Cardiorespiratory Fitness Parameters Research Articles

A One Year Monitoring Study on Cardio Respiratory Fitness and Anthropometric Parameters in Soccer Players Aged 18 Years

Introduction. Research for years has indicated the role that aerobic fitness plays on soccer game and its positive effects. The aim of the current study is to monitor anthropometric parameters and cardiorespiratory fitness in youth soccer players during one year. Methods. The participants were 76 youth soccer players aged 16–18 (±2.64) years. The players were members of five soccer clubs from the youth championship of Albania. All youth members were engaged in formal training (3–4 sessions/week; 90-120 min/ sessions) and had competed for at least 3 years. Subject were measurement (anthropometrics and cardiorespiratory fitness) at time 1 during year 2013 and the second measurement at time 2 during year 2014. Results. The improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness were statistical significant (1.7 ml/kg/min) at level of 95 percent level of confidence (cardiorespiratory fitness at p=0.004). Descriptive statistics showed higher values regarding anthopometrics but this increase were not statistically significant. Conclusion. In conclusion, we propose that in other study it will be needed to have a control group in order to compare this data (control group who do not train) with those who train and to have the real improvement by the soccer training sessions. Therefore, the assessment of the soccer player’s aerobic performance could be of interest for soccer coaches in order to evaluate and better programme their endurance training sessions. DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2015.v4n2p199

Positive effect of yoga on cardiorespiratory fitness: A pilot study.

Introduction:Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in developed countries. An integral part of primary prevention is physical activity. One form of physical activity to be potentially used is yoga, but this activity is associated with lower energy expenditure than that recommended for prevention. The study aimed at assessing the effect of regular yoga sessions on the aerobic capacity of the practitioners and comparing it with the normal population performing physical activity recommended by guidelines.Materials and Methods:Fifty-eight persons (16 males) with a mean age of 50.0 ± 11.06 years comprising the yoga group practiced yoga for at least 1 h a day for over 2 years. They underwent spiroergometry under maximal exercise testing to assess basic performance parameters. Their results were compared with those in 54 age-matched controls (16 males mean age of 48 ± 11.86 years performing a regular aerobic physical activity for at least 7 h a week.Results:The yoga group had statistically significantly higher maximum performance per kilogram (P = 0.007) and maximum oxygen consumption per kilogram per minute (P = 0.028).Conclusions:Despite low energy expenditure, yoga practices are better in some cardiorespiratory fitness parameters than other aerobic activities recommended by current guidelines for CVD prevention.

A study of physical fitness of trained individuals of an urban population in Pune

Background: Physical exercise is the nature's panacea for preventing ill health. Objectives: To study the effects of regularized training programs in an urban population. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional pilot project was carried in a time span of 6 months on two study populations located at the Medical College and Physical training unit in Pune. Untrained Group comprised of 50 healthy young male students and Trained Group comprised of 50 physically trained young males. History was recorded followed by anthropometry and clinical examination. Body mass index (BMI) and Body surface area (BSA) were calculated. Resting pulse rate and blood pressure, resting respiratory rate, VO 2 Max, Physical fitness index (PFI), breath holding time (BHT), and 40 mm endurance test time were measured. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 16. Results: There was no significant difference in age, and height between the two groups, while BMI, BSA, pulse rate, and respiratory rate were significantly lower in trained individuals. Physically untrained subjects had a VO 2 Max value of less than 55 ml/kg/min (range, 30 to 55 ml/kg/min), while all the physically trained subjects had VO 2 Max of more than 50 ml/kg/min (range, 50 to 80 ml/kg/min) (P < 0.0001). The mean PFI, BHT, and the mean 40 mm endurance time were significantly higher in trained subjects. Conclusion: Various cardio-respiratory and other fitness parameters are markedly better in youths who undertake couple of hours of exercise. This better cardio-respiratory fitness is known to translate into a lower cardiac disease risk in future.

