Fear of falling in women: A psychological training intervention improves climbing performance.

The main purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a psychological training intervention based on emotional regulation on anxiety and climbing ability in women climbers with fear of falling. A secondary aim was to compare the outcomes of climbing ability, anxiety, self-confidence and interoceptive awareness (IA) between the psychological group (PG), a training (TG) and a control group. Self-reported climbing ability, anxiety and IA were assessed using Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 and the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness questionnaire. Results indicated a significant improvement in climbing ability for both PG and TG. The PG showed a significant reduction in cognitive and somatic anxiety, while the TG only exhibited a reduction in cognitive anxiety. Moreover, the PG demonstrated a greater significant increase in self-confidence compared to the TG. IA improved in five subscales for the PG, whereas the TG changed in only two subscales. In conclusion, a psychological training intervention focusing on emotional regulation might contribute to improvements in IA, reduced anxiety levels, and enhancements in climbing ability and self-confidence among women climbers facing fear of falling.

Ultraviolet sun exposure and sun protection behaviors in outdoor rock climbers.

BACKGROUND: Overexposure to sunlight and sunburn are the main preventable causes of skin cancer. Outdoor sports are associated with significant levels of sunlight exposure. AIMS: We sought to quantify the sun radiation exposure received by outdoor rock climbers and assess their sun exposure habits, sun protection behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge regarding skin cancer. METHODS: From April to June 2021, outdoor rock climbers contacted via email completed an online validated self-reported questionnaire on sun related habits, behaviors, attitudes and knowledge. As a pilot trial, ten participants wore a personal dosimeter during two outdoor climbing weekends in May and November 2021. Ambient ultraviolet radiation (UVR) was also recorded. RESULTS: A total of 217 outdoor rock climbers (103 women), mean age 36.8 ± 8.8 years (range 20-70 years) and median climbing practice per week of 8 h (IQR 7.5) were studied. Two in three (65.9%) participants reported at least one sunburn event during the previous rock climbing season. Of the survey respondents, 49.3% reported using sunscreen with SPF ≥ 15, 47% wore sunglasses, and 14.3% indicated they reapplied sunscreen every two hours. The median personal UVR dose measured during the two outdoor climbing weekends analyzed was 5.2 (IQR 1.8) and 8.8 (IQR 1.1) standard erythemal doses, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The high rates of sunburn, the elevated personal UVR measured and the clearly insufficient sun protection practices followed during rock climbing together with unsatisfactory attitudes towards tanning reveal the need to develop explicit sun protection campaigns and educational strategies to reduce the risk of skin cancer among the athletes studied.

Role of cardiorespiratory fitness on the associations between endocannabinoid system and depressive symptoms in adults diagnosed with depression: the SONRIE study / Papel de la capacidad cardiorrespiratoria en la asociación entre el sistema endocannabinoide y los síntomasdepresivos en adultos diagnosticados de depresión: el estudio SONRIE / O papel da capacidade cardiorrespiratória na associação entre o sistema endocanobinóido e os sintomasdepressivos em adultos diagnostados com a depressão: o estudo SONRIE

Objective: Endocannabinoid system (ES) seems to be altered in patients with depression. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) may be an interacting factor inthe relationship between ES biomarkers and depressive symptoms in people diagnosed with depression. The aim was to study the role of CRF on thepossible association between ES biomarkers and depressive symptoms in 73 adults diagnosed with depression. Method: This study examine the outcomes of cardiorespiratory fitness and plasma levels of the lipid mediators; anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) sampled from 73 adults diagnosed with depression.Results: Patients with high CRF level had significant and inverse association among depressive symptoms and 2-AG serum levels ( : -0.013; 95% CI: -β: -0.013; 95% CI: -0.262 to -0.000; R²=22.6; P<0.001).Conclusions: Higher CRF levels could have a protective role on depressive symptoms by increases in 2-AG.(AU)

