Changes in lifestyle and physical and mental health related to long-confinement due COVID-19: a study during the first and second pandemic waves in Mexico and Chile.

We investigate changes in lifestyle, physical, and mental health during the confinement period of the first and second waves of COVID-19, as well as their relation to sociodemographic parameters and confinement status. Sociodemographic data and information regarding changes in their lifestyle behavior and changes in body weight and physical activity (PA) were collected. The SF-36 questionnaire was implemented for measuring the domains related to physical health (PH) and mental health (MH). The growth frequency of weight gain in the Mexican (4.8%) and Chilean (10.9%) populations was observed during the second wave. The MH component decreased in the Mexican and the Chilean population (p < 0.05). Moreover, the MH decreased significantly according to the degree of confinement (p < 0.01). Although some sociodemographic factors were related to the presence of a very low score (<50 scores) for the MH component during the first wave, it is perceived as a higher relative risk during the second wave in both populations. The long confinement due to COVID-19 is associated to negative changes in nutritional and physical lifestyle behavior, affecting mainly the MH component.

[Association between weight status and motor competence in schoolchildren from Chilean Patagonia]. / Asociación entre el estado nutricional y la competencia motriz en escolares de la Patagonia chilena.

BACKGROUND: the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the child population is a global public health problem, with measures such as the promotion of physical activity being necessary. One of the recognized factors for this is the development of motor competence, due to its dynamic interaction with physical activity, so it is necessary to understand its relationship with weight status. OBJECTIVE: the aims of this study are to determine whether there are differences in the levels of motor competence of schoolchildren in Chilean Patagonia according to their nutritional status, as well as to determine the association between body mass index (BMI) and the levels of motor competence in these schoolchildren. MATERIAL AND METHODS: we evaluated 295 boys and girls in 5th and 6th grade of primary school, from educational centres in Coyhaique and Punta Arenas. We used the MOBAK 5-6 test to assess their motor competence. RESULTS: schoolchildren with normal weight status presented higher values of motor competence in self-movement (M = 3.1; SD = 1.84) compared to overweight (M = 2.7; SD = 1.68) and obese schoolchildren (M = 1.7; SD = 1.57), presenting significant differences between all groups (p < 0.001). In object control, no differences were found between the groups. In addition, there was an inverse association of object control with gender (ß: 1.49; p < 0.001) and BMI (ß: -0.05; p = 0.026), while self-movement had an inverse association with BMI (ß: -0.11; 95 % CI: -0.15 -0.07; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: weight status and motor competence are associated. Schoolchildren with higher BMI values tend to perform lower in self-movement. These results underline the importance of addressing motor competence in efforts to combat overweight and obesity in children.

Effectiveness of elastic band training and group-based dance on physical-functional performance in older women with sarcopenia: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is a syndrome associated with aging that causes progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and muscle function. In this pilot study, we compared the effectiveness of elastic band training regarding group-based dance on fat mass, fat-free mass, handgrip strength (HGS; dominant and non-dominant hand), leg strength, timed up-and-go (TUG) and walking speed in older women with sarcopenia. METHODS: This is a randomized controlled trial, single-blind, repeated measures of parallel groups (elastic band group: EBG, n = 21; group-based dance: GBD, n = 19), and a quantitative methodology. Three 60-minute sessions per week for 12 weeks were dedicated to the interventions with pre- and post-assessments. A two-factor mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) model with repeated measures was performed to measure the group×time effect. RESULTS: A significant interaction revealed for fat-free mass (F1,16= 18.91; p < 0.001; EBG + 10.9% vs. GBD - 1.97%), HGS dominant hand (F1,16= 7.44; p = 0.014; EBG + 10.9% vs. GBD + 0.59%), HGS non-dominant hand (F1,16= 6.41; p = 0.022; EBG + 10.21% vs. GBD + 3.80%), leg strength (F1,16= 17.98; p < 0.001; EBG + 9.1% vs. GBD + 3.83%), TUG (F1,16= 7.52; p = 0.014; EBG - 14.7% vs. GBD - 1.0%) and walking speed (F1,16 = 6.40; p = 0.019; EBG - 7.6% vs. GBD - 4.35%) in favor of EBG. CONCLUSION: Elastic band training produces significantly greater responses on physical-functional performance regarding group-based dance in older women with sarcopenia. On the other hand, the EBG revealed a significant improvement in fat-free mass and upper and lower limb muscle strength, as well as a significant decrease time in TUG, and walking speed. Elastic band exercise is a safe, easy, affordable, and effective physical activity strategy, according to the findings.

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.

