Results Of Physical Fitness Tests Research Articles

Physical fitness of schoolchildren in the Metropolitan Region of Santiago: comparative analysis between types of educational establishments

Introduction: State and private subsidized schools usually have limited resources that may restrict the frequency and quality of physical activities offered in educational establishments. Objective: to compare the physical condition of schoolchildren between 6-14 years of age attending state, private subsidized and private schools in the boroughs of the Metropolitan Region of Santiago. Methods: we worked with a random sample by sex and age of 1656 schoolchildren aged 6-14 years. Anthropometry was measured (weight, height, arm circumference, waist circumference and skin folds). In addition, horizontal jump without impulse, grip strength and the distance covered in the six-minute walk test were measured. Results: there was a significantly higher proportion of obesity and waist circumference above the 90th percentile observed in students from state schools, compared to their peers from private and subsidized private schools. At the same time, girls in state schools had significantly lower physical performance, particularly in tests of grip strength and horizontal jump (p < 0.01). Conclusion: State and subsidized schools tend to face resource limitations that may restrict the frequency and quality of physical activities offered. This may lead to lower results in physical fitness tests and, therefore, to a higher prevalence of risk indicators for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in these students. Therefore, it is urgent to increase the quantity and quality of daily exercise time and to stimulate participation in sports to prevent and promote cardiovascular health.

Relationships of body build and physical activity with the physical fitness of high school students

Background: Physical fitness determines resourcefulness, i.e. the ability to effectively solve various tasks faced by a person and, therefore, to cope with various situations. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships of body build and physical activity with physical fitness in high school students. Methods: The research covered 194 students (104 women and 90 men) aged 16-18, attending randomly selected high schools in the Rzeszów district. The research methods were a diagnostic survey and the Eurofit test battery. The Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson’s chi-square test, and Spearman’s rank correlation were used in the analyses. Results: Statistically significant relationships were found between the preferred forms of physical activity (p=0.041, p=0.008) and the subjective assessment of physical fitness (p=0.015) and the sex of the respondents. There were statistically significant sex-related differences in the Sit-and-Reach (p<0.001), Standing Broad Jump (p<0.001), Hand Grip (p<0.001), Sit- Ups (p<0.001), Bent Arm Hang (p< 0.001), Shuttle Run (p<0.001), and Endurance Shuttle Run (p<0.001). In both groups, there were statistically significant relationships between the subjective assessment of physical fitness and the results of physical fitness tests (p<0.05). Conclusions: Women chose dancing more frequently and considered their physical fitness to be average, while men preferred team sports and assessed their physical fitness as very good. Women are characterized by greater flexibility, and men by greater explosive strength of lower limbs, static strength, strength endurance of trunk muscles, speed and agility, and cardiorespiratory endurance. In both groups, the higher the subjective assessment of physical fitness, the better the results of individual physical fitness tests.

Changes in Physical Fitness, Muscle Damage and Cognitive Function in Elite Rugby Players over a Season.

This study proposes to monitor the physical, immune and cognitive responses and adaptations of elite rugby players throughout the season based on the loads performed. Anthropometric measurements, physical fitness tests (e.g., muscle strength and power, linear and change-of-direction speed, cardiorespiratory fitness) and analyses of serum concentrations of markers of muscle damage (creatine kinase [CK] and lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were carried out over a sporting season (24 weeks) for 17 elite rugby players (10 forwards and 7 backs) aged 18.91 ± 0.76 years. The physical fitness test results show improvements in the performance of both forwards and backs over the season (p < 0.05), with an advantage for backs compared with forwards in most tests (p < 0.05). Muscle damage markers decreased at the end of the season compared with the baseline levels for forwards (p < 0.05). CK levels were unchanged for the backs, but there were increased LDH concentrations at the end of the season compared with baseline (p < 0.05). Serum BDNF levels decreased for the total group between the second and third sampling (p < 0.05). The muscular and physical capacities of rugby players differ according to their playing position. Immune responses and adaptations, as well as BDNF levels, vary throughout the season and depend on the physical load performed.