Objetivo: El sistema endocannabinoide (SE) parece estar alterado en pacientes con depresión. La capacidad cardiorrespiratoria (CRF) puede ser un factor que interactúe en la relación entre los biomarcadores del SE y los síntomas depresivos en personas diagnosticadas de depresión. El objetivo de este trabajo es estudiar el papel del CRF en la posible asociación entre los biomarcadores de ES y los síntomas depresivos en 73 adultos diagnosticados de depresión. Método: Este estudio examina los resultados de la aptitud cardiorrespiratoria y los niveles plasmáticos de los mediadores lipídicos; anandamida (AEA) y 2-araquidoilglicerol (2-AG) en 73 adultos diagnosticados de depresión.Resultados: Los pacientes con alto nivel de CRF tuvieron una asociación significativa e inversa entre los síntomas depresivos y los niveles séricos de 2-AG ( : -0,013; IC 95%: -0,262 a -0,000; R²=22,6; P<0,001). β: -0.013; 95% CI: -Conclusiones: Los niveles más altos de CRF podrían tener un papel protector sobre los síntomas depresivos por el aumento de 2-AG.(AU)

Objetivo: O sistema endocannabinoide (ES) parece ser alterado em doentes com depressão. A aptidão cardiorrespiratória (CRF) pode ser um factor deinteracção na relação entre os biomarcadores SE e os sintomas depressivos em pessoas diagnosticadas com depressão. O objetivo deste estudo foiestudar o papel da CRF na possível associação entre biomarcadores de ES e sintomas depressivos em 73 adultos diagnosticados com depressão. Métodos: Este estudo examina resultados de aptidão cardiorrespiratória e níveis plasmáticos de mediadores lipídicos; anandamida (AEA) e 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) em 73 adultos diagnosticados com depressão.Resultados: Os doentes com CRF elevado tinham uma associação inversa significativa entre sintomas depressivos e níveis séricos 2-AG ( : -0,013; 95%β: -0.013; 95% CI: -CI: -0,262 a -0,000; R²=22,6; P<0,001).Conclusões: Níveis mais elevados de CRF poderiam ter um papel protector nos sintomas depressivos, aumentando o 2-AG.(AU)

Which is the most reliable edge depth to measure maximum hanging time in sport climbers?

BACKGROUND: The ability to generate high levels of force with the finger flexor muscles and sustain it for the maximum time was reported as a climbing performance factor. This study aimed to answer the question of which is the most reliable edge depth to measure maximum hanging time in non-elite and elite rock climbers: 6, 8, 10, 12 or 14 mm. METHODS: Thirty-six climbers (10 female, 26 male; 6b-8c redpoint level) were assessed twice, one week apart. RESULTS: Systematic bias (95 % limits of agreements) was -1.84 (6.31) for HT6, -0.26 (8.83) for HT8, -1.30 (8.72) for HT10, -4.37 (9.57) for HT12, and -2.94 (9.53) for HT14 at non-elite group (all P values > 0.05 but HT12 and HT14). Among elite group, -1.38 (7.58), 0.68 (12.09), -2.20 (13.35), -0.49 (9.80) and 0.73 (10.44) was found (all P > 0.05) for HT6, HT8, HT10, HT12 and HT14, respectively. No patterns of heteroscedasticity were observed for any of the trials for non-elite and elite climbers. SIGNIFICANCE: Among all edge depths analysed, 8 mm seemed to be the most accurate edge to evaluate hanging time. Alternatively, a 10 mm hold depth could be recommended for climbers from 6b to 7c, and 12 mm for climbers from 7c+ to 8c.

Performance Assessment for Rock Climbers: The International Rock Climbing Research Association Sport-Specific Test Battery.

PURPOSE: To examine the validity and reliability of a battery of 10 measures designed to assess the key physiological parameters for successful rock climbing performance. METHODS: In phase 1 of the research, an expert panel, using the Delphi method, established a 10-item test battery based on the key determinants of climbing performance. In phase 2, the tests were assessed for validity and reliability to examine their suitability as sport-specific measures of rock climbing performance. A total of 132 rock climbers, from 7 countries, volunteered to take part in the study. Each climber visited their nearest laboratory on 3 separate occasions in order to enable the required tests and retests to be completed. A minimum of 7 days was allowed between visits. RESULTS: The 10 tests established for phase 2 were designed as sport-specific measures of flexibility, strength, power, and endurance. Results indicated that, while reliable, the flexibility and strength tests were only partially successful in differentiating across climber abilities. The power and endurance tests, however, performed well with regard to validity and reliability, with the finger hang and powerslap tests being most strongly correlated with performance ability (P < .0005 to P < .002). CONCLUSION: The authors' data suggest that climbing may require a threshold level of flexibility and strength for successful performance, beyond which further improvements may not be required. In contrast, the finger hang and powerslap tests were not only reliable measures but also differentiated between climber abilities from lower grade to elite levels.

