Aerobic Fitness In Children Research Articles

Research on aerobic fitness in children and adolescents: a bibliometric analysis based on the 100 most-cited articles.

This study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the 100 most-cited articles to examine research trends, hot topics, and gaps in aerobic fitness research in children and adolescents, addressing the lack of evidence synthesis. The Web of Science Core Collection database was used for literature search, and bibliometric characteristics of the included research articles were imported and calculated. Descriptive statistics and visualizations by the VOS viewer were used for the presentation of bibliometric characteristics. The 100 most cited articles received an average of 104 citations. British Journal of Sports Medicine and Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise were the two top journals that published aerobic fitness research in children and adolescents. The United States was the top country that contributed to the most-cited research articles. Three top research topics were identified from the analysis, such as neuroscience, developmental psychology, and aerobic health. Aerobic fitness research in children and adolescents has received much attention and interest since 2000. The most contributing authors in this research field were from developed countries, such as the United States, and cognition and health-related research were priorities.

Associations among Motor Competence, Physical Activity, Perceived Motor Competence, and Aerobic Fitness in 10-15-Year-Old Youth.

(1) Background: The developmental model describes possible mechanisms that could impact the trajectory of children and adolescents' health behaviors related to obesity; however, few data are available that support this model in the adolescent population. This study investigated the associations among motor competence (MC), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), perceived motor competence (PMC), and aerobic fitness in children and adolescents and the mediating and moderating effects of PMC, aerobic fitness, and weight status on the MC-MVPA relationship. (2) Methods: Participants included 47 adolescents (12.2 ± 1.6 y; 55% male) who completed the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, 2nd Edition (MC), Harter's perceived self-competency questionnaire (PMC), and the PACER test (aerobic fitness) and whose MVPA was measured via accelerometry. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated from measured height and weight. (3) Results: There were positive correlations between MC and fitness [rs(47) = 0.469, p < 0.01], PMC and fitness [rs(47) = 0.682, p < 0.01], and PMC and MC [rs(47) = 0.416, p < 0.01]. There were no associations among MVPA and MC, PMC, or fitness (p > 0.05). There were inverse associations between BMI and both MVPA [rs(44) = -0.410, p < 0.01] and fitness [rs(47) = 0.295, p < 0.05]. The association between MC and MVPA was mediated by fitness (β = 0.3984; 95% CI (0.0564-0.7985)). (4) Conclusions: The associations among MC, PMC, and fitness highlight the critical role of MC in health and partially support the proposed developmental model concerning the relationships that exist among MC, MVPA, PMC, fitness, and BMI.

Effects of nine months practice of martial arts on aerobic fitness in children and adolescentes

Effects of nine months practice of martial arts on aerobic fitness in children and adolescentes

A growing problem in childhood and adolescence: Metabolic syndrome and its relationship with physical activity and fitness

Metabolic syndrome (MetS); is defined as a life-threatening endocrinopathy in which systemic disorders such as insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, glucose intolerance, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and coronary artery disease are combined. Although, it is generally known as a problem of adults, it emerges as an essential problem in childhood and adolescence. MetS, closely related to obesity, is increasing due to bad eating habits and sedentary lifestyles. The pathophysiology of MetS has yet to be elucidated. Therefore, lifestyle changes, especially diet and physical activity, are the cornerstones of MetS treatment. In general, both physical activity and fitness; appear to be separately and independently associated with metabolic risk factors in children and adolescents. Although, studies show that activities that increase physical activity levels and improve aerobic fitness cause a decrease in the risk of MetS; a definitive prescription for exercise has not been established at this time. This review aimed to review the definition, classification, and factors playing a role in the pathogenesis of MetS, as well as to evaluate the relationship between MetS and physical activity and aerobic fitness in children.

