Functional fitness benchmark values for older adults: a systematic review.

Introduction: The use of normative values and/or standards of functional fitness in adults is relevant to overall health and well-being. The objectives of the study were: to identify the physical tests of the senior fitness test (SFT) that have been applied since its proposal and to describe the proposed percentiles according to age, sex and country. Methods: A systematic review study was conducted in the Pubmed and Scopus databases. As eligibility criteria, we considered the period from 1999 to 2022 that presented data on SFT test used in the population over 60 years of age and that described normative values through percentiles. MeSH were used as: (1) Physical fitness, Exercise test, Senior Fitness Test, Functional fitness, Cardiorespiratory fitness, (2) older adult, aged, (3) Reference standards, standards, standards of care. Boolean operators "AND" and "OR" were included. Data extracted from the selected studies included: year of publication, country, sample age, sample size, sample sex, fitness component. Results and discussion: Seven studies were identified in five countries (03 in China, 01 in Poland, 01 in Portugal, 01 in Spain and 01 in United States). The age range ranged from 60 to 103 years. The studies were conducted in both sexes. The study with the smallest sample size was by Chung et al. (China) with 944 participants and the largest number of participants was the study by Rikli and Jones in the United States with 7,183 participants. In general, no study was able to complete 100% (8 components) of the tests proposed in the SFT. Normative values were presented through percentile distribution (p10, p50 and p90) organized by age ranges. Males presented better performance in FPF tests than females in all tests. Since the first publication of the SFT until 2022, seven articles have been published in countries such as United States, China (three regional studies), Poland, Portugal and Spain. No study has published the complete battery with its eight components. The percentiles of functional fitness reflect decline with advancing age. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO (CRD42023441294: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023441294).

Comparison of social isolation in autistic children and adolescents according to age, marital status and number of siblings.

BACKGROUND: Children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulties that limit their opportunities to interact with peers and family members. These behaviors can lead to social exclusion, and consequently social isolation. The aim was to compare social isolation of children and adolescents with ASD according to age, marital status, and number of siblings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive study in 37 subjects with ASD. Social isolation was assessed using a 6-item scale (with five alternatives). The sociodemographic variables were age, sex, marital status of parents, and number of siblings. Two groups were formed according to age (children from 4 to 10 years old and adolescents from 11 to 20 years old). RESULTS: For the total score of the social isolation scale, children showed a higher score (21.1 ± 4.7) than adolescents (17.7 ± 5.7). Children living with divorced parents had lower scores (16.2 ± 3.6), compared to married (22.2 ± 4.5) and cohabiting (22.8) children. For the number of siblings, with no siblings 17.2 ± 3.1 points, one sibling 22.2 ± 3.5 points, two siblings 22.1 ± 3.1 points, and three siblings 22.4 ± 3.2 points (P < 0.05). Age was related to social isolation (r = -0.30, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Children who live with divorced parents and have no siblings presented a higher degree of isolation in relation to their counterparts who live with both parents and have at least one sibling. Age plays a relevant role, with children aged 4-10 years presenting a lower degree of isolation than the adolescent group. It is suggested that the preservation of a functional family and the presence of siblings could contribute to improving social isolation.

Accuracy in body composition scanning by adult half-body DXA scanning / Precisión en la exploración de la composición corporal mediante DXA de medio cuerpo en adultos

Introduction: dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the gold standard method, although one limitation is the size of the scan area. Objective: the objective was to verify the accuracy of body composition (BC) scanning through half-body DXA scanning compared to standard total body scanning. Methods: a study was conducted on 145 volunteers. Weight and height were assessed. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. DXA was used for whole-body scan (WBS) and half-body scan (HBS). WBS was used as the reference method and the following indicators were extracted: bone mineral content (BMC), fat mass (FM), lean soft tissue (LST) and percentage fat mass (%FM). Results: no differences were observed in the body composition indicators (BMC, FM, LST and %FM) when compared between the reference WBS scanner and the HBS scanner. The predictive power between both scans ranged in both sexes between R2 = 0.94 and 0.98. The DRI desirable reproducibility index values defining the degree of agreement between both scans ranged from 0.97 to 0.99, and the values for precision (0.97 to 0.99) and accuracy (0.99) were high. Conclusion: HBS scanning by DXA evidenced agreement, and high values of accuracy and precision to assess body composition indicators (BMC, FM, LST and %FM). (AU)

