Effects of physical exercise on executive functions of individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Executive functions are commonly impaired in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Physical exercise has the potential for improving executive functions and can be easily implemented as a therapeutic method. However, there are only few systematic reviews of exercise effects in schizophrenia including cognitive outcomes, and no meta-analytical syntheses of effects on "cool" and "hot" executive functions. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis will be to determine the effects of physical exercise on "cool" and "hot" executive functions of adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This protocol was guided by PRISMA-P guidelines. Studies will be searched using combinations of keywords and medical terms in the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO databases. Inclusion criteria will be determined as per PICOS approach. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane RoB2 tool. The certainty of evidence (per outcome) will be assessed using the GRADE method. The meta-analyses will be performed using the DerSimonian and Laird random effects model. Effect sizes (Hedges' g) with 95% confidence intervals will be calculated for each main outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this review may be useful for mental health professionals to design treatment plans for adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, offering potential benefits related to the quality of life and cognitive abilities of this population. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023392295.

Physical Exercise Methods and Their Effects on Glycemic Control and Body Composition in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM): A Systematic Review.

The prevalence of T2DM represents a challenge for health agencies due to its high risk of morbidity and mortality. Physical Activity (PA) is one of the fundamental pillars for the treatment of T2DM, so Physical Exercise (PE) programs have been applied to research their effectiveness. The objective of the study was to analyze the effects of PE methods on glycemic control and body composition of adults with T2DM. A systematic review without meta-analysis was performed, using the PubMed database. Quasi-experimental and pure experimental clinical trials were included, which were available free of charge and were published during 2010-2020. In the results, 589 articles were found and 25 passed the inclusion criteria. These were classified and analyzed according to the methods identified (AE, IE, RE, COM, and others), duration and variable(s) studied. It is concluded that PE is effective for glycemic control and body composition in adults with T2DM using different methods (AE, IE, RE, COM, and others), both in the short and long term. Adequate organization of PE components such as frequency, duration, volume, and intensity, is essential.

Pharmacological treatment for challenging behavior in adults with intellectual disability: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Few evidence on the use of antipsychotics in people with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviors, generates the need to develop studies that contribute to collect, compare and synthesize the available information. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aims to determine the clinical efficacy of antipsychotic medication in reducing critical episodes in this population. METHODS: We searched Web of Science, Scopus, EBSCO, Embase, and PubMed for randomized controlled trials of antipsychotic medication versus placebo. Preliminarily yielded 1354 abstracts and citations; six studies with 274 subjects met the inclusion criteria of studies with experimental design, longitudinal type, with pre- and post-intervention measurements. RESULTS: There is evidence for the use of psychotropic drugs in the acute management of challenging behaviors in patients with intellectual disability (SMD=-0.85; 95% CI=-1.69 to -0.01; p=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results coincide with the recommendations on the efficacy of the use of antipsychotics. Although our study provides evidence, the limited number of studies included in this research does not allow us to obtain totally conclusive results, although it can be considered as a guide for future studies.

Effects of a High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Program on Anthropomorphic and Cardiometabolic Variables in School Children with Overweight and Obesity.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a high intensity interval training (HIIT) program on anthropomorphic and cardiometabolic variables in schoolchildren with overweight and obesity. A total of 443 schoolchildren (age: 6.37 ± 0.65 years) took part in this study. The experimental group (EG; n = 295; age = 6.40 ± 0.64 years) was compound with children with overweight and obesity, whereas children with normoweight were included in the control group (CG; n = 148; 6.31 ± 0.67 years). The EG performed a training program based on HIIT two times per week for 28 weeks (56 sessions), whilst the CG performed their habitual physical education classes based on the national curriculum. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, body fat, ∑ 4 skinfold fat, waist to height ratio, waist circumference, and cardiometabolic risk were measured. The dependent variables were analysed by two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA 2 × 2). To analyse the percentage differences between groups, the chi-square test was used. P-value was set at p < 0.05. Significant differences were found in the EG in BMI, waist circumference, body fat, ∑ 4 skinfold fat, and waist to height ratio. In conclusion, an HIIT training program can be an effective tool for improving anthropomorphic variables and reducing cardiometabolic risk in schoolchildren with overweight and obesity.

