Effects of cardiorespiratory fitness and body mass index on cardiometabolic risk factors in schoolchildren.

INTRODUCTION: High levels of physical fitness established during childhood and adolescence have been associated with positive effects on cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF), which persist into adulthood. Conversely, a sedentary lifestyle, overweight, and obesity during this period are considered public health problems. These conditions tend to worsen in adulthood, increasing the incidence of chronic diseases, deteriorating CMRF, and consequently leading to higher comorbidity and mortality rates. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and body mass index (BMI) on CMRF in children and adolescents. METHODS: The sample consisted of 49 schoolchildren of both sexes aged 10-17 years. Anthropometric assessments, CRF test, muscle strength test, and blood pressure (BP) measurement were conducted. Participants were allocated into groups based on BMI (eutrophic, overweight, obese), and CRF levels (low-fit, normal-fit, and high-fit). RESULTS: Obese individuals had lower CRF values compared to the eutrophic and overweight groups. The cardiometabolic risk profile (CMRP) was significantly higher in the obese group compared to the eutrophic group but showed no significant difference compared to the overweight group. The hight-fit group had lower CMRP values compared to the low-fit group. CONCLUSIONS: Higher BMI and CRF values had negative and positive effects on CMRF and CMRP in schoolchildren, respectively. Overweight or obese schoolchildren with low levels of CRF constitute an unfavourable cardiometabolic risk profile.

Effects of a small-sided soccer program on health parameters in obese children / Efectos de un programa de fútbol reducido en los parámetros de salud de niños obesos / Efeitos de um programa de futebol reduzido sobre os parâmetros de saúde de crianças obesas

ABSTRACT Introduction: Childhood obesity is increasing and, as a consequence, it generates health complications resulting from sedentary behavior and low levels of physical fitness. There are few studies involving children, metabolic and cardiorespiratory profiles, and soccer. Objective: The purpose was to measure the effects of a 12-week recreational small-sided soccer program on cardiometabolic risk and individual responses to cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight or obese boys. Methods: Thirteen boys aged 8-12 years (34.9±11.6% body fat) participated in a 12-week recreational small-sided soccer training program with two 80-minute sessions per week at intensities over 80% of the maximal heart rate. Anthropometric characteristics, cardiorespiratory fitness, metabolic profile, individual responses to peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), maximal workload (Wmax), fasting blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, LDL-C, HDL-C, TC, and TG were measured both pre- and post-training. Results: Considering the individual responses of the participants, recreational soccer training was effective in improving variations in maximum power and exhaustion time, as well as promoting at least one beneficial change in cardiometabolic risk factors in 84% of the overweight or obese children. There were no differences between pre- and post-program anthropometric characteristics, metabolic profiles, or VO2peak values. Conclusion: Twelve-week recreational small-sided soccer programs were able to improve maximal power and anaerobic capacity and maintain cardiometabolic risk factor levels in overweight and obese boys. Level of evidence I; High-quality prospective study (all patients were enrolled at the same stage of disease, with >80% of patients enrolled) .

RESUMEN Introdução: La obesidad infantil está aumentando y, como consecuencia, genera complicaciones de salud derivadas del comportamiento sedentario y de los bajos niveles de aptitud física. Existen pocos estudios sobre niños, perfiles metabólicos, cardiorrespiratorios y fútbol. Objetivo: El objetivo fue medir los efectos de un programa de fútbol recreativo reducido de 12 semanas sobre el riesgo cardiometabólico y respuestas individuales en niños con sobrepeso u obesos. Métodos: Trece niños de 8 a 12 años (34,9 ± 11,6% de grasa corporal) participaron en un programa de entrenamiento de fútbol recreativo reducido de 12 semanas con dos sesiones de 80 minutos por semana a intensidades superiores al 80% de la frecuencia cardíaca máxima. Se midieron las características antropométricas, la aptitud cardiorrespiratoria, el perfil metabólico y las respuestas individuales del consumo máximo de oxígeno (VO2pico), la carga de trabajo máxima (Wmax), la glucemia y la insulina en ayunas, HOMA-IR, LDL-C, HDL-C, CT y TG antes y después del entrenamiento. Resultados: Teniendo en cuenta las respuestas individuales, el entrenamiento de fútbol recreativo fue eficaz para mejorar las variaciones de potencia máxima y el tiempo hasta el agotamiento, así como para promover al menos un cambio beneficioso en los factores de riesgo cardiometabólico en el 84% de los niños con sobrepeso u obesidad. No hubo diferencias entre las características antropométricas, los perfiles metabólicos o el pico de VO2 antes y después del programa. Conclusões: Doce semanas de programas de fútbol recreativo reducido fueron capaces de mejorar la potencia máxima y la capacidad anaeróbica, así como de mantener los niveles de factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos en niños con sobrepeso y obesidad. Nível de evidência I; Estudo prospectivo de alta qualidade (todos os pacientes foram inscritos no mesmo estágio da doença, com > 80% dos pacientes inscritos) .

