Shuttle Run Test Research Articles

Comparison of Water-Based and Land-Based High-Intensity Interval Training Effects on Aerobic Capacity and Spinal Stabilization

The purpose of the study is to examine the effects of a two-week period of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in water and land-based running on aerobic capacity and spinal stabilization. Forty-one healthy young participants were divided into water-based exercise, land-based exercise, and control groups. Aerobic capacity was measured with 20-m Shuttle Run Test, and spinal stabilization was tested with 60° Flexion test and Sorensen test. Water and land-based exercise groups performed six sessions of HIIT program for two weeks. A significant improvement in aerobic capacity and spinal stabilization was found between the baseline and after two-week evaluations in both the water and land based HIIT exercise groups (p

The Seventh and Eighth Grade Primary School Students’ Physical Fitness and Results on the Gymnastics Polygon

The purpose of the study was to determine the connection between physical fitness and the results on the gymnastics polygon in the seventh and eighth grade elementary school students. Additionally, it was necessary to determine the differences in the observed variables in relation to the grade, separately for each gender. Materials and methods. A total of 128 students from three elementary schools (64 male and 64 female students), 13 and 14 years old, participated in the testing. Five physical fitness tests were used (modified agility "T" test (MAT), Illinois agility run test, 10x5 shuttle run test, standing balance test and 2-minute step in place test), and a specially designed gymnastics polygon was used to assess the level of adoption of technical elements from artistic gymnastics. Results. A statistically significant correlation was recorded between all observed parameters with different levels, from moderate to strong correlations, both in relation to the grade, as well as in relation to the gender of the students. It was also determined that in boys, there are differences in only one test (MAT) in favor of the eighth graders, while in girls, there was a difference in three tests (MAT; 10x5 shuttle test; 2-minute step in place test) in favor of the eighth graders. Conclusions. So it can be concluded that there is a strong mutual connection between physical fitness and sports-specific skills, which are presented in this paper by means of the technical elements of artistic gymnastics.

Regular Physical Activity Helps Improve the Physical Fitness Level of Elementary School Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The purpose of this study was to prove the effect of regular physical activity in helping to increase the physical fitness level of elementary school students during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Materials and methods. This research is true experimental with the randomized pretest-posttest control group design. A total of 48 students from the Kabuh District Public Elementary School, Jombang Regency, East Java, Indonesia, aged 10–11 years participated in the study. The students were divided into two groups, namely the control group (G1; n = 21) and the experimental group (G2; n = 27). Measurement of physical fitness level using a) body mass index (BMI); (b) sit-and-reach test; (c) lie down for 30 seconds; (d) pull-up modification; and (e) the 20-meter multistage shuttle run test was performed before and after treatment. The data analysis technique used the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 21. Results. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the average level of physical fitness between the pretest and posttest in the experimental group (G2) (p ≤ 0.001), while the control group (G1) did not show a significant difference (p ≥ 0.05). Conclusions. Based on the results of the study it was concluded that providing regular physical activity had a positive impact on increasing the level of physical fitness in elementary school students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cardiorespiratory fitness and development of childhood cardiovascular risk: The EXAMIN YOUTH follow-up study.

Background: Obesity- and hypertension-related cardiovascular (CV) risk has been shown to originate in childhood. Higher body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) have been associated with increased large artery stiffness and a lower microvascular arteriolar-to-venular diameter ratio (AVR) in children. This study aimed to investigate the association of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with development of BMI, BP and vascular health during childhood. Methods: In our prospective cohort study, 1,171 children aged 6-8years were screened for CRF, BMI, BP, retinal vessel diameters and pulse wave velocity using standardized protocols. Endurance capacity was assessed by 20m shuttle run test. After 4years, all parameters were assessed in 664 children using the same protocols. Results: Children with a higher CRF at baseline developed a significantly lower BMI (β [95% CI] -0.09 [-0.11 to -0.06] kg/m2, p < 0.001), a lower systolic BP (β [95% CI] -0.09 [-0.15 to -0.03]mmHg, p = 0.004) and a higher AVR (β [95% CI] 0.0004 [0.00004 to 0.0007] units, p = 0.027) after 4years. The indirect association of CRF with development of retinal arteriolar diameters was mediated by changes in BMI. Conclusion: Our results identify CRF as a key modulator for the risk trajectories of BMI, BP and microvascular health in children. Obesity-related CV risk has been shown to track into adulthood, and achieving higher CRF levels in children may help counteract the development of CV risk and disease not only in pediatric populations, but may also help reduce the burden of CVD in adulthood. Registration: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ (NCT02853747).

