Step Test Index Research Articles

The effects of Baduanjin exercise on physical fitness and mental health of female college students

Background and Study Aim. In the context of increasing stress and declining health among female college students, there is an urgent need for effective methods to enhance their physical and mental well-being. The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of Baduanjin exercise on the physical fitness and mental health of female college students. Materials and methods. Sixty female college students at University were randomly selected from 150 volunteers to participate in this study. They were equally divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 30 students in each. All 60 participants completed the experiment. The study's protocol was conducted in accordance with ethical standards and was approved by the Institutional Review Board of University. Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants involved in the study. The experimental group received a 16-week intervention of traditional Baduanjin exercise, while the control group engaged in other unfixed sports activities synchronously. Results. After the experiment, the average weight of the experimental group decreased significantly from 52.41±6.35 kg to 50.06±5.46 kg (P<0.01). Body mass index, waist circumference, and other indicators also showed significant improvements. The step test index in the experimental group increased from 45.09±4.45 to 50.72±4.46, which was significantly different from the baseline (P<0.01). Improvements were noted in vital capacity, grip strength, and sit-up performance, all showing significant differences from baseline measures (P<0.01). The standing long jump and 800 m running performances in the experimental group showed significant improvement compared to pre-experiment measurements (P<0.05). Additionally, all mental health indicators in the experimental group demonstrated a downward trend, with significant differences in 10 indicators such as somatization, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, interpersonal sensitivity, and depression (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, there was a significant inter-group difference in motor skills and physical fitness between the experimental and control groups in the 800 m run (230.78±30.61 vs. 231.32±32.15) and standing long jump (1.81±0.33 vs. 1.78±0.42) after the intervention (P<0.05). Furthermore, significant differences were observed in mental excitement and participation in the experimental group before and after the Baduanjin exercise as assessed by Baduanjin’s Self-Perception Inventory (P<0.01). Conclusions. This study demonstrates that a 16-week program of traditional Baduanjin exercise significantly improves both physical and mental health parameters among female college students. These findings suggest that Baduanjin exercise can be an effective intervention for enhancing physical fitness and alleviating psychological distress in this population. The results underscore the potential of integrating traditional physical activities into health promotion strategies for young adults in educational settings.

The Correlation of the Four Square Step Test and Fall Index in Healthy Adults

The Correlation of the Four Square Step Test and Fall Index in Healthy Adults

Effects of Multimodal Exercise on Health-related Physical Fitness and Quality of Life in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma during Radiotherapy

BackgroundThe health-related physical fitness of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma can decrease significantly during radiotherapy, which can adversely affect their quality of life. AimThis study was designed to evaluate the potential influence of a multimodal exercise program on the health-related physical fitness and quality of life of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma during radiotherapy. MethodsForty patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma undergoing radiotherapy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from May to November 2019 were included. The participants in the control group (N=20) received routine nursing, while those in the intervention group (N=20) were also subjected to the multimodal exercise program during radiotherapy. ResultsThe multimodal exercise program had a positive effect on participants. The step test index in the intervention group was significantly higher as compared to the control group (p < .05). The participants were subjected to 5 times slow speed (60°/s) and 10 times fast (180°/s) speed, and function of some extensor and flexor muscles of the elbow, shoulder, and knee joints in the intervention group was markedly improved (p < .05). In the intervention group, the grip strength of the right hand was observed to be significantly improved (p < .01). Furthermore, the upper limb scratch dorsal test of intervention group was significantly better than that of the control group (p < .05). The scores of physical, emotional, and social functions in the intervention group were found to be significantly higher as compared to the control group (p < .05). ConclusionsThe multimodal exercise program significantly improved the health-related physical fitness and life quality of the patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma during radiotherapy, though its long-term effects remain to be further analyzed.

MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND FUNCTIONAL ABILITIES IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

The main aim of the study is to establish whether there are any differences in growth and development of functional abilities between boys and girls. For the evaluation of functional abilities, growth and development in students the following parameters have been used: height, body mass, body mass index, vital lung capacity, resting heart rate, active heart rate and modified Harvard step test index. The results of multivariate analysis (MANOVA) have shown that there is no statistically significant difference between male and female students. A statistically significant difference has been found by means of univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) in active hearth rate variables (F=8.36; p=.004) and modified Harvard step test index (F=6.67; p=.011) in favor of male students. Comparing the results obtained in the earlier and recent studies it can be concluded that the current physical exercise program does not produce desired results, furthermore it does not contribute nor does it improve functional abilities of male and female younger elementary school students.

Effect of training on health outcome including fatigue, depression and quality of life in patients with systemic lupus erythromatosus

BackgroundSystemic lupus erythematosus is an inflammatory condition that causes significant tissue damage and inflammation, and is more common in women. Despite the fact that medical treatment seeks to prevent flare-ups and organ damage, up to 50% of patients believe their wellbeing is suboptimal due to unmet needs like exhaustion and pain. The aim of the new systemic lupus erythematosus treatment guidelines is to improve people's quality of life. In people with systemic lupus erythematosus, fatigue is associated with reduced health, exercise capacity, muscle strength, and impairment. The aim of the study is to compare the effects of strengthening exercise on fatigue, depression, and quality of life in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus compared to the control sedentary group. This study included 20 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus from the department of internal medicine, compared to 25 control patients. Both groups had been treated with strengthening exercises for three months. Self-rating depression scale, quality of life questioner, fatigue severity scale, 6 min’ walk test, 2 min step test and body mass index (BMI). All parameters were measured before and after 3 months of treatment.ResultsAnalysis of data showed that systemic lupus erythematosus has more depression and fatigue than sedentary control. After exercises, both groups have a significant difference between pre and post treatment, but still have a difference between both groups. Both groups have a significant difference between pre and post treatment in 6-min walk test, 2-min step test, and quality of life measured by SF-36. No significant difference was found between both groups pre and post treatment in BMI, although each group has a significant difference between pre and post treatment BMI.ConclusionsExercises are very important in the management of systemic lupus erythematosus. They help to decrease fatigue, depression, and improve quality of life.

The Correlation Between the 2-Minute Step Test and Body Mass Index in Thai Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Objective: To determine and compare the 2-minute step test (2MST) scores among different body mass index (BMI) of elderly subjects and to predict the cardiorespiratory performance in community-dwelling older adults. Materials and Methods: Ninety subjects, aged 60 or older were assigned for cardiorespiratory performance using the 2MST. Results: There were significant differences in the 2MST scores among normal weight, overweight, and obese elders. The lowest score of the 2MST was found in obese elders when compared with normal weight and overweight elders. Moreover, BMI was negatively correlated with the 2MST (r=–0.83, p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Community-dwelling obese elders had decreased cardiorespiratory performance, and BMI was negatively correlated with cardiorespiratory performance in obese elders. Keywords: 2-minute step test; Body mass index; Elderly; Cardiorespiratory performance; Physical therapy

Hygienic characteristics of non-specific resistance in children living under the exposure of air pollutants in various climatic conditions

Introduction. On the territory of Russia, in cities with both developed industries and high levels of atmospheric pollution, located in northern climatic regions, a complex of hygienic problems has been formed that negatively affect the sanitary and epidemiological well-being and health of the population. The article presents the results of studying the nature of the combined effects of atmospheric air pollutants (Pinigin P index) and climatic conditions (WBGT-index) on individual indices of non-specific resistance in 5-6 year children. Materials and methods. To characterize the climatic conditions, the climatic indices were used (the coefficient of northernness of the Cs, the coefficient of continentality of the Sc, the index of climate severity SO, the Bodman weather severity index, as well as the WBGT, used in the armed forces for the climatic characteristics of the territory. To study non-specific resistance non-invasive methods were used: determination of bactericidal activity, bacterial contamination of the surface and deep layers of the skin, saliva lysozyme activity, and a thiol-disulfide test. Results. The combination of the adverse effects of a high level of anthropogenic air pollution and northern climatic conditions was found to have a more pronounced negative effect on non-specific resistance in children. A list of non-invasive indices sensitive to the adverse effects of the environment in areas with polluted atmospheric air in combination with northern climatic characteristics, including the integral feature of the functional state of the cardiorespiratory system (the Harvard step test index), indices of non-specific resistance (bactericidal activity of the skin, the state of the thiol-disulfide system of saliva) was formed. Conclusion. The more pronounced negative impact of the combination of high levels of anthropogenic air pollution and northern climatic conditions should be taken into account when organizing medical care for children and ensuring the sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the population exposed to the combined effects of anthropogenic pressure and northern climatic conditions.

