Mild to moderate post-COVID-19 alters markers of lymphocyte activation, exhaustion, and immunometabolic responses that can be partially associated by physical activity level- an observational sub-analysis fit- COVID study.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate if physical activity is associated with systemic and cellular immunometabolic responses, in young adults after mild-to-moderate COVID-19 infection. Methods: Mild- to- moderate post-COVID-19 patients (70.50 ± 43.10 days of diagnosis; age: 29.4 (21.9- 34.9) years; BMI: 25.5 ± 4.3 kg m2 n = 20) and healthy age-matched controls (age: 29.3 (21.2 - 32.6) years; BMI: 25.4 ± 4.7 kg m2; n = 20) were evaluated. Physical activity levels (PAL), body composition, dietary habits, muscular and pulmonary function, mental health, sleep quality, metabolic parameters, immune phenotypic characterization, stimulated whole blood and PBMC culture (cytokine production), mRNA, and mitochondrial respiration in PBMCs were evaluated. Results: The post-COVID-19 group exhibited lower levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (p = 0.038); therefore, all study comparisons were performed with adjustment for MVPA. Post-COVID-19 impacted the pulmonary function (FEV1, FEV1%pred, FVC, and FVC %pred) compared with the control (p adjusted by MVPA (p adj) <0.05). Post-COVID-19 exhibited lower levels of serum IL-6 (p adj <0.01), whereas it showed higher serum IL-10, triglyceride, leptin, IgG, ACE activity, TNFRSF1A, and PGE2 (p adj <0.05) levels compared with controls. Post-COVID-19 presented a lower percentage of Treg cells (p adj = 0.03) and altered markers of lymphocyte activation and exhaustion (lower CD28 expression in CD8+ T cells (p adj = 0.014), whereas CD4+T cells showed higher PD1 expression (p adj = 0.037)) compared with the control group. Finally, post- COVID-19 presented an increased LPS-stimulated whole- blood IL-10 concentration (p adj <0.01). When exploring mitochondrial respiration and gene expression in PBMCs, we observed a higher LEAK state value (p adj <0.01), lower OXPHOS activity (complex I) (p adj = 0.04), and expression of the Rev-Erb-α clock mRNA after LPS stimulation in the post-COVID-19 patients than in the control (p adj <0.01). Mainly, PAL was associated with changes in IL-10, triglyceride, and leptin levels in the plasma of post-COVID-19 patients. PAL was also associated with modulation of the peripheral frequency of Treg cells and the expression of PD-1 in CD8+ T cells, although it abrogated the statistical effect in the analysis of TNF-α and IL-6 production by LPS- and PMA-stimulated PBMC of post-COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: Young adults after mild-to-moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection appeared to have lower physical activity levels, which can be associated with clinical and immunometabolic responses in a complex manner.

Interrelationship between muscle fitness in childhood and bone mineral density in adulthood: mediation analysis of muscle fitness in adulthood.

BACKGROUND: This study was aimed to examine the relationship between muscular fitness indicators in childhood and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) in adulthood and to verify whether the relationship is mediated by performance on muscular fitness indicators in adulthood. METHODS: A sample of 138 healthy adults (69 males; 22.3 years) were followed after a previous assessment at the age of 7-10 years. Stature, body mass and muscular fitness indicators (handgrip strength, standing long jump and sit-ups tests) were assessed in childhood and adulthood. Additionally, total body, upper limbs, lower limbs, right femoral neck and lumbar spine aBMD was assessed in adulthood using dual X-ray absorptiometry. Analysis included descriptive statistics; t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test for comparison between males and females, multiple linear regression for the prediction aBMD from muscular fitness indicators in childhood, mediation analysis of the respective muscular fitness indicators in adulthood and the relationship between muscular fitness indicators in childhood and aBMD. RESULTS: Males were stronger compared to females regarding muscular fitness indicators in childhood and adulthood, and presented higher mean values for aBMD in adulthood, except for lumbar spine (p < 0.05). Regression analysis revealed that some muscular fitness indicators in childhood showed significant positive relationship with bone health indicators in adulthood, such as: handgrip strength and total body aBMD (ß = 0.005; R2 = 0.35; p = 0.040) and upper limbs aBMD (ß = 0.005; R2 = 0.55; p = 0.019); and sit-ups test was a significant predictors of lumbar spine BMD (ß = 0.003; R2 = 0.06; p = 0.039). Mediation analysis pointed out the following: adulthood handgrip strength mediated relationships between childhood handgrip strength and total aBMD (indirect effect (IE) = 0.0025; 95%CI = 0.0005-0.0048), and upper limbs aBMD (IE = 0.0040; 95%CI = 0.0017-0.0069). CONCLUSIONS: Muscular fitness indicators in childhood showed significant relationship with bone health indicators in adulthood and the sit-ups test in childhood had direct effect on lumbar spine aBMD in adulthood. Adulthood handgrip strength mediated the relationship between childhood handgrip strength and total body and upper limb aBMD, pointing out that muscular fitness in childhood may be a aBMD determinant in adulthood, especially when higher muscle fitness performance is maintained in adulthood.

