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The aim of the study was to describe anthropometric and physical characteristics of elite young road-race motorcyclists (MC). 27 riders (15.6 ± 1.1 years, 54.6 ± 6.9 kg, 166.9 ± 6.7 cm) competing at international elite level participated in this study. Anthropometric variables, hand grip and lumbar isometric strength, and lower-body muscular strength were measured. Comparisons of the MC and a reference group of Spanish physically active adolescents (16.0 ± 0.6 years) showed that the riders were significantly lighter (-12.5 kg), and smaller (-4.7 cm). Riders also had significantly lower values for almost all skinfolds, and for all the measured girths (except forearm) than the reference group. Motorcyclists showed significantly less percent body fat (%BF) and higher muscle mass, and differences were observed for somatotype components compared to the reference group, except for the ectomorphy. Somatotype could be defined as mesomorphic-ectomorph (2.5-4.4-3.7). Mean (±SD) values of all riders were 34.8 ± 5.0 cm for vertical jump height, 402.1 ± 74.5 N for the right hand and 370.7 ± 77.5 N for the left hand strengths, and 120.6 ± 19.3 kg for lumbar isometric strength, respectively. Results demonstrate that MC are small and light, with lower body mass index, skinfolds, girth and breadth dimensions, and %BF than a reference group and other athletes, with high values of hand grip and lumbar isometric 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to study associations of maximal strength and muscular endurance with inflammatory biomarkers independent of cardiorespiratory fitness in those with and without abdominal obesity. 686 young healthy men participated (25 ± 5 years). Maximal strength was measured via isometric testing using dynamometers to determine maximal strength index. Muscular endurance index consisted of pushups, sit-ups and repeated squats. An indirect cycle ergometer test until exhaustion was used to estimate maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 max). Participants were stratified according to those with ( > 102 cm) and those without abdominal obesity ( < 102 cm) based on waist circumference. Infl ammatory factors (C-reactive protein, interleukin- 6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha) were analysed from serum samples. Maximal strength and muscular endurance were inversely associated with IL-6 in those with (β = - 0.49, - 0.39, respectively) (p < 0.05) and in those without abdominal obesity (β = - 0.08, - 0.14, respectively) (p < 0.05) adjusted for smoking and cardiorespiratory fitness. After adjusting for smoking and cardiorespiratory fitness, maximal strength and muscular endurance were inversely associated with CRP only in those without abdominal obesity (β = - 0.11, - 0.26, respectively) (p < 0.05). This cross-sectional study demonstrated that muscular fitness is inversely associated with C-reactive protein and IL-6 concentrations in young adult men independent of cardiorespiratory fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine if month of birth affects performance in 3 tests of physical function in children and adolescents. We measured cardiorespiratory fitness, handgrip strength and lower-body power expressed them relative to (whole year) age then compared scores between calendar year birth-months. We also expressed test performance as the likelihood of achieving criterion-referenced fitness standards. There were significant main effects of birth-month for cardiorespiratory fitness (F = 4.54, p < 0.001), strength (F = 6.81, p < 0.001) and power (F = 3.67, p < 0.001). Children born in November were fitter and more powerful than those born at other times, particularly the summer months (April, May and June). October-born children were stronger than those born in all months except September and November. This relationship was evident despite controlling for decimal age and despite no significant inter-month differences in anthropometric characteristics. There is a clear physical advantage for those born in the autumn and this may explain some of the bias in sports selection attributed to the relative age effect, particularly when the British school-year (September) cut-off is used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the renal effects of a high-intensity exercise (HIE) program based on strength training. 20 Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 2 experimental groups performing HIE or control over 12 weeks. Urinary volume, pH, citrate and calcium, and plasma urea, total proteins, creatinine, albumin, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase (CK), calcium, magnesium, corticosterone and testosterone were measured. We also studied renal morphology with the Fibrosis HR ® software. Plasma urea and CK concentrations were higher in the HIE compared to the control group (p < 0.05), whereas plasma creatinine was lower (p < 0.01). Plasma corticosterone was higher (p < 0.05) and testosterone lower (p < 0.01) in the HIE group. Except for the higher urinary volume found in the HIE group (p < 0.05), no differences between groups were observed in the rest of urinary parameters analyzed. Renal interstitial connective tissue was ~30 % higher in the HIE