Physical Fitness In Women Research Articles

Comparison of physical fitness level among different competition categories in women's basketball

Acquiring good levels of physical fitness in women's basketball is crucial for success in this complex sport. Thus, the objective of the research is to compare the level of physical fitness in women's basketball between different competitive categories through a systematic review. For this purpose, four databases were consulted (Google Scholar, PubMed, Scielo and LILACS) in Portuguese, Spanish and/or English, in which 32 primary scientific articles were found on physical fitness in women's basketball in the competitive categories and 51 manuscripts complementary secondary about the theme. Physical fitness indicators are divided into anthropometric, metabolic and neuromuscular. Each indicator has a series of variables whose sum will allow us to understand the athlete's actual physical fitness status. The physical training of female players follows the same guidelines as male athletes, but three aspects deserve attention when prescribing programs: menstrual cycle, eating disorders and bone mineral loss. In addition, cardiovascular and neuromuscular characteristics distinguish genders and interfere with physical fitness gains. In general results, professional basketball players presented better averages in the group of indicators (63.1%), followed by formative (21.0%), college (10.5%) and semi-professional (5.26%) players. Finally, it was evident that as female players progress in chronological age, they mature biologically and acquire training support, advancing between the competitive categories. In this way, your physical fitness comes to denote improvement. However, there is a large individual biological variability that impacts the average numbers between the indicators.

A comparative analysis of the physical fitness profile of Korean women's national amateur boxers by weight category.

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in specific physical fitness of the national amateur women's boxer. The Korean women's national amateur boxers were classified into the lightweight category (LWC, n=21) and middleweight category (MWC, n=13), and body composition (percentage body fat and body mass index) and specific physical fitness (maximal muscle strength, anaerobic power, isokinetic muscle strength, cardiopulmonary endurance) were measured. The Mann-Whitney U-test was conducted to determine the differences in the body composition and specific physical fitness in women's boxers. The percentage body fat (P=0.004) and body mass index (P<0.001) were significantly higher in the LWC compared to MWC. In addition, LWC showed significantly higher isokinetic muscle strength (P<0.001), upper anaerobic mean power (P=0.002), maximal muscle strength (P=0.003), and maximal heart rate at anaerobic threshold (P=0.029), maximal oxygen consumption (P<0.001) and the 20-m shuttle-run exercise (P=0.004) compared to MWC. In conclusion, the body fat percentage and body mass index levels among body composition were significantly higher in the MWC than in the LWC, and the constant muscle strength, maximum muscle strength, and cardiopulmonary endurance levels were significantly higher in the LWC than in the MWC. The results of this study are expected to provide useful data for planning future strategies for efficient and scientific training programs for each weight category.

The Impact of a 12-Week Aqua Fitness Program on the Physical Fitness of Women over 60 Years of Age.

This study aimed to assess the impact of a 12-week Aqua Fitness program on the physical fitness of older women and emphasize sustainable health practices for aging populations. We focused on evaluating the program's effectiveness, using the Senior Fitness Test to measure improvements in physical capabilities. An experimental research design was implemented, with 30 participants aged 60 and older. The participants were divided into a control group and an experimental group, each comprising 15 individuals. The control group received aqua Fitness exercises, and the experimental group received aqua fitness exercises and isometric (combined) exercises. Lower limb muscle strength, upper limb muscle strength, lower body flexibility, upper body flexibility, dynamic balance, agility, and endurance were assessed using the Senior Fitness Test. Assessments were conducted pre- and post-training. For a comparison within the group, combined exercises (aqua fitness and isometric exercises) had a significant effect on lower limb muscle strength, upper limb muscle strength, lower body flexibility, upper body flexibility on the right side, dynamic balance, agility, and endurance. Aqua fitness exercises alone showed significant effects on upper limb muscle strength, lower body flexibility, and endurance and no significant effects on other variables. For the comparison between groups, no significant differences were found between the effects of aqua fitness exercises and combined exercises on lower limb muscle strength, upper limb muscle strength, lower body flexibility, upper body flexibility, and endurance. Significant differences were found only in dynamic balance and agility between the two groups of aqua fitness and combined exercises. Although the combined program (aqua fitness and isometric exercises) had a greater effect on improving the physical fitness of older adults than aqua fitness alone, there was no significant difference between the two groups. Therefore, the results of this study highlight the potential of aqua fitness in promoting sustainable health and physical fitness in the older adult population.

