Comparación del crecimiento físico de niños y adolescentes que viven a moderada y elevada altitud del Perú / Comparison of physical growth of children and adolescents living at moderate and high altitude in Peru

Introducción: El crecimiento físico (CF) está determinado por factores genéticos y ambientales que producen variaciones en la población de las diferentes regiones del mundo. Objetivo: Comparar el CF lineal de niños y adolescentes que viven a moderada y elevada altitud del Perú. Metodología: Se efectuó un estudio trasversal (compara-tivo) en niños y adolescentes que viven a moderada (2.178metros) y elevada altitud (4.349 metros) del Perú. Se estudió a 563 escolares (276 niños y 287 niñas) de dos regiones geográficas de Puno (Perú). Se evaluó el peso, la estatura y circunferencia del brazo derecho. Se utilizó la referencia de la organización mundial de la salud (OMS) para categorizar el Z-Score por sexo y edad especifica. Resultados: Los niños de moderada altitud presentaron mayor peso corporal en todas las edades (p<0,05), sin em-bargo, en la estatura, a edades iniciales hubo diferencias en-tre ambas altitudes y en durante la adolescencia hubo valo-res similares. En la circunferencia del brazo no se observódiferencias significativas (p>0,05) entre los niños de ambasaltitudes en todas las edades. La estatura de los niños y ni-ñas de ambas altitudes presentaron Z-Score negativas,siendo más profundas en los niños de elevada altitud (niños-0.38 a -1.41 y niñas -0.77 a -1.80 Z-Score) en relación a lasque viven en moderada altitud (niños –0.05 a -1.30 y niñas-0.06 a -1.40 Z-Score). Conclusión: Este estudio demostró que los niños de am-bos sexos de 5 a los 16 años que viven a elevadas y modera-das altitudes del Perú, presentaron patrones de crecimiento li-neal disminuidos en relación a la referencia de la OMS,además, los niños que viven a elevada altitud presentaron es-taturas inferiores durante la niñez cuando fueron comparadoscon los de moderada altitud, sin embargo, durante la adoles-cencia evidenciaron un rápido crecimiento, nivelándose consus similares de moderada altitud (AU)

Introduction: Physical growth (FC) is determined by genetic and environmental factors that produce variations in the population in different regions of the world. Objective: To compare the linear FC of children and adolescents living at moderate and high altitude in Peru. Methodology: A cross-sectional (comparative) study wascarried out in children and adolescents living at moderate(2,178 meters) and high altitude (4,349 meters) in Peru. A total of 563 school children (276 boys and 287 girls) from two geographical regions of Puno (Peru) were studied. Weight, height and right arm circumference were evaluated. The reference of the World Health Organization (WHO) was used to categorize the Z-Score by sex and specific age.Results: Children of moderate altitude presented higherbody weight at all ages, however, in height, at initial agesthere were differences between both altitudes and duringadolescence there were similar values. In arm circumference,no significant differences were observed between children ofboth altitudes at all ages. The height of boys and girls of bothaltitudes presented negative Z-Score, being deeper in childrenof high altitude (boys -0.38 to -1.41 and girls -0.77 to -1.80Z-Score) in relation to those living in moderate altitude (boys-0.05 to -1.30 and girls -0.06 to -1.40 Z-Score). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that children of bothsexes from 5 to 16 years of age living at high and moderatealtitudes in Peru, presented diminished linear growth patternsin relation to the WHO reference, in addition, children livingat high altitude presented lower heights during childhoodwhen compared to those at moderate altitude, however, du-ring adolescence they showed rapid growth, leveling withtheir peers at moderate altitude (AU)

Parameters of pubertal growth spurt in children and adolescents living at high altitude in Peru.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to estimate the pubertal growth height of children and adolescents living in a high-altitude region of Peru using the Preece-Baines model 1 (1 PB). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in schoolchildren from the department of Puno (Peru) between 3841 and 3874 masl. The age range was between 4 and 17 years. Standing height was evaluated. 1 PB was used to infer the mathematical and biological parameters of stature. RESULTS: Mathematical parameters estimated by the 1 PB model reflected small residual standard error (RSE) values in both sexes (0.25 in boys and 0.27 in girls). In boys, the age at which peak velocity was reached (APHV) was estimated at 13.21 ± 0.33years. While in girls it was 9.96 ± 0.26years (p < 0.05). In general, girls reached APHV (y) 3.25 years earlier than boys. On the other hand, the growth velocity of maximum height [APHV (cm/y)] of boys was higher (6.33 ± 6.06 cm/y) relative to girls (6.06 ± 0.32 cm/y). Estimated final adult height (EFAH) in boys was reached at 166.020 ± 0.99 cm and height at maximum growth velocity (HPHV) was 153.07 ± 0.67 cm, while in girls they were significantly lower (EFAH; 153.74 ± 0.44 cm and HPHV: 139.73 ± 0.84 cm). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that girls living in Puno at a high altitude in Peru reached APHV 3 years earlier than boys and at the same time reflected slower PHV. These results suggest that pubertal growth at high altitudes is slower in both sexes and especially in girls. Thus, modeling physical growth may be an important step in understanding the onset of puberty at different latitudes.

