Does muscular fitness predict cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescent girls? A 3-year follow-up study.

The main purpose of the study was to establish, whether future cardiorespiratory fitness might be predicted by the level of muscular fitness at baseline. In this 3-year follow-up study, we recruited 240 secondary school girls at the age of 15 y, who were followed until the age of 17 y. Muscular fitness included the following tests: (i) standing broad jump (cm), (ii) sit-ups in 60 s (#) and (iii) squats in 60 s (#). Cardiorespiratory fitness was split into aerobic endurance (the 800-m run test) and speed endurance (the 400-m run test). Better performances in the 800-m run and the 400-m run tests at follow-up were correlated with higher levels of standing broad jump, sit-ups and squats in 60 s measured at baseline. In regression models adjusted for fat mass and maturity offset, standing broad jump, sit-ups and squats in 60 s were positively associated with the 800-m run test, while only standing broad jump remained significantly and positively associated with the 400-m run test. These data suggest that interventions enhancing muscular fitness should be recommended, as the effects are likely to be associated with future cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescent girls.

Basic motor competencies in Slovak children from the 3rd and 4th grade elementary age group.

Background: The development of movement skills is the basic goal of physical and sports education. Their level is a determining factor in the subsequent involvement of the child in physical activities. Goal is to contribute to the knowledge of basic motor competencies (BMC) in the 3rd and 4th grade boys and girls from elementary schools. Methods: We collected data from 468 children (Mage = 9.6, SD = 0.6 years; 228 girls and 240 boys) from 16 third grade and 16 fourth grade classes at ten elementary schools in different parts (central, west, north) of the Slovak Republic. The primary data on the basic motor competencies of the examined groups were obtained by means of the MOBAK-3 test battery. Construct validity was analyzed by confirmatory factorial analysis and relationships between BMC and age, gender and BMI were analyzed by structural equation modeling. Results: Boys had a better performance in object movement activities than the girls p < 0.01. Situation in self-movement activities was different, girls had a better performance than boys p < 0.05. The general expectation that grade is a factor to improve the performance in basic motor competencies in the compared 3rd- and 4th-graders was not clearly fulfilled. This assumption was only confirmed in girls (object movement p < 0.05, self movement p < 0.01). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the two-factor structure of basic motor competencies on object-movement and self-movement, while gender, BMI and age were confirmed as significant covariances. Conclusions: The theory of BMC in the 3rd- and 4th-graders at elementary schools is an appropriate method to uncover the grounds for a positive attitude to physical activities later in life.

Are flat feet a disadvantage in performing unilateral and bilateral explosive power and dynamic balance tests in boys? A school-based study.

BACKGROUND: Little evidence has been provided regarding physical performance and flat-footedness in school-age children. Although flat feet may decrease the level of motor performance, findings remain inconsistent. Therefore, the main purpose of the study was to determine whether children with flat feet had poorer physical task performance, compared to normal-footed children. METHODS: A total of 208 primary school boys were included in the study (107 normal-footed and 101 flatfooted boys). Flat footedness (< 42°) was determined using Clark's method. The children were tested by a set of unilateral and bilateral tests selected from the area of ​​explosive power and dynamic balance which included: (i) countermovement jump, (ii) standing broad jump, (iii) the triple crossover hop for distance test, (iv) maximal sprinting speed over 10, 20 and 40 m and (v) the Star Excursion Balance Test. Differences were adjusted for age, body mass index, peak height velocity and physical activity. RESULTS: Flat footed children exhibited significantly poorer results in bilateral standing broad jump (effect size [ES] = 0.34), unilateral standing broad jump for dominant (ES = 0.31) and non-dominant leg (ES = 0.20), the triple crossover hop for distance test for dominant (ES = 0.24) and non-dominant leg (ES = 0.23) and the Star Excursion Balance Test (ES = 0.23-0.43) and were slower in maximal sprinting speed test over 20 m (ES = 0.25) and 40 m (ES = 0.30). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that children with flat feet performed poorer in some physical performance tasks, compared to the normal feet counterparts.

A Simple Equation to Estimate Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Older Adults Using the 6 min Walk Test, Sex, Age and Body Mass Index.

