Mediterranean Diet in Older Irish Adults: Prevalence, Patterns, Predictors and Pertinence.

The Mediterranean diet (MD) shows the strongest evidence in support of healthy aging and prevention of age-related diseases. It is associated with a decreased risk of chronic disease, such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and cognitive disease. Given the health-promoting aspects of this diet, we conducted a secondary analysis of data from the LifeAge study ("Promoting the shift: sedentary Lifestyle towards active Ageing-LifeAge" Project No 603121-EPP-1-2018-1-ES-SPO-SCP) with the primary aim to determine the proportion of older Irish adults adhering to the MD and to examine the association between adherence to the MD (assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) scoring tool) and anthropometric risk factors of non-communicable diseases. Of the 131 eligible participants (71.8% female, n = 94) (medically well, aged > 50 years and physically independent) (mean age = 66.2 ± 6.5 years), the mean cumulative MD score across the cohort was 5.8 ± 2.2, with 41% classified as moderate-to-high MD adherers (scoring > 7 MEDAS). Females had a significantly higher score compared to males (female 6.24 ± 1.98; male 4.86 ± 2.53; p = 0.002). Age (y), waist circumference (cm) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) each had a significant (p < 0.05) weak and negative correlation with MD score (r = -0.193, -0.240, -0.284, respectively). Visceral fat level had a significant (p < 0.05) moderate and negative correlation with MD score (r = -0.327). This analysis is the first to assess adherence to the MD in older Irish adults. MD adherence was lower in the Irish older cohort than that reported in older adults in Mediterranean regions and was adhered to more by females and those with a more favourable anthropometric profile. The health-promoting aspects of the diet are evident in non-Mediterranean regions as is demonstrated by the lesser incidence of some non-communicable diseases in moderate-to-high adherers. With the evidence of the protective effects of the MD, external to Mediterranean regions, it would be helpful to establish limitations to adherence, especially in aging populations living in non-Mediterranean regions.

The Effect of Resistance Training with Outdoor Fitness Equipment on the Body Composition, Physical Fitness, and Physical Health of Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study examined the effect of outdoor-fitness-equipment-based resistance training on the health parameters of middle-aged and older adults, as well as analyzing the effect of age on the results found. A total of 149 volunteers were randomly assigned to the training (TG) and control (CG) groups. The TG performed two weekly sessions of resistance training for 8 weeks using outdoor fitness equipment, while the CG continued with their regular daily activities. Body composition was measured using DXA, and the maximal isometric voluntary contraction in knee extension, elbow flexion, and hand grip were assessed, along with the 4 m walk test, the Timed Up and Go Test, and the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire. The TG showed a significant increase in the lean mass index (p = 0.002) and maximal isometric voluntary contraction in both legs (p < 0.001) and arms (p < 0.001), as well as in physical functioning (p < 0.001) and the role physical dimension (p = 0.006) of the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire, compared to the CG, which showed a decrease in all these variables. In addition, the TG showed a greater decrease in fat mass (p < 0.001), fat mass index (p = 0.003), and the Timed Up and Go Test (p < 0.001) than the CG. Age conditioned the evolution of most of the variables analyzed (p < 0.05). In conclusion, resistance training with outdoor fitness equipment may be useful for improving the health of middle-aged and older adults, although age is a factor that could influence the adaptations found.

Psychological, Physiological, and Physical Effects of Resistance Training and Personalized Diet in Celiac Women.

