Improvements In Physical Fitness Research Articles

Self-initiated lifestyle changes during a fasting-mimicking diet programme in patients with type 2 diabetes: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundLifestyle changes, especially regarding diet quality and physical activity, are important in the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D). This mixed-methods study explores self-initiated lifestyle changes in patients with T2D who followed a periodic fasting-mimicking diet (FMD).MethodsQuantitative data were obtained from the Fasting In diabetes Treatment trial (November 2018 to August 2021) in which 100 participants with T2D, using metformin only or no medication, were randomised to receive a monthly 5-day FMD for twelve months next to usual care, or usual care only. Diet quality and physical activity questionnaires were completed at baseline, six and twelve months. Changes over time were analysed using linear mixed models. Focus groups were organized with FMD participants to explore experiences regarding self-initiated lifestyle changes. The qualitative data was analysed using the Theoretical Domains Framework.ResultsQuestionnaires were available from 49 FMD participants and 43 controls. No differences in diet quality were found. Total physical activity in the FMD participants changed from 34.6 to 38.5 h per week (h/wk) from baseline to twelve months, while in controls it changed from 34.9 to 29.0 h/wk (between group difference, p = 0.03). In six focus groups with FMD participants (n = 20), individual participants perceived the FMD as an encouragement for (minor) lifestyle changes. There were no barriers to behaviour change related to the FMD. Important facilitators of healthy behaviour were an increase in awareness of the impact of lifestyle on health (knowledge), better physical fitness (physical) and health improvement (reinforcement). Facilitators unrelated to the FMD included family support (social influences) and opportunities in the neighbourhood (environmental context and resources), while barriers unrelated to the FMD were experiencing health problems (physical) and social events (social influences).ConclusionsUsing an FMD for five consecutive days per month did not affect diet quality in between FMD periods in quantitative analysis, but increased the number of hours per week spent on physical activity. Qualitative analysis revealed self-initiated improvements in both diet quality and physical activity in individual participants using an FMD. Healthcare professionals could use an FMD programme as a ‘teachable moment’ to stimulate additional lifestyle changes.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov; NCT03811587. Registered 22 January 2019.

Effectiveness of Resistance Band Use in Conjunction With Tai Chi Among Older Adults With Prefrailty to Improve Functional Fitness, Quality of Life, and Heart Rate Variability.

The current randomized controlled trial aimed to bolster the physical fitness of prefrail older adults, potentially delaying their need for admission to care facilities and enhancing their overall well-being. The experimental group received a physical fitness intervention comprising resistance band use and tai chi three times per week for 12 weeks, whereas the control group received frailty-related health education. Thirty-four male participants completed the study. A total of seven items had statistically significant differences at 12- and 16-week posttest, respectively: frailty index (p = 0.03; p = 0.03); Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (p < 0.001; p < 0.001); and physical fitness, back (p < 0.001; p < 0.001); physical fitness, arm curl (p = 0.02; p < 0.001); physical activity (p < 0.001; p = 0.009); quality of life, physiological (p = 0.04; p < 0.001); and heart rate variability (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). Results revealed substantial improvements in physical fitness, frailty conditions, self-care abilities, and quality of life, but not balance or lower limb flexibility, for the experimental group. Therefore, exercise interventions may effectively improve prefrail older adults' quality of life. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50(5), 19-26.].

WALKING WITH BLOOD FLOW RESTRICTION: A NOVEL METHOD TO IMPROVE PHYSICAL FITNESS IN OLDER ADULTS?

