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Background: The present study aimed to explore the relationship between COVID-19 and HRmax during maximal exertion; Methods: The study was conducted on 66 male students aged 17.4 to 24.0 years, 50% of whom suffered from COVID-19. Their body composition was assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis; their physical activity (PA)—using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire; and their HRmax—using the 12-Minute Cooper Test on a Rowing Ergometer (12-MCTRE); Results: Both the healthy students (G1) and non-hospitalized COVID-19 sufferers (G2) were significantly (p < 0.001) more engaged in PA than the hospitalized COVID-19 sufferers. They had significantly lower body mass, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and visceral fat level, with the G1 ones also having lower scores of body fat mass, fat-free mass, and skeletal muscle mass (p values: <0.001–0.017). The highest HRmax = 192 bpm was recorded for G1 students, being significantly higher than the values measured for G2 (by 7 bpm), and G3 (by 16 bpm); Conclusions: Men suffering from COVID-19 and hospitalized exhibited significantly lower levels of PA and motor fitness, and had poorer body composition markers (primarily adiposity to the point of severe overweight). This likely explains their diminished HRmax compared with healthy men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Physical fitness is strongly associated with daily physical function, health, and longevity in older adults. Field-based tests may provide a reasonable alternative compared to advanced laboratory testing. Separating postexercise test scores from reactivity measurements requires sufficient test-retest reliability. Postexercise test scores with reliability analyses of field-based fitness tests in older adults are lacking. The present study aimed to examine the test-retest reliability of some novel easily accommodated fitness test measurements and compare pretest scores with postexercise results in these tests along with other field-based fitness tests in older adults. Methods: Totally 1,407 community-dwelling older adults (69% female), x̄ = 71.5 ± 5.0 (65–84 years), performed twelve field-based fitness tests at pretest 1, pretest 2 and a posttest after an 8-week exercise period (twice weekly 1 h of combined strength and aerobic training). T tests, intra-class correlation, limits of agreement, standard error of measurement, and coefficient of variance were performed between pre-1 and pre-2 tests, and repeated measures ANOVA and partial eta squared effect size for postexercise differences for men and women in 5-year age groups ranging from 65 to 84 years. Results: Between pre-1 and pre-2 tests a significant difference was noted in some of the novel fitness test measurements but generally not, e.g., in isometric trunk flexion and step-up height on either leg among all sex and age groups. In most of these novel fitness test measurements, no significant differences occurred between the two pretests. Examples of results from the pre-2 test to the posttest were isometric trunk flexion 45° endurance and isometric trunk extension endurance improved significantly for both sexes in age groups 65–74 years. Women, but not men, improved the maximal step-up height for both legs in most age groups. The speed in the 50 sit-to-stand improved significantly for most age groups in both sexes. Six-min walk distance improved significantly for most age groups in women but among men only in 65–69 years. In the timed-up-and-go test, significant improvements were seen for all age groups in women and in men 70–79 years. No postexercise improvements were generally observed for grip strength or balance. Conclusions: In most of the novel fitness test measures, no significant difference was noted between the two pretests in the assessed sex and age groups. Results after the 8-week exercise period varied between sex and age groups, with significant improvements in several of the twelve studied fitness tests. These findings may be valuable for future projects utilizing easily accommodated physical fitness tests in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. The study aimed to evaluate physical fitness and its dynamics in a year among primary school children aged 7 to 10 years old concerning the child’s individual factors (health-related: physical activity, sedentary behaviour; and psychosocial: physical activity enjoyment). Materials and methods. The study involved a sample consisting of 902 1st-3rd grade students (49% of boys and 51% of girls), who participated in physical fitness testing at baseline and follow-up in a year. Additionally, questionnaire-based data were collected from students and parents. Physical fitness was evaluated by administering eight out of nine tests from a 9-item test battery developed by Fjørtoft et al. (2011). The participants’ height and weight were measured using a mechanical stadiometer platform (Seca 274, Hamburg, Germany; TEM50.01%) and a portable electronic scale — a TANITA BC 420 SMA (Tanita Europe BV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands), respectively. Physical activity, sedentary behaviour, participation in sports, physical activity enjoyment were evaluated by children and parents at different time points. Results. The results indicated that physical fitness had improved from baseline to follow-up, with some exceptions for particular tests and genders. Vigorous physical activity at Time 1 predicted better hand muscle strength (Std β = .18) and agility (Std β = -.12) at Time 2. The findings showed that participation in sports at Time 1 was also predictive of improved agility (Std β =.15). Moderate to vigorous physical activity at Time 1 predicted enhanced speed at Time 2 (Std β = -.16). The motivation for physical activity at Time 2 was found to be related to improvements in agility (Std β = - 0.18) and speed (Std β = -0.30), while there was a decline in hand muscle strength (Std β = -0.11). Altogether, predictors were able to significantly explain 10 percent of agility and 13 percent of speed test results. Conclusions. As children grow and develop, their physical fitness levels tend to change in response to various factors including different physical activity indicators, as well as motivation for engaging in physical activity.

