Health-related physical fitness, physical activity and its correlates among school going adolescents in hilly state in north India: a cross sectional survey.

INTRODUCTION: Health-related physical fitness, which includes body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular endurance, flexibility, power, and strength are associated with risks of chronic diseases and promote good health and wellness. There have been reports of increasing levels of physical inactivity among children and adolescents, leading to increasing rates of obesity and decreased physical fitness. The present study was conducted among school going adolescents to estimate the levels and correlates of PF for timely intervention. METHODOLOGY: School based cross-sectional study was done among students of class 8-11th in Government schools of Garhwal division of Uttarakhand. Multistage stratified random sampling was applied for recruitment of study participants. We recruited a final sample size of 634 students. Validated questionnaires and standard methods for assessment of physical fitness, physical activity levels and other variables such as waist circumference, hip circumference, BMI and hemoglobin estimation were done. RESULTS: Average and above average cardiorespiratory fitness score as per Harvard step test among boys (54.3%) was significantly higher as compared to girls (21.3%) (χ2 = 88.93, p < 0.001). There was a significant association between gender and dominant handgrip strength (χ2 = 8.02, p = 0.01) as well as between gender and Shoulder stretch test (SST) of dominant (χ2 = 17.5, p < 0.05) as well as nondominant arm (χ2 = 13.5, p < 0.05). Sit and reach test results also showed a significant association with gender (χ2 = 27.17, p < 0.001). Gender, hemoglobin level, BMI and PAL scores significantly predicted cardiorespiratory fitness scores (R2 = 0.188, F value of the model = 37.69, p =< 0.001)). CONCLUSION: Physical fitness of school going adolescents in Garhwal division of Uttarakhand was better than other parts of India, with significant gender differences. Physical activity levels (PAL) were poor and are also a significant predictor of physical fitness. More emphasis needs to be paid on the health and fitness of girl students. School based policies to increase PAL among students through innovation and rewards may go a long way in improving the long-term health of the students.

Exploring the Effect of Yoga on Exercise Endurance As Assessed by Cardiorespiratory Efficiency Tests in Exercise Physiology Laboratory: A Pilot Study.

Background Today's world of cut-throat competition is boggling with stress as the most common problem among the modern generation, and reduction in stress demands a radical solution. Yoga comes as a rescuer that focuses on improving one's physical and spiritual well-being. It can increase one's strength and flexibility. Yoga practitioners have asserted the effect of physical exercise involved in it on balancing physical and spiritual health for decades, but only recently has there been a move to substantiate these claims through research. This study aimed at assessing the effect of yogic practice on exercise endurance and physical fitness as assessed by important physical fitness parameters through cardiorespiratory efficiency tests in an Exercise Physiology Laboratory. Methodology A total of 60 Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students from a rural medical college in central India were recruited for the study. Thirty MBBS students who had undergone yogic training for six months comprised the trained or the case group, and another group of 30 students comprising the untrained group were recruited for the study from different levels of the course within the age group of 17-25 years. Body mass index (BMI) and body surface area (BSA) were calculated. Resting pulse rate and blood pressure, resting respiratory rate, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), physical fitness index (PFI), breath holding time (BHT), and 40 mm Hg endurance test time was measured.  Results The mean PFI (%) in males was 88.82±5.56 and 96.05±7.44, and that in females was 82.06±8.95 and 96.55±6.47 in the control and case groups, respectively. The mean 40 mm Hg endurance test (in seconds) in males was 36.47±8.45 and 48.88±8.64 and in females was 29.79±10.30 and 38.4±10.69 in the control and test groups, respectively. The mean BHT (in seconds) in males was 44.80±14.18 and 58.91±12.35, and that in females was 42.29±15.37 and 54.60±13.36 as in control and case groups, respectively. The VO2 max evaluated by the modified Harvard step test was 2.41±0.58 L/min in control males and 3.6±0.90 L/min in the case group of males, and it was 2.14±0.49 L/min in the control group of females, and 3.76±0.69 L/min in case group of females. Conclusion By studying the dynamics of the various cardiorespiratory responses, we have determined the values of fitness parameters in the case group. It was found that the yoga group had statistically significantly higher VO2 max per minute and better PFI, BHT, and 40 mm Hg endurance values (p<0.05).

