Fiabilidad y estabilidad del gesto de diferentes variantes de lanzamiento de balonmano / Reliability and Stability of the Gesture of Different Variants of drowing of Handball

Resumen El estudio tiene como propósito analizar la fiabilidad de la prueba de 8 lanzamientos de 3 diferentes variantes de lanzamientos de balonmano en estudiantado universitario. 33 varones, 20 ±1,9 años; peso 72,39±8,9 kg; altura 176,75 ±6,07 cm; IMC 23,14±2,3. Los sujetos participantes fueron evaluados en 2 sesiones separadas entre sí por un lapso de una semana. Ejecutaron lanzamientos hasta quedar registrados 8 mediciones en cada una de las pruebas, lanzamientos inespecíficos, en apoyo y en carrera con 3 pasos, se registró la velocidad de lanzamiento con un radar posterior a la portería. La fiabilidad del promedio de las puntuaciones del test de 8 medidas entre la primera sesión y la segunda con una prueba test-retest, se obtuvieron los siguientes resultados: en el lanzamiento inespecífico se obtuvo un ICC= (0,86) entre el 95% de confianza, un de CV= (7,43%) y un ES= (0,08). Para el lanzamiento con apoyo se obtuvo un ICC= (0,94) al 95 % de confianza, un de CV= (4,71 %) y un ES= (-0,09). Para el lanzamiento con carrera se obtuvo un ICC= (0,96) al 95 % de confianza, un de CV= (4,00 %) y un ES= (0,05). Este estudio ha demostrado que la prueba de 8 lanzamientos y las 3 variantes es una medida de rendimiento confiable y estable para estudiantes de nivel universitario sin experiencia en el balonmano, en relación con las variables del lanzamiento, las 3 fueron fiables, solo la variable inespecífica fue menor en comparación al lanzamiento con apoyo y con carrera.

Abstract This study aims to analyze the reliability of the test of 8 throws of 3 different variants of handball throws in university students. The participants were 33 males, 20 ± 1.9 years; weight 72.39 ± 8.9 kg; height 176.75 ± 6.07 cm; BMI 23.14 ± 2.3. They were evaluated in 2 sessions separated from each other by a period of one week. The participants executed throws until 8 measurements were recorded in each of the tests, unspecific throws, in support and in the race with 3 steps; the launch speed was recorded with a radar behind the goal. The reliability of the average of the test scores of 8 measurements between the first session and the second was measured with a test-retest test. The following results were obtained: in the nonspecific launch, an ICC= (0.86) was obtained between 95% of confidence, one of CV= (7.43%) and one ES = (0.08). For the toss with support, an ICC = (0.94) was obtained at 95% confidence, one of CV = (4.71%) and an ES = (-0.09). For the running throw, an ICC = (0.96) was obtained at 95% confidence, one of CV = (4.00%) and one ES = (0.05). This study has shown that the test of 8 throws and the 3 variants is a reliable and stable performance measure for university-level students without experience in handball; in relation to the throw variables, all 3 were reliable. Only the nonspecific variable was lower compared to the supported and running pitch.

Resumo O estudo tem como objetivo analisar a confiabilidade do teste de 8 arremessos de 3 variantes diferentes de arremessos de handebol em estudantes universitários. 33 homens, 20 ±1,9 anos; peso 72,39±8,9 kg; altura 176,75 ±6,07 cm; IMC 23,14±2,3. Os participantes foram testados em 2 sessões separadas por um lapso de 1 semana. Os participantes executaram arremessos até poder registrar 8 medições em cada um dos testes, arremessos não específicos, com apoio e correndo com 3 passos. A velocidade de arremesso foi registrada com um radar pós-gol. A confiabilidade da média dos resultados dos testes de 8 medições entre a primeira sessão e a segunda com um teste de retorno, deu os seguintes resultados: no teste de lançamento não específico, foi obtido um ICC= (0,86) com 95% de confiança, um CV= (7,43%) e um ES= (0,08). Para o lançamento apoiado obtivemos um ICC= (0,94) a 95% de confiança, um CV= (4,71%) e um ES= (-0,09). Para o arremesso de corrida obtivemos um ICC= (0,96) a 95% de confiança, um CV= (4,00%) e um ES= (0,05). Este estudo mostrou que o teste de 8 lances e as 3 variantes é uma medida de desempenho confiável e estável para estudantes universitários sem experiência em handebol. Em relação às variáveis de arremesso, todas as 3 foram confiáveis, apenas a variável não específica foi menor em comparação com o arremesso com suporte e com corrida.

