Body Muscular Endurance Research Articles

A longitudinal study to COVID-19 infection among university students: Physical fitness changes and psychological responses

BackgroundThe impact of COVID-19 infection on physical and mental health of young adults remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the changes in the physical fitness three months after recovering from acute COVID-19 infection, and examine if the infection could also influence the mental health of university students. MethodsA total of 460 university students (mean age 18.9 ± 1.3 years, with 30 males and 27 females uninfected with COVID-19) volunteered for the study. Participants underwent a fitness test initially, followed by another physical fitness test and a mental health assessment three months after the infection of COVID-19. Physical fitness tests included body composition, flexibility, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and muscular endurance. Mental health was assessed using the Depression-Anxiety-Stress Self-Assessment Scale (DASS-21), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI), and the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Self-Assessment Scale (PTSD). ResultsThree months after acute COVID-19 infection, the physical performance of university students had decreased compared to pre-infection levels by approximate 3–15 % (p < 0.05). Regarding mental health, a notable difference was observed in sleep quality, with the positive group scoring 19 % higher than the negative group (p < .05, d = .44). Sex (β = .164, p < .05), previous infection (β = .277, p = .019) and anxiety (β = .373, p = .002) were predictive of PSQI scores, accounting for 37.5 % of the variance. ConclusionsAll participants experienced a decline in physical fitness compared to their pre-infection levels, regardless of infection status. Those who had been infected exhibited poorer sleep quality compared to their non-infected peers. Prior COVID-19 infection and higher anxiety levels may contribute to poorer sleep quality.

Reduced Lower Body Muscular Strength and Endurance among Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer.

Introduction: Impaired physical fitness is a possible late effect among adult survivors of childhood cancer (ASCC). Our study describes lower body muscular strength and endurance among ASCC using the 1-minute sit-to-stand (1-min STS) test, compares them with the general population, identifies risk factors, and describes changes over time.Methods: In a prospective multicenter cohort study, we invited ASCC ≥18 years of age at study, diagnosed between ages 0-20 treated in five pediatric oncology centers across Switzerland from 1976-2017 who survived ≥5 years for a 1-min STS test. We collected information about lifestyle, medical history, and previous cancer treatment. Using population-based Swiss reference values, we calculated age- and sex-adjusted z-scores for 1-min STS performance and assessed the association between risk factors and 1-min STS test using multivariable linear regression. We fitted a multilevel linear model to describe the longitudinal course of 1-min STS performance.Results: We included 338 CCS of 1048 invited ASCC (participation rate 32%) with median age at study of 34 years (interquartile range 26-41). Compared with the general population, mean 1-min STS z-score was half a standard deviation lower (-0.52; 95% CI -0.64 to -0.40). Obesity (B = -0.56; 95% CI -0.97 to -0.16), cumulative cisplatin dose (B = -0.12; 95% CI -0.21 to -0.02), and cumulative cranial radiotherapy dose (B = -0.10; 95% CI -0.19 to -0.01) were associated with reduced 1-min STS performance. There was no change in 1-min STS z-scores over time (B = 0.02; 95% CI -0.05 to 0.09).Conclusions : We found evidence for reduced lower body strength and endurance among ASCC, suggesting the need for counseling and effective training and rehabilitation programs for maintaining daily functioning, improving cardiovascular health, and reducing morbidity for ASCC.

