Health-related Physical Fitness Components Research Articles

The Effectiveness of an Autonomy-Based Exercise Training on Intrinsic Motivation, Physical Activity Intention, and Health-Related Fitness of Sedentary Students in Middle School

Background: Understanding how to enhance the motivation of inactive students to do physical activity is of great importance for school health. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the impact of an autonomous exercise training intervention on intrinsic motivation, physical activity intention, and health-related fitness of sedentary students in middle schools of Aliabad Katoul city, Golestan province, in 2019. Methods: The present causal-comparative field study was conducted on 45 middle school boys (mean age: 15.08 years) who were sedentary according to Godin-Shephard Questionnaire. The subjects were randomly assigned into three groups: Choice (autonomy training), No-Choice (training without autonomy), and control (no training). Subjects in Choice and No-Choice groups practiced physical fitness items (including flexibility and endurance) for eight weeks, such that the Choice group was allowed to the chosen order of exercises while the No-Choice group was trained in a predetermined order. Intrinsic motivation and physical activity intention were measured by questionnaire and health-related physical fitness components including flexibility, upper-body endurance, and cardiovascular endurance were evaluated by standard tests. One-way and mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to analyze the data. Tukey test was also used as follow-up test. Results: The participants in the Choice group reported higher intrinsic motivation (6.11±0.53) and physical activity intention (6.20±0.62) scores compared with other groups in post-test. Moreover, the results showed that autonomy training compared with training without autonomy and no training significantly increased intrinsic motivation (F=36.03, P<0.001) and physical activity intention (F=36.68, P<0.001). However, autonomy training did not improve physical fitness components such as flexibility (P=0.847), upper-body endurance (P=0.572), and cardiovascular endurance (P=0.982) more than non-autonomous training. Conclusions: These results may indicate that the feeling of autonomy during exercise training has a greater effect on psychological components (including intrinsic motivation and physical activity intention) compared with physical components (including physical fitness).

The effect of a physical fitness program on the health-related physical fitness components of blind male students

The effect of a physical fitness program on the health-related physical fitness components of blind male students

Muscle Strength and Flexibility in Male Marathon Runners: The Role of Age, Running Speed and Anthropometry.

Most studies on marathon runners have focused on physiological parameters determining performance, whereas neuromuscular aspects, such as muscle strength and flexibility, have received less attention. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine the relationship of age, body composition, and running speed with muscle strength and flexibility of recreational marathon runners. Male marathon runners (n = 130, age 44.1 ± 8.6 years, height 176 ± 6 cm, body mass 77 ± 9 body mass index 24.7 ± 2.6 kg.m–2, and race speed 10.29 ± 1.87 km/h) were separated into eight age groups (<30, 30–35, 55–60, >60 years). Four weeks before competing in a marathon, participants performed the sit-and-reach test (SAR), squat jumps (SJ), and countermovement jumps (CMJ), and four isometric muscle strength tests (right and left handgrip, lifting with knees extended and flexed), providing an index of overall isometric muscle strength in absolute (kg) relative to body mass values (kg.kg–1 body mass). Afterward, participants competed and finished the Athens Classic Marathon (2017), and race speed was used as an index of running performance. As an average for the whole sample, SAR was 17.6 ± 8.5 cm, SJ was 24.3 ± 4.2 cm, CMJ was 25.8 ± 4.8 cm, overall isometric muscle strength was 386 ± 59 kg in absolute values and 5.06 ± 0.78 kg/kg of body mass in relative terms. The older age groups had the lowest scores in SJ (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.298) and CMJ (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.304), whereas no age-related difference in SAR (p = 0.908, ηp2 = 0.022), absolute (p = 0.622, ηp2 = 0.042) and relative isometric muscle strength (p = 0.435, ηp2 = 0.055) was shown. Race speed correlated moderately with relative isometric strength (r = 0.42, p < 0.001), but not with the other neuromuscular measures (r < 0.13,p > 0.130). In summary, age-related differences were shown in jumping ability, but not in flexibility and isometric muscle strength. Although these parameters - except relative strength - did not relate to running speed, they were components of health-related physical fitness. Consequently, coaches and runners should consider exercises that include stretching and strengthening in their weekly program to ensure adequate levels for all components of health-related physical fitness.

