Fitness Variables Research Articles

Non-genetic phenotypic variability affects populations and communities in protist microcosms.

Intraspecific trait variation (ITV), potentially driven by genetic and non-genetic mechanisms, can underlie variability in resource acquisition, individual fitness and ecological interactions. Impacts of ITV at higher levels of biological organizations are hence likely, but up-scaling our knowledge about ITV importance to communities and comparing its relative effects at population and community levels has rarely been investigated. Here, we tested the effects of genetic and non-genetic ITV on morphological traits in microcosms of protist communities by contrasting the effects of strains showing different ITV levels (i.e. trait averages and variance) on population growth, community composition and biomass production. We found that genetic and non-genetic ITV can lead to different effects on populations and communities across several generations. Furthermore, the effects of ITV declined across levels of biological organization: ITV directly altered population performance, with cascading but indirect consequences for community composition and biomass productivity. Overall, these results show that the drivers of ITV can have distinct effects on populations and communities, with cascading impacts on higher levels of biological organization that might mediate biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationships.

Application of ARIMA-GARCH-S model to short-term stock forecasting

The performance of the stock market in the financial domain profoundly impacts the economic well-being of many individuals. Thus, accurately predicting stock prices is an essential task. Although traditional financial time series models such as ARIMA and GARCH play a crucial role in predictions, they may fail to capture all the market dynamics. This study explores a composite model combining ARIMA, GARCH, and Stacking techniques (ARIMA-GARCH-S) to enhance the accuracy of predictions. The research data are derived from the stock closing price time series data of “Amazon” from June 29, 2020, to April 12, 2022, with 653 entries and “Caterpillar” from February 8, 2021, to October 21, 2022, with 621 entries. The model’s fitting performance is evaluated by comparing the fitting residual plots and variance graphs, while predictive performance is determined by comparing the MAPE, RMSE, and EC statistical metrics. The results indicate that the ARIMA-GARCH-S composite model has a significant predictive advantage over the ARIMA model. This finding not only offers a new avenue for model innovation but also provides financial market participants with a more precise and stable prediction tool, aiding them in making more informed investment decisions.

Predicting Future Athletic Performance in Young Female Road Cyclists Based on Aerobic Fitness and Hematological Variables.

This study aimed to determine whether the initial levels of aerobic fitness and hematological variables in young female road cyclists are related to their athletic performance development during their careers. Results of graded exercise tests on a cycle ergometer and total hemoglobin mass (tHb-mass) measurements were analyzed in 34 female road cyclists (age 18.6 [1.9]y). Among them, 2 groups were distinguished based on their competitive performance (Union Cycliste Internationale world ranking) over the following 8years. Areas under the curve in receiver-operating-characteristic curves were calculated as indicators of elite-performance prediction. Initial graded exercise test variables (peak power, peak oxygen uptake, and power at 4mmol/L blood lactate) were not significantly different in elite (n = 13) versus nonelite (n = 21) riders. In contrast, elite riders had higher tHb-mass expressed either in absolute measures(664 [75] vs 596 [59]g, P = .006) or normalized to body mass (11.2 [0.8] vs 10.3 [0.7]g/kg, P = .001) and fat-free mass (14.4 [0.9] vs 13.1 [0.9]g/kg, P < .001). Absolute and relative erythrocyte volumes were significantly higher in elite subjects (P ranged from < .001 to .006). Of all the variables analyzed, the relative tHb-mass had the highest predictive ability to reach the elite level (area under the curve ranged from .82 to .85). Measurement of tHb-mass can be a helpful tool in talent detection to identify young female road cyclists with the potential to reach the elite level in the future.

Associations between physical fitness, body composition, and heart rate variability during exercise in older people: exploring mediating factors.

Age-related changes in body composition affect physical fitness in older adults. However, whether the autonomic response is associated with body fat percentage and its implication for physical fitness is not fully understood. To understand the association between physical fitness, body composition, and heart rate variability in older people and its mediating factors. A cross-sectional study with 81 older adults was conducted, assessing Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Two-minute Step Test (TMST), body composition, and cardiac autonomic response. Correlation and mediation analyses were performed. Body fat percentage negatively correlated with physical fitness (SPPB: r=-0.273, p=0.015; TMST: r=-0.279, p=0.013) and sympathetic activity (sympathetic nervous system (SNS) index: r=-0.252, p=0.030), yet positively correlated with parasympathetic tone (root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD): r=0.253, p=0.029; standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN): r=0.269, p=0.020). Physical fitness associated with sympathetic nervous system index (SPPB: r=0.313, p=0.006; TMST: r=0.265, p=0.022) and parasympathetic nervous system index (TMST: r=-0.344, p=0.003). Muscle mass mediated body fat's impact on physical fitness, while physical fitness mediated body fat's impact on autonomic response. Body composition and cardiac autonomic response to exercise are associated with physical fitness in older people, highlighting a possible protective effect of muscle mass against the decline in physical fitness associated with increased body fat.

