Search

Despite the importance of the developing cerebellum on cognition, the associations between physical fitness and cerebellar volume in adolescents remain unclear. We explored the associations of physical fitness with gray matter (GM) volume of VI, VIIb and Crus I & II, which are cerebellar lobules related to cognition, in 40 (22 females; 17.9 ± 0.8 year‐old) adolescents, and whether the associations were sex‐specific. Peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) and power were assessed by maximal ramp test on a cycle ergometer, muscular strength with standing long jump (SLJ), speed‐agility with the shuttle‐run test (SRT), coordination with the Box and Block Test (BBT) and neuromuscular performance index (NPI) as the sum of SLJ, BBT and SRT z‐scores. Body composition was measured using a dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Cerebellar volumes were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. V̇O2peak relative to lean mass was inversely associated with the GM volume of the cerebellum (standardized regression coefficient (β) = −0.038, 95% confidence interval (CI) ‐0.075 to 0.001, p = 0.044). Cumulative NPI was positively associated with the GM volume of Crus I (β = 0.362, 95% CI 0.045 to 0.679, p = 0.027). In females, better performance in SRT was associated with a larger GM volume of Crus I (β = −0.373, 95% CI ‐0.760 to −0.028, p = 0.036). In males, cumulative NPI was inversely associated with the GM volume of Crus II (β = −0.793, 95% CI ‐1.579 to −0.008 p = 0.048). Other associations were nonsignificant. In conclusion, cardiorespiratory fitness, neuromuscular performance and speed‐agility were associated with cerebellar GM volume, and the strength and direction of associations were sex‐specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The barbell squat is a multijoint exercise often employed by athletes and fitness enthusiasts due to its beneficial effects on functional and morphological neuromuscular adaptations. This study compared the effects of squat variations on lower limb muscle strength and hypertrophy adaptations. Twenty‐four recreationally trained females were assigned to a 12‐week front squat (FS; n = 12) or back squat (BS; n = 12) resistance training protocol (twice per week). Maximum dynamic strength (1‐RM) on the 45° leg press, a nonspecific strength test, and muscle thickness of the proximal, middle, and distal portions of the lateral thigh were assessed at baseline and post‐training. A significant time versus group interaction was observed for 1‐RM values (F(1,22) = 10.53; p = 0.0004), indicating that BS training elicits greater improvements in muscle strength compared with FS training (p = 0.048). No time versus group interactions were found for muscle thickness (F(1,22) = 0.103; p = 0.752); however, there was a significant main effect of time for the proximal (F(1,22) = 7.794; p = 0.011), middle (F(1,22) = 7.091; p = 0.014), and distal portions (F(1,22) = 7.220; p = 0.013) of the lateral thigh. There were no between‐group differences for any muscle thickness portion (proximal: p = 0.971; middle: p = 0.844; and distal: p = 0.510). Our findings suggest that BS elicits greater improvements in lower limb muscle strength on the 45° leg press than FS, but hypertrophic adaptations are similar regardless of variations during the squat exercise. Highlights: Back squat training elicited greater strength‐related improvements in a nonspecific strength test than front squat training.Hypertrophic adaptations of the lateral thigh are similar between both squat variations.Both squat variations elicited similar growth at proximal, middle, and distal regions of the lateral thigh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscular strength has been positively associated with better brain health indicators during childhood obesity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the positive impact of muscular strength in brain health are poorly understood. We aimed to study the association of muscular strength with neurology‐related circulating proteins in plasma in children with overweight/obesity and to explore the role of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) as a confounder. The participants were 86 Caucasian children (10.1 ± 1.1 years old; 41% girls) from the ActiveBrains project. Muscular strength was measured by field and laboratory tests. CRF was assessed with an incremental treadmill test. Olink's technology was used to quantify 92 neurology‐related proteins in plasma. Protein–protein interactions were computed using the STRING website. Muscular strength was positively associated with 12 proteins (BetaNGF, CDH6, CLEC10A, CLM1, FcRL2, HAGH, IL12, LAIR2, MSR1, SCARB2, SMOC2, and TNFRSF12A), and negatively associated with 12 proteins (CLEC1B, CTSC, CTSS, gal‐8, GCP5, NAAA, NrCAM, NTRK2, PLXNB3, RSPO1, sFRP3, and THY1). After adjustment for CRF, muscular strength was positively associated with eight proteins (BetaNGF, CDH6, CLEC10A, FcRL2, LAIR2, MSR1, SCARB2, and TNFRSF12A) and negatively associated with two proteins (gal‐8 and NrCAM). After applying FDR correction, only CLEC10A remained statistically significant. In conclusion, muscular strength was associated with blood circulating proteins involved in several biological processes, particularly anti‐inflammatory response, lipid metabolism, beta amyloid clearance, and neuronal action potential propagation. More powered studies are warranted in pediatric populations to contrast or confirm our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adductor longus injuries are usually observed at the proximal musculo‐tendinous junction, but isolated tendinous ruptures (i.e., avulsion) at the origin on the pubic bone are uncommon. In this article, we report a new case of isolated adductor longus avulsion that occurred in a young athlete and was treated with conservative therapy. An 18 years old semi‐professional football player, in the attempt to reach the ball with his right leg, reported acute pain and functional limitation in his left adductor area. Clinical examination showed tenderness on palpation associated with mild swelling. Manual strength testing of adductor muscles showed weakness and elicited moderate pain in the proximal groin region near the pubic bone. The diagnostic evaluations (ultrasound [3–14 MHz linear probe] and magnetic resonance