Health-related Fitness Components Research Articles

Neighbourhood walkability and greenspace and their associations with health-related fitness in urban dwelling Canadian adults

ObjectiveMuscular strength and body composition are important components of health-related fitness (HRF). Grip strength and body fat percent, in particular, are associated with chronic disease and affected by health behaviours. Evidence suggests relationships between the neighbourhood built environment (BE) and HRF exist, however, few studies have focused on grip strength and body fat percent. Therefore, our study aimed to estimate the sex-specific associations between the neighbourhood BE, grip strength, and body fat percent among urban-dwelling Canadian adults. MethodsWe analyzed cross-sectional survey and HRF data collected in 2011-2015 from 4052 males and 7841 females (Alberta's Tomorrow Project, Canada). Grip strength and body fat percent were measured via handgrip dynamometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis, respectively. Walkability (Canadian Active Living Index) and greenness (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) estimates were linked to participant data. Sex-stratified covariate-adjusted linear regression models estimated the associations between the BE and HRF variables. ResultsWalkability was negatively associated with grip strength and body fat percent in males (β -0.21, 95%CI: -0.31 to -0.11 and β -0.08, 95%CI: -0.15 to -0.02, respectively) and females (β -0.06, 95%CI: -0.10 to -0.01 and β -0.08, 95%CI: -0.14 to -0.02, respectively). Greenness was positively associated with grip strength in males (β 6.99, 95%CI: 3.62 to 10.36) and females (β 2.72, 95%CI: 1.22 to 4.22) but not with body fat percent. Controlling for physical activity and sitting did not attenuate these associations. ConclusionCharacteristics of the neighbourhood BE appear to be associated muscular strength and body composition, independent of physical activity and sedentary behaviour.

Process- and Product-Oriented Fundamental Movement Skills in Early Childhood as Predictors of Later Health-Related Fitness.

The skill domains of fundamental movement skills (FMS), emphasizing gross motor movements, including locomotor skills (LMS) and object control skills (OCS), along with process- and product-oriented measures of FMS, may predict cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscular fitness (MF) differently. This study investigates the longitudinal relationship from early childhood FMS, focusing on process-oriented LMS and OCS and product-oriented FMS, to CRF and MF in late childhood. The study involved 441 Finnish children (49.9% female, mean age at baseline 5.5 years) over a six-year period. FMS was evaluated using the Test of Gross Motor Development, third version (TGMD-3) for process-oriented LMS and OCS and, the Körperkoordinationstest Für Kinder (KTK) was used to evaluate the product-oriented FMS. CRF was assessed through the total number of laps completed in the 20-meter shuttle run test, while MF was measured via repetitions of curl-ups and push-ups. Employing a two-level cross-classified regression analysis and Cholesky decomposition, this study aimed to determine the contributions of product-oriented KTK and process-oriented LMS and OCS. Adjustments for variations in age, measurement intervals, and maturation were achieved through residualization. Additionally, gender and body mass index (BMI) were incorporated as covariates in the analysis. The analysis revealed that process-oriented LMS (CRF: ΔR2 = 0.016, MF: ΔR2 = 0.014) significantly predicted later health-related fitness, while OCS did not. However, KTK exhibited a better ability to predict both CRF (ΔR2 = 0.092) and MF (ΔR2 = 0.032), overshadowing process-oriented measures. In conclusion, the findings suggest that KTK, which potentially encompasses a broader spectrum of fitness elements along with FMS, more effectively predicts health-related fitness components than process-oriented FMS.

Longitudinal Evaluation of Physical Fitness in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis in the Era of CFTR-Modulating-Therapies

