Identifying the most important, frequent, and physically demanding tasks of Brazilian firefighters.

This study aimed to identify the most important, frequently performed, and physically demanding tasks performed by Brazilian firefighters and to identify tasks that could be used to assess physical fitness. A subjective task analysis was conducted. Five hundred twenty-four firefighters (84% male; 16% females) responded to an online survey and rated 37 tasks across three domains (most important, most frequent, and most physically demanding). A dichotomous decision analysis was used to inform the proposed physical fitness tests. Wildland firefighting tasks presented the highest overall mean rate. Traffic control was considered the most important and frequently performed task. Lifeguard rescue was considered the most physically demanding task. The dichotomous analysis identified 14 essential tasks (seven structural firefighting and seven automobile accidents). The tasks identified may be helpful in developing criterion physical fitness tests and training programs related to firefighters' demands.Practitioner summary: The unpredictability, variability, and dangerousness of firefighting make it challenging to observe the physical demands imposed on firefighters. A subjective task analysis was conducted to identify essential tasks performed by Brazilian firefighters. Wildland firefighting, lifeguard rescue, automobile accidents, and structural firefighting tasks were the most important, frequent, and physically demanding.

Weekly cumulative extracurricular core training time predicts cadet physical performance: A descriptive epidemiological study.

Background: Core training can enhance athletic performance by enhancing core strength and stability. To achieve this outcome, however, a tailored training program is required; the normal military training curriculum is inadequate. The connection between cumulative weekly extracurricular training time, cumulative weekly extracurricular core training time and cadet performance is unknown. Methods: The association between cumulative weekly extracurricular training time, cumulative weekly extracurricular core training time and performance has been discovered using a descriptive epidemiological study methodology. Questionnaires were used to collect information on personal characteristics and weekly cumulative extracurricular (core) training time, as well as the results of the Chinese Army Physical Fitness Test (C-APFT), which included 100-m dash, 5000-m run, 3000-m armed training run, 400-m steeplechase, 800 m breaststroke, horizontal bar pull-ups, 2-min sit-ups, 2-min push-ups, and hand grenade throwing. This study recruited two hundred and twenty male cadets (aged 18 to 23 years, 19.68 ± 0.91) from a military medical university. Results: (a) The correlation between cumulative weekly extracurricular training time and C-APFT score is significant. The 100-m dash, 5000-m run, 3000-m armed training run, 400-m steeplechase, and 2-min push-ups performed the best when participants exercised for 5 to 10 h per week. (b) The number of cadets scoring good or excellent on the C-APFT improves with cumulative weekly extracurricular core training time. The recommended amount of core training for cadets per week is 120 min. (c) The average cumulative weekly extracurricular core training time was a effective predictor of performance on the 400-m steeplechase (R2 = 0.470, F = 10.641, P＜0.01), horizontal bar pull-ups (R2 = 0.238, F = 68.191, P＜0.01), 2-min sit-ups (R2 = 0.280, F = 84.710, P＜0.01), 100-m run (R2 = 0.031, F = 6.920, P＜0.01), 3000-m armed training run (R2 = 0.025, F = 5.603, P＜0.05), 2-min push-ups (R2 = 0.019, F = 4.295, P＜0.05), and hand grenade tossing (R2 = 0.025, F = 5.603, P＜0.05). Conclusions: Active participation in extracurricular core training can improve cadets' C-APFT scores. An average cumulative weekly extracurricular training duration of 5-10 h showed the most progress, and more than 120 min per week was ideal for extracurricular core training. The amount of extracurricular time spent on core training exercises each week can be used as a predictor of the C-APFT.

Relationship Between the Japanese Physical Fitness Test and the 3-Minute Burpee Test.

