Body Size, Fatness and Skeletal Age in Female Youth Soccer Players.

Growth and maturation are central concerns in the organization of training and competitions in youth sports. This study examined maturity-associated variation in body size and adiposity among adolescent girls participating in competitive age group youth soccer. The sample included 441 players 10.08-16.73 years of age. Stature and body mass were measured and body composition was predicted. The Fels method was used to estimate skeletal age. Skeletally maturity status (late, average or early maturing) was based on the difference between chronological and skeletal age for each player. Mean stature approximated the 50th percentiles of the general population in all competitive age groups, while mean weight fluctuated between 50th and 75th percentiles. Age- and maturity-specific means for estimated fat mass ranged between 18.0% and 28.2%. The number of players classified as skeletally mature increased with competitive age groups (under-13: 0%; under-15: 8%; under-17: 49%). In general, early maturing girls tended to be heavier than their age group peers and especially when compared to late maturing players.

Football can tackle type 2 diabetes: a systematic review of the health effects of recreational football practice in individuals with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

This work aimed to summarize the health effects of recreational football practice in individuals with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2D), through a systematic review. An electronic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS and list of references of the available reviews, until July 2019. Studies were eligible if they included any form of football practice, in patients diagnosed with prediabetes or T2D. After recreational football practice, participants with prediabetes or T2D improved fasting glucose, total and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, body mass, body fat percentage, waist circumference, blood pressure, and maximal oxygen uptake. Further benefits were found in fat-free mass and resting heart rate for participants with prediabetes, and in glycated haemoglobin, body mass index and fat mass in individuals with T2D. This systematic review showed promising benefits of recreational football practice on both the prevention and control of T2D and related cardiovascular risk.

Effects of judo training upon body composition, autonomic function, and cardiorespiratory fitness in overweight or obese children aged 8- to 13 years.

Physical training is recommended for obese paediatric populations. We investigated the effects of recreational judo training (JT) upon body composition and distribution, cardiorespiratory fitness, and heart rate variability (HRV) in overweight or obese children. A controlled trial (RBR-9d94td) was conducted with 35 children (8-13 years) assigned into groups according to their body mass index (BMI): eutrophic (EU; n = 15; z-BMI ≤ +l and ≥ -2) and overweight or obese (OB; n = 20; z-BMI > +1 and ≤ +3). The 12-week JT included 60-min sessions performed 2 times/week at 65-75% maximal heart rate (HR). BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, HRV, peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), gas exchange threshold (GET), and body fractioning were assessed. Significant reductions in OB (P < 0.05) occurred for whole body and trunk fat (~3%), trunk/limb fat-ratio (~4%), resting HR (~3%), and sympathovagal balance (log LF:HF, ~85%). Increases (P < 0.05) occurred in lean mass (~8%), parasympathetic modulation (log HF, ~4%), VO2peak (~5-10%), and VO2 (~15%), speed (~10%) and slope (~13%) at GET. Markers of cardiorespiratory fitness (relative VO2, slope and speed at GET) in OB approached EU after JT. In conclusion, a relatively short JT intervention to improved body composition, autonomic modulation, and physical fitness in obese children.

Influence of the 6-month physical activity programs on renal function in obese boys.

BackgroundWe intended to evaluate the effects of physical activity (PA) programs on renal function in obese boys.MethodsThirty-nine boys participated in one of the following three groups: soccer (SG, n=13), traditional PA (AG, n=13), and sedentary control (CG, n=13). SG and AG were involved in 6-month PA programs, involving three sessions/week for 60-90 min. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, creatinine and cystatin C plasmatic levels, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were evaluated.ResultsAt baseline (n=39), age and lean mass index (LMI) were positively correlated with creatinine levels. After 6 months, both intervention groups decreased the BMI z-score and waist circumference, while the CG increased the body fat percentage (BFP). LMI increased in all the groups. SG presented a small increment in plasma creatinine and a decrease in the eGFR values, using the Schwartz formula. Concerning the cystatin C levels and eGFR values using Filler (cystatin C-based) or Combined Zappitelli (creatinine/cystatin C-based) formulas, no significant changes were observed in any group.ConclusionThe combined Zappitelli formula showed no significant impact of PA on eGFR in obese boys. Although plasma creatinine is significantly influenced by lean body mass, cystatin C is likely to be a more accurate marker of renal function in this population.

Autonomous motivation and quality of life as predictors of physical activity in patients with schizophrenia.