Introducción: la absorciometría de rayos X de doble energía (DXA) es el método de referencia, aunque una limitación es el tamaño del área de exploración. Objetivo: el objetivo fue verificar la precisión de la exploración de la CB mediante la exploración DXA de medio cuerpo en comparación con la exploración estándar de todo el cuerpo. Métodos: se realizó un estudio con 145 voluntarios. Se evaluaron el peso y la altura. Se calculó el índice de masa corporal (IMC). Se utilizó la DXA para la exploración de cuerpo entero (WBS) y la exploración de medio cuerpo (HBS). Se utilizó la PEP como método de referencia y se extrajeron los siguientes indicadores: contenido mineral óseo (CMO), masa grasa (MG), tejido blando magro (TBL) y porcentaje de masa grasa (%MG). Resultados: no se observaron diferencias en los indicadores de composición corporal (BMC, FM, LST y %FM) cuando se compararon entre el escáner WBS de referencia y el escáner HBS. El poder predictivo entre ambos escáneres osciló en ambos sexos entre R2 = 0,94 y 0,98. Los valores del índice de reproducibilidad deseable DRI que definen el grado de acuerdo entre ambas exploraciones oscilaron entre 0,97 y 0,99, y los valores de precisión (0,97 a 0,99) y exactitud (0,99) fueron altos. Conclusión: la exploración de HBS mediante DXA evidenció concordancia y altos valores de exactitud y precisión para evaluar los indicadores de composición corporal (BMC, FM, LST y %FM). (AU)

Accuracy in body composition scanning by adult half-body DXA scanning.

Introduction: Introduction: dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the gold standard method, although one limitation is the size of the scan area. Objective: the objective was to verify the accuracy of body composition (BC) scanning through half-body DXA scanning compared to standard total body scanning. Methods: a study was conducted on 145 volunteers. Weight and height were assessed. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. DXA was used for whole-body scan (WBS) and half-body scan (HBS). WBS was used as the reference method and the following indicators were extracted: bone mineral content (BMC), fat mass (FM), lean soft tissue (LST) and percentage fat mass (%FM). Results: no differences were observed in the body composition indicators (BMC, FM, LST and %FM) when compared between the reference WBS scanner and the HBS scanner. The predictive power between both scans ranged in both sexes between R2 = 0.94 and 0.98. The DRI desirable reproducibility index values defining the degree of agreement between both scans ranged from 0.97 to 0.99, and the values for precision (0.97 to 0.99) and accuracy (0.99) were high. Conclusion: HBS scanning by DXA evidenced agreement, and high values of accuracy and precision to assess body composition indicators (BMC, FM, LST and %FM).

Introducción: Introducción: la absorciometría de rayos X de doble energía (DXA) es el método de referencia, aunque una limitación es el tamaño del área de exploración. Objetivo: el objetivo fue verificar la precisión de la exploración de la CB mediante la exploración DXA de medio cuerpo en comparación con la exploración estándar de todo el cuerpo. Métodos: se realizó un estudio con 145 voluntarios. Se evaluaron el peso y la altura. Se calculó el índice de masa corporal (IMC). Se utilizó la DXA para la exploración de cuerpo entero (WBS) y la exploración de medio cuerpo (HBS). Se utilizó la PEP como método de referencia y se extrajeron los siguientes indicadores: contenido mineral óseo (CMO), masa grasa (MG), tejido blando magro (TBL) y porcentaje de masa grasa (%MG). Resultados: No se observaron diferencias en los indicadores de composición corporal (BMC, FM, LST y %FM) cuando se compararon entre el escáner WBS de referencia y el escáner HBS. El poder predictivo entre ambos escáneres osciló en ambos sexos entre R2 = 0,94 y 0,98. Los valores del índice de reproducibilidad deseable DRI que definen el grado de acuerdo entre ambas exploraciones oscilaron entre 0,97 y 0,99, y los valores de precisión (0,97 a 0,99) y exactitud (0,99) fueron altos. Conclusión: la exploración de HBS mediante DXA evidenció concordancia y altos valores de exactitud y precisión para evaluar los indicadores de composición corporal (BMC, FM, LST y %FM).

Fat-free mass and maturity status are determinants of physical fitness performance in schoolchildren and adolescents

Abstract Objectives: The objective of the study was to verify whether (FFM), maturity status (MS) and chronological age (CA) are determinants of physical fitness performance, and to analyze FFM and physical performance aligned by CA and MS in children and adolescents. Methods: A descriptive correlational study was carried out in 863 schoolchildren. Weight, height, and waist circumference (WC) were evaluated. Body mass index (BMI), FFM, fat mass (FM), MS (Age at peak height velocity, APHV) were calculated. The physical tests of velocity 20 m, agility 5 m × 10rep, and horizontal jump (HJ) were evaluated. Results: The APHV was estimated in boys at 14.0 ± 0.36APHV and in girls at 11.96 ± 0.49APHV. The relationships between CA and APHV with FFM was r = 0.80 in boys and r = 0.44 to 0.45 in girls. The relationships between FFM and physical tests in boys were [HJ (r = 0.70), agility 5m × 10rep (r = -0.68), velocity (r = -0.61)] and in girls [HJ (r = 0.42), agility 5m × 10rep (r = -0.52), velocity (r = -0.20)]. The differences in FFM and physical fitness tests were more pronounced when aligned by APHV than by CA. Conclusion: It was verified that both FFM, CA, and APHV are determinants of physical fitness performance. In addition, the APHV should be introduced in physical education as a means of ranking physical performance among schoolchildren.

