Effectiveness of an Ecological Model-Based Active Transport Education Program on Physical and Mental Health in High School Students (MOV-ES Project): Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

The United Nations, through its 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals, advocates for the establishment of conducive environments for physical activity, following the ecological model. In line with this initiative, active transportation emerges as an accessible, cost-effective, and sustainable approach to augmenting daily physical activity levels. This study protocol endeavors to assess the impact of an active transportation education program rooted in the ecological model on the physical and mental well-being of high school students. Drawing upon scientific insights, we hypothesize that a 16-week active transportation intervention will lead to a 3% reduction in average body fat percentage and a noteworthy enhancement in executive function (including inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and working memory), physical fitness (comprising cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength), and mental health (encompassing mood disorders and cognitive functioning). If this intervention proves effective, it could offer a viable solution for the school community, especially in reducing congestion within the school environment. The study protocol aims to evaluate the impact of an active transportation educational program based on the ecological model on the physical and mental well-being of high school students. Three high schools located in the urban area of Talca, Chile, will be randomly selected (one public, one privately subsidized, and one private non-subsidized). Each high school will be randomly assigned an experimental group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30; without intervention). The experimental groups will receive an active transportation educational intervention during their physical education classes for four months (60 to 90 min sessions, once a week), while the control group will receive no intervention. The primary outcome will provide information on body composition and executive function. Secondary outcomes will include objective physical activity level, physical fitness, mental well-being, academic achievement, health-related quality of life, perception of environmental urban features, physical activity barriers, and adherence to active transportation. It is expected that the results of the MOV-ES Project will transcend the physical health of schoolchildren and will have an impact on the school community, especially by decongesting the school environment.

Association between Gross Motor Competence and Physical Fitness in Chilean Children Aged 4 to 6 Years.

The preschool period is considered critical for the development of motor competence, but as far as we know, no studies have investigated the association between motor competence and physical fitness in Chilean children. The aim of this study was to analyse the association between gross motor competence and physical fitness, controlling for possible confounding factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 144 preschool children (56.25% girls) with an average age of 5.3 years (4 to 6 years) from the Araucanía region, Chile. Motor competence was measured using the Children's Movement Assessment Battery, 2nd Edition (MABC-2). Regarding physical fitness, the components of cardiorespiratory fitness, lower body muscle strength and speed/agility were evaluated using the Battery to Assess FITness in PREschool (PREFIT). Partial correlation models and analysis of variance (ANCOVA) were used to assess differences in physical fitness between motor competence categories, controlling for age and body mass index. The mean fitness scores for cardiorespiratory fitness, lower body muscle strength and speed/agility components were significantly higher in children with higher gross motor competence. In terms of effect size, large values were found for the lower body strength component in model 1 for boys and in model 2 for the total samples of girls and boys. The results of this study suggest that good levels of gross motor competence are associated with better physical fitness levels.

The Effects of a Physical Activity Intervention on Adiposity, Physical Fitness and Motor Competence: A School-Based, Non-Randomized Controlled Trial.

Evidence suggests that early physical activity interventions are a means of preventing childhood obesity and are more effective when delivered in a school setting and based on the ecological model. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the effect of a multicomponent intervention based on the ecological model on adiposity, physical fitness and motor competence in children aged 4 to 5 years. METHODS: This study is a non-randomized controlled trial involving 173 children from Chile. The intervention was based on an ecological model and consisted of a physical activity program with three simultaneous parts, affecting intra- and interpersonal dimensions. The adiposity index, body mass index and waist circumference were measured. For physical fitness, muscle strength in the lower part, speed/agility and cardiorespiratory fitness were measured. Motor competence was assessed using catching, aiming and dynamic and static balance tests. RESULTS: After the intervention, there was no reduction in adiposity indices; in the intervention group, body mass index increased significantly with a high effect size. The intervention group showed significant differences in physical fitness in the components of muscle strength in the lower part (p = 0.000) and speed/agility (p = 0.002). For motor competence, the intervention group showed significant improvements in most components. CONCLUSIONS: The multicomponent intervention did not reduce adiposity indices; however, it caused significant improvements in the physical fitness and motor competence components, so it seems prudent to continue implementing it, given the benefits that adequate levels of motor competence and physical fitness bring to children's health, both in the short and long term.

