-M and LL-S were funded by the predoctoral fellowship program of the University of Almeria. The funding sources approved this study although they had no role in the design and will not have any role during its execution, analyses and interpretation of the data, writing manuscripts, or decision to submit for publication., Background Previous studies have investigated weight loss caused by exercise following bariatric surgery. However, in most cases, the training programis poorly reported; the exercise type, volume, and intensity are briefly mentioned; and the sample size, selection criteria, and follow-up time vary greatly across studies. Purpose The EFIBAR study aims to investigate over 1 year the effects of a 16-week supervised exercise program, initiated immediately after bariatric surgery, on weight loss (primary outcome), body composition, cardiometabolic risk, physical fitness, and quality of life in patients with severe/extreme obesity. Material and Methods The EFIBAR study is a parallel-group, superiority, randomized controlled trial (RCT), comprising 80 surgery patients. Half of the participants, randomly selected, perform a 16-week supervised exercise program, including both strength and aerobic training, starting immediately after the surgery (7–14 days). For each participant, all primary and secondary outcomes are measured at three different time points: (i) before the surgery, (ii) after the intervention (≈4 months), and (iii) 1 year after the surgery., Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO), Plan Nacional de I+D+i calls RETOS DEP2016-74926-R RTI2018-093302-A-I00, Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities FPU18/01107 FPU17/01158, predoctoral fellowship program of the University of Almeria

Abnormal heart rate variability (HRV) has been observed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In a combined cross-sectional and interventional study approach, we investigated the association of HRV with inflammation and oxidative stress markers, patient-reported outcomes, and the effect of 12 weeks of aerobic exercise in HRV. Fifty-five women with SLE (mean age 43.5 ± 14.0 years) were assigned to either aerobic exercise (n = 26) or usual care (n = 29) in a non-randomized trial. HRV was assessed using a heart rate monitor during 10 min, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were obtained, psychological stress (Perceived Stress Scale), sleep quality (Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index), fatigue (Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory), depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory), and quality of life (36-item Short-Form Health Survey) were also assessed. Low frequency to high frequency power (LFHF) ratio was associated with physical fatigue (p = 0.019). Sample entropy was inversely associated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (p = 0.014) and myeloperoxidase (p = 0.007). There were no significant between-group differences in the changes in HRV derived parameters after the exercise intervention. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and myeloperoxidase were negatively related to sample entropy and physical fatigue was positively related to LFHF ratio. However, an exercise intervention of 12 weeks of aerobic training did not produce any changes in HRV derived parameters in women with SLE in comparison to a control group., Fundacion para la Investigacion Biosanitaria de Andalucia Oriental PI-0525-2016 PIER-0223-2019, Spanish Ministry of Universities FPU18/01107

Introduction: Breast cancer remains the most commonly type of cancer. Heart rate variability (HRV), a clinical indicator of autonomic dysfunction and premature mortality, has been found to be impaired in breast cancer survivors immediately after treatment and in the last stages of metastasis. Physical activity and fitness represent relevant health markers that might prevent some of the side effects following breast cancer treatment, so it would be of clinical interest assessing potential differences with healthy controls. Hypothesis: Compared to healthy women, breast cancer survivors are expected to show impaired HRV-derived parameters, as well as lower physical activity and fitness. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 20 women that survived breast cancer (post-operative period >2 years) and 20 healthy women controls, matched by age and BMI. Fitness evaluations included the modified Ruffier-Dixon test and handgrip strength. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was assessed through a self-reported questionnaire. Short-term HRV was measured using 5-minutes recording and were analyzed with Kubios Premium. Sample size was determined for two-tailed tests, statistical power of 0.8, effect size >0.7, and significance level of p Results: Concerning HRV parameters, breast cancer survivors presented lower Very Low Frequency and Low Frequency, and higher Low Frequency/High Frequency ratio (all p p =0.48) or estimated VO 2max ( p =0.24), although handgrip strength was decreased in cancer survivors ( p =0.02). Conclusions: A cardiovascular imbalance in breast cancer survivors may be suggested in comparison to healthy age- and BMI-matched controls, as evidenced by reduced HRV after >2 years of post-operative treatment. In contrast, there were no differences in weekly MVPA or VO 2max between groups, although muscular strength could still be affected. These results need to be contrasted by future long-term prospective research.

ObjectiveTo estimate the incidence of major biological cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in adults using non-exercise estimated cardiorespiratory fitness (eCRF).Methods200 039 healthy people (99 957 women), aged ≥18 years (38.5±12.1 years) from the Taiwan MJ Cohort. eCRF was estimated with validated algorithms. Biological CVD risk factors, including hypertension (HTN), hypercholesterolemia, atherogenic dyslipidaemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and systemic inflammation, were assessed by standardised physical examinations and laboratory tests.ResultsIn a basic model, baseline eCRF was inversely associated with the incidence of each CVD risk factor in both men and women (HR per 1 metabolic equivalent (MET) increase in eCRF ranged from 0.53 for T2DM in women to 0.96 for hypercholesterolemia in women). In full adjusted models, the associations were attenuated but remained statistically significant, with the exception of hypercholesterolemia in women. In a subcohort of 116 313 individuals with two repeated exposure measurements, an increase in eCRF was associated in both sexes with a subsequent lower incidence of CVD risk factors (HR per 1-MET increase ranged from 0.58 to 0.91 in models adjusted for age, year of examination and baseline eCRF). Comparisons of predictive performance showed that the addition of eCRF to values of traditional CVD risk factors had relevant improvements in risk discrimination (C-index increased from 0.1% to 3.2%), mainly for HTN and T2DM risk prediction.ConclusionseCRF and its changes predict the incidence of biological CVD risk factors, especially HTN and T2DM. Routine assessment of eCRF in clinical settings is technically feasible and might be useful for CVD prevention.

