StepTest4all: Improving the Prediction of Cardiovascular Capacity Assessment in Young Adults.

Cardiovascular capacity, expressed as maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), is a strong predictor of health and fitness and is considered a key measure of physiological function in the healthy adult population. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the physical activity levels (PAlevel) of participants in the StepTest4all (validated protocol for the estimation of VO2max in adults). The sample consisted of 69 participants, including 27 women (age 21.7 ± 3.6 years; body mass = 63.5 ± 14.8 kg; height = 1.64 ± 0.06 m; body mass index = 23.7 ± 5.3 kg/m2) and 42 men (aged 21.7 ± 3.4 years; body mass = 72.0 ± 7.3 kg; height = 1.77 ± 0.07 m; body mass index = 23.1 ± 2.1 kg/m2). The participants were assigned to one of the two groups: (i) the VO2max prediction group and (ii) the prediction model validation group. In the multiple linear regression, the following predictors of VO2max remained significant: sex (p < 0.001), physical activity level (p = 0.014), and HRR60 (p = 0.020). The prediction equation (R2 = 74.0%, SEE = 4.78) showed a close and strong relationship between the measurements and can be expressed as follows: VO2max = 17.105 + 0.260·(HRR60) + 8.563·(sex) + 4.097·(PAlevel), in which HRR60 is the magnitude of the HR decrease (bpm) in one minute immediately after stopping the step, and sex: men = 1, women = 0, and PAlevel is level 1 (low), level 2 (moderate), and level 3 (high). The StepTest4all was shown to be a suitable method for estimating cardiovascular capacity, expressed as VO2max, in young adults. Retaining PAlevel as a significant predictor allows us to better individualize the participants' VO2max.

Percentile of physical condition in children and adolescents from Cuenca - Ecuador: alpha-fit battery / Percentiles de la condición física en niños y adolescentes de cuenca - ecuador: batería alpha-fit

The physical condition was evaluated and the normative reference values were obtained using the Alpha-Fit Battery. The main objective of this study was to establish the percentiles, their respective curves and differences between the sexes for the tests, thus providing an instrument that facilitates the evaluation of physical condition. With a sample of 604 children and adolescents (9-12 years old) with a normal body mass index (BMI) and no conditions that affect their physical performance. A significant difference was evidenced, with a higher average in women, in the measurements of body composition (BMI, height, body weight and skin folds). As well as higher averages in men in the long jump, 20-m shuttle run and shuttle run 4 x 10m. Likewise, there were higher averages in the long jump, shuttle run 4 x 10m and handgrip, as age increased, regardless of sex (AU)

A través de la Batería Alpha-Fit, se evaluó la condición física y obtuvo los valores normativos referenciales. El objetivo principal de este estudio fue establecer los percentiles, sus respectivas curvas y las diferencias entre sexos para las pruebas, brindando así un instrumento, que facilite la evaluación de la condición física. Con una muestra de 604 niños y adolescentes (9-12 años) con un índice de masa corporal (IMC) normal y ninguna condición que afecte su desempeño físico. Se evidencio una diferencia significativa, con mayor promedio en las mujeres, en las medidas de composición corporal (IMC, estatura, peso corporal y pliegues cutáneos). Así como promedios mayores en los hombres en las pruebas de salto de longitud a pies juntos, ida y vuelta 20m y agilidad/velocidad 4x10m. Igualmente, se presentaron mayores promedios en las pruebas de salto de longitud a pies juntos, agilidad/velocidad 4x10m y de presión manual conforme aumenta la edad, independientemente del sexo (AU)