Human rights health care measures reporting physical fitness test for ages 6 to 17 with 10-year follow-up

Purpose This study aims to compare the physical fitness test results of Japanese children in 2008 and 2018 to narrow the gap between life expectancy and healthy life expectancy and extend healthy life expectancy. In addition, this paper sought to explore the potential of implementing health education programs as a new social context to promote race equality and human rights in health and social care. Design/methodology/approach This study was conducted in 2008 and 2018 in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Physical fitness tests related to growth and development were administered to participants aged 6–17 years. Findings Physical fitness measurements in 2018, specifically those for walking ability and endurance, were significantly inferior to those in 2008. In a gender-specific analysis, boys outperformed girls in muscle strength, muscle endurance, walking ability and endurance tests, while girls outperformed boys in the balance test. Research limitations/implications Most of the junior and senior high school students who participated in the EO test exceeded the upper limit of 120 s, suggesting that the load of the measurement method is low and improvement is necessary. In 2018, a large variation in 6M results was observed among participants, possibly due to the differences in the level of seriousness during the 6M test. Therefore, to ensure that junior and senior high school students properly perform the EO and 6M tests, it is necessary to devise an effective method of implementation, such as changing the physical fitness test load. Originality/value Mere health education is ineffective to address health inequalities. Addressing structural factors is essential to avoid unintended consequences such as increasing the gap between groups of people. However, one way to extend healthy life expectancy is to improve overall health, including differences in the health status of groups due to differences in region and socioeconomic status.

Physical health of high school students with different levels of motor activity

The physical health of children and adolescents is an indicator of the sanitary and hygienic well-being of an educational establishments, reflects the efficiency of the physical education system at schools and the level of physical activity of schoolchildren. An analysis of physical health indicators (height, body weight, hemodynamic and physiometric indicators) in 252 tenth graders was carried out. It was noted that the majority of adolescents (70–82 %) had functional indicators within the age-sex norm; normal physical development was determined in 60 % of schoolchildren. The results of physical fitness tests showed that the «60 m run» was performed at the level of the gold GTO sign, with an unsatisfactory result of the «flexion and extension of the arms in a lying position» test in girls and low results of the «bend forward from a standing position» test in boys. Statistically significant differences were established in the results of pedometer testing among adolescents of health groups I and II (group 1) and schoolchildren with chronic diseases of health groups III and IV (group 2). The physical activity of adolescents in group 1 was 1817 steps higher on weekdays (p=0.000) and on weekends compared to peers in group 2. According to the survey and pedometer data, every third student (34.6 %) was characterized by a low level of physical activity, an average level was found in 49.5 % of tenth graders, and a high level in 15.9 % of schoolchildren. Thus, the average level of physical activity in most adolescents was at the level of 8–9 thousand steps per day and was characterized by low involvement in sports sections, which requires a system of measures to increase the motivation of children and adolescents to engage in physical education.

Unsupervised Machine Learning inCountermovement Jump andIsometric Mid-Thigh Pull Performance Produces Distinct Combat andPhysical Fitness Clusters inMale andFemale U.S. Marine Corps Recruits.