Physical activity in physiotherapy and physical education high school students

A term of health-related physical fitness became topical with four its components: aerobic and/or cardiovascular fitness, body composition, abdominal muscle strength and endurance, and lower back and hamstring flexibility. Complex evaluation of health-related physical fitness and physical activity (PA) may show a wider insight in health promotion and disease prevention. The aim of this study was to evaluate physical activity relation to health-related physical fitness in Physiotherapy (PT) and Physical Education (PE) students. Final study sample consisted of 67 students (46 women and 21 men) (aged 21.61 ± 0.71). All participants filled in International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Health-related physical testing included: 1) body composition evaluation, 2) abdominal muscles strength tests, 3) dynamometry, 4) hamstring muscles and m. quadratus lumborum elasticity evaluation tests, 5) bicycle ergometer test (anaerobic threshold, maximal oxygen consumption). Results showed that most students had normal body composition parameters (BMI, body fat, muscle mass, body water) in both genders and study programs. Women were less physically active that men, and PA duration was higher in PE students. PT students had higher body composition values, lower cardiorespiratory fitness parameters and lower handgrip strength in both hands than PE students. Greater PA generally implies a higher level of health-related physical fitness. PA significantly positively affects body composition, upper m. rectus abdominis strength, grip strength and aerobic capacity.

Impact of Different Training Modalities on Anthropometric and Metabolic Characteristics in Overweight/Obese Subjects: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

BackgroundThe aim of this systematic review of randomized controlled trials was to compare the effects of aerobic training (AET), resistance training (RT), and combined aerobic and resistance training (CT) on anthropometric parameters, blood lipids, and cardiorespiratory fitness in overweight and obese subjects.MethodsElectronic searches for randomized controlled trials were performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Trial Register. Inclusion criteria were: Body Mass Index: ≥25 kg/m2, 19+ years of age, supervised exercise training, and a minimum intervention period of 8 weeks. Anthropometric outcomes, blood lipids, and cardiorespiratory fitness parameters were included. Pooled effects were calculated by inverse-variance random effect pairwise meta-analyses and Bayesian random effects network meta-analyses.Findings15 trials enrolling 741 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Compared to RT, AET resulted in a significantly more pronounced reduction of body weight [mean differences (MD): -1.15 kg, p = 0.04], waist circumference [MD: -1.10 cm, p = 0.004], and fat mass [MD: -1.15 kg, p = 0.001] respectively. RT was more effective than AET in improving lean body mass [MD: 1.26 kg, p<0.00001]. When comparing CT with RT, MD in change of body weight [MD: -2.03 kg, p<0.0001], waist circumference [MD: -1.57 cm, p = 0.0002], and fat mass [MD: -1.88 kg, p<0.00001] were all in favor of CT. Results from the network meta-analyses confirmed these findings.ConclusionEvidence from both pairwise and network meta-analyses suggests that CT is the most efficacious means to reduce anthropometric outcomes and should be recommended in the prevention and treatment of overweight, and obesity whenever possible.

Relationships between cardiorespiratory fitness, metabolic control, and fat distribution in type 2 diabetes subjects

Factors contributing to the reduced cardiorespiratory fitness typical of sedentary subjects with type 2 diabetes are still largely unknown. In this study, we assessed the relationships between cardiorespiratory fitness and abdominal and skeletal muscle fat content in 39 untrained type 2 diabetes subjects, 27 males and 12 females (mean±SD age 56.5±7.3year, BMI 29.4±4.7kg/m(2)). Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and ventilatory threshold (VO2VT) were assessed by maximal cycle ergometer exercise test, insulin sensitivity by euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp, and body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to evaluate visceral, total subcutaneous (SAT), superficial (SSAT) and deep sub-depots of subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue, and sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD), as well as femoral quadriceps skeletal muscle fat content. In univariate analysis, both VO2peak and VO2VT were inversely associated with BMI, total fat mass, SAT, SSAT, and sagittal abdominal diameter. VO2peak was also inversely associated with skeletal muscle fat content. A significant direct association was observed between VO2VT and insulin sensitivity. No associations between cardiorespiratory fitness parameters and metabolic profile data were found. In multivariable regression analysis, after adjusting for age and gender, VO2peak was independently predicted by higher HDL cholesterol, and lower SAD and skeletal muscle fat content (R (2)=0.64, p<0.001), whereas VO2VT was predicted only by sagittal abdominal diameter (R (2)=0.48, p=0.025). In conclusion, in untrained type 2 diabetes subjects, peak oxygen uptake is associated with sagittal abdominal diameter, skeletal muscle fat content, and HDL cholesterol levels. Future research should target these features in prospective intervention studies.