Validation of StepTest4all for Assessing Cardiovascular Capacity in Young Adults.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular capacity, expressed as maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), is a strong predictor of health and fitness and is considered a key measure of physiological function in the healthy adult population. The purpose of this study was to validate a specific step test (StepTest4all) as an adequate procedure to estimate cardiovascular capacity in young adults. METHODS: The sample was composed of 56 participants, including 19 women (aged 21.05 ± 2.39 years, body mass = 57.50 ± 6.64 kg, height = 1.62 ± 0.05 m, body mass index = 22.00 ± 2.92 kg/m2) and 37 men (aged 22.05 ± 3.14 years, body mass = 72.50 ± 7.73 kg, height = 1.76 ± 0.07 m, body mass index = 23.34 ± 2.17 kg/m2). Participants were included in one of the following groups: (i) the group used to predict the VO2max, and (ii) the group used to validate the prediction model. All participants performed the StepTest4all protocol. The step height and the intensity of the effort was determined individually. Heart rate and oxygen uptake were measured continuously during rest, effort, and recovery phases. The validation process included the following three stages: (i) mean data comparison, (ii) simple linear regression, and (iii) Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: The linear regression retained, as significant predictors of the VO2max, sex (p < 0.001) and heart rate recovery for one minute (p = 0.003). The prediction equation revealed a high relationship between measurements (R2 = 63.0%, SEE = 5.58). The validation procedure revealed non-significant differences (p > 0.05) between the measured and estimated maximal oxygen uptake, high relationship (R2 = 63.3%), and high agreement with Bland-Altman plots. Thus, VO2max can be estimated with the formula: VO2max = 22 + 0.3 · (HRR1min) + 12 · (sex), where HRR1min is the magnitude of the HR decrease (bpm) in one minute immediately after the step was stopped, and sex: men = 1, women = 0. CONCLUSIONS: The StepTest4all is an adequate procedure to estimate cardiovascular capacity, expressed as VO2max, in young adults. In addition, it is possible to determine the qualitative level of cardiovascular capacity from the heart rate recovery for one minute, more specifically, poor: <20, moderate: 20 to 34, good: 35 to 49, and excellent: ≥50. This procedure has the benefit of being simple to apply and can be used by everyone, even at home, without specialist supervision.

Efecto de la Rehabilitación Cardiovascular basada en Ejercicio en Fase de Mantención sobre Fitness Cardiorrespiratorio en Adultos con Enfermedad Cardiovascular. Revisión Sistemática / Effect of Exercise-based Cardiovascular Rehabilitation in the Maintenance Phase on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Adults with Cardiovascular Disease, a Systematic Review

Introducción. La enfermedad cardiovascular constituye la primera causa de morbimortalidad a nivel mundial. La rehabilitación cardiovascular basada en ejercicio surge como herramienta eficaz para controlar factores de riesgo cardiovascular y mejorar determinantes de salud como el fitness cardiorrespiratorio, sin embargo, no existen revisiones actualizadas que indiquen el efecto de la fase de mantención de rehabilitación cardiovascular sobre esta variable. Objetivo. Determinar el efecto de la rehabilitación cardiovascular basada en ejercicio en fase de mantención sobre el fitness cardiorrespiratorio en adultos con enfermedad cardiovascular. Método. Se realizó la búsqueda de estudios a través de PubMed, Google Scholar y Web of Science desde el año 2010 hasta agosto de 2021. Se seleccionaron estudios que incluyeran individuos adultos de ambos sexos y cualquier raza con enfermedad cardiovascular, que analicen el efecto de la rehabilitación cardiovascular basada en ejercicio en fase de mantención sobre el fitness cardiorrespiratorio. La calidad metodológica se evaluó a través de la escala PEDro a través de dos revisores. Se analizaron de manera cualitativa variables secundarias como calidad de vida, antropometría y perfil lipídico y nivel de actividad física. Resultados. La búsqueda arrojó 541 resultados, de los cuales se seleccionaron 8 estudios. La edad promedio de los individuos fue 60,7±9,5 años, la mayoría de los ensayos incluyen individuos con cardiopatía coronaria. Los resultados muestran la mantención o mejora del fitness cardiorrespiratorio y la mantención de calidad de vida, antropometría y perfil lipídico y nivel de actividad física. La calidad de los estudios con escala PEDro fue en 6,18/10 en promedio de dos evaluadores. Conclusión. La rehabilitación cardiovascular basada en ejercicio en fase de mantención logra mantener o mejorar el fitness cardiorrespiratorio en adultos con enfermedad cardiovascular.