Anthropometry and performance characteristics of recreational advanced to elite female rock climbers.

Despite climbing's popularity and an increasing number of female participants, there are limited anthropometric and performance data for this population. This study compares the characteristics of 55 experienced female climbers, divided into three categories (lower [ADV-L] and higher advanced [ADV-H] and elite [ELT]) based on self-reported ability. Data on climbing experience, body dimensions, body composition, flexibility, lower and upper-body power and finger strength were assessed. ELT climbers differed significantly from the ADV groups in age (Mean Difference [MD] = 8.8-9.8 yrs; despite smaller differences in years climbing MD = 1.6-2.4 yrs), greater climbing and hours training per week (MD = 3.0-3.7 h & MD = 0.9-1.6 h, respectively), and greater upper-body power (MD = 12.9-16.6 cm) and finger strength (MD = 51.6-65.4 N). Linear regression analysis showed finger strength and upper body power to be associated with ability, particularly when adjusting for descriptive and anthropometric variables (finger strength R2 = 53% and 45%; upper-body power R2 = 60% and 39% for boulder and sport, respectively). The findings support the importance of finger strength and upper-body power; changes in female anthropometric data over the last decade provide insight into the changing nature of the sport.

Attentional Differences as a Function of Rock Climbing Performance.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between attention (using two different attention tasks) and self-reported climbing ability while considering potential confounding factors (sex, age, climbing experience, and cardiorespiratory fitness) in a group of experienced climbers. Accuracy of response (AC) and reaction time (RT) from two different attention tasks using the Vienna Test System, along with self-reported on-sight and red-point climbing ability, were assessed in 35 climbers. Linear regression revealed that climbers with the highest self-reported on-sight grade had better AC during the attention task. Linear regression models revealed, after controlling for potential confounders, that AC, measured using two attention tasks, was positively related to climbers' highest self-reported on-sight climbing ability (ß = 0.388; p = 0.031). No significant differences were found between AC and self-reported red-point climbing ability (ß = 0.286; p = 0.064). No significant relationship was found between RT and climbing ability (ß = -0.102 to 0.020; p = 0.064). In conclusion, higher-level rock climbers appear to have an enhanced attention, which is related to on-sight lead climbing style, and thus, it may be an important component of climbing performance. Coaches should consider incorporating techniques to train attention based on on-sight climbing style in climbers.

A comparison of body composition assessment methods in climbers: Which is better?

OBJECTIVE: To compare body composition estimations of field estimation methods: Durnin & Womersley anthropometry (DW-ANT), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and Deborah-Kerr anthropometry (DK-ANT) against dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in a male Chilean sport climbing sample. METHODS: 30 adult male climbers of different performance levels participated in the study. A DXA scan (Lunar Prodigy®) was used to determine fat mass, lean mass and total bone mineral content (BMC). Total muscle mass (MM, kg) was estimated through a validated prediction model. DW-ANT and BIA ("non-athletes" and "athletes" equations) were used to determinate fat mass percentage (FM %), while DK-ANT was utilized to estimate MM and BMC. RESULTS: A significant (p<0.01) inter-method difference was observed for all methods analyzed. When compared to DXA, DW-ANT and BIA underestimated FM% and DK-ANT overestimated MM and BMC (All p<0.01). The inter-method differences was lower for DW-ANT. DISCUSSION: We found that body composition estimation in climbers is highly method dependent. If DXA is not available, DW-ANT for FM% has a lower bias of estimation than BIA in young male Chilean climbers. For MM and BMC, further studies are needed to compare and estimate the DK-ANT bias level. For both methods, correction equations for specific climbing population should be considered.