Physical Fitness of Rural Polish School Youth: Trends Between 1986 and 2016.

The objective of the study was to evaluate secular changes in the physical fitness of rural school youth, 7-15years, in west-central Poland between 1986 and 2016. The fitness of cross-sectional samples of school youth resident in the same 10 communities was evaluated in 4 decennial surveys: 1986-1417 boys/1326 girls; 1996-979 boys/947 girls; 2006-871 boys/843 girls; and 2016-1189 boys/1105 girls. Five tests evaluated speed (5-m run), agility (figure 8 run), explosive power (vertical jump), flexibility (stand and reach), and cardiovascular fitness (modified Harvard step test). Age- and sex-specific descriptive statistics were calculated by survey, while differences among surveys were compared in 3 broad age groups (7-9, 10-12, and 13-15y) using analysis of variance with age and age squared as covariates. Speed and flexibility declined, while the jump and step test index changed variably across surveys. Although agility improved across surveys, the major improvement occurred between 1986 and 1996. Performances of rural school youth on 5 tests of physical fitness changed significantly, but, variably, between 1986 and 2016. The results were generally consistent with other studies of Polish school youth that spanned a similar interval.

The use of heated oxygen-helium mixture in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease

BACKGROUND: In recent years, along with the development of new pharmacological approaches and treatment COLD (chronic obstructive lung disease), a significant attention is paid to the study of non-medical methods of treatment and correction of the system inflammation occurring.&#x0D; AIMS: To assess the effectiveness of the use of heated oxygen-helium mixture (OHM) in the rehabilitation of patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis on an outpatient polyclinic stage.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: The supervision was 102 patients aged from 32 to 56 (43.74.1) years. All patients entered into research signed voluntary informed consent. Patients were divided into three groups: the first group (n=32) is the control; the second group (n=35) is the main one. Patients of these groups had a verified diagnosis: chronic obstructive bronchitis, moderate and moderate degree of obstruction, the duration of the disease amounted to 2 years to 16 (5.41.4) years. The third group (n=35) is practically healthy patients. The patients of the second and third group passed the respiratory course of heated OHM (the temperature of the mixture in the mask 50). Breathing was carried out in cyclical-fractionated mode: the breath of the mixture 5 minutes then breathing with atmospheric air 5 minutes (one cycle), 3 cycles for the procedure. The course of treatment consisted of 1 procedure per day for 10 days from the first day of the study.&#x0D; The clinical efficacy of reducing treatment was assessed before the start of therapy, after the 10th procedure in the following indicators: Harvard step test index, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (heart rate), blood pressure recovery time, maximum oxygen consumption (MOC); diagnosis of psycho-emotional state using WBAM Questionnaire (well-beingactivitymood).&#x0D; RESULTS: In the group of practically healthy patients, a positive dynamics was noted in the speed of adaptive processes for the restoration of the cardiovascular system after physical exertion of the form of a decrease in blood pressure reduction time, a decrease in systolic blood pressure, the indicators of the Harvard step test index and maximum oxygen consumption increased. Patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis, who passed the breathing rate of heated oxygen-helium mixture, had an increase in points on WBAM Questionnaire, which indicates the improvement of the psycho-emotional state of patients.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: The use of the course of breathing heated oxygen-helium mixture in patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis does not affect the increase in physical performance. The use of heated oxygen-helium mixture has a positive effect on the functional state of practically healthy patients, which is manifested in the form of slowing the connection of the anaerobic mechanisms of energy supply in the process of performing physical exertion, leading to an increase in oxygen consumption, improving physical performance.

