Body Flexibility Research Articles

Age and residential differences in functional fitness of Chinese older women.

To investigate age-associated changes in functional fitness (FF) among Chinese older women and to identify any urban-rural disparity. Nine hundred and sixty-five participants aged 60-84yrs were assessed for their functional fitness. They were stratified into five groups by age and two groups by residential areas. Two-way ANOVA was used to observe the group differences in functional fitness, and linear regression analysis was conducted to identify each of the functional fitness measures as a function of age and residential area. All functional fitness tests showed a significant decline across age groups. Age-related decline in muscle strength occurred relatively earlier (age 65-69) compared to the decline in aerobic endurance (age 75-79). Linear regression analysis indicated that age has notable effects on each of the functional fitness measures and predicts balance control better than other factors. Urban participants outperformed their rural counterparts in all FF tests except for upper body flexibility and BMI. Notably, the greatest disparity occurred between 70 and 79years of age. Enhanced physical fitness monitoring and targeted interventions that focus on strength training and increasing moderate- to high-intensity leisure-time physical activity are necessary to improve the functional fitness of Chinese older women, especially those in rural areas.

국민체력인증검사 결과에 따라 처방된 운동프로그램 효과성에 대한 연구

The purpose of this study is to verify the effectiveness of physical fitness improvement before and after treating prescribed exercise programs according to the results of the national fitness certification test conducted at the national level for health promotion.<BR> For the study, 123 males and 44 females were selected as final study subjects to participate in the physical fitness test at the National Fitness Certification Center located in K-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do. The age characteristics of the study subjects were reflected and utilized in the test results of adult physical fitness test lists: body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and agility.<BR> We performed a descriptive statistical analysis in analyzing the data to find out the characteristics of the subjects. To verify the difference in the effectiveness of physical fitness improvement before and after treating the prescribed exercise programs according to the results of the national fitness certification test, a mixed and repeated measures ANOVA was used. R program 4.1.2 was used for all analyses, and the significance level (α) was set to 95%. The results of this study are as follows.<BR> In the analysis of physical fitness factors according to sex, there was a significant difference in all national fitness test lists (p<.001): body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, power, and agility.<BR> In the analysis of the effectiveness of physical fitness improvement before and after treating prescribed exercise programs, there was a significant difference in muscular endurance, flexibility, and agility (p<.001). <BR> There was a significant difference in agility in the interaction effect between sex and before & after treating prescribed exercise programs (p<.05).

Application of the PBL Model Based on Deep Learning in Physical Education Classroom Integrating Production and Education.

This study aims to arouse students' interest in physical education (PE) in response to President Xi Jinping's call to strengthen students' physical quality because cultural courses occupy PE classes. Problem-based learning (PBL) is introduced, and a new teaching method of PE is proposed based on the convolutional neural network (CNN) in deep learning (DL). This method is employed to teach the experimental subjects in solid ball throwing. The students' interest, learning ability, and physical quality in the solid ball are investigated by a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire survey shows that the students' academic performance in solid ball throwing is improved, and their problem-solving ability, group cooperation ability, and theory learning ability are improved. Their time on a 1000-meter long run is shortened, and their body flexibility is improved. Therefore, it is believed that this new teaching method based on DL plays a significant role in improving students' physical quality.

Beyond Sarcopenia: older adults with type II diabetes mellitus tend to experience an elevated risk of poor dynamic balance\u2014a case\u2013control study

