Breasts as a perceived barrier to physical activity in Mexican women: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Scarce evidence exists on barriers to physical activity in Mexican women. Despite evidence from other countries, no research has investigated the influence of the breast on PA in this population. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between the breast and physical activity in Mexican women. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. METHODS: Volunteers were 279 Mexican women from Veracruz, Durango, and Baja California states, who completed a paper survey of their demographics, brassiere characteristics, breast pain, and frequency and amounts of weekly physical activity. RESULTS: The first barrier to physical activity was time constraints, followed by breast-related issues. Breast pain was reported by 47.1% of women, and the breast as a barrier to physical activity participation was reported by 30.6%. Responses, such as "I am embarrassed by excessive breast movement" and "My breasts are too big" were the most frequently reported breast-related barriers to physical activity. Breast pain was associated with the menstrual cycle and exercise. Breast health knowledge and pain intensity were unrelated to moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity. The 36.4% and 6.7% of women did not meet weekly moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity guidelines, respectively. Weekly moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity was similar between women reporting breast pain and those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: Because the breast was the second most significant barrier to physical activity, it is imperative to increase breast health knowledge in Mexican women to reduce impediments to physical activity.

Perception of Mexican women regarding their breasts as a barrier to physical activityPhysical activity provides numerous health benefits, sometimes associated with reversing or delaying several diseases. However, barriers to increasing physical activity in women remain, as the breast is an anatomical aspect that is unique to women. Breast pain has been reported in more than 50% of women who perform physical exercise. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the associations between breast characteristics and barriers to physical activity in Mexican women. Two hundred and seventy-nine women from three Mexican states voluntarily participated in the study. They answered survey questions on the history of bra use, barriers to physical activity, and essential demographic characteristics. The main findings of this study were that issues related to the breasts were reported as the second barrier to physical activity participation. In addition, time constraints were reported as the main reason impeding physical activity participation. Public health initiatives should support attempts to increase breast satisfaction among women of all breast sizes to stimulate engagement in physical activity throughout their lives.

Effect of exercise-induced body fluid redistribution on body composition in males using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.

We studied the effect of exercise-induced body fluid redistribution on dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) body composition scores. Thirty males completed 30-min of upper-body exercise (UBE), lower-body exercise, and seated non-exercise control (NEC). ANOVA determined interactions between experimental conditions and measurements on body composition variables. For UBE, mean pre to post differences were found on tissue fat (M = 0.35 ± 0.12%; CI95%diff = 0.10 to 0.59%; p = 0.007), region fat (M = 0.32 ± 0.11%; CI95%diff = 0.09 to 0.55%; p = 0.008), lean mass (M = 0.27 ± 0.01 kg; CI95%diff = 0.18 to 0.37 kg; p ≤ 0.0001), and total mass (M = 0.27 ± 0.05 kg; CI95%diff = 0.17 to 0.36 kg; p ≤ 0.0001). Mean tissue pre to post differences were found for the total body in the NEC (M = 0.10 ± 0.04 kg; CI95%diff = 0.03 to 0.18 kg; p = 0.008), UBE (M = 0.19 ± 0.03 kg; CI95%diff = 0.14 to 0.24 kg; p ≤ 0.0001), and LBE (M = 0.31 ± 0.04 kg; CI95%diff = 0.24 to 0.39 kg; p ≤ 0.0001) conditions. High absolute reliability was found within experimental conditions. These findings have practical implications for technicians, since acute exercise elicited small changes in body composition scores using DXA.

The Effect of a Compression Bandage on Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry Body Composition Scores.

BACKGROUND: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measures are affected by the noise produced by external factors such as textile compression found in loose clothing. The study aimed to determine the effect of a compression bandage (CB) on body composition (BC) assessed by DXA. METHODS: Sixty volunteers (age=21.4±4.7yr.) underwent full-body DXA scans on a control (CTRL) condition and after wearing a 30-mmHg CB on the trunk, legs, and arms. ANOVA (2 genders by 2 experimental conditions) determined mean interactions in BC variables tissue body fat% (BF%), region body fat% (RBF%), body tissue (BT), fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM), bone mineral content (BMC), and total mass (TM). Absolute reliability in BC scores was studied by the typical error of the measurement (TEM), the coefficient of variability (CV), and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: ANOVA interactions were found on tissue total BF% (p=0.049), RBF% (p=0.048), android lean mass (p=0.004), and android total mass (p=0.019). The CV was small for tissue BF% (2.61±0.93%, CI95%=0.79, 4.43%), RBF% (2.66±1.78%, CI95%=-0.83, 6.15%), BT (4.82±2.19%, CI95%=0.54, 9.10kg), FM (4.17±2.25%, CI95%=-0.24, 8.58kg), LM (3.25±2.44%, CI95%=-1.53, 8.04kg), BMC (4.81±2.96%, CI95%=-0.99, 10.62kg), and TM (2.84±2.80%, CI95%=-2.65, 8.33kg). Bland-Altman plots showed random error for BF%, LM, and BMC. A bias of 0.5% was observed on BF% in males. CONCLUSION: A CB worn during a full-body DXA scan elicited similar BC scores than not wearing it. The variation in scores was <10% for most BC variables, and a trivial bias of 0.5% in BF% was detected in male scores.