group (p < 0.05). Glomerular tufts and mesangial areas were also higher in the HIE group (all, p < 0.05). No differences between groups were observed in the glomerular area. Overall, HIE promoted a worse morphological renal profile that might be associated with a higher risk for incidence of kidney disease in the long-term. The stress induced by the type of exercise performed could be on the basis of this worse morphological renal status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives were 1) to evaluate the hamstring muscle flexibility in children and adolescents; 2) to examine the relative contribution of the spinal curvatures, pelvic tilt and hamstring flexibility on the sit-and-reach (SR) score; and 3) to determine the validity of the sit-and-reach test through both active and passive hip flexion tests. 118 children and adolescents (aged 7–18 years; 60 males and 58 females) were tested for sit-and- reach (SR), passive straight leg raise (PSLR) and active straight leg raise (ASLR). The spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt were assessed during the SR test by means of the Spinal Mouse system. Females showed a statistically greater anterior pelvic tilt, distance reached in the SR test and hip flexion in both PSLR and ASLR tests than males. The pelvic tilt independently explained more than 60 % of the variance (distance reached in the SR test) and in conjunction with lumbar flexion explained more than 80 % of the variance. In conclusion, the pelvic tilt is the main determinant of SR test in school age children. The SR test can be considered an appropriate and valid test for evaluating pelvic tilt and lumbar flexion in school age children, but not to measure hamstring flexibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tai-Chi has shown benefits in physical and psychological outcomes in diverse populations. We aimed to determine the changes elicited by a Tai-Chi program (12 and 24 weeks) in acute pain (before vs. after session) in fibromyalgia patients. We also assessed the cumulative changes in pain brought about by a Tai-Chi program. Thirty-six patients (29 women) with fibromyalgia participated in a low-moderate intensity Tai-Chi program for 12 weeks (3 sessions/week). Twenty-eight patients (27 women) continued the program for an additional 12 weeks (i. e., 24 weeks). We assessed pain by means of a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before and after each single session (i. e., 72 sessions). We observed significant immediate changes (P-values from 0.037 to 0.0001) with an approximately 12% mean decrease of acute pain in the comparison of VAS-values before and after each session (72 sessions in total), with the exception of 4 sessions. We observed significant changes in cumulative pain pre-session (95% CI = -0.019; -0.014; P < 0.001) and cumulative pain post-session (95% CI = -0.021; -0.015; P < 0.001) along the 24-week intervention only. In conclusion, a low-moderate intensity Tai-Chi program for 12 weeks (3 times/ week) decreased levels of acute pain in fibromyalgia patients. A longer period is necessary (e. g. 24 weeks) for observing cumulative changes in pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to study the associations of maximal strength and muscular endurance with single and clustered cardiovascular risk factors. Muscular endurance, maximal strength, cardiorespiratory fi tness and waist circumference were measured in 686 young men (25 ± 5 years). Cardiovascular risk factors (plasma glucose, serum high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure) were determined. The risk factors were transformed to z-scores and the mean of values formed clustered cardiovascular risk factor. Muscular endurance was inversely associated with triglycerides, s-LDL-cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure (β = - 0.09 to - 0.23, p < 0.05), and positively with s-HDL cholesterol (β = 0.17, p < 0.001) independent of cardiorespiratory fi tness. Muscular endurance was negatively associated with the clustered cardiovascular risk factor independent of cardiorespiratory fi tness (β = - 0.26, p < 0.05), whereas maximal strength was not associated with any of the cardiovascular risk factors or the clustered cardiovascular risk factor independent of cardiorespiratory fi tness. Furthermore, cardiorespiratory fi tness was inversely associated with triglycerides, s-LDLcholesterol and the clustered cardiovascular risk factor (β = - 0.14 to - 0.24, p < 0.005), as well as positively with s-HDL cholesterol (β = 0.11, p < 0.05) independent of muscular fi tness. This cross-sectional study demonstrated that in young men muscular endurance and cardiorespiratory fi tness were independently associated with the clustering of cardiovascular risk factors, whereas maximal strength was not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information regarding osteogenic effects of physical activity performed on different playing surfaces is scarce. A total of 42 children (9.2 ± 0.2 years, Tanner stages I-II) participated in this study. 