Comparison of Several Anthropometric Indices Related to Body Fat in Predicting Cardiorespiratory Fitness in School-Aged Children-A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study.

Body fat (BF) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are important health markers that ought to be considered in screening exams. The aim of this study was to assess the value of six indicators, i.e., tri-ponderal mass index (TMI), relative fat mass (RFM), waist-BMI ratio, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI) in predicting CRF in school-aged children. The analysis was based on the data coming from the examination of 190 children participating in school physical education (PE) classes. Their body weight (BW) and height (BH), waist and hip circumference (WC; HC) and percentage of body fat (%BF) were measured; the CRF test was performed with the use of the 20 m shuttle run test (20 mSRT); peak heart rate (HRpeak) was measured; TMI, relative fat mass pediatric (RFMp), waist-BMI ratio, WHtR, BMI and WHR were calculated. Statistical analysis was mainly conducted using regression models. The developed regression models, with respect to the sex and age of the children, revealed RFMp as the strongest CRF indicator (R2 = 51.1%) and WHR as well as waist-BMI ratio as the weakest ones (R2 = 39.2% and R2 = 40.5%, respectively). In predicting CRF in school-aged children, RFMp turned out to be comparable to body fat percentage obtained by means of the bioimpedance analysis (BIA) (R2 = 50.3%), and as such it can be used as a simple screening measure in prophylactic exams of school children. All of these models were statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Effects of the Trp64Arg Polymorphism in the ADRB3 Gene on Body Composition, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Physical Activity in Healthy Adults.

The ADRB3 gene plays a role in energy expenditure by participating in lipolysis, which affects body composition and performance. The ADRB3 rs4994 polymorphism has been studied in groups of athletes, overweight individuals, and obese and diabetic patients, but it has not been studied in young and healthy adults so far. In the present study, we examined the association of ADRB3 rs4994 polymorphism with body composition, somatotype, cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity in young, healthy adults (N = 304). All subjects had anthropometric measurements, and somatotypes were assessed using the Heath-Carter method. In addition, cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity levels were assessed. Genotyping for the ADRB3 gene was performed using a PCR-RFLP method. In the male group, body components were associated with the Trp64Trp genotype (waist circumference (p = 0.035), hip circumference (p = 0.029), BF (%) (p = 0.008), and BF (kg) (p = 0.010), BMI (p = 0.005), WHtR (p = 0.021), and BAI (p = 0.006)). In addition, we observed that the Trp64Trp genotype was associated with somatotype components (p = 0.013). In contrast, the Arg allele was associated with the ectomorphic components (0.006). We also observed a positive impact of the Trp64Trp genotype with maximal oxygen uptake (p= 0.023) and oxygen pulse (p = 0.024). We observed a negative relationship of the Trp64Trp genotype in the female group with reported moderate-intensity exercise (p = 0.036). In conclusion, we found an association of the Trp64 allele with anthropometric traits, somatotype and parameters describing physical performance in the male group. In the female subpopulation, we only found an effect of the polymorphism Trp64Arg on the level of physical activity for moderate-intensity exercise.

An Investigation of the Utility of Waist Circumference Predicting Cardiorespiratory Fitness in School Children: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The early identification of modifiable risk factors and their monitoring, also within school physical education (PE) classes, are becoming indispensable in the context of public health. The aim of this study was to test whether making use of waist circumference (WC) measurements increases the possibility of predicting the results of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in school-age children, as compared with body mass index (BMI) and other somatic indicators related to body fat. The cross-sectional study covered 190 children aged 10 to 15 years, participating in school PE classes. Body height (BH), body weight (BW), WC, hip circumference (HC) and percentage of body fat (BF%) were measured. BMI, waist to hip ratio (WHR) and waist to height ratio (WHtR) were calculated, and a CRF test was performed by means of a 20 m shuttle run test (20mSRT). The peak heart rate (HRpeak) of the children was also measured. The regression model that was developed showed that WC (R2 = 47.1%), beyond BF% (R2 = 50.3%) and WHtR (R2 = 50.0%), was a useful measure of CRF, and stronger than BMI (R2 = 45.8%) or WHR (R2 = 39.2%). The risk of obtaining the CRF result classified below a good level (below the percentile range of P60-P80) was significantly higher in children with a larger WC (odds ratio (OR) for the WC change of 1 cm equals 1.14 (95% CI: 1.09-1.20; p < 0.001)). The simplicity of measuring WC and the possibility of using this measurement in the calculation of WHtR with reference to CRF indicate its usefulness in the prophylactic exams of school children.