imaging [1.5 Tesla magnetic field]), performed a few days after the event, showed a complete isolated avulsion of the proximal adductor longus tendon associated with a fluid collection, with a gap of about 9.5 mm from its insertion on the pubic bone. Degenerative alterations (sub‐chondral sclerosis, bone edema, erosions, cortical irregularities, calcifications) were found. These findings were crucial in the treatment choice because conservative management is suggested when the gap is below 1 cm and when no important displacement of proximal torn tendon's end at dynamic ultrasound is appreciated. A structured rehabilitation protocol was implemented, allowing the player to come back to his full athletic activity after 146 days. Return to play was allowed when several subjective and objective parameters were fully satisfied (full hip range of motion, pain‐free football‐specific activities, less than a 5%–10% difference in hip adduction strength between the injured and uninjured legs, advanced anatomical healing of the adductor longus tendon seen on diagnostic exams, and Hip And Groin Outcome Score [HAGOS] scores similar to baseline data). This case report emphasizes the importance of diagnostic imaging and clinical assessments in the management of an adductor longus avulsion with short retraction (about 1 cm). Both imaging techniques are non‐invasive and without risks, allow contra‐lateral examination and may guide in the treatment choice; moreover, they significantly influence the post‐care approach by enabling to fine‐tune a safe return to full athletic activity with minor re‐injury rate. While US can be used as primary imaging modality, MRI offers a higher level of accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 14‐week resistance training programme implemented with high levels of effort to improve physical fitness in people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) living in group homes. Methods: Fifty‐two individuals with mild to moderate IDs participated in the experimental (n = 27; 15 men) or control groups (n = 25; 14 men). Participants performed 2 familiarisation sessions, 1 pretest, 42 training sessions (14 weeks × 3 sessions; only the experimental group) and 1 posttest. The testing sessions comprised the evaluation of body composition, static balance and muscle strength. The training sessions included four blocks: (1) dynamic bodyweight exercises, (2) dynamic exercises performed against external loads, (3) ballistic exercises and (4) static exercises. Results: The main findings revealed that all variables related to body composition and muscle strength improved more after the intervention period in the experimental group than the control group, whereas the improvements in static balance for the experimental groups were lower than for the remaining variables used as markers of physical fitness. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of prescribing specific moderate‐intensity to high‐intensity resistance training programmes to improve body composition and muscle strength for people with IDs living in group homes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To examine the association between physical activity, sedentary time, and physical fitness with the shapes of subcortical brain structures in children with overweight/obesity. Further, we analyzed whether differences in the shapes of subcortical brain structures were related to intelligence. We hypothesized that those children with higher physical activity levels, lower sedentary time, and better fitness, would show greater expansion of the brain regions analyzed, and these expansions would be associated with higher intelligence. Study Design: 100 children (10.0 ± 1.1 years, 40 girls) were included in the analyses. Physical activity and sedentary time were measured by accelerometry, and physical fitness was evaluated by a fitness battery. Shapes of subcortical brain structures were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. Intelligence was measured by the Kaufmann Brief Intelligence test. Results: Physical activity was related to expansion of the right/left pallidum, right/left putamen, and right thalamus (p < 0.05). Higher sedentary time was related to contraction of the left thalamus and right nucleus accumbens (p < 0.05). Higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness were associated with expansion of the right amygdala (p = 0.022). Greater strength in the upper‐limb was related to expansion of the right/left pallidum and the left nucleus accumbens (p < 0.038), and contraction of the left amygdala (p = 0.030). Better speed‐agility was associated with expansion of the left nucleus accumbens (p = 0.036). Physical activity‐ and fitness‐related expansion of the right pallidum was associated with higher intelligence (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: Physical activity, sedentary time, and physical fitness were significantly related to the shapes of subcortical brain structures, which in turn were related to intelligence in children with overweight/obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the individual and combined impact of physical fitness components at baseline on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at 24-month follow-up in adolescents. This longitudinal research included 199 adolescents (13.9±0.3 years at baseline) from the DADOS study. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed using the 20-m shuttle run test. Muscular strength was assessed using the standing broad jump test. Motor competence was assessed using the 4 × 10-m shuttle run test. A physical fitness z-score was calculated as the mean of the z-scores values of each fitness test. A fitness index ranging from 0 to 3 was created according to the number of physical fitness components in which participants achieved high levels according to normative values. HRQoL was evaluated by the KIDSCREEN-10 questionnaire. Linear regression analyses showed that cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and the physical fitness z-score at baseline were individually associated with HRQoL at follow-up (β ranging from 0.123 to 0.183; all p < 0.05). Moreover, logistic regression analysis revealed that adolescents with a fitness index ≥1 at baseline were more likely to achieve high HRQoL at 24-month follow-up, compared with their