BackgroundPeople with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) tend to be vulnerable to geriatric syndromes such as sarcopenia and frailty. Reduced physical activity also accompanies sarcopenia and frailty, which is generally typical of patients with T2DM. However, a comprehensive assessment of physical fitness in patients with T2DM has seldom been carried out and verified. This study is thus an attempt to determine the associations among sarcopenia, frailty, and the SFT in diabetic patients and non-diabetic controls to provide a more comprehensive understanding of such associations in future evaluations of T2DM in older individuals.MethodsSarcopenia, frailty, and the senior fitness test (SFT) were compared between 78 older men with T2DM (66.5 ± 9.0 years) and 48 age-matched normoglycemic controls (65.8 ± 5.3 years) in this case–control study. The skeletal muscle index (SMI), grip strength, and 4-m walk test were employed to assess for sarcopenia. Frailty was evaluated using the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures index (SOF). The SFT comprises five components, including body composition, muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and aerobic endurance.ResultsThe risk level of sarcopenia was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the T2DM group as compared to the control group. No significant difference between-group differences were found in SMI and grip strength in the T2DM and control groups. However, the T2DM group showed a significant decrease in gait speed (p < 0.01) in comparison with the control group, as well as significant increases in frailty (p < 0.01) and depression (p < 0.05). With respect to the SFT, obvious elevation in BMI, significant declines in extremity muscle strength (elbow extensor, knee flexor, hip abductor, hip flexor, sit to stand), static/dynamic balance (single leg stand: p < 0.05; up-and-go: p < 0.01) and aerobic endurance (2-min step: p < 0.01; 6-min walk: p < 0.01) were found in the T2DM group. Furthermore, the SOF (OR = 2.638, 95% CI = 1.333–5.221), BMI (OR = 1.193, 95% CI = 1.041–1.368) and up-and-go (OR = 2.089, 95% CI = 1.400–3.117) were found to be positively and significantly associated with T2DM.ConclusionsThe findings of this study indicated the importance of countering frailty and maintaining physical fitness, especially dynamic balance, during the early physical deterioration taking place in diabetic patients.

EFFECTS OF THE ACROBATIC PROGRAM ON THE BODY COMPOSITION AND FLEXIBILITY OF ADOLESCENTS

The aim of the research was to determine the effects of acrobatics programs (ground floor and skipping) on the body composition and flexibility of adolescents. The sample consisted of 50 male adolescents, seventh grade students of the elementary school "Bubanjski Heroji" in Niš, aged 14 years ± 6 months. The experimental group (n = 25) conducted 2 x 45 min per week experimental acrobatics program (ground floor and skipping) The control group (n = 25) continued with the program of regular physical education classes (handball and volleyball) 2 x 45 min per week. The results of the study showed positive changes in body composition: BMI, %MAT, %MIT and flexibility: PLNL, RANL, ISKP caused by the acrobatics program. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the experimental program of acrobatics lasting 16 weeks is an effective method that leads to a statistically significant improvement in body composition and flexibility of adolescents.

Mat Pilates improves lower and upper body strength and flexibility in breast cancer survivors undergoing hormone therapy: a randomized controlled trial (HAPiMat study)

Purpose To evaluate the effects of 24 weeks of Mat Pilates in breast cancer survivors (BCS) undergoing hormone therapy on lower and upper body muscle strength parameters and flexibility. Materials and methods Forty-three BCS (≥40 years) with confirmed breast cancer stage 0–III undergoing hormone therapy were included. Participants were randomized into Mat Pilates (three times/week, 60 min session) or control group (relaxation activities every two weeks). The difficulty and number of exercise repetitions were increased over the weeks. Assessments were performed at three times points (baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks). The generalized estimating equations (GEE) model was used to compare each outcome measure during the analysis of intention to treat (ITT) and “Per protocol analysis” (PPA). Results The Pilates group presented significantly increased (p < 0.05) isometric flexor–extensor PT, and concentric and eccentric flexor PT and mechanical work (MW) after the intervention. Most of the upper body strength parameters, time to achieve maximal force (TFmax), maximal force (F max), and rapid force index (RFI) and right-left upper and lower body flexibility (p < 0.05) also improved. Conclusions From our findings, we conclude that 24 and 12-weeks of Mat Pilates induced strength and flexibility gains for lower and upper body, respectively. Implications for rehabilitation Mat Pilates can be adapted to the fitness level of breast cancer survivors, with a great variety of exercises that can be performed using a mat only or a few pieces of equipment. Patients can practice at home to gain different health benefits (i.e., increasing strength, flexibility, and functional capacity level), which could positively impact on quality of life. Mat Pilates performed three times per week with systematized increments in exercise level, load, and volume throughout the intervention was effective to improve hip extensor–flexor muscles peak torque and mechanical work at different muscle contractions, as well as upper and lower body flexibility. Mat Pilates was also able to improve right-left shoulder abductor and trunk extensor muscles strength parameters after 12 weeks of intervention, as well as both surgery and non-surgery sides of the upper body.