© 2020 the Author(s)., [Background]: Severe and morbid obesity are increasing globally, particularly in women. As BMI increases, the likelihood of anovulation is higher. The primary aim of the EMOVAR clinical trial is to examine, over the short (16 weeks) and medium (12 months) term, the effects of a supervised physical exercise program (focused primarily on aerobic and resistance training) on ovarian function in women with severe/morbid obesity who have undergone bariatric surgery. Secondary objectives are to examine the effects of the intervention on chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, arterial stiffness, physical fitness, and health-related quality of life. [Methods]: This is a randomized controlled trial in which ∼40 female bariatric surgery patients, aged between 18 and 45 years old, will be included. Participants assigned to the experimental group will perform a total of 48 sessions of supervised concurrent (strength and aerobic) training (3 sessions/week, 60 min/session) spread over 16 weeks. Patients assigned to the control group will receive lifestyle recommendations. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, week 16 (i.e., after the exercise intervention) and 12 months after surgery. The primary outcome is ovarian function using the Sex-Hormone Binding Globuline, measured in serum. Secondary outcomes are serum levels of anti-mullerian hormone, TSH, T4, FSH, LH, estradiol, prolactine, and free androgen index, as well as oocyte count, the diameters of both ovaries, endometrial thickness, and uterine arterial pulsatility index (obtained from a transvaginal ultrasound), the duration of menstrual bleeding and menstrual cycle duration (obtained by personal interview) and hirsutism (Ferriman Gallwey Scale). Other secondary outcomes include serum markers of chronic inflammation and insulin resistance (i.e., C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, leptin, glomerular sedimentation rate, glucose, insulin and the HOMA-IR), arterial stiffness, systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure, body composition, and total weight loss. Physical fitness (including cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and flexibility), health-related quality of life (SF-36 v2) and sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index) will also be measured. [Discussion]: This study will provide, for the first time, relevant information on the effects of exercise training on ovarian function and underlying mechanisms in severe/morbid obese women following bariatric surgery., This work was supported by Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO), Plan Nacional de I+D+i call RETOS 2018 (grant n° RTI2018-093302-A-I00). EM-R was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (FPU18/01107) and AH-M by the Gerty Cory pre-doctoral program for deficit areas at the University of Almería.

Purpose:To analyze differences in sleep quality and duration by athletic status and sex, and to examine the association between physical activity (PA) recommendation and sleep in adolescents.Methods:A total of 267 adolescents [13.9 (0.3) y] from Deporte, ADOlescencia y Salud (DADOS) study (129 girls) were included in this cross-sectional analysis. Athletes competed regularly in organized sport events and trained ≥3 days per week, but nonathletes did not compete. PA was assessed by GENEActiv accelerometer. PA values were dichotomized into inactive (5 (poor quality) or ≤5 (good quality). Sleep duration was objectively measured by accelerometer.Results:Sleep quality and duration were not statistically different between athletes [median (Mdn) = 4.0, interquartile range (IQR) = 3.0–6.0 and Mdn = 8.0, IQR = 7.4–8.6 h, respectively] and nonathletes (Mdn = 5.0, IQR = 3.0–7.0 and Mdn = 7.9; IQR = 7.3–8.6 h, respectively), P > .05. Nonathlete or inactive adolescents did not show higher risk for poor sleep quality or short sleep duration than athletes [odds ratio (OR) = 1.17; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.68–2.00 and OR = 0.93; 95% CI, 0.56–1.55, respectively] or active peers (OR = 1.39; 95% CI, 0.66–2.89 and OR = 1.62; 95% CI, 0.78–3.37, respectively).Conclusions:In our group of adolescents, competitive sport practice did not alter sleep patterns. PA recommendations for adolescents may not discriminate between good and poor sleepers.

Background and objectives: Several anthropometric and body composition parameters have been linked to arterial stiffness (AS) as a biomarker of cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about which of these closely related factors is more strongly associated with AS. The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship of different anthropometric and body composition parameters with AS in middle-aged adults. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 186 middle-aged participants (85 women, 101 men, age = 42.8 &plusmn, 12.6 years) evaluated as part of the Healthy UAL study, a population study conducted at the University of Almer&iacute, a with the main purpose of analyzing the etiology and risk factors associated with cardio-metabolic diseases. Anthropometric measures included neck, waist, and hip circumferences, as well as the waist-to-height ratio (WHtr). Bioimpedance-derived parameters included fat-free mass index (FFMI), fat mass index (FMI), and percent of body fat (%BF). AS was measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV). The relationships of interest were examined through stepwise regression analyses in which age and sex were also introduced as potential confounders. Results: Neck circumference (in the anthropometric model, R 2: 0.889, &beta, age = 0.855, neck = 0.204) and FFMI (in the bio-impedance model, R2: 0.891, age = 0.906, FFMI = 0.199) emerged as significant cross-sectional predictors of AS. When all parameters were included together (both anthropometry and bio-impedance), both neck circumference and FFMI appeared again as being significantly associated with AS (R2: 0.894, age = 0.882, FFMI = 0.126, neck = 0.093). Conclusion: It was concluded that FFMI and neck circumference are correlated with AS regardless of potential confounders and other anthropometric and bioimpedance-derived parameters in middle-aged adults.