An examination of the validity of neuropsychological and physical testing batteries in Latin-American adults aged over 55 years.

BACKGROUND: Valid and reliable measurements are necessary to understand and monitor age-related changes. AIMS: To describe the factor structure and provide validity evidence of a neuropsychological and a physical testing batteries using factor analysis. METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of data from the Epidemiology and Development of Alzheimer's Disease (EDAD) project. Community-dwelling adults aged 55 to 85 years underwent comprehensive physical and neuropsychological assessments. An exploratory factor analysis was performed on both assessment batteries. The models were later confirmed with a random subsample using confirmatory factor analysis. RESULTS: Data from 238 adults (163 females and 75 males) was included. The neuropsychological model revealed a four-factor structure formed by "Executive Functioning", "Verbal Memory", "Logical Memory", and "Labeling And Reading" (Extraction Sums of Squared Loadings [ESSL] = 56.41% explained variance; Standardized Root Mean Square Residual [SRMSR] = 0.06; Comparative Fit Index [CFI] = 0.98). The physical model was formed by a two-factor structure including "Health-related Fitness and "Functional Fitness" (ESSL = 50.54% explained variance; SRMSR = 0.07; CFI = 0.93). DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this is the first study to analyze the structure of comprehensive testing batteries for the Latin-American older adults. Our analysis contributes to the understanding of theoretical constructs that are evaluated in the EDAD project. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide validity evidence for simplified and reduced testing batteries, which imply shorter testing times and fewer resources.

Exploring Handgrip Strength as a Cross-cultural Correlate of Body Composition and Upper Body Strength in Older Adults from Costa Rica and Kansas.

Sarcopenia and disability in older adults are often characterized by body composition measurements; however, the gold standard of body composition measurement, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), is expensive to acquire and maintain, making its use in low and middle income countries (LMIC) it out-of-reach in developing nations. Because these LMIC will bear a disproportionate amount of chronic disease burden due to global aging trends, it is important that reliable, low-cost surrogates need to be developed. Handgrip strength (HGS) is a reliable measure of disability in older adults but has not been used widely in diverse populations. This study compared HGS to multiple measurements of body composition in older adults from the US (Kansas) and a middle-income country (Costa Rica) to test if HGS is a cross-culturally appropriate predictive measure that yields reliable estimates across developed and developing nations. Percent body fat (%BF), lean tissue mass index (LTMI), appendicular lean soft tissue index (ALSTI), body fat mass index (BFMI), bone mineral density (BMD), and HGS were measured in older Costa Ricans (n = 78) and Kansans (n = 100). HGS predicted lean arm mass with equal accuracy for both samples (p ≤ 0.05 for all groups), indicating that it is a reliable, low-cost and widely available estimate of upper body lean muscle mass. Older adults from Costa Rica showed different body composition overall and HGS than controls from Kansas. Handgrip operates equivalently in the US and Mesoamerica and is a valid estimate of lean arm muscle mass as derived by the more expensive DEXA.