ABSTRACT Purpose: Maintaining physical fitness plays an important role in the management of people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). Longitudinal data on the course of physical fitness and the potential impact of the introduction of highly effective CFTR modulator therapy with elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) in adult pwCF are scarce. Methods: Health-related and skill-related components of physical fitness were assessed using an incremental cycle test (Wpeak), plus forward bend (FB), prone bent knee hip extension (HE), plank leg raise (PLR), standing long jump (SLJ), and standing on one leg (OLS). Relevant disease-specific clinical data (body mass index [BMI] and forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1]) were recorded. Results: Twenty-eight adult pwCF (age 26.0 ± 7.8 years) were followed over 5.6 ± 0.9 years; 21 started ETI therapy during this period. Significant improvements from baseline were noted in BMI (p < 0.001) and health-related fitness components (HE, p = 0.002; PLR, p = < 0.001), whereas Wpeak and FB remained stable over time (all p > 0.05). Skill-related components (SLJ, OLS) showed no change (all p > 0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed significant improvements in BMI, FEV1, and health-related fitness measures of muscular strength and endurance (HE, p = 0.009; PLR, p < 0.001) only in pwCF using ETI. Conclusion: Despite the improvements, the impact of ETI on the individual parameters was small. Other factors than implementation of ETI alone need to be considered on the way to a high level of physical fitness in adult pwCF.

Is There a Relationship between Anthropometric Indices and Muscular, Motor, and Cardiorespiratory Components of Health-Related Fitness in Active European Older Adults?

The aging process induces alterations in the body, resulting in changes in both health-related fitness and specific anthropometric measures. These changes often pose health risks for older adults. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether there is an association between anthropometric indices and muscular, motor, and cardiorespiratory components of health-related fitness in active European older adults. This study included 2687 European older adults, comprising 1999 women and 688 men, with an average age of 70.05 ± 5.5 years. The assessment included health-related fitness using the Senior Fitness Test and anthropometric indices, such as the body adiposity index, body mass index, conicity index, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio, among others. The results indicated that gender significantly influences the values of physical performance and anthropometric parameters, making them incomparable. The degree of correlation between anthropometric indices and muscular, motor, and cardiorespiratory components of fitness depends on each anthropometric index analysed. The anthropometric index most correlated with physical fitness performance parameters is the waist-to-height ratio (WHR), followed by the body mass index (BMI). Cardiorespiratory endurance and balance are the two physical parameters most correlated with anthropometric indices.

Evaluación de la Actividad y Aptitud Física en el Modelo de Educación Deportiva: Revisión Sistemática

The sport education model (SEM) is the most widely researched and implemented pedagogical model in physical education (PE) field. The SEM promotes enthusiastic, competent, and literate people through sports has evolved through non-sports content, practical lessons, and physical conditioning to promote physical activity (PA) and fitness. This study aimed to systematically review the SEM PA and fitness outcomes reported in the PE and related fields and identify new trends for future research directions since Hastie et al.’s (2011) study. The research articles selected were found through six databases: ResearchGate, Web of Science, Scopus, SportDiscuss (EBSCO), ERIC (ProQuest), and Google Scholar. The articles were selected using the following criteria: (a) peer-reviewed studies in indexed international journals, (b) SEM implemented in isolation or compared with others, (c) findings focused on PA or fitness, (d) elementary–college or related setting research, and (e) published in English or Spanish. The associated keywords (sport education, pedagogical models, physical activity, and fitness) were used in different combinations. A total of 21 articles were identified through the search process and analyzed using PRISMA guidelines. Articles were initially categorized according to the following dimensions: country of origin, focus, topics, length of season, participants (grade, gender, age), and results. Since Hastie et al.’s (2011) review, the number of studies related to the SEM and PA as season outcomes, new contexts, and research purposes has expanded. The results showed the SEM’s feasibility as a PM that can promote moderate/vigorous physical activity and health-related fitness components (cardiovascular) through different topic contents and in academic and non-academic settings.

The effect of body mass index and physical activity on recovery heart rate time post treadmill exercise

One important component of health-related physical fitness is cardiovascular-respiratory capacity. Cardiovascular-respiratory capacity can affect the recovery heart rate (RHR) time. RHR is the total pulse measured after a person has finished carrying out certain activities until return to resting heart rate (HRR). The aim of this study is to determine the effect of body mass index (BMI) and physical activity on RHR time post treadmill exercise. The research subjects were 39 healthy male students with an age range of 18-22 years who had been selected based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. The results of this study show that most students have high levels of physical activity (69.23%). The level of physical activity has a significant negative effect on the RHR time post treadmill exercise, but BMI has no effect on the RHR time post treadmill exercise. Thus, subjects who have a high level of physical activity require a faster RHR time.

