Muscle Quality Index is inversely associated with psychosocial variables among Chilean adolescents.

A good muscle quality index (MQI) may have an inverse relationship with psychosocial variables of depression, anxiety, and stress in adolescents. Unfortunately, little scientific evidence has related MQI to psychosocial variables in this population. Therefore, this research aimed to determine the relationship between the MQI and psychosocial variables of depression, anxiety, and stress in Chilean adolescents. In this quantitative correlational design study, sixty adolescents participated voluntarily (mean ± standard deviation [SD]: age 15.11 ± 1.78 years). Anthropometric parameters, prehensile strength, MQI, and psychosocial variables were evaluated. The results showed that adolescents with high levels of MQI presented lower levels of depression (7.50 ± 6.06 vs. 10.97 ± 5.94), anxiety (5.64 ± 4.81 vs. 9.66 ± 5.12), and stress (6.79 ± 5.09 vs. 10 ± 5.58), in addition to reported lower abdominal obesity (WtHR, 0.47 ± 0.07 vs. 0.52 ± 0.07) than those with low levels of MQI. The group with high levels of MQI reported a higher prevalence of nonanxiety (81.3%, p = 0.031) and a lower prevalence of abdominal obesity (55.8%, p = 0.023). Likewise, a significant inverse association was evidenced between MQI and depression (ß; -6.18, 95% CI; -10.11: -2.25, p = 0.003), anxiety (ß; -6.61, 95% CI; -9.83: -3.39, p < 0.001) and stress (ß; -4.90, 95% CI; -8.49: -1.32 p = 0.008). In conclusion, the results suggest that high levels of MQI are associated with a higher prevalence of nonanxiety in adolescents and a significant inverse association between MQI and levels of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Effects of Exergames and Conventional Physical Therapy on Functional Physical Performance in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of exergames added to a conventional physical therapy (CPT) program on functional fitness and dynamometric muscle performance for the sit-to-stand (STS) maneuver in older adults and to compare their results concerning a CPT-only intervention. Materials and Methods: Fifty independent older adults were randomly assigned to CPT and exergames (CPT+ExG group; n = 25; age = 71.8 ± 6.8 years) or CPT alone (CPT group; n = 25; age = 71.3 ± 7.4 years). CPT was performed twice a week (60 min/session) for 8 weeks. The CPT+ExG group added exergames for 30 minutes in each session. The Senior Fitness Test was applied, considering the 30-second chair stand test as the primary outcome. Additionally, dynamometric muscle performance during the STS maneuver was assessed. Results: The CPT+ExG group improved the 30-second chair stand (lower body strength), back scratch (upper body flexibility), and 8-foot up-and-go (agility/dynamic balance) tests (all P < 0.05). Both groups improved the kinetic dynamometric variables peak force, peak power, and total work (all P < 0.05). Also, both groups improved the 30-second arm curl test (upper body strength) (P < 0.05), although the increase was higher in the CPT+ExG group compared with the CPT group (time × group; P < 0.05). Conclusion: Adding exergames to a CPT program only significantly increases upper limb strength compared with CPT alone. The findings of this study have implications for the design of future exergame interventions focused on improving STS maneuver performance in older adults.

Variable Resistance-An Efficient Method to Generate Muscle Potentiation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Variable resistance (VR) is a methodology that has shown good results in developing muscular strength and power. However, no updated information relates to the use of VR as an activation to trigger post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE). The primary objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to review and qualitatively describe studies published between 2012 and 2022 that used VR to generate PAPE in muscle power-dominant sports. The secondary objective was to calculate the effect size of the different power outcomes reported in the selected studies. The search was designed following the PRISMA® guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses and performed in the Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, SPORTDiscus, PubMed, and MEDLINE between 2012 and 2022. The methodological quality and risk of bias were evaluated with the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The main variables were the throwing speed, time in sprint tests, and jump height. The analysis was conducted with a pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) through a Hedges' g test (95% CI). Twenty-two studies were included in the systematic review and ten in the meta-analysis, revealing a trivial effect for throwing speed (SMD = 0.06; CI = 95%: -0.23-0.35; p = 0.69), a small effect for the time in sprint tests (SMD = -0.37; CI = 95%: -0.72--0.02; p = 0.04), and a moderate effect for jump height (SMD = 0.55; CI = 95%: 0.29-0.81; p ˂ 0.0001). All forms of VR used for neuromuscular activation effectively triggered PAPE. Specifically, the results showed that activation with VR generates performance increases in time, in sprint tests and jump height, and a trivial effect in throwing tests (speed and distance).

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.

Effect of Traditional, Cluster, and Rest Redistribution Set Configurations on Neuromuscular and Perceptual Responses During Strength-Oriented Resistance Training.

