Time measurement validity and reliability of the 4 × 10-m shuttle run test in adult population: The ADULT-FIT project.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to analyze the time measurement validity and reliability (between raters and test-retest) of the 4 × 10-m shuttle run test to assess motor fitness in adults, according to gender, age, and physical activity levels. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. A total of 230 adults (86 women) aged 18-64 years participated in the study. METHODS: The time taken to complete the 4 × 10-m shuttle run test was recorded simultaneously by a trained and an untrained rater (inter-rater reliability) and by photoelectric cells (time measurement validity). 48-72 h later, the test was repeated under the same conditions (test-retest reliability). RESULTS: The systematic error for trained rater vs. photocell was close to zero (0.0125, p < 0.01), with an effect size of 0.006; and for both, untrained rater vs. photocell and trained rater vs. untrained rater was ∼0.2 s (p < 0.001) with an effect size of 0.09. For the test-retest reliability, the systematic error was 0.05 s (p < 0.001), with an effect size of 0.26, the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.998 and the coefficient of variation reported a variability of 0.73 %. Results were not influenced by gender and age, while these improved for active vs. non-active participants. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that measurements with trained raters are a valid and reliable method for assessing the 4 × 10-m shuttle run test in adults. It is highly recommended that raters be trained to minimize the measurement error.

Longitudinal effects of FTO gene polymorphism on body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity, inflammatory markers, and cardiovascular risk in children and adolescents. "The UP & DOWN study".

The role of polymorphism rs9939609 of the FTO gene has been related with fat mass and cardiovascular risk in adults, but it remains unclear in children and adolescents. Hence, the main aim of this study was to determine the FTO polymorphism effects on body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), physical activity (PA), inflammatory markers, and cardiovascular risk both in cross-sectional analysis and after two-years of follow-up in children and adolescents. A total of 2129 participants were included in this study. The rs9939609 polymorphism was genotyped. Body composition measurements, CRF, and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) were determined at baseline and after two-year of follow-up. Moreover, plasma leptin and adiponectin were also determined as inflammatory markers. Furthermore, an index of cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVDRF-I) was calculated. Codominant (TT vs. TA vs. AA) and dominant (AA+AT vs. TT) models were applied for statistical analysis. The results showed a main effect of the FTO genotype on body composition measures in both first and third year (p < 0.05), with lower adiposity in TT compared with AA or AA+AT group. These differences were maintained after accounting for pubertal maturity, sex, age, VO2 max, and MVPA. Moreover, lower leptin level was observed in TT compared to AA+AT group in the third year. An interaction in Gene*Time*Sex was found in height and neck circumference in dominant model (p = 0.047; p = 0.020, respectively). No differences were found in CRF, MVPA nor CVDRF-I between groups. Hence, homozygous TT allele could be a protective factor against weight gain from early childhood.

Influence of a Concurrent Exercise Training Program on Health-Related Quality of Life During Advanced Pregnancy: The GESTAFIT Project.

BACKGROUND: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) may be altered during pregnancy due to pregnancy-related changes in all domains of women's health. HYPOTHESIS: A supervised concurrent exercise-training program from the 17th gestational week until birth positively influences HRQoL. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1. METHODS: Eighty-six pregnant women (age, 33.1 ± 4.6 years; prepregnancy body mass index, 23.5 kg/m2), divided into exercise (n = 41) and control (n = 45) groups, participated in this study (per-protocol basis). The exercise group followed a 60-min, 3 days/week, concurrent (aerobic + resistance) exercise training program. HRQoL was assessed with the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), where higher scores (0-100) indicate better HRQoL. RESULTS: After adjusting for potential confounders, the exercise group decreased 16.1 points less than the control group in the SF-36 physical functioning domain [between-group differences (B): 95% confidence interval (CI), 9.02 to 23.22; P < 0.01], and 4.5 points less in the SF-36 physical component summary than the control group (between-group differences (B): 95% CI, 0.65 to 8.28; P = 0.02). Intention-to-treat basis analyses depicted similar results, where the exercise group decreased 10.03 points less than the control group the in the SF-36 social functioning domain (between-group differences (B): 95% CI, 0.39 to 19.68; P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: A supervised concurrent exercise training program ameliorates HRQoL decreases along gestation. Although HRQoL decreased throughout pregnancy in both groups, this impact was less in the exercise group, especially in the SF-36 physical functioning, the SF-36 social functioning, and the SF-36 physical component summary. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Healthcare providers may encourage pregnant women to exercise in this physiological stage for a better HRQoL throughout pregnancy. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT02582567; Date of registration: 20/10/2015.

