Current Fitness Level Research Articles

The impact of training status on firefighter task performance after acute exercise

Background: Though on-shift exercise provides firefighters structured time to maintain fitness levels needs for their job; many are concerned on-shift exercise may impair their readiness. It also remains unclear if their current fitness level is protective of potential exercise-induced decrements. Therefore, we aimed to determine if aerobic fitness and body composition impact occupational performance and physiological stress after acute exercise. Methods: 32 participants (17M/15F; 25.2 ± 4.1 yrs; 173.8 ± 9.8 cm; 75.6 ± 13.2 kg; 23.3 ± 7.4% body fat) completed 2 visits assessing fitness (VO2peak and %body fat (%BF)), and 3 experimental trials: resistance exercise (RE), aerobic exercise (AE), and rested control (CON). Each trial was followed by an occupational task assessment (OTA; 4 rounds of 10 deadlifts (set to 85 or 135lbs) and a 0.15-mile 40lb-sandbag carry) in an environmental chamber (35°C; 50% humidity). Time to complete (TTC), blood lactate concentrations (BLC), and core temperature (CT) were assessed. Participants were split into tertiles based on high, moderate, and low VO2peak and %BF. Two-way ANOVAs were used to compare fitness level by exercise condition. RESULTS: There was a main effect of VO2peak on TTC (High VO2: 1094 ± 235; Moderate VO2: 1120 ± 200; Low VO2: 1365 ± 263 sec; p < 0.01). High VO2peak participants had a shorter TTC compared to moderate or low VO2max regardless of exercise prior (ps < 0.01). There was a main effect of VO2peak on CT (High VO2: 38.1 ± 0.6; Moderate VO2: 38.2 ± 0.6; Low VO2: 38.4 ± 0.5°C; p < 0.01). High VO2peak participants had a lower CT during the OTA compared to low VO2peak regardless of exercise prior (p < 0.01). There was a main effect of %BF on TTC (High %BF: 1029 ± 150; Moderate %BF: 1098 ± 210; Low %BF: 1399 ± 259 sec; p < 0.001). High %BF participants had a longer TTC compared to average or low %BF regardless of exercise prior (ps < 0.01). There was a significant main effect of %BF on BLC (High %BF: 6.6 ± 2.8; Moderate %BF: 7.6 ± 3.0; Low %BF: 9.9 ± 3.8 mMol/L; p < 0.01). Low %BF participants had lower BLC after the OTA compared to high %BF regardless of exercise prior (p < 0.01). CT were significantly higher following AE compared to RE and CON (AE: 38.7 ± 0.3; RE: 38.5 ± 0.5; CON: 37.6 ± 0.4°C; p < 0.01). All other interaction and main effects of TTC or physiological stress variables were not significantly different based on fitness (VO2peak and %BF; ps > 0.18). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest fitness (VO2peak and %BF) impacts time to complete and physiological stress during occupational tasks. However, fitness did not influence the response to occupational tasks differently based on if acute exercise (aerobic or resistance) was performed beforehand. These findings contribute to our understanding of the impact of acute on-shift exercise methods and provide relevant metrics of fitness related to firefighter occupational performance. FUNDING DISCLOSURE: There are no funding sources to disclose. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

The Impact of the SARS-COVID-19 Lockdowns on the Subjectively Perceived Performance Level of Amateur Athletes after Returning to the Gyms.

