Effects of Different Doses of Exercise on Inflammation Markers Among Adolescents With Overweight/Obesity: HEPAFIT Study.

PROPOSE: Obesity-related metabolic risk factors in adolescents who are overweight/obese may be associated with systemic low-grade inflammation; therefore, we investigated whether 6 months of exercise training altered markers of inflammation. METHODS: Secondary analyses of a randomized controlled exercise-based intervention trial (September 2017-December 2018). Adolescents aged 11 to 17 years (Tanner stage II-V), 70% girls, with a body mass index z-score at or above the 85th percentile, and/or with excess of adiposity (body fat ≥ 30%). The participants were randomly assigned to the following 4 groups for 6 months: (1) standard physical education lessons, as a control (CTRL); (2) high-intensity physical education class (HIPE); (3) low-to-moderate intensity physical education class (LIPE); (4) a combined group (PLUS). Inflammatory markers and immune molecules including chemokines, cytokines, and growth factors (n = 65 biomarkers) were determined by cytokine antibody array. RESULTS: Of the 120 randomly assigned participants, 95 were included in the analysis. Considering these 22 proteins, the LIPE group shows statistical significance in 9 proteins with log-fold change (logFC) and P < 0.05 (in BLC, eotaxin, fibroblast growth factor-6 [FGF-6], GCP-2, I-309, IGFBP-4, MCP-4, NAP-2, and PARC), followed by the PLUS group in 9 proteins (BLC, pro-epidermal growth factor, eotaxin, FGF-6, MCP-4, NAP-2, osteopontin, PARC, and RANTES), the HIPE group in 7 proteins (FGF-4, FGF-7, GCP-2, IGF-1, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-4, and MIP-1 delta), and the CTRL group in 6 proteins (FGF-4, IP-10, Leptin, MCP-1, MIG, and MIP-1 delta). However, subanalysis performed to detect differentially expressed proteins at baseline and after intervention, with significance at an adjusted P value ≤ 0.05 and absolute log fold-change (logFC) ≥ 1.0, showed 3 downregulated proteins in the LIPE group (BLC(logFC) = 1.27, eotaxin(logFC) = 1.18, and MCP-4(logFC) = 1.14), and 4 proteins in the HIPE group (BLC(logFC) = 1.45, FGF-6(logFC) = 1.20, MCP-4(logFC) = 1.50, and PARC(logFC) = 1.33), supporting that the changes we observed in the exercise groups were not time-related changes but occurred in response to exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing a 6-month physical exercise program in overweight/obese adolescents, based on LIPE and PLUS groups, significantly change several circulating inflammatory levels. Interventions involving supervised physical exercise may reduce the associated effects of systemic low-grade inflammation, thus preventing the development of obesity-related metabolic diseases in adolescents with overweight/obesity.

Exercise dose on hepatic fat and cardiovascular health in adolescents with excess of adiposity.

OBJECTIVE: The HEPAFIT study was aimed at examining the impact of a 6-month physical education intervention, considering various levels of exercise intensity, on hepatic fat and cardiometabolic health outcomes in adolescents with excess adiposity. METHODS: Adolescents (n = 120), 11-17 years with excess adiposity by body fat >30%, were randomly assigned to one of the following 4 groups for 6 months: (1) standard physical education lessons, control (CTRL); (2) high-intensity physical education (HIPE); (3) low-to-moderate intensity physical education (LIPE) and (4) combined HIPE and LIPE (PLUS). The primary outcome was hepatic fat content measured by vibration-controlled transient elastography (controlled attenuation parameter [CAP]). Secondary outcomes were traditional cardiovascular health markers (body composition, serum lipids, aminotransferases and health-related physical fitness components). RESULTS: Adjusted mixed effects linear models revealed a significant decrease in CAP levels in HIPE (-20.02 dB/m, p < 0.0001) (p = 0.001 vs. CTRL group) and PLUS (-16.25 dB/m, p = 0.005) groups. Body fat decreased in the HIPE (-2.88%, p < 0.001) (p = 0.001 vs. CTRL group) and LIPE (-1.26%, p = 0.022) groups. The physical fitness components were increased in the HIPE and PLUS group relative to the baseline (p < 0.05), and the HIPE group showed a reduction in the total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a 6-month physical education exercise program, particularly high-intensity or combined high and low-intensity, improves hepatic fat storage and significantly reduces cardiometabolic markers in adolescents with excess of adiposity. Interventions involving supervised physical exercise may help to improve metabolism and fat deposition at the hepatic level, thus preventing the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in adolescents.