Objective measured physical activity and metabolic syndrome score in children and adolescents: The UP&DOWN longitudinal study.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to analyze the cross-sectional and longitudinal association of physical activity (PA) levels and PA patterns with metabolic syndrome score (MetS) in children and adolescents. METHODS: A total of 175 children (82 females) and 188 adolescents (95 females) were included. Objective PA levels and patterns were determined by accelerometry. MetS was computed from waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and glucose levels. Different linear regression models were implemented to examine the associations of PA with MetS. RESULTS: Vigorous PA, moderate-vigorous PA, number of bouts per day in 10 min (N10), and total time in bouts per day in 10 min (T10) were negatively associated with MetS in male children and adolescents at cross-sectional level (ß ranging from -0.005 to -0.164, all p < 0.05). Total time in bouts per day in 20 min in male children, and vigorous PA and N10 in female children were longitudinally and negatively associated with MetS (ß ranging from -0.011 to -0.247, all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Associations of PA and MetS were observed at cross-sectional level in males and longitudinally in female children. The associations in PA patterns were found when patterns were grouped into bouts of 10 min. Therefore, for future studies of PA with health markers in the pediatric population, it would be advisable to choose bouts of shorter duration.

Longitudinal reallocations of time between 24-h movement behaviours and their associations with inflammation in children and adolescents: the UP&DOWN study.

BACKGROUND: While there is evidence that physical activity, sedentary behaviour (SB) and sleep may all be associated with modified levels of inflammatory markers in adolescents and children, associations with one movement behaviour have not always been adjusted for other movement behaviours, and few studies have considered all movement behaviours in the 24-hour day as an exposure. PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to explore how longitudinal reallocations of time between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), SB and sleep are associated with changes in inflammatory markers in children and adolescents. METHODS: A total of 296 children/adolescents participated in a prospective cohort study with a 3-year follow-up. MVPA, LPA and SB were assessed by accelerometers. Sleep duration was assessed using the Health Behavior in School-aged Children questionnaire. Longitudinal compositional regression models were used to explore how reallocations of time between movement behaviours are associated with changes in inflammatory markers. RESULTS: Reallocations of time from SB to sleep were associated with increases in C3 levels (difference for 60 min/d reallocation [d60] = 5.29 mg/dl; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.28, 10.29) and TNF-α (d60 = 1.81 mg/dl; 95% CI = 0.79, 15.41) levels. Reallocations from LPA to sleep were also associated with increases in C3 levels (d60 = 8.10 mg/dl; 95% CI = 0.79, 15.41). Reallocations from LPA to any of the remaining time-use components were associated with increases in C4 levels (d60 ranging from 2.54 to 3.63 mg/dl; p < 0.05), while any reallocation of time away from MVPA was associated with unfavourable changes in leptin (d60 ranging from 3088.44 to 3448.07 pg/ml; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Reallocations of time between 24-h movement behaviours are prospectively associated with some inflammatory markers. Reallocating time away from LPA appears to be most consistently unfavourably associated with inflammatory markers. Given that higher levels of inflammation during childhood and adolescence are associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases in adulthood, children and adolescents should be encouraged to maintain or increase the level of LPA to preserve a healthy immune system.

Sedentary behaviour profiles and longitudinal associations with academic performance in youth: The UP&DOWN study.

The current study evaluated longitudinal associations between profile transitions of context-specific sedentary behaviour (SB) and changes in academic performance (AP) among school-aged youth. Participants were 466 children and 717 adolescents (50.8% males) aged 8-18 years (children = 7.92 ± 0.41 years; adolescents = 11.85 ± 1.53 years). Non-school SBs and AP were evaluated at baseline and two years later. General linear mixed models were implemented, controlling for age, region, parental education, body mass index, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Cross-sectionally, participants with an Educative-profile (i.e., highest scores in doing homework with/without computer and reading for fun) had higher AP when compared to other profiles. Longitudinally, males who changed from a Screen- to an Educative-profile had higher AP than males who changed from an Educative- to a Social- or Screen-SB profile (p < 0.01). No significant differences were found in females. These findings show the importance of analysing SB patterns from a qualitative perspective (i.e., context-specific for boosting school children AP) and highlighting time spent in educative as the most positive for AP, as well the need to implement interventions to reduce time on screen and social behaviours, especially targeting males.

Comparison Between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Functions of Cognitive Control in Adolescents: A Tracking Study of 3 Years.