Comparison of happiness in students of a public and private university in Peru.

BACKGROUND: Happiness is a positive component of mental well-being. In young university students, it is linked to ideals in many areas, such as physical health, mental health, harmonious inter-personal relationships, academic performance, and professional success. The aim of the study was to compare the happiness of university students from a state and private university according to professional areas and age range. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study with selected 312 university students was conducted. The age range was from 17 to 32 years. The two professional areas surveyed were health sciences and engineering. Happiness was measured using a scale with 11 questions and four dimensions [1: Positive sense of life (three questions), 2: Satisfaction with life (three questions), 3: Personal fulfilment (two questions), and 4: Joy of living (three questions)]. The normality of the data was verified. Differences between sexes, areas, universities and ages were verified by t-test for independent samples. Differences between age ranges were verified by Anova. RESULTS: This study showed that there were no differences in happiness between EU and UP students when compared by gender, professional area, and age ranges. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that during the period of university studies, happiness values remain stable in both types of universities.

Aplicabilidad de la superficie corporal e índicesantropométricos para valorar el tamaño corporal en adolescentes que viven a gran altitud / Applicability of body surface area and anthropometric indices to assess bodysize in adolescents living at high altitude

Introducción: Los índices antropométricos se utilizan para evaluar el estado de salud general, la adecuación nutricional y el patrón de crecimiento físico. Objetivo: Verificar la capacidad de estimar adecuadamente el tamaño corporal por medio de la superficie corporal (SC), Índice de masa corporal (IMC) e índice tri-ponderal (ITP) por edad cronológica (EC) y estado de madurez (EM) en adolescentes que viven a gran altitud del Perú. Métodos: Se efectuó un estudio descriptivo (correlacional) en adolescentes de 10 a 14 años. Fueron reclutados 3.088 escolares. Se evaluó el peso, estatura, se calculó la SC por la fórmula de Dobois y Dubois, el IMC y el ITP. Resultados: En ambos sexos el poder de determinación entre SC con EC, EM, peso y estatura fueron altos (hombres: r2= 0,31 a 0,89% y mujeres: r2= 0,36 a 0,94%). En los hombres, las relaciones entre IMC con EC, EM, y estatura fueron nulas (r2= 0.01 a 0.05%), excepto con el peso (r2= 0.70%), mientras que, en las mujeres, las relaciones fueron bajas con la EC, EM y estatura (r2= 0,11 a 0,24%), excepto en el peso (r2=0,805). Con el ITP, las relaciones con la EC, EM y estatura fueron nulas en ambos sexos (hombres: r2= 0,02 a 0,03% y mujeres: r2= 0,00 a 0,07%), excepto con el peso, donde explica r2= 0,33% en hombres y 0,48% en mujeres. No hubo diferencias cuando se comparó entre hombres y mujeres por EC (11, 12 y 13 años), excepto a los 10 y 14 años. Conclusión: Se verificó que la SC se correlacionó significativamente con la EC, EM, peso y estatura en relación al IMC e IP. Estos resultados sugieren que la SC podría ser un mejor indicador para evaluar y monitorizar el tamaño corporal en adolescentes que viven a elevada altitud.(AU)