Several challenges face the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) and other services in their efforts to design recruit training to augment warfighter mobility and resilience in both male and female recruits as part of an integrated model. Strength and power underpin many of the physical competencies required to meet the occupational demands one might face in military. As the military considers adopting force plate technology to assess indices of strength and power, an opportunity presents itself for the use of machine learning on large datasets to deduce the relevance of variables related to performance and injury risk. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether cluster analysis on baseline strength and power data derived from countermovement jump (CMJ) and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) adequately partitions men and women entering recruit training into distinct performance clusters. The secondary aim of this study is then to assess the between-cluster frequencies of musculoskeletal injury (MSKI). Five hundred and sixty-five males (n = 386) and females (n = 179) at the Marine Corps Recruit Depots located at Parris Island and San Diego were enrolled in the study. Recruits performed CMJ and IMTP tests at the onset of training. Injury data were collected via medical chart review. Combat fitness test (CFT) and physical fitness test (PFT) results were provided to the study team by the USMC. A k-means cluster analysis was performed on CMJ relative peak power, IMTP relative peak force, and dynamic strength index. Independent sample t-tests and Cohen's d effect sizes assessed between-cluster differences in CFT and PFT performance. Differences in cumulative incidence of lower extremity %MSKIs were analyzed using Fisher's exact test. Relative risk and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were also calculated. The overall effects of cluster designation on CMJ and IMTP outcomes ranged from moderate (relative peak power: d = -0.68, 95% CI, -0.85 to -0.51) to large (relative peak force: d = -1.69, 95% CI, -1.88 to -1.49; dynamic strength index: d = 1.20, 95% CI, 1.02-1.38), indicating acceptable k-means cluster partitioning. Independent sample t-tests revealed that both men and women in cluster 2 (C2) significantly outperformed those in cluster 1 (C1) in all events of the CFT and PFT (P < .05). The overall and within-gender effect of cluster designation on both CFT and PFT performance ranged from small (d > 0.2) to moderate (d > 0.5). Men in C2, the high-performing cluster, demonstrated a significantly lower incidence of ankle MSKI (P = .04, RR = 0.2, 95% CI, 0.1-1.0). No other between-cluster differences in MSKI were statistically significant. Our results indicate that strength and power metrics derived from force plate tests effectively partition USMC male and female recruits into distinct performance clusters with relevance to tactical and physical fitness using k-means clustering. These data support the potential for expanded use of force plates in assessing readiness in a cohort of men and women entering USMC recruit training. The ability to pre-emptively identify high and low performers in the CFT and PFT can aid in leadership developing frameworks for tailoring training to enhance combat and physical fitness with benchmark values of strength and power.

Does the Record of Physical Fitness Tests Reveal Locomotor Disorders in Children? Relationship Between Records of Physical Fitness Tests and Locomotor Disorder Screenings: Results in Japanese Children

Background: In Japan, children often suffer from locomotor disorders due to either too much or too little physical activity. As a result, locomotive examinations have been incorporated into Japanese school education. However, the first stage of the examination process is based on a screening questionnaire by parents, which may lead to serious oversights. Researchers discovered that considering the results of locomotive examinations along with the results of physical fitness tests can lead to early detection of locomotor disorders in children without overlooking them. Objectives: This study clarified the relationship between fitness test results and locomotor disorder screenings, highlighting the possibility of early detection of these disorders. Methods: This is a retrospective study in which we examined the results of locomotor disorder screenings and physical fitness tests of 315 elementary students in Japan in 2022 by gender and grade. Furthermore, we analyzed whether physical fitness test scores differed between children whose screenings did or did not indicate abnormalities, also categorized by gender and grade. Results: Results showed the following statistical outcomes. Overall, we found slightly significant differences between boys in the two groups in the third and fourth grades and a significant difference at 0.1% – 1% in sit-up scores between the two groups of boys in both grades. Grip strength also showed significant differences in the third and fifth grades at 1% and 5%, respectively. The fourth-grade boys showed significant differences in the seated forward bend and side-steer scores at 1% and 5%, respectively. Moreover, there were significant differences between children with and without abnormalities in their 50-m run scores among boys in the third and fourth grades and girls in the fourth grade. There was also a significant difference of 0.1% – 1% in the standing long jump scores between the groups of fourth- and sixth-grade boys. Thus, an association was found between the results of the screening of locomotive examinations and the results of the physical fitness test. Conclusions: Combining fitness tests and locomotor disorder screenings may enable early detection and prevention of locomotor disorders in children.

Comparative Analysis of the Physical Fitness Test Results of Undergraduate Students in Government University in Guangdong Province

The vitality of a nation is reflected in the physical fitness of its youth, a component integral to global health research. This study sought to reveal the current state of physical fitness among undergraduates at government university in Guangdong province, with the principal aim of providing an empirical basis for interventions and policy recommendations. Adopting a descriptive comparative approach, the research scrutinized physical fitness test records from 2020 through 2023. Quantitative analysis, employing mean, standard deviation, ANOVA, and post hoc tests, discerned significant disparities in physical fitness and BMI when stratified by academic year level. The findings indicated significant variations in physical fitness across different student groups, necessitating tailored approaches to health promotion.