Effects of Different Protocols of Moderate-Intensity Intermittent Hypoxic Training on Mental Health and Quality of Life in Brazilian Adults Recovered from COVID-19: The AEROBICOVID Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different protocols of moderate-intensity intermittent hypoxic training in patients who had recovered from COVID-19 on quality of life (QoL) and mental health. The sample of this clinical trial-controlled double-blind study consisted of 67 participants aged 30-69 years, who were organized randomly according to Normoxia, Hypoxia, Hypoxia Recovery or Control Group. Eight weeks of cycle ergometer training were performed with a frequency of three training sessions per week in normoxic or hypoxic conditions (with or without hypoxic recovery). Health-related QoL and Mental Health Status were evaluated by 12-Item Short Form Survey and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale instruments, respectively. All training groups improved the QoL's physical dimensions (Baseline-Post: Normoxia Group 42.1 (11.0)-48.7 (7.0), Hypoxia Group 46.9 (11.8)-53.5 (6.6) and Hypoxia Recovery Group 45.8 (9.2)-51.1 (5.3)) and mental dimensions (Baseline-Post: Normoxia Group 48.8 (7.9)-54.6 (4.6), Hypoxia Group 45.2 (7.7)-53.2 (3.8) and Hypoxia Recovery Group 46.5 (9.7)-52.0 (9.9)). Regarding mental health outcomes, all training groups decreased depressive symptoms (66.7% Normoxia, 31.2% Hypoxia Recovery and 31% Hypoxia groups), anxiety symptoms (46.5% Normoxia, 45.9% Hypoxia Recovery and 39.5% in the Hypoxia groups) and stress symptoms (40.6% Normoxia, 36.3% Hypoxia Recovery and 22.1% Hypoxia groups). Significant statistical difference was not found between groups. Normoxic and hypoxic training showed a similar effect on QoL and the mental health of Brazilian adults who had recovered from COVID-19.

Intensity of a Physical Exercise Programme Executed through Immersive Virtual Reality.

Evidence suggests that moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is necessary for health benefits. Immersive virtual reality is a technology that uses images, sounds, and tactile sensations from a simulated world to encourage healthy behaviours and physical activity. The aims of this research are (1) to determine the duration and intensity of physical activity performed through immersive virtual reality; (2) to determine differences in physical activity intensity according to gender. METHODS: A nonprobabilistic convenience sample composed of 39 university students of physical education pedagogy, who performed, through immersive virtual reality, a physical activity programme composed of three levels that progressively increased in complexity. Physical activity intensity was measured using accelerometers. RESULTS: Of the three levels, the most complex was not the one that produced the most minutes of MVPA. The three levels added up to 08:53 min of MVPA. No significant differences were found when comparing them by sex. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that an exercise programme delivered through immersive virtual reality generates MVPA levels, with no major differences between sexes. Further research is needed to confirm the contribution of immersive virtual reality to physical activity.

The Association between Sedentary Behavior, Physical Activity, and Physical Fitness with Body Mass Index and Sleep Time in Chilean Girls and Boys: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, the school population has undergone behavioral changes that have affected their health and adult life. The current educational scenario presents high levels of sedentary behavior, physical inactivity, low physical fitness, high levels of obesity, and non-compliance with sleep recommendations. In Chile, the scientific evidence on associations between these behaviors is incipient. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between sedentary behavior, physical activity, and physical fitness with BMI and minutes of sleep in Chilean children aged 10 to 11 years. METHODS: A non-probabilistic convenience sample of 222 schoolchildren aged 10 to 11 years. The variables measured were body composition (BMI), cardiorespiratory fitness (20 m shuttle run test), lower and upper muscular strength (long jump test and handgrip dynamometry), speed (4 × 10 m running), and flexibility (sit and reach test). Physical activity and sleep were measured by accelerometers. RESULTS: Of the participants, 60.4% and 90.6% did not comply with sleep and physical activity recommendations, respectively. Physical fitness was higher in boys in all components. The results of the linear regression show that in girls, moderate-vigorous-intensity physical activity, lower- and upper-body muscular strength, and cardiorespiratory endurance were associated with BMI and sleep. In boys, light-intensity physical activity and upper-body muscular strength were associated with both variables. CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity intensity, strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness were associated with BMI and sleep; however, physical activity intensity and associated physical fitness components differed by gender.

