Fitness and fatness in children and adolescents: investigating their role in the association between physical activity and cardiometabolic health.

To verify the role of the combination of fitness and fatness in the relationship between physical activity (PA) and cardiometabolic risk in children and adolescents. This is a cross-sectional study performed with 2786 children and adolescents (6 to 17 years). Fitness was determined by the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) six-minute walking and running test. Waist circumference (WC) was considered a fatness indicator. A selfreported questionnaire was used to determine PA practice, whereas the clustered cardiometabolic risk score (cMetS) was calculated by summing z-scores of triglycerides, total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio, systolic blood pressure, glucose, and WC. Considering the combination of CRF (fitness) and WC (fatness), the following phenotypes were created: Fit/Unfat, Fit/Fat, Unfit/Unfat and Unfit/Fat. Moderation analyses were tested using linear regression models. Significant interactions were found between PA and Unfit/Fat category (ß = -0.001; p = 0.001) only for adolescents. The interaction observed in the Unfit/Fat phenotype indicated that adolescents who practise PA for 330 minutes per week presented lower cMetS compared to those who do not practise or practise for 60 minutes respectively. The combination of fitness and fatness moderates the relationship between PA and cardiometabolic risk, suggesting that adolescents, particularly those who are less fit and present high adiposity, should be encouraged to engage in regular PA to improve their metabolic health.

Unveiling the relationship of physical literacy with muscular fitness and muscle-strengthening activities in adolescents: the EHDLA study.

Objective: This study evaluated the relationship between physical literacy (PL) and muscular fitness (MF) as well as muscle-strengthening activities (MSA) in adolescents. Methods: A secondary cross-sectional study included 823 adolescents (45.1% boys) from the Eating Healthy and Daily Life Activities Study. The Spanish Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument for Adolescents (S-PPLI) assessed the participants' perceived PL. The evaluation of MF in the young population was conducted using the Assessing the Levels of Physical Activity and Fitness (ALPHA-FIT) test battery. MSA were assessed by the following question: 'In the past week, how many days did you exercise to strengthen or tone the muscle, such as through push-ups, sit-ups or lifting weights?' To examine the associations between S-PPLI scores and handgrip strength, standing long jump and MSA days in adolescents, we employed generalised additive models. Results: Participants with high perceived physical literacty (PPL) had the highest handgrip strength (mean=25.1; PPL had the highest handgrip strength (mean=25.1; bias-corrected and accelerated (BCa) bootstrapped 95% CI 24.2 to 26.0) and standing long jump (mean=149.7; confidence interval (CI) 24.2 to 26.0) and standing long jump (mean=149.7; 24.2 to 26.0) and standing long jump (mean=149.7; BCa bootstrapped 95% CI 145.8 to 153.5). Conversely, those adolescents with low PPL had the lowest handgrip strength (mean=23.1; BCa bootstrapped 95% CI 22.3 to 23.8) and standing long jump (mean=137.3; BCa bootstrapped 95% CI 133.9 to 140.6). For MSA, adolescents with high PPL had the highest mean of MSA days (mean=3.0; BCa bootstrapped 95% CI 2.8 to 3.3), while the lowest mean was observed for those with low PPL (mean=2.0; BCa bootstrapped 95% CI 1.8 to 2.2). Conclusion: A high level of PL was associated with higher levels of MF and MSA among Spanish adolescents.