AIM: Being physically active is a complex behaviour in patients with schizophrenia. Several factors were identified as barriers to achieving active behaviours in this population. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate among a number of barriers what predicts the most on physical activity (PA) in patients with schizophrenia. METHODS: A total of 114 patients (28♀) with schizophrenia were included. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Autonomous and controlled motivation (Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire - 3), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-esteem scale), quality of life (World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale - Brief version) and functional exercise capacity (6-minute walk test - 6MWT) were evaluated. Multiple Regression Analysis was applied to assess the effect of these variables on Total PA per week (International Physical Activity Questionnaire - short version). RESULTS: Autonomous motivation and domains of quality of life were positively correlated with Total PA per week. Stepwise multiple regression analyses showed that of all the candidate factors to predict PA, autonomous motivation and global domain of quality of life were found as significant predictors. CONCLUSION: Our findings help to understand the importance of autonomous motivation and quality of life for PA in patients with schizophrenia. Knowledge about these predictors may provide guidance to improve PA behaviour in this population.

Multivariate Relationships among Morphology, Fitness and Motor Coordination in Prepubertal Girls.

Motor coordination and physical fitness are multidimensional concepts which cannot be reduced to a single variable. This study evaluated multivariate relationships among morphology, physical fitness and motor coordination in 74 pre-pubertal girls 8.0-8.9 years of age. Data included body dimensions, eight fitness items and four motor coordination tasks (KTK battery). Maturity status was estimated as percentage of predicted mature stature attained at the time of observation. Canonical correlation analysis was used to examine the relationships between multivariate domains. Significant pairs of linear functions between indicators of morphology and fitness (rc = 0.778, Wilks' Lambda = 0.175), and between fitness and motor coordination (rc = 0.765, Wilks' Lambda = 0.289) were identified. Girls who were lighter and had a lower waist-to-stature ratio and % fat mass attained better scores in the endurance run, sit-ups and standing long jump tests, but poorer performances in hand grip strength and 2-kg ball throw. Better fitness test scores were also associated with better motor coordination scores. Relationships between body size and estimated fatness with motor fitness suggested an inverse relationship that was particularly evident in performance items that required the displacement of the body through space, while motor coordination was more closely related with fitness than with somatic variables.

Physical exercise intervention at school improved hepcidin, inflammation, and iron metabolism in overweight and obese children and adolescents.

BackgroundObesity is often associated with iron deficiency in children and adolescents. We aimed to study the effect of an 8-month physical exercise (PE) intervention on hepcidin and other markers of inflammation and on iron status in overweight/obese children and adolescents.MethodsSeventy-three overweight/obese children and adolescents participated in the 8-month-long longitudinal study. They were divided into two groups according to their participation in an after-school PE program: the PE group (n=44) and the control group (n=29). Hepcidin, interleukin (IL)-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), iron, ferritin, transferrin, and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) were evaluated.ResultsAt baseline, IL-6 correlated positively with hepcidin and negatively with iron and transferrin saturation, suggesting that increasing adiposity associates with increasing IL-6 and hepcidin synthesis, reducing iron availability. After 8 months, the PE group showed a decrease in BMI z-score (P=0.003), body fat mass (P=0.012), CRP (P=0.002), IL-6 (P=0.048), ferritin (P=0.013), hepcidin (P=0.040), and sTfR (P=0.010), and an increase in iron concentration (P=0.002). Moreover, the PE group, when compared with the control group, showed lower weight (P=0.026), BMI (P=0.040), waist circumference (P=0.010), and waist-to-height ratio (P=0.046).ConclusionWe showed that an 8-month-long intervention at school allowed a reduction in BMI z-score and an improvement in inflammation, reducing hepcidin levels and the disturbances in iron status.

Association between sedentary behavior time and waist-to-height ratio in preschool children.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the association between sedentary behavior time (SB), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) in preschool children. METHODS: This study included 646 preschool children (4- to 6-years old). WHtR was calculated as the ratio of waist/height with a cutoff of 0.5 used to define risk of abdominal obesity. Sedentary behavior was measured during 7 consecutive days by accelerometer. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between SB and WHtR. RESULTS: The prevalence of central obesity (WHtR) was 52.4 and 39.2% for girls and boys, respectively. Boys classified as being at risk for central obesity were more likely to spend more time in SB (OR: 1.6; CI: 1.1-2.5; P ≤ 0.05), adjusted by age (P ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggested that boys classified as having higher SB were more likely to having more central obesity. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 28:746-748, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Impact of a School-Based Intervention Protocol - ACORDA Project - On Adipokines in An Overweight and Obese Pediatric Population.