PURPOSE: The 6 min walk test (6MWT) is used in clinical and epidemiological practice as a simple tool to evaluate the maximal aerobic exercise capacity (VO2max). To date, little evidence has been provided regarding regression equation models to predict VO2max in older adults. Therefore, the main purpose of the study was to develop a reference equation to estimate objectively measured VO2max, based on the 6MWT, sex, age and body mass index (BMI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this observational prospective study, we collected the data from 233 asymptomatic participants aged 60-80 years (52.4% women). VO2max and the 6MWT were measured using standardized protocols. BMI was calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m2). To be able to develop the predictive equation for VO2max, we used linear generalized estimating equations (GEE). RESULTS: Older men performed better in VO2max (30.9 ± 8.8 vs. 26.3 ± 6.3 mL/kg/min, p < 0.001) and the 6MWT (673.9 ± 58.7 vs. 642.3 ± 48.0 m, p < 0.001), compared to women. VO2max was correlated with the 6MWT (r = 0.71, p < 0.001), sex (r = -0.29, p < 0.001), age (r = -0.62, p < 0.001) and BMI (r = -0.38, p < 0.001). The model to predict VO2max included: VO2max (mL/kg/min) = 59.44 - 3.83 *, sex (1-men; 2-women) - 0.56 *, age (years) - 0.48 *, BMI (kg/m2) + 0.04 *, and the 6MWT (m) (R = 0.85; R2 = 72.3%, SEE = 3.99 mL/kg/min, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The newly developed regression equation can be a guideline in clinical and epidemiological practice to predict the VO2max in apparently healthy older adults.

Normative values of cardiorespiratory fitness in Croatian children and adolescents.

Although defining normative values of cardiorespiratory fitness have been the topic of many Western societies, little evidence has been provided for less developed countries like Croatia. Since cardiorespiratory fitness rapidly declines in Croatian children and adolescents, the newly established normative values would help health-related professionals and physical education teachers to detect 'talented' groups and direct them towards sport and 'risky' groups for planning special interventions. Therefore, the main purpose of the study was to determine normative reference values of cardiorespiratory fitness. A total of 1,612 children and adolescents aged 7-14 years (mean±SD; age 9.7±2.4 years; stature 151.0±17.6 cm; body mass 45.1±19.1 kg; 52.5% girls) participated in this cross-sectional study. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by the Maximal multistage 20-m shuttle run test and the performance was expressed as the number of stages. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was estimated by equations. Smoothed percentile curves were calculated. Boys outperformed girls in the maximal number of levels achieved after the 20-m shuttle run test and in the VO2max values at each age category. In boys, a gradually higher level of performance between ages 11 and 14 was observed, while in girls the values started to rise after the age of 8. Our study provides one of the first sex- and age-specific normative values for cardiorespiratory fitness assessed by the 20-m shuttle run test in Croatian children and adolescents.

Allometric normalization of handgrip strength in older adults: Which body size parameter is the most appropriate?

BACKGROUND: Although absolute handgrip strength has been associated with health-related outcomes in older adults, little evidence has been provided regarding its adjustment by a variety of body size dimensions. Therefore, the main purpose of the study was to establish the most appropriate normalization of handgrip strength by different body size parameters in a large sample of noninstitutionalized older adults. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 643 men and women aged > 60, who were part of the rehabilitation center facility program. Handgrip strength was objectively measured using a Jamar Plus* + Digital Hand Dynamometer. Body size parameters included body weight and height, body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, fat mass and fat-free mass. The most appropriate parameter associated with handgrip strength was identified using allometry. RESULTS: Findings showed that the most appropriate body size parameter for handgrip strength normalization was height (allometric exponent: 0.85), compared to fat-free mass (0.26) and body mass (0.12). Other body size variables were not significantly associated with handgrip strength and were omitted from further analyses. The correlations between normalized handgrip strength were significant when handgrip strength was normalized by body mass and fat-free mass, while no significant correlations were found, when handgrip strength was normalized by body height. CONCLUSION: Based on the study results, body height seems to be the best body size parameter for handgrip strength normalization in older adults, omitting the influence of body size on strength performance. If handgrip strength is measured, body height may help normalize strength for large-scale research.