O8-4 The effect of The Daily Mile on primary school children's aerobic fitness levels after 12 weeks: a controlled trial

BackgroundThe Daily Mile is a school-based physical activity intervention that aims to improve children's aerobic fitness levels. It encompasses a 15-minute run for the whole class on or around the school grounds at least three times per week. The Daily Mile is an easy and accessible intervention, but the downside is a low threshold to stop or skip a session. Therefore, we aimed to determine 1) the effects of performing The Daily Mile for 12 weeks on the aerobic fitness levels of Dutch primary school children and 2) if additional personal support for teachers impacted the effectiveness of The Daily Mile.MethodsWe conducted a controlled trial in grades 5 through 8 of nine primary schools across the Netherlands. Schools were allocated to control, intervention (12 weeks The Daily Mile) or intervention-plus (12 weeks The Daily Mile and additional support) group. Children completed the shuttle-run test (SRT) at baseline and follow-up, 12 weeks apart. We analyzed the data using multi-level linear regression models clustered within individuals and by classes and schools. All models were adjusted for sex and age.ResultsWe collected complete data sets for 536 children (mean age 10.0 years). The participation rate of classes in the intervention group was 87.8% and in the intervention-plus group 89.7%. After correcting for age and sex, the adjusted model showed a significant intervention effect on SRT-score after 12 weeks for both the intervention group (1.1 stages; 95% CI 0.75, 1.47) and the intervention-plus group (0.6 stages; 95% CI 0.32, 0.89), when compared to the control group.ConclusionPerforming The Daily Mile at least three times per week for a 12 week period can be effective in increasing the aerobic fitness levels of primary school children. Additional personal support for teachers did not improve the effectiveness of the intervention on aerobic fitness within this time frame. This may be due to the high implementation rates in both the intervention group and the intervention-plus group. Possibly additional personal support might become beneficial for maintenance on the longer term.

Effects of a Long-Term Monitored Exercise Program on Aerobic Fitness in a Small Group of Children with Cystic Fibrosis.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a monitored exercise program on aerobic fitness in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Methods: Six children (2f/4m) with ages ranging from 6 to 14 years (11.3 ± 3.3 years.) and a mean ppFEV1 102.5 ± 13.5% pred. participated in the partially monitored 12-month exercise program. VO2peak and Wpeak were used as parameters of aerobic fitness. Incremental Cardio-Pulmonary Exercise Tests (CPETs) were performed before the program began (T1), after 6 months (T3) of monitoring, and after a further 6 months (T4) without monitoring. Habitual physical activity (HPA) was assessed with accelerometry. Results: The values of VO2peak and Wpeak improved slightly from T1 to T3 (p > 0.05), without a further increase after monitoring was stopped (T4). However, the VO2peak and Wpeak values were higher after monitoring was stopped compared to at T1. The exercise program with and without monitoring (p > 0.05) had no or only a slight effect on the FEV1 values, steps/day, and the intensity of HPA. Conclusions: Monitoring seems to facilitate the achievement of beneficial effects on physical fitness in CF children. For that reason, continuous individual exercise monitoring programs that involve close contact with an exercise therapist should be provided to maintain long-term motivation and participation in physical activities and sport activities during leisure time.

Effects of Different Types of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Endurance and Strength Parameters in Children and Adolescents.