Associations between grip strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, cardiovascular risk and mental health in forcibly displaced people from a Greek refugee camp

Muscular strength represents a specific component of health-related fitness. Hand grip strength is used as a simple and dynamic marker of maximum voluntary force of the hand and to estimate overall strength. Today, little is known about the relationship between grip strength and health in forcibly displaced populations. In the present study, we examined whether grip strength is associated with various health outcomes in a sample of forcibly displaced people living in a Greek refugee camp. The present analyses are part of a larger pragmatic randomized controlled trial. In this paper, cross-sectional baseline data of 143 participants (71 men, 72 women) will be presented. In addition to grip strength, the following physical and mental health outcomes were assessed: body weight and body composition, blood pressure, total cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose levels (HbA1c), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, depressive and anxiety symptoms, pain, and quality of life. Linear regression analyses were carried out to examine how grip strength is associated with the health outcomes, separately for absolute and normalized grip strength scores. Grip strength was positively and strongly associated with percentage muscle mass (normalized grip strength: Stand. B = 0.58, p < .001), whereas a negative association existed for percentage body fat (normalized grip strength: Stand. B = − 0.58, p < .001). No statistically significant associations occurred between grip strength and the other cardiovascular risk markers. In contrast, we found that participants with higher normalized grip strength reported higher levels of PTSD (normalized grip strength: Stand. B = 0.36, p < .05) and depressive symptoms (normalized grip strength: Stand. B = 0.29, p < .05). No significant association occurred between grip strength, anxiety, pain and quality of life. Measuring grip strength in forcibly displaced people can be a useful way to assess their overall muscle strength. Grip strength tests are easy to implement, and results can be used to assess the effects of specific intervention measures. Nevertheless, our results question the usefulness of grip strength as a marker of cardiovascular health and mental wellbeing in a refugee camp setting.

O.4.6-10 Move! – A national monitoring system for health-related fitness and motor competence of Finnish school-aged children and adolescents

Abstract Purpose The Move! system was launched in 2016 and it aims to provide systematic feedback to students on their physical performance, and to collect annual nationwide data on physical performance from 5th and 8th grade students (11–15 years old). The physical performance in the Move! system has been operationalized to include components of health-related fitness and motor competence, which are ideally needed during adolescence and later in life. Project description The Move! is included in the national core curriculum for physical education (PE) and is therefore targeted for all students. Move! measurements include 20m shuttle run (endurance), 5-leaps (strength of the lower body, locomotor skills, stability skills), throwing-catching combination (object control skills), curl-up (endurance of abdominal muscles), push-up (endurance of upper body muscles), and flexibility tests. The Move! results are used extensively. In schools, PE teachers give immediate feedback to students during and after test sessions. In addition, teachers can utilize Move! data when designing PE programs and lessons. Students’ results are sent home, and parents are encouraged to discuss the results and their implications with their children. Students and their parents are directed to the Move! web pages, where they are provided with more information about the tests along with guidance on how to develop different elements of physical performance. The results are also utilized in healthcare as school nurses and doctors consider students’ physical performance information along with other health data. Through a database, it is possible to follow students’ physical performance development. The data can also be used in informed decision-making at national and local levels. Conclusions The Move! system annually reaches a vast majority of Finnish grade 5 and 8 students (&amp;gt;100 000), schools (&amp;gt;2000), and municipalities (&amp;gt;95 %). The system ties together school PE, health care, and data-informed decision-making, and can be seen as a pedagogical innovation enhancing Finnish students’ health-related fitness, physical activity, and overall well-being.

Periodization method of physical exercise for obese people

During the COVID-19 pandemic, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC, stated that obesity prevalence increased by 52%. In Indonesia, the prevalence of obesity is 21.8%. Obesity triggers an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines, which induces chronic inflammation both locally and systemically, which can cause health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, metabolite syndrome, and an increased risk of infection. One of the components of obesity management is increasing physical activity. One of the domains of physical activity is exercise. Exercise with the appropriate frequency, duration, intensity, type, and periodization can influence cytokine modulation so that it can reduce systemic inflammation and increase physical fitness. This evidence-based case report (EBCR) aims to determine the type of exercise periodization in obesity management and its effect on health-related fitness. The process of searching for literature on EBCR uses the PRISMA method on 3 databases, namely: PubMed, EBSCOhost, and ProQuest. From the search results, it was found that the combination of endurance and strength training exercises with linear periodization 3 times a week, was found to be better in improving fitness in obese people. Linear periodization increases cardiopulmonary fitness with a relative mean difference of 17.8(0.3 to 35.3) %, maximal strength with 1 RM bench press and 1 RM leg press test also increased, and also reduce body fat percentage about 2.1(-4.8 to 0.5) %. Thus, the combination of strength and cardiorespiratory exercise with linear periodization gives a positive response to the components of health-related fitness in obese people.