European fitness landscape for children and adolescents: updated reference values, fitness maps and country rankings based on nearly 8 million test results from 34 countries gathered by the FitBack network.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To develop reference values for health-related fitness in European children and adolescents aged 6-18 years that are the foundation for the web-based, open-access and multilanguage fitness platform (FitBack); (2) to provide comparisons across European countries. METHODS: This study builds on a previous large fitness reference study in European youth by (1) widening the age demographic, (2) identifying the most recent and representative country-level data and (3) including national data from existing fitness surveillance and monitoring systems. We used the Assessing Levels of PHysical Activity and fitness at population level (ALPHA) test battery as it comprises tests with the highest test-retest reliability, criterion/construct validity and health-related predictive validity: the 20 m shuttle run (cardiorespiratory fitness); handgrip strength and standing long jump (muscular strength); and body height, body mass, body mass index and waist circumference (anthropometry). Percentile values were obtained using the generalised additive models for location, scale and shape method. RESULTS: A total of 7 966 693 test results from 34 countries (106 datasets) were used to develop sex-specific and age-specific percentile values. In addition, country-level rankings based on mean percentiles are provided for each fitness test, as well as an overall fitness ranking. Finally, an interactive fitness platform, including individual and group reporting and European fitness maps, is provided and freely available online (www.fitbackeurope.eu). CONCLUSION: This study discusses the major implications of fitness assessment in youth from health, educational and sport perspectives, and how the FitBack reference values and interactive web-based platform contribute to it. Fitness testing can be conducted in school and/or sport settings, and the interpreted results be integrated in the healthcare systems across Europe.

The Three-Level Model of Factors Contributing to High-Intensity Intermittent Performance in Male Soccer Players.

High-intensity intermittent performance in soccer is widely assessed using the yo-yo intermittent recovery level 2 test (YYIR2). This test is usually associated with aerobic-anaerobic performance. However, less is known about the direct or indirect contributions of abilities, including the anaerobic component. This study aims to propose a three-level model of factors contributing to YYIR2 performance, based on the investigation of relationships with aerobic endurance, repeated-sprint ability (RSA), and the linear and change-of-direction speed and power variables. Eighteen soccer players performed the YYIR2, with a 20-m shuttle run test (20mSR), an RSA test with change-of-direction, 5-m and 20-m sprints, and a 505 test, countermovement jump, squat jump, and drop jump. The results showed a significant relationship between the YYIR2 distance and the 20mSR distance (r = 0.721, p = 0.001), as well as with the RSA test mean time (r = -0.594, p = 0.009). In the second level, the 20mSR distance performance was not associated with any of the speed and power variables. However, the RSA test mean time correlated with the 5-m sprint (r = 0.587, p = 0.010), 20-m sprint (r = 0.702, p = 0.001), and 505 test (r = 0.585 p = 0.011) performance. In the third level, the 20-m sprint time was related to the squat jump (r = -0.577 p = 0.012) and countermovement jump (r = -0.768 p < 0.001) heights. In addition to aerobic endurance, this study highlights the importance of the anaerobic component in YYIR2 performance. More specifically, aerobic endurance (52%) and RSA (36%) are the main determinants of YYIR2 performance. Subsequently, the RSA performance is determined by the linear (34-49%) and change-of-direction speed (35%), while the explosive power of lower limbs contributes to sprinting performance (33-59%). Coaches should focus on the development of these abilities to improve the high-intensity intermittent performance of soccer players.

Effects of Load Carriage on Postural Sway and Relative Ground Reaction Forces in Special Police Officers: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Although excessive load carriage results in biomechanical gait changes, little evidence has been provided regarding its impact on postural sway. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to determine whether heavier loads have effects on changing foot stability and postural sway in special police officers. Thirty male special police officers (age = 40 ± 6 years, height = 180 ± 5 cm, weight = 89 ± 8 kg) were assessed in four conditions: (1) carrying no load, (2) carrying a 5 kg load, (3) carrying a 25 kg load, and (4) carrying a 45 kg load. Foot characteristics during standing were assessed with Zebris pedobarographic pressure platform. Heavier loads increased the center of pressure (COP) path length and average velocity, length of minor and major axis, and 95% confidence ellipse area, while a decrease in angle between Y and major axis was observed. Relative forces beneath the left forefoot and right backfoot regions decreased and an increase in relative forces beneath the left backfoot and right forefoot was observed. When carrying heavy loads, static foot parameters rapidly changed, especially in COP path length and average velocity.

Acute Responses to Resistance Training on Body Composition, Muscular Fitness and Flexibility by Sex and Age in Healthy War Veterans Aged 50-80 Years.

