Associations between Smoking Status and Health-Related Physical Fitness and Balance Ability among Older Males in Taiwan.

The primary aim of this study was to examine the relationships between smoking status and health-related physical fitness and balance ability in older males residing in Taiwan. This investigation adopted a cross-sectional design, utilizing data from 7688 older males who took part in the 2014-2015 wave of the National Physical Fitness Survey of Taiwan. Various data sources, including a standardized structured questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, health-related physical fitness assessments, and balance ability tests, were analyzed. The participants were divided into three categories based on their smoking habits: never smokers, former smokers, and current smokers. Multiple regression analyses were performed to evaluate the linear association between cigarette smoking status and health-related physical fitness and balance ability performance. Health-related physical fitness and balance performance were significantly greater (p < 0.05) in the never smoker group than in the current smoker group. Current smoking status was significantly negatively (p < 0.05) associated with cardiopulmonary function, muscular endurance, flexibility, and balance performance. A history of smoking (former smoker) was significantly negatively (p < 0.05) associated with the 2-min step test, 30-s arm curl and chair stand, as well as the 8-foot up-and-go test; however, the association was not significant for the back scratch, chair sit-and-reach, and one-leg stance with eyes open performance. These results suggest that current cigarette smoking is detrimental to health-related physical fitness and balance performance in older males. Quitting smoking may reverse the effects of smoking on overall body flexibility and static balance performance in Taiwanese older adults, thereby reducing the risk of falls and incapacity.

Jogging and weight training associated with increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in Taiwanese adults.

Background: Although previous studies have shown that aerobic and resistance exercise increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, the optimal type of exercise has not been determined. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the association of jogging (a type of aerobic exercise) and weight training (a type of resistance exercise) with HDL-C levels in Taiwanese adults. Methods: The data used in this cross-sectional study were obtained from the Taiwan Biobank (TWB), which is a national health resource that contains the genetic information of Taiwanese volunteers aged 30-70 years. A total of 75,635 subjects (47,881 women and 27,754 men) were included in this study. The subjects were divided into four groups: jogging (n = 2,278), weight training (n = 522), mixed exercise (n = 519), and no exercise (n = 72,316). The TWB data were collected through questionnaires (e.g. basic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and disease history), biochemical tests, and anthropometric measurements. Results: Compared with no exercise, jogging, weight training, and mixed exercise were all associated with higher HDL-C levels (ß = 2.5470, 2.6249, and 3.2117, respectively). As seen, the ß value was highest for the mixed exercise group, followed by weight training and then jogging (p for trend <0.0001). Conclusions: In the current study, jogging and weight training were individually associated with higher levels of HDL-C. Engaging in both activities was associated with much higher levels of HDL-C. Our findings suggest that regular jogging and weight training might play an important role in increasing HDL-C levels.

Cross-Correlations between Scientific Physical Fitness, Body Mass Index Distribution, and Overweight/Obesity Risks among Adults in Taiwan.

Background and Objectives: Health-related physical fitness reduces the risk of chronic disease, promotes quality of life, and has enormous economic benefits considering the global health care costs resulting from obesity. However, relatively limited information is available regarding the dose-response relationship between scientific physical fitness and obesity risk. This study aimed to determine the associations of scientific physical fitness with body mass index (BMI) distribution and overweight/obesity risk among adults aged 23-64 years in Taiwan. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study and reviewed data derived from the Scientific Physical Fitness Testing Program, Sports Administration, Ministry of Education, Taiwan. Responses from 16,939 participants from the database (7761 men and 9178 women, aged 23-64 years) were collected in this study. Each participant completed a series of scientific physical fitness measurements, including cardiorespiratory fitness (3 min progressive knee-up and step [3MPKS] test), muscular fitness (hand grip strength), and flexibility (sit-and-reach test). Anthropometric measurements included body height, weight, and BMI. The quartiles of scientific physical fitness results were identified as the dependent variable in the multiple linear and multiple logistic regression analysis to determine the associations of the scientific physical fitness measurements with BMI distribution and overweight/obesity risk, as well as the dose-response relationship. Results: The 3MPKS test was significantly associated with BMI (quartile 1 (Q1): ß = 1.900; quartile 2 (Q2): ß = 1.594; quartile 3 (Q3): ß = 1.079 for men, and Q1: ß = 1.454; Q2: ß = 0.882; Q3: ß = 0.555 for women), overweight (Q1: odds ratio (OR) = 2.117; Q2: OR = 2.056; Q3: OR = 2.063 for men, and Q1: OR = 3.036; Q2: OR = 2.542; Q3: OR = 1.959 for women), and obesity (Q1: OR = 6.530; Q2: OR = 5.747; Q3: OR = 3.557 for men, and Q1: OR = 3.238; Q2: OR = 1.431 for women) risk compared with quartile 4 (Q4) as the reference group with a dose-response relationship. In addition, relative hand grip strength was significantly associated with BMI (Q2: ß = -0.922; Q3: ß = -1.865; Q4: ß = -3.108 for men, and Q2: ß = -1.309; Q3: ß = -2.161; Q4: ß = -2.759 for women), overweight (Q2: OR = 0.806; Q3: OR = 0.697; Q4: OR = 0.278 for men, and Q2: OR = 0.667; Q3: OR = 0.398; Q4: OR = 0.228 for women), and obesity (Q1: OR = 0.528; Q2: OR = 0.206; Q3: OR = 0.049 for men, and Q1: OR = 0.351; Q2: OR = 0.129; Q3: OR = 0.051 for women) risk compared with Q1 as the reference group with a dose-response relationship. Conclusions: Higher levels of performance of the 3MPKS and relative grip strength tests were associated with lower BMI and overweight/obesity risk in both sexes. However, the sit-and-reach test was only partially related to BMI and overweight/obesity risk in both sexes. Cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular fitness were effective predictors of BMI distribution and overweight/obesity risk in Taiwanese adults.

