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Objective This study aimed to explore the utility of a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) app as a remote exercise support strategy in children with obesity through assessing adherence, possible effects on obesity-related outcomes, and perceptions of its use to support counseling and improve the treatment of children with obesity. Methods Thirty-seven children (94.6% with obesity; 45.9% girls), with a mean age of 10.4 (±1.8) years and a mean body mass index (BMI) z-score of 3.31 (±1.09) were recruited to use the app during 6 weeks. Assessments were performed at baseline, 6 (end of intervention), and 12 weeks (follow up). Results Thirty-two (86.3%) participants completed both intervention and follow-up assessments and were analyzed. On average, children used the HIIT app 2.5 times per week (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.9 to 3.0), with the highest perceived exertion of 4.1 (95% CI: 3.6 to 4.5). No over-time differences were found in body composition, physical activity, screen time, sleep duration, or water intake after the intervention; however, an over-time decrease in sugary beverages intake (Δ−0.9, 95% CI: −1.6 to −0.1, p = .019). No differences in body composition were found at follow up. Although none of the children or parents perceived impairments in nutritional behavior, general wellbeing, or fitness as a consequence of intervention, most children (64.5%), but not parents, perceived improvements in nutritional behavior and general wellbeing. Conclusion Although feasible, the 6-week effect of HIIT app use is modest or absent regarding body composition, movement, and nutritional behavior change, probably due to its low volume. More studies are needed to explore the utility of HIIT apps as a remote exercise support strategy for children with obesity further.

As atividades desenvolvidas pelos profissionais de enfermagem propiciam exposições aos riscos ocupacionais e aos desgastes, que se refletem no processo saúde-doença. O presente estudo visa avaliar o estilo de vida e a autoestima de profissionais de enfermagem hospitalar, por meio de um estudo transversal com 289 funcionários de um hospital de Minas Gerais. Assim, foi possível verificar que a maioria deles era do sexo feminino, com a faixa etária entre 30 a 39 anos, casada e com renda de 1.501 a 3.000 reais mensais, apresentando autoestima média (68,18%) e bom estilo de vida (43,71%). Diante dos resultados, os domínios: comportamento, introspecção e trabalho tiveram maiores alterações, e, na avaliação da confiabilidade dos instrumentos, constatou-se que há consistência interna entre os itens dos instrumentos (0,77 e 0,78). Além disso, identificou-se a necessidade de melhorias no estilo de vida desses trabalhadores, assim como para a promoção de ações que favoreçam uma autoestima adequada.

In large transdisciplinary research teams finding the balance between using the most appropriate and needed measures for data collection and minimising participant burden is often a significant challenge. This paper aims to describe the development process for selecting a set of determinants of physical activity behaviours in 9–12 years old children. An internal small group (n = 8) worked iteratively with an external large group of experts and stakeholders (n = 30-50) in three steps: 1) External input – Identification through expert opinion; 2) Internal input – Identification and selection via a systematized approach; 3) External validation of the selected measures. During these steps, 113 measures were first identified, then scored, sorted, and selected using evidence-building practices such as systematic literature reviews, peer-review, and consensus discussions. Eighteen measures were agreed and included in the core measures toolkit (child and caregiver questionnaires). In conclusion, pragmatism, implementation concerns, and the experts' experience were key in this process. This process may be considered as a reference to others involved in the challenge of selecting measures in their research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individual variability may contribute to the modest and inconsistent results reported in obesity-management interventions. This study aimed to investigate the impact of non-modifiable as well as modifiable factors on body mass index (BMI) and body fat variance in adolescents with obesity followed in a clinical obesity-management programme, in order to better understand individual variability. Non-modifiable factors (i.e. socio-economic status, pregnancy BMI, weight progression across pregnancy, BMI at time of delivery, way of delivery, birth weight, breastfeeding duration, age at overweight onset, overweight duration, and FTO rs9939609 polymorphism) and modifiable factors data (i.e. self-determination level, self-efficacy and perception of importance to lose weight, energy intake, physical activity, and sedentary behaviours) from 63 adolescents (93.7% Caucasian, 55.6% girls), with a median age of 15.0 (2.5) years, and a median BMI z-score of 2.88 (0.70), followed for 6 months were analyzed. BMI z-score variance was predicted by vigorous physical activity (VPA) (F(1,57) = 4.55, p =.039), overweight duration (F(1,59) = 5.61, p =.022), way of delivery (F(2,58) = 6.55, p =.003) and self-determination level (F(1,59) = 4.75, p =.034). VPA further predicted body fat mass (%) (F(1,57) = 9.99, p =.003) as well as trunk fat mass variance (F(1,57) = 8.94, p =.006). This study suggests that although both non-modifiable and modifiable factors influence BMI and body fat variance to some extent, in adolescents with obesity, VPA (modifiable factor) stands out as the factor with the best association with both outcomes. VPA may be a potential ally in the success of clinical obesity management in adolescents, and so should be emphasised in this population. Highlights There is a huge individual variability within studies in response to adolescent obesity-management interventions. Both non-modifiable and modifiable factors may influence body mass index (BMI) and body fat variance, influencing interventions' outcomes. The predictive value of both non-modifiable and modifiable factors largely overlaps, making lighter the burden of the former and highlighting the value of lifestyle changes. Among modifiable factors, vigorous physical activity standouts as the factor with the best (negative) association with BMI and body fat variance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective and safe exercise protocols for obesity management in adolescents are imperative. This study aimed to analyse compliance, efficacy, and safety of combined high-intensity interval training circuit (HIIT) in the management of obesity (including overweight) in adolescents, compared to traditional training (TT). Data from 55 adolescents (47.3% girls) (TT n = 31; HIIT n = 24), aged 12–18 (mean age of 14.3 ± 1.7), with overweight and obesity (median BMI z-score of 2.95), were assessed at baseline and month 6 (Clinicaltrials.gov/NCT02941770). During the 6-month intervention, participants in both exercise groups attended two exercise sessions/week (60 min/session) along with a set of appointments with a paediatrician, nutritionist, and exercise physiologist. Forty-six participants completed the intervention (TT n = 23; HIIT n = 23). Exercise session attendance (≥80%) was significantly higher among HIIT participants (73.9 vs. 13.0%, p <.001). HIIT, but not TT, showed a significant decrease in BMI z-score (d = 0.40, p <.001), body fat mass (BFM, %) (d = 0.41, p =.001), and trunk fat mass (d = 0.56, p <.001), as well as a significant increase in muscle mass (MM, %) (d = 0.28, p =.001) between baseline and 6 months. According to generalized estimating equations, time-by-attendance interactions (instead of time-by group) were found in BMI z-score (β = 0.25, 95%CI: 0.17, 0.33), BFM (β = 2.29, 95%CI: 1.02, 3.56), trunk fat mass (β = 2.94, 95%CI: 1.70, 4.18), and MM (β = −1.16, 95%CI: −1.87, −0.45). No adverse events were reported during HIIT sessions. Although compliance may mediate the impact of an exercise protocol on health-related outcomes, HIIT showed to be safe, with higher compliance compared to TT, which may result in improved outcomes overtime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]