Modelling anaerobic peak power assessed by the force-velocity test among late adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the concurrent contributions of body size, estimates of whole-body composition, and appendicular volume in addition to participation in competitive basketball to explain inter-individual variance in anaerobic peak power output during late adolescence. The study also tested non-participation versus participation in basketball as an independent predictor of peak power output. METHODS: The sample of this cross-sectional study was composed of 63 male participants (basketball: n=32, 17.0±0.9 years; school: n=31, 17.4±1.0 years). Anthropometry included stature, body mass, circumferences, lengths, and skinfolds. Fat-free mass was estimated from skinfolds and lower limbs volume predicted from circumferences and lengths. Participants completed the force-velocity test using a cycle ergometer to determine peak power output. RESULTS: For the total sample, optimal peak power was correlated to body size (body mass: r=0.634; fat-free mass: r=0.719, lower limbs volume: r=0.577). The best model was given by fat-free mass and explained 51% of the inter-individual variance in force-velocity test. The preceding was independent of participating in sports (i.e., the dummy variable basketball vs. school did not add significant explained variance). CONCLUSION: Adolescent basketball players were taller and heavier than school boys. The groups also differed in fat-free mass (school: 53.8±4.8 kg; basketball: 60.4±6.7 kg), which was the most prominent predictor of inter-individual variance in peak power output. Briefly, compared to school boys, participation in basketball was not associated with optimal differential braking force. Higher values in peak power output for basketball players were explained by a larger amount of fat-free mass.

Autonomic Function Recovery and Physical Activity Levels in Post-COVID-19 Young Adults after Immunization: An Observational Follow-Up Case-Control Study.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has detrimental multi-system consequences. Symptoms may appear during the acute phase of infection, but the literature on long-term recovery of young adults after mild to moderate infection is lacking. Heart rate variability (HRV) allows for the observation of autonomic nervous system (ANS) modulation post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. Since physical activity (PA) can help improve ANS modulation, investigating factors that can influence HRV outcomes after COVID-19 is essential to advancements in care and intervention strategies. Clinicians may use this research to aid in the development of non-medication interventions. At baseline, 18 control (CT) and 20 post-COVID-19 (PCOV) participants were observed where general anamnesis was performed, followed by HRV and PA assessment. Thus, 10 CT and 7 PCOV subjects returned for follow-up (FU) evaluation 6 weeks after complete immunization (two doses) and assessments were repeated. Over the follow-up period, a decrease in sympathetic (SNS) activity (mean heart rate: p = 0.0024, CI = -24.67--3.26; SNS index: p = 0.0068, CI = -2.50--0.32) and increase in parasympathetic (PNS) activity (mean RR: p = 0.0097, CI = 33.72-225.51; PNS index: p = 0.0091, CI = -0.20-1.47) were observed. At follow-up, HRV was not different between groups (p > 0.05). Additionally, no differences were observed in PA between moments and groups. This study provides evidence of ANS recovery after SARS-CoV-2 insult in young adults over a follow-up period, independent of changes in PA.

Modelling anaerobic peak power assessed by the force-velocity test among late adolescents

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the concurrent contributions of body size, estimates of whole-body composition, and appendicular volume in addition to participation in competitive basketball to explain inter-individual variance in anaerobic peak power output during late adolescence. The study also tested non-participation versus participation in basketball as an independent predictor of peak power output. METHODS: The sample of this cross-sectional study was composed of 63 male participants (basketball: n=32, 17.0±0.9 years; school: n=31, 17.4±1.0 years). Anthropometry included stature, body mass, circumferences, lengths, and skinfolds. Fat-free mass was estimated from skinfolds and lower limbs volume predicted from circumferences and lengths. Participants completed the force-velocity test using a cycle ergometer to determine peak power output. RESULTS: For the total sample, optimal peak power was correlated to body size (body mass: r=0.634; fat-free mass: r=0.719, lower limbs volume: r=0.577). The best model was given by fat-free mass and explained 51% of the inter-individual variance in force-velocity test. The preceding was independent of participating in sports (i.e., the dummy variable basketball vs. school did not add significant explained variance). CONCLUSION: Adolescent basketball players were taller and heavier than school boys. The groups also differed in fat-free mass (school: 53.8±4.8 kg; basketball: 60.4±6.7 kg), which was the most prominent predictor of inter-individual variance in peak power output. Briefly, compared to school boys, participation in basketball was not associated with optimal differential braking force. Higher values in peak power output for basketball players were explained by a larger amount of fat-free mass.

Role of Body Mass and Physical Activity in Autonomic Function Modulation on Post-COVID-19 Condition: An Observational Subanalysis of Fit-COVID Study.