Time measurement validity and reliability of the 4 × 10-m shuttle run test in adult population: The ADULT-FIT project

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to analyze the time measurement validity and reliability (between raters and test–retest) of the 4 × 10-m shuttle run test to assess motor fitness in adults, according to gender, age, and physical activity levels. DesignCross-sectional. A total of 230 adults (86 women) aged 18–64 years participated in the study. MethodsThe time taken to complete the 4 × 10-m shuttle run test was recorded simultaneously by a trained and an untrained rater (inter-rater reliability) and by photoelectric cells (time measurement validity). 48–72 h later, the test was repeated under the same conditions (test–retest reliability). ResultsThe systematic error for trained rater vs. photocell was close to zero (0.0125, p < 0.01), with an effect size of 0.006; and for both, untrained rater vs. photocell and trained rater vs. untrained rater was ∼0.2 s (p < 0.001) with an effect size of 0.09. For the test–retest reliability, the systematic error was 0.05 s (p < 0.001), with an effect size of 0.26, the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.998 and the coefficient of variation reported a variability of 0.73 %. Results were not influenced by gender and age, while these improved for active vs. non-active participants. ConclusionsFindings indicate that measurements with trained raters are a valid and reliable method for assessing the 4 × 10-m shuttle run test in adults. It is highly recommended that raters be trained to minimize the measurement error.

Association of physical activity and fitness with executive function among preschoolers

It is well-documented in the literature that high levels of regular physical activity (PA), low levels of sedentary behavior (SB), and high levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are associated with superior cognitive functioning, especially with regard to older populations. However, concerning other age groups (e.g., preschoolers) the available evidence documenting such a positive relationship is relatively scarce. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association of time spent in different PA intensity zones and CRF with executive functions (EFs) in preschool-age children. To this end, preschoolers (n = 127) aged 3 to 6 years were recruited from 9 kindergarten classes in 2 districts of Shenzhen, China. The amount and the intensity of PA were assessed via accelerometry, and the CRF level was quantified by the 20-meter shuttle run test. EFs including inhibitory control and working memory were assessed using the one-on-one iPad-based Early Year Toolbox. Results suggested that children who had a higher CRF level (“impulse control” scores: β = 0.34, p < .001; “Go” accuracy: β = 0.31, p < .001; “No-Go” accuracy: β =0.28, < .001) and spentmore time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (“impulse control” scores: β = 0.50, p < .001; No-Go” accuracy: β = 0.52, p < .001) had higher scores on inhibitory control tasks, and those who had a higher CRF level had higher scores on a working memory task (β = 0.24, p < .05). The findings are discussed in light of the positive roles of MVPA and CRF for promoting EFs, but also consider the disproportionate association of PA and CRF with working memory relative to inhibition.

Positive Effects of Plyometric vs. Eccentric-Overload Training on Performance in Young Male Handball Players.