Fat-free mass and maturity status are determinants of physical fitness performance in schoolchildren and adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to verify whether (FFM), maturity status (MS) and chronological age (CA) are determinants of physical fitness performance, and to analyze FFM and physical performance aligned by CA and MS in children and adolescents. METHODS: A descriptive correlational study was carried out in 863 schoolchildren. Weight, height, and waist circumference (WC) were evaluated. Body mass index (BMI), FFM, fat mass (FM), MS (Age at peak height velocity, APHV) were calculated. The physical tests of velocity 20 m, agility 5 m x 10rep, and horizontal jump (HJ) were evaluated. RESULTS: The APHV was estimated in boys at 14.0 ± 0.36APHV and in girls at 11.96 ± 0.49APHV. The relationships between CA and APHV with FFM was r = 0.80 in boys and r = 0.44 to 0.45 in girls. The relationships between FFM and physical tests in boys were [HJ (r = 0.70), agility 5m x 10rep (r = -0.68), velocity (r = -0.61)] and in girls [HJ (r = 0.42), agility 5m x 10rep (r = -0.52), velocity (r = -0.20)]. The differences in FFM and physical fitness tests were more pronounced when aligned by APHV than by CA. CONCLUSION: It was verified that both FFM, CA, and APHV are determinants of physical fitness performance. In addition, the APHV should be introduced in physical education as a means of ranking physical performance among schoolchildren.

Predicción del porcentaje de grasa por medio antropometríaen niños y adolescentes de chile: propuesta de percentilespara su evaluación / Prediction of fat percentage by anthropometry in children and adolescents in Chile: proposal of percentiles for its evaluation

Introducción: El porcentaje de grasa es determinante enla evaluación de la atención primaria.Objetivo: Comparar ecuaciones antropométricas regio-nales que predicen el porcentaje de grasa corporal (%GC)con ecuaciones extranjeras y, proponer percentiles para va-lorar el % GC de niños y adolescentes de la región delMaule, Chile. Metodología: Se efectuó un estudio transversal (correla-cional) en escolares de la región del Maule (Chile). Se estudióa 1,126 escolares (588 hombres y 538 mujeres) con un rangode edad desde los 6,0 hasta los 17,9 años. Se evaluó la edad,el peso, estatura, circunferencia del abdomen, dos plieguescutáneos (tricipital y subescapular). Se calculó el índice demasa corporal (IMC), Índice Ponderal (IP, Índice Cintura-Talla(ICT), %GC por dos ecuaciones regionales y tres ecuacionesextranjeras (Boileau, Slaughter y Deuremberg). Resultados: Las ecuaciones regionales de chile presentaronvalores de 26,2±7,1%GC (ecuación 1) y 26,2±7,05%GC (ecua-ción 2) en varones, mientras que en mujeres reflejaron 33,6±4,72%GC (ecuación 1) y 33,6±4,70%GC (ecuación 2).Las ecuaciones extranjeras reflejaron valores similares en varo-nes, por ejemplo, de 19,3%±6,9%GC (Boileau), 20,1±8,7%GC(Slaughter) y 20,6±5,3%GC (Deuremberg), mientras que, enlas mujeres fue de 25,9±6,1%GC (Boileau), 25,2±8,8%GC(Slaughter) y 25,0±5,3%GC (Deuremberg). Hubo diferenciassignificativas entre las ecuaciones regionales con las ecuacio-nes extranjeras en ambos sexos (p<0,05). Los percentiles cal-culados fueron: (P3, P5, P10, P15, P25, P50, P75, P85, P90,P95 y P97). Los valores de %GC en las mujeres a edades avan-zadas (próximas a la adultez) oscilan entre 32 a 34%, y en loshombres entre 19 a 20%. Conclusión: Se evidenció que las tres ecuaciones extran-jeras de Boileau, Slaughter y Deuremberg no son aplicables amuestra de escolares chilenos, además, se desarrolló percen-tiles utilizando ecuaciones antropométricas para estimar el%GC desde los 6 hasta los 17,9 años.(AU)