Efficacy of school-based interventions for improving muscular fitness outcomes in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The World Health Organization recommends that children should engage in an average of 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day and should perform activities that strengthen muscle and bone at least 3 days a week. Public health professionals as well as pediatric researchers have identified schools as a strategic place to promote muscular strength development. Thus, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the efficacy of school-based exercise interventions for improving muscular fitness (MF) in children. Searches were conducted in three databases. Eligible criteria were randomized and non-randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of school-based exercise interventions on MF (i.e. muscular strength, muscular power, and local muscular endurance) in children under 13 years of age. Risk of bias by the National Institutes of Health tool was appraised, and pooled effect sizes (Hedges'g) were calculated using random-effects inverse-variance analyses. Seventeen studies enrolling 1653 children (28% girls were analyzed). Exercise interventions, mostly combined interventions targeting selected domains of MF, were associated with significant moderate increases in local muscular endurance (g = 0.65 95% CI, 0.13 to 1.17, p = 0.020; I2 = 85.0%) and muscular strength and muscular power (g = 0.33 95% CI, 0.16 to 0.51, p = 0.001; I2 = 59.3%), with higher effects using interventions with ≥3 sessions per week. Our findings indicate that school-based exercise that includes strength building exercises may improve MF in children and, consequently, prepare modern day youth for the demands of exercise and sport activities. HighlightsSchool-based muscle and bone strengthening exercises performed at least 3 days per week may serve to support the development of muscular fitness in girls and boysIntegrative interventions that include a variety of strength and conditioning activities seem to be a promising strategy to promote muscular fitness in school environmentFuture research should standardize assessment methods for use with children in the school context and should include interventions with girlsIt is of interest to a growing number of health care providers, fitness professionals and physical education teachers to encourage participation in well-designed muscle and bone strengthening exercises.

From pregnancy to breastfeeding: adequate maternal body mass index is essential to prevent a high body mass index in your children.

OBJECTIVES: To verify the associations between prenatal and perinatal factors with offspring body mass index (BMI) and the moderator role of maternal BMI in this relationship. METHODS: Cross-sectional study developed with 1,562 children and adolescents aged between 6 and 17 years, as well as their mothers, from southern Brazil. The prenatal and perinatal factors, weight, and height for the calculation of maternal BMI were self-reported. For the calculation of BMI, weight and height of the child/adolescent were measured on an anthropometric scale with a coupled stadiometer. Linear regression models were used for the moderation analysis. All analyzes were adjusted for the mother's and child's age, sex, sexual maturation, skin color/race, and educational level. RESULTS: cesarean as type of delivery (ß=0.66; 95% CI=0.22 1.04; p=0.002) and pregnancy complications (ß=0.60; 95% CI=0.15 1.04; p=0.002) were positively associated with offspring BMI. Schoolchildren who were breastfed for 4-6 months showed -0.56 kg/m2 of BMI (95% CI=-1.06-0.06; p=0.02). Birth weight was also associated with BMI, with low weight being inversely (ß=-0.59; 95% CI=-1.03-0.15; p=0.008), while overweight was positively related (ß=0.84; 95% CI=0.08 1.60; p=0.02). The moderation analysis indicated a positive interaction between the mother's BMI and cesarean, pregnancy complications, and smoking with the offspring's BMI. On the other hand, there was an inverse association between breastfeeding from 7 to 12 months and the offspring BMI, only in mothers with high BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Adequate maternal BMI is essential to prevent a high BMI in their children, especially when considering the influence of prenatal and perinatal risk factors.

Supervised Exercise Immediately After Bariatric Surgery: the Study Protocol of the EFIBAR Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have investigated weight loss caused by exercise following bariatric surgery. However, in most cases, the training program is poorly reported; the exercise type, volume, and intensity are briefly mentioned; and the sample size, selection criteria, and follow-up time vary greatly across studies. PURPOSE: The EFIBAR study aims to investigate over 1 year the effects of a 16-week supervised exercise program, initiated immediately after bariatric surgery, on weight loss (primary outcome), body composition, cardiometabolic risk, physical fitness, and quality of life in patients with severe/extreme obesity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The EFIBAR study is a parallel-group, superiority, randomized controlled trial (RCT), comprising 80 surgery patients. Half of the participants, randomly selected, perform a 16-week supervised exercise program, including both strength and aerobic training, starting immediately after the surgery (7-14 days). For each participant, all primary and secondary outcomes are measured at three different time points: (i) before the surgery, (ii) after the intervention (≈4 months), and (iii) 1 year after the surgery. CONCLUSION: The EFIBAR study will provide new insights into the multidimensional benefits of exercise in adults with severe/extreme obesity following bariatric surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: EFIBAR randomized controlled trial was prospectively registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03497546) on April 13, 2018.

Mediation role of residential density on the association between perceived environmental factors and active commuting to school in Brazilian adolescents.