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Alternative physical activity modalities and methods are needed to combat low adherence among older populations. Therefore, we are investigating whether blood flow restricted (BFR) walking improves measures of lower limb strength, and functional performance, compared to traditional walking in older adults. METHODS Healthy adults ≥60 years were randomised into BFR (n=5) or non-BFR (n=4) walking groups. Both groups walked outdoors, 3 days/week for 12 weeks starting at 4km/h and increasing walking speed by 0.5km/h every 4 weeks. The BFR group walked for 25min with BFR applied (60% arterial occlusion pressure) to the lower limbs in 2x 10mins bouts (separated by 5mins walking without occlusion). The non-BFR group walked for 50mins without occlusion, matching current best practice for low-moderate intensity physical activity. Participants were assessed at baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks) for knee extension maximal voluntary torque (MVTpeak) and functional capacity (four square step test [4SST], 5x sit-to-stand [STS], timed up and go [TUG], gait speed, and 6-minute walk test [6mWT]). RESULTS There were no differences at baseline between groups (p&amp;gt;0.05). Both groups improved across all measures from baseline to post-intervention, with significant effects for time observed for: 4SST (7.92±1.2s – 6.83±1.39s; p=0.035), TUG (6.16±0.81s – 5.58±0.9s; p=0.04), STS (11.30±1.70s – 10.14±1.7s; p=0.032), but not for gait speed (3.98±0.69s – 3.71±0.69s; p=0.456), 6mWT (564.72±72.13m – 601.27±64.2m; p=0.129) and MVTpeak (112.33±25.8Nm – 120.55±23.5Nm; p=0.995). No group x time effect was observed from baseline to 12 weeks (p&amp;gt;0.05). SUMMARY The current results demonstrate significant improvements in functional measures (4SST, TUG, STS) from baseline to post-intervention, with no differences observed between groups. This indicates that low-intensity BFR walking may provide comparable physical fitness improvements to non-BFR walking while completing only 50% of the volume.

1930년대 말 국민체력저하 문제의 대두와 사회적 대응

In 1936, General Teraiichi Derauchi raised concerns about the declining national physical fitness during a regular assembly. This statement paved the way for the establishment of the Welfare Department in 1938. The recognition of the national physical fitness decline as an urgent issue by the army emerged around the mid-1930s. The army had been continuously analyzing the results of conscription examinations. Experiences utilizing the results of conscription examinations in the “Excellent Excellent young man Village Award(優良壯丁市町村表彰)” project conducted by the Asahi Shimbun in 1934, along with the appointment of Chikahiko Koizumi(小泉親彦) as the Director of the Medical Officer, prompted a re-evaluation of the physical fitness issue among servicemen. Subsequently, Koizumi's analysis of the national physical fitness issue led to General Koizumi's remarks. Subsequently, through academic research and mass media, the issue spread socially. Initially, the “Japan Society for the Promotion of Science(日本學術振興會)” established a related committee to initiate scientific examination. The research findings highlighted the necessity for accurate data to assess the nation's physical fitness. These academic research results provided a policy definition for 'physical fitness' and laid the groundwork for the National Physical Fitness Law(國民體力法) enacted in 1940. Asahi Newspaper(朝日新聞社), a prominent mass media outlet, provided a platform for the formation of societal consensus on the issue of national physical fitness. Particularly noteworthy is the 'National Physical Fitness Improvement Symposium(國民體力向上座談會)' held in June 1937. Government officials, along with experts from various fields including academia, labor, and sports, attended this symposium to discuss the causes of the decline in national physical fitness and potential improvement measures. Not only were policy perspectives discussed, but also vividly conveyed were the issues faced in practical settings. As a result of these processes, societal awareness of the issue of national physical fitness spread, and there was a growing chorus calling for alternative solutions to address it. The discussions and awareness spread at the societal level would go on to have a significant impact on the subsequent policy-making process. In other words, the national importance of the issue of national physical fitness, symbolized by the establishment of the Welfare Department during the wartime period, was shaped not only by political responses but also by the convergence of societal interest and awareness.

