Weight Students Research Articles

The Impact and effect of caffeine on the improvement of muscle strength of students in the college of physical education and sports at Al-Aqsa University

The study aimed to acknowledge the impact of caffeine on the improvement of muscle strength of students in the college of physical education and sports at Al-Aqsa University, the researchers used the descriptive method, and the sample (21 students) were a first-year physical education and sports students. The most important result was that one hour after the caffeine were taken, there was a significant change in the results of the muscle force tests, as follows: For strength endurance, the stomach test had time (30 seconds), the improvement rate was 11.45%. For pressure testing, the rate of improvement was 11.45%. And the pressure of the inclined recline test, the improvement rate was 13.51%, As for the speed, the broad jump test, the improvement rate reached 7.27%, To test the thrust of the medical ball, the improvement rate was 7.91%, As for the maximum strength component of the dead lift test, the improvement rate was 9.53%, and for the knee bending test, the improvement rate was 7.5%. For chest push ups testing, the improvement rate was 10.64%. Caffeine was used as a nutritional supplement containing caffeine anhydrous in an amount of 200 mg, from 2.5 to 3.5 mg/kg each dose of student's weight. Additionally, many previous references that include caffeine were scanned, which our study matched with some of these ones, using the average dose

Do the requirements included in the regulation on health and safety at school effectively prevent children from carrying too heavy schoolbags?

Excessive spinal load caused by a schoolbag has a major impact on the child's body posture. The National Sanitary Inspector recommends the limit of schoolbag weight as corresponding to 10-15% of the student's weight. The aim of the study was to assess the spinal load of children aged 6-9 years, caused by schoolbags, and to check if it meets the requirements expressed as a percentage of the child's weight. The weight of the items in schoolbags was also established. In addition, parents' awareness about schoolbags and the child's use of additional storage spaces (lockers) were analyzed. Overall, 332 children aged 6-9 years (172 girls, 160 boys) attending selected schools in a city located in the Silesian Voivodeship participated in the study. The study included determining schoolbag weight and presenting it in relation to the child's weight. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for 2 independent variables with non-normally distributed data (the Shapiro-Wilk test). The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare >2 independent trials. The level of statistical significance was set at p = 0.05. An average schoolbag weighted 3.57±0.58 kg. Schoolbag weight did not exceed 15% of the student's weight in 75% of the students; however, the schoolbags of only 17% of the students weighed less than 10% of the student's weight. The heaviest schoolbags were found among first-grade students. The girls had significantly heavier schoolbags compared to the boys (p = 0.037). The students using school lockers had heavier schoolbags than those who left unnecessary items on common shelves in the classroom (p = 0.006). The issue of heavy schoolbags remains a challenge for public health decision-makers despite the regulation that requires to provide children with space to leave books at school. The current rules do not effectively prevent children from carrying too heavy schoolbags. It is advisable to take measures to set an absolutely mandatory standard with which schools and students will be required to comply. Med Pr. 2020;71(6):687-97.

Influence of school backpacks on spinal column load in primary school students

Background: The problem of heavy school bags is a global problem recognized in many countries in Europe and the world, including in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition to poor posture habits, sedentary lifestyles and insufficient physical activity, school bags is one of the main causes of low back pain and deformity in pupils. The recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) is that the weight of the school bag should not exceed 10% of the student's weight. However, in practice these limitations are far from reality with the obvious problems caused by too heavy bags. The aim of the paper is to identify and analyze the backbone load caused by the overweight school backpacks in real school work conditions and eliminate them by creating new solutions that are in line with ergonomic and biomechanical principles, as well as the recommendation given by WHO. Methods: The research included first grade primary school students at the age of seven, including their parents. The research began by interviewing parents with relevant questions, as well as measuring the students’ height and weight and the weight of their school backpacks. The analysis was performed in CATIA v5 software package (Dassault Systemes, Velizy-Villacoublay, France) using its advanced biomechanical modules. By knowing the anthropometric and work environment data with ergonomic design and analysis, the biomechanical analysis, rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) and carry analysis were performed. Results: The conducted survey showed that 84% of students walk from home to school nineteen minutes on average and that 77% of them carry their school backpacks independently. Based on the measurements, it has been shown that, on average, the weight of the school backpacks is well above the WHO recommendation. A study conducted on a representative sample of students confirmed the relation between fatigue and spinal pain caused by carrying a heavy school bag. Computer analysis showed excessive loads on the spinal segment of L4/L5 that were outside the normal range of 3,400 N. Conclusions: A simulated computer analysis using RULA and biomechanical analysis with calculations of maximum loads in the lumbar segment of students found that school backpacks carried by students were too heavy for their age and well beyond the normal limits and WHO recommendations. The analysis showed that it is necessary to reduce the weight of the bag by about 30%.