Correlation between physical efficiency index using Harvard step test and heart rate variation in college students.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between physical efficiency index (PEI) calculated by the Harvard step test and heart rate variation (HRV), and to identify parameters of HRV that can predict PEI in college students. Sixteen college students were participated in this study and they were randomly divided into two groups; higher PEI group (HPEI, n=6) and lower PEI group (LPEI, n=10). To investigate the relationship between PEI and HRV, we were measured HRV and Harvard step test. HRV test was the resting, immediately, 15 min and 30 min after the Harvard step test using electrocardiography device polyG-I. Relationship between PEI and HRV were determined Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis was performed for examining HRV parameters to predict PEI. As shown in the result, not only PEI was negatively correlated with root mean squared differences between adjacent normal RR intervals (RMSSD), but had a positive correlation with low-frequency/high-frequency, but also normalized low frequency (normLF), the ratio of LF, and RMSSD, the change in RR interval showed a significant difference at each time point of measurement according to PEI levels. But, there were no significant differences among the HRV variables except normLF and RMS-SD. Our findings suggest a critical information that PEI calculated by the Harvard step test can be used as an index to predict the autonomic nerve function, and high PEI may have a positive effect on changes in autonomic nerve activity during recovery after exercise intervention.

Predicting maximal oxygen uptake from a 3-minute progressive knee-ups and step test.

BACKGROUND: Cardiorespiratory fitness assessment is crucial for diagnosing health risks and assessing interventions. Direct measurement of maximum oxygen uptake (V̇O2 max) yields more objective and accurate results, but it is practical only in a laboratory setting. We therefore investigated whether a 3-min progressive knee-up and step (3MPKS) test can be used to estimate peak oxygen uptake in these settings. METHOD: The data of 166 healthy adult participants were analyzed. We conducted a V̇O2 max test and a subsequent 3MPKS exercise test, in a balanced order, a week later. In a multivariate regression model, sex; age; relative V̇O2 max; body mass index (BMI); body fat percentage (BF); resting heart rate (HR0); and heart rates at the beginning as well as at the first, second, third, and fourth minutes (denoted by HR0, HR1, HR2, HR3, and HR4, respectively) during a step test were used as predictors. Moreover, R2 and standard error of estimate (SEE) were used to evaluate the accuracy of various body composition models in predicting V̇O2max. RESULTS: The predicted and actual V̇O2 max values were significantly correlated (BF% model: R2 = 0.624, SEE = 4.982; BMI model: R2 = 0.567, SEE = 5.153). The BF% model yielded more accurate predictions, and the model predictors were sex, age, BF%, HR0, ΔHR3-HR0, and ΔHR3-HR4. CONCLUSION: In our study, involving Taiwanese adults, we constructed and verified a model to predict V̇O2 max, which indicates cardiorespiratory fitness. This model had the predictors sex, age, body composition, and heart rate changes during a step test. Our 3MPKS test has the potential to be widely used in epidemiological research to measure V̇O2 max and other health-related parameters.

Calidad científica de las pruebas de campo para el cálculo del VO2max. Revisión sistemática / Scientific Quality of Field Tests to Calculate VO2max: Systematic Review / Qualidade científica das provas de campo para o cálculo do VO2max. revisão sistemática

Objetivo: establecer la calidad científica de las pruebas de campo utilizadas para calcular el consumo máximo de oxígeno (VO2max) en adultos sanos no entrenados. Materiales y métodos: se hizo una revisión sistemática de la literatura científica publicada en español, inglés y portugués, entre 1943 y 2013, sobre pruebas diagnósticas para calcular el VO2max por medio de pruebas de campo, con el propósito de sintetizar los resultados y establecer cuáles son las que mejor se correlacionan con la medición directa (ergoespirometría). Fueron consultadas las bases de datos MedLine, PubMed, ProQuest, Ovid, Hinari, Ebsco y BVS. Se siguieron las recomendaciones del Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions 2006. Resultados: inicialmente, 952 artículos, de los cuales después del proceso de descarte, se encontraron diez que cumplían con todos los requisitos. Las pruebas de campo analizadas que se correlacionan bien con el protocolo de laboratorio son el UMTT (1984) con r = 0,99, QCST y 1000m para hombres r = 0,95; el RWFT para hombres r = 0,93; 1,000m para mujeres y 1,5M r = 0,86; QCST para mujeres r = 0,83 y RWFT para mujeres r = 0,74; para adultos el UMTT r = 0,96 y 20m-SRT r=0,9. Conclusiones: dado el coeficiente de validez y el SEE, es posible utilizar pruebas de campo para calcular rápida y económicamente el VO2max en adultos sanos no entrenados. Según edad, sexo, condición física y patologías se recomiendan diferentes pruebas de campo.

