Reference Values in the 6-Minute Walk Test in Chilean Children Aged 3-10 Years and Relationship With Cardiometabolic Risk.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of healthy Chilean children aged 3-10 years in the 6-minute walking test (6MWT) and cardiometabolic risk variables and to determine sex- and age-specific reference values. METHODS: This study involved 1165 healthy children (age = 6.36 [1.70] y old). The 6MWT was used to evaluate exercise performance. Furthermore, anthropometric measures were collected, like weight, height, body mass index, waist circumference, and skin folds. Resting heart rate and blood pressure (BP) were also evaluated. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 35.0% and 25.4% in preschoolers and 29.0% and 36.2% in school-age children, respectively, showing significant differences (P < .05) between age groups. The distance walked (6-min walk distance) increased significantly year on year at ages from 3 to 10 years. According to the regression analysis, 6MWT performance was positively related to age, systolic BP, and height, whereas it was negatively related to ∑4 skinfold fat, resting heart rate, diastolic BP, and waist circumference. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a reference equation and an age- and sex-adjusted percentile curve to assess the predicted 6MWT performance in a cohort of prepubertal Chilean children. The 6-minute walk distance depends mainly on age; however, other variables, such as resting heart rate, BP, skinfold fat, and waist circumference, add significant information and should be taken into account.

Influence of physical fitness and weight status on autonomic cardiac modulation in children.

BACKGROUND: This study provides reference values for cardiovascular modulation at rest, during maximal exercise test and recovery after exercise in Caucasian children according to weight status and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) level. Additionally, the current study analyzed several correlations between autonomic cardiovascular modulation, cardiorespiratory performance and cardiometabolic risk. The principal goal of this study was to analyze cardiac function at rest, during maximum exercise, and during the recovery phase in children grouped according to weight status and CRF level. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-two healthy children (78 girls) 10-16 years of age were divided into three groups: soccer and basketball players (SBG), endurance group (EG), and sedentary people with overweight and obesity (OOG). A cardiac RR interval monitor recorded the cardiac data and specific software analyzed the cardiac autonomic response through heart rate (HR) and HR variability. The study analyzed resting HR (RHR), HRpeak, and HR recovery (HRR). RESULTS: OOG showed significant poorer performance in the Léger test lower V̇O2 max and higher values of blood pressure at rest and post-exercise than sport groups. The EG presented the best results in CRF and cardiometabolic risk (CMR) in relation to SBG and OOG. The OOG showed higher percentage of HR values, compatible with an unhealthy cardiovascular autonomic modulation than the sport groups, with significant differences in bradycardia, HR reserve, and HRR 5 min. CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic performance, vagal activity, blood pressure, chronotropic competence, and HRR have significant associations with CMR parameters. IMPACT: The current study presents reference values of autonomic cardiac function in Caucasian children according to weight status and cardiorespiratory fitness level. Aerobic performance, vagal activity, blood pressure, chronotropic competence, and heart rate during the recovery period after exercise have significant associations with cardiometabolic risk parameters. Children with overweight and obesity show signs of autonomic dysfunction reflected as low cardiac vagal activity and poor chronotropic competence.

Comprehensive cardiac evaluation to maximal exercise in a contemporary population of prepubertal children.

BACKGROUND: Heart rate (HR) is a biomarker used to measure physiological function, health status and cardiovascular autonomic function. The purpose of this study was to determine sex- and age-specific reference values for cardiac autonomic function at rest, during maximal exercise and the recovery phase in prepubertal children. METHODS: Five hundred and twelve healthy children 7-11 years of age performed a Léger test. A heart RR-interval monitor recorded the heart data and a specific software analysed the cardiac autonomic response through HR and HR variability (HRV). It analysed HR before the test (resting HR, RHR), during the test (HRpeak) and HR recovery (HRR) in the first minute (HRR1) and the fifth minute (HRR5). The values are mean ± SD. RESULTS: Collectively, 91.2% of girls and 92.3% of boys were within the recommended ranges regarding RHR. The average HRpeak was 199 ± 10.83 b.p.m. and 96.8% of girls and 95.3% of boys were within the minimum threshold value recommended (180 b.p.m.). Boys showed lower values of RHR than girls (p < 0.001) and larger values of HRR 1 and HRR5 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study comprehensively provides a reference set of data for the most important HR variables that can be obtained during exercise testing in prepubertal children regarding age and sex and in a field setting. IMPACT: This is the first study to provide reference values of autonomic cardiac function at rest, during maximal exercise and during the recovery period in prepubertal children aged 7-11 years. Despite the early age of participants, cardiorespiratory fitness, RHR and HRR are different according to sex. Aerobic performance and HRpeak have a negative correlation with body mass index and cardiometabolic risk.

