Physical Fitness Test Battery Research Articles

The ALPHA health-related physical fitness test battery for children and adolescents.

1present the new health-related fitness test battery for youth based upon the work developed by the ALPHA (Assessing Levels of Physical Activity) study. The ALPHA was a study funded by the European Union (http://sites.google.com/site/alphaprojectphysicalactivity/Home) aimed “to provide a set of instruments for assessing levels of physical activity, its underlying factors (e.g. build environment, transport, and workplace), as well as, fitness in a comparable way within the European Union”. The work presented in this issue by Ruiz and colleagues relates to the working package 6 of the ALPHA project —Assessing Healthrelated Physical Fitness— aimed to “provide a set of valid, reliable, feasible and safe field-based fitness tests for assessment of health-related physical fitness in children and adolescents to be use in public health monitoring in a comparable way within the European Union”. At a population level, the regular screening of physical activity and physical fitness (including body composition) levels should be considered a public health priority, as the lack of physical activity and/or physical fitness are implicated in the aetiology and prevalence of several non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer and their risk factors (high blood pressure, raised blood sugar and overweight), affecting the general health population worldwide. 2

The effect of a novel tactical training program on physical fitness and occupational performance in firefighters.

Structural firefighting is a dangerous and physically demanding profession. Thus, it is critical that firefighters exercise regularly to maintain optimal physical fitness levels. However, little is known about optimal training methods for firefighters, and exercise equipment is often not available to on-duty firefighters. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a novel supervised on-duty physical training program on the physical fitness and occupational performance of structural firefighters. Twenty professional male firefighters were divided into a supervised exercise group (SEG; n = 11) and a control group (CG; n = 9). The SEG participated in a 12-week circuit training intervention. The SEG exercised for 1 hour on 2 d·wk. At baseline and after the intervention, subjects performed a battery of physical fitness tests and a simulated fire ground test (SFGT). At baseline, there were no significant differences (p = 0.822) in the completion rate of the SFGT in the SEG (82%) vs. the CG (78%). After the intervention, a significantly greater proportion of the firefighters in the SEG completed the SFGT compared with the CG (SEG = 100% vs. CG = 56%; p < 0.013). In addition, the SEG demonstrated significant improvements in body mass, fat mass, and body mass index (p ≤ 0.05). The findings of this study indicate that training with firefighter equipment improved occupational performance and anthropometric outcomes in incumbent firefighters. Furthermore, implementing a supervised exercise program using firefighter equipment can be done so in a safe and feasible manner.

Influence of Linear and Undulating Strength Periodization on Physical Fitness, Physiological, and Performance Responses to Simulated Judo Matches

To determine the most effective strength periodization model is important to improve judo athletes' performance. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of linear and daily undulating periodized resistance training on anthropometrical, strength, and judo-specific performance. For this, 13 adult male judo athletes (LP = 6 and DUP = 7) completed a 8-week training program concomitantly to a typical judo training program. Athletes were submitted to a physical fitness test battery, before and after 8 weeks of training, consisting of: (a) maximal strength evaluation: bench press, squat, and row exercises 1 repetition maximum (1RM) tests, and handgrip maximal isometric strength; (b) power evaluation: standing long jump test; (c) strength endurance evaluation: dynamic and isometric chin-up tests gripping the judogi; (d) anthropometry measurements: body mass, height, skinfold thickness and circumferences; (e) judo-specific fitness: performance during the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT); (f) match simulation: three 5-minute judo match simulations separated by 15-minute passive recovery. Eight weeks of linear and undulating strength training protocols induced similar significant (P ≤ 0.05) decreases in skinfold thicknesses (-6.5%) and increases in flexed arm (2.0%) and forearm (1.8%) circumferences, maximal isometric handgrip strength (4.6% and 6.1% for right and left hands, respectively), isometric strength endurance chin-up performance gripping the judogi (18.9%), maximal dynamic strength for row (11.5%), bench press (11.6%) and squat exercises (7.1%), total weight lifted at 70% 1RM for bench press (15.1%) and squat (9.6%) exercises, number of throws during sets B (3.1%) and C (9.5%) of the SJFT (resulting in increased total number of throws, 5.5%), and decreased index in this test, -4.2%). However, no changes were observed in the physiological, rating of perceived exertion, or technical actions during 3 match simulations. Thus, it seems that the short-term adaptations were not transferable to the match condition.

Independent and combined association of overall physical fitness and subjective well-being with fibromyalgia severity: the al-Ándalus project.