Associations between health-related fitness and quality of life in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients

Newly diagnosed breast cancer patients face substantial stress and uncertainty that may undermine their quality of life (QoL). The purpose of the present study was to examine the associations between health-related fitness (HRF) and QoL in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients from the Alberta Moving Beyond Breast Cancer Study. Newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with early-stage disease (n = 1458) were recruited between 2012 and 2019 in Edmonton and Calgary, Canada to complete baseline HRF and QoL assessments within 90days of diagnosis. HRF assessments included cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak treadmill test), muscular fitness (upper and lower body strength and endurance tests), and body composition (dual x-ray absorptiometry). QoL was assessed by the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) version 2. We used logistic regression analyses to examine the associations between quartiles of HRF and poor/fair QoL (bottom 20%) after adjusting for key covariates. In multivariable analysis, the least fit groups compared to the most fit groups for relative upper body strength (OR = 3.19; 95% CI = 1.98-5.14), lean mass percentage (OR = 2.31; 95% CI = 1.37-3.89), and relative VO2peak (OR = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.21-3.57) were independently at a significantly higher risk of poor/fair physical QoL. No meaningful associations were found for mental QoL. The three main components of HRF (muscular fitness, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body composition) were independently associated with physical QoL in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Exercise interventions designed to improve these components of HRF may optimize physical QoL and help newly diagnosed breast cancer patients better prepare for treatments and recovery.

The Impact of Pandemic Lockdowns and Remote Learning on Student Fitness: An Investigation of Changes to High School Student Fitness Levels

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact on health-related fitness resulting from COVID-19 lockdowns on male high school students in Melbourne, Australia. Method: A total of 146 students completed fitness testing in February and retesting in November following 7 months of remote learning. Fitness tests conducted were 20-m shuttle run (Beep Test), flexed arm hang, body mass index, push-ups, sit-ups, and sit and reach. Results: The mean fitness levels of this cohort decreased across the health-related fitness components. Decreases were varying in magnitude, body composition (d = 0.3), flexibility (d = 0.56), muscular strength (d = 0.64), muscular endurance (d = 0.39 and d = 0.26), and cardiovascular endurance (d = 0.96). Discussion: The impact on students’ fitness levels was noteworthy, and the long-term impacts of this decrease are yet to be seen. This research brings focus to what can be done to maintain adolescent fitness when their usual exercise opportunities are not available.

Genetics and exercise health in strength training: A brief overview and commentary

This brief overview and commentary explores the effect of exercise training on muscular strength, and the influence of genetics on the level of response and adaptation between individuals. We aim to outline and explore some limitations within the current research and discuss how future research could address these. Muscular strength is a vital component of health-related fitness, and is needed for exercise performance, health, general mobility, and activities of daily living (ADLs). The improvement of strength, especially in those that are physically inactive, is critical to improve and maintain an individual’s health and fitness. In this regard, current research supports the notion that an individual’s genetics play a significant role in the strength adaptions following training. It has been reported that up to 80% of the inter-individual variability following exercise training between individuals, can be explained by one’s there are significant differences in the improvements of strength between separate allele specific groups, following a standardised 12-week exercise intervention. Yet, an important omission in current research studies is that this genetic information in not clearly provided, meaning that results are over-generalised and difficult to compare to other studies, effectively reducing their ecological validity. We, therefore, propose recommendations for future research to address the current gaps within strength training and genetics. Furthermore, we suggest that future studies, where possible, try to employ a more transparent method of reporting genotype information.