Influence of school backpacks on spinal column load in primary school students

Background: The problem of heavy school bags is a global problem recognized in many countries in Europe and the world, including in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition to poor posture habits, "sedentary lifestyles" and insufficient physical activity, school bags is one of the main causes of low back pain and deformity in pupils. The recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) is that the weight of the school bag should not exceed 10% of the student's weight. However, in practice these limitations are far from reality with the obvious problems caused by too heavy bags. The aim of the paper is to identify and analyze the backbone load caused by the overweight school backpacks in real school work conditions and eliminate them by creating new solutions that are in line with ergonomic and biomechanical principles, as well as the recommendation given by WHO. Methods: The research included first grade primary school students at the age of seven, including their parents. The research began by interviewing parents with relevant questions, as well as measuring the students’ height and weight and the weight of their school backpacks. The analysis was performed in CATIA v5 software package (Dassault Systèmes, Vélizy-Villacoublay, France) using its advanced biomechanical modules. By knowing the anthropometric and work environment data with ergonomic design and analysis, the biomechanical analysis, rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) and carry analysis were performed. Results: The conducted survey showed that 84% of students walk from home to school nineteen minutes on average and that 77% of them carry their school backpacks independently. Based on the measurements, it has been shown that, on average, the weight of the school backpacks is well above the WHO recommendation. A study conducted on a representative sample of students confirmed the relation between fatigue and spinal pain caused by carrying a heavy school bag. Computer analysis showed excessive loads on the spinal segment of L4/L5 that were outside the normal range of 3,400 N. Conclusions: A simulated computer analysis using RULA and biomechanical analysis with calculations of maximum loads in the lumbar segment of students found that school backpacks carried by students were too heavy for their age and well beyond the normal limits and WHO recommendations. The analysis showed that it is necessary to reduce the weight of the bag by about 30%.

Breakfast skipping, late dinner intake and chronotype (eveningness-morningness) among medical students in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia.

IntroductionThere is an increasing awareness regarding meal timing and chronotype. The present study aimed to assess breakfast skipping, late dinner intake, and chronotype among Saudi medical students.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 169 clinical phase medical students during the period from January to May 2017. A self-administered questionnaire was used to report the frequency and timing of breakfast and dinner. In addition, the previous cumulative grade average, bedtime, wake-up time, and sleep duration during working days and weekends were reported. The chronotype was calculated from mid-sleep and wakeup time during weekends and sleep dept. The student's weight and height were measured to assess the body mass index (BMI). Participants also completed a diary detailing their sleep habits for two weeks before filling out the questionnaire. The chi-square and Pearson's correlation were used for the statistical analysis.ResultsOut of 169 medical students (48.5% males), their age was 22.90±1.27 years, 42% were breakfast-skippers, while 49.7% were late dinner consumers. No correlation was found between the previous cumulative grades (GPA), BMI, chronotype, and time lag in wakeup and bedtime between weekdays and weekends (p>0.005). No significant statistical differences between breakfast-skippers and late dinner consumers and their counterparts regarding GPA and chronotype.ConclusionBreakfast skipping and late dinner consumption were prevalent among medical students in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, future large sample case-control studies to assess the impact of meal timing, and chronotype on academic performance are highly recommended.

