Level Of Aerobic Capacity Research Articles

The dual timescales of gait adaptation: Initial stability adjustments followed by subsequent energetic cost adjustments.

Gait adaptation during bipedal walking allows people to adjust their walking patterns to maintain balance, avoid obstacles, and avoid injury. Adaptation involves complex processes that function to maintain stability and reduce energy expenditure. However, the processes that influence walking patterns during different points in the adaptation period remain to be investigated. We recruited seventeen young adults ages 19-35 to assess split-belt adaptation. We also assessed individual aerobic capacity to understand how aerobic capacity influences adaptation. We analyzed step lengths, step length asymmetry (SLA), mediolateral margins of stability, positive, negative, and net mechanical work rates, as well as metabolic rate during adaptation. We used dual-rate exponential mixed-effects regressions to estimate the adaptation of each measure over two timescales. Our results indicate that mediolateral stability adapts over a single timescale in under 1 minute, while mechanical work rates, metabolic rate, step lengths, and step length asymmetry adapt over two distinct timescales, ranging from 3.5 to 11.2 minutes. We then regressed mediolateral margins of stability, net mechanical work rate, and metabolic rate on step length asymmetry during early and late adaptation phases to determine if stability drives early adaptation and energetic cost drives late adaptation. Stability predicted SLA during the initial rapid onset of adaptation, and mechanical work rate predicted SLA during the latter part of adaptation. These findings suggest that stability optimization may contribute to early gait changes and that mechanical work contributes to later changes during adaptation. A final sub-analysis assessed the effect of aerobic capacity on step length asymmetry adaptation. Aerobic capacity levels below 36 and above 43 ml/kg/min resulted in greater adaptation, underscoring the metabolic influences on gait adaptation. This study illuminates the complex interplay between biomechanical and metabolic factors in gait adaptation, shedding light on fundamental mechanisms underlying human locomotion.

Does Aerobic Capacity Change According to Position in Football Players?

Aerobic capacity plays an important role in football as it influences players' physical performance and long-lasting endurance levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the aerobic capacity levels of football players playing in different positions according to the positions they play. The study group consisted of 83 football players in super amateur league. Football players playing in 8 different positions voluntarily participated in the study (goalkeeper: n= 8, defender: n=13, left back: n=9, right back: n=7, midfield: n=24, left winger: n=7, right winger: n=7 striker: n=8). Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (YYIRT1) was applied to determine the aerobic endurance parameters of the players. One-way ANOVA analysis was used to compare the distance travelled, average speed (km/h) and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) values. It was determined that there was a significant difference between the test parameters of the players in different playing positions, and this difference was found to be between the left back players, goalkeepers, and stoppers (p<0.05). It was determined that goalkeepers had the lowest average aerobic capacity in the distances travelled by the players by position, while back players and wingers had high aerobic capacity averages. According to these results, we can say that the aerobic capacities of football players vary according to their positions, and the physiological demands of the position played by back players and wingers are effective in the distance travelled and the football players have different aerobic capacities.

Effect of Body Composition on Aerobic Capacity Level and Post-Workout Restitution during the Training Camp Preparing for the European Wrestling Cadet Men’s Championships

Background: The cognitive objective of the study was to determine the relationship between body composition and aerobic capacity levels at the beginning and end of the training camp and to demonstrate the relationship between body fat levels, free-fat mass levels, and total body water levels and the change in post-workout restitution during the training camp period in preparation for an international wrestling championship competition. Methods: Athletes of the Polish National Team in classical-style wrestling (n = 16) during a training camp before the European Cadet Men’s Championships. Aerobic capacity was analyzed using the Maximal Multistage 20 m Shuttle Run Test (Beep-Test). Post-workout restitution was calculated using the Klonowicz coefficient of restitution. Body composition was analyzed using the electrical bioimpedance method. Results: Significant associations were found between body composition and aerobic capacity and between body composition and post-workout restitution changes during the grouping period. Conclusions: It is necessary to regularly monitor the process of puberty, body composition, and co-occurring adaptive relationships during the period of direct preparation for championship competitions in wrestlers in the cadet age group.

