Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run Test Research Articles

Longitudinal pathways of associations between motor proficiency and physical fitness during earlier and later childhood: The NW-CHILD study.

Understanding the relationships between motor proficiency (MP) and physical fitness (PF) is important for the future health of children, although longitudinal findings of this nature are limited. This study explored the association between MP and PF during earlier childhood (6 and 9 years old) and later childhood (12 years old) in boys and girls. A stratified and randomized research design including a baseline and two follow-up time-point measures (2010, 2013, and 2016) were used. Primary school children (N = 374, boys = 178; girls = 196) were tested with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor-Proficiency-2, Short Form, and the Test of Gross Motor Development- 2, at ages 6 and 9 years, and with the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run test at age 12. Spearman Rank Order Correlations and stepwise regression analyses were used to analyze the data. Although of a low magnitude, proof of a dynamic longitudinal, but a stable relationship between MP and PF were found and with different gender-specific relationships in this pathway of association. A small but significant percentage of variation in PF at 12 years could be explained by overall motor competence (MC) and object control skills (OCS) at the ages of 6 and 9 years. Among girls, the association with PF at 12 years was influenced by both OCS, and MC, although only MC contributed to the variation found in boys. Socio-economic status made an insignificant contribution at 6 years to later PF in boys, but not in girls. MC, including OCS during early and middle childhood can be considered as possible triggers of physical activity which again, can increase PF during later childhood. Obtaining early competence in these developmental areas is therefore important to promote positive and sustainable trajectories of health with long-term health outcomes.

Análise da relação entre broncoespasmo induzido por exercício, aptidão cardiorrespiratória e nível de atividade física de adolescentes

ABSTRACT This study aims to verify the association between exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB), cardiorespiratory fitness, and physical activity levels in adolescents. To do so, we evaluated 202 healthy adolescents aged from 13 to 18 years, out of which 94 (46.5%) were females and 108 (53.5%) males. Participants performed a bronchial challenge test in a treadmill (Master Super ATL, Inbramed®) to evaluate bronchial hyper-responsiveness; a spirometric test (Microquark, Cosmed®) to evaluate lung function; answered the Baecke’s Questionnaire of Habitual Physical Activity; and performed the progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run test. Data were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation, chi-square test, and odds ratio. The significance level adopted was p<0.05. No statistically significant correlations were found between the decrease of the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), cardiorespiratory fitness, and physical activity levels. Likewise, the chi-squared test revealed no significant differences between classifications of cardiorespiratory fitness (low or adequate) and EIB (presence or absence) (χ2=0.155; p=0.694). Finally, odds ratio showed no increased chances of the presence of EIB in participants who presented low cardiorespiratory fitness (OR=1.130; CI: 0.616-2.073). We concluded that cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity levels are not associated with the decrease of FEV1 and that there is no relation between the presence of EIB and the classification of cardiorespiratory fitness of adolescents.

Physical Activity and Fitness Markers of Male Campers Participating in a Fitness-Based Sport Education Season

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine health-related fitness levels and physical activity trends of adolescents participating in a fitness-based sport education season in a camp setting. Method: This study was conducted in a residential summer camp. Participants were 71 male campers. Participants were categorized into two groups (i.e., Healthy or Needs Improvement-Needs Improvement Health Risk [NI/NI-Health Risk]). Physical activity and health-related fitness measures were assessed. Data were analyzed with separate 2 × 2 mixed-factorial analyses of variance and follow-up t tests when appropriate. Results: Findings indicated significant decreases in body mass index for both groups with greater decreases for the NI/NI-Heath Risk group. Both groups increased for push-ups, sit-ups, and Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run Test scores with greater improvements in the NI/NI-Health Risk group. Discussion/Conclusion: Youth amassed elevated levels of physical activity during each lesson and achieved significant improvements to muscle strength, cardiovascular endurance, and body mass index. The NI/NI-Health Risk group revealed significant improvements compared to their healthy counterparts.