ABSTRACT: Cuevas-Aburto, J, Jukic, I, Chirosa-Ríos, LJ, González-Hernández, JM, Janicijevic, D, Barboza-González, P, Guede-Rojas, F, and García-Ramos, A. Effect of traditional, cluster, and rest redistribution set configurations on neuromuscular and perceptual responses during strength-oriented resistance training. J Strength Cond Res 36(6): 1490-1497, 2022-This study aimed to compare the acute effect of traditional (TR), cluster (CL), and rest redistribution (RR) set configurations on neuromuscular and perceptual measures of fatigue. Thirty-one resistance-trained men randomly performed a Control session and 3 experimental sessions consisting of the squat (SQ) and bench press (BP) exercises performed against the 10 repetition maximum load using TR (3 sets of 6 repetitions; 3 minutes of interset rest), CL (3 sets of 6 repetitions; 30 seconds of intraset rest every 2 repetitions; 3 minutes of interset rest), and RR (9 sets of 2 repetitions; 45 seconds of interset rest) set configurations. A significant effect of "set configuration" (p = 0.002) was observed for barbell velocity. The average velocity of the training session was lower for TR compared with CL (% difference = 5.09% in SQ and 5.68% in BP) and RR (% difference = 5.92% in SQ and 2.71% in BP). The 3 set configurations induced comparable decrements in countermovement jump height (% difference from -6.0% to -8.1%) and throwing velocity (% difference from -0.6% to -1.2%). Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE-10) values collected after the sets were higher for TR (SQ: 6.9 ± 0.7 a.u.; BP: 6.8 ± 0.8 a.u.) compared with CL (SQ: 6.2 ± 0.8 a.u.; BP: 6.4 ± 0.7 a.u.) and RR (SQ: 6.2 ± 0.8 a.u.; BP: 6.6 ± 0.9 a.u.), while the session RPE did not differ between the set configurations (p = 0.595). CL and RR set configurations allow for higher velocities and lower RPE values during resistance training sessions not performed to failure in comparison with a TR set configuration.

Syndrome Metabolic Markers, Fitness and Body Fat Is Associated with Sleep Quality in Women with Severe/Morbid Obesity.

BACKGROUND: Sleep is an important modulator of neuroendocrine function and glucose metabolism. Poor sleep quality is related to metabolic and endocrine alterations, including decreased glucose tolerance, decreased insulin sensitivity, and increased hunger and appetite. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine the association between sleep quality with metabolic syndrome (MetS) markers, fitness and body fat of women with severe/morbid obesity. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 26 women with severe/morbid obesity. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), high-density lipids (HDL-c), triglycerides (TGs), and the metabolic outcomes total cholesterol (Tc) and low-density lipids (LDL-c), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body composition and fitness were measured. RESULTS: Poor sleep quality showed a positive association with body fat (%) ≥ 48.2 (OR; 8.39, 95% CI; 1.13-62.14, p = 0.037), morbid obesity (OR; 8.44, 95% CI; 1.15-66.0, p = 0.036), glucose ≥ 100 mg/dL (OR; 8.44, 95% CI; 1.15-66.0, p = 0.036) and relative handgrip strength ≤ 0.66 (OR; 12.2, 95% CI; 1.79-83.09, p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: sleep quality is associated with health markers in women with severe/morbid obesity.

Test-Retest Reliability of Functional Electromechanical Dynamometer on Five Sit-to-Stand Measures in Healthy Young Adults.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability for the strength and movement velocity of the concentric phase from the five Sit-to-Stand (5STS), using three incremental loads measured by a functional electromechanical dynamometer (FEMD) in healthy young adults. Methods: The average and peak strength and velocity values of sixteen healthy adults (mean ± standard deviation (SD): age = 22.81 ± 2.13 years) were recorded at 5, 10 and 15 kg. To evaluate the reliability of FEMD, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM) and coefficient of variation (CV) were obtained. Results: Reliability was high for the 10 kg (CV range: 3.70-4.18%, ICC range: 0.95-0.98) and 15 kg conditions (CV range: 1.64-3.02%, ICC: 0.99) at average and peak strength, and reliability was high for the 5 kg (CV range: 1.71-2.84%, ICC range: 0.96-0.99), 10 kg (CV range: 0.74-1.84%, ICC range: 0.99-1.00) and 15 kg conditions (CV range: 0.79-3.11%, ICC range: 0.99-1.00) at average and peak velocity. Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrate that FEMD is a reliable instrument to measure the average and peak strength and velocity values during the five STS in healthy young adults.

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.