Health-based physical education in an elementary school: effects on physical self-concept, motivation, fitness and physical activity

ABSTRACT Background Promoting and developing health in Physical Education should not be limited to seeking to meet recommendations for physical activity and to increase motor competence or physical fitness, but should provide students with the motivation, confidence and knowledge required for them to be active for life. The Health-based Physical Education model (HbPE) is one of the most interesting models for health development. It takes a holistic perspective of health that is compatible with the salutogenic approach, where promoting and appreciating an active life is a core element (Haerens et al. 2011). Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a Health-based Physical Education programme on health-related factors (physical fitness and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity), emotional well-being (self-esteem and physical self-concept), and motivational factors (intention to be physically active and the degree of self-determination during practice). Methods A quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-test measures was applied to a sample composed of 131 schoolchildren aged 10 to 12 years (M = 10.87 ± 0.69) belonging to six randomly assigned class groups: three to the experimental group (n = 67) and three to the control group (n = 64). The experimental group participated in an intervention programme based on the HbPE model linked to a set of strategies to promote commitment, motivation and participation, while the control group completed a traditional programme for physical fitness improvement. As measures, we used Polar® HR monitors, the ALPHA-Fitness battery, the Motivation in Physical Education Questionnaire in Primary Education, the Intention to Be Physically Active Scale and the Pictorial Scale of Physical Self-Concept for Younger Children. Findings The experimental group showed higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and a significant increase in physical fitness, including a reduction in BMI. Moreover, this group presented improvements in socio-emotional self-esteem, intrinsic motivation and the intention to be physically active. Nevertheless, against our hypothesis, quantitative analyses indicated no differences in physical self-concept. Conclusion These results support the use of HbPE as a model for designing and implementing health-promoting programmes that are compatible with a salutogenic approach. Apart from increasing physical activity and improving physical fitness, such programmes would provide knowledge and attitudes to foster practice beyond school.

The effect of different high-intensity interval training protocols on cardiometabolic and inflammatory markers in sedentary young women: A randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Few studies have reported the cardiovascular health effects of different high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols among sedentary young women. We investigated the impact of a traditional HIIT programme and a high-intensity circuit training (HICT) programme on lipid profiles and inflammatory cytokine levels in sedentary young women. Forty-two women were randomly assigned to HICT (body weight-based training), HIIT (cycling-based training), or control groups (n = 14 each). HICT and HIIT participants completed an 8-week training programme of three sessions per week. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride, high- and low-density lipoprotein, leptin, resistin, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-8, and interferon-gamma levels were measured before and after the intervention. Post-intervention, TC and leptin were decreased in the HICT group. The HICT group also demonstrated increased lean mass, upper and lower limb strength, and balance, while the HIIT group displayed improved lower limb strength. Additionally, the control group showed significant increases in triglyceride levels, weight, body mass index, and fat mass. In conclusion, although both HICT and HIIT interventions showed improvements in cardiovascular health and physical fitness, participants in the HICT group experienced more health benefits.

Activating cancer communities through an exercise strategy for survivors: an effectiveness-implementation trial

IntroductionStrong evidence supports the recommendation that individuals living with or beyond cancer (LWBC) should be physically active and engage in physical exercise to enhance health and improve cancer-related outcomes. Many individuals LWBC are not achieving these benefits, partly due to a lack of resources. To address this, Activating Cancer Communities through an Exercise Strategy for Survivors (ACCESS) was developed to provide exercise programming and investigate exercise strategies and barriers for those LWBC.MethodsUsing an effectiveness-implementation design, adults LWBC joined ACCESS by healthcare provider or self-referral. A clinical exercise physiologist triaged participants to either a hospital-based site or one of two community-based sites to complete a 12-week, 24-session multimodal individualized exercise program. Physical fitness and multiple patient-reported outcomes were measured pre- and post-intervention.ResultsBetween January 2018 and March 2020, there were 332 referrals. Of these, 122 participants consented and completed the study. Completing ACCESS was associated with improvements in physical fitness and participant-reported outcomes, including general wellbeing, fatigue, negative emotional states, sleep quality, and exercise self-efficacy. The program was well-received by participants and was deemed feasible and acceptable from an implementation perspective.DiscussionThe ACCESS program demonstrably improved several health outcomes for individuals LWBC. Implementation outcomes have and continue to guide ongoing efforts to improve accessibility to ACCESS and work with the regional health authority and cancer care program to support the adoption of exercise into standard oncology care.Clinical trial registrationclinicaltrials.gov, identifier [NCT03599843].