Background: Gluten intolerance is a systemic process of autoimmune nature; it develops in genetically predisposed subjects with gluten ingestion. The only treatment for celiac disease (CD) is a lifelong strict gluten-free diet (GFD). This study was designed to evaluate adherence to a GFD, risk of an eating disorder, and nutritional status in adult CD patients undergoing different interventions. Methods: A total of 28 Spanish women, aged 40 years or more, took part in a randomized controlled trial. Each group received a different intervention: group 1, gluten-free nutrition plan + exercise (GFD + E); group 2, gluten-free nutrition plan (GFD); group 3, celiac controls (NO-GFD); and group 4, non-celiac controls (CONTROL). The training was prescribed by a sport scientist. It was based on resistance training with elastic bands; beforehand a warm-up was performed and the resistance was increased progressively. The variables studied were adherence to the GFD, risk of eating disorders, blood values, and body composition. Results: Celiac women with personalized nutritional planning presented greater adherence to a gluten-free diet (p < 0.001). Regarding leukocytes, significant differences were observed between the GFD and control groups (p = 0.004). Perimeters and folds did not decrease significantly. Conclusion: Women with celiac disease who follow an adapted and personalized diet have a better adherence to a GFD compared to those who follow a non-professional diet, and therefore have a better immune system status (blood leukocytes).

Gender Mediation in Adolescents' Back Pain and Physical Fitness: A Cross-Sectional Study.

There is a lack of studies that analyze the interaction between risk variables as predictors of back pain (BP) in adolescents. The objectives of this study were to examine the relationship between BP and several risk variables, and to analyze the effect of the mediation of gender in this association. This cross-sectional study included n = 617 adolescents (mean age: 14.10 ± 1.18 years old) who completed the BP Adolescent Survey and who performed the bench trunk curl (BTC) and Sorensen (SOR) tests. Males showed a significantly lower prevalence (OR: 0.67) and frequency (contingency coefficient: 1.73) of BP than females, less participation in leisure-time sedentary behaviors (LRSBs) per day of more than 2 h (Cramer's V: 0.110), a higher sufficient Physical Activity (PA) (Cramer's V: 0.323) and a higher score in the BTC test (Contingency coefficient: 0.346). A high BTC score indicated significantly lower risk of BP than mid (OR: 1.74; p = 0.025) or low (OR: 1.62; p = 0.022) BTC. The mediation analysis showed a significant indirect effect with a significant value for the Sobel test (z = 7.45 ± 0.111). When the BTC test value was included in the equations, the connection between gender and BP was no longer significant. There was a difference in the prevalence between gender in BP and LRSB and PA. BP was associated with the SOR test. The association between BP and gender was mediated by SOR results.

Personalised Nutritional Plan and Resistance Exercise Program to Improve Health Parameters in Celiac Women.

Celiac disease (CD) is a permanent immune reaction to gluten in those with a genetic predisposition. This study was designed to evaluate menopause-associated symptoms, mood, bone quality, and IgA antibody levels in women with CD, untreated and treated with a gluten-free diet (GFD), and with or without resistance exercise. The randomised controlled trial was conducted on 28 Spanish women (>40 years old). Participants were divided into the following intervention groups: personalised gluten-free nutrition plan + exercise (GFD + E); personalised gluten-free nutrition plan (GFD); celiac controls (NO-GFD); and non-celiac controls (CONTROL). The participants responded to the Menopause Rating Scale and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaires. Bone quality was measured with ultrasound and IgA with a blood test. After 12 weeks of intervention, the GFD + E group showed significant improvement in urogenital symptoms and scored higher on the 'vigour' subscale of the POMS. Negative associations were found between the total score on the Menopause Rating Scale and the 'vigour' subscale of the POMS questionnaire. Only those women who underwent a personalised GFD nutritional intervention combined with resistance exercise demonstrated significant changes after the intervention.

Effect of an injury prevention program on the lower limb stability in young volleyball players.