[Objectives]: To determine whether handgrip strength (HG) and/or standing long jump (SLJ) are capable of detecting risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in European adolescents, and to identify age- and sex-specific cut points for these tests. [Design]: Cross-sectional study. [Methods]: Participants included 969 (aged 12.5–17.5 years old) adolescents from 9 European countries (n = 520 girls). Absolute and relative HG and SLJ tests were used to assess upper and lower muscle strength, respectively. MetS status was determined using the age- and sex-specific cut points proposed by Jolliffe and Janssen's, Additionally, we computed a continuous cardiometabolic risk index with the average z-score of four cardiometabolic risk factors: Wait circumference, mean arterial pressure, triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and fasting insulin. [Results]: The prevalence of MetS was 3.1% in European adolescents. Relative HG and absolute SLJ were the best tests for detecting the presence of MetS (Area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) = 0.799, 95%CI:0.773–0.824; and AUC = 0.695 95%CI:0.665–0.724), respectively) and elevated cardiometabolic risk index (AUC = 0.873, 95%CI:0.838–0.902; and AUC = 0.728 95%CI:0.698–0.756), respectively) and, regardless of cardiorespiratory fitness. We provide age- and sex-specific cut points of upper and lower muscle strength for European adolescents to identify the presence of MetS and elevated cardiometabolic risk index. [Conclusions]: The proposed health-related cut points could be used as a starting point to define health-related levels of upper and lower muscle strength in adolescents. Likewise, the diagnostic statistics provided herein can be used to offer feedback to adolescents, parents, and education and health professionals about what it means to meet or fail test standards., The HELENA project was supported by the European Community Sixth RTD Framework Programme (contract FOOD-CT-2005-007034). The data for this study was gathered under the aegis of the HELENA project, and further analysis was additionally supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (grants RYC-201416390), the Spanish Ministry of Health: Maternal, Child Health and Development Network (grant RD16/0022), the Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (MICINN-FEDER) and by the University of Granada, Plan Propio de Investigación 2016, Excellence actions: Units of Excellence; Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES) and Plan Propio de Investigación 2018 - Programa Contratos-Puente, and the Junta de Andalucía, Consejería de Conocimiento, Investigación y Universidades (FEDER, ref. SOMM17/6107/UGR).

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a relatively new surgical technique for the treatment of morbid obesity. It is unclear whether the volume of the gastric remnant can expand after surgery as a result of intraluminal pressure maintained over time. If this were the case, the increased volume could affect weight loss and the improvement in comorbidities. This study aims to assess the evolution of residual gastric volume (RGV) during the first year after LSG and its relationship with weight loss. We conducted a prospective study of 112 patients who underwent LSG from February 2009 to December 2013. In order to measure the RGV after surgery, all patients were evaluated radiologically by an esophagogastroduodenal (EGD) transit at 1 and 12 postoperative months. All patients showed a significant reduction in BMI compared with the preoperative measurement (33.48 ± 5.78 vs. 50.54 ± 6.69 kg/m2; p

Objectives To examine the relation between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in a large US adult population and to study the effects of hypertension, obesity, and health status on the relation of CRF with SCD. Patients and Methods A total of 55,456 individuals (mean age, 44.2 years; 13,507 women) from the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study, a prospective observational investigation (from January 2, 1974, through December 31, 2002), were included. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by a maximal treadmill test, and baseline assessment included an extensive set of measurements. Results There were 109 SCDs. An inverse risk of SCD was found across incremental CRF levels after adjusting for potential confounders. Participants with moderate and high CRF levels had 44% (hazard ratio, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.35-0.90) and 48% (hazard ratio, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.30-0.92) significantly lower risk of SCD, respectively, than did those with low CRF levels ( P Conclusion The risk of SCD in US men and women could be partially reduced by ensuring moderate to high levels of CRF independently of other risk factors and especially in those who are hypertensive, overweight, or unhealthy.

The National Academy of Medicine recommends the handgrip for school-based surveillance of muscle strength for bone health. We established grip strength cutpoints that are linked to bone health in both US and European youth. These cutpoints could serve as a potential set of standards for surveillance and clinical applications. The U.S. National Academy of Medicine and experts in Europe recommend the use of grip strength as a valuable and accessible musculoskeletal fitness measure due to its association with bone health. This is the first study to facilitate this recommendation by developing bone health-related grip strength cutpoints for youth based on empirical associations with the well accepted marker of bone development, i.e., height-adjusted total body less head bone mineral content (TBLH_BMC). A purposive sample of healthy youth from Midwest USA (n = 433 youth; 14.1 ± 2.3 years; 1998–2004) and a random sample of healthy adolescents from Zaragoza, Spain (n = 355 youth; 14.9 ± 1.2 years; 2006–2007) were used to develop and test cut-points. Participants’ grip strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometer while height-adjusted TBLH_BMC was determined using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Grip strength scores were linked to TBLH_BMC using receiver operator characteristic curves, and grip strength cutpoints were tested based on the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), and predictive odds ratios. All analyses were conducted in 2016. The AUC approximated or exceeded 0.80 for grip strength cutpoints, and the associated Se and Sp indices ranged from 53.6 to 92.5%. Sensitivity and Sp remained similar in the validation sample and those not meeting the grip strength cutpoints were five to eight times more likely to have insufficient TBLH_BMC, depending on their sex and cutpoint being considered. Grip strength is strongly related to TBLH_BMC, and the proposed cutpoints demonstrated acceptable classification accuracy for screening healthy youth and tracking healthy bone development in community settings. The utility of the cutpoints should be further examined in more diverse populations of youth.