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) promises high training effects on aerobic fitness in children, adolescents and adults in a relatively short time. It is therefore well-established in professional training settings. HIIT methods could also be suited to Physical Education (P.E.) lessons and contribute to students’ health and fitness. Since HIIT sessions need little time and equipment, they can be efficiently implemented in P.E. However, there are few studies which have examined non-running-based HIIT programs in the school sport setting. We therefore conducted an intervention study including 121 students aged 11–15 attending a secondary school in Baden Württemberg, Germany. The effects of three different forms of HIIT training varying in duration and content (4 × 4 HIIT, 12 × 1 HIIT, CIRCUIT) were analyzed. The training was conducted twice a week over 6 weeks (10–12 sessions). Strength and endurance performances were determined in pre- and posttests prior to and after the intervention. Results verified that all three HIIT programs led to significant improvements in aerobic fitness (p < 0.001; part ŋ2 = 0.549) with no significant interaction between time x group. In contrast to the running-based HIIT sessions, CIRCUIT training also led to significant improvements in all of the measured strength parameters. Retrospectively, students were asked to assess their perception of the training intervention. The HIIT sessions were well-suited to students who considered themselves as “athletic”. Less athletic students found it difficult to reach the necessary intensity levels. The evaluation showed that endurance training conducted in P.E. lessons needs a variety of different contents in order to sufficiently motivate students. Students perceiving themselves as “unathletic” may need additional support to reach the required intensities of HIIT. Circuit training sessions using whole-body drills can be efficiently implemented in the P.E. setting and contribute to students’ health and fitness.

P037 Improved aerobic fitness in children on CFTRm triple combination therapy

P037 Improved aerobic fitness in children on CFTRm triple combination therapy

Associations Between Fitness, Physical Activity, and Fatness in Preschool Children With Typical and Atypical Motor Coordination.

PurposeIncreased adiposity in children confers a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in later life, with low cardiorespiratory fitness strongly linked to poorer metabolic health. Children with motor coordination problems are likely to be less physically fit and at a higher risk of obesity. In this study, we examined the associations between aerobic and anaerobic fitness, device-measured physical activity, and body adiposity in children (aged 4–5 years) with typical and atypical motor coordination.MethodsBaseline data from the Coordination and Activity Tracking in CHildren (CATCH) cohort study were utilised. The assessments included aerobic and anaerobic fitness via time-to-exhaustion on Bruce treadmill test and normalised mean power on Wingate cycling test, respectively; light physical activity (LPA), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and sedentary time via accelerometry; and body adiposity (%) via bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition (MABC-2) was used to assess motor coordination and classify children as typically developing (TD, >16th percentile) or at risk of developmental coordination disorder (DCD, ≤16th percentile). General linear regression models were fitted to examine associations.ResultsThe analyses included 495 participants (5.0 ± 0.6 years, 56% male, and body adiposity 22.7 ± 4.2%). Aerobic fitness (β = −0.006, p < 0.001) and MVPA (β = −0.018, p = 0.045) were negatively associated with body adiposity when adjusted for age, sex, and MABC-2 score. There was no relationship between sedentary time and body adiposity. There were no interactions of sex or MABC-2 score with any variable.ConclusionLower aerobic fitness and MVPA were associated with higher body adiposity in preschoolers, regardless of motor coordination. Interventions targetting improved aerobic fitness and MVPA are therefore warranted in both TD and atypically developing preschoolers. Whether maintaining high aerobic fitness in children with possible DCD confers protection against obesity requires longitudinal investigation.

Physical activity and aerobic fitness in children with inherited cardiac diseases

Because of sports and exercise restrictions, children with inherited cardiac disease are at risk of physical deconditioning. Guidelines on sports participation in cardiovascular disease have become less restrictive over time, but their real-life application and behavioural impact have seldom been evaluated in children. We aimed to evaluate adherence to the 2020 European Society of Cardiology guidelines on sports and exercise in children with inherited cardiac arrhythmia and inherited cardiomyopathy; we also sought to evaluate their aerobic fitness, and the behavioural impact of inherited cardiac diseases on physical activity in children. Children aged 6-18 years with inherited cardiomyopathy or inherited cardiac arrhythmia were eligible for this cross-sectional study. Clinical, demographic and qualitative data were analysed. A total of 32 children were included in the study (mean age 12.7±3.5 years). Most children (81.3%) complied with the 2020 European Society of Cardiology guidelines; they were physically active and had good overall aerobic fitness, with a mean peak oxygen uptake (VO2) value of 36.5±8.0mL/kg/min (84.0±17.2% of theoretical value). As a result of personal or parental behaviour, some children at risk of sudden cardiac death did not comply with the recommended upper limit of physical activity intensity, whereas others at low risk did not comply with the lower limit. Most children with inherited cardiac arrhythmia or inherited cardiomyopathy complied with current 2020 European Society of Cardiology guidelines on sports cardiology and exercise in cardiovascular disease.