Neuroelectric indices of pre-motor planning and adiposity are selectively related to balance in children

BackgroundMotor function and weight status are components of physical fitness that have been implicated in childhood motor and cognitive development. The lateralized readiness potential (LRP), an index of motor planning and action, can provide context surrounding relationships between fitness and brain activity underlying cognitive and motor functions. This study evaluated the relationship between the LRP and motor skills, as well as associations between weight status and neural and behavioral motor functions. MethodsChildren aged 7–13 (n = 35) participated in a cross-sectional study, using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children 2nd edition (MABC-2) to assess balance, manual dexterity, and aiming/catching. The stimulus- (LRP-S) and response-locked (LRP-R) LRPs were elicited from a modified flanker task. Stepwise regressions tested the association between LRPs and MABC-2 components. Linear regressions were conducted to examine BMI and %Fat in relation to LRPs and MABC-2 components. ResultsAnalyses revealed that LRP-S mean amplitude difference (β = 0.401, P = 0.042) and reaction time interference scores (β = 0.545, P = 0.004) were positively associated with balance, after adjusting for covariates. The LRP-S and interference scores did not predict other MABC-2 outcomes and LRP-R did not predict any MABC-2 components. Further, %Fat (β = −0.439, P = 0.044), not BMI (β = −0.364, P = 0.082), only predicted balance. ConclusionWe found that changes in the LRP-S amplitude were positively associated with balance, and %Fat was negatively related to balance. This evidence is that fitness components such as weight status and coordination are related to neural markers of motor function which may be useful in intervention designs aimed to improve brain function via improvements in physical fitness and health behaviors.

Point: Center-Based Pulmonary Rehabilitation Is the Standard.

Currently, a major pulmonary rehabilitation focus is on expanding access. At-home rehabilitation is being explored as an in-center pulmonary rehabilitation alternative. It has been asserted that in-home pulmonary rehabilitation confers similar benefits to in-center pulmonary rehabilitation. An extensive database documents that in-center pulmonary rehabilitation confers a range of patient-relevant benefits. Recently, evidence has been presented that in-center pulmonary rehabilitation improves survival, perhaps the most important benefit of all. It can be argued that improvements in physical fitness, assessed as exercise capacity, are mechanistically related to survival improvements. Therefore, in-home rehabilitation must demonstrate exercise capacity improvements similar to those regularly seen in-center to be considered equivalent. A literature search identified 11 studies that compared in-home with in-center pulmonary rehabilitation for COPD that recorded exercise tolerance outcomes. Despite being described as in-home programs, almost all featured prefatory in-center evaluation; some featured in-home visits by rehabilitation professionals. In 6 of the 11 studies, only walking exercise was prescribed. Only 3 included 2-way audio/visual patient-therapist contact. With regard to exercise outcomes; in 3, there was greater in-center group improvement; in 4, outcomes were similar; and, in 4, the in-center group failed to demonstrate clinically important exercise outcome increases; decidedly mixed results. Importantly, in 8 of 11 studies, the 6-min walk test was an exercise outcome. It is argued that the 6-min walk test does not generally elicit physiologically maximum responses and cannot be used to assess exercise capacity improvements. Of the 4 studies that used other exercise outcomes, in 2, exercise endurance increase was similar between in-home and in-center groups; in the other 2, the in-center group had superior improvements. Mixed results indeed! In conclusion, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that in-home pulmonary rehabilitation yields improvements equivalent to center-based programs in physical function, the outcome likely driving long-term prognosis. Moreover, it needs to be established which of the wide variety of in-home program designs now being offered should be promoted.

Safety and efficacy evaluation of personalized exercise prescription during chemotherapy for lung cancer patients.