The objective of this study was to verify whether residential density and connectivity between streets are mediators on the association between perceived environmental factors and active commuting to school (ACS) in Brazilian adolescents. This is a cross-sectional study with a random sample of 1,130 adolescents (52.7% girls) aged between 14 to 20 years, from Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Adolescents' self-reported their usual mode of commuting to and from school using a questionnaire and the perceived environmental attributes by Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale for Youth (NEWS-Y). Residential density and connectivity between streets were measured by gographic information systems (GIS), within 1km road network buffers around the participant's residential address. Regression models were fitted according to mediation analyses procedures. The results showed that residential density is a mediator on the association between ACS and perceived environmental factors, including land-use mix diversity (IE = 0.114; 95%CI: 0.130, 0.311; 32% mediation), neighborhood recreation facilities (IE = 0.064; 95%CI: 0.034, 0.105; 15% mediation), and access to services (IE = 0.045; 95%CI: 0.006, 0.104; 14% mediation). Connectivity between streets did not correlate with ACS, thus it was not tested in the mediation model. In conclusion, residential density is a mediator on the relationship between perceived environmental factors and ACS.

Relationship between Sedentary Time, Physical Activity, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Spanish Children.

Higher sedentary time and lower physical activity (PA) are associated with a poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children. The aims of this study were: (1) to analyze the sedentary time, objectively measured PA levels (light, moderate, vigorous, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)), and HRQoL dimensions (physical well-being, emotional well-being, self-esteem, family, friends, school, and total score) in children; and (2) to examine the association between sedentary time, PA levels, and HRQoL in children separately by sex. A total of 459 children (8.4 ± 0.4 years old, 50.54% males) from 15 schools in Granada (Spain) participated in the study. A tri-axial accelerometer was used to measure PA levels in the children for 7 consecutive days. The Revidierter KINDer Lebensqualitätsfragebogen (KINDL-R) questionnaire was used to determine the children's HRQoL dimensions. The results showed that males presented more minutes engaged in MVPA than females. Both sedentary time and PA levels were associated with self-esteem and total score (all p < 0.05). In males, moderate and vigorous PA levels were associated with higher HRQoL, whereas light PA was associated with higher HRQoL in females. Future studies should take into account the use of activities with difference intensities in order to increase HRQoL in males and females.

A School-Based Randomized Controlled Trial to Promote Cycling to School in Adolescents: The PACO Study.

This manuscript describes the rationale and protocol of a school-based randomized controlled trial called "Cycling and Walk to School" (PACO, by its Spanish acronym) that aims to promote cycling to and from school and physical activity (PA) in adolescents. This study will examine the effects of this intervention in cycling and active commuting to and from school (ACS), PA and several ACS-related factors based on self-determination theory (SDT) and a social-ecological model (SEM). A total of 360 adolescents attending six high schools (three experimental and three control) from three Spanish cities will participate in this randomized controlled trial. The intervention (four cycling sessions; 1-2 h per session, one session per week) will be conducted by the research staff; the control group will continue their usual activities. PA levels will be measured by accelerometers, whereas ACS and the other study variables will be self-reported using questionnaires at baseline and post-intervention. The primary outcomes will be: rates of cycling to school, ACS and PA levels. In addition, SDT-related variables and individual, interpersonal, community, and environment variables relevant to ACS will be based on SEM. The findings will provide a comprehensive understanding of the short-term effects of this school-based intervention on cycling to school behaviour, ACS and PA levels in Spanish adolescents.