Muscle strength cut-offs for the detection of metabolic syndrome in a nonrepresentative sample of collegiate students from Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Evidence shows an association between grip strength and health; however, grip strength cut-offs for the detection of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Latin American populations are scarce. The purpose of this study was to determine cut-offs of normalized grip strength (NGS) for the detection of MetS in a large nonrepresentative sample of a collegiate student population from Colombia. METHODS: A total of 1795 volunteers (61.4% female; age = 20.68 ± 3.10 years, mean ± SD), ranging between 18 and 30 years of age participated in the study. Strength was estimated using a handheld dynamometer and normalized to body mass (handgrip strength (kg)/body mass (kg)). Anthropometrics, serum lipids indices, blood pressure, and fasting plasma glucose were measured. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. MetS was defined as including ≥3 of the 5 metabolic abnormalities according to the International Diabetes Federation definition. A metabolic risk score was computed from the following components: waist circumference, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glucose, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. RESULTS: Receiver operating curve analysis showed significant discriminatory accuracy of NGS in identifying the thresholds and risk categories. Lower strength was associated with increased prevalence of MetS. In males, weak, intermediate, and strong NGS values at these points were <0.466, 0.466-0.615, >0.615, respectively. In females, these cut-off points were <0.332, 0.332-0.437, >0.437, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our sex-specific cut-offs of NGS could be incorporated into a clinical setting for identifying college students at cardiometabolic disease risk.

Normal-Weight Obesity Is Associated with Poorer Cardiometabolic Profile and Lower Physical Fitness Levels in Children and Adolescents.

Normal-weight obesity (NWO) syndrome has been shown to be associated with cardiometabolic dysfunction. However, little is known regarding this potential relationship in Latin American children and adolescents. The aim of this study was two-fold: (i) to investigate whether Colombian youth with NWO syndrome have a poorer cardiometabolic profile and physical fitness performance than normal-weight lean (NWL) peers; and (ii) to determine if physical fitness levels are related to prevalence of normal-weight obesity in youth. This was an analytical cross-sectional study of 1919 youths (9-179 years old, 53.0% girls) in the capital area of Colombia. NWO was defined as a body mass index < 25 kg/m2 and a validated body fat percentage above the sex-age-specific 90th percentile for Colombian children and adolescents. Body fat was estimated using bioelectrical impedance analysis, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was estimated using the 20-meter shuttle run test, and muscular fitness with the handgrip test. Biochemical profile blood samples were collected for cardiometabolic risk factors. After adjusting for chronological age, pubertal stage, and Mediterranean diet adherence, the NWO group (boys and girls) had significantly higher values for cardiometabolic risk factors, and waist circumference (WC) than the NWL group. The prevalence of NWO was lower in youth classified with healthy CRF (boys, odds ratio (OR) = 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37 to 0.78; girls, OR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.50), p < 0.001. Our findings indicate that using only body mass index for the assessment of cardiometabolic risk likely misrepresents true adiposity and suggest the need to include the assessment of body fat in the routine clinical evaluation of individuals during childhood and adolescence.

The Effect of 12 Weeks of Different Exercise Training Modalities or Nutritional Guidance on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors, Vascular Parameters, and Physical Fitness in Overweight Adults: Cardiometabolic High-Intensity Interval Training-Resistance Training Randomized Controlled Study.