RESUMO Introdução: A obesidade infantil está aumentando e, como consequência, gera complicações de saúde decorrentes do comportamento sedentário e baixos níveis de aptidão física. Existem poucos estudos que envolvem crianças, perfis metabólicos e cardiorrespiratórios e futebol. Objetivo: O objetivo foi medir os efeitos de um programa de futebol recreativo reduzido de 12 semanas sobre o risco cardiometabólico e respostas individuais em meninos com sobrepeso ou obesos. Métodos: Treze meninos de 8 a 12 anos (34,9 ± 11,6% de gordura corporal) participaram de um programa de treinamento de futebol recreativo reduzido de 12 semanas com duas sessões de 80 minutos por semana em intensidades acima de 80% da frequência cardíaca máxima. As características antropométricas, a aptidão cardiorrespiratória, o perfil metabólico e as respostas individuais do pico de consumo de oxigênio (VO2pico), carga máxima de trabalho (Wmáx), glicemia e insulina em jejum, HOMA-IR, LDL-C, HDL-C, CT e TG foram medidos pré e pós-treinamento. Resultados: considerando as respostas individuais dos participantes, o treinamento recreativo de futebol foi eficaz para melhorar as variações da potência máxima e do tempo até a exaustão, bem como promover pelo menos uma alteração benéfica nos fatores de risco cardiometabólico em 84% das crianças com sobrepeso ou obesidade. Não houve diferenças entre as características antropométricas pré e pós-programa, perfis metabólicos ou VO2pico. Conclusões: Doze semanas de programas de futebol recreativo reduzido foram capazes de melhorar a potência máxima e a capacidade anaeróbica, bem como manter os níveis de fatores de risco cardiometabólicos em meninos com sobrepeso e obesos. Nível de evidência I; Estudo prospectivo de alta qualidade (todos os pacientes foram inscritos no mesmo estágio da doença, com > 80% dos pacientes inscritos) .

Water-based exercises in postmenopausal women: Vertical ground reaction force and oxygen uptake responses.

The purpose of the present study was to analyse vertical ground reaction force (Fz) and oxygen uptake (VO2) responses in six different water-based exercises performed at different cadences by postmenopausal women. Twelve postmenopausal women (57.3 ± 2.6 years, 158.1 ± 6.9 cm, 69.1 ± 10.9 kg) voluntarily took part in the study. Participants completed six sessions corresponding to maximal tests for each water-based exercise. Then, two sessions were performed for the experimental protocols, which comprised the performance of three exercises at three cadences (80, 100 and 120 b min-1), with Fz and VO2 measurements. Peak (Fzpeak) and impulse of Fz were determined. In addition, VO2 percentages relative to maximal VO2 (VO2max) values obtained in each maximal test were expressed as %VO2max. Data were analysed using two-way ANOVA with repeated measures (α = 0.05). As results, significant differences were found in Fzpeak and impulse between the water-based exercises, with similar VO2 and %VO2max values between them for each cadence. In addition, with the increasing cadence, Fzpeak (0.20-0.80 BW), VO2 (5.3-9.4 ml kg-1 min-1) and %VO2max (32.1-57.6%) values increased, while impulse (0.20-0.07 N.s/BW) values were reduced. Therefore, for a same physiological intensity, postmenopausal women experience different Fz loads during different water-based exercises.