Introduction: Fat percentage is determinant in primarycare evaluation. Objective: To compare regional anthropometric equationsthat predict body fat percentage (%BF) with foreign equa-tions and to propose percentiles to assess %BF in childrenand adolescents in the Maule region, Chile. Methodology: A cross-sectional (correlational) study wascarried out in schoolchildren from the Maule region (Chile). We studied 1,126 schoolchildren (588 males and 538 fe-males) with an age range from 6.0 to 17.9 years. Age, weight,height, abdomen circumference, and two skinfolds (tricipitaland subscapular) were evaluated. Body mass index (BMI),Ponderal Index (PI), Height-Waist Index (WHI), %GC werecalculated by two regional equations and three foreign equa-tions (Boileau, Slaughter and Deuremberg). Results: The Chilean regional equations presented valuesof 26.2±7.1% WC in males, while in females they reflected33.6±4.7% WC (p<0.05). The foreign equations reflectedsimilar values in males, i.e., 19.3%±6.9%GC (Boileau),20.1±8.7%GC (Slaughter) and 20.6±5.3%GC (Deuremberg),whereas, in females it was 25.9±6.1%GC (Boileau), 25.2±8.8%GC (Slaughter) and 25.0±5.3%GC (Deuremberg).There were significant differences between regional equa-tions with foreign equations in both sexes (p<0.05). The cal-culated percentiles were: (P3, P5, P10, P15, P25, P50, P75,P85, P90, P95 and P97). The %GC values in women at ad-vanced ages (close to adulthood) ranged from 32 to 34%,and in men from 19 to 20%. Conclusion: It was shown that the three foreign equationsof Boileau, Slaughter and Deuremberg are not applicable to asample of Chilean schoolchildren. In addition, percentileswere developed using anthropometric equations to estimate%BF from 6 to 17.9 years of age.(AU)

[Development of anthropometric equations for predicting total body fat percentage in Chilean children and adolescents]. / Desarrollo de ecuaciones antropométricas para predecir el porcentaje de grasa corporal total en niños y adolescentes chilenos.

Introduction: Introduction: studying the percentage of body fat (%BF) in children and adolescents is very relevant, since a high level of body fat in childhood and adolescence represents overweight and obesity. Objective: to identify the anthropometric indicators related to %BF and to validate regression equations to predict %BF in children and adolescents using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as a reference method. Methods: a descriptive study (cross-sectional) was designed in 1126 schoolchildren (588 males and 538 females) from the Maule region (Chile). The age range ranged from 6.0 to 17.9 years. Weight, height, two skinfolds (tricipital and subscapular and waist circumference (WC) were evaluated. Body mass index (BMI), triponderal mass index (TMI), waist height index (WHtR) were calculated. Body fat percentage (%BF) was assessed by DXA scanning. Results: the relationships between Σ (Tricipital + Subscapular), TMI and WHtR with %BF (DXA) ranged from R2 = 52 % to 54 % in men, and from R2 = 41 % to 49 % in women. The equations generated for men were: %BF = 9.775 + [(0.415 * (Tr + SE)] + (35.084 * WHtR) - (0.828 * age), R2 = 70 %, and %BF = 20.720 + [(0.492 * (Tr + SE)] + (0.354 * TMI) - (0.923 * age), R2 = 68 %], and for women: %BF = 8.608 + [(0.291 * (Tr + SE)] + (38.893 * WHtR) - (0.176 * age), R2 = 60 %, and %BF = 16.087 + [(0.306 * (Tr + SE)] + (0.818 * TMI) - (0.300 * age), R2 = 59 %. Conclusion: this study showed that the sum of tricipital and subscapular skinfolds, IP and WHtR are adequate predictors of %BF. These indicators allowed the development of two regression equations acceptable in terms of precision and accuracy to predict %BF in children and adolescents of both sexes.

