Cardiovascular Fitness Levels Research Articles

The Prevalence of Obesity is Increased in Adolescents with Amblyopia: An Analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Data.

Background: Amblyopia is the most common cause of vision loss in children. Amblyopia has been associated with impaired depth perception but little attention has been paid to the extent to which amblyopia increases the risk of obesity. Methods: Public-use data from the 1999-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used. Analyses were limited to children aged 12-18, who had a visual examination, and a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of at least 20/40 in the better-seeing eye. Amblyopia was defined as two or more-line interocular difference in BCVA. Obesity was defined as Body Mass Index (BMI) or body fat percentage (BFP) ≥95th percentile for age and gender. Sedentary lifestyle was defined as cardiovascular fitness level (CFL) rating of "low." We used Mantel-Haenszel odds ratios (ORs) to examine the relative prevalence of obesity in children with/without amblyopia. Results: Adolescents with amblyopia (n = 360) were more likely than those without (n = 7935) to have a high BMI [OR = 1.56; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.24-1.98; p < 0.001]. The associations with either high BFP (OR = 1.20; 95% CI: 0.86-1.56, p = 0.167) or low CFL (OR = 1.15; 95% CI: 0.83-1.57; p = 0.267) were not statistically significant but in the direction of a priori hypotheses. Conclusions: This analysis of population-based data suggests that adolescents with amblyopia may be at higher risk of having obesity. Given the high prevalence of amblyopia and the range of morbidities associated with childhood obesity, targeted interventions to reduce the risk of obesity among children with amblyopia could be warranted.

Physical Fitness Level and the Selected Testing in Individuals with Intellectual Disability (ID): A Scoping Review

Individuals with Intellectual disabilities (ID) demonstrate a lower level of cardiovascular fitness than their normal counterparts, which starts at an early age and deteriorates with age. A poor level of physical fitness among individuals with ID, suggesting the need to improve their cardiovascular endurance, body composition, muscular endurance, strength, and motor coordination. This review aimed to elucidate findings on selected fitness testing used among individuals with ID and their physical fitness status. Literature was searched systematically based on PRISMA guidelines, using Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest databases. Twelve studies were included in the final analysis. There were randomised-controlled studies that investigated the measurement for fitness battery used among children, youth and athletes with ID. There are six main fitness batteries were reported to be used among ID people. Five studies reported to use Eurofit special battery, 3 studies using SAMU Dis fit, 1 study using Brockport, 1 study using Fullerton battery, while another 1 study using combination of Eurofit with Canadian Standard test and 1 study using others physical performance battery. Most of the batteries potentially to assess health and skill related fitness for special group population. The physical fitness tests also may be differ due to the differences in age factors, as a result from differ in capabilities and requirements in their daily functioning. Considering the health conditions of individual with ID, it is important to design and develop the fitness battery accordingly to provide appropriate recommendation to improve their overall wellbeing and health.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Sleep, but not Physical Activity, are Associated with Functional Connectivity in Older Adults.

Aging results in changes in resting state functional connectivity within key networks associated with cognition. Cardiovascular function, physical activity, sleep, and body composition may influence these age-related changes in the brain. Better understanding these associations may help clarify mechanisms related to brain aging and guide interventional strategies to reduce these changes. In a large (n = 398) sample of healthy community dwelling older adults that were part of a larger interventional trial, we conducted cross sectional analyses of baseline data to examine the relationships between several modifiable behaviors and resting state functional connectivity within networks associated with cognition and emotional regulation. Additionally, maximal aerobic capacity, physical activity, quality of sleep, and body composition were assessed. Associations were explored both through correlation and best vs. worst group comparisons. Greater cardiovascular fitness, but not larger quantity of daily physical activity, was associated with greater functional connectivity within the Default Mode (p = 0.008 r = 0.142) and Salience Networks (p = 0.005, r = 0.152). Better sleep (greater efficiency and fewer nighttime awakenings) was also associated with greater functional connectivity within multiple networks including the Default Mode, Executive Control, and Salience Networks. When the population was split into quartiles, the highest body fat group displayed higher functional connectivity in the Dorsal Attentional Network compared to the lowest body fat percentage (p = 0.011; 95% CI - 0.0172 to - 0.0023). These findings confirm and expand on previous work indicating that, in older adults, higher levels of cardiovascular fitness and better sleep quality, but not greater quantity of physical activity, total sleep time, or lower body fat percentage are associated with increased functional connectivity within key resting state networks.