peers with an index of 0 (OR ranging from 3.554 to 9.087; all p < 0.05). Our results revealed an individual and cumulative positive impact of physical fitness at baseline on HRQoL at 24-month follow-up. These findings underline the key role of promoting the enhancement of overall physical fitness components in order to improve adolescents' health and well-being. Highlights Adolescents with high levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and motor competence will benefit from a greater physical and mental well-being over the time. The more physical fitness components with optimal levels, the greater likelihood of reaching better HRQoL over the time. Public health authorities should focus on the promotion of multiple physical fitness components to increase adolescent's likelihood of achieving greater HRQoL over the time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It has been established that for youth without disabilities, muscular strength (MS) is negatively associated with total and central adiposity. However, this relationship has not been clearly established for youth with intellectual disability (ID). The purpose of this study was to examine the association of MS with total and central adiposity in adolescents with ID. Method: Participants were 59 adolescents (40 males and 19 females: age 16.29 ± 1.66 years) with ID. Total and central adiposity were evaluated with dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), body mass index (BMI), BMI z‐score, waist circumference (WC), and conicity index (C‐index). MS was evaluated with the score on the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (range, 0 to 42, with higher scores indicating better performance). Sex‐specific maturity offset equations were used to evaluate somatic maturity. Spearman's correlation coefficients and sequential multiple regression were used to examine associations between MS and adiposity. Results: Muscular strength score was negatively associated with BMI (sr = −0.32; P < 0.05), percent body fat (%BF; total, trunk, android and gynoid regions) (sr = −0.51 to −0.58; P < 0.01), and android‐to‐gynoid fat ratio (sr = −0.29; P < 0.05). After control for somatic maturity and sex, regression analysis indicated that MS score explained 10%–17% of the variance in BMI, BMI z‐score, %BF (total, trunk, android and gynoid regions), WC, C‐index and android‐to‐gynoid fat ratio. Conclusions: These findings suggest that MS is associated with DXA‐ and anthropometric‐determined total and central adiposity among adolescents with ID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To examine the relationship between physical fitness and physical activity (PA) with specific abdominal fat depots and their potential implications for cardiometabolic risk and insulin resistance (IR) in children with overweight/obesity. Materials and Methods: A total of 116 children with overweight/obesity (10.7 ± 1.1 year, 54% girls) participated in the study. Abdominal visceral (VAT), subcutaneous (ASAT), and intermuscular abdominal adipose tissue (IMAAT) were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. The cardiometabolic risk (MetS) score and the insulin resistance homeostasis model assessment (HOMA‐IR) were calculated. Health‐related physical fitness components (treadmill test, and 20 m shuttle run, handgrip, standing broad jump and 4 × 10 m tests) were evaluated, and PA was measured (accelerometry). Children were categorized as fit or unfit for each specific fitness test, and as active or inactive. Results: Higher VAT, ASAT, and IMAAT were associated with higher MetS score and HOMA‐IR (all p < 0.02). A better performance in all fitness tests and total and vigorous PA were strongly associated with lower VAT (all p < 0.04), ASAT (all p < 0.005), and IMAAT (all p < 0.005). Fit or active children had lower VAT, ASAT, and IMAAT (all p < 0.03) than their unfit or inactive counterparts. Conclusion: These results reinforce the importance of having adequate fitness and PA levels to reduce abdominal fat accumulation in children. Given that VAT, ASAT, and IMAAT are associated with higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes, the improvement of physical fitness by the promotion of PA should be goals of lifestyle interventions for improving health in children with overweight/obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weaker hamstrings muscular forces and lower ratio of the hamstrings/quadriceps muscular forces in female athletes have been identified as modifiable risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. However, sex differences in athletes' ability to react to visual cues (Choice Visual‐Motor Reaction Time: VMRT) and to generate knee muscular forces (rate of force development: RFD) immediately following the visual cues were largely unknown. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to examine sex differences in Choice VMRT and RFD. A total of 50 high school basketball athletes (26F/24 M) participated in the study. Subjects sat in the knee dynamometer chair with their knee secured at 70° of knee flexion and performed knee extension or flexion maximum voluntary isometric contractions immediately after they saw the visual cue: "UP" or "DOWN" arrows, respectively. Choice VMRT was defined as the time between the visual cue and the initiation of muscular force development (>5Newtons). RFD was calculated by dividing the changes in forces over the changes in time at four time points (0–50/100/150/200 ms). Peak muscular forces and RFD were normalized to their body mass. Average of three trials in each direction (flexion and extension) in each leg was used for statistical analyses. Females had significantly slower Choice VMRT (p < 0.001–0.027) and lower knee extension RFD at 100 ms (p = 0.005). In addition, females had significantly higher knee flexion/extension ratio than males in late RFD (150 ms and 200 ms) (p < 0.004). The current study has provided additional sensorimotor characteristics of athletes and sexes in addition to their knee muscular characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

