Effects of group exercise on functional abilities: Differences between physically active and physically inactive women.

BACKGROUND: Aerobic exercises to music can have a positive effect on functional and motor skills of an exerciser, their health, as well as an aesthetic and socio-psychological component. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of reactive exercising in a group on functional capabilities in physically active and physically inactive women. METHODS: A prospective study included 64 healthy women aged 40-60 years. The sample was divided into the experimental group (N= 36), i.e. physically active women who have been engaged in recreational group exercises at the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Serbia, and the control group (N= 28), which consisted of physically inactive women. All the participants were monitored using the same protocol before and after the implementation of the research. All women had their height, weight and body mass index measured as well as their spiroergometric parameters determined according to the Bruce protocol. RESULTS: A univariate analysis of variance has shown that there is a statistically significant difference between the experimental group and the control group in maximum speed, the total duration of the test, relative oxygen consumption, absolute oxygen consumption and ventilation during the final measurement. After the training intervention, the experimental group showed improvements in all the parameters analyzed compared with pretest values. CONCLUSION: The recreational group exercise model significantly improves aerobic capacity and functioning of the cardiovascular system. Therefore, it is essential for women to be involved more in any form of recreational group exercising in order to improve functional capacity and health.

Somatotype characteristics of normal-weight and obese women among different metabolic subtypes.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a well known risk factor for the development of metabolic abnormalities. However, some obese people are healthy and on the other hand some people with normal weight have adverse metabolic profile, therefore it can be assumed that there is a difference in physical characteristics amongst these people. The aim of this study was to establish whether there are somatotype differences between metabolically healthy and metabolically obese women who are obese or of normal weight. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Study included 230 women aged 44.76 ± 11.21y. Metabolic status was assessed according to IDF criteria, while somatotype was obtained using Heath & Carter method. RESULTS: Significant somatotype differences were observed in the group of women with normal-weight: metabolically healthy women had significantly lower endomorphy, mesomorphy and higher ectomorphy compared to metabolically obese normal-weight women (5.84-3.97-2.21 vs. 8.69-6.47-0.65). Metabolically healthy obese women had lower values of endomorphy and mesomorphy and higher values of ectomorphy compared to 'at risk' obese women but the differences were not statistically significant (7.59-5.76-0.63 vs. 8.51-6.58-0.5). Ectomorphy was shown as an important determinant of the favorable metabolic profile (cutoff point was 0.80). CONCLUSION: We concluded that, in addition to fat mass, metabolic profile could be predicted by the structure of lean body mass, and in particular by body linearity.

Effects of Pilates-Interventional Program on Calcaneus-Bone Density Parameters of Adult Women / Efectos de un Programa de Intervención de Pilates Sobre Parámetros de Densidad Ósea en el Calcáneo de Mujeres Adultas

Physical exercise has a positive influence on bone tissue and therefore, is recommended in order to prevent the bone mass loss during the aging process. Similarly, normally practice of exercise potentially prevents the incidence of osteoporosis and bone fractures in adult women. In order to evaluate the differences of a Pilates-Interventional Program on parameters of bone density (right and left calcaneus) for six months, a total of 22 women (48.18±9.59) participated in the study. Bone mineral density (BMD) was estimated by the broadband ultrasonic attenuation (BUA) and the speed of sound signals (SOS), through "Sahara" sound device. The BUA showed significant difference in the right and the left leg (both, P< 0.01), the SOS of the right leg (P<0.05), whereas the BMD was not proved to be statistically significant at the end of the treatment. In conclusion, the bone mineral density by BUA increased, while the speed of sound of the right leg decreased. Thus, our findings might imply a better level of bone strength after a specific intervention focused on the Pilates method.