Effectiveness of short vs. long-distance sprint training on sprinting and agility performance in young soccer players.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of short sprint-distance training (SST) compared with long sprint-distance training (LST), matched for the total session training volume, on short-, medium- and long-distance sprint performance and agility in young soccer players. Eighteen U19 male players (age: 17.1 ± 0.7 years; height: 178.0 ± 6.3 cm, body mass: 69.4 ± 6.6 kg) were randomly assigned to SST (n = 9) or LST (n = 9) group. The intervention programs were performed 2 times a week over 6 weeks. Before and after training period, 5 m, 10 m, 20 m, 30 m and 40 m sprint, and agility were assessed. Within-group analysis showed significant improvements (p ≤ 0.001) in 5 m, 10 m, 20 m, 30 m and 40 m sprint from pretest to posttest in SST (9.2%, 6.6%, 5.3%, 2.9%, and 2.5%, respectively) and LST (10.5%, 8.5%, 6.5%, 5.1%, and 4.7%, respectively). Players in both SST and LST also showed significant enhancements in agility from pretest to posttest. In the between-groups analysis, there were no differences between the sprint training groups (SST vs. LST) in any variable (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the findings of this study indicate that both sprint training distances used seem to be effective to improve soccer-specific performance measures. However, due to the better percentage changes obtained by LST group in all fitness variables, this method could be considered as preferred method.

The differential role of socioeconomic status dimensions in depressive symptoms of aging adults: data from the Hamburg City Health cohort Study.

Socioeconomic status (SES) has consistently been associated with depressive symptoms, however, it remains unclear which subset of SES variables is most relevant to the development of depressive symptoms. This study determined a standardized SES-Index to test the relationship of its sub-dimensions with depressive symptoms. HCHS data (N = 10,000; analysis sample n = 8,400), comprising participants 45+ years of age, was used. A standardized approach to quantify SES was employed. Depressive symptoms were quantified using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Using multiple linear regression models, PHQ-9-scores were modeled as a function of age and sex, and (1a) total SES-Index score versus (1b) its three sub-dimension scores (education, occupational status, income). Models were compared on explained variance and goodness of fit. We determined risk ratios (RR, concerning a PHQ-9 sum score ≥ 10) based on (low, middle, high; 2a) SES-Index scores and (2b) the sub-dimension scores, with groups further differentiated by sex and age (45-64 versus 65+). We distinguished between the total SES-Index score and its three sub-dimension scores to identify relevant SES sub-dimensions in explaining PHQ-9-variability or risk of depression. Among all regression models (total explained variance 4-6%), income explained most variance, but performance of the SES-Index was comparable. Low versus high income groups showed the strongest differences in depressive trends in middle-aged females and males (RRs 3.57 and 4.91). In older age, this result was restricted to females (RR ≈ 2). Middle-aged males (versus females) showed stronger discrepancies in depressive trends pertaining to low versus high SES groups. In older age, the effect of SES was absent. Education was related to depressive trends only in middle-aged females and males. In an exploratory analysis, marital status and housing slightly increased model fit and explained variance while including somatic symptoms lead to substantial increases (R2 adj = 0.485). In line with previous research, the study provides evidence for SES playing a significant role in depressive symptoms in mid to old age, with income being robustly linked to depressive trends. Overall, the relationship between SES and depressive trends appears to be stronger in males than females and stronger in mid compared to old age.

Effects of exercise, physical activity, and sports on physical fitness in adults with Down syndrome: A systematic review

&lt;abstract&gt; &lt;p&gt;This systematic review aimed to analyze the effects of exercise, physical activity, and sports on physical fitness in adults with Down syndrome (DS). A literature search was conducted across four databases EBSCO, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. The PEDro scale and the Cochrane risk of bias tool were used to assess the quality and risk of the studies, respectively. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42023449627). Of the 423 records initially found, 13 were finally included in the systematic review, in which 349 adults with DS participated. 92% of the articles declared at least one significant difference post-intervention. The available evidence indicates that exercise, physical activity, and sports have a positive effect on some variables of physical fitness, especially strength, balance, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility, and functional capacity. Furthermore, it should be considered as an additional treatment or complementary therapy to improve the functionality and quality of life of adults with DS.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/abstract&gt;

Impact of different CAD software programs on marginal and internal fit of provisional crowns: An in vitro study