Objective: To establish the scientific quality of the field tests used to calculate the maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) in untrained healthy adults. Materials and methods: A systematic review of the scientific literature on diagnostic tests for calculating VO2max through field tests published between 1943 and 2013 in Spanish, English and Portuguese, , in order to synthesize the results and establish which are the best to correlate with direct measurement (ergospirometry). MedLine, PubMed, ProQuest, Ovid, Hinari, Ebsco and BVS databases were consulted. The recommendations of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions 2006 were followed. Results: Initially, 952 articles were found, after the elimination process was reached, ten of these met all requirements. Field tests analyzed to correlate well with the laboratory protocol are: UMTT (1984) r = 0.99, QCST and 1000m. men r = 0.95; RWFT men's r = 0.93; 1,000m. Women and 1.5M r = 0.86; QCST women r = 0.83 and RWFT for women r = 0.74, for adults UMTT r = 0.96 and 20m-SRT r = 0.9. Conclusions: Given the validity coefficient and the SEE, it is possible to use field tests to swiftly and economically calculate VO2max in untrained healthy adults. Different field tests are recommended according to age, gender, physical condition and pathologies.

Objetivo: Estabelecer a qualidade científica das provas de campo utilizadas para calcular o consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2max) em adultos sãos não treinados. Materiais e métodos: se revisou sistematicamente a literatura científica publicada em espanhol, inglês e português, entre 1943 e 2013, sobre provas diagnósticas para calcular o VO2max através de provas de campo, com o propósito de sintetizar os resultados e estabelecer quais são as que melhor se correlacionam com a medição direta (ergoespirometria). Foram consultadas as bases de dados MedLine, PubMed, ProQuest, Ovid, Hinari, Ebsco e BVS. Seguiram-se as recomendações do Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions 2006. Resultados: Inicialmente 952 artigos, dos quais depois do processo de descarte encontramos dez que cumpriam com todos os requisitos. As provas de campo analisadas que se correlacionam bem com o protocolo de laboratório são: o UMTT (1984) com r = 0,99, QCST e 1000m para homens r = 0,95; o RWFT para homens r = 0,93; 1,000m para mulheres e 1,5M r = 0,86; QCST para mulheres r=0,83 e RWFT para mulheres r = 0,74; para adultos o UMTT r = 0,96 e 20m-SRT r = 0,9. Conclusões: Dado o coeficiente de validez e o SEE, é possível utilizar provas de campo para calcular rápida e economicamente o VO2max em adultos sãos não treinados. Segundo idade, sexo, condição física e patologias se recomendam diferentes provas de campo.

Cardiorespiratory endurance evaluation using heart rate analysis during ski simulator exercise and the Harvard step test in elementary school students.

[Purpose] Efficient management using exercise programs with various benefits should be provided by educational institutions for children in their growth phase. We analyzed the heart rates of children during ski simulator exercise and the Harvard step test to evaluate the cardiopulmonary endurance by calculating their post-exercise recovery rate. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects (n = 77) were categorized into a normal weight and an overweight/obesity group by body mass index. They performed each exercise for 3 minutes. The cardiorespiratory endurance was calculated using the Physical Efficiency Index formula. [Results] The ski simulator and Harvard step test showed that there was a significant difference in the heart rates of the 2 body mass index-based groups at each minute. The normal weight and the ski-simulator group had higher Physical Efficiency Index levels. [Conclusion] This study showed that a simulator exercise can produce a cumulative load even when performed at low intensity, and can be effectively utilized as exercise equipment since it resulted in higher Physical Efficiency Index levels than the Harvard step test. If schools can increase sport durability by stimulating students' interests, the ski simulator exercise can be used in programs designed to improve and strengthen students' physical fitness.

Effect of Sub Maximal Dynamic and Static Exercises on QTc interval in Healthy Young Men.