Influence of a self-regulated cognitive dual task on time to failure and complexity of submaximal isometric force control.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of performing a self-regulated cognitive dual task on time to failure and neuromuscular force control during submaximal isometric contractions. METHODS: Fifteen young sedentary males performed isometric contractions at 50% of each individual's maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) under single-task (without cognitive load) and dual-task (with self-regulated mathematical task) conditions. Force signal complexity and biceps brachialis muscle activity were determined at the start, middle, and end of each trial. The slope of the linear regression of median frequency determined the rate of muscle fatigue. Force-task error was established as any amplitude percentage greater or less than 50% MVC. RESULTS: The dual-task condition resulted in a 42 s longer time to failure than the single-task condition. EMG amplitude did not differ between conditions. The rate of muscle fatigue was higher in the single-task (- 0.35%/s) than the dual-task (- 0.2%/s) condition. Force signal complexity was, on average, 22% lower in the dual-task condition. The dual-task condition, as compared to the single-task condition, elicited a higher rate of force-task error below (6.37 versus 4.76%) and over (2.11 versus 1.68%) the force threshold. CONCLUSION: The dual-task condition resulted in a longer time to failure and decreased motor output complexity and fatigue rate when performing a submaximal force task. As the dual task also increased the force-task error, we suggest cognitive dual tasks as a possible strategy for delaying fatigue in sedentary young males when exerting submaximal isometric force, contributing to neuromuscular training when error in force control can be ignored.

Hemodynamic and Cardiorespiratory Predictors of Sport Rock Climbing Performance.

Fryer, SM, Giles, D, Garrido Palomino, I, de la O Puerta, A, and España-Romero, V. Hemodynamic and cardiorespiratory predictors of sport rock climbing performance. J Strength Cond Res 32(12): 3543-3550, 2018-Rock climbing performance has been suggested to involve a notable contribution from aerobic metabolism. Previously, it has been shown that forearm oxygenation kinetics can be used to distinguish ability groups and predict red-point sport climbing performance. Currently, it is not known if forearm oxygenation kinetics or a sport-specific assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness best predicts sport rock climbing performance. The aim of the study was to determine whether forearm oxidative capacity index, maximal deoxygenation (Δ score) during a treadwall V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak test, treadwall V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak, or running V[Combining Dot Above]O2max best predicts self-reported sport climbing performance. Twenty-one male sport rock climbers completed a treadwall V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak, running V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, and an assessment of near-infrared spectroscopy-derived oxidative capacity index. Linear regression, adjusted for age and experience (years), revealed that forearm oxidative capacity index, treadwall maximal deoxygenation (Δ), and treadwall V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak all significantly predicted self-reported red-point sport climbing ability (Adj R = -0.398, -0.255, and 0.374, respectively), whereas treadmill running V[Combining Dot Above]O2max did not (Adj R = -0.052). Additionally, multiple regression suggested that the combined significant aerobic predictors accounted for 67% of the variance in red-point climbing ability. Findings suggest that training for sport rock climbing performance should look to incorporate modalities that focus on (a) improving local forearm aerobic capacity and (b) improving whole-body aerobic capacity using sport-specific apparatus, such as treadwalls.

Prevalence of ideal cardiovascular health in European adolescents: The HELENA study.

