Upper-body Muscular Strength Research Articles

Physical fitness metrics and their relationship to locomotor activity profiles among female international field hockey players across an Olympic cycle

ObjectivesThe study explored the correlations between physical fitness metrics and match locomotor activity profiles. Furthermore exploring the transformations of both fitness tests as well as match locomotor activities over an Olympic cycle. DesignObservational descriptive study. MethodsFitness testing (n = 24) and match locomotor activity (n = 102) profiles were collected. A Pearson's product-moment correlation and 95 % confidence intervals were calculated to determine relationships between metrics for each year. A mixed-effects model was used for repeated measures to identify differences in the physical fitness tests and match locomotor activity profiles between years. ResultsThe YoYo intermittent reocvery testest level 1 changed significantly (p < 0.0001) and accounted for 29 % of the variance in average speed (p < 0.001, rrm (59) = 0.54) Upper and lower body muscular strength, also improved, evidenced by the 3RM bench press (p < 0.0001), and a 28 % (2017–2019) increase in 3RM squat (p < 0.0001). Also pull-ups increased from 4.2 ± 2.8 pull-ups (2017) to 10.0 ± 3.1 pull-ups (2020) (p < 0.0001) and. countermovement jump height increased over the study duration (p < 0.0001). Match total distances remained unchanged, while average speed increased significantly (p < 0.0001). High-speed running distance (p < 0.0003) and sprint counts (p < 0.0001), showed significant improvements over the study period. ConclusionsThe study underscores noteworthy improvements in physical attributes and performance metrics over an Olympic cycle. Contributing valuable insights for enhancing athletic performance in hockey players competing in the Olympics.

Association of Physical Fitness and Anthropometric Parameters With Lung Function in 7-Year-Old Children.

Associations between health-related parameters and lung function remain unclear in childhood. The study aims to evaluate the relationship between physical fitness and anthropometric parameters with the lung function of healthy scholar-aged children. A total of 418 children aged 7years old participated in this study. The associations of physical fitness (handgrip strength, standing broad jump, and 800-m run) and anthropometric (waist circumference and body mass index) parameters with lung function (forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1s) were analyzed using a mixed-linear regression model. Girls had significantly lower forced vital capacity values (P = .006) and physical fitness (P < .030) compared to boys. On mixed-linear regression analyses, waist circumference (P = .003) was independently associated with forced vital capacity, explaining 34.6% of its variance, while handgrip strength (P = .042) and waist circumference (P = .010) were independently associated with forced expiratory volume in 1second, accounting together for 26.5% of its variance in 7-year-old healthy children. Handgrip strength and waist circumference were associated with lung function in healthy children highlighting the influence of upper body muscular strength and trunk dimension on lung function. Our results corroborate the need to promote physical fitness during childhood to protect against lung complications in later on in life.

A Videoconference Physical Activity Intervention for Colorectal Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Physical activity (PA) after a colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis can improve physical function and quality of life and is associated with decreased mortality rates and longer disease-free survival. The accelerated use of videoconference technology during and following the COVID-19 pandemic offers an opportunity to explore the potential of a virtually supervised intervention to help survivors of CRC increase PA. A two-arm single blind pilot randomized controlled trial of individuals who had completed treatment for CRC within the previous five-years (NCT03781154, 12/19/2018). The 12-week intervention consisted of circuit-based, combined aerobic and resistance exercise, twice per week for approximately one-hour per session, and five social cognitive theory-based PA behavior change discussion sessions. All intervention components were delivered in real-time via Zoom. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed, and the effects of the intervention were explored for the outcomes of PA (activPAL™ accelerometers and self-report), social cognitive theory constructs (barriers self-efficacy and outcome expectations), and physical fitness (submaximal aerobic capacity, upper and lower body muscular strength and endurance). Twenty-nine eligible individuals (55.2% women, &lt;em&gt;Mean&lt;/em&gt; = 61 ± 11 years old, &lt;em&gt;Mean&lt;/em&gt; = 22.0 ± 15.1 months since diagnosis) were randomized to the videoconference PA intervention (&lt;em&gt;n&lt;/em&gt; = 15) or a PA education control (&lt;em&gt;n&lt;/em&gt; = 14). A total of &lt;em&gt;N&lt;/em&gt; = 25 completed the study for a retention rate of 86.7% in the intervention arm and 85.7% in the control. Adherence to intervention components was &gt;86%. The intervention was highly acceptable with ≥90% responding “yes” or “definitely yes” that they enjoyed participating. Trends suggested that intervention participants had greater improvements in accelerometer measured steps per day, daily minutes of light PA, sedentary time, and aerobic fitness. There was no change in social cognitive theory constructs, and muscular strength and endurance improved in both the intervention and control. A 12-week videoconference PA intervention was feasible and acceptable among survivors of CRC, and the greatest magnitude of difference for intervention effects was observed for light PA and sedentary time. A fully powered trial is needed to determine efficacy of the intervention for increasing PA and physical functioning.