Mediterranean Diet, Physical Fitness and Body Composition in Sevillian Adolescents: A Healthy Lifestyle.

Childhood and adolescent obesity has become one of the most vital challenges to overcome in the present age. Physical fitness, physical activity and the Mediterranean diet (MD) are valuable tools for its prevention and treatment. The main objective of this study is to analyze the associations between health-related physical fitness components, body composition and adherence to the MD in 917 adolescents aged from 13- to 16-years-old. The ALPHA-Fitness Test was used to measure physical fitness and body composition, and the Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (KIDMED) questionnaire was employed to assess the adherence to the MD. The associations between variables were tested according to gender and age a generalized linear model (GLM) univariate analysis (two factors) and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA, with Bonferroni posthoc). As to the body composition and physical fitness variables, significant differences were obtained in both genders but not in relation to the adherence to the MD. The boys performed better in the physical fitness tests. Age was a determinant factor in adherence to the MD in the total sample, lowering as the age of the sample increases. Both the boys and girls who had a significantly higher performance in the endurance test were those who showed high/medium adherence to the MD. It is concluded that higher levels of cardiovascular endurance in boys and girls are associated with a medium and high adherence to the MD.

INVESTIGATION OF PHYSICAL CONFORMITY LEVELS OF WOMEN CYCLING AND NON-ATHLETES IN 12-14 YEARS CATEGORY

Purpose: The purpose of this research; Physical fitness of 12-14-year-old cycling athletes. Methods: Twenty-five girls cycling athletes and 22 non-athletes participated in the study. Participants were asked about the number of training sessions, daily training duration, and sports histories. Participants who were close to each other according to the answers given were included in the study. According to the normality test results of the groups, Independent correlation T-test and parametric tests were used to determine the correlation between the parameters. Conclusions: In the study, it was found that the flexibility level of bicycle athletes was higher than the non-sport group. In our study, body mass index and body fat ratio values were found to be significantly lower when compared with children in the same age group who did not do sports. As a result, cycling in children is thought to be effective for health-related physical fitness components. Considering these differences between cycling athletes aged 12-14 years and non-athletes, significant differences in parameters such as flexibility, body fat ratio, and body mass index were observed in cycling athletes. Article visualizations:

The direct and indirect effects of motor competence on adolescents’ mental health through health-related physical fitness

ABSTRACT Mental health is an important public health issue and up to one in five youth experience mental health problems. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the relationship among motor competence, health-related physical fitness and mental health outcomes in adolescents. A secondary goal was to test the direct and indirect effects of motor competence on adolescents’ mental health through health-related physical fitness. Participants were 279 adolescents (Mage = 12.49, SD = 0.89) recruited in the south-west region of the US Motor competence including volleyball, soccer, and ultimate Frisbee, were assessed using PE Metrics™. FITNESSGRAM® test battery was used to assess health-related physical fitness components. Students completed a survey measuring their depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life. Motor competence was significantly associated with components of health-related physical fitness (r ranged from −0.15 to 0.38). The robust fit of the model supports the significant indirect effect of motor competence on mental health outcomes through health-related physical fitness (χ2/df = 39.92/25; CFI = 0.97; RMSEA = 0.046; 90% CI [0.02, 0.07]). The hypothesized conceptual model tested in this study provides insights into the potential interaction of motor competence and health-related physical fitness with adolescents’ mental health.