The Effects of Acute and Chronic Exercise on Paraoxonase-1 (PON1): A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: To determine the acute and chronic effects of exercise on Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) concentration and activity. Methods: A literature search was performed using 16 electronic databases. Effect sizes (ES) were computed and two-tailed α values < .05 and non-overlapping 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were considered statistically significant. Heterogeneity, inconsistency (I2), and small-study effects using the LFK index were examined. Results: Eighteen studies (n = 377 participants) met the criteria for inclusion. The acute effects of exercise on PON1 concentration were trivial and non-significant (ES = -.03, 95%CI = -.39 to .34, p > .05), heterogeneous (p = .05), moderately inconsistent (I2 = 48%), with minor asymmetry (LFK index = 1.34). The chronic effects of exercise on PON1 concentration were also trivial and non-significant (ES = -.04, 95%CI = -.53 to.45, p > .05), homogenous (p = .65), displayed low inconsistency (I2 = 0%), and minor asymmetry (LFK index = -1.14). The acute effects of exercise on PON1 activity were trivial and non-significant (ES = .11, 95%CI = -.02 to.24, p > .05), homogenous (p = .85), showed low inconsistency (I2 = 0%), and no asymmetry (LFK index = .82). The chronic effects of exercise on PON1 activity were trivial and non-significant (ES = .31, 95%CI = -.03 to.65, p > .05), homogenous (p = .17), moderately inconsistent (I2 = 36%), with no asymmetry (LFK index = .60). Conclusion: Acute and chronic exercise training, overall, exerted a trivial effect on PON1 concentration and activity.

Predicting Exertion from Metabolic, Physiological and Cognitive Variables in Older Adults / Predicción del esfuerzo con variables metabólicas, fisiológicas y cognitivas en adultos mayores / Predição do esforço com variáveis metabólicas, fisiológicas e congênitas em idosos

Abstract Objective. To determine the association between perceived exertion (RPE) and physiological variables and to determine the predictive factors of RPE during submaximal and maximal exertion in older adults. Method. Older adults from Kansas (n = 100) and Costa Rica (n = 79) performed a submaximal and maximal stress test. RPE, education level and a total score of cognitive function (CFTS) were collected. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were computed using RPE as the criterion variable and oxygen consumption (VO2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), CFTS and education level as predictors. Results. There was a significant correlation between VEP and RER (r = 0.22, p = 0.029) at maximal exertion. The RPE predictors for women were VO2, RER, and CFTS at different stages of the test. For men, VEP was predicted by RER, education level, and VO2 at different stages. Conclusion. Metabolic and physiological variables predicted RPE in older adults. Age, cognition, and heart rate were unrelated to RPE at maximal exertion, and RER predicted RPE scores during submaximal and maximal exertion.

Resumen Objetivo. Determinar la asociación entre el esfuerzo percibido (VEP) y variables fisiológicas y determinar los factores predictivos de VEP durante el esfuerzo submáximo y máximo en adultos mayores. Método. Adultos mayores de Kansas (n = 100) y Costa Rica (n = 79) realizaron una prueba de esfuerzo submáxima y máxima. Se recopiló la VEP, nivel de educación y una puntuación total de la función cognitiva (PTFC). Se usaron análisis de correlación y regresión múltiple utilizando VEP como variable criterio y el consumo de oxígeno (VO2), tasa de intercambio respiratorio (RER), PTFC y nivel de educación como predictores. Resultados. Se encontró una correlación significativa entre la VEP y la RER (r = 0.22, p = 0.029) en el esfuerzo máximo. Los predictores de VEP para las mujeres fueron VO2, RER y PTFC en diferentes etapas de la prueba. Para los hombres, la VEP fue predicha por RER, nivel de educación y VO2 en diferentes etapas. Conclusión. Las variables metabólicas y fisiológicas predijeron los valores de VEP en adultos mayores. La edad, la cognición y la FC no se relacionaron con la VEP en el esfuerzo máximo y la RER predijo las puntuaciones de la VEP durante el esfuerzo submáximo y máximo.

Resumo Escopo. Determinar a associação entre o esforço percebido (VEP) e as variáveis fisiológicas e determinar os fatores preditivos de VEP durante o esforço submáximo e máximo em idosos. Metodologia. Idosos de Kansas (n= 100) e Costa Rica (n= 79) realizaram uma prova de esforço submáxima e máxima. Foi recopilada o VEP, nível de educação e pontuação total da função cognitiva (PTFCO. Foram usadas análises de correlação e regressão múltipla utilizando VEP como variável critério e o consumo de oxigeno (VO2), taxa de intercambio respiratório (RER), PTFC e nível de educação como preditores. Resultados. Foi encontrada uma correlação significativa entre a VEP e a RER (r = 0.22, p = 0.029)) no esforço máximo. Os preditores de VEP para as mulheres foram VO2, RER e PTFC em diferentes etapas da prova. Para os homens, a VEP foi predita por RER, nível de educação e VO2 em diferentes etapas. Conclusão. As variáveis metabólicas e fisiológicas predisseram os valores de VEP em idosos. A idade, a cognição e a FC não estiveram relacionadas com a VEP no esforço máximo e a RER predizia as pontuações da VEP durante o esforço submáximo e máximo.