Introduction: Anthropometric indices are used to assessgeneral health status, nutritional adequacy and physicalgrowth pattern. Objective: To verify the ability to adequately estimatebody size by body surface area (BS), body mass index (BMI) and tri-ponderal index (TPI) by chronological age (CE) andmaturity status (MS) in adolescents living at high altitude inPeru. Methods: A descriptive (correlational) study was carriedout in adolescents aged 10 to 14 years. A total of 3,088schoolchildren were recruited. Weight, height, BF, BMI andITP were evaluated and calculated by the Dobois and Duboisformula. Results: In both sexes the power of determination betweenCS with CE, MS, weight and height were high (males: r2=0.31 to 0.89% and females: r2= 0.36 to 0.94%). In men, therelationships between BMI with CD, MS, and height were null(r2= 0.01 to 0.05%), except with weight (r2= 0.70%),whereas, in women, the relationships were low with CD, MS,and height (r2= 0.11 to 0.24%), except for weight(r2=0.805). With ITP, the relationships with CD, MS andheight were null in both sexes (men: r2= 0.02 to 0.03% andwomen: r2= 0.00 to 0.07%), except with weight, where it ex-plains r2= 0.33% in men and 0.48% in women. There wereno differences when comparing males and females by CE (11,12 and 13 years), except at 10 and 14 years. Conclusion: It was verified that CS was significantly cor-related with CD, MS, weight and height in relation to BMI andPI. These results suggest that CS could be a better indicatorto assess and monitor body size in adolescents living at highaltitude.(AU)

Stream-pit lake interactions in an abandoned mining area affected by acid drainage (Iberian Pyrite Belt).

Opencast mining of sulfide ore deposits may lead to the formation of anthropogenic acidic lakes with highly polluted waters. In these systems, it is crucial to understand the hydrological connections between surface and groundwater and their contribution to the pollutant load delivered to the downgradient streams. This study characterizes the interactions between surface and groundwater in an acidic pit lake using different geochemical tracers (i.e., REE and other trace metals). The San Telmo pit lake, located in one of the most pollutant sources of the Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB), can be considered as a flow-through pit lake except during dry periods, when it behaves as a terminal lake due to lower inputs by surface waters and higher outputs by evaporation. Results based on geochemical tracers indicate that the main inputs to the pit lake come from surface waters, with minor groundwater inputs rich in As, Cr, Cu, Fe and Pb. The contaminant load released from the mining area is very high (e.g., median values of 520 kg/day of Fe and 38 kg/day of Zn), causing the degradation of the fluvial network downstream. Most of released pollutants come from waste dumps located at the W of the mining zone (~50-70% of Al, Cd, Mg, Mn, Ni, SO4 and Zn and > 70% for Cu, Cr, Fe and, V), while the contribution of the water coming out the pit lake and other dumps is much lower. Thus, remediation efforts to improve the area and fluvial courses downstream must focus on the W waste dumps.

Relationship between the body mass index and the ponderal index with physical fitness in adolescent students.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the Body Mass Index (BMI) with physical fitness in children and adolescent populations from diverse regions are consistent. However, the relationship between the Ponderal Index (PI) with physical fitness, based on what is known to date, has not been examined in depth. The objective was to evaluate the relationships between BMI and PI with three physical fitness tests of students living at moderate altitudes in Peru. METHODS: A descriptive correlational study was carried out with 385 adolescents, between the ages of 10.0 to 15.9 years old, from the province of Arequipa, Peru. Weight, height, and three physical fitness tests (horizontal jump, agility, and abdominal muscle resistance) were evaluated. BMI and PI were calculated, and they were, then, categorized into three strata (low, normal, and excessive weight). Specific regressions were calculated for sex, using a non-lineal quadratic model for each item adjusted for BMI and PI. RESULTS: The relationship between BMI and PI with the physical tests reflected parabolic curves that varied in both sexes. The regression values for BMI in males oscillated between R2 = 0.029 and 0.073 and for females between R2 = 0.008 and 0.091. For PI, for males, it varied from R2 = 0.044 to 0.82 and for females, from R2 = 0.011 to 0.103. No differences occurred between the three nutritional categories for BMI as well as for PI for both sexes (p range between 0.18 to 0.38), as well as for low weight (BMI vs PI), normal weight (BMI vs PI), and excessive weight (BMI vs PI) (p range between 0.35 to 0.64). CONCLUSIONS: BMI showed inferior quadratic regressions with respect to the PI. In addition, physical performance was slightly unfavorable when it was analyzed by BMI. PI could be a useful tool for analyzing and predicting physical fitness for adolescents living at a moderate altitude since it corrects for the notable differences for weight between adolescents.

Reference values for bone density and bone mineral content from 5 to 80 years old in a province of Chile.