The Effects of a Peer Modeling Intervention on Cardiorespiratory Fitness Parameters and Self-Efficacy in Obese Adolescents

Inconsistencies exist in the assessment and interpretation of peak VO2 in the pediatric obese population, as cardiorespiratory fitness assessments are effort-dependent and psychological variables prevalent in this population must be addressed. This study examined the effect of a peer modeling intervention on cardiorespiratory fitness performance and task self-efficacy in obese youth completing a maximal treadmill test. Forty-nine obese (BMI ≥ 95th percentile for age and sex) youth were randomized to an experimental (received an intervention) or to a control group. The outcome variables were mean and variability cardiorespiratory fitness (peak VO2, heart rate, duration, respiratory exchange ratio), rating of perceived exertion, and task self-efficacy scores. Irrespective of whether a mean or variability score was used, receiving the intervention was associated with non-significant trends in fitness parameters and task self-efficacy over time, favoring the experimental group. Cardiorespiratory fitness and task self-efficacy were moderately correlated at both time points. To elucidate the aforementioned findings, psychosocial factors affecting obese youth and opportunities to modify the peer modeling intervention should be considered. Addressing these factors has the potential to improve standard of care in a clinical setting regarding pretest patient education.

Race Performance and Exercise Intensity of Male Amateur Mountain Runners During a Multistage Mountain Marathon Competition Are Not Dependent on Muscle Strength Loss or Cardiorespiratory Fitness

The aims of this study were to quantify the cardiorespiratory fitness level of amateur mountain runners and to characterize the related cardiorespiratory and muscular strain during a multistage competition. Therefore, 16 male amateur participants performed an incremental treadmill test before the Transalpine-Run 2010. Besides race time, heart rate (HR) was monitored using portable HR monitors during all stages, and countermovement jump ability was assessed after each stage. Overall race time and race times of the single stages were not related to any of the cardiorespiratory fitness parameters assessed during the incremental treadmill test (e.g., V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, ventilatory threshold). Average HR during the first stage was 81 ± 7% of the maximal HR and decreased to 73 ± 6% during the following stages. Creatine kinase activity as an indirect marker of muscle damage and strain amounted to 1,100 ± 619 U·L-1 after the third stage and was related to the decrease in the mean HR between stage 1 and stage 2 (r = -0.616, p < 0.05). Jump ability decreased continuously in the course of the race but was not related to exercise intensity. In conclusion, this study showed that race performance during a multistage mountain marathon does not depend on cardiorespiratory fitness parameters determined in the laboratory. Furthermore, the mean HR decreased after the first stage and remained constant during the following stages independent of the decreased muscle strength. We interpret these data to mean that performance differences were a result of insufficient recovery after the first day of multistage mountain running and the different individual pacing strategies. It is worth mentioning that also other factors, not determined in this investigation, could be responsible for the present outcomes (e.g., nutrition, genetics, psychological and environmental factors, or different training programs).

Benefits of a worksite or home‐based bench stepping intervention for sedentary middle‐aged adults – a pilot study

The aim of this study was to investigate the benefits of a low-volume, vigorous intensity bench stepping programme in sedentary middle-aged adults. Thirty-one healthy but sedentary adults (12 men; 55-64years) took part in the study. Participants accumulated up to 9min per day of stepping exercise on three days per week over the 4-week experimental period. Parameters of cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition and lower limb muscle strength were measured on three occasions: TS1 (baseline test), TS2 (following a 4-week control period) and TS3 (following the 4-week intervention). Data were analysed using a repeated-measures ANOVA. Adherence to the programme was excellent (96%). Relative to the insignificant changes following the control period, parameters of cardiorespiratory fitness were significantly improved following training. No alterations in body composition or lower limb muscle strength were detected. These results show that less than 30min per week of bench step exercise, accumulated in short bouts throughout the day, can improve parameters of cardiorespiratory fitness after only 4weeks in previously sedentary middle-aged adults. Due to its low-cost, time-efficient and discrete aspects, stepping exercise may have important implications for public health initiatives that promote physical activity in a population who commonly report 'lack of time' as a barrier to physical activity.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness Is Associated with Hard and Light Intensity Physical Activity but Not Time Spent Sedentary in 10–14 Year Old Schoolchildren: The HAPPY Study

