Low Fitness Group Research Articles

The Association Between Mild Cognitive Impairment and Physical Function in Older Japanese Adults Aged 75 Years or Older Living in Independent Senior Housing: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background/Objective: Although there are many reports on the association between cognitive and physical functions in older adults, little information is available on those aged ≥75 years. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older adults over 75 years who live in independent senior housing is associated with physical function. Methods: In this study, 271 participants (174 women and 97 men) with a mean age of 85.4 ± 4.7 years were included. Cognitive function was assessed using the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment; a score < 26 confirmed MCI. MCI was an objective variable in univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Physical function was measured using hand grip strength, normal and maximum gait speeds, and the 30 s chair stand test. Physical function was an explanatory variable adjusted for age and divided into tertiles (high, middle, and low) based on sex. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: There were 170 participants (63%) with MCI. Compared to the non-MCI group, the MCI group had significantly higher age and significantly lower normal and maximum gait speeds and 30 s chair stand test values Age-adjusted univariate analyses in women showed higher MCI rates in the low-fitness group than in the high-fitness group for maximum gait speed and 30 s chair stand test values. No variables were associated with MCI in men. Conclusions: MCI may be associated with physical function in women and older adults over 75 years who live in independent senior housing.

The effect of ideal body mass index and physical fitness level on dysmenorrhea reduction

Many women experience dysmenorrhea, which affects their daily activities due to physical and psychological symptoms. This study aims to analyze the impact of an ideal body mass index (BMI) and physical fitness level on reducing dysmenorrhea. An experimental research approach with a control group pretest-posttest design was employed. The study involved 92 female students, with a final sample of 80 divided into high and low-fitness groups. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, ensuring they had an ideal BMI, regular menstrual cycles, and experienced dysmenorrhea. Data collection included questionnaires on demographics, BMI, menstrual characteristics, pain intensity, pain quality, and a 2.400 m Cooper physical fitness test. The results revealed that participants with an ideal BMI and high physical fitness showed a significant reduction in dysmenorrhea, with an average decrease of 35,95 and a standard deviation of 4,681. Those with an ideal BMI but low physical fitness also experienced a reduction, with an average decrease of 31,4 and a standard deviation of 1,827. The study concludes that ideal BMI and physical fitness significantly influence the reduction of dysmenorrhea, with a more pronounced effect in those with higher physical fitness levels. Factors such as BMI, diet, and exercise routine are critical in managing dysmenorrhea. Keywords: body mass index, physical fitness, dysmenorrhea, menstrual pain, women’s health

Association of adipose tissue inflammation and physical fitness in older adults

An active lifestyle is of key importance for reduction of obesity and inflammation, as well as circulating levels of adipokines. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess the relationship of physical fitness with chronic inflammatory status, and to evaluate biomarkers useful in the analysis of adipose tissue dysfunction. Sixty-three older adults (69.6 ± 5.1 years) were allocated to a high n = 31 (women n = 23 and men n = 8 male) or low physical fitness n = 32 (women n = 29 and men n = 3) group based on gait speed values (1.4–1.8 m/s or ≤ 1.3 m/s). The gait speed correlated with hand grip strength (rs = 0.493, p = 0.0001) and with leptin level (R = -0.372, p = 0.003), which shows the benefits of physical activity on muscle strength and circulating adipokines. In low physical fitness group, 58.1% individuals had adiponectin to leptin ratio (Adpn/Lep) < 0.5 revealing dysfunction of adipose tissue and high cardiometabolic risk; 20% of the group were obese with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. In high physical fitness group, 25.8% of individuals had Adpn/Lep ≥ 1.0 i.e., within the reference range. Markers of systemic inflammation were significantly related to physical fitness: CRP/gait speed (rs = -0.377) and HMGB-1/gait speed (rs = -0.264). The results of the ROC analysis for Adpn (AUC = 0.526), Lep (AUC = 0.745) and HMGB-1 (AUC = 0.689) indicated their diagnostic potential for clinical prognosis in older patients. The optimal threshold values corresponded to 1.2 μg/mL for Adpn (sensitivity 74.2%, specificity 41.9%, OR = 1.4, 95%Cl 0.488–3.902), 6.7 ng/mL for Lep (sensitivity 56.2%, specificity 93.5%, OR = 14.8, 95%Cl 3.574–112.229), 2.63 mg/L for CRP (sensitivity 51.6%, specificity 84.3%, OR = 4.4, 95% Cl 1.401- 16.063) and 34.2 ng/mL for HMGB-1 (sensitivity 62.0%, specificity 86.6%, OR = 12.0, 95%Cl 3.254—61.614). The highest sensitivity and specificity were observed for Leptin and HMGB-1. The study revealed changes in inflammatory status in older adults at various levels of physical fitness and demonstrated diagnostic usefulness of adipokines in the assessment of adipose tissue inflammation.