Background: The assessment of bone health throughout the life cycle is essential to determine fracture risk. The objectives of the work were (a) compare bone mineral density and content with international references from the United States, (b) determine maximum bone mass, (c) propose references for bone health measurements from ages 5 to 80 years old. Methods: Research was carried out on 5,416 subjects. Weight and height were measured. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. The total body was scanned using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Information was extracted from the bone health measures (bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC)) for both sexes, according to pediatric and adult software. Results and Discussion: Differences were identified between the mean values of Chilean and American men for BMD (~0.03 to 0.11 g/cm2) and BMC (~0.15 to 0.46 g). Chilean females showed average values for BMD similar to the US references (~-0.01 to 0.02 g/cm2). At the same time, they were relatively higher for BMC (~0.07 to 0.33 g). The cubic polynomial regression model reflected a relationship between BMD and BMC with chronological age in both sexes. For males, R2 was higher (R2 = 0.72 and 0.75) than for females (R2 = 0.59 and 0.66). The estimate of maximum bone mass (MBM) for males emerged at 30 years old (1.45 ± 0.18 g/cm2 of BMD and 3.57 ± 0.60 g of BMC) and for females at age 28 (1.22 ± 0.13 g/cm2 of BMD and 2.57 ± 0.44 g of BMC). The LMS technique was used to generate smoothed percentiles for BMD and BMC by age and sex. Results showed that maximum bone mass occurred in females at age 28 and in males at 30. Reference values obtained from this research may be used to evaluate bone health, diagnose bone fragility and osteoporosis in individuals and regional population groups.

Diagnostic Criteria for Metabolic Syndrome in High-Altitude Regions: A Systematic Review.

Background and Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MS) has many risk factors that are important to investigate in populations living at sea level and in high-altitude geographic regions. The aim was to identify the components of MS that cross-sectional studies use to assess in adult populations residing in high-altitude regions. Materials and Methods: A systematic review study was conducted. The Pubmed database was used. The search for original articles (cross-sectional) was performed from January 2013 to December 2020. The procedure was carried out by two researchers. The keywords used were metabolic syndrome, adults, and altitude regions. The search strategy considered the components of the PICOS tool. Results: Ten cross-sectional studies were identified in the Pubmed database from 2014 to 2020. Altitude levels varied between countries and regions, from 2060 to 4900 m above sea level. Three studies were conducted in both China and Peru, two studies in Ecuador, and one in Bolivia and India. The age ranges studied were from 18 to ~80 years of age, approximately. The components used to assess MS in most studies (between 9 to 10 studies) were body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and serum glucose (SG). Conclusions: This systematic review verified that the most commonly used domains in adult populations in various moderate- and high-altitude regions of the world are BMI, WC, BP, TG, HDL, and SG. These results suggest that in order to evaluate and/or investigate MS in subjects residing in high-altitude populations, at least four diagnostic domains should be considered in their protocols.

Environmental management and potential valorization of wastes generated in passive treatments of fertilizer industry effluents.

A phosphogypsum stack located in SW Spain releases highly acidic and contaminated leachates to the surrounding estuarine environment. Column experiments, based on a mixture of an alkaline reagent (i.e., MgO or Ca(OH)2) dispersed in an inert matrix (dispersed alkaline substrate (DAS) technology), have shown high effectiveness for the treatment of phosphogypsum leachates. MgO-DAS and Ca(OH)2-DAS treatment systems achieved near total removal of PO4, F, Fe, Zn, Al, Cr, Cd, U, and As, with initial reactive mass:volume of leachate treated ratios of 3.98 g/L and 6.35 g/L, respectively. The precipitation of phosphate (i.e., brushite, cattiite, fluorapatite, struvite and Mn3Zn(PO4)2·2H2O) and sulfate (i.e., despujolsite and gypsum) minerals could control the solubility of contaminants during the treatments. Therefore, the hazardousness of these wastes must be accurately assessed in order to be properly managed, avoiding potential environmental impacts. For this purpose, two standardized leaching tests (EN-12457-2 from the European Union and TCLP from the United States) were performed. According to European Union (EN-12457-2) regulation, some wastes recovered from DAS treatments should be classified as hazardous wastes because of the high concentrations of SO4 or Sb that are leached. However, according to United States (US EPA-TCLP) legislation, all DAS wastes are designated as non-hazardous wastes. Moreover, the solids generated in the DAS systems could constitute a promising secondary source of calcite and/or P. This research could contribute to worldwide suitable waste management for the fertilizer industry.

Estimation of Pubertal Growth Spurt Parameters in Children and Adolescents Living at Moderate Altitude in Colombia.