Evaluation of Afterschool Activity Programs' (ASAP) Effect on Children's Physical Activity, Physical Health, and Fundamental Movement Skills.

BackgroundPhysical literacy-focused afterschool activity programs (ASAPs) can be an effective strategy to improve children’s health-related parameters. We sought to compare physical activity, body composition, aerobic capacity, and fundamental movement skills between physical literacy-focused ASAP and a standard recreational ASAP.MethodA pre–post (6 months) comparison study was conducted in 5- to 12-year-old children in a physical literacy-focused ASAP (physical literacy group, n = 14) and children attending a standard recreational ASAP (comparison group, n = 15). Physical activity guideline adherence was assessed using accelerometry, body composition was analyzed using bioelectrical impedance, aerobic capacity was estimated using the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run test, and fundamental movement skills were evaluated using the Test of Gross Motor Development–2.ResultsThere were no significant differences between groups at baseline. After 6 months, the physical literacy group exhibited a significant improvement in their total raw score for the Test of Gross Motor Development–2 (p = .016), which was likely due to improvements in object control skills (p = .024). The comparison group significantly increased body mass index (p = .001) and body fat (p = .009) over time. No significant between-group differences were found; however, there was a trend for improved aerobic capacity in the physical literacy group (d = 0.58).ConclusionsEngagement in the physical literacy-focused ASAP contributed to an attenuated increase in adiposity and an improvement in object control skills.

Daily Physical Education Linked to Higher Youth Aerobic Fitness Levels: A 4-Year Longitudinal Study.

Physical education (PE) provides opportunities for youth physical activity during the school day, yet daily PE policies remain low. This study investigated whether daily PE was linked to youth aerobic capacity across a 4-year period in Greenville (South Carolina). Youth in grade levels second to eighth at 2 schools providing daily PE and 2 schools that did not provide daily PE participated in the study (N = 466). The 2 schools used as comparisons provided standard PE outlined by South Carolina, which included one 50-minute session per week (elementary) and daily PE for one semester (middle school). Aerobic fitness was measured using the FITNESSGRAM® Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run test (May 2011-2015). Number of Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run laps completed, age, gender, ethnicity, body composition, and school attended were included in multilevel linear regression analyses. Across the sample, aerobic fitness increased with age. Throughout the study, males demonstrated growth in aerobic fitness compared with a slight decline for females (P < .001). Youth participation in daily PE was linked to increases in aerobic fitness compared with youth who did not receive daily PE (P < .001). Findings suggest that exposure to daily PE may contribute to increased aerobic fitness in youth.

Impact of COVID-19 on School-Aged Male and Female Health-Related Fitness Markers.

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the Coronavirus disease 2019 on male and female anthropometric variables and physical performance. This study utilized a mixed (time [PRE vs POST], gender [male vs female]) methods design to examine changes in the body mass index and physical fitness performance measures prior to and following closures. Data were collected from 264 third through eighth graders. This sample consisted of 131 males and 133 females. The data was collected through anthropometric (body mass index) and physical performance measures and was analyzed with separate 2 × 2 mixed-factorial analyses of variance (time [PRE, POST] × gender [male, female]). The findings indicated both males and females exhibited mean increases in the body mass index (+10.6%; 18.8-20.8kg·m-2, P < .001, partial η2 = .627) and decreases in push-ups (-35.6%; 7.3-4.7 repetitions, P < .001, partial η2 = .371), sit-ups (-19.4%; 22.7-18.3 repetitions, P < .001, partial η2 = .420), and the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run test (-26.7%; 31.4-22.4 laps, P < .001, partial η2 = .644) scores from PRE to POST. The results of this study demonstrate that both males and females exhibited significant anthropometric and physical performance losses during the Coronavirus disease 2019 shutdown.

Association of Fitness and Fatness with Clustered Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Nigerian Adolescents.