Association between Weight Loss and Hand-Grip Strength with Cause-Specific Mortality in Middle-Aged and Older Adults

PURPOSE: This study investigated the association between weight loss and handgrip strength (HGS) with cause-specific mortality in middle-aged and older adults.METHODS: A total of 8,175 participants (54.1% women) aged ≥45 years, who participated in the Korean longitudinal study of aging (KLoSA) were included. Study participants were classified as stable weight and 5 kg or more weight loss group based on weight change and as high, middle, and low categories based on HGS distributions. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to calculate hazard ratio (HR) according to weight change status and HGS levels.RESULTS: During 13.0±3.1 years of follow-up, there were 1,809 (22.1%) deaths. In all-cause mortality, middle HGS (stable weight; HR=1.289, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.001; weight loss; HR=1.723, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.001) and low HGS (stable weight; HR=1.665, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.001; weight loss; HR=2.488, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.001) resulted in an increased risk of mortality compared to stable weight and high HGS (HR=1). Similarly, in non-CVD mortality, middle HGS (stable weight; HR=1.241, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=.005; weight loss; HR=1.816, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.001) and low HGS (stable weight; HR=1.611, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.001; weight loss; HR=2.658, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.001) resulted in an increased risk of mortality compared to stable weight and high HGS (HR=1). However, in the high HGS category, no significant differences in the risk of all-cause and non-CVD mortality according to weight change were observed.CONCLUSIONS: The current finding suggested that the promotion of upper body muscular strength may play an important role in preventing premature death from all-cause and non-CVD, especially among those who suffer from weight loss.

Effects of multimodal physical activity program in the cognive functions and functional fitness test in elderly with and without Alzheimer Disease

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most prevalent disease among all dementias, and is characterized by progressive deficits in cognitive function and activities of daily living.The aim of this study was compare effects of multimodal physical activity program in functional capacity, memory, and attention in elderly with and without AD.MethodEighteen elderly with AD were ramdomized into the control (AD‐C) or multimodal physical activity program (AD‐T) groups. Also twenty without AD were divided in the control (NAD‐C) or physical activity program (NAD‐T) groups. All participants performed the international physical activity questionnaire, neuropsicological evaluation using Mini Mental State Examination, Syndrom Kurztest (SKT), clinical dementia rating. The functional fitness test was evaluated by the muscular resistance (30‐second chair stand and arm curl), aerobic capacity (2‐minute step in the place), lower and upper body flexbility (chair sit‐and‐reach, and back scratch tests) and agility/dynamic balance (8‐foot up and go). The shoulder and ankle amplitude were measured using a Fleximeter. The multimodal physical activity program included warm up, aerobic exercises, strength, flexibility, and cool down for 3 months, twice a week, with 75 min each session for NAD‐T and AD‐T groups.ResultThe physical activity program significantly increased the leisure‐time physical activity level, upper body muscular strength, aerobic capacity, upper and lower body flexibility, shoulder and ankle extension range in the NAD‐T and AD‐T (P&lt;0.05). Also increased agility/dinamic balance compared to the AD‐C group (P&lt;0.05). Concerning the cognition, the multimodal training improved SKT‐memory in both groups NAD‐T and AD‐T (P&lt;0.05). SKT‐atention improved in the NAD‐T group (P&lt;0.05).ConclusionThe multimodal physical activity program was effective in increasing the level of leisure‐time physical activity, aerobic capacity, muscle strength, lower limb flexibility, shoulder extension, and memory, independent of the AD. Additionaly, the program attenuated the decline in agility/dinamic balance compared to the AD‐C group. Attentional function improved in the NAD‐T group. These benefits may contribute to a better performance in activities of daily living, reduction of falls and attenuation of the decline of cognitive functions in elderly people with and without AD.