This study aimed to compare the effects of two 8-week in-season strength-training programs on handball players' physical and technical parameters. Thirty-six male athletes were randomly separated into three groups: a control group (n = 12), a plyometric training group (PG, n = 12), and an eccentric-overload training group (EG, n = 12). The PG and EG performed upper- and lower-limb plyometric or eccentric-overload exercises, respectively, three times per week. Control groups performed regular handball training. The athletes were assessed for counter movement jump (CMJ) and Abalakov vertical jump (ABK) height, 15 m linear sprint time, handball-throwing speed (i.e., penalty throw; 3-step running throw; jump throw), and cardiorespiratory endurance through the 20 m shuttle-run test. Heart rate and blood lactate were measured at the end of the endurance test. No baseline differences were noted for dependent variables between groups. The session rating of perceived exertion was similar between the intervention groups (PG = 361 ± 12.2 AU; EG = 370 ± 13.3 AU). The ANOVA revealed significant (p < 0.05; Δ = 5-9%; effect size (ES) = 0.45-1.96). Similar improvements for experimental groups compared to the control group for CMJ, ABK jump, penalty throw, 3-step running throw, and jump throw. However, interventions did not affect 15 m, cardiorespiratory endurance, nor heart rate or blood lactate after the endurance test. In conclusion, an 8-week handball intervention by performing plyometric or eccentric-overload training in-season improves the physical and technical parameters of male players when compared to regular handball practice.

Do physical activity, sedentary time, motor skills and aerobic fitness predict primary school children’s attention? Use of a data mining strategy

ABSTRACT Quantitative and qualitative physical activity variables such as moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and motor coordination are likely to positively predict attention. No studies have yet investigated these coexisting effects or identified which are the most important among them in predicting attention. 324 children from two primary schools participated in 5 measurement times over 3 academic years. MVPA and sedentary time (ST) were measured by accelerometry. Motor skills were assessed with a shuttle run test, a standing broad jump and a plate tapping test. Aerobic capacity was measured with the PREFIT 20 m shuttle run test. Attentional capacities were measured with a computer-based Flanker Task: Reaction Times (RT) for sustained attention and inhibition were collected for each child. Two conditional inference trees and random forests were used to analyse the data. MVPA, ST, motor skills, grade, sex, and body mass index were included in the analysis as possible predictive variables of the two attentional variables. RT for sustained attention was predicted by grade, then by the shuttle run test and plate tapping test performances. RT for inhibition was predicted by the plate tapping test, then by shuttle run performances, grade and the standing broad jump performance. These findings indicate that attentional improvements may be due more to neural stimulation than to the benefits of cardiovascular exercise. No effect of ST was apparent. The data mining approach highlights the importance of gross and fine motor skills according to age in the prediction of sustained attention compared to inhibition.

Associations among metabolic health, weight status, and various physical fitness components in Japanese adolescents: a cross-sectional study (NICE EVIDENCE study- Agano 3)

ABSTRACT Aim was to examine associations among metabolic health, weight status, and various physical fitness (PF) components in 1744 Japanese adolescents aged 13–14. Anthropometric measurements and PF tests (20 m shuttle run test [20mSRT], handgrip strength/body mass [HG], standing long jump [SLJ], and sit ups [SU]) were administered. The bottom sex-specific quintile of PF indicated “low fit”. Participants were classified as non-overweight (non-OW) or overweight/obese (OW) according to the International Obesity Task Force. Clustered metabolic risk was defined as the sum of Z scores for mean arterial pressure, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and HbA1c, divided by three, and ≥ 1 SD. Combination of weight status and scores for HG or SU were additively associated with clustered metabolic risk. Compared with the non-OW-moderate-high fit group, the OW-low HG group was 3.05 (95%CI: 1.88–4.97) times more likely to have clustered metabolic risk although risk was not significantly elevated in the OW-moderate-high HG group (1.52 [95%CI: 0.88–2.62]). A similar association was observed between OW and low SU scores but not between OW and low 20mSRT or SLJ scores. Adolescents with OW and moderate-high HG or SU scores had a lower prevalence of an unfavourable metabolic state than those with OW and low HG or SU results.