Effects of 8-weeks Surf Skateboard training on physical fitness in young people

BackgroundSurf skateboards have grown in popularity among young people in recent years. However, no research studies have analyzed the effect of surf skateboarding on physical fitness. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 8-week surf skateboard training on physical fitness in young adults. MethodsTwenty-two young people, ages 18–24 years were randomly assigned into two groups: a control (CON; n ​= ​11) and surf skateboarding (SSK; n ​= ​11) group. The surf skateboard training group received an eight-week intervention consisting of three 60-minute (min) sessions per week, while the control group continued with their normal daily lives. Physical fitness was assessed before and after the intervention through a battery of tests that included body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and balance. ResultsThe results showed that the SSK group demonstrated significant (p ​< ​0.05) improvements in maximum voluntary ventilation, back and leg strength, lower body muscular endurance by the sit-to-stand tests, and balance in all direction compared with the pre-test and the CON group. In addition, the SSK group showed significantly (p ​< ​0.05) decreased body weight, body mass index, percent body fat, and resting heart rate, while increased maximum oxygen consumption, pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, upper body muscular endurance by the sit-up test and flexibility compared with the pre-test. ConclusionThe findings suggest that surf skateboard training have an effective physical activity intervention to improve body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and balance in young people.

Temporal changes in the physical fitness of Chinese adolescents aged 13-18 years: an analysis of eight national successive surveys over three decades.

The aim of this study was to assess temporal changes in physical fitness of Chinese adolescents aged 13-18 years from 1985 to 2019. Body size /composition and physical fitness indicators, including body height, weight, body mass index (BMI), speed, power, flexibility, muscular endurance, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), were selected from Chinese boys and girls aged 13-18 years from eight Chinese National Surveillance on Students' Constitution and Health from 1985 to 2019. Temporal changes in means were estimated by sample-weighted linear regression at the test × sex × age level, and national trends were estimated by a post-stratification population weighting procedure. Overall mean body height, weight and BMI increased significantly for Chinese adolescents over 34 years. There was a small improvement for boys in speed (Effect size [ES] = -0.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.44 ~ 0.02), a small improvement for boys in power (ES = 0.24, 95% CI = -0.20 ~ 0.69), a small improvement for girls in flexibility (ES = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.15 ~ 0.76), a moderate decline for boys (ES = -0.53 95% CI = -0.84 ~ -0.21) and a moderate improvement for girls (ES = 0.61, 95% CI = -0.03 ~ 1.26) in muscular endurance, and large declines in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) for boys (ES = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.64 ~ 1.21) and girls (ES = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.58 ~ 1.27) from 1985 to 2019. These trends in each component of fitness were more positive for adolescents aged 13-15 years than that of adolescents aged 16-18 years in both sexes, except for girls in flexibility. The decline in CRF was most pronounced among Chinese children and adolescents from 1985 to 2019, suggesting a future decline in population health that needs attention.

Home-based circuit training improves blood lipid profile, liver function, musculoskeletal fitness, and health-related quality of life in overweight/obese older adult patients with knee osteoarthritis and type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundThere is strong evidence showing the association between obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and knee pain resulting from osteoarthritis. Regular exercise has been reported as a foundational piece of the preventive therapy puzzle for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients. Nonetheless, evidence-based exercise protocols for people with comorbidities, such as obesity, T2DM, and KOA are limited. Therefore, the present trial aimed to assess the effectiveness of a 12-week home-based circuit training (HBCT) protocol on various indices related to cardiometabolic health, musculoskeletal fitness, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among overweight/obese older adult patients with KOA and T2DM during the COVID-19 lockdown.MethodsThis is a randomized controlled trial study registered at the National Medical Research Register (ID: RSCH ID-21-01180-KGTNMRR ID-21-02367-FUM) and obtained approval on December 9, 2021. Seventy overweight or obese patients with KOA and T2DM (62.2 ± 6.1 years; 56% female) were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 35, HBCT) or the no-exercise control group (n = 35, CON). HBCT performed a 12-week progressive protocol (seven exercises; 15–30 repetitions per exercise, 1 min passive rest between exercises; 2–4 rounds per session; 20–60 min total session duration). Blood samples were collected, and assays were performed to assess the lipid profile, liver function, and fasting blood glucose (FBG). In addition, the 30-s Chair Stand Test (30CST) was used to evaluate lower body muscular strength and endurance while the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test was used to evaluate lower limb function, mobility, and the risk of falls for all the participants. HRQoL was assessed using the Osteoarthritis Knee and Hip Quality of Life (OAKHQoL). All the assessments were conducted at pre-, mid-, and post-training stages during the application or practice of the exercise protocol, rather than during the training sessions themselves.ResultsHBCT significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, FBG and knee pain (p < 0.05). Furthermore, HBCT induced meaningful increases in high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), lower body muscular strength, endurance, function, mobility, and HRQoL in overweight/obese older adults with T2DM and KOA (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe present outcomes recommend that an injury-free HBCT program may improve various indicators related to cardiometabolic health, musculoskeletal fitness, and HRQoL in elderly with overweight/obesity, T2DM and KOA. These findings offer valuable insights for clinicians and practitioners seeking evidence-based exercise interventions tailored for patients managing substantial metabolic and musculoskeletal health challenges in clinical practice.