Since December 2019, few issues have garnered as much global attention as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-19). The imposed lockdowns in 2020/21, which led to the closure of all gyms, barred people from participating in their favourite sports activities. This study explores athletes' self-evaluations of their performance levels upon return to training facilities post-reopening. Data were collected in May 2021, after the end of the second lockdown, using a national online questionnaire. The study recorded 20 demographic and training-specific parameters to discern the factors influencing self-perceived performance upon resuming gym activities after the 2020/2021 lockdown. A total of 1378 respondents participated in the study. Of the total number of participants, 27.5% (365) reported regaining 100% of their original performance level after reopening their studios, a proportion that comprised 212 males, 150 females, and 3 individuals of unspecified gender. Additionally, 35.7% (474) estimated their performance level to be up to 75%, followed by 30% (398) recording their performance level at 50%, and a minority of 6.8% (90) determining their performance level to be up to 25%. Exercise intensity prior to lockdown, training experience, sex, and concurrent practice of another sport significantly influenced the athletes' self-assessment of their current fitness levels (p > 0.001, p > 0.001, p > 0.001, and 0.006, respectively). We need to understand the factors that shape self-perception, especially in case of another lockdown, in order to provide preventive assistance concerning mental and physical well-being. Positive influences on self-perception include prior athletic experience, intensive training before the lockdown, and continued participation in sports throughout the lockdown. Younger age is also favourable, but this may not necessarily reflect the benefits of youth; rather, it could indicate the current lack of accessible online sports activities for older individuals. Women, however, might have a less favourable perception of their own athletic performance.

Fitness tests as predictors of physical exertion on graded hiking trails

Lack of information regarding the level of fitness required to complete a hiking trail may create perceived and real health risks for inexperienced hikers. In this study, the link between current fitness levels of potential hikers and actual exertion on hiking trails is investigated. In particular, we investigated whether simple, pre-hike fitness tests (Step-up and Cooper tests) could be used to predict physical exertion on two graded hiking trails (Trail 1: graded easy; Trail 2: graded moderate). Fifty participants completed the pre-hike fitness tests and the two hiking trails. Correlations between relevant sets of variables were calculated, together with the associated p-value. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) models followed by model selection were used to investigate if the exertion levels on the two trails, as characterised by the minimum heart rate (HR), mean HR and maximum HR at the end of the trail, could be predicted by the pre-hike fitness tests. A statistical model was created that predicts the mean HR and maximum HR of hikers undertaking an easy and a moderate hike; the Step-up test best predicted mean and maximum HR on Trial 1, and maximum HR on Trail 2, while the combination of Step-up and Cooper tests best predicted mean HR on Trail 2. Management implicationsPark managers are continuously looking to implement new and novel techniques that will increase customer enjoyment, while simultaneously minimise customer risk. By using an accurate predictive model such as the one proposed, managers can improve users' experiences. Satisfied customers are more likely to return to these facilities and positive reviews may increase facility usage.

Cancer exercise app design

Background: Exercise is important for the health of people living with and beyond cancer. Yet most cancer survivors do not receive advice or referral to exercise oncology rehabilitation programs. A smartphone delivered exercise oncology app could minimize many of the barriers to exercise that these individuals face. Objective: To develop an exercise oncology application that provides a tailored exercise program (based on exercise history, current physical function, etc.) and adapts to user’s fatigue levels to minimize many of the barriers faced by clinicians, patients and people in underserved areas. Methods: The algorithms in the app were developed based on previous research. The individualized exercise prescription is based on the user’s daily level of fatigue, and if the user is on treatment, type and duration of treatment, and current fitness level. Results: Developed an easy to navigate, read and use app with reminders to exercise and positive feedback for reaching one’s goals. Conclusion: Cancer Exercise is a unique app that provides a tailored exercise oncology program for cancer survivors. Additional research is needed to see how the app may benefit people living in rural and underserved communities.

Training for Muscular Fitness among Athletes: Towards Improving Attention and Concentration

This study was conducted at Zhengzhou University, Henan Province, China, with the aim of investigating the effects of muscle fitness training on athletes' attention and concentration. The study used descriptive experimental research methods to assess the effects of this training on student athletes participating in different sports such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, track and field, aerobics and tennis. The study focused on the experimental group and conducted several trials for different sports. The study found that different sports require different levels of muscularity. Interestingly, the study found that factors such as age, gender, grade level, and athletic specialization did not have a significant effect on the assessment of student's muscle demands. In light of these findings, the researchers recommend an integrated approach to fitness and exercise. The researchers suggest that each individual should begin exercising by choosing an intensity that matches his or her current fitness level and gradually increase intensity as strength and endurance improve. Finally, the study emphasizes the importance of monitoring muscle discomfort and seeking professional guidance when persistent pain or fatigue occurs. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of tailoring muscle fitness training and overall fitness programs for athletes, as well as the importance of injury prevention and overall health.