The harmful effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can reach the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and endothelial function. Therefore, the detrimental multiorgan effects of COVID-19 could be induced by deregulations in ANS that may persist after the acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, investigating the differences in ANS response in overweight/obese, and physically inactive participants who had COVID-19 compared to those who did not have the disease is necessary. The aim of the study was to analyze the autonomic function of young adults after mild-to-moderate infection with SARS-CoV-2 and to assess whether body mass index (BMI) and levels of physical activity modulates autonomic function in participants with and without COVID-19. Patients previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 and healthy controls were recruited for this cross-sectional observational study. A general anamnesis was taken, and BMI and physical activity levels were assessed. The ANS was evaluated through heart rate variability. A total of 57 subjects were evaluated. Sympathetic nervous system activity in the post-COVID-19 group was increased (stress index; p = 0.0273). They also presented lower values of parasympathetic activity (p < 0.05). Overweight/obese subjects in the post-COVID-19 group presented significantly lower parasympathetic activity and reduced global variability compared to non-obese in control group (p < 0.05). Physically inactive subjects in the post-COVID-19 group presented significantly higher sympathetic activity than active subjects in the control group. Parasympathetic activity was significantly increased in physically active subjects in the control group compared to the physically inactive post-COVID-19 group (p < 0.05). COVID-19 promotes changes in the ANS of young adults, and these changes are modulated by overweight/obesity and physical activity levels.

Modulatory Effects of Physical Activity Levels on Immune Responses and General Clinical Functions in Adult Patients with Mild to Moderate SARS-CoV-2 Infections-A Protocol for an Observational Prospective Follow-Up Investigation: Fit-COVID-19 Study.

Background: This proposal aims to explain some of the gaps in scientific knowledge on the natural history of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), with a specific focus on immune, inflammatory, and metabolic markers, in parallel with temporal assessment of clinical and mental health in patients with COVID-19. The study will explore the temporal modulatory effects of physical activity and body composition on individual trajectories. This approach will provide a better understanding of the survival mechanisms provided by the immunomodulatory role of physical fitness. Methods: We will conduct a prospective observational cohort study including adult patients previously infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus who have expressed a mild to moderate COVID-19 infection. Procedures will be conducted for all participants at baseline, six weeks after vaccination, and again at 12 months. At each visit, a venous blood sample will be collected for immune phenotypic characterization and biochemistry assays (inflammatory and metabolic parameters). Also, body composition, physical activity level, cardiovascular and pulmonary function, peripheral and respiratory muscle strength, functional exercise capacity, and mental health will be evaluated. Using the baseline information, participants will be grouped based on physical activity levels (sedentary versus active), body composition (normal weight versus overweight or obese), and SARS-CoV-2 status (positive versus negative). A sub-study will provide mechanistic evidence using an in-vitro assay based on well-trained individuals and age-matched sedentary controls who are negative for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Whole blood will be stimulated using recombinant human coronavirus to determine the cytokine profile. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy well-trained participants will be collected and treated with homologous serum (from the main study; samples collected before and after the vaccine) and recombinant coronavirus (inactive virus). The metabolism of PBMCs will be analyzed using Respirometry (Seahorse). Data will be analyzed using multilevel repeated-measures ANOVA. Conclusions: The data generated will help us answer three main questions: (1) Does the innate immune system of physically active individuals respond better to viral infections compared with that of sedentary people? (2) which functional and metabolic mechanisms explain the differences in responses in participants with different physical fitness levels? and (3) do these mechanisms have long-term positive modulatory effects on mental and cardiovascular health? Trial registration number: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: RBR-5dqvkv3. Registered on 21 September 2021.

NEUROMUSCULAR FITNESS IN EARLY LIFE AND ITS IMPACT ON BONE HEALTH IN ADULTHOOD: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the literature to verify the relationship between neuromuscular fitness indicators in childhood/adolescence and bone strength variables in adulthood. DATA SOURCES: A systematic review was conducted in PUBMED, SCOPUS, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, LILACS, and SciELO, covering the entire period until March 2019. DATA SYNTHESIS: The search identified 1149 studies. After duplicity analysis and eligibility criteria, four studies were reported. In one study, baseline was childhood and, in the others, adolescence. In childhood, when adjusting the model for age and body mass index, a statistically significant relation was found for girls: standing long jump with quantitative ultrasound index (ß=0.11; p<0.05) and with speed of sound (ß=0.14; p<0.01). However, when controlling muscular performance in adulthood, the relationship was no longer significant. In adolescence, coefficients ranged from 0.16 for neuromotor battery and bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar region to 0.38 for hanging leg lift test and BMD of arms. The explained variance varied between 2% (bent arm hang for BMD total) and 12% (hanging leg-lift for BMD arms), therefore, a higher performance in neuromuscular fitness in adolescence was associated with better bone strength in adulthood. CONCLUSIONS: In adults, bone strength variables showed significant correlation from low to moderate magnitude with neuromuscular fitness indicators in adolescence, but not in childhood, after controlling for adult performance in neuromuscular fitness. However, there is limited evidence to support the neuromuscular fitness in early life as a determinant of bone strength in adulthood.