The impact of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D on pulmonary function and exercise physiology in cystic fibrosis: A multicentre retrospective study.

A 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) may exert immunomodulatory effects on respiratory health, which may translate to improvements in exercise physiology. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether plasma 25OHD is associated with lung function and aerobic fitness in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). A multicentre retrospective review of pwCF (>9years old) attending the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (Edinburgh) or Wessex CF-Unit (Southampton) was performed between July 2017 and October 2019. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Plasma 25OHD measured closest in time to clinical cardiopulmonary exercise testing and/or spirometry [forced expiratory volume (FEV1 )% predicted] was recorded. Pancreatic insufficiency was diagnosed based on faecal elastase of <100µg g-1 . We performed multiple-regression analysis with aerobic fitness outcomes [peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak )] and FEV1 % predicted as primary outcomes. Ninety pwCF [mean±SD age: 19.1±8.6years, 54 (60%) children, 48 (53%) males and 88 (98%) Caucasian] were included. 25OHD deficiency and insufficiency was 15 (17%) and 44 (49%), respectively. 25OHD deficiency and insufficiency was significantly associated with pancreatic insufficiency (χ2 =4.8, p=0.02). Plasma 25OHD was not significantly associated with FEV1 % predicted (r2 =0.06, p=0.42, 95% CI=-0.09 to 0.19) or VO2peak (r2 =0.04, p=0.07, 95% CI=-011 to 0.005) in all pwCF. However, 25OHD was significantly associated with both FEV1 % (r2 =0.15, p=0.02, 95% CI=1.99-2.64) and VO2peak (r2 =0.13, p=0.05, 95% CI=-0.26 to -0.005) in the paediatric cohort. We showed that 25OHD is associated with improved lung function and aerobic fitness in children and adolescents with CF. Mechanistic and high-quality prospective studies including both lung function and aerobic fitness as primary outcomes are now warranted.

Cross-sectional and prospective associations between aerobic fitness and lipoprotein particle profile in a cohort of Norwegian schoolchildren

Background and aimsThe associations between aerobic fitness and traditional measures of lipid metabolism in children are uncertain. We investigated whether higher levels of aerobic fitness benefit lipoprotein metabolism by exploring associations with a comprehensive lipoprotein particle profile. MethodsIn our prospective cohort study, we used targeted proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy to profile 57 measures of lipoprotein metabolism from fasting serum samples of 858 fifth-grade Norwegian schoolchildren (49.0% girls; mean age 10.0 years). Aerobic fitness was measured using an intermittent shuttle run aerobic fitness test. We used multiple linear regression adjusted for potential confounders to examine cross-sectional and prospective associations between aerobic fitness and lipoprotein particle profile. ResultsHigher levels of aerobic fitness were associated with a favourable lipoprotein particle profile in the cross-sectional analysis, which included inverse associations with all measures of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles (e.g., −0.06 mmol·L−1 or –0.23 SD units; 95% CI = −0.31, −0.16 for VLDL cholesterol concentration). In the prospective analysis, the favourable pattern of associations persisted, though the individual associations tended to be more consistent with those of the cross-sectional analysis for the VLDL subclass measures compared to the low-density lipoproteins and high-density lipoproteins. Adjustment for adiposity attenuated the associations in both cross-sectional and prospective models. Nevertheless, an independent effect of aerobic fitness remained for some measures. ConclusionsImproving children's aerobic fitness levels should benefit lipoprotein metabolism, though a concomitant reduction in adiposity would likely potentiate this effect.