Effects of Different Models of Water-Based Resistance Training on Muscular Function of Older Women.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of three water-based resistance trainings on neuromuscular parameters of older women. METHOD: Thirty-six women were randomized to groups: simple set of 30 seconds (1 × 30 s, 66.41 ± 4.71 years, n = 12), multiple sets of 10 seconds (3 × 10 s, 66.50 ± 4.74 years, n = 11), and simple set of 10 seconds (1 × 10 s, 65.23 ± 3.93 years, n = 13). Maximal isometric strength concomitantly with neuromuscular activity during extension and flexion knee was evaluated. In the same exercises, rate of force development at different time intervals was measured. Finally, functional capacity was assessed. RESULTS: All trainings promoted similar improvements in the rate of force develpment of extension (effect size RFD 50 ms: 1 × 30 s .49, 3 × 10 s .67, 1 × 10 s .65; ES RFD 100 ms: 1 × 30 s .76, 3 × 10 s .80, 1 × 10 s .63; ES RFD 250 ms: 1 × 30 s .31, 3 × 10 s .49, 1 × 10 s .37) and flexion knee (ES RFD 50 ms: 1 × 30 s .59, 3 × 10 s .31, 1 × 10 s .48; ES RFD 100 ms: 1 × 30 s .41, 3 × 10 s .44, 1 × 10 s .42; ES RFD 250 ms: 1 × 30 s .57, 3 × 10 s .36, 1 × 10 s .43; ES RFD maximal: 1 × 30 s .63, 3 × 10 s .23, 1 × 10 s .26), however only the 3 × 10 s group improved the performance in the 8-foot up-and-go test (ES 3 × 10 s: .93, 1 × 30: .39, 1 × 10 s: .23). There was a maintenance of the isometric force and neuromuscular activity, except for the activity of the rectus femoris that showed an increase after training in all groups (ES 3 × 10 s: .04, 1 × 30: .36, 1 × 10 s: .50). CONCLUSION: Water-based resistance training using simple or multiple sets promotes the same gains in rapid strength, however only multiple sets induced improvement on functional capacity.

Low- and High-Volume Water-Based Resistance Training Induces Similar Strength and Functional Capacity Improvements in Older Women: A Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND: Water-based resistance training (WRT) has been indicated to promote strength gains in elderly population. However, no study has compared different training strategies to identify the most efficient one. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 3 WRT strategies on the strength and functional capacity of older women. METHODS: In total, 36 women were randomly allocated to training groups: simple set of 30 seconds [1 × 30s; 66.41 (1.36) y; n = 12], multiple sets of 10 seconds [3 × 10s; 66.50 (1.43) y; n = 11], and simple set of 10 seconds [1 × 10s; 65.23 (1.09) y; n = 13]. Training lasted for 12 weeks. The maximal dynamic strength (in kilograms) and muscular endurance (number of repetitions) of knee extension, knee flexion, elbow flexion, and bench press, as well as functional capacity (number of repetitions), were evaluated. RESULTS: All types of training promoted similar gains in maximal dynamic strength of knee extension and flexion as well as elbow flexion. Only the 1 × 30s and 1 × 10s groups presented increments in bench press maximal strength. All 3 groups showed increases in muscular endurance in all exercises and functional capacity. CONCLUSIONS: WRT using long- or short-duration simple sets promotes the same gains in strength and functional capacity in older women as does WRT using multiple sets.

Short-term water-based aerobic training promotes improvements in aerobic conditioning parameters of mature women.

Aging is accompanied by a decrease in aerobic capacity. Therefore, physical training has been recommended to soften the effects of advancement age. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a short-term water-based aerobic training on resting heart rate (HRrest), heart rate corresponding to anaerobic threshold (HRAT), peak heart rate (HRpeak), percentage value of HRAT in relation to HRpeak and test duration (TD) of mature women. Twenty-two women (65.91 ± 4.83 years) were submitted to a five-week water-based interval aerobic training. Aerobic capacity parameters were evaluated through an aquatic incremental test. After training, there was an increase in TD (16%) and HRAT percentage in relation to HRpeak (4.68%), and a reduction of HRrest (9%). It is concluded that a water-based aerobic interval training prescribed through HRAT of only five weeks is able to promote improvements in aerobic capacity of mature women.