P135 FITNESS INFLUENCES THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EXERCISE BLOOD PRESSURE AND LEFT VENTRICULAR STRUCTURE: EVIDENCE FROM THE EXERCISE STRESS TEST COLLABORATION (EXERTION) STUDY

Background. A hypertensive response to exercise is associated with left ventricular (LV) remodelling, a principal sign of hypertensive heart disease. Fitness may modify this relationship, making clinical interpretation of peak exercise systolic blood pressure (SBP) challenging. This study examines the influence of fitness on the relationship between peak exercise SBP and LV structure. Methods. Cardiovascular structure and function (LV mass index (LVMI), LV relative wall thickness (RWT), cardiac output (CO) and total peripheral resistance (TPR)) were assessed at rest by echocardiography on 4,309 individuals (aged 58.6±12.7 years,52.0% male). SBP was measured at peak treadmill exercise, and fitness (exercise duration (minutes)) was grouped into thirds. Multiple regression analysis was conducted with fitness as an interaction term with peak exercise SBP, adjusted for age, sex, pre-exercise SBP, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) history. Results. Peak exercise SBP was similar across low (180±26.5mmHg), moderate (181±26.3mmHg) and high (182±24.5mmHg) fitness groups. Fitness modified the relationship between exercise SBP and LVMI; each 5mmHg increase in exercise SBP was associated with LVMI in moderate [0.27(0.10–0.43) and high [0.25(0.06–0.43)] fitness groups, which was not observed among those with low fitness [-0.05(-0.22–0.12)]. RWT increased with higher peak exercise SBP at all fitness levels (all p&lt;0.001), with higher values among those with low fitness. Prevalence of LV concentric remodelling was highest in those with low fitness (29.9%) and lowest in those with high fitness (10.8%). A lower CO and higher TPR were observed in the low fitness group (7.5±2.5L/min and 14.3±5.1mmHg min/L) compared to those with high fitness (10.9±3.1L/min and 9.2±2.09mmHg min/L). Conclusion. Whilst a small effect, fitness modified the peak exercise SBP-LV structure relationship, such that for similar peak exercise SBP, those with low fitness exhibit a more adverse LV remodelling, with lower CO and higher TPR, compared to those with higher fitness. Considering fitness when interpreting SBP and cardiac imaging results from exercise stress testing may be relevant in identifying CVD risk and optimal patient management.

Executive functions in male and female older adults with aligned levels of VO2max.

Studies have shown a positive relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and executive functioning in older adults. Although this relationship has been well established, there seems to be a gap in the literature on the role of sex differences concerning CRF and executive functions. The current study aimed to assess the effect of sex in the relationship between CRF and cognition in older adults by stratifying the results to examine effects in males and females. Ninety-six older adults (61 females) gave their written, informed consent to participate in this cross-sectional study. All participants underwent a maximal continuous graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer to assess their maximal oxygen uptake (VO<inf>2max</inf>) and a computerized Stroop task (naming, inhibition, and switching) to assess their executive functions. According to VO<inf>2max</inf> test results and the American College of Sports Medicine's guidelines, females and males were classified into higher-fit and lower-fit groups. A general linear model and estimated marginal means analyses were applied. Results showed no significant differences in the naming, inhibition and switching performance tests between male and female older adults (P>0.05). Based on the observed positive relationship between CRF and executive functioning, the data of the current study supports the idea that aerobic exercise, which typically increases CRF, is well-situated to improve executive functioning in older adults, irrespective of sex.