Effects of Physical Exercise on Executive Function in Adults with Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Executive function is among the most affected cognitive dimensions in depression. Physical exercise may improve executive function (e.g., working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility), although this is without consensus on adults with depression. Through this systematic review, we aim to elucidate the effects of physical exercise programs on executive functions in adults with depression. The literature search was performed in four relevant electronic databases, combining keywords and medical subject headings, from inception until September 2022. Controlled interventions, involving adults with depression, and reporting working memory, inhibition, and/or cognitive flexibility pre-post-intervention data, were considered includable. Results from meta-analyses included effect size (ES, i.e., Hedges' g) values reported with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs), with p set at ≤0.05. Seven studies were included, including 202 men and 457 women (age: 21.0-51.2 years; mild-moderate depression). For working memory, a small favoring effect was observed in the experimental groups compared with controls (ES = 0.33, 95%CI = 0.04-0.61; p = 0.026; I2 = 64.9%). For inhibition, physical exercise had a small favoring non-significant effect compared with controls (ES = 0.28, 95%CI = -0.17-0.74; p = 0.222; I2 = 72.4%). Compared with the control group, physical exercise had a trivial effect on cognitive flexibility (ES = 0.09, 95%CI = -0.21-0.39; p = 0.554; I2 = 68.4%). In conclusion, physical exercise interventions may improve working memory behavioral measures in adults with mild-to-moderate depression when compared with active and passive control conditions. However, the reduced number of available high-quality studies precludes more lucid conclusions.

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.

Effects of Sport-Based Exercise Interventions on Executive Function in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Exercise programs of moderate-to-vigorous intensity have been shown to improve the cognitive performance of older people. However, the specific effects of sports-based exercise programs on cognitive performance, particularly executive functions, remain unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to clarify the effects of sports-based exercise programs on executive functions in older adults using a systematic review and meta-analysis of the scientific literature. A systematic review was conducted between 1 March and 1 July 2022, to look for published scientific evidence that analyzed different sports programs that may have affected executive function in healthy older adults. Longitudinal studies, which assessed the effects of sports interventions on healthy older adults, were identified through a systematic search of the four principal electronic databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO. A total of nine studies with a total of 398 subjects met the inclusion criteria and were classified based on one or more of the following categories: working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility. The DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software to facilitate the analysis of the studies. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. In terms of working memory, a small but positive significant effect was noted for the intervention group compared to the control group (effect size (ES) = 0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.04-0.67; p = 0.029; I2 = 36.7%); in terms of inhibition, the intervention had a small favoring but no significant effect compared to the control group (ES = 0.20, 95% CI = -0.42-0.84; p = 0.517; I2 = 78.8%); and in terms of cognitive flexibility, the intervention had a small favoring but no significant effect compared to the control group (ES = 0.39, 95% CI = -0.11-0.89; p = 0.131; I2 = 75.5%). Our findings suggest that healthy older adults should be encouraged to participate in sports to improve their working memory; however, more studies are required in this area to reach more robust conclusions. This systematic review was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration number: CRD42022284788).

Effects of Sport-Based Interventions on Executive Function in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol.

BACKGROUND: Moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise programs have proven to exert positive effects on the cognitive performance of older people. However, the specific effects sport-based exercise programs have on cognitive performance, upon executive functions, remain unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to clarify the effects of sport-based exercise programs on executive functions in older adults, through a systematic review protocol of the scientific literature, with a meta-analysis. METHODS: The search was performed in the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO electronic databases by combining keywords and different medical subject headings (MeSH) to identify and evaluate the relevant studies from inception up until June 2022. This study considers longitudinal studies with at least one experimental group and pre- and post-intervention measurements involving healthy older adults of 60 years of age or older. Studies have to consider one or more measures of executive function, including dimensions of working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility, in order to meet the eligibility criteria for inclusion in this report. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale was used for methodological quality assessment studies. The DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was used to compute the meta-analyses and report effect sizes (ES, i.e., Hedges' g) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), and a statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05. The ES values were calculated for executive function globally and for each dimension of executive function (e.g., working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility) in the experimental and control/comparator groups using the mean and standard deviation values before and after the intervention period. CONCLUSIONS: Our systematic review aims to clarify the effects of sport-based exercise programs on executive functions in older adults. The results may help practitioners and stakeholders to provide better evidence-based decisions regarding sport-based exercise program implementation for older adults, and to help them to optimize cognitive functions during the aging process. Ethical permission is not required for this study. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: this systematic review is registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; registration number: CRD42022284788).

Percepción del esfuerzo y niveles objetivos de intensidad en clases de Educación Física de escolares de primaria según sexo y estado nutricional: Estudio piloto / Perception of Effort and Objective Levels of Intensity in Physical Education Classes of Primary Schoolchildren According to Gender and Nutritional Status: A Pilot Study