Investigating the Relationship between Maximum Aerobic Capacity and Cognitive Ability and Employees’ Workability in a Dairy Factory

Abstract Aim: Considering the importance and necessity of physical and mental fitness of the employees with their job demands, this study aimed to estimate the levels of aerobic capacity among the workers and determine the factors that might affect these levels. The relationship between the aerobic capacity levels and the values of workers’ cognitive function and workability was also investigated. Materials and Methods: Sixty healthy male employees from a dairy factory were recruited using a random sampling method. The study design consisted of the completion of checklists containing personal data, anthropometric measurements, and evaluation of job ability, maximum aerobic capacity along with the cognitive ability of the participants using the Workability Index (WAI) standard questionnaire, Queen’s College step test, and psychomotor vigilance test (PVT), respectively. Results: The mean values of VO2 max, reaction time (RT), and WAI of workers were 45.54 ± 6.13 mL/kg/min, 337.82 ± 29.93 ms, and 42.76 ± 5.02, respectively. Based on the Pearson correlation test, a weak statically significant correlation was observed between PVT and VO2 max (r = 0.3, P = 0.02) as well as PVT and physical work capacity (r = 0.263, P = 0.04). The findings of this study showed that there was a significant relationship between height, weight, body mass index, RT, and error percentage with maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 max). Conclusion: According to the physiological criteria, the employees’ capabilities and job requirements are not in balance; particularly for those working in laboratory, office, or service departments. Therefore, using standardized recruitment tests, providing sports facilities and developing integrated indicators are a principal element of establishing an ergonomic balance in this workplace.

Comparing high-intensity versus moderate-intensity exercise training in coronary artery disease patients: a randomized controlled trial with 6- and 12-month follow-up

Abstract Aim This study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of two exercise-based CR programs on physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, physical fitness, quality of life (QoL), and mental health in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Subject and methods Seventy-two CAD participants were randomized (1:1:1) into HIIT, MICT, and control groups. Both training programs spanned 6 weeks with three supervised treadmill exercise sessions per week. MICT targeted ≈70–75% of peak heart rate (HR), while HIIT aimed for ≈85–95% of peak HR. The control group adhered to standard medical recommendations. Assessments at 6- and 12-months post-intervention included body composition, aerobic capacity, muscle strength, PA, SB, QoL, anxiety, and depression. Results Over the 6- and 12-month follow-up periods, both exercise groups maintained the levels of aerobic capacity (HIIT ≈ 19.6 ml kg−1 min−1, MICT ≈ 17.8 ml kg−1 min−1), QoL, and PA compared to baseline (p < .001). Symptoms of anxiety and depression remained lower than baseline (p < .001). The HIIT group demonstrated a significant decreasing trend in waist circumference (∆m3−m2% −2 cm, p = .033) compared to MICT (p = .016) and control (p = .001) at 6 months of follow-up. It was maintained at 12 months of follow-up with significant differences to MICT (p = .018) and control (p = .001). In contrast, the control group experienced deteriorations in body composition, SB, symptoms of anxiety, and depression, along with a decline in aerobic capacity over time. Conclusion Encouraging CAD patients to maintain elevated PA levels can promote cardiovascular, WC, and mental health. CR exercise programs can reduce cardiovascular risk factors and induce favorable lifestyle changes. Notably, HIIT demonstrated sustained improvements surpassing those of MICT. These findings underscore the importance of structured exercise-based CR programs in optimizing long-term outcomes for CAD patients. Trial Registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03538119 on May 25, 2018.

Objectively and subjectively measured physical activity levels in individuals with whiplash associated disorder and aged-matched healthy controls.