To explore the safety and effectiveness of personalized exercise intervention during chemotherapy for lung cancer patients who were relatively weak and with compromised cardiopulmonary function. Thirty-eight lung cancer patients treated with chemotherapy at Peking University Third Hospital were enrolled in this prospective study. The exercise group (N = 21) received individualized exercise guidance based on personal test results and exercised regularly, while the control group (N = 17) only received exercise education and planed exercise methods according to their own preferences. Both groups underwent three fitness tests and clinical indicator assessments at 0, 6, and 12 weeks after starting the exercise, and the differences in trends of various indicators between the two groups were compared. No exercise-related adverse events occurred during the 12-week exercise period. After 12 weeks of exercise training, in terms of fitness, the exercise group showed significant improvements in 6-min walk test (6MWT) (p < 0.001), peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) (p = 0.005), muscle content (p < 0.001), muscle percentage (p < 0.001), and grip strength (p = 0.008) compared to the control group. In terms of clinical indicators, the exercise group showed significant improvements in vital capacity (p = 0.018), D-dimer (p = 0.031), and C-reactive protein (CRP) (p = 0.01), uric acid (p = 0.003), triglycerides (p < 0.001), functional average score (p < 0.001), and main symptom average score (p = 0.004) compared to the control group in trends over time. Rehabilitation exercises using individualized exercise prescriptions tailored by exercise prescription specialists during chemotherapy are safe for lung cancer patients. Adhering to exercise can achieve comprehensive improvements in physical fitness and quality of life at 12 weeks.

Physical exercise: a polypill against chronic kidney disease.

We are currently facing a pandemic of physical inactivity that might contribute to the growing prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here, we summarize currently available evidence on the association between physical activity and CKD, and also review the effects of exercise intervention in affected patients. Physical activity/exercise might act as a polypill against CKD, preventing its development or even exerting beneficial effects once it is established (i.e. improvements in patients' physical fitness and cardiovascular risk, as well as in kidney function). Exercise benefits are also found at advanced CKD stages or in patients under hemodialysis. The biological mechanisms behind the clinical evidence are also discussed. An active lifestyle appears as a cornerstone in CKD prevention and management.

Weight loss and lifestyle intervention for cardiorespiratory fitness in obstructive sleep apnea: The INTERAPNEA trial

IntroductionAlthough recent trials have shown benefits of weight loss and lifestyle interventions on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity and comorbidities, the effect of these interventions on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of an interdisciplinary weight loss and lifestyle intervention on CRF and self-reported physical fitness in adults with OSA. MethodsEighty-nine men aged 18–65 years with moderate-to-severe OSA and a body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 were randomly assigned to a usual-care group or an 8-week interdisciplinary weight loss and lifestyle intervention. CRF was assessed through the 2-km walking test, and the International Fitness Scale (IFIS) was used to assess self-reported physical fitness. ResultsAs compared with usual-care, the intervention group had greater improvements at intervention endpoint in objective CRF (6% reduction in 2-km walking test total time, mean between-group difference, −1.7 min; 95% confidence interval, −2.3 to −1.1), and self-reported overall physical fitness (18% increase in IFIS total score, mean between-group difference, 2.3; 95% CI 1.2 to 3.3). At 6 months after intervention, the intervention group also had greater improvements in both 2-km walking test total time (10% reduction) and IFIS total score (22% increase), with mean between-group differences of −2.5 (CI 95%, −3.1 to −1.8) and 3.0 (CI 95%, 1.8 to 4.1), respectively. ConclusionsAn 8-week interdisciplinary weight loss and lifestyle intervention resulted in significant and sustainable improvements in CRF and self-reported physical fitness in men with overweight/obesity and moderate-to-severe OSA. Study registrationClinicalTrials.gov registration (NCT03851653)

Influence of Physical Activity on Health-Related Fitness in Young Adults: An Observational Research.