Resumen El presente estudio aborda el análisis del esfuerzo percibido y tiempo en actividades de intensidad moderada y vigorosa en clases de Educación Física, considerando las diferencias según sexo y el estado nutricional de la persona estudiante. Participaron 95 estudiantes de 5° y 6° año de primaria de escuelas de la ciudad de Coyhaique, Chile. Se utilizó la escala EPInfant para la evaluación del esfuerzo percibido y acelerómetros Actigraph GT3X+ para determinar el tiempo en intensidad moderada y vigorosa. En el esfuerzo percibido no se encontraron diferencias significativas según sexo (p=0,144), pero sí según estado nutricional, siendo los estudiantes con obesidad quienes indican una percepción de esfuerzo mayor que el estudiantado de peso normal (p=0,022). En actividades moderadas y vigorosas dentro de la clase de Educación Física, los niños presentan significativamente más minutos en comparación a las niñas (p=0,017); mientras que los escolares normopeso presentarían levemente mayor tiempo en este nivel de intensidad, sin que esta diferencia sea estadísticamente significativa (p=0,622). El esfuerzo realizado en las clases de Educación Física ha sido percibido como más exigente por los escolares con obesidad, y para esto se deben comprender las dificultades físicas y motrices que este grupo presenta. Asimismo, las niñas han participado un menor tiempo en intensidades moderadas y vigorosas, por lo que es pertinente buscar estrategias que permitan aumentar el tiempo de su participación.

Abstract This study focuses on the analysis of perceived effort and time of moderate and vigorous activities in physical education classes, considering differences based on gender and the nutritional status of schoolchildren. A total of 95 children in 5th and 6th grade of primary school in the city of Coyhaique, Chile, participated in the study. The EPInfant scale was used to assess the perceived effort, and Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometers were used to determine the time of moderate and vigorous activity. No significant differences were found in the perceived effort by gender (p=0.144); instead, by nutritional status, obese students indicated a higher perceived effort than students with a normal weight (p=0.220). Regarding moderate and vigorous activities in Physical Education class, the boys were significantly more active than the girls (p=0.017). In contrast, normal-weight children were slightly more active at this intensity level, but this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.622). The effort in Physical Education classes has been perceived as more demanding by the obese students; for this reason, it is important to understand the physical and motor difficulties that this group presents. Likewise, girls have participated for a shorter time in moderate and vigorous intensities, being pertinent to look for didactic strategies to increase the time of their participation.

Resumo O presente estudo aborda a análise do esforço e do tempo percebido em atividades de intensidade moderada e vigorosa nas aulas de educação física, considerando as diferenças de acordo com o sexo e o estado nutricional de cada estudante. Participaram do estudo noventa e cinco alunos do 5º e 6º ano do ensino fundamental de escolas da cidade de Coyhaique, no Chile. A escala EPInfant foi utilizada para avaliar o esforço percebido e os acelerômetros Actigraph GT3X+ para determinar o tempo em intensidade moderada e vigorosa. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas na percepção de esforço segundo o sexo (p=0,144), mas foram encontradas diferenças significativas segundo o estado nutricional, com estudantes obesos indicando uma percepção de maior esforço do que estudantes de peso normal (p=0,022). Nas atividades moderadas e vigorosas nas aulas de Educação Física, os meninos apresentam significativamente mais minutos que as meninas (p=0,017), enquanto os estudantes de peso normal apresentaram um pouco mais de tempo nesse nível de intensidade, embora essa diferença não tenha sido estatisticamente significativa (p=0,622). O esforço feito nas aulas de educação física foi percebido como mais exigente por estudantes obesos, e para isso é necessário compreender as dificuldades físicas e motoras que este grupo apresenta. Da mesma forma, as meninas têm participado por um tempo mais curto em intensidades moderadas e vigorosas, por isso é pertinente procurar estratégias para aumentar o tempo da sua participação.

The Influence of Body Position on Determining Aerobic Exercise Intensity for Healthy Individuals.

To verify the influence of the resting heart rate (RHR) measurement on different positions in the calculation of VO2max intensities in young individuals of both sexes. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with a correlational design with a sample of 22 men and 11 women, aged 27.8 ± 6.5 years and 29.0 ± 8.6 years, respectively, healthy, active and sedentary, who performed the stress test on a treadmill until fatigue. For the treatment of the data, a repeated measures ANOVA was carried out with Bonferroni's post hoc test. RESULTS: The comparison of the mean values of baseline heart rate (Bhr) between the groups of women and men showed significant differences (t = 2.329; gl 31; p = 0.027). However, no significant differences were noted for lying (t = 0.057; gl 31; p = 0.95), sitting (t = 0.196 gl 31; p = 0.85) or standing (t = -0.290; gl 31; p = 0.77). But in the analysis of the intensities of the RHR in different positions, the calculations with baseline and lying HR were significantly different (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The determination of aerobic training intensities by RHR method must observe the heart rate measurement at rest in the sitting and/or standing positions minutes before the training session.