PURPOSE: There are few reliable studies assessing the effect of physical exercise (PE) on adipokines levels at young ages. Our objective was to study the effects of regular PE on plasma adipokines in pediatric overweight and obesity. METHOD: 117 overweight and obese children and adolescents (47% females; 10.2 years) participated in an 8-month longitudinal study divided in two groups: PE group (n = 80), engaged in an after-school PE program; control group (n = 37), with no PE program. Plasma lipids, C-reactive protein (CRP), adiponectin, resistin, leptin, IL-6, IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, insulin and glucose levels were determined. RESULTS: contrarily to the control group, the PE group presented reductions in body mass index z-score (BMIzsc) and body fat percentage that were accompanied by an improvement in lipid profile and insulin resistance, a reduction in CRP and TNF-alpha and an increase in adiponectin levels. The reductions in BMIzsc were inversely correlated with changes in adiponectin (r=-0.329, p = .003) and positively correlated with changes in percentage body fat (r = .262, p = .032), triglycerides (r = .228, p = .042) and leptin (r = .285, p = .010). CONCLUSIONS: Moderate reductions in adiposity improve proinflammatory status in obese children and adolescents. A more substantial reduction in BMIzsc was associated with a greater increment in adiponectin and reduction in leptin.

Health markers in obese adolescents improved by a 12-week recreational soccer program: a randomised controlled trial.

The effects of a recreational soccer program (RSP) upon body composition, heart rate variability (HRV), biochemical markers, cardio-respiratory fitness, and endothelial function in obese adolescents were investigated. A randomised controlled clinical trial was conducted with 30 adolescents aged 12-17 years and body mass index (BMI) >2 standard deviations of WHO reference values, which were assigned to RSP (n = 10, 2 girls) and obese control (n = 10, 4 girls) groups. The 12-week RSP included 60-min sessions performed 3 times/week. BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose, lipid profile, insulin, C-reactive protein, HRV, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2peak) were evaluated following standardised procedures. Body composition was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and endothelial function by venous occlusion plethysmography. After intervention, RSP exhibited significant reductions in BMI (-0.7 ± 0.2 kg · m(-2)), waist circumference (-8.2 ± 1.4 cm), %body fat (-2.2 ± 0.4%), systolic blood pressure (-5.0 ± 2.3 mmHg), total cholesterol (-16.2 ± 5.8 mg · dL(-1)), triglycerides (-20.5 ± 12.9 mg · dL(-1)), C-reactive protein (-0.06 ± 0.01 mg · dL(-1)), insulin resistance (HOMA-IR, -1.4 ± 0.6), and sympathetic activity (LF, -13.9 ± 6.6 un) vs. controls (P < 0.05). Significant increase was observed in parasympathetic activity (HF, 13.9 ± 6.6 un), VO2peak (7.9 ± 2.8 ml · kg(-1) · min(-1)), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (11.0 ± 6.3 mg · dL(-1)) (P < 0.05). Vascular conductance (19.5 ± 8.1 ml · min(-1) · 100 ml, P = 0.005) increased and vascular resistance (-5.9 ± 2.4 ml · min(-1) · 100 ml, P = 0.041) decreased in RSP, but not in controls. A 12-week recreational soccer intervention was effective to improve biochemical, cardiovascular, and fitness health markers in obese adolescents.

Effects of 6-month soccer and traditional physical activity programmes on body composition, cardiometabolic risk factors, inflammatory, oxidative stress markers and cardiorespiratory fitness in obese boys.

Physical activity is important in obesity prevention, but the effectiveness of different physical activity modalities remains to be determined among children. The main purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a 6-month soccer programme and a traditional physical activity programme on changes in body composition, cardiometabolic risk factors, inflammatory and oxidative markers, cardiorespiratory fitness and perceived psychological status in obese boys. Eighty-eight boys (8-12 years; BMI > +2 standard deviations of WHO reference values) participated in one of three groups: soccer, traditional activity and control. Soccer and traditional activity programmes involved 3 sessions per week for 60-90 min at an average intensity of 70-80% of maximal heart rate. Control group participated in activities of normal daily living. All boys participated in school physical education, two sessions per week of 45-90-min. Measurements were taken at baseline and after 6 months, and included body size and composition, cardiometabolic risk factors, inflammatory and oxidative markers, cardiorespiratory fitness and perceived psychological status. Physical activity and dietary intake were assessed before and immediately following the intervention. The three groups had similar characteristics at baseline. After 6 months, both intervention groups had significantly lower relative fatness (% fat), waist circumference and total cholesterol, and higher cardiorespiratory fitness, self-esteem, perceived physical competence and attraction to physical activity compared with control group. In conclusion, physical activity interventions over 6 months positively influenced several indicators of health status among obese boys. The results also suggested that soccer has the potential as an effective tool for the prevention and reduction of childhood obesity and associated consequences.