Independent and Combined Effects of Biological Maturation and aerobic performance on the gross motor coordination in prepubertal girls

ABSTRACT The present study analyzed the effect of biological maturation on the performance in the test of gross motor coordination in girls, before and after having its effect controlled by body mass index (BMI) and aerobic performance. The sample was composed by 63 pre-pubertal girls (8.0-8.99 years). The girls who were less advanced in biological maturation presented lower body size and better physical performance in the tasks of walking backward on balance beams (t=2.706; p<0.01; d=0.70), moving sideways on boxes (t=2.128; p<0.05; d=0.48), hopping for height on one leg (t=2.076, p<0.05; d=0.54) and 20-m shuttle run (t=3.162; p <0.05; d=0.61). The maturation no longer influenced performance in the tasks of gross motor coordination when considering BMI and aerobic fitness.

RESUMO O presente estudo analisou o efeito da maturação biológica no desempenho em teste de coordenação motora grossa de meninas, antes e depois de ter seu efeito controlado pelo índice de massa corporal (IMC) e pelo desempenho aeróbio. Participaram 63 meninas pré-puberes de 8,0 a 8,99 anos. As meninas menos avançadas na maturação biológica apresentaram menores dimensões corporais e melhores desempenhos físicos nas tarefas de equilíbrio à retaguarda (t=2,706; p<0,01; d=0,70), transposição lateral (t=2,128; p<0,05; d=0,48), saltos monopedais (t=2,076; p<0,05; d=0,54) e 20-m shuttle run (t=3,162; p<0,05; d=0,61). A maturação deixou de influenciar o desempenho nas tarefas de coordenação motora grossa quando levou-se em consideração o IMC e a aptidão aeróbia.

RESUMEN El presente estudio analizó el efecto de la maduración biológica sobre el desempeño en prueba de coordinación motora gruesa de niñas, antes y después de tener su efecto controlado por el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y por el desempeño aeróbico. Participaron del estudio, 63 niñas pre-puberes de 8 años. Las niñas menos avanzadas en la maduración biológica presentaron menores dimensiones corporales y mejores desempeños físicos en las tareas de equilibrio a la retaguardia (t=2,706; p<0,01; d=0,70), transposición lateral (t=2,128; p<0,05; d=0,48), saltos monopedales (t=2,076; p<0,05; d=0,54) y 20-m shuttle run (t=3,162; p<0,05; d=0,61). La maduración dejó de influenciar el desempeño en las tareas de coordinación motora gruesa cuando se tuvo en cuenta el IMC y la aptitud aerobia.

Neuromuscular fitness in early life and its impact on bone health in adulthood: a systematic review / Aptidão neuromuscular na juventude e o impacto na saúde óssea na idade adulta: uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT Objective: To systematically review the literature to verify the relationship between neuromuscular fitness indicators in childhood/adolescence and bone strength variables in adulthood. Data sources: A systematic review was conducted in PUBMED, SCOPUS, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, LILACS, and SciELO, covering the entire period until March 2019. Data synthesis: The search identified 1149 studies. After duplicity analysis and eligibility criteria, four studies were reported. In one study, baseline was childhood and, in the others, adolescence. In childhood, when adjusting the model for age and body mass index, a statistically significant relation was found for girls: standing long jump with quantitative ultrasound index (β=0.11; p<0.05) and with speed of sound (β=0.14; p<0.01). However, when controlling muscular performance in adulthood, the relationship was no longer significant. In adolescence, coefficients ranged from 0.16 for neuromotor battery and bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar region to 0.38 for hanging leg lift test and BMD of arms. The explained variance varied between 2% (bent arm hang for BMD total) and 12% (hanging leg-lift for BMD arms), therefore, a higher performance in neuromuscular fitness in adolescence was associated with better bone strength in adulthood. Conclusions: In adults, bone strength variables showed significant correlation from low to moderate magnitude with neuromuscular fitness indicators in adolescence, but not in childhood, after controlling for adult performance in neuromuscular fitness. However, there is limited evidence to support the neuromuscular fitness in early life as a determinant of bone strength in adulthood.