Respiratory patterns and physical fitness in healthy adults: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe altered respiratory patterns have a significant impact on our health. However, the links between respiration patterns during spontaneous breathing and physical fitness remain unknown. Therefore, we sought to examine how the respiratory pattern during spontaneous breathing interacts with physical fitness.MethodsA total of 610 participants (aged 20-59 years) were enrolled; 163 men (age = 41 ± 11) and 401 women (age = 42 ± 9) were included for analysis. The parameters of the respiration pattern were respiration rate (RR) and inhalation/exhalation (I/E) ratio. The physical fitness components were body size, visuomotor reaction time, balance, flexibility, hand grip strength, back extension strength, vertical jump height, number of push-ups, number of sit-ups, and the maximum rate of oxygen consumption. The data were analyzed separately for two gender groups. Participants within each gender group were further divided into two age categories (young: 20−39 years, middle-aged: 40−59 years) for the analysis, and both correlational and comparative tests were used to solidify the results.ResultsNeither RRs nor the I/E ratios were substantially correlated with physical fitness in women. In addition, the I/E ratios showed no significant correlation with physical fitness in young men, while the results from correlational and comparative tests were inconsistent in middle-aged men. Consistently, men with lower RRs exhibited significantly shorter visuomotor reaction times in two age groups, and demonstrated significantly higher vertical jump heights in the middle-aged group.ConclusionsIn women, respiratory patterns were not correlated with physical fitness. The relationship between middle-aged men’s I/E ratios and their physical fitness warrants further investigation. Men with lower RRs may have better visual-motor coordination and/or sustained attention, while middle-aged men with lower RRs may also have greater leg explosive power and neuromuscular coordination, which should be considered for physical assessment and health improvement.

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.

The Influence of Creative Gymnastics Exercise on Improving Physical Fitness In Women In Coastal Area Jorong Tanah Laut District

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of creative gymnastic exercises on women on the coast of Jorong, Tanah Laut. The method used in this study is the pre-experimental method. The population in this study were female traders on the coast of Jorong, totaling 30 people and a sample of 30 people. In this study, a total sampling technique was used, namely the entire population was used as the main sample. The process of carrying out the research was by making creative exercise videos, then the exercises were tested on women on the coast. after the gymnastic movements can be carried out properly and correctly, the researcher provides a creative gymnastic training program 3 times a week, this activity lasts for 2 months.Based on the results of calculations using the t-test, it can be seen that the tcount before exercise with creative gymnastics with aerobic gymnastics is -7.071 with a probability of 0.000, because probability &lt;0.05, it can be concluded that there is a significant effect of creative gymnastics training on increasing fitness body for women along the coast of Jorong, Tanah Laut Regency.

Increasing Physical Fitness in Gender in Wetland Areas Negara Hulu Sungai Selatan District

The purpose of this study was to determine the increase in physical fitness for gender in the wetland area of Negara Hulu Sungai Selatan District. The method used in this study is the pre-experimental method. The purpose of the pre-experiment is to obtain information that is an approximation of the information that can be obtained by the actual experiment in circumstances where it is not possible to control and manipulate all the relevant variables. The design in this study uses The One Group Pretest-Posttest design, which means that a group of subjects is subjected to treatment for a certain period of time, while measurements are made before and after treatment is given and the effect of treatment is measured from the difference between the initial measurement (O1) and the final measurement (O2). The population in this study were women in the wetlands of Negara District, while the sample size was 35 people. The results of the study showed that there was an increase in physical fitness in women in the wetlands of Negara Hulu Sungai Selatan District. The benefits of physical fitness are currently very well recognized by the community, as evidenced by the development of fitness centers and sports activities that are widely held, all of which stem from the pursuit of physical fitness.