PURPOSE: Compare tracking groups with cognitive control functions and plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factors concentrations from childhood to adolescence. METHODS: This is a prospective study with 3 years of follow-up. At baseline, data from 394 individuals were collected (11.7 y), and data were obtained from 134 adolescents (14.9 y) at the 3-year follow-up. At both time points, anthropometric and maximal oxygen uptake data were collected. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) groups were classified into high or low CRF. At follow-up, cognitive outcomes were collected via the Stroop and Corsi block test; plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factors concentrations were also analyzed. RESULTS: Comparisons demonstrated that maintaining high CRF over 3 years results in shorter reaction time, better inhibitory control, and higher working memory values. Likewise, the group that moved from low to high CRF over 3 years presented better reaction time. Plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factors concentrations were higher for the group that increased its CRF over the 3 years in relation to the low-low group (90.58 pg·mL-1; P = .004). However, after scaling by an allometric approach, differences were only found for reaction time and working memory between high-high and high-low groups. CONCLUSION: Maintaining high CRF over 3 years was positively related to reaction time and working memory in relation to adolescents that decreased their levels of CRF.

Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Physical Performance in Older People: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review aimed to assess the available evidence on the effects of neuromuscular training on physical performance in older adults. A literature search was conducted across four databases (Psychology and Behavioral (EBSCO), Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed). The PRISMA guidelines were followed. The PEDro scale and Cochrane risk of bias tool were used to assess the quality of and risk of bias in the studies, respectively. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42022319239). The outcomes were muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, postural balance and gait speed. From 610 records initially found, 10 were finally included in the systematic review, involving 354 older people with a mean age of 67.3 years. Nine of them reported significant changes in at least one variable related to physical performance in the intervention compared to the control groups. The neuromuscular training caused significant improvements in postural balance, flexibility, cardiorespiratory fitness, strength power of the upper and lower limbs and autonomy. The available evidence indicates that neuromuscular training has a positive effect on some variables of physical performance, especially in postural balance; however, the methodological quality and certainty of the evidence in the available literature are limited. Therefore, a greater number of high-quality studies are required to draw definitive conclusions.

Criterion-related validity and reliability of the 2-km walk test and the 20-m shuttle run test in adults: The role of sex, age and physical activity level.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the criterion-related validity and the reliability of fitness field tests for evaluating cardiorespiratory fitness in adults, by sex, age, and physical activity level. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: During 3 weeks, sociodemographic, anthropometric measurements, a treadmill maximal test, the 2-km walk test, and the 20-m SRT were performed in 410 adults aged 18-64 years. Measured and estimated VO2max (by Oja's and Leger's equations) were analyzed. RESULTS: Measured VO2max was associated with estimated VO2max by the 2-km walk test and 20-m SRT (r = 0.784 and r = 0.875, respectively; both p < 0.01). Bland-Altman analysis showed a mean difference of -0.30 ml* kg-1 * min-1 (p < 0.001, d = -0.141) in the 2-km walk test, and 0.86 ml* kg-1 * min-1 (p = 0.051) in the 20-m SRT. Significant mean differences between test and retest were found in the time to complete the 2-km walk test (-1.48 ±â€¯0.51 s, p = 0.004, d = -0.014) and in the final stage reached in the 20-m SRT (0.04 ±â€¯0.01, p = 0.002, d = 0.015). Non-significant differences were found between test and retest in the estimated VO2max by Oja's (-0.29 ±â€¯0.20 ml* kg-1 * min-1, p > 0.05) and Leger's eqs. (0.03 ±â€¯0.04 ml* kg-1 * min-1, p > 0.05). Moreover, both test results and estimated VO2max equations showed a high test-retest reliability. CONCLUSIONS: Both tests were valid and reliable for evaluating cardiorespiratory fitness in adults aged 18-64 years, regardless of sex, age, and physical activity level.

Niveles de actividad física y tiempo sedente en personas mayores con fragilidad: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017 / Levels of physical activity and sitting time in elderly people with fragility: results of the 2016-2017 National Health Survey