External load influences internal load in resistance training (RT). The purpose of the present study was to compare the total volume-load, perceptual and stress responses during three different RT protocols. Twelve resistance-trained men completed three different RT protocols with the back squat and bench press exercises: (1) power (POW) (5 sets of 6 repetitions at 50%1RM, 2-min of rest), (2) hypertrophy (HYP) (5 sets-to-failure at 75%1RM, 2-min of rest), and (3) strength (STR) (5 sets-to-failure at 90%1RM, 3-min of rest). Volume-load (kg × reps.), session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE), training impulse (TRIMP; reps. × sRPE), cortisol, immunoglobulin A (IgA), lactate, and creatine kinase (CK) were assessed before and/or after the sessions. HYP was the most demanding session in terms of volume-load (p < 0.001), TRIMP (p < 0.001), cortisol (p = 0.001), lactate (p < 0.001), and CK (p = 0.001). Despite POW exhibited a greater volume-load than STR (p = 0.016), the latter exhibiting a greater sRPE (p < 0.001), and a greater post-session CK (p = 0.05). However, the TRIMP of STR and POW were not statistically different (152 vs. 260 AU; p = 0.089). These specific responses could be meditated by the presence of muscular failure. When pooling all the sessions, significant correlations were revealed among external and internal stress markers (r = 0.35–0.80; p ≤ 0.05). The use of TRIMP could be recommended as a simple and valid monitoring tool which integrates into a single parameter the internal and the external loads of RT sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to assess the longitudinal associations of physical activity (PA) with body composition and physical fitness (PF) at the 12‐month follow‐up during the transition from kindergarten to school in Estonian children aged 6 to 8 years (n = 147). PA and sedentary behavior (SB) were assessed using the accelerometer. Body composition was measured from triceps and subscapular skinfold thicknesses and PF using PREFIT test battery. SB at the mean age of 6.6 year had negative relation with upper and lower body strength and motor fitness at the mean age of 7.6 year in adjusted models. Light PA (LPA) and moderate PA(MPA) at 6.6 year were positively and SB was negatively associated with fat‐free mass index (FFMI) at 7.6 year after adjustments for confounders [vigorous PA (VPA), total awake wear time, child's sex, age at measurement]. Substituting 5 min/d of SB at 6.6 year with 5 min of VPA was related to higher FFMI at 7.6 year. In adjusted models, VPA at 6.6 year was positively associated with cardiorespiratory fitness at 7.6 year, greater baseline VPA or moderate‐to‐vigorous PA (MVPA) predicted greater upper body strength a year later and LPA, MPA, VPA, MVPA at 6.6 year were positively related to lower body strength at follow‐up. In adjusted analysis greater VPA at 6.6 year was related to better motor fitness at follow‐up. Promoting higher‐intensity PA and reducing SB at preschool may have long‐term effects on body composition and PF in children at the first grade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cirrhosis is the end‐stage of progressive fibrosis, in which oxidative stress and inflammation‐related pathways can modulate the cellular and tissue events involved in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Dietary intake of antioxidants has been suggested to protect against oxidative damage and related clinical complications. The present study aimed to investigate the potential association of the dietary total antioxidant capacity (dTAC) with anthropometric, functional and biochemical markers, as well as the severity of the disease, in cirrhotic outpatients. Methods: Sixty‐two outpatients (38 men and 24 women) with a mean (SD) age of 59.1 (9.9) years were evaluated. Dietary TAC was estimated from a food frequency questionnaire. Aetiology and severity of liver cirrhosis, lifestyle characteristics, occurrence of comorbidities and oedema, and anthropometric, functional and biochemical markers were all assessed. Results: Cirrhotic outpatients with higher dTAC also had higher values of the hand‐grip strength (P = 0.029) and arm muscle area (P = 0.027). After adjusting by sex, age, smoking and alcohol intake, the addition of 1 mmol day−1 of dTAC contributed to increase 0.552 kg f−1 in hand‐grip strength (P < 0.05). The addition of one mmol day−1 of dTAC contributed to an arm muscle area increase 0.565 cm2 (P < 0.05) on average. Conclusions: The dTAC was positively associated with hand‐grip strength and arm muscle area in cirrhotic outpatients. The implications of the present study are important in clinical practice because a diet rich in antioxidants may be an ally in the control of excessive reactive oxygen species production in cirrhotic outpatients with repercussion on muscle mass and strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: A number of small-scale, single-country studies have suggested that muscular weakness may be a biomarker for cognitive health, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. However, multinational, representative studies are lacking, particularly from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Thus, we assessed the association between muscular strength (measured by maximal handgrip) and MCI in six LMICs (China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa), using nationally representative data.Methods: Cross-sectional, community-based data on individuals aged 50 years or older from the World Health Organization's Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health were analyzed. MCI was defined according to the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association criteria. Weak handgrip strength was defined as less than 30 kg for men and less than 20 kg for women using the average value of two handgrip measurements of the dominant hand. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between muscular strength and MCI.Results: A total of 32 715 participants were included (mean age 62 ± SD 15.6 y and 51.7% female). The prevalence of MCI and weak handgrip strength was 15.3% (95% CI, 14.4%-16.3%) and 46.5% (95% CI, 43.6%-49.5%), respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders, weak handgrip strength was associated with 1.41 (95% CI, 1.23-1.61) times higher odds for MCI. The corresponding figures for those aged 50 to 64 years and 65 years or older were 1.35 (95% CI, 1.14-1.60) and 1.54 (95% CI, 1.27-1.86), respectively.Conclusions: Muscular weakness may provide a clinically useful indicator of MCI risk. Increasing our understanding of the connection between muscular and cognitive function could ultimately lead to the development and broader implementation of resistance training interventions targeting both physical and cognitive health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We investigated whether exercise‐mediated acquisition of muscle mass and strength would occur in a concurrent manner in older adults. Methods: A total of 152 community‐dwelling older adults (young‐old aged 65–74 years, old‐old aged >75 years) were allocated into either 8‐week comprehensive exercise training or the control group. Participants (n = 136) completed all pre‐ and post‐intervention testing visits (young‐old n = 73, old‐old n = 63). Older adults in exercise groups were subjected to a series of programmed elastic band and free exercises twice per week at three to five sets of 15–20 repetitions. Body composition, skeletal muscle mass, knee strength (extensors and flexors) and gait‐related physical function were evaluated as main variables. Results: As expected, muscular mass and knee strength (both extensors and flexors) were inversely correlated with age in the old‐old group (all P < 0.001). However, knee extensor strength was the only lower limb component inversely correlated with age in the young‐old group (P < 0.043). Knee extensor strength was significantly increased by exercise training in both the young‐old and old‐old groups (young old P < 0.042, old‐old P < 0.011). Training‐induced muscle hypertrophy was observed only in the young‐old group (P < 0.025). the correlation of knee extensor strength against gait‐related physical function was the greatest, followed by knee flexor strength and muscle mass. Conclusions: The present results showed that age‐associated strength decline of the knee extensor occurs earlier compared with the knee flexor during the aging process, and exercise training increases muscular strength without significant changes of muscle mass in older adults aged aged ≥75 years. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 265–270. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The specific role of different strength measures on mortality risk needs to be clarified to gain a better understanding of the clinical importance of different muscle groups, as well as to inform intervention protocols in relation to reducing early mortality. The aim of the systematic review and meta‐analysis was to determine the relationship between muscular strength and risk of cancer mortality. Eligible cohort studies were those that examined the association between muscular strength, as assessed using validated tests, and cancer mortality in healthy youth and adults. The hazard ratio (HR) estimates obtained were pooled using random effects meta‐analysis models. The outcome was cancer mortality assessed using the HR (Cox proportional hazards model). Eleven prospective studies with 1 309 413 participants were included, and 9787 cancer‐specific deaths were reported. Overall, greater handgrip (HR = 0.97, 95% CI, 0.92‐1.02; P = .055; I2 = 18.9%) and knee extension strength (HR = 0.98, 95% CI, 0.95‐1.00; P = .051; I2 = 60.6%) were barely significant associated with reduced risk of cancer mortality. Our study suggests that higher level of muscular strength is not statistically associated with lower risk of cancer mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine whether physical activity (PA) and muscular strength (MS) are related to polypharmacy. Our cross‐sectional analysis was based on 711 patients with multimorbidity (MMB), aged 65‐94 years, who participated in the KORA‐Age study. Participants underwent a face‐to‐face interview and extensive physical examinations including anthropometric measurements, registration of chronic diseases, determination of health‐related behaviors (smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, etc.), collection of blood samples and measurement of hand‐grip strength. PPha was defined as the use of >4 drugs and MMB as having ≥2 of 13 chronic diseases. Prevalence of PPha was 44.6% (n=317), and a significant difference was found in the number of drugs used between participants with and without PPha (7.2±2.1 vs 2.5±1.2, P<.001). Patients in the lower compared to the upper tertile of physical activity had a significantly increased odds to be on PPha (OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.05‐2.56, P=.031) after controlling for age, gender, BMI, family status, education, alcohol intake, smoking habits, number of diseases, hs‐CRP, and telomere length. On the contrary, no significant association between muscular strength and PPha was found (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.66‐1.63, P=.873) after multivariable adjustment. Among older persons with MMB, lower levels of physical activity, but not low muscular strength, are associated with higher odds of PPha. Increasing the levels of physical activity appears to be highly recommended in order to potentially reduce the risk of PPha among multimorbid persons aged 65 and older. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A randomized controlled trial was conducted to examine eight weeks of resistance training (RT) with and without time-restricted feeding (TRF) in order to assess nutrient intake and changes in body composition and muscular strength in young recreationally active males. The TRF programme consisted of consuming all calories within a four-hour period of time for four days per week, but included no limitations on quantities or types of foods consumed. The RT programme was performed three days per week and consisted of alternating upper and lower body workouts. For each exercise, four sets leading to muscular failure between 8 and 12 repetitions were employed. Research visits were conducted at baseline, four, and eight weeks after study commencement. Measurements of total body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and muscle cross-sectional area by ultrasound were obtained. Upper and lower body strength and endurance were assessed, and four-day dietary records were collected. TRF reduced energy intake by ∼650 kcal per day of TRF, but did not affect total body composition within the duration of the study. Cross-sectional area of the biceps brachii and rectus femoris increased in both groups. Effect size data indicate a gain in lean soft tissue in the group that performed RT without TRF (+2.3 kg,d = 0.25). Upper and lower body strength and lower body muscular endurance increased in both groups, but effect sizes demonstrate greater improvements in the TRF group. Overall, TRF reduced energy intake and did not adversely affect lean mass retention or muscular improvements with short-term RT in young males. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives This study explored the associations among physical activity, muscular strength, and metabolic risk among children. Methods The sample included 378 Portuguese children (213 girls; 9-11 years). Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was assessed by accelerometry and children were classified as active (≥60 min/day) or insufficiently active (<60 min/day). Static strength was expressed as the ratio of handgrip strength/body weight and used to classify children as having high (≥P50) or low (