Acute Effects of Partial Range of Motion Resistance Training and Increases in Blood Lactate Impact Accuracy of Penalty Kicks in Soccer Players.

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the acute effects of partial range of motion (pROM) exercises, on the accuracy of soccer penalty kicks on goal. This method limits the joint from moving through the complete length of a motion, creates an occlusion effect, and thus causes the type 1 muscle fibers to work anaerobically. Thirty-six soccer players, with 5-8 years of soccer playing experience, were pretested for accuracy then retested (rtt = 0.92) and divided into random groups from the Associação Banco do Brasil Futebol Clube-Group A, Paraná Futebol Clube-Group P, and Coritiba Futebol Clube-Group C. Groups were composed of 12 people performing full range of motion (fROM) exercises or pROM exercises. Both groups performed 5 sets of back squats at 50% of body weight in sets of 40 seconds with metronome tempo of 56 bpm for an average of 10-12 repetitions per 40-second set. Blood samples were collected post-warm-up, after the 3rd set, and following the 5th set for both groups, within 3-5 minutes of cessation of exercise. Athletes performing fROM exercises showed increased blood lactate from 2.69 ± 0.2 to 4.0 ± 1.2 mmol/L (p < 0.05), and in pROM, blood lactate increased from 2.48 ± 0.42 to 10.29 ± 1.3 mmol/L (p < 0.001). In fROM, accuracy decreased from 42.96 ± 13.39% to 41.37 ± 17.25% (p > 0.1), a slight decrease, while in the pROM groups, accuracy decreased from 45.42 ± 14.93% to 24.53 ± 10.2% (p < 0.001). The calculations demonstrating average percentages of accuracy are presented in the tables. These findings support that pROM exercises significantly increase blood lactate resulting in a reduction in soccer kick accuracy. This decrease in accuracy directly correlates to the accumulation of lactic acid and hydrogen ions (H+) and demonstrates that pROM strength training should not be utilized prior to a sport-specific session in order to avoid interference with the development of special skills.

Relationship between Eye Blink Frequency and Incremental Exercise among Young Healthy Men.

The aim of the study was to verify the correlation between the frequency of blinking and aerobic physical exercise. The research subjects were 13 healthy man aged 23.3 ± 1 year. Measurements of the blink rate and eye closure times were performed during a progressive aerobic test on a cycle ergometer. During the test, power was gradually increased every minute by 25 W, starting from 50 W. Data acquisition involved using a GoPro camera mounted to the helmet of the research subject. The test continued until the research subject refused to continue. The subjects did not know the goal of the test, in order to ensure objectivity and obtain natural results. The largest number of statistically significant differences was observed between the initial stages and 250 W, as well as between 250 W and 325 W. The analysis showed no significant differences in blink rate, eye closure time, and single blink time in terms of heart rate ranges. Regression models were also determined for eye closure time, blink frequency, and single blink time. The analysis showed that blink frequency and eye closure time were determined by a group of factors (the value of cycle ergometer load power, heart rate, body weight, adipose tissue mass, fat-free mass, and total body water and body surface ratio).

A Non-Exercise Model for Predicting Cardiovascular Risks among Apparently Healthy Male Office Workers-Cross-Sectional Analysis: A Pilot Study.