Effects of 8 Weeks Conditioning Exercises on Muscular Endurance: A Cross-Sectional Study of Female Cadets of Ghana Immigration Service Academy, Assin Fosu, Ghana

Physical conditioning enables athletes to meet all the physical requirements of their sport, perform well, and minimize their risk of injury. This study aims to determine the effects of eight (8) weeks conditioning training on the muscular endurance of Female Cadets of the Ghana Immigration Service Academy. The Army Physical Training Fitness Test (APFT) was used to evaluate muscular endurance levels of the Female Cadets. The quasi-experimental pre-test post-test study design was used to conduct the study. A total of 60 female cadets were randomly stratified into two groups based on APFT age categories (22-26) and (27-31) years. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired sample t-test and independent sample t-test was used to test the hypothesis. Higher upper body muscular endurance performance as measured by the APFT was observed in the age group (27-31) years compared to age group (22-26) years. Significant difference was found in muscular endurance in the females age groups (22-26) and (27-31) years (P&amp;lt;0.05). Significant positive effect on muscular endurance after conditioning exercises for female Cadets in both age categories, (22-26) and (27-31) years (P&amp;lt;0.05) was observed. Conditioning exercises had a significant impact on APFT upper body muscular endurance performance in the age categories of (22-26) and (27-31) years.

Age-Related Differences in Physical Fitness and Performance of an “Ability Test” among Firefighters

This study’s primary objective was to examine the differences in body composition, abdominal strength, absolute and relative power, handgrip strength, one repetition maximum for squat and bench press, and the maximum count of push-up and sit-up repetitions executed within a minute across different age cohorts of firefighters. Furthermore, this study aimed to evaluate the age-related differences in firefighters’ completion times of six firefighting tasks. Eighty-four male volunteer firefighters (age 33.79 ± 6.97 years) were grouped into three age categories, 20–30 years, 31–40 years, and 41–50 years, and underwent the aforementioned evaluations. One-way analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed that age exerts a statistically significant influence (p &lt; 0.001) on body fat percentage, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio. Furthermore, age significantly affected the overall time of the ability test (p &lt; 0.001) and the duration required to accomplish each individual task (p &lt; 0.001). Additionally, age significantly affected abdominal strength, relative power (as measured by the step test), and the maximum count of push-up and sit-up repetitions performed within a minute. These outcomes support earlier research indicating an age-associated decrement in physical fitness parameters among firefighters. It is recommended that firefighters prioritize maintaining strength and endurance of the abdominal muscles, upper body muscular endurance, and a healthy body weight. The emphasis on specific muscular groups is essential for improving task performance within this profession.

Health-related physical fitness, physical activity and its correlates among school going adolescents in hilly state in north India: a cross sectional survey