The effect of an expanded long-term periodization exercise training on physical fitness in patients with coronary artery disease: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundBenefits from cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs are evidence-based and widely recognized. Less than 50% of people who participate in hospital-based CR programs maintain an exercise regime for as long as six months after completion. Little is known about interventions making the patients continue to exercise after the hospital-based formal program has ended. Methods to ensure sustained benefits of CR need to be tackled. Exercise periodization is a method typically used in sports training, but the impact of periodized exercise to yield optimal beneficial effects in cardiac patients is unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this trial is to evaluate the effects of a long-term exercise periodization on health-related physical fitness components such as cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, skeletal muscle function, and body composition.MethodsFifty patients with coronary artery disease will be recruited among those who underwent the hospital-based CR phase. These patients will be randomized (1:1) into one of the following exercise groups: (1) periodized group; and (2) non-periodized group (exercise prescription based on standard guidelines). There will be four assessment time points: at baseline, and 3, 6, and 12 months after starting the exercise training program. At each time point, maximal and submaximal cardiorespiratory fitness, skeletal muscle deoxygenation dynamics, body composition by dual energy radiographic absorptiometry, functional fitness, maximal isometric and dynamic strength, physical activity, and quality of life will be assessed. This experimental design will last for 48 weeks with a frequency of three times per week for both groups.DiscussionMost medium- to long-term exercise-based CR programs do not employ periodization or exercise progression. Randomized controlled trials are necessary to evaluate long-term periodization outcomes and assess the length of change observed in supervised CR programs. This study will contribute to generate evidence-based exercise prescription approaches to prolong the exercise training after the end of hospital-based CR programs.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03335319. Registered on 22 October 2017.

Association between dissatisfaction with body image and health-related physical fitness among adolescents

The scope of this study was to estimate the prevalence of dissatisfaction with body image and verify the association between dissatisfaction with thinness or with overweight and health-related physical fitness components among adolescents. Participants included 1058 adolescents (570 girls and 488 boys), with mean age of 16.3 (±1.0) years. The investigated variables were dissatisfaction with body image (Figure Rating Scale), and health-related physical fitness: body fat (skin folds), muscle strength (handgrip strength) and cardiorespiratory fitness (mCAFT test). The association of body image and the health-related physical fitness variables was tested by Multinomial Regression analysis. The prevalence of body dissatisfaction was 75.2% (girls = 79.5%; boys = 70.3%). Girls and boys with high body fat were less likely to be dissatisfied with thinness and more likely to be dissatisfied with overweight. Those who needed to improve muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness were more likely to be dissatisfied with thinness and with overweight, respectively. In conclusion, physical fitness was associated with body image, with the adolescents with less healthy conditions of the components being more dissatisfied.

Effect of long slow distance exercise regime on health-related physical fitness components among overweight adults with non-communicable diseases

Effect of long slow distance exercise regime on health-related physical fitness components among overweight adults with non-communicable diseases

Healthy Lifestyle: Relationship between Mediterranean Diet, Body Composition and Physical Fitness in 13 to 16-Years Old Icelandic Students.

Childhood and adolescent obesity are currently among the greatest challenges for public health. Physical activity, physical fitness, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), representing powerful indicators of healthy lifestyles, are shown as determinant factors in the prevention and treatment of obesity. The aim of the present study has been to analyse the relationship between health-related physical fitness components, body composition, and adherence to MD in 387 Icelandic adolescents of 13–16-years old (54% boys). The ALPHA Fitness Test was used to measure physical fitness and body composition. The KIDMED questionnaire was used to assess the adherence to MD among participants. Associations between variables were tested according to gender and age using linear regression models and analysis of variance. Participants with high/medium adherence to MD showed significantly higher endurance scores in both the boys and the girls. Gender differences were found. The boys in high/medium MD categories had significantly lower fat percentages and ran a 4 × 10 m sprint faster than the girls. The girls scored higher than the boys in endurance and speed-agility tests. It can be concluded that a high and medium adherence to MD is associated with high and very high endurance in both the girls and the boys.

