Cardiorespiratory fitness and socioeconomic influences in Chilean schoolchildren: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the cardiovascular risk and physical fitness, according to type of school in a national sample of Chilean school students. METHODS: A total of 7,218 students participated, who completed all the national tests of the National System for Measuring the Quality of Education, which included physical fitness and anthropometric tests. The results were compared according to the type of educational establishment and anthropometric indicators were considered. Physical fitness was measured by lower extremity strength, abdominal strength, upper extremity strength, trunk flexibility, exertional heart rate, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Body mass index, heart rate, and waist-to-height ratio were analyzed as predictors of cardiovascular risk. RESULTS: There were differences according to the type of establishment in the predictors of cardiovascular risk (p < 0.05). Differences were also found in the physical fitness tests evaluated (p < 0.01). Students in private schools (PSC) and subsidized schools (SC) had lower levels of cardiovascular risk and higher levels of physical fitness than public schools (PS) and schools with delegated administration (DA). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, students in educational establishments with a higher socioeconomic level have lower levels of cardiovascular risk and better physical fitness than students in public establishments. The authors suggest considering specific school interventions to mitigate cardiovascular risk and improve physical fitness among this vulnerable population. To this end, future studies should analyze the characteristics of physical activity and nutritional habits in schools to determine the factors that affect the results.

Physical activity levels and sedentary behaviour according to sex, age, BMI, academic year, and country among medical students in Latin America.

Physical inactivity represents a global challenge in public health, being the second most significant factor contributing to mortality. In Latin America, the prevalence of physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour is notable, affecting medical students as well, who play a crucial role as behavioural role models for the population. This study addresses the prevalence of physical activity and sedentary behaviour among medical students in Latin America during the year 2023. A total of 864 participants from 12 institutions across eight countries were surveyed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Significant variations in physical activity and sedentary behaviour were observed according to sex, age, body mass index, academic year, and country. Notably, Costa Rica exhibited the highest levels of moderate physical activity in leisure time (90 min/day). Strength training was more common among men (60 min/day) and in Argentina (60 min/day). Sedentary behaviour was higher in women (420 min/day) and during the first academic year (485 min/day). Uruguay stood out with high levels of sedentary behaviour (600 min/day). Correlations indicated positive moderate associations between academic year and moderate leisure-time PA (r:0,128, p:0,007). In conclusion, there are associations between the level of physical activity and sedentary behaviour with the variables studied in this research, with the main findings being that the female sex has more time spent in sedentary behaviour (minutes/day) and less time spent in strength training (minutes/day). Additionally, there are higher levels of sedentary behaviour in the early years of medical study compared to the later years of the program.

Association between cardiovascular risk factors and cognitive impairment in adults aged 60 years or older from Chile: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Few studies in Latin America have examined the association between cardiovascular risk factors and cognitive impairment (CI) in a nationally representative sample. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of CI in a nationally representative sample of adults aged 60 years or older from Chile and to investigate the association between cardiovascular risk factors and CI. METHODS: Data from the cross-sectional 2016-2017 National Health Survey of Chile, which included 2031 adults (63.7% women) was used. Body mass index, metabolic syndrome (blood pressure, triglycerides, fasting glucose or treatment for diabetics, waist circumference, and HDL cholesterol), risk of cardiovascular disease (history and measured variables, using the Framingham risk score), tobacco use, and physical activity were measured. CI was assessed using the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE). RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of CI was 12.2% at the national level. Significant differences in CI were observed by age, education level, risk of cardiovascular disease, and smoking. High risk of cardiovascular disease was associated with higher odds of CI (OR: 2.04; 95%CI: 1.20-3.45) compared to low risk. Smoking was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of CI (OR: 0.56; 95%CI: 0.36-0.87) compared to never smoking. Body mass index, metabolic syndrome, and physical activity were not associated with CI. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided additional support for previous findings on the relationship between cognitive decline and an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. Worse CI was associated with the group with the highest risk of cardiovascular disease, and the presence of lifestyle factors, such as obesity and physical inactivity, exacerbate this relationship, but not being a current smoker.