EVALUATION OF ATHLETES’ NUTRITIONAL NEEDS IN UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, ILORIN KWARA STATE

ABSTRACTThis study evaluated of athlete’s nutritional needs for sports performance among athletes in University of Ilorin, Kwara state. The population consisted of 500 athletes of University of Ilorin while the sample included 54% of athletes that have represented the University of Ilorin in one or two games. A simple random sampling was used to select respondents and a total of one hundred (100) respondents were used, a researcher structure questionnaire was adopted and the reliability was also ascertained. The objectives of this study were to find out how nutrition, muscular strength, weight, endurance level and body flexibility contributes to sport performance among athletes. The data collected was analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Co-efficient at 0.05 alpha level. The finding of the study revealed that nutrition, muscular strength, weight of the body, level of endurance and body flexibility of the athletes contributed to their performance in sport. It was therefore recommended among others that athletes should adopt nutrition strategies, strength training, endurance training and the flexibility training that will optimize physical performance and support good health which will lead to enhanced performance in sport and reduce the risk of illness and injury.

Evaluation of Health Related Physical Fitness Profile of Academic and Non-academic Staff of Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Nigeria

<i>Aim:</i> This study evaluated profile of health related physical fitness of Academic and Non-academic staff of Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Nigeria. Design of the study: An ex-post facto research design was used for this study. <i>Methods:</i> The population for the study was four hundred and seventy-one (471) staff that came out for the study within three months. The sample was made up of 174 academics and 297 Non-academic staff which were purposively selected that participated in the study. The components of health-related physical fitness assessed were; cardio-respiratory fitness, flexibility, muscular endurance, muscular strength and body composition (optimal body fat levels) using appropriate field tests. <i>Results:</i> The result of the study shows that; both the academic and Non-academic staff do not show reasonable level of physical fitness in their body composition, muscular endurance, flexibility and muscular strength. Only the cardio respiratory fitness of participants was good. <i>Conclusion:</i> The study concluded that, both the academic and Non-academic staff of Federal University Dutsin-ma do not possess high profile of physical fitness with emphasis on their body composition, muscular endurance, flexibility and muscular strength which are of the necessity for quality living. It was also found that the level of actual involvement in physical fitness activities was very low. <i>Recommendations:</i> It was recommended that; there is the need for academic and Non-academic staff to be motivated by the University authority by making a policy on participation in physical activity during leisure time in order to reduce incidences of hypokinetic diseases amongst them; more indoor and outdoor facilities to be built to accommodate staffs to participate in sporting activities.

Influence of Taijiquan Exercise on Mentality and Emotion Regulation by Intelligent Medical Big Data Analysis.

Taijiquan training emphasizes the relaxation of the mind and the body, pay attention to maintain the peace of mind, and minimize the impact of external interference on the body so as to make the mind more comfortable. This study mainly explores the influence of Taijiquan practice on emotion regulation based on intelligent medical health big data analysis. The significance of Taijiquan in developing and improving the positive emotions of middle-aged people and maintaining physical and mental health is expounded. There are two methods of data collection: full collection and incremental collection. In this study, when the psychological testing equipment was launched, a full amount of historical data was collected; after the psychological testing equipment was online, the collection method was generally carried out in the way of incremental collection. The subjects exercised Taijiquan three times a week, one hour each time, and the exercise content was the 24-style Taijiquan designated by the workstation. At the same time, the subjects were asked not to engage in other regular physical exercise projects in their spare time. By longitudinal tracking and comparison of the Taijiquan intervention group after participating in the Taijiquan exercise intervention, the differences in the state of mind and emotion regulation strategies, and 12 subjects were selected voluntarily to participate in the emotional Stroop (the color words used in the classic Stroop paradigm were replaced with emotional and nonemotional words written in different colors, and the subjects were still tasked with responding to colors) experimental paradigm. In this paper, the moderate-intensity Taijiquan project is selected, which is in line with the effective value threshold theory of exercise load. It studies the effects of exercise on the body shape, cardiopulmonary function, flexibility, and balance ability of the body according to the metabolism theory and the movement balance theory of the human body adapting to the environment. Before the experiment, there was no significant difference between the Taijiquan training group and the control group, but after the experiment, there was a significant difference between the Taijiquan training group and the control group (P<0.05). Taijiquan has a significant effect on improving students' body shape, cardiopulmonary function, flexibility, balance, and mood.