Introducción: Introducción: estudiar el porcentaje de grasa corporal (%GC) en niños y adolescentes es muy relevante, puesto que un elevado nivel de grasa corporal en la infancia y la adolescencia representa sobrepeso y obesidad. Objetivo: identificar los indicadores antropométricos que se relacionan con el %GC y validar ecuaciones de regresión para predecir el %GC de niños y adolescentes a partir del uso de la absorciometría de rayos X de doble energía (DXA) como método de referencia. Métodos: se diseñó un estudio descriptivo (transversal) en 1126 escolares (588 hombres y 538 mujeres) de la región del Maule (Chile). El rango de edad oscila desde los 6,0 hasta los 17,9 años. Se evaluaron el peso, la estatura, dos pliegues cutáneos (tricipital y subescapular) y la circunferencia de la cintura (CC). Se calcularon el índice de masa corporal (IMC), el índice ponderal (IP) y el índice cintura-estatura (ICE). Se evaluó el porcentaje de grasa corporal (%GC) por medio del escaneo DXA. Resultados: las relaciones entre Σ (Tricipital + Subescapular), IP e ICE con el %GC (DXA) fueron de R2 = 52-54 % en hombres y R2 = 41-49 % en mujeres. Las ecuaciones generadas para los hombres fueron: %GC = 9,775 + [(0,415 * (Tr + SE)] + (35,084 * ICE) - (0,828 * edad), R2 = 70 %, y %GC = 20,720 + [(0,492 * (Tr + SE)] + (0,354 * IP) - (0,923 * edad), R2 = 68 %; y para mujeres: %GC = 8,608 + [(0,291 * (Tr + SE)] + (38,893 * ICE) - (0,176 * edad), R2 = 60 %, y %GC = 16,087 + [(0,306 * (Tr + SE)] + (0,818 * IP) - (0,300 * edad), R2 = 59 %. Conclusión: este estudio demostró que la sumatoria de los pliegues cutáneos tricipital y subescapular, el IP y el ICE son adecuados predictores del %GC. Estos indicadores permitieron desarrollar dos ecuaciones de regresión aceptables en términos de precisión y exactitud para predecir el %GC en niños y adolescentes de ambos sexos.

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.

Comparison of anthropometric indicators as predictors of the percentage of fat mass in young people and older adults in Chile.

OBJECTIVE: To verify whether triponderal mass index (TMI) has a greater accuracy than body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) as predictors of obesity in young people and older adults in a region of Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in 1176 adults (565 men and 611 women) from the Maule region (Chile). Their ages ranged from 20 to 80 years. The percentage of fat mass (%FM) was evaluated by means of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Weight, height and waist circumference (WC) were evaluated. TMI, BMI and WHtR were calculated. RESULTS: The %FM predictions for BMI were 0.47% for men and 0.50% for women; for TMI, it was 0.50% for men and 0.51% for women; for WC, it was 0.28% for men and 0.21% for women; and finally, for WHtR, it was 0.28% in men and 0.21% in women. The area under the curve (AUC) for BMI was 0.85 in men and 0.85 in women; for TMI, it was 0.87 in men and 0.86 in women; for WHtR, it was 0.76 in men and 0.72 in women; and for WC, the AUC was 0.72 in men and 0.71 in women. CONCLUSION: It was shown that TMI is the indicator that presented the greatest association with %FM and estimates body fat levels with greater precision than BMI, WC and WHtR. The results suggest its use and application as an indicator that discriminates obesity in young, middle-aged and elderly adults.

[Physical fitness in children and adolescents categorized by fat mass level]. / Aptitud física en niños y adolescentes categorizados por nivel de masa grasa.

Physical fitness is one of the important health markers as a predictor of cardiovascular disease mor bidity and mortality. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationship between fat mass with anthropome tric indicators and, secondly, to compare the performance of physical fitness among children and adolescents categorized with adequate and excess fat mass. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 863 schoolchildren aged 6 to 17.9 years. Weight, height, and waist circumference were measured. physical fitness [speed (20m), agility (10x5m), and ho rizontal jump] was evaluated. Fat mass was calculated by anthropometric equation, body mass index, ponderal index, and waist to height ratio. Data were grouped into 6 age groups. RESULTS: Children of both sexes categorized as having adequate levels of fat mass had lower values of body mass index, ponderal index, and waist to height ratio than children with high levels of fat mass. In physical fitness, children with adequate fat mass were better than the ones with elevated fat mass. In girls with adequate fat mass, better results were observed in horizontal jump and agility during adolescence. There were no differences in the speed test. CONCLUSION: Fat mass can be considered as a valuable tool for determining excess body fat and categorizing children and adolescents with adequate and excess fat mass. In addition, having acceptable levels of fat mass may contribute to better physical fitness in boys in horizontal jump, agility, and speed and, in girls, only in horizontal jump and agility.

Relationship between age and handgrip strength: Proposal of reference values from infancy to senescence.