The aim was to assess physical fitness in French schoolchildren in the region of Ile de France and to compare the results with European countries. The relationship between physical fitness and future health profile was of particular interest. Participants were 1851 French youth in the Ile de France region. Cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular endurance, speed, flexibility and speed agility were tested. Independent t-tests were used to compare differences between different variables. Spearman's rho correlation coefficients assessed the relationship between body mass index, socio-economic status and physical fitness. Boys were physically fitter than girls with the most significant difference being in agility. Subjects of normal weight have significantly better results than overweight or obese adolescents (+10·9% to 56·1%) ( P<0·05). Subjects with high socio-economic status had better physical fitness than those with low socio-economic status (+0·5% to 9·4%) ( P<0·05). Results also showed that the percentage of adolescents at increased future cardiovascular risk was 15·3% and 10·2% for boys and girls, respectively. Physical fitness in French schoolchildren living in the region of Ile de France is relatively low and unfavourable, especially in girls, when compared with existing European test results. In contrast, the adolescent boys are generally fitter and also above the average of the European data. Introducing a health promotion curriculum in the schools of Ile de France is suggested to improve health and physical fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: North–south differences in the prevalence of obesity and fitness levels have been found in European adolescents, yet it is unknown if such differences already exist in very young children. Objectives: This study aims to compare the prevalence of overweight/obesity and fitness levels in preschool children aged 4 years from Sweden (north of Europe) and Spain (south of Europe). Methods: The sample consisted of 315 Swedish and 128 Spanish preschoolers. Anthropometry (weight, height, waist circumference) and fitness (strength, speed–agility, balance and cardiorespiratory fitness) were assessed. Analysis of covariance adjusted for age, sex and height/body mass index (BMI) was used. Results: Preschool children from Sweden had lower prevalence of overweight/obesity than their peers from Spain (World Obesity Federation, mean difference, MD = −9%, P = 0.010; World Health Organization, MD = −11%, P = 0.011). Concerning fitness, preschoolers from Spain were more fit in terms of upper‐muscular strength (MD = +0.4 kg, P = 0.010), speed–agility (MD = −1.9 s, P = 0.001), balance (MD = +4.0 s, P = 0.001) and cardiorespiratory fitness (MD = boys = +6.6 laps, girls = +2.3 laps; P < 0.001 for all), yet they had worse lower‐muscular strength (MD = −7.1, P ≤ 0.001) than those from Sweden. Differences in upper‐muscular strength were largely explained by differences in BMI, and differences in cardiorespiratory fitness should be interpreted cautiously due to some methodological deviations. Conclusions: These findings suggest that a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity in Spain compared with Sweden is present already at early childhood, while differences in physical fitness components showed mixed findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to examine the reliability of health-related physical fitness tests that were used in a French health promotion program 'Move...A priority for your health'. Participants were 174 French youth (88 children and 86 adolescents) aged 8·2-16·2 years. Aerobic fitness, muscular strength, speed and flexibility were tested using 20-m shuttle run test, ½ mile run test, basketball throw, standing long jump, shoulder stretch and 20/30/50-m sprint tests. Reliability was calculated for the basketball throw, standing long jump, shoulder stretch and sprint tests. The tests were performed two times, 1 week apart on the same day of the week. Reliability was examined with intraclass correlation coefficients ( ICCs) and Bland- Altman analysis. With the exception of the ½ mile run test, which resulted in moderate agreement (0·66), all tests had high reliability. ICCs were 0·97, 0·93, 0·91 and 0·93 for the sprint test, basketball throw, shoulder stretch and the standing long jump, respectively. The differences obtained between the first and the second trial were non-significant. Results from this study indicate that the BOUGE health-related physical fitness battery, administrated by physical education teachers , was reliable for measuring health-related components of fitness in children and adolescents in a school setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to analyze the specific training load during a resistance training (RT) programme designed to increase muscular hypertrophy in men and women. Thirty-four women (22.7 ± 4.1 years, 58.8 ± 11.9 kg, 162.6 ± 6.2 cm and 22.1 ± 3.6 kg.m−2) and 30 men (22.7 ± 4.4 years, 68.4 ± 9.0 kg, 174.5 ± 6.6 cm and 22.5 ± 2.4 kg.m−2) underwent a supervised RT programme that was divided into two phases of 8 weeks each. Training consisted of 10–12 exercises performed with three sets of 8–12 repetitions at repetition maximum resistances performed 3 times per week on nonconsecutive days. There was a significant (P < 0.05) main effect for gender by time interaction for average training load of all the exercises performed in the