Regular exercise ball training reduces arterial stiffness in sedentary middle-aged males.

[Purpose] Reports suggest that static stretching, which improves body flexibility, could reduce arterial stiffness. Regular training using an exercise ball would increase flexibility in a different manner, compared to that from static stretching; however, it remains unclear whether such exercise can reduce arterial stiffness. This study aimed to clarify the effect of exercise ball training on arterial stiffness in sedentary middle-aged participants. [Participants and Methods] Fifteen healthy middle-aged males (age, 52 ± 12 years) were divided into a control group (n=7, CON) and an intervention group (n=8, INT). The CON group did not alter physical activity levels throughout the study period, while the INT group participated in supervised training sessions using an exercise ball for 20–30 min, 5 days/week, for a duration of 4 weeks. [Results] Exercise ball training significantly increased the sit-and-reach test score (CON, −3.8 ± 11.1% vs. INT, 33.8 ± 47.5%) and reduced cardio-ankle vascular index (CON, −0.8 ± 4.1% vs. INT, −5.7 ± 4.1%) and heart-ankle pulse wave velocity (CON, 1.6 ± 4.5% vs. INT, −4.2 ± 4.6%), as an index of arterial stiffness. [Conclusion] Four weeks of supervised training using an exercise ball as well as regular static stretching would increase body flexibility and reduce systemic arterial stiffness among sedentary middle-aged males.

EVOLUTION OF ANTHROPOMETRIC AND FUNCTIONAL VARIABLES IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Introduction: The transition from high school to college entails changes in students' habits, which modify the body composition and functionality of the students. Objective: To identify and analyze anthropometric and functional changes in weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and flexibility, as well as abdominal and upper limb strength in university students through different semesters. Material and methods: The study was designed to carry out evaluations in three different moments: first, second and third semester of university, 26 students participated in the first semester, and 16 in the second and third semesters. The anthropometric variables of body weight, height and BMI were determined, and selected variables of abdominal strength, upper limbs and flexibility were also evaluated. Results: The anthropometric variables in men only found a significant difference in age between First vs. Fifth (p=0.01), however, an increase in weight and BMI was observed. In females no significant difference was found in anthropometric variables, however, an increase in weight, and BMI was observed comparing Second vs. Fifth. Conclusions:The students evaluated belong to a degree program whose graduation profile includes the study of the problem of overweight-obesity and have at least one subject that requires them to engage in physical activity; therefore, the data show normal values for BMI as well as a good capacity in the functional tests in both strength and flexibility.

Advances in Engineered Three-Dimensional (3D) Body Articulation Unit Models

Indeed, the body articulation units, commonly referred to as body joints, play significant roles in the musculoskeletal system, enabling body flexibility. Nevertheless, these articulation units suffer from several pathological conditions, such as osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis, gout, and psoriatic arthritis. There exist several treatment modalities based on the utilization of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, which can reduce or control the pathophysiological symptoms. Despite the success, these treatment modalities suffer from major shortcomings of enormous cost and poor recovery, limiting their applicability and requiring promising strategies. To address these limitations, several engineering strategies have been emerged as promising solutions in fabricating the body articulation as unit models towards local articulation repair for tissue regeneration and high-throughput screening for drug development. In this article, we present challenges related to the selection of biomaterials (natural and synthetic sources), construction of 3D articulation models (scaffold-free, scaffold-based, and organ-on-a-chip), architectural designs (microfluidics, bioprinting, electrospinning, and biomineralization), and the type of culture conditions (growth factors and active peptides). Then, we emphasize the applicability of these articulation units for emerging biomedical applications of drug screening and tissue repair/regeneration. In conclusion, we put forward the challenges and difficulties for the further clinical application of the in vitro 3D articulation unit models in terms of the long-term high activity of the models.