Efecto agudo de Complex Training en press banca sobre la distancia del lanzamiento de la granada / Acute effect of a Complex Training over grenade throwing distance

Objetivo: determinar el efecto agudo de un Complex Training en press banca sobre el lanzamiento de la granada en pentatletas militares profesionales y aficionados. Métodos: diecinueve pentatletas militares divididos en dos grupos fueron parte del estudio. Las variables medidas fueron: distancia máxima del lanzamiento de la granada y potencias máximas en press banca. El protocolo consistió en: 4 series de 5 repeticiones al 30 por ciento de una repetición máxima, más 4 repeticiones al 60 por ciento de una repetición máxima, más 3 lanzamientos de granada con pausa de 15 segundos. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó ANOVA de medias. Resultados: la distancia máxima del lanzamiento de la granada presentó un aumento significativo entre la Serie Control y las cuatro series experimentales para el Grupo Profesional (p= 0,0019, tamaño del efecto= 0,370) y un descenso significativo en el Grupo Aficionado (p= 0,0128, tamaño del efecto = 0,305); las potencias máximas en press banca no sufrieron modificaciones significativas en ambos grupo (Grupo Profesional p= 0,15, tamaño del efecto= 0,166; Grupo Aficionado p= 0,17, tamaño del efecto= 0,199). Conclusión: el efecto agudo positivo del Complex Training fue atribuido a la Potenciación Posactivación de la musculatura involucrada en el lanzamiento. El descenso significativo en el lanzamiento de la granada observado en el Grupo Aficionado fue atribuido a la imposibilidad de sintetizar ATP posesfuerzo, lo que indujo una fatiga muscular(AU)

Purpose: Determining the acute effect of a Complex Training in bench press over grenade throwing in professional and amateur military pentathletes. Methods: Nineteen military pentathletes divided into two groups were part of the study (Professional Group = 10 and Amateur Group = 9). Variables measured were: Distance maximum in grenade throwing and peak power in bench press. Complex Training protocol consisted of: 4 sets of 5 repetitions at 30 percent of one repetition maximum + 4 repetitions at 60 percent of one repetition maximum + 3 grenade throws with a 15-second rest. For the statistical analysis, repeated measures ANOVA was used, the effect size was estimated with Eta Partial Squared. Results: Distance maximum of grenade throwing showed a significant increase between the Control Set and the four experimental sets for the Professional Group (p = 0.0019, effect size = 0.370) and a significant decrease in the Amateur Group (p = 0.0128, effect size = 0.305); peak power in bench press did not suffer significant modifications in both groups (Professional Groupp = 0.15, effect size = 0.166; Amateur Group p = 0.17, effect size = 0.199). Conclusions: The results of the study showed a positive acute effect from Complex Training on the distance of grenade throwing only for professional military pentathletes, such effect was attributed to a Post-Activation Potentiation of the muscles involved in throwing. The significant decline in grenade throwing observed in the amateur military pentathletes was attributed to the impossibility of synthetizing ATP post-workout(AU)

[Association of grip strength with gender age and handedness in 116 older people]. / Fuerza prensil de mano y su asociación con la edad, género y dominancia de extremidad superior en adultos mayores autovalentes insertos en la comunidad: Un estudio exploratorio.

BACKGROUND: Hand grip strength could be influenced by gender, age and handedness. AIM: To describe differences in grip strength for age, gender and upper extremity handedness in non-disabled community-dwelling older adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 47 males aged 72.3 ± 5.6 years and 69 females 72.4 ± 6.0 years who were divided in two age groups (65-70 and ≥ 71 years old). Grip strength was determined by a standardized protocol using a hand dynamometer. RESULTS: There was an inverse correlation between grip strength and age in both hands only among men (p ≤ 0.05). When analyzing both genders, there was a significant inverse correlation between grip strength and age only in the dominant hand (p ≤ 0.05). Strength was higher in the dominant hand in both genders (p ≤ 0.05). It was also higher in men, compared to women in the two age groups studied (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Grip strength is higher in men than women, it decreases with age and is higher in the dominant hand.

[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.

Fuerza prensil de mano y su asociación con la edad, género y dominancia de extremidad superior en adultos mayores autovalentes insertos en la comunidad: Un estudio exploratorio / Association of grip strength with gender age and handedness in 116 older people

Background: Hand grip strength could be influenced by gender, age and handedness. Aim: To describe differences in grip strength for age, gender and upper extremity handedness in non-disabled community-dwelling older adults. Material and Methods: We studied 47 males aged 72.3 ± 5.6 years and 69 females 72.4 ± 6.0 years who were divided in two age groups (65-70 and ≥ 71 years old). Grip strength was determined by a standardized protocol using a hand dynamometer. Results: There was an inverse correlation between grip strength and age in both hands only among men (p ≤ 0.05). When analyzing both genders, there was a significant inverse correlation between grip strength and age only in the dominant hand (p ≤ 0.05). Strength was higher in the dominant hand in both genders (p ≤ 0.05). It was also higher in men, compared to women in the two age groups studied (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: Grip strength is higher in men than women, it decreases with age and is higher in the dominant hand.

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.