Objective: Knowledge of the biological parameters of pubertal growth spurt allows verification of secular changes and exploration of the timing of puberty. The aim of the study was to estimate final height, age at peak height velocity (APHV), and peak height velocity PHV (cm/y) in children and adolescents living at moderate altitude in Colombia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed in 2.295 schoolchildren from Bogotá (Colombia) with an age range from 5.0 to 18.9 years. Height (cm) was assessed. Preece-Baines model 1 (1PB) was used to make inferences about mathematical and biological parameters. Results: The five mathematical parameters estimated in general have reflected quality in the fit to the model, reflecting a small residual error. Final height was reached in boys at 170.8 ± 0.4 cm and in girls at 157.9 ± 0.2 cm. APHV was estimated at 12.71 ± 0.1 years in boys and 10.4 ± 0.2 years in girls. Girls reached APHV 2.2 years earlier than boys. In relation to PHV (cm/y), boys reached higher growth speed in height (7.4 ± 0.4 cm/y), and in girls it was (7.0 ± 0.2 cm/y). Conclusion: It was determined that final height was reached at 170.8 ± 0.4 cm in boys and 157.9 ± 0.2 cm in girls, and APHV (years) and PHV (cm/ye) were reached relatively early and with average peak velocity similar to Asian and Western populations. A large-scale longitudinal study is needed to confirm these findings.

Systematic review of aquatic physical exercise programs on functional fitness in older adults.

The practice of physical exercise is recommended in the prevention of the deterioration of neuromuscular functions in aging. The objectives of this systematic review were to describe the protocols used and the functional fitness indicators evaluated in aquatic exercise programs in adults aged 50 to 80 years. The Pubmed database was used. The keywords were: 1) Physical exercise program or protocols or duration or type of exercise or aquatic exercise, frequency or intensity or indicators; 2) Adults or older adults; 3) Training or indicators, functional fitness, physical fitness. The search strategy considered the components of the Population, Interventions, Comparators, Outcomes, and Study design (PICOS) tool. Nine experimental studies were identified. These studies developed protocols to improve functional fitness in adults aged 50 to 80 years. They were based on sessions of 2 to 5 per week, the work time per session was 30 to 60min, intensities varied between 50 to 95% and totaled between 4 to 24 weeks of intervention. The activities were based on aquatic gymnastic exercises aimed at muscular strengthening of the upper and lower extremities, as well as coordination, balance, agility, cycling and walking exercises submerged in water. The protocols developed to improve functional fitness in adults aged 50 to 80 years were based on general physical exercise prescription guidelines (frequency, duration, intensity and type of activity). The application of aquatic exercises based on gymnastic exercises can provoke positive responses on functional fitness if worked at least 2 to 5 times per week, 30 to 60min/day and at intensities of 50 to 95%. These systematized indicators can be used by professionals working with adults to create and promote aquatic programs to improve functional fitness.

A systematic review of intervention programs that produced changes in speed and explosive strength in youth footballers.

A soccer player should possess a reasonable level of different skills and abilities, so the playing position, level of training, style of play, physical and physiological demands can influence his performance. The objective was to identify the intervention programs that have been applied in search of generating positive effects on explosive strength and speed in young soccer players, as well as to identify the percentage of improvement among soccer players. A bibliographic study of systematic review was carried out. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement, bibliographic searches were performed in the PubMed database. The following descriptors were used: Explosive Strength, soccer players, jump performance, CMJ, SJ, VJ, Plyometrics, power, speed, sprint, kicking speed, change of direction speed, soccer player, football and training, intervention. Articles were included only if they were original articles, studied populations of young soccer players and showed an intervention program related to explosive strength and speed. Six studies were identified that applied intervention programs to look for changes in speed and explosive strength in young soccer players. In the 5m speed tests, significant changes were observed, improving from (0.26 to 0.53m/s), 10m speed (0.07 to 0.27m/s), 20m speed (0.08 to 1.92m/s) and 40m speed (0.25 to 0.62m/s). In explosive strength, performance in the test squat jump SJ (4.1 to 8.6cm), countermovement jump CMJ (1.0 to 8.8cm), horizontal jump HJ (12.17 to 24.4cm) and vertical jump VJ (5.0 to 11.0cm). Speed and explosive strength are relevant components of athletic performance and can be improved through training programs that include 20 to 40min sessions, training two to five times per week over a period of approximately 6 to 9 weeks.

Maximum Expiratory Flow of Children and Adolescents Living at Moderate Altitudes: Proposed Reference Values.

