Fitness Categories Research Articles

Plumage polymorphism and fitness in Swainson’s hawks

We examine the maintenance of a plumage polymorphism, variation in plumages among the same age and sex class within a population, in a population of Swainson's Hawks. We take advantage of 32 years of data to examine two prevalent hypotheses used to explain the persistence of morphs: apostatic selection and heterozygous advantage. We investigate differences in fitness among three morph classes of a melanistic trait in Swainson's Hawks: light (7% of the local breeding population), intermediate (57%) and dark (36%). Specifically, we examined morph differences in adult apparent survival, breeding success, annual number of fledglings produced, probability of offspring recruitment into the breeding population and lifetime reproductive success (LRS). If apostatic selection were a factor in maintaining morphs, we would expect that individuals with the least frequent morph would perform best in one or more of these fitness categories. Alternatively, if heterozygous advantage played a role in the maintenance of this polymorphism, we would expect heterozygotes (i.e. intermediate morphs) to have one or more increased rates in these categories. We found no difference in adult apparent survival between morph classes. Similarly, there were no differences in breeding success, nest productivity, LRS or probability of recruitment of offspring between parental morph. We conclude that neither apostatic selection nor heterozygous advantage appear to play a role in maintaining morphs in this population.

Prognostic value of multidimensional geriatric assessment (MGA) on survival of a prospective cohort of 880 elderly cancer patients (ECP).

9065 Background: Estimated tumor-independent life expectancy is a key element for treatment choices in ECP. MGA allows to subdivide them into three categories of Fit, Vulnerable and Frail pts. Whether MGA is able to predict survival independently from tumor type, stage, and treatment is still an open question. Methods: All consecutive pts ≥70 years admitted to our Geriatric Oncology Program underwent MGA (Basso CROH 2009) and were prospectively followed. All-cause survival was compared according to their condition of fitness, vulnerability or frailty. Type of tumor, disease status at first visit (neoadjuvant/adjuvant vs advanced), administration of any treatment (cytotoxic/endocrine/targeted therapy) were assessed. Kaplan-Meier survival method was used with multivariate (Cox) analysis. Results: From 09-2003 to 10-2010, 880 ECP were enrolled, median 77 yrs (range 70-96), 28% males, with breast (54.5%), colorectal (14.1%), lung (8.2%) or other sites (23.2%) of cancer. Seventy-one percent were seen for neoadjuvant/adjuvant treatment; 79.8% were prescribed some oncological treatment. After a median follow-up of 26 mo (1-77), 334 have died (38%). Status at MGA predicted overall survival (p<0.001). Significance was maintained in the subgroups with adjuvant/neoadjuvant vs advanced disease, treated vs untreated pts, and in pts with breast cancer or other sites, but was lost when only colon or lung cancer were considered (Table). At multivariate analysis, Fitness maintained a strong impact on survival compared to Frailty (HR=0.41, CI:0.31–0.54) as well as Vulnerability vs Frailty (HR= 0.59, CI: 0.45 – 0.77). Conclusions: MGA predicts significantly different survival probability in our large cohort of ECP, independently of stage and treatment. Lack of significance in lung or colorectal cancer may be due to lower patient numbers. Survival (%) at 24 mo (univariate log rank test). Fit 338 pts Vulnerable 288 pts Frail 254 pts P value Overall 83 70 60 <0.001 Disease status Adjuvant/neoadjuvant 93 86 79 <0.001 Advanced 52 33 37 0.009 Disease site Breast 94 90 78 <0.001 Colorectal 75 56 51 0.185 Lung 33 17 17 0.241 Other 68 45 41 0.001 Oncological treatment Yes 83 72 65 <0.001 None 87 74 51 <0.001

Independent and Joint Associations of Physical Activity and Fitness on Stroke in Men

Introduction: Recent studies have demonstrated that physical activity (PA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are independent predictors of stroke in men. The combined associations of these 2 factors are not well established. Objective: To investigate the independent and joint associations of PA and CRF with fatal, nonfatal, and total stroke in a group of men. Methods: The current analyses included 45 689 men aged 18 to 100 years who completed baseline sessions between 1970 and 2001. All participants had no known myocardial infarction, stroke, or cancer. Physical activity was measured by questionnaire, and CRF was assessed from a maximal treadmill exercise test. The National Death Index for fatal stroke and mail-back surveys for nonfatal stroke were used to ascertain cases. Cox regression analyses were used to estimate the risk of stroke outcomes. Results: There were 619 cases over 800 582 person-years of observation. Significant inverse associations were observed between CRF and fatal, nonfatal, and total strokes after adjustment for age and examination year (P for trend < 0.05 for each). No associations were found between PA and any of the 3 outcomes after adjusting for other covariates and CRF. Joint associations of 9 PA fitness groups showed less risk for total stroke in the moderate and high fitness categories. Conclusion: These findings suggest that CRF is an independent predictor of incident stroke in asymptomatic men.