Analysis of Maximal Volume of Oxygen for Gorontalo Contingent Martial Arts Athletes

This research analyzes Maximal Volume of Oxygen (VO2 Max) as the main variable to measure the aerobic capacity of martial arts athletes from the Gorontalo Contingent. This variable is important for understanding the level of cardiovascular fitness and physical endurance capabilities of athletes in facing training and competition. This research uses descriptive analytical research methods. The total number of subjects was nine athletes including four Taekwondo athletes, two Wushu athletes, one athlete Kickboxing, one athlete Karate and one athlete Muaythai. The instrument used in this research is the Bleep Test with classification norms using a bleep test calculator. Meanwhile, descriptive data analysis used SPSS 25 software. The results of this research for Taekwondo athletes were two above average, two were good. Wushu one average, one below average. Average kickboxing. Good karate. Muay Thai is average. In conclusion, Taekwondo athletes show a VO2 max that is generally higher compared to athletes from other disciplines. These results demonstrate the importance of personalized training programs to optimize cardiovascular fitness and performance in athletes. Further research with a more comprehensive approach is needed to strengthen and expand understanding of the influence of VO2 max on the performance of martial arts athletes.

Association of Smartwatch-Based Heart Rate and Physical Activity With Cardiorespiratory Fitness Measures in the Community: Cohort Study.

Resting heart rate (HR) and routine physical activity are associated with cardiorespiratory fitness levels. Commercial smartwatches permit remote HR monitoring and step count recording in real-world settings over long periods of time, but the relationship between smartwatch-measured HR and daily steps to cardiorespiratory fitness remains incompletely characterized in the community. This study aimed to examine the association of nonactive HR and daily steps measured by a smartwatch with a multidimensional fitness assessment via cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) among participants in the electronic Framingham Heart Study. Electronic Framingham Heart Study participants were enrolled in a research examination (2016-2019) and provided with a study smartwatch that collected longitudinal HR and physical activity data for up to 3 years. At the same examination, the participants underwent CPET on a cycle ergometer. Multivariable linear models were used to test the association of CPET indices with nonactive HR and daily steps from the smartwatch. We included 662 participants (mean age 53, SD 9 years; n=391, 59% women, n=599, 91% White; mean nonactive HR 73, SD 6 beats per minute) with a median of 1836 (IQR 889-3559) HR records and a median of 128 (IQR 65-227) watch-wearing days for each individual. In multivariable-adjusted models, lower nonactive HR and higher daily steps were associated with higher peak oxygen uptake (VO2), % predicted peak VO2, and VO2 at the ventilatory anaerobic threshold, with false discovery rate (FDR)-adjusted P values <.001 for all. Reductions of 2.4 beats per minute in nonactive HR, or increases of nearly 1000 daily steps, corresponded to a 1.3 mL/kg/min higher peak VO2. In addition, ventilatory efficiency (VE/VCO2; FDR-adjusted P=.009), % predicted maximum HR (FDR-adjusted P<.001), and systolic blood pressure-to-workload slope (FDR-adjusted P=.01) were associated with nonactive HR but not associated with daily steps. Our findings suggest that smartwatch-based assessments are associated with a broad array of cardiorespiratory fitness responses in the community, including measures of global fitness (peak VO2), ventilatory efficiency, and blood pressure response to exercise. Metrics captured by wearable devices offer a valuable opportunity to use extensive data on health factors and behaviors to provide a window into individual cardiovascular fitness levels.

The influence of cardiovascular training methods and level of training on the fitness level of futsal referees

This study aimed to apply cardiovascular training, specifically through intensive interval and extensive interval training methods, to enhance the fitness levels of AFP DIY futsal referees in Indonesia. The study design was quasi-experimental with a 2x2 factorial design. The research subjects were 36 male AFP DIY futsal referees aged 25-35 years. The training test instrument used the Heart Rate Recovery Test (HRRT) and the referee fitness instrument used the FIFA Assistant Referee Intermittent Endurance Test (ARIET). The software used for data analysis was SPSS version 21.0 for Windows. The results indicated that cardiovascular training methods significantly impact the fitness levels of futsal referees (p&lt;0.05). The intensive interval training method positively influenced the fitness of futsal referees (p&lt;0.05). Similarly, the extensive interval training method also had a positive effect on improving the referees' fitness (p&lt;0.05). The group that received the extensive interval training showed greater improvements compared to the intensive interval group, with an increase of 43.48%. Furthermore, there is an interaction between cardiovascular training methods, training levels, and fitness levels (p&lt;0.05). These findings offer valuable insights for futsal referees, emphasizing the importance of selecting the most effective training methods to enhance their fitness levels.