Physical activity is widely perceived to be beneficial for preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus and for controlling glycaemic levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, but evidence supporting a positive effect in the control of glycaemic levels in healthy people is rather weak. The aim of this review was to estimate the effect of physical activity on glycaemic control measured by glycosylated haemoglobin (HbAWe systematically searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases, from inception to May 2017, for experimental studies addressing the effect of physical activity on glycaemic control measured by HbAFifteen published studies were included in the meta-analysis. In analyses comparing physical activity intervention and control, we found a decrease of HbAThis systematic review and meta-analysis provides an overview of the evidence supporting physical activity as a suitable intervention for glycaemic control as measured by HbAPROSPERO CRD42016050991.

On behalf of the HELENA study group: et al., [Objectives]: To determine dietary patterns (DPs) and explain the highest variance of vitamin B6, folate, and B12 intake and related concentrations among European adolescents., [Methods]: A total of 2173 adolescents who participated in the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence study met the eligibility criteria for the vitamin B intake analysis (46% boys) and 586 adolescents for the biomarkers analysis (47% boys). Two non-consecutive, 24-h, dietary recalls were used to assess the mean intakes. Concentrations were measured by chromatography and immunoassay testing. A reduced rank regression was applied to elucidate the combined effect of food intake of vitamin B and related concentrations., [Results]: The identified DPs (one per vitamin B intake and biomarker and by sex) explained a variability between 34.2% and 23.7% of the vitamin B intake and between 17.2% and 7% of the biomarkers. In the reduced rank regression models, fish, eggs, cheese, whole milk and buttermilk intakes were loaded positively for vitamin B intake in both sexes; however, soft drinks and chocolate were loaded negatively. For the biomarkers, a higher variability was observed in the patterns in terms of food loads such as alcoholic drinks, sugars, and soft drinks. Some food items were loaded differently between intakes and biomarkers such as fish products, which was loaded positively for intakes but negatively for plasma folate in girls., [Conclusions]: The identified DPs explained up to 34.2% and 17.2% of the variability of the vitamin B intake and plasma concentrations, respectively, in European adolescents. Further studies are needed to elucidate the factors that determine such patterns., HELENA study received funding from the European Union’s Sixth RTD Framework Programme (Contract FOODCT-2005-007034). Additional support from the Spanish Ministry of Education (AGL2007-29784-E/ALI), Axis-Shield Diagnostics Ltd (Oslo, Norway), Abbot Científica S.A. (Spain). This analysis was also supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (JCI-2010-07055) with the contribution of the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER). The first author is supported by a grant from the Spanish Carlos III Health Institute: RD08/0072/0025 (Red SAMID: Maternal, Child Health and Development Research Network).

Objective We studied in European adolescents (i) the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and ideal cardiovascular health as defined by the American Heart Association and (ii) whether there is a cardiorespiratory fitness threshold associated with a more favourable cardiovascular health profile. Methods Participants included 510 (n=259 girls) adolescents from 9 European countries. The 20 m shuttle run test was used to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness. Ideal cardiovascular health was defined as meeting ideal levels of the following components: four behaviours (smoking, body mass index, physical activity and diet) and three factors (total cholesterol, blood pressure and glucose). Results Higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness were associated with a higher number of ideal cardiovascular health components in both boys and girls (both p for trend ≤0.001). Levels of cardiorespiratory fitness were significantly higher in adolescents meeting at least four ideal components (13% higher in boys, p

Background:The importance of physical activity for health is well-established. Questions remain whether outdoor exercise additionally benefits overall mental and physical well-being.Methods:Using cross-sectional data from the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study, we examined relationships of physical activity environment (PAE) with reported tension, stress, emotional outlook, and health.Results:11,649 participants were included. 18% exercised indoors, 54% outdoors, and 28% in both. Participants who exercised partially or entirely outdoors exercised more. In fully adjusted models, for women combined PAE was protective for worse emotional outlook (OR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.52–0.98). Combined PAE was also protective for reported poor health (OR for women: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.44–0.91; OR for men: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.61–0.92). Amount of physical activity modified PAE relationships with outcomes. Combined and outdoor PAE were more consistently protective for worse outcomes among high activity participants. Regardless of PAE, better outcomes were observed in active versus inactive participants.Conclusion:The current study suggests addition of outdoor PAE may be linked with better stress management, outlook and health perceptions for more active populations, whereas indoor PAE may be more important for low active populations. Further research should examine the order of causation and whether type of outdoor PAE (eg, urban, natural) is important.