Developmental Trajectories of Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference, and Aerobic Fitness in Youth: Implications for Physical Activity Guideline Recommendations (CHAMPS Study-DK).

Describe the trajectories of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and aerobic fitness in children and identify different outcomes of guideline-recommended physical activity (PA) in a subset of active children. We recruited students from 10 public primary schools and obtained repeated measures of BMI, waist circumference, and aerobic fitness over 30months. Aerobic fitness was measured with the Andersen test. We objectively measured physical activity behaviour with accelerometers and classified children as 'physically active' when they achieved ≥ 60min of moderate-to-vigorous PA per day (guideline concordance). Univariate trajectories of BMI, waist circumference, and aerobic fitness were calculated for all children, and we constructed a multi-trajectory model comprising all outcomes in the subgroup of physically active children. The construct validity of all models was investigated by examining for between-group differences in cardiovascular disease risk factors obtained from fasting blood samples. Data from 1208 children (53% female) with a mean (SD) age of 8.4 (1.4) years were included. The univariate trajectory models identified three distinct trajectories for BMI, waist circumference, and aerobic fitness. The multi-trajectory model classified 9.1% of physically active children as following an 'overweight/obese/low fitness' trajectory. There were moderate-to-large differences in cardiovascular risk factors between all trajectory groups (p < 0.001; d = 0.4-1.20). We identified distinct developmental trajectories of BMI, waist circumference, and aerobic fitness in children. Nearly one in 10 children who met PA guideline recommendations followed an unfavourable health trajectory. Health-related PA recommendations may be insufficient for some children.

The dose–response association between V̇O2peak and self-reported physical activity in children

ABSTRACT Background Previous research into the association between aerobic fitness and physical activity in children is equivocal. However, previous research has always assumed that such an association was linear. This study sought to characterize the dose–response association between physical activity and aerobic fitness and to assess whether this association is linear or curvilinear and varies by sex, age and weight status. Methods Physical activity (assess using the Physical Activity Questionnaire), aerobic fitness (20 m shuttle-run), BMI, screen-time and socio-demographic data were collected at ages 12, 14 and 16 years in (n = 1422) volunteers from 9 English schools. Multilevel-regression modelling was used to analyse the longitudinal data. Results The analysis identified a significant inverted “u-shaped” association between VO2max and PAQ. This relationship remained having controlling for the influences of sex, age and weight status. Daily screen time >4 hours and deprivation were also associated with being less fit (P < 0.01). Conclusions This longitudinal study suggests that the dose–response relationship between PA and aerobic fitness in children is curvilinear. The health benefits of PA are greater in less active children and that sedentary and less active children should be encouraged to engage in PA rather than more active children to increase existing levels of PA.

Estimation of aerobic fitness levels and its determinants among the school going undernourished Indian children - A field-based study

Background: Higher aerobic fitness in children has many physical and cognitive health benefits and can track into adulthood preventing non-communicable diseases later in life. Data on the levels of aerobic fitness among Indian undernourished children are sparse. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the present study is to perform a field-based study to estimate the levels of aerobic fitness and its determinants among the undernourished Indian children. Materials and Methods: Three hundred clinically healthy children, 50% boys, 7–10.5 years between the body mass index (BMI) Z score of −3 and 0 were recruited. Their anthropometry, lung function, handgrip strength were determined, and their physical activity levels were ascertained. Their aerobic fitness was estimated using 20-m multistage shuttle run test (20-mMSRT) and modified Harvard’s step test (MHST). Results: The estimated aerobic fitness levels were 32.25 ± 4.21 and 37.29 ± 5.96 (ml/kg/min) using 20-mMSRT and MHST, respectively. Body composition (fat-free mass), nutritional level (BMI Z scores), and hemoglobin explained 37% and 44% of the variance in whole-body aerobic fitness (ml/min) using 20-mMSRT and MHST, respectively. Gender difference in the predicted aerobic fitness was not apparent in this undernourished group of children. BMI Z scores were positively correlated with the whole-body aerobic fitness among undernourished Indian children. Conclusion: The estimated levels of aerobic fitness among the Indian undernourished children were found to be low for their age. Improvement in nutrition can positively influence on whole-body aerobic fitness among this group of undernourished children.