School-based interventions modestly increase physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness but are least effective for youth who need them most: an individual participant pooled analysis of 20 controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if subpopulations of students benefit equally from school-based physical activity interventions in terms of cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity. To examine if physical activity intensity mediates improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness. DESIGN: Pooled analysis of individual participant data from controlled trials that assessed the impact of school-based physical activity interventions on cardiorespiratory fitness and device-measured physical activity. PARTICIPANTS: Data for 6621 children and adolescents aged 4-18 years from 20 trials were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Peak oxygen consumption (VO2Peak mL/kg/min) and minutes of moderate and vigorous physical activity. RESULTS: Interventions modestly improved students' cardiorespiratory fitness by 0.47 mL/kg/min (95% CI 0.33 to 0.61), but the effects were not distributed equally across subpopulations. Girls and older students benefited less than boys and younger students, respectively. Students with lower levels of initial fitness, and those with higher levels of baseline physical activity benefitted more than those who were initially fitter and less active, respectively. Interventions had a modest positive effect on physical activity with approximately one additional minute per day of both moderate and vigorous physical activity. Changes in vigorous, but not moderate intensity, physical activity explained a small amount (~5%) of the intervention effect on cardiorespiratory fitness. CONCLUSIONS: Future interventions should include targeted strategies to address the needs of girls and older students. Interventions may also be improved by promoting more vigorous intensity physical activity. Interventions could mitigate declining youth cardiorespiratory fitness, increase physical activity and promote cardiovascular health if they can be delivered equitably and their effects sustained at the population level.

Active commuting to school among 36,781 Spanish children and adolescents: A temporal trend study.

This study examines trends in the rates of active commuting to school (ACS) in Spanish children (n = 18 343; 8.93 ± 1.68) and adolescents (n = 18 438; 14.11 ± 1.58) aged 6-18 years from 2010 to 2017. Given the study period included the economic crisis in Spain (2008-2013), the second aim of this study was to compare ACS rates during and after the economic crisis. Data were obtained from 28 studies conducted across Spain. The overall trends in ACS were evaluated using multilevel logistic regression analysis. Among Spanish children and adolescents, the rates of ACS to school ranged around 60% between 2010 and 2017. The rates of ACS in Spanish youth did not change significantly during the 2010-2017 period, except a sporadic increase in the rate of ACS in adolescents in 2012-2013. No significant association between the ACS and the economic crisis time period in youth was found. As conclusion, the ACS remains stable in Spain during the last decade, which is a promising result regarding the evidenced decreasing trend in many countries. Further educational and policy strategies are important to continue promoting this behavior in children and adolescents in the long term.

Feasibility and reliability of the Spanish version of the Youth Activity Profile questionnaire (YAP-Spain) in children and adolescents.

Considerable public health efforts across the globe have focused on promoting physical activity (PA) and minimizing sedentary behaviour (SB) in youths. However, it is important to have valid, reliable and feasible methods to assess these behaviours in youths. The purpose of this study was to analyse the feasibility and reliability of the Spanish version of the previously validated Youth Activity Profile questionnaire (YAP) in children and adolescents. The YAP-S is a 15-item self-report instrument designed to capture PA and SB in youths. A total of 604 children (5-12 years old) and 346 adolescents (12-17 years old) filled out the questionnaire twice (14 days apart). Feasibility was evaluated through required time and number of misunderstood questions by participants. The test-retest reliability was examined using the weighted kappa coefficient (κ) and intraclass correlation coefficient. The average time to complete the questionnaire was 28.85 ± 14.28 and 12.24 ± 9.84 minutes in children and adolescents, respectively. No misunderstanding of questions was reported. The questionnaire showed an adequate reliability for activity at school, out-of-school and sedentary behaviours (k = 0.61-0.77; ICC = 0.77-0.89) in children and adolescents. The YAP-S might be considered a feasible and reliable questionnaire for assessing PA and SB in Spanish children and adolescents.

Mediation role of residential density on the association between perceived environmental factors and active commuting to school in Brazilian adolescents / O papel de mediação da densidade residencial na associação entre fatores ambientais percebidos e deslocamento ativo à escola em adolescentes brasileiros / El papel mediador de la densidad poblacional en la asociación entre los factores ambientales percibidos y el desplazamiento activo a la escuela en adolescentes brasileños