Correlative Analysis and Prediction of Physical Education Data Via Machine Learning: A Case Study on Grade Evaluation Method in University

Physical education is an important way to strengthen the physical quality of students in the university. Sport performance is an important criterion for judging the physical fitness of college students. But during the process of calculating and collecting the comprehensive score for each student, teachers will use different equipment or various grading formulas to evaluate the grade for many years. Thus, referenced score will lose their values if the measurement data for each student in different years are not unified and sometimes with the subjective factor because of the manual calculations. This article analyzes the details of physical fitness test results and the relationship with the comprehensive score. It is discussed that the comprehensive score can provide serious help for teachers to know students’ physical quality level and make reasonable teaching program to each student according to their personal radar chat. Therefore, the artificial influence is excluded, and the prediction model is designed by using the principal component analysis method and the back propagation (BP) neural network technology. The predictive model allows students to evaluate their own physical test score in advance, get a preliminary understanding of their physical fitness. Comparisons are made between the applications of this model in different years and errors are discussed to verify the accuracy. The results indicate that the comprehensive score prediction model supplies one effective approach to unify the scoring standards and improve the computation efficiency in physical education.

An empirical study of the flag rugby game programme to promote gross motor skills and physical fitness in 5–6 year old preschool children

In order to investigate the effects of a flag rugby game programs on the development of gross motor skills and physical fitness in 5–6 year old preschool children. An overall random sampling method was adopted to select 56 preschoolers aged 5–6 years from class A and class B,class A was the ExG (28) implemented a flag rugby games intervention program,and class B was the ConG (28) implemented a regular physical education program,with a 12-week intervention period.The content and requirements of the experimental intervention program were determined through a systematic analysis method, and the subjects' gross motor skills level was tested using the TGMD-3, and their physical fitness level was measured using China's fifth national physical fitness monitoring of early childhood (3–6 years) component.Experimental data were statistically analyzed using independent samples t-test, paired samples t-test, and repeated measures ANOVA test.After 12 weeks of practice, 1）We found that the ExG outperformed the ConG in Skip,One hand stationary dribble, Overhand throw, Underhand throw, Forehand strike of self-bounced,Kick a stationary ball, Total object control subject score, Total gross motor score test results with significant differences (p < 0.05).The ExG differed significantly (p < 0.01) in Grip strength, Stand long jump,Sit forward bend, Continuous jump on both feet,15 m obstacle run,Walk the balance beam, while the ConG differed significantly (p < 0.05) only in Continuous jump on both feet,15 m obstacle run and Stand long jump.2）We also found gender differences in gross motor skills and Physical fitness test results, this difference is manifested in boys outperformed girls in Total object control subject Score, Grip strength and 15 m obstacle run with significant difference (p < 0.05), girls outperformed boys in Sit forward bend with significant difference (p < 0.05).The 12-week flag rugby game programs improved gross motor skills and physical fitness levels of 5–6 year old preschoolers more comprehensively than the regular program, and we recommend the purposeful and organized promotion of a flag rugby game programs in the physical activity curriculum for 5–6 year old preschoolers.

Effects of physical fitness on mental health of Chinese college students: across-sectional study

BackgroundThe physical and mental health of college students is often mentioned, but there is limited research on a direct relationship between the mental health status of college students and their physical fitness level. This study mainly proves the relationship between Chinese college students’ mental health and physical fitness indicators.MethodThis study collected SCL-90 Scale test results from 5262 students (4012 boys and 1250 girls) through a questionnaire survey and conducted a Sport Quality Test on these students. Statistical software SPSS was applied for differential analysis and logistic regression analysis. Specifically, the differences in sport quality indicators between normal and abnormal mean total scores of psychological tests were analyzed first. Then, the binary logistic regression model was used to explore the impacts of sports quality indicator scores on students’ psychological fitness.ResultsThere are differences in the results of physical fitness tests between students with abnormal psychology and students with normal psychology. The four indexes of students’ vital capacity, speed, explosive power of lower limbs, and endurance running are effective in improving students’ psychologically abnormal state, and endurance running and improving vital capacity are the most effective methods to improve students’ psychologically abnormal state. In the physical tests of Chinese college students, the risk of psychological abnormalities was reduced by 9% for every one-point increase in lung capacity and 10.4% for every one-point increase in endurance running performance.ConclusionsChinese college students’ physical fitness and mental health are related. The best methods for treating psychological disorders are lung capacity improvement and endurance running. According to the physical test results of Chinese college students, for every 1-point increase in lung capacity and endurance running, the risk of psychological abnormalities decreased by 9% and 10.4%, respectively.