BACKGROUND: The ideal cardiovascular health (iCVH) construct consists of 4 health behaviours and 3 health factors and is strongly related to later cardiovascular disease. However, the prevalence of iCVH in European adolescents is currently unknown. METHODS: The Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA) study is a cross-sectional, multicentre study conducted in 9 European countries during 2006-2007 and included 3528 adolescents (1683 boys and 1845 girls) between 12.5 and 17.5years of age. Status (ideal vs. non-ideal) for the health behaviours (smoking status, body mass index, physical activity and diet) and health factors (total cholesterol, blood pressure and fasting glucose) were determined. RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of ideal health behaviours was low; non-smoking (60.9% ideal), body mass index (76.8%), physical activity (62.1%), and diet (1.7%). The prevalence of ideal health factors was; total cholesterol (65.8%), blood pressure (62.0%) and plasma glucose (88.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The low prevalence of iCVH behaviours, especially diet and physical activity, identified in European adolescents is likely to influence later cardiovascular health which strongly motivates efforts to increase ideal health behaviours in this population.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death in Men and Women in the United States: A Prospective Evaluation From the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the relation between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in a large US adult population and to study the effects of hypertension, obesity, and health status on the relation of CRF with SCD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 55,456 individuals (mean age, 44.2 years; 13,507 women) from the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study, a prospective observational investigation (from January 2, 1974, through December 31, 2002), were included. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by a maximal treadmill test, and baseline assessment included an extensive set of measurements. RESULTS: There were 109 SCDs. An inverse risk of SCD was found across incremental CRF levels after adjusting for potential confounders. Participants with moderate and high CRF levels had 44% (hazard ratio, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.35-0.90) and 48% (hazard ratio, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.30-0.92) significantly lower risk of SCD, respectively, than did those with low CRF levels (P<.001). The risk of SCD decreased by 14% (hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.77-0.96) per 1-metabolic equivalent increase in the fully adjusted model. Hypertensive, overweight, or unhealthy individuals with moderate to high CRF levels had lower risks of SCD (ranging from 58% to 72% of lower risk) than did those with the same medical conditions and low CRF levels. CONCLUSION: The risk of SCD in US men and women could be partially reduced by ensuring moderate to high levels of CRF independently of other risk factors and especially in those who are hypertensive, overweight, or unhealthy.

Reliability and Validity of Different Models of TKK Hand Dynamometers.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the reliability and validity of the analog and digital models of TKK handgrip dynamometers using calibrated known weights. METHOD: A total of 6 dynamometers (3 digital and 3 analog; 2 new and 1 old for each model) were used in this study. RESULTS: Intrainstrument reliability was very high; systematic error for test-retest reliability was ≤|0.3 kg|. The systematic error among different instruments (same model) and between different models (digital vs. analog) ranged between |0.4 kg| and |0.6 kg|. The systematic error between new and old dynamometers ranged from |0.8 kg| to |1 kg|. All dynamometers provided lower values for the same known weights than a SECA scale, with a systematic error ranging from -0.94 to -2.64 kg. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that clinicians and investigators who provide treatment to address handgrip strength should use the same instrument and model for repeated measures. Distinguishing meaningful change from dynamometer variability is discussed.

Forearm muscle oxidative capacity index predicts sport rock-climbing performance.

UNLABELLED: Rock-climbing performance is largely dependent on the endurance of the forearm flexors. Recently, it was reported that forearm flexor endurance in elite climbers is independent of the ability to regulate conduit artery (brachial) blood flow, suggesting that endurance is not primarily dependent on the ability of the brachial artery to deliver oxygen, but rather the ability of the muscle to perfuse and use oxygen, i.e., skeletal muscle oxidative capacity. PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to determine whether an index of oxidative capacity in the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) predicts the best sport climbing red-point grade within the last 6 months. Participants consisted of 46 sport climbers with a range of abilities. METHODS: Using near-infrared spectroscopy, the oxidative capacity index of the FDP was assessed by calculating the half-time for tissue oxygen resaturation (O2HTR) following 3-5 min of ischemia. RESULTS: Linear regression, adjusted for age, sex, BMI, and training experience, revealed a 1-s decrease in O2HTR was associated with an increase in red-point grade by 0.65 (95 % CI 0.35-0.94, Adj R (2)  = 0.53). CONCLUSIONS: Considering a grade of 0.4 separated the top four competitors in the 2015 International Federation Sport Climbing World Cup, this finding suggests that forearm flexor oxidative capacity index is an important determinant of rock-climbing performance.