Antecedentes: la fragilidad se caracteriza por la pérdida de reservas biológicas y la vulnerabilidad a resultados adversos. Una intervención con efectos beneficiosos sobre la prevención y el manejo de la fragilidad es la práctica regular de actividad física (AF). Objetivo: caracterizar los niveles de AF y tiempo sedente en personas mayores con fragilidad. Metodología: se incluyó a 232 personas mayores de 60 años de la región metropolitana, participantes en la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017. La fragilidad se evaluó en base a los criterios de la escala de fenotipos de Fried y el nivel de AF y tiempo sedentario con el cuestionario Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ v2). Los niveles de AF según el fenotipo de fragilidad se determinaron con análisis de regresión lineal. Resultados y conclusiones: las personas mayores con fragilidad realizan menos AF total (β = -292,6 min/día [IC 95 %: 399,5; -185,7], p = 0,001), laboral (β = -5821,8 min/día [IC 95 %: 8680,8; -2962,8], p = 0,001), de transporte (β = -68,0 min/día [IC 95 %: -105,4; -30,62], p = 0,001). También se observó menor cantidad de AF moderada (β = -137,7 min/día [IC 95 %: -202,0; -73,5], p = 0,001); vigorosa (β = -43,4 min/día [IC 95 %: -81,6; -5,20], p = 0,026) y mayor tiempo sedente (β = 3,55 hora/día [IC 95 %: -1,97; 5,14 ], p = 0,001). Las personas mayores frágiles presentan niveles más bajos de AF en comparación con sus pares sin fragilidad. Considerando que la población chilena experimentará un aumento en el número de personas mayores, es imprescindible implementar medidas preventivas que permitan retrasar la aparición de la fragilidad, como fomentar la práctica de AF en todos sus niveles. (AU)

Background: fragility is characterized by loss of biological reserves and vulnerability to adverse outcomes. An intervention with beneficial effects on the prevention and management of frailty is the regular practice of physical activity (PA). Objective: to determine the association between levels of PA, sedentary time and frailty in older Chileans by sex. Methodology: 232 people over 60 years of age from the metropolitan region participating in the National Health Survey 2016-2017 were included. Frailty was assessed based on the Fried Phenotype Scale criteria and PA level and sedentary time with the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ v2). The association between levels of PA with the different states of frailty was investigated with linear regression analysis. Results and conclusion: elderly people with frailty have less total PA (β = -292.6 min/day [95 % CI: 399.5; -185.7], p = 0.001), occupational PA (β = -5821.8 min/day [95 % CI: 8680.8, -2962.8], p = 0.001), transportation (β = -68.0 min/day [95 % CI: -105.4, -30.62], p = 0.001). A lower amount of moderate AF was also found (β = -137.7 min/day [95 % CI: -202.0, -73.5], p = 0.001); vigorous (β = -43.4 min/day [95 % CI: -81.6; -5.20], p = 0.026) and longer time seated (β = 3.55 hours/day [95 % CI: - 1.97, 5.14], p = 0.001). Frail older people have lower PA levels compared to their peers without frailty. Considering that the Chilean population will experience an increase in the number of older people, it is essential to implement preventive measures to delay the onset of frailty, such as promoting the practice of PA at all levels. (AU)

European fitness landscape for children and adolescents: updated reference values, fitness maps and country rankings based on nearly 8 million test results from 34 countries gathered by the FitBack network.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To develop reference values for health-related fitness in European children and adolescents aged 6-18 years that are the foundation for the web-based, open-access and multilanguage fitness platform (FitBack); (2) to provide comparisons across European countries. METHODS: This study builds on a previous large fitness reference study in European youth by (1) widening the age demographic, (2) identifying the most recent and representative country-level data and (3) including national data from existing fitness surveillance and monitoring systems. We used the Assessing Levels of PHysical Activity and fitness at population level (ALPHA) test battery as it comprises tests with the highest test-retest reliability, criterion/construct validity and health-related predictive validity: the 20 m shuttle run (cardiorespiratory fitness); handgrip strength and standing long jump (muscular strength); and body height, body mass, body mass index and waist circumference (anthropometry). Percentile values were obtained using the generalised additive models for location, scale and shape method. RESULTS: A total of 7 966 693 test results from 34 countries (106 datasets) were used to develop sex-specific and age-specific percentile values. In addition, country-level rankings based on mean percentiles are provided for each fitness test, as well as an overall fitness ranking. Finally, an interactive fitness platform, including individual and group reporting and European fitness maps, is provided and freely available online (www.fitbackeurope.eu). CONCLUSION: This study discusses the major implications of fitness assessment in youth from health, educational and sport perspectives, and how the FitBack reference values and interactive web-based platform contribute to it. Fitness testing can be conducted in school and/or sport settings, and the interpreted results be integrated in the healthcare systems across Europe.