Analyzing the Moderating Effect of Physical Fitness on the Relationship between Abdominal Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Older Women

PURPOSE This study aimed to analyze the moderating effect of physical fitness on the relationship between abdominal obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in older women.METHODS A total of 190 participants were categorized based on waisthip ratio (WHR) into high (50%) and low (50%) groups, as well as based on Z-score of fitness into high (25%; high fit), moderate (50%; moderate fit), and low (25%; low fit) groups. Logistic regression was used to assess the relative risk of MetS based on abdominal obesity and fitness levels, and moderation analysis using the Process macro was conducted to explore the moderating effect of fitness on the relationship between abdominal obesity and MetS risk factors.RESULTS After adjusting forcovariates, logistic regression showed that high WHR (odds ratio (OR)=2.721, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=0.004) led to a significantly higher risk of MetS compared with low WHR; the high fit group (OR=0.360, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=0.044) had a significantly lower risk of MetS compared wih the low fit group. Moderation analysis revealed that the impact of abdominal obesity on MetS risk factors varied depending on the level of fitness (&lt;i&gt;β&lt;/i&gt;=-0.495, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=0.037), and the results remained significant after covariate adjustment (&lt;i&gt;β&lt;/i&gt;=-0.458, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=0.049).CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that the risk of MetS from abdominal obesity can be mitigated by higher levels of physical fitness. These findings highlight the need for participation in regular physical activity to maintain a high level of fitness, along with proper nutritional intake, to prevent MetS in older women.

Effects of acute aerobic exercise on resting state functional connectivity of motor cortex in college students

This study intends to inspect the effects of acute aerobic exercise (AE) on resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) in motor cortex of college students and the moderating effect of fitness level. Methods: 20 high fitness level college students and 20 ordinary college students were recruited in public. Subjects completed 25 min of moderate- and high-intensity acute aerobic exercise respectively by a bicycle ergometer, and the motor cortex’s blood oxygen signals in resting state were monitored by functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS, the Shimadzu portable Light NIRS, Japan) in pre- and post-test. Results: At the moderate intensity level, the total mean value of RSFC pre- and post-test was significantly different in the high fitness level group (pre-test 0.62 ± 0.18, post-test 0.51 ± 0.17, t(19) = 2.61, p = 0.02, d = 0.58), but no significant change was found in the low fitness level group. At the high-intensity level, there was no significant difference in the difference of total RSFC between pre- and post-test in the high and low fitness group. According to and change trend of 190 “edges”: at the moderate-intensity level, the number of difference edges in the high fitness group (d = 0.58, 23) were significantly higher than those in the low fitness group (d = 0.32, 15), while at high-intensity level, there was a reverse trend between the high fitness group (d = 0.25, 18) and the low fitness group (d = 0.39, 23). Conclusions: moderate-intensity AE can cause significant changes of RSFC in the motor cortex of college students with high fitness, while high fitness has a moderating effect on the relationship between exercise intensity and RSFC. RSFC of people with high fitness is more likely to be affected by AE and show a wider range of changes.

Physical fitness is an independent predictor of chronic kidney disease development in apparently healthy individuals.

The cardiovascular and metabolic benefits of physical activity have been studied at length, however, data on the association between physical fitness and progression to kidney disease is lacking. We aimed to identify the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among the healthy population. We retrospectively investigated 11,579 healthy self-referred subjects who underwent annual medical screening. All subjects had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) above 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, no known kidney disease, hematuria or proteinuria, and were free of diabetes or cardiovascular disease at baseline. All participants completed a maximal exercise test, and were categorized into low and high cardiorespiratory fitness groups based on age- and gender-specific quintiles. The primary end point was the development of significant CKD defined as eGFR below 45 ml/min/1.73 m2 during follow-up. Median follow-up was 7.6 years, and the participants' median age was 50 ± 8 years. Baseline creatinine and eGFR were 1.02 mg/dl and 81 ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively. During follow-up, 81 (0.6%) participants developed CKD, and the cumulative probability was significantly higher among the low fitness group (HR = 2.41, p = 0.001). The effect of physical fitness on the risk to develop CKD remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, baseline creatinine and other cardiovascular risk factors. Cardiorespiratory fitness is an independent risk factor inversely associated with development of CKD.

Low cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with elevated intraocular pressure among apparently healthy adults.