The Influence of Physical Education Over A Semester on the Psycho-Physical Development in Elementary School Students

Study purpose. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the physical education program over a semester on physical fitness, sport-specific skills (football and basketball) and the quality of life in elementary school students (7th and 8th grade). Materials and methods. 128 students (64 boys and 64 girls) from three elementary schools, aged 13‒14, participated in the study. A battery of five diagnostic tests was used to assess physical fitness: Modified Agility “T” test, Illinois Agility Run Test, 10x5 Shuttle Run Test, Standing Balance Test and 2-Minute Step in Place Test. Training polygons with elements of sports were used to assess football and basketball skills. Determining the level of quality of life was carried out with a pediatric quality of life questionnaire (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory TM – PedsQL). Results. The study found statistically significant improvements in the results of most physical fitness tests in all team sports on training polygons, as well as in the level of quality of life for both boys and girls in both grades. Conclusion. It can be concluded that the physical education program was well organized and implemented and thus had a positive effect on improving the psycho-physical status of students.

Research on the Reliability of Children's Physical Fitness Test Results in Family Environment

In order to promote the development of children's physical fitness testing, this paper adopts methods such as literature review, experimentation, and data analysis to analyze the results of physical fitness tests conducted by parents in the home environment on children with the help of online physical fitness testing system for young children and the results of tests conducted by professionals in the campus environment. The correlation between height and weight, ten-meter back and forth running, sitting and forward bending, standing long jump, double-foot continuous jump, tennis long throw and other items in the family environment and in the campus environment were analyzed to determine the reliability of the test results in the family environment, so as to lay a theoretical foundation for promoting family physical fitness testing

Extending Air Force Physical Fitness Postpartum Dwell Time Improves Maternal Physical Readiness.

Research suggests women are more likely to fail their military physical fitness assessment in the immediate postpartum period than in the prenatal period. In 2015, the United States Air Force physical fitness postpartum testing dwell time increased from 6 months to 12 months postpartum. The primary aim of this study was to assess if Air Force active duty women's physical readiness, as indicated by individual physical fitness test results, was impacted by this change. The secondary aim was to determine the postpartum duration for active duty Air Force women to return to their prenatal anthropometric measurements. All active duty Air Force women who gave birth from 2011-2019 in the military medical system were considered for analysis. A total of 6,726 women meeting inclusion criteria were grouped to 6 month testers (delivery between 2011-February 2015) and 12 month testers (delivery between March 2015 and 2019). Logistic regression and general linear models were used to assess the associations and predictability of the various fitness and anthropometric components of the physical fitness testing requirements (6 vs. 12 month testers), controlling for covariates (age, military rank, marital status, and ethnicity). Those testing at 12 months had decreased odds (odds ratio = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.32-0.49, P < .0001) of failing their initial postpartum fitness test than those testing at 6 months. The prevalence of test failure at the first exam postpartum was 10.4% among 6 month testers and 4% among 12 month testers. Women who tested at 6 months retained relatively more weight (2.7 ± 5.0 kg, 4.2% increase), body mass index (1.0 ± 2.1 kg/m2, 4.5% increase), and abdominal circumference (2.4 ± 4.9 cm, 3.5% increase) than their counterparts testing at 12 months (1.8 ± 5.4 kg, 2.8% increase; 0.7 ± 2.2 kg/m2, 3.0% increase; and 1.8 ± 5.0 cm, 2.7% increase; respectively) (P < .0001). When comparing those with prenatal fitness status of "excellent," "pass," or "fail," no group attained prenatal weight status in the 24 months monitored. Average weight and abdominal circumference retention for all groups at 24 months postpartum were 2.8 kg and 1.3 cm, respectively. Among initial postpartum fitness testing failures, the component most failed was sit-ups (34.5%), followed by the 1.5-mile run (29.8%). Six month testers were more likely, across all prenatal fitness categories ("fail," "pass" and "excellent") to fail postpartum fitness testing compared to 12 month testers (26.1%, 17.7%, and 5.6% vs.19.4%, 7.3% and 2%, respectively). The decision of the Air Force to increase the minimal required time between childbirth and postpartum physical fitness testing for women has positively impacted fitness test failure rates and anthropometric measure changes. Additional policy should be implemented to support postpartum holistic health interventions.