IntroductionHealth-related physical fitness, which includes body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular endurance, flexibility, power, and strength are associated with risks of chronic diseases and promote good health and wellness. There have been reports of increasing levels of physical inactivity among children and adolescents, leading to increasing rates of obesity and decreased physical fitness. The present study was conducted among school going adolescents to estimate the levels and correlates of PF for timely intervention.MethodologySchool based cross-sectional study was done among students of class 8-11th in Government schools of Garhwal division of Uttarakhand. Multistage stratified random sampling was applied for recruitment of study participants. We recruited a final sample size of 634 students. Validated questionnaires and standard methods for assessment of physical fitness, physical activity levels and other variables such as waist circumference, hip circumference, BMI and hemoglobin estimation were done.ResultsAverage and above average cardiorespiratory fitness score as per Harvard step test among boys (54.3%) was significantly higher as compared to girls (21.3%) (χ2 = 88.93, p < 0.001). There was a significant association between gender and dominant handgrip strength (χ2 = 8.02, p = 0.01) as well as between gender and Shoulder stretch test (SST) of dominant (χ2 = 17.5, p < 0.05) as well as nondominant arm (χ2 = 13.5, p < 0.05). Sit and reach test results also showed a significant association with gender (χ2 = 27.17, p < 0.001). Gender, hemoglobin level, BMI and PAL scores significantly predicted cardiorespiratory fitness scores (R2 = 0.188, F value of the model = 37.69, p =< 0.001)).ConclusionPhysical fitness of school going adolescents in Garhwal division of Uttarakhand was better than other parts of India, with significant gender differences. Physical activity levels (PAL) were poor and are also a significant predictor of physical fitness. More emphasis needs to be paid on the health and fitness of girl students. School based policies to increase PAL among students through innovation and rewards may go a long way in improving the long-term health of the students.

P722 The steep ramp test is a valid practical test to assess cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract Background Comprehensive disease management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) requires a holistic approach that extends beyond achieving endoscopic healing. Monitoring health-related physical fitness (HRPF) parameters (i.e. body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility) may lead to a more proactive approach to managing IBD, as IBD may affect HRPF due to e.g. chronic inflammation, malnutrition, corticosteroid use, and reduced physical activity. Yet, knowledge regarding HRPF in patients with IBD is limited. Assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), a key component of HRPF in other chronic diseases, could offer valuable insights into physical capacity and overall health. However, the gold standard, measuring oxygen uptake at peak exercise (VO2peak) achieved during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is impractical for widespread implementation in clinical practice. The steep ramp test (SRT), a short-term maximal exercise test on a cycle ergometer, might serve as a less demanding assessment method to facilitate routine assessment of CRF in clinical practice and deliver more practical endpoints for intervention studies. This study aimed to examine the criterion validity of the SRT as compared with CPET in evaluating CRF in patients with IBD. Methods From August 2022 to October 2023, adult patients with IBD in remission or with mild-to-moderate clinical disease activity were consecutively enrolled. Each participant performed a SRT and a CPET within 14 days to examine CRF. The main outcome measures were the achieved work rate at peak exercise (WRpeak) for the SRT (SRT-WRpeak) and VO2peak as well as WRpeak for CPET (CPET-VO2peak and CPET-WRpeak). Validity of the SRT was evaluated with Pearson’s correlation coefficients between SRT-WRpeak and CPET-VO2peak and SRT-WRpeak and CPET-WRpeak. Results A total of 50 participants, with a mean age of 42.9 years and 56% diagnosed with CD, were included (Table 1). One participant was excluded from the analysis due to the inability to achieve a maximal effort during CPET. Mean (±SD) WRpeak attained at the SRT was 4.32 (±1.06) W·kg-1, and mean (±SD) VO2peak and WRpeak achieved during CPET were 33.47 (±9.85) mL·kg-1·min-1 and 2.90 (±0.95) W·kg-1, respectively. Figure 1 illustrates robust linear relationships with very strong correlations between SRT-WRpeak and CPET- VO2peak (r=0.945, p&amp;lt;0.001) and SRT-WRpeak and CPET-WRpeak (r=0.960, p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion Results of this study suggest that the SRT is a valid alternative test for examining CRF in patients with IBD, indicating its potential application in both clinical practice and intervention studies. Further research should explore the criterion validity of practical tests for other components of HRPF.

ACTIVE COMMUTING TO SCHOOL, BMI, AND HEALTH-RELATED FITNESS OF PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Active commuting is considered one of the many forms of physical activity that could increase the level of physical activity among school children. The aim of the current study was to examine the differences between the health-related fitness of school children who engage in active and passive commuting to school, and to explore the associations between active commuting to school and the health-related physical fitness of school children. A total of 152 children (58 girls and 94 boys), aged 12, from four primary schools in the Kraljevo area participated in this study. Basic anthropometric measures were taken along with eight physical fitness tests. Boys who actively commute had greater upper body muscular endurance and cardiorespiratory fitness, and girls who were active school commuters had better results in flexibility, explosive power, upper body muscular endurance, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Linear regression analysis revealed significant associations between active commuting, and abdominal strength and cardiorespiratory fitness for boys, and flexibility and upper body muscular endurance for girls. Considering these positive findings, it is recommended that future studies be conducted on a larger sample and that they include intensive educational campaigning to encourage Serbian schoolchildren to practice active commuting to and from school is likewise recommended.

A Videoconference Physical Activity Intervention for Colorectal Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Physical activity (PA) after a colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis can improve physical function and quality of life and is associated with decreased mortality rates and longer disease-free survival. The accelerated use of videoconference technology during and following the COVID-19 pandemic offers an opportunity to explore the potential of a virtually supervised intervention to help survivors of CRC increase PA. A two-arm single blind pilot randomized controlled trial of individuals who had completed treatment for CRC within the previous five-years (NCT03781154, 12/19/2018). The 12-week intervention consisted of circuit-based, combined aerobic and resistance exercise, twice per week for approximately one-hour per session, and five social cognitive theory-based PA behavior change discussion sessions. All intervention components were delivered in real-time via Zoom. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed, and the effects of the intervention were explored for the outcomes of PA (activPAL™ accelerometers and self-report), social cognitive theory constructs (barriers self-efficacy and outcome expectations), and physical fitness (submaximal aerobic capacity, upper and lower body muscular strength and endurance). Twenty-nine eligible individuals (55.2% women, &lt;em&gt;Mean&lt;/em&gt; = 61 ± 11 years old, &lt;em&gt;Mean&lt;/em&gt; = 22.0 ± 15.1 months since diagnosis) were randomized to the videoconference PA intervention (&lt;em&gt;n&lt;/em&gt; = 15) or a PA education control (&lt;em&gt;n&lt;/em&gt; = 14). A total of &lt;em&gt;N&lt;/em&gt; = 25 completed the study for a retention rate of 86.7% in the intervention arm and 85.7% in the control. Adherence to intervention components was &gt;86%. The intervention was highly acceptable with ≥90% responding “yes” or “definitely yes” that they enjoyed participating. Trends suggested that intervention participants had greater improvements in accelerometer measured steps per day, daily minutes of light PA, sedentary time, and aerobic fitness. There was no change in social cognitive theory constructs, and muscular strength and endurance improved in both the intervention and control. A 12-week videoconference PA intervention was feasible and acceptable among survivors of CRC, and the greatest magnitude of difference for intervention effects was observed for light PA and sedentary time. A fully powered trial is needed to determine efficacy of the intervention for increasing PA and physical functioning.

Prevalence of Obesity and Lifestyle Risk Factors Following Two Years' COVID-19 Related Service Closure at Wellness Center, Primary Health Care.