BackgroundSedentary behaviour is a major risk factor for developing chronic diseases and is associated with low cardiorespiratory fitness in adults. It remains unclear how sedentary behaviour and different physical activity subcomponents are related to cardiorespiratory fitness in children. The purpose of this study was to assess how sedentary behaviour and different physical activity subcomponents are associated with 10–14 year-old schoolchildren's cardiorespiratory fitness.Methods135 schoolchildren (81 girls, 12±1 year) completed 7-day minute-by-minute habitual physical activity monitoring using triaxial accelerometers and undertook a maximal cardiorespiratory fitness test.ResultsAfter controlling for sex, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and total wear time, light physical activity (1.5–2.9 METs) was negatively associated (β = −.24, p<.01) and hard physical activity (≥9 METs) positively associated (β = .45, p<.001) with cardiorespiratory fitness. Vigorous and hard physical activity were associated with cardiorespiratory fitness for boys (F = 5.64, p<.01) whereas light, moderate and hard physical activity were associated with physical fitness for girls (F = 10.23, p<.001). No association was found between sedentary time and cardiorespiratory fitness (r = −.13, p>.05). Sedentary to active transitions revealed little variability between cardiorespiratory fitness tertiles.ConclusionsHard physical activity (≥9 METs) holds greater potential for cardiorespiratory fitness compared to physical activity of lower intensities. There was no relationship between sedentary behaviour and cardiorespiratory fitness. These findings suggest that, for children, advice should focus on higher intensity physical activity and not sedentary behaviour as a means to maintain or improve cardiorespiratory fitness. Future research should explore longitudinal relationships between hard physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness and health parameters.

Effect of Aerobic Exercises on Plasma Lipid Profile and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Obese Women

Purpose: The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of aerobic training on metabolic parameters like cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL)and triglycerides and cardiorespiratory fitness parameters including maximum oxygen consumption, minute ventilation, systolic and diastolic blood pressures in obese women. Method: This study was performed as an experimental study, in which subjects were randomly selected. There were sixty obese women, aged between 35-45yrs with body mass index (BMI) of above 30. Subjects were grouped into control (n=30) and aerobic training (n=30). Aerobic training was given for four days a week at 60-70% of maximum HR for 12weeks. blood lipids and cardiorespiratory fitness parameters were measured before and after study period in both groups. Results: The findings of the study indicate statistically significant differences in lipid profile including total cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein(VLDL), serum triglycerides(TG), and high density lipoproteins(HDL) levels in aerobic training group . body mass index (BMI) and cardio respiratory fitness parameters showed significant improvements in aerobic group. Conclusion: Aerobic training is an effective method in improving lipid profile and cardiovascular fitness in obese women and can be used as a preventive measure in patients who are at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases due to obesity.

Effect of Yogic Exercises on Aerobic Capacity (Vo2Max)

Yoga is considered to be a very good exercise for maintaining proper health. It produces consistent physiological changes and have sound scientific basis. It is claimed that yoga practices improve various cardiorespiratory fitness parameters. Aim: To find the effect of short term Yoga practice on aerobic capacity (VO2 max.) Objective: To measure aerobic capacity (VO2 max.) Before and after Yoga practice. Material and Methods: The present study was conducted on 60 M.B.B.S. students (40 males and 20 females) within the age group of 18-20 years. VO2 max was measured using bicycle Ergometer in our 'Exercise and Sports Physiology' laboratory. It was recorded at start of study (baseline) and then after 12 weeks of yoga therapy. Results: For both the genders VO2 max was found to be increased after yoga therapy for 12 weeks. Conclusion : the present study concludes that yoga practice can be used to perk up cardio- respiratory fitness. Keywords : Yoga, VO2 max, Cycle ergometer.