Diferencias en la composición corporal y somatotipo de escolares de etnia mapuche y no mapuche de la comuna de Temuco - Chile / Ethnic differences in body composition and somatotype in mapuche and non-mapuche school children from Temuco - Chile

Los cambios culturales y demográficos en la etnia Mapuche chilena, han generado modificaciones en estilos de vida y la estructura morfofuncional de su población, incentivando de esta forma el estudio del estado de salud en jóvenes chilenos. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las diferencias en composición corporal y somatotipo entre niños Mapuche y no-Mapuche de la Comuna de Temuco en Chile. Participaron 122 niños Mapuche y 146 niños no-Mapuche entre 10 y 13 años. Se recogieron medidas de peso, talla; pliegues cutáneos y diámetros óseos; siguiendo el protocolo de la Sociedad Internacional para el desarrollo de la cineantropometría (ISAK). Se determinó el índice de masa corporal (IMC), estado nutricional, grasa corporal total y somatotipo (endomorfía, mesomorfía y ectomorfía). Los resultados indican que los niños Mapuche de 10 años presentaron valores menores de IMC (p0,01), grasa corporal total (p 0,001), así como de endomorfia y mesomorfia (p0,01) respecto a los no-Mapuche. Los niños Mapuche de 11-12 años presentaron valores menores de grasa corporal total (p0,01) y de endomorfia y ectomorfia (p0,05), comparados con los no-Mapuche. Los niños Mapuches de 13 años presentaron valores menores de grasa corporal total (p0,001) y de endomorfia y ectomorfía (p0,01) que el no-Mapuche. Los escolares Mapuches tienen menor grasa corporal que los niños no-Mapuche, el somatotipo predominante en la etnia Mapuche es el mesomórfico, observándose un componente endomórfico menor cuanto mayor es la edad. Son necesarias políticas de salud pública en los jóvenes, fundamentalmente educativa, para garantizar niveles adecuados de calidad de vida en ambas poblaciones Mapuches y no-Mapuche.

The cultural and demographic development of modern society has also affected the Mapuche ethnia and has influenced changes in lifestyles and in the morphofunctional structure of the population, particularly in young people. The purpose of this study was to determine differences in body composition and somatotype between Mapuche and non-Mapuche children from Temuco, Chile. A total of 122 Mapuche and 146 non-Mapuche children between 10 and 13 years old participated in the study. The measurements included were weight, height, skinfold thickness of triceps, subscapularis, supraspinatus and calf; perimeters of contracted and relaxed arm, waist and calf circumference; and humeral and femoral diameters, all following the procedures reference manual (ISAK). Several indexes were calculated: Body Mass Index (BMI), weight status (underweight, normoweight, overweight, obesity), total body fat (fat mass, percentage of fat mass and percentage of fat mass >20% of obesity) and finally, somatotype (endomorph, ectomorph, mesomorph). Ten year-old Mapuche children had lower values for BMI (p 0,01), total body fat (p0.001), and endomorphic and mesomorphic values (p0.01), compared to non Mapuche children. Mapuche children of 11-12 years of age had lower values for total body fat (p0.01), and endomorphic and ectomorphic values (p0.05), compared to non-Mapuche children. Thirteen year-old Mapuche children had lower values for total body fat (p0.001), and endomorphic and ectomorphic values (p0.01), compared to non-Mapuche children. Mapuche children had lower fat mass than non-Mapuche children, and the main somatotype among Mapuche children is mesomorphic with a reduction of the endomorphic component with increasing age. Public policy for youth is required, mainly educational, to guarantee appropriate levels of quality of life for both Mapuche and non-Mapuche populations.

The combined effect of physical activity and sedentary behaviors on a clustered cardio-metabolic risk score: The Helena study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Increased physical activity (PA) and decreased sedentary behaviors (SBs) may have beneficial effects on cardio-metabolic risk in adolescents. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between independent/combined effects of PA and SB with individual/clustered cardio-metabolic risk factors. METHODS: A sample of 769 adolescents (12.5-17.5 years) from the HELENA cross-sectional study (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) and with valid data on metabolic risk factors were included. RESULTS: Concerning moderate-to-vigorous-PA (MVPA) and vigorous-PA (VPA), measured with accelerometers, girls tended to do more MVPA (36%) and VPA (114%) than boys. Unadjusted analyses show a positive association between "PA ≥ 60 min/d; SB ≥ 2 h" and the ratio TC/HDL-c (ß = 0.27; 95%CI 0.01 to 0.52; p < 0.05), and a negative association between "MVPA ≥ 60 min/d; SB < 2h" with the ∑ 4Skinfolds (ß = -0.32; 95%CI -0.61 to -0.02; p<0.05). Moreover, "SB ≥ 2 h/d" was associated with increased cardio-metabolic risk (PR 1.59; 95%CI 1.05 to 2.39; p < 0.05), while "PA ≥ 60 min/d; SB < 2h" had a protective effect against cardio-metabolic risk (PR 0.48; 95%CI 0.25 to 0.91; p < 0.05). After adjustment for potential confounders, a positive association between SB and ∑ 4Skinfolds was shown (ß = 0.28; 95%CI 0.04 to 0.53; p < 0.05). Furthermore, VO2max (mL/kg/min) tends to increase in those participants who do higher VPA and less SB (p = 0.042), and there was a protective effect of "VPA ≥ 30 min/d; SB < 2h" against cardio-metabolic risk (PR 0.24; 95%CI 0.07 to 0.85; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The current study suggests that adolescents should be encouraged to decrease sedentary lifestyle and increase physical activity, especially vigorous physical activity, in order to reduce cardio-metabolic risk.