The Effects of Two Different Concurrent Training Configurations on Markers of Metabolic Syndrome and Fitness in Women With Severe/Morbid Obesity: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

Concurrent training (CT), characterised by combining both aerobic and resistance training modalities within the same session, is recognised to improve metabolic syndrome (MetS) markers, but little is known about the effects of different configurations (i.e., order) of these exercise modalities on MetS markers and the interindividual responses. The purpose of the present study was to describe the effects, and the interindividual variability, of 20weeks of two CT configurations (i.e., high intensity interval training (HIIT) plus resistance training (RT), compared with RT plus HIIT) in women with severe/morbid obesity. Overall, 26 women with severe/morbid obesity were assigned either to HIIT+RT [n=14, mean and 95%CI, 45.79 (40.74; 50.83) or RT+HIIT (n=12), 33.6 (25.30; 41.79) years]. MetS-related outcomes were waist circumference (WC, cm), systolic (SBP, mmHg) and diastolic (DBP, mmHg) blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), triglycerides (Tg), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG). Secondary outcomes were other anthropometrics, body composition, lipids, muscle strength, and the six-minute walk test (6Mwt). There were significant differences in the prevalence of nonresponders (NRs) only for WC comparing HIIT+RT 2 (18.1%) vs. RT+HIIT group 5 (50.0%), p<0.0001, but not for SBP 4 (27.2%) vs. 4 (40.0%), DBP 8 (72.7%) vs. 7 (70.0%), FPG 8 (72.7%) vs. 9 (90.0%), HDL-c 7 (63.6%) vs. 8 (80.0%), and Tg 7 (63.6%) vs. 8 (80.0%), all p>0.05. Additionally, the RT+HIIT group showed significant reductions in WC (∆ -3.84cm, p=0.015), SBP (∆ -8.46mmHg, p=0.040), whereas the HIIT+RT group elicited significant reductions only in SBP (∆ -8.43mmHg, p=0.022). The HIIT+RT promoted a lower prevalence of NRs than the RT+HIIT configuration on WC, and overall, there were slightly more beneficial training-induced effects on markers of MetS in the RT+HIIT group compared to the HIIT+RT group.

Effects of Sport-Based Interventions on Children's Executive Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

One of the most studied aspects of children's cognitive development is that of the development of the executive function, and research has shown that physical activity has been demonstrated as a key factor in its enhancement. This meta-analysis aims to assess the impact of specific sports interventions on the executive function of children and teenagers. A systematic review was carried out on 1 November 2020 to search for published scientific evidence that analysed different sports programs that possibly affected executive function in students. Longitudinal studies, which assessed the effects of sports interventions on subjects between 6 and 18 years old, were identified through a systematic search of the four principal electronic databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO. A total of eight studies, with 424 subjects overall, met the inclusion criteria and were classified based on one or more of the following categories: working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility. The random-effects model for meta-analyses was performed with RevMan version 5.3 to facilitate the analysis of the studies. Large effect sizes were found in all categories: working memory (ES -1.25; 95% CI -1.70; -0.79; p < 0.0001); inhibitory control (ES -1.30; 95% CI -1.98; -0.63; p < 0.00001); and cognitive flexibility (ES -1.52; 95% CI -2.20; -0.83; p < 0.00001). Our analysis concluded that healthy children and teenagers should be encouraged to practice sports in order to improve their executive function at every stage of their development.

Speed and throwing the ball are related to jump capacity and skeletal muscle mass in university basketball players.

BACKGROUND: Speed and throw ball in basketball players are determinant skills for basketball performance. The purpose of this study was to determinate the relationship between speed and throw the ball with jump capacity and body composition in university basketball players. METHODS: A comparative descriptive study with transversal design and a quantitative approach was performed. Seventeen male University basketball players (age = 23.60±3.45 years, height = 180.41±7.99 cm and Body Mass = 86.48±20.07 Kg) completed the following test: throwing the ball (m/s), handgrip strength (kg), speed 5-20 m (i.e., with and without the ball), jumping and reactive strength. Likewise, anthropometric variables and body composition were evaluated. RESULTS: A very high correlation was found between the throw ball and the skeletal muscle mass (r=0.810, P<0.001) dominant handgrip strength (r=0.709, P<0.001) and non-dominant handgrip strength (r=0.610, P<0.01). The throw ball reported association with skeletal muscle mass (r2=0.67, P<0.001, 67% of the variance). Significant differences were found in speed with and without the ball at 10 m (P=0.003, ES=-0.854), 15 m (P=<001, ES=-1.548) and 20 m (P=<001, ES=-1.644). The speed of displacement without ball correlated high with the countermovement jump (CMJ) (r=-0.530, P≤0.05) Abalakov (r=-0.586, P≤0.05) and Drop Jump (DJ) (r=-0.685, P≤0.01) in the first 5 m. CONCLUSIONS: The speed and throwing of the ball are associated with jumping capacity and skeletal muscle mass. Therefore, it is necessary to work these capacities in the university basketball player to improve performance.