A Higher Skeletal Muscle Mass and Lower Adiposity Phenotype Is Associated with Better Cardiometabolic Control in Adults with Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis: Results from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to (1) characterize cardiometabolic factors in self-reported hip and knee osteoarthritis (OAD) across four body composition phenotypes defined by muscle mass and adiposity, and (2) associate risk factors with diabetes and hypertension (HTN). METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-17 (n = 4996) stratified participants into four groups: low skeletal muscle mass/high waist circumference (Low-SMM/High-WC), low SMM/low WC (Low-SMM/Low-WC), high SMM/high WC (High-SMM/High-WC), and high SMM/low WC (reference group). Each group was further divided into subgroups with or without diagnosed hip or knee OAD. The main outcomes were fasting plasma glucose, systolic (SBP)/diastolic (DBP) blood pressure (continuous outcomes), and other secondary factors such as cardiovascular risk (CVR). RESULTS: In the hip OAD subgroup, the Low-SMM/High-WC groups had significantly higher SBP versus the reference value (145 vs. 127 mmHg, p < 0.0001, diff +18 mmHg). In the knee OAD subgroup, the Low-SMM/High-WC groups had significantly higher SBP versus the reference value (141 vs. 134 mmHg, p < 0.0001, diff +7 mmHg). The SBP showed a significant interaction between the group and OAD diagnosis (p = 0.007 hip OAD; p < 0.0001 knee OAD). CONCLUSIONS: Hip and knee OAD associates with elevated SBP/DBP in older adults. OAD groups showed an OR above 2 for diabetes, 2.7 for HTN, 4.5 for metabolic syndrome, and over 2 for moderate-to-high cardiovascular risk. OAD interacts substantially with cardiometabolic factors, especially in low muscle mass/high adiposity phenotypes. Lifestyle optimization of physical activity and nutrition to preserve muscle mass and mitigate adiposity is essential for cardiometabolic health promotion in OAD patients.

Males Have a Higher Energy Expenditure than Females during Squat Training.

The main objective of this study was to determine the differences in energy expenditure (EE) according to sex during and after two different squat training protocols in a group of healthy young adults. Twenty-nine Sports Sciences students volunteered to participate in this study. They attended the laboratory on four different days and completed four sessions: two sessions with 3 sets of 12 repetitions at 75% of their one-repetition maximum (RM) and two sessions with 3 sets of 30 repetitions at 50% of their 1RM. Energy expenditure was evaluated using an indirect calorimeter. Males consistently demonstrated higher EE in all sessions and intensities. The linear regression model identified a significant association between sex, BMI, and total EE across all sessions and intensities. In conclusion, males exhibited higher EE in both protocols (50% and 75% of 1RM) throughout all sessions. Furthermore, sex and BMI were found to influence EE in healthy young adults. Therefore, coaches should consider sex when assessing EE, as the metabolic response differs between males and females.

Cardiac autonomic regulation in response to functional power threshold testing in elite cyclists / Regulación autonómica cardiaca en respuesta a la prueba de umbral de potencia funcional en ciclistas deélite

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a functional power threshold test (FTP) on cardiac autonomic regulation indicators in high performance cyclists.Methods: A total of 12 male elite cyclists (mean age 36.1 ± 11.2 years) were recruited. Body composition parameters were measured usingbioimpedancemetry and heart rate variability (HRV) before and after the application of the FTP assessment. Results: We observed that a greater sympathetic nervous system (SNS) index and Stress index on baseline were correlated with a smaller decrease in theparasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity in response to the FTP test (ρ= 0.69, p = 0.013). Concerning morphological parameters, the skeletalmuscle index (SMI) was the only one that was inversely correlated with ∆PNS (ρ= -0.69, p = 0.02) whereas the muscle-bone index (MBI) displayed apositive correlation with ∆SNS (ρ = 0.82, p = 0.001). In fully adjusted models we found that waist-to-hip ratio (β= 7.90, CI95%[4.16, 11.63], t(8) = 4.88, p =0.001) and SMI significantly influenced ∆PNS (β = -1.38, CI95%[-1.84, -0.92], t(8) = -6.94, p < 0.001), whereas MBI (β= 10.26, CI95%[8.10, 12.42], t(8) =10.96, p < 0.001) and the interaction between the latter and Power achieved during FTP influenced ∆SNS (β = -0.05, CI95%[-0.09, -4.99e-03], t(8) = -2.56, p= 0.033). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the SMI had a negative effect on the ∆PNS, while the MBI was positively correlated with the ∆SNS in cyclists. Thesefindings suggest that a higher SMI and MBI could have a detrimental impact on the cardiac autonomic response to maximal aerobic exercise in high-performance cyclists, such as FTP.(AU)

Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de una prueba de umbral de potencia funcional (FTP) sobre los indicadores de regulación autonómica cardiaca en ciclistasde alto rendimiento. Métodos: Se reclutó a un total de 12 ciclistas de élite masculinos (edad media 36.1 ± 11.2 años). Se midieron los parámetros de composición corporalmediante bioimpedanciometría y la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca (HRV) antes y después de la aplicación de la evaluación del FTP. Resultados: Observamos que un mayor índice del sistema nervioso simpático (SNS) e índice de estrés basalmente se correlacionaron con una menordisminución de la actividad del sistema nervioso parasimpático (PNS) en respuesta a la prueba FTP (ρ= 0.69, p = 0.013). En cuanto a los parámetrosmorfológicos, el índice músculo esquelético (SMI) fue el único que se correlacionó inversamente con el ∆PNS (ρ= -0.69, p = 0.02) mientras que el índicemúsculo-hueso (MBI) mostró una correlación positiva con ∆SNS (ρ = 0.82, p = 0.001). En los modelos totalmente ajustados encontramos que la relacióncintura-cadera (β= 7.90, CI95%[4.16, 11.63], t(8) = 4.88, p = 0.001) y el SMI influían significativamente en el ∆PNS (β= -1.38, CI95%[-1.84, -0.92], t(8) = -6.94,p < 0.001), mientras que el MBI (β = 10.26, CI95%[8.10, 12.42], t(8) = 10.96, p < 0.001) y la interacción entre este último y la Potencia alcanzada durante elFTP influían en el ∆SNS (β= -0.05, CI95%[-0.09, -4.99e-03], t(8) = -2.56, p = 0.033). Conclusión: Nuestros hallazgos indican que el SMI tuvo un efecto negativo sobre el ∆PNS, mientras que el MBI se correlacionó positivamente con el ∆SNSen ciclistas. Estos hallazgos sugieren que un mayor SMI y MBI podrían tener un impacto perjudicial en la respuesta autonómica cardíaca al ejercicioaeróbico máximo en ciclistas de alto rendimiento, como el FTP.(AU)

Muscle Quality Index in Morbidly Obesity Patients Related to Metabolic Syndrome Markers and Cardiorespiratory Fitness.

BACKGROUND: Muscle quality index (MQI) is an emerging health indicator obtained by dividing handgrip strength by body mass index (BMI) that needs to be studied in morbidly obese patients (defined by BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2). OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between MQI, metabolic syndrome (MetS) markers, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and as a second objective to determine the potential mediation role of MQI in the relationship between abdominal obesity and systolic blood pressure (SBP) in this sample. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 86 severely/morbidly obese patients (age = 41.1 ± 11.9 y, nine men). MQI, metabolic syndrome markers, CRF, and anthropometric parameters were measured. Two groups were developed according to MQI; High-MQI (n = 41) and Low-MQI (n = 45). RESULTS: The Low-MQI group reported higher abdominal obesity (High-MQI: 0.7 ± 0.1 vs. Low-MQI: 0.8 ± 0.1 WC/height; p = 0.011), SBP (High-MQI: 133.0 ± 17.5 vs. Low-MQI: 140.1 ± 15.1 mmHg; p = 0.048), and lower CRF (High-MQI; 26.3 ± 5.9 vs. Low-MQI; 22.4 ± 6.1 mL/kg/min, p = 0.003) than the High-MQI group. Waist-to-height ratio (ß: -0.07, p = 0.011), SBP (ß: -18.47, p = 0.001), and CRF (ß: 5.21, p = 0.011) were linked to MQI. In a mediation model, the indirect effect confirms that MQI is a partial mediator of the association between abdominal obesity with SBP. CONCLUSIONS: MQI in morbidly obesity patients reported an inverse association with MetS markers and a positive association with CRF (VO2max). It mediates the relationship between abdominal obesity and SBP.

Validation of an instrument to evaluate the satisfaction of the professional practice in pertaining students to the program of Nutrition and Dietary / Validación de un instrumento para evaluar la satisfacción de la práctica profesional en estudiantes pertenecientes a la carrera de Nutrición y Dietética Introducción

Professional practice is a relevant process for the personal and academic development of students. It uses learning contexts located in real scenarios and enables the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for professional practice. Objective. To design and validate an instrument designed to evaluate students' satisfaction with theirprofessional practice process. Materials and methods. Mixed-method study, non-probabilistic sample by convenience of 196 participants. The sample is formed by 20 Nutritionists and 176 students belonging to the Nutrition and Dietetics undergraduate program. The statistical software SPSS version 22 was used to analyze reliability by Cronbach's alpha and the Delphi method for content validity. An instrument with 32 items grouped in 4 dimensions was elaborated and applied to 116 students to analyze reliability. The instrument was adjusted to 25 items, and content validity was analyzed by a panel of experts. The judge'sconsensus was the foundation for developing a 29-item version grouped into 4 dimensions. This version was applied to 60 students to obtainCronbach's alpha validation. Results. The instrument presents an excellent level of reliability, with a Cronbach's Alpha coefficient of 0.927. Conclusions. The instrument designed to measure satisfaction with professional practices is a reliable and valid measure, since it allows knowing the students 'evaluation at the end of their professional practice process(AU)