Absolute Reliability and Concurrent Validity of the Stryd System for the Assessment of Running Stride Kinematics at Different Velocities.

ABSTRACT: García-Pinillos, F, Roche-Seruendo, LE, Marcen-Cinca, N, Marco-Contreras, LA, and Latorre-Román, PA. Absolute reliability and concurrent validity of the Stryd system for the assessment of running stride kinematics at different velocities. J Strength Cond Res 35(1): 78-84, 2021-This study aimed to determine the absolute reliability and to evaluate the concurrent validity of the Stryd system for measuring spatiotemporal variables during running at different velocities (8-20 km·h-1) by comparing data with another widely used device (the OptoGait system). Eighteen trained male endurance runners performed an incremental running test (8-20 km·h-1 with 3-minute stages) on a treadmill. Spatiotemporal parameters (contact time [CT], flight time [FT], step length [SL], and step frequency [SF]) were measured using 2 different devices (Stryd and OptoGait systems). The Stryd system showed a coefficient of variation (CV) <3%, except for FT (3.7-11.6%). The OptoGait achieved CV <4%, except for FT (6.0-30.6%). Pearson correlation analysis showed large correlations for CT and FT, and almost perfect for SL and SF over the entire protocol. The intraclass correlation coefficients partially support those results. Paired t-tests showed that CT was underestimated (p < 0.05, effect size [ES] > 0.7; ∼4-8%), FT overestimated (p < 0.05, ES > 0.7; ∼7-65%), whereas SL and SF were very similar between systems (ES < 0.1, with differences <1%). The Stryd is a practical portable device that is reliable for measuring CT, FT, SL, and SF during running. It provides accurate SL and SF measures but underestimates CT (0.5-8%) and overestimates FT (3-67%) compared with a photocell-based system.

Effects of a functional training program in patients with fibromyalgia: A 9-year prospective longitudinal cohort study.

There are evidences that physical exercise is an effective instrument for improving physical fitness, health, and quality of life and causes beneficial effects on the symptoms of patients with fibromyalgia. The purpose of this study was to analyze effects of a functional training program on pain, fitness, and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia in a 9-year prospective longitudinal cohort study. Forty women with fibromyalgia participated in this study; 24 received an exercise program and were called the active group; and 16 were the control group. Tender points, visual analogical scale (VAS) of pain, physical fitness, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), and Short-Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36) were analyzed. The active group experienced significant improvements in FIQ, TP, and VAS (P < .001), whereas the control group showed significant worsening in the FIQ scale (P = .004). Moreover, the active group experienced significant improvements in leg strength (P < .001), balance (P = .033), cardiorespiratory fitness (P < .001), emotional role (P = .024), and mental health (P = .025); whereas the control group significantly worsened on handgrip strength (P = .017), balance (P = .043), cardiorespiratory fitness (P = .020), and in general health (P < .001). A Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between the improvement in physical fitness variables and the improvements in FIQ, TP, and VAS. In conclusion, a regular practice of moderate-intensity physical activity shows a positive effect long-term on fitness, pain, the impact of the disease, and the quality of life in women with fibromyalgia.

Comparison of High-Intensity Interval Training to Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training in Older Adults: A Systematic Review.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is emerging as a safe and effective means to combat chronic diseases. The objective of this work was to perform a systematic review of the effect of HIIT interventions in an aging population. Three electronic databases were searched for randomized trials comparing the effect of HIIT and moderate-intensity continuous training in older adults. After a thorough screening process, 15 articles were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria. All studies expressed a comparable or superior effect of HIIT in cardiorespiratory fitness measures. No studies reported a lessened effect of HIIT in comparison with moderate-intensity continuous training. This systematic review demonstrates that HIIT is a useful exercise regimen, which can be used in older adults to increase cardiorespiratory fitness. More research is needed to determine the effects of HIIT in an aging, predominately female population.

