Relation Between Self-Reported Physical Activity Level, Fitness, and Cardiometabolic Risk

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the executive functions (inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility and working memory) of obese subjects with different levels of physical activity. Material and Method: The study included 31 obese subjects. The patients were divided into two groups: high physical activity (HAOG, n=14) and minimal physical activity (MAOG, n=17), according to International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). After the demographic data of the subjects were recorded, the body fat ratio was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and working memory were evaluated with Stroop Test Çapa Form, Trail Making Test A-B, and 2-back test, respectively. Results: Body mass index, age, waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist/hip ratio were similar between the groups, whereas the percentage of fat mass was lower in HAOG (p=0.016) and the percentage of muscle mass was higher in HAOG (p=0.009). Inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility and working memory scores were similar in the groups in our study (p>0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of our study, although executive functions were similar in obese subjects with different physical activity levels, further studies are needed due to the limitations of publications in this field.

BackgroundThe association between physical fitness and autistic traits in adolescents remains under explored, especially in adolescents. Understanding this relationship can provide strategies to improve the quality of life of these people.ObjectiveTo identify the association between cluster characteristics derived from levels of self-perceived physical fitness and the occurrences of individual levels of autistic traits in Brazilian adolescents.MethodThis descriptive study employed an analytical, quantitative approach involving 515 adolescents aged 11 to 18 (245 boys and 270 girls). Autistic traits were assessed using the Autism Quotient (AQ50), while physical fitness was measured with the Self-Reported Physical Fitness Questionnaire (QAPA). Cluster analysis using descriptive statistics with bootstrapping and generalized estimating equations was performed.ResultsBoys reported higher physical fitness levels than girls, with significant differences in General Power Strength (QAPA 4) and Physical Fitness in Sports (QAPA 7). Girls scored slightly higher on social skills. AQ50 scores indicated that girls had higher aggregated difficulties in imagination, attention, communication, and social skills compared to boys. Higher self-perceived physical fitness was associated with lower levels of autistic traits in both genders. Girls with higher QAPA scores showed significant decreases in autistic traits related to social skills and overall AQ50 scores. Boys with higher physical fitness demonstrated reduced autistic traits in the domains of imagination and communication. Age-adjusted analyses confirmed these findings.ConclusionThere is a significant association between self-perceived physical fitness and autistic traits in adolescents. Higher physical fitness levels are linked to fewer autistic traits, highlighting the importance of promoting physical fitness to mitigate challenges associated with autistic traits and improve adolescents' well-being.

High Exercise Capacity Attenuates the Risk of Early Mortality After a First Myocardial Infarction: The Henry Ford Exercise Testing (FIT) Project

Self-initiated changes in physical activity levels improve cardiometabolic profiles: A longitudinal follow-up study

Background and objectiveThe role of physical activity (PA) and fitness with respect to the relationship between sarcopenic obe-sity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in Korean men is poorly understood. This study investi-gated whether or not PA and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) attenuate the synergistic impact of sarcopenic obesity on CVD risk in a sample of Korean men aged 40 years and older. Material and methodsThis study analyzed data (n=3089 men aged 40 years and older) obtained from the KNHANES IV and V. Participants were classified into four groups: the absence of both sarcopenia and obesity called optimal body composition, the presence of sarcopenia only, the presence of obesity only, or the coex-istence of sarcopenia and obesity defined as sarcopenic obesity. The 10-year Framingham risk score model was used to estimate CVD risk, which was classified into low ( 20%) categories. PA was assessed with the Korean version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. CRF was estimated using nonexercise-based health indicators such as gender, age, resting heart rate, and PA score. ResultsLogistic regression analyses showed that the odds ratios (ORs) for ≥10% 10-year CVD risk were sig-nificantly higher in the order of obesity (OR=1.717, p<0.001), sarcopenia (OR=2.290, p<0.001), and sarcopenic obesity (OR=3.568, p<0.001) compared to optimal (OR=1). The ORs of ≥10% 10-year CVD risk remained statistically significant even after adjustment for age, education, and income but were no longer significant after additional adjustment for PA and CRF. ConclusionThe current findings suggest that high PA and CRF attenuate the synergistic impact of sarcopenia and obesity on CVD risk in Korean men, implying a clinical importance of interventions targeting low PA and poor CRF for men with sarcopenic obesity.