Background Japan has conducted a national physical fitness survey every year since 1964, when the first Tokyo Summer Olympics were held. The survey is a test that evaluates eight physical fitness components: speed, total body endurance, instantaneous force, dexterity, muscle strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and agility, but it requires specialized equipment and space, and it takes time to measure them all. Aims The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the 3-minute burpee test (3MBT), which has been reported to be associated with various physical fitness components, and a "new physical fitness test." Materials and methods The relationship between the "new physical fitness test" and the 3MBT was examined in 122 college students (male=70, female=52) with no health problems. Results The "new physical fitness test" and the 3MBT showed a moderate relationship between the 20-m shuttle run (r = 0.685, p < 0.05), side stepping (r = 0.566, p < 0.05), standing long jump (r = 0.545, p < 0.05), grip strength (r = 0.461, p < 0.05), sit and reach (r = 0.305, p < 0.05), and sit-ups (r = 0.572, p < 0.05), indicating a moderate relationship. Because this study used the Pearson product-rate correlation analysis, it is not possible to definitively assert a relationship with physical fitness factors. Conclusions However, the 3MBT is a very useful test because it requires whole-body strength, power, endurance, and aerobic capacity.

Field-based physical fitness assessment in preschool children: A scoping review.

Physical fitness, which can be measured using various health- and skill-related components, is an important indicator of child development and health status. This study undertakes a scoping review on physical fitness assessment methods in preschool children to summarize the most widely used field-based physical fitness batteries and specific test items for preschool children. A search of the literature in English was undertaken using two major electronics databases, which yielded 76 literatures that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These literatures took the quantitative indicators of physical fitness as the outcome variables in 3-6-year-old children. This review found that of these 76 literatures analyzed, 71.1% came from Europe and 89.5% were published after 2010. The results showed six physical fitness test batteries, with the assessing FITness in PREschoolers (PREFIT) battery is the most widely used, and specific test items such as body mass index (BMI), standing long jump, handgrip, one-leg stance, sit and reach, 20 m shuttle run test (SRT)-PREFIT, and 4 × 10 m SRT are widely used in corresponding components. Therefore, we recommend that an international standard for some specific test items should be developed for preschool children to facilitate more widespread adoption and promote physical fitness assessment for preschool children.

The optimal cutoff score of the 2-min step test and its association with physical fitness in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

This study was carried out to evaluate sensitivity, specificity, and test cutoff score to predict cardiorespiratory fitness by using the 2-min step test (2MST) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellites (DM). The association of the 2MST and physical fitness tests including a 6-min walk test (6MWT), a 5 time sit-to-stand test (FTSST), and leg strength in the form of a leg performance test were also investigated. This study was cross-sectional and conducted in 100 type 2 DM patients. Patients were screened through health questionnaires, medical illness, general characteristics, and physical fitness tests; 2MST, 6MWT, FTSST, and leg strength. Blood was collected for assessment of fasting blood sugar and lipid profiles. The number of steps in the 2MST was positively correlated with the distance of the 6MWT (r=0.6995, P<0.0001) and leg strength (r=0.4292, P<0.0001). 2MST was negatively correlated with time to perform the FTSST (r=-0.405, P<0.0001). Moreover, this study established the optimal cutoff score of the 2MST at ≤61 steps with 92.24% sensitivity, and 81.36% specificity to predict cardiorespiratory fitness in type 2 DM patients. Our findings indicate that the 2MST may be used as a predictor for walking capacity, leg strength, and ability to change position from sitting to standing in type 2 DM. In addition, this result may imply that patients with type 2 DM performing the 2MST at less than 61 steps was significantly associated with decreased cardiorespiratory fitness.

Scientific physical core strength training of adolescent group / Treino científico de força do core de um grupo de adolescentes / Entrenamiento científico de fuerza del core de un grupo de adolescentes

ABSTRACT Introduction: A strong core can be more stable and improve the body posture of adolescents. This enables the organic integration and development of all parts of the body, as well as the coordination of the upper and lower limbs. Core strength training is conducive to improving its physical strength in the youth group. Objective: To study the influence of core strength on adolescents' motor skills and physical literacy. Methods: 40 teenagers were selected for group training. The experimental group performed core strength training, while the control group used traditional strength training. After the training period, the improvement of the physical fitness and motor skills of the two groups of volunteers was analyzed. Results: There were statistical differences between the two groups of young athletes in various technical and physical fitness indicators. Conclusion: Core strength training can improve the basic skills of young athletes, such as fast running, jumping and so on, but the effect of improving high physical fitness is not obvious. The experiment shows that a certain period of core strength training can improve their physical and motor skills. In future training for youth, core strength training should be advocated. Level of evidence II; Evidence from well-designed randomized controlled trials.