COVID-19 lockdown has affected health behaviors and daily life in unprecedented ways. This study aimed to assess (i) the prevalence of lifestyle behaviors including physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, and stress levels during the COVID confinement, and (ii) evaluate anthropometric measures, body composition, cardiopulmonary and muscular endurance among regular Wellness Center attendees, following two years' service closure. A cross-sectional study was undertaken between 1st June 2022 and 30th January 2023. A structured validated questionnaire was utilized to retrospectively collect data related to the closure period, and quantitative objective measurements were obtained at the time of data collection. A total of 100 adults with a mean age of 49.6 ± 10.5 years, mostly female (80%) and Qatari (76%) participated in the study. The results revealed high rates of low physical activity (47%), sedentary behavior (62%), poor sleep (58%), and stress levels (61% moderate and 5% high). Results also confirmed high prevalence of obesity (57%) marked by BMI and body circumferences, fat mass (34 ± 10.5 kg)/fat percentage (42.7 ± 7.2%) and muscle mass (20.6 ± 5.4 kg)/muscle percentage (25.4 ± 3.9%) above and below normal levels, respectively. The average cardiopulmonary (mean VO2 MAX was 15.5 ± 11 mL O2kg-1min-1) and muscular endurance (pushups per min 19 ± 8.9, L-sit 46 ± 35 secs, plank 42.7 ± 27.8 secs) were distinctly below normal levels for age and sex. The findings indicate that physically active adults have experienced adverse lifestyle behaviors during the COVID-19 lockdown. Obesity, unfavorable body composition, low cardiopulmonary and muscular endurance were evident. More emphasis should be put on the development of targeted intervention strategies to promote positive lifestyle behaviors during any potential future crises.

Effects of 12 Weeks Weight Training and Plyometric Training on Body Composition, Physical Fitness and Electronic Hogu Hitting Ability in Taekwondo Sparring Athletes

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study is to identify the effects of differences in muscle function training of Taekwondo sparring athletes on body composition, basic physical fitness, isokinetic muscle function, and electronic hogu hitting ability, and to present basic data for a training program for Taekwondo sparring athletes.METHODS This study randomly sampled 25(M: 20, F: 5) Taekwondo sparring athletes. The sampled subjects were divided into a weight training group (n=8), a plyometric training(plyometric) group (n=8), and a control group (n=9) and trained for 60 minutes, 5 times a week, for 12 weeks. Body composition, basic physical fitness, isokinetic muscle function, and electronic hogu hitting ability were evaluated before and after training. Statistical tests of RM Two-way ANOVA were conducted to verify the interaction between groups and times, main effects of times, and main effects between groups according to 12 weeks of training. Post-hoc was conducted using paired-T test(times) and One-way ANOVA test(groups).RESULTS Taekwondo sparring athletes showed positive changes in body composition(weight, BMI, Lean body mass, % body fat, WHR), basic physical fitness(muscle endurance, flexibility), isokinetic muscle function(knee endurance, low back strength), and electronic hogu hitting ability(round house kick, Turning back kick, number of hit) after participating in weight training for 12 weeks (All &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05). Additionally, positive changes were observed in flexibility and electronic hogu hitting ability(Turning back kick) after participating in plyometric training for 12 weeks (All &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05).CONCLUSIONS Weight training for 12 weeks in Taekwondo sparring athletes results in positive changes in body composition, increased flexibility and muscular endurance, increases in knee isokinetic muscular endurance and low back isokinetic strength, and improvement in overall electronic hogu hitting ability. Plyometrics for 12 weeks result in increased flexibility and increased electronic hogu hitting ability for back kick. Weight training shows greater improvement in strength and kick endurance than plyometrics.

Yoga Improves Movement, Balance, And Upper Body Muscular Endurance In Healthy Adults

Yoga Improves Movement, Balance, And Upper Body Muscular Endurance In Healthy Adults

Effect of Online Vinyasa Training on Housewives’ Lower and Upper Body Endurance: A Randomized Post-Pandemic Covid-19 Trial