RESUMO Objetivo: Revisar sistematicamente a literatura para verificar a relação entre indicadores da aptidão neuromuscular na infância/adolescência e variáveis de resistência óssea na idade adulta. Fonte de dados: Revisão sistemática com pesquisa de artigos conduzida no PUBMED, SCOPUS, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, LILACS and SciELO, abrangendo todo o período da base até março de 2019. Síntese dos dados: A busca identificou 1.149 estudos, após análise de duplicidade e dos critérios de elegibilidade, quatro estudos foram relatados. Em um dos estudos, o baseline foi a infância e, nos demais, a adolescência. Na infância, ao ajustar o modelo por idade e índice de massa corporal, foi encontrada relação estatisticamente significativa para as meninas: salto em distância com índice quantitativo de ultrassom (β=0,11; p<0,05) e com velocidade do som (β=0,14; p<0,01). Entretanto, ao se fazer o controle do desempenho muscular na idade adulta, a relação deixou de ser significativa. Na adolescência, coeficientes variaram de 0,16 para bateria neuromotora e densidade mineral óssea (DMO) lombar a 0,38 para o teste de elevação de pernas em suspensão e a DMO dos braços. Variação explicada entre 2% (suspensão na barra e DMO do corpo total) e 12% (elevação de pernas em suspensão e DMO dos braços), portanto, melhor desempenho na aptidão neuromuscular na adolescência, mais resistência óssea na idade adulta. Conclusões: Em adultos, variáveis de resistência óssea apresentaram correlação significativa em magnitude baixa a moderada com indicadores da aptidão neuromuscular na adolescência, mas não na infância, após controlar pelo desempenho adulto na aptidão neuromuscular. No entanto, existe evidência limitada para apoiar a aptidão neuromuscular na juventude como fator determinante da resistência óssea na fase adulta.

Tracking of cardiorespiratory fitness from childhood to early adolescence: moderation effect of somatic maturation / Tracking da aptidão cardiorrespiratória da infância para a adolescência: moderação pela maturação biológica

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness' tracking from childhood to adolescence, as well as to test the moderation role of somatic maturation. Methods: Our sample was composed by 375 children (197 boys), with a baseline age between 7 and 10 years old. The children were followed-up over three years. Body mass and stature were measured as anthropometric indicators and were used to estimate maturity status through Moore's method. Cardiorespiratory fitness was evaluated through 9-minute running test. Body adiposity was estimated through the subcutaneous skinfold method, with measures of triceps and subscapular skinfolds and used as a covariate. Sample was categorized into tertiles. Thereafter, the Kappa (k) coefficient and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (LCCC) tests were adopted to verify stability. Dummy variable in regression was used to test moderation effects. All analyses were conducted in Stata 14.0, adopting p<0.05. Results: Cardiorespiratory fitness presented a moderate to low tracking from childhood to adolescence (k=0.294; LCCC=0.458). Moreover, maturity status significantly moderated the association between cardiorespiratory fitness at childhood and adolescence (regardless of cohort and body adiposity) among boys (β=0.644; p=0.003) and role sample (β=0.184; p=0.020), but not girls (-0.217; p=0.413). Conclusions: Tracking of cardiorespiratory fitness from childhood to adolescence is moderate to low in both sexes. Moreover, maturity status moderated the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness at baseline and in adolescence. A lower age at peak height velocity was associated to a greater cardiorespiratory fitness.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o tracking da aptidão cardiorrespiratória da infância à adolescência, bem como testar a via de moderação pela maturação somática. Métodos: A amostra foi composta de 375 crianças (197 meninos), com idades entre 7 e 10 anos na linha de base. Os sujeitos foram acompanhados por três anos. Massa corporal e estatura foram mensuradas como indicadores antropométricos e usadas para estimar a maturação somática pelo método de Moore. Aptidão cardiorrespiratória foi avaliada pelo teste de 9 minutos de corrida. Adiposidade corporal foi estimada pelo método de dobras subcutâneas, com medidas das dobras tricipital e subescapular, além de ter sido utilizada como covariável. A amostra foi categorizada em tercis, e então o coeficiente Kappa (k) e o coeficiente de correlação de concordância de Lin (LCCC) foram adotados para verificar estabilidade. Foram criadas variáveis dummy nas regressões para estimar o efeito de moderação. Todas as análises foram conduzidas no Stata 14.0, adotando p<0,05. Resultados: A aptidão cardiorrespiratória apresentou tracking baixo a moderado da infância para a adolescência (k=0,294; LCCC=0,458). Além disso, o status de maturação moderou significativamente a associação entre aptidão cardiorrespiratória na infância e adolescência (independentemente da coorte e adiposidade) em meninos (β=0,644; p<0,003) e na amostra total (β=0,184; p<0,020), mas não em meninas (-0,217; p=0,413). Conclusões: O tracking da aptidão cardiorrespiratória da infância à adolescência é baixo a moderado em ambos os sexos. Ainda, o estado maturacional moderou a associação entre aptidão cardiorrespiratória na infância e adolescência. Menor idade do pico de velocidade de crescimento foi associada à maior aptidão cardiorrespiratória.