Relationship between Physical Activity and Health-Related Physical Fitness in 16-Year-Old Boys

Research background and hypothesis. It is well established that regular physical activity (PA) has many short- and long-term benefi ts for children’s health. Physically active children are more physically fi t than their physically inactive counterparts. Insuffi cient physical fi tness of adolescents is one of the risk factors for chronic diseases and has a tendency to be carried over into adulthood. Research aim was to examine health-related physical fi tness in low, moderate and vigorous physical activity categories among 16-year-old schoolboys.Research methods. The participants were 155 healthy schoolboys of the 10 th grade from secondary schools of Kaunas (Lithuania). Their physical activity was measured by a modifi ed short form of the International PA Questionnaire (IPAQ) (Craig et al., 2003). The respondents were divided in three PA categories: high (vigorous) (VPA) (n = 43), moderate (MPA) (n = 63), and low (LPA) (n = 49). Physical fi tness tests were performed to measure participants’ fl exibility (by sit-and-reach test) (Eurofi t, 1993), power (by vertical jump test), and muscular strength and endurance (by modifi ed push-up test) (Suni et al., 1994). Research results. There were no signifi cant differences between the boys in different PA groups in respect of anthropometrical and body composition parameters (p &gt; 0.05). The results of health-related physical fi tness tests were signifi cantly better of the VPA group boys (p &lt; 0.05). The total volume of PA correlated with all health-related physical fi tness components that were measured (r = 0.23–0.38, p &lt; 0.01). Discusion and conclussions. We may conclude that health-related physical fi tness is positively related to the total amount of physical activity in 16-year-old schoolboys.Keywords: frequency, duration, intensity, volume, physical activity, physical fitness.

Comparison of Health-Related Physical Fitness Levels of Girls in Day and Boarding Senior High Schools in Cape Coast

The purpose of the study was to find out any differences in the health-related physical fitness levels of day and boarding girls in the SHS in Cape Coast, Ghana. The study employed the descriptive survey design involving One hundred and sixty (160) respondents who are SHS girls from Aggrey Memorial Senior High School and Ghana National College were used for the study. The Prudential Fitnessgram (2002) battery of tests was used to test the five components of health-related physical fitness of each subject for the study. The scores were processed and analyzed using the independent samples t-test and the Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ). From the HFZ values and the t-test statistics results, there is an indication that the boarding girls were at higher risk in respect to the health related physical fitness components tested. The day girls were fitter in all the five health-related physical fitness components tested. This may be due to the fact that the nature and intensity levels of physical activities differ between the two groups. The comparatively poor health-related physical fitness condition of the girls in the boarding house is not good at all and needs an urgent, practical and comprehensive approach to deal with it, such as designing physical education, sporting and recreational activities to be interesting and attractive for students to participate.

Association between Resting Heart Rate and Health-Related Physical Fitness in Brazilian Adolescents.

The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between health-related physical fitness components (aerobic fitness, muscle strength, flexibility, and body fat) and resting heart rate (RHR) in Brazilian adolescents. The study included 695 schoolchildren (14–19 years) from public schools of the city of São José, Brazil. RHR was evaluated using an automated oscillometric sphygmomanometer. Aerobic fitness was assessed by the modified Canadian Aerobic Fitness Test; muscle strength was measured by handgrip dynamometer; flexibility was assessed by the sit-and-reach test; and body fat was assessed indirectly by sum of two skinfold thicknesses (triceps and subscapular). Sociodemographic variables, habitual physical activity, sexual maturation, and body mass index were the covariates. Cardiorespiratory fitness (β = -0.11; 95%CI: -0.14, -0.08) and handgrip strength (β = -0.10; 95%CI: -0.18, -0.01) were inversely associated with RHR in boys. For girls, cardiorespiratory fitness (β = -0.09; 95%CI: -0.12, -0.06) was inversely associated with RHR. In both sexes, body fat (β = 0.50; 95%CI: 0.25, 0.75 for boys; β = 0.17; 95%CI: 0.36, 2.72 for girls) was directly associated with RHR. The RHR is measured more easily than the physical fitness tests, so it is recommended to assess adolescent's heath in large surveillance systems.