Didáctica no-parametral: principios didácticos de implementación desde las experiencias educativas circenses en espacios no formales / Ensino não-parametral: princípios didáticos de implementação das experiências educacionais circenses em espaços não-formais / Non-parametric didactic: didactic principles of implementation from the circus educational experiences in non-formal spaces

Resumen El presente trabajo aborda el fenómeno didáctico no-parametral sobre las experiencias educativas circenses en espacios no formales en Chile. El objetivo es analizar los principios didácticos de implementación que emergen de las experiencias educativas circenses en espacios no formales. La metodología utilizada es cualitativa, desde un enfoque fenomenológico-hermenéutico. Se aplica un grupo focal (7 educadores circenses reconocidos por su trayectoria y calidad educativa) y 11 entrevistas semiestructuradas (7 generales y 4 de profundización). La reducción y análisis contempla la transcripción, codificación y posterior categorización, mediante la utilización del software Nvivo Pro en su versión 11. De los resultados destacan las categorías de Espacio-tiempo (10,10%), las Características del Didacta (49,48%) y las dinámicas relacionales (20,91%) como las más referencias. Se destaca una mirada compleja del fenómeno educativo circense que emerge desde una didáctica inclusiva, cercana y sistemática, que tensiona la didáctica tradicional, presentando nuevas relaciones educativas.

Resumo Este artigo trata do fenômeno didático não-paramétrico (Quintar, 2008) sobre as experiências educativas circenses em espaços não formais. O objetivo é analisar os princípios didáticos de implementação que emergem nas experiências educativas circenses em espaços não formais. A metodologia utilizada é qualitativa, a partir de uma abordagem fenomenológico-hermenêutica. São aplicadas 11 entrevistas semiestruturadas (7 gerais e 4 em profundidade) e um grupo focal (7 educadores circenses reconhecidos por sua carreira e qualidade educacional). A redução e análise contemplam a transcrição, codificação e posterior categorização, por meio do uso do software Nvivo Pro versão 11. Os principais resultados destacam as categorias Espaço-Tempo (10,10%), as Características do Didato (49,48%) e dinâmica relacional (20,91%) como as mais referenciais. Destaca-se uma visão complexa do fenômeno educacional circense que emerge de uma didática inclusiva, próxima e sistemática, que enfatiza a didática tradicional, apresentando novas relações educativas.

Abstract This article presents the non-parametric didactic phenomenon (Quintar, 2008) on circus educational experiences in non-formal spaces in Chile, The objective of this article is to analyze the didactic principles of implementation that emerge in circus educational experiences in non-formal spaces. The methodology used is qualitative, from a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach. 11 semi-structured interviews (7 generals and 4 in-depth), and a focus group (7 circus educators recognized for their career and educational quality) were applied. The reduction and analysis contemplate the transcription, coding and subsequent categorization, through the use of the Nvivo Pro 11. The main results highlight the categories of Space-time (10.10%), the Characteristics of the Didact (49.48 %) and relational dynamics (20.91%) as the most references. A complex view of the circus educational phenomenon that emerges from an inclusive, close and systematic didactics is highlighted, which stresses traditional didactics, presenting new educational relationships.

Effectiveness, implementation, and monitoring variables of intermittent hypoxic bicycle training in patients recovered from COVID-19: The AEROBICOVID study.