The present study aimed: (1) to test the associations of overall physical fitness and subjective well-being with fibromyalgia severity and (2) to determine whether the combination of overall physical fitness and subjective well-being is associated with fibromyalgia severity among adult women patients. This cross-sectional study included 424 participants from Andalusia, southern Spain. Overall physical fitness and the components of subjective well-being (positive affect, negative affect and cognitive well-being), and fibromyalgia severity were assessed using the Functional Senior Physical Fitness Test Battery, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, the Satisfaction With Life Scale, and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, respectively. Overall physical fitness (β = -.23), positive affect (β = -.18), negative affect (β = .26), and cognitive well-being (β = -.18) were all associated with fibromyalgia severity. The patients with the highest overall physical fitness and increased subjective well-being reported ~15 % lower fibromyalgia severity than those with the lowest fitness and poorest subjective well-being (Cohen's d > 1.0). Our results suggest that higher levels of overall physical fitness and subjective well-being are independently associated with lower fibromyalgia severity. Moreover, patients with higher overall physical fitness and increased subjective well-being (high positive affect, low negative affect, or high cognitive well-being) reported lower fibromyalgia severity than those with low levels of overall physical fitness and subjective well-being.

Low heart rate response of children with autism spectrum disorders in comparison to controls during physical exercise

BackgroundThe objective of the study was to investigate how the heart rate adjusts during different physical tests. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) do indeed have a lower cardiac response to specific tests. MethodsTwenty children including 10 subjects with ASD diagnosis and 10 control subjects were evaluated using the Eurofit Physical Fitness Test Battery. During the evaluation, the heart rate was monitored continuously. In parallel, their parents were completed the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. ResultsBoth groups show the same trend of heart rate increase (during exercise and also during the maximum effort). However, children with ASD presented a significant lower heart rate compared to the control population (p<0.001).Based on Eurofit Physical Fitness Test battery, children with ASD showed lower results than controls on plate tapping test (p<0.01), vertical and broad jump tests (p<0.01) and also sit up test (p<0.01).Moreover, Flamingo balance test showed that the ASD group had a higher number of falls (p<0.01). The handgrip test showed that they had a lower force (p<0.01) and they also executed the find motor educational course more slowly with a significantly higher number of falls, mistakes and omissions (p<0.01). ConclusionsBoth groups showed similar trend with the cardiac kinetic reflecting the adjustment to the effort. However, the significant heart rate decrease of the ASD group during physical test could be due to an alteration of the cardiac response. In addition, the scores obtained by children with ASD on physical tests confirmed the lack of motor abilities such as balance and executive functions.

Comparison of physical fitness between tobacco chewer and non-tobacco chewer

Aim: The purpose of this study was to find any difference in general physical fitness between tobacco and nontobacco chewers. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 subjects were participated in this study in which 25 subjects with mean age 20.30 (±2.11) were nontobacco chewers and placed in Group A, whereas, other 25 subjects with mean age 21.25 (±2.17) were tobacco chewers and placed in Group B. All participants performed the international physical fitness test (IPFT) battery which contains five tests (50 m shuttle run, arm flexed hang, 10 m shuttle, back throw and 1000 m run) for determining speed, agility, strength, and power. Results: Statistically significant differences were seen in all the five components of IPFT between Group A and Group B. Conclusion: Therefore, it can be suggested that tobacco consumption may cause decrease in physical fitness as the finding of this study supported that nontobacco chewers have better physical fitness than tobacco chewers.

The Development of Physical Fitness Test Battery and Evaluation Criteria of it for Korean Elderly Person

The Development of Physical Fitness Test Battery and Evaluation Criteria of it for Korean Elderly Person

Effect of deworming on school-aged children's physical fitness, cognition and clinical parameters in a malaria-helminth co-endemic area of Côte d'Ivoire.