La práctica profesional es un proceso relevante para el desarrollo personal y académico de los estudiantes, utiliza contextos de aprendizaje situados en escenarios reales, posibilita la adquisición de conocimientos, habilidades y competencias necesarias para el ejercicio profesional. Objetivo. Diseñar y validar un instrumento, que permita evaluar la satisfacción de los estudiantes sobre su proceso de práctica profesional. Materiales y métodos. Estudio de tipo mixto, muestra no probabilística por conveniencia de 196 participantes, distribuidos en 20 Nutricionistas y 176 estudiantes pertenecientes a la carrera de Nutrición y Dietética. Sé utilizó el software estadístico SPSS versión 22, para analizar la confiabilidad por Alfa de Cronbach y el método Delphi para la validez del contenido. Se elaboró un instrumento con 32 ítems agrupados en 4 dimensiones, se aplicó a 116 estudiantes para analizar la confiabilidad. Se ajustó el instrumento a 25 ítems, se analizó la validez del contenido por panel de expertos. El consenso de los jueces dio origen a una versión, con 29 ítems agrupados en 4 dimensiones, se aplicó finalmente a 60 estudiantes para obtener el Alfa de Cronbach. Resultados. El instrumento presenta un nivel excelente de confiabilidad, con un coeficiente de Alfa de Cronbach de 0.927. Conclusiones. El instrumento diseñado para medir la satisfacción de las prácticas profesionales, es una medida confiable y válida, ya que permite conocer la valoración de los estudiantes al finalizar su proceso de práctica profesional(AU)

After-school sports programmes and social inclusion processes in culturally diverse contexts: Results of an international multicase study.

This research aimed to understand the role of after-school sports programs in social inclusion processes in culturally diverse contexts through a multicase study within two locations. The first location was in Spain where immigrant and Spanish students were enrolled, and the other was in Chile with Mapuche-Huilliche students, immigrant and Chilean students. The implemented programs at both sites were similar in their educational focus on socio-educational values, and teaching models (hybridization of teaching games for understanding and cooperative learning) that enhance social inclusion. Using individual and group interviews with teachers, sports coordinators, parents, and students, a qualitative approach was used to identify the factors that facilitate or hinder the social inclusion processes. In addition, the researchers used qualitative observations of the programs over six months using "notes logbook" to record their impressions during the observation process. Results indicated that the implemented sports programs successfully facilitated social inclusion processes, enabling the development of interpersonal skills and relationships between students from different cultural backgrounds. The previous training and experiences of teachers in culturally diverse contexts, and incorporation of traditional sporting games from all cultures, seems to be an important facilitator factor for the inclusion potential of the implemented programs.

Lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk factors in the ethnic and non-ethnic population > 15 years of age: results from the National Chilean Health Survey 2016-2017 / Estilo de vida y factores de riesgo cardiometabólico en la población étnica y no étnica > 15 años: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud de Chile 2016-2017

Background: lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk factors information is scarce regarding youth and adults of Latin-American ethnics. Objective: the primary aim was to describe the lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk factors for arterial hypertension (HTN) and diabetes in ethnic Latin-American groups (Mapuche and Aymara) and other non-ethnics > 15 years of age in the Chilean population. A secondary aim was to determine the association between physical activity ‘intensity’ with HTN and diabetes markers. Material and methods: a representative sample from the National Chilean Health Survey 2016-2017, included Mapuche (EG-Map; women n = 166, men n = 300; total n = 466), Aymara (EG-Aym; women n = 96, men n = 55; total n = 151), and a non-ethnic population group (No-EG; women n = 2057, men n = 3445; total n = 5502). The main outcomes were; systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting plasma glucose (GL), and secondary outcomes were other anthropometric, lipid profile, and lifestyle parameters. Results: GL was significantly associated with nutrition (0.9 %, p < 0.0001), tobacco and alcohol habits (0.6 %, p < 0.0001). SBP was significantly associated with nutrition (whole-grains 0.04, p = 0.001; water consumption 0.07, p < 0.0001), sleep hygiene (week 0.04, p = 0.030; on weekends -0.04, p = 0.026), and alcohol consumption (-0.06, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: in conclusion, lifestyle differences among Mapuche and Aymara ethnic groups in comparison with non-ethnic Chilean peers > 15 years are significantly associated with blood pressure and glycemia. (AU)