El ejercicio físico tiene una influencia positiva en el tejido óseo y por consiguiente, es recomendado a la hora de prevenir pérdida de masa ósea durante el envejecimiento. Igualmente, la práctica regular de ejercicio previene la osteoporosis y fractura de huesos en población adulta y mayor. Con el fin de evaluar las diferencias de parámetros en la densidad ósea (huesos calcáneos derecho e izquierdo) tras un programa de intervención Pilates de 6 meses, un total de 22 mujeres (48,18±9,59) participaron en el estudio. La densidad mineral ósea (DMO) fue estimada mediante la atenuación ultrasónica de banda ancha (AUBA) y la velocidad de las señales del sonido (VSS) a través del dispositivo de sonido "Sahara". La AUBA mostró diferencias significativas en ambos calcáneos (P<0,01), la VSS obtuvo diferencias significativas en el calcáneo derecho (P<0,5) y la DMO no mostró significancia alguna tras el programa de intervención. En conclusión, el calcáneo incrementó mediante medición AUBA mientras que VSS fue significativo en el calcáneo derecho. Nuestros resultados podrían implicar un mejor nivel de fuerza del calcáneo después de una intervención específica con Pilates.

ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENCES IN BLOOD PRESSURE OF WOMEN BELONGING TO DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS.

INTRODUCTION: One of the risk factors for the occurrence of arteriosclerosis and coronary heart diseases is physical inactivity. Together with hypokinesia, excessive feeding, age and other factors, make a multifactorial cause of cardiovascular disease. Positive effects of physical activities have been proved in the primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of coronary heart diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 119 women from 20 to 76 years of age. All subjects vere nonsmokers who did not have a cardiovascular disease, and were divided into five different age groups. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was measured by the digital blood pressure measuring device with cuff OMRON M4-1. The evaluation of blood pressure was performed at the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education in Novi Sad. The data processing was done by the statistical package SPSS 20.0. RESULTS: According to the obtained data it can be concluded that there are statistically significant differences in both individual and general system of the observed variables in different age groups. In addition, there are statistically significant differences between pairs of groups, which were observed when comparing with the oldest age group. CONCLUSION: The programmes of prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases should decrease the influence of risk factors and improve diagnostics and therapy of cardiovascular diseases.

Physical Fitness Comparison and Quality of Life between Spanish and Serbian Elderly Women through a Physical Fitness Program.

The aim of this study was to compare the physical fitness and quality of life related to the health of a sample population of older adult women from Spain and Serbia (60-69 years). A total of 127 female participants of physical fitness programs from Spain (64.33 ± 3.26) and Serbia (63.00 ± 2.88) have participated. Physical fitness (PF), quality of life (QoL) and sociodemographic characteristics were evaluated by Senior Fitness Test, SF-36 Health Survey and socio-demographic questionnaire, respectively. The anthropometric characteristic was measured by corporal measurement. The physical fitness program comprised exercise of strength, agility and aerobic capacity, centering on the Pilates'program and Aerobic. Mean body mass index was 33.6 ± 7.4 kg x m(-2) in the Spanish participants and 25.1 ± 2.6 kg x m(-2) from the Serbian participants (p < 0.001). Similarly, mean waist circumference and body weight of Spanish women was higher than Serbian (p < 0.001; p < 0.05, respectively). Spanish women perceived lower quality of life dimensions than Serbian women, such as physical functioning, social functioning and general health (p < 0.001), general health (p < 0.01) and vitality (p < 0.05). Serbian participants experienced higher physical fitness, such as upper body flexibility (p < 0.05), lower body flexibility, agility and aerobic endurance (p < 0.001). In conclusion, Serbian women were found to have better levels of physical fitness and quality of life than Spanish women. Furthermore, endurance fitness has 73% of explained variance with age, body mass index and fat mass.

24-weeks Pilates-aerobic and educative training to improve body fat mass in elderly Serbian women.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in anthropometric measurements using an aerobic and Pilates exercise program which lasted 24 weeks. METHOD: This was a clinical intervention study of 303 women over the age of 60 living in Novi Sad, Serbia. Changes in body mass index and skinfold thickness were estimated through height, weight, and anthropometric measurements. The program comprised Pilates exercises for upper- and lower-body strength, agility, and aerobic capacity. RESULTS: Fat mass (FM) improved significantly (pre-test, 32.89%, 8.65; post-test, 28.25%, 6.58; P<0.01). Bone diameters and muscle perimeters showed no significant changes pre- and post-test (P>0.05), but there was a higher correlation between FM (%) and waist-hip ratio (rho, 0.80; P<0.01). CONCLUSION: A mixed program of aerobics and Pilates, controls and improves baseline muscle mass and decreases FM values, without causing deterioration during practice and follow-up exercises.