Background. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Exercise-based cardiovascular rehabilitation emerges as an effective tool to control cardiovascular risk factors and improve health determinants such as cardiorespiratory fitness, however, there are no updated reviews that indicate the effect of the maintenance phase of cardiovascular rehabilitation on this variable. Objective. To determine the effect of exercise-based cardiovascular rehabilitation in the maintenance phase on cardiorespiratory fitness in adults with cardiovascular disease. Method. The search for studies was carried out through PubMed, Google Scholar and Web of Science from 2010 to August 2021. Studies selected included adult individuals of both sexes and any race with cardiovascular disease, which analyzed the effect of cardiovascular rehabilitation based on maintenance phase exercise on cardiorespiratory fitness. The methodological quality was evaluated through the PEDro scale through two reviewers. Secondary variables such as quality of life, anthropometry and lipid profile, and level of physical activity were analyzed qualitatively. Results. The search yielded 541 results, of which 8 studies were selected. The average age of the individuals was 60.7±9.5 years, most trials include individuals with coronary heart disease. The results show the maintenance or improvement of cardiorespiratory fitness and the maintenance of quality of life, anthropometry and lipid profile and level of physical activity. The quality of the studies with the PEDro scale was 6.18/10 on average of two evaluators Conclusion. Cardiovascular rehabilitation based on exercise in the maintenance phase manages to maintain or improve cardiorespiratory fitness in adults with cardiovascular disease.

Diferencias en la condición física de preescolares colombianos según el estado nutricional: un estudio piloto / Differences In the Physical Condition of Colombian Preschoolers According to the Nutritional Status: A Pilot Study

Resumen Antecedentes: la relación entre el estado nutricional y la condición física en los preescolares colombianos no está bien documentada. Objetivo: identificar las diferencias en la condición física de preescolares colombianos de 5 años de edad según su estado nutricional. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo en 43 niños y 34 niñas de 5 años de Cúcuta, Colombia. El estado nutricional fue valorado con el Índice de Masa Corporal para la edad, y para evaluar la condición física se aplicó la batería PreFit. Resultados: la proporción de delgadez fue del 27,9 % en los niños y del 20,6 % en las niñas; no se encontró obesidad en el grupo total. Con excepción del VO2máx, calificado como bueno, las demás pruebas se clasificaron como malas o muy malas en los dos sexos y en los grupos con bajo peso y sin bajo peso. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en la condición física según el estado nutricional de los niños, y entre las niñas, con bajo peso y sin bajo peso, solo se obtuvo diferencia significativa (p=0,036) en la fuerza prensil de la mano derecha. Conclusión: en los preescolares estudiados, la proporción de delgadez está muy por encima de la prevalencia nacional y no hay diferencias en la condición física según el estado nutricional.

Abstract Background: The relationship between nutritional status and physical condition in Colombian preschoolers is not well documented. Objective: To identify the differences in the physical condition of Colombian preschoolers of 5 years old according to the nutritional status. Materials and Methods: Descriptive study in 43 boys and 34 girls of 5 years old from Cúcuta, Colombia. The nutritional status was assessed with the Body Mass Index for age, and to evaluate the physical condition the PreFit battery was applied. Results: The proportion of thinness was 27.9% in boys and 20.6% in girls; obesity was not found in the total group. With the exception of VO2max rated as good, the other tests were classified as bad or very bad in both sexes, and in groups with low weight and without low weight. No significant differences were found in the physical condition according to the nutritional status of the boys, and between the girls, with low weight and without low weight, only a significant difference (p=0.036) was obtained in the prehensile strength of the right hand. Conclusion: In the preschools studied, the proportion of thinness is well above the national prevalence and there are no differences in physical condition according to the nutritional status.