Antecedentes: la información sobre estilos de vida y factores de riesgo cardiometabólico es escasa en jóvenes y adultos de etnia latinoamericana. Objetivo: el objetivo principal fue describir el estilo de vida y los factores de riesgo cardiometabólico para la hipertensión arterial (HTA) y la diabetes en grupos étnicos latinoamericanos (Mapuche y Aymara) y otros no étnicos > 15 años de la población chilena. Un objetivo secundario fue determinar la asociación de la “intensidad” de la actividad física con la HTA y los marcadores de diabetes. Material y métodos: muestra representativa de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud de Chile 2016-2017, compuesta por mapuches (EG-Map; mujeres n = 166, hombres n = 300; total n = 466), aymaras (EG-Aym; mujeres n = 96, hombres n = 55; total n = 151) y un grupo poblacional no étnico (No-GE; mujeres n = 2057, hombres n = 3445; total n = 5502). Las principales evaluaciones fueron la presión arterial sistólica (PAS), la presión arterial diastólica (PAD) y la glucosa plasmática en ayunas (GL), y los resultados secundarios fueron otros parámetros antropométricos, del perfil lipídico y del estilo de vida. Resultados: la GL se asoció significativamente a los hábitos nutricionales (0,9 %, p < 0,0001) y los hábitos de tabaco y alcohol (0,6 %, p < 0,0001). La PAS se asoció significativamente con la nutrición (cereales integrales 0,04, p = 0,001; consumo de agua 0,07, p < 0,0001), higiene del sueño (semana 0,04, p = 0,030; fines de semana -0,04, p = 0,026) y consumo de alcohol (- 0,06, p < 0,0001). Conclusión: en conclusión, las diferencias de estilo de vida entre las etnias mapuche y aymara en comparación con sus pares chilenos no étnicos mayores de 15 años se asocian significativamente con la presión arterial y la glucemia. (AU)

Heart Rate from Progressive Volitional Cycling Test Is Associated with Endothelial Dysfunction Outcomes in Hypertensive Chilean Adults.

BACKGROUND: A progressive volitional cycling test is useful in determining exercise prescription in populations with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. However, little is known about the association between heart rate during this test and endothelial dysfunction (EDys) parameters in hypertensive (HTN) patients. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between EDys markers (flow-mediated dilation [FMD], pulse wave velocity of the brachial artery [PWVba], and carotid-intima media thickness [cIMT]) and heart rate during a cycling test in HTN adults. A secondary aim was to characterize cardiovascular, anthropometric, and body composition outcomes in this population. METHODS: This was a descriptive clinical study in which adults (men and women) were assigned to one of three groups: HTN, elevated blood pressure (Ele), or a normotensive control group (CG), and completed a progressive cycling test. The primary outcomes were FMD, PWVba, cIMT, and heart rate (HR) at 25-50 watts (HR25-50), 50-100 watts (HR50-100), and 75-150 watts (HR75-150) of the Astrand test. Secondary outcomes included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, body fat percentage (BF%), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), resting metabolic rate (RMR), and estimated body age, as measured by a bio-impedance digital scale. RESULTS: Analyses of the associations between FMD, PWV, and HR25-50, HR50-100, and HR75-150 watts revealed no significant association in the HTN, Ele, and CG groups. However, a significant association was found between cIMT and HR75-150 watts in the HTN group (R2 47.1, ß -0.650, p = 0.038). There was also a significant trend (p = 0.047) towards increasing PWVba in the CG, Ele, and HTN groups. CONCLUSION: Heart rate during a progressive cycling test is associated with the EDys parameters cIMT in HTN patients, with particularly strong predictive capacity for vascular parameters in the second and third stages of the Astrand exercise test compared to normotensive control.

The Mediating Role of the Muscle Quality Index in the Relation of Screen Time and Abdominal Obesity with Health-Related Quality of Life in Chilean Schoolchildren.

Screen time (ST) and abdominal obesity have a negative effect on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, there is little information regarding the mediating role of the muscle quality index (MQI) in these relationships. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between HRQoL, physical status (i.e., anthropometrics and fitness), lifestyle (i.e., ST and physical activity), and the MQI, and then to determine the potential mediating role of the MQI in the relation of ST and abdominal obesity with HRQoL in Chilean schoolchildren. The cross-sectional study included 750 schoolchildren (girls, n = 332 and boys, n = 418) aged between 10 and 14 years (11.73 ± 1.08 y). MQI, lifestyle, fitness parameters, waist-to-height ratio (WtHR) and HRQoL were measured. HRQoL presented a significant correlation with WtHR (r: -0.19), VO2max (r: 0.20), physical activity after school (r: 0.26), ST (r: -0.26) and MQI (r: 0.15). According to MQI, the high-MQI group reported higher HRQoL than the low-MQI group (low MQI: 36.10 ± 3.63 vs. high MQI: 37.43 ± 4.00, p < 0.001). In the mediation model, ST and abdominal obesity were negatively linked to HRQoL; the indirect effect confirmed that MQI is a partial mediator in the relation between ST and HRQoL (indirect effect = -0.04; SE = 0.02; 95% CI: -0.09, -0.01) and in the relation between abdominal obesity and HRQoL (indirect effect = -1.81; SE = 0.83; 95% CI: -3.41, -0.40). In conclusion, MQI is related to better HRQoL in schoolchildren, and the negative relation of ST and abdominal obesity with HRQoL is mediated by MQI.

Lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk factors in the ethnic and non-ethnic population > 15 years of age: results from the National Chilean Health Survey 2016-2017.

Introduction: Background: lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk factors information is scarce regarding youth and adults of Latin-American ethnics. Objective: the primary aim was to describe the lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk factors for arterial hypertension (HTN) and diabetes in ethnic Latin-American groups (Mapuche and Aymara) and other non-ethnics > 15 years of age in the Chilean population. A secondary aim was to determine the association between physical activity 'intensity' with HTN and diabetes markers. Material and methods: a representative sample from the National Chilean Health Survey 2016-2017, included Mapuche (EG-Map; women n = 166, men n = 300; total n = 466), Aymara (EG-Aym; women n = 96, men n = 55; total n = 151), and a non-ethnic population group (No-EG; women n = 2057, men n = 3445; total n = 5502). The main outcomes were; systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting plasma glucose (GL), and secondary outcomes were other anthropometric, lipid profile, and lifestyle parameters. Results: GL was significantly associated with nutrition (0.9 %, p < 0.0001), tobacco and alcohol habits (0.6 %, p < 0.0001). SBP was significantly associated with nutrition (whole-grains 0.04, p = 0.001; water consumption 0.07, p < 0.0001), sleep hygiene (week 0.04, p = 0.030; on weekends -0.04, p = 0.026), and alcohol consumption (-0.06, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: in conclusion, lifestyle differences among Mapuche and Aymara ethnic groups in comparison with non-ethnic Chilean peers > 15 years are significantly associated with blood pressure and glycemia.

Introducción: Antecedentes: la información sobre estilos de vida y factores de riesgo cardiometabólico es escasa en jóvenes y adultos de etnia latinoamericana. Objetivo: el objetivo principal fue describir el estilo de vida y los factores de riesgo cardiometabólico para la hipertensión arterial (HTA) y la diabetes en grupos étnicos latinoamericanos (Mapuche y Aymara) y otros no étnicos > 15 años de la población chilena. Un objetivo secundario fue determinar la asociación de la "intensidad" de la actividad física con la HTA y los marcadores de diabetes. Material y métodos: muestra representativa de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud de Chile 2016-2017, compuesta por mapuches (EG-Map; mujeres n = 166, hombres n = 300; total n = 466), aymaras (EG-Aym; mujeres n = 96, hombres n = 55; total n = 151) y un grupo poblacional no étnico (No-GE; mujeres n = 2057, hombres n = 3445; total n = 5502). Las principales evaluaciones fueron la presión arterial sistólica (PAS), la presión arterial diastólica (PAD) y la glucosa plasmática en ayunas (GL), y los resultados secundarios fueron otros parámetros antropométricos, del perfil lipídico y del estilo de vida. Resultados: la GL se asoció significativamente a los hábitos nutricionales (0,9 %, p < 0,0001) y los hábitos de tabaco y alcohol (0,6 %, p < 0,0001). La PAS se asoció significativamente con la nutrición (cereales integrales 0,04, p = 0,001; consumo de agua 0,07, p < 0,0001), higiene del sueño (semana 0,04, p = 0,030; fines de semana -0,04, p = 0,026) y consumo de alcohol (- 0,06, p < 0,0001). Conclusión: en conclusión, las diferencias de estilo de vida entre las etnias mapuche y aymara en comparación con sus pares chilenos no étnicos mayores de 15 años se asocian significativamente con la presión arterial y la glucemia.

Anthropometric Profile and Physical Activity Level as Predictors of Postural Balance in Overweight and Obese Children.

Overweightness and obesity can negatively influence many activities, including postural balance and locomotion, increasing predisposition to injury and risk of falls due to limitations on the biomechanics of daily living. The present study aimed to determine the influence of the anthropometric profile and physical activity level (PAL) on the postural balance of overweight and obese children. The sample included 387 schoolchildren (216 boys and 171 girls). The variables of the anthropometric profile studied were body mass, biped height, BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), summation of folds, body composition, and somatotype. PAL was measured using the PAQ-C questionnaire. Static and dynamic postural balance were measured through an open-eye (OE) and closed-eye (CE) posturographic test and the SEBTm, respectively. For static balance, the significant models were for mediolateral velocity (R2 = 0.42 in OA; R2 = 0.24 in OC), anteroposterior velocity (R2 = 0.21 in OA; R2 = 0.27 in OC), and mean velocity (R2 = 0.27 in OA; R2 = 0.46 in OC), where the predictors of low performance were younger age, male sex, overweight/obese nutritional status, greater thickness of skin folds, less tendency to mesomorphy, and greater fat mass. On the other hand, for dynamic postural balance, the significant models were observed in the previous direction (R2 = 0.39), posteromedial (R2 = 0.57), and posterolateral (R2 = 0.56), where the variables that predict a low performance were low PAL, overweight/obese nutritional status, and high WHR. Overweight and obese children presented a deficit in static and dynamic postural balance, enhanced by variables such as gender, age, PAL, and anthropometric characteristics related to adiposity.