Effect of a pilot multi-component intervention on motor performance and metabolic risks in overweight/obese youth

ABSTRACTThis study evaluated the effect of a multi-component intervention on motor performance (MP) and metabolic risk markers (MRM) in overweight/obese youth. A secondary aim was to examine whether changes in MP are associated to changes in MRM. A 3-month multi-component intervention was performed, consisting of physical exercise sessions (twice/week;1h), nutritional education sessions (once/month), and parental support (twice/week). The sample included 35 volunteers (7–13 y.o), allocated to intervention (INT, n = 17) and control (CONT, n = 18) group. Variables were measured pre (T0) and post intervention (T1). Fasting blood samples were analyzed for MRM. MP tests included the measurement of health related physical fitness components and motor coordination performance (KTK battery). To assess food intake, a 24-hour recall diary was used. GLM-ANCOVA was performed. Standardized scores were calculated for the outcome variables, and multilinear regressions were applied to analyze associations between the key variables. INT group showed improvements in MP, glycolytic and hepatic profiles. After adjustments for MVPA, SB, total intake and maturational stage, negative associations between %ΔMP and %Δglycolytic (β = -.424; 95%CI:-0.343:-0.022), and %Δhepatic scores (β = -.382 95%CI:-0.001:-0.009) were observed. The intervention produced a moderate-to-high effect on the MP and some MRM. Changes in MP were inversely associated with changes in glycolytic and hepatic markers.

Health-related physical fitness and quality of life in men with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is a rare disorder characterised by impaired testosterone secretion since birth, and represents a valuable model for studying the effects of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in humans. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate all health-related physical fitness (HRPF) components and quality of life in a series of eight men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism under regular TRT. The study group was compared to a control group of 16 healthy subjects paired for age, body mass index and physical activity. Body composition, aerobic capacity, muscular strength and endurance, and joint flexibility were evaluated in two different 7-day interval time points, based on the pharmacokinetics of testosterone in the hypogonadal group. Quality of life was assessed by the WHOQOL-brief questionnaire. Both groups had similar performances in all HRPF components evaluated, independently of plasma testosterone levels (p>.05). Quality of life was also similar in the four domains analysed (p>.05). The results of this pilot study suggest that regular testosterone replacement was efficient in providing HRPF and quality of life in a series of congenitally hypogonadal men to levels like those observed in healthy men. In addition, acute fluctuations in plasma testosterone did not correlate with changes in muscle strength and endurance.

Health-related physical fitness of military police officers in Paraiba, Brazil.

An adequate relationship among health-related physical fitness (HRPF) components improve the professional performance of military police officers (MOPs). To investigate the correlation among HRPF components for Special Police Operations (BOPE) and Traffic Police (BPTRAN) Battalion MOPs. The sample comprised 47 male MOPs aged 26 to 49 years old divided in two groups BOPE (N=25) and BPTRAN (n=22). The participants were subjected to a test battery-anthropometric measurements, sit-and-reach test, 1-minute sit-up test, elbow flexion test, and 20-meter shuttle run test-for evaluation of the HRPF morphological, cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular components. Both groups exhibited moderate-to-strong correlation of waste circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BFP) with localized muscle resistance (LMR) (r=-0.589; r=-0.404; r=-0.637) and dynamic muscle strength (DMS) (r=0.592; r=-0.416; r=-0.651) (p<0.05). Significant positive and negative correlation was found between maximum oxygen consumption and WC, BMI, BFP and LMR (p<0.05) but not with flexibility for BOPE. There was strong correlation between the HRPF morphological, cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular components, except for flexibility among BOPE MPOs. The study findings allow inferring that HRPF is a global variable.

Physical Fitness Test Administration Practices and Students’ Cognitive Understanding of Physical Fitness

The purpose of this study was to examine physical education teachers’ physical fitness test administration practices, specifically how physical education teachers helped their students to develop a cognitive understanding of the health-related physical fitness components before and after test administration. Ten middle school and high school physical education teachers from Central California were interviewed about their test administration practices. The teachers were asked to describe how they conducted the tests and how the students were educated about the health-related fitness components before and after test administration. The results of the study identified only three of the teachers giving specific health-related fitness instruction to their students. The teachers described various instructions given to the students before test administration about the test purposes, but none of the teachers reported discussing with their students that the purpose of the test was to promote a physically active lifestyle. Only half of the teachers reported providing the students with their test results after test administration, and if an explanation of the test results was given to the students, it was typically brief. For students to make the connection between the test results and health-related fitness, it is important for teachers to provide specific health-related fitness instruction. When effective test administration, instruction of health-related fitness, and interpretation of test results to the students occur, physical fitness testing can be a valuable assessment that leads students to be more likely to adopt a physically active lifestyle. Subscribe to TPE