Mediciones antropométricas en mujeres serbias adultas y mayores previo a un programa físico y educativo de pilates y aeróbica / Previous anthropometric measures in adult and elderly serbian women to physical and educational program of pilates and aerobic

Las personas adultas y mayores deben mejorar su bienestar físico para evitar enfermedades derivadas del envejecimiento. La edad está íntimamente relacionada directamente con el aumento de la masa grasa y peso e inversamente con la talla de las personas. Este estudio muestra las características antropométricas previas a un programa educativo de Pilates y Aeróbica. Doscientas cinco mujeres de la ciudad de Novi Sad (Serbia) con edades comprendidas entre los 40 y 76 años han participado voluntariamente. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que la edad se relaciona con el peso, masa grasa, IMC y talla (p<0,01). Además, las mujeres con un IMC mayor de 25 kg/m2, poseen valores mayores en las mediciones antropométricas, masa grasa y talla (p<0,01). Por último, a medida que aumenta la edad (en intervalos de 10 años), la talla disminuye y la masa grasa aumenta (p<0,05).

Adult and elderly must improve their physical well-being to avoid illness caused by aging. The age is directly related with increasing of body fat and body weight but inversely related with body height. This study shows previous anthropometric characteristics of educational program of Pilates and Aerobic. 205 women from Novi Sad (Serbia) aged between 40 and 76 years participated voluntarily. The results obtained indicate that age is related with body weight, body fat, BMI and body height (p<0.01). In addition, women with BMI over 25 kgxm2 have higher values in anthropometric measures, body fat and body height (p<0.01). Finally, as age is increasing (intervals 10 years) the body height decreases and body fat increases (p<0.05).

Relationship between BMI and skinfold thicknesses to risk factors in premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Studies conducted on children and adults have pointed to the correlation of BMI (kg/m2) with risk factors for certain diseases. Other studies have stressed a more intense correlation between the risk factors and indicators of subcutaneous fat obtained in other ways. The aim Of the study was to compare the intensity of correlation between the risk factors and triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness in relation to BMI. The study included 53 postmenopausal and 107 premenopausal women, the risk factors were assessed upon systolic and diastolic blood pressure, glucose concentration, triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Statistically significant differences were established in almost all variables referring to premenopausal and postmenopausal women, except in body height, subscapular skinfold thickness and tryglyceride concentration. Significant correlation with the risk factors was detected in BMI and both skinfold thicknesses, while the subscapular thickness correlates more intensively with the risk factors than it is the case with the triceps thickness. The results indicate that BMI equally correlates with risk factors as well as skinfold thickness.

Anthropometric indicators of mass and distribution of adipose tissue in the assessment of cardiovascular and diabetes risk in women.

INTRODUCTION: From the clinical and epidemiological point of view it is very important to define easily measurable and simple anthropometric parameters of mass and distribution of adipose tissue that will also be good predictors of future complications of obesity. The aim of our study was to correlate anthropometric indicators of mass and distribution of adipose tissue with the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 155 women aged 45.4 +/- 13.04y. The anthropometric measurements were performed in order to assess adipose tissue mass and its specific distribution. The 10-year risk of developing cardiovascular diseases was assessed by using two score-systems: Framingham and Prospective Cardiovascular Munster Study while the 10-year risk of development of diabetes was assessed by QDScore system. RESULTS: According to our results, the waist-to-stature ratio was the best predictor of cardiovascular and diabetes risk (r = 0.617-0.780; AUC = 0.872). The estimated cut-off value for the waist-to-stature ratio in cardiovascular and diabetes risk prediction was 0.486. Apart from the waist-to-stature ratio, the body mass index, body fat mass, waist circumference and indicators of upper extremity adiposity also correlated strongly with the assessed risk. The anthropometric indicators of lower body adiposity had no significant diagnostic values. CONCLUSION: The waist-to-stature ratio is the best anthropometric indicator of cardiovascular and diabetes risk.