Anthropometric Similarities and Differences in Children of Aymara and Non-Aymara Descent in Northern Chile: Implications for Health and Development / Similitudes y Diferencias Antropométricas en Niños de Etnia Aymara y Ascendencia No-Aymara en el Norte de Chile: Implicaciones para la Salud y el Desarrollo

SUMMARY: This study aims to assess the nutritional status of Aymara and non-Aymara children in Arica, comparing anthropometric measurements of boys and girls aged 4-10 to inform interventions for child health and development. We conducted a non-experimental, quantitative, cross-sectional study in Arica, Chile. The sample included 458 children, with equal representation of Aymara and non-Aymara children from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Trained research assistants collected anthropometric data using standardized techniques. IBM SPSS statistical software was used for data analysis, including Student's t-test and the Levene test. Both Aymara and non-Aymara children showed high prevalence of overweight and obesity. Boys had a meso-endomorph somatotype, while girls had an endomorph somatotype. Among 8-year-olds, non-Aymara children had a slightly higher mean body weight (35.87, SD 4.50) compared to Aymara children (32.27, SD 4.31), but the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). However, 10-year-old Aymara girls had a significantly higher mean body mass index (22.34, SD 4.21) than non-Aymara girls (20.10, SD 3.58) (p=0.05). Regarding body fat percentage, 10-year- old non-Aymara girls had a slightly higher mean (31.01, SD 5.64) than Aymara girls (26.12, SD 5.63), but the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The study found high levels of overweight and obesity in children from northern Chile, increasing with age for both Aymara and non-Aymara groups. The somatotype patterns were consistent across both groups. Although the differences between Aymara and non-Aymara children were not statistically significant, the Aymara group showed slightly higher levels of overweight and obesity. Further research with a larger sample size is needed to confirm these results and identify potential trends. Efforts should focus on promoting healthy nutrition and physical activity to address the growing problem of overweight and obesity in this region.

Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar el estado nutricional de los niños Aymaras y no Aymaras en Arica, comparando las medidas antropométricas de niños y niñas de 4 a 10 años para informar las intervenciones para la salud y el desarrollo infantil. Realizamos un estudio no experimental, cuantitativo, de corte transversal en Arica, Chile. La muestra incluyó a 458 niños, con igual representación de niños Aymaras y no Aymaras de diversos estratos socioeconómicos. Asistentes de investigación capacitados recolectaron datos antropométricos utilizando técnicas estandarizadas. Se utilizó el software estadístico IBM SPSS para el análisis de datos, incluyendo la prueba t de Student y la prueba de Levene. Tanto los niños Aymaras como los no Aymaras presentaron una alta prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad. Los niños tenían un somatotipo meso-endomorfo, mientras que las niñas tenían un somatotipo endomorfo. Entre los niños de 8 años, los niños no Aymaras tenían un peso corporal medio ligeramente superior (35,87, DE 4,50) en comparación con los niños Aymaras (32,27, DE 4,31), pero la diferencia no fue estadísticamente significativa (p>0,05). Sin embargo, las niñas Aymaras de 10 años tenían un índice de masa corporal medio significativamente mayor (22,34, SD 4,21) que las niñas no Aymaras (20,10, SD 3,58) (p=0,05). En cuanto al porcentaje de grasa corporal, las niñas no Aymaras de 10 años tuvieron una media ligeramente superior (31,01, DE 5,64) que las niñas Aymaras (26,12, DE 5,63), pero la diferencia no fue estadísticamente significativa (p>0,05). El estudio encontró altos niveles de sobrepeso y obesidad en niños del norte de Chile, aumentando con la edad tanto para los grupos Aymaras como para los no Aymaras. Los patrones de somatotipo fueron consistentes en ambos grupos. Aunque las diferencias entre los niños Aymaras y no Aymaras no fueron estadísticamente significativas, el grupo Aymara mostró niveles ligeramente más altos de sobrepeso y obesidad. Se necesita más investigación con un tamaño de muestra más grande para confirmar estos resultados e identificar tendencias potenciales. Los esfuerzos deben centrarse en promover una nutrición saludable y la actividad física para abordar el creciente problema del sobrepeso y la obesidad en esta región.