Objective: We investigated the longitudinal associations of cumulative motor fitness, muscular strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) from childhood to adolescence with cortical excitability and inhibition in adolescence. The other objective was to determine cross-sectional associations of motor fitness and muscular strength with brain function in adolescence. Methods: In 45 healthy adolescents (25 girls and 20 boys) aged 16-19 years, we assessed cortical excitability and inhibition by navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS), and motor fitness by 50-m shuttle run test and Box and block test, and muscular strength by standing long jump test. These measures of physical fitness and CRF by maximal exercise were assessed also at the ages 7-9, 9-11, and 15-17 years. Cumulative measures of physical measures were computed by summing up sample-specific z-scores at ages 7-9, 9-11, and 15-17 years. Results: Higher cumulative motor fitness performance from childhood to adolescence was associated with lower right hemisphere resting motor threshold (rMT), lower silent period threshold (SPt), and lower motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude in boys. Better childhood-to-adolescence cumulative CRF was also associated with longer silent period (SP) duration in boys and higher MEP amplitude in girls. Cross-sectionally in adolescence, better motor fitness and better muscular strength were associated with lower left and right rMT among boys and better motor fitness was associated with higher MEP amplitude and better muscular strength with lower SPt among girls. Conclusion: Physical fitness from childhood to adolescence modifies cortical excitability and inhibition in adolescence. Motor fitness and muscular strength were associated with motor cortical excitability and inhibition. The associations were selective for specific TMS indices and findings were sex-dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Long COVID presents a concern for collegiate athletes, potentially impacting sensorimotor processing and motor fitness. This study aimed to assess these effects. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 60 athletes diagnosed with Long COVID and 60 controls. Sensorimotor processing and integration were evaluated using neurophysiological variables (N13, P14, N20, P27, and N30), while motor fitness was assessed through balance, agility, and vertical jump testing. T-tests compared groups, and Pearson's correlations explored relationships. Results: Significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed in neurophysiological variables and motor fitness between Long COVID and control groups. Fatigue correlated positively (p < 0.001) with neurophysiological variables in Long COVID cases but not with motor fitness (p = 0.08, p = 0.07, p = 0.09). Conclusions: Collegiate athletes with Long COVID exhibit abnormal sensorimotor processing, integration, and diminished motor fitness compared to uninfected peers. The fatigue severity of Long COVID correlates with neurophysiological changes, suggesting a link between sensorimotor deficits and fatigue. Targeted interventions for sensorimotor deficits and fatigue management are crucial for athletes recovering from Long COVID. This study underscores the importance of addressing these issues to optimize the recovery and performance of collegiate athletes affected by Long COVID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. The study aimed to evaluate physical fitness and its dynamics in a year among primary school children aged 7 to 10 years old concerning the child's individual factors (health-related: physical activity, sedentary behaviour; and psychosocial: physical activity enjoyment). Materials and methods. The study involved a sample consisting of 902 1st-3rd grade students (49% of boys and 51% of girls), who participated in physical fitness testing at baseline and follow-up in a year. Additionally, questionnairebased data were collected from students and parents. Physical fitness was evaluated by administering eight out of nine tests from a 9-item test battery developed by Fjørtoft et al. (2011). The participants' height and weight were measured using a mechanical stadiometer platform (Seca 274, Hamburg, Germany; TEM50.01%) and a portable electronic scale -- a TANITA BC 420 SMA (Tanita Europe BV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands), respectively. Physical activity, sedentary behaviour, participation in sports, physical activity enjoyment were evaluated by children and parents at different time points. Results. The results indicated that physical fitness had improved from baseline to follow-up, with some exceptions for particular tests and genders. Vigorous physical activity at Time 1 predicted better hand muscle strength (Std β = 0.18) and agility (Std β = -0.12) at Time 2. The findings showed that participation in sports at Time 1 was also predictive of improved agility (Std β = 0.15). Moderate to vigorous physical activity at Time 1 predicted enhanced speed at Time 2 (Std β = -0.16). The motivation for physical activity at Time 2 was found to be related to improvements in agility (Std β = -0.18) and speed (Std β = -0.30), while there was a decline in hand muscle strength (Std β = -0.11). Altogether, predictors were able to significantly explain 10 percent of agility and 13 percent of speed test results. Conclusions. As children grow and develop, their physical fitness levels tend to change in response to various factors including different physical activity indicators, as well as motivation for engaging in physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Body mass index (BMI) is the dominant diagnostic parameter for obesity, but its suitability is controversial. Physical fitness (PF) can be used as an indicator for unhealthy body composition. Objectives: To characterize groups of overweight children via different anthropometric parameters and their respective PF. Sample and Methods: Anthropometric measurements (BMI, waist circumference (WC), skinfold thickness (SF), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) were assessed in 147 preschool children (age 4.7 ± 1.8 years) at 12 German Kindergartens. Measurements were related to a field battery for PF, assessing musculoskeletal fitness and motor fitness. Results: All anthropometric measurements characterize different children as overweight, only four children are classified as overweight by all measurements. Children with elevated triceps SF alone or in combination with high subscapular SF or WC but not BMI showed lower PF compared with non-overweight children (long jump (p < 0.001), high jump (p = 0.002), shuttle run (p = 0.032)). Conclusions: Triceps SF measuring peripheral fat mass alone and in combination with parameters of central fat might be an effective method to detect poor PF indicating health impairing overweight in 3- to 6-year-old children while preventive examinations should not be placed exclusively on the BMI.