How Does Power During Running Change when Measured at Different Time Intervals?

This study aimed to examine how the power output changes while running at a continuous comfortable velocity on a motorized treadmill by comparing running power averaged during different time intervals. Forty-nine endurance runners performed a running protocol on a treadmill at self-selected comfortable velocity. Power output (W) was estimated with the Stryd™ power meter, and it was examined over six recording intervals within the 3-min recording period: 0-10 s, 0-20 s, 0-30 s, 0-60 s, 0-120 s and 0-180 s. The ANOVAs showed no significant differences in the magnitude of the power output between the recording intervals (p=0.276, F=1.614, partial Eta 2 =0.155). An almost perfect association was also observed in the magnitude of the power output between the recording intervals (ICC≥0.999). Bland-Altman plots revealed no heteroscedasticity of error for the power output in any of the between-intervals comparisons (r 2<0.1), although longer recording intervals yield smaller systematic bias, random errors, and narrower limits of agreement for power output. The results show that power data during running, as measured through the Stryd™ system, is a stable metric with negligible differences, in practical terms, between shorter (i. e., 10, 20, 30, 60 or 120 s) and longer recording intervals (i. e., 180 s).

Effects of 12-Week Concurrent High-Intensity Interval Strength and Endurance Training Program on Physical Performance in Healthy Older People.

García-Pinillos, F, Laredo-Aguilera, JA, Muñoz-Jiménez, M, and Latorre-Román, PA. Effects of 12-week concurrent high-intensity interval strength and endurance training program on physical performance in healthy older people. J Strength Cond Res 33(5): 1445-1452, 2019-This study aimed to analyze the effect of 12-week low-volume high-intensity interval training (HIIT)-based concurrent training program on body composition, upper- and lower-body muscle strength, mobility, and balance in older adults, as well as to compare it with a low-moderate-intensity continuous training. Ninety active older adults were randomly assigned to experimental group (EG, n = 47) and control group (CG, n = 43). Body composition and physical functioning were assessed before (pretest) and after (posttest) a 12-week intervention. A 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to test for an interaction between training program and groups. The time × group interaction revealed no significant between-group differences at pretest (p ≥ 0.05). The group × time interaction showed significant improvements for the EG in body composition parameters (p ≤ 0.05) and physical functioning (muscle strength: p < 0.001; mobility: p < 0.001; and balance: p ≤ 0.05); whereas the CG remained unchanged (p ≥ 0.05). This HIIT-based concurrent training program led to greater improvements in body composition, muscle strength, mobility, and balance in healthy older people than a regular low-moderate-intensity continuous training, despite the reduction in overall training volume.

Physical activity, weight and functional limitations in elderly Spanish people: the National Health Survey (2009-2014).

Background: The purpose of this study was to analyze physical activity (PA), functional limitations, weight status, self-perceived health status and disease or chronic health problems in older people aged 65 and over using the European Health Survey in Spain (EHSS) conducted one in 2009 and one in 2014. Methods: This study included 12,546 older people, 6026 [2330 men and 3696 women; age (Mean, SD) =75.61 ± 7.11 years old] in 2009 and 6520 [2624 men and 3896 women; age (Mean, SD) =75.90 ± 7.59 years old] in 2014. The sample was divided into three age groups: 65-74 years old, 75-84 years old and ≥85 years old. Results: In 2014, participants exhibited lower values for moderate PA, and self-perceived health status compared to 2009. Moreover, in 2014 more people with disease or chronic health problems, and severe difficulty walking 500 m without assistance were found and severe difficulty going up and down 12 stairs than people in 2009. In relation to weight status there were no significant differences between older people in 2009 and 2014. Conclusions: From 2009 to 2014, the PA levels of Spanish older people have decreased, while the BMI has not increased. That fact is in consonance with a worst perception of health status in 2014 and with an increase of their disease levels. The current data highlight the importance of incorporating exercise programmes at an early stage of ageing in order to preserve physical performance, and to prevent the negative consequences of ageing.