The health condition of working-age males in Poland remains largely associated with long-lasting sick leaves, one of the main reasons of which being cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The aim of this work was to develop a prediction model for FIT Treadmill Score ("FIT" refers to Henry Ford ExercIse Testing (FIT) Project) that only depends on easily accessible somatic data and smoking without the need to perform the exercise test anymore. The study comprised 146 men with a negative cardiological history, aged 26-60, with desk-jobs. By means of regression analysis it was tested to what degree obesity-related indices as well as smoking cigarettes allow for determining the measure level of mortality risk, without the necessity of performing an exercise test. The following independent variables were entered into the linear regression model: age, BMI, Fat%, waist circumference (WC), waist to height ratio (WHtR) as well as smoking. Statistically significant factors were singled out from among them. The obtained model accounts for a significant part (over 87%) of the variability of the mortality risk measure among the tested population. Based on the value of the standardised regression coefficient ß, it can be stated that age is the factor that mostly determines the mortality risk measure, followed by the WHtR and smoking. The simplicity of the worked-out model and, resulting from it, the possibility of its common application should enable better health monitoring of working-age men with regard to cardiovascular disease occurrence and, related to it, mortality risk, thereby improving the quality of public health management.

Psychomotor abilities of candidates for Polish Special Forces.

Combat tasks involving special units often put a mental and physical strain on the soldiers. During the military operation, soldiers may struggle with multiple difficulties such as extreme physical effort, sleep deprivation, weather conditions, limited access to food and stress. These circumstances require a high level of cognitive ability (including psychomotor abilities) to overcome the physiological stress response and to be able to quickly and efficiently make decisions under stressful situations, especially in combat. The aim of the study was to assess the level of the psychomotor abilities of candidates for the Polish Special Forces. The study comprised 48 candidates for the Polish Special Forces (age: [Formula: see text]), 40 athletes (age: [Formula: see text]) and 40 non-athletes (age: 24). The study was performed using Test2Drive software. Four computer-based tests were used to assess the following psychomotor abilities: simple reaction time, choice reaction time, hand-eye coordination and two-dimensional visuomotor coordination/spatial orientation test (SPANT). The analysis demonstrated statistically significant differences in reaction time and motor time between the study groups. The shortest reaction time in each test was observed in athletes, while the shortest motor time was observed in soldiers. All the psychomotor tests, except for the number of correct answers in SPANT, demonstrated statistically significant differences between the studied groups. It was also found that military training had a positive effect on the motor time in every psychomotor test. As regards the reaction time, it was observed that the athletes were characterised with better reaction times than the special forces candidates. The study has confirmed that military training and sports training have a positive effect on the level of psychomotor abilities, especially motor time.

Effectiveness of Folic Acid Supplementation Recommendations among Polish Female Students from the Podkarpackie Region.

Adequate folic acid supplementation during the preconception period is an important element in the primary prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs). This study aims to study the effectiveness of folic acid supplementation recommendations among women of childbearing age, and to assess and characterise their awareness about this public health measure. The cross-sectional study included women (N = 1285) aged 22.27 ± 4.6 years old on average. Some of the results were obtained on a subgroup of women (N = 1127) aged 21.0 ± 2.1. This study was performed using a questionnaire. The analysis was performed with the use of a logistic regression model, chi-square test for independence and odds ratio (OR). According to the results, only 13.9% of women supplement folic acid, and 65.3% of them do so daily. A total of 91.1% of the respondents were not aware of its recommended dose and 43% did not know the role it plays in the human body. Among women who do not currently supplement folic acid (N = 1052), 52.4% declared doing so while planning their pregnancy. Women's awareness about the role of folic acid in NTD prevention (OR = 4.58) and the information they got from physicians (OR = 1.68) are key factors that increased the odds of the women taking folic acid before pregnancy. There is therefore a need for more information and education campaigns to raise awareness about folic acid.

Agreement of Three Posturographic Force Plates in the Assessment of Postural Stability.