Associations between cigarette smoking status and health-related physical fitness performance in male Taiwanese adults.

Background: The highest proportion of smoking behavior occurs in male adults in Taiwan. However, to our knowledge, no study has investigated the relationship between smoking behavior and health-related physical fitness according to education level, health status, betel nut-chewing status and obesity in male adults aged 18 years or older in Taiwan. Aims: This study aimed to determine the associations between cigarette smoking and health-related physical fitness performance in male Taiwanese adults. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 27,908 male adults (aged 23-64 years) who participated in Taiwan's National Physical Fitness Survey 2014-2015. Data from a standardized structured questionnaire, anthropometric variables, and health-related physical fitness measurements were analyzed. Individuals were categorized as never smoking cigarettes, former smoker, and current smoker. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between cigarette smoking and health-related physical fitness performance. Results: Never smoking group exhibited a lower (p < 0.05) proportion of abdominal obesity, higher (p < 0.05) proportion of perceived good health status, and greater (p < 0.05) performance in 1-min sit-up and sit-and-reach tests when compared with current smoking and former smoking group. Former smoking group had the highest (p < 0.05) performance in 3-min step test among all groups. Current smoker was significantly negatively (p < 0.05) associated with 3-min step, 1-min sit-up and sit-and-reach tests. Notably, former smoker was significantly positively (p < 0.05) associated with 3-min step and 1-min sit-up tests, but still negatively (p < 0.05) associated with sit-and-reach performance. Conclusion: Current smoker was associated with an increased the risk of abdominal obesity, reduced the perceived health status and health-related physical fitness performance. Quitting smoking had beneficial effect on the perceived good health status, cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness in male Taiwanese adults, but not on flexibility performance. Further research on the ameliorate mechanism underlying this phenomenon is warranted.

Associations of Health-Related Physical Fitness with Waist Circumference and Abdominal Obesity Risk in Taiwanese Adults.

In this study, we aimed to determine the associations among health-related physical fitness measurements, waist circumference (WC), and abdominal obesity risk in Taiwanese adults. We conducted a cross-sectional study based on data from the 2017 Taiwan Scientific Physical Fitness Survey (the TSPFS). We collected the responses from 17,973 participants (7907 men and 10,066 women) aged 23-64 years for this study. The participants completed the study protocol with a standardized structural questionnaire and a series of health-related physical fitness measurements. The fitness measurements included cardiorespiratory fitness (measured by a 3-min progressive knee-up and step test), muscular fitness (measured by a hand grip strength test), and flexibility (measured by a sit-and-reach test). Our anthropometric measurements included height, weight, WC, hip circumference (HC), body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). We identified the quartiles of the health-related physical fitness results as the dependent variable in the multiple linear and multiple logistic regression analysis to determine the associations of the physical fitness measurements with WC distribution and abdominal obesity risk. We also considered the dose-response relationship. We found that cardiorespiratory fitness, relative grip strength, and flexibility were each significantly negatively associated with WC, but absolute grip strength was significantly positively associated with WC. We also found that higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, relative grip strength, and flexibility were each associated with a lower risk of abdominal obesity. Moreover, our secondary finding was of a dose-response relationship between physical fitness performance, WC, and abdominal obesity risk. In short, health-related physical fitness was an effective predictor of waist circumference for both sexes of Taiwanese adults, and higher levels of health-related physical fitness were associated with lower risks of abdominal obesity in Taiwanese adults.

Low Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Muscular Fitness, and Flexibility Are Associated with Body Fat Distribution and Obesity Risk Using Bioelectrical Impedance in Taiwanese Adults.