(1) Background: Spirometry is useful for diagnosing and monitoring many respiratory diseases. The objectives were: (a) compare maximum expiratory flow (MEF) values with those from international studies, (b) determine if MEF should be evaluated by chronological age and/or maturity, (c) develop reference norms for children, and adolescents. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed with 3900 subjects ages 6.0 and 17.9 years old. Weight, standing height, sitting height, and MEF were measured. Length of the lower limbs, body mass index (BMI), and age of peak height velocity growth (APHV) were calculated. (3) Results: Values for the curves (p50) for females of all ages from Spain and Italy were higher (92 to 382 (L/min)) than those for females from Arequipa (Peru). Curve values for males from Spain and Italy were greater [70 to 125 (L/min)] than the males studied. MEF values were similar to those of Chilean students ages 6 to 11. However, from 12 to 17 years old, values were lower in males (25 to 55 (L/min)) and in females (23.5 to 90 (L/min)). Correlations between chronological age and MEF in males were from (r = 0.68, R2 = 0.39) and in females from (r = 0.46, R2 = 0.21). Correlations between maturity (APHV) and MEF for males were from (r = 0.66, R2 = 0.44) and for females (r = 0.51, R2 = 0.26). Percentiles were calculated for chronological age and APHV. Conclusion: Differences occurred in MEF when compared with other geographical regions of the world. We determined that maturity may be a more effective indicator for analyzing MEF. Reference values were generated using chronological age and maturity.

Bibliometric Study of Scientific Productivity on the Impacts on Mental Health in Times of Pandemic.

Background and Objectives: The presence of the new SARS-CoV-2 virus is causing enormous threats to people's health and lives, so quantifying the scientific productivity on mental health in times of pandemic is an urgent need, especially to expand the degree of knowledge on mental health problems in regions of low scientific productivity. The aim was to characterize the bibliometric indicators of scientific productivity on mental health during the pandemic in the PubMed Identifier database of the National Library of Medicine in the United States. Materials and Methods: A documentary study (bibliometric) of the scientific productivity on mental health in times of pandemic from January 2020 to June 2021 was carried out. The PubMed database was used to abstract the information from the original scientific articles. The data abstracted were: authors, year of publication, journal name, country, and language of publication. Results: We identified 47 original articles worldwide, which were published in 29 journals and in three languages (English, Spanish, and German). We observed three groups of countries that published on mental health topics. The first group comprised the largest number of publications, which were multicenter studies (six studies), followed by India (five studies), and Italy (four studies). A second group comprised Bangladesh, China, USA, and Spain, with 3 studies each; and a third group comprised 13 countries (Albania, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Brazil, South Korea, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Greece, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, and New Zealand) with one study each. Conclusions: Bibliometric indicators of scientific productivity on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic have ostensibly increased. We verified 47 studies in PubMed, which could serve to improve the understanding and management of COVID-19, as well as serve as a thought-provoking means for other countries and researchers to publish on the state of mental health during and post pandemic.

Physical growth and body adiposity patterns in children and adolescents at high altitudes in Peru: Proposed percentiles for assessment.

OBJECTIVES: This study's purpose was to compare physical growth (PG) patterns of children and adolescents living at high elevations with those of other geographic regions, relate body adiposity indicators, and develop percentile reference tables for assessing physical growth and body adiposity. METHODS: The sample included 1536 children and adolescents ages 5.0 to 17.9 years from Puno (Peru) located between 3821 and 4349 m above sea level. Weight, height, arm and waist circumferences (WC), and three skinfolds measurements were recorded. Body mass index (BMI) and waist-height Index (WHI) were calculated. RESULTS: PG patterns for children living at a high altitude reflected similar values for weight, height, and arm circumference (AC) to those of their counterparts living in Puno (Peru) and La Paz (Bolivia). When compared with children living at moderate altitudes in Peru, they showed slightly lower PG values. BMI explained between 41% and 64% of the variance in sum of the skinfolds, while WC explained between 47% and 66%. HWI was not a strong predictor of variation in sum of skinfolds. Percentiles were generated for WC and the sum of skinfolds. CONCLUSION: Weight, height, and, arm and waist circumference patterns for children and adolescents living at high altitudes were similar to those of La Paz (Bolivia). WC and the sum of the skinfolds were better indicators for analyzing abdominal obesity compared to BMI and WHI. The percentiles proposed may be a useful tool for identifying high risk of developing overweight disorders in pediatric populations living at high altitudes.