Influence of non-preferred foot technical training in reducing lower limbs functional asymmetry among young football players.

The functional asymmetry of the lower limbs has been regarded as a relevant factor of the performance of football players. We purposed to ascertain whether a specific technical training programme for the non-preferred foot has implications in the increasing utilisation rate of the respective member during the game. Young football players (n = 71) were randomly divided into experimental group (N = 35; 14.37 ± 1.94 years) and control group (N = 36; 14.50 ± 1.81 years). The study was developed into three stages: first, assessment of the index utilisation of both limbs during the game; second, application of a technical training programme that includes the drilling of specific motor skills exclusively directed to the non-preferred foot; and third, assessment of the new rate of both limbs' utilisation after the predefined six months. The main findings were: (1) the use of the non-preferred foot increased significantly with the technical training programme in the experimental group and remained constant in the control group; (2) the use of the preferred foot decreased significantly in the experimental group and remained similar in control group. We concluded that a systematic and specific technical training for the non-preferred foot increases its use and reduces functional asymmetry in game situation, consequently improving the player's performance.

Allometric modelling of peak oxygen uptake in male soccer players of 8-18 years of age.

BACKGROUND: Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) is routinely scaled as mL O2 per kilogram body mass despite theoretical and statistical limitations of using ratios. AIM: To examine the contribution of maturity status and body size descriptors to age-associated inter-individual variability in VO2peak and to present static allometric models to normalize VO2peak in male youth soccer players. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Total body and estimates of total and regional lean mass were measured with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in a cross-sectional sample of Portuguese male soccer players. The sample was divided into three age groups for analysis: 8-12 years, 13-15 years and 16-18 years. VO2peak was estimated using an incremental maximal exercise test on a motorized treadmill. Static allometric models were used to normalize VO2peak. RESULTS: The independent variables with the best statistical fit explained 72% in the younger group (lean body mass: k = 1.07), 52% in mid-adolescent players (lean body mass: k = 0.93) and 31% in the older group (body mass: k = 0.51) of variance in VO2peak. The inclusion of the exponential term pubertal status marginally increased the explained variance in VO2peak (adjusted R(2 )= 36-75%) and provided statistical adjustments to the size descriptors coefficients. CONCLUSION: The allometric coefficients and exponents evidenced the varying inter-relationship among size descriptors and maturity status with aerobic fitness from early to late-adolescence. Lean body mass, lean lower limbs mass and body mass combined with pubertal status explain most of the inter-individual variability in VO2peak among youth soccer players.

Analysis of fatigue development during elite male handball matches.

This study aimed at describing the physiological demands and fatigue development during elite male handball matches. Our hypothesis was that players perform multiple high-intensity activities during periods of the game and develop temporary and end-match neuromuscular fatigue. Time-motion analyses and heart rate (HR) recordings were performed in 40 players during 12 competitive matches. Blood samples were collected, and sprint, jump, and intermittent exercise performance (Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance level 2 test [YYIE2]) was assessed for 18 players at baseline conditions and after 2 competitive matches, and additional blood sampling and testing were performed for 12 of these players during a friendly match. The time spent with high-intensity running (4.4 ± 2.0 to 3.1 ± 1.7%), the frequency of demanding actions (61 ± 5 to 54 ± 6), and the time with HR above 80% HRmax (62 ± 21 to 41 ± 17%) were lowered from the first to the second half. Average blood lactate during the match was 3.6 ± 2.1 (1.3-8.6) mM. Plasma free fatty acids (FFA), glycerol, glucose, and uric acid increased (p ≤ 0.05) during the first half and plasma FFA and glycerol increased further (p ≤ 0.05) during the second half. After an intense period in the second half, sprint performance was decreased by 3.9 ± 4.9%. After the match, YYIE2 (33.4 ± 8.7%), vertical jump (7.4 ± 6.5%), and 20-m sprint performance (1.6 ± 2.6%) was lower (p ≤ 0.05) than at baseline. This study showed that the intensity is high in certain periods during elite male handball games and that physical performance is impaired both temporarily during and toward the end of games confirming our hypothesis. These findings enables physical trainers and coaches to plan and design proper game-specific training exercises aiming at delaying both temporary and end-game fatigue and strengthen the physiological rationale for the need for substitutions in various stages of match-play.