Relationship of Nutrition and Physical Activity Behaviors and Fitness Measures to Academic Performance for Sixth Graders in a Midwest City School District

To support curriculum and policy, a midwest city school district assessed the association of selected categories of nutrition and physical activity (NUTR/PA) behaviors, fitness measures, and body mass index (BMI) with academic performance (AP) for 800 sixth graders. Students completed an adapted Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey (NUTR/PA behaviors), fitness assessments (mile run, curl-ups, push-ups, height, and weight) with results matched to standardized scores (Measures of Academic Progress [MAP]), meal price status, and gender. Differences in mean MAP scores (math and reading) were compared by selected categories of each variable utilizing 1-way analysis of variance. Associations were determined by stepwise multiple regression utilizing mean MAP scores (for math and for reading) as the dependent variable and NUTR/PA behaviors, fitness, and BMI categories as independent variables. Significance was set at α = 0.05. Higher MAP math scores were associated with NUTR (more milk and breakfast; less 100% fruit juice and sweetened beverages [SB]) and PA (increased vigorous PA and sports teams; reduced television), and fitness (higher mile run performance). Higher MAP reading scores were associated with NUTR (fewer SB) and PA (increased vigorous PA, reduced television). Regression analysis indicated about 11.1% of the variation in the mean MAP math scores and 6.7% of the mean MAP reading scores could be accounted for by selected NUTR/PA behaviors, fitness, meal price status, and gender. Many positive NUTR/PA behaviors and fitness measures were associated with higher MAP scores supporting the school district focus on healthy lifestyles. Additional factors, including meal price status and gender, contribute to AP.

Application of Back-propagation Neural Network to Categorization of Physical Fitness Levels of Taiwanese Females

The purpose of this study is to establish the feasibility of adopting the back-propagation neural network (BPNN) to predict fitness category. In this study, 2218 healthy Taiwanese females aged 20 to 65 participated. Data collected included five parameters required for the physical fitness (PF) passport: subject's age, body mass index (BMI), performance in the sit-and-reach test, 1-min bent-leg curl-ups, and cardiorespiratory endurance. The network structure of BPNN adopted here consisted of three layers: input layer (5 neurons), hidden layer (5 neurons), and output layer (4 neurons). To prove the ability of BPNN in categorizing PF accurately and speedily, its learning effect must be confirmed. To achieve this purpose, the samples were divided randomly into two parts: training samples (n=1218) and testing samples (n=1000). Thereafter, learning algorithms of the BPNN were executed. The learning rate was assumed to be 0.75, and 1000 learning cycles were run. The results demonstrated that the root mean square (RMS) for the training samples was 0.059, while the RMS for the testing samples was 0.065. Such small RMS is evidence that the BPNN converged well and had a good learning effect. On the other hand, the mean degree of accuracy of the BPNN was 96.83% in identifying body composition, 98.41% for muscular flexibility, 94.39% for muscular strength and endurance, and 97.25% for cardiorespiratory capacity. The mean degree of accuracy for these four items was as high as 96.72%. Overall, the mean relative error for categorizing PF was 3.28%, which was within the acceptable range. Therefore, the results confirmed the reliability of the BPNN for categorizing PF. BPNN can be converted into software to assess the subject's PF in a precise and speedy manner, thus eliminating the need to refer to a chart of the modular standard to decide the fitness category.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Adiposity, and All-Cause Mortality in Women