Ramírez-Vélez, R, Castro-Astudillo, K, Correa-Bautista, JE, González-Ruíz, K, Izquierdo, M, García-Hermoso, A, Álvarez, C, Ramírez-Campillo, R, and Correa-Rodríguez, M. The effect of 12 weeks of different exercise training modalities or nutritional guidance on cardiometabolic risk factors, vascular parameters and physical fitness in overweight adults: cardiometabolic high-intensity interval training-resistance training randomized controlled study. J Strength Cond Res 34(8): 2178-2188, 2020-Evidence suggests that exercise training improves cardiometabolic risk factors. The aim of this study was to investigate whether 12 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), resistance training (RT), concurrent training (CT = HIIT + RT), or nutritional guidance (NG) induced improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors, vascular parameters, and physical fitness in overweight adults, and to compare the responses between the 4 intervention groups. This is a twelve-weeks factorial randomized design examining the effects of different exercise regimes and/or NG on anthropometric and body composition (fat and lean mass at whole body, trunk fat, fat mass index, appendicular muscle mass, and waist circumference); cardiometabolic risk factors and vascular parameters (blood lipids, fasting glucose, blood pressure, flow-mediated dilation [FMD%], aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV), and augmentation index); and physical fitness (cardiorespiratory fitness and handgrip strength). Adjusted mixed linear models revealed a significant improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness (mL·kg·min): HIIT +8.3, RT +4.1, and CT +6.3 (all p < 0.001). The improvement difference between the groups was statistically significant between the HIIT and NG group (p = 0.014), (time × group interaction F(23.564); p < 0.001; η partial = 0.365). In addition, the RT and CT groups have a significant positive impact on PWV (m·s) (d = 0.391 and 0.229 respectively; p < 0.001, (time × group interaction F(5.457); p = 0.003; η partial = 0.280). Hereafter, the RT group has a significant positive impact on the FMD (%) in comparison to HIIT, CT, or NG group (time × group interaction F(2.942); p = 0.044; η partial = 0.174). The main findings of this study are that 12 weeks of HIIT leads to significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, whereas RT resulted in improvements in the vascular profile, supporting the positive effect of both training programs for cardiometabolic risk factors in sedentary and overweight adults.

Influence of Calcium and Vitamin D Intakes on Body Composition in Children and Adolescents.

Identifying nutritional strategies to maintain a healthy body weight and reduce the comorbidities associated with obesity is extremely important. We aimed to investigate whether calcium and vitamin D intakes are associated with body composition measurements in a population of children and adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 1,060 children and adolescents (65.8% females; 34.2% males) aged 9 to 19 years. Fat mass, percentage of fat mass, and fat-free mass were measured using a body composition analyzer (TANITA BC-418MA®). The mean dietary calcium and vitamin intakes were 829.66 ± 328.34 mg/day and 200.78 ± 400.91 IU/day. Linear regression analysis revealed a lack of significant association between daily calcium and vitamin D intakes and body composition measurements, after adjusting the model for age, sex, maturation status, and energy intake. Dietary calcium and vitamin D intakes do not appear to be associated with higher adiposity measurements in children and adolescents.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness Normative Values in Latin-American Adolescents: Role of Fatness Parameters.

The aim of this study was to provide percentile values for a cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) field test for Latin-American adolescents (34,461 girls and 38,044 boys) aged 13 to 15 years. The role of fatness parameters on the CRF level across age groups was also examined, with a focus on non-obese (healthy) and obese groups. CRF was assessed using the 20-meter shuttle run test protocol. Anthropometric parameters were measured using body mass index z-score (body mass index (BMI) z-score), BMI, waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Participants were categorized according to the BMI z-score, WC, and WHtR international cut-off points as healthy and obese. Age- and sex-specific reference tables for the 3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 97th centile scores were calculated using Cole's lambda, mu, and sigma method. The prevalence of obesity according to the BMI z-score, WC, and WHtR was 9.6%, 11.2%, and 15.0%, respectively. Across all age and sex groups, a negative association was found between relative peak oxygen uptake ( V ˙ O2peak) and BMI, WC, and WHtR. In boys and girls there were higher levels of performance across all age groups, with most apparent gains between the ages of 13 and 14 years old. Overall, participants categorized in the healthy group had shown to have significantly higher V ˙ O2peak than their obese counterparts (p < 0.001; Cohen's d > 1.0). In conclusion, our study provides age- and sex-specific reference values for CRF ( V ˙ O2peak, mL·kg-1·min-1). The anthropometric parameters were inversely associated with CRF in all ages in both sexes. The obese group had worse CRF than their healthy counterparts independent of anthropometric parameters used to determine obesity.

Feasibility and Reliability of Physical Fitness Tests among Colombian Preschool Children.