Background: Although evidence suggests that resistance training should be prescribed as a method to enhance or maintain physical fitness, these findings are mostly based on research on younger men. Studies investigating responses by sex and age to resistance training, especially in war veterans aged ≥50 years, are lacking. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to examine whether a 4-week resistance training program would have similar effects on body composition, muscular fitness, and flexibility in men and women aged 50−80 years. Methods: Seven-hundred and sixty-four participants were recruited and categorized into two groups each of men and women aged 50−64 and 65−80 years. The training intervention lasted 4 weeks and consisted of three 60 min sessions per week. All participants were tested for each of the following physical fitness components: body composition, push-ups in 30 s, chair-stands in 30 s, sit-ups in 30 s, and a sit-and-reach test. Results: Over the intervention period of 4 weeks, body weight (p = 0.002) and the percent of fat mass (p < 0.001) decreased, while the percent of lean mass (p < 0.001) in push-ups in 30 s (p < 0.001), chair-stands in 30 s (p < 0.001), sit-ups in 30 s (p < 0.001), and sit-and-reach (p < 0.001) increased. Significant time*age interactions were shown for push-ups in 30 s (F1,763 = 4.348, p = 0.038) and chair-stands in 30 s (F1,763 = 9.552, p = 0.002), where men and women aged 50−64 years exhibited larger time-induced changes compared to their older (65−80 yr) counterparts. Effect sizes were similar between sex- and age-specific groups. Conclusions: The 4-week resistance training produced similar pronounced positive effects on body composition, muscular fitness, and flexibility, while men and women aged 50−64 years displayed significantly larger improvements in upper and lower muscular fitness compared with their 65−80-year-old counterparts.

Associations between Fat Mass and Fat Free Mass with Physical Fitness in Adolescent Girls: A 3-Year Longitudinal Study.

The main purpose of the study was to examine the longitudinal associations between fat mass and fat free mass with health-related physical fitness. Two-hundred and forty 15-year old adolescent girls were measured at the baseline and after a period of 3 years (17 years). Health-related physical fitness included the following tests: (1) explosive power of the lower extremities (standing broad jump); (2) muscle endurance of the trunk (sit-ups in 60 s); (3) flexibility (sit-and-reach test); (4) muscle endurance of the lower extremities (squats in 60 s); (5) aerobic endurance (the 800 m run test); and (6) speed endurance (the 400 m running test). Fat mass and fat free mass were assessed using the bioelectrical impedance method. Longitudinal associations were analyzed with linear mixed model estimates. After adjusting for body mass index, fat mass was negatively associated with standing broad jump (ß = −1.13, p < 0.001), sit-ups in 60 s (ß = −0.27, p < 0.001), and squats in 60 s (ß = −0.27, p < 0001), while positive associations with the 800 m running test (ß = 0.02, p < 0.001) and the 400 m running test (ß = 0.02, p < 0.001) were observed. On the other hand, fat free mass was positively associated with standing broad jump (ß = 1.14, p < 0.001), sit-ups in 60 s (ß = 0.28, p < 0.001), and squats in 60 s (ß = 0.28, p < 0001), while the 800 m running test (ß = −0.02, p < 0.001) and the 400 m running test (ß = −0.02, p < 0.001) exhibited negative associations. This study shows that fat mass and fat free mass components are longitudinally, but oppositely associated with health-related physical fitness in adolescent girls.

Defining Optimal Cut-Points for Cardiorespiratory Fitness Associated With Overweight/Obesity in Children: A School-Based Study.

The main purpose of the study was to define optimal criterion-referenced cut-points for cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) associated with overweight/obesity. In this cross-sectional study, participants were 1,612 children aged 7-14 years (mean age ± SD = 9.7 ± 2.4 years; 52.5% girls). CRF was assessed by the Maximal multistage 20-m shuttle run test, from which maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was estimated. Anthropometric indices included body-mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to determine cut-off points. In boys, the optimal cut-off points of CRF in defining overweight/obesity for BMI, WC, and WHtR were 44.6, 46.4, and 46.9 mlO2/kg/min. The areas under the curves (AUC) were 0.83 (95% CI 0.78-0.88, p < 0.001), 0.77 (95% CI 0.71-0.83, p < 0.001), and 0.90 (95% CI 0.86-0.93, p < 0.001). In girls, the optimal cut-off points were 41.0, 40.8, and 40.7 mlO2/kg/min for BMI, WC, and WHtR, with the AUCs of 0.86 (95% CI 0.82-0.90, p < 0.001), 0.83 (95% CI 0.79-0.88), and 0.88 (95% CI 0.84-0.93, p < 0.001). In conclusion, our newly developed cut-off points for CRF assessed by the Maximal multistage 20-m shuttle run test may adequately detect primary school-aged boys and girls with general and abdominal obesity.