Introduction: Measurement of hand grip strength (HGS) has been proposed as a key component of frailty and has also been suggested as a central biomarker of healthy aging and a powerful predictor of future morbidity and mortality. Objectives: (a) To determine whether a nonlinear relationship model could improve the prediction of handgrip strength (HGS) compared to the linear model and (b) to propose percentiles to evaluate HGS according to age and sex for a regional population of Chile from infancy to senescence. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was developed in a representative sample of the Maule region (Chile). The volunteers amounted to 5,376 participants (2,840 men and 2,536 women), with an age range from 6 to 80 years old. Weight, height, HGS (right and left hand) according to age and sex were evaluated. Percentiles were calculated using the LMS method [(L (Lambda; asymmetry), M (Mu; median), and S (Sigma; coefficient of variation)]. Results and discussion: There were no differences in HGS from 6 to 11 years of age in both sexes; however, from 12 years of age onwards, males presented higher HGS values in both hands (p < 0.05). The linear regression between age with HGS showed values of R 2 = 0.07 in males and R 2 = 0.02 in females. While in the non-linear model (cubic), the values were: R 2 = 0.50 to 0.51 in men and R 2 = 0.26 in women. The percentiles constructed by age and sex were: P5, P15, P50, P85, and P95 by age range and sex. This study demonstrated that there is a nonlinear relationship between chronological age with HGS from infancy to senescence. Furthermore, the proposed percentiles can serve as a guide to assess and monitor upper extremity muscle strength levels at all stages of life.

Equations predicting maturity status: Validation in a cross-sectional sample to assess physical growth and body adiposity in Chilean children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To validate regression equations that predict the state of maturity (MS) to evaluate the physical growth and body fatness of Chilean children and adolescents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A transversal study was carried out in 8094 school children between 6.0 and 18.9 years old. Weight, standing height, sitting height, and waist circumference (WC) were evaluated. Peak growth rate (PVC) was estimated by the mathematical model 1 of Preece-Baines (MPB). Mirwald's equations (based on age, weight, standing height, sitting height, and leg length) and Moore's equations (based on age, weight, and standing height) were used to estimate MS. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated. RESULTS: The BMP showed that the PVC in men was 10.33 ±â€¯0.29 years and in women was 12.81 ±â€¯0.27 years. Using Mirwald's equation, men reached MS at 14.09 ±â€¯0.8 APVC and women at 11.6 ±â€¯0.9 APVC, while using Moore's equation, men reached 13.7 ±â€¯0.6 APVC and women at 12.1 ±â€¯0.6 APVC. There were significant differences between MPB with Mirwald, MPB with Morre, and between Mirwald and Moore (p < 0.001). Explanation values by MS category were Mirwald's equation [men (early R2 = 0.81, mean R2 = 0.69 and late R2 = 0.09) and women (early R2 = 0.83, mean R2 = 0.83 and late R2 = 0.77)], Moore's equation [men (early R2 = 0.93, mean R2 = 0.70 and late R2 = 0.79) and women (early R2 = 0.89, mean R2 = 0.89 and late R2 = 0.83)]. Percentiles were created for weight, height, CC and BMI. CONCLUSION: It was verified that Moore's and Mirwald's equations differ with the mathematical model MPB in both sexes. However, Moore's equation could be useful for the evaluation of MS in Chilean children and adolescents.

Comparación de la adiposidad corporal y aptitud aeróbica de adolescentes brasileros y chilenos / Comparison of body adiposity and aerobic fitness in Brazilian and Chilean adolescents

Fundamentos: La aptitud aeróbica y la adiposidad corporal son importantes marcadores de salud que deben ser fomentados para mejorar el estilo de vida y la salud general de los adolescentes. El objetivo del estudio fue comparar la adiposidad corporal y aptitud aeróbica de adolescentes brasileros y chilenos de colegios públicos. Métodos: Se desarrolló un estudio descriptivo (comparativo) en adolescentes que asisten a colegios públicos de una región de Brasil y Chile. El rango de edad de los estudiantes fue de 14 a 17 años. Se seleccionaron dos colegios localizados en la zona urbana de Campinas (Brasil) y Talca (Chile). Se evaluó el peso, la estatura y la aptitud aeróbica (Test de ida y vuelta de 20 m). Se calculó el VO2max (ml/kg-1/min-1) y el índice de masa corporal (IMC). Se clasificó el estado nutricional por IMC. Resultados: En hombres, el promedio de edad de adolescentes chilenos fue 15,41 ± 0,75 años, IMC fue 22,79 ± 3,58 kg/m2 y la aptitud aeróbica fue de 44,1 ± 6,6 ml/kg-1/min-1. En los adolescentes brasileros, la edad fue de 14,78 ± 0,64 años, IMC de 21,90 ± 4,59 kg/m2 y la aptitud aeróbica fue de 41,8 ± 6,3 ml/kg-1/min-1. En mujeres, el promedio de edad en las mujeres chilenas fue de 15,40 ± 0,75 años, el IMC fue de 22,80 ± 3,58 kg/m2 y aptitud aeróbica de 36,8 ± 4,3 kg/m2. En las mujeres brasileras la edad fue de 14,80 ± 0,64 años, IMC fue 21,90 ± 4,88 kg/m2 y aptitud aeróbica de 37,0 ± 3,6 ml/kg-1/min-1. Las relaciones entre adiposidad corporal y aptitud aeróbica en ambos sexos y países oscilaron entre (R= -0,32 a -0,41). Conclusiones: No se observó diferencias en la adiposidad corporal y aptitud aeróbica entre adolescentes de Chile y Brasil, además, se determinó que los adolescentes clasificados con peso normal, reflejaron una mayor aptitud aeróbica que sus similares con exceso de peso corporal. (AU)