Effects of different percentages of body weight support on spatiotemporal step characteristics during running.

This study aimed to determine the effect of different percentages of body weight support (BWS) on spatiotemporal step characteristics during running. 26 endurance runners (age: 37 ± 9 years) completed a running treadmill protocol consisting of 6 different conditions (BWS combinations: 0-50%), with velocity maintained at 12 km/h. Each condition lasted 1 minute. Step angle, ground contact time (CT), flight time (FT), step length (SL) and frequency (SF), and duration of phases during stance time (phase1: initial contact; phase2: midstance; phase3: propulsion) were measured for every step during the test using a photoelectric cell system. Compared with the baseline condition (100% BW), FT was longer, CT was shorter, SL was longer, SF was lower, and the step angle was higher with each increase in BWS (p < 0.05). Also, some changes were observed in the duration of phases during stance time: phase1 did not experience changes across experimental conditions (p = 0.096), phase2 decreased and phase3 increased as BW was supported (p < 0.05). These results indicate that as BW was supported, runners showed longer FT and SL, shorter CT, lower SF, and greater step angle as well as some changes in the phases during the ground contact. Therefore, this study highlights the effect of different percentages of BWS on spatiotemporal parameters.

Lack of Influence of Muscular Performance Parameters on Spatiotemporal Adaptations With Increased Running Velocity.

Roche-Seruendo, LE, García-Pinillos, F, Haicaguerre, J, Bataller-Cervero, AV, Soto-Hermoso, VM, and Latorre-Román, PÁ. Lack of influence of muscular performance parameters on spatiotemporal adaptations with increased running velocity. J Strength Cond Res 32(2): 409-415, 2018-This study aimed to analyze the influence of muscular performance parameters on spatiotemporal gait characteristics during running when gradually increasing speed. Fifty-one recreationally trained male endurance runners (age, 28 ± 8 years) voluntarily participated in this study. Subjects performed a battery of jumping tests (squat jump, countermovement jump, and 20-cm drop jump), and after that, the subjects performed an incremental running test (10-20 km·h) on a motorized treadmill. Spatiotemporal parameters were measured using the OptoGait system. Cluster k-means analysis grouped subjects according to the jumping test performance, by obtaining a group of good jumpers (n = 19) and a group of bad jumpers (n = 32). With increased running velocity, contact time was shorter and flight time and step length were longer, whereas cadence and stride angle were greater (p < 0.001). No significant differences between groups (p ≥ 0.05) were found at any running speed. The results obtained indicate that increased running velocity produced no differences in spatiotemporal adaptations between those runners with good jumping ability and those with poor jumping ability. Based on that, it seems that muscular performance parameters do not play a key role in spatiotemporal adaptations experienced by recreational endurance runners with increased velocity. However, taken into consideration the well-known relationship between running performance and neuromuscular performance, the authors suggest that muscular performance parameters would be much more determinant in the presence of fatigue (exhausted condition) or in the case of considering other variables such as running economy or kinetic.

A High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)-Based Running Plan Improves Athletic Performance by Improving Muscle Power.

García-Pinillos, F, Cámara-Pérez, JC, Soto-Hermoso, VM, and Latorre-Román, PÁ. A High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)-based running plan improves athletic performance by improving muscle power. J Strength Cond Res 31(1): 146-153, 2017-This study aimed to examine the effect of a 5-week high-intensity intermittent training (HIIT)-based running plan on athletic performance and to compare the physiological and neuromuscular responses during a sprint-distance triathlon before and after the HIIT period. Thirteen triathletes were matched into 2 groups: the experimental group (EG) and the control group (CG). The CG was asked to maintain their normal training routines, whereas the EG maintained only their swimming and cycling routines and modified their running routine. Participants completed a sprint-distance triathlon before (pretest) and after (posttest) the intervention period. In both pretest and posttest, the participants performed 4 jumping tests: before the race (baseline), postswim, postcycling, and postrun. Additionally, heart rate was monitored (HRmean), whereas rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and blood lactate accumulation (BLa) were registered after the race. No significant differences (p ≥ 0.05) between groups were found before HIIT intervention (at pretest). Significant group-by-training interactions were found in vertical jumping ability and athletic performance: the EG improved jumping performance (∼6-9%, p ≤ 0.05, effect size (ES) > 0.7), swimming performance (p = 0.013, ES = 0.438), and running time (p = 0.001, ES = 0.667) during the competition, whereas the CG remained unchanged (p ≥ 0.05, ES < 0.4). No changes (p ≥ 0.05, ES < 0.4) were observed in RPE, HRmean, and BLa. A linear regression analysis showed that ΔCMJ predicted both the ΔRu_time (R = 0.559; p = 0.008) and the ΔOverall_time (R = 0.391; p = 0.048). This low-volume, HIIT-based running plan combined with the high training volumes of these triathletes in swimming and cycling improved athletic performance during a sprint-distance triathlon. This improvement may be due to improved neuromuscular characteristics that were transferred into improved muscle power and work economy.