Tracking of anthropometric characteristics from childhood to adolescence: an 8-year follow-up findings from the Czech ELSPAC study.

BACKGROUND: Although evidence suggests that obesity track well from childhood to adolescence, most of the research has been done in Western and high-income countries. Moreover, most of the studies have tracked body-mass index, as a proxy of nutritional status, while tracking characteristics of circumferences and skinfold thicknesses have been less studies. Therefore, the main purpose of the study was to explore tracking characteristics of complete anthropometric data from childhood to adolescence. METHODS: This sub-study was part of the Czech ELSPAC study. In the present 8-year longitudinal study, we collected information from pediatrician's medical records at the ages of 8 y (n = 888), 11 y (n = 1065), 13 y (n = 811) and 15 y (n = 974), including circumferences (head, chest, waist, hips, and arm), indices (body-mass index, waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio) and skinfold thicknesses (biceps, triceps, subscapula, suprailiaca, thigh and the sum of 5 skinfolds). Participants were recruited from the two selected regions of the Czech Republic (Brno and Znojmo). Linear generalized estimating equations were conducted to analyze tracking patterns over an 8-year follow-up period for all anthropometric measurements. RESULTS: Tracking coefficients were moderate to strong, ranging from 0.40 to 0.62 for circumferences, 0.41 to 0.74 for indices and 0.72 to 0.86 for skinfolds. According to body-mass index and waist circumference standards, overweight/obese children and children with abdominal obesity at the age of 8 y were 11.31 (95% CI = 8.41 to 15.22, p < 0.001) and 10.73 (95% CI = 7.93 to 14.52, p < 0.001) more likely to remain overweight/obese and to have abdominal obesity at the age of 15 y. CONCLUSIONS: Findings show moderate to strong tracking of anthropometric characteristics, i.e. circumferences track moderately well, while strong tracking for indices and skinfold thicknesses is observed. Moreover, strong tracking of general overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity between ages 8 y and 15 y indicates that the detection of these risk factors at the beginning of primary school should be advocated.

Longitudinal associations between sport participation and fat mass with body posture in children: A 5-year follow-up from the Czech ELSPAC study.

The main purpose of the study was to examine longitudinal associations between sport participation and fat mass with body posture in children. We used data from children recruited in the Czech European Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (CELSPAC) at the ages of 11 y (n = 1065), 13 y (n = 811) and 15 y (n = 974). Information on body posture, practicing sport in a club and at a competitive level, and skinfold thicknesses (biceps, triceps, subscapula, suprailiaca and thigh) from pediatrician's medical records were collected. Body posture was inspected by a pediatrician. The sum of 5 skinfolds was used as a proxy of fat mass. The 85th and 95th percentiles defined 'overfat' and 'obese'children. Practicing sport in a club and at a competitive level were included as 'yes/no' answers. General linear mixed models with risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. Overall, 35.6% of children and adolescents had impaired body posture; the prevalence of 'incorrect' body posture increased by age (from 41.0% to 28.0%, p<0.001). Practicing sport in a club and at a competitive level decreased by follow-up (p<0.001), while the level of 'overfat' and 'obese' children increased (p<0.01). In separate models, 'incorrect' body posture was associated with non-practicing sport in clubs (RR = 1.68; 95% CI 1.43-1.97, p<0.001) or at competitive level (RR = 1.61; 95% CI 1.37-1.88, p<0.001) and with being 'overfat' (RR = 2.05; 95% CI 1.52-2.75, p<0.001) and 'obese' (RR = 2.15; 95% CI 1.68-2.75, p<0.001). When all variables were put simultaneously into the model additionally adjusted for sex, self-rated health and baseline body posture, similar associations remained. This study shows, that not participating in sport and being overfat/obese are longitudinally associated with 'incorrect' body posture. Therefore, the detection of these risk factors in childhood, through the development of school- and community-based interventions, should be advocated.