The Influence of Endurance Training on the Lipid Profile, Body Mass Composition and Cardiovascular Efficiency in Middle-Aged Cross-Country Skiers.

Monitoring the training of amateur long-distance cross-country skiers (XCS) can help athletes' achieve a higher exercise capacity and protect their health. The aim of this study was to assess body composition changes and lipid profiles in middle-aged amateur long-distance XCS after four months of training, including specialized roller ski training. The results of the time-to-exhaustion (TTE) test and blood tests and changes in body composition were analyzed with basic descriptive statistics: the paired Wilcoxon test was used to compare the results (initial and final). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (R) was used to assess the influence of various variables on maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max). The findings show that training of amateur long-distance XCS improved maximal oxygen uptake (p = 0.008) and had a positive effect on fat reduction, measured in percentages (p = 0.038) and in kilograms (p = 0.023), but did not change blood lipids or other parameters. Further research could focus on other aspects of the annual training cycle: the competition period, and women in a larger group of athletes. Training with roller skis and a cross-country skiing training machine (a specialized machine for strengthening the arms and upper body) can support health and prevent obesity, overweight, and cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular Adaptations to Four Months Training in Middle-Aged Amateur Long-Distance Skiers.

Cross-country skiing has a positive effect on health. However, without an individual, thoughtful, and professional plan, it can cause irreversible health problems from overload and injury. The impact of exercise on results is well understood within the group of professional athletes. However, this remains unknown within the group of amateur cross-country skiers and marathon runners-in particular, the impact of the summer preparation period in which training loads performed in the oxygen zone combined with resistance training dominate. The aim of this study was to assess changes in the cardiovascular capacity and body mass composition of male cross-country skiers in the preparation period of their macrocycle. Variables were analyzed using basic descriptive statistics: mean and standard deviation (SD). To compare the results from both measurements (initial and final) the paired Wilcoxon test was used. A statistically significant increase was noted in maximum oxygen uptake and maximum minute ventilation, and a decrease in body fat content, maximum lactate concentration and lactate threshold, and heart rate on anaerobic threshold. Research indicated that in the amateur group increases similar to those in top competitors were achieved in the parameters tested, but the initial level was often significantly lower.

Factores de riesgo cardiovascular en adolescentes de 10 a 17 años escolarizados de la ciudad de Medellín, 2015 / Cardiovascular risk factors in 10 to 17 years old adolescent students from the city of Medellín, 2015 / Fatores de risco cardiovascular em adolescentes escolares de 10 a 17 anos na cidade de Medellín, 2015

Resumen Objetivo: Cuantificar la prevalencia de algunos factores de riesgo cardiovascular en escolares de 10 a 17 años de Medellín. Metodología: Estudio de corte, desarrollado en 2015, en una muestra a conveniencia de 917 adolescentes entre 10 y 17 años de cinco colegios (cuatro públicos). Se realizaron evaluaciones antropométricas (peso, talla, circunferencia de cintura y de cadera), evaluación de capacidad cardiorrespiratoria y toma de presiones sistólica y diastólica. Resultados : La proporción de sobrepeso y obesidad fue 17,6 y 4,3 %; la obesidad abdominal fue 9,2 %; el consumo de oxígeno máximo fue más alto en hombres que en mujeres (44,98 vs. 40,14 mL / kg / min); la presión arterial alta global fue 17,9 % y aumentó conforme el peso. Aumentar la edad un año más, disminuye 54 % la posibilidad de ser obeso; tener obesidad abdominal incrementa 22 veces la posibilidad de ser obeso. Aumentar 1 cm la circunferencia de la cadera, crece 25 % el riesgo de padecer obesidad. Aumentar la edad un año e incrementar 1 mmHg la presión arterial sistólica, acrecienta 12 y 2 % la eventualidad de tener baja condición física, respectivamente. Incrementar 1 kg / m2 el índice de masa corporal y tener obesidad abdominal disminuye 13 y 61% el riesgo de tener baja condición física, respectivamente. Conclusiones : Se encontró alta proporción de factores de riesgo cardiovascular; destacan el exceso de peso, la obesidad abdominal, la presión arterial elevada y la baja condición física. Estos pueden incrementar, a largo plazo, la mortalidad por enfermedad cardiovascular.