The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility and reliability of physical fitness field tests used in the "Fuprecol kids" study among Colombian preschool children aged 3-5 years. A total of 90 preschoolers aged 3-5 years participated in the study. Weight, height, waist circumference, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), musculoskeletal fitness (handgrip strength and standing broad jump), speed-agility (4 × 10 m shuttle run), and flexibility (sit and reach test) components were tested twice (two weeks apart). The feasibility of the tests (preschoolers able to complete the test) ranged from 96% in the CRF test to 100% in the musculoskeletal fitness, speed-agility, and flexibility tests. Overall, the %TEMs were 0.625% for the weight, 0.378% for the height, 1.035% for the body mass index, and 0.547 % for the waist circumference. In addition, all tests were substantial reliable, for CRF (in stages and laps, concordance correlation coefficient = 0.944 and 0.941, respectively) in both sexes and flexibility (concordance correlation coefficient = 0.949) in girls. There were no significant differences in fitness test-retest mean differences in the boys (P > 0.05), except in CRF (laps P = 0.017). In girls, there were differences in CRF (stages (P = 0.017) and laps (P= 0.013)), and flexibility (P = 0.002) variables. The results from this study indicate that the "Fuprecol kids" battery of tests, administered by physical education teachers, was reliable and feasible for measuring components of physical fitness in preschoolers in a school setting in Colombia.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness Cut-Points are Related to Body Adiposity Parameters in Latin American Adolescents.

Background and Objectives: A deficiency exists in the criterion-referenced cut-points for field-based cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in Latin American youths. The aims of the present study were two-fold: (1) To identify the ability of CRF estimated by the 20-m shuttle-run test (20mSRT) to differentiate between "healthy" and "unhealthy" phenotypes (by adiposity) in adolescents; (2) to assess the association between obesity and relative peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) in a large and diverse sample of Latin American youths. In total, 72,505 adolescents aged between 13 and 15 years were recruited from Chile and Colombia (47.5% girls). Materials and Methods: The waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were used to identify body adiposity markers. CRF was measured using the 20mSRT (VO2peak). Receiver operating characteristic curves and logistic regression were used to determine the discriminatory ability of CRF to predict body adiposity parameters. Results: For boys and girls, VO2peak showed a significant predictive capacity to detect body fat (area under the curve [AUC] > 0.62). The sensitivity of VO2peak was medium (>63%) for all age- and sex-specific cut-points, with optimal cut-points in 13- to 15-year olds for obesity identified as 43.77 mL·kg-1·min-1 and 38.53 mL·kg-1·min-1 in boys and girls, respectively. Conclusions: According to these cut-points, adolescents with low CRF were more likely to be obese either by WC or WHtR. The CRF cut-points can be used as quantitative markers for a healthier body in Latin American adolescents.

Association between bullying victimization and physical fitness among children and adolescents.

The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between being bullied and the physical fitness components, and to determine whether a healthy physical fitness level is related with lower victimization in children and adolescents with overweight and obesity compared to unfit overweight/obese peers. METHOD: The present cross-sectional study included a total of 7,714 youths (9-17 years), categorized as normal-weight or overweight/obese and fit or unfit according to sex-specific handgrip strength and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) cut-points. Bullying (physical, verbal, social exclusion, sexual harassment, and cyberbullying) was assessed through the Standard Health Behavior in School-aged Children survey questions. RESULTS: Boys and girls that were categorized as fit (healthy level of CRF) showed lower traditional bullying compared to unfit counterparts. Also, a healthy level of CRF could be a protective factor of traditional bullying among overweight/obese youths compared to unfit overweight/obese peers. CONCLUSIONS: CRF is related with lower risk for experiencing traditional bullying in Latino youths with and without obesity, thus emphasizing the role of fitness even among youth with excess of adiposity.

ANTECEDENTES/OBJETIVO: El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la relación entre el bullying y la condición física, y determinar si un nivel físico saludable está relacionado con menor nivel de victimización en niños y adolescentes con sobrepeso y obesidad en comparación con sus compañeros con sobrepeso u obesidad no aptos. Método:Se incluyó un total de 7.714 niños y adolescentes (9-17 años), categorizados en peso normal o sobrepeso/obeso y aptos o no aptos a través de puntos de corte específicos para la capacidad aeróbica y fuerza manual en esta población. El bullying (físico, verbal, exclusión social, acoso sexual y cyberbullying) se evaluó a través de autoinforme. Resultados:Los jóvenes categorizados como aptos (capacidad cardiorrespiratoria) padecen menos bullying en comparación con sus homólogos no aptos. Además, un nivel saludable de capacidad cardiorrespiratoria se relacionó con menor bullying tradicional entre los jóvenes con sobrepeso/obesidad en comparación con sus homólogos no aptos. Conclusiones:La capacidad cardiorrespiratoria se relaciona con un menor riesgo de sufrir acoso escolar tradicional en los jóvenes latinos con y sin obesidad, lo que enfatiza el papel del buen estado físico incluso entre los jóvenes con exceso de adiposidad.