Tracking of health-related physical fitness in adolescent girls: a 3-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence has shown that higher levels of physical fitness (PF) in youth have beneficial effects on adult health-related outcomes. However, the tracking of separate PF components during adolescence has been less studied. Since PF often starts to rapidly decline during adolescence, it is necessary to provide information regarding critical time-point for interventions. This study aimed to analyze the extent of tracking the components of PF through PF tests. METHODS: In this longitudinal study, we recruited 240 adolescent girls with recoded data at 2 time-points (15 y and 17 y). PF included body composition (fat mass), explosive power of lower extremities (standing broad jump), muscle endurance of the trunk (sit-ups in 60 s), flexibility (sit-and-reach test), muscle endurance of lower extremities (squats in 60 s), aerobic endurance (the 800 m run test) and speed endurance (the 400 m run test). Tracking coefficients were calculated using generalized estimating equations. Tertiles (high, moderate and low) were calculated for each fitness component. RESULTS: The highest tracking coefficients between the two time-points were found for explosive power of lower extremities (ß = 0.98), followed by flexibility (ß = 0.89), body composition (ß = 0.88), speed endurance (ß = 0.86), aerobic endurance (ß = 0.75), muscle endurance of lower extremities (ß = 0.65), and muscle endurance of the trunk (ß = 0.51). Tertile ratings remained stable across the two time-points. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate to high tracking of PF in adolescent girls suggests that interventions aiming to increase the level of PF should probably begin in early adolescence.

The associations between health-related physical fitness and fasting blood glucose in war veterans: a population-based study.

The main purpose of the study was to analyze the associations between health-related physical fitness and fasting blood glucose in war veterans. In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 764 men and women aged 45-75 years, who were part of the Homeland War between 1990 and 1995 (33.5% women). Health-related physical fitness included: (1) fat mass and fat-free mass (body composition), (2) push-ups in 30 s (muscular dynamic endurance of upper extremities), (3) sit-ups in 30 s (repetitive upper body strength), (4) chair-stands in 30 s (lower body strength), (5) sit-and-reach test (flexibility) and (6) the 2-min step test (cardiorespiratory function). Laboratory measurement of fasting blood glucose was performed according to standardized procedures in resting seated position after a 12-h overnight fast. Generalized estimating equations with multiple regression models were used to calculate the associations between health-related physical fitness and fasting blood glucose. In men, fasting blood glucose was significantly correlated with fat-free mass (ß = - 0.25, p < 0.001), push-ups in 30 s (ß = - 0.55, p < 0.001), chair-stands in 30 s (ß = - 0.50, p < 0.001), sit-ups in 30 s (r = - 0.45, p < 0.001), the sit-and reach test (r = - 0.46, p < 0.001) and the 2-min step test (r = - 0.19, p < 0.001), while fat mass was positively correlated with fasting blood glucose (ß = 0.14, p = 0.004). In women, fasting blood glucose was significantly correlated with fat mass (ß = 0.20, p = 0.002), fat-free mass (ß = - 0.15, p = 0.014), push-ups in 30 s (ß = - 0.49, p < 0.001), chair-stands in 30 s (ß = - 0.43, p < 0.001), sit-ups in 30 s (ß = - 0.52, p < 0.001), the sit-and reach test (ß = - 0.40, p < 0.001) and the 2-min step test (ß = - 0.35, p < 0.001). This study shows that fasting blood glucose may be predicted by health-related physical fitness test in war veterans.

Maternal Pre-Pregnancy Nutritional Status and Physical Activity Levels and a Sports Injury Reported in Children: A Seven-Year Follow-Up Study.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to analyze dose-response associations between maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index and physical activity levels with childhood sports injury rates. METHODS: Participants included pre-pregnant mothers (n = 4811) and their children at the age of 7 years (n = 3311). Maternal anthropometry (height, weight, and body mass index), time spent in physical activity, and education level were recorded. All sports injuries were defined as injuries reported in the past year by the children at the age of 7 years. RESULTS: Children whose mothers were overweight/obese in the pre-pregnancy period were 2.04 (OR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.12-3.71) times more likely to report a sports injury at the age of 7 years. Underweight mothers exhibited a 74% decrease in the odds of their children reporting a sports injury at follow-up (OR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.10-0.68). Finally, an increase in maternal physical activity across the last three quartiles was associated with a lower odds of sports injuries. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of reporting a sports injury was greater for children whose mothers were overweight/obese in the pre-pregnancy period. However, there was a lower risk with both maternal underweight status and increasing minutes of physical activity.

Tracking of Maternal Physical Activity and Sport Participation over 11 Years: Findings from the Czech ELSPAC Study.