To evaluate the association of cardiorespiratory fitness with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in healthy adults. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated 17,990 asymptomatic self-referred adults free of diabetes or cardiovascular disease who were screened in a preventive healthcare setting. All subjects underwent measurement of IOP and completed a maximal exercise stress test according to the Bruce protocol. Fitness was categorized into age and sex-specific quintiles according to the treadmill time and dichotomized to low (lowest quintile) and non-low fitness groups. Elevated IOP was defined as ≥ 21 mmHg. Median age was 45 (IQR 39-52) years and 12,073 (67%) were men. There were 3,351 (19%) subjects in the low fitness group. Median IOP was 14 mmHg (IQR 12-16) with elevated IOP documented in 188 (1%) subjects. Univariate binary logistic regression model demonstrated that compared with non-low fitness group, subjects in the low fitness group were 2.2 times more likely to have elevated IOP (95% CI 1.598-2.95, p<0.001). Multivariate binary logistic regression with adjustment to known cardiovascular risk factors (age, sex, hypertension, smoking, overweight, regular physical activity, low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, and fasting glucose levels) successfully demonstrated that lower fitness was independently and significantly associated with a 90% increased likelihood of elevated IOP (95% CI 1.37-2.61, p<0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that the association was more pronounced among women compared with men (OR 3.8 vs. 1.6, p for interaction = 0.069). Low cardiorespiratory fitness is independently associated with increased IOP among apparently healthy adults.

The relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and inhibitory control following acute stress: An ERP study.

Although the relationships among acute stress, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and cognitive function have been examined, whether CRF is related to behavioral and neuroelectric indices of inhibitory control following acute stress remains unknown. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the combined influence of acute stress and CRF on inhibitory control. Participants, aged 20-30 years, were stratified into the Higher-Fit (n = 31) and the Lower-Fit (n = 32) groups, and completed a Stroop task following the modified Maastricht Acute Stress Test (MAST) in the stress condition and the sham-MAST in the non-stress condition, during which electroencephalography was recorded. Behavioral (i.e., response time and accuracy) and neuroelectric (N2 and P3b components of the event-related potential) outcomes of inhibitory control were obtained. While the Higher-Fit group demonstrated shorter response times and higher accuracy than the Lower-Fit group following both the MAST and the sham-MAST, they also exhibited selective benefits of acute stress on inhibitory control performance (i.e., decreased response times and diminished interference scores). CRF-dependent alterations in neuroelectric indices were also observed, with the Higher-Fit group displaying smaller N2 and greater P3b amplitudes than the Lower-Fit group following the sham-MAST, and increased N2 and attenuated P3b amplitudes following the MAST. Collectively, these findings not only confirm the positive relationship between CRF and inhibitory control but also provide novel insights into the potential influence of CRF on inhibitory control and associated neuroelectric activity following acute stress.

Aerobic fitness as a moderator of acute aerobic exercise effects on executive function.

This study aimed to investigate the moderating role of aerobic fitness on the effect of acute exercise on improving executive function from both behavioral and cerebral aspects. Thirty-four young individuals with motor skills were divided into high- and low-fitness groups based on their maximal oxygen uptake. Both groups completed 30min of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on a power bike. Executive function tests (Flanker, N-back, More-odd-shifting) were performed before and after exercise and functional near-infrared spectroscopy was used to monitor prefrontal cerebral blood flow changes during the tasks. The results indicated significant differences between the two groups regarding executive function. Participants with lower aerobic fitness performed better than their higher fitness counterparts in inhibitory control and working memory, but not in cognitive flexibility. This finding suggests that the aerobic fitness may moderate the extent of cognitive benefits gained from acute aerobic exercise. Furthermore, the neuroimaging data indicated negative activation in the frontopolar area and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in response to three complex tasks. These findings underscore the importance of considering individual aerobic fitness when assessing the cognitive benefits of exercise and could have significant implications for tailoring fitness programs to enhance cognitive performance.

Influence of cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition on resting and post-exercise indices of vascular health in young adults