Physical activity and sedentary behavior in people with major depressive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Low levels of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease and premature mortality in people with major depressive disorder (MDD). AIMS: Investigate levels of PA and SB and their predictors in people with MDD. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched from inception till 04/2016 for articles measuring PA and SB with a self-report questionnaire (SRQ) or objective measure (e.g. accelerometer) in people with MDD. Random-effects meta-analyses and meta-regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Twenty-four eligible studies were identified including 2901 people with MDD (78.4% female, mean age=54 years; range: 21-77 years). People with MDD spent 126.0min (95%CI=91.9-160.1) per day engaging in all types of PA and spent 8.5hours (95%CI=7.51-9.62) during their waking day being sedentary. Compared to controls, people with MDD spent less time in total PA (SMD=-0.25, 95%CI=-0.03 to 0.15) and moderate to vigorous PA (SMD=-0.30, 95%CI=-0.40 to 0.21) and engaged in higher levels of SB (SMD=0.09, 95%CI=0.01-0.18). The proportion of people with MDD not meeting the recommended PA guidelines was 67.8% (n=13 studies), which was higher in studies relying on objective versus self-report measures (85.7% v 62.1%, p=0.04). People with MDD were more likely than controls to not meeting the recommended PA guidelines (OR = 1.50, 95%CI = 1.10­2.10). LIMITATIONS: Heterogeneity was evident in most analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Adults with MDD engage in low levels of PA and high levels of SB. PA and SB are independent predictors of mortality, therefore, future lifestyle interventions targeting both the prevention of SB and adoption and maintenance of PA are warranted.

Continuous and interval training programs using deep water running improves functional fitness and blood pressure in the older adults.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of two periodized training programs of deep water running on functional fitness and blood pressure in the older adults. Thirty-six individuals were divided into continuous group (CONT) and interval group (INT). Both groups were trained for 28 weeks (twice weekly). Measures were performed before the training period, after 12 weeks and training period. Two-way ANOVA and post hoc of Bonferroni were used (α = 0.05). There were no differences between groups in functional tests, with the exception of the flexibility of the upper limbs, in which the INT group showed the highest values. There was a significant improvement in both groups of foot up-and-go test (CONT 6.45 to 5.67; INT 6.59 to 5.78, in seconds), flexibility of lower limbs (CONT -4.76 to -0.61; INT 0.54 to 4.63, in centimeters), strength of upper (CONT 18.76 to 27.69; INT 18.66 to 26.58, in repetitions) and lower limbs (CONT 14.46 to 21.23; INT 14.40 to 21.58, in repetitions), and 6-min walk (CONT 567.50 to 591.16; INT 521.41 to 582.77, in meters). No differences were shown between groups for systolic blood pressure; however, diastolic blood pressure remained higher in CONT during all training. The blood pressure decreased significantly in both groups after the training (CONT 142 ± 16/88 ± 3 to 125 ± 14/77 ± 7 mmHg; INT 133 ± 15/75 ± 7 to 123 ± 17 and 69 ± 11 mmHg). Both programs of deep water running training promoted improvements of similar magnitude in all parameters of functional fitness, with the exception of flexibility of upper limbs, and decreased blood pressure in the older individuals.

Water-based exercise and quality of life in women: the role of depressive symptoms.

Several studieshave evaluated the relation of exercise to quality of life (QoL). To our knowledge, no study has evaluated the relation of water-based exercise to depressive symptoms and QoL, or the association between improvement in QoL and depressive symptoms in healthy women. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of water-based exercise with changes in QoL. Forty-seven women performed water-based combined exercise for 12 weeks. All participants improved in the physical and psychological domains of QoL. Decreases in depressive symptoms and improvements in maximal strength and aerobic capacity were found for all participants. A regression model revealed that depressive symptoms were associated with improvements in physical and psychological domains of QoL. The results showed that moderate intensity, water-based exercise improved physical and psychological domains of QoL, depressive symptoms, aerobic capacity, and muscular strength of women. Furthermore, the improvement in physical and psychological domains of QoL appeared to be mediated by the antidepressant effects of exercise, but not by changes in aerobic capacity or muscular strength.