Intellectual maturity and physical fitness in preschool children.

BACKGROUND: There is an important connection between body growth, physical fitness and cognition. The association between physical fitness and cognitive function has been investigated in some studies, but little is known about the relationship between physical and motor performance and intellectual maturity in preschool children. The aim of this study was therefore to analyze the association between intellectual maturity and physical and motor fitness in preschool children. METHODS: A total of 1012 children aged 3-6 years participated voluntarily. A fitness test battery and the Goodenough-Harris drawing test (GHDT) were used. RESULTS: Boys did better in the standing broad jump and 20 m sprint (P < 0.001), and girls had a better crude GHDT score (P = 0.001). With regard to age group, there were significant differences (P < 0.01) between all groups in all fitness test variables and GHDT. Moreover, a significant correlation was found between crude GHDT score and the fitness test variables. CONCLUSIONS: From an early age, physical-motor performance and intellectual maturity are linked. Fitness condition is able to predict intellectual maturity. Increasing the amount of time devoted to physical education can promote cognitive benefits in preschool children.

Do Running Kinematic Characteristics Change over a Typical HIIT for Endurance Runners?

García-Pinillos, F, Soto-Hermoso, VM, and Latorre-Román, PÁ. Do running kinematic characteristics change over a typical HIIT for endurance runners?. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2907-2917, 2016-The purpose of this study was to describe kinematic changes that occur during a common high-intensity intermittent training (HIIT) session for endurance runners. Twenty-eight male endurance runners participated in this study. A high-speed camera was used to measure sagittal-plane kinematics at the first and the last run during a HIIT (4 × 3 × 400 m). The dependent variables were spatial-temporal variables, joint angles during support and swing, and foot strike pattern. Physiological variables, rate of perceived exertion, and athletic performance were also recorded. No significant changes (p ≥ 0.05) in kinematic variables were found during the HIIT session. Two cluster analyses were performed, according to the average running pace-faster vs. slower, and according to exhaustion level reached-exhausted group vs. nonexhausted group (NEG). At first run, no significant differences were found between groups. As for the changes induced by the running protocol, significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were found between faster and slower athletes at toe-off in θhip and θknee, whereas some changes were found in NEG in θhip during toe-off (+4.3°) and θknee at toe-off (-5.2°) during swing. The results show that a common HIIT session for endurance runners did not consistently or substantially perturb the running kinematics of trained male runners. Additionally, although some differences between groups have been found, neither athletic performance nor exhaustion level reached seems to be determinant in the kinematic response during a HIIT, at least for this group of moderately trained endurance runners.

Physiological and Neuromuscular Response to a Simulated Sprint-Distance Triathlon: Effect of Age Differences and Ability Level.