Abstract: The objective of this study was to verify whether residential density and connectivity between streets are mediators on the association between perceived environmental factors and active commuting to school (ACS) in Brazilian adolescents. This is a cross-sectional study with a random sample of 1,130 adolescents (52.7% girls) aged between 14 to 20 years, from Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Adolescents' self-reported their usual mode of commuting to and from school using a questionnaire and the perceived environmental attributes by Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale for Youth (NEWS-Y). Residential density and connectivity between streets were measured by gographic information systems (GIS), within 1km road network buffers around the participant's residential address. Regression models were fitted according to mediation analyses procedures. The results showed that residential density is a mediator on the association between ACS and perceived environmental factors, including land-use mix diversity (IE = 0.114; 95%CI: 0.130, 0.311; 32% mediation), neighborhood recreation facilities (IE = 0.064; 95%CI: 0.034, 0.105; 15% mediation), and access to services (IE = 0.045; 95%CI: 0.006, 0.104; 14% mediation). Connectivity between streets did not correlate with ACS, thus it was not tested in the mediation model. In conclusion, residential density is a mediator on the relationship between perceived environmental factors and ACS.

Resumo: O estudo teve como objetivo verificar se a densidade residencial e a conectividade entre ruas são mediadores da associação entre fatores ambientais percebidos e deslocamento ativo casa-escola (DAE) em adolescentes brasileiros. Foi um estudo transversal com uma amostra randomizada de 1.130 adolescentes (52,7% do sexo feminino) entre 14 e 20 anos de idade, de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Os adolescentes informaram seu modo de deslocamento casa-escola (ida e volta) através de um questionário, além dos atributos ambientais percebidos, de acordo com a Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale for Youth (NEWS-Y). A densidade residencial e a conectividade entre ruas foram medidas por sistemas de informação geográfica (SIG), dentro de um raio de 1km da rede viária em torno do endereço residencial do participante. Foram ajustados modelos de regressão de acordo com os procedimentos para análises de mediação. Os resultados mostraram que a densidade residencial é um mediador da associação entre os fatores ambientais percebidos e o DAE, inclusive a diversidade do uso do solo (EI = 0,114; IC95%: 0,130, 0,311; 32% de mediação), infraestrutura para atividades de lazer na vizinhança (EI = 0,064; IC95%: 0,034, 0,105; 15% de mediação) e acesso a serviços (EI = 0,045; IC95%: 0,006, 0,104; 14% de mediação). A conectividade entre ruas não mostrou correlação com DAE, portanto não foi testado no modelo de mediação. Conclui-se que a densidade residencial é um mediador da relação entre fatores ambientais percebidos e DAE.

Resumen: El objetivo fue verificar si la densidad poblacional y la conectividad entre calles son mediadores en la asociación entre los factores ambientales percibidos y el desplazamiento activo a la escuela (DAE) en adolescentes brasileños. Se trata de un estudio transversal, con una muestra aleatoria de 1.130 adolescentes (52,7% chicas), con una edad comprendida entre los 14 y los 20 años de edad, de Porto Alegre, Río Grande do Sul, Brasil. Los adolescentes autoinformaron su modo habitual de desplazamiento "a" y "desde" la escuela, usando un cuestionario y las características ambientales percibidas mediante el Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale for Youth (NEWS-Y). La densidad poblacional y conectividad entre las calles se midieron mediante los sistemas de información geográfica (GIS), dentro de una red vial delimitada por un radio de 1km alrededor de la dirección residencial del participante. Los modelos de regresión se ajustaron según los procedimientos para el análisis de mediación. Los resultados mostraron que la densidad poblacional es un a mediador en la asociación entre los factores ambientales percibidos y la DAE, incluyendo el uso del suelo para diversos fines (EI = 0,114; IC95%: 0,130, 0,311; 32% mediación), instalaciones recreativas en el barrio (EI = 0,064; IC95%: 0,034, 0,105; 15% mediación), y acceso a los servicios (EI = 0,045; IC95%: 0,006, 0,104; 14% mediación). Conectividad entre calles que no mostraron correlación con DAE, por consiguiente, no fue probado en el modelo de mediación. En conclusión, la densidad poblacional es un mediador en la relación entre los factores ambientales percibidos con DAE.

Psychometric Characteristics of a Commuting-to-School Behaviour Questionnaire for Families.