Effects of kinesio taping alone versus sham taping in individuals with musculoskeletal conditions after intervention for at least one week: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Kinesiotaping (KT), has emerged as an interesting and relatively novel method for treating musculoskeletal conditions. To date, none of the systematic reviews with meta-analysis have addressed the efficacy of KT alone (without any other intervention) over sham taping (ST). OBJECTIVE: The present meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effectiveness of KT versus ST in patients with musculoskeletal conditions in interventions lasting at least 1 week on musculoskeletal conditions and functional performance outcomes. DATA SOURCE: Manual and electronic searches (CENTRAL, EMBASE, MEDLINE and PEDro) were conducted using kinesiotaping, strapping, musculoskeletal pain and musculoskeletal conditions. STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials on adults with a diagnosis of musculoskeletal conditions. DATA EXTRACTION AND DATA SYNTHESIS: Two researchers independently carried out the search and the third author was referred to for arbitration. The methodological quality of the studies using the PEDro scale and GRADE approach. RESULTS: Six RCTs were identified and included in the meta-analysis. When compared with ST in adults with chronic non-specific low-back pain (LBP), KT resulted in superior effects on pain at follow-up, but the pooled pain in the immediate post-treatment period and disability scores (in the immediate post-treatment period and at follow-up) were not significantly different. Generally, all results were supported by low quality evidence according to GRADE criteria. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate inconclusive and low-quality evidence of a beneficial effect of KT alone over ST in LBP and knee osteoarthritis. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO CRD42018084151.

Gait speed as a mediator of the effect of sarcopenia on dependency in activities of daily living.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia in older adults is strongly associated with an increase in dependency in activities of daily living (ADL) and with a decline in gait speed. Interestingly, gait speed has been shown to independently predict mortality. In this context, our study aimed to explore the mediator role of gait speed on the relationship between sarcopenia and dependency in ADL. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Colombia, 19 705 older adults with a mean age of 70 years, 55.6% women, 16.1% with sarcopenia, and 14.7% mild, moderate, or severe dependency in ADL, according to 'SABE Survey 2015'. Sarcopenia was assessed by calf circumference and ADL dependence through the Barthel Index. Gait speed was measured over a distance of 3 m. The association between sarcopenia condition and gait speed and dependency level was analysed by linear regression adjusted by covariates. To examine whether gait speed mediated the association between sarcopenia and dependence components of physical function, simple mediation models were generated using ordinary least squares with the macro PROCESS version 3.2, adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found in gait speed and dependency in ADL between the sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups after adjusting for age, sex, and BMI. BMI was significantly higher in the non-sarcopenia group whereas dependency was significantly higher in the sarcopenia group (19.6% vs. 13.8%). Results from mediation model regression analysis indicated a significant and direct detrimental effect of sarcopenia on dependency in ADL (ß = -0.05; P < 0.001), and a significant indirect effect of gait speed on the direct effect (-0.009 to -0.004). CONCLUSIONS: The negative effect of sarcopenia on functional dependence was mediated by the gait speed. Therefore, gait speed may positively influence the detrimental effect of sarcopenia for dependency, after adjusting for age, gender, and BMI. Consequently, physical exercise should be promoted and focused to circumvent the gait speed decline associated with age in older people with sarcopenia.

Handgrip strength attenuates the adverse effects of overweight on cardiometabolic risk factors among collegiate students but not in individuals with higher fat levels.

The aims of this study are to (i) examine a clustered metabolic syndrome composite score (MetScore) and fatness among college students across body mass index (BMI) categories, and (ii) determine whether fit individuals have lower MetScores, fewer individual metabolic syndrome components, and lower fatness than unfit individuals across BMI categories. A total of 1,795 participants aged  >18 years who participated in The FUPRECOL Study were selected for the present analyses. Handgrip strength was tested by a grip dynamometer and used to classify adults as fit or unfit. Among all participants, MetScore, percentage of body fat, and visceral adiposity increased linearly across the BMI categories among college students (all P < 0.001). Individuals who were overweight and fit had a lower MetScore (-0.6 SD; P = 0.02), body fat percentage (-2.6%; P < 0.001) and visceral adiposity (-0.2; P = 0.01) than unfit peers. Moderately fit obese individuals had significantly lower visceral fat levels than unfit obese peers (-3.0; P = 0.03). These results suggest that having adequate handgrip strength-a proxy of overall strength capacity-may attenuate obesity-related cardiometabolic risk. Moreover, weight loss should be recommended to all individuals with obesity, even among those who are currently considered fit.