In terms of public health, obesity and overweight have become major concerns worldwide. Nevertheless, regarding body composition, it is important to have a more precise understanding of the fat-to-muscle ratio. Hence, this study aimed to adopt bioelectrical impedance measurements to test body fat percentage (BF%) and to determine the associations between health-related physical fitness and both body fat (BF) distribution and BF obesity risk in Taiwanese adults. We conducted a cross-sectional study and reviewed data derived from Taiwan's Scientific Physical Fitness Survey. From the database, responses from 17,970 participants aged 23−64 years were collected in this study. Each participant completed a series of health-related physical fitness measurements, including cardiorespiratory fitness (3 min of a progressive knee-up and step (3MPKS) test), muscular fitness (hand-grip strength), and flexibility (sit-and-reach test). The BF% of each participant was assessed using the bioelectrical impedance analysis method. BF% was negatively associated with low performance on the 3MPKS (ß = 11.314, p < 0.0001 for men; ß = 12.308, p < 0.0001 for women), hand-grip strength (ß = 2.071, p < 0.0001 for men; ß = 0.859, p < 0.0001 for women), and sit-and-reach (ß = 0.337, p = 0.008 for women) tests but was positively associated with sit-and-reach (ß = −0.394, p = 0.004 for men). A risk of BF obesity for low performance of 3MPKS (odds ratio (OR) = 26.554, p < 0.0001 for men; OR = 25.808, p < 0.0001 for women), hand-grip strength (OR = 1.682, p < 0.0001 for men; OR = 1.234, p < 0.0001 for women), and sit-and-reach (OR = 1.142, p = 0.007 for women) tests was observed. These results suggest that low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, and flexibility are associated with an increased risk of BF obesity.

Running interval training combined with blood flow restriction increases maximal running performance and muscular fitness in male runners.

We investigated the effects of 8 weeks (3 days per week) of running interval training (RIT) combined with blood flow restriction (RIT-BFR) on the maximal running performance (RPmax), isokinetic muscle strength, and muscle endurance in athletes. Twenty endurance-trained male runners were pair-matched and randomly assigned to the RIT-BFR and RIT groups. The RIT-BFR group performed RIT (50% heart rate reserve, 5 sets of 3 min each, and 1-min rest interval) with inflatable cuffs (1.3× resting systolic blood pressure), and the RIT group performed the same RIT without inflatable cuffs. RPmax, isokinetic muscle strength, and muscle endurance were assessed at pre-, mid-, and post-training. Compared with the RIT group, the RIT-BFR group exhibited a significantly (p < 0.05) greater increase in RPmax, isokinetic knee extensor and flexor strength, and knee extensor endurance after 24 training sessions. These results suggested that RIT-BFR may be a feasible training strategy for improving muscular fitness and endurance running performance in distance runners.

Running Training Combined With Blood Flow Restriction Increases Cardiopulmonary Function and Muscle Strength in Endurance Athletes.

ABSTRACT: Chen, Y-T, Hsieh, Y-Y, Ho, J-Y, Lin, T-Y, and Lin, J-C. Running training combined with blood flow restriction increases cardiopulmonary function and muscle strength in endurance athletes . J Strength Cond Res 36(5): 1228-1237, 2022-We investigated the effects of 8 weeks (3 d/wk) of running training (RT) combined with blood flow restriction (RT-BFR) on cardiopulmonary function and muscle strength in endurance athletes. Twenty endurance-trained male athletes (19-25 years; 177.6 ± 2.4 cm; 69.0 ± 2.2 kg) were pair matched and randomly assigned to RT-BFR and RT groups. The RT-BFR group performed running sessions (50% heart rate reserve; 3-minute × 5 sets; 1-minute rest interval) with pressure cuffs (1.3 × resting systolic blood pressure), whereas the RT group performed the same running sessions without pressure cuffs. V̇o2max, muscle mass, isokinetic muscle strength, and hormones were assessed at pre-, mid- and posttraining. Compared with the RT group, the RT-BFR group exhibited a significantly greater increase in V̇o2max (5.1 vs. -1.1%) and isokinetic knee extensor strength (16.5 vs. -5.9%). In addition, RT-BFR group presented higher leg muscle mass (10.3 vs. 9.7 kg) than that of RT group after 8 weeks of training. Furthermore, testosterone to cortisol (T:C) ratio at 24 hours after training session at pre-, mid-, and posttraining were maintained in the RT-BFR group, whereas significant decreases of T:C ratio at 24 hours after training session were observed in the RT group. These results suggested that RT combined with BFR may be a practical training strategy for promoting cardiopulmonary function and muscle strength in endurance runners.

Two weeks of detraining reduces cardiopulmonary function and muscular fitness in endurance athletes.