The purposes of this study were: (a) to describe the patterns of modes of commuting to school (children) and to work (parents) separated by gender and age, (b) to validate the questions on children's mode of commuting to and from school according to their parents, and (c) to analyse the reliability of a family questionnaire focused on commuting to school behaviours. A total of 611 parents (mean age: 43.28 ± 6.25 years old) from Granada (Spain) completed "Family commuting-to-school behaviour" questionnaire in two sessions separated by 14 days, (2016 and 2018). The validation between family and children's questions was assessed using the Kappa and Spearman correlation coefficients, and the test-retest reliability within the family questions was assessed using the Kappa and the weighted Kappa. The children's modes of commuting to school (mean age: 11.44 ± 2.77 years old) were mainly passive (57.7% to school) while parents' modes of commuting to work were mainly active (71.6%). The validity of the mode of commuting was significant with high Kappa and Spearman coefficients. The test-retest reliability presented a good agreement for the mode of commuting to school in children, distance and time to school, and the mode of commuting to work in parents, while the questions on acceptable distance to walk or cycle to school showed a moderate to good agreement. The "Family commuting-to-school behaviour" questionnaire could be a useful tool to assess the mode of commuting of children, distance and time to school for researchers and practitioners.

Prevalence of Injuries in Exercise Programs Based on Crossfit®, Cross Training and High-Intensity Functional Training Methodologies: A Systematic Review.

Current literature shows studies that question the safety of the practices carried out in high-intensity training modalities such as CrossFit®, Cross Training or High-Intensity Functional Training, which may lead to a greater risk in the prevalence of injuries. The aim of this study was to analyze in detail the prevalence of injuries occurring in training based on the CrossFit®, Cross Training or High-Intensity Functional Training modalities, through a systematic review, as well as evaluating the methodological quality of the included studies. We used the recommendations of the PRISMA protocol. For the quality analysis of the studies, we applied the tool proposed by the National Institute of Health (United States). The areas that mainly present a higher risk of injury during CrossFit, Cross Training or High-Intensity Functional Training practices are shoulders, knees and back. Additionally, 11 of the 12 included studies displayed a poor methodological quality according to the quality tool used.

Metabolic Syndrome and Its Associated Factors in Older Adults: A Secondary Analysis of SABE Colombia in 2015.

Background: Understanding the metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence at the national level is important to develop effective programs and strategies to prevent and control MetS. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of MetS according to gender and aging stage, and its association with potential factors in older individuals ≥60 years of age in Colombia. Methods: The data for this study came from a secondary cross-sectional, nationally representative SABE study Survey on Health, Well-Being, and Aging in Colombia, 2015. A total of 1637 participants (60.7% women, 70.5 ± 7.9 years) from 86 Colombian municipalities participated. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demography, lifestyle, and self-report medical conditions. Measurements included anthropometric (weight, waist circumference, body mass index), sarcopenia "proxy" status (calf circumference) handgrip strength levels, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose, and blood pressure. Univariate and multiple regression models were established as part of the main analysis. Results: Using the harmonized Joint Scientific Statement criteria, MetS was present in 54.9% of the study population, with a higher prevalence among females than males (59.8% vs. 47.3%). Individuals who were cigarette smokers (odds ratio [OR] = 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0-2.4; P = 0.034), female gender (OR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.0-1.8; P = 0.020), and sarcopenia "proxy" (OR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.0-2.5; P = 0.026) were more likely to have a higher prevalence estimate of MetS, after controlling for relevant covariates. Conclusions: Overall prevalence of MetS among older adults in Colombia is high. Smoking, female gender, and sarcopenia "proxy" status are associated with MetS. These results suggested that MetS is still a serious public burden in Colombia, and screening for promotion of healthy lifestyle and nutrition counseling should be offered routinely in old age.

Feasibility and Reliability of a Questionnaire to Assess the Mode, Frequency, Distance and Time of Commuting to and from School: The PACO Study.

