Changes In Physical Fitness Research Articles

The impact of sport-specific physical fitness change patterns on lower limb non-contact injury risk in youth female basketball players: a pilot study based on field testing and machine learning.

Background: In recent years, identifying players with injury risk through physical fitness assessment has become a hot topic in sports science research. Although practitioners have conducted many studies on the relationship between physical fitness and the likelihood of injury, the relationship between the two remains indeterminate. Consequently, this study utilized machine learning to preliminary investigate the relationship between individual physical fitness tests and injury risk, aiming to identify whether patterns of physical fitness change have an impact on injury risk. Methods: This study conducted a retrospective analysis by extracting the records of 17 young female basketball players from the sport-specific physical fitness monitoring and injury registration database in Fujian Province. Sports-specific physical fitness tests included physical performance, physiological, biochemical, and subjective perceived responses. The data for each player was standardized individually using Z-scores. Synthetic minority over-sampling techniques and edited nearest neighbor algorithms were used to sample the training set to address the negative impact of class imbalance on model performance. Feature extraction was performed on the dataset using linear discriminant analysis, and the prediction model was constructed using the cost-sensitive neural network. Results: The 10 replicate 5-fold stratified cross-validation showed that the lower limb non-contact injury prediction model based on the cost-sensitive neural network had achieved good discrimination and calibration (average Precision: 0.6360; average Recall: 0.8700; average F2-Score: 0.7980; average AUC: 0.8590; average Brier-score: 0.1020), which could be well applied in training practice. According to the attribution analysis, agility and speed were important physical attributes that affect youth female basketball players' non-contact lower limb injury risk. Specifically, there was enhance in the performance of the 1-min double under, accompanied by an increase in urinary ketone and urinary blood levels following the agility test. The 3/4 basketball court sprint performance improved, while urinary protein and RPE levels decreased after the speed test. Conclusion: The sport-specific physical fitness change pattern can impact the lower limb non-contact injury risk of young female basketball players in Fujian Province, specifically in terms of agility and speed. These findings will provide valuable insights for planning athletes' physical training programs, managing fatigue, and preventing injuries.

A Systematic Review of the Influence of High-Intensity Interval Training on Body Composition and Synthesizing Evidence from Scientific Literature

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE
 High-intensity interval training (HIIT) involves performing a series of intense exercises interspersed with periods of passive or active rest. HIIT provides changes in body composition and physical fitness. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of HIIT on changes in body composition and compare the results of HIIT with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and resistance training (RT).
 REVIEW METHODS
 The PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies examining the impact of HIIT on changes in body composition. Articles published up to 31.03.2023 were included, with a particular focus on the most recent publications.
 STATE OF KNOWLEDGE
 The classification of HIIT considers the intensity, duration and number of bouts during training session, as well as the length of the intervention period. Body composition describes qualitive and quantitative elements in the human body. Improving body composition benefits health and enables better training results. HIIT promotes weight loss, reduces BMI and decreases the content of adipose tissue, including visceral fat. HIIT is equally or more effective than MICT in burning fat tissue. Resistance exercises added to HIIT protocols have a favorable effect on changes in body composition.
 SUMMARY
 The assessment of HIIT effects on changes in body composition is complicated due to various interpretations of its definition. Further analyses are needed to systematize knowledge of the benefits of different HIIT protocols. Research optimizing them for reducing adipose tissue based on age, gender, body mass and presence of metabolic disorders are necessary.

Physical activity and exercise for weight loss and maintenance in people living with obesity.