Effect of nordic walking on functional ability and blood pressure in elderly women.

The aim of the study was to analyze the effects produced by the use of experimental program (Nordic polewalking) on functional abilities in elderly women. Three-month polewalking led to reduction in the pulse rate at rest, diastolic and systolic blood pressure at the level of significance of 0.01 (p = 0.000). Polewalking improved the values of fitness index (FITIND) and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) at the level of significance of 0.01 (p = 0.000). On final measurement, three variables, i.e. pulse rate at rest - HRR (E = 73.42 vs. C = 79.68), systolic blood pressure - BPS (E = 118.42 vs. C = 123.65) and diastolic blood pressure - BPD (E = 79.04 vs. C = 83.54), showed lower results in experimental group compared with control group. On final measurement, experimental group showed higher values of the FITIND (E = 81.79 vs. C = 62.66) and VO2max (E = 21.83 vs. C = 16.81) variables as compared to control group. Accordingly, such a moderate physical activity, which is not too vigorous yet intensive enough to induce favorable changes, appears to be recommendable for elderly women. The present study included 60 women from the Novi Sad community, mean age 58.5 +/- 6.90 years, mean body mass 70.9 +/- 15.32 kg and mean body height 164.8 +/- 7.24 cm. Study population was divided into two groups of 30 subjects: experimental (E) group and control (C) group. The experimental program was performed three times a week for three months. The Nordic walking program was so designed for the performers to be in the aerobic work zone throughout the exercise. Nordic walking with poles was performed over three months. Study results revealed functional abilities of the study women to have modified during the longitudinal process.

Correlation of parental socioeconomic status indicators with morphological and motor dimensions of preschool children.

Measuring instruments for assessment of parental socioeconomic status, anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities were used in a sample of 643 preschool children aged 4-6 years and their parents, recruited from preschool institutions in several towns in Voivodina, Serbia. The aim was to analyze the correlation of parental socioeconomic status indicators with morphological and motor dimensions of preschool children. Study results showed the socioeconomic status of the children's families to be relatively homogeneous, with no statistically significant differences in any of the socioeconomic status indicators between families with male and female children. Male and female children differed significantly in the overall space of anthropometric and motor variables, and to a lesser extent in individual variables. The general morphological factor treated as the children's growth and development, and general motor factor were qualitatively comparable. The correlations of socioeconomic factor with general morphological and motor factors of the children were not statistically significant, with the exception of motor factor in 6-year-old male children, at elementary school enrolment. Study results suggested the differences in biological growth and development and motor development recorded in preschool children from Voivodina, Serbia, to be attributable to hereditary factor rather than socioeconomic and environmental factors. Inclusion of older children and use of more socioeconomic status indicators along with some additional indicators should probably yield more reliable results on the issue.

[Body composition and bone mineral density of prepubertal boys involved in different kinesiologic treatments].

INTRODUCTION: It is well known that physical activity has an anabolic effect on the bone tissue. But there is a lack of information about the effect of intensive physical activity in childhood, particularly at the prepubertal stage. The type, frequency, intensity, and duration of activity that best produce the desired increases in mass and strength of human bones have not yet been well determined. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To examine the influence of different kinesiological treatments on body composition and bone mineral density we studied a group of prepubertal boys at the starting phase of their peak bone mass acquisition. 90 healthy prepubertal boys took part in this study. The sport group consisted of 28 swimmers (aged 10.80.8) and 32 soccer players (aged 10.70.5), who had been training their chosen high-level sport activity for at least 1 year (8-12 h per week for swimmers, 10-15 h per week for soccer players). 30 boys (aged 11.2 +/- 0.7) doing 1.5 h per week of physical activity in school served as a control group. Bone mineral density measurements of the left and right calcaneus were done by ultrasound densitometer "Sahara". The body composition was assessed by Body Fat Analyser "BES 200 Z". RESULTS: There were significant differences between soccer players and control group as regards fat mass and bone mineral density (p<.01). Besides, significant differences were determined between a group of swimmers and control group as regads fat mass (p<.03), while the differences in bone mineral density were not very obvious (p<.67).