Association between Dental Caries and Body Mass Index-for-Age among 10-12-Year-Old Female Students in Tehran.

Introduction:Dental caries and obesity are multifactorial diseases with diet being a common contributory factor. Many studies have reported varied outcomes about the association between dental caries and body mass index. But, there is no published study that investigates this association among female students in Tehran. The main aim of this study was to examine the relationship between dental caries and body mass index (BMI) in a sample of female students in Tehran.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 416 students aged between 10 to 12 years was examined for dental caries using WHO standard diagnostic criteria. The Decayed, missing and filled of permanent teeth (DMFT) were recorded. The student's weight and height were measured by two trained examiner and their BMI were calculated. BMI-for-age and dental caries categories were analyzed with Pearson correlation coefficient, Chi-square, and t-tests using SPSS computer software.Results:The mean DMFT score and BMI of the study population was 1.03 ± 1.41 and 18.11 ± 3.33 respectively. The findings showed that 58.9% of the children had a normal weight, 27.9% were overweight, 10.3% were obese, and only 2.9% of the students were thin when they were compared with WHO standard of BMI for children with the same age. The respective mean DMFT values for BMI groups (thin, normal, overweight and obese) were 1.25, 0.73, 1.42, and 1.65, respectively. There was a significant association (P < 0.05) between dental caries and high BMI.Conclusions:This study demonstrated a significant association between caries frequency with high body mass index. For these reasons, the evaluation of nutritional status in students should be implemented in control programs for dental caries both on the community, schools, and individual levels.

Impact of school-based vegetable garden and physical activity coordinated health interventions on weight status and weight-related behaviors of ethnically diverse, low-income students: Study design and baseline data of the Texas, Grow! Eat! Go! (TGEG) cluster-randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundCoordinated, multi-component school-based interventions can improve health behaviors in children, as well as parents, and impact the weight status of students. By leveraging a unique collaboration between Texas AgriLife Extension (a federal, state and county funded educational outreach organization) and the University of Texas School of Public Health, the Texas Grow! Eat! Go! Study (TGEG) modeled the effectiveness of utilizing existing programs and volunteer infrastructure to disseminate an enhanced Coordinated School Health program. The five-year TGEG study was developed to assess the independent and combined impact of gardening, nutrition and physical activity intervention(s) on the prevalence of healthy eating, physical activity and weight status among low-income elementary students. The purpose of this paper is to report on study design, baseline characteristics, intervention approaches, data collection and baseline data.MethodsThe study design for the TGEG study consisted of a factorial group randomized controlled trial (RCT) in which 28 schools were randomly assigned to one of 4 treatment groups: (1) Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) only (Comparison), (2) CATCH plus school garden intervention [Learn, Grow, Eat & Go! (LGEG)], (3) CATCH plus physical activity intervention [Walk Across Texas (WAT)], and (4) CATCH plus LGEG plus WAT (Combined). The outcome variables include student’s weight status, vegetable and sugar sweetened beverage consumption, physical activity, and sedentary behavior. Parents were assessed for home environmental variables including availability of certain foods, social support of student health behaviors, parent engagement and behavior modeling.ResultsDescriptive data are presented for students (n = 1369) and parents (n = 1206) at baseline. The sample consisted primarily of Hispanic and African American (53 % and 18 %, respectively) and low-income (i.e., 78 % eligible for Free and Reduced Price School Meals program and 43 % food insecure) students. On average, students did not meet national guidelines for vegetable consumption or physical activity. At baseline, no statistical differences for demographic or key outcome variables among the 4 treatment groups were observed.ConclusionsThe TGEG study targets a population of students and parents at high risk of obesity and related chronic conditions, utilizing a novel and collaborative approach to program formulation and delivery, and a rigorous, randomized study design.