Hypoxic exposure is safely associated with exercise for many pathological conditions, providing additional effects on health outcomes. COVID-19 is a new disease, so the physiological repercussions caused by exercise in affected patients and the safety of exposure to hypoxia in these conditions are still unknown. Due to the effects of the disease on the respiratory system and following the sequence of AEROBICOVID research work, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, tolerance and acute safety of 24 bicycle training sessions performed under intermittent hypoxic conditions through analysis of peripheral oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO2), heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), blood lactate concentration ([La-]) and symptoms of acute mountain sickness in patients recovered from COVID-19. Participants were allocated to three training groups: the normoxia group (GN) remained in normoxia (inspired fraction of O2 (FiO2) of ∼20.9%, a city with 526 m altitude) for the entire session; the recovery hypoxia group (GHR) was exposed to hypoxia (FiO2 ∼13.5%, corresponding to 3,000 m altitude) all the time except during the effort; the hypoxia group (GH) trained in hypoxia (FiO2 ∼13.5%) throughout the session. The altitude simulation effectively reduced SpO2 mean with significant differences between groups GN, GHR, and GH, being 96.9(1.6), 95.1(3.1), and 87.7(6.5), respectively. Additionally, the proposed exercise and hypoxic stimulus was well-tolerated, since 93% of participants showed no or moderate acute mountain sickness symptoms; maintained nearly 80% of sets at target heart rate; and most frequently reporting session intensity as an RPE of "3" (moderate). The internal load calculation, analyzed through training impulse (TRIMP), calculated using HR [TRIMPHR = HR * training volume (min)] and RPE [TRIMPRPE = RPE * training volume (min)], showed no significant difference between groups. The current strategy effectively promoted the altitude simulation and monitoring variables, being well-tolerated and safely acute exposure, as the low Lake Louise scores and the stable HR, SpO2, and RPE values showed during the sessions.

Association between Sleep Quality and Physical Activity in Physical Education Students in Chile in the Pandemic Context: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Due to the health restrictions put in place to face the pandemic, a decrease in the levels of physical activity and an alteration in the quality of sleep have been observed. One group susceptible to these changes is represented by students of physical education pedagogy, who, under normal conditions, present high levels of physical activity. However, the correlation between these variables has not been studied in the context of a pandemic lockdown. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the quality of sleep and physical activity level as a function of gender and evaluate the association between quality of sleep and physical activity level in physical education pedagogy students during the COVID-19 pandemic considering sociodemographic and health characteristics. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. An online questionnaire was applied to 280 Chilean university students of physical education pedagogy. The survey considered sociodemographic information, healthy habits, and self-reported health and included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) for physical activity levels and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for sleep quality. Results: The prevalence of good sleep quality was 20.4%. Furthermore, 52.9% of students had a high level of physical activity. Regression analysis between PSQI global score and age-adjusted physical activity levels indicated that being male and presenting a high level of physical activity favored a better PSQI global score. Conclusions: The prevalence of good sleep quality was low in general and significantly lower in women. Being male and having a high level of physical activity during quarantine benefits good sleep quality, regardless of age.

Effectiveness of a physical activity intervention on the overweight and obesity of Chilean schoolchildren.

INTRODUCTION: Physical fitness is considered a measure that integrates most of the functions of the human organism that are involved in physical activity. Motor competence is important due to its observed implications in the physical, mental and social development of children and adolescents. These assessments require the existence of updated reference values that allow the categorization of individuals and groups according to levels of physical fitness and motor competence. This paper describes the study protocol to Effectiveness of a Physical Activity Intervention on the Overweight and Obesity of Chilean Schoolchildren, and in this way determine, through the calculation of a representative sample, reference values for physical fitness and motor competence in children aged 4 to 6 years in the region of La Araucanía, Chile. METHODS: children in pre-basic education in transition grades I and II (4 and 5 years old), and those in the first year of basic education (6 years old) will be invited to participate. The sample will be probabilistic. The measures of a randomized controlled trial (registered in ClinicalTrial.gov NCT04194580) will be used. CONCLUSION: the lack of reference values for physical condition and motor competence for children between 6 and 4 years of age in the Araucanía region highlights the need to establish values, which will contribute to improving the health of children of the age group to be worked on.

Professional Esports Players: Motivation and Physical Activity Levels.

The professionalisation of esports has increased in recent years, generating the need for further study. Its evolution and continuous development have led the consideration of esports as a profession, increasing the number of players, practice modalities, and hours of play dedicated to this field. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between physical activity levels and motivational orientations in an international sample of professional esports players. A cross-sectional and observational study was conducted in European and Latin American countries. The sample was non-probabilistic by convenience, and 260 male professional esports players were recruited. A survey was used that included demographic data, body composition, physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), and motivation (Sport Motivation Scale). The results show that 92.7% of professional esports players have moderate and high levels of physical activity and that players with low levels of physical activity have positive values in all dimensions of motivation. It is concluded that extrinsic and intrinsic motivation correlates inversely with energy expenditure.