Influence of Volume and Bouts of Sedentary Time and Physical Activity on School-Aged Youth's Physical Fitness: The UP & DOWN Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine associations of total volume and bouts of sedentary time (ST) and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with physical fitness (PF) in youth. METHODS: This was a 2-year follow-up study with 1418 children and adolescents (51.7% boys). Accelerometers were used to assess ST and MVPA. Cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness values were objectively measured and combined in a global PF variable. Weight status was objectively obtained. Linear regression analyses were used to examine the cross-sectional (using scores at baseline) and longitudinal associations (using the change in the variables) of total volume and bouts of ST and MVPA with PF. RESULTS: Total ST was negatively associated with global PF (ß = -0.488, P < .001 in cross-sectional analysis; ß = -0.234, P = .003 in longitudinal analysis). However, this association was not independent of MVPA. Total volume of MVPA showed a positive association with global PF independently of ST and weight status (ß = 0.285, P < .001 in cross-sectional analysis; ß = 0.119, P = .001 in longitudinal analysis). Longitudinal associations found between ST and MVPA accumulated in bouts of various lengths and global PF became nonsignificant when their respective total volumes are included in the model. CONCLUSIONS: These results underline the need to accumulate minutes of MVPA, regardless of the bout duration, to increase PF levels in youth.

Validity and reliability of the International fItness scale (IFIS) in preschool children.

Objectives: Examine the validity and reliability of parent-reported International FItness Scale (IFIS) in preschoolers. Method: A cross-sectional study of 3051 Spanish preschoolers (3-5 years). Fitness was measured by PREFIT battery and reported by parents using an adapted version of the IFIS. Waist circumference was evaluated, and the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) was calculated. Seventy-six parents of randomly selected schoolchildren completed the IFIS twice for a reliability assessment. Results: ANCOVA, adjusted for sex, age and WHtR, showed that preschoolers who were scored by their parents as having average-to-very good fitness had better levels of measured physical fitness than those preschoolers who were classified as having "very poor/poor" fitness levels (18.1laps to 22.1laps vs 15.6laps for cardiorespiratory fitness; 6.6 kg to 7.5 kg vs 5.3 kg for muscular fitness-handgrip-; 71.7 cm to 76.4 cm vs 62.0 cm for muscular fitness-standing long jump-; 17.2s to 16.2s vs 18.2s for speed/agility; and 11.2s to 15.6s vs 8.7s for balance; p < 0.001). The weighted kappa for concordance between parent-reported fitness levels and objective assessment was poor (κ ≤ 0.18 for all fitness measures). Overall, the mean values of the abdominal adiposity indicators were significantly lower in high-level fitness categories reported by parents than in low-level fitness categories (p < 0.05). The test-retest reliability ranged from 0.46 to 0.62. Conclusions: The reliability of the parent-reported IFIS are acceptable, but the concordance between parents reported and objectively measures fitness levels is poor, suggesting that parents' responses may not be able to correctly classify preschoolers according to their fitness level.HighlightsThe convergent validity and reliability (test-retest) values of the IFIS parent scale are moderately acceptable for assessing physical fitness in children aged 3-5 years.However, the results of concordance show that criterion validity is poor suggesting that parents' responses may not be able to correctly classify preschoolers according to their fitness level.Considering that the fitness level at these ages is fairly homogeneous, it seems difficult for parents to discriminate between the fitness levels of their children. Therefore, it seems necessary to recalibrate the scale in future work.

Physical fitness and maternal body composition indices during pregnancy and postpartum: the GESTAFIT project.

We explored the association of physical fitness (PF) during pregnancy with maternal body composition indices along pregnancy and postpartum period. The study comprised 159 pregnant women (32.9 ± 4.7 years old). Assessments were carried out at the 16th and 34th gestational weeks (g.w.) and six weeks postpartum. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular strength (absolute and relative values) and flexibility were measured. Body composition indices were obtained by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at postpartum. The results, after adjusting for potential covariates at the 16th g.w., indicated that greater CRF was associated with lower postpartum indices total fat mass, android and gynoid fat mass (all, p < 0.05). Greater absolute upper-body muscular strength was associated with greater pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain (GWG); and postpartum indices body weight, BMI, lean mass, fat free mass, fat mass, gynoid fat mass, T-score and Z-score bone mineral density (BMD) (all, p < 0.05). Greater upper-body flexibility was associated with lower pre-pregnancy BMI; and postpartum indices body weight, BMI, lean mass, fat free mass, fat mass, android fat mass and gynoid fat mass, and with greater GWG (all, p < 0.05). At the 34th g.w., greater CRF was additionally associated with greater postpartum T-score and Z-score BMD (both, p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study reveals that greater PF levels, especially during early pregnancy, may promote a better body composition in the postpartum period. Therefore, clinicians and health promoters should encourage women to maintain or improve PF levels from early pregnancy.

Given that obesity is on the rise today, it is important to find strategies to cope with it, especially during pregnancy.The results of the present study suggest that greater physical fitness during early pregnancy is key to promoting better body composition in the postpartum period.It should be of clinical interest to encourage pregnant women to maintain or improve their physical fitness levels.