Abstract Objective: To quantify the prevalence of certain cardiovascular risk factors in 10 to 17 years old students from Medellín. Methodology: Cross-sectional study, developed in 2015, in a convenience sample of 917 adolescents (between 10 and 17 years old) from four public schools and a private school. The study included anthropometric assessments (weight, height, waist and hip circumference), assessment of cardiorespiratory capacity and systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements. Results: The proportion of overweight and obesity was 17.6 % and 4.3 %; abdominal obesity was 9.2 %; maximum oxygen uptake was higher in men than in women (44.98 vs. 40.14 ml/kg/min); global high blood pressure was 17.9 % and increased with height. When increasing age by one year, the possibility of becoming obese decreases by 54 %. Having abdominal obesity increases the possibility of becoming obese by 22 times. When increasing hip circumference by 1 cm, the risk of obesity increases by 25 %. When increasing age by one year, as well as increasing the systolic blood pressure by 1 mmHg, the possibility of being in a poor physical condition increases by 12 %, and 2 %, respectively. When increasing the BMI by 1 kg / m2 and having abdominal obesity, the risk of being in poor physical condition increases by 13 % and 61 %, respectively. Conclusions: A high proportion of cardiovascular risk factors was found, especially overweight, abdominal obesity, high blood pressure and poor physical condition. These may increase mortality due to cardiovascular diseases in the long term.

Resumo Objetivo: Quantificar a prevalência de alguns fatores de risco cardiovascular em escolares de 10 a 17 anos em Medellín. Metodologia: Estudo em metodologia de corte, desenvolvido em 2015, em uma amostra na conveniência de 917 adolescentes entre 10 e 17 anos de cinco escolas (quatro públicas). Foram realizadas avaliações antropométricas (peso, altura, circunferência da cintura e quadril), capacidade cardiorrespiratória e medidas de pressão sistólica e diastólica. Resultados: A proporção de sobrepeso e obesidade foi de 17,6 e 4,3%; a obesidade abdominal foi de 9,2%; o consumo máximo de oxigênio foi maior nos homens do que nas mulheres (44,98 vs. 40,14 mL / kg / min); a hipertensão arterial global foi de 17,9% e aumentou com o peso. Aumentar a idade mais um ano diminui a possibilidade de ser obeso em 54%; ter obesidade abdominal aumenta a chance de ser obeso numas 22 vezes. Caso se aumentar a circunferência do quadril em 1 cm, o risco de obesidade se acrescenta num 25%. Aumentar a idade um ano e aumentar a pressão arterial sistólica em 1 mmHg, aumenta a possibilidade de ter uma condição física baixa, respectivamente. Aumentar o índice de massa corporal em 1 kg / m2 e ter obesidade abdominal diminui em 13 e 61% o risco de ter uma condição física baixa, respectivamente. Conclusões: Foi encontrada alta proporção de fatores de risco cardiovascular; os destaques incluem o excesso de peso, a obesidade abdominal, a pressão alta e a baixa condição física. Estes podem aumentar, em longo prazo, a mortalidade por doenças cardiovasculares.

Lifelong Football Training: Effects on Autophagy and Healthy Longevity Promotion.