BackgroundMalaria and helminth infections are thought to negatively affect children’s nutritional status and to impair their physical and cognitive development. Yet, the current evidence-base is weak. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of deworming against soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis on children’s physical fitness, cognition and clinical parameters in a malaria-helminth co-endemic setting of Côte d’Ivoire.MethodsWe designed an intervention study with a 5-month follow-up among schoolchildren aged 5–14 years from Niablé, eastern Côte d’Ivoire. In late 2012, a baseline cross-sectional survey was conducted. Finger-prick blood, stool and urine samples were subjected to standardised, quality-controlled techniques for the diagnosis of Plasmodium spp., Schistosoma spp., soil-transmitted helminths and intestinal protozoa infections. Haemoglobin level was determined and anthropometric measurements were taken for appraisal of anaemia and nutritional status. Children underwent memory (digit span) and attention (code transmission) cognitive testing, and their physical fitness and strength were determined (20 m shuttle run, standing broad jump and grip strength test). All children were treated with albendazole (against soil-transmitted helminthiasis) and praziquantel (against schistosomiasis) after the baseline cross-sectional survey and again 2 months later. Five months after the initial deworming, the same battery of clinical, cognitive and physical fitness tests was performed on the same children.ResultsLower scores in strength tests were significantly associated with children with harbouring nutritional deficiencies. Surprisingly, boys infected with Schistosoma mansoni achieved longer jumping distances than their non-infected counterparts. Light-intensity infection with S. mansoni was associated with slightly better aerobic capacity. Deworming showed no effect on haemoglobin levels and anaemia, but children with moderate- to heavy-intensity Schistosoma infection at baseline gained weight more pronouncedly than non-infected children. Interestingly, children with soil-transmitted helminth or Schistosoma infection at baseline performed significantly better in the sustained attention test than their non-infected counterparts at the 5-month follow-up.ConclusionsThis study revealed conflicting results regarding clinical parameters and cognitive behaviour of children after two rounds of deworming. We speculate that potential beneficial effects of deworming are likely to be undermined in areas where malaria is co-endemic and nutritional deficiencies are widespread.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2334-14-411) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Indicators of sailing performance in youth dinghy sailing

This study aimed to determine indicators of sailing performance in 2 (age) groups of youth sailors by investigating the anthropometric, physical and motor coordination differences and factors discriminating between elite and non-elite male optimist sailors and young dynamic hikers. Anthropometric measurements from 23 optimist sailors (mean ± SD age = 12.3 ± 1.4 years) and 24 dynamic youth hikers (i.e. Laser 4.7, Laser radial and Europe sailors <18 years who have to sail the boat in a very dynamic manner, due to a high sailor to yacht weight ratio) (mean ± SD age = 16.5 ± 1.6 years) were conducted. They performed a physical fitness test battery (EUROFIT), motor coordination test battery (Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder) and the Bucket test. Both groups of sailors were divided into two subgroups (i.e. elites and non-elites) based on sailing expertise. The significant differences, taking biological maturation into account and factors discriminating between elite and non-elite optimist sailors and dynamic hikers were explored by means of multivariate analysis of covariance and discriminant analysis, respectively. The main results indicated that 100.0% of elite optimist sailors and 88.9% of elite dynamic hikers could be correctly classified by means of two motor coordination tests (i.e. side step and side jump) and Bucket test, respectively. As such, strength- and speed-oriented motor coordination and isometric knee-extension strength endurance can be identified as indicators of sailing performance in young optimist and dynamic youth sailors, respectively. Therefore, we emphasise the importance of motor coordination skill training in optimist sailors (<15 years) and maximum strength training later on (>15 years) in order to increase their isometric knee-extension strength endurance.

Physical fitness improvements and occupational low-back loading – an exercise intervention study with firefighters

The impact of exercise on firefighter job performance and cardiorespiratory fitness has been studied extensively, but its effect on musculoskeletal loading remains unknown. The aim of this study was to contrast the physical fitness and low-back loading outcomes of two groups of firefighters who completed different exercise programmes. Before and after 12 weeks of exercise, subjects performed a physical fitness test battery, the Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS) and simulated job tasks during which peak L4/L5 joint compression and reaction shear forces were quantified using a dynamic biomechanical model. Subjects who exercised exhibited statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) in body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, power, endurance and flexibility, but FMS scores and occupational low-back loading measures were not consistently affected. Firefighters who are physically fit are better able to perform essential job duties and avoid cardiac events, but short-term improvements in physical fitness may not necessarily translate into reduced low-back injury risk.