Influence of cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity levels on cardiometabolic risk factors during menopause transition: A MONET study

Physical Activity, Fitness, and Cardiovascular Health

http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/1807-0221.2017v14n25p45Este estudo buscou investigar os parâmetros antropométricos, cardiovasculares e índices glicêmicos de participantes de um programa de promoção da saúde na cidade de Araranguá, bem como seus níveis de atividade física. Foi realizado um estudo transversal no período de julho a dezembro de 2015. A coleta dos dados foi realizada com 323 indivíduos com idade entre 18 a 90 anos, e observou-se alta prevalência de excesso de peso e obesidade (78,5%) e hipertensão autorreferida (43,3%). Avaliar fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares é um aspecto importante do processo de avaliação global de saúde, em particular nos domínios de detecção precoce e prevenção de doenças crônicas. Nesse contexto, este e outros estudos que tem sido desenvolvidos e estão em andamento, pretendem fornecer informações sobre o estado de saúde de participantes de um programa de promoção de saúde da cidade de Araranguá, a fim de auxiliar a implementação de serviços de saúde.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between strength and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in young women. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and extra-media thickness (EMT) were used as measures of subclinical atherosclerosis and CVD risk. Muscular strength, IMT, and EMT were measured in 70 young women (mean age=21±4 years). Strength was determined using a handgrip dynamometer and expressed relative to body mass. IMT and EMT were measured using ultrasonography of the left common carotid artery. Objectively measured moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was assessed with accelerometry. Higher relative handgrip strength was associated with lower IMT (r=-0.23; p<0.05) and lower EMT (r=-0.27; p<0.05). Associations between relative handgrip strength and IMT (r=-0.24) as well as EMT (r=-0.25) remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders including traditional CVD risk factors and MVPA (p<0.05). These results show that there is an inverse association between handgrip strength with carotid IMT and EMT in young women. Muscular strength may reduce CVD risk in young women via favorable effects on subclinical carotid atherosclerosis independent of physical activity.

The first part of this Inter-Society Document describes the mechanisms involved in the development of cardiovascular diseases, particularly arterial hypertension, in adults and the elderly. It will also examine how consistent physical exercise during adolescence and adulthood can help maintain blood pressure levels and prevent progression to symptomatic heart failure. The discussion will include experimental and clinical evidence on the use of specific exercise programs for preventing and controlling cardiovascular diseases in adults and the elderly. In the second part, the clinical relevance of cardiac-specific biomarkers in assessing cardiovascular risk in the general adult population will be examined, with a focus on individuals engaged in sports activities. This section will review recent studies that suggest a significant role of biomarkers in assessing cardiovascular risk, particularly the presence of cardiac damage, in athletes who participate in high-intensity sports. Finally, the document will discuss the potential of using cardiac-specific biomarkers to monitor the effectiveness of personalized physical activity programs (Adapted Physical Activity, APA). These programs are prescribed for specific situations, such as chronic diseases or physical disabilities, including cardiovascular diseases. The purposes of this Inter-Society Document are the following: 1) to discuss the close pathophysiological relationship between physical activity levels (ranging from sedentary behavior to competitive sports), age categories (from adolescence to elderly age), and the development of cardiovascular diseases; 2) to review in detail the experimental and clinical evidences supporting the role of cardiac biomarkers in identifying athletes and individuals of general population at higher cardiovascular risk; 3) to stimulate scientific societies and organizations to develop specific multicenter studies that may take into account the role of cardiac biomarkers in subjects who follow specific exercise programs in order to monitor their cardiovascular risk.