Home-based high-intensity interval training can improve physical performance in young female athletes during a quarantine

Abstract Aim: To verify the effects of a 2-week of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on physical performance in young female athletes. Methods: female rugby players (n = 13; 15.92 ± 0.76 years old) participated in an 8-session of HIIT supervised through online video calls for two weeks. They were evaluated pre- and post-HIIT for 3-min of burpees, 1-min of sit-ups, maximum push-ups, and 1-min of squats. Perceptions related to training protocols were collected through the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) post-intervention. Results: Significant improvements in burpees (pre:54.15 ± 18.03 and after: 63.15 ± 15.18), sit-ups (pre:24.38 ± 13.38 and after: 31.15 ± 13.15), push-ups (pre: 9.46 ± 6.59 and after: 13.85 ± 7.33) and squats (pre: 48.00 ± 8.37 and after: 54.85 ± 8.79) were observed. PACES revealed positive perceptions related to the enjoyment of participating in this HIIT. Conclusion: Virtually supervised HIIT improved physical performance in young female athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and maybe an efficient strategy for the quarantine period.

Changes in body weight and health behaviors of overweight children during the COVID-19 pandemic

The aim of this study was to describe the perception of parents of overweight children about the effects of the period of social distancing due to COVID-19 on body weight (BW ), level of physical activity (PA), time spent in sedentary behavior (SB) and their children's eating habits and sleep. Parents of 47 overweight children (11.1 ± 1.33 years) were interviewed by telephone. Questions about the perception regarding BW and the four behaviors related to the health of their children during the period of social distancing were asked. The increase in BW was perceived by 61.7% of children and for almost all of them (93.6%) reductions in PA levels were reported, with 72.4% reducing participation in vigorous PA. An increase in time using smartphones, tablets, and microcomputers was observed in 65.9% of children. Favorable changes were noted in relation to quality (34.1%) and daily sleep time (51.1%). Favorable changes in the consumption of fruits (36.2%) and soft drinks (21.2%) and unfavorable changes in the consumption of vegetables (19.1%) and sweets and snacks (26.2%) were also reported. Four and a half months after the start of the social distancing measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, overweight children increased the BW and changed the levels of PA and SB in an unfavorable way according to their parents. On the other hand, they started sleeping more and with higher quality and consuming more fruits and less soft drinks O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a percepção de pais de crianças com excesso de peso sobre os efeitos do período de distanciamento social devido à COVID-19 na massa corporal (MC) no nível de atividade física (AF), no tempo em comportamento sedentário (CS) e nos hábitos alimentares e de sono de seus filhos/as. Pais de 47 crianças (11,1 ± 1,33 anos) com excesso de peso foram entrevistados por ligação telefônica. Questões sobre a percepção em relação à MC e aos quatro comportamentos relacionados à saúde de seus filhos/as durante o período de distanciamento social foram realizadas. O aumento de MC foi percebido para 61,7% das crianças e para quase todas elas (93,6%) reduções nos níveis de AF foram relatadas, tendo 72,4% reduzido a participação em AF vigorosas. Aumento no tempo utilizando smartphone, tablet e microcomputador foram percebidos em 65,9% das crianças. Modificações favoráveis foram percebidas em relação à qualidade (34,1%) e ao tempo diário (51,1%) de sono. Modificações favoráveis relativas ao consumo de frutas (36,2%) e de refrigerantes (21,2%) e desfavoráveis para o consumo de verduras e legumes (19,1%) e de doces e salgadinhos (26,2%) também foram relatadas. Após quatro meses e meio do início das medidas de distanciamento social devido à pandemia da COVID-19, de acordo com a percepção de seus pais, crianças com excesso de peso aumentaram a MC e modificaram de forma desfavorável os níveis de AF e CS. Por outro lado, passaram a dormir mais e com maior qualidade e a consumir mais frutas e menos refrigerantes