[Levels of physical activity and sitting time in elderly people with fragility: results of the 2016-2017 National Health Survey]. / Niveles de actividad física y tiempo sedente en personas mayores con fragilidad: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017.

Introduction: Background: fragility is characterized by loss of biological reserves and vulnerability to adverse outcomes. An intervention with beneficial effects on the prevention and management of frailty is the regular practice of physical activity (PA). Objective: to determine the association between levels of PA, sedentary time and frailty in older Chileans by sex. Methodology: 232 people over 60 years of age from the metropolitan region participating in the National Health Survey 2016-2017 were included. Frailty was assessed based on the Fried Phenotype Scale criteria and PA level and sedentary time with the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ v2). The association between levels of PA with the different states of frailty was investigated with linear regression analysis. Results and conclusion: elderly people with frailty have less total PA (ß = -292.6 min/day [95 % CI: 399.5; -185.7], p = 0.001), occupational PA (ß = -5821.8 min/day [95 % CI: 8680.8, -2962.8], p = 0.001), transportation (ß = -68.0 min/day [95 % CI: -105.4, -30.62], p = 0.001). A lower amount of moderate AF was also found (ß = -137.7 min/day [95 % CI: -202.0, -73.5], p = 0.001); vigorous (ß = -43.4 min/day [95 % CI: -81.6; -5.20], p = 0.026) and longer time seated (ß = 3.55 hours/day [95 % CI: - 1.97, 5.14], p = 0.001). Frail older people have lower PA levels compared to their peers without frailty. Considering that the Chilean population will experience an increase in the number of older people, it is essential to implement preventive measures to delay the onset of frailty, such as promoting the practice of PA at all levels.

Introducción: Antecedentes: la fragilidad se caracteriza por la pérdida de reservas biológicas y la vulnerabilidad a resultados adversos. Una intervención con efectos beneficiosos sobre la prevención y el manejo de la fragilidad es la práctica regular de actividad física (AF). Objetivo: caracterizar los niveles de AF y tiempo sedente en personas mayores con fragilidad. Metodología: se incluyó a 232 personas mayores de 60 años de la región metropolitana, participantes en la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017. La fragilidad se evaluó en base a los criterios de la escala de fenotipos de Fried y el nivel de AF y tiempo sedentario con el cuestionario Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ v2). Los niveles de AF según el fenotipo de fragilidad se determinaron con análisis de regresión lineal. Resultados y conclusiones: las personas mayores con fragilidad realizan menos AF total (ß = -292,6 min/día [IC 95 %: 399,5; -185,7], p = 0,001), laboral (ß = -5821,8 min/día [IC 95 %: 8680,8; -2962,8], p = 0,001), de transporte (ß = -68,0 min/día [IC 95 %: -105,4; -30,62], p = 0,001). También se observó menor cantidad de AF moderada (ß = -137,7 min/día [IC 95 %: -202,0; -73,5], p = 0,001); vigorosa (ß = -43,4 min/día [IC 95 %: -81,6; -5,20], p = 0,026) y mayor tiempo sedente (ß = 3,55 hora/día [IC 95 %: -1,97; 5,14 ], p = 0,001). Las personas mayores frágiles presentan niveles más bajos de AF en comparación con sus pares sin fragilidad. Considerando que la población chilena experimentará un aumento en el número de personas mayores, es imprescindible implementar medidas preventivas que permitan retrasar la aparición de la fragilidad, como fomentar la práctica de AF en todos sus niveles.

Fitness, body composition, and metabolic risk scores in children and adolescents: the UP&DOWN study.

We aimed to analyse the longitudinal association between physical fitness (PF) and body composition (BC) with a metabolic risk score (Met4) in children and adolescents and to elucidate whether the association between PF and Met4 differs when using relativized or absolute fitness variables. A total of 188 children (86 females) and 195 adolescents (97 females) were included. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was determined by the 20-m shuttle run test, and muscular fitness (MF) was determined by hand grip and standing long jump tests. Height and weight were measured, and the body mass index (Kg/m2) was calculated. Triceps and subscapular skinfolds were assessed to compute body fat percentage. Met4 was computed from systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and glucose levels. Relative CRF was longitudinally and negatively associated with Met4 in female children (ß = -0.031, p = 0.025), while absolute CRF was positively associated with Met4 in male children and adolescents (ß = 0.000, p < 0.05). Relative upper and lower-body MF were longitudinally and negatively associated with Met4 in female adolescents (ß = -1.347, ß = -0.005, p < 0.05), while absolute lower-body MF was positively associated with Met4 in male children (ß = 0.000, p = 0.019). BC was longitudinally and positively associated with Met4 in male children (ß-ranging from 0.011 to 0.055, all p < 0.05) and male adolescents (ß-ranging from 0.011 to 0.046, all p < 0.05).  Conclusion: BC is more strongly associated with Met4 than PF in children and adolescents. An optimal body weight status should be considered the main objective of health-promoting programs at childhood and adolescence. Furthermore, the way of expressing the fitness variables determines the direction of the association with Met4. What is Known: • Physical fitness is an important health indicator in children and adolescents, with great amount of previous evidence supporting the preventive role of maintaining optimal levels of both cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness for future cardiometabolic issues. What is New: • The way of reporting physical fitness variables can affect the associations between physical fitness features and cardiometabolic outcomes. Since body composition variables have a great impact on both physical fitness and cardiometabolic health, relativizing physical fitness performance by body composition could lead to erroneous conclusions.