The relation between children's aerobic fitness and executive functions: A systematic review

AbstractA beneficial effect of physical activity on cognitive functioning is supposed, although to a certain extent, literature remains inconsistent. Furthermore, the mediating effect of aerobic fitness on this association remains unclear, especially in children. This review presents data from 26 articles on the relation between aerobic fitness and executive functions (i.e., inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility) in prepubertal children (6–12 years). The qualitative synthesis was complicated by the use of diverse outcome measures to evaluate executive functions and the inconsistent inclusion of confounders. In general, cross‐sectional studies reported enhanced executive functioning in children with higher aerobic fitness levels. Only three intervention studies with inconclusive results were retrieved. Whereas a beneficial effect of aerobic fitness on executive functioning in children is often supposed, the available research does not allow to draw a causal conclusion. Good quality randomized‐controlled trials are necessary.Highlights This study reviewed the supposed mediating effect of aerobic fitness on the positive association between physical activity and executive functioning. Three intervention studies and 23 cross‐sectional studies confirmed a positive correlation between aerobic fitness and certain measures of executive functioning. A causal conclusion about the beneficial effect of aerobic fitness on executive functioning cannot be drawn from this review.

Physical activity and aerobic fitness in children after liver transplantation.

To determine physical activity (PA), aerobic fitness, muscle strength, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), fatigue, and participation in children after liver transplantation. Children, 6-12years, at least one year after liver transplantation, participated in this cross-sectional study. Measurements: Time spent in moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) was measured using an accelerometer, and aerobic fitness (VO2 peak ) was measured by cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Muscle strength was measured by hand-held dynamometry. Fatigue was measured using the multidimensional fatigue scale, and HRQOL with the Pediatric Quality of life Core scales and leisure activities was measured using the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment. Outcomes (medians and interquartile range (IQR)) were compared to norm values. Twenty-six children participated in this study (14 boys, age 9.7years, IQR 7.7;11.4). Children spent 0.8hours/d (IQR 0.6;1.1) on MVPA. One child met the recommendation of at least 1hour of MVPA every day of the week. Aerobic fitness was similar to norms (VO2 peak 1.4L/min , IQR 1.1;1.7, Z-score -0.3). Z-scores of muscle strength ranged between -1.4 and -0.4 and HRQOL and fatigue between -2.3 and -0.4. Participation was similar to published norms (Z-scores between -0.6 and 0.6). Young children after liver transplantation have similar MVPA patterns and aerobic fitness compared to published norms. Despite lower HRQOL, more fatigue, and less muscle strength, these children have similar participation in daily activities. Although children do well, it remains important to stimulate PA in children after liver transplantation in the context of long-term management.

Physiological and Perceptual Responses to Step-Wise and Ramp Graded Exercise Tests in Children