Physiological demands of elite team handball with special reference to playing position.

This study aimed to analyze the physiological demands of match play for different playing positions in elite male team handball. Time motion (N = 30) and heart rate (HR; N = 70) data were recorded throughout 10 official matches. The mean distance covered by backcourt players (4.96 ± 0.64 km) was greater (p ≤ 0.02) than for wings and pivots (4.23 ± 0.52 and 3.91 ± 0.51 km, respectively). Backcourt players spent less time standing still and walking (∼76%) than wings and pivots (∼80%) (p ≤ 0.03), and wings spent more time sprinting than the other playing positions. Backcourt players (122.9 ± 17.0) and pivots (126.8 ± 33.0) performed more high-demanding actions per game than wings (54.6 ± 15.6) (p = 0.01). The time spent by pivots in high-intensity activities decreased from the first to the second half (4.1 ± 2.4 to 2.7 ± 0.9%; p ≤ 0.01), while backcourt players showed a decrease in high-demanding playing actions (p ≤ 0.05). Backcourt players and pivots had higher mean (84 ± 9 and 83 ± 9% vs. 79 ± 10%; p ≤ 0.03) and peak effective HR, and percentage of total time at intensities >80% maximal HR (HRmax) than wings. The fraction of total time spent at intensities >80% HRmax decreased for all outfield playing positions in the second half (from 39-76 to 30-46%). Competitive team handball involves position-specific differences in the physiological demands. Furthermore, exercise intensity decreases from the first to the second half for all outfield playing positions suggesting that these players experience neuromuscular fatigue. Training of elite handball players should comprise high-intensity position-specific exercises aiming at improving the ability to maintain a high exercise intensity throughout the game.

A school-based physical activity intervention in primary school: effects on physical activity, sleep, aerobic fitness, and motor competence.

Objective: The "Super Quinas" project evaluated the effectiveness of an intervention program to improve physical activity, aerobic fitness, sleep, and motor competence on children in primary school. Methods: The experimental group (n = 19) enrolled in a 12-week intervention program (one more extra-curricular activity class of 60 min per week) compared to the CG (n = 19), all aged 9-10 years. Physical activity (PA) and sleep were measured by accelerometry, and aerobic fitness was measured by Children's Yo-Yo test (YYIR1C) during the 1st week (PRE), the 6th week (DUR), and the 12th week (POST) of the intervention program. Motor Competence in PRE and POST intervention was also assessed by the Motor Competence Assessment (MCA) instrument. Heart rate (HR, assessed using HR monitors), and enjoyment level were recorded during all intervention program classes. A linear mixed model analysis (i.e., within-subject analyses) was performed. Results: Comparing the EG and CG in DUR and POST, the EG spent ~18 min and ~ 34 min more time in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day (p < 0.001); had ~44 min and ~ 203 min less sedentary time per day (p < 0.001); performed more 44 and 128 m in the Children's Yo-Yo test compared to CG (p < 0.001) and slept more 17 and 114 min per night (p < 0.001). In POST motor competence was significantly better (27%) in the EG compared to CG (p < 0.001). The %HRmax during the extra-curricular classes ranged between 65 and 81% (i.e., light to moderate intensities), and the enjoyment between fun and great fun. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that adding one more extra-curricular activity class of 60 min per week for 12 weeks effectively increased the levels of physical activity, aerobic fitness, sleep duration, and motor competence in children aged 9-10 years.

Neuromuscular function, hormonal and redox status and muscle damage of professional soccer players after a high-level competitive match.

The main aim was to analyse the impact of an official match on hormonal and redox status, muscle damage and inflammation and neuromuscular function. Seven high-level male soccer players from the same team performed an official match and data were collected 72 h before, 24, 48 and 72 h post-match. Plasma testosterone/cortisol ratio (T/C), creatine kinase (CK), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and reductase (GR) activities, myoglobin (Mb), C-reactive protein (CRP), uric acid (UA), protein sulfhydryls (-SH), malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations and total antioxidant status (TAS) were measured. Sprint, jump and change of direction performance, and maximal isokinetic knee extension and flexion were obtained as neuromuscular functional parameters. Cortisol increased and T/C decreased until 48 h recovery (P < 0.05). Mb, CRP and -SH (P < 0.05) increased at 24 h and CK, TAS, SOD and MDA (P < 0.05) increased up to 48 h recovery. GR increased and GPX decreased at 24 h recovery (P < 0.05). Jump performance decreased 24 h post-match (P < 0.05), but no significant alterations in sprint, change of direction and muscle strength were observed. In conclusion, an official match resulted in changes in plasma biomarkers until 48 h of recovery period, without major impact on performance.