Effects of moderate-intensity intermittent hypoxic training on health outcomes of patients recovered from COVID-19: the AEROBICOVID study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies point to a lower number and reduced severity of cases in higher altitude cities with decreased oxygen concentration. Specific literature has shown several benefits of physical training, so, in this sense, physical training with hypoxic stimulus appears as an alternative that supports the conventional treatments of the COVID-19 patient's recovery. Thus, this study's primary aim is to analyze the effects of moderate-intensity intermittent hypoxic training on health outcomes in COVID-19 recovered patients. METHODS: A clinical trial controlled double-blind study was designed. Participants (30-69 years old) will be recruited among those with moderate to severe COVID-19 symptoms, approximately 30 days after recovery. They will be included in groups according to the training (T) and recovery (R) association with hypoxia (H) or normoxia (N): (a) TH:RH, (b) TN:RH, (c) TN:RN, and last (d) the control group. The 8-week exercise bike intervention will be carried out with a gradual load increase according to the established periods, three times a week in sets of 5 min, 90 to 100% of the anaerobic threshold (AT), and a 2.5-min break. Blood will be collected for genotyping. First, after 4 weeks (partial), after 8 weeks, and later, 4 weeks after the end of the physical training intervention, participants will perform assessments. The primary outcome is the maximum oxygen consumption (VO2peak). The secondary outcomes include lung function, inflammatory mediators, hematological, autonomic parameters, AT, body composition analysis, quality of life, mental health, anthropometric measurements, and physical fitness. The statistical analysis will be executed using the linear regression model with mixed effects at a 5% significance level. DISCUSSION: This study is designed to provide evidence to support the clinical benefits of moderate-intensity intermittent hypoxic training as a part of the treatment of patients recovered from COVID-19. It may also provide evidence on the efficacy and safety of intermittent hypoxic training in different health conditions. Lastly, this study presents an innovative strategy enabling up to 16 participants in the same training session. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov RBR-5d7hkv. Registered after the start of inclusion on 3 November 2020 with the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry.

Reduced naïve T cell numbers correlate with increased low-grade systemic inflammation during ageing and can be modulated by physical activity / Un número reducido de células T vírgenes se correlaciona con un aumento de la inflamación sistémica de bajo grado durante el envejecimiento y puede ser modulado por la actividad física

SUMMARY: Age-associated decline of immune system, termed immunosenescence, is characterized by low-grade systemic inflammation, known as inflammaging, together with T-cell functional dysregulation. Although affecting all individuals, different environmental as well genetic factors impinge on the individual´s susceptibility or resilience to immunosenescence. Physical activity has been shown to improve autonomy and functionality in older adults. However, if physical activity affects immunosenescence or inflammaging remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to analyze immunosenescence and inflammaging in elderly individuals by measuring peripheral naïve T cells and interleukin (IL) -6 from peripheral blood and evaluate the impact of physical activity on T cell dysregulation and inflammaging. Thirty (30) elderly volunteers (10 males and 20 females), and 7 young controls (2 males ad 7 females), were recruited for this study. A methodology questionnaire was used to evaluate different parameters such as physical activity, and peripheral naïve CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and serum IL-6 were measured by FACS and ELISA respectively. Our results shown that naïve T cells decline, and IL-6 levels increase as older people age. Interestingly, we observed strong negative correlation between naïve T cells numbers and IL-6 levels in older adults, suggesting a direct link between reduced naïve T cell pool and increased inflammaging. Continuous physical activity during youth did not affect immunosenescence and inflammaging in elderly, but physical activity during elderly increase naïve T cell numbers and reduce inflammaging in older subjects. Our results showed reduced number of naïve T cells and increased levels of IL-6 as elder people get older. Moreover, the strong negative correlation between these parameters suggest that naïve T cells can have a direct suppressive activity over innate immune components. Furthermore, physical activity during elderly can reduce immunosenescence and inflammaging in older subjects.