Active commuting to and from school has several health implications. Self-reporting is the most common assessment tool, but there is a high heterogeneity of questionnaires in the scientific literature. The purpose of this study was to analyse the feasibility and reliability of the Spanish "New Version of Mode and Frequency of Commuting To and From School" questionnaire in children and adolescents. A total of 635 children (5-12 years old) and 362 adolescents (12-18 years old) filled out the questionnaire twice (14 days apart). Feasibility was evaluated using an observational checklist. The test-retest reliability of the "New Version of Mode and Frequency of Commuting To and From School" questionnaire and the distance and time to school were examined using the kappa and weight kappa coefficient (κ). No misunderstanding of questions was reported. The time to complete the questionnaire was 15 ± 3.62 and 9 ± 2.26 min for children and adolescents, respectively. The questionnaire showed substantial and almost perfect kappa coefficients for the overall six items (k = 0.61-0.94) in children and adolescents. The "New Version of Mode and Frequency of Commuting To and From School" questionnaire is a feasible and reliable questionnaire in Spanish children and adolescents.

Dance Fitness Classes Improve the Health-Related Quality of Life in Sedentary Women.

This study aims to analyze the effect of two dance-focused and choreographic fitness classes on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in sedentary worker women. Methods: 65 sedentary middle-aged worker women (38 ± 7.3 years old) completed a 16-week intervention randomly assigned to: (1) dance fitness group based on Zumba Fitness classes (DF group, n = 25)], (2) dance fitness + functional strength training group (DFFT group, n = 20), and (3) control group (n = 20). HRQoL was assessed by the 36-Item Short-Form Health-Survey (SF-36), which evaluates 8 dimensions of health [General Health (GH), Physical Functioning (PF), Social Functioning (SF), Physical Role (PR), Emotional Role (ER), Bodily Pain (BP), Vitality (V), and Mental Health (MH)] scored from 0 (worst) to 100 (best health status). Results: The control group statistically differed from both exercise groups in PF and PR, and from the DF group in SF and MH showing a lower score. No statistical differences were observed between exercise groups post-intervention, except in V. DF group showed increases in GH, PF, SF, V, PR, and MH post-intervention. Conclusion: A 16-week dance fitness intervention based on Zumba Fitness classes generates notable improvements in a wide range of HRQoL dimensions in sedentary middle-aged worker women, especially in V, PR and MH dimensions.

Health-Related Physical Fitness Benefits in Sedentary Women Employees after an Exercise Intervention with Zumba Fitness®.

Background: The protective properties of high physical fitness levels on health are manifest independently of age, sex, fatness, smoking, alcohol consumption, and other clinical factors. However, women are less active than men, which contributes to low physical fitness and a high risk of CVD. Thus, the objective of this study is to analyze the effect of two exercise interventions on health-related physical fitness in sedentary employed females. Methods: A total of 98 physically inactive adult women were randomly assigned to 3 study groups: the control group (CG) = 31, the endurance training group based on Zumba Fitness® classes (ET; n = 39), and the concurrent training group that had an extra muscle-strengthening workout after the Zumba Fitness® class (CnT; n = 28). Body composition (BMI, waist circumference), motor fitness (one-leg stand test), musculoskeletal fitness (shoulder-neck mobility, handgrip strength test, jump and reach test, and dynamic sit-up test), and cardiorespiratory fitness (2-km test and estimated VO2 max) were assessed with the ALPHA-Fit test battery for adults. Results: Both interventions showed a significant improvement in the majority of health-related fitness and body composition variables/test (waist circumference: ET = -2.275 ± 0.95, p = 0.02, CnT = -2.550 ± 1.13, p = 0.03; one-stand leg test: ET = 13.532 ± 2.65, p < 0.001; CnT = 11.656 ± 2.88, p < 0.001; shoulder-neck mobility: ET = 1.757 ± 0.44, p < 0.001, CnT = 2.123 ± 0.47, p < 0.001; handgrip test: 0.274 ± 0.08, p < 0.001, CnT = 0.352 ± 0.08, p < 0.001; dynamic sit-up: ET = 1.769 ± 0.45, p < 0.001, CnT = -1.836 ± 0.49, p < 0.001; 2-km test time: -1.280 ± 0.25, p < 0.001, CnT = -1.808 ± 0.28, p < 0.001; estimated VO2 max: ET = 1.306 ± 0.13, p < 0.001, CnT = 1.191 ± 0.15, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences after the intervention between the two exercise intervention groups. Conclusions: Exercise interventions based on Zumba fitness® or Zumba fitness® combined with an extra muscle-strengthening workout based on bodyweight training exercises are effective strategies to improve the health-related physical fitness in sedentary women employees.