Statement of the problemDifferent CAD software programs used for designing crowns show variations in marginal and internal fit. Marginal and internal discrepancies may cause poorly fitting crowns. PurposeThe aim of this study was to compare the marginal and internal fit of single crown temporary restorations designed using three different CAD software programs. Materials and methodsDentbird, Exocad and Inlab 20 were used to design temporary single crowns using the same cement gap. Three experimental groups (n = 10/group) were formed based on the CAD software used. Geomagic Control X three-dimensional analysis software was used to compare the marginal and internal fit among the groups. Measurements were obtained at nine different thickness points. IBM SPSS Statistics, version 22 was used for all statistical analyses. ResultsAmong the CAD software programs tested, Dentbird produced the best internal fit on the buccal surface and the best marginal fit on both buccal and mesial surfaces. Exocad achieved the best values on the distal surface for both internal and marginal fit, while Inlab showed the best values on the mesial surface for internal fit and on the palatal surface for marginal fit. ConclusionsThe Dentbird CAD software program provided the most accurate fit values that closely matched the design. The marginal and internal fit oftemporary crowns may vary depending on the CAD software used.

Research on the Construction of Economic Statistical Model and Application of Data Cleaning Technology in Big Data Environment

Abstract With the rapid development of big data technology, the number of economic data grows faster, and it is more challenging for people to grasp and calculate economic data. In this paper, an economic statistical model is proposed to optimize data-cleaning technology. The economic data application framework is constructed using Multi-Agents, and the mining of economic data is achieved using Microsoft time series and clustering algorithm. The GMDH algorithm, which is the core of self-organized data mining, is proposed and improved to complete economic data analysis and prediction by using the fitting error or prediction variance criterion as the identification criterion. The wild value identification method based on the regression model is utilized to eliminate potential wild values and carry out data cleaning. Statistical analysis of the economic data of the printing industry in Shanghai, China, reveals that the total assets, total industrial output value, and total profit of the printing industry in Shanghai in 2023 declined by 2.63%, 4.77%, and 5.68%, respectively. External investment and enterprise R &amp; D investment up to 109,440,100 U.S. dollars, 140,301,000 yuan. The overall number of employees declined, and the profit margin on output value decreased by 5.68%. It is predicted that the number of enterprises, total assets, total industrial output value, and total profit of Shanghai’s printing industry will rebound in 2024, and the external direct investment and R&amp;D investment will be appropriately reduced.

Effects of a 6-week on-court training program on the International Tennis Number (ITN) and a range of physical fitness characteristics in young tennis players.

The study aimed to (i) verify the effects of an on-court training program on the International Tennis Number (ITN) of young tennis players, as well as on a set of change of direction, linear sprint, and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) variables, and (ii) identify the main predictors of ITN. The sample consisted of 20 young male tennis players (mean age, 13.62 ± 0.23 years). Players underwent a 6-week on-court training program. The ITN and a number of change of direction variables (T-drill and repeated sprint ability), linear sprint (5 m, 10 m, and 20 m distances), and VO2max were measured. All variables improved significantly between the pre- and posttest (p < 0.001). The ITN (7.98 ± 6.06%, d = 0.82) and VO2max (6.77 ± 1.21%, d = 1.53) showed the greatest relative improvement with moderate to large effect sizes. The hierarchical linear model retained the time (estimate = 18.90, p < 0.001) and the T-drill (estimate = -64.77, p < 0.001) as significant predictors of the ITN. This indicates that the ITN improved significantly over the 6-week training program and that the T-drill test was the best and most significant predictor. Coaches and researchers are encouraged to monitor the ITN along with other physical fitness and technical variables. They can also use the T-drill test to understand the ITN of their players.

Relationship among selected anthropometric physical fitness and physiological variables on skill performance of women football players

Relationship among selected anthropometric physical fitness and physiological variables on skill performance of women football players

Cardiorespiratory dynamics of type 2 diabetes mellitus: An extensive view of breathing and fitness challenges in a diabetes prevalent population.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is well known for related micro and macrovascular complications. Uncontrolled hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus leads to endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, microvascular impairment, myocardial dysfunction, and skeletal muscle changes which affect multiple organ systems. This study was designed to take an extensive view of cardiorespiratory dynamics in patients with type 2 DM. One hundred healthy controls (HC) and 100 DM patients were enrolled. We measured and compared the breathing patterns (spirometry), VO2 max levels (heart rate ratio method) and self-reported fitness level (international fitness scale) of individuals with and without diabetes. Data was analyzed in SPSS v.22 and GraphPad Prism v8.0. We observed restrictive spirometry patterns (FVC <80%) in 22% of DM as compared to 2% in HC (p = 0.021). There was low mean VO2 max in DM as compared to HC(32.03 ± 5.36 vs 41.91 ± 7.98 ml/kg/min; p value <0.001). When evaluating physical fitness on self-reported IFiS scale, 90% of the HC report average, good, or very good fitness levels. In contrast, only 45% of the DM shared this pattern, with a 53% proportion perceiving their fitness as poor or very poor (p = <0.05). Restrictive respiratory pattern, low VO2 max and fitness level were significantly associated with HbA1c and long-standing DM. This study shows decreased pulmonary functions, decreased cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 max) and IFiS scale variables in diabetic population as compared to healthy controls which are also associated with glycemic levels and long-standing DM. Screening for pulmonary functions can aid optimum management in this population.