INTRODUCTION: The QTc interval depends largely on cardiac repolarization since the duration of cardiac depolarization is fairly constant in the normal heart. QTc at rest as well as during exercise has many clinical implications. In this study, we have compared the relative effects of dynamic and static exercise on QTc. AIM: To measure QTc interval in young men at rest and also assess how it is further modulated by submaximal dynamic and static exercises. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This observational study was conducted in the Department of Physiology on 30 non-obese young men randomly selected from the students of our institute after obtaining the consent and institutional ethical clearance. Continuous blood pressure monitoring and ECG recording was done in the subjects. Baseline (pre-exercise), post submaximal dynamic (Harvard's step test) and post submaximal static exercise (hand-grip exercise) recordings of ABP and ECG were taken for analysis. The measured QT interval was corrected for heart rate using the formula of Bazett et al., {QTc=QT/RR(1/2)}.Statistical analysis was done using Graph pad Prism 5 software (California, USA). The baseline and post-exercise data were compared using paired t-test. A p<0.05 was taken to be statistical significant. RESULTS: There were statistically significant increases in HR, SBP, DBP and QTc interval after dynamic exercise in comparison to the baseline values (p<0.05). Significant increase in HR (p<0.05) with no significant change in QTc and other cardiovascular parameters were recorded following static exercise (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Significant increase in QTc interval was observed after dynamic exercise, however, no change in QTc was observed following static exercise, and hence we conclude that static exercises may not be useful in assessing the cardiovascular status of an individual or in predicting cardiovascular events.

Evaluation of physical fitness and weight status among fisherwomen in relation to their occupational workload.

BACKGROUND: Fisherwomen contribute significantly to the coastal economy of Eastern India; however, data about their physical fitness and weight status are scant. OBJECTIVES: The present cross-sectional study was designed to investigate cardiorespiratory fitness and weight status of fisherwomen, which may be influenced by their occupational workload, using morphometric and anthropometric measures. METHODS: The study was conducted among young fisherwomen (mean age 23.7 years) randomly selected from Araku, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, and among young women who are not engaged in the fishing industry but are residents of Araku, who served as controls (mean age 21.3 years). Measurements of body composition included several anthropometric variables, while physical efficiency parameters included a physical fitness index (PFI), VO2max, total energy expenditure, and anaerobic capacity. RESULTS: A significant difference (p<0.05) in body mass index (BMI), body surface area (BSA), body fat percentage, diastolic blood pressure, fitness index, total energy expenditure, and anaerobic power was found in fisherwomen compared with controls. Analysis of collected data showed that the majority of the fisherwomen studied have a normal range of BMI (42%), but 6% of them were found to be mildly overweight. They also showed lower fat mass (13.5 [ ± 3.87]kg) and lower waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and conicity index. Additionally, they were found to have a moderate level of physical fitness (64.3 [ ± 1.97]%) and a higher total energy expenditure (4.92 [ ± 0.52]k.cal.min(-2)). CONCLUSION: This study implies that physical fitness and weight status of young fisherwomen in Eastern India are influenced by their occupational workload.

A Small-scale Cross-sectional Study for the Assessment of Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Relation to Body Composition and Morphometric Characters in Fishermen of Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh, India.

BACKGROUND: The people residing in coastal areas of Visakhapatnam are mostly engaged in fishery, which is always been a physically demanding job, and numerous factors have direct or indirect impact on the health of fishermen; but, the data about their physical fitness or health status is quite scanty. Thus, the present study was conducted to assess their cardiorespiratory fitness pattern, as well as morphometric characters, which may be influenced by their occupation. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, 25 young fishermen (mean age of 22.8 ± 1.92 years) were randomly selected from Araku valley of Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh and compared with 25 subjects who were randomly selected from college students (mean age of 21.9 ± 2.25 years) of Kolkata, West Bengal. Some physical and physiological fitness variables including height, weight, body mass index, body surface area, physical fitness index, anaerobic power, and energy expenditure were measured along with their morphometric characters. RESULTS: Analysis of data indicated a significant difference in blood pressure, physical fitness index, energy expenditure, body fat percent and anaerobic power among fishermen compared to controls. However, there were no changes in morphometric characters between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this small-scale population-based study indicated that health and physical fitness of young fishermen is under the influence of both occupational workload and nutritional status, as found by body composition and morphometric characters.