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.

Influence of exercise type and duration on cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength in post-menopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Both cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscular strength are reported to decrease with age and menopause, which considered to be risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Previous relevant meta-analyses are inconclusive on the beneficial effects of exercise, particularly in post-menopausal women. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we investigated the effects of exercise modalities on CRF and muscular strength in post-menopausal women, and identified the effective exercise type and duration. A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Medline to identify the randomized controlled trials, which evaluated exercise effect on CRF, lower- and upper-body muscular strength, and/or handgrip strength in post-menopausal women and compared the results with control. Standardized mean differences (SMD), weighted mean differences (WMD), and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using random effects models. A total of 129 studies comprising 7,141 post-menopausal women with mean age and BMI ranging from ∼53 to 90 years and 22 to 35 kg/m2, respectively, were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, exercise training effectively increased CRF (SMD: 1.15; 95% CI: 0.87, 1.42; p = 0.001), lower-body muscular strength (SMD: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.90, 1.22; p = 0.001), upper-body muscular strength (SMD: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.91, 1.31; p = 0.001), and handgrip strength (WMD: 1.78 kg; 95% CI: 1.24, 2.32; p = 0.001) in post-menopausal women. These increments were found to be irrespective of ages and intervention durations. Regarding exercise type, aerobic, resistance, and combined training significantly increased CRF and lower-body muscular strength, while resistance and combined training effectively increased handgrip strength. However, only resistance training increased the upper-body muscular strength in women. Our findings suggest that exercise training is effective in increasing CRF and muscular strength in post-menopausal women, which might be cardioprotective. Both aerobic and resistance training alone or in combination increased CRF and lower-body muscular strength, but only resistance training increased upper-body strength in women. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=283425, identifier: CRD42021283425.

Synergistic Effects of Combined Concurrent Training and Eri-Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Bone Mineral Density, Muscle Strength, and Inflammation.

Obesity has been associated with lower bone mineral density (BMD) and rapid muscle weakness. Regular exercise and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) consumption have been recognized as nonpharmaceutical approaches to increase BMD and ameliorate muscle weakness. This study aimed to determine the effects of concurrent training (CCT) and Eri-PUFA supplementation on BMD, muscular strength, and inflammation in obese adults. A total of 33 obese participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups (n=11 per group): (1) a placebo group; (2) an Eri-PUFA ingestion group (ERI); or (3) a CCT and Eri-PUFA ingestion group (CCT+ERI). The ERI and CCT+ERI groups received approximately 2.5 g of linolenic acid per day from Eri silkworm pupae. The exercise program included aerobic and resistance exercises performed under supervision three times per week for 8 weeks. Before and after the 8-week intervention, BMD, muscular strength, and inflammatory markers were measured. Only the CCT+ERI group showed a significant increase in lumbar spine BMD (5.1%, P<0.01) and upper-body muscle strength (16.9%, P<0.01) after the intervention, with differences between the groups. After the intervention, both the ERI and CCT+ERI groups showed a significant decrease in the monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (-25%, P<0.01 and -21.4%, P<0.05, respectively) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (-21.6%, P<0.05 and -19.4%, P<0.05, respectively). These findings demonstrate that combining CCT and Eri-PUFA supplementation increases BMD and upper-body muscular strength and decreases inflammation. Although Eri-PUFA consumption did not affect BMD or muscle strength directly, it may have an additive effect on BMD by reducing inflammation.

Clinical and physical characteristics of thinness in adolescents: the HELENA study.