TRACKING OF CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS FROM CHILDHOOD TO EARLY ADOLESCENCE: MODERATION EFFECT OF SOMATIC MATURATION.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness' tracking from childhood to adolescence, as well as to test the moderation role of somatic maturation. METHODS: Our sample was composed by 375 children (197 boys), with a baseline age between 7 and 10 years old. The children were followed-up over three years. Body mass and stature were measured as anthropometric indicators and were used to estimate maturity status through Moore's method. Cardiorespiratory fitness was evaluated through 9-minute running test. Body adiposity was estimated through the subcutaneous skinfold method, with measures of triceps and subscapular skinfolds and used as a covariate. Sample was categorized into tertiles. Thereafter, the Kappa (k) coefficient and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (LCCC) tests were adopted to verify stability. Dummy variable in regression was used to test moderation effects. All analyses were conducted in Stata 14.0, adopting p<0.05. RESULTS: Cardiorespiratory fitness presented a moderate to low tracking from childhood to adolescence (k=0.294; LCCC=0.458). Moreover, maturity status significantly moderated the association between cardiorespiratory fitness at childhood and adolescence (regardless of cohort and body adiposity) among boys (ß=0.644; p=0.003) and role sample (ß=0.184; p=0.020), but not girls (-0.217; p=0.413). CONCLUSIONS: Tracking of cardiorespiratory fitness from childhood to adolescence is moderate to low in both sexes. Moreover, maturity status moderated the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness at baseline and in adolescence. A lower age at peak height velocity was associated to a greater cardiorespiratory fitness.

12-Week aerobic exercise and nutritional program minimized the presence of the 64Arg allele on insulin resistance.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to investigate the response of 64Arg allele carriers of the ADRB3 gene (Trp64Arg polymorphism) in the anthropometric, cardiorespiratory and metabolic variables in overweight adolescents after a 12-week aerobic exercise and nutritional program. METHODS: A total of 92 overweight adolescents, 10-16 years old and of both genders, participated. Body composition, waist circumference (WC), pubertal stage status, blood pressure, glucose, insulin and lipid profile and direct maximal oxygen uptake were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks of a training program. The homeostasis metabolic assessments [homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)] and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) were determined and the Trp64Arg polymorphism of the ADRB3 gene was investigated by Taqman single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping assays. Exercise sessions consisted of 100-min aerobic exercise and 20-min stretching, 3 times a week, totalizing 36 sessions. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and effect size were used for variables, with p<0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: In baseline, HOMA-IR was higher in carriers of the 64Arg allele and decreased more after 12 weeks than in non-carriers (p=0.01). The anthropometric, physical fitness and metabolic profiles had similar responses after training in carriers and non-carriers. CONCLUSIONS: Overweight adolescents present changes in body composition and physical fitness, independent of Trp64Arg genotypes. However, a 12-week aerobic exercise and nutritional program promoted greater reductions in insulin resistance in carriers of the 64Arg allele.

Use of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in identifying cardiovascular risk factors in male Brazilian adolescents / Uso da atividade física e da aptidão cardiorrespiratória na identificação de fatores de risco cardiovasculares em adolescentes Brasileiros

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of physical activity (PA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) levels on the prevalence of overweight and high blood pressure levels in adolescents. In this observational, cross-sectional study, 614 boys aged 10-14 years were assessed for height, body mass, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and blood pressure (BP). CRF was assessed using a run test (Léger Test) and subjects were then grouped according to their CRF level. PA level was assessed through a questionnaire (The Three Day Physical Activity Recall) and classified into two groups, namely ≥ 300 minutes of PA/week and < 300 minutes of PA/week. Maturational stage was evaluated according to the development of pubic hair (self-assessment) as proposed by Tanner. We used statistical descriptive analysis, univariate and multivariate analyses in the total participants and subjects were divided by age. Fifty percent of the sample performed < 300 minutes of PA/week and 67.6% had unsatisfactory CRF levels. There was a higher prevalence of unsatisfactory CRF levels among subjects with altered BMI (overweight), WC (abdominal obesity) or BP (high blood pressure) for all age groups. PA history, however, did not show any significance. A total of 31% of participants were overweight, 24.8% had abdominal obesity and 15.4% had increased BP. Unsatisfactory CRF levels were found to be a better predictor for the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases (CV) risk factors than PA history, regardless of age group.

Resumo Objetivou-se investigar o impacto da atividade física (AF) e níveis da aptidão cardiorrespiratória (APCR) na prevalência de excesso de peso e níveis hipertensivos em adolescentes. Estudo observacional, transversal, com 614 meninos de 10 a 14 anos, que foram avaliados quanto à estatura, massa corporal, índice de massa corporal (IMC), circunferência abdominal (CA) e pressão arterial (PA). Utilizou-se teste de corrida (Léger Test) para avaliar a APCR. O nível de AF foi avaliado por questionário (The Three Day Physical Activity Recall), classificando-os conforme prática < ou ≥ 300 minutos/semana. Estágio maturacional foi autoavaliado de acordo com o desenvolvimento dos pelos pubianos, proposto por Tanner. Testes estatísticos de análises descritivas, bivariada e multivariada foram utilizados. Do total, 50% dos escolares apresentaram AF < 300 minutos/semana e 67,6% com APCR insatisfatória. Indivíduos com alterações no IMC (excesso de peso), CA (obesidade abdominal) ou PA (valores hipertensivos) apresentaram maiores frequências de APCR insatisfatória em todas as faixas etárias, enquanto que o histórico de AF não se mostrou significativo. A APCR insatisfatória apresentou-se como melhor parâmetro para o diagnóstico de fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares (CV) do que o histórico de AF, independente da faixa etária.