Background: Aerobic fitness and body adiposity are important health markers that should be encouraged to improve the lifestyle and general health of adolescents. The aim of the study was to compare body adiposity and aerobic fitness of Brazilian and Chilean adolescents from public schools. Methods: A descriptive (comparative) study was developed in adolescents attending public schools in a region ofBrazil and Chile. The age range of the students was 14 to 17 years. Two schools located in the urban area ofCampinas (Brazil) and Talca (Chile) were selected. Weight, height and aerobic fitness (20 m round-trip test) were evaluated. VO2max (ml/kg-1/min-1) and body mass index (BMI) were calculated. Nutritional status was classified by BMI. Results: In men, the average age of Chilean adolescents was 15.41 ± 0.75 years, BMI was 22.79 ± 3.58 kg/m2 and aerobic fitness was 44.1 ± 6.6 ml/kg-1/min-1. In Brazilian adolescents, age was 14.78 ± 0.64 years, BMI was 21.90 ± 4.59 kg/m2 and aerobic fitness was 41.8 ± 6.3 ml/kg-1/min-1. In women, the average age in Chilean women was 15.40 ± 0.75 years, BMI was 22.80 ± 3.58 kg/m2 and aerobic fitness was 36.8 ± 4.3 kg/m2. In Brazilian women, age was 14.80 ± 0.64 years, BMI was 21.90 ± 4.88 kg/m2 and aerobic fitness was 37.0 ± 3.6 ml/kg-1/min-1. The relationships between body adiposity and aerobic fitness in both sexes and countries ranged from (R= -0.32 to - 0.41).Conclusions: No differences were observed in body adiposity and aerobic fitness between adolescents from Chileand Brazil, moreover, it was determined that adolescents classified as normal weight, reflected a higher aerobicfitness than their peers with excess body weight. (AU)

Densidad mineral ósea en adultos: Una revisión sistemática sobre las técnicas de medición / Evaluation of Bone Mineral Density in Older Adults by DXA: A Systematic Review

Fundamentos: Conforme avanza la edad, el sistema esquelético sufre modificaciones estructurales, que afectan la masa muscular (sarcopenia) y masa ósea (osteopenia), por lo que debe ser evaluado periódicamente. El objetivo fue identificar las regiones anatómicas que más se utilizan en la evaluación de la Densidad Mineral Ósea (DMO) en adultos mayores (AM) a través de la absorciometría de rayos X dual energía(DXA), controlando la realización de actividad física. Métodos: Se efectuó un estudio de revisión sistemática, utilizando las bases de datos de PUB MED y SCOPUS. Las palabras claves para la búsqueda de información fueron: aging, elderly, bone mineral density, physical activity, bone health. Se consideró el periodo de años 2016-2020. Resultados: Fueron identificados 12 estudios primarios; 9 estudios reportaron el uso de Columna Lumbar(CL) y Cuello Femoral (CF) para evaluar la DMO como puntos referenciales, además 5 estudios que han utilizado el Cuerpo Total (CT) y CF. En cuanto al control de la Actividad Física (AF), 7 han utilizado acelerómetros y 5 cuestionarios de auto-reporte. Conclusiones: Se demostró que la absorciometría de rayos X dual (DXA) es muy utilizada para evaluar la DMO en AM, cuyos puntos anatómicos preferidos por los estudios son la CL y CF. (AU)

Background: As age progresses, the skeletal system undergoes structural modifications, which affect musclemass (sarcopenia) and bone mass (osteopenia), so it must be evaluated periodically. The objective was to identify the anatomical regions that are most used in the evaluation of Bone Mineral Density (BMD) in older adults (AM) through dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), controlling the performance of physical activity. Methods: A systematic review study was conducted, using the PUB MED and SCOPUS databases. The keywords for the information search were: aging, elderly, bone mineral density, physical activity, bone health. The period of years 2016-2020 was considered. Results: 12 primary studies were identified; 9 studies reported the use of Lumbar Spine (LS) and Femoral Neck (FC) to assess BMD as reference points, in addition to 5 studies that have used Total Body (TC) and CF. As for the control of Physical Activity (PA), 7 have used accelerometers and 5 self-report questionnaires. Conclusions: It was demonstrated that dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is widely used to evaluate BMD inAM, whose anatomical points preferred by the studies are CL and CF. (AU)

Body fat and aerobic capacity of physical education students from a Chilean university.