The Relationship Of Body Mass Index (BMI) With Vo2max In Students At Stikes Rs Dustira

Students generally do not exercise, in fact they tend to choose habits with very poor sleep and rest patterns and consume food labeled fast food. The student's lifestyle has an indirect impact on fitness levels and nutritional status as measured by body mass index. One variable that influences cardiovascular fitness levels is body mass index (BMI). An increase in fat tissue in the body will occur if a person's BMI value is high and is classified as overweight or even obese. In this research, the quantitative research method uses correlational analysis. The population in the study was Dustira Hospital STIKes female students, totaling 51 people. Data were collected by measuring height, weight, and carrying out the Cooper test to measure VO2max levels. The results of the research show that the significance value of the Spearman Rho Correlation with the value (p) of the two variables is 0.001, which means that the two variables have a significant relationship, namely between Body Mass Index (BMI) and VO2Max level (p&lt;0.05). Based on the correlation test, the correlation coefficient (r) was obtained at -0.550, which means that the two variables have a strong relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and VO2Max, which is strongly correlated and the correlation between the variables is negative. This is stated that the higher the BMI, the lower the VO2max cardiorespiratory endurance level, while the lower the BMI, the higher the VO2max cardiorespiratory endurance level.

Glucose volume of distribution affects insulin sensitivity measured by intravenous glucose tolerance test.

To determine whether glucose volume of distribution (VdGLUCOSE ) affects the diagnosis of impaired insulin sensitivity (IS) when using an intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT). Individuals with distinct levels of IS underwent IVGTT after an overnight fast. The prediabetic group (Prediab; n = 33) differed from the healthy group (Healthy; n = 14) in their larger glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c of 5.9 ± 0.3 vs. 5.4 ± 0.1%; 41 ± 4 vs. 36 ± 1 mmol/mol; p < 0.001), percent body fat (37 ± 6 vs. 24 ± 3%; p < 0.001) and cardiovascular fitness level (VO2MAX 22 ± 5 vs. 44 ± 5 mL of O2 ·kg-1 ·min-1 ; p < 0.001). Ten minutes after intravenous infusion of the glucose bolus (i.e., 35 g in a 30% solution), VdGLUCOSE was assessed from the increases in plasma glucose concentration. IS was calculated during the next 50 min using the slope of glucose disappearance and the insulin time-response curve. VdGLUCOSE was higher in Healthy than in Prediab (230 ± 49 vs. 185 ± 21 mL·kg-1 ; p < 0.001). VdGLUCOSE was a strong predictor of IS (β standardized coefficient 0.362; p = 0.004). VO2MAX was associated with VdGLUCOSE and IS (Pearson r = 0.582 and 0.704, respectively; p < 0.001). However, body fat was inversely associated with VdGLUCOSE and IS (r = -0.548 and -0.555, respectively; p < 0.001). Since fat mass is inversely related to VdGLUCOSE and in turn, VdGLUCOSE affects the calculations of IS, the IV glucose bolus dose should be calculated based on fat-free mass rather than body weight for a more accurate diagnosis of impaired IS.

Association between the triglyceride-glucose index and impaired cardiovascular fitness in non-diabetic young population

BackgroundThe triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index has been linked to the onset, progression, and prognosis of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in middle-aged and elderly individuals. Nevertheless, the relationship between the TyG index and impaired cardiovascular fitness (CVF) remains unexplored in non-diabetic young population.MethodsWe used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) study (1999–2004) to conduct a cross-sectional study of 3364 participants who completed an examination of CVF. Impaired CVF was defined as low and moderate CVF levels determined by estimated maximal oxygen consumption (Vo2max), based on sex- and age-specific criteria. The TyG index was calculated by Ln[TG(mg/dL)×FPG(mg/dl)/2]\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$Ln[TG(mg/dL)\ imes FPG(mg/dl)/2]$$\\end{document}.ResultsThe age (median with interquartile range) of the study population was 28 (19–37) years, and the TyG index (median ± standard deviation) was 8.36 ± 0.52. A significant association between the TyG index and impaired CVF was found in multivariable logistical regression analysis (per 1-unit increase in the TyG index: OR, 1.46; 95% Cl 1.13–1.90). A dose‒response relationship between the TyG index and impaired CVF was presented by restricted cubic splines (RCS). A significant interaction (p = 0.027) between sex and the TyG index for impaired CVF was found in the population aged < 20 years.ConclusionsIn non-diabetic young population, individuals with higher TyG index values are at an increased likelihood of encountering impaired CVF. Furthermore, sex may exert an impact on CVF, as males tend to be more susceptible to impaired CVF under comparable TyG index conditions.