Association between health-related physical fitness and body mass index status in children.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) status and physical performance in Brazilian children. The analyzed sample was composed of 978 children of both sexes (518 boys and 460 girls), aged 7 to 11 years. BMI and skinfolds were measured, and three motor tests were applied (flexibility, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular strength/endurance). In both sexes, overweight/obese children presented poor performance in all motor tests, except flexibility. In general, overweight/obese children have an increased odds ratio (OR) to present poor physical performance (boys: OR = 3.64 for cardiorespiratory fitness, OR = 1.94 for muscular strength/endurance, OR = 1.52 for flexibility; girls: OR = 5.03 for cardiorespiratory fitness and OR = 2.62 for muscular strength/endurance). In conclusion, for both sexes, a poor physical performance in the tests measuring cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength/ endurance was associated with the presence of overweight/obesity.

Sports practice is related to parasympathetic activity in adolescents / Prática esportiva está relacionada à atividade parassimpática em adolescentes

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship among sports practice, physical education class, habitual physical activity and cardiovascular risk in adolescents. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 120 schoolchildren (mean: 11.7±0.7 years old), with no regular use of medicines. Sports practice and physical education classes were assessed through face-to-face interview, while habitual physical activity was assessed by pedometers. Bodyweight, height and height-cephalic trunk were used to estimate maturation. The following variables were measured: body fatness, blood pressure, resting heart rate, blood flow velocity, intima-media thickness (carotid and femoral) and heart rate variability (mean between consecutive heartbeats and statistical index in the time domain that show the autonomic parasympathetic nervous system activity root-mean by the square of differences between adjacent normal R-R intervals in a time interval). Statistical treatment used Spearman correlation adjusted by sex, ethnicity, age, body fatness and maturation. RESULTS: Independently of potential confounders, sports practice was positively related to autonomic parasympathetic nervous system activity (â=0.039 [0.01; 0.76]). On the other hand, the relationship between sport practice and mean between consecutive heartbeats (â=0,031 [-0.01; 0.07]) was significantly mediated by biological maturation. CONCLUSIONS: Sport practice was related to higher heart rate variability at rest.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a relação entre prática esportiva, educação física escolar, atividade física habitual e indicadores cardiovasculares de risco em adolescentes. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal que selecionou 120 escolares (idade média 11,7±0,7 anos), sem consumo de medicamentos. Prática esportiva fora do ambiente escolar e educação física escolar foram avaliadas por entrevista face a face, enquanto a atividade física habitual foi avaliada por pedometria. Peso corporal, estatura e altura troncocefálica foram usados para estimar a maturação biológica. Foram avaliados: gordura corporal, pressão arterial, frequência cardíaca durante o repouso, velocidade do fluxo sanguíneo, espessura mediointimal das artérias (carótida e femoral), variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (média entre batimentos cardíacos consecutivos e o índice estatístico no domínio do tempo que representa atividade do sistema nervoso autônomo parassimpático por meio da raiz quadrada da média das diferenças sucessivas ao quadrado entre intervalos R-R consecutivos). Correlação de Spearman verificou relação entre as variáveis. Relacionamentos significativos foram ajustados por: sexo, etnia, idade, gordura corporal e maturação biológica. RESULTADOS: Prática esportiva, independentemente dos ajustes, apresentou correlação positiva com atividade do sistema nervoso autônomo parassimpático (ß=0,039 [0,01; 0,76]). Por outro lado, a relação entre tal engajamento e a média entre os intervalos R-R (ß=0,031 [-0,01; 0,07]) foi mediada pela maturação biológica. CONCLUSÕES: A prática esportiva foi relacionada a uma maior variabilidade da frequência cardíaca durante o repouso.