Effects of a long-term physical exercise program with and without diet on obese boys after six-month detraining

Most studies on physical fitness and detraining have been conducted on normal-weight children. Their results indicate that any gains regress to the untrained control values during the detraining period. It, therefore, seems necessary to determine how detraining affects the different fitness parameters in obese children. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of detraining (6 months) on kinanthropometry and the components of physical fitness after an intervention (31 months) consisting of a program of exercise and/or diet for obese boys. The participants were 18 boys, aged between 8 and 11 years, divided into E and E+D groups according to the program they followed. The E group followed a physical exercise program (three 90-minute sessions/ week), and the E+D group the same physical exercise program plus a low calorie diet. Physical fitness was assessed by the European physical fitness test battery including flamingo balance, plate tapping, sit-andreach, standing broad jump, hand-grip strength, sit-ups, bent-arm hang, 10 × 5-metre shuttle run, and 20-metre endurance shuttle run. The Kruskal-Wallis test was applied to reveal overall intergroup differences (E and E+D groups), and measurements showing significant differences were further analysed for differences between individual groups by the Mann-Whitney U test. In both groups, changes were observed in various physical fitness parameters, especially limb speed (E group, P=0.001; E+D group, P=0.002), agility (E group, P<0.001; E+D group, P<0.001), and aerobic fitness (E group, P=0.009; E+D group, P=0.002). Detraining after a long-term intervention based on the combination of exercise program and exercise program plus diet in obese boys does not affect the changes attained during the intervention.

Physical fitness in female soccer players by player position: a focus on anaerobic power

PurposeThe aim of this study was to examine the relationship between player position and physical fitness, with an emphasis on anaerobic power, in female soccer players.MethodsFor this purpose, 54 first league female soccer players were recruited. They included goalkeepers (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 4, age 22.89 ± 4.37 years), defenders (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 21, 21.92 ± 3.81 years), midfielders (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 22, 21.71 ± 4.70 years) and attackers (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 7, 20.43 ± 4.70 years). Participants’ anthropometric characteristics were measured and a physical fitness test battery was administered.Resultssignificant differences were observed in body fat percentage (F&lt;sub&gt;3,50&lt;/sub&gt; = 3.06, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.036, &lt;i&gt;&amp;#951&lt;/i&gt;&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; = 0.16) with goalkeepers being fatter than defenders (mean difference 6.1%; 95% CI 0.3,11.9). Positional differences were also found in the sit-and-reach test (F&lt;sub&gt;3,50&lt;/sub&gt; = 4.46, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.007, &lt;i&gt;&amp;#951&lt;/i&gt;&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; = 0.21), in which goalkeepers scored lower than defenders (-11.4 cm; 95% CI -21.4, -1.5) and midfielders (-10.0 cm; 95% CI -19.9, 0). Comparison of fat mass and endomorphy were statistically significant (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.057 and &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.062, respectively), with goalkeepers showing the highest values; these differences were in the same direction as with body fat percentage. No positional differences were found in the other physical fitness components (aerobic capacity, anaerobic power, and muscle strength).ConclusionsDifferences among player positions were observed in body composition (highest body fat percentage in goalkeepers) and flexibility (lowest score in goalkeepers). These trends are in agreement with previously published data concerning elite soccer players. These findings might be used as reference data by coaches and trainers to identify talent, select players, and monitor training.

Relationship between Nutrition Knowledge and Physical Fitness in Semiprofessional Soccer Players.

Whereas nutrition has a crucial role on sport performance, it is not clear to what extent nutrition knowledge is associated with physical fitness. The aim of this study was to examine the current level of nutrition knowledge of soccer players and whether this level is associated with physical fitness. Soccer players (n = 185, aged 21.3 ± 4.9 yr, weight 72.3 ± 8.4 kg, and height 177.5 ± 6.4 cm) performed a battery of physical fitness tests (sit-and-reach test, SAR; physical working capacity in heart rate 170, PWC170; and Wingate anaerobic test, WAnT) and completed an 11-item nutrition knowledge questionnaire (NKQ). Low to moderate Pearson correlations (0.15 < r < 0.34, p < 0.05) of NKQ with age, weight, height, fat free mass (FFM), SAR, peak power, and mean power of WAnT were observed. Soccer players with high score in NKQ were older (4.4 yr (2.2; 6.6), mean difference (95% confidence intervals)) and heavier (4.5 kg (0.6; 8.3)) with higher FFM (4.0 kg (1.1; 6.8)) and peak power (59 W (2; 116)) than their counterparts with low score. The moderate score in the NKQ suggests that soccer players should be targeted for nutrition education. Although the association between NKQ and physical fitness was low to moderate, there were indications that better nutrition knowledge might result in higher physical fitness and, consequently, soccer performance.