The influence of control beliefs on the cardiovascular fitness of college students: the chain mediating effect of subjective exercise experience and exercise adherence

PurposeLack of adequate physical exercise is the main reason for the frequent occurrence of health problems among Chinese college students. The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of control beliefs on cardiovascular fitness among college students and the mediating role of subjective exercise experience and exercise adherence in it.MethodsThe Control Belief Scale, the Subjective Exercise Experience Scale (SEES), and the Exercise Adherence Scale were used to investigate 1854 freshmen and sophomores in Nantong and Suzhou, China. Cardiovascular fitness data for college students from the National Student Physical Health Standard and SPSS 23.0 statistical analysis software were used to carry out statistics and analyses on the questionnaires. Correlation analysis, regression analysis, and mediation models were used to assess control beliefs, subjective exercise experiences, exercise adherence, and cardiovascular fitness.ResultsThe control belief of college students was directly related to cardiovascular fitness (effect value: 0.121), the mediating effect through subjective exercise experience was not significant, indirectly related through the mediating effect of exercise adherence (effect value: 0.101), and indirectly related through the mediating effect of subjective exercise experience and exercise adherence (effect value: 0. 019). The positive prediction effect of control belief on cardiovascular fitness of college students was significant (β = 0.267, P < 0.001), and the positive prediction effect of control belief on cardiovascular fitness of college students was still significant (β = 0.121, P < 0.01) after adding the intermediary variables (subjective exercise experience and exercise adherence).ConclusionsThe cardiovascular fitness of college students was not only directly affected by control beliefs but also affected by the chain mediating effect of subjective exercise experience and exercise adherence. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the control beliefs, subjective exercise experiences, and exercise adherence of college students to improve their cardiovascular fitness level and enhance their physical health.

Mediating role of inhibitory control in relationships between cardiovascular fitness and academic achievement in preadolescents.

Cardiovascular fitness (CRF) has been consistently linked to cognitive performance and academic achievement, and inhibitory control has been recognized as a key predictor of academic success. However, few studies have explored whether inhibitory control mediates the relationship between CRF and academic performance in children, and the existing findings are inconclusive because of certain limitations. This study investigated the mediating role of inhibitory control in the association between CRF and academic achievement among preadolescents while also addressing the related limitations. This study enrolled a total of 175 elementary school students (70 girls, mean age=11.17years, standard deviation=0.7), who participated in a half-mile test for assessing their CRF level. Additionally, inhibitory control was measured using the Stroop Color and Word Test (Stroop test), and language and mathematics tests were administered to measure their academic performance. The results revealed that the participants with higher CRF levels achieved superior performance in tasks requiring a high level of inhibitory control (r=0.291, P<0.001) and in Chinese language (r=-0.415, P<0.001) and mathematics (r=-0.366, P<0.001) tests even when gender, age, and body fat were considered. Furthermore, a mediation analysis revealed that inhibitory control, as measured through the incongruent trials of the Stroop test, partially mediated the relationship between CRF and academic performance (language: indirect effect=-0.013, 95% CI [-0.019, -0.008]; math: indirect effect=-0.013, 95% CI [-0.021, -0.009]). These findings have major implications for child development, emphasizing the key role of inhibitory control in the beneficial effects of CRF on academic achievement.