Effects of Two Physical Training Programs on the Cognitive Status of a Group of Older Adults in Chile.

INTRODUCTION: The effect of two physical training methods on older adults should be investigated in greater depth and its results shared with the community. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of two types of physical training on the functional features associated with the cognitive state and the effect on a physiological mediator of growth hormone (IGF-1) in older women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Quasi-experimental study that included 12 weeks of training in two groups divided into resistance and aerobic training. The study included a population of 113 women aged 69.39 ± 6.48 years from Talcahuano, Chile. All participants were randomly assigned to either group. The MINIMENTAL test was used to examine the executive functions of cognitive state and blood concentration of IGF-1, which was also used to examine neurotrophic factors. For the assessment of physical condition, an indirect test was used for the maximum mass displaced in one repetition (1RM) by the limbs and the TM6 test to estimate maximal oxygen consumption. RESULTS: Significant differences between the groups with respect to the total score obtained in the MINIMENTAL test (EG1 = 28.13 ± 2.26; EG2 = 28.57 ± 1.83 and CG = 23.47 ± 2.80; ANOVA; p = 0.000) were observed. A post hoc analysis revealed no significant differences when examining executive functions individually between groups (Bonferroni; p > 0.05). An increase in the neurotrophic factor IGF-1 was also recorded in the training groups (EG1 p = 0.014 and EG2 p = 0.005). The pre- and post-test showed large differences in magnitude in the resistance training group (ES = 0.9; 20.41% change). CONCLUSION: Both workouts produce an overall improvement in the functions associated with cognitive status and increase blood concentrations of IGF-1 in older adults.

Caracterización antropométrica y composición corporal de tenistas de elite varones y damas de Chile / Anthropometric characterization and body composition of male and female elite tennis players in Chile

RESUMEN: El objetivo del estudio fue determinar las características antropométricas y de composición corporal en jóvenes tenistas de elite chilenos. El estudio fue de carácter descriptivo de corte transversal. La muestra de 84 tenistas (58 varones 15,5 ± 0,76 años y 26 damas, 15,3 ± 0,8 años), fue seleccionada de forma no probabilística por conveniencia. Se evaluaron variables antropométricas de peso, estatura, estatura sentada, pliegues cutáneos (bíceps, tríceps, subescapular, supraespinal, abdominal, muslo anterior y pierna medial), perímetros (brazo flexionado, muslo medio y pierna) y diámetros (biepicondíleo de húmero y del fémur). Se realizaron análisis antropométricos y cálculos para determinar la composición corporal y el somatotipo de los sujetos participantes. Los resultados para los varones fueron, peso corporal 64,3±7,94 kg, estatura 1,74 ± 0,08 m, porcentaje de grasa 16,6±4,1 %, de componente Mesomorfo balan- ceado. Las damas presentaron un peso corporal 49,8±6,9 kg, estatura 1,65±0,03 m, porcentaje de grasa 19,3±4,8%,de componente Ectomorfo balanceado. En general, ambos grupos muestran características antropométricas y de composición corporal similares a otros grupos de tenistas juveniles, a excepción del somatotipo en el caso de las damas.

SUMMARY: The aim of the study was to determine the anthropometric characteristics and body composition in young Chilean elite tennis players aged 14 to 16 years. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A non-probability convenience sampling of 84 tennis players (58 males 15.5 ± 0.76 years old and 26 females, 15.3 ± 0.8 years old) was selected. Anthropometric variables of weight, height, sitting height, skin folds (biceps, triceps, subscapular, supraspinal, abdominal, anterior thigh and medial leg), perimeters (flexed arm, middle thigh and leg) and diameters (humerus and femur) were evaluated. Anthropometric analysis and calculations were performed to determine the body composition and somatotype of the participanting subjects. The results for males were, body weight 64.3 ± 7.94 kg, height 1.74 ± 0.08 m, percentage of fat 16.6 ± 4.1%, balanced mesomorph component. The females had a body weight of 49.8 ± 6.9 kg, height of 1.65 ± 0.03 m, percentage of fat 19.3 ± 4.8%, balanced ectomorph component. In general, both groups showed similar anthropometric and body composition characteristics as compared to other groups of young tennis players, with the exception of the somatotype in the case of the females.

Gender differences in blood pressure and body composition in schoolchildren ascendants from Amerindian and European.