Thinness in adolescence has not been studied as extensively as overweight or obesity. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, characteristics, and health impacts of thinness in a European adolescent population. This study included 2711 adolescents (1479 girls, 1232 boys). Blood pressure, physical fitness, sedentary behaviors, physical activity (PA), and dietary intake were assessed. A medical questionnaire was used to report any associated diseases. A blood sample was collected in a subgroup of the population. Thinness and normal weight were identified using the IOTF scale. Thin adolescents were compared with adolescents of normal weight. Two hundred and fourteen adolescents (7.9%) were classified as being thin; the prevalence rates were 8.6% in girls and 7.1% in boys. Systolic blood pressure was significantly lower in adolescents with thinness. The age at the first menstrual cycle was significantly later in thin female adolescents than in those with normal weight. Upper-body muscular strength measured in performance tests and time spent in light PA were significantly lower in thin adolescents. The Diet Quality Index was not significantly lower in thin adolescents, but the percentage of adolescents who skipped breakfast was higher in adolescents with a normal weight (27.7% vs 17.1%). Serum creatinine level and HOMA-insulin resistance were lower and vitamin B12 level was higher in thin adolescents. Thinness affects a notable proportion of European adolescents with no physical adverse health consequences.

BANGLADESHI AND INDIAN YOUTH ATHLETES DIFFER IN STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE

The purpose of the research was to investigate the health-related physical fitness of youth athletes from Bangladesh and India. The forty athletes from each country, Bangladesh (n=40) and India (n=40) were chosen using a simple random sampling method. The researchers selected Bangladeshi athletes from the Jashore district in Bangladesh and Indian athletes from the Murshidabad and Birbhum districts of West Bengal, India. Those who competed in at least one district-level competition were included in the study. For the study, the researchers chose male athletes between the ages of 17 and 21 years. The study included lower body explosive strength in the standing broad jump test, upper body muscular strength in the pull-up test and cardio-respiratory endurance in the cooper test as variables. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (independent t-test), with the significance level set at 0.05. An independent sample t-test shows that Bangladeshi and Indian youth athletes standing broad jump t(78) = 2.10, sig. = 0.039; pull-ups t(78) = 1.68, sig. = 0.099; cooper test t(78) = 2.34, sig. = 0.022 respectively. The findings revealed a substantial difference in leg explosive strength and cardio-respiratory endurance, but no substantial difference in upper body muscular strength between Bangladeshi and Indian youth athletes.

Health-related components of physical fitness and adiposity indicators: a comparative study among Kathak dancers and non-dancers of North India

ABSTRACT The present study aims to do a comparative analysis of health-related components of physical fitness and adiposity levels between Kathak dancers and non-dancers. Participants included 206 female Kathak dancers and 235 physically active controls, ages 18–45 years. Participants performed handgrip strength test and modified push up test for assessing upper body muscular strength and endurance, half sit-up test for abdominal strength and endurance, wall sit, and squat test for lower body strength and endurance, and v-sit and reach test for flexibility. Eight somatometric measurements were recorded based on the ISAK Protocol for assessing the adiposity levels. Basic descriptive statistics were calculated to assess the distribution of various health-related components of physical fitness and adiposity indicators across the sample. Pearson correlation assessed the association between health-related components of physical fitness, age, and years of learning dance. Results revealed that of all the adiposity indicators, only waist-to-hip ratio was significantly higher in Kathak dancers than the non-dancers (M = 0.77 vs. 0.74, p = .028). Kathak dancers endorsed significantly higher scores in all the tests assessing muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility (p < .001) compared to controls. Kathak dance can be taken up as a form of exercise by females of all age-groups that may prevent the development of obesity and improve muscular strength. However, within Kathak dancers, there were high number of participants who reported lower abdominal endurance and lower back flexibility levels, which emphasize the need to encourage supplementary exercise training among Kathak dancers.

Physical fitness and maternal body composition indices during pregnancy and postpartum: the GESTAFIT project