ENHANCE YOUR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: PHYSIOLOGICAL WAY TO REMAIN HEALTHY

Human lives are becoming increasingly sedentary because of the use of motorized transport, mechanized lifestyle and the increased use of screens for work, education and recreation. There has been no improvement in global levels of physical activity since 2001. Insufficient activity increased by 5% (from 31.6% to 36.8%) in high-income countries between 2001 and 2016. The economic burden of physical inactivity is large. From an economic perspective, physical inactivity costs are as high as $53.8 billion worldwide, of which Pakistan alone bears the amount of $198.5 million. WHO defines physical activity as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. The World Health Organization recommends, for adults aged 18-64 years, to undertake i. at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity throughout the week, or ii. at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity throughout the week, or iii. perform an equivalent combination of both forms of physical activity. Regular physical activity is one of the most important things people can do to improve their health. Moving more and sitting less have tremendous benefits for everyone, regardless of age, sex, race, ethnicity, or current fitness level. Keywords: Exercise, physical activity, physical inactivity chronic diseases, economic burden

Oxygen Consumption and Heart Rate Responses in Different Vinyasa Yoga Sequences.

Yoga is widely practiced for its numerous health benefits, and it can also increase energy expenditure. Vinyasa yoga, a system of hatha yoga, meets criteria for moderate-intensity physical activity. It is unclear whether the individual sequences produce different oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate responses. The purpose of the present study was therefore to evaluate potential differences in VO2 and heart rate responses across sequences of a 60-minute vinyasa session. Participants included 40 healthy male (n = 20) and female (n = 20) adults (age 30.9 ± 8.8 y) with self-reported yoga experience. The sequence implemented was based on Baron Baptiste's Journey into Power sequence. This vinyasa yoga practice included several sequences: integration, sun salutation, crescent lunges, balancing, standing, back bending, and restorative. VO2 (mL/kg/min) was measured by portable indirect calorimetry and expressed as metabolic equivalents (MET). Heart rate was measured using a Polar HR monitor and presented as a percentage of age-predicted maximal heart rate (APMHR). METs and APMHR differed significantly across sequences (each p < 0.001). METs for the integration, sun-salutation, crescent-lunges, balancing, standing, back-bending, and restorative sequences were significantly different from one another (p < 0.001); balancing and back-bending sequences, however, were similar. During the integration and restorative sequences, APMHR was similar (p = 1.00) and significantly lower compared to sun-salutation, crescent-lunge, balancing, standing, and back-bending sequences (each p < 0.001). METs and APMHR differed significantly across sequences of a vinyasa yoga practice. These data could inform an individualized yoga series based on current fitness levels to maintain or improve cardiorespiratory fitness.