To determine the prospective associations among cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), different measures of adiposity, and all-cause mortality in women. A total of 11,335 women completed a comprehensive baseline examination between 1970 and 2005. Clinical measures included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (W/HT), waist-to-hip ratio (W/Hip), percent body fat (%BF), and CRF quantified as duration of a maximal exercise test. Participants were classified by CRF as low (lowest 20%), moderate (middle 40%), and high (highest 40%) as well as by standard clinical cut points for adiposity measures. Hazard ratios (HR) were computed using Cox regression analysis. During a mean follow-up of 12.3 ± 8.2 yr, 292 deaths occurred. HR for all-cause mortality were 1.0, 0.60, and 0.54 for low, moderate, and high fit groups, respectively (P for trend G0.01). Adjusted death rates of overweight/obese women within each adiposity exposure were somewhat higher compared with normal-weight women and approached statistical significance for BMI, %BF, and W/HT (P = 0.08, P = 0.08, and P = 0.07, respectively). When grouped for joint analyses into categories of fit and unfit (upper 80% and lower 20% of CRF distribution, respectively), HR were significantly higher in unfit women within each stratum of BMI compared with fit–normal BMI women. Fit women with high %BF (HR = 1.0), high WC (HR = 0.9), and high W/HT (HR = 1.2) had no greater risk of death compared with fit–normal-weight women (referent). Low CRF in women was a significant independent predictor of all-cause mortality. Higher CRF was associated with lower mortality within each category of each adiposity exposure. Using adiposity measures as predictors of all-cause mortality in women may be misleading unless CRF is also considered.

Prognostic Effect of Exercise Capacity on Mortality in Older Adults with Diabetes Mellitus

To investigate the prognostic effect of exercise capacity in older individuals with diabetes mellitus. Retrospective data review in a clinic-based cohort. Veterans Affairs Medical Centers in Washington, District of Columbia, and Palo Alto, California. Two thousand eight hundred sixty-seven men aged 50 to 87 with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Exercise tolerance testing with fitness categories based on peak metabolic equivalents of task (METs) achieved adjusted for age. All-cause mortality in age groups 50 to 65 (Group 1; n=1,658) and older than 65 (Group 2; n=1,209) was analyzed using adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. After a mean ± standard deviation follow-up period of 7.8 ± 5.1 years, there were 324 deaths in Group 1 (20%) and 464 in Group 2 (38%). For each 1-MET increase in exercise capacity, mortality was 18% lower for the entire cohort (hazard ratio (HR)=0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.79-0.86), 23% lower for Group 1 (HR=0.77, 95% CI=0.73-0.82), and 16% lower for Group 2 (HR=0.84, 95% CI=0.8-0.89). When fitness categories were considered, the mortality risk was 30% to 80% lower for those who achieved more than 4 METs in both age groups. Augmented exercise capacity is associated with lower risk of mortality in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged 50 to 65 as well as in those older than 65. Thus, physical fitness, as represented by exercise capacity, lowers mortality risk in people with diabetes mellitus irrespective of age. These findings suggest that healthcare providers should be cognizant of the level of exercise capacity in individual patients and encourage a physically active lifestyle regardless of age.

Infancy of an Australian geriatric oncology program—characteristics of the first 200 patients

Abstract Objectives The aging population brings with it increased cancer related morbidity and mortality. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) identifies areas of concern for the older patient with cancer that may not be detected with traditional oncological methods of assessment. However CGA is resource intensive and thus screening tools have been developed. Having developed a screening tool, we present the characteristics of the first 200 patients seen by our geriatric oncology clinic. Materials and methods All patients aged 70 and over were invited to complete a self-reported screening questionnaire at time of referral to oncology services, covering domains addressed by the CGA. These questionnaires were then reviewed at a weekly multidisciplinary meeting. From this, five key measures, supplemented by medical chart review and clinical impression, were used to classify patients into fit, vulnerable or frail categories. Results For the first 200 patients, the average age was 76.7 years, and 54% were male. The majority were community living, and 72% were being treated palliatively. Twenty-eight percent were classified fit, 60% vulnerable, and 13% frail. The fit, vulnerable and frail groups differed significantly in comorbidities, polypharmacy, memory concerns, falls, weight loss, physical function and exhaustion. Conclusion Elderly patients referred to an Australian geriatric oncology program are a heterogenous group. The use of a screening tool for geriatric assessment was a feasible and acceptable method for assessing older patients with cancer. Further work is required to examine the prognostic value of classifying patients into fit, vulnerable and frail.