Study purpose. The COVID-19 pandemic has a considerable impact on social and financial factors in addition to health outcomes. There is, however, still little information available as to how Covid-19 actually impacted housewives. Consequently, this paper aims to provide a new dimension to the study of how vinyasa could support mothers’ fitness throughout the pandemic. This study sought to determine whether an online vinyasa programme for 8 weeks during Covid-19 pandemic could significantly influence housewives’ upper and lower body muscle endurance. Materials and methods. 24 housewives (between the ages of 26 and 36) from the NCR region of Delhi participated in the study. The participants were divided at random and put either into the experimental group (vinyasa) or the control group. Both upper and lower body muscular endurance was found to be the health-related variable. The longest-lasting bent knee push-ups were used to gauge upper body muscular endurance, while the longest-lasting bodyweight squat holds over a 90-degree angle were used to gauge lower body muscle endurance. Results. To analyse the findings, tests were run both prior to and following the training. A substantial difference between the experimental group and control group was found using ANCOVA to compare them to the baseline after 8 weeks. Conclusions. Thus, it was determined that the online/virtual vinyasa training programme was a successful way for housewives to increase their body muscular endurance (health-related fitness).

Utilizing multimodal high-intensity interval training for a firefighter training academy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Firefighters typically undergo a 16-24-week training academy during which they perform a variety of traditional exercise programs such as cardiovascular, resistance, and concurrent training. Because of limited facility access, some fire departments seek alternative exercise programs, such as multimodal high-intensity interval training (MM-HIIT), which essentially combines resistance and interval training. The primary purpose of this study was to assess the effect of MM-HIIT on body composition and physical fitness in firefighter recruits who completed a training academy during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. A secondary purpose was to compare the effects of MM-HIIT to previous training academies that implemented traditional exercise programs. Healthy and recreationally-trained recruits (n = 12) participated in 2-3 days/week of MM-HIIT for 12 weeks and had several components of body composition and physical fitness measured before and after the program. Because of COVID-19-related gym closures, all MM-HIIT sessions were performed outdoors at a fire station with minimal equipment. These data were retroactively compared to a control group (CG) that previously completed training academies with traditional exercise programs. Subjects in the MM-HIIT group significantly improved several components of body composition and fitness, including fat mass, fat-free mass, body fat percentage, aerobic capacity, and muscular endurance (p < 0.005). Moreover, there were no significant differences for any dependent variable when MM-HIIT was compared to the CG (p≥0.005). These results suggest that MM-HIIT may serve as an effective substitute for traditional concurrent training paradigms that are typically used for firefighter academies.

국민체력100 체력측정을 기준으로 한 대학생 비만 정도가 행동체력에 미치는 영향

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences among the three levels of body fat percentage and the four levels of body mass index in order to identify the relationship between behavioral fitness and obesity based on the data of college students measured by the National Physical Fitness Award. Method: By National Physical Fitness Award measurement system, height, weight, body fat percentage, body mass index (BMI), muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, agility, power and physical fitness certification grade of 158 college students were measured and verified the average difference in obesity with ANOVA Results: Body fat percentage showed significant differences in muscular endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance and power and BMI in muscular strength, cardiorespiratory endurance and power according to the physical fitness certification grade. Conclusion: Body fat percentage and BMI showed significant differences in the three behavioral fitness, however, physical fitness certification grade of BMI did not show any difference. Interdisciplinary Research Implications: It is expected that gaming participants could have an opportunity to discover and prevent their health problems through interdisciplinary research

Double-pyramid and Reverse step resistance training effectiveness on physical fitness factors among elite female athletes

Due to the necessity of resistance training for athletes conditioning, loading patterns in order to improve training outcomes have received more attention in recent decades. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to assess the impact of 8-week resistance training performed with double pyramid (DP) and reverse step (RS) systems on some physical fitness components of elite female athletes. 30 young female handball players are randomly assigned to the three groups of DP (age: 17.43±1.63 year, weight: 70.28±10.14 kg, fat percentage: 15.60±1.17), RS (age: 17.13±1.32 year, weight: 67.80±7.78 kg, fat percentage: 15.40±1.69), and control groups (age: 17.33±1.71 year, weight: 61.04±6.61 kg, fat percentage: 16.50±1.43). Training programs was performed for an eight-week, 3 sessions per week with loading pattern of DP or RS. Measurements including fat percentage, anaerobic power (RAST), agility (Illinois), Speed (45 meter sprint), strength (1RM), and muscle endurance (60% 1RM) are taken before and after the training course.After the training period, DP and RS groups had significant effects on the mean power, upper and lower body muscular endurance, fat percentage, agility and speed (p&amp;lt;0.05). Also, DP showed a significantly more increase in upper body strength compared to RS groups and RS showed a significantly more increase in lower body strength compared to DP groups (p&amp;lt;0.05). Also, comparison of DP and RS groups showed a significant difference in lower and upper body muscle endurance between the two groups (P &amp;lt;0.05); While, there was not a significant difference in anaerobic power, upper and lower body strength, fat percentage, speed, and agility tests between training groups. DP resistance training appears that to have more impact in improving anaerobic power, upper body strength and speed. While, RS ones showed a greater effect on increasing the lower body strength, muscular endurance, agility and fat percentage of female handball players.