14 were playing on artificial turf soft ground (SG), 14 on a natural non-grass hard ground (HG) and 14 were assigned to the sedentary control group (C). Whole body and hip scans (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry), anthropometric variables (weight and height) and physical fitness (VO2max) were determined in all participants. Bone mineral content (BMC) values were higher in the SG group compared to the C group at the legs (209.75 ± 5.11 g vs. 187.42 ± 5.14 g, respectively), pelvis (122.72 ± 4.27 g vs. 98.58 ± 4.29 g respectively) and whole-body level (1 126.1 ± 22.81 g vs. 1 035.34 ± 22.92 g, respectively). The hard ground (HG) group also showed higher values in the majority of BMC variables compared to the C group. Additionally, bone mineral density (BMD) was significantly higher at all sites of the hip in both active groups compared to control (P < 0.05). No differences between HG and SG were found. In summary, similar bone mass accretion is obtained by prepubescent footballers independently of the surface on which they practice football. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of an 8-weeks training period of resistance training alone (GR), combined resistance and endurance training (GCON) and a control group (GC) on explosive strength and VO2max in a large sample of prepubescent boys and girls. 125 healthy children (58 boys, 67 girls), aged 10-11 years old (10.8 ± 0.4 years) were assigned into 2 training groups to train twice a week for 8 weeks: GR (19 boys, 22 girls), GCON (21 boys, 24 girls) and a control group (GC: 18 boys, 21 girls; no training program). A significant but medium-sized increase from pre- to the post-training in the vertical jump (Effect size = 0.22, F = 34.44, p < 0.01) and VO2max (Effect size = 0.19, F = 32.89, p < 0.01) was observed. A significant large increase in the 1 kg (Effect size = 0.53, F = 202.17, p < 0.01) and 3 kg (Effect size = 0.48, F = 132.1, p < 0.01) ball throwing, standing long jump (Effect size = 0.53, F = 72.93, p < 0.01) and running speed (Effect size = 0.45, F = 122.21, p < 0.01) was also observed. The training group (GR and GCON) and sex factors did not significantly influence the evolution of strength variables from pre- to the post-training. The VO2max increased significantly only in GCON. Concurrent training is equally effective on training-induced explosive strength, and more efficient than resistance training only for VO2max, in prepubescent boys and girls. This should be taken into consideration in order to optimize strength training school-based programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to analyze the associations between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), waist circumference (WC) and metabolic risk in children and adolescents. Participants were 633 subjects (58.7 % girls) ages 10-18 years. Metabolic risk score (MRS) was calculated from HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose and mean arterial pressure. MRS was dichotomized into low and high metabolic risk (HMRS). CRF was defined as the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) estimated from the 20 m Shuttle Run Test. The first quartile of CRF was set as the low fitness group. The fourth quartile of WC was defined as high central adiposity. With adjustments for age, sex and WC, CRF was correlated with MRS (r = −0.095; p < 0.05). WC was correlated with MRS (r = 0.150; p < 0.001) after adjustments for age, sex and CRF. Participants who had low fitness levels, presented higher levels of MRS (p < 0.001) compared to those who were fit, even after adjustment for age, sex and WC. In comparison with subjects who were fit with normal central adiposity, an increased odds ratio (OR) for being at HMRS was found for participants who were of low fitness level with high central adiposity (OR = 2.934; 95 %CI = 1.690 −5.092) and for those who were of low fitness with normal central adiposity (OR = 2.234; 95 %CI = 1.116 −4.279). Results suggest that CRF relates to MRS independently of central adiposity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic and extended musculoskeletal pain. The combination of exercise therapy with the warm water may be an appropriate treatment. However, studies focusing on the analysis of immediate pain during and after an exercise session are rare. This study aimed to determine the immediate changes of a warm water pool-based exercise program (12 weeks) on pain (before vs. after session) in female fibromyalgia patients. 33 Spanish women with fibromyalgia were selected to participate in a 12 weeks (2 sessions/week) low-moderate intensity warm water pool-based program. We assessed pain by means of a Visual Analogue Scale before and after each single session (i. e., 24 sessions). We observed immediate benefits on pain with a mean decrease ~15 % in all sessions, except in the fourth one. There was an association of pain difference (pre-post) session with pain pre session (p = 0.005; β = 0.097 ± 0.034) and with age (p < 0.001; β = 0.032 ± 0.008). There were no significant accumulative differences on pain, pre session, post session, and pre-post changes (all p > 0.05). Therefore this study showed that a warm water pool-based exercise program for 12 weeks (2 times/week) led to a positive immediate decrease in level of pain in female patients with fibromyalgia. Improvements were higher in older women and in those with more intense pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]