The Role of Clinical Exercise Physiologists with Exercise Testing

Exercise testing is a widely accepted procedure that has historically been used in cardiopulmonary settings for the last 40 years (1). The most common use of exercise testing has been to detect latent cardiovascular disease in asymptomatic people undergoing routine medical evaluation or to assess patients after a cardiac event (2). Typical modes for testing include an ergometer or treadmill with 12-lead electrocardiograph (ECG) monitoring. Over the years, the versatility and use of exercise testing has evolved to include assessment of healthy and older adults, children, recreational and elite athletes, and a variety of persons with chronic diseases and conditions (3). In addition to ECG monitoring, additional methods of measurement such as pulmonary gas exchange, pulmonary function, and strength or physical function assessments (e.g., grip strength and 6-minute walk test) have become more common in clinical testing and allow for a comprehensive overview of exercise capacity, disease thresholds, and current fitness level (3). Exercise testing is also indicated when quantifying physical work capacity for occupational medicine, injury risk in sport, determining medical clearance, monitoring symptoms (e.g., dyspnea or syncope), identifying ischemic threshold, or posttesting for treatment or training program effectiveness (1,2).Due to the nature of clinical exercise testing, typically conducted on persons with chronic diseases or conditions, these tests must be administered by a qualified exercise professional (1). As recent as 2014, there has been debate on who are qualified exercise professionals and if it is safe to administer exercise testing without direct physician supervision (1). The most recent American Heart Association Scientific Statement, “Supervision of Exercise Testing by Non-physicians,” provides insight on the most qualified exercise professionals able to administer safe and effective clinical exercise testing (1). In this scientific statement, nonphysician exercise professionals are defined as allied health professionals, including clinical exercise physiologists, physical therapists, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants (1). Myers et al. (1) references complication rates associated with &gt;2.1 million exercise tests conducted by both physicians and allied health professionals between 1971 and 2012, demonstrating extremely low occurrence of mortality, morbidity, and other complications per 1,000 tests. The tests referenced by Myers et al. (1) were conducted with a combination of asymptomatic adults, athletes, and persons with chronic disease. Although ~75% of the exercise tests were supervised by a physician, no differences in safety or adverse events appeared when comparing physician-supervised exercise tests with allied health professional–supervised exercise tests (1). Even though overlap with academic training and experience exists between allied health professionals, clinical exercise physiologists are highly qualified exercise professionals trained to provide independent supervision of clinical exercise testing. With formal training, the clinical exercise physiologist has strong familiarity with the multiple exercise testing settings, including high acuity units in hospitals, variety of protocols, range of patient conditions who are managing acute and chronic disease, and proficiency with the skills and abilities required for test administration.In a literature review by Warburton et al. (4), the safety and effectiveness of exercise tests conducted by qualified clinical exercise physiologists, with and without physician supervision, is supported. In that paper, they provide general recommendations for the formal training and preparation of the clinical exercise physiologist to work with clinical populations (4). In summary, these recommendations include (a) at minimum, completion of an undergraduate degree in exercise science and passage of a nationally recognized certification assessing entry level proficiencies; (b) training to deliver patient-centered care that is evidence-based and a part of a care team; (c) possession of discipline-specific core competencies (i.e., understanding different clinical populations); (d) completion of clinical rotations and internship hours; (e) direct assessment of clinical exercise testing skills and abilities which may require a specific number of tests (i.e., 50 tests); and (f) participation in continued professional education to maintain competencies (4). The above recommendations are aligned with recent work to advocate for advancement of clinical exercise physiologists being recognized as qualified health care providers (5). These recommendations also support the importance of academic program accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs in the United States and available certifications such as the American College of Sports Medicine Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (5) or American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional (6). This also aligns with the standards of practice and continuing professional education as regulated by Exercise &amp; Sports Science Australia (7). It is also important to mention that the clinical exercise physiologist is one component of the care team, and collaboration with physicians and other qualified allied health care professionals is critical for optimizing patient care that includes safe and effective exercise testing.The role of the clinical exercise physiologist continues to build momentum in exercise testing and other clinical spaces. The professional field of clinical exercise physiology has made significant progress over the past several decades and shows promise for continual advancement as a profession.

Perceptions of Exercise and Its Challenges in Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Survey-Based Study.

Exercise is a foundational treatment for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, the majority of patients are unable to initiate and maintain effective exercise habits and remain at increased risk for progressive liver disease. Barriers and limitations to exercise in patients with NAFLD have not been fully identified. We performed a single survey of 94 patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD to understand baseline physical activity and sedentary behavior, self‐perceived fitness, limitations to exercise, potential solutions to increase physical activity behavior, and perception of exercise as a foundational treatment for NAFLD. For exploratory analyses, we evaluated differences in responses to the survey by grouping severity of hepatic fibrosis as follows: nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL); early stage (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH] F0, NASH F1, NASH F2); and late stage (NASH F3, NASH F4). Zero weekly total physical activity was reported by 29% of patients with NAFLD. Late‐stage NASH had significantly lower vigorous (P = 0.024), walking (P = 0.029), total weekly activity (P = 0.043), and current fitness level (P = 0.022) compared to early stage NASH. Overall, 72% of patients with NAFLD reported limitations to exercise, with the greatest proportion citing lack of energy (62%), fatigue (61%), prior/current Injury (50%), and shortness of breath (49%). A preference for personal training to increase their physical activity was indicated by 66% of patients with NAFLD, and 63% preferred exercise over medication to treat NAFLD. Conclusion: The majority of patients with NAFLD have limitations to exercise but prefer exercise as a treatment option for NAFLD in the form of personal training. Patients with NAFLD may have unique physiologic limitations to exercise that worsen with fibrosis severity. Exercise interventions or services that are personalized and scalable may improve sustainability of exercise habits in the long term.