Effects of Musical Classes on Motor Creativity According to Age, Sex, and Weight Status in Young Students: A Music-Oriented versus Conventional Education Plan

Motor creativity can be influenced by the specificity of the school-class environments (music-based education plans) and individual characteristics. This study aimed to investigate the effects of music oriented and conventional education plans on rhythmic perceptive capacity, motor creativity, and skill- and health-related fitness components in young students according to age, sex, and weight status. One hundred sixty-three young Italian students from elementary (second and fourth grade) and middle school (sixth and eighth grade) were enrolled in the study according to their education plan (music oriented or conventional). All participants were tested for rhythmic perceptive capacity (Stambak's test), motor creativity (Divergent Movement Ability test), skill-related (Körperkoordinationstest Für Kinder), and health-related (Multistage Fitness test) components. Individuals were also considered according to age (elementary and middle school), sex, and weight status. Significant age × education plan and sex × education plan interactions (p < 0.01) were found in motor creativity (locomotor and stability skills) and motor competence (balance and jumping-like activities). No significant weight status × education plan interaction was found. The predominant role of music in the music-oriented education plan appeared to foster the ability to enhance motor creativity in elementary and middle school students compared to the conventional plan. Moreover, music-oriented experience also seems relevant for expressing and exhibiting motor competence (i.e., balance) in relation to sex.

HEALTH, PHYSICAL FITNESS, AND SKILLS OF FIRST YEAR COLLEGE STUDENTS: EVIDENCE FROM A PHILIPPINE COLLEGE

Physical fitness is one of the factors essential for good health and active life. Physical activity and physical fitness are interrelated in the application and health benefits. This study aims to assess the freshmen students’ current physical fitness and determine their physical skill capabilities. Department of Education’s (DepEd) Physical Fitness Test Manual was used as a guide in developing the assessing instrument. Established standards were used to gauge the physical fitness related to health. There are five (5) health-related components of fitness: body composition, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and muscular endurance. Skills have six (6) components: agility, balance, coordination, speed, power, and reaction time. The tests were administered to 52 college students out of 100 students who are in their freshmen. Results show that 70% are physically fit, while 30% are not fit. Although most or 33 of the students’ body composition is within the normal range, ten (10) students are underweight, while seven (7) are overweight, and two (2) are obese. Strength tests of 21 students revealed that they did not pass the push-ups test, while 52 or all of them did not pass their curl-up test. These results suggest that the body composition and the strength of the students need improvement. Their lack of exercise could be a factor to consider in improving students’ body composition index and strength. The results of the tests show that students’ flexibility is normal, and their cardiovascular endurance is excellent. T-test results show that there is no significant difference in the skill-related fitness of 16 to 20 age range of students and the 21 years old and above.

Association of Body Composition with Static Plantar Foot Pressure in Young Adult

Body composition is a key component of health-related fitness. Dual Energy Absorptiometry (DEXA) is the most reliable technique to evaluate body composition. There is evidence suggesting that obesity is linked to foot disorders leading to &amp; an increase in the risk of falls and injuries. Pedobarography is a fast, simple, non-invasive and reliable method used to measure plantar foot pressure. Studies on the association of body composition using DEXA with the static standing plantar pressure are limited. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to measure the association of fat percentage, Body mass index, type of obesity, fat mass and bone mineral content (BMC) with foot pressure. Methods: 64 young adults participated in this study including 34 females and 30 males with a mean age of 21.7±2.6 years. DEXA and Pedobarography were used for evaluation. Results: It was found that with the increase in every 1% in fat percentage, BMI, android type obesity the forefoot pressure increases by 1.070% (p-value 0.06), 1.079% (p-value 0.07) and 1.106% (p-value 0.25). Gynoid type obesity has an inverse relationship with forefoot pressure. With every 1% decrease in the gynoid type obesity value the forefoot pressure increases by 0.971% (p-value 0.97). Also, 39 out of 64 (60%) subjects with higher fat mass and 34 out of 64 (53%) subjects with greater bone mineral density (BMD) on one side had foot pressure dominance on the same side with p-value &gt;0.05. Conclusion: This study concludes that body composition parameters variably affect the foot pressure in static standing.

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis-Derived Phase Angle and Body Composition Are Predictors of Health-Related Fitness in Children and Adolescents with Obesity.