Purpose: Tracking of physical activity (PA) and sport participation (SP) during motherhood is poorly understood. The purpose of the study was to analyze the extent of tracking of maternal PA and SP. Methods: In this investigation, data were collected from the Czech ELSPAC study subsample of 4811 and 2609 women measured postnatally (1991-1992) and after 11 years of follow-up (2002-2003), respectively. The structured questionnaire was used to assess the participation and average weekly time spent in PA, and the frequency of engaging in different sports (running, cycling, strength training, racket sports, swimming, and team sports). Tracking was calculated using generalized estimating equations (GEE) with beta coefficients (ß), odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: Moderately high tracking coefficients were observed for cycling (ß = 0.69, 95% 0.67-0.72), strength training (ß = 0.59, 95% 0.56-0.63), and weekly time spent in PA (ß = 0.53, 95% 0.38-0.66); meanwhile, moderate tracking coefficients were generated for swimming (ß = 0.48, 95% 0.44-0.52), team sports (ß = 0.44, 95% 0.39-0.48), racket sports (ß = 0.44, 95% 0.39-0.48), and running (ß = 0.35, 95% 0.30-0.40). Mothers who did not participate in PA at baseline were 81% more likely not to participate in it at follow-up (OR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.53-2.13). Conclusion: Cycling- and strength-related activities and weekly PA were tracked moderately-to-moderately high during motherhood. Moreover, the strong tracking of physical inactivity indicates that the detection of this risk factor before pregnancy should be advocated.

Normative Values for Health-Related Physical Fitness in First-Year Police Officers.

ABSTRACT: Stefan, L, Kasovic, M, and Culej, M. Normative values for health-related physical fitness in first-year police officers. J Strength Cond Res 36(9): 2530-2535, 2022-The main aim of the study was to develop normative values for health-related physical fitness tests in first-year police officers. In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 773 police officers aged 19-28 years old (mean age ± SD = 22 ± 3 years, 34% women). Health-related physical fitness included: (a) polygon backwards (agility), (b) standing broad jump (explosive power of lower extremities), (c) sit-and-reach test (flexibility), and (d) 2.4 km run (aerobic capacity). In addition, maximal oxygen uptake (V̇ o2 max) was calculated. Sex- and age-specific centile smoothed curves for the 20th, 40th, 60 th , and 80th percentiles using Cole's LMS method were created. The results showed that men performed better in all health-related physical fitness tests ( p < 0.001), compared with women. The median values for polygon backwards, standing broad jump, sit-and-reach test, 2.4 km run and V̇ o2 max were 8 seconds, 210, 15 cm, 721 seconds and 49 mlO 2 ·kg -1 ·min -1 in men and 10 seconds, 165, 10 cm, 915 seconds and 39 mlO 2 ·kg -1 ·min -1 in women. No significant interaction between age and health-related physical fitness was observed. This study provides sex- and age-specific normative values for health-related physical fitness in police officers. Findings from this study may be used in detecting a group of police officers who have lower levels of physical fitness. Thus, policies aiming to enhance the level of physical fitness could be implemented within the system.

Normative Data for Musculoskeletal Fitness in 13,217 Children and Adolescents: The Croatian Fitness (CROFIT) Study.

Purpose: The main purpose of the study was to establish normative data for health-related musculoskeletal fitness. Method: We recruited 13,217 children and adolescents aged 11-18 years (6,181 boys and 7,036 girls; 57% of girls). To evaluate musculoskeletal fitness, the following field tests were applied: standing broad jump (cm), sprint 20 m (sec), medicine-ball throw (dm), sit-ups in one minute (#), sit-ups in one minute (short, #), and squats in one minute (#). Curves for the 10th, 20th, 30th, 40th, 50th (median), 60th, 70th, 80th, and 90th percentiles were calculated using the Lambda (L), Mu (M), and Sigma (S) method. The LMS method assumes that the data can be normalized by using a power transformation and removing the skewness. Results: Median scores for standing broad jump, sprint 20 m, medicine-ball throw, sit-ups in one minute, sit-ups in one minute (short) and squats in one minute were 185.00 cm, 3.66 sec, 80.00 dm, 46.00 x, 56.00 x and 49 x in boys and 160.00 cm, 4.01 sec, 60.00 dm, 40.00 x, 49.00 and 43 x in girls. Effect sizes (ES) showed that boys performed better in all physical fitness tests (ES = 0.50-1.05), compared to girls. In general, age-related physical fitness changes showed the plateau between ages 15 and 16 in boys, while in girls, the plateau was reached at the age of 14. Conclusions: This study shows standards for musculoskeletal tests in youth.