Reference values for handgrip strength and their association with intrinsic capacity domains among older adults.

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were three-fold: (i) to describe handgrip strength in older individuals aged ≥60 years in Colombia; (ii) to identify sex-specific and age-specific muscle weakness cut-off points in older adults; and (iii) to determine the odds of adverse events for each of the intrinsic capacity domains for individuals with handgrip strength greater than the muscle weakness cut-off points, as compared with their weaker counterparts. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Colombia, among 5237 older adults aged ≥60 years old (58.5% women, 70.5 ± 7.8 years), according to 'SABE Survey 2015'. Handgrip strength data were obtained with a Takei dynamometer. Sociodemographic variables, five domains of intrinsic capacity (i.e. locomotion, vitality, cognition, psychological, and sensory), and medical conditions were assessed and analyzed. Adjustments variables were age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, urbanicity, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol intake, drug use, physical activity, and co-morbid chronic diseases. Sex-stratified analyses were conducted with logistic regression models. RESULTS: Handgrip strength was greater among men than among women (26.7 ± 8.5 vs. 16.7 ± 5.7 kg, respectively, P < 0.001) at all ages. Weak handgrip strength cut-off points ranged from 17.4 to 8.6 and from 10.1 to 4.9 in men and women, respectively. Overall, participants with optimal handgrip strength had better intrinsic capacity [in men, odds ratio (OR) = 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53 to 0.71; P < 0.001; and in women, OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.92; P = 0.002] than their weaker counterparts. Also, men with optimal handgrip strength had a lower risk of hospitalization (OR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.78; P = 0.004) than their weaker counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to describe handgrip strength values and cut-off points for muscle weakness among a nationally representative sample of Colombian older adults by age and sex. After categorizing older adults as weak or not weak based on the handgrip cut-off points, non-weakness was associated with a decreased odds of intrinsic capacity impairments. These cut-off points may be good candidates for clinical assessment of risks to physical and mental health in older Colombian adults.

Etapas de cambio comportamental frente al consumo de sustancias psicoactivas en escolares de 9 a 17 años de Bogotá D.C., Colombia / Stages of behavior change and their correlation with alcohol, tobacco and drug use in schoolchildren aged 9 to 17 in Bogotá D.C., Colombia

Resumen Introducción. El consumo de sustancias psicoactivas (SPA) es una problemática que afecta a estudiantes desde edades tempranas. Objetivo. Describir las etapas de cambio de comportamiento frente al consumo de SPA en escolares de Bogotá D.C., Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal en 6 965 escolares de Bogotá D.C. El cambio de comportamiento se evaluó por autoreporte a través de un cuestionario estructurado a partir del Modelo Transteórico en las etapas de precontemplación, contemplación, preparación y acción/mantenimiento. Resultados. 58.4% fueron mujeres con edad promedio de 12.7±2.3 años. Frente al consumo de drogas alucinógenas, 6% de los escolares se ubicaron en la categoría de precontemplación, 44% en contemplación, 30% en preparación y 20% en acción/mantenimiento. Respecto al consumo de alcohol, 5% se encontraban en precontemplación, 36% en contemplación, 12% en preparación y 46% en acción/mantenimiento. El tabaquismo mostró prevalencias de 4% para precontemplación, 33% para contemplación, 12% para preparación y 51% para acción/mantenimiento. Conclusiones. El consumo de SPA es una problemática que se presenta cada vez con mayor frecuencia en población escolar. La mayoría de entrevistados se ubican en etapa de mantenimiento en el consumo de tabaco y alcohol y en la etapa de contemplación de consumo de drogas alucinógenas. Se requieren esfuerzos gubernamentales que fomenten programas preventivos de consumo de SPA en el ámbito escolar.