Health-related physical fitness in women with polycystic ovary syndrome versus controls: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinopathy associated with cardiometabolic dysfunction. (1) To compare HRPF indices, including cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscle strength, and muscle endurance, between women with and without PCOS (i.e., controls). (2) To explore the impact of moderating factors, i.e., insulin sensitivity, androgen levels, physical activity levels, and body mass index, on these indices. Articles comparing HRPF between PCOS and control groups were identified until February 27th, 2022. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted and moderating factors were explored with subgroup and meta-regression analyses. Twenty studies were included. Compared to controls, CRF was lower in women with PCOS (n = 15, -0.70 [-1.35, -0.05], P = 0.03, I2 = 95%). Meta-regression analyses demonstrated that fasting insulin (P = 0.004) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (P = 0.006) were negatively associated with CRF, while sex-hormone binding globulin levels (P = 0.003) were positively associated. Absolute muscle strength was not different between PCOS and controls (n = 7, 0.17 [-0.10, 0.45], P = 0.22, I2 = 37%). One study evaluated muscle endurance and reported lower core endurance in PCOS subjects compared to controls. These data suggest that PCOS may be associated with impaired CRF. It remains unclear whether muscle strength and endurance differ between women with PCOS and controls. As this data set was limited by a small sample size, potential for bias, and inconsistent findings, additional studies accounting for the heterogeneous presentation of PCOS as well as improved matching between PCOS and controls for characteristics known to affect HRPF would help elucidate the impact of PCOS on indices of HRPF. CRD42020196380.

Telomere Length Is Correlated with Resting Metabolic Rate and Aerobic Capacity in Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study investigated the associations between relative telomere length (RTL) and resting metabolic rate (RMR), resting fat oxidation (RFO), and aerobic capacity and whether oxidative stress and inflammation are the underlying mechanisms in sedentary women. We also aimed to determine whether the correlations depend on age and obesity. Sixty-eight normal weight and 66 obese women participated in this study. After adjustment for age, energy expenditure, energy intake, and education level, the RTL of all participants was negatively correlated with absolute RMR (RMRAB) and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) concentration, and positively correlated with maximum oxygen consumption (V˙O2max) (all p &lt; 0.05). After additional adjustment for adiposity indices and fat-free mass (FFM), RTL was positively correlated with plasma vitamin C concentration (p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, after adjustment for fasting blood glucose concentration, RTL was negatively correlated with age and positively correlated with V˙O2max (mL/kg FFM/min). We found that normal weight women had longer RTL than obese women (p &lt; 0.001). We suggest that RTL is negatively correlated with RMRAB and positively correlated with aerobic capacity, possibly via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Furthermore, age and obesity influenced the associations. We provide useful information for the management of promotion strategies for health-related physical fitness in women.

Impact of Intermittent Fasting Combined With High-Intensity Interval Training on Body Composition, Metabolic Biomarkers, and Physical Fitness in Women With Obesity.

BackgroundIntermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary approach that is widely popular due to its effects on weight and body fat loss, but it does not appear to ensure muscle mass preservation. Incorporating high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into an individual’s routine could be an attractive and viable therapeutic option for improving body composition, lifestyle and health promotion. Problematizing the emerging situation of fighting obesity, led us to clarify gaps about IF and hypothesize that IF and HIIT in conjunction may protect against muscle mass decline without impairing nitrogen balance (NB), in addition to improving the physical fitness of women with obesity.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of IF alone and combined with HIIT on body composition, NB and strength and physical fitness in women with obesity.MethodsThirty-six women (BMI 34.0 ± 3.2; 32.2 ± 4.4 years) participated and were randomly distributed into three groups: (1) Intermittent fasting combined with exercise group (IF + EX); (2) Exercise group (EX); and (3) Intermittent fasting group (IF). The interventions took place over 8 weeks and all evaluations were performed pre and post-intervention. The HIIT circuit was performed 3x/week, for 25 mins/session, at 70–85% of the maximum heart rate. The intermittent fasting protocol was a 5:2 diet with two meals within 6 h on fasting days, being 25% of total energy intake, plus 18 h of complete fasting. The protocol was performed 2x/week and 5 days of ad libitum ingestion. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was measured by indirect calorimetry, body composition by BodPod®, NB from urinary nitrogen, food consumption by food records and physical and strength performance were measured by physical tests. ANOVA two-way repeated measures mixed model was performed followed by Sidak post hoc (p < 0.05). This project was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05237154.ResultsThere were a reduction in body weight (P = 0.012) and BMI (P = 0.031) only in the IF + EX group. There was body fat loss in the IF + EX group (−4%, P < 0.001) and in the EX group (−2.3%, P = 0.043), an increase in fat-free mass in the IF + EX group (+3.3%, P < 0.001) and also in the EX group (+2%, P = 0.043), without differences between groups and the IF group showed no changes. The NB was equilibrium in all groups. All parameters of aerobic capacity and strength improved.ConclusionCombining IF with HIIT can promote increments in fat-free mass, NB equilibrium and improve physical fitness and strength.