Purpose: This study examinedthe independent and joint association of fitness and fatness with clustered cardiovascular disease risk (CVDrs) in 11–18 year-old Nigerian adolescents. Methods: A hundred and ninety seven adolescents (100 girls and 97 boys) were evaluated forfitness, fatness and CVDrs. Fitness was evaluated with the progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run test while fatness was assessed using body mass index. A clustered CVDrs was computed from the standardized residuals of total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, Low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, plasma glucose, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. Regression models controlling for waist circumference assessed the association of fitness and fatness with CVDrs. Results: Prevalence of clustered CVD risk was 7.1% (girls = 3.0%; boys = 4.1%). Based on risk factor abnormalities, 52.8% of participants had one or more CVD risk factor abnormalities with more boys (27.4%) affected. Low fitness was associated with clustered CVDrs in both girls (R2 = 9.8%, β = −0.287, p = 0.05) and boys (R2 = 17%, β = −0.406, p < 0.0005). Fatness was not associated with the CVDrs in both sexes. After controlling for all the variables in the model, only fitness (R2 = 10.4%) and abdominal fat (R2 = 19.5%) were associated with CVDrs respectively. Unfit girls were 3.2 (95% CI = 1.31–7.91, p = 0.011) times likely to develop CVD risk abnormality compared to their fit counterparts. The likelihood of unfit boys developing CVD risk abnormality was 3.9 (95% CI = 1.15–10.08, p = 0.005) times compared to their fit peers. Conclusions: Fitness but not fatness was a better predictor of CVDrs in Nigerian boys and girls. The result of this study suggests that any public health strategies aimed at preventing or reversing the increasing trends of CVD risk in adolescents should emphasize promotion of aerobic fitness.

Differences in blood pressure according to physical fitness and body mass in a sample of Mexican schoolchildren.

Physical fitness is the ability to perform activities of daily living without excessive fatigue. The potential protective role of fitness against high blood pressure in childhood is relevant to diminish the risk of hypertension in adulthood. A negative association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and hypertension has been found in the pediatric population. However, the role of body mass as a confounding variable of this association has not been evaluated. This study aimed to analyze whether the association between fitness and blood pressure in Mexican schoolchildren is independent of body mass. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 1010 children (574 females and 436 males) aged 9-12 years (mean age = 10.3 ± 0.9 years) from 13 elementary schools in Mexico City. Fitness was evaluated with tests from the FitnessGram® battery. Z-scores of body mass index (BMI)-for-age and height-for-age were estimated. Low fitness showed a high prevalence (from 45.8% for trunk lift to 77.5% for push-ups). Children with poor CRF (assessed by the 20-m progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run test) and upper body strength (assessed by push-ups) showed a higher probability of hypertension (p < 0.05). However, these differences disappeared after adjusting for BMI. After considering the body mass, cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal fitness were not independent predictors of blood pressure.

A Comparison of Health Related Fitness Variables between Youths in Singapore and Hong Kong