Autoconfianza y su relación con el rendimiento, procedencia, logros y edad en jugadoras de voleibol peruanas en categoría de formación / Self-confidence and its relation to the performance, place of origin, achievements and age in Peruvian volleyball players in training category

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la relación de la autoconfianza con el rendimiento, procedencia, logros y edad en voleibolistas peruanas en categoría de formación. El estudio es de naturaleza no experimental, transeccional correlacional. Se estudió a 86 voleibolistas, de edades entre 12 y 16 años (M=15.59-DT=0.74), a quienes se les aplicó el inventario de confianza deportiva (reproductividad de .992). Los resultados demuestran que existe una correlación positiva, estadísticamente significativa, entre falta de confianza y rendimiento (r = .310; p < .01), falta de confianza y procedencia (r = .280; p < .01); confianza y edad (r = .244; p < .05); exceso de confianza y logros (r = .235; p < .05); nivel de autoconfianza y edad (r = .236; p < .05). Por otro, que existe una correlación negativa, también estadísticamente significativa, entre confianza y procedencia (r = -.342; p < .01); exceso de confianza y rendimiento (r = -.399; p < .01); nivel de autoconfianza y procedencia (r = -.387; p < .01). Se concluye que la autoconfianza en gran medida se asocia con el rendimiento deportivo, región geográfica de donde provienen y edad que presentan las voleibolistas, excepto con los logros deportivos obtenidos en categoría de formación

The objective of the present research was to determine the relation between the selfconfidence and the performance, place of origin, achievements and age of Peruvian volleyball players players in training category. This is a non-experimental, correlational, cross-sectional study. A total of 86 volleyball players, between 12 and 16 years old (age M=15.59-TD=0.74) were studied. The sports confidence inventory was applied to these volleyball players (reproducibility of .992). The results show that there is a statistically significant positive correlation between lack of confidence and performance (r = .310; p < .01), lack of confidence and provenance (r = .280; p < .01); confidence and age (r = .244; p < .05); overconfidence and achievements (r = .235; p < .05); level of self-confidence and age (r = .236; p < .05). On the other hand, there is a negative correlation, also statistically significant, between confidence and provenance (r = -.342; p < .01); overconfidence and yield (r = -.399; p < .01); self-confidence level and provenance (r = -.387; p < .01). It is concluded that selfconfidence is to a large extent associated with sports performance, the geographical region from which they come and the age of the volleyball players, except with the sports achievements obtained in training category

Autopercepción de la aptitud física y propuesta de percentiles para su valoración en universitarios / Self-perception of physical fitness and proposal of percentiles for its evaluation in university students

OBJETIVO: Verificar la validez y confiabilidad de la escala de auto-percepción de la aptitud física EAF y proponer referencias por medio de percentiles en función del rango de edad y sexo MÉTODOS: Se estudiaron 1569 jóvenes (875 hombres y 694 mujeres) de una universidad del Perú. Se evaluó peso y estatura y se calculó el índice de Masa Corporal (IMC). La aptitud física se evaluó mediante la escala EAF. La validación se efectuó por medio de Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio (A-FC). La confiabilidad se verificó por medio de Alpha de Cronbach y se generaron percentiles para la categorización. RESULTADOS: La escala evidenció saturaciones superiores a 0,41 para 18 preguntas, el porcentaje de explicación de la varianza fue del 52%, el KMO fue de 0,911 (X2= 15578.883, gl= 435. El alpha de Cronbach mostró valores superiores a 0,75. Los percentiles propuestos fueron P15, p50, p85. CONCLUSIÓN: La escala de AAF es válida y confiable para jóvenes universitarios. Los percentiles son una alternativa para identificar, clasificar y categorizar los niveles de aptitud física

OBJECTIVE: To verify the validity and reliability of the scale of self-perception of physical aptitude EAF and to propose references by means of percentiles in function of the rank of age and sex METHODS: 1569 young people (875 men and 694 women) from a university in Peru were studied. Weight and height were assessed and the Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. The physical aptitude was evaluated using the AAF scale. The validation was carried out by means of Confirmatory Factorial Analysis (A-FC). Reliability was verified by means of Cronbach's Alpha and percentiles were generated for categorization. RESULTS: The scale showed saturations greater than 0.41 for 18 questions, the percentage explanation of the variance was 52%, the KMO was 0.911 (X2 = 15578.883, gl = 435. Cronbach's alpha showed values greater than 0.75. The percentiles proposed were P15, p50, p85. CONCLUSION: The AAF scale is valid and reliable for university students. The percentiles are an alternative to identify, classify and categorize levels of physical fitness