P306 Current fitness levels of adolescents with cystic fibrosis in Malta compared to European Eurofit normative data

P306 Current fitness levels of adolescents with cystic fibrosis in Malta compared to European Eurofit normative data

‘Summer of Sport’: the development of a 6-week programme in increasing physical activity to improve public health outcomes

ObjectivesA population-based physical activity (PA) programme was implemented to increase PA levels and encourage individuals to join the local council leisure facility. Study designThis is a cross-sectional design. MethodsThe 6-week programme Summer of Sport (SOS) involved a total of 487 individuals registered for PA sessions. The sessions were held at three local council leisure facilities included badminton, swimming, table tennis, squash and group cycle. The programme was assessed using a survey based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Individuals were asked for their current fitness levels, whether the programme encouraged them to be more active and for their intentions to join the leisure centre after the programme. ResultsOf the 487 who originally registered for the programme, there were 161 users of SOS, with 112 not already members of the leisure facility. After the programme, 83% considered themselves already being active, with 78% stating that they partook in at least 30 min of exercise, 3 times per week. Although a large proportion of individuals were already physically active, 78% stated that taking part encouraged them to become more active. More than half suggested that they would not join the leisure facility, 30% said that they had joined after the programme and 17% stated their intention to join. Many individuals highlighted that the programme provided an opportunity to be active with their family. ConclusionsPublic health teams should work with partner organisations to embed robust processes for measuring outcomes that impact on population health.

Strategies for Increasing Physical Activity and Healthy Lifestyles for the Individual With Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Strategies for Increasing Physical Activity and Healthy Lifestyles for the Individual With Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Metabolic Conditioning

To effectively develop physical parameters, training intensities should be individualized to suit an athlete's current fitness level, for example, percentage of 1 repetition maximum in strength and power development. Regarding anaerobic or aerobic conditioning, a velocity prescription can be both accurate and effective in individualizing energy system development. However, there is a sparsity of research available comparing the range of tests capable of determining an appropriate velocity. The following review discusses the optimum way to determine an individual's desired training velocity through field-based testing.

Association between Lifetime Physical Activity and Cognitive Functioning in Middle-Aged and Older Community Dwelling Adults: Results from the Brain in Motion Study.

To determine if total lifetime physical activity (PA) is associated with better cognitive functioning with aging and if cerebrovascular function mediates this association. A sample of 226 (52.2% female) community dwelling middle-aged and older adults (66.5 ± 6.4 years) in the Brain in Motion Study, completed the Lifetime Total Physical Activity Questionnaire and underwent neuropsychological and cerebrovascular blood flow testing. Multiple robust linear regressions were used to model the associations between lifetime PA and global cognition after adjusting for age, sex, North American Adult Reading Test results (i.e., an estimate of premorbid intellectual ability), maximal aerobic capacity, body mass index and interactions between age, sex, and lifetime PA. Mediation analysis assessed the effect of cerebrovascular measures on the association between lifetime PA and global cognition. Post hoc analyses assessed past year PA and current fitness levels relation to global cognition and cerebrovascular measures. Better global cognitive performance was associated with higher lifetime PA (p=.045), recreational PA (p=.021), and vigorous intensity PA (p=.004), PA between the ages of 0 and 20 years (p=.036), and between the ages of 21 and 35 years (p.5), but partially mediated the relation between current fitness and global cognition. This study revealed significant associations between higher levels of PA (i.e., total lifetime, recreational, vigorous PA, and past year) and better cognitive function in later life. Current fitness levels relation to cognitive function may be partially mediated through current cerebrovascular function.