Physical activity and exercise training programs are integral part of a comprehensive obesity management approach. In persons with overweight or obesity, exercise training, specifically aerobic (i.e. endurance) training, is associated with significant additional weight loss compared to the absence of training. However the magnitude of effect remains modest amounting to only 2-3kg additional weight loss on average. Comparable effects have been observed for total fat loss. Exercise training, specifically aerobic training, is also associated with decreased abdominal visceral fat as assessed by imaging techniques, which is likely to benefit cardiometabolic health in persons with obesity. Based on data from controlled trials with randomization after prior weight loss, the evidence for weight maintenance with exercise training is as yet not conclusive, although retrospective analyses point to the value of relatively high-volume exercise in this regard. Resistance (i.e. muscle-strengthening) training is specifically advised for lean mass preservation during weight loss. Given the relatively limited effect of exercise training on weight loss as such, the changes in physical fitness brought about by exercise training cannot be overlooked as they provide major health benefits to persons with obesity. Aerobic, as well as combined aerobic and resistance training, increase cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) while resistance training, but not aerobic training, improves muscle strength even in the absence of a significant change in muscle mass. Regarding the overall management strategy, adherence in the long term to new lifestyle habits remains a challenging issue to be addressed by further research.

Virtual reality-based tabata training: a professional method for changing levels physical fitness and psychological well-being on student-athletes

Background and Study Aim. Physical fitness and psychological well-being of student-athletes had decreased significantly and became the main problem in this study. This study aims to investigate the effect of virtual reality-based Tabata training to increase the level of physical fitness and psychological well-being through a mixed method.
 Material and Methods. This study used a mixed method. The participants involved in this study were student-athletes (n=40) at Singaperbangsa Karawang University (Indonesia). Quantitative instruments used to measure physical fitness include 20 m shuttle run, 30 m sprint run, horizontal jump and leg dynamometer. While the qualitative instrument used to measure student-athlete perceptions through in-depth interviews for 30 minutes. Quantitative statistical analysis through IBM SPSS was used to find the mean and standard deviation. Independent samples t-test was used to test the difference in values between the experimental and control groups before and after the experiment. Meanwhile, the Paired samples t-test was used to investigate the effect of this training, both in the experimental and control groups. Qualitative statistical analysis was carried out qualitatively thematically, namely the results of in-depth interviews were coded and categorized into three themes.
 Results. There were several finding in quantitative research. First, there was no difference in physical fitness or psychological well-being between the experimental and control groups before the experiment (p>0.05). Second, there were differences in the values of physical fitness and psychological well-being between the experimental and control groups after the experimental program (p<0.05). Third, there was a significant effect in the experimental group on the level of physical fitness and psychological well-being (p<0.05) and the control group also showed an effect on changes in physical fitness and psychological well-being but smaller than the experimental group (p<0.05). In Qualitative research, student-athletes provided positive perceptions about virtual reality-based Tabata training which was easy, efficient and effective, fun and encouraged them to be more active. Negative perceptions were not all student-athletes and universities were equipped with virtual reality facilities. It must carried out in a location or place that was completely safe or far from vehicles.
 Conclusions. Our mixed study confirms that virtual reality-based Tabata training had positive effect to change the level of physical fitness and psychological well-being among student-athletes.

The Dependence of Physical Fitness on the Functional Capabilities of Girls During Education at the Military Academy

The purpose of the study is to study the statistical relationship between physical fitness and functional capabilities of girls – future officers at the stages of training at the military academy. Materials and methods. The research subjects were 108 girls who started studying at military academies at the beginning of the experiment; their age ranges from 17 years and 3 months to 18 years and 5 months. The experiment took place over four academic years with the participation of the same girls. The main means of obtaining data were pedagogical testing and diagnosis of physiological characteristics, which took place every year. Results. Every year there is a weak but statistically significant dependence of changes in the general physical fitness of girls on changes in their functional capabilities. At the same time, with each new year of study, this dependence only increases. Changes in general physical fitness depend somewhat more on changes in functional capabilities than on special ones. The latter is characterized by a tendency towards a slightly greater dependence in the 2nd and 4th years of study, compared to the results in the 1st and 3rd years. Conclusions. Data from sources of information prove the need to take into account the results obtained in practical activities regarding the dependence of physical fitness on the functional capabilities of those who perform physical activity. This will contribute to increasing the effectiveness of the organization and the content of girls’ physical activity in solving the defined tasks of professional training at the military academy.