A new reliable device to assess trunk extensors strength.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the reliability of trunk extensor strength assessment with a functional electromechanical dynamometer (FEMD). METHODS: Thirty-one men performed strength assessment at different velocities (V) (V1 = 0.15 m⋅s-1 , V2 = 0.30 m⋅s-1,V3 = 0.45 m⋅s-1) and range of movement (R) (R1 = 25% cm; R2 = 50% cm), and isometric contraction at 90°. Reliability was obtained through the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), typical error (TE), and coefficient of variation (CV). RESULTS: The absolute reliability provided stable repeatability of the average eccentric strength in the V1R1 condition (CV = 9.52%) and the maximum eccentric strength in V1R1 (CV = 9.63%) and V2R2 (CV = 9.66%). The relative reliability of the trunk extensor's average strength was good (ICC = 0.77-0.83) for concentric and good (ICC = 0.78-0.85) and moderate (ICC = 0.67-0.74) for eccentric contraction. Also, good (ICC = 0.77-0.81) and moderate (ICC = 0.55-0.74) reliability of the maximum strength were obtained for concentric and eccentric contraction. The most reliable manifestation to evaluate the concentric (CV = 11.33%) and eccentric (CV = 9.52%) strength was the average strength in the V1R1 condition and the maximum strength (CV = 10.29%) to isometric assessment. The average concentric strength in the V2R2 condition (r = 0.69) and the maximum eccentric strength in the V1R1 condition (r = 0.65) were the best related to the maximum isometric strength. CONCLUSIONS: FEMD is a highly reliable device to evaluate trunk extensors strength.

Reliability of Throwing Velocity during Non-specific and Specific Handball Throwing Tests.

Throwing velocity is one of the most important factors for scoring goals in handball. This study aimed to identify the type of throw and procedure for selecting the final test outcome that provide throwing velocity with the greatest reliability. Fifteen experienced handball players and 33 non-experienced participants were tested in two sessions. Each session consisted of 4 trials of 3 different throwing tests (unspecific, 7-meters, and 3-steps). The maximum value of 4 trials, average value of 4 trials, and average value of the 3 best trials were considered. Throwing velocity was highly reliable (coefficient of variation [CV]≤3.3%, intraclass correlation coefficient≥0.89) with the exception of the unspecific throw for the non-experienced group (CV≥5.9%, intraclass correlation coefficient≤0.56). The 3-steps throw (CV=1.7%) was more reliable than the 7-meters throw (CV=2.1%) (CVratio=1.19) and unspecific throw (CV = 3.8%) (CVratio=2.18), the 3 procedures provided a comparable reliability (CV range=2.4-2.6%; CVratio≤1.07), and the experienced group (CV=1.0%) presented a higher reliability than the non-experienced group (CV=4.0%) (CVratio=3.83). These results support the 3-steps throw to maximise the reliability of throwing velocity performance.

Reliability of a standing isokinetic shoulder rotators strength test using a functional electromechanical dynamometer: effects of velocity.

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of the force in internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) of the shoulder is commonly used to diagnose possible pathologies or disorders in the glenohumeral joint and to assess patient's status and progression over time. Currently, there is new technology of multiple joint isokinetic dynamometry that allows to evaluate the strength in the human being. The main purpose of this study was to determine the absolute and relative reliability of concentric and eccentric internal and external shoulder rotators with a functional electromechanical dynamometer (FEMD). METHODS: Thirty-two male individuals (21.46 ±  2.1 years) were examined of concentric and eccentric strength of shoulder internal and external rotation with a FEMD at velocities of 0.3 m s-1 and 0.6 m s-1. Relative reliability was determined by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Absolute reliability was quantified by standard error of measurement (SEM) and coefficient of variation (CV). Systematic differences across velocities testing circumstances, were analyzed with dependent t tests or repeated-measures analysis of variance in case of 2 or more than 2 conditions, respectively. RESULTS: Reliability was high to excellent for IR and ER on concentric and eccentric strength measurements, regardless of velocity used (ICC: 0.81-0.98, CV: 5.12-8.27% SEM: 4.06-15.04N). Concentric outcomes were more reliable than eccentric due to the possible familiarization of the population with the different stimuli. CONCLUSION: All procedures examined showed high to excellent reliability for clinical use. However, a velocity of 0.60 m s-1 should be recommended for asymptomatic male patients because it demands less time for evaluation and patients find it more comfortable.