The components of physical fitness, aerobic capacity and anthropometric characteristics play an important role in maintaining and protecting cardiorespiratory functioning during all stages of life. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between body fat indicators and aerobic capacity of students in a physical education program. A descriptive study (cross-sectional) was carried out with 110 physical education university students (75 males and 35 females). Ages ranged between 17.7 and 26.1 years old. Weight, standing height, sitting height, waist circumference (WC), and seven skinfolds (mm) were evaluated. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. The Navette test (20m back and forth run) was used to assess the students. The correlations between adiposity and aerobic capacity for males varied from r= -0.21 to 0.34 and for females, from r= -0.21 to 0.34. In general, greater body adiposity (BMI, WC, and skinfolds) was a determinant in the males (R2= 14 to 27%). For the females, the Σ 7 skinfolds explained 11% of the adiposity. Males and females classified as having a high level of aerobic capacity showed less fat tissue (Σ 7 skinfolds) than those with moderate and low aerobic capacity (p<0.05). The results from this study indicated that body adiposity expressed as fat tissue limited aerobic capacity in a greater proportion of the males than in the females. The youth classified with high aerobic capacity showed less body fat than their counterparts classified as having moderate and low levels of aerobic capacity.

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.

Comparison of anthropometric indicators as predictors of the percentage of fat mass in young people and older adults in Chile. / Comparación de indicadores antropométricos como predictores del porcentaje de masa grasa en jóvenes y adultos mayores de Chile.

OBJECTIVE: To verify whether tri-ponderal mass index (TMI) has a higher accuracy than body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) as predictors of obesity in young people and older adults in a region of Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in 1,176 adult subjects (565 men and 611 women) from the Maule region (Chile). The age range was from 20 to 80 years old. The percentage of fat mass (%FM) was evaluated by means of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Weight, height and WC were evaluated. TMI, BMI and WHtR were calculated. RESULTS: The predictions of %FM for BMI were 0.47% for men and 0.50% for women, for TMI it was 0.50% for men and 0.51% for women, for WC it was 0.28% for men and 0.21% for women, and finally, for the WHtR it was 0.28% in men and 0.21% in women. The area under the curve (AUC) for the BMI was 0.85 in both men and women, for the TMI, it was 0.87 in men and 0.86 in women, for the WHtR, in men it was 0.76 and in women it was 0.72, and for WC, the AUC in men was 0.72 and in women it was 0.71. CONCLUSION: It was shown that TMI is the indicator that presented the greatest association with %FM and estimates body fat levels with greater precision than BMI, WC and WHtR. The results suggest its use and application as an indicator that discriminates obesity in young, middle and late-aged adults.

Equations predicting maturity status: Validation in a cross-sectional sample to assess physical growth and body adiposity in Chilean children and adolescents. / Ecuaciones que predicen el estado de madurez: Validación en una muestra transversal para evaluar el crecimiento físico y adiposidad corporal en niños y adolescentes chilenos.

OBJECTIVE: To validate regression equations that predict the state of maturity (MS) to evaluate the physical growth and body fatness of Chilean children and adolescents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A transversal study was carried out in 8,094 school children between 6.0 and 18.9 years old. Weight, standing height, sitting height, and waist circumference (WC) were evaluated. Peak growth rate (PVC) was estimated by the mathematical model 1 of Preece-Baines (MPB). Mirwald's equations (based on age, weight, standing height, sitting height, and leg length) and Moore's equations (based on age, weight, and standing height) were used to estimate MS. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated. RESULTS: The BMP showed that the PVC in men was 10.33±0.29 years and in women was 12.81±0.27 years. Using Mirwald's equation, men reached MS at 14.09±0.8APVC and women at 11.6±0.9APVC, while using Moore's equation, men reached 13.7±0.6APVC and women at 12.1±0.6APVC. There were significant differences between MPB with Mirwald, MPB with Morre, and between Mirwald and Moore (p<0.001). Explanation values by MS category were Mirwald's equation [men (early R2=0.81, mean R2=0.69 and late R2=0.09) and women (early R2=0.83, mean R2=0.83 and late R2=0.77)], Moore's equation [men (early R2=0.93, mean R2=0.70 and late R2=0.79) and women (early R2=0.89, mean R2=0.89 and late R2=0.83)]. Percentiles were created for weight, height, CC and BMI. CONCLUSION: It was verified that Moore's and Mirwald's equations differ with the mathematical model MPB in both sexes. However, Moore's equation could be useful for the evaluation of MS in Chilean children and adolescents.