Psychosocial correlates of physical activity in school children aged 8-10 years.

BACKGROUND: Understanding correlates of physical activity (PA) among children in different populations may contribute to fostering active lifestyles. This study considered gender differences in relationships between biologic (body mass index, BMI), demographic (socioeconomic sport status, SES) and psychosocial correlates of PA and level of PA in Portuguese primary school children. METHODS: 683 children, aged 8-10 years, from 20 different elementary schools in northern Portugal were surveyed. Weight status was classified using International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) criteria for the BMI. Family SES was estimated from school records. PA level and psychosocial correlates (attraction to PA, perceived physical competence and parental socialization) were obtained with interview and standardized questionnaires, respectively. Sex-specific hierarchical multiple regression analyses (SPSS 18.0) were conducted and included two blocks of predictor variables (biologic and demographic, and psychosocial). RESULTS: Level of PA was significantly higher in boys than girls. Enjoyment of participation in vigorous PA was positively associated with level of PA. Perceived acceptance by peers in games and sports and parental encouragement were positively and significantly related to PA in girls. Perceived physical competence was positively and significantly related to PA in boys. Weight status and SES were not associated with PA. CONCLUSIONS: Boys and girls differed in perceived attractiveness of PA and perceived physical competence, both of which influenced level of PA. Differences in perceptions may be important aspects of motivation for PA in school children.

Cardiovascular effects of 3 months of football training in overweight children examined by comprehensive echocardiography: a pilot study.

We examined effects of a 3-month football training programme in overweight children using comprehensive echocardiography and peripheral arterial tonometry. Twenty preadolescent overweight children (17 boys, 3 girls aged 8-12 yrs; body mass index [BMI] ≥ 85(th) percentile) participated in a structured 3-month football training programme, consisting of 4 weekly 60-90 min sessions with mean heart rate (HR) > 80% of HRmax (football group, FG). A parallel control group (CG) included 11 children (7 boys, 4 girls) of equivalent age from an obesity clinic. After 3 months, systolic blood pressure was unchanged in FG, but had increased in CG (112 [s 6] vs. 122 [10] mmHg, P = 0.02). FG demonstrated increased left ventricular (LV) posterior wall diameter (0.60 [0.07] vs. 0.68 [0.10] cm, P < 0.001) and an improved right ventricular systolic function determined by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE, 2.01 [0.29] vs. 2.27 [0.28] cm, P = 0.003). Measures of LV systolic function showed only discrete alterations and two-dimensional (2D) global strain was not changed. After 3 months, global isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRTglobal) had increased in FG (64.0 [7.5] vs. 73.9 [9.4] ms, P < 0.001) while other examined LV diastolic function variables were not altered. No echocardiographic changes were observed in CG. Between-group differences in pre-post delta values were observed for systolic blood pressure, TAPSE, and IVRTglobal (P = 0.02-0.03). We conclude that short-term football training may have positive structural and functional effects on the cardiovascular system in overweight preadolescent children.

Physical activity intensities in youth: the effect of month of assessment.

BACKGROUND: There is clear evidence that environmental factors play an important role regarding physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) in youth. This short report highlights seasonal differences in the amount and intensities of PA and SB, in Portuguese youth. METHODS: Three hundred and eighty-seven participants (aged 14.7 ± 1.9 years), 220 girls, used the Actigraph GT1M accelerometer for 7 days (15-second epochs), between January and June in 2008. PA and SB differences were assessed using an ANCOVA. RESULTS: Boys had significantly higher values of PA, with the exception of Light intensity. Girls were significantly more sedentary. PA intensities and SB changed significantly according to gender and month of assessment. SB (Gender F = 16.32, p < 0.001; Month F = 2.95, p < 0.013), Light PA (Gender F = 9.30, p = 0.002; Month F = 8.37, p < 0.001; Gender*Month F = 2.24, p = 0.050), Moderate PA (Gender F = 40.04, p < 0.001), Vigorous PA (Gender F = 32.89, p < 0.001; Month F = 2.56, p = 0.027). Both genders increased PA from winter to summer months and SB decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Seasonality in PA intensities and SB suggest that interventions to promote PA and decrease SB must be tailored to take into consideration the month of the year they are going to be implemented and also gender characteristics.