Relationship between anthropometric nutritional status and functional capacity in older adults living in the community.

BACKGROUND: The functional fitness of older people may be associated with their nutritional status. AIM: To assess the association between of anthropometric measures with functional fitness in older people. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted in 75 participants aged 65 to 89 years. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), fat mass (FM) and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) were calculated from anthropometric measures. The functional fitness was determined using the Senior Fitness Test battery. RESULTS: BMI and FM indicated obesity, and WHtR indicated cardiometabolic risk in 49%, 55% and 83% of participants, respectively. SMI indicated a low muscle mass in 91% of females. Performance standards of chair stand, arm curl, 2-min step test and 8-foot up-and-go tests were met in 1%, 8%, 1% and 89% of participants, respectively. Significant negative correlations were found between 2-min step test and BMI, WHtR and FM (r = -0.26, -0.31 and -0.48 respectively). Back scratch had a negative correlation with BMI (r = -0.23) and SMI (rho = -0.28). Significant positive correlations were found between 8-foot up-and-go, WHtR (rho = 0.28) and FM (rho = 0.23), and between 2-min step test and SMI (rho = 0.28). The coefficient of determination (R2) between 2-min step test with BMI, WHtR and FM were 0.05, 0.08 and 0.22, respectively, while the R2 between back scratch and BMI was 0.04. Multiple regression models indicated that FM affected the 2-min step test independently of BMI and WHtR (adjusted R2 = 0.22), however age and sex negatively influenced these associations. CONCLUSIONS: Functional fitness of older adults is influenced by nutritional anthropometric measures, particularly BMI, WHtR and FM for aerobic capacity, and BMI for upper limb flexibility.

Relationship between anthropometric nutritional status and functional capacity in older adults living in the community / Relación entre estado nutricional antropométrico y condición física funcional en adultos mayores independientes

ABSTRACT Background: The functional fitness of older people may be associated with their nutritional status. Aim: To assess the association between of anthropometric measures with functional fitness in older people. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in 75 participants aged 65 to 89 years. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), fat mass (FM) and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) were calculated from anthropometric measures. The functional fitness was determined using the Senior Fitness Test battery. Results: BMI and FM indicated obesity, and WHtR indicated cardiometabolic risk in 49%, 55% and 83% of participants, respectively. SMI indicated a low muscle mass in 91% of females. Performance standards of chair stand, arm curl, 2-min step test and 8-foot up-and-go tests were met in 1%, 8%, 1% and 89% of participants, respectively. Significant negative correlations were found between 2-min step test and BMI, WHtR and FM (r = −0.26, −0.31 and −0.48 respectively). Back scratch had a negative correlation with BMI (r = −0.23) and SMI (rho = −0.28). Significant positive correlations were found between 8-foot up-and-go, WHtR (rho = 0.28) and FM (rho = 0.23), and between 2-min step test and SMI (rho = 0.28). The coefficient of determination (R2) between 2-min step test with BMI, WHtR and FM were 0.05, 0.08 and 0.22, respectively, while the R2 between back scratch and BMI was 0.04. Multiple regression models indicated that FM affected the 2-min step test independently of BMI and WHtR (adjusted R2 = 0.22), however age and sex negatively influenced these associations. Conclusions: Functional fitness of older adults is influenced by nutritional anthropometric measures, particularly BMI, WHtR and FM for aerobic capacity, and BMI for upper limb flexibility.