Background: In spite of there are a wide knowledge of the prevalence of hypertension in adult, there is poor information on schoolchildren of different ethnicity and gender.Aim: To compare the levels of blood pressure and other cardiometabolic risk factors for hypertension between schoolchildren of different gender and ethnicity.Material and methods: In a cross-sectional study, 540 schoolchildren (6-13 years) ascendants from a Chilean public school population were analysed by ethnicity and gender in four groups (Mapuches N = 55; European boys N = 199, and Mapuches N = 64, and European girls N = 222). The study included the measurement of cardiovascular (systolic and diastolic blood pressure) as main outcomes, as well as other cardiovascular (resting heart rate), body composition (body mass, BMI, waist circumference, fat mass, muscle mass), muscle strength (handgrip strength of dominant, non-dominant, and mean handgrip strength) as additional cardiometabolic outcomes.Results: The systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in Mapuches girls 126 ± 4 vs. their European counterparts 119 ± 3 mmHg, P < .002, as well as diastolic blood pressure, was higher in Mapuches girls 82 ± 5 vs. European girls 74 ± 3 mmHg, P < .0001. There were more 'prehypertensive' Mapuches girls 10 (15.6%) vs. European peers 22 (9.9%) at P < .0001, and the 'hypertension' was significantly more prevalent in Mapuches boys 19 (34.5%) vs. European peers 39 (19.4%) at P < .0001, as well as in Mapuches girls 16 (25%) vs. European peers 33 (14.9%) at P < .0001. The 'obesity' was less prevalent in Mapuches 10 (18.2%) vs. European boys 55 (27.4%) at P < .0001. The waist circumference was high in European 74 ± 4 vs. Mapuches 67 ± 6 cm, P < .012 in boys, although, waist circumference was high in Mapuches girls 75 ± 5 vs. European peers 71 ± 3 cm, P < .021. There were higher levels of muscle mass in Mapuches boys 19.5 ± 12 vs. European peers 17.1 ± 4 kg, P < .0001.Conclusion: Mapuches girls show higher levels of systolic and diastolic BP than European girls, Mapuches boys and girls are more hypertensive than European peers, but are less obese than European schoolchildren peers. These cardiometabolic differences that are more detrimental for endemic ethnic Latinoamerican groups are in need to be explored further.

Valoración del estado nutricional y la condición física de estudiantes de educación básica de Chile / Assessment of the nutritional status and physical condition of basic education students in Chile

INTRODUCCIÓN: actualmente, el ejercicio físico practicado de manera regular es la mejor herramienta disponible para fomentar el bienestar de las personas y una mejor salud. OBJETIVO: el objetivo del estudio fue determinar el nivel de condición física y el estado nutricional, así como la relación entre estos, en estudiantes de enseñanza básica de la ciudad de Chillán. MÉTODOS: el estudio es de tipo descriptivo, de corte transversal y relacional. Participaron 2500 estudiantes. Para evaluar la condición física se utilizaron los siguientes test: Wells y Dillons (flexibilidad), Sargent Test (potencia miembros inferiores), Test de 1 Milla de la AAPHARD (capacidad aeróbica) y Abdominales en 30 segundos (capacidad muscular localizada). RESULTADOS: al comparar por sexos, los hombres presentaron diferencias estadísticas significativas en las variables físicas de capacidad aeróbica (p = 0,00), abdominales (p = 0,00) y salto (p = 0,00); solo en el caso de la flexibilidad las mujeres presentaron mejores resultados (p = 0,01). Al relacionar el IMC con la capacidad física se observa una relación negativa en ambos sexos, es decir: a mayor IMC, menor es la cantidad de abdominales realizados (r = -0,032; r = -0,084, mujeres y hombres, respectivamente) y la capacidad aeróbica (r = -0,063 y r = -0,023, mujeres y hombres, respectivamente). En flexibilidad y salto se observa una correlación positiva, aunque esta es insignificante. CONCLUSIÓN: los hombres y las mujeres con normopeso presentan una mejor condición física en comparación con quienes presentan sobrepeso u obesidad. En cuanto al sexo, los hombres presentan una mejor condición física salvo en la prueba de flexibilidad, donde las mujeres presentan los mejores resultados. Además, se observa una relación negativa en ambos sexos entre la condición física y la composición corporal, donde un IMC elevado se traduce en un bajo nivel de rendimiento físico

INTRODUCTION: currently, regular physical exercise is the best tool available to promote people's well-being and improve their health. OBJECTIVE: the objective of the study was to determine the level of physical condition and nutritional status, as well as the relationship between them, in elementary school students in the city of Chillán. METHODS: the study is of the descriptive, cross-sectional, relational type. A total of 2500 students participated. To evaluate physical condition, the followingtests were used: Wells and Dillons (flexibility), Sargent Test (lower limb power), AAPHARD's 1-Mile Test (cardiorespiratory resistance), and Sit-ups in 30 seconds (localized muscular resistance). RESULTS: when comparing by sex, men presented significant statistical differences in the physical variables of aerobic capacity (p = 0.00), situps (p = 0.00) and jumping (p = 0.00); only in the case of flexibility did women present better results (p = 0.01). When relating BMI to physical capacity a negative relationship is observed in both sexes-that is, the higher the BMI, the lower the amount of sit-ups (r = -0.032; r = -0.084, women and men, respectively) and aerobic capacity (r = -0.063 and r = -0.023, women and men, respectively). In flexibility and jump a positive though negligible correlation was observed. CONCLUSION: normal-weight men and women have a better physical condition as compared to those with overweight or obesity. As for sex, men have a better physical condition except for the flexibility test, where women obtain the best results. In addition, a negative relationship is observed in both sexes between physical condition and body composition, where a high BMI results in a low level of physical performance