Comparative study on selected physical fitness variables among football and hockey players

Comparative study on selected physical fitness variables among football and hockey players

Essential Improvements in Fat Percentage and Cardiometabolic Fitness After a Residential Stay for Socially Vulnerable Children-With and Without the "11 for Health" Concept.

The Danish Christmas Seal Homes offer a 10-week residential stay for socially vulnerable children. We aimed to examine the effects on body composition and cardiometabolic fitness variables of the standard program (SG) and whether substituting physical activity sessions with sessions from a football-based health education program is beneficial for the participants ("11 for Health"; SG+). Three hundred and nine children participated in SG (12.4 [1.6]y) and 305 in SG+ (12.4 [1.4]y). Fat percentage was lowered by 6% for females (from 37% to 31%) and 8% for males (from 36% to 28%), with no between-group differences. We observed improvements in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (3 and 5mm Hg, respectively), resting heart rate (10beats/min), aerobic fitness, jump performance, and relative muscle mass with no between-group differences. Furthermore, there were between-group differences in insulin levels for females (1.7 pmol/L; 95% CI, 0.3 to 3.0) and postural balance for males (1.0s; 95% CI, 0.0 to 2.0), both in favor of SG+, and covered distance in the Andersen test for females (26m; 95% CI, 3 to 49) in favor of SG. In conclusion, a 10-week stay at the Danish Christmas Seal Home resulted in clinically relevant improvement in fat percentage and cardiometabolic fitness in socially vulnerable children, regardless of the program type.

Effect of aerobics dance training on selected physical fitness variables of college women

Effect of aerobics dance training on selected physical fitness variables of college women

A study on the selected physical fitness variables between bratachari group and general exercise group

A study on the selected physical fitness variables between bratachari group and general exercise group

An investigation into evaluating motor fitness variables as indicators of performance in field hockey players

An investigation into evaluating motor fitness variables as indicators of performance in field hockey players

Ab. No. 128 Effect of 12 Weeks of Plyometrics, Speed and Agility Training on Physical Fitness Variables in Sub-Elite Kho- Kho Players

Introduction: The purpose of the study is to explore the effect of 12 weeks of plyometrics, speed, and agility training on physical fitness variables in sub-elite Kho-Kho players. The lack of evidence on the effect of a plyometric intervention on the sport-specific skills of Kho-Kho players motivated this study to understand the importance of training in preventing or minimizing sport-related injury in Kho-Kho players. Methods: Forty male sub-elite Kho-Kho players, aged 18-25, with more than 3 years of experience were selected. The sample size was estimated based on literature using speed as the primary variable, as it is crucial for optimal performance in Kho-Kho players it was estimated as 20 in each group. Players were assigned either group through sequentially numbered, sealed, opaque envelopes, using computer-generated randomization. Physical fitness variables were assessed at baseline and post-intervention, including agility, power, muscular endurance, flexibility, speed, cardiovascular endurance, and balance. Outcome measures used were the Illinois agility test, Sargent jump test, one-minute squat test, plank test, modified sit and reach, 40-yard dash test, Yoyo intermittent recovery level 1 test, and lower quadrant Y balance test. Intergroup comparisons were performed using an independent t-test and intragroup comparisons using a paired t-test. (Level of significance ≤0.05). Results: The experimental group demonstrated the highest improvement in cardiovascular endurance (57.84%), followed by lower limb endurance (30.01%), explosive power (28.83%), speed (13.49%), agility (13.12%), and dynamic balance (9.09%) whereas the control group showed improvement in lower limb endurance (8.4%), followed by speed (4.01%) and dynamic balance (2.2%), with no significant difference observed in agility, power, cardiovascular endurance, and core endurance (p&gt;0.05) Conclusion: Plyometric training integrated with conventional Kho-Kho training improves the sports-specific physical fitness of sub-elite Kho-Kho players. Implications: The study suggests that plyometric training with conventional Kho-Kho training improves sports-specific physical fitness, enhances athlete performance, and facilitates career development.

Effect of Six-Week Tabata Training Programme on Selected Motor Fitness Variables among University Level Female Hockey Players

Effect of Six-Week Tabata Training Programme on Selected Motor Fitness Variables among University Level Female Hockey Players

A comparative study of physical fitness variables of handball and throwball players

A comparative study of physical fitness variables of handball and throwball players