Perceived stress and freshman weight change: The moderating role of baseline body mass index

The transition from high-school to university is a critical period of weight change. Popular media suggest that freshman students gain 15lb (6.80kg) of body weight during their first year at university (i.e., the freshman 15). In contrast, a recent meta-analysis calculated freshman weight gain to be 1.75kg, with statistics suggesting that only a proportion of freshman students are prone to gain weight. Researchers are beginning to investigate how certain variables and interactions between such variables predict freshman weight status. The current study focused on body mass index (BMI) and psychological stress. In isolation, previous research has tested how these two variables predict freshman student's weight status. However, because BMI and stress interact to predict weight gain and weight loss in adult samples, the current study tested the interaction between student's baseline BMI and baseline stress levels to predict weight change in a New Zealand sample of freshman students (N=65). Participants completed two separate online surveys in March and October 2012 (i.e., New Zealand's academic year). Although only three students gained over 6.80kg (i.e., the freshman 15), participants did gain a statistically significant 1.10kg of body weight during the year. Consistent with previous research, students with a higher baseline BMI gained a higher amount of body weight. However, this main effect was qualified by an interaction between stress and BMI. Students who entered university with high levels of stress gained weight if they also had high BMIs; if they had lower BMIs then they lost weight. In order to reduce unhealthy levels of freshman weight change, vulnerable students need to be taught stress-reduction techniques and coping strategies early in the academic year.

Association between Obesity and Impaired Glucose Tolerance in New Providence Adolescents as Demonstrated by the HbA1c Test.

To explore the association between obesity and the development of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in Bahamian adolescents. Eight hundred and seventy-three adolescents were randomly selected from five high schools in New Providence. Each student's weight, height, and waist and hip circumferences were recorded to determine body mass index (BMI). Individuals with BMIs above the 84th and 95th percentiles were classified as overweight and obese, respectively. Venous blood samples were collected from each subject and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were measured using a direct immunoassay method. The criterion established by the International Expert Committee for the diagnosis of IGT (HbA1c concentration of 6.0-6.4%) was used. An analysis of covariance was performed to evaluate the relationship between obesity and IGT, and a logistic regression analysis predicted the risk of IGT based on BMI classification. Of the 861 adolescents who completed the study, 15.0% were classified as overweight, 15.2% as obese and 7.9% as severely obese. The overall cumulative prevalence of IGT based on HbA1c levels was 16 100 cases per 100 000 adolescents and was greater in males than in females. Higher percentages of overweight and obese students were identified as having IGT compared with their normal-weight counterparts. An analysis of covariance with post hoc analyses revealed that severely obese males and females, respectively were almost 26 (OR = 25.54, 95% CI 9.92, 65.77) or 23 (OR = 22.96,95% CI 9.81, 53.73) times more likely to develop IGT than their normal-weight counterparts (p < 0.05). The data show a strong positive association between IGT and obesity among Bahamian adolescents.

Gender differences in the impact of weight status on academic performance: Evidence from adolescents in Taiwan

This paper takes advantage of the Taiwan Education Panel Survey data set to empirically evaluate whether a student's academic performance, measured by his or her test score, is affected by the body weight status of the student. We show that a student's weight status has no impact on his or her academic performance based on an OLS estimation; however, this result is likely to be incorrect due to the strong distributional and functional assumptions, and we further use the propensity score matching method to address this issue. If the entire sample is considered, we find that both overweight and underweight students perform worse than students of normal weight. If we separate the sample students into two groups according to their gender, we obtain different results for the different groups. While the male students tend to perform worse when they are either underweight or overweight, the adverse effect on the academic performance is larger for underweight students than for overweight students. By contrast, the academic performance of a female student will be affected only if she is overweight, but not if she is underweight. The policy implication that the government or the schools should have different plans for different gender groups can be drawn from our empirical finding.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Anemia and Body Mass Index in Student's Attending a Women's College in Bagalkot, North Karnataka