Occupational life-style programme over 12 months and changes of metabolic risk profile, vascular function, and physical fitness in blue-collar workers

PurposeOccupational health programmes have been successfully implemented to improve body composition, physical fitness and cardiovascular risk. However, most programmes have been small and have not included long-term evaluation. Therefore, we evaluated a twelve-month life-style change programme in a German refinery.MethodsWe offered a supervised six-week endurance exercise programme (2 × 90 min/week), starting after a two-day life-style seminar. After the active intervention and a half-day refresher seminar, employees were encouraged to continue exercising over one year on their own, with monthly supervised sessions to maintain adherence. Anthropometry, bicycle ergometry, cardio-metabolic risk profile, inflammatory parameters, and vascular function e.g. endothelial function was studied at baseline, after three and after twelve months.ResultsOf 550 employees, n = 327 (age 40.8 ± 9.7 years, 88% males) participated in the study. Twelve-month intervention was associated with a reduced waist circumference (92.6 ± 12.2 to 90.8 ± 11.7 cm, 95% confidence interval for the mean change (CI): -2.5 to -1.1 cm) and a gain in maximal exercise capacity (202 ± 39.6 to 210 ± 38.9 Watt; 95% CI: + 5.1 to + 10.9 Watt). Metabolic and inflammatory parameters likewise HbA1c and C-reactive protein improved in central tendency at a local 95% level of confidence. Vascular function e.g. Reactive-Hyperaemia-Index revealed a slight reduction, whereas no statistically robust changes in mean Cardio-Ankle-Vascular-Index and mean Ankle-Brachial-Index were observed.ConclusionHealth education added by a six-week supervised exercise programme was associated with minor long-term twelve-month improvements of body composition as well as physical fitness and a concomitant improvement of inflammatory state. These changes were, however, not clinically relevant and not accompanied by statistically robust improvements of vascular function.Trial registrationClinTrialsGov: NCT01919632; date of registration: August 9, 2013; retrospectively registered.

소도구 필라테스 운동이 연령대별 노인 여성의 건강 체력과 관절가동범위(ROM)에 미치는 영향

This study was conducted to find out what effect Pilates exercise has on the physical fitness and range of motion(ROM) of joints by age group (60’s to 80’s) by conducting small-tool Pilates exercise 3 times a week for 12 weeks targeting female seniors, and analyzing the results of the study. Thus, the following conclusions were obtained.BR First, in the change of physical fitness, upper limb muscle function increased significantly in the 60’s (p＜.01), lower limb muscle function increased significantly in the 70’s (p＜.05), and equilibrium significantly increased in the 70’s (p＜.05) increased. Flexibility increased in the 60’s (p＜.01) and 70’s (p＜.05), and cardiorespiratory endurance improved significantly (p＜.01) in the 60’s. Second, the flexion of the shoulder joint increased significantly in the 60’s (p＜.01) and 70’s (p＜.001) in the change in the range of joint motion. Knee joint flexion increased significantly (p＜.01) in those in their 70’s, and dorsiflexion of the ankle joint increased significantly (p＜.05) in those in their 60’s.BR Summarizing the above conclusions, small-tool Pilates exercise is helpful in improving health and physical fitness of elderly women, although there are differences by age group, and especially in the case of elderly women in their 60’s and 70’s, it was found to be effective in increasing the range of motion of the joints. It is thought that continuous activity is desirable for health promotion.