BACKGROUND: Volleyball players have a high risk of injury in the lower limbs as a consequence of the specific characteristics of the sport, such as repetitive jumps and falls. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a multidisciplinary injury prevention program on lower limb stability in young volleyball players. METHODS: The experimental design was a non-randomized controlled trial. All the measurements were performed in a standardized room in a sports center. Twenty-six young male volleyball players (mean age: 15.39±1.16 years), divided into experimental (N.=15) and control groups (N.=11) participated in this study. The experimental group performed an 8-week prevention program including lower limb strength and plyometric training, and joint and core stability. The Y-Balance and force platform landing tests were carried out as the pre- and post-tests. RESULTS: The main outcome measures were the injuries history, distance and difference reached in anterior, post-lateral and post-medial axis of the Y-Balance test, and the force produced on the z, x, and y axis after landing. Differences were found between groups and measurements in all the variables of the Y-Balance test, except in the frontal axis for the dominant leg and for the differences between legs (P=0.039-0.001); and in the ground reaction forces (z axis) (P=0.040), the x axis (P=0.014) and the dynamic postural stability index (P=0.025) of the lateral jump with the non-dominant leg. CONCLUSIONS: An 8-week prevention program seems to improve the lower limb stability in young volleyball players.

Association among Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Cardiovascular, Obesity, and Anthropometric Variables of Overweight and Obese Middle-Aged and Older Adults.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the independent and combined associations between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (AMedDiet), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and different parameters of overweight and obese middle-aged and older adults. Sixty-two participants were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Fat mass was measured with Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. AMedDiet and physical activity (PA) were assessed with the PREDIMED and Global PA Questionnaire (GPAQ). Maximal aerobic power was assessed using the 6-min walk test. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure (BP) were measured with Omron M6, and double product (DP) and mean BP (MBP) were calculated. Kinanthropometry proportionality variables related to obesity were also calculated. Participants with a low CRF as an independent factor or together with a low AMedDiet obtained significantly higher BP, total and trunk fat mass, and proportionality variables (all p ˂ 0.0001). According to the multiple nonlinear regression analysis, Vo2max, AMedDiet, and sex explained 53.4% of SBP, with this formula: 238.611 - (3.63*Vo2max) + (0.044*Vo2max2) - (13.051*AMedDiet) + (0.68*AMedDiet2) + (12.887*sex). SBP and p rediction SBP with the new formula showed a correlation of 0.731 (p ˂ 0.0001); showing a difference between the values of -0.278 (p = 0.883). In conclusion, CRF as an independent factor and combined with AMedDiet can be associated with BP, body composition, and proportionality in overweight and obese middle-aged and older adults.

Relationship Between the Practice of Physical Activity and Physical Fitness in Physical Education Students: The Integrated Regulation As a Mediating Variable.

The practice of physical activity (PA) contributes to the prevention of chronic diseases such as obesity, metabolic syndrome or cardiovascular diseases, being also directly related to the individual's physical fitness. Therefore, it is necessary to measure and monitoring the levels of PA in childhood and adolescence, since it may be useful to describe their current health status and the association with physical fitness, as well as to reveal putative consequences in the future. Within the educational field, it has been shown that physical education (PE) classes are a favorable context for the creation of healthy physical-sports habits and self-determined motivation could be a key for explaining the level of PA practice. For this reason, the purpose of this research was to study the mediating role of integrated regulation (IR) on the relationship between PA and physical fitness in children and adolescents. A total of 325 students between 11 and 14 years old participated in the study. The level of PA was estimated through the specific Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C), while motivation and IR were measured by using the Perceived Locus of Causality scale (PLOC-2). In addition, physical fitness was measured through the Eurofit fitness battery of tests, composed of three body composition measures and seven tests of different physical capacities. The physical fitness score showed no differences when genders were compared. After regression analysis, the resulting models revealed a good adjustment and correlation between PA practice and physical fitness (ß = 0.173; p < 0.001), being established through the macro Process that this relationship is partially conditioned by the IR (ß = 0.122; p = 0.03). ROC curve analysis estimated the score of 5.88 as a cut-off point to discriminate between levels of IR for students, classified as physically active or not (AUC = 0.67; p < 0.001). The conclusions from these main and other complementary analyses reporting complete mediations, suggest that the IR could be decisive in predicting and explaining the relationship between the practice of PA and physical fitness at these ages, highlighting its importance for a greater adherence to the practice.

Fin type and flutter technique: a study to optimise the oxygen consumption in divers.

The purpose of this research was to assess the variability of the oxygen consumption (VO2) depending on fin type and the flutter technique used for the different divers' profile. Twenty-three SCUBA divers took part in four 2.5 hour sessions to evaluate a total of six fin models and two flutter techniques. The flutter routines lasted 30 minutes per fin and per technique. Measurements of VO2 significantly decreased on Jet (20.42 ml*min-1*kg-1) and XShot fin (20.87 ml*min-1*kg-1) compared to Twin Jet fin (22.81 ml, p < 0.05). In addition, the VO2 was in all cases higher in certified divers than in professional divers (23.87 and 19.00 ml*min-1*kg-1, p = 0.00). These differences were significant between divers' profile and flutter technique (p < 0.05). Similarly, measurements of VO2 were higher in frog kick technique than crawl kick technique (22.97 ml*min-1*kg-1 and 19.96 ml*min-1*kg-1, p = 0.00). These differences were significant between fin type and flutter technique in all fins (p = 0.03). Practitioner summary: This study investigated the impact of fin type, flutter technique and divers' profile on VO2 during diving. Results of this research suggest that combination a diving different factors significantly impacts the divers' VO2, thus providing new perspective for election of fin type and flutter technique according to the divers' profile.

Tools Used to Measure the Physical State of Women with Celiac Disease: A Review with a Systematic Approach.

Celiac disease (CD) is an immunological disorder that mainly affects the small intestine, generating an inflammatory process in response to the presence of gluten (a protein). Autoimmune diseases are part of a group of diseases that are difficult to diagnose without a specific protocol or consensus to detect them due to the number of symptoms and diseases with which it has a relationship. Therefore, the aim of this review was to analyze the diagnostic tools of CD used in middle-aged women, to compare the use and effectiveness of the different tools, and to propose a strategy for the use of the tools based on the results found in the literature. The present research followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. The search was conducted in the following databases: Scielo, PubMed, Web of Science, and Worldwide Science org. In the initial literature search, 2004 titles and relevant abstracts were found. Among them, 687 were duplicates, leaving 1130 articles. Based on the inclusion criteria, only 41 articles passed the selection process; 4 main types of analyses appear in the studies: blood tests, questionnaires, clinical history, and biopsy. It can be said that none of the analyses have a 100% reliability since most of them can present false negatives; therefore, the best way to diagnose celiac disease up to now is through a combination of different tests (Immunoglobulin A and small intestinal biopsy).

Effects of exercise programs on kyphosis and lordosis angle: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Many authors are interested in the effects that a specific exercise program could have on sagittal spinal curvatures. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of different exercise programs on thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordotic angle. This meta-analysis adhered to the PRISMA guideline and it was registered at PROSPERO. Five electronic databases (Pub Med, Cochrane, WOS, PEDro and EBSCO) were searched up to 31 July 2018. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials that applied an exercise intervention and measured a kyphosis and/or lordotic angle. Study quality was performance by PEDro score. Risk of bias was assessed using the SIGN 50 checklist for randomized controlled trials. External validity was assessed using the EVAT. Ten randomized controlled trials were included for systematic review and meta-analysis. Meta-analysis with a random effect model was performed to infer the pooled estimated standardized mean difference. All studies were RCTs and they involved a total of 284 cases and 255 controls. Seven studies measured kyphosis angle. A large significant effect of the exercise on kyphosis was identified (SMD = -1.400 (95% CI-2.150 a -0.660), p = 0.000). Four studies assessed lordotic angle and moderate but not significant improvement was shown (SMD = -0.530 (95% CI-1.760 a -0.700), p = 0.401). The results suggest that exercise programs may have a positive effect on thoracic kyphosis angle, but no clear effect on lordotic angle. This systematic review suggests that strengthening rather than stretching could be more relevant for kyphosis and both qualities are important for lordosis. It is necessary to conduct more randomized controlled trials to assess the effects of strengthening and/or stretching program on kyphosis and lordotic angle and to establish the type of the exercise that is better for maintaining the sagittal disposition within normal ranges.