Food Habits and Screen Time Play a Major Role in the Low Health Related to Quality of Life of Ethnic Ascendant Schoolchildren.

The objective of the present study was to determine the association between lifestyle parameters (i.e., physical activity (PA) level, screen time (ST), fitness and food habits) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in ethnic ascendant schoolchildren (i.e., Mapuche ascendant). This cross-sectional study included 619 schoolchildren with ethnic (EA; n = 234, 11.6 ± 1.0 years) and non-ethnicity ascendant (NEA; n = 383, 11.7 ± 1.1 years) from Araucanía, Chile. HRQoL and lifestyle were measured using a standard questionnaire and cardiometabolic markers (body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WtHR), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP)) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) were additionally included. In the EA schoolchildren, the HRQoL reported association with CRF adjusted by age and sex (ß; 0.12, p = 0.018) and non-adjusted with foods habits (ß; 0.11, p = 0.034). By contrast, ST adjusted by age and sex presented an inverse association with HRQoL (ß; -2.70, p < 0.001). EA schoolchildren showed low HRQoL (p = 0.002), low nutritional level (p = 0.002) and low CRF (p < 0.001) than NEA peers. Moreover, children's ethnic presence showed an association with low nutritional levels (odd ratio (OR): 3.28, p = 0.002) and ST 5 h/day (OR: 5.34, p = 0.003). In conclusion, in the present study, EA schoolchildren reported lower HRQoL than NEA schoolchildren, which could be explained by the lifestyle patterns such as a low nutritional level and more ST exposure.

Lifestyle associated with physical fitness related to health and cardiometabolic risk factors in Chilean schoolchildren / Estilo de vida asociado con la condición física relacionada con la salud y los factores de riesgo cardiometabólico en escolares chilenos

BACKGROUND: Excessive screen time (ST) and lower physical activity (PA) patterns have been reported to have an impact on cardiometabolic risk (CMR); however, their impact on physical fitness needs in-depth study. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between lifestyle (i.e. ST and PA after school) with physical fitness related to health and CMR (i.e. abdominal obesity and hypertension) in Chilean schoolchildren. METHODS: The sample for this cross-sectional study comprised 263 girls (11.87±0.83 years) and 319 boys (12.02±0.88 years). The body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist to height ratio (WtHR), CMR (WtHR≥0.5), body fat (BF), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), physical fitness, ST (h/day), and PA after school (h/week) were evaluated. RESULTS: Schoolchildren with good lifestyle had a lower BMI, WC, and WtHR (P<0.001) as well as a better VO2max (P<0.001) and standing long jump test (SLJ) (P=0.002). The schoolchildren with bad lifestyle had the highest proportion of students with abdominal obesity (WtHR≥0.5) (30.6%, P=0.009) and hypertension. (40.9%, P<0.001). Likewise, PA after school (β; −0.02, P=0.002) and cardiorespiratory fitness (β; −0.02, P=0.002) adjusted by age and sex reported inverse associations with abdominal obesity (WtHR≥0.5). Likewise, ST presented a positive association with SBP (β; 0.14, P=0.030). Moreover, handgrip strength (β; −0.17, P=0.010) and SLJ (β; −0.05, P=0.023) reported inverse associations with SBP. CONCLUSION: In schoolchildren, a bad lifestyle was associated with low physical fitness related to health and CMR (i.e. abdominal obesity and hypertension)