A comparative study of heart rate variability and physical fitness in women with moderate and severe fibromyalgia

The aim of this study was to compare the physical fitness and cardiac autonomic activity among women with moderate and severe fibromyalgia (FM) and healthy women. This study included 35 women with FM (age: 46.2±8.9 years) and 17 healthy women (age: 44.3±9.9 years). Participants with FM were divided into moderate FM (n=15) and severe FM (n=20) according to the total score obtained in FM impact questionnaire. The heart rate variability was monitored using a portable cardiac monitor with participants resting in supine position during 10 min. Thereafter, the participants performed the chair sit and reach test, the chair stand test, and the 6-min walk test to measure the lower-body flexibility, lower-body muscle strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness, respectively. The lower-body muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness were both reduced in moderate and severe FM compared to healthy women (P<0.01), with greater reduction in severe FM when compared to moderate FM (P<0.05). In addition, the parasympathetic indexes of heart rate variability were all similarly decreased in both moderate and severe FM, when compared to healthy women (P<0.05). The cardiac parasympathetic activity is similarly decreased in women with both moderate and severe FM in comparison to healthy women, despite a greater physical deconditioning in severe FM.

Pre-Pregnancy Physical Fitness, Body Mass Index and Gestational Weight Gain as Risk Factors for Cesarean Delivery: A Study of Active Duty Women.

The World Health Organization considers the optimal rate of delivery by Cesarean among healthy nulliparous women to be <15%. In 2020, the rate of primary Cesarean delivery (CD) in the US among nulliparous women with singleton, vertex pregnancies was 26%. An enhanced understanding of factors associated with women undergoing CD may assist in reducing this rate. One potential factor is the level of physical fitness in women before pregnancy. Active duty (AD) soldiers provide a cohort of women who begin pregnancy while actively pursuing physical fitness. The research team sought to assess the effects of pre-pregnancy physical fitness of AD soldiers as measured by the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) on the incidence of CD in AD women, in addition to examining known demographic and pregnancy risk factors in this cohort. We conducted a retrospective study of healthy AD nulliparous women who delivered their singleton pregnancy of >32 weeks at a tertiary medical center between 2011 and 2016. Soldiers undergoing non-labored CD were excluded. Demographics, pre-pregnancy APFT results, antepartum and labor and delivery data were collected from the Digital Training Management System, the outpatient, and inpatient medical records respectively. Weight gain in pregnancy was assessed using the Institute of Medicine Guidelines for pregnancy. Fisher's exact tests and chi-squared tests assessed associations between categorical outcomes, and unpaired t-tests assessed differences in APFT scores between women who underwent CD vs. vaginal delivery. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess for independent risk factors among all collected variables. The protocol was approved by the Regional Health Command-Pacific Institutional Review Board. Five-hundred-and-twenty-three women delivering singleton pregnancies between 2011 and 2016 were reviewed for this study. Three-hundred ninety women met inclusion criteria: 316 in the vaginal delivery cohort, and 74 in the CD cohort, with a CD rate of 19%. Twenty non-labored CDs were excluded. Neither total APFT performance nor performance on the individual push-up, sit-up or run events in the 15 months prior to pregnancy was associated with mode of delivery. Excessive gestational weight gain (EWG) and neonatal birth weight were the only two factors independently associated with an increased rate of cesarean delivery. Women who had excessive gestational weight gain, were twice as likely to undergo CD as those who had adequate or insufficient weight gain (24% vs. 12%, p = 0.004). Soldiers delivering a neonate ≥4,000 g were 2.8 times as likely to undergo CD as those delivering a neonate <4,000 g (47% vs. 17%, p < 0.001). Age, race, and rank, a surrogate marker for socioeconomic status, were not associated with mode of delivery. Pre-pregnancy fitness levels as measured by the APFT among healthy physically active nulliparous AD women showed no association with the incidence of labored CD. EWG is one modifiable factor which potentially increases the risk for CD in this cohort and has been documented as a risk factor in a recent metanalysis (RR-1.3). Counseling on appropriate weight gain in pregnancy may be the most effective way to reduce the rate of CD among this population of healthy and physically active women.