Normative values for anthropometric, adiposity, and handgrip strength in Costa Rican adults aged 60 to 110 years old / Valores normativos de antropometría, adiposidad y fuerza de prensión manual en adultos Costarricenses entre 60 y 100 años de edad

Abstract Objective: The purpose of the study was to develop normative data for anthropometric, adiposity and upper body strength in Costa Rican adults 60 to 110 years old. Method: A representative sample of Costa Rican male and female older adults (n= 2 711) were assessed for body weight and height, knee height, waist, hip and arm circumferences, adiposity, and upper-body strength. The 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentiles were selected as the normative reference points for each 10-year age groups (60-69, 70-79, 80-89, 90-99, and ≥100). Results: Men and women experience age-related increased adiposity and reductions in upper body strength; however, men increased their upper-body strength at older ages. Conclusion: The normative values allow health professionals to monitor anthropometric, adiposity, and upper-body strength in older adults, and to design comprehensive fitness interventions that promote a healthy lifestyle in the population.

Resumen Objetivo: El propósito del estudio fue desarrollar datos normativos para antropometría, adiposidad y fuerza de la parte superior del cuerpo en adultos costarricenses de 60 a 110 años de edad. Método: Se evaluó una muestra representativa de adultos mayores costarricenses varones y mujeres (n = 2 711) para determinar el peso y la talla corporal, la altura de la rodilla, la cintura, las circunferencias de la cadera y el brazo, la adiposidad y la fuerza de la parte superior del cuerpo. Los percentiles 10, 25, 50, 75 y 90 se seleccionaron como puntos de referencia normativos para cada grupo de edad de 10 años (60-69, 70-79, 80-89, 90-99 y ≥100). Resultados: Los hombres y las mujeres experimentan una mayor adiposidad relacionada con la edad y reducciones en la fuerza de la parte superior del cuerpo; sin embargo, los hombres aumentaron la fuerza de la parte superior del cuerpo a edades más avanzadas. Conclusión: Los valores normativos permiten a los profesionales de la salud monitorear antropometría, adiposidad y fuerza de la parte superior del cuerpo en adultos mayores, y diseñar intervenciones integrales de acondicionamiento físico que promuevan un estilo de vida saludable en la población.

Niveles de intensidad de la música durante un torneo de resistencia aeróbica en Costa Rica / Music intensity levels during an aerobics endurance tournament in Costa Rica

El propósito del presente artículo es describir los niveles de ruido generados en una competencia de resistencia aeróbica y se analizan las posibles implicaciones para la salud de la contaminación por ruido. La danza aeróbica es un modo de ejercicio que se ha extendido por todo el mundo, con el fin de posibilitar la práctica de una actividad física que combina música y movimiento. Al incluir el elemento musical en las clases de danza aeróbica, se expone a las personas que practican esta modalidad, al ruido que provoca un alto volumen. Hay investigadores que se han dedicado a estudiar la incidencia del ruido, a indicar los rangos permitidos en lugares de entretenimiento y los gimnasios e informar sobre el peligro de perder momentánea o permanentemente el sentido auditivo al exponerse continuamente a ambientes ruidosos. La presente investigación se realizó en las instalaciones deportivas de la Universidad de Costa Rica, durante un torneo de resistencia aeróbica. Se utilizó un medidor del nivel de sonido marca RadioShack, cat. No. 33-2055. Se encontró que los niveles de sonido utilizados para esta competencia excedieron los 90dB permitidos, ya que oscilaron entre 101 y 119 dB, durante los 120 minutos de duración de la actividad. Se requiere de mayor investigación en esta área en Costa Rica y ejercer un sistema de vigilancia para la contaminación sónica en los gimnasios.

The purpose of the study was to describe noise levels during an aerobics tournament and the potential health implications of noise contamination. Aerobic dance is a worldwide known exercise mode that allows people to practice a physical activity that combines both, music and movement. When music is used in aerobic dance classes people are constantly exposed to the noise produced by high volume of the music. Researchers have studied the incidence of noise to indicate the range of noise permitted in entertainment facilities and fitness centers, and to inform to the population about the hazards of short- and long-term noise exposure on hearing loss. This study took place at the sport facilities of the University of Costa Rica during an aerobics endurance tournament. A RadioShack® (cat. N° 33-2055) noise meter was used to measure noise levels. We found that sound levels for this competition exceeded the permitted 90dB, since these values ranged from 101 to 119 dB during the 120 min duration of the activity. More research in this area is necessary as well as a surveillance system for noise contamination in fitness facilities.