An Experimental Study of Step Test Index Combined With Heart Rate Variability in Estimating Maximum Oxygen Uptake in Women With Drug Use Disorder.

BackgroundMaximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), a vital physiological indicator, has been widely used in many fields. In recent years, the measurement method of VO2max has been widely explored in various populations, but few studies have been conducted for women drug abusers. For the importance of VO2max in the formulation of aerobic exercise intensity for drug users, the present study estimated VO2max using the step test index combined with heart rate variability in women with drug use disorder.MethodsForty women methamphetamine (MA) users without cardiovascular disease and dyskinesia participated in a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX) and a 3-minute step test. Each of them performed a heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring test after the step test, and VO2max was estimated by step test index and HRV.Results(1) The step test index had a significant positive correlation with VO2max. The standard deviation of normal-to-normal interval (SDNN) had a significant positive correlation with VO2max and a significant positive correlation with the step test index; (2) the R-square values of the estimated VO2max by step test index and post-SDNN for overall MA users were 0.29 and 0.22, with an accuracy of 93.19 and 92.85%, respectively; (3) the R-square values of the estimated VO2max by step test index and post-SDNN in group I were 0.27 and 0.36, respectively, with an accuracy of 94.04 and 93.99%. The R-square value of the estimated VO2max by step test index in group II was 0.44, with an accuracy of 92.65%, however, post-SDNN cannot adequately estimate the VO2max in group II; and (4) there was no significant difference in VO2max obtained by CPX, step test index, or post-SDNN, regardless of overall or grouping variable analysis.ConclusionThe 3-minute step test combined with HRV can estimate the VO2max of women MA users to a certain extent, but the size and the coverage of the sample size should be further considered. In the future, more methods, such as machine learning or artificial neural networks, should be used.

Polivariant change of step-test under the influence of natural adaptogens and their accompaniments

Background. Typically, the step test is used to assess the physical performance that is determined by the condition of the cardio-respiratory system. The latter, in turn, is associated with the nervous, endocrine and immune systems, which collectively determine the level of adaptation of the body. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect on the step test of natural adaptogens and associated changes in a number of parameters of cardio-respiratory, autonomic nervous and immune systems and metabolism. Material and methods. The target was 80 children of both sexes, ages 10-17, arriving at the clinical sanatorium Dzherelo of Truskavets spa from radionuclide contaminated territories. The main subject of the study was the Popovych’s step test. State of autonomous nervous and immune systems was assessed as well as others functional and metabolic tests. Results. The contingent surveyed was retrospectively divided into three qualitatively distinct groups. The largest group (53,7%) was the group of children with initially reduced or normal levels of Popovych’s Step Test Index (PSI), in which it increased. However, in 28,8% of children PSI remained stable at different initial levels, and in 17,5% even decreased, without falling below the lower limit of normal. Discriminant analysis was subsequently applied to identify constellations of parameters that change are characteristic of each cluster. The program selected as characteristic changes in 2 parameters of autonomous nervous system, 2 functional, 4 metabolic and 3 immune parameters as well as blood trombocytes level. The correct classification of the positive actotropic effect is 93,0%; neutral 65,2%; negative 64,3%, and total correctness is 80,0%. Conclusion. Balneotherapy causes multivariate changes in Popopvych’s step test, which accompanied by characteristic changes in certain parameters of autonomous nervous and immune systems as well as others functional and metabolic tests.

Physical performance is more strongly associated with cognition in schizophrenia than psychiatric symptoms