This study aimed to describe the acute impact of a simulated sprint-distance triathlon at physiological and neuromuscular levels and to determine whether age and athletic performance influenced the response in triathletes. Nineteen triathletes performed a sprint-distance triathlon under simulated conditions. Cardiovascular response was monitored during the race. Rate of perceived exertion along with muscular performance parameters (countermovement jump [CMJ], squat jump [SJ], and handgrip strength test [HS]) were tested at pre- and posttest and during every transition, while a 20-m sprint test (S20m) was performed before and after the race. Blood lactate was recorded postrace. A repeated measures analysis of variance showed that the neuromuscular response-in terms of CMJ, SJ, and HS-was unchanged (p ≥ 0.05), while S20m performance was impaired at posttest (p < 0.001). A linear regression analysis showed that ΔCMJ predicted the overall race time (R = 0.226; p = 0.046). In addition, 2 cluster analyses (k-means) were performed by grouping according to athletic performance and age. Between-group comparison showed no significant differences in the impact of the race at either the physiological or the neuromuscular level. The results showed that muscular performance parameters were not impaired throughout the race despite high levels of fatigue reported. However, despite maintaining initial levels of muscle force after the race, the fatigue-induced changes in S20m were significant, which could reinforce the need to train sprint ability in endurance athletes. Finally, despite the differences in ability level or in age, the acute physiological and neuromuscular responses to a simulated sprint-distance triathlon were similar.

Acute effects of extended interval training on countermovement jump and handgrip strength performance in endurance athletes: postactivation potentiation.

The purpose of this study was to analyze multiple effects of an extended interval training (EIT) protocol on countermovement jump (CMJ) and handgrip strength in endurance athletes and to determine the relationship between fatigue and potentiation. Thirty experienced sub-elite male long-distance runners (age = 28.26 ± 8.27 years, body mass index = 22.24 ± 2.50 kg·m, and (Equation is included in full-text article.)= 58.7 ± 4.50 ml·kg·min) participated voluntarily in this study. Subjects performed the protocol on an outdoor running track, which consisted of 12 runs of 400 m, grouped into 4 sets of 3 runs, with a passive recovery of 1 minute between runs and 3 minutes between sets (4 × 3 × 400 m). During protocol, fatigue parameters (lactate, heart rate, and rate of perceived exertion) and performance parameters (CMJ, handgrip strength, and time spent in each 400-m run) were controlled. Analysis of variance revealed a significant improvement in CMJ (p < 0.001) throughout the protocol. Cluster analysis grouped according to whether potentiation was experienced (responders group, n = 17) or not (nonresponders group, n = 13) in relation to CMJ change from rest to fatigued condition at the end of activity. Responders group significantly improved (p ≤ 0.05) the performance in CMJ, handgrip strength and time spent in each 400-m run. Results suggest that despite induced fatigue for EIT, trained subjects can maintain their strength and power levels and their work capacity. This fact would support the rationale that improvements in performance may be due not only to metabolic adaptations but also to specific neuromuscular adaptations. Therefore, the evaluation of power should be considered simultaneously with running performance when monitoring endurance athletes.

Reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) in patients with fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is recognized as a common condition, characterized by widespread pain and associated with sleep disturbances and poor-quality sleep. The Pittsburgh Sleep Questionnaire Index (PSQI) is one of the most recommended instruments to measure sleep quality and sleep disorders. The purpose of our study was to translate the questionnaire into Spanish and to assess the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the PSQI. A total of 138 women with FM belonging to a FM association (AFIXA, Andalusia, Spain) completed the study. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were analyzed. Factorial analysis was performed for the PSQI components. Convergent validity of the PSQI was evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient with the Spanish versions of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and the health survey short form-36 (SF-36). In our analysis, the Spanish version of the PSQI has shown a good internal consistency of the total score, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.805, and an acceptable test-retest reliability, with a Spearman's correlation coefficient of 0.773 (p < 0.001), for the total score. A two-factor structure was generated by exploratory factor analysis, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.866 for factor 1 and of 0.712 for factor 2. In convergent validity analysis, the PSQI total score showed a significant correlation (p < 0.01) with the FIQ total score and with the mental and physical health summaries scores of the SF-36. Our results show that the Spanish version of the PSQI provides a reliable instrument, with a good convergent validity for measuring sleep quality among Spanish FM patients.