Poor cardiorespiratory fitness may mediate vascular impairments at rest and following an acute bout of exercise in young healthy individuals. This study aimed to compare flow mediated dilation (FMD) and vascular augmentation index (AIx75) between young adults with low, moderate, and high levels of cardiorespiratory fitness before and after an acute bout of aerobic exercise. Forty-three participants (22 men; 21 women) between 18 and 29 years of age completed the study. Participants were classified into low, moderate, and high health-related cardiorespiratory fitness groups according to age- and sex-based relative maximal oxygen consumption (V˙O2 max) percentile rankings. FMD was performed using Doppler ultrasound and AIx75 was performed using pulse wave analysis at baseline and 60-min after a 30-min bout of treadmill running at 70% V˙O2 max. A significant interaction (p ​= ​0.047; ηp2 ​= ​0.142) was observed, with the moderate fitness group exhibiting a higher FMD post-exercise compared with baseline ([6.7% ​± ​3.1%] vs. [8.5% ​± ​2.8%], p ​= ​0.028; d ​= ​0.598). We found a significant main effect of group for AIx75 (p ​= ​0.023; ηp2 ​= ​0.168), with the high fitness group exhibiting lower AIx75 compared to low fitness group ([−10% ​± ​10%] vs. [2% ​± ​10%], respectively, p ​= ​0.019; g ​= ​1.07). This was eliminated after covarying for body fat percentage (p ​= ​0.489). Our findings suggest that resting FMD and AIx75 responses are not significantly influenced by cardiorespiratory fitness, but FMD recovery responses to exercise may be enhanced in individuals with moderate cardiorespiratory fitness levels.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Risk of Cardiovascular Events and Mortality in Middle Age Patients without Known Cardiovascular Disease.

Low cardiorespiratory fitness is an established risk predictor for chronic non-communicable diseases. We aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of fitness level on the risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE, the composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, or all-cause death), in a contemporary cohort of middle-aged subjects without cardiovascular disease. Retrospective analysis of patients aged 40-60 years without a history of cardiovascular disease. Degree of fitness was determined according to a graded, maximal treadmill exercise stress testing (EST) time achieved, classified into age- and sex-specific quintiles (Q), and categorized as low (Q1), moderate (Q2-Q4) or high (Q5) fitness groups. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to assess the association of fitness level with the risk of MACE. A total of 6836 patients were included, of which 44.5% were women, and the mean age was 52 years. Overall, 289 MACE events occurred during a median follow-up of 7 years. Level of fitness was inversely associated with the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. The multivariable adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for MACE was 1.65 (1.12-2.44) and 2.17 (1.40-3.38) in those at moderate and low fitness levels, compared to the high-fitness group (reference), respectively. For each decrease of one metabolic equivalent (MET) unit achieved at peak exercise, the relative risk for MACE increased by 18%. The association between low fitness and MACE was not modified by other risk factors (P-for-interaction non-significant). Low fitness level, as captured by a maximal treadmill EST, is an independent risk predictor for MACE among middle-age individuals without known cardiovascular disease. The association of low fitness with high burden of cardiometabolic risk factors highlight the importance of lifestyle intervention in this patient population.

The dilemma of physical activity questionnaires: Fitter people are less prone to over reporting.

Physical activity questionnaires (PAQs) are a popular method of monitoring physical activity, although their validity is usually low. Descriptions of physical activity levels in questionnaires usually rely on physical responses to physical activity. Therefore, we hypothesised that the validity of PAQs would be higher in the more physically fit group of participants. To test this, we conducted a validation study with 179 adults whom we divided into three fitness groups based on their cardiovascular fitness and age. Participants were measured for one week using the UKK RM42 accelerometer and self-reported their physical activity using IPAQ-SF, GPAQ, and EHIS-PAQ. We analysed the differences between fitness groups in terms of validity for each PAQ using ANOVA. We also performed an equivalence testing to compare the data obtained with the PAQs and the accelerometers. The results showed a significant trend toward higher validity for moderate to vigorous physical activity from the low to high fitness group as assessed by GPAQ and IPAQ-SF (low, intermediate and high fitness group: 0.06-0.21; 0.26-0.29; 0.40, respectively). The equivalence testing showed that all fitness groups overestimated their physical activity and underestimated their sedentary behaviour, with the high fitness group overestimating their physical activity the least. However, EHIS-PAQ was found to agree best with accelerometer data in assessing moderate to vigorous physical activity, regardless of fitness group, and had a validity greater than 0.4 for all fitness groups. In conclusion, we confirmed that when using PAQs describing physical responses to physical activity, participants' fitness should be considered in the interpretation, especially when comparing results internationally.