Item does not contain fulltext OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of resistance exercise, independent of and combined with aerobic exercise, with the risk of development of metabolic syndrome (MetS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study cohort included adults (mean +/- SD age, 46+/-9.5 years) who received comprehensive medical examinations at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, Texas, between January 1, 1987, and December, 31, 2006. Exercise was assessed by self-reported frequency and minutes per week of resistance and aerobic exercise and meeting the US Physical Activity Guidelines (resistance exercise >/=2 d/wk; aerobic exercise >/=500 metabolic equivalent min/wk) at baseline. The incidence of MetS was based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. We used Cox regression to generate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs. RESULTS: Among 7418 participants, 1147 (15%) had development of MetS during a median follow-up of 4 years (maximum, 19 years; minimum, 0.1 year). Meeting the resistance exercise guidelines was associated with a 17% lower risk of MetS (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.73-0.96; P=.009) after adjusting for potential confounders and aerobic exercise. Further, less than 1 hour of weekly resistance exercise was associated with 29% lower risk of development of MetS (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.56-0.89; P=.003) compared with no resistance exercise. However, larger amounts of resistance exercise did not provide further benefits. Individuals meeting both recommended resistance and aerobic exercise guidelines had a 25% lower risk of development of MetS (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.63-0.89; P

© 2014 American Society for Nutrition. Adolescence is a critical period, because major physical and psychologic changes occur during a very short period of time. Changes in dietary habits may induce different types of nutritional disorders and are likely to track into adulthood. The aim of this review is to describe the key findings related to nutritional status in European adolescents participating in the HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) study. We performed a cross-sectional study in 3528 (1845 females) adolescents aged 12.5-17.5 y. Birth weight was negatively associated with abdominal fat mass in adolescents and serum leptin concentrations (in female adolescents), providing additional evidence for a programming effect of birth weight on energy homeostasis control. Breakfast consumption was associated with lower body fat content and healthier cardiovascular profile. Adolescents eat half of the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables and less than two-thirds of the recommended amount of milk and milk products but consume more meat and meat products, fats, and sweets than recommended. For beverage consumption, sugar-sweetened beverages, sweetened milk, low-fat milk, and fruit juice provided the highest amount of energy. Although the intakes of saturated fatty acids (FAs) and salt were high, the intake of polyunsaturated FAs was low. Adolescents spent, on average, 9 h/d of their waking time (66-71% and 70-73% of the registered time in boys and girls, respectively) in sedentary activities. Factors associated with adolescents' sedentary behavior included the following: 1) age; 2) media availability in the bedroom; 3) sleeping time; 4) breakfast consumption; and 5) season. Sedentary time was also associated with cardiovascular risk factors and bone mineral content. In European adolescents, deficient concentrations were identified for plasma folate (15%), vitamin D (15%), pyridoxal 59-phosphate (5%), β-carotene (25%), and vitamin E (5%). Scientists and public health authorities should raise awareness of the importance of a healthy and sustainable lifestyle as a foundation of the health of the European population, now and in the future.

The physical and psychological factors associated with reduction of disability after aquatic exercise are not well understood. Sixty participants (30 men and 30 women; age, 50.60 [9.69] yrs; body mass index, 27.21 [5.20] kg/m²) with chronic low back pain were prospectively recruited. The 8-wk aquatic therapy program was carried out in an indoor pool sized 25 × 6 m, with 140-cm water depth and 30°C (1°C) of water temperature, where patients exercised for 2-5 days a week. Each aquatic exercise session lasted 55-60 mins (10 mins of warm-up, 20-25 mins of aerobic exercise, 15-20 mins of resistance exercise, and 10 mins of cooldown). Demographic information, disability (Oswestry Disability Index), back pain (visual analog scale), quality-of-life (Short Form 36), abdominal muscular endurance (curl-up), handgrip strength, trunk flexion and hamstring length (sit and reach), resting heart rate, and body mass index were outcomes variables. Significant correlations between change in disability and visual analog scale (at rest, flexion, and extension), curl-up and handgrip (r ranged between -0.353 and 0.582, all Ps < 0.01) were found. Changes in pain and abdominal muscular endurance were significant predictors of change in disability after therapy.

Objectives: This study sought to determine the capacity of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) algorithms without exercise testing to predict the risk for nonfatal cardiovascular disease (CVD) events a...

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine independent and joint associations of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and different adiposity measures with mortality risk in individuals with prediabetes (or impaired fasting glucose). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We examined associations of CRF and fatness with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality in a cohort of 17,044 participants (89% men) with prediabetes (defined as 100 mg/dL ≤ fasting plasma glucose < 126 mg/dL), who did not have a history of diabetes, CVD, or cancer. RESULTS We identified 832 deaths (246 from CVD) during 13.9 ± 7.0 years (mean ± SD) follow-up. Normal-weight individuals who were unfit (lowest one-third) had a higher risk of all-cause (hazard ratio 1.70 [95% CI 1.32–2.18]) and CVD (1.88 [1.13–3.10]) mortality compared with the normal-weight and fit (upper two-thirds) reference group in a model adjusted for age, sex, examination year, and multiple risk factors. The mortality risk for fit individuals who were overweight or obese did not differ significantly from the reference group. Similar patterns were observed for sex-specific thirds of waist circumference and % body fat. CONCLUSIONS CRF markedly modifies the relationship between adiposity and mortality in persons with prediabetes. Unfit individuals have a higher and fit individuals have a lower mortality risk irrespective of adiposity level in this high-risk group.

In the original article the name of author Enrique G. Artero was misspelled.

