Physical Activity, Gut Microbiota, and Genetic Background for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

It is estimated that one in 100 children worldwide has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children with ASD frequently suffer from gut dysbiosis and gastrointestinal issues, findings which possibly play a role in the pathogenesis and/or severity of their condition. Physical activity may have a positive effect on the composition of the intestinal microbiota of healthy adults. However, the effect of exercise both on the gastrointestinal problems and intestinal microbiota (and thus possibly on ASD) itself in affected children is unknown. In terms of understanding the physiopathology and manifestations of ASD, analysis of the gut-brain axis holds some promise. Here, we discuss the physiopathology of ASD in terms of genetics and microbiota composition, and how physical activity may be a promising non-pharmaceutical approach to improve ASD-related symptoms.

Which one? A comparative study of traditional and sports uniforms on academic achievement, cognitive performance, playtime, bullying, and discrimination in adolescents: The Cogni-Action Project.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare academic achievement, cognitive performance, playtime, bullying, and discrimination in adolescents according to traditional uniforms (TUs) and sports uniforms (SUs) worn at school, while simultaneously exploring the influence of the school vulnerability index. Methods: A total of 988 Chilean adolescents (52.6% boys) aged 10-14 years participated in this cross-sectional study. Academic achievement was evaluated by the average grade in maths, language, and science grades, while cognitive performance was assessed through eight cognitive tasks. TUs affecting physical activity, playtime, bullying, and discrimination were queried. Mixed model analyses were performed. Results: No differences were observed in academic achievement (TU: 5.4 ± 0.1 vs. SU: 5.5 ± 0.2, p = 0.785) or in cognitive performance (TU: 99.6 ± 0.8 vs. SU: 98.9 ± 1.8, p= 0.754) according to the school uniformtype. Moreover, 64.1 % of participants declared that wearing TU affects their physical activity (traditional uniforms: + 8 min and sports uniforms: + 20 min), and those who believed so spent more time playing than those who answered negatively (14.5 min, p = 0.012). Finally, adolescents wearing SU displayed a lower feeling of bullying and discrimination; this finding depended mainly on the school's vulnerability. Conclusion: It is concluded that wearing TU does not show an educational advantage at an academic and cognitive level that justifies its obligation. In addition, it could be suggested that schools consider adolescents' opinions in adopting a more comfortable uniform, such as the SU. This feasible and low-cost measure would help to increase adolescents' physical activity during the school day, and, contrary to belief, it would not be related to increased feelings of bullying and discrimination.

Perfil de composición corporal en militares élite chilenos / Body composition profile of elite Chilean military

RESUMEN: La Bioimpedancia Eléctrica (BIA), al ser una técnica no invasiva pero de elevada precisión, se ha convertido en la actualidad en una herramienta valiosa para determinar la composición corporal en militares, facilitado el control de las distintas variables que se asocian a cada especialidad. El objetivo del presente estudio fue describir el perfil de composición corporal en militares de elite al momento de finalizar un curso de especialización. Participaron 11 militares con un rango de edad entre 22 y 29 años. Se evalúo la composición corporal a través de BIA, inmediatamente después de finalizado un curso de especialización para militares de élite. Las evaluaciones en los militares sobre las variables de la composición corporal a través de BIA mostraron: peso corporal de 84,3 ± 4,52 kg, talla 1,78 ± 0,06 m, índice de masa corporal (IMC) 26,5 ± 1,09, tejido adiposo de 13,7 ± 3,65 %, tejido muscular 49,5 ± 2,34 %, masa libre de grasa 72,7 ± 5,23 kg y 53,2 ± 3,78 l de agua corporal total. Conclusiones: Los militares de elite presentaron elevados niveles de masa libre de grasa, tejido muscular y bajos niveles de tejido adiposo lo que favorece el desarrollo de las actividades militares especializadas y disminuye el riesgo de lesiones. Los datos aquí recogidos sirven como marco de referencia para futuros estudios.

SUMMARY: Electrical bioimpedance (BIA), being a non- invasive technique but with high precision, has become a valuable tool for determining body composition in the military, facilitating the control of the different variables associated with each specialty. The aim of the present study was to describe the body composition profile of elite military personnel at the end of a specialization course. Eleven military personnel between 22 and 29 years of age participated in the study. Body composition was assessed by BIA immediately after completion of a specialization course for elite military personnel. Assessments in the military on body composition variables through BIA showed: body weight of 84.3 ± 4.52 kg, height 1.78 ± 0.06 m, body mass index (BMI) 26.5 ± 1.09, adipose tissue of 13.7 ± 3.65 %, muscle tissue 49.5 ± 2.34 %, fat free mass 72.7 ± 5.23 kg and 53.2 ± 3.78 l of total body water. Conclusions: Elite military personnel presented high levels of fat free mass, muscle tissue and low levels of adipose tissue which favors the development of specialized military activities and decreases the risk of injury. The data collected here serve as a frame of reference for future studies.