Effect Of Intermittent And Continuous Training On Body Composition Cardiorespiratory Fitness And Lipid Profile In Obese Adolescents

We assessed the cardiorespiratory responses and exercise tolerance during 12 week training (intermittent vs. continuous) in obese children. Twenty nine obese adolescent were randomly allocated into either the IT or CT group. The CT group performed a 30 to 40 minute continuous exercises a 60% to 70 % of vVO2max. IT group was instructed to run for 2 min interspersed with recovery periods of one minute. The exercise intensity was 80% of the vVO2max increased by 5% every four weeks. Along the training period, the increase of the load was carried out by increasing the intensity and the number of repetitions. At baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention, cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition and lipid parameters were assessed. Improvement of Weight and Fat mass were significantly lower during the intermittent exercise (Weight (kg) =81.1±13.8 vs. 79.1±13.3 and Fat mass = 33.8 ±6.7 vs. 31.8 ±7.1 respectively) compared to the continuous exercise in the obese adolescent (Weight = 80.7 ±13.2 vs. 75.8 ±11.2 and fat mass = 33.7 ± 6.7 vs. 28.8±5.1 respectively). After the continuous training program, significant beneficial effects on the HDL-C (mmol.l-1) (0.97 ±0.06 vs. 1.12 ±0.1), ratio LDL-C/HDL-C (2.93±0.22 vs. 2.39±0.13), ratio TC/HDL-C (4.57±0.19 vs. 3.92±0.20). Improved capacity cardiorespiratory best of IT versus CT, at the Resting. HR (beats. m) (83± 4 vs78±3 and 78 ±4 vs. 76 ±3 respectively), systolic BP (mmHg) (p<0.01 vs. NS), VO2max (ml.min .k) (p<0.001 vs. p<0.05) and recovery index (p<0. 01 vs. p<0.05). Greater improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness of intermittent group compared to the continuous group. The other subjects who completed the continuous training program have improved their lipid profiles and their body composition more that the group intermittent.

Impact of Coenzyme Q-10 on Parameters of Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Muscle Performance in Older Athletes Taking Statins

Many older athletes take statins, which are known to have potential for muscle toxicity. The adverse effects of statins on muscles and the influence thereof on athletic performance remain uncertain. Coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ10) may improve performance and reduce muscle toxicity in older athletes taking statins. This trial was designed to evaluate the benefits of CoQ10 administration for mitochondrial function in this population. Twenty athletes aged ≥ 50 years who were taking stable doses of statins were randomized to receive either CoQ10 (200 mg daily) or placebo for 6 weeks in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study to evaluate the impact of CoQ10 on the anaerobic threshold (AT). Several secondary endpoints, including muscle function, cardiopulmonary exercise function, and subjective feelings of fitness, were also assessed. The mean (SD) change in AT from baseline was −0.59 (1.2) mL/kg/min during placebo treatment and 2.34 (0.8) mL/kg/min during CoQ10 treatment (P = 0.116). The mean change in time to AT from baseline was significantly greater during CoQ10 treatment than during placebo treatment (40.26 s vs 0.58 s, P = 0.038). Furthermore, muscle strength as measured by leg extension repetitions (reps) increased significantly during CoQ10 treatment, with a mean (SD) increase from baseline of 1.73 (2.9) reps during placebo treatment versus 3.78 (5.0) reps during CoQ10 treatment (P = 0.031). Many other parameters also tended to improve in response to CoQ10 treatment. Treatment with CoQ10 improved AT in comparison with baseline values in 11 of 19 (58%) subjects and in comparison with placebo treatment values in 10 of 19 (53%) subjects. Treatment with CoQ10 (200 mg daily) did not significantly improve AT in older athletes taking statins. However, it did improve muscle performance as measured by time to AT and leg strength (quadriceps muscle reps). Many other measures of mitochondrial function also tended to improve during CoQ10 treatment.

615 EXERCISE FITNESS IS ASSOCIATED WITH CARDIAC FUNCTION

Background: According to the previous reports, the cardiorespiratory fitness(CRF) is significantly associated with cardiovascular disease, and low CRF is independent predictor of cardiovascular disease. However, less is known about the relationship between CRF and cardiac function. To find out relationship of them, we analyzed CRF and echocardiographic parameters associated with cardiac function. Methods: The study subjects were 300 healthy peoples (150 men) who had no major cardiovascular risks such as hypertension, diabetes and chronic renal failure. To analyze CRF and cardiac function, we used the parameters such as VO2Max and maximal exercise capacity (METs) of treadmill exercise test using Bruce-protocol and transthoracic echocardiography data. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 44±14 years in men and 52±12 years in women. VO2Max showed positive correlation with E/A ratio in both men (r=0.25, p value = 0.002) and women (r=0.310, p value < 0.001), and maximal exercise capacity (METs) showed positive correlation with E/A ratio in both gender (M: r=0.157, p value = 0.046 / F: r=0.179, p value = 0.031). VO2Max showed negative correlation with left atrial diameter in men (r = - 0.25, p value = 0.002). Conclusion: Among the echocardiography parameters, E/A ratio increased with VO2Max and maximal exercise capacity. We carefully suppose that CRF probably associated with diastolic cardiac function.