This study was designed to assess how the results obtained for three different posturographic platforms agreed with each other in an assessment of static postural stability. The study included 111 young healthy participants. A measurement of postural stability was made for each participant, with their eyes open and then closed, on each platform in a random order. The Romberg ratio, path length, and center of pressure (COP) area were analyzed. For all measures, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed among the three force plates. The highest Spearman's rank correlation was observed between Alfa vs. CQStab2P (0.20 to 0.38), and the lowest between Alfa vs. AccuGait (-0.19 to 0.09). Similar results were obtained for the concordance correlation coefficient (0.10 to 0.22 for Alfa vs. CQStab2P and -0.6 to 0.02 for Alfa vs. AccuGait). Bland-Altman analysis for values standardized (z-scores) against AccuGait indicated a low level of agreement between compared platforms, with the largest error between AccuGait vs. Alfa, and a slightly lower error between AccuGait vs. CQStab2P or Alfa vs. CQStab2P. The 95% limits of agreement ranged from 2.38 to 7.16 (Alfa vs. AccuGait), 2.09 to 5.69 (CQStab2P vs. AccuGait), and 1.39 to 7.44 (AccuGait vs. Alfa) in COP length with eyes open and COP length Romberg ratio, respectively. Special care is recommended when comparing values relating to COPs from different devices that are analyzed by different software. Moreover, unperturbed stance tests among young healthy adults can be questioned as a valid postural control parameter.

Association of ACTN3 Polymorphism with Body Somatotype and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Young Healthy Adults.

ACTN3 encodes the protein α-actinin-3, which affects the muscle phenotype. In the present study, we examined the association of ACTN3 R577X polymorphism with body somatotype and cardiorespiratory fitness in young, healthy adults. The study group included 304 young adults, in whom cardiorespiratory fitness was evaluated and the maximum oxygen uptake was determined directly. The somatotype components were calculated according to the Heath-Carter method. Genotyping for the ACTN3 gene was performed using a polymerase chain reaction followed by high-resolution melting analysis. In the female group, a lower maximal heart rate (HRmax) was more strongly associated with the RR genotype (p = 0.0216) than with the RX and XX genotypes. In the male group, the ACTN3 RX genotype, as compared with other genotypes, tended to be associated with a lower percentage of adipose tissue (p = 0.0683), as also reflected by the body mass index (p = 0.0816). ACTN3 gene polymorphism may affect cardiorespiratory fitness. Our analysis of ACTN3 gene polymorphism does not clearly illustrate the relationships among genotype, body composition, and somatotype in young, healthy adults.

Alcohol Consumption and Risky Drinking Patterns among College Students from Selected Countries of the Carpathian Euroregion.

Reduction of excessive alcohol consumption still remains a significant challenge to the actions in the scope of public health of European citizens. The aim of this study is to present the prevalence of alcohol consumption and to estimate the occurrence of risky drinking among college students from the Polish, Slovak, Romanian, and Ukrainian parts of the Carpathian Euroregion, taking social contexts into account. The consumption of alcohol was estimated on the basis of the respondents' statements regarding the quantity and frequency of their consumption of beer, wine, and vodka. The study included people from the first year of undergraduate studies. The analysis used the Chi-square independence test and odds ratios (ORs). There were significant differences in the frequency of alcohol consumption, as well as the individual types consumed, among the respondents from the analyzed countries. Of the examined college students, 70% admit to occasional drinking. The pattern of dangerous alcohol consumption occurs in the case of approximately every seventh person. Risky drinking occurs with much greater frequency among male students rather than their female counterparts. In Romania, a very small percentage of female students engage in risky drinking. The analysis did not show statistically significant differences in the frequency of risky drinking between countries. The coexistence of other adverse health behaviors, such as smoking and alcohol abuse, was confirmed.

Somatic Profile of the Elite Boulderers in Poland.