RESUMO Introdução: Um core mais forte pode ser mais estável e melhorar a postura corporal de adolescentes. Isso permite que haja uma integração orgânica e um desenvolvimento de todas as partes do corpo, assim como a coordenação dos membros superiores e inferiores. O treino da força do core leva à melhoria de sua força física no grupo de jovens. Objetivo: Estudar a influência da força do core nas habilidades motoras e na literacia física. Métodos: 40 adolescentes foram selecionados para treinamento em grupo. O grupo experimental passou por um treino da força do core, enquanto o grupo controle passou por treinos de força padrão. Depois do período de treino, a melhoria na aptidão física e nas habilidades motoras de ambos os grupos foi analisada. Resultados: Houve diferenças estatísticas entre os dois grupos de jovens atletas em diversos indicadores técnicos e de aptidão física. Conclusão: A força do core pode trazer melhorias às habilidades básicas de jovens atletas, tais como corrida em velocidade, saltos, e outras, mas seu efeito na melhoria da aptidão física de alto nível não é óbvio. O experimento mostrou que um certo período de treino de força do core pode aprimorar habilidades motoras e físicas. Recomenda-se a indicação do treino de força do core em treinamentos futuros para jovens. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação de resultados de tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: Un core más fuerte puede ser más estable y auxiliar en la mejoría de la postura corporal de adolescentes. Esto permite que haya una integración orgánica y un desarrollo de todas las partes del cuerpo, así como la coordinación de los miembros superiores e inferiores. El entrenamiento de la fuerza del core proporciona la mejoría de su fuerza física en el grupo de jóvenes. Objetivo: Estudiar la influencia de la fuerza del core en las habilidades motoras y en la alfabetización física. Métodos: Fueron seleccionados 40 adolescentes para entrenamiento en grupo. El grupo experimental pasó por un entrenamiento de la fuerza del core, mientras que el grupo control pasó por entrenamientos de fuerza estándar. Después del periodo de entrenamiento, fue analizada la mejoría en la aptitud física y en las habilidades motoras de ambos grupos. Resultados: Hubo diferencias estadísticas entre los dos grupos de jóvenes atletas en diversos indicadores técnicos y de aptitud física. Conclusión: La fuerza del core puede proporcionar mejorías en las habilidades básicas de jóvenes atletas, tales como corrida en velocidad, saltos y otras, sin embargo, su efecto en el perfeccionamiento de la aptitud física de alto nivel no es obvio. El experimento mostró que un cierto periodo de entrenamiento de fuerza del core puede mejorar habilidades motoras y físicas. Se recomienda la indicación de entrenamiento de fuerza del core en preparaciones futuras para jóvenes. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de resultados de tratamiento.

Inspiratory Muscle Training and Physical Fitness in Children With Down Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on physical fitness in children with Down syndrome (DS). DESIGN: Randomized control trial. SETTING: The study was conducted in a private physical therapy center. PARTICIPANTS: Forty boys and girls with DS aged between 7 and 10 years were enrolled in this study (N=40). They were randomly and equally divided into 2 groups (A and B). INTERVENTIONS: All participants received 30 minutes of aerobic exercise training 3 times per week for 12 weeks, whereas group B received an additional 30 minutes of IMT before each aerobic exercise session. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP); maximal expiratory pressure (MEP); submaximal aerobic endurance; muscular strength; endurance. RESULTS: Among the group undergoing IMT, there were significant improvements in MIP, MEP, and submaximal aerobic endurance using the six-minute walk test (6MWT); strength and endurance using the curl-up, dumbbell press, trunk lift, standing long jump, seated push-up, pull-up, and flexed-arm hang; and back saver sit and reach tests (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Inspiratory muscle training and aerobic exercise training demonstrated more significant improvements in physical fitness than in those children who received only aerobic exercise training.

Biomechanical and Psychological Predictors of Failure in the Air Force Physical Fitness Test.