ABSTRACT We explored the association of physical fitness (PF) during pregnancy with maternal body composition indices along pregnancy and postpartum period. The study comprised 159 pregnant women (32.9 ± 4.7 years old). Assessments were carried out at the 16th and 34th gestational weeks (g.w.) and six weeks postpartum. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular strength (absolute and relative values) and flexibility were measured. Body composition indices were obtained by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at postpartum. The results, after adjusting for potential covariates at the 16th g.w., indicated that greater CRF was associated with lower postpartum indices total fat mass, android and gynoid fat mass (all, p < 0.05). Greater absolute upper-body muscular strength was associated with greater pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain (GWG); and postpartum indices body weight, BMI, lean mass, fat free mass, fat mass, gynoid fat mass, T-score and Z-score bone mineral density (BMD) (all, p < 0.05). Greater upper-body flexibility was associated with lower pre-pregnancy BMI; and postpartum indices body weight, BMI, lean mass, fat free mass, fat mass, android fat mass and gynoid fat mass, and with greater GWG (all, p < 0.05). At the 34th g.w., greater CRF was additionally associated with greater postpartum T-score and Z-score BMD (both, p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study reveals that greater PF levels, especially during early pregnancy, may promote a better body composition in the postpartum period. Therefore, clinicians and health promoters should encourage women to maintain or improve PF levels from early pregnancy.

Resistance Training in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Failure, and Valvular Heart Disease: A REVIEW WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON OLD AGE, FRAILTY, AND PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS.

Current guidelines recommend individually adapted resistance training (RT) as a part of the exercise regime in patients with cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this review was to provide insights into current knowledge and understanding of how useful, feasible, safe, and effective RT is in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure (HF), and valvular heart disease (VHD), with particular emphasis on the role of RT in elderly and/or frail patients. A review based on an intensive literature search: systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in 2010 or later; recent studies not integrated into meta-analyses or systematic reviews; additional manual searches. The results highlight the evaluation of effects and safety of RT in patients with CAD and HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in numerous meta-analyses. In contrast, few studies have focused on RT in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) or VHD. Furthermore, few studies have addressed the feasibility and impact of RT in elderly cardiac patients, and data on the efficacy and safety of RT in frail elderly patients are limited. The review results underscore the high prevalence of age-related sarcopenia, disease-related skeletal muscle deconditioning, physical limitations, and frailty in older patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). They underline the need for individually tailored exercise concepts, including RT, aimed at improving functional status, mobility, physical performance and muscle strength in older patients. Furthermore, the importance of the use of assessment tools to diagnose frailty, mobility/functional capacity, and physical performance in the elderly admitted to cardiac rehabilitation is emphasized.

Anthropometric Parameters, Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Executive Functions among Primary School Children.

Physical activity during childhood and adolescence favors brain development and cognitive functioning, particularly the executive functions. This study aimed to assess potential associations between anthropometric parameters, physical activity, physical fitness, and executive functions among elementary school children returning to school after the COVID-19 lockdown in Chile. School-age male and female participants (n = 90; age, 10–12 years) participated in the study. To determine the association between variables, a multivariable linear regression analysis was performed. Higher fat-related anthropometric indexes were associated with lower working memory, cognitive flexibility, planning, and attention (r = −0.55 to −0.22; p = 0.031 to <0.001). In contrast, higher physical activity levels, better sprint performance, higher lower-body muscular power, and greater upper-body muscular strength were associated with better working memory, cognitive flexibility, inhibition, planning, and/or attention (r = 0.19 to −0.54; p = 0.04 to <0.001). Current results consistently suggest the need for adequate levels of physical activity, physical fitness, and anthropometric parameters among the school-age population to promote healthy and adequate executive functions.

The Alberta moving beyond breast cancer (AMBER) cohort study: baseline description of the full cohort

PurposeThe Alberta Moving Beyond Breast Cancer (AMBER) Study is an ongoing prospective cohort study investigating how direct measures of physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and health-related fitness (HRF) are associated with survival after breast cancer.MethodsWomen in Alberta with newly diagnosed stage I (≥ T1c) to IIIc breast cancer were recruited between 2012 and 2019. Baseline assessments were completed within 90 days of surgery. Measurements included accelerometers to measure PA and SB; a graded treadmill test with gas exchange analysis to measure cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak); upper and lower body muscular strength and endurance; dual-X-ray absorptiometry to measure body composition; and questionnaires to measure self-reported PA and SB.ResultsAt baseline, the 1528 participants’ mean age was 56 ± 11 years, 59% were post-menopausal, 62% had overweight/obesity, and 55% were diagnosed with stage II or III disease. Based on device measurements, study participants spent 8.9 ± 1.7 h/day sedentary, 4.4 ± 1.2 h/day in light-intensity activity, 0.9 ± 0.5 h/day in moderate-intensity activity, and 0.2 ± 0.2 h/day in vigorous-intensity activity. For those participants who reached VO2peak, the average aerobic fitness level was 26.6 ± 6 ml/kg/min. Average body fat was 43 ± 7.1%.ConclusionWe have established a unique cohort of breast cancer survivors with a wealth of data on PA, SB, and HRF obtained through both direct and self-reported measurements. Study participants are being followed for at least ten years to assess all outcomes after breast cancer. These data will inform clinical and public health guidelines on PA, SB, and HRF for improving breast cancer outcomes.

