Effects of a 12-week physical activities programme on sleep in female university students.

Lack of sleep is known to negatively affect adolescent's health and the links between regular physical activity and sleep are unclear.This pilot study investigated whether the regular practice of physical activities among sedentary female students would improve their sleep. Nineteen female students, identified as sedentary and having poor subjective sleep quality were assigned in two groups to a 12-week university physical activities programme in accordance with the recommendations of World Health Organisation (N = 10) or to a control condition (N = 9). Sleep was assessed with actigraphy before and after the study and with the Pittsburg Sleep Quality 15 Index (PSQI) at the beginning, middle, and end of the study. The intensity of physical activities was controlled by heart rate monitor. The analysis showed that sleep quality in the physical activities group improved, with the mean ± SD PSQI score decreasing from 9.1 ± 1.7 to 4.8 ± 2.0. Despite some limitations, these pilot data indicate that a physical activities programme is feasible to implement in students, and that participation in such a programme improves sleep in 18- 24 -year-old female adolescents. Further potential benefits remain to be investigated in follow-up research.

Performance physique et densité minérale osseuse chez de jeunes adultes libanais.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between performances obtained in different physical tests and bone parameters (bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC)) in a group of young Lebanese adults. Methods: One hundred and six young Lebanese adults (45 women and 61 men) whose ages range from 17 to 34 years participated in this study. Weight and height were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Daily calcium intake, daily protein intake and physical activity level (h/week) were evaluated using validated questionnaires. The level of physical performance was measured using several physical tests: vertical-jump test, standing long jump test, 3-jumptest, 5-jump-test and 1-RM half-squat. Body composition, bone mineral content (BMC) and BMD at whole body (WB), lumbar spine (L2-L4), total hip (TH) and femoral neck (FN) were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Results: In women, height, lean mass, 1- RM half-squat and performances obtained in three physical tests (vertical jump test, 5-jump-test and 1-RM halfsquat) were positively correlated to BMD and BMC. In men, lean mass and 1-RM half-squat were positively correlated to BMD and BMC. Conclusion: This study suggests that lean mass and maximum strength obtained in half-squat are positively correlated to BMD in young adults.

[Physical activity of students: prevalence and profiles of associated risk behaviours]. / Activité physique chez les étudiants : prévalence et profils de comportements à risque associés.

More than 40% of students do not practice any PA. These results highlight the need for a better understanding to develop intervention strategies for students, based on new public health approaches. The contribution of social and physical environmental factors to changes in PA needs to be further explored. .

Evaluation of Global Health in Master Swimmers Involved in French National Championships.

BACKGROUND: Swimming is often recommended as a means of increasing physical activity and gaining health benefits. The present study examined the psychological, social, and physical health states in competitive swimmers engaged in long-term training. METHODS: The study took place during the 4 days of the French master championships in France in 2011 (from 10 to 13 March). Global health parameters were evaluated and compared with general values reported in studies aiming to describe health standard values in France or Europe. All swimmers selected for the event were invited to participate in the study. Setting questionnaires concerning mental and social health (short form 36), physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), and medication were administered. Peak expiratory flow (l.min-1) was measured, and body mass index (kg.m-2) was calculated from height (m) and body mass (kg). Prevalence of overweight and obesity was calculated by age and gender. Chi-squared tests were used to compare prevalence of overweight and obesity between participants and reference values. Short form 36 scores and physical activity (met.h.week-1) were compared with reference values by single t-tests. Two-way ANOVA was used to compare peak flow results with standard values. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Out of 1554 master swimmers, 490 participated in this study (rates of participation = 44.8 and 23.5 % for females and males, respectively). Data showed inequality of health indexes as compared with reference values, despite a significantly higher level of physical activity including swimming activity. The prevalence of obesity was significantly lower (p < 0.05), and peak expiratory flow values were higher among female swimmers (from 7.6 to 17 % higher according to the age, p < 0.05). Perception of vitality was significantly higher for all female swimmers and the older age groups of male swimmers (p < 0.05). Perception of bodily pain indicated significantly lower scores for swimmers than the reference values (p < 0.05). Significantly lower prevalence of swimmers taking medication was noted in comparison with the French national values (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with reference data from various sources, master competitive swimmers used less medication, had lower rates of obesity in most age groups, had greater peak expiratory flow values suggesting improved lung function, had higher levels of total physical activity, and had more favorable scores for various subscales of the SF-36. The results argue in favor of competitive swimming for its positive effects on health outcomes. KEY POINTS: French master swimmers involved in national championships have many positive health outcomes in terms of weight management, respiratory function, and vitality. However, the very high physical activity level in this competitive context did not result in significantly better levels on all parameters in comparison with their national counterparts (pain perception, social, emotional, and mental health).Positive health outcomes were higher for female master swimmers in terms of weight management, respiratory function, and vitality.The fact that these benefits were not linked with medication consumption could be interesting in an economic context aimed at controlling expenditures on health. Based on these data, we can argue for promoting this form of physical activity across the lifespan.