Background. Motor fitness is one of the keys to athletes’ success and is the initial factor mixed with game-specific technique and tactics that has an impact on game performance. All athletes should incorporate these elements into their sport and game actions. Study purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in motor fitness metrics among university-level male athletes participating in various sports. Materials and methods. Sixty (60) male athletes, ranging in age from 18 to 25 years, were selected from six different sports: Athletics, Basketball, Cricket, Football, Handball, and Volleyball. Each group consisted of 10 athletes who had competed at the inter-university level. The research focused on six key fitness metrics: agility, speed, power, arm strength, abdominal muscle strength, and cardiovascular endurance. Appropriate testing methods and instruments were used to measure these parameters. Statistical analysis, including one-way ANOVA and post hoc LSD tests, was performed to identify significant differences between the groups. A significance level of 0.05 was set for the study. Results. The results showed statistically significant differences among the groups in agility (F(5,54) = 4.776, p0.082), arm strength (F(5,54) = 1.368, p>0.251), and abdominal muscle strength (F(5,54) = 1.947, p>0.102). According to the post hoc (LSD) test findings, each group’s agility, speed, and cardiovascular endurance parameters were compared to each other to check the significance level. Conclusions. In summary, the study has revealed that agility, speed, and cardiovascular endurance were significantly different among athletes in various sports, whereas power, arm strength, and abdominal muscle strength were not. The findings suggest that athletes and coaches should prioritize sport-specific fitness components to improve game performance.

Background. Motor fitness is one of the keys to athletes' success and is the initial factor mixed with game-specific technique and tactics that has an impact on game performance. All athletes should incorporate these elements into their sport and game actions. Study purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in motor fitness metrics among university-level male athletes participating in various sports. Materials and methods. Sixty (60) male athletes, ranging in age from 18 to 25 years, were selected from six different sports: Athletics, Basketball, Cricket, Football, Handball, and Volleyball. Each group consisted of 10 athletes who had competed at the inter-university level. The research focused on six key fitness metrics: agility, speed, power, arm strength, abdominal muscle strength, and cardiovascular endurance. Appropriate testing methods and instruments were used to measure these parameters. Statistical analysis, including one-way ANOVA and post hoc LSD tests, was performed to identify significant differences between the groups. A significance level of 0.05 was set for the study. Results. The results showed statistically significant differences among the groups in agility ( F(5,54) = 4.776, p<0.001), speed ( F(5,54) = 5.602, p<0.000), and cardiovascular endurance ( F(5,54) = 3.578, p<0.007). However, no significant differences were observed for power ( F(5,54) = 2.079, p>0.082), arm strength ( F(5,54) = 1.368, p>0.251), and abdominal muscle strength ( F(5,54) = 1.947, p>0.102). According to the post hoc (LSD) test findings, each group's agility, speed, and cardiovascular endurance parameters were compared to each other to check the significance level. Conclusions. In summary, the study has revealed that agility, speed, and cardiovascular endurance were significantly different among athletes in various sports, whereas power, arm strength, and abdominal muscle strength were not. The findings suggest that athletes and coaches should prioritize sport-specific fitness components to improve game performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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ObjectiveWe investigated the longitudinal associations of cumulative motor fitness, muscular strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) from childhood to adolescence with cortical excitability and inhibition in adolescence. The other objective was to determine cross-sectional associations of motor fitness and muscular strength with brain function in adolescence.MethodsIn 45 healthy adolescents (25 girls and 20 boys) aged 16–19 years, we assessed cortical excitability and inhibition by navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS), and motor fitness by 50-m shuttle run test and Box and block test, and muscular strength by standing long jump test. These measures of physical fitness and CRF by maximal exercise were assessed also at the ages 7–9, 9–11, and 15–17 years. Cumulative measures of physical measures were computed by summing up sample-specific z-scores at ages 7–9, 9–11, and 15–17 years.ResultsHigher cumulative motor fitness performance from childhood to adolescence was associated with lower right hemisphere resting motor threshold (rMT), lower silent period threshold (SPt), and lower motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude in boys. Better childhood-to-adolescence cumulative CRF was also associated with longer silent period (SP) duration in boys and higher MEP amplitude in girls. Cross-sectionally in adolescence, better motor fitness and better muscular strength were associated with lower left and right rMT among boys and better motor fitness was associated with higher MEP amplitude and better muscular strength with lower SPt among girls.ConclusionPhysical fitness from childhood to adolescence modifies cortical excitability and inhibition in adolescence. Motor fitness and muscular strength were associated with motor cortical excitability and inhibition. The associations were selective for specific TMS indices and findings were sex-dependent.

Background: The present study aimed to explore the relationship between COVID-19 and HRmax during maximal exertion; Methods: The study was conducted on 66 male students aged 17.4 to 24.0 years, 50% of whom suffered from COVID-19. Their body composition was assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis; their physical activity (PA)—using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire; and their HRmax—using the 12-Minute Cooper Test on a Rowing Ergometer (12-MCTRE); Results: Both the healthy students (G1) and non-hospitalized COVID-19 sufferers (G2) were significantly (p < 0.001) more engaged in PA than the hospitalized COVID-19 sufferers. They had significantly lower body mass, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and visceral fat level, with the G1 ones also having lower scores of body fat mass, fat-free mass, and skeletal muscle mass (p values: max = 192 bpm was recorded for G1 students, being significantly higher than the values measured for G2 (by 7 bpm), and G3 (by 16 bpm); Conclusions: Men suffering from COVID-19 and hospitalized exhibited significantly lower levels of PA and motor fitness, and had poorer body composition markers (primarily adiposity to the point of severe overweight). This likely explains their diminished HRmax compared with healthy men.

Abstract Background Fitness has important implications for physical activity behavior and is associated with various health-related outcomes. It can be assessed through a test battery or a self-reported questionnaire. One example is the FFB-Mot (Funktionsfragebogen Motorik; engl. functional fitness questionnaire) which consist of 28 items to assess four components of fitness in adults: cardiorespiratory fitness/ endurance, muscular strength, gross motor coordination, and flexibility. The aims of this manuscript were to (1) provide an English-version of the FFB-Mot questionnaire (developed from the German-version using translation and back-translation) to the international community of researchers in the areas of physical activity, fitness and health in adults, and (2) examine the predictive validity of the FFB-Mot questionnaire in a large sample of community-dwelling adults. Methods We used data from a longitudinal study in Germany with four measurement waves over a period of 18 years, with samples ranging between 310 and 437 participants (1572 adults in total, mean ages 46–58 years). To assess predictive validity, we calculated Pearson correlations between FFB-Mot data collected in 1997 and external health-related criteria (i.e., subjective health status, physician-rated health status, back pain, physical complaints and physical activity in minutes per week) collected in 2002, 2010, and 2015, and separately for males and females. Results We observed correlations between higher FFB-Mot scores with better subjective health status (in 2002: males, r = 0.25; females, r = 0.18; in 2010: males, r = 0.29; females, r = 0.28; in 2015: males, r = 0.40), and higher physical activity (in 2002: males, r = 0.24; females, r = 0.25; in 2010: males, r = 0.30; females, r = 0.38; in 2015: females, r = 0.27). Higher FFB-Mot scores were also correlated with lower back pain (in 2002: males, r = -0.23; females, r = -0.25; in 2010: females, r = -0.22), less physical complaints (in 2002: males, r = -0.36; females, r = -0.24), and better physician-rated health status (in 2002: males, r = -0.41; females, r = -0.29, 2010: males, r = -0.38; females, r = -0.44; in 2015: males, r = -0.47). Conclusions Our results suggest that the FFB-Mot to assess fitness in adults has predictive validity for health-related outcomes as indicated by significant correlations, albeit some effect sizes are small. The FFB-Mot may be used as one-time assessment of self-reported fitness, or for repeated testing to assess change of self-reported fitness over time and in different settings (e.g., public health research).

The purpose of this study was to analyze the time measurement validity and reliability (between raters and test–retest) of the 4 × 10-m shuttle run test to assess motor fitness in adults, according to gender, age, and physical activity levels. Cross-sectional. A total of 230 adults (86 women) aged 18–64 years participated in the study. The time taken to complete the 4 × 10-m shuttle run test was recorded simultaneously by a trained and an untrained rater (inter-rater reliability) and by photoelectric cells (time measurement validity). 48–72 h later, the test was repeated under the same conditions (test–retest reliability). The systematic error for trained rater vs. photocell was close to zero (0.0125, p < 0.01), with an effect size of 0.006; and for both, untrained rater vs. photocell and trained rater vs. untrained rater was ∼ 0.2 s (p < 0.001) with an effect size of 0.09. For the test–retest reliability, the systematic error was 0.05 s (p < 0.001), with an effect size of 0.26, the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.998 and the coefficient of variation reported a variability of 0.73 %. Results were not influenced by gender and age, while these improved for active vs. non-active participants. Findings indicate that measurements with trained raters are a valid and reliable method for assessing the 4 × 10-m shuttle run test in adults. It is highly recommended that raters be trained to minimize the measurement error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a relationship between physical activity and environmental factors, including weather conditions. Winter should not be a season in which physical activity is abandoned. Previous studies indicate that reducing the daily level of physical activity in adults has a negative impact on their motor proficiency and respiratory endurance, which subsequently translates into diminished quality of life. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of winter outdoor physical activity on somatic parameters, body composition, and motor performance of adult men (age 45.4 ± 5.9 years) involved in regular physical activity (physically active PA, n = 31) during the winter season (study group) compared to the control group of physically inactive men (PI, n = 22). Somatic parameters and selected parameters of motor fitness (Eurofit for Adults) were measured in both groups twice, at the beginning (pre) and at the end (post) of the winter season. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures and a post hoc LSD test were performed to evaluate the difference between the mean parameter values. In the PA group, a decrease in body fat mass, waist circumference, and abdominal obesity indicators, as well as an increase in skeletal muscle mass were confirmed. Improvements in motor performance parameters, i.e., flexibility, the speed of upper limb movements, hand and forearm muscle grip strength, the strength of the lower part of the torso, and cardiorespiratory endurance were also observed. Regular physical activity in the open air during the winter brings measurable health benefits, positively influencing the body composition and motor efficiency of adult men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fitness has important implications for physical activity behavior and is associated with various health-related outcomes. It can be assessed through a test battery or a self-reported questionnaire. One example is the FFB-Mot (Funktionsfragebogen Motorik; engl. functional fitness questionnaire) which consist of 28 items to assess four components of fitness in adults: cardiorespiratory fitness/ endurance, muscular strength, gross motor coordination, and flexibility. The aims of this manuscript were to (1) provide an English-version of the FFB-Mot questionnaire (developed from the German-version using translation and back-translation) to the international community of researchers in the areas of physical activity, fitness and health in adults, and (2) examine the predictive validity of the FFB-Mot questionnaire in a large sample of community-dwelling adults. Methods: We used data from a longitudinal study in Germany with four measurement waves over a period of 18 years, with samples ranging between 310 and 437 participants (1572 adults in total, mean ages 46–58 years). To assess predictive validity, we calculated Pearson correlations between FFB-Mot data collected in 1997 and external health-related criteria (i.e., subjective health status, physician-rated health status, back pain, physical complaints and physical activity in minutes per week) collected in 2002, 2010, and 2015, and separately for males and females. Results: We observed correlations between higher FFB-Mot scores with better subjective health status (in 2002: males, r = 0.25; females, r = 0.18; in 2010: males, r = 0.29; females, r = 0.28; in 2015: males, r = 0.40), and higher physical activity (in 2002: males, r = 0.24; females, r = 0.25; in 2010: males, r = 0.30; females, r = 0.38; in 2015: females, r = 0.27). Higher FFB-Mot scores were also correlated with lower back pain (in 2002: males, r = -0.23; females, r = -0.25; in 2010: females, r = -0.22), less physical complaints (in 2002: males, r = -0.36; females, r = -0.24), and better physician-rated health status (in 2002: males, r = -0.41; females, r = -0.29, 2010: males, r = -0.38; females, r = -0.44; in 2015: males, r = -0.47). Conclusions: Our results suggest that the FFB-Mot to assess fitness in adults has predictive validity for health-related outcomes as indicated by significant correlations, albeit some effect sizes are small. The FFB-Mot may be used as one-time assessment of self-reported fitness, or for repeated testing to assess change of self-reported fitness over time and in different settings (e.g., public health research). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kids' athletics game practices (KAGP) could be used by physical education teachers during their lessons to keep a large number of children physically active at the same time by playing the athletics. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 4-week KAGP on some physical fitness variables in children, and, to compare these affects between sexes. The study was conducted on 3rd-grade students randomly selected from a primary school. The volunteers exercised the KAGP for 4-weeks, two days per week. The KAGP (formula one, sprint/hurdles shuttle relay, forward squat jumps, and backward overhead throwing), involved straight running, running with changing direction, rolling movement, hurdling, jumping and throwing. Pre-test and post-test measurements were taken for counter movement jump (CMJ), backward overhead medicine ball (BOMB) throwing, agility (Illinois test), flexibility (sit-and-reach), and 30m sprint. Following the 4-week KAGP, the CMJ (Pre:16.04±3.33 cm; Post:18.46±2.90 cm) significantly increased, and the 30m sprint time (Pre:6.94±0.61 sec; Post:6.74±0.57 sec) significantly shorten only in girls (p = .003 and p = .008, respectively). The agility significantly improved (Pre:24.03±2.00 sec; Post:23.26±1.83 sec; p = .01) and the BOMB throwing distance significantly increased (Pre: 3.80±0.97 m; 4.45±1.18 m; p = .001) considering the overall data. Significant difference between boys and girls was observed for CMJ performance. It has been observed that games structured according to the purpose have positive effects on the strength and agility properties of children. KAGP can be used as a tool to increase physical activity and improve physical fitness in children at primary level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It remains controversial whether aging influences motor learning and whether physiological factors, such as local strength or fitness, are associated with fine motor performance and learning in older adults (OA). OA (n = 51) and young adults (YA, n = 31) performed a short-term motor learning session using a precision grip force modulation task. The rate of improvement of OA compared with YA was steeper with respect to performance variability and temporal precision. Both age groups showed positive transfer during an unpracticed variant of the force modulation task. Local muscle strength (pinch and grip strength) and high cardiovascular fitness positively predicted fine motor performance, whereas initial performance, muscle strength, and motor fitness (heterogeneous motor test battery) negatively predicted rate of improvement. Analyses indicated potentials, but also limits of plasticity for OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Combat sports, including MMA and BJJ place very high and varied demands on athletes in terms of strength and strength-endurance training. The aim of the present study was to level of development motor fitness athletes combat sports and examine their relationship with training experience, and high sports performance. Methods: Thirty athletes were studied and compared between two groups: MMA (N=15) and BJJ (N=15). Somatic measurements were performed. Selected manifestations of the athlete's potential in terms of strength and strength endurance were also measured, using selected tests from the International Physical Fitness Test (EUROFIT) battery, and relative strength and MAW indices were calculated. A coach ranking of athletes by sports achievement was developed. Next, the strength of the relationship of the effect of the aspects of strength and conditioning with training experience and sports performance was assessed. Results: The level of motor fitness in the groups was significantly different between the athletes of these sports in terms of strength and strength endurance abilities (p=0.006-0.038). A higher level of these elements of fitness was displayed by BJJ athletes. In both groups, significant correlations were found between the motor effect and the training experience (r=0.53-0.89) also sports result (r=0.53-0.76). Conclusions: The results allow for the initial diagnosis and interpretation of motor fitness competencies along with the profile of its key manifestations in MMA and BJJ, which promotes optimization of the quality of coaching control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between soccer-specific skills and skill-related fitness in adolescent football players. Thirty male soccer players (age: 15.86 ± 0.69 years; football experience 7.10 ± 1.70 years) were recruited from a soccer team. Soccer players performed both soccer-specific skill tests and skill-related fitness tests. Soccer-specific skill tests included the Loughborough soccer passing test, Yeagley soccer test, Mor–Christian general soccer ability skill test, and the skill-related fitness tests consisted of the alternate-hand wall-toss test, countermovement jump test, sport-specific core muscle strength and stability plank test, pro-agility test, 20-m sprint test, and lower-quarter Y balance test. Pearson product-moment correlation analyses revealed a moderately positive correlation among the Mor–Christian general soccer ability skill test score (dribbling), pro-agility test score (r = 0.44, p = 0.01), and 20-m sprint time (r = 0.43, p = 0.01). There were no correlations among other variables for both the soccer-specific skill tests and skill-related fitness tests. Based on the findings of the study, we conclude that dribbling drills in soccer should be supported by agility and sprint exercises to increase dribbling speed by soccer trainers and soccer players.

The article provides an analysis of scientific and methodological literature and pedagogical observations, which made it possible to assume that a rational organization and a reasonable methodology for conducting physical education and children's sports in the open air will create favorable opportunities for year-round classes with the bulk of children attending preschool educational institutions, which will allow to successfully combine the solution of health-improving, educational and educational tasks, to successfully complete the program on physical culture of children attending preschool educational institutions, taking into account regional climate factors especially in Central Asian region, which do not have specially equipped halls for conducting physical education classes. Calculations of estimated gradations of the level of children's motor readiness are presented, with the aim of a differentiated approach to the methodology of their teaching motor actions based on a selective approach in the acquisition of educational groups in the system of preschool education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Numerous studies have demonstrated the association between cardiovascular risk markers and fitness, and broad aspects of cognition; however, the possible association of cardiovascular risk markers and fitness with social cognition, which plays a significant role in the development and maintenance of social relationships, has largely been ignored. Herein, we investigated the relationship of cardiovascular risk markers and fitness with task-related neural activity during animacy perception. Methods: We analyzed data from the Human Connectome Project derived from 1027 adults age 22–37 yr. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) was conducted to evaluate the association between participants' body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, submaximal endurance, gait speed, hand dexterity, and muscular strength with task-related neural activity during animacy perception. Results: We observed a single significant CCA mode. Body mass index and blood pressure demonstrated negative cross-loadings with task-related neural activity in the temporoparietal, superior and anterior temporal, posterior cingulate, and inferior frontal regions, whereas submaximal endurance, hand dexterity, and muscular strength demonstrated positive cross-loadings. The observed CCA variates did not seem highly heritable, as the absolute differences in CCA variates in monozygotic twins, dizygotic twins, and nontwin siblings were not statistically different. Furthermore, the cardiovascular risk markers and fitness CCA variates were positively associated with animacy perception and emotion recognition accuracy, which was mediated by the task-related neural activity. Conclusions: The present findings can provide new insights into the role of markers for cardiovascular health and fitness, specifically their association with social cognition and the underlying neural basis. The intervention for cardiovascular risk and fitness could be a potentially cost-effective method of targeting social cognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Optimal application of the recently updated World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for exercise in advanced age necessitates an accurate adjustment for the age-related increasing variability in biological age and fitness levels, alongside detailed recommendations across a range of motor fitness components, including balance, strength, and flexibility. We previously developed and validated a novel tool, designed to both remotely assess these fitness components, and subsequently deliver a personalized exercise program via smartphone. We describe the design of a prospective randomized control trial, comparing the effectiveness of the remotely delivered personalized multicomponent exercise program to either WHO exercise guidelines or no intervention. Methods Participants (n = 300) are community dwelling, healthy, functionally independent, cognitively intact volunteers aged ≥65 at low risk for serious fall injuries, assigned using permuted block randomization (age/gender) to intervention, active-control, or control group. The intervention is an 8-week program including individually tailored exercises for upper/lower body, flexibility, strength, and balance (dynamic, static, vestibular); active-controls receive exercising counselling according to WHO guidelines; controls receive no guidance. Primary outcome is participant fitness level, operationalized as 42 digital markers generated from 10 motor fitness measures (balance, strength, flexibility); measured at baseline, mid-trial (4-weeks), trial-end (8-weeks), and follow-up (12-weeks). Target sample size is 300 participants to provide 99% power for moderate and high effect sizes (Cohen’s f = 0.25, 0.40 respectively). Discussion The study will help understand the value of individualized motor fitness assessment used to generate personalized multicomponent exercise programs, delivered remotely among older adults. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04181983

Study purpose. This study purpose was to investigate whether health-related physical fitness is associated with total and central body fat in school children aged 6–10 years. Materials and methods. A total of 2197 Macedonian children aged 6–10 years (1096 boys and 1101 girls) participated in the study. Health-related physical fitness was measured by the modified EUROFIT test battery: the 20 m shuttle run test (cardiorespiratory fitness); the handgrip strength test, the standing long jump and the 30 s sit-ups tests (muscular strength); the 4×10 m shuttle run test (motor fitness) and the sit and reach test (flexibility). Body mass index, body fat percentage and waist circumference were used as markers of total and central body fat, respectively. Results. The standing long jump, the 30 s sit-ups, the 4×10 m shuttle run and the 20 m shuttle run tests were negatively associated with all markers of total and central body fat in boys and girls after controlling for age (p

There is a relationship between physical activity and environmental factors, including weather conditions. Winter should not be a season in which physical activity is abandoned. Previous studies indicate that reducing the daily level of physical activity in adults has a negative impact on their motor proficiency and respiratory endurance, which subsequently translates into diminished quality of life. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of winter outdoor physical activity on somatic parameters, body composition, and motor performance of adult men (age 45.4 ± 5.9 years) involved in regular physical activity (physically active PA, n = 31) during the winter season (study group) compared to the control group of physically inactive men (PI, n = 22). Somatic parameters and selected parameters of motor fitness (Eurofit for Adults) were measured in both groups twice, at the beginning (pre) and at the end (post) of the winter season. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures and a post hoc LSD test were performed to evaluate the difference between the mean parameter values. In the PA group, a decrease in body fat mass, waist circumference, and abdominal obesity indicators, as well as an increase in skeletal muscle mass were confirmed. Improvements in motor performance parameters, i.e., flexibility, the speed of upper limb movements, hand and forearm muscle grip strength, the strength of the lower part of the torso, and cardiorespiratory endurance were also observed. Regular physical activity in the open air during the winter brings measurable health benefits, positively influencing the body composition and motor efficiency of adult men.

The purpose of the study was to identify the gender-related features of motor fitness of 9-year-old schoolchildren. Materials and methods. The study involved 83 9-year-old schoolchildren (35 girls, 48 boys). The children and their parents were informed about all the features of the study and gave their consent to participate in the experiment. The study used the following research methods: analysis of scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical observations, testing of motor fitness, probabilistic approach to assessing the learning process, methods of mathematical statistics. In the experiment, the study controlled the level of proficiency in the following exercises: Rope climbing in 2 steps, Rope climbing in 3 steps, One leg swing upward circle. Results. In the girls and boys, the differences in the level of development of movement coordination between individual parts of the body and vestibular stability are not statistically significant. The 9-year-old boys have a statistically significantly higher level of development of strength, speed strength, speed, endurance, and a higher level of proficiency in gymnastic exercises and rope climbing than the girls. The obtained canonical function explains 100% of the variation of results and is informative for classifying 8-year-old schoolchildren’s motor fitness (r = 0.937). The analysis of the canonical function indicates its statistical significance (λ = 0.122; p = 0.001). Conclusions. The canonical discriminant function can be used to classify the gender-relatedfeatures of motor fitness of 9-year-old schoolchildren. The discriminant analysis revealed the indicators that have the greatest weight in assessing the gender-related features of motor fitness of 9-year-old schoolchildren. They include the level of relative strength of the shoulder flexors, speed strength, agility, and the level of proficiency in the One leg swing upward circle on a low bar.

The purpose of the study was to identify gender-related peculiarities of 7-year-old schoolchildren’s motor fitness. Materials and methods. The study participants were 59 7-year-old schoolchildren (girls – 27, boys – 32). The children and their parents were informed about all the features of the study and gave their consent to participate in the experiment. The study used the following research methods: analysis of scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical observations, testing of motor fitness, probabilistic approach to assessing the learning process, methods of mathematical statistics. The study recorded the primary schoolchildren’s level of proficiency in gymnastic exercises. The coefficient was determined by the formula: p = (m/n)×100, where p is the level of proficiency, m is the number of successfully performed exercises, n is the total number of attempts to perform the exercise. In the experiment, the study controlled the level of proficiency in the following exercises: forward roll; backward roll; shoulderstand with bent legs. Results. The differences in the development level of movement coordination of individual parts of the body and vestibular stability are not statistically significant; in the 7-year-old girls and boys, there is a statistically significant difference in the development level of strength, speed strength, speed, endurance, and the level of proficiency in acrobatic exercises. Conclusions. A canonical discriminant function can be used to classify and identify the indicators that have the greatest weight in assessing gender-related peculiarities of 7-year-old schoolchildren’s motor fitness. In assessing gender-related peculiarities of 7-year-old schoolchildren’s motor fitness, these indicators include the level of proficiency in acrobatic exercises, the level of relative strength of shoulder flexors, endurance, and speed strength.

Physical/motor fitness level of the hearing-impaired population have already attempted in previous studies where degree of hearing-loss of the subjects were not considered so far. Therefore, the aim of the study was to compare agility among children with different degree hearing-loss in India. Total of two-hundred-fifty-two (N=252, Boy=126 & Girls=126) hearing-impaired children (aged 13-20 years) were selected as subjects. Degree of Hearing-loss was measured by audiometric technique and divided into six different groups’ viz. Profound, Severe, Moderately-Severe, Moderate, Mild and Normal with twenty one subjects in each group for each sex. Agility was measured through 4×10 meter shuttle run test. 2-way-ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test was used as necessary statistics. The significance was tested at p <.05 level. In agility, boys were significantly better than the girls in all respect, when different hearing impaired groups were combined. Significant differences in agility among the different hearing impaired groups were observed except in few cases when both sexes were combined. No significant interaction between Sex and degree of hearing loss were observed. An increasing linear trend in agility was observed with decreasing degree of hearing Loss. Thus, an inverse relationship between agility and degree of hearing loss (dB HL) is observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To determine the peculiarities of 9-year-old girls’ motor fitness structure. Materials and methods. The study involved 35 9-year-old girls. The children and their parents were informed about all the features of the study and gave their consent to participate in the experiment. The study used the following research methods: analysis of scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical observations, testing of motor fitness, probabilistic approach to assessing the learning process, methods of mathematical statistics. Results. The level of fitness of the 9-year-old girls is homogeneous by the development of “agility” and “movement coordination”, inhomogeneous – by the development of flexibility, arm strength, vestibular stability, and the level of proficiency in gymnastic exercises. A graphic representation of a two-factor model of testing results shows that the analysis identifies two sets of data with high correlation coefficients. The first set includes tests No. 12, 13, 14, and 7, which characterize the level of proficiency in gymnastic exercises and relative arm strength; the second – tests No. 1, 10, and 5, which characterize the level of movement coordination development. Conclusions. Based on factor analysis, it was found that the level of proficiency in exercises determines the variation of testing results by 28.394%, and the development of motor skills is a priority in the educational process at primary school. The level of proficiency in gymnastic exercises shows that the exercises “Rope climbing in two steps”, “Rope climbing in three steps”, “One leg swing upward circle” are difficult for 9-year-old girls to perform. Based on the data analysis, it can be argued that the development of “arm strength” and “vestibular stability” ensures the formation of motor skills, and the improvement of their development level is the reserve in training girls aged 9 which will positively influence the formation of motor skills.