THE DEVELOPMENT AND CHANGES OF TRIPLE JUMPERS’ BALANCE BOARD COMBINED WITH SPECIAL TRAINING BY DEEP LEARNING APPROACH

This study aims to improve the athletic performance of triple jumpers in special physical training. First, the triple jumper’s balance board is explained with the special training method. Second, three-dimensional tracking scan image analysis is used to videotape the training process of triple jumpers. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) perform image analysis of triple jumpers performing specific training with a balance board. Finally, the training of triple jumpers is subjected to image analysis. According to the special training speed, angle, and time of triple jumpers combined with the balance board, the physical fitness changes are analyzed. The results show that triple jumpers combined with the balance board training improved the technique of step jump from the aspects of take-off speed, landing speed, all angles of step jump, and support time. The combination of the balance board and the special training significantly improves the speed of the triple jumpers, and the changes of various angles during the training process are also relatively improved, which improves the balance and coordination of the training limbs of the triple jumpers. The balance board combined with special training can significantly improve the physical fitness of triple jumpers. CNN is used to analyze and validate triple jumpers combined with balance board training images. The experimental training analysis has achieved the ideal effect. This study uses the image analysis method to analyze the training process of athletes based on deep learning and provides direction for athletes’ special physical training.

Does early specialization provide an advantage in physical fitness development in youth basketball?

The present study examined the influence of the specialization onset on the magnitude and patterns of changes in basketball-specific physical fitness within a competitive season and developmental fitness trends between 11 and 17 years in young basketball players. Repeated measures of 181 young basketball players (female, n = 40; male, n = 141) were examined. Anthropometry, age, estimated maturity status, and basketball-specific physical fitness (assessed with the countermovement jump, line drill, and yo-yo intermittent recovery level-1 and fitness score) were considered. Players were grouped by the onset of specialization as related to biological maturation milestones (pre-puberty, mid-puberty, and late-puberty specialization). The within-season and developmental changes in physical fitness were fitted using multilevel modeling in a fully Bayesian framework. The fitness outcomes were similar between-player and within-player changes when grouped by specialization across a season. Fitness improvements across a season were apparent for female players, while male players maintained their performance levels. There was no variation in the patterns of physical fitness development between 11 and 17 years associated with the onset of specialization. Conditional on our data and models, the assumption that early sport specialization provides a physical fitness advantage for future athletic success does not hold.

Correlation Analysis between Hypogonadal Symptoms and Changes in Body Composition and Physical Fitness after Testosterone Treatment in Men with Testosterone Deficiency.

This study analyzed changes in body composition and physical fitness in men with testosterone deficiency (TD) after testosterone treatment (TT) and examined the correlations of body composition and physical fitness with serum testosterone levels and hypogonadal symptoms. Seventy patients with TD were divided into control (group I, n=23) and experimental (group II, n=47) groups. Patients in the experimental group were administered intramuscular testosterone enanthate (250 mg) for six months. The aging males symptom scale (AMS) score, international prostate symptom score (IPSS), body mass index, waist circumference, and serum laboratory values were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to assess the patients' body composition. Seven types of basic exercise tests were used to evaluate the patients' physical fitness. After six months, there were no significant differences in group I, while group II had significantly improved IPSS and AMS scores; increased hemoglobin, hematocrit, prostate-specific antigen, and testosterone levels and skeletal muscle mass; and waist circumference, and body fat mass. All elements of the physical fitness test were significantly improved in group II, with the exceptions of flexibility and endurance. Decreased waist circumference was correlated with changes in testosterone levels in group II, and the IPSS, cardiorespiratory fitness, and agility were correlated with improved hypogonadal symptoms. TT improved the hypogonadal and lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with TD and improved body composition, physical fitness, and metabolic syndrome parameters. Increased testosterone and improved hypogonadal symptoms were correlated with a decrease in waist circumference and an improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness and agility. As such, when implementing TT, we should consider whether these areas may be improved, as this can help to predict the effect.

Effects of Physical Exercise Training on Cerebral Blood Flow Measurements: A Systematic Review of Human Intervention Studies.