There is little evidence in children and adolescents with obesity of the relationships between muscle strength/cardiorespiratory fitness (both components of health-related fitness = HRF) and body composition. Body composition and HRF were studied in 281 children and adolescents with obesity to explore their mutual relationship and to identify the predictors of HRF. By performing a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), the fat-free mass (FFM) and percentage of body fat (%BF) were calculated, and the phase angle (PhA) was recorded. Handgrip strength (HGS), the standard broad jump (SBJ), and five broad jumps (FIVEBJ) were considered for the assessment of muscle strength, and the six-minute walking distance (SIXMWD) for cardiorespiratory fitness. The BMI Z-score was slightly higher in boys, and the %BF was higher in girls, with no difference in the FFM. HGS, the SBJ, and FIVEBJ were greater in the male sex. After controlling for sex, HGS was associated with the FFM, and with height, weight, and absolute BMI. On the contrary, the SBJ and FIVEBJ were negatively associated with adiposity, with a weak relationship with the FFM. The SIXMWD was only poorly related to height, the BMI Z-score, and the waist-to-height ratio. These results were confirmed with a multiple regression analysis. HGS, the SBJ, and FIVEBJ were higher in the first compared to the third tertile of the PhA in both sexes. The PhA also remained a consistent predictor of HGS, the SBJ, and FIVEBJ in a multiple regression analysis. In conclusion, the following predictors have been identified for HRF: the FFM for the isometric strength of the upper limbs and adiposity indicators for the SBJ and FIVEBJ. The PhA emerged as a proxy index of muscle strength.

The Scores and Manner of Performing the Stand and Reach Test in Girls and Boys of Different Body Weight.

Introduction: Flexibility is one of the components of Health-Related Fitness. The range of flexion has been the participant of numerous publications, but research into the quality of flexibility is lacking. The aim of the study has been to compare the scores and the quality of the stand and reach test in both overweight girls and boys and girls and boys with normal body weight. We have checked whether the forward bend movement is symmetrically distributed over the hip joints and the lumbar and thoracic spine and how it influences the position of the knee and ankle joints. Material and methods: 100 girls and 100 boys aged 10–14 years were examined. Flexibility was measured using the stand and reach test. The quality of the bend was assessed by examining the range of movement in individual body segments: the range of flexion of the thoracic and lumbar spine (linear measurements), the range of flexion of the hip joint, and the position of the knee and ankle joints at maximum flexion (angular measurements). The results were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The participants, especially boys, had poor flexibility. A poor stand and reach test result correlated with a lower range of flexion of the thoracic and lumbar spine, greater flexion of the hip and knee joints, and greater plantar flexion at maximum torso bend position. Although the mean stand and reach score was slightly greater for the girls, gender did not significantly differentiate the way in which the stand and reach test was performed. Being overweight also did not affect the quantity or quality of the stand and reach test. Conclusions: Limitation of flexibility is common in 10–14-year-old children and results mainly from limited mobility of the spine. The compensation for this is excessive movement in the joints of the lower extremities.

Lower fitness levels, higher fat-to-lean mass ratios, and lower cardiorespiratory endurance are more likely to affect the body mass index of Saudi children and adolescents.

BackgroundSeveral studies suggest that health-related physical fitness may play a prominent role in preventing obesity in children and adolescents.ObjectivesThe present study examined fitness levels using five components of health-related fitness in Saudi students aged 10–17 years (fat-to-lean mass ratio, cardiorespiratory endurance, upper body strength and endurance, abdominal muscle strength and endurance, and flexibility). Subsequently, the association between BMI and a health-related fitness index (HR-PFI) based on the five fitness components was investigated.MethodsThe study was conducted on 1,291 students with a mean age of 12.95 ± 1.72 years. Participants included 1,030 boys aged 12.80 ± 1.79 years, with 479 young boys (11.24 ± 0.81b years), and 551 adolescents (14.16 ± 1.21 years). Moreover, the study examined 261 girls averaging 13.54 ± 1.2 years old, with 66 young girls (11.92 ± 0.27 years), and 195 teenage girls (14.09 ± 0.85 years). Each participant's health-related fitness level was assessed by the following tests: Bioelectrical Impedance Analyzer (BIA) for body composition, one-mile run/walk test for cardiorespiratory endurance, curl-up test for abdominal muscle strength and endurance (AMSE), push-up test for upper body strength and endurance (UBSE), and back-saver sit-and-reach test for flexibility.ResultsThe overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 10.4 and 24.7% in boys and 10 and 8.4% in girls, respectively. The mean Z-scores of performances decreased from the underweight to the obese groups. BMI was positively associated with the ratio of fat mass to lean mass and negatively associated with cardiorespiratory endurance in the overall group of participants as well as in the subgroups by sex and age categories. BMI was also negatively associated with flexibility and HR-PFI in the total group, UBSE, AMSE, and HR-PFI in prepubertal boys, and UBSE in prepubertal girls. The coefficient of determination values was 0.65 in the total group, 0.72 in prepubertal boys, 0.863 in adolescent boys, 0.956 in prepubertal girls, and 0.818 in adolescent girls.ConclusionsOverall health-related physical fitness, fat-to-lean mass ratio, and cardiorespiratory endurance are the factors that most affect BMI in Saudi students aged 10 to 17.