Muscle activity and spine load during anterior chain whole body linkage exercises: the body saw, hanging leg raise and walkout from a push-up

This study examined anterior chain whole body linkage exercises, namely the body saw, hanging leg raise and walkout from a push-up. Investigation of these exercises focused on which particular muscles were challenged and the magnitude of the resulting spine load. Fourteen males performed the exercises while muscle activity, external force and 3D body segment motion were recorded. A sophisticated and anatomically detailed 3D model used muscle activity and body segment kinematics to estimate muscle force, and thus sensitivity to each individual's choice of motor control for each task. Gradations of muscle activity and spine load characteristics were observed across tasks. On average, the hanging straight leg raise created approximately 3000 N of spine compression while the body saw created less than 2500 N. The hanging straight leg raise created the highest challenge to the abdominal wall (>130% MVC in rectus abdominis, 88% MVC in external oblique). The body saw resulted in almost 140% MVC activation of the serratus anterior. All other exercises produced substantial abdominal challenge, although the body saw did so in the most spine conserving way. These findings, along with consideration of an individual's injury history, training goals and current fitness level, should assist in exercise choice and programme design.

Personalized Exercise for Adolescents With Diabetes or Obesity

This study examined adherence to a personalized, community-based exercise intervention by sedentary adolescents with type 1 or type 2 diabetes or those with obesity. We conducted a pretest-posttest investigation to explore the application of an individualized exercise prescription based upon current fitness level for 39 adolescents (20 with type 1 diabetes, 9 with type 2 diabetes, and 10 obese) over 16 weeks in community settings. Subjects were recruited from a university-based pediatric endocrinology clinic in the southwestern United States. Adherence to the exercise prescription was monitored using accelerometers over the entire intervention period. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels significantly increased over sedentary baseline values (p < .001), but the average of 42.5 ± 22.1 min/day of MVPA determined at the end of the study was still less than the recommended 60 min/day. Perceptions of health were significantly increased for the total group following the intervention (p = .008). For those with type 1 diabetes, there was a significant association between MVPA duration and percentage change in HbA1c (r = -.526, p = .02). Recruitment and retention of adolescent participation in daily exercise is challenging. Personalized approaches that include adolescent choices with family support and ongoing motivation can improve individual exercise adherence and a sense of personal health.

Estimating relative intensity using individualized accelerometer cutpoints: the importance of fitness level

BackgroundAccelerometer cutpoints based on absolute intensity may under or overestimate levels of physical activity due to the lack of consideration for an individual’s current fitness level. The purpose of this study was to illustrate the interindividual variability in accelerometer activity counts measured at relative intensities (40 and 60% heart rate reserve (HRR)) and demonstrate the differences between relative activity counts between low, moderate and high fitness groups.MethodsSeventy-three subjects (38 men, 35 women) with a wide range of cardiorespiratory fitness (maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max): 27.9 to 58.5 ml · kg-1 · min-1), performed a submaximal exercise test with measures of heart rate (HR) and accelerometer activity counts. Linear regression equations were developed for each subject to determine accelerometer activity counts for moderate and vigorous intensity physical activity corresponding to 40% and 60% of HRR. Interindividual variability of activity counts between subjects at both 40% and 60% of HRR was demonstrated by plotting values using a box and whisker plot. To examine the difference between absolute and relative activity cutpoints, subjects were categorized into 3 fitness groups based on metabolic equivalents (MET) (<10 MET, 10–13 MET, >13 MET).ResultsAt 40 and 60% of HRR, activity counts ranged from 1455–7520, and 3459–10066 counts · min-1, respectively. Activity counts at 40% HRR (3385 ± 850, 4048 ± 1090, and 5037 ± 1019 counts · min-1) and 60% HRR (5159 ± 765, 5995 ± 1131 and 7367 ± 1374 counts · min-1) significantly increased across fitness groups (<10 MET, 10–13 MET, and >13 MET, respectively).ConclusionThis study revealed interindividual variability in activity counts at relative moderate (40% HRR) and vigorous (60% HRR) intensities, while fitness level was shown to have a significant influence on relative activity counts measured at these intensities. Individualizing activity count cutpoints may be more representative of an individual’s PA level relative to their fitness capacity, compared to absolute activity count cutpoints.