Objectivity, Reliability, and Validity of the Basketball Throw Test as a Health-related Measure of Upper-Body Muscular Strength in a Sample of Algerian Primary School Children

ABSTRACT This study investigated the objectivity, reliability, and the validity of the Basketball Throw Test (BTT) as an upper-body muscular strength measure. Participants (33 boys and 32 girls; mean age = 8.75 ± 1.47) performed the BTT on 2 occasions (1-week apart), and the hand-grip test as criterion measure. The objectivity and reliability were estimated using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1) and graphically examined according to the Bland-Altman approach. Pearson correlation coefficient and the known-differences method was employed to determine validity. The BTT demonstrated high objectivity ICC2,1 = 0.90 (95% CI, 0.84–0.94), reliability ICC2,1 = 0.91 (95% CI, 0.86–0.95) and validity (r = 0.77, p <.001). The Bland–Altman method graphically confirmed intraclass correlation data. The significant difference in the BTT scores between 6-year-old children (1.61 ± 0.23) and 10-year-old children (t = −12.64, p < .001) provided additional support of validity. The BTT test is a feasible measure of upper-body muscular strength in school-aged children.

Self-reported (IFIS) versus measured physical fitness, and their associations to cardiometabolic risk factors in early pregnancy

Physical fitness is a strong marker of health, but objective fitness measurements are not always feasible. The International FItness Scale (IFIS) for self-reported fitness is a simple-to-use tool with demonstrated validity and reliability; however, validation in pregnancy needs to be confirmed. Also, its association with cardiometabolic health in pregnant women is unknown. Hence, we examined (1) the validity of the IFIS with objectively measured fitness, and (2) the associations of self-reported versus objectively measured cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscular strength with cardiometabolic risk factors in early pregnancy. Women (n = 303) from the HealthyMoms trial were measured at gestational week 14 for: CRF (6-min walk test); upper-body muscular strength (handgrip strength test); self-reported fitness (IFIS), body composition (air-displacement plethysmography); blood pressure and metabolic parameters (lipids, glucose, insulin). Higher self-reported fitness was associated with better measured fitness (ANOVA overall p < 0.01 for all fitness types), indicating the usefulness of the IFIS in pregnancy. Furthermore, higher self-reported overall fitness and CRF were associated with lower cardiometabolic risk scores (ANOVA p < 0.001), with similar results shown for measured CRF (ANOVA p < 0.001). The findings suggest that IFIS could be useful to stratify pregnant women in appropriate fitness levels on a population-based level where objective measurement is not possible.

Birth weight and breastfeeding are differentially associated with physical fitness components.

The study purpose was to assess the impact of birth weight and breastfeeding duration on physical fitness components. Study participants were 985 adolescents boys and 1246 girls (12.5-17.5 years) participating in the HELENA study. Standardised physical fitness procedures included: cardio-respiratory fitness, flexibility, upper body muscular strength, and lower body explosive strength. Birth weight and breastfeeding duration were assessed by parents' questionnaire. Associations between neonatal data and physical fitness were investigated using linear mixed models. Significant associations between body muscular strength, and breastfeeding duration were observed in the unadjusted analyses for boys. When adjusting for potential confounding factors (z-score body mass index, fat-free mass, fat mass), only lower body muscular strength, by standing broad jump-a proxy measure of muscular explosivity- was positively associated with breastfeeding duration. Furthermore, significant associations were observed between upper body muscular strength (by hand grip),-a proxy measure of muscular power-in boys as well as in girls. Birth weight and breastfeeding duration have different effects on muscular strength components. The present results suggest that birth weight positively influences the development of muscular power, while breastfeeding duration positively influences muscular explosivity.