BackgroundAlthough neurocognitive dysfunction and physical performance are known to be impaired in patients with schizophrenia, evidence regarding the relationship between these two domains remains insufficient. Thus, we aimed to investigate the relationship between various physical performance domains and cognitive domains in individuals with schizophrenia, while considering other disorder-related clinical symptoms. MethodsSixty patients with schizophrenia participated in the study. Cardiorespiratory fitness and functional mobility were evaluated using the step test and supine-to-standing (STS) test, respectively. Executive function and working memory were assessed using the Stroop task and Sternberg working memory (SWM) task, respectively. Clinical symptoms were evaluated using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Multivariate analyses were performed to adjust for relevant covariates and identify predictive factors associated with neurocognition. ResultsMultiple regression analysis revealed that the step test index was most strongly associated with reaction time in the Stroop task (β = 0.434, p = 0.001) and SWM task (β = 0.331, p = 0.026), while STS test time was most strongly associated with accuracy on the Stoop task (β=−0.418, p = 0.001) and SWM task (β=−0.383, p = 0.007). Total cholesterol levels were positively associated with Stroop task accuracy (β=−0.307, p = 0.018) after controlling for other clinical correlates. However, clinical symptoms were not associated with any variables in Stroop or SWM task. ConclusionsThe present findings demonstrate the relationship between physical performance and neurocognition in patients with schizophrenia. Considering that these factors are modifiable, exercise intervention may help to improve cognitive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia, thereby leading to improvements in function and prognosis.

The health effects of Baduanjin exercise (a type of Qigong exercise) in breast cancer survivors: A randomized, controlled, single-blinded trial.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Baduanjin exercise, which is a traditional Chinese Qigong exercise, in breast cancer survivors to assess its efficacy for physical and psychological rehabilitation. The study was a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Eighty-six subjects were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 46) or control (n = 40) groups. The intervention group received Baduanjin exercise 3 days/week at hospital and another 4 days/week at home for 6 months, whereas the control group were requested to maintain their original physical activity. Outcomes included body mass index (BMI), heart rate variability, lung capacity, arm circumference, shoulder range of motion, step test index, anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QOL). After 6 months of intervention, heart rate variability and shoulder range of motion were significantly improved in the Baduanjin group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). There were also significant improvements in depression, QOL, and four QOL dimension scores (physical well-being, social well-being, functional well-being, and breast cancer subscale) (P < 0.05). However, there were no differences in the BMI, lung capacity, arm circumference, step test index, anxiety, and the emotional well-being QOL dimension scores. Our findings indicate that Baduanjin is an effective intervention for improving physical and psychological health outcomes among breast cancer survivors, which is worth recommending and implementing by oncology nurses for breast cancer survivors during their long rehabilitation journeys.

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT BY MEANS OF FITNESS TECHNOLOGIES AS ONE OF GENERAL ASPECTS OF STUDENT’S HEALTH

Іntroduction: The problem of the formation, preservation and strengthening of students' health during higher educational period is becoming increasingly relevant. Following factors have a purposeful impact on health and physical development of students: correct organization of physical education process, motivation to study, student's personality and adaptation process to new educational conditions. The aim: A comparative analysis of assessment of the initial state of student's health by means of physical development indicators. Materials and methods: For investigation and evaluation of physical development, the generalizing method of observation was used for a group of 600 students aging 18, 19 and 20 years (100 persons in each age group). All students were divided into control and experimental groups by the method of equal distribution of groups. The students from control groups took classes according to traditional educational system, which provided development of only those physical qualities that are necessary for successful assimilation of motor activity techniques. Students from experimental group took classes according to fitness technologies program. Results: The data obtained has shown that men and women from experimental groups during the formative have reliable differences only in body weight and in the index of Erisman. The dynamics of anthropometric indices of students from experimental and control groups depended from the content of educational and extra-curricular physical education classes. Implementation of fitness technologies in physical education process of students from experimental groups contributed to the improvement of functional indicators of both men and women. Following indicators changed: heart rate for 1 min, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, Robinson index, lung life volume, muscle strength of dominant hand. The evaluation of anthropometric and functional indicators also helped to determine indices dynamics of students' physical development during: force index, vital index, mass-growth index, Stange test, Genci test, Harvard step-test index. Сonclusions: The analysis of physical development of students testifies about imperfection of physical education system, low level of physical preparedness of students and unsatisfactory state of physical culture and health work in higher education institutions.