Physical Exercise following bariatric surgery in women with Morbid obesity: Study protocol clinical trial (SPIRIT compliant).

BACKGROUND: Severe and morbid obesity are increasing globally, particularly in women. As BMI increases, the likelihood of anovulation is higher. The primary aim of the EMOVAR clinical trial is to examine, over the short (16 weeks) and medium (12 months) term, the effects of a supervised physical exercise program (focused primarily on aerobic and resistance training) on ovarian function in women with severe/morbid obesity who have undergone bariatric surgery. Secondary objectives are to examine the effects of the intervention on chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, arterial stiffness, physical fitness, and health-related quality of life. METHODS: This is a randomized controlled trial in which ∼40 female bariatric surgery patients, aged between 18 and 45 years old, will be included. Participants assigned to the experimental group will perform a total of 48 sessions of supervised concurrent (strength and aerobic) training (3 sessions/week, 60 min/session) spread over 16 weeks. Patients assigned to the control group will receive lifestyle recommendations. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, week 16 (i.e., after the exercise intervention) and 12 months after surgery. The primary outcome is ovarian function using the Sex-Hormone Binding Globuline, measured in serum. Secondary outcomes are serum levels of anti-mullerian hormone, TSH, T4, FSH, LH, estradiol, prolactine, and free androgen index, as well as oocyte count, the diameters of both ovaries, endometrial thickness, and uterine arterial pulsatility index (obtained from a transvaginal ultrasound), the duration of menstrual bleeding and menstrual cycle duration (obtained by personal interview) and hirsutism (Ferriman Gallwey Scale). Other secondary outcomes include serum markers of chronic inflammation and insulin resistance (i.e., C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, leptin, glomerular sedimentation rate, glucose, insulin and the HOMA-IR), arterial stiffness, systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure, body composition, and total weight loss. Physical fitness (including cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and flexibility), health-related quality of life (SF-36 v2) and sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index) will also be measured. DISCUSSION: This study will provide, for the first time, relevant information on the effects of exercise training on ovarian function and underlying mechanisms in severe/morbid obese women following bariatric surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN27697878).

Effect of Two Choreographed Fitness Group-Workouts on the Body Composition, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health of Sedentary Female Workers.

Daily sedentary working hours contribute negatively to body composition, cardiovascular and metabolic health, especially in women, who are usually less active than men. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of two trending choreographed fitness group-workouts on the body composition and cardiovascular and metabolic health of sedentary female workers. A total of 98 physically inactive and working women (38.9 ± 6.4 years of age) were randomly assigned to three study groups: Control group (CG) = 31, Zumba Fitness® with three one-hour classes per week (ZF) = 39, and Zumba Fitness with 20 minutes of additional Bodyweight strength training (ZF + BW) = 28. Measurements included body composition, blood pressure, cardiovascular risk by the Framingham Heart Study tools (10 yr cardiovascular risk and vascular age) and a metabolic blood panel. Post-intervention, both choreographed fitness group-workouts reached a similar significant loss of fat mass (ZF = 2.805 ± 0.48, p < 0.0001; ZF + BW = 3.540 ± 0.04, p < 0.0001), an increase in muscle mass (ZF = 1.70 ± 0.581, p = 0.005; ZF + BW = 3.237 ± 0.657, p < 0.0001) and a decrease in SBP (ZF= 6.454 ± 1.70, p < 0.0001; ZF + BW = 4.12 ± 1.95, p = 0.039). Only the ZF group significantly improved the 10 yr cardiovascular risk (p = 0.032) and metabolic age (p = 0.0025) post-intervention. No significant improvement was observed in the metabolic panel for both choreographed fitness group-workouts. In conclusion, the ZF program generated improvements in cardiovascular and metabolic risk variables compared to ZF + BW or CG. Both choreographed fitness group-workouts contributed similarly to the improvement in systolic blood pressure, fat mass, muscle mass, and also engendered a great adherence to exercise.