Physical fitness is a pillar of U.S. Air Force (USAF) readiness and ensures that Airmen can fulfill their assigned mission and be fit to deploy in any environment. The USAF assesses the fitness of service members on a periodic basis, and discharge can result from failed assessments. In this study, a 21-feature dataset was analyzed related to 223 active-duty Airmen who participated in a comprehensive mental and social health survey, body composition assessment, and physical performance battery. Graphical analysis revealed pass/fail trends related to body composition and obesity. Logistic regression and limited-capacity neural network algorithms were then applied to predict fitness test performance using these biomechanical and psychological variables. The logistic regression model achieved a high level of significance (p < 0.01) with an accuracy of 0.84 and AUC of 0.89 on the holdout dataset. This model yielded important inferences that Airmen with poor sleep quality, recent history of an injury, higher BMI, and low fitness satisfaction tend to be at greater risk for fitness test failure. The neural network model demonstrated the best performance with 0.93 accuracy and 0.97 AUC on the holdout dataset. This study is the first application of psychological features and neural networks to predict fitness test performance and obtained higher predictive accuracy than prior work. Accurate prediction of Airmen at risk of failing the USAF fitness test can enable early intervention and prevent workplace injury, absenteeism, inability to deploy, and attrition.

A Study on the Preliminary Validity Analysis of Korean Firefighter Job-Related Physical Fitness Test.

The purpose of this study is to revise and modify the firefighter job-related performance tests from overseas to implement into the circumstances in Korea, examine its validity by analyzing the level of association between the test employed in the ongoing firefighter selection process, and propose a Korean firefighter job-related physical fitness test. Therefore, a modified version of Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) from the United States firefighter selection process was conducted on 28 male firefighter officer candidates. Recorded results from VO2max, heart rate, blood lactate, anaerobic power test, and the ongoing Korean firefighter physical fitness test were analyzed to assess the validity of the modified test. IBM SPSS Statistics Ver. 27.0 was employed for the data correlation analysis in different fitness factors and the total circuit physical test time. The results revealed the proposed modified firefighter job-related physical fitness test showed significant correlation with VO2max (r = −0.450, p < 0.05), METS (r = −0.735, p < 0.01) recovery lactate over 15 min (r = −0.460, p < 0.05), peak power (r = −0.484, p < 0.05), average power (r = −0.647, p < 0.01), and in the ongoing firefighter physical fitness test, grip strength (r = −0.709, p < 0.01), lower back strength (r = −0.681, p < 0.01), standing long jump (r = −0.618, p < 0.01), sit-ups (r = −0.397, p < 0.05), and shuttle run (r = −0.523, p < 0.01). Fitness factors including VO2max, recovery lactate, anaerobic power, muscular strength, and so forth known to play a crucial role in firefighting operations were also shown to be important in the modified firefighter job-related physical fitness test. However, we suggest that studies with a larger sample size are needed in order to generalize our findings.

Baseline Physical Activity Behaviors and Relationships with Fitness in the Army Training at High Intensity Study.

United States Army soldiers must meet physical fitness test standards. Criticisms of the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) include limited testing of only aerobic and muscular endurance activity domains; yet, it is unclear what levels of aerobic and muscle strengthening activity may help predict performance in aspects of the new Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). This study explored relationships between baseline self-reported aerobic and muscle strengthening activities and APFT- and ACFT-related performance. Baseline participant data (N = 123) were from a cluster-randomized clinical trial that recruited active-duty military personnel (mean age 33.7 ± 5.7 years, 72.4% White, 87.0% college-educated, 81.5% Officers). An online survey was used for self-report of socio-demographic characteristics and weekly aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity behaviors. Participants also completed the APFT (2 min push-ups, 2 min sit-ups, 2-mile run) and ACFT-related measures (1-repetition maximum deadlift, pull-up repetitions or timed flexed arm hang, horizontal jump, and dummy drag). Bivariate logistic regression found greater aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity predicted better APFT performance, while better ACFT-related performance was predicted by greater muscle-strengthening activity. Although our data are mostly from mid-career officers, command policies should emphasize the new Holistic Health and Fitness initiative that encourages regular aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity for soldiers.

Nueva forma de entender las pruebas de condición física en relación con la salud / New Approach to Health-Related Physical Fitness Tests

El objetivo de este trabajo es mostrar una nueva forma de entender la evaluación de la “condición física en relación con la salud”, para evitar la inactividad y el sedentarismo. Los antecedentes se encuentran en las baterías de test utilizadas desde 1976 hasta la actualidad. Se utiliza el concepto de salud de la OMS. Se analizan pruebas con criterios de funcionalidad, economía, validez, fiabilidad y especificidad. Se eligen las siguientes pruebas y se calculan los umbrales: 1425 s UKK Walk test (P75), 6 s en sprint test 20 m (P75), 19 repeticiones en Chair Stand Test (P25), 11 repeticiones Arm Curl Test (P25), -10,5 cm Back Scratch Test (P25), -17,5 cm en Chair Sit and Reach Test. Se propugna la elaboración de una batería de test universal e inclusiva y elaborar percentiles mundiales ayudados por el big data. (AU)

The aim of this research was to propose a new way of understanding health-related physical fitness assessment in order to prevent inactivity and sedentarism. The background lies in the test batteries used from 1976 to the present. WHO's health concept was used. Tests were analysed based on functionality, economy, validity, reliability and specificity criteria. The following tests were chosen and the thresholds were calculated: 1,425s in the UKK walk test (P75), 6s in the 20-m sprint test (P75), 19 repetitions in the chair stand test (P25), 11 repetitions in the arm curl test (P25), -10.5cm in the back scratch test (P25), -17.5cm in the chair sit-and-reach test (P25). It was proposed that a universal and inclusive test battery be developed and the percentiles for the world population are determined with the help of big data. (AU)

"Fitness and Fatness" in Children and Adolescents: An Italian Cross-Sectional Study.

Children with obesity tend to have lower level of physical activity compared to non-obese peers. In fact, sedentary behaviors are prevalent in obese children causing difficulties to perform motor tasks and engaging in sport activities. This, in turn, has direct repercussions on adiposity and related comorbidities. The aim of the study was to investigate several components of fitness and their relationship with the degree of fatness in children. We considered 485 Italian schoolchildren (9.5 ± 1.12 years). BMI and prediction modelling outputs of fat mass were employed as markers of body fatness. Physical fitness (PF) was assessed by the 9-item test battery (explosive power, leg muscle power, arm muscle power, upper body power, coordination, agility, speed and endurance). Differences between groups in the PF tests (p < 0.05) were noted. A similar pattern was reflected in both genders. The relationship between anthropometrics' characteristics and PF tests showed that weight and fat mass had a high level of correlation with different PF tests. Our findings highlight the importance of investigating the degree of fatness in relation with different components of fitness, in children and adolescents. This combination of proxies may cover an unexpectedly helpful screening of the youth population, for both health and performance.

The comparison of physical fitness and anaerobic capacity in asthmatic and non-asthmatic children.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Asthma, is the most common chronic inflammatory disease in childhood period. It can affect the daily life to an advanced level and may become vital. The purpose of this study is to compare physical fitness and anaerobic capacity in asthmatic children (AC) and non-asthmatic children (NC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 47 children participated in the study; 25 individuals with mild to moderate asthma and 22 healthy children were assessed. The assessed variables consist pulmonary function and peripheral muscle strength (PMS). Additionally, physical fitness was evaluated by using fitnessgram test battery, which includes body composition, modified shuttle walk test (MSWT), curl-up test, push-up test, and sit and reach test variables. Anaerobic capacity was measured with wingate anaerobic capacity test (WAnT) and counter-movement jump (CMJ) using a tri-axial accelerometer. RESULTS: FEV1/FVC ratio (p = 0.01), MSWT (p = 0.001), push-up test (p = 0.01), and WAnT peak power (p = 0.05) were measured significantly to be found reduced in AC compared with that of NC. Between the two groups, PMS, curl-up test, sit and reach test, and CMJ were not significantly different (p = 0.05). High to moderate positive correlation was found among WAnT, CMJ parameters and FEV1, fat-free body mass (FFM), dominant handgrip, and quadriceps strengths (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Physical fitness level and anaerobic capacity were lower in AC compared with that of NC. Physical fitness parameters and anaerobic exercise capacity should be evaluated on the physiotherapy and rehabilitation program in AC.

The comparison of physical fitness and anaerobic capacity in asthmatic and non-asthmatic children

Introduction and objective: Asthma, is the most common chronic inflammatory disease in childhood period. It can affect the daily life to an advanced level and may become vital. The purpose of this study is to compare physical fitness and anaerobic capacity in asthmatic children (AC) and non-asthmatic children (NC). Materials and methods: A total of 47 children participated in the study; 25 individuals with mild to moderate asthma and 22 healthy children were assessed. The assessed variables consist pulmonary function and peripheral muscle strength (PMS). Additionally, physical fitness was evaluated by using fitnessgram test battery, which includes body composition, modified shuttle walk test (MSWT), curl-up test, push-up test, and sit and reach test variables. Anaerobic capacity was measured with wingate anaerobic capacity test (WAnT) and counter-movement jump (CMJ) using a tri-axial accelerometer. Results: FEV1/FVC ratio (p = 0.01), MSWT (p = 0.001), push-up test (p = 0.01), and WAnT peak power (p = 0.05) were measured significantly to be found reduced in AC compared with that of NC. Between the two groups, PMS, curl-up test, sit and reach test, and CMJ were not significantly different (p = 0.05). High to moderate positive correlation was found among WAnT, CMJ parameters and FEV1, fat-free body mass (FFM), dominant handgrip, and quadriceps strengths (p = 0.05). Conclusions: Physical fitness level and anaerobic capacity were lower in AC compared with that of NC. Physical fitness parameters and anaerobic exercise capacity should be evaluated on the physiotherapy and rehabilitation program in AC (AU)

Validation and Practical Applications of Performance in a 6-Min Rowing Test in the Danish Armed Forces.

Personnel of the Danish Armed Forces must complete a yearly basic physical fitness test consisting of a Cooper's 12-min run test (CRT) and four strength-related bodyweight exercises. However, there is no validated alternative to the CRT allowing injured or sailing personnel to conduct the yearly basic physical fitness test. Therefore, the aim of this study was to validate performance in a 6-min rowing ergometer test (6MRT) against CRT performance. Thirty-one individuals (M/F: 20/11, age: 34 ± 12 years) employed at the Danish Armed Forces completed testing on two independent days; (I) the CRT on an outdoor track and (II) a 6MRT with pulmonary measurements of breath-by-breath oxygen uptake. In addition, 5 participants (M/F: 4/1, age: 40 ± 10 years) completed re-testing of the 6MRT. No difference was observed between VO2max estimated from the CRT and measured during the 6MRT. Absolute VO2max correlated strongly (r = 0.95; p < 0.001) to performance in the 6MRT, and moderately (r = 0.80; p < 0.001) to performance in the CRT. Bodyweight (BW) and fat free mass (FFM) correlated stronger to performance in the 6MRT compared to the CRT. 6MRT re-testing yielded similar performance results. The 6MRT is a valid and reliable alternative to the CRT, allowing injured or sailing personnel of the Danish Armed Forces to complete the basic physical fitness test as required, albeit 6MRT performance demands must be made relative to bodyweight.

Kids motor performances datasets.

These datasets described the data of the Motor Performance Index for 7 years old kids in Malaysia based on Malaysia's physical fitness test SEGAK. This database has been designed and created with data analysis to create the index from the factor and variable of the test and the test was conducted in the majority of the national primary school in Malaysia. Gender, state of origin, and residential location of the school were the factors used to categorize the participant of the test. The factor of age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), power, flexibility, coordination, and speed were used for the measurement to relate with the participant's physical fitness. Kids Motor Performances Index data can be reused for talent identification in sport talent scout and to create a baseline for kid's biology growth specifically in gross motor skills and cognitive growth measurement.

Pathway linking physical activity, sleep duration, and breakfast consumption with the physical/psychosocial health of schoolchildren.

The relationship between certain lifestyle habits and schoolchildren's health has previously been reported on, but the exact pathway of the effects lifestyle habits have on physical/psychosocial health (PPH) has not been investigated nor has the relative influence of different habits on schoolchildren's health. In this study, schoolchildren were recruited from a primary school in Toyama Prefecture, Japan (n = 576), and the relevant data were collected in June/July 2017. Path analysis was used to examine the relationships of lifestyle habits and physical fitness with PPH among schoolchildren in grades 1-4 and 5-6. Body weight and total fitness scores were found to be not related to the children's PPH. The pathway via which lifestyle habits influenced PPH was determined successfully. Among children in grades 1-4, sex (p < .05), age (p < .01), and breakfast intake (p < .05) were related to PPH. Among schoolchildren in grades 5-6, the duration of sleep (p < .05) was related to PPH. Thus, factors related to schoolchildren's PPH vary by school grade. The identification of the predictors of the PPH of schoolchildren should inform the design of tailored, grade-specific health promotion interventions in Japanese elementary schools.

Physical Fitness Testing and Screening Reveal a Gateway to Identify Locomotive Disorders: Retrospective Study of a Japanese Elementary School Population.

This retrospective epidemiological study investigated the relationship between physical fitness testing and locomotive disorder screening results among elementary school children in Japan. The test and screening results of 1033 children from a single elementary school between 2016 and 2018 were examined. Multiple regression analysis was performed for each gender of children of grades third and fourth to generate receiver-operating characteristic curves. Of the 69 children with parent-identified locomotor problems, 29 (42%) had physical fitness test score of mean ± 2 SD. For the standing long jump test in fourth grade girls, the results differed significantly (P < .001; cut-off, 127 cm) for children whose parents did (n = 7) and did not (n = 84) suspect a possible locomotive disorder. Physical fitness testing in combination with school-based screening for locomotive disorders may be useful for identifying and accurately diagnosing these disorders in children.

Applying machine learning methods to develop a successful aging maintenance prediction model based on physical fitness tests.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to develop a machine learning prediction model for successful aging (SA) based on physical fitness tests. METHODS: A total of 3657 community-dwelling adults aged ≥60 years from Nanchang city were recruited in this study. A 3-year follow-up test was carried out for all the participants to determine whether they turn to non-SA. Developed questionnaires and physical fitness tests were used to obtain overall health condition, balance, agility, speed, reactions and gait. Four machine learning models (logistic regression, deep learning, random forest and gradient boosting decision tree) were applied to develop the prediction models, the analyzed sample was 890. RESULTS: The baseline prevalence of successful aging was 26.99%, The average annual incidence rate of SA to non-SA was 11.04%. There were significant differences between the SA and non-SA groups for all physical fitness tests at baseline. The accuracy and area under the curve of all four machine learning models was >85%, the positive predictive value and sensitivity was >75%, and the specificity was >86% on the average. The deep learning model outperformed the other model, with area under the curve 90.00%, accuracy 89.3%, positive predictive value 85.8% and specificity 93.1%, respectively. Compared with other models, the logistic regression model performed best in sensitivity. Age, arm curl, 30-s sit-to-stand and reaction time were important predictors in all models. CONCLUSION: The deep learning model is ideal in the prediction of SA maintenance, and the corresponding physical fitness interventions are essential to ensuring SA. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; ••: ••-••.

A database of predictor test sex bias for development of military physical employment standards.

BACKGROUND: Hesitation to employ females for physically demanding jobs is often due to sex related physical abilities. A physical employment standard (PES) identifies individuals who are physically capable for work. OBJECTIVE: A database containing 300 + sources of physical performance tests (PFTs) will inform potential sex bias for PES development. METHODS: Weighted means and probability density curves illustrate the percentage overlap between male and female performance on PFT data from the armed forces of 11 countries and the open literature. Where female training data were available, the change in percentage overlap illustrates the potential for reduction in sex-related differences. RESULTS: PFTs demonstrating the extremes of sex disparity were bench press (11 sources) and sit-ups (14 sources) with 9% and 93% overlap in performance, respectively. Training for bench press; pull ups; VO2max; and upright pull improved female performance by 12%, 22%, 35%, and 23% respectively. This translated into narrowing the gap between male and female mean performance by 1%, 4%, 5%, and 10% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The ability of PFT to predict performance is essential; however, PFTs with more overlap will facilitate development of PES with reduced sex bias. PFTs with the greatest potential for improvement in females are identified here.