[Profile and indicators of long-stay establishments for older adults in Chile]. / Perfil e indicadores de los establecimientos de larga estancia para adulto mayor en Chile.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In this article we sought to characterize the Long Stay Establishments for the Elderly in Chile, besides presenting the services offered in the public and private. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It is a quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive study, with secondary information source. We analyze all establishments in the country registered with the National Service of the Elderly. As of November 2015, a total of 724 establishments were registered and distributed in 169 neighborhoods throughout the country in which 16,985 adults aged 60 and over were institutionalized. RESULTS: Most of the establishments (65.9% [n=246/724]) are private, 47.5% of them (n=344/724) are located in the metropolitan region of Santiago. Of the residents' health, only 26.5% are considered functional brave, 28.3% are physically handicapped and 8.8% are mentally handicapped. Most establishments offer manual activities, physical exercises, memory classes, cultural classes and recreational or touristic tours. Proportionally of the activities offered were mostly private ones. CONCLUSIONS: In Chile, most of the establishments are private, located in the metropolitan region where there is the largest supply deficit of this type of service, with an occupancy rate of 90.7%, with 72.4% women and almost half 47.7% with some physical or psychic dependence.

Perfil e indicadores de los establecimientos de larga estancia para adulto mayor en Chile / Profile and indicators of long-stay establishments for older adults in Chile

Antecedentes y objetivo: En este artículo sé buscó caracterizar los establecimientos de larga estancia para adultos mayores (ELEAM) de Chile, además de presentar los servicios ofrecidos en lo público y en lo privado. Material y métodos: Se trata de un estudio cuantitativo, transversal descriptivo, a través de fuente de información secundaria. Analizamos todos los ELEAM del país registrados en el Servicio Nacional del Adulto Mayor (SENAMA). Hasta noviembre de 2015 un total de 724 ELEAM estaban registrados y distribuidos en 169 comunas alrededor del país, en los cuales estaban institucionalizados 16.985 adultos con edad a partir de los 60años. Resultados: La mayoría de los ELEAM (65,9% [n=344/724]) son privados. Entre ellos, el 47,5% (n=246/724) están localizados en la región metropolitana de Santiago. De la salud de los residentes, apenas el 26,5% son considerados autosuficientes funcionales, el 28,3% son deficientes físicos y el 8,8%, deficientes psíquicos. La mayoría de los establecimientos ofrecen actividades manuales, ejercicios físicos, clases de memoria, clases culturales y paseos recreativos o turísticos. Proporcionalmente, la mayoría de las actividades ofrecidas eran privadas. Conclusiones: En Chile la mayor parte de los establecimientos son de carácter privado, ubicados en la región metropolitana, donde se encuentra un mayor déficit de oferta de este servicio, con una tasa de ocupación del 90,7%, siendo el 72,4% mujeres, y casi la mitad (47,7%) con alguna dependencia física o psíquica. (AU)

Background and objective: In this article we sought to characterize the Long Stay Establishments for the Elderly in Chile, besides presenting the services offered in the public and private. Material and methods: It is a quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive study, with secondary information source. We analyze all establishments in the country registered with the National Service of the Elderly. As of November 2015, a total of 724 establishments were registered and distributed in 169 neighborhoods throughout the country in which 16,985 adults aged 60 and over were institutionalized. Results: Most of the establishments (65.9% [n=246/724]) are private, 47.5% of them (n=344/724) are located in the metropolitan region of Santiago. Of the residents’ health, only 26.5% are considered functional brave, 28.3% are physically handicapped and 8.8% are mentally handicapped. Most establishments offer manual activities, physical exercises, memory classes, cultural classes and recreational or touristic tours. Proportionally of the activities offered were mostly private ones. Conclusions: In Chile, most of the establishments are private, located in the metropolitan region where there is the largest supply deficit of this type of service, with an occupancy rate of 90.7%, with 72.4% women and almost half 47.7% with some physical or psychic dependence. (AU)

Detecting sporting talents with z-strategy - cross sectional study / Detecção de talentos esportivos com a estratégia z - estudo transversal / Detección de talentos deportivos con la estrategia z - estudio transversal