Relationship Between Performance Variables and Baseball Ability in Youth Baseball Players

The present study investigated the relationship of performance variables and anthropometric measurements on baseball ability in 164 youth baseball players (age: 6.4-15.7 years). To evaluate their baseball performance, ball speeds in pitching and batting were recorded and kinetic energies of the pitched and hit balls were calculated. To record anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics, height and weight were measured and a battery of physical fitness tests covering standing long jump, side steps, sit-ups, 10-m sprint, trunk flexion, back strength, and grip strengths of both hands were conducted. The results of a multiple regression analysis revealed several significant predictors: age, body mass index (BMI), standing long jump, 10-m sprint, and grip strength for pitched ball kinetic energy and age, BMI, standing long jump, and back strength for hit ball kinetic energy. This study provides scientific evidence that relates certain specific physical performance tests and body characteristics with high achievement in the actual performance of pitching and batting. Youth players, their parents, coaches, and trainers would benefit by addressing these characteristics when planning training programs to improve the baseball performance of youth players.

Daily food intake in adolescents: Relation to parameters of physical fitness and weight status

Balanced nutrition and good physical fitness are the essential parts of a healthy growth and development of children and adolescents. Furthermore, these are the key factors in the prevention of overweight and obesity. The aim of the study was to examine daily food intake of adolescents aged 11–14 years and to assess the parameters of physical fitness and weight status among different genders. The study included 65 adolescents aged 11–14. Data were collected by a 24-h diet recall interview, the European physical fitness test battery (Eurofit) and the assessment of body mass index (BMI), based on body height and weight measurements. In total, in 64.0% of boys and 62.5% of girls daily energy intake was too low. There was a serious calcium and iodine deficiency and a deficiency of some vitamins (vitamin A and vitamin D) in adolescents. The total score of physical fitness ranged from 3.2 to 5.8. The evaluation of body weight indicated that 9.2% of adolescents were underweight, 23.1% were overweight and 3.1% showed obesity. The assessment of energy expenditure needs to be included in studies for more accurate evaluation of energy balance and relation to weight status. Results on physical fitness in relation to weight status are controversial. Daily food intake of adolescents is not balanced and with sufficient nutrients. Flexibility was the weakest parameter of physical fitness. The remaining parameters of physical fitness were satisfactory. Only 64.6% of adolescents were classified as normal weight.

Health-Related Fitness, Body Mass Index, and Risk of Depression among Adolescents

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that depression is a serious issue for teenagers, with 10% to 15% reporting some symptoms and 15% having considered attempting suicide in 2009. The objective of this study is to determine the relations between cardiorespiratory fitness and body mass index (BMI) and depressive symptoms among young adolescents. The sample included 531 females and 455 males in grades 6 to 8. The FITNESSGRAM physical fitness test battery was administered to the participants as part of required school activities. Two results from the test battery, cardiorespiratory fitness and BMI, were used to classify the students into meeting or not meeting the healthy fitness zones established for each test. The Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC) was administered in the schools to assess behavioral and cognitive aspects of depression. Participants were classified as elevated depression (CES-DC ≥16, n = 295) or normal (<16, n = 691). Logistic regression was used to assess the relations of Health Fitness Zone status for cardiorespiratory fitness and BMI with depression while controlling for age, ethnicity, sex, economic status (school lunch support), and other fitness factors (cardiorespiratory fitness or BMI). Children classified as not in the Health Fitness Zone for cardiorespiratory fitness had significantly higher odds of elevated depression (odds ratio = 1.71 (95% CI = 1.03-2.84)). BMI was not significantly related to depression. These findings indicate that a healthy level of cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with a lower level of depression as measured by the CES-DC. Because of the cross-sectional nature of this study, no cause and effect relations can be assumed.

The relationship between nutritional status, functional capacity, and health-related quality of life in older adults with type 2 diabetes: a pilot explanatory study.

To explore the relationship between nutritional status, functional capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Cross-sectional study. Forty two non-insulin dependent older adults from a primary care center in Seville, Spain. Function was assessed with a battery of standardized physical fitness tests. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and the European Quality of Life Questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) was used to assess HRQoL. There was an association between MNA-nutritional status and lower body strength as assessed by the chair sit-stand test (rho= .451; p= .037) and between MNA-nutritional status and EQ-5D-3L-HRQoL (EQ-5D-3Lutility, rho= .553; p<.001 and EQ-5D-3LVAS rho= .402; p<.001). An MNA item by item correlation analysis with HRQoL and lower limb strength demonstrated that HRQoL appears to be related to functional capacity (principally lower body strength, motor agility and cardiorespiratory fitness) among participants. These results were maintained when correlations were adjusted for co-morbidity. Our results demonstrated that nutritional status is moderately associated with HRQoL and lower limb strength in patients with T2DM. Our data suggest that more emphasis should be placed on interventions to encourage a correct diet and stress the needed to improve lower body strength to reinforce better mobility in T2DM population.