Abstract Introduction: Psychoactive substance use is a problem that affects schoolchildren from an early age. Objective: To describe the stages of behavior change and their correlation with alcohol, tobacco and drug use in schoolchildren of Bogotá D.C., Colombia. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study in 6 965 schoolchildren from Bogotá D.C. Behavior change was evaluated by self-report using a structured questionnaire based on the precontemplation, contemplation, preparation and action/maintenance stages of the Transtheoretical Model. Results: 58.4% of the participants were women with a mean age of 12.7±2.3 years. Regarding illicit drug use, 6% of schoolchildren were in the precontemplation stage, 44% in contemplation, 30% in preparation and 20% in action/maintenance. With respect to alcohol consumption, 5% were in precontemplation stage, 36% in contemplation, 12% in preparation and 46% in action/maintenance. Smoking showed prevalence of 4% for precontemplation, 33% for contemplation, 12% for preparation and 51% for action/maintenance. Conclusions: The use of psychoactive substances is an increasing issue among schoolchildren. Most interviewees were in the maintenance stage of tobacco and alcohol use, and in the contemplation stage of drug use. Government efforts are required to promote preventive programs in schools.

Effectiveness of HIIT compared to moderate continuous training in improving vascular parameters in inactive adults.

BACKGROUND: Strong evidence shows that physical inactivity increases the risk of many adverse health conditions, including major non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), metabolic syndrome, and breast and colon cancers, and shortens life expectancy. We aimed to determine the effects of moderate (MCT)- versus high-intensity interval training (HIT) on vascular function parameters in physically inactive adults. We hypothesized that individualized HIT prescription would improve the vascular function parameters more than the MCT in a greater proportion of individuals. METHODS: Twenty-one inactive adults were randomly allocated to receive either MCT group (60-75% of their heart rate reserve, [HRR] or HIT group (4 min at 85-95% of peak HRR), 3 days a week for 12 weeks. Vascular function (brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, FMD [%], normalized brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, FMDn [%], aortic pulse wave velocity, PWV [m·s- 1], AIx, augmentation index: aortic and brachial [%]), were measured at baseline and over 12 weeks of training. In order for a participant to be considered a responder to improvements in vascular function parameters (FMDn and PWV), the typical error was calculated in a favorable direction. RESULTS: FMD changed by - 1.0% (SE 2.1, d = 0.388) in the MCT group, and + 1.8% (SE 1.8, d = 0.699) in the HIT group (no significant difference between groups: 2.9% [95% CI, - 3.0 to 8.8]. PWV changed by + 0.1 m·s- 1 (SE 0.2, d = 0.087) in the MCT group but decreased by - 0.4 m·s- 1 in the HIT group (SE 0.2, d = 0.497), with significant difference between groups: - 0.4 [95% CI, - 0.2 to - 0.7]. There was not a significant difference in the prevalence of no-responder for FMD (%) between the MCT and HIT groups (66% versus 36%, P = 0.157). Regarding PWV (m·s- 1), an analysis showed that the prevalence of no-responder was 77% (7 cases) in the MCT group and 45% (5 cases) in the HIT group (P = 0.114). CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of the present study, both groups experienced changed in vascular function parameters. Compared to MCT group, HIT is more efficacious for improving FMD and decreasing PWV, in physically inactive adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02738385 registered on 23 March 2016.

Ideal Cardiovascular Health, Handgrip Strength, and Muscle Mass Among College Students: The FUPRECOL Adults Study.

Garcia-Hermoso, A, Correa-Bautista, JE, Izquierdo, M, Tordecilla-Sanders, A, Prieto-Benavides, D, Sandoval-Cuellar, C, González-Ruíz, K, and Ramírez-Vélez, R. Ideal cardiovascular health, handgrip strength, and muscle mass among college students: the FUPRECOL Adults study. J Strength Cond Res 33(3): 747-754, 2019-The American Heart Association established the 2020 Strategic Impact Goals to define the concept of ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) and the metrics needed to monitor it across populations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between handgrip strength, muscle mass, and ideal CVH among Colombian college students. Data from 1,835 college students were analyzed (1,128 female). Muscular strength was estimated using a hand-held dynamometer and normalized to body mass (normalized grip strength [NGS]). The percentage of body fat was determined for bioelectrical impedance analysis using tetrapolar whole-body impedance. Ideal CVH was defined as meeting the ideal levels of 4 behaviors (smoking, body mass index, physical activity, and diet adherence) and 3 factors (total cholesterol, fasting glucose, and blood pressure). Higher levels of NGS and muscle mass (relative to body mass) were associated with a higher number of ideal CVH metrics in both sexes (p for trend <0.001). For the total ideal CVH metrics scored on a continuous scale from 0 (all 7 poor) to 7 (all 7 ideal), a 1-metric increase was associated with reduced odds of weak NGS (33 and 36%) and low-medium muscle mass (28 and 34%) mass in men and women, respectively (all p < 0.001). This study indicates that in Colombian college students, both handgrip strength and muscle mass are positively associated with the ideal CVH metrics. To reduce the possible future public health burden of muscular weakness, health professionals need to encourage the public to optimize lifestyle-related risk factors during the young adult stage.