Exercise Capacity and Mortality in Older Men

Epidemiological findings, based largely on middle-aged populations, support an inverse and independent association between exercise capacity and mortality risk. The information available in older individuals is limited. Between 1986 and 2008, we assessed the association between exercise capacity and all-cause mortality in 5314 male veterans aged 65 to 92 years (mean+/-SD, 71.4+/-5.0 years) who completed an exercise test at the Veterans Affairs Medical Centers in Washington, DC, and Palo Alto, Calif. We established fitness categories based on peak metabolic equivalents (METs) achieved. During a median 8.1 years of follow-up (range, 0.1 to 25.3), there were 2137 deaths. Baseline exercise capacity was 6.3+/-2.4 METs among survivors and 5.3+/-2.0 METs in those who died (P<0.001) and emerged as a strong predictor of mortality. For each 1-MET increase in exercise capacity, the adjusted hazard for death was 12% lower (hazard ratio=0.88; confidence interval, 0.86 to 0.90). Compared with the least fit individuals (< or =4 METs), the mortality risk was 38% lower for those who achieved 5.1 to 6.0 METs (hazard ratio=0.62; confidence interval, 0.54 to 0.71) and progressively declined to 61% (hazard ratio=0.39; confidence interval, 0.32 to 0.49) for those who achieved >9 METs, regardless of age. Unfit individuals who improved their fitness status with serial testing had a 35% lower mortality risk (hazard ratio=0.65; confidence interval, 0.46 to 0.93) compared with those who remained unfit. Exercise capacity is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in older men. The relationship is inverse and graded, with most survival benefits achieved in those with an exercise capacity >5 METs. Survival improved significantly when unfit individuals became fit.

Analysis of the legislated metals in different categories of olive and olive-pomace oils

The determination in olive oils of the legislated metals (As, Cu, Fe and Pb) by the International Olive Oil Council (IOC) has been carried out by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) following microwave digestion with nitric acid. The method has been validated using an oil reference material and by recovery experiments, obtaining in both cases satisfactory results. The detection limits achieved are 0.9, 1.5, 3.0 and 40 ng g −1 for Pb, Cu, As and Fe, respectively. These limits are much lower than the Maximum Residue Levels permitted. The four trace metals have been determined in different categories of olive oil fit for consumption by IOC (extra virgin olive oil, virgin olive oil, olive oil and pomace-olive oil) observing a high content of Cu in pomace-olive oil. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the content of the legislated metals is studied in the categories of olive oil fit for consumption.

Peak oxygen consumption and long‐term all‐cause mortality in nonsmall cell lung cancer

Identifying strong markers of prognosis is critical to optimize treatment and survival outcomes in patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The authors investigated the prognostic significance of preoperative cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen consumption [VO(2peak)]) among operable candidates with NSCLC. By using a prospective design, 398 patients with potentially resectable NSCLC enrolled in Cancer and Leukemia Group B 9238 were recruited between 1993 and 1998. Participants performed a cardiopulmonary exercise test to assess VO(2peak) and were observed until death or June 2008. Cox proportional models were used to estimate the risk of all-cause mortality according to cardiorespiratory fitness category defined by VO(2peak) tertiles (<0.96 of 0.96-1.29/>1.29 L/min⁻¹) with adjustment for age, sex, and performance status. Median follow-up was 30.8 months; 294 deaths were reported during this period. Compared with patients achieving a VO(2peak) <0.96 L/min⁻¹, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality was 0.64 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.46-0.88) for a VO(2peak) of 0.96 to 1.29 L/min⁻¹, and 0.56 (95% CI, 0.39-0.80) for a VO(2peak) of >1.29 L/min⁻¹) (P(trend) = .0037). The corresponding HRs for resected patients were 0.66 (95% CI, 0.46-0.95) and 0.59 (95% CI, 0.40-0.89) relative to the lowest VO(2peak) category (P(trend) = .0247), respectively. For nonresected patients, the HRs were 0.78 (95% CI, 0.34-1.79) and 0.39 (95% CI, 0.16-0.94) relative to the lowest category (P(trend) = .0278). VO(2peak) is a strong independent predictor of survival in NSCLC that may complement traditional markers of prognosis to improve risk stratification and prognostication.