Health-related fitness directly depends on the level of physical activity of the individual. Inactivity contributes to around 3.3% of all deaths, making the lack of exercise and sedentary lifestyles among the young generation a current source of concern. There is a paucity of research on the association between PA and health-related physical fitness among young people. In the perspective of this, the objective of this research was to find out the effect of PA levels on physical fitness in healthy adults. A total of 419 students between the ages of 18 and 25 participated in this cross-sectional survey. The "Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ)" was used to evaluate the PA. Their body fat percentage was measured using a skin fold caliper, followed by measurement of VO2max using a gas analyzer and hand grip strength and endurance assessment with the help of a computerized dynamometer. For statistical analysis, Karl Pearson's correlation coefficients and the ANOVA test were utilized. PA was positively correlated with VO2 max (r=0.429), and handgrip strength (r=0.408) while negatively correlated with body fat % (r=-.315). VO2 max, body fat, and hand grip strength differ significantly amongst participants having different physical activity levels. (p-value =<0.05). This research concludes that PA is associated with physical fitness. PA will lead to a definite improvement in overall physical fitness. With the help of the results of this study, young adults can be motivated for physical fitness.

P744 Evaluation of a lifestyle program based on physical activity on quality of life and fatigue in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: a pilot study

Abstract Background Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) tend to be less physical active, whilst maintaining an active lifestyle has been associated with enhanced disease control, diminished fatigue and improved quality of life. The primary objective was to evaluate the potential impact on physical fitness, fatigue, quality of life and disease control of a specially designed exercise program for IBD patients. Methods Patients with IBD, treated at two teaching hospitals in the southwest of the Netherlands, participated in a 16-week exercise program (IBD-Fit) between March until June 2023. The program was designed especially for patients with IBD to sport with peers and was adjusted to a patient's fitness level. Improvement of physical fitness (measured with body composition, grip strength, sit-and-reach test, Y-balance test and 6-minute walk test) was analysed. In addition, patients were asked to fill in validated questionnaires at baseline and at the end of the program (IBD-Quality of life, IBD-Fatigue and IBD-control), to assess the effect of the exercise program on quality of life, fatigue and disease control. For statistical analyses, a paired t-test or Wilcoxon matched paired rank test was used. Results A total of 27/32 patients completed the entire exercise program, with a mean age of 50.4 years (SD 12.5), 40.7% were male, 48.1% had Crohn’s disease and 51.9% had ulcerative colitis (table 1). After 16 weeks, body composition, such as BMI and muscle mass improved compared to baseline; fat percentage significantly decreased (32.3 to 29.7%; Z=-2.983; P=0.003). Physical fitness improved significantly, based on the sit-and-reach test (23 to 29 cm; Z=-3.03; P=0.002), the absolute reach distance of the Y-balance test (73.7 to 79 cm; Z=-2.77; P=0.006), and the mean distance during a 6-minute walk test (505.2 to 557.5 m; 95%CI 32.6 – 72.2; P&amp;lt;0.001). Grip strength showed no significant improvement. Quality of life improved on average with 8.0 points on the IBDQ. The Systemic Symptoms domain improved significantly (mean difference 2.7; 95%CI 0.1–5.4, P=0.043). The program significantly improved fatigue scores (Z = -2.296, P=0.022). Disease control showed no significant improvement after the program. Overall, patients were very satisfied with the exercise program. Average rating was 8.6 out of 10. Conclusion This pilot study in a small number of patients shows that a specially designed exercise program has a positive effect on IBD patients. These results underline the importance to broaden our standard of care and can be used as a steppingstone to implement the program on a larger scale and ultimately become part of the standard of care for patients with IBD.

An analysis of the influence of physical activity break on primary school student fitness