Physical fitness encompasses health-related fitness (HRF) variables which may reduce cardiovascular risk factors if identified early in youths. PURPOSE: To compare HRF variables between youths in Singapore (SGP) and Hong Kong (HK). METHODS: A total of 1559 youths from SGP (age: 13.49 ± 1.21 years, height: 159.76 ± 8.94 cm, weight: 51.91 ± 13.38 kg, Body Fat (BF) %: 21.51 ± 10.25 %) and 1530 youths from HK (age: 13.51 ± 0.98 years, height: 160.69 ± 8.40 cm, weight: 52.20 ± 12.43 kg, BF%: 21.16 ± 9.99 %) participated in this study. Body Mass Index (BMI) and BF% were measured by bio-electric impedance analysis. Cardiovascular fitness, lower limb flexibility, arm strength, abdominal endurance were tested using the 15m youth Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run test (PACER), one-legged sit-and-reach test for both legs (SRT), handgrip strength test for both hands (HS), and 1-minute sit-up test (SUT) respectively. RESULTS: Using the Independent T-Test, significant differences were found between SGP and HK youths for height (SGP: 159.76 ± 8.94 cm, HK: 160.69 ± 8.40 cm, p < 0.0005), SRT (SGP: 54.14 ± 10.15 cm, HK: 49.59 ± 12.04 cm, p < 0.0005), HS (SGP: 25.18 ± 7.77 kg, HK: 26.01 ± 6.96 kg, p = 0.002), SUT (SGP: 38.94 ± 11.92, HK: 30.56 ± 10.14, p < 0.0005) and PACER (SGP: 40.93 ± 23.90 laps, HK: 35.49 ± 18.44 laps, p < 0.0005). There were no significant differences in weight, BMI, and BF% between youths in both countries, with low obesity rates in both countries (SGP: 12.7%, HK: 10.32%). CONCLUSION: Results indicated similar body composition results in both countries. SGP youths had lesser arm strength as compared to HK youths. However, SGP youths had higher abdominal endurance, better flexibility and were more aerobically fit as compared to HK youths. Both SGP and HK youths need to maintain their physical activities to improve their cardiovascular fitness as this will help to reduce cardiovascular diseases in youths in the future.

Adolescent Changes in Aerobic Fitness Are Related to Changes in Academic Achievement.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in aerobic fitness and academic achievement in reading and mathematics during middle school. This study employed a prospective, longitudinal cross-sectional design. Fifty-two adolescents were followed from sixth grade through eighth grade. In the spring, sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students completed Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run tests measuring aerobic fitness. In addition, students also completed Illinois Standards Achievement Test academic achievement tests in reading and mathematics. Changes in aerobic fitness between sixth and eighth grade were positively related to changes in academic achievement in both reading and mathematics between sixth and eighth grade. These data suggest that changes in aerobic fitness may modulate changes in academic achievement. These findings highlight the importance of physical activity and have broad relevance for educational systems and policies.

Longitudinal Impact of a Park-Based Afterschool Healthy Weight Program on Modifiable Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Youth.

Community-based programs hold significant potential to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in youth. We describe here the longitudinal change in several modifiable CVD risk factors after participation in up to 3years of Fit2Play™, a park-based afterschool program. Children ages 6-15years old (N = 2261, mean age 9.0 years, 50% Hispanic, 47% non-Hispanic black, 54% male) who participated in Fit2Play™ for either 1-3 school years between 2010 and 2016 had height, weight, 4-site skinfold thicknesses, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, the progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run test, and health/wellness knowledge and behavior scores collected at the beginning and end of the school year(s). Effects of length of Fit2Play™ participation on CVD outcomes were assessed via 2-level repeated measures analysis adjusted for child sociodemographics, park, area poverty, and year. Adjusted models showed overweight/obese children who participated in up to 3 years of Fit2Play™ had a mean reduction of 8mm in skinfold thicknesses; almost 0.5 SD's in BMI z-score; 5 DBP %ile points; 17% reduction in probability of developing hypertension; and a mean increase of 6.4 PACER laps and 17% increase in health/wellness assessment compared to baseline. A dose-response trend was found for years of Fit2Play™ participation and improved CVD risk profile in participating youth. In conclusion, park-based afterschool programs that promote preventive CVD risk strategies can be an equitable, low-cost, high value tool for addressing our national epidemics of obesity, heart disease and diabetes and a rapidly changing healthcare system in need of evidence-based prevention programs.