Physical Fitness and Metabolic Profile among Malay Undergraduates of a Public University in Selangor Malaysia

This study investigated health-related components of physical fitness consisting of morphological fitness (body fat % or BF %; Body Mass Index or BMI; and waist circumference or WC), metabolic fitness (blood glucose, lipid profiles and haemoglobin) and aerobic capacity (VO2max). This crosssectional study involved 324 undergraduates recruited voluntarily by systematic random sampling from a public university in the city Shah Alam, Selangor Malaysia. The respondents’ aerobic capacity was measured by field fitness tests and anthropometric measurements using standard protocols. The mean BMI of respondents was 22.51 ± 4.18 kg/m2, and majority of the respondents (93%) are within normal range of WC. The prevalence of underweight was 13.5% and overweight/obese was 20.2%. The blood glucose levels of respondents were within the normal range (94.4%) and about 5% of female respondents had moderate anaemia. More than 70% of the males and 25% of the females had poor VO2max levels (aerobic capacity). In summary, the present results suggest the necessity of health promotion programme focusing on physical activity and nutrition for university students.

Combinação de indicadores negativos da aptidão física e fatores associados em adolescentes

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/1980-0037.2017v19n4p436 Inadequate levels in health-related physical fitness components are associated with early cardiovascular mortality in adult life. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between clusters of negative physical fitness indicators with sociodemographic and lifestyle variables in adolescents. The survey was conducted with 866 students (14-19 years) from public schools of São José, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Aerobic fitness was assessed by the modified Canadian aerobic fitness test; muscle strength was measured by handgrip dynamometer; flexibility was assessed by the sit-and-reach test; body fat was measured by the sum of triceps and subscapular skinfolds. Sociodemographic and lifestyle variables were verified by questionnaire. The simultaneity of behaviors was evaluated by the ratio between observed and expected prevalence of inadequate physical fitness levels. The combination of negative physical fitness indicators was analyzed through multinomial logistic regression. The prevalence observed for the simultaneity of four negative physical fitness indicators was 30% higher than expected. Female adolescents were more susceptible to the presence of two, three and four negative physical fitness indicators. Adolescents who presented risk behavior in relation to screen time were more likely to present one, three and four negative physical fitness indicators. Female gender and risk behavior in relation to screen time were factors associated with the simultaneity of negative physical fitness indicators.

Combinação de indicadores negativos da aptidão física e fatores associados em adolescentes

Inadequate levels in health-related physical fitness components are associated with early cardiovascular mortality in adult life. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between clusters of negative physical fitness indicators with sociodemographic and lifestyle variables in adolescents. The survey was conducted with 866 students (14-19 years) from public schools of Sao Jose, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Aerobic fitness was assessed by the modified Canadian aerobic fitness test; muscle strength was measured by handgrip dynamometer; flexibility was assessed by the sit-and-reach test; body fat was measured by the sum of triceps and subscapular skinfolds. Sociodemographic and lifestyle variables were verified by questionnaire. The simultaneity of behaviors was evaluated by the ratio between observed and expected prevalence of inadequate physical fitness levels. The combination of negative physical fitness indicators was analyzed through multinomial logistic regression. The prevalence observed for the simultaneity of four negative physical fitness indicators was 30% higher than expected. Female adolescents were more susceptible to the presence of two, three and four negative physical fitness indicators. Adolescents who presented risk behavior in relation to screen time were more likely to present one, three and four negative physical fitness indicators. Female gender and risk behavior in relation to screen time were factors associated with the simultaneity of negative physical fitness indicators.