Combined effects of sleep deprivation and strenuous exercise on cognitive performances during The North Face® Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc® (UTMB®).

This study investigated the effects of combined sleep deprivation and strenuous exercise on cognitive and neurobehavioral performance among long-distance runners completing one of the most difficult ultramarathons in the world. Seventeen runners participated. Each had a wrist-worn actigraph throughout the race to record their sleep time. In addition, each individual's performance in 10-min response-time tests before and after the race was recorded and a questionnaire enabled participants to report any difficulties they experienced during the competition. During race completion times of 27 to 44 h, combined acute lack of sleep (12 ± 17 min of rest during the race) and strenuous exercise (168.0 km) had marked adverse effects on cognitive performances ranging from mere lengthening of response time to serious symptoms such as visual hallucinations. This study suggests that regardless of rest duration and time in race, cognitive performances of ultramarathoners are adversely affected.

Geometric indices of hip bone strength in overweight and control elderly men.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to compare geometric indices of hip bone strength in overweight and control elderly men. METHODS & RESULTS: This study included 16 overweight (Body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2) elderly men (aged 65-84 years) and 38 age-matched controls (BMI < 25 kg/m2). Body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). To evaluate hip bone geometry, DXA scans were analyzed at the femoral neck, the intertrochanteric region, and the femoral shaft by the Hip Structure Analysis (HSA) program. Cross sectional area (CSA), an index of axial compression strength, section modulus (Z), an index of bending strength, cross sectional moment of inertia (CSMI), an index of structural rigidity, cortical thickness (CT) and buckling ratio (BR) were measured from bone mass profiles. Lean mass, body weight, fat mass and BMI were higher in overweight men compared to controls (p < 0.001). CSA and Z were higher in overweight subjects compared to controls (p < 0.05) at the three regions (femoral neck, intertrochanteric and femoral shaft). After adjustment for age, CSA and Z of the intertrochanteric region and the femoral shaft remained significantly higher in overweight men compared to controls (p < 0.05). After adjustment for either body weight, BMI or lean mass, there were no differences between the two groups (overweight and controls) regarding the HSA variables (CSA, CSMI, Z, CT and BR) of the three regions. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that overweight elderly men have greater indices of bone axial and bending strength in comparison to controls at the intertrochanteric and the femoral shaft.

Maximal oxygen consumption and bone mineral density in a group of young Lebanese adults.

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) and bone mineral density (BMD) in a group of young Lebanese adults. Twenty women and 37 men whose ages range from 18 to 32 yr participated in this study. Informed written consent was obtained from the participants. Body weight and height were measured, and body mass index was calculated. VO2 max was determined by direct measurement while exercising on a bicycle ergometer (Siemens-Elema RE 820; Rodby Elektronik AB, Enhorna, Sweden). Whole body bone mineral content (WB BMC), whole body bone mineral density (WB BMD), lumbar spine BMD (L1-L4 BMD), total hip BMD (TH BMD), and femoral neck BMD (FN BMD) were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. In women, VO2 max (expressed as L/mn) was positively correlated to WB BMC (r = 0.82; p < 0.001), WB BMD (r = 0.80; p < 0.001), L1-L4 BMD (r = 0.73; p < 0.001), TH BMD (r = 0.80; p < 0.001), and FN BMD (r = 0.85; p < 0.001). In men, VO2 max (expressed as L/mn) was positively correlated to WB BMC (r = 0.57; p < 0.001), WB BMD (r = 0.53; p < 0.001), L1-L4 BMD (r = 0.50; p < 0.001), TH BMD (r = 0.38; p < 0.01), and FN BMD (r = 0.30; p < 0.05). In both sexes, the positive associations between VO2 max and bone variables (BMC and BMD) remained significant after adjustment for age (p < 0.001). This study suggests that VO2 max (L/mn) is a positive determinant of BMC and BMD in young adults. Aerobic power seems to be a determinant of BMC and BMD in young adults.