Body mass index in pre-pregnancy has been suggested as useful criteria for the assessment of risk of low birth weight in their offspring. Iron deficiency anemia is a major factor contributing to maternal morbidity and mortality. A significant fall in birth weight has been reported to occur with maternal Hemoglobin levels below 8-G%. It has been claimed that the damage to fetal brain arising from maternal anemia takes place early in pregnancy. In view of these considerations, this cross sectional study was conducted to know the anthropometric measurements, body mass index and iron deficiency anemia in students attending a women's college in Bagalkot city. Ethical clearance was obtained from Institutional ethical committee. Anthropometry is an important element in assessing the nutritional status of the subject. Each student's weight in Kilogram and height in centimeters was measured and body mass index (BMI) calculated using the formula- weight in Kg/height in m2. Hemoglobin was assessed by Acid Hematin method. After Informed consent from the participants, data was obtained and recorded on a pre-designed questionnaire and analyzed by percentages. Majority of the students (51.12%) were from rural areas of Bagalkot Taluka. Most of the students (54.50%) had mild anemia. When body mass index was calculated, majority of the students (52.47%) were underweight. Women with low pre-pregnancy body mass index are at increased risk for a number of adverse pregnancy outcomes including preterm birth and IUGR.

Relationship between birth weight and overweight/obesity among students in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil: a retrospective cohort study.

Being born heavier than 4 kg is associated with current overweight and obesity over the long term. The objective here was to ascertain whether birth weight was related to overweight or obese status, among 7 to 14-year-old schoolchildren, taking into consideration the possible interactions between socioeconomic factors and other biological variables. Retrospective cohort study on a probabilistic sample of 2,696 children and adolescents living in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil. The following data were collected: anthropometric (student's weight, height and age; and parents' weight and height), socioeconomic (family income, number of people in house and parental schooling level), birth weight and gestational age. Overweight and obesity were classified using percentiles of body mass index and triceps and subscapular skinfolds. The outcome variables were overweight and obesity and the main explanatory variables were birth weight and birth weight according to gestational age. The control variables were the parents' nutritional status, their schooling level and the per capita family income. Poisson multivariate regressions were carried out. Higher prevalence of high birth weight was observed among overweight male adolescents (PR = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.02-1.27; P = 0.03), but this was not observed among obese male adolescents. Low birth weight and being born small for gestational age were also not associated with the outcomes. Among overweight and obese children, birth weight was not significantly different from that of normal-weight children. No significant association between birth weight and obesity was observed. However, there was a weak but significant association between high birth weight and overweight, among male adolescents.

Development of an Internet-Based Obesity Prevention Program for Children

Childhood obesity is a growing problem, particularly in rural, Louisiana school children. Traditionally, school-based obesity prevention programs have used a primary prevention approach. Finding methods to deliver secondary prevention programs to large numbers of students without singling out overweight students has been a challenge. An innovative approach to achieving this goal is through use of an Internet intervention targeted toward a student's weight status. This article describes the Louisiana (LA) Health Internet intervention, including the student Web site, the Internet counselor Web site, and the Internet counseling process. The LA Health Internet intervention had separate interfaces for students and Internet counselors. The main features of the student site were behavioral weight loss lessons, lesson activities, chat with an Internet counselor, and email. The Internet counselor site contained these same features, plus a student directory and various means of obtaining student information to guide counseling. Based on their baseline weight status, students received lessons and counseling that promoted either weight loss or weight maintenance. Intervention was delivered during class time, and teachers scheduled Internet counseling sessions with intervention personnel. The LA Health Internet intervention was initially implemented within 14 schools; 773 students were granted access to the site. From Fall 2007 to Spring 2009, 1174 hours of Internet counselor coverage was needed to implement the Internet counseling component of this intervention The LA Health Internet intervention is an innovative and feasible method of delivering a secondary prevention program within a school setting to large numbers of students.