Introducción: El estado nutricional y la condición física funcional (CFF) pueden estar relacionados en adultos mayores. Objetivo: Analizar la influencia de medidas antropométricas nutricionales sobre CFF. Material y Método: Estudio transversal realizado en 75 adultos de 65 a 89 años. Las variables antropométricas fueron índice de masa corporal (IMC), razón cintura-talla (RCT), masa adiposa (MA) e índice de masa muscular esquelética (IMME). La evaluación de CFF se efectuó con la batería Senior Fitness Test. Resultados: El IMC y MA indicaron obesidad, y RCT indicó riesgo cardiometabólico en 49%, 55% y 83% de los participantes, respectivamente. IMME indicó una baja masa muscular en 91% de las mujeres. El estándar de rendimiento para las pruebas sentarse-levantarse, flexión-codo, paso-2-minutos y levantarse-caminar-sentarse se logró en 1%, 8%, 1% y 89% de los participantes, respectivamente. Se encontraron correlaciones significativas negativas entre paso-2-minutos con IMC, RCT y MA (r = −0.26,-0.31 y-0.48 respectivamente. La misma asociación se observó entre juntar-manos-espalda con IMC (r = −0.23) e IMME (rho = −0.28). Se encontraron correlaciones significativas positivas entre levantarse-caminar-sentarse con RCT (rho=0.28) y MA (rho = 0.23), y entre paso-2-minutos con IMME (rho = 0.28). Los R2 entre paso-2-minutos e IMC, RCT y MA fueron 0.05, 0.08 y 0.22, respectivamente, mientras que el R2 entre juntar-manos-espalda e IMC fue 0.04. Los modelos de regresión múltiple indicaron que MA afectó la prueba paso-2-minutos independientemente de IMC y RCT (R2 ajustado = 0.22), aunque la edad y sexo afectaron negativamente estas asociaciones. Conclusiones: La CFF de adultos mayores es influenciada por alteraciones evidenciadas por medidas antropométricas nutricionales, particularmente IMC, RCT y MA sobre la capacidad aeróbica, e IMC sobre la flexibilidad de extremidad superior.

Reliability of isometric and isokinetic trunk flexor strength using a functional electromechanical dynamometer.

AIM: To determine the absolute and relative reliability of functional trunk tests, using a functional electromechanical dynamometer to evaluate the isokinetic strength of trunk flexors and to determine the most reliable assessment condition, in order to compare the absolute and relative reliability of mean force and peak force of trunk flexors and to determine which isokinetic condition of evaluation is best related to the maximum isometric. METHODS: Test-retest of thirty-seven physically active male student volunteers who performed the different protocols, isometric contraction and the combination of three velocities (V1 = 015 m s-1 , V2 = 0.30 m  s-1, V3 = 0.45 m s-1) and two range of movement (R1 = 25% cm ; R2 = 50% cm) protocols. RESULTS: All protocols to evaluate trunk flexors showed an absolute reliability provided a stable repeatability for isometric and dynamic protocols with a coefficient of variation (CV) being below 10% and a high or very high relative reliability (0.69 < intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] > 0.86). The more reliable strength manifestation (CV = 6.82%) to evaluate the concentric contraction of trunk flexors was mean force, with 0.15 m  s-1 and short range of movement (V1R1) condition. The most reliable strength manifestation to evaluate the eccentric contraction of trunk flexors was peak force, with 0.15 m  s-1 and a large range of movement (V1R2; CV = 5.07%), and the most reliable way to evaluate isometric trunk flexors was by peak force (CV = 7.72%). The mean force of eccentric trunk flexor strength with 0.45 m  s-1 and short range of movement (V3R1) condition (r = 0.73) was best related to the maximum isometric contraction. CONCLUSION: Functional electromechanical dynamometry is a reliable evaluation system for assessment of trunk flexor strength.

Reliability and validity of different methods of estimating the one-repetition maximum during the free-weight prone bench pull exercise.

This study examined the reliability and validity of three methods of estimating the one-repetition maximum (1RM) during the free-weight prone bench pull exercise. Twenty-six men (22 rowers and four weightlifters) performed an incremental loading test until reaching their 1RM, followed by a set of repetitions-to-failure. Eighteen participants were re-tested to conduct the reliability analysis. The 1RM was estimated through the lifts-to-failure equations proposed by Lombardi and O'Connor, general load-velocity (L-V) relationships proposed by Sánchez-Medina and Loturco and the individual L-V relationships modelled using four (multiple-point method) or only two loads (two-point method). The direct method provided the highest reliability (coefficient of variation [CV] = 2.45% and intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.97), followed by the Lombardi's equation (CV = 3.44% and ICC = 0.94), and no meaningful differences were observed between the remaining methods (CV range = 4.95-6.89% and ICC range = 0.81-0.91). The lifts-to-failure equations overestimated the 1RM (3.43-4.08%), the general L-V relationship proposed by Sánchez-Medina underestimated the 1RM (-3.77%), and no significant differences were observed for the remaining prediction methods (-0.40-0.86%). The individual L-V relationship could be recommended as the most accurate method for predicting the 1RM during the free-weight prone bench pull exercise.