Muscle mass to visceral fat ratio is an important predictor of the metabolic syndrome in college students.

This study aimed to evaluate the associations between the muscle mass to visceral fat (MVF) ratio and cardiometabolic risk factors in a large population of college students in Colombia and to propose cut-off points of this index for the metabolic syndrome (MetS). A total of 1464 young adults recruited from the FUPRECOL (Asociación de la Fuerza Prensil con Manifestaciones Tempranas de Riesgo Cardiovascular en Jóvenes y Adultos Colombianos) study were categorised into four groups based on their MVF ratio. Muscle mass and visceral fat level of the participants were measured using a bioelectrical impedance analysis. Cardiometabolic risk factors including lifestyle characteristics, anthropometry, blood pressure and biochemical parameters were assessed. The prevalence of moderate to severe obesity, hypertension and the MetS was higher in subjects in quartile (Q)1 (lower MVF ratio) (P <0·001). ANCOVA revealed that the subjects in Q1 had higher cardiometabolic disturbances, including altered anthropometry, blood pressure, muscle strength and biochemical parameters after adjusting for age and sex compared with young adults in higher MVF ratio quartiles (P <0·001). Muscular mass and physical activity levels were significantly lower in subjects with a lower MVF ratio (P <0·001). The receiver operating characteristic curve analyses indicated that in men the best MVF ratio cut-off point for detecting the MetS was 18·0 (AUC 0·83, sensitivity 78 % and specificity 77 %) and for women, the MVF ratio cut-off point was 13·7 (AUC 0·85, sensitivity 76 % and specificity 87 %). A lower MVF ratio is associated with a higher risk cardiometabolic profile in early adulthood, supporting that the MVF ratio could be used as a complementary screening tool that may help clinicians identify young adults at high cardiometabolic risk.

Liver Fat Content and Body Fat Distribution in Youths with Excess Adiposity.

This study had two main objectives: To examine the association between body fat distribution and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver fat content, and to determine whether the relationship between NAFLD and regional body fat distribution, with respect to liver fat content in youths with excess adiposity, is independent of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and a healthy diet. Liver fat content (controlled attenuation parameter (CAP)), body fat distribution (body mass index (BMI) z-score, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, fat mass/height, body fat percentage, total fat mass, android-to-gynoid fat mass ratio, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and lean mass index, determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)), CRF (20-m shuttle-run test), and healthy diet (adherence to the Mediterranean diet by KIDMED questionnaire) were measured in 126 adolescents (66% girls) aged between 11 and 17 years. Participants were assigned to two groups according to the presence or absence of hepatic steatosis (CAP values ≥225 dB/m or <225 dB/m of liver fat, respectively). Considering the similar total fat values for the two groups (>30% by DXA), youths with NAFLD had higher fat distribution parameters than those without NAFLD, regardless of sex, age, puberty stage, lean mass index, CRF, and healthy diet (p < 0.01). In the non-NAFLD group, the association between hepatic fat and fat distribution parameters presented a similar pattern, although the association was statistically insignificant after adjusting for a potential confounding variable (ps > 0.05), except for the case of VAT. Body fat distribution parameters were higher in youths with NAFLD compared to those without NAFLD. Additionally, body fat distribution showed a significant association with liver fat content as assessed by CAP in youths with NAFLD independent of CRF and adherence to the Mediterranean diet, supporting the notion that upper body fat distribution might play a pivotal role in the development of NAFLD in adolescents. These results may have implications for the clinical management of youths with excess adiposity given the high prevalence of NAFLD in children and young adults.