Aging is a physiological process characterized by a progressive decline of biological functions and an increase in destructive processes in cells and organs. Physical activity and exercise positively affects the expression of skeletal muscle markers involved in longevity pathways. Recently, a new mechanism, autophagy, was introduced to the adaptations induced by acute and chronic exercise as responsible of positive metabolic modification and health-longevity promotion. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating autophagy in response to physical activity and exercise are sparsely described. We investigated the long-term adaptations resulting from lifelong recreational football training on the expression of skeletal muscle markers involved in autophagy signaling. We demonstrated that lifelong football training increased the expression of messengers: RAD23A, HSPB6, RAB1B, TRAP1, SIRT2, and HSBPB1, involved in the auto-lysosomal and proteasome-mediated protein degradation machinery; of RPL1, RPL4, RPL36, MRLP37, involved in cellular growth and differentiation processes; of the Bcl-2, HSP70, HSP90, PSMD13, and of the ATG5-ATG12 protein complex, involved in proteasome promotion and autophagy processes in muscle samples from lifelong trained subjects compared to age-matched untrained controls. In conclusion, our results indicated that lifelong football training positively influence exercise-induced autophagy processes and protein quality control in skeletal muscle, thus promoting healthy aging.

Does oxygen limit thermal tolerance in arthropods? A critical review of current evidence.

Over the last decade, numerous studies have investigated the role of oxygen in setting thermal tolerance in aquatic animals, and there has been particular focus on arthropods. Arthropods comprise one of the most species-rich taxonomic groups on Earth, and display great diversity in the modes of ventilation, circulation, blood oxygen transport, with representatives living both in water (mainly crustaceans) and on land (mainly insects). The oxygen and capacity limitation of thermal tolerance (OCLTT) hypothesis proposes that the temperature dependent performance curve of animals is shaped by the capacity for oxygen delivery in relation to oxygen demand. If correct, oxygen limitation could provide a mechanistic framework to understand and predict both current and future impacts of rapidly changing climate. In arthropods, most studies testing the OCLTT hypothesis have considered tolerance to thermal extremes. These studies likely operate from the philosophical viewpoint that if the model can predict these critical thermal limits, then it is more likely to also explain loss of performance at less extreme, non-lethal temperatures, for which much less data is available. Nevertheless, the extent to which lethal temperatures are influenced by limitations in oxygen supply remains unresolved. Here we critically evaluate the support and universal applicability for oxygen limitation being involved in lethal temperatures in crustaceans and insects. The relatively few studies investigating the OCLTT hypothesis at low temperature do not support a universal role for oxygen in setting the lower thermal limits in arthropods. With respect to upper thermal limits, the evidence supporting OCLTT is stronger for species relying on underwater gas exchange, while the support for OCLTT in air-breathers is weak. Overall, strongest support was found for increased anaerobic metabolism close to thermal maxima. In contrast, there was only mixed support for the prediction that aerobic scope decreases near critical temperatures, a key feature of the OCLTT hypothesis. In air-breathers, only severe hypoxia (<2 kPa) affected heat tolerance. The discrepancies for heat tolerance between aquatic and terrestrial organisms can to some extent be reconciled by differences in the capacity to increase oxygen transport. As air-breathing arthropods are unlikely to become oxygen limited under normoxia (especially at rest), the oxygen limitation component in OCLTT does not seem to provide sufficient information to explain lethal temperatures. Nevertheless, many animals may simultaneously face hypoxia and thermal extremes and the combination of these potential stressors is particularly relevant for aquatic organisms where hypoxia (and hyperoxia) is more prevalent. In conclusion, whether taxa show oxygen limitation at thermal extremes may be contingent on their capacity to regulate oxygen uptake, which in turn is linked to their respiratory medium (air vs. water). Fruitful directions for future research include testing multiple predictions of OCLTT in the same species. Additionally, we call for greater research efforts towards studying the role of oxygen in thermal limitation of animal performance at less extreme, sub-lethal temperatures, necessitating studies over longer timescales and evaluating whether oxygen becomes limiting for animals to meet energetic demands associated with feeding, digestion and locomotion.