first 8 weeks of RT with women showing a higher relative increase than men (+43.6% vs. +32.5%, respectively). This result was not observed during the second 8-week phase of the RT programme during which no significant gender by time interaction (P > 0.05) was shown with both genders having a similar relative increase (+28.7% vs. +24.3%, respectively). Women had a higher increase than men in specific average training load of the upper limb exercises during both the first 8 weeks of training (+30.2% vs. +26.6%, respectively) and the second 8 weeks of training (+31.1% vs. +25.3%, respectively). We conclude that the adaptation in specific training load is influenced by gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quadriceps weakness seems to be a hallmark in adult persons with severe haemophilia ( PWH). The purpose of this study was to compare PWH and non-haemophilic controls in different age stages with reference to joint status and quadriceps strength. Further aims were to examine the extent of strength-specific inter-extremity-difference ( IED) and the prevalence of abnormal IED ( AIED). A total of 106 adults with severe haemophilia (H) and 80 controls (C) had undergone an orthopaedic examination for classification of knee and ankle status using the WFH score. Quadriceps strength was evaluated unilaterally as well as bilaterally with a knee extensor device. Each group was divided into four age-related subgroups ( HA/ CA: 18-29, HB/ CB: 30-39, HC/ CC: 40-49, HD/ CD: 50-70; in years). H presented a worse knee and ankle status than C indicated by higher WFH scores ( P < 0.01). Regarding the age-matched subgroups only HB showed higher knee scores than CB ( P < 0.05). The ankles were clinically more affected in HB- HD compared with those in age-matched controls ( P < 0.05). H showed lower quadriceps strength than C ( P < 0.05). In addition, all subgroups of H presented lower strength ( HA: 10-17, HB: 19-23, HC: 35-36, HD: 53-61; in%, P < 0.05). IED was higher in H than in C [H: 12.0 (5.3/32.2) vs. C: 7.1 (2.9/10.9); Median (quartiles) in%, P < 0.001] and increased with age in H. We discovered an AIED in 35% of H. These findings highlight the importance for the early implementation of preventive and rehabilitative muscle training programmes in the comprehensive treatment of PWH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a swimming programme and a calisthenics and resistance water training programme, which included aerobic and resistance components, on muscle strength and body weight in postmenopausal women. Both were carried out over a period of 12 months. Ninety-three subjects were randomly assigned to swimming group (SG; n=29), calisthenics and resistance group (CRG; n=34) and control group (CG; n=30). Mean upper-extremities biokinetic force (MF), power (MP) and work (MW) were measured by a biokinetic swim bench (Biometer Swim Bench, Sport Fahnemann). Maximal isometric forces of the trunk flexors (ITF) and knee extensors (IKE) were measured by an isometric strain-gauge dynamometer (T.K.K. 5402, Takei Scientific Instruments Co. Ltd.). Countermovement jump height (CMJ) was evaluated using the Ergojump Bosco System. Energy consumption was measured using a self-administrated food frequency questionnaire (Sanocare Human Systems L.S., Madrid. Spain). Body mass index (BMI) was also measured. CRG improved significantly (p≤0.05) MF increased by 7.92%, MP by 9.08% and MW by 9.3%. SG and CRG demonstrated a significant decrease in BMI (−2.08 and −2.75% respectively). SG, CRG and CG showed a significant decrease in ITF (−5.07, −11.34 and −24.73% respectively) and IKE (−7.99, −12.77 and −29.75% respectively). This decrease was significantly greater in CG compared with SG and CRG. There were no significant changes in CMJ in any group. These results indicate that water exercise has significant implications, improving some health-related components of fitness in postmenopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Patients with haemophilia are now widely advised to participate in sport activities. However, no extensive data are available about their actual participation. The aim of this study was to describe the type; intensity and duration of leisure time physical activity (PA) among young patients with severe hemophilia and to assess whether there are differences in bleeding profile and muscle strength in related to activity intensity. Forty-four boys (ages 12–25 years) with severe haemophilia were studied. PA was assessed by the Godin and Shephard (G&S) questionnaire. Bleeding profile was determined based on a one month diary filled by each patient. Muscle strength of the lower limbs muscles was assessed using a hand held dynamometer. Only three subjects did not perform any PA. Twenty-five of the participants performed strenuous PA at least once a week. An inverse, moderate association ( rp =–0.45, P < 0.002) was found between the G&S score and age. There were no significant differences in bleeding frequency or pain but a significant difference in the cause of bleed was found: those who exercised strenuously showed a higher proportion of bleeds due to traumatic reasons ( P < 0.01). No differences in muscle strength values were noted in related to activity intensity also no linear association was noted between muscle strength and bleeding profile. Further investigation, including prospective studies, is needed in order to assess the temporal sequencing between training and the occurrence of bleeds and bleeds cause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscle strength and anaerobic power of the lower extremities are neuromuscular variables that influence performance in many sports activities, including soccer. Despite frequent contradictions in the literature, it may be assumed that muscle strength and balance play a key role in targeted acute muscle injuries. The purpose of the present study was to provide and compare pre-season muscular strength and power profiles in professional and junior elite soccer players throughout the developmental years of 15–21. One original aspect of our study was that isokinetic data were considered alongside the past history of injury in these players. Fifty-seven elite and junior elite male soccer players were assigned to three groups: PRO, n=19; U-21, n=20 and U-17, n=18. Players benefited from knee flexor and extensor