PO-117 To compare the impact of running and walking on physical health

Objective Under the natural and comfortable condition of the private human body, explore which of the running and walking is more conducive to the physical health of the human body.&#x0D; Methods Among the sports crowd of the NanMingRiver Rubber Exercise Road in Guiyang City, select 20 people who have walking exercise habits and who can take the running test under the age of 60 as group A and select 20 people who have running exercise habits and who can take the walking test under the age of 60 as group B. Inclusion criteria for the exercise habits is “Exercise at least 3 times a week for more than 30 minutes and for more than one year.”&#x0D; (1) Experimental method: Two groups of subjects with different exercise modes adopted the exercise mode of the corresponding group. Under the condition that other environmental conditions were unchanged, the health benefits of different exercise methods in the same group were compared before and after the experiment. The time of experiment lasts three months. The intensity of walking exercise is the intensity that the athlete feels natural and comfortable. The intensity of running exercise is the intensity that the athlete feels natural and comfortable. Before and after the experiment，the test contents of the two group subjects included height, weight, BMI, grip strength, reaction time, closed-eyes standing on a leg, sitting body flexion, step test, lung capacity, lung capacity index of body mass.&#x0D; (2) Literature and Information method: Through the retrieval and review of relevant literatures on sports and physical health at home and abroad, this paper provides theoretical references and methodological basis for this research.&#x0D; (3) Data analysis method: Paired sample t-test was used to analyze the changes of constitution of the two groups experimental people before and after the exercise modes.&#x0D; Results After a 3-month walking in group A, the step test, lung capacity, and lung capacity index of body mass were higher than before, and the difference was statistically significant (P&lt;0.01). The grip strength, reaction time, closed-eyes standing on a leg decreased compared with prior exercise. The difference was statistically significant (P&lt;0.05); body mass, body mass index (BMI), and sitting body flexion were higher than before, but the difference was not statistically significant.&#x0D; After three months of walking exercise in group B, the step test, lung capacity, lung capacity index of body mass, and grip strength decreased compared with the previous exercise, and the difference was statistically significant (P&lt;0.01); body mass , body mass index (BMI), reaction time, the closed-eye standing on one foot was lower than before, and the difference was statistically significant (P&lt;0.05). The anterior flexion of the sitting body decreased, but the difference was not statistically significant.&#x0D; Conclusions In comfortable, natural conditions, running is more conducive to physical fitness than walking, and running is a more effective way to exercise.

Influence of Students’ Mental and Physical Performance on Development of Technical and Tactical Skills in Fencing

Study objective: to reveal the relations between the indicators of physical and mental performance and the development of technical and tactical skills in fencers, to determine the significant criteria and tests for selecting students for health-improving and sports fencing groups.&#x0D; Methods: study and analysis of literature; pedagogical observations; physiological methods (physical performance by the Harvard step test with HSTI (Harvard step test Index) calculation, mental performance by the correction tables, special exercises to assess fencers’ technical and tactical skills); statistical methods. The reference group students (9 female fencers) had five workouts a week, the students (13 female students) of test group 1 (TG1) had 2 hours of physical training per week, the TG2 and TG3 (8 and 10 female students respectively) had 4 hours of fencing workouts per week. The TG2 had 4 months of fencing experience, and TG3 had one year and 4 months thereof.&#x0D; Results. The reciprocal effects of the performance indicators and the correlation between&#x0D; the indicators of technical and tactical skills of the student fencers allowed to establish the informative value of individual indicators for quality selection of students for the fencing group. The Harvard step test index and the standardized number of errors of the correction test can serve as the prognostic criteria for developing technical and tactical skills in student fencing.

The Physical Condition and Interest about Sports of Adolescents

Physical fitness has significant role in the improvement of individual abilities and health level of young people. Physical activity of young people has decreased during last decades. It is ascertained that students spend more time looking TV but less time going into sports. Sedimentary lifestyle leads to the increase of fat tissue, disturbances of metabolism and sclerotic changes into blood vessels. In order to promote more active lifestyle of young people it is necessary to rise their interest about sports and other physical activities. The questionnaire of 13 – 15 years old adolescents was carried out. Physical condition level of adolescents was estimated by Harvard Steptest Index (HSTI). The attitude toward sports and sport lessons, physical activities and sport activities during free time of adolescents was ascertained. Correlation between interest of sports and physical condition level of adolescents was estimated. Results of investigation showed that boys are more interested in sports than girls. Direct connection between positive attitude to sports and high level of physical condition was stated.

ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЕ ТОЛЕРАНТНОСТИ К ФИЗИЧЕСКОЙ НАГРУЗКЕ У ЗДОРОВЫХ ДЕТЕЙ С ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕМ МОДИФИЦИРОВАННОГО ГАРВАРДСКОГО СТЕП-ТЕСТА

Exercise tolerance is the main parameter characterizing the state of cardiovascular system. Considering morphofunctional changes and increases in the mental and physical activity of the growing organism, characterization of the functional state of cardiovascular system is relevant. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate exercise tolerance in healthy children of different age groups by modified Harvard step test. Materials and Methods: The study comprised 110 healthy children aged 6 to 16 years. Average age was 10.6±3.6 years. Modified Harvard step test was used for evaluation of exercise tolerance. Results: All subjects performed modified Harvard step test according to the entire protocol. Heart rate increased by 15-20% in 79 children (71.8%) where boys constituted a majority (57%). In the rest of children (28.2%), heart rate decreased by 5-10% after physical exercise compared with the initial values. The values of modified Harvard step test index did not significantly differ between groups of healthy girls and boys: 74.3 (IQR: 63.2:85.5) and 70.3 (IQR: 62.2:82.5), respectively, p=0.94. Conclusion. Independently on gender, all study children completed the test suggesting that this test may be used for exercise tolerance study in children of different age groups regardless of gender.

Can a cardiorespiratory field parameter assess both cardiovascular and respiratory fitness in schoolchildren?

Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness involves both cardiovascular and respiratory capacities. However, existing methods have been criticised for reflecting cardiovascular fitness, but not pulmonary fitness. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between these two testing parameters. Methods: A cross-sectional population-based physical fitness assessment was conducted in 23 schools. The body height and weight, lung capacity, and step test results of students aged 10-18 were recorded. Criterion-referenced standards from the China Sports Bureau were adopted, as they include separate measurements for cardiovascular and pulmonary fitness. Results: The Pearson coefficients of lung capacity and the step test index from 13,028 schoolchildren ranged from 0.007 to 0.086 and from 0.026 to 0.105 for boys and girls, respectively, showing that poor correlations exist between the two parameters. Cluster analysis resulted in three clusters of children with similar characteristics. A good degree of similarity was found between the two parameters in children obtaining an “excellent” grade, but only a moderate degree of similarity between the two parameters in those obtaining a “good”, “pass” or “fail” grade. Conclusion: When cardiovascular fitness and pulmonary fitness are considered separately, there is a poor correlation between them, thus indicating further studies of cardiopulmonary fitness measurements is necessary.

The Relation Between Metabolism Fitness And Step-Test Index in Different Ranges of Age

The Step-test index is a well-known indicator of cardiopulmonary fitness test. Recently, whole-body glycemic control ability has been viewed as an index of metabolic fitness. However, the relationship between the step-test index and glycemic control is not weel understood. PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between the step-test index and whole-body glycemic control at different age ranges. METHODS: Three hundred and forty-seven subjects were assigned into three groups: below 30 years old (A group), between 31 to 40 years old (B group), and over 41 years old (C group). An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed following an overnight fasting. A step-test (STEP) was then performed. Blood samples were taken from each time point during OGTT, and analyzed serum triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (CHOL) levels. Data were analyzed by Pearson correlation. RESULTS: The results of study showed a positive relationship between STEP and the glucose area under curve (GAUC) for all subjects (r =.21 & .23, p < .01). The index of the STEP-test was negatively correlated to GAUC in groups A and B (r= −2.2 & −3.2, p < .05), but there were no significant correlations in group C. Moreover, GAUC was positively correlated to serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels in group C (r =.26 & .31, p < .05). CONCLUSION: The Step-Test index increases with aging, but glucose tolerance declines with aging. The physical fitness index does not provide a complete picture of individual health. Thus traditional health fitness tests should be combined with metabolic fitness in order to convey an accurate health status.