To avoid issues with primary school pupils' sedentary lifestyle and fitness, it is important to evaluate how long they sit while studying in class. This study aims to ascertain 1) the impact of physical activity breaks on elementary school students' physical fitness, and 2) the variation in the improvement in physical fitness of elementary school students between the group with physical activity break intervention and the group without intervention. This is a quasi-experimental study with a Pretest-Posttest Control Group Design. The study's subjects were Yogyakarta Syuhada Mosque School elementary school children aged 7 to 9. The cluster random sampling method was employed to choose the research sample, with 40 students serving as the experimental group and 40 serving as the control group. A physical fitness test was used to collect data for this research. The paired T test was employed in the first analysis to examine the effect of physical activity break treatments on students' fitness. The Mann-Whitney Test was employed in the following data analysis to determine the difference in the outcomes of the rise between the experimental group and the control group. The results of the paired T test concluded that physical activity breaks had an influence on the dimensions of physical fitness which included the dimensions of speed with a value of sig 0.0, Agility sig 0.001, Arm Power sig 0.0, Leg Power sig 0.0, and flexibility sig 0.003. Based on the improvement results of each group, there were differences between the experimental group and the control group based on the Mann-Whitney Test sig value. Increase in speed sig 0.0, agility sig 0.032, arm power sig 0.0, and leg power sig 0.02. There is no difference in the flexibility dimension between the experimental group and the control group with a sig value of 0.908. Effect size with Cohen's formulation and criteria for the experimental group in the dimensions of speed 1.16 (high), agility 0.59 (moderate), flexibility -0.51 (very low), arm power 1.55 (high), leg power 0.87 (moderate). Because of the good impact on the dimensions of physical fitness, physical activity breaks can be incorporated in primary schools. In this day and age, physical activity breaks could be a solution to students' low fitness and sedentary lifestyle issues. Key words: physical activity break, primary school, student fitness

Unraveling the "golden ratio": a pilot study investigating acute-to-chronic workload ratio in breast cancer patients undergoing active treatment.

Training load monitoring is a common practice in sports medicine for supporting athletes' health and performance. Despite progress in exercise oncology research for breast cancer patients, training load monitoring is underutilized. This study retrospectively investigated the relationship between maintained training load within a defined range and physical and health outcomes of ten breast cancer patients during active anticancer treatment who underwent a 12-week exercise program. Intervention consisted of endurance and resistance training, three times a week, with each session lasting 30-45min. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks after enrollment, evaluating physical function (6-min walk test-6MWT, and sit-to-stand), muscle strength, body composition, sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index-Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), quality of life (EORTC-QLQ-C30), heart rate variability and physical activity levels (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-International Physical Activity Questionnaire). The Physiological Cost Index/Energy Expenditure Index (PCI/EEI) was estimated using the 6MWT and Heart rate. Training load monitoring was performed by session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE, relative intensity multiplying with session duration). Acute-to-Chronic Workload Ratio (ACWR) (7:28, rolling average) was calculated accordingly. Analyses were performed within-subjects across time points and between-subjects, comparing those who maintained from weeks 6-12 an ACWR of 0.8-1.3 with those who did not. Adherence rates were similar between groups. Physical function improved in the total sample with large effect sizes (Δ6MWT = 56.5m [95%CI: 6-100m], effect size [w] = 0.52, p = 0.006; ΔSit-to-Stand = 1.5 [95%CI: 1-5], effect size [w] = 0.681, p < 0.001), demonstrating greater changes in patients with higher ACWR. Sleep quality improvements were higher in the appropriate ACWR group (p = 0.016). A positive correlation was demonstrated between global health status and 6MWT change from baseline to 12 weeks (ρ = 0.689, p = 0.04). Despite a small sample size, patients maintaining sufficient relative training load presented greater physical fitness and sleep quality improvements. Thus, training load monitoring may enhance exercise program benefits in breast cancer patients under active treatment.

Major Dietary Patterns, Exercise Addiction, and Eating Disorders Among a Sample of Physically Active Young Adults.

Regular exercise has been widely acknowledged for its numerous health benefits, including improvements in physical fitness, body function, and mental well-being. However, excessive exercise and unhealthy dietary patterns can lead to adverse effects on individuals' physical and psychological well-being. This study aimed to examine the association of dietary patterns, exercise addiction, and eating disorders among physically active young adults. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 200 physically active young adults aged 18-35 years were included. The participants' dietary intake was assessed using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) consisting of 80 food items. To determine dietary patterns, factor analysis was employed. Exercise addiction was evaluated using The Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI) and Exercise Dependence Questionnaire (EDQ), and eating disorders were assessed using The Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire Short (EDE-QS). Three main dietary patterns were identified: western, healthy, and traditional dietary patterns. The western dietary pattern was associated with increased waist-to-hip ratio (P = .01) that remained significant after adjustment for confounders (eg, age, gender, BMI, and physical activity P = .03), while the adherence to traditional dietary pattern was linked to higher waist circumference and body shape index (P < .05). Participants that followed the healthy dietary pattern showed a higher score of EAI and body shape concern (P = .04). Furthermore, in structural equation modelling (SEM), eating disorder was identified as a significant positive predictor of exercise addiction (r = .17, P < .05). According to our finding, those with the higher adherence to healthy dietary pattern had higher scores of exercise addiction and body shape concern. Also, eating disorder was a potential predictor of exercise addiction among young physically active individuals. Further research and targeted interventions are needed to better understand these complex relationships and develop effective strategies to promote healthy behaviors and mitigate the risk of adverse outcomes.