Validation and psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Quality of Life Scale (QOLS) in patients with fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic disease associated with high disability levels, which in turn lead to low quality of life (QOL). The objectives of this study were to translate the Quality of Life Scale (QOLS) into Spanish and to assess its reliability and validity for its use in patients with FM. A total of 140 women are suffering from FM (52.87 ± 9.35 years old). All belonged to an association of FM patients (AFIXA, Jaén, Spain). The Spanish versions of the FM impact questionnaire (FIQ), the SF-36, and Beck's Depression Inventory were used to assess them. The construct's validity was checked by means of exploratory factorial analysis (varimax with Kaiser normalization). Test-retest reliability was assessed through intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and convergent validity through Spearman's correlation. Results show that Cronbach's alpha was 0.887, which revealed high internal consistency. The value of ICC for the QOLS total was 0.765 (95 % CI 0.649-0.843, p < 0.001). QOLS presented a significant Spearman's correlation (p < 0.01) with Beck's Inventory, with the physical and mental subtotals of SF-36 and with FIQ. The main component analysis and the varimax rotation revealed the convergence on three factors that account for 54.05 % of variance. Taking into account the severity of the disorder, significant differences (p < 0.05) appeared in QOLS, with moderately afflicted patients getting higher scores than the most severe cases. In conclusion, our study shows that the Spanish version of the QOLS is a reliable instrument, with a good convergent and discriminant construct validity, for measuring the QOL of Spanish FM patients.

Effects of a contrast training program without external load on vertical jump, kicking speed, sprint, and agility of young soccer players.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 12-week contrast training (CT) program (isometric + plyometric), with no external loads, on the vertical jump, kicking speed, sprinting, and agility skills of young soccer players. Thirty young soccer players (age, 15.9 ± 1.43 years; weight, 65.4 ± 10.84 kg; height, 171.0 ± 0.06 cm) were randomized in a control group (n = 13) and an experimental group (n = 17). The CT program was included in the experimental group's training sessions, who undertook it twice a week as a part of their usual weekly training regime. This program included 3 exercises: 1 isometric and 2 plyometric, without external loads. These exercises progressed in volume throughout the training program. Performance in countermovement jump (CMJ), Balsom agility test (BAT), 5-, 10-, 20-, and 30-m sprint, and soccer kick were assessed before and after the training program. A 2-factor (group and time) analysis of variance revealed significant improvements (p < 0.001) in CMJ, BAT, and kicking speed in the experimental group players. Control group remained unchanged in these variables. Both groups significantly reduced sprint times over 5, 10, 20, and 30 m (p ≤ 0.05). A significant correlation (r = 0.492, p < 0.001) was revealed between ΔBAT and Δaverage kicking speed. Results suggest that a specific CT program without external loads is effective for improving soccer-specific skills such as vertical jump, sprint, agility, and kicking speed in young soccer players.

Association of the weekly practice of guided physical activity with the reduction of falls and symptoms of fibromyalgia in adult women.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of weekly physical activity on the risk of falls and the impact of fibromyalgia (FM) symptoms on daily function in Spanish women. Fibromyalgia is a common widespread pain condition that has been linked to an increased risk of falling and a low amount of guided physical activity, defined as regular participation in moderate-intensity exercise. Before the development of fall-risk reduction interventions, it is essential to understand the context of falls and fall-related experiences in patients with FM. Ours was a descriptive longitudinal study, wherein 140 women participated, all aged 28-73 years and belonging to AFIXA (Asociación Provincial de Fibromialgia y Síndrome de Fatiga Crónica), the Fibromyalgia Association of Jaén (Andalusia, Spain). The study took place during 2013; data were collected through fall diaries, interviews, and questionnaires. Results showed that weekly physical activity can explain up to 12% of the variance in the fear of falling and 18% of the number of falls per year in patients with FM. However, the weekly physical activity prediction against the perceived impact of FM yielded R values below 10% in the 3 factors and in the total score of the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ-R). Inactive women were proven to have a significantly higher number of falls per year than active ones (1.86 ± 1.46 vs. 0.69 ± 0.43, p < 0.001), but their fear of falling was similar (p > 0.05). In addition, physically active women had a significantly lower intensity in the symptoms of their condition (FIQ-R symptoms: 30.87 ± 8.58 vs. 34.78 ± 7.58 arbitrary units [a.u.], p = 0.014), and lower scores in the total score of the FIQ-R (54.33 ± 21.50 vs. 65.19 ± 19.27 a.u., p = 0.004). Results show that, with at least 1 hour per session of guided physical activity, a higher weekly number of sessions reduced the fear of falling in patients with FM and the total number of falls per year, and is associated with less severe symptoms (FIQ-R3).