Step-wise graded exercise tests are common protocols to measure aerobic fitness in children but have limitations due to the nature of the increments. Modifying these tests to a ramp protocol could overcome some of these limitations. PURPOSE: To examine physiological and perceptual responses to step-wise and ramped graded exercise tests in children (n = 8; age = 13.3 ± 2.2 yrs.). METHODS: The standardized James protocol (STEP) and a modified-ramp James protocol (RAMP) were performed on a cycle ergometer on separate days. Protocol order was counterbalanced. STEP commenced with three 3-min stages, followed by 1-min stages. Work rate increases were based on body surface area. For RAMP, work rate was ramped to match the 3-min and 1-min stages of STEP. Work rate was increased until volitional exhaustion for both tests. Oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and OMNI ratings of perceived exertion for chest (RPE-chest), legs (RPE-legs) and overall (RPE-overall) were recorded at the end of each 3-minute stage and peak exercise. Physiological and perceptual responses between tests were compared using two-way repeated-measure ANOVAs and test time (TT) and peak power (PP) were compared using repeated measure t-tests. Significance was established at p<0.05. RESULTS: The physiological and RPE responses were similar between tests at the end of each 3-min submaximal stage (p>0.05). At peak exercise, absolute and relative VO2 for STEP were 2.17 ± 0.67 L∙min-1 and 42.5± 5.9 ml∙kg-1 ∙min-1. For RAMP, absolute and relative VO2peak were 2.33± 0.89 L∙min-1 and 45.3 ± 8.9 ml∙kg-1 ∙min-1. The differences were not significant. There were no differences between STEP and RAMP for peak HR (196.3 ± 9.8 bpm vs. 196.1 ± 9.7 bpm) and peak RER (1.24 ± 0.11 vs. 1.21 ± 0.06). At peak exercise, RPE-chest, RPE-leg and RPE-overall were similar between STEP (4.8 ± 4.0, 8.4 ± 2.1 and 7.6 ± 3.0, respectively) and RAMP (5.6 ± 3.4, 8.5± 2.3 and 8.0± 1.8, respectively) (p>0.05). TT and PP for STEP were 11.3± 2.5 min and 196.8 ± 70.7 W and 12.4 ± 2.4 min and 210.3 ± 65.5 W for RAMP (p=0.11 and p=0.12, respectively) CONCLUSION: Although limitations in step-wise protocols exist, submaximal and peak physiological and perceptual responses were similar to a ramp protocol. Both protocols may be appropriate in children to measure aerobic fitness.

Prediction of peak O2 in Children and Adolescents With HIV From an Incremental Cycle Ergometer Test

ABSTRACTPurpose: To examine the capacity of physiological variables and performance to predict peak oxygen consumption (peak O2) in children and adolescents living with HIV. Method: Sixty-five children and adolescents living with HIV (30 boys) aged 8–15 years, participated in the study. Peak O2 was measured by breath-by-breath respiratory exchange during an incremental cycle ergometer until volitional exhaustion. Information on the time to exhaustion, maximal power output (Pmax), and peak heart rate (peak HR) were also recorded. Results: Predictive models were developed and all equations showed the ability of performance variables to predict peak O2. However, Model 1 was based only on Pmax by following equation: Y = 338.8302 + (Pmax [W] * 11.16435), R2 = 0.90 and standard error of estimation (SEE) = 180 mlmin−1. Conclusion: The O2 peak can be predicted simply by the Pmax obtained from the incremental cycle ergometer test. This protocol is a valid and useful tool for monitoring the aerobic fitness of children and adolescents living with HIV, especially in resource-limited settings.

Relationship between aerobic fitness and academic performance: the mediational role of executive function.

This cross-sectional study investigated whether the relationship between aerobic fitness and academic performance was mediated by executive functioning. A total of 378 children (9-10 years old) from nine primary schools in Stavanger, Norway were included. The children's aerobic fitness was measured by a 10-minute interval-running test; executive function was tested by four cognitive tests (Stroop, Trail Making, Verbal Fluency and Backwards Digit Span). A composite score for executive functions was computed and used in analyses. Academic achievement in reading, mathematics and English was determined using Norwegian national standardized tests. Bivariate correlation analysis showed the following significant associations: mathematic achievement with executive functions (r=0.48, P=0.001), aerobic fitness with mathematics (r=0.13, P=0.012) and executive functions (r=0.17, P=0.001). A regression-based mediation analysis (PROCESS) with executive function as a mediator variable was conducted. Mediation analysis showed that the relationship between aerobic fitness and mathematic achievement was mediated by executive functions (P<0.001). Findings revealed an indirect effect of executive function on the positive relationship between aerobic fitness and mathematic achievement.