Whiplash associated disorders (WAD) are the most common non-hospitalised injuries resulting from a motor vehicle crash. Half of individuals with WAD experience ongoing pain and disability. Furthermore, individuals with persistent WAD have lower levels of aerobic capacity and isometric strength compared with age-matched controls. It is not known whether these differences are associated with increased levels of pain and disability, or with reduced physical activity (PA) participation. Our primary aim was to compare PA levels in individuals with persistent WAD with healthy controls. Secondary aims were to: compare objective and subjective measurements of PA; explore factors that may influence PA; and describe proportions of these populations meeting World Health Organisation PA guidelines. Objective (ActiGraph accelerometer; seven days) and subjective (International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)) PA data were collected for n = 53 age-matched participants (WAD n = 28; controls n = 25). Independent sample t-tests showed no significant difference in objectively measured PA (p>0.05) between WAD and controls. For the subjective measure (IPAQ), controls reported more overall weekly PA (t = 0.219, p<0.05), while WAD participants reported more weekly walking minutes (t = -0.712, p<0.05). Linear regression showed mental health quality-of-life predicted objectively measured moderate intensity PA (R2 = 0.225, F (2, 44) = 6.379, p<0.004) and subjectively reported overall PA (R2 = 0.132, F (1, 41) = 6.226, p<0.017). Bland-Altman analyses indicated that subjects over-reported MVPA and under-reported sedentary time using the IPAQ. Individuals with WAD had levels of physical and mental health quality-of-life significantly lower than controls and below population norms yet participated in similar levels of PA. Given that increased perceptions of mental health quality-of-life were positively associated with objectively measured MVPA and subjectively reported overall PA, strategies to help people with WAD achieve adequate doses of MVPA may be beneficial. ActiGraph-measured and IPAQ-reported PA were discordant. Hence, IPAQ may not be a reliable measure of habitual PA in WAD.

Comparative Analysis of Maximal Aerobic Capacity and Sprint-Related Physical Fitness in Keirin Cyclists

PURPOSE This study aimed to compare body composition, physical fitness, maximum muscle strength, and blood lactate concentration according to the level of aerobic capacity in Keirin cyclists.METHODS Forty-four Keirin cyclists participated in this study and were divided into three groups: the top 20% VO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;max group (TG, n=9), the middle 20% VO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;max group (MG, n=9), and the low 20% VO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;max group (LG, n=9). The study measured body composition, physical fitness, maximum muscle strength, and blood lactate concentration in Keirin cyclists. Differences between groups were determined using one-way ANOVA analysis.RESULTS Body weight, percentage of body fat, and body mass index were significantly higher in the LG than in the TG and MG. The vertical jump and maximum muscle strength were significantly higher in the TG and MG than in the LG. Additionally, blood lactate concentrations immediately after exhaustive exercise and during the 5-minute recovery periods were higher in the LG than in the TG and MG. Moreover, the time to exhaustion, HRmax and maximum power were the highest in the TG.CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest new information that levels of aerobic capacity in male Keirin cyclists might be a crucial predictor of cycling performance and recovery ability.

Dual-Task Performance, Balance and Aerobic Capacity as Predictors of Falls in Older Adults with Cardiovascular Disease: A Comparative Study.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are highly prevalent and strongly associated with the risk of falls in the elderly. Falls are associated with impairments in cognition and functional or gait performance; however, little is known about these associations in the elderly population with CVD. In this study, we aimed to clarify the possible associations of physical capacity and functional and cognitive outcomes with the incidence of falls in older adults with CVD. In this comparative study, 72 elderly patients were divided into fallers (n = 24 cases) and non-fallers (n = 48 controls) according to the occurrence of falls within one year. Machine learning techniques were adopted to formulate a classification model and identify the most important variables associated with the risk of falls. Participants with the worst cardiac health classification, older age, the worst cognitive and functional performance, balance and aerobic capacity were prevalent in the case group. The variables of most importance for the machine learning model were VO2max, dual-task in seconds and the Berg Scale. There was a significant association between cognitive-motor performance and the incidence of falls. Dual-task performance, balance, and aerobic capacity levels were associated with an increased risk of falls, in older adults with CVD, during a year of observation.

Effects of Different Hydration Strategies in Young Men during Prolonged Exercise at Elevated Ambient Temperatures on Pro-Oxidative and Antioxidant Status Markers, Muscle Damage, and Inflammatory Status.

Physical exercise is associated with an increase in the speed of metabolic processes to supply energy to working muscles and endogenous heat production. Intense sweating caused by the work performed at high ambient temperatures is associated with a significant loss of water and electrolytes, leading to dehydration. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of different hydration strategies in young men during prolonged exercise at elevated ambient temperatures on levels of pro-oxidative and antioxidant status, oxidative status markers (TAC/TOC), muscle cell damage (Mb, LDH), and inflammatory status (WBC, CRP, IL-1β). The study was conducted on a group of 12 healthy men with average levels of aerobic capacity. The intervention consisted of using various hydration strategies: no hydration; water; and isotonic drinks. The examination was di-vided into two main stages. The first stage was a preliminary study that included medical exami-nations, measurements of somatic indices, and exercise tests. The exercise test was performed on a cycle ergometers. Their results were used to determine individual relative loads for the main part of the experiment. In the second stage, the main study was conducted, involving three series of weekly experimental tests using a cross-over design. The change in plasma volume (∆PV) measured im-mediately and one hour after the exercise test was significantly dependent on the hydration strategy (p = 0.003 and p = 0.002, respectively). The mean values of oxidative status did not differ signifi-cantly between the hydration strategy used and the sequence in which the test was performed. Using isotonic drinks, due to the more efficient restoration of the body's water and electrolyte balance compared to water or no hydration, most effectively protects muscle cells from the negative effects of exercise, leading to heat stress of exogenous and endogenous origin.