Body weight and physical fitness in women with ischaemic heart disease: does physical fitness contribute to our understanding of the obesity paradox in women?

AimsBody mass index (BMI) defined obesity is paradoxically associated with lower all-cause mortality in patients with known cardiovascular disease. This study aims to determine the role of physical fitness in the obesity paradox in women with ischaemic heart disease (IHD).Methods and ResultsWomen undergoing invasive coronary angiography with signs/symptoms of IHD in the Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) prospective cohort (enrolled 1997–2001) were analysed. This study investigated the longer-term risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality associated with BMI and physical fitness measured by Duke Activity Status Index (DASI). Overweight was defined as BMl ≥25 to 30 kg/m2, obese as BMI ≥30 kg/m2, unfit as DASI scores <25, equivalent to ≤7 metabolic equivalents. Among 899 women, 18.6% were normal BMI-fit, 11.4% overweight-fit, 10.4% obese-fit, 15.3% normal BMI-unfit, 23.8% overweight-unfit, and 30.4% obese-unfit. In adjusted models compared to normal BMI-fit, normal BMI-unfit women had higher MACE risk [hazard ratio (HR) 1.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17–2.32; P = 0.004]; whereas obese-fit and overweight-fit women had lower risk of mortality (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.40–0.89; P = 0.012 and HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.41–0.92; P = 0.018, respectively).ConclusionTo address the paradox of body weight and outcomes in women, we report for the first time that among women with signs/symptoms of IHD overweight-fit and obese-fit were at lower risk of long-term all-cause mortality; whereas normal BMI-unfit were at higher risk of MACE. Physical fitness may contribute to the obesity paradox in women, warranting future studies to better understand associations between body weight, body composition, and physical fitness to improve cardiovascular outcomes in women.

Effeciency of methods of development of physical qualities of young women by fitness means

The article examines the changes in the indicators of physical fitness of women of the first mature age under the influence of fitness classes of the Kherson fitness center "Dominant". Fitness training included aerobic training, strength training (for all major muscle groups) and independent training. It is proved that the systematic use of training fitness programs allowed to determine the positive dynamics in the development of physical qualities of women of the first mature age. Significant changes were found in all indicators: the level of manifestation of speed and strength abilities during the long jump improved by 6.2%, the manifestation of strength abilities on the test "Bending and unbending the arms while lying down" changed by 21.7% , and according to the test "Lifting the torso to the side" - by 11.5%, the results of the development of flexibility changed by 12.1%, and the level of general endurance on the test exercise "Uniform running 1000 m" improved by 7.9%. The obtained results testify to the effectiveness of the proposed method of fitness classes in the indicators of physical fitness of women of the first mature age and can be used in the practice of fitness trainers and fitness instructors. In recent years, various types of health fitness are gaining popularity, maintaining the optimal level of physical condition, vital functions and reducing the risk of developing specific diseases of the cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, endocrine and other body systems.&#x0D; The modern system of physical education raises certain contradictions regarding the capabilities, orientation and determination of the propensity of people of different ages to engage in various types of physical culture and health activities. Taking into account the needs of different groups of the population determines the interest and desire of women of the first mature age to engage in specific types of physical activity, including fitness.