Geometric indices of hip bone strength in male professional soccer players.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to compare geometric indices of hip bone strength in male professional soccer players and controls. METHODS: Twenty-three male professional soccer players and 21 male sedentary subjects whose ages range between 18 and 30 years participated in this study. Weight and height were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Daily calcium intake and physical activity were evaluated using validated questionnaires. Hip bone mineral density was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). To evaluate hip bone geometry, DXA scans were analyzed at the narrow-neck (NN), the intertrochanteric (IT) region and the femoral shaft (FS) by the Hip Structure Analysis (HSA) program. Cross sectional area (CSA), an index of axial compression strength, cross sectional moment of inertia (CSMI), an index of structural rigidity, section modulus (Z), an index of bending strength, cortical thickness (CT) and buckling ratio (BR) were measured from bone mass profiles. RESULTS: CSA, CSMI, Z and CT of the three regions (NN, IT and FS) were higher in soccer players compared to controls. After adjustment for either age, body weight, height or physical activity duration (h/week), CSA, CSMI, Z and CT of the three regions remained higher in soccer players compared to controls. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that, in young adult males, soccer practice is associated with greater axial strength, bending strength and structural rigidity indices at the hip.

[Sleep quality is a determinant of hip bone mineral density in a group of young Lebanese men]. / La qualité du sommeil est un déterminant de la densité minérale osseuse de la hanche chez un groupe de jeunes hommes libanais.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between sleep quality and bone mineral density (BMD) of the hip in a group of young Lebanese men. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fourteen Lebanese young men from 18 to 30 years (mean age 22.6 years) participated in this study. Weight and height were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. BMD of the total hip (TH) and the femoral neck (FN) was measured by DXA. Daily protein intake (DPI), daily calcium intake (DCI) and sleep quality were evaluated by validated questionnaires. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was used to assess sleep habits and quality; higher scores represent worse sleep quality. Weight, height, BMI, DCI, DPI and sleep duration were not correlated to BMD values. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index was negatively correlated to femoral neck BMD (r = -0.82; p < 0.001) and to TH BMD (r = -0.54; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that poor sleep quality affects negatively BMD of the hip in young adult men. Our findings may lead to the development of better preventive approaches to osteoporosis.

Sleep restriction and degraded reaction-time performance in Figaro solo sailing races.

In solo offshore sailing races like those of the Solitaire du Figaro, sleep must be obtained in multiple short bouts to maintain competitive performance and safety. Little is known about the amount of sleep restriction experienced at sea and the effects that fatigue from sleep loss have on sailors' performance. Therefore, we assessed sleep in sailors of yachts in the Figaro 2 Beneteau class during races and compared response times on a serial simple reaction-time test before and after races. Twelve men (professional sailors) recorded their sleep and measured their response times during one of the three single-handed races of 150, 300 and 350 nautical miles (nominally 24-50 h in duration). Total estimated sleep duration at sea indicated considerable sleep insufficiency. Response times were slower after races than before. The results suggest that professional sailors incur severe sleep loss and demonstrate marked performance impairment when competing in one- to two-day solo sailing races. Competitive performance could be improved by actively managing sleep during solo offshore sailing races.

Geometric indices of hip bone strength in obese, overweight, and normal-weight adolescent girls.