Associação entre IMC e teste de coordenação corporal para crianças (KTK). Uma meta-análise / Association between BMI and body coordination test for children (KTK). A meta-analysis / Asociación entre IMC y test de coordinación corporal para niños (KTK). Un meta-análisis

O Teste de Coordenação Corporal para Crianças (Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder, KTK) tem sido utilizado na avaliação da coordenação motora de crianças e adolescentes. O objetivo desta revisão sistemática com meta-análise foi analisar a relação entre o índice de massa corporal (IMC) e o desempenho motor no KTK em crianças e jovens escolares saudáveis. O estudo baseou-se em pesquisas indexadas nas bases eletrônicas PubMed e SciELO. Os descritores foram: "Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder" e "KTK". Foram considerados artigos em inglês e português publicados até Outubro de 2014. A qualidade dos estudos foi determinada pelas Escalas PEDro e STROBE. Foi realizada meta-análise utilizando o software Comprehensive Meta-Analysis V2. Foram incluídos 10 estudos. O resultado global com base no modelo de efeitos fixos mostrou que valores maiores de IMC estão diretamente associados ao baixo desempenho no KTK. Apesar da pequena diferença entre ambos, a magnitude do efeito da associação foi classificada como pequena, porém, significativa para o sexo masculino (r=0,29; IC95% 0,27 a 0,32; Z=22,47; p=0,000) e moderada para o sexo feminino (r=0,32; IC95% 0,30 a 0,34; Z=24,76; p=0,000). Os estudos apresentaram características amostrais bastante divergentes quanto ao tamanho da amostra e a faixa etária dos sujeitos, além de nenhum deles ter analisado o estado maturacional dos participantes. Conclui-se que há uma tendência de relação positiva entre valores elevados de IMC e o baixo desempenho no KTK. Para confirmação desta tendência, recomenda-se que os próximos trabalhos considerem o estado maturacional dos participantes, além de possibilitarem uma análise por sexo e idade.

The Body Coordination Test for Children (Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder, KTK) has been used in the evaluation of motor coordination in young people. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis study was to analyze the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the motor performance by the KTK test in healthy children. The study was based on research indexed in the electronic databases PubMed and SciELO. The descriptors were "Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder" and "KTK". Studies published in English and Portuguese until October 2014 were considered. The quality of the studies was determined by PEDro and STROBE scales. Meta-analysis was performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis V2 software. A total of 10 studies were included. The overall result based on the fixed effects model showed that higher values of the BMI are directly associated with low performance in the KTK. Despite the small difference between genders, the magnitude of the association effect was classified as small, but significant for males (r = 0.29; 95% CI 0.27 to 0.32; Z = 22.47; p = 0.000) and moderate for females (r = 0.32; 95% CI 0.30 to 0.34; Z = 24.76, p = 0.000). Studies have shown different characteristics as the sample size and the age of the subjects, and none of them have analyzed the maturational status of the participants. Based on these results, there is a trend of a positive relationship between high values of BMI and low performance in the KTK.

El "Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder" (KTK) ha sido utilizado en la evaluación de la coordinación motriz de niños y adolescentes. El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática con meta-análisis fue analizar la relación entre el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y el desempeño en el KTK en niños y jóvenes escolares saludables. El estudio se basó en investigaciones indexadas en las bases de datos electrónicas PubMed y Scielo. Los descriptores fueron "Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder" y "KTK". Se consideraron los artículos en Inglés y portugués publicados hasta octubre de 2014. La calidad de los estudios se determinó por Escalas PEDro y STROBE. Se realizó un meta-análisis con el uso del software Comprehensive Meta-Analysis V2. Se incluyeron 10 estudios. El resultado global basado en el modelo de efectos fijos mostró que valores más altos de IMC están directamente asociados al bajo desempeño en el KTK. A pesar de la pequeña diferencia entre ambos, la magnitud del efecto de la asociación fue clasificada como pequeña, pero significativa para el sexo masculino (r = 0,29; 95% CI 0,27-0,32; Z = 22,47, p = 0,000) y moderada para el sexo femenino (r = 0,32; IC 95% 0,30-0,34; Z = 24,76, p = 0,000). Los estudios presentaron características muestrales bastante divergentes cuanto al tamaño de la muestra y el grupo de edad de los sujetos, además de haberse analizado el estado de madurez de los participantes. Se concluye que hay una tendencia de relación positiva entre los valores elevados de IMC y el bajo desempeño en el KTK. Para la confirmación de esta tendencia, se recomienda que los futuros estudios consideren el estado de madurez de los participantes, además de posibilitar un análisis por sexo y edad.

Possible underestimation by sports medicine of the effects of early physical exercise practice on the prevention of diseases in adulthood.

In modern society, combatting cardiovascular and metabolic diseases has been highlighted as an urgent global challenge. In recent decades, the scientific literature has identified that behavioral variables (e.g. smoking, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity) are related to the development of these outcomes and, therefore, preventive actions should focus on the promotion of physical exercise practice and a healthy diet, as well as combatting the smoking habit from an early age. The promotion of physical exercise in the general population has been suggested as a relevant goal by significant health organizations around the world. On the other hand, recent literature has indicated that physical exercise performed in early life prevents the development of diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and arterial hypertension during adulthood, although this protective effect seems to be independent of the physical activity performed during adulthood. Apparently, the interaction between physical exercise and human growth in early life constitutes an issue which is not completely understood by sports medicine. The aim of the present review was therefore to discuss recent evidence on the effects of physical exercise performed during childhood and adolescence on cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes in adulthood.