Joint Associations of Physical Activity and Aerobic Fitness on the Development of Incident Hypertension

Fitness and physical activity are each inversely associated with the development of hypertension. We tested whether fitness and physical activity were independently associated with the 20-year incidence of hypertension in 4618 men and women. Hypertension was determined in participants who had systolic blood pressure >or=140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure >or=90 mm Hg or who reported antihypertensive medication use. Fitness was estimated based on the duration of a symptom-limited graded exercise treadmill test, and physical activity was self-reported. The incidence rate of hypertension was 13.8 per 1000 person-years (n=1022). Both baseline fitness (hazard ratio: 0.63 [95% CI: 0.56 to 0.70 per SD]; 2.9 minutes) and physical activity (hazard ratio: 0.86 [95% CI: 0.79 to 0.84 per SD]; 297 exercise units) were inversely associated with incident hypertension when included jointly in a model that also adjusted for age, sex, race, baseline smoking status, systolic blood pressure, alcohol intake, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, dietary fiber, dietary sodium, fasting glucose, and body mass index. The magnitude of association between physical activity and hypertension was strongest among participants in the high fitness (hazard ratio: 0.80 [95% CI: 0.68 to 0.94]) category, whereas the magnitude of association between fitness and hypertension was similar across tertiles of physical activity. The estimated proportion of hypertension cases that could be prevented if participants moved to a higher fitness category (ie, preventive fraction) was 34% and varied by race and sex group. Fitness and physical activity are each associated with incident hypertension, and low fitness may account for a substantial proportion of hypertension incidence.

고객요구속성을 반영한 중.노년층 니트정장 품질특성

An important issue for the improvement of product quality is to identify and understand the customer-required attributes of a product. This paper identifies and analyzes customer-required attributes of formal knitwear for middle age and elderly women through the use of the Kano model in order to develop competitive products. Various research methods were used in this study. Customer voices for formal knitwear were collected by means of brainstorming and in-depth interviews. The collected customer voices were transformed into customer-required attributes with the use of an affinity diagram. In addition, the data was collected by means of a questionnaire and was statistically analyzed to examine the dimensions of customer-required attributes on the basis of the Kano model. The results are as follows. Five categories of customer-required attributes were identified (symbolism, aesthetic, fitness, usefulness, and maintenance). The analysis based on the Kano model identifies a strong one-dimensional quality in all of the categories of customer-required attributes and the attractive quality that includes a one-dimensional quality in the categories of fitness and usefulness. The findings of this study demonstrate the applicability of the affinity diagram for apparel that educates formal knitwear developers of the customer-required attributes that they should strategically focus on in order to develop competitive products.

Exercise Capacity and Left Ventricular Mass in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) are considered independent risk factors for mortality. Exercise capacity is inversely and independently associated with lower mortality risk in diabetics and with lower LV mass in some populations. The association between exercise capacity and LV mass in diabetic patients has not been studied. PURPOSE: To assess the association between LV mass and exercise capacity in individuals with type 2 DM. METHODS: From 1986 to 2009, 647 individuals with type 2 DM (mean age: 65±11), underwent an exercise stress test and echocardiographic evaluation at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC. We established three fitness categories based on the age and MET level achieved. Individuals with a peak MET level within the 20th percentile of their respective age group (mean: 4.3±0.8 MET) comprised the Low-Fit category (n=134). Those who achieved a MET level between the 21st and 85th percentile (mean: 6.5±1.1 MET) comprised the Moderate-Fit category (n=381) and those with a peak MET level above the 85th percentile (mean: 8.8±1.0 MET), comprised the High-Fit category (n=132). Left ventricular mass (LVM) was calculated by a standardized formula (Penn) and was then indexed to body size by dividing LVM by height in meters to the allometric power of 2.7 to obtain LVM index. LVH was defined as LVM index >50 g/m2.7. RESULTS: Exercise capacity was inversely associated with LVM Index and the risk for LVH. For every 1-MET increase in exercise capacity the risk for having LVH was lowered by 17% (Hazard Ratio=0.83; CI: 0.78-0.91; p<0.001). Echocardiographic parameters were significantly different (p<0.02) among all groups (Table). Systolic BP at 3 minutes of exercise was significantly lower in the High-Fit group compared to Low-Fit group. We noted a 12% increase in the risk for LVH for every 10 mm Hg increase in systolic BP at 3 minutes of exercise.TABLECONCLUSIONS: Exercise capacity is a strong predictor of LV mass in individuals with type 2 DM. The association is inverse and graded.