ANTECEDENTES: Se ha informado que el tiempo de pantalla (TP) excesivo y los patrones de actividad física (AF) más bajos tienen un impacto en el riesgo cardiometabólico (RCM); sin embargo, su impacto en la aptitud física necesita un estudio en profundidad. OBJETIVO: Determinar la asociación entre el estilo de vida (es decir, TP y AF después de la escuela) con la condición física relacionada con la salud y el RCM (es decir, obesidad abdominal e hipertensión) en escolares chilenos. MÉTODOS: La muestra para este estudio transversal comprendió 263 niñas (11,87± 0,83 años) y 319 niños (12,02±0,88 años). Se evaluó el índice de masa corporal (IMC), la circunferencia de la cintura (CC), la relación cintura/altura (RCE), el RCM (RCE≥0,5), la grasa corporal (GC), la presión arterial sistólica (PAS) y la diastólica (PAD), la condición física, el TP (h/día) y la AF después de la escuela (h/semana). RESULTADOS: Los escolares con hábitos saludables de vida tenían un IMC, una CC y una RCE más bajos (p < 0,001), así como un mejor VO2 máx (p < 0,001) y prueba de salto de longitud (SLJ) (p = 0,002). Los escolares con malos hábitos de vida tenían la mayor proporción de estudiantes con obesidad abdominal (RCE≥0,5) (30,6%, p = 0,009) e hipertensión (40,9%, p < 0,001). Asimismo, la AF después de la escuela (β; −0,02, p = 0,002) y el CRF (β; −0,02, p = 0,002) ajustados por edad y sexo se asociaron de forma inversa con la obesidad abdominal (RCE≥0,5). Asimismo, el TP presentó una asociación positiva con la PAS (β; 0,14, p = 0,030). Además, la fuerza de prensión (β; −0,17, p = 0,010) y SLJ (β; −0,05, p = 0,023) mostró una relación inversa con la PAS. CONCLUSIÓN: En los escolares, el estilo de vida malo se asoció con una baja aptitud física relacionada con la salud y la RCM (es decir, obesidad abdominal e hipertensión)

[Assessment of the nutritional status and physical condition of basic education students in Chile]. / Valoración del estado nutricional y la condición física de estudiantes de educación básica de Chile.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: currently, regular physical exercise is the best tool available to promote people's well-being and improve their health. Objective: the objective of the study was to determine the level of physical condition and nutritional status, as well as the relationship between them, in elementary school students in the city of Chillán. Methods: the study is of the descriptive, cross-sectional, relational type. A total of 2500 students participated. To evaluate physical condition, the followingtests were used: Wells and Dillons (flexibility), Sargent Test (lower limb power), AAPHARD's 1-Mile Test (cardiorespiratory resistance), and Sit-ups in 30 seconds (localized muscular resistance). Results: when comparing by sex, men presented significant statistical differences in the physical variables of aerobic capacity (p = 0.00), sit-ups (p = 0.00) and jumping (p = 0.00); only in the case of flexibility did women present better results (p = 0.01). When relating BMI to physical capacity a negative relationship is observed in both sexes-that is, the higher the BMI, the lower the amount of sit-ups (r = -0.032; r = -0.084, women and men, respectively) and aerobic capacity (r = -0.063 and r = -0.023, women and men, respectively). In flexibility and jump a positive though negligible correlation was observed. Conclusion: normal-weight men and women have a better physical condition as compared to those with overweight or obesity. As for sex, men have a better physical condition except for the flexibility test, where women obtain the best results. In addition, a negative relationship is observed in both sexes between physical condition and body composition, where a high BMI results in a low level of physical performance.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: actualmente, el ejercicio físico practicado de manera regular es la mejor herramienta disponible para fomentar el bienestar de las personas y una mejor salud. Objetivo: el objetivo del estudio fue determinar el nivel de condición física y el estado nutricional, así como la relación entre estos, en estudiantes de enseñanza básica de la ciudad de Chillán. Métodos: el estudio es de tipo descriptivo, de corte transversal y relacional. Participaron 2500 estudiantes. Para evaluar la condición física se utilizaron los siguientes test: Wells y Dillons (flexibilidad), Sargent Test (potencia miembros inferiores), Test de 1 Milla de la AAPHARD (capacidad aeróbica) y Abdominales en 30 segundos (capacidad muscular localizada). Resultados: al comparar por sexos, los hombres presentaron diferencias estadísticas significativas en las variables físicas de capacidad aeróbica (p = 0,00), abdominales (p = 0,00) y salto (p = 0,00); solo en el caso de la flexibilidad las mujeres presentaron mejores resultados (p = 0,01). Al relacionar el IMC con la capacidad física se observa una relación negativa en ambos sexos, es decir: a mayor IMC, menor es la cantidad de abdominales realizados (r = -0,032; r = -0,084, mujeres y hombres, respectivamente) y la capacidad aeróbica (r = -0,063 y r = -0,023, mujeres y hombres, respectivamente). En flexibilidad y salto se observa una correlación positiva, aunque esta es insignificante. Conclusión: los hombres y las mujeres con normopeso presentan una mejor condición física en comparación con quienes presentan sobrepeso u obesidad. En cuanto al sexo, los hombres presentan una mejor condición física salvo en la prueba de flexibilidad, donde las mujeres presentan los mejores resultados. Además, se observa una relación negativa en ambos sexos entre la condición física y la composición corporal, donde un IMC elevado se traduce en un bajo nivel de rendimiento físico.