Effects of bali yoga program for athletes (BYP-A) on psychological state related to performance of circus artists

Yoga and the practice of mindfulness have gained popularity as performance psychology interventions, by promoting a relaxed state of focus, increasing body flexibility, and improving awareness during performances. Like professional athletes, circus performers invest a great deal of time, resources, and mental and physical energy in their performances. The present pilot project focuses on the effect of the Bali Yoga Program, adapted for athletes (BYP-A), on the general psychological state, quality of life, performance anxiety, and perceived athletic performance of circus artists studying at the National Circus School in Montreal. Over 8 weeks, student circus artists (n= 18) attended 90-min yoga session. Results showed that following the intervention, participants reported decreased depressive and somatic symptoms, decreased cognitive and somatic performance anxiety and enhanced coping abilities (relaxation, mental distractions). BYP-A has initially shown to provide benefits for circus artists, such as factors related to improved psychological health and mental state related to performance. Future avenues for research should explore yoga intervention more thoroughly and pursue to investigate the differences existing between circus arts and other performance fields.

The Effects of a Five-Month Lockdown Due to COVID-19 on Physical Fitness Parameters in Adolescent Students: A Comparison between Cohorts.

Background: This study examined the effects of a five-month lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic on physical fitness parameters in urban adolescent male and female students. Methods: Two hundred and ninety-three male and female students (age: 15.8 ± 0.3 years) who attended the fourth grade of the same high school during the years 2016–2017 (first control group), 2018–2019 (second control group) and 2020–2021 (lockdown group) took part in the present study. Results: The percentage of overweight and obese students, according to body mass index, increased in males from 16.0% (2016–2017) and 14.6% (2018–2019), to 36.7% in 2020–2021 (p < 0.01), and in females from 8.6% (2016–2017) and 7.0% (2016–2017), to 25.6% in 2020–2021 (p < 0.01). Lower body fitness, as assessed by jumping, sprinting and agility tests, was impaired for both males and females after the lockdown compared with the 2016–2017 and 2018–2019 cohorts (vertical jumps: 10.4–15.1%; p < 0.01; d = 0.58–1.01, 30 m sprint: 3.7–4.9%; p < 0.01; d = 0.62–0.74; 505 agility test: from 6.1% to 9.4%; p < 0.01; d = 0.80–1.04). However, flexibility and performance in upper-body fitness tests (handgrip maximum isometric strength and medicine ball throws with different loads) was significantly reduced only in males after the lockdown (p < 0.05 to 0.01). Conclusions: These results suggest that a five-month lockdown negative influenced the physical fitness of adolescent students. Notably, greater reductions were observed in upper body strength, power and flexibility in males than in females. These results highlight the need to maintain strength, power and body mass during long periods of inactivity in adolescent populations.

Feasibility and efficacy of a multidisciplinary palliative approach in patients with advanced interstitial lung disease. A pilot randomised controlled trial

Introduction and ObjectivesInterstitial lung diseases (ILDs) encompass a heterogeneous group of parenchymal lung disorders which have a significant burden on quality of life and exercise. The primary purpose of this randomised pilot trial performed in advanced ILD was to determine the feasibility and efficacy of a multidisciplinary palliative care approach (including physiotherapist, psychologist, pulmonologists, and palliative care doctors) to relieve patients’ symptoms of dyspnoea, depression measured with the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale and quality-of-life (QoL) at 6 and 12 months. Matherials and MethodsFifty patients with confirmed interstitial lung disease at computed tomography (CT) scan and advanced disease were enrolled at our clinic. Patients were randomised to usual care group vs intervention group; in the intervention group, patients were scheduled to meet a physiotherapist, a psychologist, a palliative care doctor, and a pulmonologist specialized in ILD care. Data on dyspnoea, cough, quality of life and depression were recorded; patients in the intervention group were also tested to assess lower body flexibility and strength. ResultsBoth groups showed a worsening in dyspnoea during the time course of the trial, but the Borg scale was less in the intervention group at 6 and 12 months. A similar trend was observed also for the CES-D scale. No differences were observed for the other scales. ConclusionsA multi-disciplinary palliative care intervention in patients with advanced fibrosing interstitial lung disease is feasible and effective. Trial registrationNCT02929966 on ClinGovTrial.