Effects of a concurrent training protocol on body composition and phase angle in physically inactive young women: a quasi-experimental intervention study / Efectos de un protocolo de entrenamiento concurrente sobre la composición corporal y el ángulo de fase en mujeres jóvenes físicamente inactivas: un estudio de intervención cuasi-experimental

SUMMARY: To determine the effect of a concurrent training program on body composition and phase angle in young women. 38 women (19.26 ± 1.86 years) participated in the study, and were assigned according to convenience sampling into two groups: 11 into the control group (CG) and 27 into the intervention group (IG). The IG performed a 12-weeks concurrent training protocol. The frequency was five days a week, and the intensity was established in 40-60 % of a repetition maximum to strength exercise, and 40-65 % heart rate reserve to endurance exercise. Body composition and phase angle were evaluated by bioelectrical impedance before and after the intervention. The IG had a decrease in fat mass (pre = 24.66 ± 5.65 kg; post = 20.38 ± 4.20 kg; Cohen's d = .80; p< 0,001 [CI 95 % = 3.34,5.22]), and an increase in muscle mass (pre = 22.75 ± 3.23 kg; post: 23.50 ± 3.41 kg; Cohen's d = -0.86; p= <0,001[CI 95 % = -1.09,- 0.40]) and total phase angle (pre = 5.72º ±0.39; post: 6.24º ± 0.51; Cohen's d = -1.32; p=<0,001 [CI 95 % = -0.67,-0.36]), whereas the CG had not show significant variations in variables of body composition or total phase angle. The results suggest that a 12-weeks concurrent training program could modify positively the young women's body composition and phase angle. Hence, it is recommended using similar protocols to change variables related to young women's health.

RESUMEN: El objetivo fue determinar el efecto de un programa de entrenamiento concurrente sobre la composición corporal y el ángulo de fase en mujeres jóvenes. 38 mujeres (19.26 ± 1.86 años) participaron en el estudio, y fueron asignadas de acuerdo a un muestreo de conveniencia en dos grupos: 11 en el grupo control (CG) y 27 en el grupo de intervención (GI). El IG realizó un protocolo de entrenamiento concurrente de 12 semanas. La frecuencia fue de cinco días a la semana y la intensidad se estableció en 40-60 % una repetición máxima para el ejercicio de fuerza y 40-65 % de frecuencia cardíaca de reserva para ejercicio de resistencia. La composición corporal y el ángulo de fase se evaluaron mediante impedancia bioeléctrica antes y después de la intervención. El IG tuvo una disminución en la masa grasa (pre = 24.66 ± 5.65 kg; post = 20.38 ± 4.20 kg; d de Cohen = .80; p <0,001 [IC 95 % = 3.34,5.22]), y un aumento en la masa muscular (pre = 22,75 ± 3,23 kg; post: 23,50 ± 3,41 kg; d de Cohen = -0,86; p = <0,001 [IC 95 % = -1,09, -0,40]) y ángulo de fase total (pre = 5,72º ± 0,39; post: 6,24 º ± 0,51; d de Cohen = -1,32; p = <0,001 [IC 95 % = -0,67, -0,36]), mientras que el GC no mostró variaciones significativas en las variables de composición corporal o ángulo de fase total. Los resultados sugieren que un programa de entrenamiento concurrente de 12 semanas podría modificar positivamente la composición corporal y el ángulo de fase de mujeres jóvenes. Por lo tanto, se recomienda utilizar protocolos similares para mofificar variables relacionadas con la salud de mujeres jóvenes.

Effect of a Single Nutritional Intervention Previous to a Critical Period of Fat Gain in University Students with Overweight and Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: the present study aimed to investigate the effects of a single nutritional preventive session previous to a critical period linked to fat gain in university students with overweightness and obesity, emulating a nutritional session of a public health system. METHODS: In this single-blind randomized controlled trial, 23 students met all the criteria to be included (20.91 ± 2.52-year-old; 52.2% women) who were divided into two groups: intervention group (IG) and control group (CG). Fat mass (FM) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), physical activity by accelerometry, feeding evaluation through three questionnaires, and a set of healthy lifestyle recommendations were evaluated before and after the national holidays (NH). RESULTS: Our findings showed that FM increased significantly in the CG, but not in the IG (CG = 428.1 g; IG = 321.9 g; Δ = 106.2 g; p = 0.654 [95% CI = -379.57, 591.92]). However, no differences were found during the NH between them (Hedges' g effect size = 0.19; p = 0.654). In addition, no statistical differences were observed between groups in feeding evaluations, the set of recommendations performed, and physical activity. CONCLUSION: a single preventive session before a critical period, using a similar counselling approach as used in the public health system, might not be enough to promote changes in eating and physical activity patterns and preventing fat gain in overweight/obese university students. Long-term interventions are a must.