A Comparative Study of the Effectiveness of Exercise Training in Promoting Physical Fitness and Health in College Students

Abstract As we all know, a healthy body is a guarantee that students to do better in their studies, so students’ health should not be neglected in the process of students’ development. This study examines the impact of exercise training on the physical health of college students by combining college physical education teaching and exercise training. Sixty students from a college in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, were selected as experimental subjects. The effect of exercise training on college students’ physical fitness and health promotion was studied using pre- and post-test analysis of data, correlation analysis, and multiple regression, and an independent t-test was performed on the study subjects. There were significant differences (P&lt;0.05) in the physical fitness of the students in the experimental group. The only indicators that did not show significant differences were the seated forward bend, the 800-meter run, and the 1000-meter run, where the P values were &gt;0.05. There is no significant difference between the indicators of physical function. It indicates that sports training has a significant effect on promoting physical fitness improvement in students. The students’ body mechanics and physical fitness improved significantly after 12 weeks of sports training. It shows that exercise training helps to improve students’ body mechanics and physical fitness. There was a multidimensional association between students’ physical fitness and athletic training skills, and there was a significant positive correlation between students’ functional movements, physical fitness, and body mechanics on total athletic training, recovery training, and sports fitness training.

A Study on Synergistic Improvement of Physical Fitness and Skills of Basketball Players Based on Big Data

Abstract This paper proposes a strategy for synergistic improvement of physical fitness and skills of basketball players with the content of big data analysis of decision-making of physical fitness training programs and estimation of the human posture of basketball players. The data related to physical training and testing are processed using neural network methods, and a priori algorithms with continuous attributes discretize the data to realize data fragmentation and prevent data distortion caused by intrinsic correlation so as to build up a technical and methodological platform for physical training programs. At the same time, the basketball action posture estimation algorithm based on multi-scale spatiotemporal correlation features is proposed, and the human body temporal sequence feature capture module based on Transformer is constructed to improve the accuracy of basketball action posture estimation to meet the needs of skill training. The men’s basketball team of Shandong Agricultural University in China was used as a research object to carry out basketball physical fitness and skill training practices. The experimental group’s basketball players’ performance in barbell bench press and weighted squat was 11.06kg and 10.05kg more than that of the control group. Their performance in 3/4-court sprint running, and return running. Restriction-area footwork was 0.52s, 2.16s, and 1.97s faster than that of the control group, with significant differences in basketball skills, such as 14-meter round-trip straight-line dribbling around the pole and 30-second in situ spotting of two-handed chest pass (the first time in the experimental group). Basketball skills showed significant differences (P&lt;0.05).

PHYSICAL FITNESS OF WOMEN UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF TAE BO EXERCISE

The aim of this research was to determine the changes in the physical fitness of women who recreationally practice tae bo. 15 female exercisers between 25 and 40 years old, who have been practicing this recreational exercise for at least a year, participated in the research which lasted for four months. For assessing physical fitness V test, Back Scratch Test (right and left), 2 minute Step in Place Test, Trunk Flexor and Extensor, Squat Test, Arm Curl Test, Hexagon Agility Test and Modified Agility „T“ Test were used. To determine changes, analysis of variance for dependent samples and post hoc analysis were used. After the tae bo program, which lasted for four months, it was determined that most of the tests showed statistically significant changes of different levels of significance. It is concluded that the tae bo program effectively influenced the improvement of women's physical fitness after four months of performance.