Assessment of the load-velocity profile in the free-weight prone bench pull exercise through different velocity variables and regression models.

This aims of this study were (I) to determine the velocity variable and regression model which best fit the load-velocity relationship during the free-weight prone bench pull exercise, (II) to compare the reliability of the velocity attained at each percentage of the one-repetition maximum (1RM) between different velocity variables and regression models, and (III) to compare the within- and between-subject variability of the velocity attained at each %1RM. Eighteen men (14 rowers and four weightlifters) performed an incremental test during the free-weight prone bench pull exercise in two different sessions. General and individual load-velocity relationships were modelled through three velocity variables (mean velocity [MV], mean propulsive velocity [MPV] and peak velocity [PV]) and two regression models (linear and second-order polynomial). The main findings revealed that (I) the general (Pearson's correlation coefficient [r] range = 0.964-0.973) and individual (median r = 0.986 for MV, 0.989 for MPV, and 0.984 for PV) load-velocity relationships were highly linear, (II) the reliability of the velocity attained at each %1RM did not meaningfully differ between the velocity variables (coefficient of variation [CV] range = 2.55-7.61% for MV, 2.84-7.72% for MPV and 3.50-6.03% for PV) neither between the regression models (CV range = 2.55-7.72% and 2.73-5.25% for the linear and polynomial regressions, respectively), and (III) the within-subject variability of the velocity attained at each %1RM was lower than the between-subject variability for the light-moderate loads. No meaningful differences between the within- and between-subject CVs were observed for the MV of the 1RM trial (6.02% vs. 6.60%; CVratio = 1.10), while the within-subject CV was lower for PV (6.36% vs. 7.56%; CVratio = 1.19). These results suggest that the individual load-MV relationship should be determined with a linear regression model to obtain the most accurate prescription of the relative load during the free-weight prone bench pull exercise.

The addition of very light loads into the routine testing of the bench press increases the reliability of the force-velocity relationship.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine whether the addition of very light loads for modeling the force-velocity (F-V) relationship during the bench press (BP) exercise can confirm its experimental linearity as well as to increase the reliability and concurrent validity of the F-V relationship parameters (maximum force (F 0), maximum velocity (V 0), F-V slope, and maximum power (P max)). METHOD: The F-V relationship of 19 healthy men were determined using three different methods: (I) 6-loads free method: six loads performed during the traditional free-weight BP exercise (≈ 1-8-29-39-49-59 kg), (II) 4-loads free method: four loads performed during the traditional free-weight BP exercise (≈ 29-39-49-59 kg), and (III) 4-loads Smith method: four loads performed during the ballistic bench press throw exercise in a Smith machine (≈ 29-39-49-59 kg). RESULTS: The linearity of the F-V relationship was very high and comparable for the three F-V methods (p = 0.204; median Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) = 0.99). The three methods were ranked from the most to the least reliable as follows: 6-loads free (coefficient of variation (CV) range = 3.6-6.7%) > 4-loads Smith (CV range = 4.6-12.4%) > 4-loads free (CV range = 3.8-14.5%). The higher reliability of the 6-loads free method was especially pronounced for F-V slope (CVratio ≥ 1.85) and V 0 (CVratio ≥ 1.49) parameters, while the lowest difference in reliability was observed for F 0 (CVratio ≤ 1.27). The 6-loads free and 4-loads free methods showed a very high concurrent validity respect to the 4-loads Smith method for F 0 and P max (r ≥ 0.89), a moderate validity for the F-V slope (r = 0.66-0.82), and a low validity for V 0 (r ≤ 0.37). DISCUSSION: The routine testing of the F-V relationship of upper-body muscles through the BP exercise should include trials with very light loading conditions to enhance the reliability of the F-V relationship.

[Association between physical fitness parameters and health related quality of life in Chilean community-dwelling older adults]. / Asociación predictiva entre parámetros de condición física y dimensiones de calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en adultos mayores chilenos insertos en la comunidad.

BACKGROUND: There is no conclusive evidence about the association between physical fitness (PF) and health related quality of life (HRQOL) in older adults. AIM: To seek for an association between PF and HRQOL in non-disabled community-dwelling Chilean older adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and sixteen subjects participated in the study. PF was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) and hand grip strength (HGS). HRQOL was assessed using eight dimensions provided by the SF-12v2 questionnaire. Binary multivariate logistic regression models were carried out considering the potential influence of confounder variables. RESULTS: Non-adjusted models, indicated that subjects with better performance in arm curl test (ACT) were more likely to score higher on vitality dimension (OR > 1) and those with higher HGS were more likely to score higher on physical functioning, bodily pain, vitality and mental health (OR > 1). The adjusted models consistently showed that ACT and HGS predicted a favorable perception of vitality and mental health dimensions respectively (OR > 1). CONCLUSIONS: HGS and ACT have a predictive value for certain dimensions of HRQOL.

Asociación predictiva entre parámetros de condición física y dimensiones de calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en adultos mayores chilenos insertos en la comunidad / Association between physical fitness parameters and health related quality of life in Chilean community-dwelling older adults

Background: There is no conclusive evidence about the association between physical fitness (PF) and health related quality of life (HRQOL) in older adults. Aim: To seek for an association between PF and HRQOL in non-disabled community-dwelling Chilean older adults. Material and Methods: One hundred and sixteen subjects participated in the study. PF was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) and hand grip strength (HGS). HRQOL was assessed using eight dimensions provided by the SF-12v2 questionnaire. Binary multivariate logistic regression models were carried out considering the potential influence of confounder variables. Results: Non-adjusted models, indicated that subjects with better performance in arm curl test (ACT) were more likely to score higher on vitality dimension (OR > 1) and those with higher HGS were more likely to score higher on physical functioning, bodily pain, vitality and mental health (OR > 1). The adjusted models consistently showed that ACT and HGS predicted a favorable perception of vitality and mental health dimensions respectively (OR > 1). Conclusions: HGS and ACT have a predictive value for certain dimensions of HRQOL.

[Effects of small-sided exercises on body composition and maximal oxygen uptake in adolescents]. / Efecto de los juegos reducidos en la composición corporal y la condición física aeróbica en un grupo de adolescentes escolares.

BACKGROUND: The regular practice of physical activity contributes to weight control and improves maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), socialization and quality of life. AIM: To determine the effect of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on body composition and VO2max in a group of overweight school-age males. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied fifty-five overweight males aged 15.6 ± 0.7 years. Participants were divided in two groups (experimental and control groups). The intervention in the experimental group was the practice of small-sided games during 60 minutes, two days per week and during 11 weeks. At baseline and the end of the intervention, body composition was measured using bioimpedance and VO2max was calculated using the Course Navette test. RESULTS: A 7% reduction in the percentage of body fat and a 9% increase in VO2max were observed in the experimental group (p < 0.01). No changes were recorded in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Eleven weeks of small-sided exercises performed twice per week increased VO2max and reduced fat mass in overweight adolescents.

Efecto de los juegos reducidos en la composición corporal y la condición física aeróbica en un grupo de adolescentes escolares / Effects of small-sided exercises on body composition and maximal oxygen uptake in adolescents

Background: The regular practice of physical activity contributes to weight control and improves maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), socialization and quality of life. Aim: To determine the effect of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on body composition and VO2max in a group of overweight school-age males. Material and Methods: We studied fifty-five overweight males aged 15.6 ± 0.7 years. Participants were divided in two groups (experimental and control groups). The intervention in the experimental group was the practice of small-sided games during 60 minutes, two days per week and during 11 weeks. At baseline and the end of the intervention, body composition was measured using bioimpedance and VO2max was calculated using the Course Navette test. Results: A 7% reduction in the percentage of body fat and a 9% increase in VO2max were observed in the experimental group (p < 0.01). No changes were recorded in the control group. Conclusions: Eleven weeks of small-sided exercises performed twice per week increased VO2max and reduced fat mass in overweight adolescents.