Comparison of Health Related Fitness Variables between Male and Female Youths in Singapore

Physical fitness encompasses health-related fitness (HRF) variables such as cardiovascular fitness (CF), lumbar and lower limb flexibility (LLLF), muscular strength (MS) and body fat percentage (BF%). To date, no large study has been conducted on HRF variables among Singaporean youths. PURPOSE: To compare HRF variables between male and female Singaporean youths. METHODS: One thousand four hundred and fifty-six youths (762 males: age: 13.63 ± 1.35 years, height: 158.36 ± 8.75 cm, weight: 53.82 ± 14.39 kg, BF%: 17.64 ± 10.73 %; and 694 females: age: 13.34 ± 1.21 years, height: 160.73 ± 8.68 cm, weight: 48.82 ± 10.9 kg, BF%: 25.74 ± 7.87 %) from Singapore schools participated in this study. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated using standard methods and BF% was measured with a Tanita BC-581 FitPlus Innerscan Scale and Body Composition Monitor. CF, LLLF, and MS were tested using the 15m youth Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run test (PACER), one-legged sit-and-reach test (SRT), handgrip strength test (HS), and 1-minute sit-up test (SUT) respectively. RESULTS: 76.65% of the youths (males: 77.82%, females: 82.56%) were in the healthy BMI range according to the Health Promotion Board of Singapore. Significant differences were found between males and females for all variables (BF %: Males: 17.64 ± 10.73 %, Females: 25.74 ± 7.87 %, p <0.005; SRT: Males: 52.97 ± 10.04 cm, Females: 55.53 ± 10.03 cm, p <0.005; HS: Males: 28.35 ± 7.98 kg, Females: 20.77 ± 4.11 kg, p <0.005; SUT: Males: 43.26 ± 11.29, Females: 33.24 ± 9.16, p <0.005; PACER: Males: 48.79 ± 24.93 stages, Females: 29.41 ± 12.9 stages, p <0.005). Males were significantly stronger than females, whereas females were significantly more flexible than males. CONCLUSIONS: Generally, youths in Singapore are aerobically fit, with a healthy BF% indicating low obesity rates. If these results of HRF variables are maintained throughout their lifetime, there may be low risk of cardiovascular diseases in Singapore in the future.

Longitudinal Relationship between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Academic Achievement.

The aim of this study was to examine the prospective associations between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and academic achievement in the youth. The sample included 1286 fifth-, sixth-, and seventh-grade students, age 11 to 14 yr (Mage = 11.3 ± 1.1), from 14 schools followed for 3 yr. Academic achievement was assessed using the students' marks at baseline and at follow-up 3 yr apart, in Portuguese, mathematics, foreign language (English), and science. CRF was assessed by the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run test from the Fitnessgram battery. Students were classified as fit-fit, unfit-fit, fit-unfit, and unfit-unfit according to the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run test results at baseline and follow-up. Ordinal regression analyses were performed to examine associations between CRF and academic achievement. Being persistently fit (fit-fit), compared with those classified unfit-unfit, increased the odds of having high levels of academic achievement in Portuguese (odds ratio (OR) = 3.49; 95% CI, 1.97-6.20; P < 0.001) and foreign language (OR = 2.41; 95% CI, 1.39-4.14; P < 0.01) at follow-up. Students that improved their CRF and became fit (unfit-fit) had also higher odds of achieving better marks than those persistently unfit-unfit in Portuguese (OR = 2.52; 95% CI, 1.42-4.45; P < 0.01) and foreign language (OR = 2.13; 95% CI, 1.23-3.67; P < 0.01). Consistently high and improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness are prospectively associated with better academic achievement especially in mother tongue and foreign language.

Effect of a Park-Based After-School Program on Participant Obesity-Related Health Outcomes