Physical Fitness Levels of University Physical Education Teacher Education Majors

There is growing concern over overweight and obesity among college students. New accreditation standards are attempting to ensure that physical education teacher education (PETE) majors maintain healthy fitness standards for graduation. Meeting these standards would prepare the students to be a positive role model by exhibiting a healthy lifestyle to the younger children in their classroom. PURPOSE: To provide descriptive data on the current fitness levels of PETE majors and assess associations between fitness and student lifestyle factors. METHODS: Seventy-nine PETE majors (22.5+3.8 years of age) at Towson University completed the FITNESSGRAM fitness tests, including aerobic (PACER test), muscular strength and endurance (curl-up and push-up), flexibility (sit-and-reach), and body mass index. Students were categorized according to their results as unacceptable, acceptable, or target using the categories provided by the program. A questionnaire was administered about basic lifestyle factors. RESULTS: The percentage of students who were in the acceptable and target range for the aerobic, curl-up, push-up, flexibility, and BMI categories were 55.7%, 96.2%, 89.9%, 82.3% and 79.5% respectively. Gender was associated with pushup category (p=0.007; r=-0.3), females tending to have better muscular fitness than males. BMI was related to aerobic fitness (p=0.004; r=-0.33), number of hours worked in a job outside of school (p=0.03; r=0.24), and gender (p=0.018; r=-0.33). There was no relationship between any fitness results and grade level, residential status, or hours of sleep per night. CONCLUSION: Emphasis in university physical education teacher education programs may need to be placed on increasing the aerobic fitness level of their student majors. Consideration needs to be taken for those who work outside of school in trying to find strategies to increase their overall health.

A personalized approach to exercise promotion in adolescents with type 1 diabetes

This exploratory study tested the feasibility of conducting a novel, personalized exercise intervention based upon the current fitness levels of adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). The relationships of perceptions of benefits and barriers to exercise, exercise self-efficacy and family support to exercise adherence and changes in cardiovascular (CV) fitness, quality of life (QOL), and glycemic control were studied. Adolescents who were sedentary received a graded exercise test to determine their current fitness level (VO(2peak)). A 16-wk personalized exercise program was developed for each adolescent based upon individual fitness level and exercise preferences. Pretest and posttest measures of exercise self-efficacy, benefits and barriers to exercise, family support, and diabetes QOL were completed. A1c levels were obtained using the DCA2000. Adherence to exercise was measured using the Actigraph Accelerometer. Twelve adolescents completed the study. Accelerometry data revealed adherence to 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day for a mean of 45.5 (SD = 23.9)% of the days the accelerometer was worn. Adolescents' perceptions of family support for exercise improved following the intervention (p = 0.03). Adolescents who had more daily bouts of exercise lasting 60 min increased their CV fitness (r = 0.59, p = 0.04). A1c remained unchanged. Encouraging 60 min of accumulated exercise bouts/d can improve fitness levels in adolescents with T1DM, minimizing future CV risks. Although physical activity increased in adolescents, family based strategies are required to promote current physical activity recommendations.

Motivators of and Barriers to Engaging in Physical Activity

Background: Obesity rates are rising in the United States, especially among low-income and racial/ethnic minority individuals. Exploring motivators and barriers relative to engaging in physical activity is imperative. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify motivators and barriers relative to engagement in physical activity as reported by culturally diverse low-income adolescents and adults. Methods: A total of 91 adolescent (11 to 15 years of age) and adult (18 years of age or older) participants who self-identified as African American, Hispanic, or non-Hispanic White engaged in age group-, race/ethnicity-, and gender-concordant focus groups. Results: Qualitative data analysis indicated that the motivators and barriers most commonly identified among the adolescent and adult focus groups were: social influence; time and priorities; physical environment; fun and enjoyment; inherently physical activities; weight concerns; fatigue, physical discomfort and current fitness level; and immediate positive feelings. Discussion: Findings were generally similar across age group, gender and race/ethnicity. Age group-specific, gender-specific and race/ ethnicity-specific motivators and barriers were related to how commonly the motivators and barriers were identified among each group. Translation to Health Education Practice: Implications for increasing physical activity among low-income culturally diverse adolescents and adults are discussed.