Evaluation of Two Ergonomics Intervention Programs in Reducing Ergonomic Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Disorder among School Children

An intervention study was done from February 2009 until August 2009 with the objective of investigating the effectiveness of two ergonomics intervention programs in reducing ergonomic risk factors among 229 school children in 2nd Grade (8 years) and 5th Grade (age 11 years) in three schools. Group 1 (G1) assigned to one school, which implemented the ergonomically design furniture in their class (among 2nd and 5th grade students), Group 2 (G2) from other school implemented ergonomics program with intensive health promotion towards ergonomics awareness consisted with exercising and education to reduced MSD, while Group 3 (G3) from another school selected as Control Group (Cx). Musculoskeletal symptoms were recorded using modified nordiq body map questionnaires. Modified Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) was used to assess the awkward posture of the school children. Ergonomics awareness test performed namely Ergonomics Quiz (EQ) to evaluate the awareness level before and after ergonomic intervention programs. Tanita weigth measurement was used to measure school bag weight and student's weight. Weight of the bag, RULA score and EQ were used as main indicator to analyze the effectiveness of the program tp reduce ergonomic risks. A significant reduction of RULA score among sub-sample students and mean bag weight observed among G1<G2 and Cx indicate the ergonomic risk were reduce accordingly. Higher EQ score recorded among G1 students compared to G2 and Cx but the result were insignificant. The implementation of ergonomically design furniture in classroom able to reduce risk and reported MSD symptoms.

Influence of school backpacks on adolescent back pain.

In a sample of 3,498 students living in two counties in California, each student's weight and backpack load were measured. Demographic information as well as information about backpack use was obtained. Nonspecific mechanical back pain was found to be highly prevalent, and the reported severity and chronicity of pain were high. Controlling for age, socioeconomic status, walking to and from school, and method of wear, results indicated that backpack weight, measured as a percentage of body weight, was effective in predicting back pain (P < 0.01). Girls and those who walk to and from school were more likely to report back pain (P < 0.01). The method of wear, socioeconomic status, and age were not found to be significantly related to the prevalence of back pain. However, with regard to the severity of pain, older age (P < 0.01), walking to and from school (P < 0.01), and method of wear (P < 0.05) were statistically significant.

Assessment of physical education time and after-school outdoor time in elementary and middle school students in south Mexico City: the dilemma between physical fitness and the adverse health effects of outdoor pollutant exposure.

Strategies to promote lifelong physical activity among children are needed to stem the adverse health consequences of inactivity. However, the health effects in growing children of long-term exposure to a polluted atmosphere are of deep concern. The atmosphere of south Mexico City (SMC) is characterized by a complex mixture of air pollutants, including ozone, particulate matter, and aldehydes. Radiological evidence suggests that small-airway disease could be present in clinically healthy, tobacco unexposed SMC children. The aim of this study was to assess, by means of a self-reported questionnaire, the physical education class times, daily outdoor after-school exposure time, and tobacco exposure in students attending public elementary and middle schools in SMC. Additionally, the time each student spent viewing television was assessed, and the authors measured each student's weight and height to determine body mass index (BMI, weight in kg divided by height in m2). The survey included 1,159 students in grades 7-9. The authors identified 2 critical periods of outdoor exposure in SMC children that coincided with significant concentrations of both ozone and particulate matter with diameters less than 10 micrometers (PM10): during school time after 11:00 A.M. and in the after-school outdoor activity period, usually extending from 1:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Thirty-two percent of elementary and 61% of middle school students have physical education classes after 11:00 A.M. Students in SMC spend an average of 19.6 hr/wk outdoors in the after-school period, during which time they are engaged in light to moderate physical activities. Half of the students are exposed to tobacco smoke at home, and 7% of middle school students smoke. On the basis of BMI, 60% of students were classified as undernourished, overweight, or obese. No correlations were found between BMI and time spent viewing TV, time outdoors (on weekdays and weekends), or exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. Children and adolescents in SMC are participating in physical activities that enhance multiple components of health-related fitness. However, their activities occur outdoors, where they are exposed to high concentrations of air pollutants throughout the year. The authors believe that SMC children and adolescents must be educated, through both the school and health systems, regarding ways to obtain the necessary exercise while protecting themselves from the high concentrations of pollutants. Individuals should instruct and encourage young people to be involved in lifetime fitness activities and to eat balanced diets, if the goal is to control health-care costs, reduce disease incidence, and improve the overall quality of life of the Mexico City population.