Aerobic Capacity in Relation to Selected Elements of Body Posture.

In the 21st century, with the rapid development of many human life areas, physical activity should be prevalent in health maintenance and promotion. Body posture is a motor habit characteristic of every individual. Its correctness depends on numerous aspects, e.g., physical activity, age, mental state, or eating habits. There are numerous reports in the literature on the impact of physical activity on body posture, correct foot arch development, and the level of aerobic capacity in children and adolescents, but there is a noticeable lack of assessments of these characteristics and their correlations in adults. To evaluate aerobic capacity in males and females in relation to selected body posture elements. The study involved 45 females and 46 males aged 20-21 years. The inclusion criteria involved declared good health and no contraindications. Selected somatic traits, body posture, and physical capacity indicators were determined. Physical capacity shows a significant relationship with body mass in both sexes (female: r = -0.346; p = 0.020; male: r = -0.321; p = 0.030). A significant correlation was observed between aerobic capacity and lean body mass in females (r = -0.428; p = 0.003) and body mass (r = -0.461; p = 0.001) and body fat percentage in males (r = -0.443; p = 0.002). A significant correlation was demonstrated between maximal oxygen uptake and Clarke's angle (r = -0.300; p = 0.045) in females, between maximal oxygen uptake and the loaded area of the right foot (r = -0.247; p = 0.098) in the male group, and between maximal oxygen uptake and spine lateral deviation (r = 0.352; p = 0.018) in females. There was no dimorphism between body posture elements and physical capacity except for the level of foot longitudinal arches, feet loading surface, spine lateral deviation, and the range of spine mobility in the sagittal and frontal planes. Aerobic capacity significantly influenced lean body mass (β = -0.379; p = 0.007) and spine deviation from the anatomical axis in the frontal plane in females (β = 0.287; p = 0.039) and body fat percentage in males (β = -0.443; p = 0.002). Selected body posture elements demonstrate relationships with physical capacity in both sexes. The results should find wide practical applications, e.g., in promoting a comprehensive assessment of body posture and physical capacity as determinants of health maintenance.

PECULIARITIES OF PARAMETERS OF AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC PRODUCTIVITY DEPENDING ON THE COMPONENTS OF BODY WEIGHT IN YOUNG MALES FROM THE MOUNTAINOUS DISTRICTS OF ZAKARPATTIA.

The aim: To establish differences in the aerobic and anaerobic capacity in young males with different components of body weight who live in the mountainous districts of Zakarpattia region. Materials and methods: 124 young men aged 17-21 were examined to determine the aerobic and anaerobic capabilities of the body, taking into account the components of body weight. Results: The level of aerobic productivity, which reflects physical health, depends on the component composition of the body. The highest level of aerobic capacity in terms of the VО2 max rel. is found in young males who have normal body weight with a high and a very high relative content of skeletal muscle, a low relative content of fat, and a normal level of visceral fat. As a consequence, their physical health exceeds "safe health level", namely 42 ml∙min-1∙kg-1, and corresponds to "average" according to Ya.P. Piarnat's criteria. Conclusions: A high relative fat content negatively affects the functional capabilities of the body of young males in both aerobic and anaerobic modes of energy supply. With the growth in the relative content of skeletal muscles, the increase of the aerobic capacity of the body, as well as the growth of the capacity of alactic and lactic energy supply processes is observed. None of the examined males had "good" or "excellent" parameters of aerobic processes.

Does the Paleo diet affect an athlete's health and sport performance?

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of an eight-week Paleo diet on the health status (body composition, haematology and biochemistry of blood and urine) and the level of physical capacity (aerobic and anaerobic) of professional handball players. Fifteen athletes were assigned to two groups: 9 in the experimental group (PD) and 6 in the control group (CD). Significant decreases in body mass (BM), body mass index (BMI), and fat mass (FM) as well as an increase in the fat-free mass (FFM) (%) in both groups were observed. There were no significant differences between groups in particular series during the experiment in all haematological and biochemical indicators of blood and urine. Only HDL-C was significantly higher in the last series in the PD compared to the CD (1.63 mmol/l vs. 1.23 mmol/l). In the Wingate test, there were only single intragroup changes, consisting of a significant decrease in the Wt, MAP and Pmean in the experimental group. There were no significant differences between the groups in individual series or intragroup differences during the experiment, determined by the VO2max, VEmax, VE ∙ VCO2 -1, RER, and the time of the test with a gradually increasing load on a treadmill, except for a significant decrease of maximum tidal volume (TVmax) in the PD. No adverse effect of the Paleo diet on the health status was found. The use of the Paleo diet slightly adversely affects anaerobic capacity and does not affect the level of aerobic capacity.

Exercise and Academic Performance: Implications of Aerobic Capacity and Hand Grip Strength in Middle-School Students

The regular practice of physical exercise has a positive role on mental health and a positive contribution to the development of cognitive function, considered beneficial to academic performance. The present study aimed to analyse the impact of physical exercise on students' academic performance. 227 students participated, of which 112 (49.3%) were male and 115 (50.6%) were female, aged between 10 and 13 years old, from 5th and 6th grades in a Portuguese public school. The Susan Harter Self-Concept Scale validated for the Portuguese population was used, and a descriptive and inferential analysis of the data was conducted to analyse the levels of handgrip strength, aerobic capacity and academic performance. Linear regression analysis was used to interpret the predictive variables and we calculated the magnitude of the effect. The results suggest that the practice of physical exercise enhances the levels of aerobic capacity, handgrip strength and academic performance of students. In addition to physical education classes, the individual sports combined with the team sports present very positive values in relation to the variables described.

Perceived Consequences of Post-COVID-19 and Factors Associated with Low Life Satisfaction.

A significant number of individuals experience post-COVID-19 symptoms, but knowledge of perceived consequences and life satisfaction is lacking. Here, we investigate perceived consequences regarding everyday life, health, physical activity and work post-COVID-19 and factors associated with low life satisfaction. A total of 766 people (mean age 48; 672 women) experiencing post-COVID-19 symptoms at least two months after infection (mean 13 months) responded to an online survey. A majority (≥77%) perceived physical fatigue, mental fatigue, dizziness, reduced work ability, low life satisfaction and a reduced level of aerobic capacity. In the final logistic regression model (Nagelkerke R Square 0.296, p &lt; 0.001), poor work ability was the most important factor for perceiving low satisfaction with life (Odds ratio 3.369, 95% CI 2.040-5.565, p &lt; 0.001, Nagelkerke R Square 0.177). Reduced aerobic capacity, fatigue and living in a city also increased the odds of low life satisfaction. As people with post-COVID-19 report several long-term consequences, this suggests that there is a need for targeted care for this group. The results of this study can serve as guidance for healthcare authorities regarding important long-term consequences that should be considered in rehabilitation programs directed toward post-COVID-19.

Relationship Between Aerobic Capacity, Mobility, and Spatial Navigation in Healthy Individuals and Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical ability and spatial navigation in older adults with mild cognitive impairment and healthy controls, using the floor maze test. Study participants (n = 58) were subjected to the following tests: floor maze test, sit-to-stand, 8-foot up-and-go, and aerobic steps. Factorial analyses showed that performance of the physical tests combined explained approximately 87% of the sample variability. Mobility (R2 = .22, p ≤ .001) and aerobic capacity (R2 = .27, p ≤ .001) were both associated with delayed maze time in the floor maze test. Low levels of aerobic capacity were also associated with an increased odds to perform poorly in the delayed maze time after controlling for age, sex, and mild cognitive impairment diagnosis (odds ratio = 3.1; 95% confidence interval [1.0, 9.5]; p = .04). Aerobic capacity and mobility are associated with spatial navigation in patients with mild cognitive impairment and healthy older adults.

Aerobic Capacity and Restitution Efficiency Level in Relation to the Training Experience and Weekly Training Volume of Male and Female Judo National Team Members in the Cadet Age Group (U18) during the Preparatory Period.