Effect of yoga or physical exercise on physical, cognitive and emotional measures in children: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPrevious studies have separately reported the effects of physical exercise and yoga in children, showing physical, cognitive and emotional benefits.ObjectivesThe present randomized controlled trial assessed the effects of yoga or physical exercise on physical fitness, cognitive performance, self-esteem, and teacher-rated behavior and performance, in school children.Methods98 school children between 8 to 13 years were randomized as yoga and physical exercise groups {n = 49 each; (yoga: 15 girls, group mean age 10.4 ± 1.2 years), (physical exercise: 23 girls, group mean age 10.5 ± 1.3 years)}. Both groups were blind assessed after allocation, using: (i) the Eurofit physical fitness test battery, (ii) Stroop color-word task for children, (iii) Battle’s self-esteem inventory and (iv) the teachers’ rating of the children’s obedience, academic performance, attention, punctuality, and behavior with friends and teachers. After assessments the yoga group practiced yoga (breathing techniques, postures, guided relaxation and chanting), 45 minutes each day, 5 days a week. During this time the physical exercise group had jogging-in-place, rapid repetitive movements and relay races or games. Both groups were assessed at the end of 3 months. Data were analyzed with RM ANOVA and post-hoc tests were Bonferroni adjusted.ResultsThere was one significant difference between groups. This was in social self-esteem which was higher after physical exercise compared to yoga (p < 0.05). All the changes reported below are based on after-before comparisons, within each group. Both groups showed an increase in BMI, and number of sit-ups (p < 0.001). Balance worsened in the physical exercise group, while plate tapping improved in the yoga group (p < 0.001). In the Stroop task both groups showed improved color, word- and color-word naming (p < 0.01), while the physical exercise group showed higher interference scores. Total, general and parental self-esteem improved in the yoga group (p < 0.05).ConclusionYoga and physical exercise are useful additions to the school routine, with physical exercise improving social self-esteem.Trial registrationThe study was registered in the Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI/2012/11/003112).

Influence of developmental and hormonal factors on bone health in adolescent females: a cross-sectional study and review of the literature

To study bone density in healthy Greek girls going through puberty and determine the influence of developmental and hormonal factors. Sixty healthy female adolescents (average age of 13.88±2.53 years) were included. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at the hip by DXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry). Pubertal stage was determined by Tanner's criteria. Creatinine, calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, calcitonin and 25-OH-vitamin D levels were measured in blood samples. The European physical fitness test battery (EUROFIT) was used to assess the parameters of physical fitness that are related to strength. Adolescent girls had a mean (±SD) BMD value of 0.947±0.144 g/cm2 at the total hip (total hip BMD). Tanner's stage for pubic hair and body mass index (BMI) constituted significant, positive and independent predicting factors for bone density of total hip. Deficiency of 25OH-vitamin D was a negative predicting factor of bone density. Blood levels of calcium and phosphorus, the hours that adolescents devoted to sports, and handgrip strength, were independent predicting factors of bone density at the hip. Bone density and consequently bone health is determined by factors that can be modified in order to achieve optimal bone growth and reduce the risk of fractures and osteoporosis in later life.

Fitness Skills of University Students – As Exemplified by Tourism and Recreation and Physiotherapy Students

Introduction . Changes in physical fitness of younger generations are a fact and they include most of its components. Young adults, who decide on the specializations of tourism and recreation as well as physical therapy, will in the future undertake tasks in the area of physical education, and the need of proper strength and endurance forming in those students is a result of that. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the level of both of those features in students of both specializations of the University in Torun. Material and methods 32 male and 77 female second year students of tourism and recreation were examined, together with 28 male and 52 female first year students of physical therapy. Body height and mass were measured for those students as well as Rohrer index and BMI. A trial of static strength and endurance was realized according to Eurofit Physical Fitness Test Battery. Differences in results of both groups of subjects were evaluated by means of U test. Results. It was observed that male students of both specializations were characterized by similar values of the studied motoric and morphological determinants, while female physical therapy students were characterized by slightly greater means of morphological features and significantly greater means of fitness trials. Conclusions. It was concluded that identification of students with their profession by means of motoric and morphological conditioning influences succeeding in their future jobs, while men, as a result of their physiologically higher level of physical fitness, pay less attention than women to its importance in selection of specialization and further realization of their profession.