“STAR WARS™: The First Jedi” Gamification Program: Improvement of Fitness Among College Students

Purpose: To examine the effects of a 14-week gamification-based physical education teaching program on fitness in college students. Method: A convenience sample of 112 college students (21.22 ± 2.55 years) was distributed among a gamification-based group or a control group (i.e., traditional teaching). College students from the gamification group used a game-based mobile app under the narrative of “STAR WARS™” with a countdown, so they had to gain lifetime. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by the 20-m shuttle run test. Muscular fitness was measured by the handgrip strength and the standing broad jump tests. Results: Participants from the gamification program reported a significantly higher cardiorespiratory fitness and upper and lower body muscular fitness at postintervention, indicated by an effect size of 0.86 (p &lt; .001), 0.18 (p = .018), and 0.52 (p &lt; .001), respectively. Conclusion: Gamification can have an important implication on students’ motivation toward higher fitness.

Covid-19 Pandemisinde Egzersizde Cerrahi ve N95 Yüz Maskesi Kullanımının Fizyolojik Etkileri

The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of using different masks on respiratory parameters such as maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and running distance. Twenty men aged 18-22 who exercised regularly four days a week participated in the study. The participants VO2max values with the astrand test, respiratory parameters with the spirometer, SpO2 with the oximeter, and running distances with the 20m shuttle run test were determined three times on different days, without mask, with the surgical mask and with the N95 mask. In repeated measurements, Friedman Test was used to determine the difference between the measurements. After the exercises, it was determined that the VO2max values, respiratory parameters, and SpO2 measurements without mask were statistically significantly higher than the measurements with N95 masks. It was also determined that the running distance decreased after the use of surgical masks and N95 masks while N95 masks caused a higher decrease. Masks should not be used in exercises performed outdoors and in places with little contact, gymnasium, etc. In closed areas, it may be recommended to use surgical masks. Considering the changes in all the parameters measured, it is not appropriate to exercise with N95 masks.

Chronotype, Aerobic Performance, and Sleep Quality of Young Athletes Before and During Ramadan Observance

Background and Objective Intermittent fasting has become a popular topic in recent years, with many people turning to this dietary approach to improve their health and manage their weight. It has also been studied for its potential impact on various aspects of health, including sleep and physical performance. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of intermittent fasting during Ramadan and chronotype on sleep quality and aerobic performance in young athletes.Methods This study is a prospective cohort design with repeated measurements, including 117 amateur athletes (16.86 ± 1.07 years) from Morocco. The aerobic performance was measured with the 20-m shuttle-run test. We also assessed sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The chronotype was assessed by the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire. We examined the difference in means before and during Ramadan; then, we analyzed the correlation between all variables.Results The current study showed that while aerobic performance and sleep quality declined during Ramadan, those with good sleep quality performed better in all periods. It also showed that chronotype is correlated with the aerobic performance before but not during Ramadan. However, the chronotype is associated with the sleep quality before and during Ramadan.Conclusions During Ramadan, athletes must build coping strategies to improve their sleep quality and maintain optimal physical performance.

Reliability of Selected Health-Related Fitness Tests for Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder

Aim: To quantify test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change for 90 and 95% confidence levels (90MDC, 95MDC) for health-related fitness tests in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Methods: Lower limb muscle strength [hand-held dynamometry (HHD), unilateral heel rise test (UHRT), standing broad jump (SBJ)], muscle endurance [Muscle Power Sprint Test (MPST)] and cardiorespiratory endurance [20-metre Shuttle Run Test (20mSRT)] were evaluated twice (2–7 day interval) in 31 children with DCD (20 males, 9.4 years old ± 2.0). Results: Test-retest reliability was reported as intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (2, 1) 95% confidence interval lower bounds. Values were excellent for MPST (peak and mean power: 0.93, 0.95), good for HHD (0.81–0.88), SBJ (0.82), and the 20mSRT (0.87) and moderate for UHRT (0.74). For HHD, the 90MDC and 95MDC were the largest for hip extensors (14.47, 12.14 Nm) and the smallest for ankle dorsiflexors (1.55, 1.30 Nm). For UHRT, SBJ, MPST and the 20mSRT, these MDC values were 11.90, 9.98 repetitions; 25.49, 21.38 cm; 4.70, 3.94 W (mean power), and 6.45, 5.42 W (peak power) and 0.87, 0.73 (number of stages), respectively. Conclusion: These tests yield reliable test-retest results that can be used to evaluate fitness changes in this group.