The aim of this systematic review was to examine the effects of physical exercise training on cerebral blood flow (CBF), which is a physiological marker of cerebrovascular function. Relationships between training-induced effects on CBF with changes in cognitive performance were also discussed. A systematic search was performed up to July 2022. Forty-five intervention studies with experimental, quasi-experimental, or pre-post designs were included. Sixteen studies (median duration: 14weeks) investigated effects of physical exercise training on CBF markers using magnetic resonance imaging, 20 studies (median duration: 14weeks) used transcranial Doppler ultrasound, and eight studies (median duration: 8weeks) used near-infrared spectroscopy. Studies using magnetic resonance imaging observed consistent increases in CBF in the anterior cingulate cortex and hippocampus, but not in whole-brain CBF. Effects on resting CBF-measured with transcranial Doppler ultrasound and near-infrared spectroscopy-were variable, while middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity increased in some studies following exercise or hypercapnic stimuli. Interestingly, concomitant changes in physical fitness and regional CBF were observed, while a relation between training-induced effects on CBF and cognitive performance was evident. In conclusion, exercise training improved cerebrovascular function because regional CBF was changed. Studies are however still needed to establish whether exercise-induced improvements in CBF are sustained over longer periods of time and underlie the observed beneficial effects on cognitive performance.

ESTUDO EXPERIMENTAL SOBRE OS EFEITOS DA IOGA NA APTIDÃO FÍSICA EM ADOLESCENTES

ABSTRACT Introduction Yoga originated in the Indus River basin, is an ancient technique involving physical skills or static aerobic exercise. Objective Test and analyze the changes in physical fitness of adolescents submitted to yoga experiment. Methods Experimental method, literature review, mathematical statistics and other research methods were used in making this paper. 30 freshmen in primary education at Yancheng Normal University were selected for a 12-week yoga teaching training to explore the impact of yoga on health and physical fitness of ordinary college students. Results Body fat rate and fat mass index decreased, lung volume increased significantly, and physical fitness increased significantly. Conclusion After 12 weeks of yoga exercises, the body composition of the tested college students improved significantly, increasing both flexibility and physical fitness. Notable changes were also seen in balance and responsiveness, revealing an intrinsic improvement in the students’ skeletal muscles. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Variations in Rope Skipping Counts Among Rural Primary and Secondary School Students - China, 2013-2021.

Physical fitness is closely associated with children's development. Limited research has been published on the changes in physical fitness among Chinese children during the implementation of the Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students (NIPRCES). This research utilized data from the NIPRCES between 2013 and 2021 to examine alterations in children's physical fitness levels. Over this period, there was a significant increase in the number of rope skipping counts among children. In 2021, variations in these counts were observed, which depended on factors such as age, gender, geographic location, and region. Physical fitness has been linked to a multitude of non-communicable diseases. Enhanced nutritional measures for children lead to significant improvements in their overall physical fitness, as evidenced by NIPRCES findings. It is crucial for policymakers to implement comprehensive interventions aimed at promoting and advancing children's physical fitness.

ANÁLISE DO IMPACTO ENTRE DIFERENTES MÉTODOS DE EXERCÍCIO NA SAÚDE FÍSICA DE ADOLESCENTES OBESOS

ABSTRACT Introduction: The unregulated development in the current life pattern has strengthened obesity among adolescents, and this problem is becoming more serious. Objective: Compare the impact of two exercise methods on the physical health of obese adolescents. Methods: 24 obese adolescents (12 females; BMI>30% ± 3%; age concentrated between 10 and 16 years) were selected and divided into group I and group II for a 4-week experimental study, and changes in physical fitness and function were recorded. Results: After four weeks of aerobic exercise control (group I), waist circumference, hip circumference, skinfold thickness, and abdominal fold thickness were significantly reduced in boys (p<0.05), and girls’ body shape indicators were significantly altered (p<0.05). After four weeks of aerobic exercise combined with resistance training (group II), the effects of weight, BMI, and body size were significant in boys and girls. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise can effectively improve the physical problems of obese adolescents. Under the same external conditions, the effect of aerobic exercise was shown to be more effective when combined with resistance training in the physical improvement of the analyzed group. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Does maturity estimation, 2D:4D and training load measures explain physical fitness changes of youth football players?