Ozimek, M, Krawczyk, M, Zadarko, E, Barabasz, Z, Ambrozy, T, Stanula, A, Mucha, DK, Jurczak, A, and Mucha, D. Somatic profile of the elite boulderers in Poland. J Strength Cond Res 31(4): 963-970, 2017-The study was designed to determine the values of selected somatic characteristics, body proportions, and the somatotype of elite bouldering climbers in Poland and to establish the relationships between the values of the somatic characteristics and climber's performance in bouldering. The study was conducted in a group of elite sport climbers (n = 10) who were ranked by the Polish Mountaineering Association in 2011, 2012, and 2013. The anthropometric measurements were made according to the relevant rules and standards. The results were used to calculate the values of somatic variables and body proportion indices for the climbers and to establish their somatotype. The results were compared with the data on untrained students (n = 165). The boulderers were found to differ significantly from the controls regarding body height (p < 0.01), body mass (p ≤ 0.05), body density (p < 0.01), fat mass percentage (FM%) (p < 0.01), fat mass (FMkg) (p < 0.01), lean body mass (p ≤ 0.05), arm span (p ≤ 0.05), and leg length (p < 0.01). Body proportions in the groups significantly differed in the arm length index (p < 0.01), arm-to-leg length ratio (p < 0.01), and in the indices of the forearm (p < 0.01), thigh (p < 0.01), and lower leg (p ≤ 0.05) muscles. With regard to the somatotypes of the analyzed groups, the biggest differences were observed for the levels of mesomorphy (NS) and endomorphy, the latter being statistically significant (p < 0.01). The strongest and significant correlations between the competitive level of the climbers and the values of their somatic characteristics were established for FM% (r = -0.81), fat mass (in kilograms) (r = -0.82), body density (r = 0.81), endomorphy (r = -0.74), arm length (r = 0.77), and the arm length index (r = 0.80). The results of linear regression showed that the competitive level of a bouldering climber was significantly explained (p < 0.01) by fat mass (in kilograms) and the value of the arm length index. A high level of performance in bouldering is related to small stature (an ecto-mesomorph somatotype) and a low body fat percentage (low endomorphy). Regarding body proportions, greater than average arm length to body height ratio and well-developed musculature of the limbs are required for a boulderer to perform on a competitive level. High arm length index and low body fat percentage represent the strongest determinants of performance in bouldering. It can be assumed that arm length index has a high diagnostic value for recruitment and selection of climbers.

Leisure time physical activity of young women from the Carpathian Euroregion in relation to the Body Mass Index.

Carpathian Euroregion gathers the population of 5 countries, including Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania- the European Union members, as well as Ukraine. Young women are statistically less involved in high-intensity physical activity than young men. The objective of this work was to assess the relation between physical activity of young women aged 18-21 years old and BMI and conditioning factors. The study was conducted between 2010 and 2011 among 2339 women. The Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnarie (MLTPAQ) was applied. It results from the study that 74,2% of young women is considered to have the proper BMI rate (18,5-24,9). As many as 16,2% is considered underweight and almost 10% have higher BMI rate and are overweight. More than one third of respondents did not gain the level of physical activity of 1000 kcal/week, and that is the minimum recommended amount of leisure physical activity time per week. In case of women with low level of physical activity (<1000 kcal), as many as 52% of week activity considered low-intensity activity EEPAlight. The character of changes of the BMI index with reference to the level of physical activity is very similar in the women from towns/cities and the women from villages. An increase of BMI along with the total physical activity was related among all to the increase of free fat mass FFM despite of the level of physical.

[Alcohol use and health-risk behaviours among academic students in Podkarpackie]. / Spozywanie alkoholu jako zachowanie ryzykowne dla zdrowia wsród mlodziezy akademickiej studiujacej na Podkarpaciu.