Comparative Effects of Different Physiotherapy Programs on Motor Skills of Children with Mild and Moderate Motor Impairment

Background. Children diagnosed with mild or moderate motor impairment not only face impairment of fine motor skills and problems with body balance in daily activities, they are also diagnosed with a decrease in muscle strength. Physiotherapy is prescribed to improve physical condition.&#x0D; The aim of the study was to determine the effect of different physiotherapy programs on running speed, balance and leg strength in children with mild and moderate motor impairment.&#x0D; Methods. 30 children (4–6 years old) with mild or moderate motor impairment participated in the study, and were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (n=15) received only conventional physiotherapy, while the experimental group (n=15) received a balance training program on the Abili Balance platform in addition to conventional physiotherapy. The duration of the interventions for both groups was 8 weeks. The subjects’ static and dynamic balance (according to Abili stability index and Berg scale), leg muscle strength (Broad jump) and running speed (Shuttle Run) were assessed before and after the interventions.&#x0D; Results. After 8 weeks, children in both groups had longer forward jumps and shorter shuttle run test results (p&lt;0.05); balance indicators improved (p&lt;0.05). After the interventions, the postural stability and leg muscle strength of the children in the study group were higher (p&lt;0.05) than in the control group; other indicators did not differ significantly.&#x0D; Conclusions. Both applied 8-week physiotherapy programs were effective in improving children’s motor skills. Conventional physiotherapy combined with a balance training program was more effective than conventional physiotherapy in improving leg strength and postural stability in children with mild to moderate motor impairment, but not running speed and static and dynamic balance assessed by the Berg test.&#x0D; Keywords: leg, muscle strength, balance, running speed.

Role of physical activity and health-related fitness on self-confidence and interpersonal relations in 14-year-old adolescents from secondary school settings: DADOS study.

The effect of physical activity (PA) and physical fitness (PF) on self-confidence and interpersonal relations in adolescents is uncertain. To analyzed the associations of PA and PF with self-confidence and interpersonal relations in adolescents. A total of 268 (138 boys) adolescents (13.9 ± 0.3 years) from the DADOS study were included in the analysis. PA was evaluated using GENEActiv accelerometers and the health-related PF components by the ALPHA health-related fitness test battery. The levels of self-confidence and interpersonal relations were determined by the Behavior Assessment System for Children Level 3. The associations of PA levels and PF components with self-confidence reported positive associations of moderate-vigorous PA (MVPA), standing long jump, and 20-m shuttle run (shuttle run test) tests (all p < 0.05), and negative association of 4 × 10-m shuttle run test (4 × 10-m test), but only the 4 × 10-m test remained significant in the adjusted model for the whole sample and only in boys (p ≤ 0.01) when analyzed by sex. Regarding interpersonal relations, positive associations of standing long jump and shuttle run test (all p < 0.05), and negative association of 4 × 10-mtest were found in all the adolescents. The shuttle run test was associated with interpersonal relations in boys independently of confounders. PA levels were not associated with interpersonal relations. A higher level of lower-limb muscle strength, speed-agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness might improve self-confidence and interpersonal relations in adolescents, but these relationships seem to be influenced by sex, body mass index, and pubertal status. Speed-agility and cardiorespiratory fitness seem to have a stronger impact on boys. MVPA may improve self-confidence in adolescents.