ObjectivesThe purpose of the present study was two-fold: (1) To analyse physical fitness changes of youth football players after a full-season; and (2) to examine whether physical fitness changes are explainable by estimated maturity status, 2digit:4digit ratio (2D:4D) from each hand and training load (TL) measures.MethodsTwenty-seven youth elite Under-15 football players were daily monitored for training load measures during 38 weeks. At the beginning and at the end of the season, all players were assessed for physical fitness. Also, the maturity status estimation and the length of the second and fourth digits of both hands were collected at the beginning of the season.ResultsSignificant differences were found for all physical fitness measures after the season. The second and fourth digits of left and right hands had negative moderate correlations with change of direction (COD) changes (r=-.39 to − 0.45 | p = .05 to 0.02). Also, the maturity offset measure had negative moderate correlations with COD changes (r=-.40 | p = .04). From the reported significant correlations, the maturity offset, Left 4D, Right 2D and Right 4D significantly predicted the Mod.505 COD test changes (β = 0.41, p = .04; β = -0.41, p = .04; β = -0.45, p = .02; and β = -0.44, p = .03, respectively).ConclusionThe maturity offset and the 2D:4D measures have the potential to predict COD performance changes over-time in youth football players. Given the lack of associations between the maturity estimation, 2D:4D and training load measures, with the overall physical fitness measures, coaches should rely only at COD changes.

Physical fitness changes in adolescents due to social distancing during the coronavirus disease pandemic in Korea.

At least 60 min of moderate-intensity physical activity per day is recommended for physical and mental health of adolescents. Schools are one of the most suitable places for promoting students' health as it is a place where vigorous physical activity occurs. However, the physical activity of students is threatened because schools are closed worldwide owing to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in 2019. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the physical fitness changes in 27,782 Korean adolescents during the pandemic and present alternative education and health policies to the school. We included 29,882 middle school students (age: 13-15 years; males: 14,941, females: 12,841) in Korea from 2019 to 2021 . Participants' physical fitness at school was measured using the physical activity promotion system (PAPS) manual developed to measure students' physical fitness. Physical fitness variables included body mass index (BMI), 20 m shuttle run, handgrip strength, sit-and-reach, and 50 m run. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the BMI and cardiorespiratory endurance of Korean middle school students. Specifically, male students' BMI increased, while body composition, cardiorespiratory endurance, and grip strength decreased significantly. Female students showed significant decreases in BMI and sit-and-reach test scores. It is clear that the physical fitness level of adolescents decreased by a greater degree after the COVID-19 pandemic than before, and the decrease in the physical fitness level of male students was noticeable. Therefore, a lesson strategy should be prepared that considers the contents and methods of physical education classes to improve the physical fitness level of male and female adolescents. Fitness-based classes suitable for online methods should be urgently added as alternative physical education classes to prepare for the second COVID-19 outbreak. In addition, it is necessary to create an environment in which physical activity is a possibility in physical education classes, in any situation using artificial intelligence and virtual reality.

Changes in Anthropometric Measurements and Physical Fitness of Polish Students in 20-Year Period

Intergenerational changes are still being recorded worldwide, although their magnitude and direction may vary in different countries. The aim of this study was to determine changes in the magnitude and direction of changes in the body morphology and motor abilities of physically active adults over 20 years. Two hundred and fifty-two individuals aged 18-28 years volunteered to participate in the study. The changes were analyzed over a 20-year period (March 2001; P1 vs. March 2022; P2). The measured parameters were body height, weight, and body fat. Further, hand grip strength with dynamometer measurement, a sit-up test, a sit and reach test, and a standing long jump were performed to examine motor abilities. The results of the conducted tests were compared between subjects from both periods. Our study confirms changes in trends concerning body morphology and motor ability performance. Higher values of body mass index and body fat were observed in P2 women, whereas these differences were not significant in men. Additionally, in terms of physical performance, the P2 group noted worse results than their peers from the past. Despite young adults claiming to have similar physical activity levels to those observed in the past, they demonstrate poorer physical performance and higher body fat levels. The observed changes can be considered negative.