Employing Immersive Technologies To Develop Fitness-Related Outcomes In Children And Youth: A Scoping Review

Technologies that immerse users in virtual and augmented realities are becoming more common in physical activity and sport settings. Immersive technologies may be an effective tool for developing fitness-related outcomes in children and youth. Purpose: To compile peer-reviewed empirical articles and report on the effectiveness of immersive technologies in developing fitness-related outcomes in children and youth. Methods: Education resources information centre (ERIC), SPORTDiscus, and Child Development & Adolescent Studies databases were searched using keywords for immersive technologies (i.e., augmented reality, virtual reality) and the outcomes of interest (i.e., skill- and health-related components of fitness, physical activity, exercise). Pertinent information from the relevant articles (e.g., study design, findings) was charted and emerging themes were summarized. Results: The database search yielded 19 relevant articles. 15 reported positive effects of immersive technologies on fitness-related outcomes and four articles reported no effect. Charting of these articles revealed considerable variability in the technologies considered to be immersive. Many of the articles used low- or non-immersive technologies such as Xbox Kinect and Nintendo Wii as interventions. Charting also revealed frequent use of immersive technologies in developing skill-related components of fitness in children and youth with motor and cognitive impairments. Articles that studied non-impaired children and youth most often evaluated the effectiveness of immersive technologies in improving daily physical activity behaviours. Charting further revealed a paucity of, and considerable need for research on whether immersive technologies are effective in developing skill-related components of fitness in non-impaired children. Conclusions: Immersive technologies can be effective in developing fitness-related outcomes in children and youth; however, more research is required to evaluate the effectiveness of high and full immersion technologies in developing skill-related components of fitness in non-impaired children and youth.

Effects of Isometric and Isotonic Training on Health-Related Fitness Components in Young Adults

Isometric and isotonic exercises are important modes of resistance training for enhancement of athletic performance. However, less is known about their effects on fitness and health in recreationally physically active individuals. This study evaluates the effect of isometric and isotonic training protocols on health-related fitness components in young university students. A group of one hundred males (18–24 years) underwent a 12-week isotonic and isometric training program (two days per week, 45 min per session). They were randomized into two groups, group A (n = 50) and group B (n = 50). While group A underwent the isotonic resistance training, the group B completed isometric resistance training. Prior to and after training programs, body mass index (BMI) was measured and the bench press 1RM test, sit-ups test, sit and reach test, and 12 min run/walk test were performed. Results showed significant improvements in BMI, bench press 1RM test, sit-ups test, sit and reach test, and 12 min run/walk test after both isotonic and isometric training protocols. The isotonic training group increased in BMI by 2.70%, bench press 1RM by 34.45%, number of sit-ups by 24.13%, sit and reach distance by 29.12%, and 12 min run/walk distance by 19.82%. Isometric training group increased in BMI by 1.96%, bench press 1RM by 14.23%, number of sit-ups by 7.80%, sit and reach distance by 6.92%, and 12 min run/walk distance by 6.99%. A comparison of these training protocols revealed that the isotonic group improved significantly more than the isometric group in the bench press 1RM (20.22%), number of sit-ups (16.33%), and sit and reach distance (22.2%) but not in the 12 min run/walk distance (12.83%) and BMI (0.74%). These findings indicate that both isotonic and isometric resistance training protocols improve health-related fitness components in young adults; however isotonic training is more efficient than isometric training in increasing their muscle strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility.