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Low and high birth weight (BW) are associated with obesity later in life; however, this association has not been extensively studied in African countries. This study determines the association between BW and body composition derived from deuterium oxide (D2O) dilution in 6- to 8-year-old South African children (n = 91; 40 boys, 51 girls). BW was recorded retrospectively from the children’s Road-to-Health cards. Weight and height were measured using standard procedures, and D2O dilution was used to determine total body water and, subsequently, to determine body fat. Fatness was classified using the McCarthy centiles, set at 2nd, 85th, and 95th (underfat, overfat and obese). BW correlated with body composition measures, such as body weight (r = 0.23, p = 0.03), height (r = 0.33, p < 0.001), and fat free mass (FFM; r = 0.27, p = 0.01). When multiple regression analysis was employed, BW significantly and positively associated with FFM (β = 0.24, p = 0.013; 95% CI: 0.032; 0.441) and fat mass (β = 0.21, p = 0.02, 95%CI: 0.001; 0.412) in girls and boys combined. A total of 13% of the children had a low BW, with 21% being overweight and 17% obese. More girls than boys were overweight and obese. Intervention strategies that promote healthy uterine growth for optimal BW are needed in order to curb the global obesity pandemic.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of mortality in many countries. Of particular concern is the corporate environment, given the link of CHD with an increase in employee illness, absenteeism, high medical cost and decreased productivity. This study assessed the relationship between physical activity index (PAI) and selected CHD risk factors (body mass index [BMI], systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP], total cholesterol [TC], glucose [Glu], smoking, and CHD risk index [CHDRI]) amongst employees of a South African financial institution. The study sample consisted of 9,269 (62%) women and 5592 (38%) men (20 – 60 years), categorised on the basis of gender and age (cut-point of 45 years to represent the pre- and post-clinical horizons as well as the pre- and postmenopausal status in females). All groups (age and gender based) were at risk of the following CHD predisposing factors; BMI, PAI, SBP and elvated CHDRI. Data were analysed with Pearson’s correlation and Cohen’s effect size (d) methods using SAS and statistica softwares. A small practical significance was found between PAI status and BMI (d = 0.15), SBP (d = 0.04) and DBP (d = 0.06) in females and males ≤ 45, with a medium practical significance for the same risk factors in females and males > 45 years (d = 0.31, 0.27 and 0.27, respectively). Highly physically active employees had low mean values for BMI, blood pressure and CHDRI compared to low and moderately active participants. Significant weak positive correlations were found between PAI with BMI (r=.05; p 45 years. In men, significant weak positive correlations were found between PAI with SBP (r=.03; p=.03), DBP (r=.06; p 45 years. Moderate significant positive (p 45); and CHDRI in men (r=.52; ≤ 45 and r=.52; >45 years). These results implicate the need for individual behavioural/lifestyle changes focused on promoting healthy body composition and increasing physical activity levels, which could be the leading strategy for reducing CHDRI amongst the corporate employees.

Objective To determine the relationship between objectively measured physical activity (PA) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in teachers in South Africa. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 215 teachers aged 25 to 65 years (mean age 49.67 ± 8.43 years) who participated in the Sympathetic Activity and Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Africans (SABPA) prospective cohort study. CIMT was measured using the SonoSite Micromaxx ultrasound over seven consecutive days. Other measurements obtained included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure, and C-reactive protein (CRP) and fasting blood total cholesterol levels. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Results The prevalence of obesity according to BMI and sedentary behaviour was above 30%; hypertension was 38.9% and CRP 41.1 mg/dl. Male teachers showed higher mean values for CIMT than female teachers (0.75 ± 0.16 vs 0.66 ± 0.12 mm; p ≤ 0.05). A borderline negative association existed between CIMT and mean seven-day awake metabolic equivalent of task (r = -0.19; p = 0.08) in female teachers in the light-PA group. CIMT was inversely associated with total energy expenditure (r = -0.31; p = 0.05) in sedentary male teachers. Conclusions Participation in light PA was associated with lower CIMT values in female teachers. Given the health implications of cardiovascular disease risk among teachers, PA intervention studies are recommended to determine effective interventions to provide information on how to decrease the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis in this population.

Globally, the prevalence of physical inactivity and obesity are on the rise, which may increase carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) as a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis. This study assessed the association between physical activity (PA), obesity, and CIMT. A cross-sectional study design was used, including a sub-sample (n = 216) of teachers who participated in the Sympathetic Activity and Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Africans (SAPBA) study. Measurements included the following: physical activity status (measured with ActiHeart devices over 7 consecutive days), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WtHR), CIMT (measured by SonoSite Micromax ultrasound), blood pressure (BP), fasting C-reactive protein (CRP), and cholesterol and glucose levels. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science. One-third of the teachers were physically inactive (33%) and had low-grade inflammation CRP ≥ 3 mg/L (41%). Males were more sedentary and had higher BP and CIMT (p < 0.05). Independent of age and sex, WC or central obesity was 2.63 times more likely (p = 0.02) to contribute to atherosclerosis, especially in females (OR: 4.23, p = 0.04). PA levels were insignificantly and negatively (β −0.034; 0.888; 0.240) related to subclinical atherosclerosis. The cardiovascular disease risk profiles and limited PA status may have curbed the beneficial impact of PA on the obesity and atherosclerosis.

Background. The debate on whether participation in sports enhances or curtails risky sexual behavior among athletes continues. The purpose of the study was to establish the sexual behavior patterns and associated high risks among University student-athletes. Methods. A cross-sectional survey research design was used to collect self-report data on sexual behaviors from university student-athletes (n = 151) who participated in a University sports tournament. Descriptive statistics of frequencies and proportions and inferential statistics of chi-square test of independent measures were used to analyze the data. Majority (65%) of the student-athletes were taking part in Ball games and Racket games (13.9%). Results. About a third (33%) of the student-athletes had their first sexual debut while aged between 18 and 20 years, 60% had regular sexual partners, over 30% had more than one sexual partner and 67% would have sexual intercourse with strangers; only 58% of these would seek the sexual history of the strangers. More than half (55%) of the student-athletes frequently used condoms to prevent pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, but only 39% of them always used condoms with their sexual partners in the last six months. The participants’ sexual behaviors differed significantly (p < .05) by their gender. Males tended to start having sexual intercourse earlier (p < .002), had more than one sexual partner (p < 0.001) and would always use condoms (p < .001) than females, but more females than males would have sexual intercourse with a stranger (p < .001). Conclusions. Kenyan University student-athletes are sexually active and are faced with high risk sexual behaviors like multiple sexual partners and sexual intercourse with strangers. The difference in patterns of sexual behavior between male and female student-athletes calls for gender specific interventions by programmers, policy makers and health workers. Keywords: sexual behaviors, student-athletes, sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s).

BACKGROUND Obesity and hypertension prevalence among children are a concern, with limited evidence available on sex and ethnic differences in childhood blood pressure. We aimed to determine the number of children with hypertension and obesity to identify unique adiposity and blood pressure characteristics by sex and ethnicity, and to estimate the odds of having elevated blood pressure with increasing adiposity. METHODS We included 1062 healthy children (5-9 years of age) in an observational school-based study in South Africa. Pediatric validated automated devices were used to measure brachial blood pressure and performed pulse wave analysis to assess central hemodynamics. Standard anthropometry was carried out to determine body composition and demographic questionnaires were completed. RESULTS Almost 20% of children were overweight/obese and 14.1% had elevated blood pressure or hypertension (22.8%). Ethnic differences included greater adiposity in white compared with black children (all P

BACKGROUND: Handgrip strength (HGS) serves as a proxy for the functional ability and its association with body composition (BC) and physical activity (PA) in South African adults are less clear AIM: We investigated the relationships between PA, body composition and HGS amongst adults SETTING: Rural and urban population from North West Province, South Africa METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was performed on 688 (198 men; 490 women) adults aged 35-70 years from the 2015 measurement wave of the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological (PURE) study from the North West province of South Africa. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) assessed and a dynamometer determined HGS in kilogram. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were used as measures of body composition. Spearman correlation coefficients determined the relationship between PA, BMI and HGS RESULTS: In the study, 22% and 26%, respectively, were overweight and obese with women being more overweight and obese compared to men. Sixty percent of the participants met the recommended 150 min or more of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) per week. Handgrip strength of the participants in the study was weaker than the published norms. Handgrip strength significantly (p < 0.05) differed by age. A significant positive association was found between HGS and BMI. Age negatively (r = -0.12; p = 0.001) correlated with MVPA per week CONCLUSION: High prevalence of overweight and obesity exists in the current adults' sample. It was also evident that poor upper limb muscle strength and MVPA were negatively associated with ageing. Given the health implications of poor strength indicators, PA intervention programmes, comprised of strength activities, for an adult population are urgently recommended

Physical inactivity in children is a global pandemic in parallel with increasing obesity prevalence. However, studies assessing the association between physical activity (PA) and body composition (BC) report conflicting findings, possibly because of the different methodologies across studies, with objective methods promising reliable results. This study determines the association between objectively determined PA levels and BC in 6–8-year-old children from a black South African population. Ninety-three children aged 6–8 years, who formed part of a larger study on BC using the deuterium dilution method (DDM), were included. Height and weight were measured according to the standard procedures, and body mass index z-score was calculated. Fatness was determined by DDM. An accelerometer was used to measure PA levels. Regression models were performed to determine the relationship between PA and BC. Approximately 23% of the children did not meet the recommended PA guidelines and 27% were overfat. After adjustments were made, more time spent in vigorous PA was significantly associated with lower fat mass (β = −0.25, p = 0.01, 95%CI: −11.08, −1.20) and fat mass % (β = −0.20, p = 0.04, 95%CI: −12.63, −0.18). Participation in high PA, especially of high intensity, was associated with reduced adiposity in children. Behavioural changes such as increasing high intensity PA is strongly recommended for reducing adiposity.

BACKGROUND: Heart rate recovery is an independent risk factor for adverse cardiovascular events and overall mortality. While the prognostic value of delayed Heart rate recovery following cessation of exercise is well documented, relationship of aerobic fitness and fatness with heart rate recovery among youth is less clear. We hypothesized that a delayed fall in heart rate after a progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run (PACER) test might be due in part to the effects of fitness and overall adiposity. METHODS: A total of 454 adolescents (224 boys and 230 girls) ages 12 to 16 years were evaluated for fitness, body fatness, baseline heart rate and one minute recovery heart rate (HRR1) after a PACER test. The participants were further divided into fit-fat groups to assess the influence of both fitness and fatness on HRR1. Regression models assessing the associations of the independent variables with HRR1were conducted. RESULTS: Fatness was the only independent predictor of HRR1 in boys but not girls. Combined fitness and fatness modesty predicted HRR1 (R2=3%). One minute HRR scores varied by fit-fat groups, the fit/Healthy Weight group demonstrated the most favorable HRR1 recovery profiles while the unfit/overweight group showed the most adverse profiles. CONCLUSIONS: Body fatness but not aerobic fitness was a better predictor of HRR1 in boys but not girls. Youth with higher aerobic fitness and Healthy Weight had more favorable HRR1 profiles than their unfit/Overweight peers

Background Incidence of childhood high blood pressure (BP) is increasing worldwide. This study examined the longitudinal relationship between changes in body composition (i.e. body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and percentage body fat) and selected metabolic risk factors (abdominal obesity and BP) among adolescents from the Tlokwe municipality in the North West Province of South Africa. Method One hundred and eight-six adolescents (81 boys and 105 girls) aged 14 to 16 years participated in the study. Body composition was measured following the International Society of the Advancement of Kinanthropometry standard procedures. BMI, abdominal obesity using WC measurement, and resting BP were determined. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures was calculated to determine changes in anthropometric measures and body composition as well as changes in BP. Additionally, Univariate analysis of variance with repeated measures and participants as a random sample was applied. Diastolic BP (DBP) and systolic BP (SBP) were used as dependent variables and sex, age, BMI, WC, and waist-to-height ratio as independent variables. Results Significant changes were found for stature, BMI, body mass, WC, SBP, and DBP. BMI for the total group was significant and positively related to abdominal obesity in 2012 (r = 0.55; p r = 0.77; p r = 0.26; p r = 0.17; p = 0.43) in 2013. BMI among the boys was significantly and positively related to abdominal obesity in 2012 (r = 0.83; p r = 0.91; p r = 0.49; p r = 0.32; p = 0.05) in 2012. Boys with a higher WC in 2012 had significantly increased DBP (p Conclusions BMI was positively related to BP and abdominal obesity over time. Relatively high BMI and abdominal obesity significantly increased the likelihood of elevated BP over time, especially in boys. BMI was a predictor of abdominal obesity in boys, while in girls, BMI was a predictor of both abdominal obesity and SBP. In view of the future health implications of both abdominal obesity and elevated BP, urgent strategic interventions programs aimed at increasing physical activity and advocating for well-balanced dietary practices as well as importance of keeping normal blood pressure among South African adolescents are needed.

To compare the World Health Organization (WHO) body mass index (BMI)-for-age definition of obesity against measured body fatness in African children.In a prospective multicentre study over 2013 to 2017, we recruited 1516 participants aged 8 to 11 years old from urban areas of eight countries (Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Senegal, Tunisia and United Republic of Tanzania). We measured height and weight and calculated BMI-for-age using WHO standards. We measured body fatness using the deuterium dilution method and defined excessive body fat percentage as 25% in boys and 30% in girls. We calculated the sensitivity and specificity of BMI z-score +2.00 standard deviations (SD) and used receiver operating characteristic analysis and the Youden index to determine the optimal BMI z-score cut-off for classifying excessive fatness.The prevalence of excessive fatness was over three times higher than BMI-for-age-defined obesity: 29.1% (95% CI: 26.8 to 31.4; 441 children) versus 8.8% (95% CI: 7.5 to 10.4; 134 children). The sensitivity of BMI z-score +2.00 SD was low (29.7%, 95% CI: 25.5 to 34.2) and specificity was high (99.7%, 95% CI: 99.2 to 99.9). The receiver operating characteristic analysis found that a BMI z-score +0.58 SD would optimize sensitivity, and at this cut-off the area under the curve was 0.86, sensitivity 71.9% (95% CI: 67.4 to 76.0) and specificity 91.1% (95% CI: 89.2 to 92.7).While BMI remains a practical tool for obesity surveillance, it underestimates excessive fatness and this should be considered when planning future African responses to the childhood obesity pandemic.Comparer la définition de l'obésité de l'Organisation mondiale de la Santé basée sur l'indice de masse corporelle (IMC) selon l'âge à la masse grasse mesurée chez les enfants africains.Dans le cadre d'une étude prospective multicentrique menée entre 2013 et 2017, nous avons recruté 1516 participants âgés de 8 à 11 ans dans des zones urbaines situées dans huit pays (Ghana, Kenya, Maroc, Maurice, Namibie, République-Unie de Tanzanie, Sénégal et Tunisie). Nous avons mesuré leur taille et leur poids et calculé leur IMC par rapport à leur âge en utilisant les normes de l'OMS. Nous avons mesuré la masse grasse à l'aide de la méthode de dilution du deutérium, et défini le taux de masse grasse excessive comme étant 25% pour les garçons et 30% pour les filles. Nous avons calculé la sensibilité et la spécificité du Z-score de l'IMC+2,00 écarts types (ET) et utilisé une analyse de la fonction d'efficacité du récepteur et l’indice de Youden afin de déterminer la valeur limite optimale du Z-score de l'IMC pour classifier la masse grasse excessive.La prévalence de la masse grasse excessive était plus de trois fois supérieure à la prévalence de l'obésité définie en fonction de l'IMC selon l'âge: 29,1% (IC à 95%: 26,8-31,4; 441 enfants) contre 8,8% (IC à 95%: 7,5-10,4; 134 enfants). La sensibilité du Z-score de l'IMC +2,00 ET était faible (29,7%, IC à 95%: 25,5-34,2), tandis que la spécificité était élevée (99,7%, IC à 95%: 99,2-99,9). L'analyse de la fonction d'efficacité du récepteur a révélé qu'un Z-score de l'IMC de +0,58 ED optimiserait la sensibilité, et qu'à cette valeur limite, l'aire sous la courbe était de 0,86, la sensibilité de 71,9% (IC à 95%: 67,4-76,0) et la spécificité de 91,1% (IC à 95%: 89,2-92,7).Si l'IMC reste est un outil pratique pour surveiller l'obésité, il sous-évalue la masse grasse excessive. Cela doit être pris en compte lors de la planification des futures mesures africaines de lutte contre la pandémie d'obésité chez l'enfant.Comparar la definición de obesidad por edad del índice de masa corporal (IMC) de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) con la grasa corporal medida en niños africanos.En un estudio prospectivo multicéntrico realizado entre 2013 y 2017, se reclutaron 1516 participantes de edades comprendidas entre los 8 y los 11 años de zonas urbanas de ocho países (Ghana, Kenya, Marruecos, Mauricio, Namibia, República Unida de Tanzania, Senegal y Túnez). Se midieron la altura y el peso y calculamos el IMC por edad utilizando los estándares de la OMS. Se midió la grasa corporal mediante el método de dilución de deuterio y se definió el porcentaje de grasa corporal excesiva como25 % en los niños y30 % en las niñas. Se calculó la sensibilidad y especificidad del IMC con desviaciones estándar (DE) de los valores Z de+2,00 y se utilizó el análisis de las características operativas del receptor y el índice Youden para determinar el límite óptimo del IMC z-score para clasificar el exceso de grasa.La prevalencia de la obesidad excesiva fue más de tres veces superior a la obesidad definida por el IMC por edad: 29,1 % (IC del 95 %: 26,8 a 31,4; 441 niños) en comparación con un 8,8 % (IC del 95 %: 7,5 a 10,4; 134 niños). La sensibilidad del IMC con DE de los valores Z+2,00 fue baja (29,7 %, IC del 95 %: 25,5 a 34,2) y la especificidad fue alta (99,7 %, IC del 95 %: 99,2 a 99,9). El análisis de las características operativas del receptor encontró que un IMC z-score +0,58 DE optimizaría la sensibilidad, y en este corte el área bajo la curva era de 0,86, con una sensibilidad del 71,9 % (IC del 95 %: 67,4 a 76,0) y una especificidad del 91,1 % (IC del 95 %: 89,2 a 92,7).Aunque el IMC sigue siendo una herramienta práctica para la monitorización de la obesidad, subestima el exceso de grasa y esto debería tenerse en cuenta a la hora de planificar las futuras respuestas africanas a la pandemia de obesidad infantil.مقارنة بين السمنة المقيسة في الأطفال الأفارقة، وتعريف البدانة القائم على مؤشر كتلة الجسم (BMI) بالنسبة للسن، والتابع لمنظمة الصحة العالمية.في دراسة استباقية متعددة المراكز خلال الفترة من 2013 إلى 2017، قمنا بتسجيل 1516 مشاركًا تتراوح أعمارهم بين 8 إلى 11 عامًا من المناطق الحضرية في ثماني بلدان (السنغال، والمغرب، وتونس، وجمهورية تنزانيا المتحدة، وغانا، وكينيا، وموريشيوس، وناميبيا).قمنا بقياس الطول والوزن وحساب مؤشر كتلة الجسم (BMI) بالنسبة للسن، باستخدام معايير منظمة الصحة العالمية.قمنا بقياس سمنة الجسم باستخدام طريقة تخفيف الديوتيريوم، وحددنا النسبة المئوية للدهون الزائدة في الجسم لتكون أكثر من 25٪ في الأولاد، وأكثر من 30٪ في البنات.قمنا بحساب حساسية وخصوصية المحصلة المعيارية لمؤشر كتلة الجسم لتكن أكبر من +2.00 بالنسبة للانحرافات المعيارية (SD)، واستعنا بتحليل خصائص التشغيل للمستقبٍل ومؤشر يودنلتحديد الحد الأمثل للمحصلة المعيارية لمؤشر كتلة الجسم، بهدف تصنيف السمنة المفرطة.كان انتشار السمنة المفرطة أعلى أكثر من ثلاث مرات من السمنة التي يحددها مؤشر كتلة الجسم بالنسبة للسن: 29.1٪ (فاصل الثقة 95٪: 26.8 إلى 31.4؛ 441 طفلاً) مقابل 8.8٪ (فاصل الثقة 95٪: 7.5 إلى 10.4، 134 طفلاً).كانت حساسية الانحراف المعياري (SD) - الأكبر من +2.00 بالنسبة للمحصلة المعيارية لمؤشر كتلة الجسم- منخفضة، (29.7٪، بفاصل ثقة 95٪: 25.5 إلى 34.2) وكانت الخصوصية عالية (99.7٪، بفاصل ثقة 95٪: 99.2 إلى 99.9).اكتشف تحليل خصائص التشغيل للمستقبٍل أن الانحراف المعياري بنسبة +0.58 - للمحصلة المعيارية لمؤشر كتلة الجسم- سوف يُحسن من الحساسية، وأنه عند هذا الحد كانت المساحة تحت المنحنى 0.86، وكانت الحساسية 71.9٪ (فاصل ثقة 95٪: 67.4 إلى 76.0)، وخصوصية 91.1٪ (فاصل ثقة 95٪: 89.2 إلى 92.7).بينما يظل مؤشر كتلة الجسم أداة عملية لمراقبة السمنة، إلا أنه يقلل من السمنة المفرطة، ويجب وضع ذلك في الاعتبار عند التخطيط لاستجابات أفريقية مستقبلية لوباء البدانة في مرحلة الطفولة.将世卫组织 (WHO) 年龄别身体质量指数 (BMI-for-age) 对肥胖的定义与所测量的非洲儿童体脂率进行对比。.在 2013 年至 2017 年的一项前瞻性、多中心的研究中，我们从 8 个国家的城市地区（加纳，肯尼亚，摩洛哥，毛里求斯，纳米比亚，塞内加尔，突尼斯和坦桑尼亚联合共和国）招募了 1516 名 8 至 11 岁的参与者。我们使用 WHO 标准测量了参与者的身高和体重，并计算了年龄别身体质量指数。我们使用重水同位素法测量了参与者的体脂，并定义过度肥胖百分位数为男孩 25％，女孩 30％。我们计算了 BMI z 评分 +2.00 标准差 (SD) 的敏感性和特异性，并使用受试者工作特征分析和约登指数来确定过度肥胖分类的最佳 BMI z 评分的界限值。.过度肥胖的患病率比年龄别身体质量指数所定义的肥胖高出三倍以上：29.1％（95％ 置信区间，CI：26.8 至 31.4；441 名儿童）与 8.8％（95％ 置信区间，CI：7.5 至 10.4；134 名儿童）。BMI z 评分 +2.00 标准差 (SD) 的敏感性低（29.7％，95％ 置信区间，CI：25.5 至 34.2），特异性高（99.7％，95％ 置信区间，CI：99.2 至 99.9）。受试者工作特征分析发现 BMI z 评分 +0.58 标准差 (SD) 将优化敏感性，并在此界限值时，曲线下区域为 0.86，敏感性为 71.9％（95％ 置信区间，CI：67.4 至 76.0），特异性为 91.1％（95％ 置信区间，CI：89.2 至 92.7）。.虽然身体质量指数 (BMI) 仍然是肥胖监测的实用工具，但它低估了过度肥胖的患病率，因此，在规划未来非洲应对儿童肥胖率快速上升的情况时应慎重考虑。.Сравнение определения ожирения, принятого Всемирной организацией здравоохранения (ВОЗ) на основании значения «индекс массы тела (ИМТ)-возраст», с измеренными величинами упитанности африканских детей.В перспективном многоцентровом исследовании в период с 2013 по 2017 год приняли участие 1516 участников в возрасте от 8 до 11 лет из городских районов восьми стран (Гана, Кения, Маврикий, Марокко, Намибия, Объединенная Республика Танзания, Сенегал и Тунис). Детей взвешивали и измеряли их рост, после чего вычисляли показатель «ИМТ-возраст» согласно стандартам ВОЗ. Также измерялось содержание жировой ткани в организме методом дейтериевого разбавления; содержание жировой ткани считалось избыточным, если оно превышало 25% у мальчиков и 30% у девочек. Авторы вычислили чувствительность и специфичность z-оценки ИМТ + 2,00 стандартного отклонения (СО) и воспользовались методом анализа характеристических показателей правильности обнаружения сигналов индексом Юдена для определения оптимального порога z-оценки по ИМТ в вопросе классификации наличия избытка жировой ткани.Распространенность избытка жировой ткани более чем в три раза превышала частоту ожирения, определяемую показателем «ИМТ-возраст»: 29,1% (95%-й ДИ: 26,8–31,4; 441 ребенок) в сравнении с 8,8% (95%-й ДИ: 7,5–10,4; 134 ребенка). Чувствительность z-оценки ИМТ + 2,00 СО была низкой (29,7%, 95%-й ДИ: 25,5–34,2), а специфичность — высокой (99,7%, 95%-й ДИ: 99,2–99,9). Анализ характеристических особенностей правильности обнаружения сигналов позволил обнаружить, что оптимизация чувствительности возможна при использовании z-оценки ИМТ + 0,58 СО и что при этом пороговом значении площадь под кривой составляла 0,86, чувствительность — 71,9% (95%-й ДИ: 67,4–76,0), а специфичность — 91,1% (95%-й ДИ: 89,2–92,7).Несмотря на то что измерение ИМТ остается практическим средством выявления ожирения, оно недооценивает содержание избыточной жировой ткани в организме, и это следует учитывать при планировании мероприятий по борьбе с пандемией детского ожирения в Африке.

Summary Study aim: The objective of this study was to determine differences in body composition status and levels of selected motor components and assess the relationship between selected motor components and body composition in adolescent girls and boys. Material and methods: The study participants were 42 girls and 49 boys from a secondary school in the city of Poznan in Po­land who were participating in the “Active not only online” project. The percentage of body components was evaluated using a bio-impedance method. The modified Eurofit battery of tests was used to assess selected motor components. Results: The prevalence of overweight was higher (12.3%) in boys than girls (2.4%), and girls were more frequently under­weight (16.7%) than boys (6.1%). The results of the study show higher selected motor component levels in girls than in boys when compared to standardized population norms. BMI correlated positively with 20-m shuttle run (r = 0.45, p < 0.05) in girls and with sit and reach (r = 0.30, p < 0.05) in boys, with ‘hand grip’ strength both in girls (r = 0.35, p < 0.05) and boys (r = 0.29, p < 0.05), and was related to percentage of body fat in girls (r = 0.33, p < 0.05) and boys (r = 0.42, p > 0.05). Conclusions: The findings showed that sex and body composition are important factors influencing physical fitness in adoles­cents. We suggest that these factors be considered when designing physical activity interventions.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between obesity and blood pressure among employees of the Vhembe district municipality of Limpopo province. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 452 local government employees (207 males, 245 females) aged 24–65 years. Body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP) and waist circumference (WC) measurements, and waistto- height ratio (WHtR) were assessed. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) statistics, version 21. RESULTS: The results showed that 27% of the participants were classified as overweight and 34% as obese, with females being more overweight and obese (29 and 48%, respectively) compared to males (24 and 17%, respectively). Twenty-five per cent of the participants were hypertensive, with females (27%) showing a higher prevalence compared to males (22%). Based on BMI categories, the obese group (35%) had a higher prevalence of hypertension in contrast to groups that were of normal weight (18%) and overweight (22%). The results also showed that systolic blood pressure (SBP) was positively (p ≤ 0.05) correlated with BMI (r = 0.15), WC (r = 0.26) and WHtR (r = 0.29) in the normal and overweight groups (WC, r = 0.23 and WHtR, r = 0.26), and WHtR correlated with SBP (r = 0.26) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (r = 0.19). CONCLUSION: The study showed a high prevalence of overweight, obesity and hypertension, with females more affected than their male counterparts. BMI, WC and WHtR were positively correlated with SBP in the normal and overweight groups, with WHtR positively correlated with both SBP and DBP in the overweight group. Therefore, it is recommended that intervention regimes designed to address obesity and hypertension should consider risk awareness for cardiovascular diseases, impaired quality of life and productivity among local government employees.

Background: Evidence suggests that social support impacts on participation in sport or physical activity (PA), and is associated with health benefits, although the link is complex and not well understood. The study aim was to examine whether participation in organized sports is related to body composition, physical fitness, and social correlates for PA. Methods: Cross-sectional data on 238 adolescents (90 boys and 148 girls), mean age 14.9 &plusmn, 0.8 years, who were participants in the Physical Activity and Health Longitudinal Study, were collected. The participants were divided into two groups: sport participation (SP) and non-sport participation (NSP). Height, weight, and triceps and subscapular skinfolds were assessed according to standard procedures. Weight (kg) and height (m2) were used to calculate body mass index (BMI), and skinfolds were used to calculate body fat percentage. The European Test of Physical Fitness (EUROFIT) battery of tests was used to assess physical fitness. The standardized International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form and Social Support for PA questionnaires were used to obtain information on PA and social correlates for PA, respectively. Participants were asked to choose between participation and non-participation in sport. Results: The SP group had lower BMI component values (p = 0.011, d = 0.52 for percentage body fat (%BF), p = 0.011, d = 0.53 for sum of skinfolds (&sum, SKF) obtained higher physical fitness scores in selected items (p = 0.003, d = 0.64 for sit ups (SUP), p &lt, 0.000, d = 0.96 for maximal oxygen consumption VO2max) and received higher social support (p &lt, 0.001, d = 0.86 for social support (SS)), than the NSP group. The social support received by those participating in sport correlated positively with most fitness components (p = 0.013, r2 = 18% for bent arm hang (BAH), p = 0.000, r2 = 12% for sit ups (SUP), p = 0.000, r2 = 17% for VO2max). Physical fitness components were negatively associated with most body composition components for both groups. Conclusions: The results provide a better understanding of sport participation in organized sports-related, body composition-related and physical fitness-related associations with changes in social support received by adolescents and may contribute to the development of more accurate promotive strategies to increase children&rsquo, s and adolescents&rsquo, engagement in sport and PA.

Background:We present results of the 2016 Healthy Active Kids South Africa (HAKSA) Report Card on the current status of physical activity (PA) and nutrition in South African youth. The context in which we interpret the findings is that participation in PA is a fundamental human right, along with the right to “attainment of the highest standard of health.”Methods:The HAKSA 2016 Writing Group was comprised of 33 authorities in physical education, exercise science, nutrition, public health, and journalism. The search strategy was based on peer-reviewed manuscripts, dissertations, and ‘gray’ literature. The core PA indicators are Overall Physical Activity Level; Organized Sport Participation; Active and Outdoor Play; Active Transportation; Sedentary Behaviors; Family and Peer Influences; School; Community and the Built Environment; and National Government Policy, Strategies, and Investment. In addition, we reported on Physical Fitness and Motor Proficiency separately. We also reported on nutrition indicators including Overweight and Under-nutrition along with certain key behaviors such as Fruit and Vegetable Intake, and policies and programs including School Nutrition Programs and Tuck Shops. Data were extracted and grades assigned after consensus was reached. Grades were assigned to each indicator ranging from an A, succeeding with a large majority of children and youth (81% to 100%); B, succeeding with well over half of children and youth (61% to 80%); C, succeeding with about half of children and youth (41% to 60%); D, succeeding with less than half but some children and youth (21% to 40%); and F, succeeding with very few children and youth (0% to 20%); INC is inconclusive.Results:Overall PA levels received a C grade, as we are succeeding with more than 50% of children meeting recommendations. Organized Sports Participation also received a C, and Government Policies remain promising, receiving a B. Screen time and sedentary behavior were a major concern. Under- and over-weight were highlighted and, as overweight is on the rise, received a D grade.Conclusions:In particular, issues of food security, obesogenic environments, and access to activity-supportive environments should guide social mobilization downstream and policy upstream. There is an urgent need for practice-based evidence based on evaluation of existing, scaled up interventions.

Obesity and low level of cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with high blood pressure in both adolescents and adults. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship of adiposity and cardiorespiratory fitness with resting blood pressure in 14-year-old male and female adolescents. Cross-sectional data on 310 adolescents (31.8% boys) from six high schools, who were participating in the on-going Physical Activity and Health Longitudinal Study, were collected. Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, predicted and resting systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were assessed according to standard procedures. The prevalence of elevated SBP and DBP were 4.9% and 6.5%, respectively. The highest prevalence of elevated blood pressure (SBP=10% and DBP=15%) were measured in overweight adolescents, who also performed poorly for predicted VO(2max)(M=26.66 ml kg(-1 )min(-1)±6.44) compared with underweight and normal-weight adolescents. Multiple regression showed that BMI was positively associated with SBP (β=0.77, P=0.005) and VO(2max) was negatively associated with DBP (β=-0.43, P=0.001). Overweight adolescents presented with a relatively high prevalence of elevated blood pressure and poor health-related fitness. Fatness and poor cardiorespiratory fitness were positively associated with elevated SBP and DBP, respectively. In view of the health implications of these findings, strategic interventions are needed to promote obesity-reduction programmes and physical activities in adolescents.

To assess the level of agreement between body size self-perception and actual body size determined by body mass index (BMI) z-score and body fatness measured by the deuterium dilution method (DDM) in South African children aged 6–8 years. A cross-sectional sample of 202 children (83 boys and 119 girls) aged 6–8 years from the Body Composition–Isotope Technique study (BC–IT) was taken. Subjective measures of body image (silhouettes) were compared with the objective measures of BMI z-score and body fatness measured by the DDM. The World Health Organization BMI z-scores were used to classify the children as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. DDM-measured fatness was classified based on the McCarthy centile curves set at 2nd, 85th and 95th in conjunction with fatness cut-off points of 25% in boys and 30% in girls. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26. Of 202 children, 32.2%, 55.1%, 8.8%, and 2.4% perceived their body size as underweight, normal, overweight, and obese, respectively. Based on BMI z-score, 18.8%, 72.8%, 6.9%, and 1.5% were classified as underweight, normal, overweight, and obese, respectively. Body fatness measurement showed that 2.5%, 48.0%, 21.8%, and 29.7% were underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese, respectively. The application of silhouettes and BMI z-scores resulted in either overestimation or underestimation of own body size. Overall, the levels of agreements (kappa, κ) between body size perception, body fatness, and BMI for age respectively, were small (κ = 0.083, p = 0.053 and κ = 0.154, p

Physical activity plays an important role in the prevention of chronic lifestyle-related diseases. The development of valid instruments for the assessment of physical activity remains a challenge in field studies. The purpose of the present study was therefore to determine the level of agreement between physical activity objectively measured by the ActiHeart&reg, (Cambridge Neurotechnology Ltd, Cambridge, UK) device and subjectively reported physical activity by means of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF) among adolescents attending schools in the Tlokwe Local Municipality, South Africa. A cross-sectional study design was used with a total of 63 boys and 45 girls aged 15 years who took part in the Physical Activity and Health Longitudinal Study (PHALS). Stature and weight were measured according to standard International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) protocols. Objective physical activity (PA) was measured by a combined heart rate and accelerometer device (ActiHeart&reg, ) for seven consecutive days. Time spent in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) was assessed. Subjective physical activity was assessed with the self-reported IPAQ-SF. Objective PA indicated that 93% of the participants were inactive and only 6% were highly active. The IPAQ-SF showed that 24% were inactive, with 57% active. A non-significant correlation (r = 0.11, p = 0.29) between the ActiHeart&reg, measure of activity energy expenditure (AEE) and total physical activity (IPAQ-SF) was observed. The Bland&ndash, Altman plot showed no agreement between the two measurement instruments and also a variation in the level of equivalence. When Cohen&rsquo, s kappa (&kappa, ) was run to determine the agreement between the two measurement instruments for estimated physical activity, a poor agreement (&kappa, = 0.011, p &lt, 0.005) between the two was found. The poor level of agreement between the objective measure of physical activity (ActiHeart&reg, ) and the IPAQ-SF questionnaire should be interpreted cautiously. Future physical activity research using a combination of subjective and objective assessment methods in a large-scale cohort in adolescents is recommended.

Background: prediction models have not focused on children and adolescents from South Africa and have not included various demographic factors as possible predictors.Aim: The purpose of this study was, therefore, to determine whether a valid prediction function can be developed from several anthropometric measurements and demographic factors of a cohort of adolescents in South Africa.Subjects and methods: A total of 214 adolescent boys (n = 88) and girls (n = 126) (15.82 ± 0.68 years) were selected. Demographic, sport and maturation data were collected by means of questionnaires, whereas anthropometric measurements were taken by accredited anthropometrists and the 20-m Shuttle Run Test (SRT) executed to determine indirect values. A forward stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the cluster analysis reduced predictors and a cross-validation was performed in order to validate the prediction function.Results: Muscle mass percentage, sport participation level, stature, hip cir...

Background:There is current concern for the health and well-being of children and youth in South Africa, including habits of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior. The 2014 Healthy Active Kids South Africa Report Card evaluates the current activity status of children and youth.Methods:The Research Working Group was comprised of 23 experts in physical education, nutrition, sport science, public health and journalism. The search was based on a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature (previous 5 years), dissertations, and nonpeer-reviewed reports (‘gray’ literature) dealing with the PA and nutritional status of South African children and youth 6−18 years of age. Key indicators were identified and data extracted. Grades for each indicator were discussed and assigned.Results:Overall PA levels received a D grade, as roughly 50% or more of children and youth were not meeting recommended levels. Organized sports participation fared better with a C, and government policies were promising, receiving a B. Screen time and sedentary behavior were a major concern and received a grade of F. Under- and over-weight were highlighted, but overweight is on the rise and this indicator was assigned a D grade. Most of the other indicators in South Africa remained the same or became worse so that grades declined from C- to D. In particular, sedentary behavior, soft-drink and fast food consumption, and an ineffectual regulatory environment to control advertising to children were a concern. There is need to engage parents and communities for advocacy and social mobilization.

Objective To determine if insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a significant predictor of body fat percentage (%BF), lean body mass, and insulin resistance (IR) in black adolescents presenting with overnutrition and undernutrition. Methods A cross-sectional study was undertaken in 181 adolescents (111 girls, 70 boys, 13–20 years old) from a low socio-economic population in the North-West Province, South Africa. Anthropometric measurements were performed, and %BF and lean mass were assessed by air displacement plethysmography. Serum glucose, leptin, insulin, IGF-1 and IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) were measured and homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) was calculated. Predictors of body composition and HOMA-IR were determined in multivariate linear regressions. Results Of the boys, 31% had a %BF >20%, whereas 42% of girls had a %BF >30%. Furthermore, 17.1% male and 18.9% female adolescents were stunted, indicating overnutrition and undernutrition in the same group. IGF-1 showed a negative association with %BF in both sexes, and a positive correlation with height-for-age z-score (HAZ) and lean mass, respectively, in the boys. IGF-1 correlated positively and physical activity correlated negatively with fasting insulin and HOMA-IR in the girls. In both sexes, leptin had the strongest association with %BF in multiple regressions. Leptin and Tanner stage were significant predictors of HOMA-IR in girls, but not in boys. Conclusions IGF-1 was positively associated with lean mass and HAZ in boys, indicating a beneficial relationship with linear growth, but with IR in the girls, indicating possible adverse metabolic effects in the presence of high %BF and physical inactivity. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 26:189–197, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Background Due to the large mortality from inactivity-related non-communicable diseases in low- and middle- income countries, accurate assessment of physical activity is important for surveillance, monitoring and understanding of physical (in)activity epidemiology in many of these countries. Research on relative performance of self-report physical activity instruments commonly used for epidemiological research in Africa have rarely been reported. The present study compared estimates of physical activity measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and the Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire (BPAQ) among urban and rural black South African adults. Methods Self-reported physical activity data using the IPAQ-SF and BPAQ were collected from a representative sample of 910 urban and rural black South African adults (age = 59.2 ± 9.5 years, 69.7 % women) participating in the 2015 wave of the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological (PURE) study in the North West Province of South Africa. Between-method relationships (pearson correlations [r] and intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs]) and agreements (Bland-Altman mean difference with 95 % limits of agreement and Kappa coefficient [k]) of IPAQ-SF and BPAQ variables were estimated. Sensitivity and specificity of the BPAQ relative to the IPAQ-SF to classify individuals according to the international guidelines for sufficient physical activity were calculated using chi-square statistics. Results Correlations between IPAQ-SF scores and BPAQ indices were small (r = 0.08–0.18; ICCs = 0.09–0.18) for BPAQ leisure and sport indices, moderate-to-large for work index (r = 0.42–0.59; ICCs = 0.40–0.62) and total physical activity index (r = 0.52–0.60; ICCs = 0.36–0.51). Between methods mean difference for total physical activity was large (1.85 unit), and agreement in physical activity classifications was poor to moderate (k = 0.16–0.44). The sensitivity of the BPAQ to identify sufficiently active people from the IPAQ-SF was very good (98 %), but its specificity to correctly classify insufficiently active people was weak (23 %). Conclusion Notable disparities in physical activity estimates between methods suggest that utilization of IPAQ-SF and BPAQ for surveillance and epidemiology studies in Africa should depend on research questions and population to be studied. Future studies with objective measures are needed to confirm the relative validity between the two instruments.

Objective To evaluate demographic variation in the prevalence of overweight (OW) and obesity (OB) among 3240 children and adolescents (girls: n = 1714; boys: n = 1526) aged 9–16 years attending primary and secondary schools in Benue State of Nigeria. Methods Participants’ anthropometric characteristics (body weight, stature, body mass index: BMI and lean body mass: LBM) were determined using standard protocols. OW and OB were estimated using International Obesity task Force diagnostic criteria. Data were analysed with one-way anova and binary logistic regression method. Results Overall, 88.5%, 9.7% and 1.8% of the adolescents had normal BMI and were OW and obese, respectively. Prevalence of OW was higher among girls (20.3%) than boys (16.2%), whereas a relatively higher incidence of OB was noted among the boys (3.5%). Girls in urban areas had a significantly higher BMI (t524 = 3.61, P = 0.002) than their rural peers, but the rural girls were more significantly OW than their urban counterparts (BMI: t1186 = 2.506). Logistic regression models assessing the influence of age, gender and location on OW/OB in children (α2(3, N = 1014) = 6.185, P = 0.103) and adolescents (α2(3, N = 2226) = 1.435, P = 0.697) did not turn up significant results. In the gender-specific analysis, the younger boys’ model was also not significant (α2(2, N = 488) = 1.295, P = 0.523) in contrast to the girls’ (α2(2, N = 526) = 15.637, P = 0.0005), thus discriminating between OW and healthy weight among the children. Overall, the model explained 2.9–4.4% of the variance in weight status and correctly classified 76.8% of the cases. Age wise, the model yielded a significant odds ratio of 1.49, suggesting that the likelihood of being OW increases by a factor of 1.5 with a unit increase in age. Also, the likelihood of an urban girl becoming OW or obese was 0.57 times that of a rural girl. Conclusions In general, girls in urban areas had higher prevalence of OW and OB than girls in rural settings. Among the boys, similar but less marked trends were found, except that the rural boys tended to be more OW on average than their peers in urban areas. In view of its public health significance, it is important to periodically evaluate the prevalence of weight disorders in children and adolescents so that appropriate preventative strategies can be instituted. Objectif: Evaluer la variation demographique dans la prevalence du surpoids (SP) et de l’obesite (OB) parmi 3.240 enfants et adolescents (1.714 filles et 1.526 garcons) âges de 9 a 16 ans frequentant les ecoles primaires et secondaires dans l’Etat de Benue au Nigeria. Methodes: Les caracteristiques anthropometriques des participants (poids corporel, stature, indice de masse corporelle: IMC et masse corporelle maigre: MCM) ont ete determinees en utilisant des protocoles standard. SP et OB ont ete estimes a l’aide des criteres de diagnostic de l’International Obesity Task Force (IOTF). Les donnees ont ete analysees avec la methode ANOVA one-way et de regression logistique binaire. Resultats: Dans l’ensemble, 88,5% des adolescents avaient un IMC normal, 9,7% avaient un SP et 1,8%etaient obeses. La prevalence du SP etait plus elevee chez les filles (20,3%) que chez les garcons (16,2%), tandis qu’une incidence relativement plus elevee de l’OB a ete notee chez les garcons (3,5%). Les filles dans les zones urbaines avaient un IMC significativement plus eleve (IMC: t524 = 3,61, p = 0,002) que celles en milieu rural, mais les filles en milieu rural etaient nettement plus en surpoids que celles en milieu urbain (IMC: t1186 = 2,506). Les modeles de regression logistique evaluant l’influence de l’âge, du sexe et de la localisation sur l’obesite/surpoids chez les enfants (χ2(3, N = 1014) = 6,185; p = 0,103) et les adolescents (χ2(3, N = 2226) = 1,435; p = 0.697) n’ont pas revele des resultats significatifs. Dans l’analyse specifique au sexe, les resultats du modele des jeunes garcons n’etait pas non plus significatifs (χ2(2, N = 488) = 1,295; p = 0,523), contrairement a celui des filles (χ2(2, N = 526) = 15,637; p = 0,0005), discriminant ainsi entre surpoids et poids sain parmi les enfants. Globalement, le modele expliquait 2,9 a 4,4% de la variance dans le statut ponderal et a classe correctement 76,8% des cas. Pour ce qui est de l’âge, le modele a revele un rapport de cote (OR) significatif de 1,49 ce qui suggere que la probabilite d’etre en SP augmente d’un facteur 1,5 avec une augmentation d’une unite de l’âge. Aussi, la probabilite d’une jeune fille en milieu urbain d’etre en SP ou de devenir OB etait 0,57 fois plus elevee que celle d’une jeune fille en milieu rural. Conclusions: En general, les filles dans les zones urbaines avaient une prevalence plus elevee de SP et d’OB que les filles en milieu rural. Chez les garcons, des tendances similaires, mais moins marquees ont ete trouvees, sauf que les garcons en milieu rural avaient tendance aetre en moyenne plus en SP que ceux en milieu urbain. Compte tenu de son importance pour la sante publique, il est important d’evaluer periodiquement la prevalence des troubles de poids chez les enfants et les adolescents afin que des strategies de prevention appropriees puissent etre instituees. Objetivo: Evaluar las variaciones demograficas en la prevalencia del sobrepeso (SP) y la obesidad (OB) entre 3240 ninos y adolescentes (ninas: n=1714; ninos: n=1526) con edades comprendidas entre los 9-16 anos, escolarizados en escuelas primarias y secundarias del estado de Benue en Nigeria. Metodos: Utilizando protocolos estandar, se determinaron las caracteristicas antropometricas de los participantes (peso, estatura, indice de masa corporal: IMC y la masa corporal magra: MCM). El SP y la OB se calcularon utilizando el criterio diagnostico del grupo de trabajo sobre la obesidad (el International Obesity task Force - IOTF). Los datos se analizaron con una ANOVA de un sentido y el metodo de regresion logistica binaria. Resultados: En total un 88.5%, 9.7% y 1.8% de los adolescentes tenian respectivamente un IMC normal, SP y eran obesos. La prevalencia de SP era mayor entre las ninas (20.3%) que entre los ninos (16.2%), mientras que se observaba una incidencia relativamente mayor de OB entre los ninos (3.5%). Las ninas provenientes de areas urbanas tenian un IMC significativamente mayor (t524=3.61, p=0.002) que sus pares de areas rurales, pero las ninas rurales eran significativamente mas obesas que sus contrapartes (IMC: t1186=2.506). Los modelos de regresion logistica para evaluar la influencia de la edad, el genero y la localizacion sobre el sobrepeso/obesidad en ninos (χ2(3, N = 1014)=6.185, p=0.103) y adolescentes (χ2(3, N = 2226)=1.435, p=0.697) no aportaron resultados significativos. En el analisis genero-especifico el modelo para ninos mas jovenes tampoco era significativo (χ2(2, N = 488)=1.295, p=0.523), en contraste con el de las ninas (χ2(2, N = 526)=15.637, p=0.0005); discriminando entre el sobrepeso y un peso sano entre los ninos. En general el modelo explicaba 2.9-4.4% de la varianza en el estatus de peso y clasifico de forma correcta un 76.8% de los casos. En terminos de edad, el modelo arrojaba una razon de posibilidades significativa de 1.49, sugiriendo que la probabilidad de tener sobrepeso aumentaba en un factor de 1.5 con un aumento de 1 unidad de edad. Ademas, la probabilidad de que una nina viviendo en un area urbana tuviese sobrepeso o fuese obesa era 0.57 veces el de una nina viviendo en una zona rural. Conclusiones: En general, las ninas de areas urbanas tenian una mayor prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad que las ninas de zonas rurales. Entre los ninos se observaba una tendencia similar pero no tan marcada, excepto que los ninos rurales tendian a tener, en promedio, mas sobrepeso que sus pares de areas urbanas. Dada su relevancia a nivel de salud publica, es importante evaluar periodicamente la prevalencia de los desordenes de peso en ninos y adolescentes de forma que puedan instituirse las estrategias preventivas apropiadas.

The objective of this study was to investigate the development and tracking of nutritional status, body composition and physical fitness, and the longitudinal relationship of changes in nutritional status, and body composition with changes in physical fitness over a 1-year period of follow-up. Studied were 380 boys and 322 girls aged 7–14 years from the Ellisras Longitudinal Study. Boys and girls were divided into two groups of pre-adolescence ( 10 years). High tracking coefficients (>8) were found for nutritional status, body mass index, and fat-free mass, while low tracking coefficients (

Aim: To evaluate a two–year longitudinal development of health–related fitness, anthropometry and body composition status amongst adolescents in Tlokwe Municipality, Potchefstroom, South Africa." "Setting: A total of 283 high–school learners (111 boys and 172 girls) of ages 14 and 15 years who were part of the ongoing Physical Activity and Health Longitudinal Study (PAHLS) participated in the study. For the purpose of the present study, data collected for 2011 and 2012 for anthropometric, body composition and health–related physical fitness were used." "Results: Body mass index (BMI) classification of boys and girls for 2011 and 2012 showed that 24.3% of them were underweight compared with 21% in 2012. In 2011, 50% of boys and girls had normal body weight compared with 52% in 2012, whilst 25.5% of the total group of participants were overweight compared with 27% in 2012. Both boys and girls showed significant increases of 5.9% in body fat (BF) and 3.2 kg in body weight over two years measurements, respectively. Regarding health–related fitness (i.e BAH), boys showed an increase of 14.8 seconds whilst girls gained 9.6 seconds. Significant decreases were found for sit–ups in both boys and girls. A significant VO2max increase of 2.9 mL/kg/min. was found in boys over the time period. A non–significant decrease of –0.5 mL/kg/min. was observed in girls. Regression coefficients showed that changes in BMI were inversely associated with those in health–related physical fitness. The changes in percentage BF were negatively associated with standing broad jump (SBJ), bent arm hang (BAH) and VO2 max in both boys and girls. A low significant positive association was found between changes in waist–to–height ratio (WHtR) and SBJ in both genders, whilst inverse low associations were found between WHtR and BAH in girls and for VO2max in both genders." "Conclusion: Changes in BMI, %BF and WHtR were negatively associated with strength and running performances in the participating children. The relative increase in overweight, especially in girls, negatively affected their endurance running and static strength performances. The health implications of the observed findings are discussed and recommendations offered for physical activity intervention in school physical education (PE) programmes.

Underweight and overweight are adverse effects of malnutrition and both are associated with negative health consequences in children and adolescents. In South Africa, the burden of economic and social disparity coexists with malnutrition in children. The purpose of this study was to review available South Africa studies regarding the comprehensive summary of prevalence of underweight and overweight and evaluates government policies in addressing undernutrition and overnutrition in South African children and adolescents. We searched subject-specific electronic bibliographic databases of observational studies published on malnutrition, undernutrition, overnutrition, underweight and overweight in South African boys and girls from birth to 20 years of age in studies published on or after 1990. A total of sixteen cross-sectional, three longitudinal studies and one report met the criteria for inclusion in this review. Descriptive data synthesis revealed the small number of longitudinal studies highlights the dearth of research in tracking undernutrition and overnutrition in South African children. In this review, 0.7%–66% of underweight was reported among children in rural areas compared to a 3.1%–32.4% of overweight in urban areas. All studies reported a higher rate of underweight in boys than girls who were significantly more likely to have higher body fat. The data indicated that both underweight and overweight were positively related with health-related physical activity and psychological health problems such as low activity, low fitness, low self-image and self-esteem. Numerous recommendations were made in the reviewed studies, however effective strategic programs in eradicating both underweight and overweight are minimal. It is evident from the reviewed studies that the burden of underweight and overweight are still a problem in South African children. The most highly affected by underweight are rural children, while children in urban areas in transition are faced with burden of overweight. There is little evidence to suggest that government strategic programs are effective in addressing underweight and overweight in South African children. Based on these findings, sustainable school-based feeding schemes and physical education programmes are needed for optimal benefits in children and adolescents.

Not much info on journal on Sherpa Romeo, nothing on the Masterfile. I am therefore not sure whether the PDF af the article can be uploaded or not. The study determined the relationship between physical activity (PA) and risk factors of obesity among primary school children (boys: mean age 11.17 ±1.29, n=678; girls: mean age 10.88±1.27, n=683) in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa. The children were classified according to age and sex-specific body mass index (BMI) categories (underweight: 030) and their blood pressure (BP) measurements. Health-related fitness was assessed with standardised test protocols. Using the International PA Questionnaire (IPAQ), the children’s PA levels were judged as: Low (METs scores of less than 500); Moderate (METs scores from 500 to 1499) or High (METs >1500). The children were mostly underweight (74%) compared to other weight categories (normal weight: 23.7%; overweight: 1.0%; obese: 0.6%). Girls had non-significant elevated BP values (systolic: 112.94±11.28mmHg; diastolic: 79.40±12.80mmHg) than boys (systolic: 110.71±14.95mmHg; diastolic: 75.53±12.53mmHg) who had higher PA levels (METs = 1286.72±317.47) than girls (METs = 397.28±30.14) (p

Background: The dyslipidemia associated with excess weight is a risk for cardiovascular disease. Worldwide and in South Africa adolescent obesity has been reported. Objectives: To determine the association between dyslipidemia and anthropometric indices in black and white adolescents. Methods: The study involved 129 black and 69 white adolescents aged 12 to 16 years. Data collected included height, weight, waist circumference (WC) and skinfolds, blood pressure and blood for glucose, insulin, total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (Trig) and C - reactive protein (CRP). Results: WC correlated negatively with HDL in both blacks (p=0.042) and whites (p=0.008) and in whites it correlated positively with LDL (p=0.006); TC/HDL (p=

LANGUAGE NOTE | Document text in English; abstract also in Chinese.The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between physical activity and fitness in 212 South African rural primary school children. A questionnaire was used to gather physical activities performed during the whole week. The results show a few significant relationships between physical activity and sit-ups, shuttle run and 1600m run in girls, but none in boys. The gender difference may be explained by a ceiling effect in boys. The general absence of significant findings may be explained by the low nutritional status, unrecorded physical activity duration, high levels of physical activity, and heterogeneity in growth and maturation.本文旨在探討南非鄉鎮地區小學生身體活動量與體適能的關係，以問卷方式進行調查學童過去一星期的身體活動量，結果顯示女學童的身體活動量與仰臥起坐，來回跑及一千六百米跑有顯著相關，而男生的活動量與體適能卻沒有相關，這現象可能受其他因素影響所致。

LANGUAGE NOTE | Document text in English; abstract also in Chinese.The purpose of this study was to measure somatic and motor fitness characteristics in 8 to 11 (N = 232) year-old girls in Ellisras rural area of South Africa. Motor fitness was assessed with the EUROFIT test battery: 10 x 5 m shuttle run, standing broad jump, sit and reach, bentarm hang, sit-ups, flamingo balance and plate tapping. Somatic measurements were taken according to the protocol of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Significant increases were observed with age in height, body weight, girth, width, skinfolds and sum of skinfolds in the Ellisras girls (p

Background Little is known about the relationship between body composition and physical fitness in 14 year-old high school adolescents of South Africa. Baseline data from a longitudinal study on physical activity and health (PAHLS) may provide valuable information for future studies, hence to inform public health policy makers. The objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence of underweight, normal weight and overweight among adolescents aged 14 years in the Tlokwe Local Municipality of the North West Province of South Africa, and to assess the association between physical fitness and body composition separately for boys and girls, adjusted for race and locality. Methods Body weight, height and triceps, and subscapular skinfolds of 256 adolescents (100 boys and 156 girls) aged 14 years were measured, and percentage body fat and body mass index (BMI) were calculated. BMI was used to determine underweight, normal weight and overweight based on the standard criterion. Physical fitness was assessed by standing broad jump, bent arm hang and sit-ups according to the EUROFIT fitness standard procedures. Multinomial logistic regression analyses stratified for gender and adjusted for race (black or white), and the locality (urban or township) of the schools were used to analyze the data. Results In the total group 35.9% were underweight and 13.7% overweight. Boys were more underweight (44%) than girls (30.7%). The prevalence of overweight was 8% in boys and 17.3% in girls. BMI was strongly (p = 0.01) related with percentage body fat. Strong and significant positive associations between physical fitness and BMI for the underweight girls with high physical fitness scores (OR, 10.69 [95%CI: 2.81-40.73], and overweight girls with high physical fitness scores (OR, 0.11 [95%CI: 0.03-0.50]) were found. Non-significant weaker positive relationship between physical fitness and BMI for the underweight boys with high physical fitness scores (OR, 1.80 [95%CI: 0.63-5.09]), and the overweight boys with high physical fitness scores (OR, 0.18 [95%CI: 0.02-1.78]) were found. Conclusion Both underweight and overweight among boys and girls in Tlokwe Local Municipality exist, and their effects on physical fitness performances were also noticed. As such, strategic physical activity, interventions or follow-up studies recognizing this relationship particularly in the overweight adolescents are needed. In addition, authorities in health and education departments dealing with adolescents should make use of this evidence base information in policies development. http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-12-374 http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-2458-12-374.pdf