Associations of early life and sociodemographic factors with menarcheal age in European adolescents.

UNLABELLED: Early menarche has been associated with adult overweight, cardiovascular risk factors, and other diseases. Little is known about the determinants of menarcheal age (MA). Therefore, the main aim of this study was to examine the associations between early life programming factors and menarcheal age in European adolescents. Secondly, the influence of sociodemographical factors on menarcheal age was also studied. A total of 1,069 European girls from the HELENA cross-sectional study, aged 12.5-17.5 years, were included in this study. Using multilevel linear regression models, a possible association between birth weight and length, ponderal index at birth, gestational age, duration of exclusive breastfeeding, and menarcheal age was examined. Associations between geographical gradient, number of siblings, physical activity (PA), dietary factors, and menarcheal age were also examined. After adjustment, menarcheal age was positively associated with birth weight and length (p = 0.01 and p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: These findings confirm that birth weight and length may have a programming effect on menarcheal age. Next to this finding, sociodemographic factors were not associated with menarcheal age.

Breastfeeding attenuates the effect of low birthweight on abdominal adiposity in adolescents: the HELENA study.

The aim of this study was to examine whether breastfeeding may reduce the programming effect of birthweight on abdominal adiposity. Abdominal (in three regions: R1, R2 and R3) adiposity was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry in 314 adolescents. Breastfeeding duration, birthweight, duration of gestation and maternal educational level were obtained from questionnaire. Physical activity was objectively measured. We detected significant interactions between breastfeeding and birthweight on abdominal adiposity (Ps = 0.02-0.07). We observed that birthweight was associated with abdominal adiposity in the group who had never been breastfed (ß = -0.19 to -0.23; Ps < 0.05), while no association was found in adolescents who had breastfeeding for ≥3 months (ß = -0.03 to -0.07). The results were independent of duration of gestation, age, sex, maternal educational level and physical activity. Breastfeeding may reduce the adverse influence conferred by low birthweight on abdominal adiposity in adolescents.

Physical activity: does environment make a difference for tension, stress, emotional outlook, and perceptions of health status?

BACKGROUND: The importance of physical activity for health is well-established. Questions remain whether outdoor exercise additionally benefits overall mental and physical well-being. METHODS: Using cross-sectional data from the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study, we examined relationships of physical activity environment (PAE) with reported tension, stress, emotional outlook, and health. RESULTS: 11,649 participants were included. 18% exercised indoors, 54% outdoors, and 28% in both. Participants who exercised partially or entirely outdoors exercised more. In fully adjusted models, for women combined PAE was protective for worse emotional outlook (OR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.52-0.98). Combined PAE was also protective for reported poor health (OR for women: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.44-0.91; OR for men: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.61-0.92). Amount of physical activity modified PAE relationships with outcomes. Combined and outdoor PAE were more consistently protective for worse outcomes among high activity participants. Regardless of PAE, better outcomes were observed in active versus inactive participants. CONCLUSION: The current study suggests addition of outdoor PAE may be linked with better stress management, outlook and health perceptions for more active populations, whereas indoor PAE may be more important for low active populations. Further research should examine the order of causation and whether type of outdoor PAE (eg, urban, natural) is important.