The Mediation Effect of Self-Report Physical Activity Patterns in the Relationship between Educational Level and Cognitive Impairment in Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Chilean Health National Survey 2016-2017.

The aims of this cross-sectional study were (i) to determine the association of educational level attained with cognitive impairment and (ii) to investigate the mediating effect of different self-report physical activity (PA) patterns in a large sample of older Chileans. A sample of 1571 older adults from the National Chilean Survey (2016-2017) was included. The educational level attained, PA levels, mode of commuting, sedentary time, and leisure-time PA were self-reported through validated questionnaires. Cognitive impairment was determined by Mini-Mental State Examination (modified version). Association between educational level attained and cognitive impairment was examined using logistic regression models. Counterfactual mediation models were used to test the mediating effect of self-reported PA patterns. A lower educational level was consistently associated with higher odds of cognitive impairment (OR range 2.846 to 2.266, all p < 0.001), while leisure-time PA was the only PA pattern that partially mediated this association (proportion mediated 8.0%). In conclusion, leisure-time PA was the solely PA pattern that partially mediated the association between the educational level and cognitive impairment. The rest self-reported PA patterns did not modify this association.

Association of Sedentary Behavior with Brain Structure and Intelligence in Children with Overweight or Obesity: The ActiveBrains Project.

We investigated the associations of different sedentary behaviors (SB) with gray matter volume and we tested whether SB related to gray matter volume is associated with intelligence. METHODS: 99 children with overweight or obesity aged 8-11 years participated in this cross-sectional study. SB was measured using the Youth Activity Profile-Spain questionnaire. T1-weighted images were acquired with a 3.0 T Magnetom Tim Trio system. Intelligence was assessed with the Kaufman Brief Test. Whole-brain voxel-wise multiple regression models were used to test the associations of each SB with gray matter volume. RESULTS: Watching TV was associated with lower gray matter volume in six brain regions (ß ranging -0.314 to -0.489 and cluster size 106 to 323 voxels; p < 0.001), playing video games in three brain regions (ß ranging -0.391 to -0.359, and cluster size 96 to 461 voxels; p < 0.001) and total sedentary time in two brain regions (ß ranging -0.341 to -0.352, and cluster size 897 to 2455 voxels; p < 0.001). No brain regions showed a significant positive association (all p > 0.05). Two brain regions were related, or borderline related, to intelligence. CONCLUSIONS: SB could have the potential to negatively influence brain structure and, in turn, intelligence in children with overweight/obesity.

Study protocol and rationale of the "Cogni-action project" a cross-sectional and randomized controlled trial about physical activity, brain health, cognition, and educational achievement in schoolchildren.

BACKGROUND: Education and health are crucial topics for public policies as both largely determine the future wellbeing of the society. Currently, several studies recognize that physical activity (PA) benefits brain health in children. However, most of these studies have not been carried out in developing countries or lack the transference into the education field. The Cogni-Action Project is divided into two stages, a cross-sectional study and a crossover-randomized trial. The aim of the first part is to establish the associations of PA, sedentarism, and physical fitness with brain structure and function, cognitive performance and academic achievement in Chilean schoolchildren (10-13 years-old). The aim of the second part is to determinate the acute effects of three PA protocols on neuroelectric indices during a working memory and a reading task. METHODS: PA and sedentarism will be self-reported and objectively-assessed with accelerometers in a representative subsample, whilst physical fitness will be evaluated through the ALPHA fitness test battery. Brain structure and function will be assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a randomized subsample. Cognitive performance will be assessed through the NeuroCognitive Performance Test, and academic achievement by school grades. In the second part 32 adolescents (12-13 year-old) will be cross-over randomized to these condition (i) "Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training" (MICT), (ii) "Cooperative High-Intensity Interval Training" (C-HIIT), and (iii) Sedentary condition. Neuroelectric indices will be measures by electroencephalogram (EEG) and eye-tracking, working memory by n-back task and reading comprehension by a reading task. DISCUSSION: The main strength of this project is that, to our knowledge, this is the first study analysing the potential association of PA, sedentarism, and physical fitness on brain structure and function, cognitive performance, and academic achievement in a developing country, which presents an important sociocultural gap. For this purpose, this project will use advanced technologies in neuroimaging (MRI), electrophysiology (EEG), and eye-tracking, as well as objective and quality measurements of several physical and cognitive health outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03894241 Date of register: March 28, 2019. Retrospectively Registered.