Physical Activity in Multiple Sclerosis: A Comparative Study of Vitamin D, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Regulatory T Cell Populations

Background: Previous studies suggest beneficial effects of exercise in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, knowledge on the effects of physical activity on the immune system is limited. Objective: To assess potential relationships between cardiorespiratory fitness, cognitive function, and immune parameters in physically active and inactive MS patients. Methods: We identified 83 patients with relapsing-remitting disease, an unrestricted walking range, and stable interferon-β treatment from our data base. Based on the subjective report of physical activity, the lower/inactive (n = 21) and upper/active quartiles (n = 21) of patients were selected. We assessed the frequency of T cells, B cells, NK cells, monocytes and regulatory T cell populations by flow cytometry, measured brain-derived neurotrophic factor and vitamin D serum levels by ELISA, and conducted spiroergometry and transcranial sonography. Results: Physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness were not associated with brain-derived neurotrophic factor, frequency of T regulatory cells or any other immune cell subpopulation. However, we found a positive correlation of vitamin D serum levels with cardiorespiratory fitness. Conclusion: Overall, we found no negative effect of physical activity on the immune system. The association between vitamin D and cardiorespiratory fitness most likely reflects longer hours of sunlight exposure in active patients, suggesting a desirable ‘side- effect’ of physical activity.

Linear and Daily Undulating Resistance Training Periodizations Have Differential Beneficial Effects in Young Sedentary Women

The aim of this randomized controlled study was to verify the impact of a 12-weeks muscular endurance (ME) training of high repetitions (i. e., 15-30) with 2 different periodization models on body composition, maximal strength, muscular endurance and cardiorespiratory fitness. Twenty eight sedentary women aged 20-35 years were randomly assigned to: control (CON) (n=8), linear periodization (LP) (n=10) and daily undulating periodization (DUP) (n=10). LP and DUP models significantly improved body composition, maximal strength and ME. However, no significant changes were detected for cardiorespiratory fitness. LP showed a higher body fat loss (- 12.73%) compared to DUP (- 9.93%) (p=0.049), and systematically higher effect sizes (ES) when compared with DUP for maximal strength and cardiorespiratory fitness parameters (e. g. ES=0.53 for ventilatory threshold). In contrast, DUP exhibited a significantly (p=0.002) greater ME gain (129.43%) compared to LP (70.72%) in bench press, and greater ES in all exercises. It may be suggested that LP performed with a high number of repetitions may be considered an appropriate periodization model for untrained young women that would likely lead to the improvement of body composition and maximum strength performance, whereas DUP is more effective for the development of ME.