Association between Health-Related Physical Fitness and Risk of Dyslipidemia in University Staff: A Cross-Sectional Study and a ROC Curve Analysis.

Background: This study aimed to assess the relationship between dyslipidemia (DL) risk and health-related physical fitness (HPF) and evaluated the prognostic value of HPF for risk of DL. Methods: A total of 776 university staff members were recruited, of which 407 were females, and 369 males. Blood samples and HPF tests were collected from all participants after 12 h fasting. Results: The prevalence of DL was 41.77% and 51.49% in female and male university staff members, respectively, and there was no significant difference between genders (χ2 = 2.687, p = 0.101). According to the logistic regression analysis, age, male sex, GLU, hypertension, BMI, BF, WHtR, and LAP were significant risk factors for DL (p < 0.05), VCI and, SAR were significant protective factors for DL (p < 0.05), and SMI, GS, and VG were not significantly associated with the risk of DL. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) analysis indicated that, LAP (AUC: 0.730, 95CI%: 0.697–0.762), WHtR (AUC: 0.626, 95CI%: 0.590–0.660), and BMI (AUC: 0.599, 95CI%: 0.563–0.634) are valid predictors of DL, and LAP and WHtR perform better than BMI (Z = 8.074, p < 0.001) in predicting DL in male and female university staff members. Conclusion: The risk of DL is significantly related to body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and flexibility. LAP and WHtR perform better than BMI in predicting risk of DL in male and female university staff members.

Associations between swimming & cycling abilities and fitness in 9-11 year old boys and girls

ABSTRACT The associations between swimming and cycling abilities and fitness levels in 9–11-year-old children were examined. A cross-sectional study involving 2258 children (50.7% boys; aged 10.52 ± 0.6 years) from 33 schools across Wales, participated in Swan/BridgeLinx health, fitness, and lifestyle programmes between 2013–2019. Health and fitness data were collected; namely body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, flexibility, power, and speed using standardised measures. Children completed an online survey collecting data on swimming and cycling abilities and sports club attendance. Multivariate multilevel regressions were used to examine the associations between measures. The ability to swim and cycle was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with all components of fitness when accounting for age, body mass index (BMI), deprivation, gender, and sports club attendance. Boys outperformed girls with significant interactions between swimming, cycling and cardiorespiratory fitness for gender by swim (p = 0.001) and gender by cycle (p = 0.015). The gender by cycle interaction significantly predicted grip strength and power (p < 0.05). Swimming and cycling are important “milestones” in the journey of motor development and are associated with higher levels of fitness. These activities should be promoted to allow for an optimal development of motor skills, fitness, and health.

Education of the Lower Body Flexibility in Students by Combining Various Types of Stretching during Physical Education Lessons

Goal: The identification of the effectiveness of the application of dynamic stretching (DS) and static stretching (SS) during warm-up and cool-down, in regards to lower body flexibility. Participants: 206 boys and 91 girls, first- and second-year students of the Dunărea de Jos University, Galați, involved in over 90% of the physical education lessons over the course of both semesters of the academic year 2018-2019, for 28 weeks, 1 module/2 hours weekly. Results: The statistical calculation performed with ANOVA, with repeated measurements indicates the existence of significant progress (values of F&lt;.05), for both genders, in most of the applied tests, but the size of the effect (Partial eta squared/Ƞ2p) shows a weak influence of the independent variable on the flexibility values in half of the analyzed cases. The average values of the girls' performances are significantly superior to the boys' results, in 6 out of 8 tests. Conclusions: The stretching types used during the physical education lessons are effective, producing results in regards to flexibility and to the initial, reduced training level, however, in order to get stronger effects, one physical education lesson per week is not a viable solution to achieve long term favorable adaptations.