A Group-Based, Videoconference-Delivered Physical Activity Program for Cancer Survivors.

Virtually supervised, group-based exercise presents an innovative way to expand the reach of exercise-oncology programs and help cancer survivors increase physical activity (PA) and connect with other participants. This study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a group-based PA program delivered exclusively using videoconferencing software. This study used a single-group pre-post design. The 8-wk program consisted of aerobic and resistance exercise sessions once per week and three PA behavior change discussion sessions in groups of four to six. Feasibility was determined by enrollment, retention, safety, and adherence. Postprogram surveys evaluated acceptability using a Likert scale and open-ended responses. Changes in PA (Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire), quality of life (QOL; Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy- General), and upper and lower body muscular endurance (bicep curl and sit-to-stand test) were also evaluated. Enrollment was feasible (n = 61 of 65 who expressed interest in the program), and retention (86.9%) and adherence (88% for exercise, 91% for discussion) were high; no adverse events were reported. Participants (mean age, 59.9 ± 10.1 yr; 96.2% female; 64.2% ovarian cancer, 28.3% breast cancer, 7.5% other cancer) reported they enjoyed the program (median, 7 of 7), and videoconferencing software was easy to use and had good video and audio quality (median, 5 of 5). From preprogram to postprogram, participants increased their weekly minutes of aerobic (mean (SD) change, 82.4 (144.2)) and resistance (mean (SD) change, 31.9 (42.7)) PA; sit-to-stand (mean (SD) change, 1.4 (3.9)) and bicep curl (mean (SD) change, 5.3 (6.8)) repetitions; and emotional (mean (SD) change, 0.82 (2.3) points), functional (mean (SD) change, 1.2 (3.6) points), and total QOL (mean (SD) change, 3 (7.9) points; all P < 0.05). A group-based PA program delivered using videoconference technology is feasible and acceptable for cancer survivors, and may increase PA and improve physical fitness and some aspects of QOL. A larger, controlled intervention is needed to determine efficacy, as well as pragmatic studies to directly compare this approach with conventional strategies (i.e., face-to-face programs).

An Analysis of an Exercise is Medicine on Campus ® Program: A Case Report.

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of an Exercise is Medicine on Campus® program on university student biometrics and muscular endurance. It was hypothesized that participants in the 12-week program would experience significant improvements in body mass index, blood pressure, body fat percentage, waist circumference, and muscular endurance. To be eligible for the program, participants must have met two of the three criteria: (1) blood pressure over 140 and/or 90 (3 consecutive measurements over 2 weeks), (2) BMI over 30, and/or (3) diagnosed chronic condition or currently taking medication for chronic condition. Participants engaged in six bi-weekly exercise instructional meetings that lasted approximately 30minutes in length. Participants completed measures of resting heart rate, waist-to-hip ratio, body composition percentage via bioelectrical impedance, and muscular endurance before and after the program. Although not statistically significant, there was a decrease in BMI, blood pressure, body fat percentage, and waist circumference from pre- to post-program. Two-tailed t-tests revealed significant improvements in squats (P = .04), pushups (P = .05), and curl-ups (P = .03) from pre- to post-program. The results are discussed in terms of current research and future university campus application.