RESUMEN: El deterioro del sistema inmunológico asociado con la edad, denominado inmunosenescencia, se caracteriza por una inflamación sistémica de bajo grado, conocida como inflamaging, junto con una desregulación funcional de las células T. Aunque afectan a todos los individuos, diferentes factores ambientales y genéticos inciden en la susceptibilidad o resiliencia del individuo a la inmunosenescencia. Estudios anteriores han demostrado que la actividad física mejora la autonomía y la funcionalidad en los adultos mayores, aunque como la actividad física impacta a la inmunosenescencia e inflammaging es aún desconocido. El propósito de este estudio fue analizar la inmunosenescencia e inflammaging en personas de edad avanzada, midiendo las células T vírgenes y la interleucina (IL)-6 de sangre periférica, junto con evaluar el impacto de la actividad física sobre la inflamación basal y la inmunosenescencia. Treinta voluntarios ancianos (10 hombres y 20 mujeres) y 7 controles jóvenes (2 hombres y 5 mujeres) fueron incluidos en este estudio. Para medir actividad física, autonomía y dependencia se utilizó un cuestionario de metodología, junto con evaluar el número de células T CD4+ y CD8+ periféricas vírgenes e IL-6 sérica mediante FACS y ELISA, respectivamente. Nuestros resultados muestran que las células T vírgenes disminuyen y los niveles de IL-6 aumentan a medida que las personas mayores envejecen. Curiosamente, observamos una fuerte correlación negativa entre el número de células T vírgenes y los niveles de IL-6 en adultos mayores, lo que sugiere un vínculo directo entre la reducción de la reserva de células T vírgenes y el aumento de la inflamación. La actividad física durante la juventud no afectó la inmunosenescencia ni la inflamación en los ancianos, pero la actividad física durante la vejez aumenta el número de células T vírgenes y reduce la inflamación en los adultos mayores. Estos resultados sugieren que inmunosenescencia e inflammaging parecen estar directamente conectados, además de concluir que el desarrollo de actividad física durante la vejez reduce la inmunosenescencia y la inflamación basal en adultos mayores.

Traducción y adaptación cultural del cuestionario exercise fear avoidance scale para su uso en adultos mayores chilenos / Translation and cultural adaptation of the Exercise Fear Avoidance Scale for Chilean older adults / Tradução e adaptação cultural do questionário de escala do exercício para evitar o uso em idosos chilenos

RESUMEN Objetivo Traducir y adaptar culturalmente el cuestionario Exercise Fear Avoidance Scale (EFAS) al español para su uso en adultos mayores chilenos. Materiales y Métodos Doble traducción directa con armonización de versiones, retro-traducción y análisis de la comprensibilidad mediante entrevistas cognitivas. En el proceso de entrevistas cognitivas participaron 20 adultos mayores con edades comprendidas entre 63 y 83 años. Resultados Todos los ítems fueron evaluados como claros y comprensibles. Mediante la técnica de parafraseo e indagación 3 ítems (de un total de 16) se tuvieron que adaptar para lograr una mejor comprensión. Dos de estas adaptaciones consistieron en reemplazar un concepto por uno más utilizado en el contexto chileno y otra modificación fue en relación con la redacción, puesto que su lectura resultaba compleja para esta población. Conclusiones Se obtuvo una versión en español del cuestionario EFAS, la cual demostró ser comprensible y adaptada para su uso en adultos mayores chilenos.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To translate and culturally adapt the Exercise Fear Avoidance Scale (EFAS) Into Spanish for Chilean older adults. Materials and Methods Double direct translation with harmonization, back translation and analysis of text comprehensibility through cognitive interviews. A sample of 20 older adults between the ages of 63 and 83 participated in the cognitive interview process. Results All items were assessed as clear and understandable. Using the paraphrasing and inquiry techniques, 3 items (out of 16) were adapted to achieve better understanding. Two of these adaptations consisted in replacing one concept with another, as the latter was more used in the Chilean context, and making a non-literal translation, since the literal one was too complex for the elderly to understand. Conclusions A Spanish version of the EFAS was obtained, which proved to be understandable and adapted for its use with Chilean older adults.(AU)

OBJETIVO Traduza e adapte culturalmente o questionário da Escala de Evitação do Medo do Exercício (EFAS) ao espanhol para uso em idosos chilenos. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS Tradução direta dupla com harmonização de versões, retrotradução e análise de compreensibilidade por meio de entrevistas cognitivas. Vinte idosos entre 63 e 83 anos participaram do processo de entrevista cognitiva. RESULTADOS Todos os itens foram avaliados como claros e compreensíveis. Usando a paráfrase e a técnica de investigação, três itens (de um total de 16) tiveram que ser adaptados para alcançar uma melhor compreensão. Duas dessas adaptações consistiram em substituir um conceito por outro mais utilizado no contexto chileno e outra modificação em relação à redação, uma vez que sua leitura era complexa para essa população. CONCLUSÕES Foi obtida uma versão em espanhol do questionário EFAS, que se mostrou compreensível e adaptado para uso em idosos chilenos.(AU)