Impact of 14 Days of Bed Rest in Older Adults and an Exercise Countermeasure on Body Composition, Muscle Strength, and Cardiovascular Function: Canadian Space Agency Standard Measures

Introduction: Head-down bed rest (HDBR) has long been used as an analog to microgravity, and it also enables studying the changes occurring with aging. Exercise is the most effective countermeasure for the deleterious effects of inactivity. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of an exercise countermeasure in healthy older participants on attenuating musculoskeletal deconditioning, cardiovascular fitness level, and muscle strength during 14 days of HDBR as part of the standard measures of the Canadian Space Agency. Methods: Twenty-three participants (12 males and 11 females), aged 55–65 years, were admitted for a 26-day inpatient stay at the McGill University Health Centre. After 5 days of baseline assessment tests, they underwent 14 days of continuous HDBR followed by 7 days of recovery with repeated tests. Participants were randomized to passive physiotherapy or an exercise countermeasure during the HDBR period consisting of 3 sessions per day of either high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or low-intensity cycling or strength exercises for the lower and upper body. Peak aerobic power (V̇O2peak) was determined using indirect calorimetry. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and several muscle group strengths were evaluated using an adjustable chair dynamometer. A vertical jump was used to assess whole-body power output, and a tilt test was used to measure cardiovascular and orthostatic challenges. Additionally, changes in various blood parameters were measured as well as the effects of exercise countermeasure on these measurements. Results: There were no differences at baseline in main characteristics between the control and exercise groups. The exercise group maintained V̇O2peak levels similar to baseline, whereas it decreased in the control group following 14 days of HDBR. Body weight significantly decreased in both groups. Total and leg lean masses decreased in both groups. However, total body fat mass decreased only in the exercise group. Isometric and isokinetic knee extension muscle strength were significantly reduced in both groups. Peak velocity, flight height, and flight time were significantly reduced in both groups with HDBR. Conclusion: In this first Canadian HDBR study in older adults, an exercise countermeasure helped maintain aerobic fitness and lean body mass without affecting the reduction of knee extension strength. However, it was ineffective in protecting against orthostatic intolerance. These results support HIIT as a promising approach to preserve astronaut health and functioning during space missions, and to prevent deconditioning as a result of hospitalization in older adults.

Using FitnessGram to Measure the Impact of ‘Lost’ Physical Education During the COVID Years

Physical education can play a critical role in helping children establish a foundation for an active lifestyle. There is reason to believe the impact of COVID-19 eliminating compulsory physical education in the K-12 setting only exasperated the problem of increasingly physically unhealthy children in the United States. Much of what kinesiology and public-health scholars know about the fitness level of American youths are based on dated or retrospective data; FitnessGram has emerged as a viable option for revealing the present-day physical health of youth populations. There is clear potential for FitnessGram data to contribute to advancing knowledge about current levels of health-related fitness in youth. In this study, researchers using FitnessGram data from an independent K-12 school district in Texas, USA (ISD) investigated K-12 students’ fitness levels and patterns after the COVID-19 pandemic. Results indicate students suffered diminished cardiovascular fitness levels during COVID years (2020-2021), but not diminished strength and endurance or range of motion. Findings from FitnessGram data advocate for quality and compulsory physical education and movement/physical activity in school settings, as well as the adoption of Comprehensive School Physical Activity Promotion (CSPAP).

Contributions from incumbent police officer's physical activity and body composition to occupational assessment performance.

Police officers must perform various tasks in unpredictable work environments and potentially volatile situations. This study aimed to determine if cardiovascular fitness, body composition, and physical activity levels could predict performance in a Midwest Police Department's Physical Readiness Assessment (PRA). Researchers collected data from thirty incumbent police officers (33.9 ± 8.3 years, female = 5). Anthropometric data included height, body mass, body fat percentage (BF%), fat-free mass (FFM), and maximal hand grip strength. The police officers also completed a physical activity rating (PA-R) scale to estimate maximal oxygen consumption (O2max) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Police officers then conducted their department's PRA. Stepwise linear regression analyses were used to determine the relationship between predictor variables and PRA performance. Pearson's product-moment correlations investigated relationships between anthropometric, physical fitness, and physical activity variables and PRA performance using SPSS (v.28). The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Descriptive data for the sample includes BF%: 27.85 ± 7.57%, FFM: 65.73 ± 10.72 kg, hand grip strength: 55.51 ± 11.07 kg, weekday sedentary time (WST): 328 ± 28.26 min, weekend day sedentary time (WDST): 310 ± 28.92 min, daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA): 29.02 ± 39.41 min, PRA: 273.6 ± 51.4 s and estimated O2max: 43.26 ± 6.35 mL kg-1 min-1. The stepwise regression analyses indicated that BF% was predictive of PRA time (R2 = 0.32, p < 0.01); estimated O2max predictive of PRA time (R2 = 0.45, p < 0.001). There were significant correlations between BF % and PRA time (r = 0.57, p < 0.001), PA-R and MVPA (r = 0.71, p < 0.001), %BF % and WDST (r = -0.606, p < 0.001), hand grip and FFM (r = 0.602, p < 0.001) and PA-R and PRA time (r = -0.36, p < 0.05). The results of this exploratory study highlight that higher estimated O2max and lower BF% were the best predictors for faster PRA completion times, accounting for 45% and 32% of the variance, respectively. The findings of this study support the need for wellness and fitness initiatives in law enforcement agencies focused on increasing cardiovascular fitness and physical activity while decreasing BF% to ensure optimal performance in policing and overall health.