Examining the relationship between aerobic fitness and cognitive control processes: An SFT and ERP study

Previous studies have demonstrated a positive relationship between aerobic fitness and cognitive control, the ability to inhibit distractions (conflict control) or impulsive actions (response inhibition). However, it is unknown whether these sub-processes and their underlying information processing capacity are differentially related to aerobic fitness. To address this question, we employed a go/no-go version of the redundant-target task, which was administered concurrently with the recording of event-related potentials (ERPs) and the use of a reaction-time based diagnostic tool known as system factorial technology (SFT). Our sample consisted of 46 young male adults with varying levels of aerobic fitness: the high-fit group (n = 23; aged 21.33 ± 2.44 years; VO2max 58.83 ± 6.93 ml/kg/min) and the low-fit group (n = 23; aged 22.30 ± 1.40 years; VO2max 41.90 ± 4.01 ml/kg/min). The results showed that the high-fit group exhibited a lower false-alarm rate compared to the low-fit group. However, there was no difference in processing speed between the two groups. The SFT analysis revealed that the high-fit group had more efficient information processing for earlier responses, but not later responses, compared to the low-fit group. Analysis of the ERPs indicated that the high-fit group had larger N2d amplitudes and shorter P3d latencies during conflict control compared to the low-fit group, while there were no such effects for the process of response inhibition. These findings suggest that aerobic fitness may be differentially related to the temporal dynamics and sub-processes of cognitive control.

Characteristics of resting state functional connectivity of motor cortex of high fitness level college students: Experimental evidence from functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)

AbstractObjectiveThis study inspects difference of resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) of motor cortex between athletes and ordinary college students and the test‐retest reliability of RSFC.MethodsTwenty high fitness level college students (high fitness group) and 20 ordinary college students (control group) were recruited. The motor cortical blood oxygen signals in resting states were monitored by functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). RSFCs of brain signals were preprocessed and calculated by FC‐NIRS software. RSFC results of test‐retest reliability were evaluated by intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC).ResultsTotal RSFC (HbO signal) was significantly different between high fitness group (0.62 ± 0.04) and low fitness group (0.81 ± 0.04) (p &lt; .05). Significant differences were found between the groups (HbO signal) in 50 edges among the 190 edges of motor cortex (14 edges after FDR corrected). At three hemoglobin concentrations, mean of group‐level ICC (C, 1) for total RSFC in two groups was 0.40 ± 0.10, whereas the mean of group‐level ICC (C, k) was 0.57 ± 0.11, depicting “fair” reliability. The mean of group‐level ICC (C, 1) of 190 “edges” was 0.88 ± 0.06, whereas mean of ICC (C, k) was 0.94 ± 0.03, exhibiting “excellent” reliability.ConclusionFitness level is the factor causing specific changes in RSFC strength of motor cortex that can be utilized as biomarker for evaluating the fitness level.

One size does not fit all - translating absolute accelerometry to relative individual physical activity intensity for health

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): The main funding body of The Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS) is theSwedish Heart-Lung Foundation. The study is also funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, the Swedish Research Council and VINNOVA (Sweden’s Innovation agency) the University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm county council, Linköping University and University Hospital, Lund University and Skåne University Hospital, Umeå University and University Hospital, Uppsala University and University Hospital. Introduction Physical activity intensity can be expressed in either absolute (e.g. brisk walking or metabolic equivalents) or relative terms (e.g. proportion of maximal oxygen consumption or perceived exertion) (1). Although intervention studies typically use relative intensity for exercise prescription, large scale observational studies measuring physical activity with accelerometers always use absolute intensity. The association between relative physical activity intensity and cardiometabolic risk factors has not been studied using accelerometry previously. Purpose To compare absolute and relative measures of physical activity intensity in terms of physical activity level and associations with cardiovascular risk factors among individuals with different fitness level. Methods A subsample of the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS), in total 4234 men and women aged 50-64, was analysed (2). Physical activity was measured by accelerometers and the raw data processed with the 10 Hz frequency extended method (FEM) to get a more accurate measure of physical activity intensity compared to previous methods (3). Maximal oxygen consumption (fitness) was estimated by a submaximal ergometer test. Waist to hip ratio, systolic blood pressure, glycated haemoglobin (HBA1c) and high-density lipoprotein to total cholesterol ratio were combined into a composite cardiometabolic risk factor score. Partial least squares regression was used to investigate the associations of absolute and relative physical activity intensity with fitness as well as the composite score. The sample was divided into tertiles of fitness for stratified analyses. Results Overall, there was an association between physical activity at absolute moderate intensity and above, and the health outcomes. Yet, the main associations were found in the absolute moderate intensity range for the low fitness group and in the absolute vigorous intensity range for the high fitness group. When considering relative intensity however, all the main associations started in the upper part of the moderate intensity range and peaked in the vigorous intensity range (Figure 1). In addition, when comparing absolute and relative cut-offs for moderate intensity, absolute moderate intensity was too low for 95% of individuals in the sample (Figure 2). When using absolute intensity, 99% of individuals reached the general guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week, while only 21% reached the guidelines based on relative intensity. Conclusions Health benefits of absolute intensity are misleading for most individuals in this sample and absolute measures of physical activity overestimate time spent at moderate intensity and above. Relative intensity should be used when interpreting accelerometer measured physical activity and when communicating health promoting physical activity.