Adequate sleep has been positively related with health and school achievement outcomes during adolescence. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of objectively measured and self-reported sleep duration and quality with academic and cognitive performance in adolescents. This study was conducted with 257 adolescents (13.9 ± 0.3 years) from the DADOS study (Deporte, ADOlescencia y Salud). Objectively measured and self-reported sleep duration and quality were obtained by a wrist-worn GENEActiv accelerometer and the Spanish version of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire, respectively. Academic performance was analysed through school records using four indicators: math, language, science and grade point average score. Cognitive performance was measured using the Spanish version of the "SRA Test of Educational Ability". After Benjamini-Hochberg correction for the false discovery rate, objectively measured sleep duration was negatively associated with verbal ability (β = -0.179, p = .004), whilst self-reported sleep quality was positively associated with academic performance (β ranging from 0.209 to 0.273; all p < .001). These associations remained significant after further controlling for physical fitness and physical activity. Conversely, there were no associations between self-reported sleep duration and objective sleep quality with academic and cognitive performance. Our findings fit in line with previous research showing that sleep quality may play an important role on adolescents' academic performance. Further interventional research is needed to clarify the mechanisms by which sleep is related to academic performance in youth.

Ideal cardiovascular health is a new construct defined by the American Heart Association as part of its 2020 Impact Goal.The purpose of this study was to examine whether the simultaneous presence of ideal cardiovascular health behaviors and factors could reduce the odds of developing depressive symptoms.Participants from the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study, who did not have any mental disorder/condition at baseline, were examined between 1987 and 1998, and they were followed up for a mean period of 6.1 years. Ideal cardiovascular health behaviors (never smoking, body mass index25kg/m(2), physical activity at goal, and appropriate diet consistent with guideline recommendations) and factors (total cholesterol200mg/dL, blood pressure120/80mm Hg, and fasting blood glucose100mg/dL) were measured at baseline. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale in 1990, 1995, or 1999.Of the 5110 participants, 641 reported depressive symptoms. Participants meeting 3-4 or 5-7 ideal cardiovascular health components had 28% (odds ratio = 0.72; 95% confidence interval 0.59-0.87) and 36% (odds ratio = 0.64; confidence interval 0.50-0.82) decreased odds of depressive symptoms, respectively, when compared with those meeting 0-2 ideal components. Ideal behaviors were associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms in participants meeting 2 or 3-4 ideal behaviors, compared with those meeting 0-1 (odds ratio = 0.81; confidence interval 0.67-0.98 and odds ratio = 0.72; confidence interval 0.57-0.91). Ideal factors were not associated with depressive symptoms.Ideal cardiovascular health components, especially health behaviors, present an inverse relationship with depressive symptoms.

Summary What is already known about this subject Metabolic and cardiovascular diseases involve an inflammatory process that begins early in life. Muscular fitness has been inversely associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents, including inflammatory biomarkers. More research is needed to evaluate whether the influence of muscular fitness on chronic inflammation is independent of cardiorespiratory fitness and fatness. What this study adds Muscular fitness is inversely related with inflammatory biomarkers during adolescence, independently of cardiorespiratory fitness and insulin resistance. The lower inflammatory status in adolescents with higher levels of muscular fitness seems to be explained by lower levels of fatness. Overweight and obese adolescents present an exacerbated inflammatory status, but this may be counteracted – to some extent – by maintaining appropriate levels of muscular fitness. Background Muscular fitness, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and fatness are mutually related with chronic inflammation. Purpose To examine the independent association of muscular fitness with inflammatory biomarkers in adolescents from nine European countries. Methods A total of 639 adolescents (296 boys) aged from 12.5 to 17.5 year were included in this report. Data collection took place in 2006–2007 and analyses in 2012. A muscular fitness score was computed from handgrip strength and standing long jump. CRF was measured using the 20 m shuttle run test. Z-scores of C-reactive protein, complement factors C3 and C4, leptin and white blood cell counts were summed to create a cluster of inflammatory biomarkers. Sex, age, pubertal stage and centre were used as main confounders. Additional models were further adjusted for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and sum of four skinfolds. Results Muscular fitness was negatively associated with single and clustered inflammatory biomarkers (standardized β from −0.399 to −0.100, all P-values

Objective To evaluate the association of body adiposity index (BAI) with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality risk. Design and Methods The current analysis comprised 19,756 adult men who enrolled in the Aerobics Centre Longitudinal Study and completed a baseline examination during 1988-2002. All-cause and CVD mortality was registered till December 31, 2003. Results During an average follow-up of 8.3 years (163,844 man-years), 353 deaths occurred (101 CVD deaths). Age- and examination year-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for all-cause mortality risk were higher for men with high values of BMI (HR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.19-2.23), waist circumference (1.55, 1.22-1.96), and percentage of body fat (%BF) (1.36, 1.04-1.31), but not for men with high values of BAI (1.28, 0.98-1.66). The HRs for CVD mortality risks were higher for men with high values in all adiposity measures (HRs ranged from 1.73 to 2.06). Most of these associations, however, became nonsignificant after adjusting for multiple confounders including cardiorespiratory fitness. Conclusion BAI is not a better predictor of all-cause and CVD mortality risk than BMI, waist circumference, or %BF.