Relation between the FITNESSGRAM® Assessment and Physical Activity Items

Large-scale physical fitness testing of school-aged children has recently been adopted by several states in the US while others often rely on self-reported physical activity (PA) behavior information to assess health-related issues. The FITNESSGRAM® was designed to assess physical fitness and self-report PA. The physical fitness assessment tool classifies students into a Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ) or Needs Improvement Zone (NIZ). PURPOSE: To examine whether the self-report aerobic and strengthening PA behavior items predict middle school students' cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and BMI as measured by the FITNESSGRAM in typical school settings. METHODS: Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relations of aerobic and strengthening PA (0-2 days or >3 days per week) with physical fitness status (i.e., achieves HFZ or NIZ). Only the students self-reporting >3 days per week of both aerobic and strengthening activities and those reporting 0-2 days per week of both aerobic and strengthening activities were included in the regression model. Likewise, only the students in both the CRF and BMI HFZ (N=1500) and those in both the CRF and BMI NIZ (N=499) were used in the model. Gender, age, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity were controlled for in the model. RESULTS: Children (N = 240) not meeting the PA recommendations for both aerobic and strengthening activities had significantly higher odds of being in the NIZ for both CRF and BMI (OR=3.34,.95CI=2.47-4.48). In separate follow-up analyses, not meeting PA recommendations for aerobic activities (N=1284) was associated with elevated odds of being in the NIZ for CRF (OR=1.83,.95CI=1.59-3.29) and BMI (OR=1.16,.95CI=1.00-1.35). Not meeting PA recommendations for strengthening activities (N=621) indicated an elevated odds of being in the NIZ for BMI (OR=1.27, 1.05-1.54). CONCLUSIONS: Strong to moderate relations existed between meeting or not meeting PA recommendations for aerobic and strengthening activities and the health-related fitness classifications. In all analyses, not meeting the PA recommendations was associated with increased odds of being in the NIZ for both CRF and BMI. Thus, middle school students'aerobic and strengthening PA were related to health-related fitness parameters of CRF and BMI in logical directions.

Heart rate response to exercise and cardiorespiratory fitness of young women at high familial risk for hypertension: effects of interval vs continuous training

Exercise training is an effective intervention for treating and preventing hypertension, but its effects on heart rate (HR) response to exercise and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) of non-hypertensive offspring of hypertensive parents (FH+) has not been studied. We compared the effects of three times per week equal-volume high-intensity aerobic interval (AIT) and continuous moderate-intensity exercise (CME) on HR response to exercise and CRF of FH+. Forty-four young FH+ women (25.0 ± 4.4 years) randomized to control (CON; n = 12), AIT (80-90% of VO(2MAX); n = 16), or CME (50-60% of VO(2MAX); n = 16) performed a graded exercise test (GXT) before and after 16 weeks of follow-up to evaluate HR response to exercise and several parameters of CRF. Resting, maximal, and reserve HR did not change after the follow-up in all groups. HR recovery (difference between HR(MAX) and HR at 1 minute of GXT recovery phase) improved only after AIT (11.8 ± 4.9 vs. 20.6 ± 5.8 bpm, p < 0.01). Both exercise programmes were effective for improving CRF parameters, but AIT was more effective than CME for improving oxygen consumption at the respiratory compensation point (VO(2RCP); 22.1% vs. 8.8%, p = 0.008) and maximal effort (VO(2MAX); 15.8% vs. 8.0%, p = 0.036), as well as tolerance time (TT) to reach anaerobic threshold (TT(AT); 62.0 vs. 37.7, p = 0.048), TT(RCP) (49.3 vs. 32.9, p = 0.032), and TT(MAX) (38.9 vs. 29.2, p = 0.042). Exercise intensity was an important factor in improving HR recovery and CRF of FH+women. These findings may have important implications for designing exercise-training programmes for the prevention of an inherited hypertensive disorder.

Single Limb Exercise: Pilot Study of Physiological and Functional Responses to Forced Use of the Hemiparetic Lower Extremity

Purpose: Stroke-related deficits can impede both functional performance and walking tolerance. Individuals with hemiparesis rely on the stronger limb during exercise and functional tasks. The single limb exercise (SLE) intervention was a unique training protocol that focused only on the hemiparetic limb. Our objective was to determine the effect of the SLE intervention on cardiorespiratory fitness parameters. Methods: Twelve participants (5 male) with a mean age of 60.6 ± 14.5 years and 69.1 ± 82.2 months post stroke participated in the training intervention. All participants performed SLE using the hemiparetic leg three times a week for 4 weeks. The nonhemiparetic limb served as the control limb and did not engage in SLE. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) and oxygen uptake (VO2) were measured at baseline and post intervention in all 12 participants. At pre and post intervention, gait velocity was assessed in a subset of participants (n = 7) using the 10-m fast-walk test. Results: After the 4-week SLE training intervention, significant improvements were found for VO2 during submaximal work effort (P = .009) and gait velocity (n = 7) (P = .001). Peak oxygen uptake did not increase (P = .41) after the training intervention. Conclusion: These data suggest that SLE training was an effective method for improving oxygen uptake and reducing energy expenditure during submaximal effort. Unilateral exercise focused on the hemiparetic leg may be an effective intervention strategy to consider for stroke rehabilitation.