Alcohol over-use is one of the risk behaviour and has harmful effects on health. In the whole European Region ever forth death among 15-29 years old people is caused by alcohol over. use. The aim of the paper is to present the degree of alcohol consumption propagation among academic stu. dents in Podkarpackie, as well as estimate the occurrence of hazardous drinking. Anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted among academic students in 2010. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. There is statistical difference regarding alcohol use between women and men. Men report to drink more and more frequent. Regular alcohol use was declared by 11.9% of men and 2.3% of women. Hazardous drinking was reported by 20.7% students. Age does not statistically differ the occurrence of hazardous drinking. However, it is interesting that although among the group of 19 years old, every seventh student reports hazardous drinking, among the other groups it was reported by every fifth student. More students from urban areas (24%), than from rural areas (18%) report hazardous drinking. Students living in dormitory almost twice more frequent are at the risk of hazardous drinking (29%), than those living with parents (17%). Among female students hazardous drinking was reported by the following faculties: touristic and recreation (24%), law(13%), medical (14%) and mathematic-environmental (15%). Among men students hazardous drinking was highly reported by law and administration faculty students (33%). Among hazardous drinking students as many as 45% regularly smoke cigarettes.

[Tobacco smoking prevalence among students from Euro region Eastern Carpathians]. / Rozpowszechnienie palenia tytoniu wsród studentów z terenu Euroregionu Karpat Wschodnich.

Publisher in February 2008 WHO M-POWER report indicates that every year on the world tobacco epidemics kills 5.4 million of people and the analysis of tobacco smoking prevalence change shows great differences between European countries. It is estimated that in Poland 29% of adult people smokes, and 24% in Slovakia. However tobacco smoking among academic youth is still a big problem. The aim of the study was an attempt to estimate tobacco smoking prevalence among students from Poland and Slovakia. The study was conducted with the framework of science project: "Physical activity for the whole life". The aim of the project are multidirectional activities addressed to Polish-Slovakian students to create a system of taking care about health based on health education among students, selected modifying cardiovascular risk factors monitoring, as well as creating Internet portal to serve those goals. Project was co-fund by European Union from European Regional Development Fund - ERDF, as well as from the government budget by Euro Region Carpathians with the framework of Cross-border Co-operation Programme Republic of Poland - Slovakia Republic 2007-2013. Analysis considered 4584 group of students from University of Rzeszow and University of Presov, Technical University in Rzeszow and State Higher Vocational School in Krosno. The study was conducted from November 2009 to June 2010. The participation in the study was voluntary. The study was conducted using a diagnostics survey method with questionnaire. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Based on results it was claimed that the majority of the studied group of students have never smoked and do not smoke cigarettes. Place of residence was a factor influencing the fact of tobacco smoking. Slovakian students were characterized by more frequent tobacco smoking. Far more often smoke man, both in Polish and Slovakian group. Among Polish students there was a relation between subjective health state assessment and tobacco smoking. The higher self-evaluation, the smaller tobacco smoking prevalence.

[Prevalence of tobacco smoking university students and health locus of control]. / Rozpowszechnienie palenia tytoniu wsród studentów a umiejscowienie kontroli zdrowia.

Global spread of diseases of civilization, such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic diseases, cancers, caused, that individual or group healthy behaviours, have become, for practitioners and researches, a basic area of interest. Healthy behaviours are the effect of shaped attitude against health, and particular against a sense of responsibility for owns health and co-responsibility for others health. Health Locus of Control theory indicates, that there exist relations between owns health locus of control and providing pro-health activities, for example reduce tobacco smoking. The aim of the study was the assessment of relation between prevalence of tobacco smoking among university students and health locus of control. The study was carried out among 457 university students from Podkarpackie Region- University of Rzeszow PWSZ Krosno and PWSZ Sanok. The survey was conducted by means of diagnostic survey with the use of questionnaire and Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale Form B- MHCL-B. The Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and chi-square test were used in statistic analyzes. The study proved that the majority of students has never smoked and does not smoke. Place of residence turned out to be a differentiation factor of tobacco smoking, and there were more smokers among students living in cities. There were observed no characteristic differences in the group of smokers and non-smokers and health locus of control. Internal control, in the opinion of studied group, was recognized to be the most important factor, more less role was attributed to the impact of others and a chance. Faculty of study turned out to different the assessment of importance of internal control and a chance for health state. Internal control was the least emphasized by nursing students, and a chance by obstetrics students.