Auto-regulatory progressive training compared to linear programming on muscular strength, endurance, and body composition in recreationally active males

ABSTRACT We compared eight weeks of auto-regulatory progressive resistance exercise (APRE) to linear programming resistance exercise (LPRE) on changes in muscular strength and endurance, anaerobic power, and body composition in recreationally active males. Twenty-four recreationally active males (age: 24 ± 3 y; body mass: 78.3 ± 10.3 kg) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: APRE (n = 12) and LPRE (n = 12). Both groups performed supervised training 3x/week for eight weeks Upper and lower body muscular strength and endurance, anaerobic power, and body composition were assessed at baseline, week 4, and 48 h after the final training session. Repeated measures ANOVA and hedge's g effect sizes (ES) were used to interpret the data. After training, there was a significant increase in absolute leg press (APRE: ES = 2.23; LPRE: ES = 1.35) and chest press strength (APRE: ES = 2.19; LPRE: ES = 0.98), upper (APRE: ES = 2.50; LPRE: ES = 1.074), and lower body peak power (APRE: ES = 0.78; LPRE: ES = 0.39), and upper (APRE: ES = 2.50; LPRE: ES = 1.60) and lower mean power (APRE: ES = 0.99; LPRE: ES = 0.54) over time in both groups compared to baseline. Following APRE, absolute leg press strength was significantly greater compared to LPRE (p = 0.04; ES = 2.41, ES = 1.36), while absolute chest press strength gains were similar between groups (p = 0.08; ES = 2.21, ES = 0.98). Skeletal muscle mass significantly increased similarly in both groups over time (APRE: ES = 0.46; LPRE: ES = 0.21), while there was no change over time or between groups for body fat %. APRE and LPRE were both effective at improving anaerobic power and skeletal muscle mass; however, APRE was more effective at improving lower body muscular strength in recreationally active males.

Improvements in Physical Fitness are Associated with Favorable Changes in Blood Lipid Concentrations in Children.

Although accumulating evidence suggests the benefits of cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular fitness, little knowledge exists on how other physical fitness (PF) components are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk markers in children. Additionally, much of the relevant evidence is from longitudinal studies with CVD risk markers at a single time point (i.e., baseline) rather than changes in PF. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether initial 1-year changes in different performance measures of PF (i.e., endurance performance, muscular strength/endurance, flexibility, agility, and speed) can predict the subsequent changes (2-year change) in blood lipid concentrations in children. This 2-year longitudinal study included a total of 251 Japanese children (mean age 9.2 ± 0.4). PF tests were performed to comprehensively evaluate the participant's fitness levels (handgrip strength [upper body muscular strength], bent-leg sit-ups [muscular endurance], sit-and-reach [flexibility], side-step [agility], 20-meter shuttle run [endurance performance], 50-meter sprint [speed], standing long jump [lower body muscular strength], and softball throw [explosive arm strength and throwing ability]). Fasting lipid profile was assayed for triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and non-HDL-C concentration. Multilevel linear regressions were used to examine the associations between the preceding changes (over 1-year) in PF and subsequent changes (over 2-years) in blood lipid concentrations. We also examined the simultaneous associations between 2-year changes in PF and 2-year changes in blood lipid concentrations. For boys, preceding improvement in handgrip strength was negatively associated with TG concentration (β = -0.260, p = 0.030); improvements in bent-leg sit-ups were negatively associated with clustered lipid scores (β = -0.301, p = 0.038) and non-HDL-C (β = -0.310, p = 0.044); and improvements in 50m sprinting were associated with subsequent changes in non-HDL-C (β = 0.348, p = 0.006) and LDL-C (β = 0.408, p = 0.001). For girls, improvements in handgrip strength was negatively associated with TG concentration (β = -0.306, p = 0.017); and improvements in standing long jump were negatively associated with non-HDL-C (β = -0.269, p = 0.021) and LDL-C (β = -0.275, p = 0.019). For boys and girls, there were no significant simultaneous associations between 2-year changes in PF and 2-year changes in blood lipid concentrations. In conclusion, preceding change in physical fitness in relation to change in blood lipid concentration likely reflect a physiological adaptation to growth and maturation since these associations diminished in the subsequent year.