Test-Retest Reliability of the Functional Electromechanical Dynamometer for Squat Exercise.

BACKGROUND: the main objective of this study was to evaluate the test-retest reliability of two different functional electromechanical dynamometry (FEMD)-controlled squat training protocols. METHODS: twenty-eight healthy young adults volunteered to participate in this study. They attended the laboratory on four different days and performed four sessions: two of three sets of 12 repetitions at 75% 1RM and two of three sets of 30 repetitions at 50% 1RM. The range of movement (ROM), mean dynamic strength (MDS), peak dynamic strength (PDS), mean velocity (MV), peak velocity (PV), mean potency (MP), peak potency (PP), work (W), and impulse (I) were recorded. 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 very high for ROM (CV: 3.72%, ICC: 0.95), MDS (CV: 1.09%, ICC: 1.00), PDS (CV: 1.97%, ICC: 1.00), and W (CV: 4.69%, ICC: 1.00) conditions at 50% 1RM and for ROM (CV: 3.90%, ICC: 0.95), MDS (CV: 0.52, ICC: 1.00), PDS (CV: 1.49%, ICC: 0.98), and W (CV: 4.14%, ICC: 1.00) conditions at 75% 1RM and high for the rest of variables at 50 and 75% 1RM. CONCLUSIONS: this study demonstrates that FEMD is a reliable instrument to measure ROM, MDS, PDS, MV, PV, PV, MP, MP, W, and I during both squat protocols (50 and 75% 1RM) in healthy young adults.

A descriptive ranking of blood pressure and physical fitness of Latin-American ethnic schoolchildren.

BACKGROUND: There is a general lack of information about how insufficient physical activity impacts blood pressure and physical fitness in Latin-American ethnic minorities. AIMS: To describe the interactions between insufficient physical activity, blood pressure, and physical fitness outcomes in Latin-American schoolchildren of different ethnicity. METHODS: This was a prospective, international, multi-center, and cross-sectional study of three Latin-American countries involving schoolchildren from seven ethnic groups of Colombia (Tikuna, Nasa, Embera), Brazil (African, Mulato), and Chile (Mapuche), and also European schoolchildren from Brazil and Chile. Data were categorized based on whether participants were physically active (PA) or insufficient physical activity (iPA) using the WHO physical activity recommendations. The main outcomes were systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), and mean arterial (MAP) blood pressure, and scores for physical and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF, by estimated V˙O2max), handgrip muscle strength (HGS), and standing long jump (SLJ). Secondary outcomes were anthropometric measures (weight, height, body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC], waist-to-height ratio), and body fat percentage (BF%, limited data by country). Primary and secondary outcomes were ranked. RESULTS: For both PA and iPA categories, significant interactions between ethnic groups were found concerning SBP/DBP (F(37.7), ES 0.08; F(51.5), ES 0.08), V˙O2max (F(37.7), ES 0.08; F(51.5), ES 0.08), HGS (F(33.8), ES 0.07; F(5.03), ES 0.04), and SLJ (F(64.3), ES 0.14; F(64.3), 0.14). In the iPA category, Mapuche schoolchildren were classified 1st (119.5; 81.5) with highest SBP/DBP and highest MAP (94.6 mmHg); Embera schoolchildren were classified 1st with lowest V˙O2max (33.7 mL/kg/min); and European schoolchildren were classified 1st (19.9 kg) with lowest HGS and SLJ (121.4 m) physical fitness. CONCLUSIONS: Under conditions of insufficient physical activity conditions, Mapuche schoolchildren had the most detrimental blood pressure, whereas Embera, Tikuna, and European schoolchildren had the lowest levels of physical fitness. These results serve to highlight the need for the early and appropriate promotion of physical activity based on ethnic differences in Latin-American schools.

Protective role of physical activity patterns prior to COVID-19 confinement with the severity/duration of respiratory pathologies consistent with COVID-19 symptoms in Spanish populations.