Infectious Fear: Politics, Disease, and the Health Effects of Segregation

Samuel Kelton Roberts Jr. joins a recent string of U.S. historians who have productively used urban case studies to examine twentieth-century race and social welfare policy (Kent Germany, Elna Green, Karen Ferguson, Jennifer Trost) and health disparities more specifically (Emily Abel, Keith Wailoo). Based on exhaustive research in the Baltimore City and Maryland State Archives, Roberts charts the historical epidemiology and racial geography of tuberculosis, among the top three causes of black mortality 1900–50 and a disease that “tells us much about the social context, politics, and culture of Jim Crow” (4). Ample maps, photos, and statistical tables complement the text well. Roberts focuses intensively on Druid Hill, Baltimore's most densely populated and heavily black neighborhood, particularly its “Lung Block,” where beginning in 1901, the City Health Department's (CHD) tuberculosis spot maps showed the highest number of deaths among the squalid alley houses. The maps were displayed prominently at the first tuberculosis exposition at Johns Hopkins in 1904, attended by over 10,000. The exposition spawned numerous imitations in other cities and states, including a popular national traveling exhibit in 1907–08, which together prompted the formation of permanent antituberculosis associations in every state by 1917. The Lung Block was Exhibit A in Baltimore's campaign of “infectious fear,” which depicted blacks as sources of contagious disease and targeted them first for surveillance by charities and the CHD and later for coercive institutionalization in Maryland's two all-black state facilities, Henryton Sanitorium and Crownsville Mental Hospital. The “incorrigible black consumptive” and the dangers of unclean, undisciplined habits also figured prominently in modern publicity campaigns from both black and white sources. Roberts contends that “The collection of vital statistics—in U.S. public health executed most vigorously in the study of tuberculosis—historically was no more important than their interpretation within the political projects of establishing categories of worthiness, fitness, and citizenship” (83). Roberts's point is well taken, but infant mortality and later syphilis attracted comparable levels of scrutiny. He posits housing reform as the most effective but elusive method of fighting tuberculosis among blacks, and traces the tragic consequences of the city's failure to include alley houses in its 1908 housing reforms due to the influence of segregationist politicians. Beginning with the destruction of Lower Druid Hill in 1929, “the era of slum clearance, public housing construction, and urban renewal mark the endpoint of the history of early twentieth-century African American tuberculosis more appropriately than the advent of antimicrobial therapies in the 1940s and 1950s” (16). Roberts's most original contribution is his use of the black tuberculosis crisis to elucidate the complex relationships between city officials and black and white citizens in the medical profession, charitable and civic organizations, and the press.

Retracted Article: Association of physical fitness with health-related quality of life in Finnish young men

Currently, there is insufficient evidence available regarding the relationship between level of physical fitness and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in younger adults. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of measured cardiovascular and musculoskeletal physical fitness level on HRQoL in Finnish young men. In a cross-sectional study, we collected data regarding the physical fitness index, including aerobic endurance and muscle fitness, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), body composition, health, and HRQoL (RAND 36) for 727 men [mean (SD) age 25 (5) years]. Associations between HRQoL and the explanatory parameters were analyzed using the logistic regression analysis model. Of the 727 participants who took part in the study, 45% were in the poor category of the physical fitness, while 37% and 18% were in the satisfactory and good fitness categories, respectively. A higher frequency of LTPA was associated with higher fitness (p < 0.001). Better HRQoL in terms of general health, physical functioning, mental health, and vitality were associated with better physical fitness. When the HRQoL of the study participants were compared with that of the age- and gender-weighted Finnish general population, both the good and satisfactory fitness groups had higher HRQoL in all areas other than bodily pain. In a regression analysis, higher LTPA was associated with three dimensions of HRQoL, higher physical fitness with two, and lower number of morbidities with all dimensions, while the effect of age was contradictory. Our study of Finnish young men indicates that higher physical fitness and leisure-time physical activity level promotes certain dimensions of HRQoL, while morbidities impair them all. The results highlight the importance of health related physical fitness while promoting HRQoL.

Cardiorespiratory fitness, fatness, and cardiovascular disease risk factors in children and adolescents from Porto

In the present study, we examined different categories of cardiorespiratory fitness and obesity and their relationship with risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) factors in youth. We hypothesized that youngsters with low cardiorespiratory fitness would be at greater risk of CVD risk factors, whether they are obese or not. This study was carried out as a part of a longitudinal research project conducted in the Porto and Braga districts, Portugal, with children and adolescents aged 10–16 years of age. A total of 392 children (173 boys, 219 girls) participated in the study. We used a chi-square test to analyse the relationship between the participants' cardiorespiratory fitness and body weight (non-overweight or overweight/obese). For the purpose of this study, a new variable with four groups was created: non-overweight +unfit (37.4%), non-overweight + fit (35%), overweight/obese + unfit (11%) and overweight/obese + fit (10%). A one-way analysis of variance was used to compare the differences according to fitness and fatness groups. The main finding of this study was that regardless of fatness, participants with higher cardiorespiratory fitness presented with a lower prevalence of CVD risk factors.