Validez, confiabilidad y percentiles para valorar el auto-concepto físico de jóvenes universitarios de Perú / Validity, reliability and percentiles to assess the physical self-concept of young university students in Peru

Fundamentos: Verificar la validez y confiabilidad de la escala de auto-concepto físico (ACF) y proponer referencias por medio de percentiles. Métodos: Se estudió 1.937 jóvenes universitarios (1.064 hombres y 873 mujeres) de la ciudad de Puno, Perú. Se evaluó el peso y estatura y se calculó el índice de Masa Corporal (IMC) de los universitarios. Se utilizó la técnica de la encuesta aplicando una escala de ACF de 30 preguntas. La validación se efectuó por medio de Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio (A-FC). La confiabilidad de verificó por medio de Alpha de Cronbach. Se generaron percentiles por medio del método LMS. Resultados: El A-FC arrojó saturaciones superiores a 0,41 para 29 preguntas. En el modelo generado con 29 preguntas, el porcentaje de explicación de la varianza fue del 42%, el KMO fue de 0,911 (X2= 15578.883, gl= 435, p<0,001). El alpha de Cronbach mostró valores superiores a 0,75. Los percentiles propuestos permiten categorizar el ACF en tres niveles: p85 (alto ACF).Conclusiones: La escala de ACF es válida y confiable para jóvenes universitarios. Los percentiles son una alternativa para identificar, clasificar y categorizar los niveles de ACF

Background: To verify the validity and reliability of the physical self-concept scale (CFA) and to propose references by means of percentiles. Methods: 1937 university students(1064 men and 873 women) from the city of Puno, Peru, were studied. The weight and height were evaluated and the Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. The survey technique was used applying an ACF scale of 30 questions. Validation was carried out through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CF-A). The reliability of verified by means of Alpha de Cronbach. Percentiles were generated by means of the LMS method. Results: The CF-A showed saturations higher than 0.41 for 29 questions. In the model generated with 29 questions, the percentage explanation of the variance was 42%, the KMO was 0.911 (X2 = 15578.883, gl = 435, p <0.001). Cronbach's alpha showed values above 0.75. The proposed percentiles allow categorizing the ACF into three levels: p85 (high ACF). Conclusions: The ACF scale is valid and reliable for university students. The percentiles are an alternative to identify, classify and categorize the ACF levels

Reproductibilidad de un cuestionario que valora la actividad física en adolescentes escolares de altitud / Reproducibility of a questionnaire that valúes physical activity in school adolescents altitude

Objetivo: Analizar la fiabilidad de un cuestionario que valora la Actividad Física en una muestra de escolares adolescentes que viven a elevada altitud por medio de consistencia interna y test re-test. Materiales y métodos: Descriptivo-transversal (Survey). Institución: Universidad Nacional del Altiplano (Puno, Perú). Adolescentes escolares de 12 a 17 años. Fueron seleccionados de forma sistemática 109 escolares de ambos sexos. Se valoró las medidas antropométricas de peso, estatura, estatura sentada y circunferencia del abdomen. Además se aplicó un cuestionario de actividad física con 11 preguntas (test y re-test) con un intervalo de 7 días. Valoración de la capacidad de reproductibilidad por consistencia interna y estabilidad. Resultados: Los valores de alpha de Cronbach (consistencia interna) mostraron valores de 0,73 a 0,77 para ambos sexos. El Error Técnico de Medida (ETM) fue de 0,50 a 1,61% y el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman osciló entre 0,91 y 0,95. Conclusión: El cuestionario de actividad física muestra altos valores de confiabilidad, tanto en su consistencia interna como en la estabilidad de las medidas.

Objective: To analyze the reliability of a questionnaire to assess physical activity in a sample of school adolescents living at high altitude through internal consistency and test re-test. Materials and methods: Descriptive, transversal (Survey). Universidad Nacional del Altiplano (Puno, Peru). School Teens 12 to 17 years. There were systematically selected 109 students of both sexes. We evaluated anthropometric measurements of weight, height, sitting height and circumference of the abdomen. In addition we applied a physical activity questionnaire with 11 questions (test and re-test) with an interval of 7 days. capacity rating for internal consistency, reproducibility and stability. Results: Cronbach's alpha values (internal consistency) showed values from 0.73 to 0.77 for both sexes. Measuring technical error (SEM) was from 0.50 to 1.61% and the Spearman correlation coefficient ranges from 0.91 to 0.95. Conclusion: The physical activity questionnaire shows high values of reliability, consistency both internally and in the stability of the measures.