Cardiorespiratory fitness and body fat percentage in young adults

Relevance. Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) is the maximum amount of oxygen an individual can breathe in and utilize it to produce energy aerobically. The global epidemic of overweight and obesity -’globesity’ is emerging as a public health problem in many parts of the world. Almost 30-65 % of adult urban Indians is either overweight or obese or has abdominal obesity. Recently, cardiovascular ailments are increasing in the younger generation. Low levels of cardiovascular fitness and unfavorable cardiovascular risk profiles are detected in them. Total body fatness and aerobic capacity are frequently used in association with each other and it is often implied that these parameters are strongly inter-related. Both body fatness and status aerobic fitness have been shown to be risk factors for future health outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation of cardio-respiratory fitness with body fat percentage in young adults. Materials and Methods. This was a pilot study conducted in a group of 100 subjects of age group 18 to 25 years. Ethical clearance was obtained from institutional ethical committee and written informed consent were taken from all subjects participated in the study. Following parameters were taken (a) anthropometric parameters, (b) body fat percentage, (c) physical activity level and (d) VO2max. Results and Discussion. The mean ± SD for age, height, weight, global physical activity questionnaire (GPAQ score) and VO2max was found to be higher in male participants as compared to female participants while BMI was almost equal in both the genders but body fat percentage was higher in female participants. There was positive non-significant correlation of VO2max with body mass index and global physical activity in female subjects but positive significant in male subjects. And moderate negative correlation between body fat percentage and VO2max in male and female subjects but not significant (p 0.05). Conclusion. Body fat percentage was negatively correlated with maximum oxygenconsumption (VO2 max).

Mobile Health Study Incorporating Novel Fitness Test.

Mobile health (mHealth) is a rapidly expanding field within precision medicine and precision health that provides healthcare support and interventions using mobile technologies, such as smartphones and smartwatches. The growing ubiquity of commercial wireless signals and smartphones allows mHealth technologies to have a substantially broader reach than traditional healthcare networks. My Fitness Counts, a cross-platform My Heart Counts spinout study, is a pioneer cross-platform mHealth study for measuring cardiovascular fitness levels. The study uses Real-World Insights, a platform designed to host mHealth studies. In this paper, we present insights gained through the quality control process undertaken prior to the release of the cross-platform mHealth study My Fitness Counts. Through extensive testing of the 21 iOS and 11 Android builds of the application, over 70 bugs were identified and corrected during the 5-month development process of My Fitness Counts.

A 16-week Periodized Program To Remediate Underdeveloped Tactical Athletes At A Senior Military College

PURPOSE: Approximately half of recruits fail the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) and 70% of all injuries in the US military are musculoskeletal in nature. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether underdeveloped musculoskeletal and cardiovascular fitness levels of senior military college cadets could be improved by an evidence-based remedial physical training program (RPTn) compared to the current remedial physical training program (RPTo). METHODS: The program was a 16- week periodized and progressive model, incorporating cardiovascular (CVT) and bodyweight resistance training (RT), mobility training, and general mental health and wellbeing sessions. A total of n = 138 cadets (n = 70 RPTn and n = 68 RPTo) that failed the APFT (total score < 180, or < 60 in scored sit-ups, pushups or run time) were assessed. Subjects were randomized to one of three battalions (BN). 1BN received RPTn while 2BN and PBN received RPTo. RESULTS: After training, 58 (82.9%) of RPTn passed the APFT compared to 19 (27.9%) of RPTo. Paired t-tests demonstrated significant improvement (p < 0.01) for RPTn in total APFT scores (42 ± 31.5points), sit-ups (13.8 ± 9.4) pushups (6.5 ± 11) and run time (83 ± 123 s). In RPTo, significant improvements (p < 0.01) were also noted in total APFT scores (16 ± 27.8), sit-ups (3.3 ± 6.7) pushups (3.69 ± 8.0) and run time (43 ± 127 s). Between-group analyses demonstrated RPTn had significantly higher improvements compared to RPTo in APFT total score (p < 0.01) and sit-ups (p < 0.01) but not pushups (p = 0.08) or run time (p = 0.06). Higher perceived program enjoyment was also demonstrated for RPTn when compared to RPTo (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This new program addresses the national readiness problem by incorporating customized, individualized, and scaled training that can effectively match a unit’s fitness level or developmental status.