The Influence of Practical Curricular Courses on the Upper Body Flexibility in the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Students

The range and quality of sports technique is conditioned by flexibility. This study analyzes the effects of practical activities that are specific to the first year FPES Galati courses on the upper body flexibility. Over the course of the academic year 2017-2018, the investigated group (composed of 27 girls and 46 boys) has constantly participated for 28 weeks in the 6 practical courses (gymnastics, track and field, swimming, football, volleyball, ice skating), divided in a balanced way throughout the two semesters. The analysis and comparison of the results for the two sexes, during the initial and final tests, applied at the beginning and the end of the academic year, show a superiority of the girls' flexibility in almost all events. The Wilcoxon test for paired samples has identified significant progress between the initial and final assessments in the female group, in 4 of the tests (Right lateral trunk flexibility Combined spine-hip flexibility, Shoulder flexibility, Vertical arm flexibility), recording Z values corresponding to thresholds of P&lt;0.05; however, in the male group, no significant progress was recorded not even in one of the tests, all Z values corresponding to thresholds of P&gt;0.05. The investigation of the differences recorded between independent samples, using the Mann Whitney U test, has identified significant increases in the girls' values in only 3 events, during the initial tests, and in 4 during the final ones, even if the girls' average values are higher than the boys' values for most tests. In conclusion, the boys did not record significant improvements in their performances, only a slight increase or the same values over the course of the investigated period; the girls however, recorded results that show a potential of optimizing their flexibility at this age. The authors recommend that an increased attention should be given during practical courses to develop the students' flexibility as a favoring factor of motion fluidity and improvement of the students' motor potential.

Metabolic Syndrome and Functional Fitness Abilities.

Background: It has been pointed out that moderate to vigorous exercise improves metabolic syndrome (MetS) criteria; however, studies on functional fitness in subjects with MetS are scarce. Aim: This study aimed to assess functional fitness abilities in MetS and non-MetS subjects. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Participants living in the Balearic Islands (n = 477, 52% men, 55–80 years old) with MetS (n = 333) and without MetS (n = 144). Anthropometric, socioeconomic and lifestyle characteristics were measured, and blood samples were collected. Functional fitness tests included: one leg balance, standing and sitting handgrip, 30-s chair stand, arm curl, chair sit-and-reach, back scratch, 8-foot time up-and-go, 30-m walk, and 6-min walk tests. A Functional Fitness Score was created from tests that measured agility and dynamic balance, static balance, lower-and-upper body strength, lower-and-upper body flexibility, aerobic endurance, and speed. Results: All functional fitness tests were lower in MetS subjects, except for back scratch and standing handgrip test. After adjusting for possible confounders (sex, age, civil status, education level, leisure-time physical activity) MetS subjects were more likely to be below average for a sex and age specific cut-off value of one leg balance (Odds Ratio, OR: 2.37; 95% Confidence Interval, CI: 1.25–4.48), chair stand (OR: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.26–3.20), arm curl (OR: 3.43; 95% CI:1.90–6.26), back scratch (OR: 3.49; 95% CI: 2.31–5.91), 8-foot up-&-go (OR: 13.03; 95% CI: 6.66–25.55), 30-m walk (OR: 8.10; 95% CI: 4.33–15.57) and 6-min walk test (OR: 3.28; 95% CI: 1.76–6.52), whereas they were more likely to be above average for sitting handgrip test (OR:1.69; 95% CI:1.21–2.95). Functional Fitness Score was lower in MetS subjects (5.44 ± 2.40 vs. 7.04 ± 1.72, p < 0.001), independently of sex and age. Conclusion: MetS participants showed lower functional fitness abilities and lower Functional Fitness Score than non-MetS peers, independently of sex, age, body mass index and waist circumference, showing lower ability to perform everyday activities safely and independently.