Objective To examine the relationship between estimated maximal cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and metabolic syndrome (MetSyn). Patients and Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 38,659 Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study participants seen between January 1, 1979, and December 31, 2006, to examine CRF levels defined as low (lower 20%), moderate (middle 40%), and high (upper 40%) of age- and sex-specific distributions vs National Cholesterol Education Program–derived MetSyn expressed as a summed z -score continuous variable. We used a general linear model for continuous variables, the χ 2 test for distribution of categorical variables, and multiple linear regression for single and cumulative MetSyn scores adjusted for body mass index, smoking status, alcohol intake, and family history of cardiovascular disease. Results We observed significant inverse trends for MetSyn vs CRF in both sexes ( P for trend r 2 =0.78; women: β=−.04, r 2 =0.71; triglycerides–men: β=−.29, r 2 =0.18; women: β=−.17, r 2 =0.18; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol–men: β=.25, r 2 =0.17; women: β=.08, r 2 =0.19; fasting glucose–men: β=−.09, r 2 =0.09; women: β=.09, r 2 =0.01; systolic blood pressure–men: β=−.09, r 2 =0.09; women: β=−.01, r 2 =0.21; and diastolic blood pressure–men: β=−.07, r 2 =0.12; women: β=−.05, r 2 =0.14. All associations except for systolic blood pressure (both sexes) and glucose (women) are significant ( P Conclusion Cardiorespiratory fitness demonstrated a strong inverse relationship with MetSyn in both sexes, with the strongest single associative component being waist circumference.

Physical fitness is one of the strongest predictors of individual future health status. Together with cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular strength has been increasingly recognized in the pathogenesis and prevention of chronic disease. We review the most recent literature on the effect of muscular strength in the development of cardiovascular disease, with special interest in elucidating its specific benefits beyond those from CRF and body composition. Muscular strength has shown an independent protective effect on all-cause and cancer mortality in healthy middle-aged men, as well as in men with hypertension and patients with heart failure. It has also been inversely associated with age-related weight and adiposity gains, risk of hypertension, and prevalence and incidence of the metabolic syndrome. In children and adolescents, higher levels of muscular fitness have been inversely associated with insulin resistance, clustered cardiometabolic risk, and inflammatory proteins. Generally, the influence of muscular fitness was weakened but remained protective after considering CRF. Also, interestingly, higher levels of muscular fitness seems to some extent counteract the adverse cardiovascular profile of overweight and obese individuals. As many of the investigations have been conducted with non-Hispanic white men, it is important to examine how race/ethnicity and gender may affect these relationships. To conclude, most important effects of resistance training are also summarized, to better understand how higher levels of muscular fitness may result in a better cardiovascular prognosis and survival.

Background Non-exercise algorithms are cost-effective methods to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in healthcare settings. The limitation of current non-exercise models is that they were developed with cross-sectional data. Purpose To extend the non-exercise research by developing algorithms for men and women using longitudinal data on indicators available in healthcare settings. Methods The sample included 1325 women (aged 20–78 years) and 10,040 men (aged 20–86 years) who completed two to 21 maximal treadmill tests between 1977 and 2005. The data were analyzed in 2011 and 2012. The dependent variable was CRF measured by treadmill test. The independent variables were age; body composition (percentage fat or BMI); waist circumference; self-reported physical activity; resting heart rate; and smoking behavior. Results Linear mixed-models regression showed that all variables were independently related to CRF. There was a positive association between CRF and physical activity. Higher levels of body composition were linked to lower CRF. High resting heart rate and smoking resulted in lower estimates of CRF. The error estimates of the percentage fat algorithms were as follows: women, 1.41 METs (95% CI=1.35, 1.47); and men, METs 1.54 (95% CI=1.51, 1.55). The BMI models were somewhat less accurate: women, METs 1.51 (95% CI=1.45, 1.58); and men, 1.66 METs (95% CI=1.63, 1.68). Conclusions These results showed that the CRF of women and men can be estimated from easily obtained health indicators. The longitudinal non-exercise algorithms provide models to accurately estimate CRF changes associated with aging and provide cost-effective algorithms to track CRF over time with health indicators available in healthcare settings.

This study assessed the association of fitness and fatness with cognitive function in women with fibromyalgia, and the independent influence of their single components on cognitive tasks. A total of 468 women with fibromyalgia were included. Speed of information processing and working memory (Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task), as well as immediate and delayed recall, verbal learning and delayed recognition (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test) were assessed. Aerobic fitness, muscle strength, flexibility and motor agility were assessed with the Senior Fitness Test battery. Body mass index, percent body fat, fat-mass index and waist circumference were measured. Aerobic fitness was associated with attention and working memory (all, p 0.05). All fitness components were generally associated with delayed recall, verbal learning and delayed recognition (all, p 0.05). Aerobic fitness showed the most powerful association with attention, working memory, delayed recall and verbal learning, while motor agility was the most powerful indicator of delayed recognition. None of the fatness parameters were associated with any of the outcomes (all, p 0.05). Our results suggest that fitness, but not fatness, is associated with cognitive function in women with fibromyalgia. Aerobic fitness appears to be the most powerful fitness component regarding the cognitive tasks evaluated.

To investigate associations of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and different measures of adiposity with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality in men with known or suspected coronary heart disease (CHD).We analyzed data from 9563 men (mean age, 47.4 years) with documented or suspected CHD in the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study (August 13, 1977, to December 30, 2002) using baseline body mass index (BMI) and CRF (quantified as the duration of a symptom-limited maximal treadmill exercise test). Waist circumference (WC) and percent body fat (BF) were measured using standard procedures.There were 733 deaths (348 of CVD) during a mean follow-up of 13.4 years. After adjustment for age, examination year, and multiple baseline risk factors, men with low fitness had a higher risk of all-cause mortality in the BMI categories of normal weight (hazard ratio [HR], 1.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24-2.05), obese class I (HR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.04-1.82), and obese class II/III (HR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.55-3.80) but not overweight (HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.88-1.36) compared with the normal-weight and high-fitness reference group. We observed a similar pattern for WC and percent BF tertiles and for CVD mortality. Among men with high fitness, there were no significant differences in CVD and all-cause mortality risk across BMI, WC, and percent BF categories.In men with documented or suspected CHD, CRF greatly modifies the relation of adiposity to mortality. Using adiposity to assess mortality risk in patients with CHD may be misleading unless fitness is considered.