Physical Fitness of Women From Biała Podlaska Aged 60 or Older

Abstract Introduction The ongoing process of aging in the Polish society generates the necessity to take interest in the problems and needs of the elderly population. Age-appropriate fitness is an important factor contributing to an optimal level of seniors’ life quality and maintaining their independence in everyday life. The aim of this research was to evaluate the level of physical fitness of elderly women from Biała Podlaska with respect to their age and body build. Material and Methods The research included 38 women attending activities in culture centers in Biała Podlaska. Measurements of basic somatic parameters were used to evaluate their body build on the basis of BMI. The Fullerton Test was applied to determine the level of physical fitness. Results In all trials of the Fullerton tests, most of the seniors achieved normal or above normal results. Statistically significant correlations were found between BMI and the test results in most trials. Correlations between age and test results were observed only in the endurance test. Conclusions The female respondents present a high level of physical fitness in relation to American standards. Due to the high percentage of respondents with excessive body weight, there is a need to develop relevant physical activity programs for this age group of women.

Ideal cardiovascular health in women with systemic lupus erythematosus: Association with arterial stiffness, inflammation, and fitness

BackgroundSystemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is closely related to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We aimed to examine the association of ideal cardiovascular health (ICH) with arterial stiffness, inflammation, and physical fitness in women with SLE. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 76 women with SLE (age 43.4±13.8 years old). Ideal levels of 7 health metrics (smoking, body mass index, physical activity, healthy diet, blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose) were used to define the ICH score (ranging from 0 to 7 ideal metrics) and the ICH status ( defined as presenting ≥4 ideal metrics). Arterial stiffness was measured through pulse wave velocity (PWV) and inflammation through serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was measured by 6-min walk test (6MWT), and Siconolfi step test and muscular strength by handgrip strength and 30-s chair stand, and range of motion (ROM) by the back-scratch test. ResultsHigher ICH score was associated with lower PWV (β = −0.122, p = 0.002), lower hs-CRP (β = −0.234, p = 0.056), higher CRF [6MWT (β = 0.263, p = 0.041); Siconolfi step test (β = 0.330, p < 0.001)], higher ROM (β = 0.278, p = 0.013) and higher relative handgrip strength (β = 0.248, p = 0.024). Women with ICH status presented lower PWV (mean difference 0.40 m/s, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.63, p = 0.001), and higher CRF [assessed by 6MWT (mean difference 43.9 m, 95% CI 5.0 to 82.7, p = 0.028)], than women with non-ICH status. Sensitivity analyses using ICH score ranging 0–14 and considering ICH status with ≥5 metrics revealed consistent results. ConclusionICH is associated with lower arterial stiffness, lower inflammation, and higher fitness in women with SLE. Although these results extend current knowledge about the potential role of ICH for primordial prevention of CVD in SLE, they are yet to be confirmed in future prospective research .

ORGANIZATIONAL AND METHODICAL ASPECTS OF INDIVIDUALIZATION OF HEALTH IMPROVING FEMALE TRAINING

Aim. The paper deals with theoretical and experimental substantiation of an individual approach to health-improving female training. Materials and methods. A specific individual orientation of training effects for women aged from 21 to 35 years was determined depending on their somatotypes: asthenic (n = 14), normosthenic (n = 18) and hypersthenic (n = 16). Individual somatotype-based health-improving training programs were implemented by 48 women during a nine-month macrocycle. The following research methods were used: anthropometric measurements, somatotyping, control and pedagogical tests, a set of biomedical methods, pedagogical observation, pedagogical experiment, methods of mathematical statistics. Results. Distinctive somatotype features, body composition, functional status, physical fitness were determined in women engaged in shaping. The asthenic type is characterized by the smallest weight and height, as well as body circumference measurements, vital capacity, hand dynamometry, and body composition data. The hypersthenic type is described by the highest figures for the parameters studied. The normosthenic somatotype is distinguished by average data. Assessment of physical development, functional status and physical fitness in women demonstrated deviations from standard values for most indicators. The individualized method of developing health-improving female training programs based on somatotype characteristics provided statistically significant positive dynamics of physical development, body composition, functional status, physical fitness compared with the initial values. Conclusion. The focus of health-improving training programs for women aged from 21 to 35 years is determined based on morphofunctional and conditioning features that are specific for various somatotypes.