The aim of this study was to compare hip bone strength indices in obese, overweight, and normal-weight adolescent girls using hip structure analysis (HSA). This study included 64 postmenarcheal adolescent girls (14 obese, 21 overweight, and 29 normal weight). The 3 groups (obese, overweight, and normal weight) were matched for maturity (years since menarche). Body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) of whole body, lumbar spine, and proximal femur were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). To evaluate hip bone strength, DXA scans were analyzed at the femoral neck (FN) at its narrow neck (NN) region, the intertrochanteric (IT), and the femoral shaft (FS) by the HSA program. Cross-sectional area and section modulus were measured from hip BMD profiles. Total hip BMD and FN BMD were significantly higher in obese and overweight girls in comparison with normal-weight girls (p < 0.05). However, after adjusting for weight, using a one-way analysis of covariance, there were no significant differences among the 3 groups regarding HSA variables. This study suggests that in obese and overweight adolescent girls, axial strength and bending strength indices of the NN, IT, and FS are adapted to the increased body weight.

Bone mineral content and density in obese, overweight and normal weight adolescent boys.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to compare bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral apparent density (BMAD) in obese, overweight and normal weight adolescent boys. METHODS & RESULTS: This study included 23 obese, 19 overweight and 25 normal weight adolescents (aged 14-20 years) boys. The three groups (obese, overweight and normal weight) were matched for age and maturation index. Body composition, BMC and BMD were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The expressions whole body (WB) BMC/height and WB BMD/height were used to adjust for WB bone size. BMAD was calculated for the WB. WB BMC, WB BMC/height, total hip (TH) BMD, femoral neck (FN) BMD and ultra distal (UD) radius BMD) were higher in obese and overweight boys in comparison to normal weight boys (p < 0.05). WB BMAD was lower in obese boys in comparison to overweight and normal weight boys (p < 0.05). After adjustment for either weight or lean mass, obese boys displayed lower WB BMC, WB BMC/height and WB BMD values in comparison to overweight and normal weight boys (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that WB BMC, WB BMC/height and WB BMD do not adapt to the increased body weight in obese adolescent boys.

Relative importance of lean mass and fat mass on bone mineral density in a group of Lebanese elderly men.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventy Lebanese men (aged 65-84 years) participated in this study. Body weight and height were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Body composition (lean mass, fat mass and fat mass percentage) was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Bone mineral content (BMC) of whole body (WB) and BMD of WB, total hip (TH), femoral neck (FN), ultra distal (UD) radius and 1/3 radius were measured by DXA. The ratios WB BMC/height and WB BMD/height were calculated. Fat mass and lean mass were found to be positively correlated to WB BMC, WB BMC/height, and to WB, TH, FN, UD radius and 1/3 radius BMD. After controlling for age and height, fat mass was more strongly correlated to TH BMD and FN BMD than lean mass while lean mass was more strongly correlated to WB BMC, WB BMD, UD radius BMD and 1/3 radius BMD than fat mass. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that, in elderly men, fat mass is a stronger determinant of TH and FN BMD than lean mass while lean mass is a stronger determinant of WB BMC, WB BMD, UD radius BMD and 1/3 radius BMD than fat mass.

Validation of the Vivago Wrist-Worn accelerometer in the assessment of physical activity.

BACKGROUND: Most accelerometers are worn around the waist (hip or lower back) to assess habitual physical activity. Wrist-worn accelerometers may be an alternative to the waist-worn monitors and may improve compliance in studies with prolonged wear. The aim of this study was to validate the Vivago® Wrist-Worn Accelerometer at various intensities of physical activity (PA) in adults. METHODS: Twenty-one healthy adults aged 20-34 years were recruited for the study. Accelerometer data and oxygen uptake (VO2) were measured at sedentary, light, moderate and vigorous levels of PA. RESULTS: Activity categories and accelerometer counts were: sedentary, 0-15 counts·min-1; light, 16-40 counts·min-1; moderate, 41-85 counts·min-1; and vigorous activity, >; 85 counts·min-1. ANOVA repeated measures was used to determine the relationship between accelerometry data output and oxygen consumption (r = .89; p <; .001). The Bland and Altman method showed good agreement in the assessment of energy expenditure between the indirect calorimetry and the data obtained by the accelerometer. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the study suggest that the Vivago® wrist-worn accelerometer is a valid measure of PA at varying levels of intensity. The study has also defined threshold values at 4 intensities and hence te Vivago® accelerometer may be used to quantify PA in free living conditions among adults. This device has possible application in treating a variety of important health concerns.