Association Between Cardiovascular Health and Hearing Function: Pure-Tone and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission Measures

A reduction in hearing sensitivity is often considered to be a normal age-related change. Recent studies have revisited prior ways of thinking about sensory changes over time, uncovering health variables other than age that play a significant role in sensory changes. In this cross-sectional study, cardiovascular (CV) health, pure-tone thresholds at 1000 to 4000 Hz, and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), with and without contralateral noise, were measured in 101 participants age 10-78 years. Persons in the "old" age category (49-78 years) had worse pure-tone hearing sensitivity and DPOAEs than persons in the younger age categories (p < .05), affirming an age effect. Although hearing decline occurred in all persons in all CV fitness categories of every age group, those with low CV fitness in the old age group had significantly worse pure-tone hearing at 2000 and 4000 Hz (p <.05). Otoacoustic emission measurements were better for the old high-fit group but not significantly influenced by CV fitness level across age groups. Results of the current study elucidate the potentially positive impact of CV health on hearing sensitivity over time. This finding was particularly robust among older adults.

Association of physical fitness with health-related quality of life in Finnish young men

BackgroundCurrently, there is insufficient evidence available regarding the relationship between level of physical fitness and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in younger adults. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of measured cardiovascular and musculoskeletal physical fitness level on HRQoL in Finnish young men.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, we collected data regarding the physical fitness index, including aerobic endurance and muscle fitness, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), body composition, health, and HRQoL (RAND 36) for 727 men [mean (SD) age 25 (5) years]. Associations between HRQoL and the explanatory parameters were analyzed using the logistic regression analysis model.ResultsOf the 727 participants who took part in the study, 45% were in the poor category of the physical fitness, while 37% and 18% were in the satisfactory and good fitness categories, respectively. A higher frequency of LTPA was associated with higher fitness (p < 0.001). Better HRQoL in terms of general health, physical functioning, mental health, and vitality were associated with better physical fitness. When the HRQoL of the study participants were compared with that of the age- and gender-weighted Finnish general population, both the good and satisfactory fitness groups had higher HRQoL in all areas other than bodily pain. In a regression analysis, higher LTPA was associated with three dimensions of HRQoL, higher physical fitness with two, and lower number of morbidities with all dimensions, while the effect of age was contradictory.ConclusionsOur study of Finnish young men indicates that higher physical fitness and leisure-time physical activity level promotes certain dimensions of HRQoL, while morbidities impair them all. The results highlight the importance of health related physical fitness while promoting HRQoL.

The Low‐fitness Phenotype as a Risk Factor: More Than Just Being Sedentary?

Higher levels of fitness are associated with reduced risk of a wide variety of illnesses and chronic conditions. For cardiovascular disease (CVD) and many metabolic conditions, the fitness-morbidity/mortality curve is not linear but curvilinear, with lower levels of fitness being associated with significantly higher levels of risk compared to moderate and high levels of fitness. We have a very poor understanding of what the low fit phenotype represents as it is clearly more than just low physical activity levels. For example, there are likely some metabolic disadvantaged individuals with intrinsically low fitness and low oxidative capacity that are also prone to being sedentary due to easy fatigability. For these individuals, there exists a worse case scenario of a sedentary lifestyle superimposed on metabolically disadvantaged muscle resulting in the exaggerated CVD and metabolic risk. There is clearly a need for more work exploring the risk associated with low fitness and developing strategies to address the risk of low fitness. For example, we need to (i) define the mechanisms responsible for the exceptional risk associated with being low fit, (ii) identify best physical activity programs for reversing low fitness, (iii) examine whether exercise training nonresponders receive health benefits from exercise training despite the failure to improve fitness, and (iv) explore methods to identify individuals with the "low fit" phenotype without conducting a maximal exercise test. Individuals in the low fit category typically account for the majority of accumulated metabolic/CVD events, thus reducing this risk in this category would have substantial public health and clinical payoff.