Effects of Individualized Functional Training on the Physical Fitness of Women with Obesity

Introduction: Obesity is a global public health problem with negative impact on health. Therefore, effective treatments options are needed. Objective: to evaluate the responses of a supervised functional training program on physical fitness and functional capacity of women with obesity. Methods: a prospective and controlled study was conducted with twenty-four women, BMI &gt;30 and &lt;55 kg/m² and age between 20 and 59 years. The evaluation consisted of anthropometric measurements and physical fitness tests that assessed the cardiorespiratory fitness and functional capacity [6-minute step test (ST6min)], the indirect strength of the lower limbs [sit-to-stand test (STS)] and the flexibility [sit and reach test (SR)]. After the baseline evaluations, the volunteers were allocated in two groups: individualized training group (ITG) (n=13), which consisted of aerobic and strength training, for three months, three times a week, 60 minutes per session; and the control group (CG) (n=11) which did not participate in any regular physical exercise program during the same period. At the third month the two groups were reassessed. Results: it was observed significative reductions in waist circumference, hip and neck measurements; all with p&lt;0.01; and increase in VO2max, in the number of movements of STS and in distance reached in the SR test, all with p&lt;0.01 for the ITG. The ITG showed superiority over CG for all exercise test variables studied. Conclusion: The training program improved the distribution of body fat, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, flexibility and functional capacity. These are indicatives that the strategy is feasible for women with obesity.

Effects Of Self Natural Posture Exercise On Pain Perception, Functional Movement, And Physical Fitness In Women With Chronic Pain

PURPOSE: While Self Natural Posture Exercise, SNPE, widely practiced in Korea is claimed to be effective, it has not been systematically demonstrated. This study examined whether SNPE is effective in pain, functional movement, and fitness improvement. METHODS: Twenty four women with chronic pain at least last 3 month prior to study participated (27.5±5.8 yrs, 23.0±3.8 kg/m2) and were divided into two groups; SNPE group (EG; n=12) and non-exercise group (NG; n=12). Subjects in EG participated in 12 weeks of exercise program consisted of 60 min per session, twice a week, while those in NG did not. Those in EG were tested before and after the program, and those in NG were tested twice in the same time interval. The pain perception was evaluated by Short-Form Mcgill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ). Movement tests were performed using Functional Movement Screen (FMS). Physical fitness was evaluated by grip and lower back strength, sit-and-reach, and back extension. RESULTS: Pain perception in EG was decreased (pre; 9.5±7.2 vs. post; 3.5±2.8), and group difference was noticed (p<0.01). Deep squat in EG increased (1.3±0.5 vs. 1.9±0.5, p<0.005). Hurdle step in EG increased (1.0±0.0 vs. 1.6±0.4, p<0.005), and group difference was noticed (p<0.05). Inline lunge both in EG (1.4±0.6 vs. 2.6±0.4, p<0.001) and in NG (1.5±0.5 vs. 2.2±0.7, p<0.001) increased. Shoulder mobility in EG increased (1.9±0.7 vs. 2.9±0.2, p<0.001), and group difference was found (p<0.05). Active straight leg raise in NG decreased (2.7±0.4 vs. 2.1±0.7, p<=0.05), but not in EG (2.7±0.4 vs. 3.0±0.0). Push up in EG increased (1.0±0.2 vs. 1.6±0.4, p<0.005). Rotary stability both in EG and NG did not show pre and post trial differences, but group differences were noticed (p<0.05). FMS total score both in EG (11.4±1.5 vs. 15.4±1.7, p<0.001) and in NG (12.1±1.7 vs. 13.2±2.0, p<0.05) increased, and group differences were noticed (p<0.05). Strength parameters were not changed. Sit-and-reach in EG (19.7±6.4 vs. 22.7±6.0, p<0.01) and back extension in EG (53.4±8.4 vs. 58.5±7.8, p<0.05) increased, and group differences in both were noticed (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It is demonstrated that SNPE is valuable exercise modality to release pain perception, to improve functional movement, and to enhance flexibility in women experiencing chronic pain.

The Relationship of Some Elements of Physical Fitness in Women Aged (35-45) Years on the Fat Component and Some Body Measurements

The Relationship of Some Elements of Physical Fitness in Women Aged (35-45) Years on the Fat Component and Some Body Measurements