Effects of a games-based physical education lesson on cognitive function in adolescents.

Despite the importance of physical education (PE) lessons for physical activity in adolescents, the acute cognitive responses to PE lessons have not been explored; a gap in the literature that this study addresses. Following familiarisation, 76 (39 female) adolescents (12.2 ± 0.4 y) completed two trials (60 min games-based PE lesson and 60 min academic lesson) separated by 7-d in a counterbalanced, crossover design. Attention, executive function, working memory, and perception were assessed 30 min before, immediately post, and 45 min post-lesson in both trials. Participants were split into high-and low-fit groups based on a gender-specific median split of distance run on the multi-stage fitness test. Furthermore, participants were split into high and low MVPA groups based on a gender-specific median split of MVPA time (time spent >64% HR max) during the PE lesson. Overall, a 60 min games-based PE lesson had no effect on perception, working memory, attention, or executive function in adolescents (all p > 0.05) unless MVPA time is high. The physical activity-cognition relationship was moderated by MVPA, as working memory improved post-PE lesson in adolescents who completed more MVPA during their PE lesson (time*trial*MVPA interaction, p < 0.05, partial η2 = 0.119). Furthermore, high-fit adolescents displayed superior cognitive function than their low-fit counterparts, across all domains of cognitive function (main effect of fitness, all p < 0.05, partial η2 0.014-0.121). This study provides novel evidence that MVPA time moderates the cognitive response to a games-based PE lesson; and emphasises that higher levels of fitness are beneficial for cognitive function in adolescents.

Single and Joined Behaviour of Circulating Biomarkers and Metabolic Parameters in High-Fit and Low-Fit Healthy Females

Biomarkers are important in the assessment of health and disease, but are poorly studied in still healthy individuals with a (potential) different risk for metabolic disease. This study investigated, first, how single biomarkers and metabolic parameters, functional biomarker and metabolic parameter categories, and total biomarker and metabolic parameter profiles behave in young healthy female adults of different aerobic fitness and, second, how these biomarkers and metabolic parameters are affected by recent exercise in these healthy individuals. A total of 102 biomarkers and metabolic parameters were analysed in serum or plasma samples from 30 young, healthy, female adults divided into a high-fit (V̇O2peak ≥ 47 mL/kg/min, N = 15) and a low-fit (V̇O2peak ≤ 37 mL/kg/min, N = 15) group, at baseline and overnight after a single bout of exercise (60 min, 70% V̇O2peak). Our results show that total biomarker and metabolic parameter profiles were similar between high-fit and low-fit females. Recent exercise significantly affected several single biomarkers and metabolic parameters, mostly related to inflammation and lipid metabolism. Furthermore, functional biomarker and metabolic parameter categories corresponded to biomarker and metabolic parameter clusters generated via hierarchical clustering models. In conclusion, this study provides insight into the single and joined behavior of circulating biomarkers and metabolic parameters in healthy females, and identified functional biomarker and metabolic parameter categories that may be used for the characterisation of human health physiology.

EFEITOS DO TAI CHI CHUAN SOBRE A SAÚDE FÍSICA DAS ESTUDANTES UNIVERSITÁRIAS

ABSTRACT Introduction Tai Ji is a martial art rich in traditional Chinese ethnic characteristics. Its flexible, free and open movements make its practice popular and esteemed by many female college students. However, there is a demand for experimental research on the impacts of the art on the physical and mental health of its college practitioners. Objective Verify the effects of Tai Ji practice on the physical health of university students. Methods This study used the methods of literature, experimental and mathematical statistics, through the influence of Tai Ji style number 24 on the physical health of female university students in different groups. Results The research shows that under the intervention of this style, with the same content, intensity, and time of exercise, the physical health of female college students in the low-fitness group was significantly improved. Conclusion Female college students in the medium and high fitness group improved their physical health indicators due to their physical preconditioning. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.