Background: No information exists on the nutritional status of primary school children residing in Makurdi, Nigeria. It is envisaged that the data could serve as baseline data for future studies, as well as inform public health policy. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of malnutrition among urban school children in Makurdi, Nigeria. Methods: Height and weight of 2015 (979 boys and 1036 girls), aged 9-12 years, attending public primary school in Makurdi were measured and the body mass index (BMI) calculated. Anthropometric indices of weight-for-age (WA) and height-for-age (HA) were used to estimate the children’s nutritional status. The BMI thinness classification was also calculated. Results: Underweight (WAZ < -2) and stunting (HAZ < -2) occurred in 43.4% and 52.7%, respectively. WAZ and HAZ mean scores of the children were -0.91(SD = 0.43) and -0.83 (SD = 0.54), respectively. Boys were more underweight (48.8%) than girls (38.5%), and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.024; p < 0.05). Conversely, girls tend to be more stunted (56.8%) compared to boys (48.4%) (p = 0.004; p < 0.05). Normal WAZ and HAZ occurred in 54.6% and 44.2% of the children, respectively. Using the 2007 World Health Organisation BMI thinness classification, majority of the children exhibited Grade 1 thinness (77.3%), which was predominant at all ages (9-12 years) in both boys and girls. Gender wise, 79.8% boys and 75.0% girls fall within the Grade I thinness category. Based on the WHO classification, severe malnutrition occurred in 31.3% of the children. Conclusions: There is severe malnutrition among the school children living in Makurdi. Most of the children are underweight, stunted and thinned. As such, providing community education on environmental sanitation and personal hygienic practices, proper child rearing, breast-feeding and weaning practices would possibly reverse the trends. http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/11/769 http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-11-769

Risk factors for development of cardiovascular disease develop early in life and track into adulthood. This study investigated the relationship between blood pressure (BP) and measures of body composition in adolescents. The study participants were 307 adolescents. Blood pressure (BP) and anthropometric parameters: (weight, height, waist (WC) and hip circumferences), triceps skinfolds (TSKF) and subscapular (SSKF) skinfolds were measured. From these parameters, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), subscapular skinfold/ triceps skinfold (S/T) ratio and subscapular skinfold/ subscapular skinfold + triceps skinfold (S/ST) ratio were calculated and used as measures of body composition. In addition, percentage body fat was determined using air displacement plethysmography and the BODPOD scale. Prehypertension/hypertension was observed in 21.3% of the girls and 33.1% of the boys. No gender differences in BP were observed. Twenty-five (8.1%) of the children were overweight/obese and the prevalence in girls was higher than in boys (Χ2=6.08, p=0.048). In girls systolic blood pressure (SBP) was predicted from age, WC and TSKF while in boys it was predicted from height, TSKF and SSKF. No significant association was found between blood pressure, BMI and lifestyle factors. The study concluded that SBP in adolescents correlates with anthropometric parameters. In girls, peripheral fat was strongly related to SBP, while in boys centrally located fat showed strong association with SBP. WC rather than WHR correlated positively with SBP in both genders. Keywords: Anthropometry, body composition, blood pressure, township adolescents.

The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness of Adventure-based Experiential Learning (AEL) in developing the personal effectiveness of adolescents. Twenty three adolescents, currently enrolled in a post-matriculation development centre were studied. The study consisted of an experimental (n=12) and control group (n=11). The experimental group participated in a five day low risk AEL programme in an urban setting. The Review of Personal Effectiveness with Locus of Control (ROPELOC) instrument developed and piloted by Richards, Ellis and Neill (2002) was used to measure 14 constructs related to personal effectiveness. The ROPELOC was administered in the form of pre and post-tests for both groups. Pre-posttest effect sizes showed that the experimental group experienced high significant (d.0.80) development in four areas and medium (d.0.50) development in nine areas of personal development, compared to one medium effect size for the control group. The results from this study compare favourably with the benchmark effect size for AEL of 0.40 as suggested by Neill (2003) with an average effect size of 0.61. Based on these results it is concluded that AEL programme could be used to effectively improve personal effectiveness among adolescents.

The aims of the study were to determine student field hockey players’ perceived need for Mental skills training (MST), and their perceptions regarding their ability to prepare psychologically for matches, as well as to compile a general profile of their psychological skills for the total group and by gender. A total of 197 (91 men and 106 women) South African field hockey players at tertiary institutions who participated in the University Sport of South Africa (USSA) tournament, took part in the study. The subjects completed two standardised sport psychological questionnaires (the Psychological Skills Inventory (PSI) and the Ottawa Mental Skills Assessment Tool-3 (OMSAT-3). Descriptive statistics, t-tests and frequency analyses were calculated using SPSS for Windows (Version 3.1). The results from the PSI questionnaire showed poor values for skills such as goal directedness, activation control, maintaining selfconfidence, concentration and imagery among the total group. Significant gender differences in which the male subjects performed better than the females were observed for concentration, achievement motivation and activation control. The highest mean scores on the OMSAT-3 were found for goal setting, self-confidence and commitment. Significant gender differences were observed for goal setting and commitment (in which the females performed better than the males), whilst the males fared better than the females in stress reaction. The participants in the study perceived MST as an important tool to enhance performance in field hockey. From these results, it can be recommended that sport psychologists and other role players in field hockey pay more attention to the development and implementation of MST programmes. Keywords: Mental skills training, field hockey, sport psychology, South African student sport.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of obesity on the physical self-concept of urban school children living in Potchefstroom, South Africa. A total of 277 (127 boys and 150 girls) children aged 11-13 years from urban schools in Potchefstroom voluntarily participated in cross- sectional, observational research study conducted in 2007. Stature and body mass were measured according to the International Society for Advancement of Kinanthropomet ry (ISAK). The children were classi fied into three groups of normal, overweight and obese according to BMI cut-off point suggested by Cole, Bellizzi , Flegal and Dietz (2000). Susan Harter’s Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents was used to assess the self-percept ion of children. Descriptive statist ics of means and standard deviations as well as frequencies were calculated for the data. Nonparametric t-test was employed to test significant di fferences between boys and girls among the three groups. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post -hoc test were calculated to examine the effect of obesity on the children’s physical self-concept. The results showed that overweight and obese children were tal ler and heavier than their normal counterparts. Furthermore, the resul ts showed that the overweight or obesity status significantly affected boys physical acceptance (F7.02 =2.62, p normal ones. In addition, the overweight or obesity status significantly affected girls scholastic competency (F3.93 =0.35, p competence (F 4.58 =0.30, p acceptance, scholast ic competence and behavioural acceptance of the children. The effect of overweight and obesity on the physical self-perception of school children should be considered in planning obesi ty management strategies for preventive health care.

Outdoor team building programmes are becoming more popular in the corporate world in order to enhance organisational effectiveness. However, together with this growing popularity there is a certain amount of scepticism that exists around the effectiveness of these programmes. The purpose of this study is to determine the differences between a wilderness expedition and the better known centre-based team building programmes with regard to personal effectiveness. Studied were 35 students (n=17 men and n=18 women), aged 18-22 from the North-West University (Potchefstroomcampus). The research instrument used (ROPELOC) is a questionnaire developed and piloted by Richards et al. (2002). This questionnaire measures personal effectiveness through seven major components and was administered in the form of a quantitative pre- and post-tests to all three groups (two experimental groups and control group). Results showed that only one practical significant (d 0.8) difference occurred between the two experimental groups. Based on the amount of pre- and post-test scores this study recommends a centre-based team building program in order to improve personal effectiveness. However, very valuable information was found in the descriptive results. These include feelings of awe and wonder for the natural environment, solitude and privacy. Keywords : Outdoor management development; Outdoor experiential education; Wilderness expedition; Personal effectiveness; Team building. South African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education and Recreation Vol. 30 (2) 2008: pp. 53-69

No Abstract. African Journal for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance Vol. 12(2) 2006: 161-170

No Abstract. African Journal for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance Vol. 12(1) 2006: 82-88

No Abstract. African Journal for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance Vol. 11(3) 2005: 249-268