Effects of the inclusion of physical activity in secondary education academic classes on educational indicators and health markers: rationale and methods of the ACTIVE CLASS study.

Background: Increasing physical activity (PA) levels and reducing sedentary behaviors in children and adolescents is a need, especially in schools. Active breaks and physically active learning are examples of two emerging methodologies that have been shown to be effective in increasing PA levels and additionally produce improvements in children's educational markers. However, the evidence in adolescents is very limited. This paper presents the design, measurements, and interventions implemented in the ACTIVE CLASS study, whose objectives are: (i) evaluate the effects of two interventions on PA levels, sedentary time, health-related physical fitness academic indicators, cognition, and markers of psychological health among secondary education students; (ii) evaluate teachers' and students' experiences about the implementation of these the two school-based PA intervention. Methods: A randomized controlled study is conducted with a total of 292 students aged 12-14 years old from six schools (7th and 8th grade) in Spain (three in Cadiz and three in Caceres). One school from each study provinces is randomly assigned to either the active break intervention group, the physically active learning intervention group, or the control group. The interventions have a duration of 16 weeks. Nine main measurement categories are assessed: PA and sedentary time, health-related physical fitness, academic indicators, cognition, psychological health, motivational variables, dietary patterns, sociodemographic characteristics, as well as qualitative information through semi-structured individual interviews and focus groups. Three independent measurements of evaluation are distinguished: pre-intervention, post-intervention (week 16) and retention measurement (4 weeks after the intervention). For quantitative variables, descriptive, correlational, regression and repeated measures ANOVA will be applied. Discussion: To the best of our knowledge, the ACTIVE CLASS study is the first of its kind in Spain to evaluate the effects of incorporating active breaks and physically active learning in secondary education. In addition, this project provides important information on the effects of two school-based PA intervention arms on educational variables and health markers in adolescents. This will provide valuable and innovative training to the educational community, enabling them to implement teaching methodologies that have the potential to enhance academic performance and improve the quality of life for their students. Clinical trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05891054.

Association between cardiorrespiratory fitness and cognitive control: is somatic maturity an important mediator?

BACKGROUND: Recently some articles presented information related to the possible effect of maturity over the cognitive control and cardiorespiratory fitness, however little is known about the real effects of maturity in the relation of these variables. In this sense, the purpose of this study was to examine the potential mediating role of somatic maturity on the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and cognitive control. METHODS: This three-year longitudinal research comprises two data collection groups: a baseline conducted in 2016 with 394 adolescents (aged 11.7 ± 0.6 years) and a follow-up in 2019 with 134 adolescents (aged 14.9 ± 0.7 years). Anthropometry data, 20-m shuttle run test and peak height velocity (PHV) to determine the maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and somatic maturity, respectively, were collected at both sampling times. In parallel, the Sociodemographic and cognitive control function variables were included in the follow-up to evaluate the inhibitory control (by the Stroop test) and the visuo-spatial working memory (by the Corsi block-tapping test). Associations between CRF and cognitive functions were computed by multiple linear regression, with mediation as a function of PHV. RESULTS: CRF exhibited transversal associations with reaction time in congruent (ß = -0.004; p = 0.001) and incongruent (ß = -0.005; p = 0.004) stimulus-responses. Meanwhile, the variation in VO2max over the three year-study had a significant impact on the reaction time of congruent (ß = -0.006; p = 0.001) and incongruent (ß = -0.006; p = 0.012) responses at follow-up. However, PHV did not show a significant association with the cognitive functions, indicating no mediating role. CONCLUSIONS: Although the associations between CRF and the cognitive functions exhibited great transversal and longitudinal impacts, somatic maturity did not affect the cognitive control functions, associating exclusively with CRF.