Passive Commuting and Higher Sedentary Time Is Associated with Vitamin D Deficiency in Adult and Older Women: Results from Chilean National Health Survey 2016⁻2017.

The aim was to investigate the associations between different physical activity (PA) patterns and sedentary time (ST) with vitamin D deficiency (<12 ng/mL) in a large sample of Chilean women. In this cross-sectional study, the final sample included 1245 adult and 686 older women. The PA levels, mode of commuting, ST, and leisure-time PA were self-reported. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as <12 ng/mL and insufficiency as <20 ng/mL. A higher ST was associated with vitamin D deficiency (odds ratio (OR): 2.4, 95%: 1.6⁻4.3) in adults, and passive commuting was associated with vitamin D deficiency in older (OR: 1.7, 95%: 1.1⁻2.7). Additionally, we found a joint association in the high ST/passive commuting group in adults (OR: 2.8, 95%: 1.6⁻4.9) and older (OR: 2.8, 95%: 1.5⁻5.2) with vitamin D deficiency, in respect to low ST/active commuting. The PA levels and leisure-time PA were not associated with vitamin D deficiency. In conclusion, mode of commuting and ST seems important variables related to vitamin D deficiency. Promoting a healthy lifestyle appears important also for vitamin D levels in adult and older women. Further studies are needed to establish causality of this association and the effect of vitamin D deficiency in different diseases in this population.

Características antropométricas, composición corporal y somatotipo en tenistas ITF elite juniors sudamericanos / Anthropometric characteristics, body composition and somatotype in elite junior ITF tennis players from South America

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar las características antropométricas, composición corporal y somatotipo en tenistas varones elite juniors sudamericanos de la Federación Internacional de Tenis. Participaron 25 jugadores de 17,04 ± 1,05 años. La composición corporal se evaluó con el perfil restringido de 25 variables propuesto por Kerr en base al método pentacompartimental, el cual fracciona el cuerpo en 5 componentes (tejidos: muscular, adiposo, óseo, residual, y piel). El somatotipo se identificó con el método de Heath y Carter. Para la evaluación se utilizaron las normas propuestas por La Sociedad Internacional para el Avance de la Cineantropometría (ISAK) y el Grupo Español de Cineantropometría (GREC). El porcentaje de tejido muscular fue de 47,65 ± 2,83 %, tejido adiposo de 23,23 ± 3,56 %, y tejido óseo de 11,79 ± 1,56 % con un índice músculoóseo(IMO) de 4,09 ± 0,50. En cuanto al somatotipo se apreció una clasificación de tipo mesomorfo balanceado con valores de 2,5 ± 0,81 de endomorfia, 4,9 ± 0,66 de mesomorfia, y 2,7 ± 0,96 de ectomorfia. El grupo de tenistas presentó un predominio del componente mesomorfia con un equilibrio entre los componentes endomorfia y ectomorfia con características de composición corporal similares a las encontradas en la literatura. El presente estudio entrega datos referenciales sobre las características antropométricas en tenistas sudamericanos nivel elite categoría junior.

The objective of the study was to determine the anthropometric characteristics, body composition and somatotype in male elite junior tennis players from the International Tennis Federation (ITF). Twenty five players of 17.04 ± 1.05 years participated. The body composition was evaluated with the restricted profile of 25 variables proposed by Kerr based on the pent compartmental method, which divided the body into 5 components (tissues: muscle, adipose, bone, residual, and skin). The somatotype was identified with the Heath and Carter method. For the evaluation, the norms proposed by the International Society for the Advancement of Cineanthropometry (ISAK) and the Spanish Group of Cineanthropometry (GREC) were used. The percentage of muscle tissue was 47.65 ± 2.83 %, adipose tissue of 23.23 ± 3.56 %, and bone tissue of 11.79 ± 1.56 % with a muscle-osseous index (IMO) of 4.09 ± 0.50. Regarding somatotype, a balanced mesomorphic classification was observed with values of 2.5 ± 0.81 of endomorphy, 4.9 ± 0.66 of mesomorphy, and 2.7 ± 0.96 of ectomorphy. The group of tennis players presented a predominance of the mesomorphy component with a balance between the components endomorphy and ectomorphy with characteristics of body composition similar to those found in the literature. The present study provides referential data on the anthropometric characteristics in South American tennis players elite junior category.