Physical fitness trends in a nationally representative sample of Portuguese youth: What has changed from 2008 to 2018?

This investigation aimed to describe the current physical fitness (PF) status of Portuguese youth, compare secular trends from 2008 and 2018, and establish updated age- and sex-specific percentile values for distinct PF tests. In 2008 and 2018, 22 048 and 8960 children and adolescents (10-18 years) were included in two national cross-sectional investigations. PF was evaluated using the FITESCOLA® battery tests and the handgrip strength test. Independent sample t-tests and chi-squared tests were used to model the results. Weight smoothed percentile values were calculated using Cole's Lambda-Mu-Sigma (LMS) method. All analyses were weighted according to age, sex, and geographic region. In 2018, boys surpassed girls in the 20-m shuttle run, curl-ups, push-ups, standing long, and vertical jump tests, while girls performed better in the sit-and-reach (p < 0.05). The percentage of boys and girls meeting the healthy zone in the 20-min shuttle run test did not differ between 2008 and 2018 (p ≥ 0.05). In boys, a higher percentage fell in the healthy zone for the curl-up and push-up tests in 2018 compared to 2008 (85.8% vs. 83.4%, and 57.8% vs. 53.8%; p < 0.05). Girls improved their flexibility component (sit-and-reach test), with a higher percentage meeting the healthy zone in 2018 (32.6% vs. 36.9%; p < 0.05); an opposite trend was seen for boys (65.5% vs. 50.1%; p < 0.05). The present investigation provides new and updated PF percentile curves for Portuguese youth, which can be used as a general overview of the current PF state among the Portuguese young population.

The Association between Sedentary Behavior, Physical Activity, and Physical Fitness with Body Mass Index and Sleep Time in Chilean Girls and Boys: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: In recent decades, the school population has undergone behavioral changes that have affected their health and adult life. The current educational scenario presents high levels of sedentary behavior, physical inactivity, low physical fitness, high levels of obesity, and non-compliance with sleep recommendations. In Chile, the scientific evidence on associations between these behaviors is incipient. Objective: To analyze the association between sedentary behavior, physical activity, and physical fitness with BMI and minutes of sleep in Chilean children aged 10 to 11 years. Methods: A non-probabilistic convenience sample of 222 schoolchildren aged 10 to 11 years. The variables measured were body composition (BMI), cardiorespiratory fitness (20 m shuttle run test), lower and upper muscular strength (long jump test and handgrip dynamometry), speed (4 × 10 m running), and flexibility (sit and reach test). Physical activity and sleep were measured by accelerometers. Results: Of the participants, 60.4% and 90.6% did not comply with sleep and physical activity recommendations, respectively. Physical fitness was higher in boys in all components. The results of the linear regression show that in girls, moderate–vigorous-intensity physical activity, lower- and upper-body muscular strength, and cardiorespiratory endurance were associated with BMI and sleep. In boys, light-intensity physical activity and upper-body muscular strength were associated with both variables. Conclusions: Physical activity intensity, strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness were associated with BMI and sleep; however, physical activity intensity and associated physical fitness components differed by gender.

A scalable school-based intervention to increase early adolescents' motor competence and health-related fitness.