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of a structured after-school program housed in a large county parks system on participant health and wellness outcomes. Longitudinal cohort study over one school year (fall 2011-spring 2012). A total of 23 county parks in Florida. Children ages 5 to 16 (N = 349, 55% non-Hispanic black, 40% Hispanic, mean age 8.9 years). An after-school program called Fit-2-Play that integrates daily standardized physical activity and health and wellness education components. Preintervention (August/September 2011) and postintervention (May/June 2012) anthropometric, systolic/diastolic blood pressure, fitness, and health and wellness knowledge measurements were collected. Comparison of pre-post outcome measure means were assessed via general linear mixed models for normal-weight (body mass index [BMI] <85th percentile for age and sex) and overweight/obese (BMI ≥85th percentile for age and sex) participants. The overweight/obese group significantly decreased their mean (1) BMI z score (2.0 to 1.8, p < .01) and (2) subscapular skinfold measurements (19.4 to 17.5 mm, p < .01) and increased (1) mean laps on the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run test (10.8 to 12.5, p = .04) and (2) percentage with normal systolic blood pressure (58.1% to 71.0%, p = .03) from pretest to posttest. On average, participants significantly improved their health and wellness knowledge over the school year (p < .01). Normal-weight participants maintained healthy BMI ranges and significantly increased fitness levels. Findings suggest that the Fit-2-Play after-school programs can be a significant resource for combating childhood obesity and instilling positive physical health in children, particularly among ethnic and socioeconomically diverse communities.

Association between physical activity, sedentary time, and healthy fitness in youth.

This study aimed to examine the associations between objectively measured physical activity (PA), sedentary time, and health-related fitness and to investigate the combined association of PA and sedentary time on health-related fitness in youths. PA and sedentary time were assessed with accelerometers in 2506 youths age 10-18 yr (M(age) = 13.2 ± 2.3). Participants were classified as active (≥60 min·d(-1) of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)) versus inactive (<60 min·d(-1) of MVPA) and as "low sedentary" versus "high sedentary" (according to the median value of sedentary time per day) and thereafter grouped as active/low sedentary, active/high sedentary, inactive/low sedentary, and inactive/high sedentary. Five physical fitness tests (body mass index, push-ups, curl-ups, sit and reach, and the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run test) were assessed with FITNESSGRAM, and participants were categorized as being in the healthy fitness zone (HFZ) versus the unhealthy fitness zone. A fitness composite score was calculated using the individual fitness test z-score. Regression models were used to examine the relation between PA, sedentary time, and physical fitness. Time spent in MVPA (min·d(-1)) (β = 0.002, P < 0.001) was significantly associated with fitness score independent of sedentary time. Sedentary time was not associated with physical fitness independent of MVPA. Compared with the inactive/high sedentary group (referent), being categorized as active/low sedentary was associated with increased likelihood of being in the HFZ for sit and reach (odds ratio, 2.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.96-3.32) and having a higher fitness composite score (odds ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-1.69). Time in MVPA was associated with better physical fitness independent of sedentary time. Participants classified as active/low sedentary had higher odds of being in the HFZ, for flexibility, and to have a better fitness composite score. These findings suggest that time in MVPA contributes to better physical fitness in youths.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Fatness, and Blood Pressure Associations in Nigerian Youth

This study aimed to examine the independent associations of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and body fatness with resting blood pressure (BP) in children (9-11 yr) and adolescents (12-15 yr) in Benue State of Nigeria. A total of 3243 children (n = 1017) and adolescents (n = 2226) were evaluated for aerobic fitness, body fatness, resting preexercise BP and recovery BP at minutes 1, 5, and 10 after a progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run test. Regression models, controlling for age and recovery BP at 1, 5, and 10 min after the progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run, determined the associations of independent variables with the dependent variables. Fatness and fitness were independent predictors of resting BP among participants, and the relationship of fatness with BP was more robust in adolescents than in children. In all cases, the relationships were stronger in boys than in girls. Combined fitness and fatness in predicting BP was modest (R(2) = 1%-3%) after controlling for age and postexercise BP. Postexercise BP was a major determinant of resting BP in both groups (R(2) = 23%-93%). In adolescents, fatter boys had 1.9 times likelihood of systolic HTN compared with leaner peers. Systolic and diastolic BP scores varied by fit-fat groups, the fit-low-fat group demonstrated the most favorable BP profiles, whereas the unfit-high-fat group showed the most adverse profiles. Irrespective of fatness, participants with higher CRF had more favorable BP profiles compared with their fat-unfit peers.