Customized Occupational-Specific Graded Exercise Test for Structural Firefighters: An Update.

The aim of the study is to validate a customized V˙O 2max Graded Exercise Test (GXT) protocol specifically to accommodate firefighters with different cardiovascular fitness levels. Career male firefighters (N = 15) completed 3 customized GXTs on a treadmill: 1 in athletic clothes and 2 in their bunker gear to determine maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O 2max ). The on-duty task protocol was reliable, V˙O 2max values of 40.2 ± 4.6 mL·kg·min -1 and 40.3 ± 5.3 mL·kg·min -1 between trials yielded an interclass correlation of 0.911 with a typical error of 1.48 mL·kg·min -1 and a coefficient of variation of 4.0%. The validity analysis indicated consistent maximal V˙O 2 values for the GXTs yielding mean interclass correlation of 0.94 with typical error of 1.16 mL·kg·min -1 and a coefficient of variation of 2.9%. The customized GXT for structural firefighters has shown to be a reliable, valid, and applicable method of testing cardiovascular fitness in firefighters.

Sport and migraine-a dynamic relationship.

Migraine is the most common primary headache, characterized by a high life and socio-economic burden of disease, with a complex and intriguing pathophysiology: changes in cortical excitability, neurovascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, the last linking migraine to cardiovascular risk and comorbidities. Moderate endurance exercise is recommended in prevention of cardiovascular disease, improving cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, mood and cognitive functions too. Multiple levels of evidence support a role of aerobic exercise in migraine prevention and treatment: exertion reduces pain intensity, frequency, duration of attacks, and medication use; moreover, lower cardiovascular fitness levels increase the lifetime risk of developing migraine. Different biochemical mediators are involved both in physical exertion and in migraine, as serotonin, acetylcholine, and endogenous opioids, playing a crucial role in pain-modulation and inhibition pathways, leading to analgesia. Despite many positive effects, exercise could be harmful, due to predisposing factors as the disfunction of the exercise-induced analgesia, together with other exercise-related factors (short warm up, incorrect rest phases, excessive training) and common migraine triggers. Furthermore, primary exercise headache and other sport headaches, often migraine-like, have been accurately described. In conclusion, aerobic exercise can be a useful tool for migraine therapy; otherwise, exceeding in exercise could lead to a harmful effect with a worsening of pain perception, sometimes acting as a trigger for migraine or migraine-like headaches. Additional studies are needed to better understand the most suitable way of performing exercise, to increase patients' compliance and to gain the maximum beneficial effect.

Assessing the Effect of Six-Weeks of Moderate Intensity Exercise Training on Cardiovascular Fitness among Young Obese Adults

Aim – To determine the effectiveness of 6 weeks of moderate intensity exercise training &amp; To provide an appropriate measure of cardiovascular fitness. The YMCA 3minute step test is based on how quickly your heart rate recovers following a short bout of exercise. Hence the purpose was to provide a submaximal measure of cardiovascular fitness after six-weeks of moderate intensity exercise training among young obese adults. Methodology - According to simple random sampling 50 participants were included in the study after screening for the inclusion criteria. Thereafter They were explained the purpose of the study and the procedure involved in the study. Informed Consent was obtained and a YMCA 3-minute step test was done. Heart rate measures were recorded at the end of the 3-min step test Pre &amp; Post intervention. Data analysis was done at the end of the study. Results – Post intervention 10 students (20%) out of 50 had good cardiovascular fitness level, 22 students (44%) had an above average cardiovascular fitness, 13 students (26%) had average fitness &amp; 5 students (10%) had below average level of cardiovascular fitness. Conclusion- This study concluded that, six weeks of moderate intensity exercise training improved cardiovascular fitness and lowered the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in obese young adults. Keywords: Cardiovascular fitness, YMCA 3minute step test, Moderate intensity exercise training.