Asociación entre velocidad de marcha y deterioro cognitivo en personas mayores: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017

Antecedentes: La velocidad de la marcha podría considerarse un marcador temprano de riesgo de deterioro cognitivo en personas mayores. Objetivo: Determinar la asociación entre velocidad de la marcha y sospecha de deterioro cognitivo en población mayor chilena. Métodos: Se incluyeron 1788 personas mayores de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud (ENS) 2016-2017 que tenían información sobre velocidad de marcha y sospecha de deterioro cognitivo. La velocidad de la marcha fue autorreportada y categorizada como marca lenta, normal y rápida. Sospecha de deterioro cognitivo fue evaluado a través del cuestionario Mini Mental abreviado. La asociación entre marcha y deterioro cognitivo fue investigada mediante análisis de regresión logística. Resultados: En comparación a las personas mayores que reportaron una velocidad de marcha rápida, aquellas que reportaron una marcha lenta presentaron 2,67 veces mayor probabilidad de tener deterioro cognitivo (OR: 2,67 [95% IC:1,62; 4,42], p<0,001). Al ajustar los modelos por variables de confusión sociodemográficas, estilos de vida y salud, la asociación disminuyó, pero, permaneció significativa (OR: 1,78 [95% IC:1,15; 3,17], p=0,047). Mientras que las personas mayores que reportaron tener una velocidad de marcha normal no presentaron asociación con deterioro cognitivo. Conclusión: Personas mayores que reportan una velocidad de marcha lenta presentaron una mayor probabilidad de sospecha de deterioro cognitivo. Considerando que el deterioro cognitivo es un síndrome geriátrico con alta prevalencia en población mayor, existe la necesidad de enfatizar en estrategias para un diagnóstico temprano, por lo cual la velocidad de marcha podría ser un instrumento útil.

Background: Walking pace could be considered an early risk marker of cognitive impairment in older people. Objective: To determine the association between walking pace and cognitive impairment in older Chilean adults. Methods: 1,788 adults older than 60 years from the 2016-2017 Chilean National Health Survey with data available in the exposure and outcome were included in this cross-sectional study. Walking pace was self-reported and categorised as slow, average and brisk. Cognitive impairment was assessed using the Abbreviated Mini-Mental questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between walking pace and cognitive impairment, logistic regression analyses - adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle and health-related covariates. Results: In the minimally adjusted model and compared to older adults who self-reported a brisk walking pace, those in the slow walking pace category were 2.67 times more likely to have cognitive impairment (OR: 2.67 [95% CI: 1.62, 4.42]). When the analyses were adjusted, the association was attenuated but remained significant (OR: 1.78 [95% CI: 1.15 3.17]). No associations were found between average pace walkers and cognitive impairment. Conclusion: Older adults who self-reported a slow walking pace having a higher likelihood of cognitive impairment than their counterparts who had a brisk walking pace. Considering that cognitive impairment is a geriatric syndrome with a high prevalence in the elderly, there is a need to emphasise strategies for an early diagnosis. Therefore, walking pace may be a useful marker to identify individuals at high risk of cognitive impairment.

Asociación entre nivel educacional y sospecha de deterioro cognitivo en personas mayores chilenas: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017 / Association between educational level and suspicion of cognitive imparirment in Chilean older people

BACKGROUND: A low education level has been associated with cognitive impairment in older adults. AIM: To determine the association between educational attainment and suspicion of cognitive imparirment in older Chilean population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 2,005 adults aged ≥ 60 years assessed during 2016-2017 Chilean National Health Survey were included. Education was self-reported and categorized as primary: ≤ 8 years; secondary: 9 to 12 years and beyond secondary: > 12 years. suspicion of cognitive imparirment was assessed with the Mini-Mental questionnaire. RESULTS: Men and women with low education attainment had a higher prevalence of cognitive impairment (33% [95% confidence intervals (CI): 24; 41] and 27% [95% CI: 21; 33], respectively). Men who reported less schooling (≤ 8 years) were more likely to be at risk of suspicion of cognitive imparirment (Odds ratio (OR): 4.53 [95% CI: 1.10, 18.62]) compared to their peers. Women showed a substantially higher magnitude of association than men. The probability of suspicion of cognitive imparirment increased 9-times (OR: 9.96 [95% CI: 1.24; 79.6]) for 9-12 years and 18-times for ≤ 8 years of education (OR: 18.8 [95% CI: 2.42; 146.1]) compared to women with higher education. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults with low education attainment had an increased likelihood of developing suspicion of cognitive imparirment. However, the risk differs by sex, being higher in women than men.