[Translation and cultural adaptation of the Exercise Fear Avoidance Scale for Chilean older adults]. / Traducción y adaptación cultural del cuestionario Exercise Fear Avoidance Scale para su uso en adultos mayores chilenos.

OBJECTIVE: To translate and culturally adapt the Exercise Fear Avoidance Scale (EFAS) Into Spanish for Chilean older adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Double direct translation with harmonization, back translation and analysis of text comprehensibility through cognitive interviews. A sample of 20 older adults between the ages of 63 and 83 participated in the cognitive interview process. RESULTS: All items were assessed as clear and understandable. Using the paraphrasing and inquiry techniques, 3 items (out of 16) were adapted to achieve better understanding. Two of these adaptations consisted in replacing one concept with another, as the latter was more used in the Chilean context, and making a non-literal translation, since the literal one was too complex for the elderly to understand. CONCLUSIONS: A Spanish version of the EFAS was obtained, which proved to be understandable and adapted for its use with Chilean older adults.

OBJETIVO: Traducir y adaptar culturalmente el cuestionario Exercise Fear Avoidance Scale (EFAS) al español para su uso en adultos mayores chilenos. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Doble traducción directa con armonización de versiones, retro-traducción y análisis de la comprensibilidad mediante entrevistas cognitivas. En el proceso de entrevistas cognitivas participaron 20 adultos mayores con edades comprendidas entre 63 y 83 años. RESULTADOS: Todos los ítems fueron evaluados como claros y comprensibles. Mediante la técnica de parafraseo e indagación 3 ítems (de un total de 16) se tuvieron que adaptar para lograr una mejor comprensión. Dos de estas adaptaciones consistieron en reemplazar un concepto por uno más utilizado en el contexto chileno y otra modificación fue en relación con la redacción, puesto que su lectura resultaba compleja para esta población. CONCLUSIONES: Se obtuvo una versión en español del cuestionario EFAS, la cual demostró ser comprensible y adaptada para su uso en adultos mayores chilenos.

Criterion-Referenced Fitness Standards Associated with Maintaining Functional Capacity in Chilean Older Adults.

The aim of the current study was to develop fitness standards associated with maintaining physical capacity in older adults at two different levels-that needed for advanced functioning and that needed for maintaining moderate (independent) functional ability. This was a cross-sectional study of 406 Chilean adults aged 60 and more. Functional capacity was measured through the Composite Physical Function (CPF) scale. A battery of validated fitness tests for this population was used. Based on the results of the CPF, two variables were created: "advanced physical capacity" (defined as those scoring 24 on the CPF scale) and "moderate (independent) physical capacity," defined as those scoring between 14 and 23 on the CPF scale. Fitness cut-off values were calculated for each of the two created variables to evaluate the risk of losing the independence through Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves analysis and logistic regression. The developed cut-off points provide important information for professionals working directly with older adults, to detect the risk of losing functionality and independence.

Validity of the International Fitness Scale "IFIS" in older adults.

OBJECTIVE: To validate the "International Fitness Scale" (IFIS) in older adults. METHODS: Firstly, cognitive interviews were performed to ensure that the questionnaire was comprehensive for older Chilean adults. After that, a transversal study of 401 institutionalized and non-institutionalized older adults from Maule region in Chile was conducted. A battery of validated fitness tests for this population was used in order to compare the responses obtained in the IFIS with the objectively measured fitness performance (back scratch, chair sit-and-reach, handgrip, 30-s chair stand, timed up-and-go and 6-min walking). RESULTS: Indicated that IFIS presented a high compliance in the comprehension of the items which defined it, and it was able of categorizing older adults according to their measured physical fitness levels. The analysis of covariance ANCOVA adjusted by sex and age showed a concordance between IFIS and the score in physical fitness tests. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, IFIS questionnaire is a good alternative to assess physical fitness in older adults.