The main purpose of the present study was to determine the association of physical activity (PA) patterns prior to COVID-19 confinement with severe respiratory distress consistent with COVID-19 symptoms. Participants were recruited by sending a survey through various social network channels via the snowball method. A voluntary sample of 420 individuals consisting of 199 men and 221 women from the Spanish national territory participated in this study. Some factors, such as being overweight and obese were related to the presence of a greater number of symptoms associated with COVID-19. Interestingly, it was observed that not performing moderate or vigorous PA increased the risk of COVID-19 symptoms. Consequently, when the effect of the practise of PA was evaluated in terms of the number of practises per week and in minutes per practise per week, a protective effect was observed, where moderate PA >150 min per week reported an inverse association with hospitalization for respiratory symptoms (RR: 95%CI: 0.24, 0.05-1.04, P = 0.05). Likewise, overweight (RR: 16.3, 95%CI: 1.93-137.9, P = 0.01), obesity (RR: 19.1, 95%CI: 1.63-222.5, P = 0.019) and non-performance of moderate PA (RR: 4.12, 95%CI; 0.95-17.76, P = 0.05) reported positive associations with hospitalization for respiratory symptoms. Thus, the practise of moderate PA (>150 min per week) is a protective factor against hospitalization for respiratory symptoms consistent with COVID-19 symptoms.

Physical fitness mediates the inverse association between fatness indicators and academic achievement, despite the school vulnerability of adolescents-The Cogni-Action Project.

Objective: This study aims to determine the mediating role of physical fitness in the relationship between fatness indicators and academic achievement, exploring the influence of school vulnerability. Methods: A total of 1,296 Chilean adolescents (aged 10 to 14 years; 50% girls) participated in this study. The global fitness score (GFS) was obtained by adding the three main components of the ALPHA fitness test: cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular fitness (MF), and speed/agility fitness (SAF). CRF was evaluated through the 20 m shuttle run test; MF by upper and lower limb strength tests; and SAF by the 4 × 10 shuttle run test. BMIz and WHtR were evaluated as general (unspecific) and central (specific) fatness indicators. Academic achievement was established through grades in math, language, and science and their average scores. Multiple mediation analyses were performed according to two models, adjusted for sex, maturity, and schools (model 1), and in model 2, the school vulnerability index (SVI) was added. The SVI is an important proxy of socioeconomic status at the school level, and it was categorized as high-, mid-, or low-SVI. Mediation percentages were calculated, and confidence intervals (bootstrapping) were used to establish significant findings. Results: CRF, SAF, and GFS mediate the relationship between fatness indicators and academic achievement, both partially and totally (ranging from 12.7 to 59.2%). However, MF did not show any mediation effect. After controlling for SVI, CRF, and GFS, mediation changed from partial to total in the associations between math and science with WHtR. Although SAF contributed to GFS mediation, CRF seems to have the most significant mediation role for all academic achievements, regardless of SVI and the fat indicator studied. Conclusion: A higher level of general physical fitness, especially CRF, significantly mediates the detrimental influence of fatness on the academic achievement of schoolchildren. This study suggests that physical fitness plays a relevant role in academic and public health, considering the high prevalence and detrimental influence of obesity and school vulnerability in children and adolescents.

Exercise Training Program Improves Subjective Sleep Quality and Physical Fitness in Severely Obese Bad Sleepers.

BACKGROUND: Sleep quality is an important modulator of neuroendocrine function, as sleep problems are related to metabolic and endocrine alterations. OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to determine the effects of an exercise training program on the sleep quality of severely obese patients with sleep problems. The secondary objective was to determine the relationship between fitness and anthropometric parameters with sleep quality scores. METHODS: Thirty severely obese patients participated in 16 weeks of PA intervention (age: 39.30 ± 11.62 y, BMI: 42.75 ± 5.27 kg/m2). Subjective sleep quality, anthropometric parameters, and fitness (i.e., handgrip strength and cardiorespiratory fitness) were measured. RESULTS: Two groups were defined as good sleepers (n = 15, 38.06 ± 12.26, men = 1) and bad sleepers (n = 15, 40.53 ± 11.23, men = 3). The good sleeper group reported improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness (61.33 ± 68.75 m vs. 635.33 ± 98.91 m, p = 0.003) and handgrip strength (29.63 ± 9.29 kg vs. 31.86 ± 7.17 kg, p = 0.049). The bad sleeper group improved their cardiorespiratory fitness (472.66 ± 99.7 m vs. 611.33 ± 148.75 m, p = 0.001). In terms of sleep quality dimensions, the bad sleeper group improved their subjective sleep quality (p < 0.001), sleep latency (p = 0.045), sleep duration (p = 0.031), and habitual sleep efficiency (p = 0.015). Comparing the changes in both groups (∆), there were differences in subjective sleep quality scores (∆ = 2.23 vs. ∆ = -3.90, p = 0.002), where 86.6% of the bad sleeper group improved sleep quality (p = 0.030). An increase in handgrip strength was correlated to improving sleep quality scores (r = -0.49, p = 0.050). CONCLUSIONS: Severely obese bad sleepers improved their subjective sleep quality, the components of sleep, and cardiorespiratory fitness through an exercise training program. Improvement in subjective sleep quality was linked to an increase in handgrip strength.