We investigated the effects of 2 weeks of detraining on cardiopulmonary function and muscular fitness in 15 endurance-trained male athletes (age: 19-26 years; height: 176.1 ± 7.5 cm; body mass: 68.3 ± 7.6 kg). VO2max, exercise time to exhaustion (ET), maximal stroke volume (SVmax), maximal heart rate (HRmax), isokinetic muscle strength, and muscle endurance were measured before and after 2 weeks of detraining. We determined that short-term detraining resulted in a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in VO2max, ET, SVmax and isokinetic knee extensor strength but not in isokinetic knee flexor strength or muscle endurance. HRmax and body mass increased significantly (p < 0.05), whereas body fat percentage remained stable after detraining. Furthermore, significant correlations were identified between VO2max and SVmax (p < 0.01, r = 0.6) and between VO2max and knee extensor strength (p < 0.01, r = 0.6). The results suggest that 2 weeks of detraining reduces cardiopulmonary functions, possibly as a result of the attenuation of hemodynamic and neuromuscular adaptations. Moreover, we observed that short periods of detraining appeared to increase lean mass and maintain muscle endurance in endurance runners.HighlightsTwo weeks of detraining reduces VO2max, SVmax and muscle strength but maintains muscle endurance in male runners.Short periods of detraining may enhance anabolic hormonal milieu and increase lean mass.Detraining reduced cardiopulmonary function is associated with attenuation of hemodynamic and muscle adaptations.

Association of Regular Leisure-Time Physical Activity with Self-Reported Body Mass Index and Obesity Risk among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Taiwan.

Through this study, we aimed to determine the association of regular leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) with self-reported body mass index (BMI) and obesity risk among middle-aged and older adults in Taiwan. We conducted a cross-sectional study and reviewed the data derived from the Taiwan National Physical Activity Survey (TNPAS). Responses from 12,687 participants aged 45-108 years from the database were collected in this study. All the participants completed a standardized structured questionnaire that solicitated information regarding their demographic characteristics (age, gender, education, occupation, and self-reported health status), physical activity behaviors (regular/nonregular LTPA), and self-reported anthropometrics (height, weight, and BMI). Multiple linear and logistic regressions were used to examine the association between regular LTPA and BMI, and between regular LTPA and obesity status, respectively. Regular LTPA was associated with male gender, normal weight, excellent or good self-reported health status, and a lower rate of being underweight compared with nonregular LTPA. Regular LTPA was significant negatively associated with being underweight (OR = 0.71, p < 0.05), whereas it had no significant relationship with BMI and obesity (p > 0.05). Regular LTPA was associated with a reduced risk of being underweight among middle-aged and elderly adults in Taiwan. Further research on the relevant mechanism underlying this phenomenon is warranted.

Effects of Running Exercise Combined With Blood Flow Restriction on Strength and Sprint Performance.

ABSTRACT: Chen, YT, Hsieh, YY, Ho, JY, and Lin, JC. Effects of running exercise combined with blood flow restriction on strength and sprint performance. J Strength Cond Res 35(11): 3090-3096, 2021-We investigated muscle strength and sprint performance after combining running exercise (RE) with blood flow restriction (BFR). Twelve male sprinters received 2 experimental warm-ups: (a) RE (50% heart rate reserve, 2 minutes × 5 sets, 1-minute rest interval) with BFR (occlusion pressure: 1.3 × resting systolic blood pressure) warm-up, namely RE-BFR; and (b) RE without BFR warm-up, namely RE. Isokinetic strength or 60-m sprint performance was assessed after a 5-minute recovery from each experimental warm-up. All subjects completed 4 exercise trials in a counterbalanced order: (a) RE-BFR-strength; (b) RE-strength; (c) RE-BFR-sprint; and (d) RE-sprint. Muscle activation (during RE), blood lactate (BLa) (pre- and post-REs), heart rate (HR), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) (pre- and post-REs and at a 5-minute recovery) were determined during each experimental warm-up. The isokinetic knee flexor strength and the hamstring-quadriceps (H:Q) ratio observed for the RE-BFR warm-up were significantly higher than those observed for the RE warm-up (p < 0.05). However, no differences (p > 0.05) in the isokinetic knee extensor strength and 60-m sprint performance were observed between the 2 warm-ups. Running exercise-BFR warm-up induced a higher level of vastus lateralis and biceps femoris muscle activation than did RE warm-up (p < 0.05). Furthermore, RE-BFR warm-up induced higher HR, RPE, and BLa values than did RE warm-up after RE and at a 5-minute recovery (p < 0.05). These results suggest that RE-BFR warm-up may augment physiological responses and improve the H:Q ratio and isokinetic knee flexor strength. Thus, RE-BFR warm-up may be considered a practical warm-up strategy for promoting muscle strength and reducing the risk of hamstring injury in male sprinters.