Comparative study of functional indicators in swimming and volleyball

This study aimed to identify various functional indicators relevant to swimming clubs and volleyball players, and also to compare selected functional indicators between athletes engaged in swimming and volleyball. The researchers employed the descriptive method within the framework of comparative studies. The study sample comprised applicants from clubs in Baghdad, deliberately chosen to represent the pinnacle of swimming proficiency and volleyball efficiency. Each category, swimming and volleyball, consisted of 22 subjects, divided evenly into two groups, with 11 subjects in each. Functional tests utilized in this study included the heart rate test and the physical fitness test known as PWC170. There exists a notable disparity in resting heart rate between swimmers and volleyball players. While some alignment is observed in individual heart rates between the two sports, significant differences persist. Furthermore, substantial disparities in physical fitness test results, particularly the PWC170 test, are evident, with volleyball players demonstrating a six-level advantage over swimmers. Additionally, there are instances of exceptionally high PWC170 levels among swimmers, albeit in a minority of cases. There is a discernible discrepancy of eight degrees in maximum oxygen consumption (Vo2max) rates favoring volleyball players. Lastly, the Hb test results for swimmers are significantly influenced by their performance in physical fitness tests and maximum oxygen consumption, leading to a clear advantage for volleyball players in this assessment.

Validity of Estimated Results from a Wearable Device for the Tests Time Up and Go and Sit to Stand in Young Adults and in People with Chronic Diseases.

Health care professionals need a valid tool to assess the physical ability of patients with chronic diseases. We aimed to assess the validity of the results of physical fitness tests estimated by a wrist wearable device in young adults and chronic disease people. Participants wore a sensor placed on their wrist and performed two physical fitness tests (sit to stand (STS) and time up and go (TUG)). We checked the concordance of sensor-estimated results using Bland-Altman analysis, root-mean-square error, and intraclass coefficient of correlation (ICC). In total, 31 young adults (groups A; median age = 25 ± 5 years) and 14 people with chronic diseases (groups B; median age = 70 ± 15 years) were included. Concordance was high for both STS (ICCA = 0.95, and ICCB = 0.90), and TUG (ICCA = 0.75, ICCB = 0.98). The best estimations were given by the sensor during STS tests in young adults (mean bias = 0.19 ± 2.69; p = 0.12) and chronic disease people (mean bias = -0.14 ± 3.09 s; p = 0.24). The sensor provided the largest estimation errors over 2 s during the TUG test in young adults. This study showed that the results provided by the sensor are consistent with those of the gold standard during STS and TUG in both healthy youth and people with chronic diseases.

Efforts to Improve the Learning Outcomes of Passing the Inner Leg in Football Through the Triangular Goal Game for Class IX MTSs TPI Medan

The purpose of this study was to determine the increase in physical fitness learning outcomes through the play approach in class VII students of MTs Negeri 1 Medan. This type of research is classroom action research (CAR), with three cycles. The instrument used is the short distance running test. The subjects in this study were 18 students of class VII MTs Negeri 1 Medan. The data analysis technique used is descriptive statistics with percentages. Based on the results of the research on physical fitness test results obtained through the play approach in class VII students of MTs Negeri 1 Medan, the average achievement in cycle 1 was 64.58, the average in cycle 2 was 71.87, and the average in cycle 3 obtained 80.2 The results can be concluded that there is an increase in physical fitness learning outcomes through the play approach in class VII students of MTs Negeri 1 Medan.