isokinetic testing consisting of concentric and eccentric exercises. A context of lingering muscle disorder was defined using statistically selected cut-offs. Functional performance was evaluated throughout a squat jump and 10 m sprint. The PRO group ran faster and jumped higher than the U-17 group ( P<0.05). No significant difference in isokinetic muscle strength performance was observed between the three groups when considering normalized body mass parameters. Individual isokinetic profiles enabled the identification of 32/57 (56%) subjects presenting lower limb muscular imbalance. Thirty-six out of 57 players were identified as having sustained a previous major lower limb injury. Of these 36 players, 23 still showed significant muscular imbalance (64%). New trends in rational training could focus more on the risk of imbalance and implement antagonist strengthening aimed at injury prevention. Such an intervention would benefit not only athletes recovering from injury, but also uninjured players. An interdisciplinary approach involving trainers, a physical coach, and medical staff would be of interest to consider in implementing a prevention programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the general population, the degenerative processes in joints are directly related to adult age, and osteoarthrosis represents the most frequent musculoskeletal alteration. In the haemophilic patient, the degenerative processes in the joint begin at very early ages, and are directly related to musculoskeletal bleeding episodes, which are occasionally subclinical and constitute haemophilic arthropathy. In the haemophilic patient, arthropathy constitutes the most frequent, severe and disabling pathology, and its assessment includes muscular force-related parameters. We have studied the value of Maximum Isometric Voluntary Contraction in the quadriceps femoris of 46 subjects, 28 haemophiliacs (16 severe, eight moderate and four mild) and 18 healthy individuals with a view to establishing appropriate values of force and to restoring physical therapy recommendations. The maximum force values were significantly greater ( P < 0.001) in the healthy individuals group. The mild haemophiliacs group also presented significant differences of force ( P < 0.05) in relation to the severe and moderate haemophilic patient groups. The mild and severe haemophilia patients presented greater fluctuations of force ( P < 0.001) than the control group, the haemophilia group have a minor skill to produce constant force. The seriousness of the arthropathy in the knee is directly related to diminished values of maximum force. Our work evidences that patients with severe haemophilia present a greater degree of arthropathy in relation to moderate and mild haemophilia patients. Haemophilic arthropathy is associated with muscular atrophy and strength deficit. In haemophilic patients, the deficit of maximum force and the presence of fluctuations may suggest an increased risk of bleeding during physical activities and the need to programme specific physical therapy guidelines which increase muscular power through resistance training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve men either performed 10 weeks of timed circuit weight training 3 days week−1 (CWT; n=8; X±SE; age=23.6±1.8 years), or were part of a sedentary control group ( n=4; age=20.5±1.0 years). Significance was P<0.05 for all analyses. The CWT program significantly increased 1 repetition maximum (1 RM) strength for nine of 10 exercises (15–42%). Although no body composition measure significantly changed for the CWT group, low-to-moderate effect sizes were evident for body weight, lean body mass, and relative fat. CWT did not alter percent fiber type, but did increase cross-sectional areas for type IIA fibers ( μm2; pre=5988±323, post=7259±669). Relative (%) myosin heavy-chain (MHC) expression increased for MHC IIa (pre=42.5±2.7, post=50.1±2.6), and decreased for MHC IIb (pre=21.8±2.8, post=15.4±2.4) for the CWT group. Serum testosterone, cortisol, and the testosterone/cortisol ratio did not change at any time for the CWT group. None of the measured variables changed for the control group. These data indicate that for untrained subjects, CWT of the type used resulted in improved muscular strength and a tendency toward increased lean mass. Compared with other types of weight training, fewer adaptations of the muscle fibers were evident. This is likely due in part to the relatively low loads used with this type of resistance exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary. Sufficient muscular strength and proprioception lessen the risk of joint damage, however, both are impaired in haemophilic subjects. The aim of the study was to investigate proprioceptive performance and isometric muscular strength before and after a specialized training in haemophilic subjects (H) compared with two groups of control subjects (C). Nine subjects with severe haemophilia A, and eight ‘active’ C (AC) without haemophilia took part in a physical training programme over a 6-month period. Eleven ‘passive’ C (PC) were requested to avoid any additional training during this period. Proprioceptive performance and isometric strength were determined before and after the training programme. The maximal isometric muscular strength in the legs, bilaterally measured by knee extensor (and leg press) was increased (P < 0.05) by 34% (29%) after training in the H and by 20% (28%) in the AC groups while remaining unchanged in the PC group. The performance in one-leg-stand tests after training was increased (P < 0.05) in the H and AC groups. An improvement of angle reproduction of 20° and 40° (P < 0.05) in the H compared with the PC groups was seen in the tests. Quantitative sensory testing by the tuning fork showed an increase (P < 0.05) in performance of both H and AC groups. The results of the present study confirm that specific sports therapy focused on proprioceptive function and accompanied by gentle strength training with low resistance and 20–25 repetitions is able to increase proprioceptive performance and muscular strength with a minimal stress to the joints. It is strongly recommended that specialized sports therapy be included as an integral component of the complete treatment regimen of haemophilic subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]