Schools are key settings for the promotion of students' physical activity, fitness, and motor competence. The purpose of our study was to investigate the efficacy of a 5-month-long intervention program that aimed to increase students' motor competence and health-related fitness during school days. We conducted a quasi-experimental study with 325 Finnish Grade 5 (Mage = 11.26, SD = 0.33) students from five schools. Two schools were allocated to the intervention group and three schools to the control group. The intervention consisted of three components: (a) weekly 20 min session during regular PE lessons, (b) weekly 20 min session during recess, and (c) daily 5-minute-long classroom activity breaks. All activities were designed to systematically develop different elements of motor competence and fitness. The following assessments were conducted at baseline and 5-months: cardiorespiratory fitness levels were measured by 20-meter shuttle run test, muscular fitness by curl-up and push-up tests, and motor competence by 5-leaps and throwing-catching combination tests. We analyzed the data using a multi-group latent change score modeling. Results showed that students in the intervention group developed significantly better in 20-meter shuttle run test (β = 0.269, p = 0.000, 95% CI [0.141, 0.397]; +5.0 laps), push-up (β = 0.442, p = 0.000, 95% CI [0.267, 0.617]; +6.5 repetitions), curl-up (β = 0.353, p = 0.001, 95% CI [0.154, 0.552]; +7.8 repetitions), and throwing-catching combination tests (β = 0.195, p = 0.019, 95% CI [0.033, 0.356]; +1.1 repetitions) than students in the control group. The intervention program appeared to be feasible and effective in increasing students' cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, and object control skills. This indicates that guided school-based physical activity programs can be influential in promoting physical fitness and motor competence among early adolescent students.

Distribution of cardiorespiratory fitness in children and adolescents at different latitudes.

To explore the differences and characteristics of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) among children and adolescents in regions with different latitudes in China. A total of 9892 children and adolescents aged 7-22 years were selected from seven administrative regions in China by the stratified cluster random sampling method. CRF was measured by performance on the 20 m shuttle run test (20mSRT) and estimated maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max ). One-way ANOVA, one-way ANCOVA, and the Lambda Mu and Sigma methods were used to analyze the data. Overall, the VO2max of children and adolescents at high latitudes was significantly lower than that of children at low and middle latitudes. The P10 , P50 , and P90 20mSRT values for children and adolescents of most age groups in high latitudes were less than those in low and middle latitudes. The 20mSRT-Z and VO2max -Z scores among children and adolescents aged 7-22 in high latitudes were lower than those in middle and low latitudes after adjusting for age, per capita gross domestic product (GDP), and per capita disposable income. In general, the CRF of children and adolescents at high latitudes was less than that at low and middle latitudes. Effective measures should be taken to improve CRF in children and adolescents at high latitudes.

Characterising school-age health and function in rural Zimbabwe using the SAHARAN toolbox.

We developed the School-Age Health, Activity, Resilience, Anthropometry and Neurocognitive (SAHARAN) toolbox to address the shortage of school-age assessment tools that combine growth, physical and cognitive function. Here we present i) development, acceptability and feasibility of the SAHARAN toolbox; ii) characteristics of a pilot cohort; and iii) associations between the domains measured in the cohort. Growth was measured with anthropometry, knee-heel length and skinfold thicknesses. Bioimpedance analysis measured lean mass index and phase angle. Cognition was assessed using the mental processing index, derived from the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children version 2, a fine motor finger-tapping task, and School Achievement Test (SAT). Physical function combined grip strength, broad jump and the 20m shuttle-run test to produce a total physical score. A caregiver questionnaire was performed in parallel. The SAHARAN toolbox was feasible to implement in rural Zimbabwe, and highly acceptable to children and caregivers following some minor modifications. Eighty children with mean (SD) age 7.6 (0.2) years had mean height-for-age (HAZ) and weight-for-age Z-scores (WAZ) of -0.63 (0.81) and -0.55 (0.85), respectively. Lean mass index and total skinfold thicknesses were related to WAZ and BMI Z-score, but not to HAZ. Total physical score was associated with unit rises in HAZ (1.29, 95% CI 0.75, 1.82, p<0.001), and lean mass index (0.50, 95% CI 0.16, 0.83, p = 0.004), but not skinfold thicknesses. The SAT was associated with unit increases in the mental processing index and child socioemotional score. The caregiver questionnaire identified high levels of adversity and food insecurity. The SAHARAN toolbox provided a feasible and acceptable holistic assessment of child growth and function in mid-childhood. We found clear associations between growth, height-adjusted lean mass and physical function, but not cognitive function. The SAHARAN toolbox could be deployed to characterise school-age growth, development and function elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa.