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The aim of this study was to analyse whether Physical Activity Index (PAI), Physical Fitness, Screen Time (watching TV and computer use), Socio-economic Status and Commuting to School made a significant contribution to longitudinal changes in Body Mass Index (BMI) in youth. This longitudinal study was carried out over a period of 3 years with 345 students (147 boys) who were between 11 and 16 years old at the beginning of the study. Students were invited to perform tests from FITNESSGRAM Battery for Curl-Ups, Push-Ups, Back-Saver Sit and Reach, and 20m Shuttle-Run (CRF). Fitness tests were categorized in "Healthy Zone" (HZ) and "Under "active"; Socio-economic Status, in low, middle and high education level, and Commuting in active and passive. BMI was corrected for age and gender meaning that we subtracted the age-and- sex-specific cut points for overweight. Corrected body mass index was used as dependent variable in a Linear Mixed Model. The main result was the strong positive and independent association of individuals with CRF performances UHZ with corrected body mass index. In conclusion, the results of this longitudinal study showed markedly an important relationship of lower fitness levels with the risk of being overweight/obese, in particular CRF and abdominal strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of the study were to examine the moderating role of physical activity in the relationship between cardiometabolic risk factors and adiponectin concentration in adolescents. This is a cross-sectional study conducted with 96 adolescents of both sexes, between 11 and 17 years old. Body mass, height, fat mass (FM), fat-free mass, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein (LDL-c), triglycerides, insulin, adiponectin, C-reactive protein, and level of physical activity (energy expenditure questionnaire) were measured. Body mass index (BMI), triponderal mass index (TMI), homeostasis model to assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) were calculated. Macro-PROCESS for SPSS was used for moderation analyses. Direct interactions were found for BMI, TMI, FM, insulin, and HOMA-IR and inverse for LDL-c, and QUICKI. Protection against cardiometabolic risk was found when the PA-coeff was completed above 1.57 coeff (BMI), 1.62 coeff (TMI), 1.55 coeff (FM), 1.41 coeff (LDL-c)1.60 coeff (insulin), 1.59 coeff (HOMA-IR) and 1.35 coeff (QUICKI). We conclude that physical activity was a moderator in the relationship with adiposity, insulin resistance and sensitivity, LDL-c, and adiponectin. In this context, we evidenced a relevant clinical impact on the health of adolescents, demonstrating the interaction between anthropometrics variables and physical activity., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Colorectal cancer is now a frequently treatable illness for most and a chronic disease for many. The number of people living with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer is thus expected to rise. Yet even after successful treatment, colorectal cancer survivors, mostly the elderly, frequently experience health problems and impaired health-related quality of life. We investigated the cross-sectional association between physical fitness, measured with the 6-min walk test, 30-second chair-stand test, and isometric handgrip strength, as well as health-related quality of life, in a cohort of colorectal cancer patients (n=71, mean [SD] age 67±10 years, 63% men; 35, 39 and 25% in stages I, II and III, respectively). Greater performance in the 6-minute walk test and 30-second chair-stand test was associated with higher levels of global health status (p<0.001, p=0.001 respectively), higher functioning (p<0.001) and lower levels of symptomatology (p<0.001; pain and fatigue). Additionally, greater 6-min walk test performance was associated with a better cognitive function (p=0.005). Our results suggest that greater aerobic fitness and lower-extremity muscle strength are cross-sectionally associated with higher levels of global health status, higher functioning and lower levels of symptomatology such as pain and fatigue in colorectal cancer patients., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)