Physical Fitness and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Risk Among Children and Adolescents in Taiwan

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing in newly industrialized countries but disease etiologies remain unclear. To investigate the association between physical fitness and subsequent IBD risk among children and adolescents in Taiwan. This nationwide cohort study was conducted between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2018. Data sources included the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, the National Student Fitness Tests Database, and the Air Quality Monitoring System Database. This study included students who were aged 10 years, completed physical fitness tests between grades 4 and 13, and had at least 1 year of follow-up. Data analysis was last performed on January 15, 2023. Physical fitness tests included cardiorespiratory endurance (CE; number of minutes to complete an 800-m run), musculoskeletal endurance (ME; number of bent-leg curl-ups in 1 minute), musculoskeletal power (MP; standing broad jump distance), and flexibility fitness (FF; 2-leg sit-and-reach distance). Subsequent risk of IBD was compared among students based on physical fitness test results. Six-year cumulative incidences and hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated after adjusting for competing mortality. Performance was reported in quantiles, ranging from 1 (best) to 4 (poorest). There were 4 552 866 students who completed physical fitness tests between grades 4 and 13; among these students, 1 393 641 were aged 10 years and were included in the analysis. Six-year cumulative incidence of IBD risk was lowest among students in the best-performing quantile of CE (quantile 1, 0.74% [95% CI, 0.63%-0.86%]; P < .001), ME (0.77% [0.65%-0.90%]; P < .001), and MP (0.81% [0.68%-0.93%]; P = .005) compared with students in quantiles 2 through 4, respectively; however, no association was observed for quantiles of FF. After adjusting for competing HRs for mortality and other confounders, better CE was inversely associated with IBD risk (adjusted HR, 0.36 [95% CI, 0.17-0.75]; P = .007). Other measures of physical fitness were not independently associated with IBD risk. The results of this study suggest that CE was inversely associated with IBD risk among children and adolescents, but ME, MP, and FF were not independently associated with IBD risk. Future studies that explore the mechanisms are needed.

Effect of 11 Weeks of Physical Exercise on Physical Fitness and Executive Functions in Children

The aim of our study was to evaluate and compare the effects of physical exercise interventions on physical fitness and executive functions in children. Six-year-old children participated in the study and were randomly divided into physical exercise group (PE group, n = 43) and control group (C group, n = 46). The children in the PE group participated in a physical exercise program for 45 min daily, four days a week for 11 weeks. The children in the C group continued with their usual routines. Then, all the children were tested before and after the experiment for body composition (height, weight, BMI), physical fitness (20-m shuttle run test, standing long jump test, grip strength test, 4 × 10 m shuttle run test and sit and reach tests), and executive functions test (animal go/no-go task, working memory span task, simple reaction test and flexible item selection task) before and after the 11-week period. The 11 weeks of physical exercise did not significantly affect the body composition of the children (p > 0.05). The physical fitness and executive functions test results showed that 11 weeks of physical exercise interventions improves physical fitness (cardiopulmonary fitness, muscle strength, speed sensitivity and flexibility quality) and executive functions parameters (inhibitory control, working memory, the reaction time, and cognitive flexibility) in children (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). 11 weeks of physical exercise can improve the physical fitness and executive functions of six-year-old children.

Utility of a Physical Fitness Score in Screening for Chronic Diseases.

We developed a new Physical Score (PS) consisting of comprehensive physical fitness indicators and elucidated the association between the resultant PS and metabolic diseases, i.e., diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, fatty liver, and metabolic syndrome (MetS), among Japanese. Analyzed were 49,850 persons (30,039 men) aged 30 to 69 y who underwent physical fitness tests. Principal component analysis was performed on the correlation matrix of the physical fitness test results (relative grip strength, single-leg balance with eyes closed, and forward bending) according to sex and age. We defined the PS as the first principal component score. A formula was developed for various age groups comprised of men and women from 30 to 69 years of age from which the PS for each age and sex was calculated. The PS for both men and women was normally distributed with a value of 0 ± 1.15-1.16. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of metabolic diseases increased approximately 1.1-1.6 times per each 1-point reduction in the PS. The association between PS and MetS was particularly strong in that a 1-point reduction in the PS increased the risk of MetS by 1.54 times (95% confidence interval 1.46 to 1.62) in men and by 1.21 times (1.15 to 1.28) in women. The association between a lower PS and disease risk was stronger in younger men for fatty liver and in older men for MetS. Conversely, in women, the association between a lower PS and disease risk was stronger in older women for fatty liver and in younger women for MetS. For diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, the change in the impact of PS reductions across age groups was small. The PS is a useful and simple non-invasive tool for screening Japanese people for metabolic diseases.