This study aims to analyze the relationship between the level of aerobic capacity and post-exercise restitution during the preparation period, with training experience and weekly training volume. All (12) athletes (six women; six men) participating in the training camp of the Polish national judo team in the cadet age group were tested. The Maximal Multistage 20-m Shuttle Run Test was used to investigate the level of aerobic capacity, and the Klonowicz coefficient of restitution (COR) 3 min after exercise (COR 3′) and 5 min after exercise (COR 5′) was used to determine the level of post-exercise restitution efficiency. The results showed that higher training experience significantly affected the deterioration of COR 3′ in female athletes and improved the results in the capacity test of male athletes. Female and male athletes with a higher weekly training volume had a higher HR at the end of the performance test. Considering the demonstrated correlations, special attention should be paid to matching the loads in training programs to the age of the athletes, introducing into training programs the teaching of body management during fatigue. Failing to adjust this may make participation impossible in competitions at the international level for older age groups.

Ferritin: An Iron Deficiency Biomarker In Collegiate Female Distance Runners

Iron deficiency is a concern in distance runners due to the implications that hemoglobin production becomes impaired limiting oxygen uptake and tissue oxidation in the body. Ferritin is a biomarker used to diagnose iron deficiency. The related signs and symptoms of iron deficiency are associated with decreased performance and prolonged recovery. PURPOSE: To investigate whether the change in ferritin levels affect measures of performance, measures of recovery, and rate of perceived exertion in female endurance runners. METHODS: Ten participants (3 freshman and 7 upperclassman) that were female distance runners on an NCAA Division I Track and Field Team (20.0 ± 1.4 yrs) from one mid-Atlantic university completed the study. Each participant completed the self-reported demographic questionnaire to determine participation eligibility, injury history, and iron supplementation history. In addition, a post-race questionnaire following each race was completed to self-report measures related to performance and recovery (RPE, sleep, dietary, hydration and stress). Results of most recent ferritin levels at different time points and race times during the competitive indoor track and field season were obtained from existing data. RESULTS: Ferritin levels were found to decrease in both freshman and upperclassman groups from the previous six and eighteen months of testing, respectively. Ferritin levels preseason and postseason were 50.33 ± 17.94 ng/ml and 46.33 ± 17.75 ng/ml, respectively, with no significance in change (F = 1.767, p = 0.220). Partial correlations indicated moderate relationships between ferritin levels and feeling ill or injured (r = 0.42, p = 0.002), hours of sleep the previous three nights (r = 0.315, p = 0.021), and rate of perceived exertion (r = 0.407, p = 0.002). Other results were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Ferritin can be a valuable tool in determining iron status in the body and is associated with several measures of recovery. Regular ferritin testing with other hematological markers provide a comprehensive analysis of factors that influence levels of aerobic capacity. Difference in iron stores have a significant relationship with measures of recovery, thus additional studies should be conducted to further investigate the importance of ferritin levels and confirm the findings of this study.

Physiological Changes Associated with Space Missions: How Physical Exercise Helps

Physiological Changes Associated with Space Missions: How Physical Exercise Helps

The impact of covid-19 lockdown on aerobic capacity in female soccer players

Aim. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in physical capacity caused by a 41-day significant reduction in training activity due to the COVID-19 lockdown. The 20 m shuttle run (Multistage Fitness Beep test) was used to determine physical capacity.Methods. The examinations were performed on 23 female soccer players aged 15 to 23 years. The inclusion criteria were sufficient training experience and participation in competitions at the level of the Central Junior League and the First Women’s League. On both dates of examinations, separated by a 41-day interval forced by the COVID-19 pandemic, maximal oxygen uptake was analyzed using an indirect method based on the Beep Test. The differences in VO2max on both dates for the combined groups were analyzed by Student’s t-test for dependent samples.Results. Calculations showed a highly significant reduction in VO2max (by 5.6 ml/kg/min). Furthermore, the absolute decrease in this variable was significantly related to baseline levels (r=0.760).Conclusions. The re-education of physical activity enforced by the 41-day lockdown resulted in a significant loss of aerobic capacity. A greater decrease in VO2max was observed in female athletes with higher baseline levels of aerobic capacity. It seems advisable to develop special training programs for individual implementation in case the group training is impossible.

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.