ABSTRACT Introduction: Due to the relationship between early identification of physical and anthropometric characteristics above the population mean in children and adolescents, and success in sports, detecting potential sports talents should be broadly and systematically used as a strategy for the early identification of physical characteristics favorable to the sport in question. However, most studies do not use representative samples, or else they present talent detection without using valid scientific methods. This retrospective, comparative study therefore presents the identification of potential sports talents using the Z Strategy, calculated with anthropometric, neuromotor and physical fitness data. Objective: To identify physical abilities and anthropometric values above what are considered the normal ranges in a population of students in the 8th year of basic education, in Chile. Methods: The sample consisted of 9,429 students from public and private schools (50.9% boys). Data were obtained from a cross-sectional study conducted in 2013. Physical fitness and anthropometric data were recompiled through the Educational Quality Measurement System (Sistema de Medición de la Calidad de Educación - SIMCE) of physical education. The "Z Strategy" was used to detect sports talents by identifying values above the population mean. Results: In at least one variable, a total of 619 male and 623 female students with a standard deviation ≥2 (Z2) were detected. Conclusion: "Z Strategy" was able to detect sports talents of both sexes and of different ages. Level of evidence III; Retrospective comparative study.

RESUMO Introdução: Devido à relação entre a identificação precoce das características físicas e antropométricas acima da média populacional em crianças e adolescentes e o êxito nos esportes, a detecção de potenciais talentos esportivos deve ser feita de forma ampla e sistemática como estratégia para a identificação precoce das características físicas favoráveis para o esporte em questão. Entretanto, a maioria dos estudos não utiliza amostras representativas, ou apresenta a detecção de talentos sem a utilização de métodos científicos válidos. O presente estudo comparativo retrospectivo, portanto, apresenta a identificação de potenciais talentos esportivos utilizando a estratégia Z, calculada com os dados das variáveis antropométricas, neuromotoras e de aptidão física. Objetivo: Identificar as habilidades físicas e os valores antropométricos acima dos níveis considerados normais em uma população de alunos do 8° ano de Educação Básica no Chile. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 9.429 estudantes de escolas públicas e particulares (50,9% sexo masculino). Os dados foram obtidos a partir de um estudo transversal realizado em 2013. Os dados antropométricos e de aptidão física foram recopilados através do Sistema de Medición de la Calidad de Educación - SIMCE de educação física. A "Estratégia Z" foi utilizada para detectar os talentos esportivos ao identificar os valores acima da média da população. Resultados: Em, pelo menos, uma variável, um total de 619 alunos e 623 alunas com um desvio padrão de ≥2 (Z2) foi detectado. Conclusão: A "Estratégia-Z" foi capaz de detectar talentos esportivos de ambos os sexos e em diferentes idades. Nível de evidência III; Estudo retrospectivo comparativo.

RESUMEN Introducción: Debido a la relación entre la identificación precoz de las características físicas y antropométricas por encima del promedio poblacional en niños y adolescentes y el éxito en los deportes, la detección de potenciales talentos deportivos debe ser hecha de manera amplia y sistemática como estrategia para la identificación precoz de las características físicas favorables para el deporte en cuestión. Entretanto, la mayoría de los estudios no utiliza muestras representativas, o presenta la detección de talentos sin el uso de métodos científicos válidos. El presente estudio comparativo retrospectivo, por lo tanto, presenta la identificación de potenciales talentos deportivos utilizando la estrategia Z, calculada con los datos de las variables antropométricas, neuromotoras y de aptitud física. Objetivo: Identificar las habilidades físicas y los valores antropométricos por encima de los niveles considerados normales en una población de alumnos de 8° año de Educación Básica en Chile. Métodos: La muestra fue compuesta por 9429 estudiantes de escuelas públicas y privadas (50,9% sexo masculino). Los datos se obtuvieron a partir de un estudio transversal realizado en 2013. Los datos antropométricos y de aptitud física fueron recopilados a través del Sistema de Medición de la Calidad de Educación - SIMCE de educación física. La "Estrategia Z" fue utilizada para detectar los talentos deportivos al identificar los valores por encima del promedio de la población. Resultados: Se detectó en por lo menos una variable, un total de 619 alumnos y 623 alumnas con una desviación estándar de ≥2 (Z2). Conclusión: La "Estrategia-Z" fue capaz de detectar talentos deportivos de ambos sexos y en diferentes edades. Nivel de evidencia III; Estudio retrospectivo comparativo.