Background— The combined associations of changes in cardiorespiratory fitness and body mass index (BMI) with mortality remain controversial and uncertain. Methods and Results— We examined the independent and combined associations of changes in fitness and BMI with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in 14 345 men (mean age 44 years) with at least 2 medical examinations. Fitness, in metabolic equivalents (METs), was estimated from a maximal treadmill test. BMI was calculated using measured weight and height. Changes in fitness and BMI between the baseline and last examinations over 6.3 years were classified into loss, stable, or gain groups. During 11.4 years of follow-up after the last examination, 914 all-cause and 300 CVD deaths occurred. The hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of all-cause and CVD mortality were 0.70 (0.59–0.83) and 0.73 (0.54–0.98) for stable fitness, and 0.61 (0.51–0.73) and 0.58 (0.42–0.80) for fitness gain, respectively, compared with fitness loss in multivariable analyses including BMI change. Every 1-MET improvement was associated with 15% and 19% lower risk of all-cause and CVD mortality, respectively. BMI change was not associated with all-cause or CVD mortality after adjusting for possible confounders and fitness change. In the combined analyses, men who lost fitness had higher all-cause and CVD mortality risks regardless of BMI change. Conclusions— Maintaining or improving fitness is associated with a lower risk of all-cause and CVD mortality in men. Preventing age-associated fitness loss is important for longevity regardless of BMI change.

ObjectivesThis study sought to assess the impact of muscular strength on mortality in men with hypertension.BackgroundMuscular strength is inversely associated with mortality in healthy men, but this association has not been examined in men with hypertension.MethodsWe followed 1,506 hypertensive men age 40 years and older enrolled in the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study from 1980 to 2003. Participants received an extensive medical examination at baseline. Muscular strength was quantified by combining 1 repetition maximum (1-RM) measures for leg and bench press and cardiorespiratory fitness assessed by maximum exercise test on a treadmill.ResultsDuring an average follow-up of 18.3 years, 183 deaths occurred. Age-adjusted death rates per 10,000 person-years across incremental thirds of muscular strength were 81.8, 65.5, and 52.0 (p < 0.05 for linear trend). Multivariable Cox regression hazard ratios were 1.0 (reference), 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.57 to 1.14), and 0.59 (95% CI: 0.40 to 0.86) across incremental thirds of muscular strength. After further adjustment for cardiorespiratory fitness, those participants in the upper third of muscular strength still had a lower risk of death (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.45 to 0.98). In the muscular strength and CRF combined analysis, men simultaneously in the upper third of muscular strength and high fitness group had the lowest mortality risk among all combination groups (HR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.82), with men in the lower third of muscular strength and low fitness group as reference.ConclusionsHigh levels of muscular strength appear to protect hypertensive men against all-cause mortality, and this is in addition to the benefit provided by cardiorespiratory fitness.

Objective. This study was to examine the influence of socioeconomic status on fitness and fatness in Spanish adolescents. Subjects and Methods. A total of 1 795 adolescents (833 boys) aged 12.5-18.5 years from the AVENA study participated in this study. The following physical fitness components were assessed: muscular strength (standing long jump), speed-agility (4 × 10 m shuttle run) and cardiorespiratory fitness (20 m shuttle run). Total and central body fat was assessed using skinfold thickness and waist circumference, respectively. Both parents reported their educational and professional level. Results. Girls with higher paternal educational level and boys with higher either maternal or paternal professional level had higher muscular strength levels (all P

We examined the role of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) on the association between physical activity (PA) and abdominal fat content in adolescents. Abdominal fat content was measured by waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at 3 regions (R1, R2, and R3). PA and CRF were assessed by accelerometry and the 20 m-shuttle run test, respectively. Vigorous PA was inversely associated with waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio (β from -0.149 to -0.197; p0.05). In both CRF groups (i. e., low and high), vigorous and moderate-to-vigorous PA (also average PA in the low CRF group) were inversely associated with abdominal fat (i. e., R1, R2 and R3; β from -0.146 to -0.244; p0.05). This association did not differ according to CRF group (P for interaction0.05), yet the percentage of variance in abdominal fat content, when assessed by DXA, explained by PA was slightly higher in adolescents with low CRF (3-8%) compared to those with high CRF (2-4%). The findings indicate that there is not a clear interaction effect of CRF in the association between PA and abdominal fat in adolescents, yet slightly stronger association was observed in the low fit group.

The aim of this study was to determine the reliability, feasibility and safety of a health-related fitness test battery administered by Physical Education (PE) teachers in the school setting. Six PE teachers, from three primary schools and three secondary schools, assessed twice (7 days apart) the 20 m shuttle run, handgrip and standing long jump tests, as well as weight, stature, triceps and subscapular thickness and waist circumference in 58 children (age: 6-11 yr) and 80 adolescents (age: 12-18 yr). Feasibility and safety were assessed by researches by means of direct observation. Significant inter-trial differences were found for the standing long jump test (3.8+/-12.7 cm, P