MODELO DE CORRELAÇÃO POSITIVA NO BASQUETE SOBRE O TREINO FÍSICO DOS ATLETAS

ABSTRACT Introduction The athletic capacity improvement in basketball players is closely connected with their training. It is believed that the focus on training by basketball players can contribute to the gain of strength, speed, agility, and endurance. Objective Analyze the specific methods in the players’ training scoring the critical factors for improving physical conditioning. Methods Correlation statistics were used to analyze the factors that affected the physical performance of basketball players. Periodic physical training programs were designed by relating training load to the competition schedule to evaluate the essential parameters (strength, speed, explosive strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, coordination, flexibility, agility, and accuracy) and the changes in physical fitness. Results Basketball players’ strength, agility, endurance, and speed improved after physical training. There are considerable differences in several fitness indices before and after training (P<0.05). Conclusion Periodic physical training of basketball players can improve their physical fitness. Physical training is an essential tool to improve basketball in China. Evidence Level II; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the result.

Do Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations Affect Body Composition, Physical Fitness, Bone Strength and Bone Biomarkers in Female Children and Adolescent Football Players? A One-Season Study.

The aim was to compare changes in body composition, physical fitness, and bone biomarkers in female children and adolescent football players with different Vitamin D levels. Twenty-two players were classified into two groups according to 25(OH)D concentrations: 11 with deficient/insufficient 25(OH)D levels (IVD; <30 ng/mL) and 11 with sufficient 25(OH)D levels (SVD; ≥30 ng/mL). Body composition parameters were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and a peripheral quantitative computed tomography scanner. The following physical fitness tests were applied: maximal isometric knee extension (MIF), long jump, 30-m sprint, and 20-m shuttle run test (VO2max). Electrochemiluminescence immunoassays were used to analyze bone biomarkers and 25(OH)D. All variables were registered at the beginning and the end of the football season. The increase in subtotal bone mineral density (BMD) was higher in players with SVD than those with IVD (p = 0.030). Only players with SVD improved their MIF of the left leg (p = 0.005); whereas, only players with IVD decreased their 30-m sprint performance (p = 0.007) and VO2max (p = 0.046). No significant between- and within-group differences were found for bone biomarkers. SVD might cause an extra improvement of subtotal BMD in female children and adolescent football players. Moreover, it seems that the 25(OH)D concentration could be an important parameter for physical fitness improvement in this population.

Diastolic function and cardiovascular risk among patients with severe obesity referred to a lifestyle-program – a pilot study

Objectives. Severe obesity is associated with a high risk of comorbidities and alterations of cardiac structure and function. The primary aim of the study was to investigate the proportion of diastolic dysfunction (DD) at baseline, and changes in cardiac function from baseline (T1) to 6 months follow-up (T2) among participants with severe obesity attending a lifestyle-intervention. The secondary aim was to explore changes in body mass index (BMI), physical fitness (VO2peak) and cardiovascular risk from T1 to T2 and 12 months follow-up (T3). Design. This was an open single-site prospective observational study. Patients were recruited from an obesity clinic to a lifestyle-intervention consisting of three 3-weeks intermittent stays over 12-months period. Echocardiography was performed at T1 and T2 and BMI, VO2peak and cardiovascular risk measured at T1, T2 and T3. Results. Fifty-six patients were included (mean age 45.1 years; BMI 41.9). Six of 52 patients (12%) had grade 1 DD at T1, while five subjects had DD at T2. E/A ratio (11%, p = .005) and mitral deceleration time (9%, p = .014) were improved at T2. A reduction in BMI (–1.8, p < .001) and improvement in VO2peak (1.6 mL/kg min, p = .026) were assessed at T2 and this improvement persisted at T3. The total cardiovascular risk score was not significantly changed. Conclusion. The patients with severe obesity had low prevalence of DD. For all participants, an improvement in diastolic parameters, and an important initial weight loss was observed. Clinical Trial number: NCT02826122