Functional improvements after a pilates program in adolescents with a history of back pain: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: and purpose. Trunk endurance and extensibility are the main physical condition factors related to back pain. The goal was to analyse the effectiveness of a 6-week Pilates programme on trunk endurance and extensibility in adolescents with a history of back pain, determining the influence of sex. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two students with a history of back pain were randomly assigned to the Pilates group (PG; n = 26) or the control group (CG; n = 26). Trunk flexion (BTC test) and extension (SOR test), and hamstring extensibility (TT test) were measured. RESULTS: PG improved significantly BTC, SOR, and TT test. Statistical differences (p = 0.005) were found between the PG and the CG for the SOR test. CONCLUSION: The Pilates programme enhanced trunk endurance and extensibility in adolescents with a history of back pain. Trunk flexor endurance was better in the PG. Results were not influenced by sex.

Frequency of High Intensity Circuit Training and diet. Effects on performance and health in active adults: Randomized Controlled Trial / Efectos sobre rendimiento y salud en adultos activos: Ensayo Controlado Aleatorizado

Introduction: High intensity circuit training (HICT) has been proven to be one of the most efficient methods to improve physical and physiological parameters using short training sessions. The objective of this study was to discern the effects of a 6-week HICT program in active persons, modifying the training frequency. Methods: Group A trained two days a week (n=7), group B trained 3 days a week (n=7), while the control group did not perform any training (n=7). All groups followed a diet program adapted to the strength training requirements. The training sessions were comprised of 4 series of 10 self-loading exercises, including sprints and supporting materials, with 1-2 minute rests between series, exerting an 80-95% maximum cardiac frequency intensity. A 1:1 training load density was used, with 20-25 second intervals between work and recovery. Results: Groups A and B significantly improved in body composition and strength tests (bench press and back squats), compared to the control group as well as in the intragroup analysis when comparing before and after the intervention. However, no significant differences were observed when comparing the two experimental groups. No changes in blood pressure were observed in any inter- or intragroup analysis. Conclusion: An adapted nutritional program and a 2-day/week HICT program seems to be sufficient in order to obtain significant improvements in strength and body composition in healthy active subjects, although blood pressure was not affected

Introducción: El entrenamiento en circuito de alta intensidad (HICT) ha demostrado ser uno de los métodos de entrenamiento más eficaces por la mejora de parámetro físicos y fisiológicos utilizando cortos periodos de entrenamiento. El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer los efectos de un programa de 6 semanas de entrenamiento HICT en personas activas, modificando la frecuencia de entrenamiento. Método: El grupo A entrenó con una frecuencia de 2 días a la semana (n=7), el grupo B (n=7) 3 días a la semana y el grupo control no realizó ningún entrenamiento (n=7). Ambos grupos siguieron un programa dietético adaptado a los requerimientos de los entrenamientos de fuerza. Realizaron un mismo entrenamiento compuesto de 4 series de 10 ejercicios con auto-cargas, con material auxiliar y carreras, con descanso de 1 y 2 minutos entre las series, a una intensidad entre el 80-95% de la FC máx. Se utilizó una densidad de la carga de entrenamiento de 1:1 con intervalos de trabajo y recuperación de 20 a 25 segundos. Resultados: Los grupos A y B mostraron, en comparación al grupo control, mejoras en la composición corporal y en los test de fuerza (press de banca y sentadilla) antes y después de la intervención con HICT. Sin embargo, no se obtuvieron diferencias cuando se compararon los resultados obtenidos entre ambos grupos experimentales. Las diferencias se observaron frente al grupo control, ya que tanto el grupo A como el grupo B mostraron mejoras significativas en la composición corporal y la fuerza. La presión arterial no presentó diferencias en las comparaciones inter e intragrupo. Conclusión: Un programa dietético nutricional adaptado y una frecuencia de entrenamiento de HICT de dos días parece ser suficiente para obtener mejoras en la fuerza y la composición corporal, aunque no para mejorar la presión arterial en sujetos sanos activos