The purpose of the study was to determine the structure of motor fitness of 7-year-old girls. Materials and methods. The study participants were 27 7-year-old girls. The children and their parents were informed about all the features of the study and gave their consent to participate in the experiment. The research methods used in the study include analysis of scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical observations, testing of motor fitness, probabilistic approach to assessing the learning process, methods of mathematical statistics. The study recorded the primary schoolchildren’s level of proficiency in gymnastic exercises. The coefficient was determined by the formula: p = (m/n)×100, where p is the level of proficiency, m is the number of successfully performed exercises, n is the total number of attempts to perform the exercise. In the experiment, the study controlled the level of proficiency in the following exercises: forward roll; backward roll; shoulderstand with bent legs. Results. The level of fitness of the 7-year-old girls is homogeneous by the development of “agility” and “movement coordination”, inhomogeneous – by the development of flexibility, arm strength, and vestibular stability, level of proficiency in gymnastic exercises. The analysis of the coefficients of variation points to heterochrony in the development of the 7-year-old girls’ motor abilities. Based on the data analysis, it can be argued that the development of vestibular stability ensures the formation of motor skills in girls. Based on factor analysis, it was found that the most informative indicators of motor fitness of the 7-year-old girls are the level of proficiency in acrobatic exercises, the results of test No. 7 “Mixed hang rope pull-ups, times” (r = 0.872) and test No. 10 “Maintenance of stable posture – standing on one leg with closed eyes, s” (r = 0.870). Conclusions. Based on factor analysis, it was found that the level of proficiency in exercises determines the variation of testing results by 29.772%, and the development of motor skills is a priority in the educational process at primary school. The development of vestibular stability ensures the formation of motor skills, and the level of general physical fitness is the reserve in training girls aged 7, which will make it possible to increase the effectiveness of the educational process.

The purpose of the study was to determine the dynamics of motor and functional fitness of 6th grade boys of an underfilled school during the school year under quarantine conditions. Materials and methods. The study involved 6th grade boys (n = 6), who were 11 years old at the beginning of the experiment. The study used methods of mathematical statistics for processing research results, analysis of scientific and methodological literature, testing to assess schoolchildren’s motor and functional fitness. Study results. The indices of the 6th grade students’ motor fitness deteriorated significantly after quarantine. A comparative analysis of the arithmetic mean of the indices showed that in shuttle run 4x9 m (agility) the results deteriorated by 3%, push-ups (strength) by 24.1%, pull-ups (strength) by 41.6%, bent arm hang (strength) by 18.8%, standing long jump (speed and strength qualities) by 1.29%, trunk bend in lying support (flexibility) by 41.5%. As of September 2020, the indices of functional fitness of the 6th grade students also decreased. A comparative analysis of the arithmetic mean of the indices showed that in Shtange test the results deteriorated by 12.6%, and in Genchi test by 14.3%. The introduced quarantine measures and distance learning have negatively affected the schoolchildren’s motor and functional fitness. Conclusions. During the school year, the boys show a positive dynamics of results, and after quarantine measures there is negative dynamics, due to the lack of physical education classes. The testing results indicate the possibility of improving physical education classes, increasing motor activity, enhancing the level of motor fitness, based on the sensitive period of children’s development and individual approach to each school student.

The purpose of this study was to determine the weight of motor skills in the structure of motor fitness of 7-year-old boys. Materials and methods. The study participants were 38 7-year-old boys. The children and their parents were informed about all the features of the study and gave their consent to participate in the experiment. The research methods used in the study include analysis of scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical observations, testing of motor fitness, probabilistic approach to assessing the learning process, methods of mathematical statistics. Results. The level of fitness of the 7-year-old boys is homogeneous by the development of “agility” and “movement coordination”, inhomogeneous – by the development of arm strength and vestibular stability. The 7-year-old boys’ motor fitness is determined by their physical development, the level of general physical fitness and the level of motor skills development. A graphic representation of a two-factor model of testing results shows that analysis identifies two sets of data with high correlation coefficients. The first set includes tests No. 2, 1, 4, and 5, which characterize physical development, agility and endurance; the second – the level of proficiency in exercises No. 14, 13, 12, and the result of test No. 7 “Mixed hang rope pull-ups”. Conclusions. Based on factor analysis, the study found that the level of proficiency in exercises determines the variation of testing results by 28.437%, and the development of motor skills is a priority in the educational process at primary school. The development of “agility” and “movement coordination” ensures the formation of motor skills, and the development of arm strength and vestibular stability is the reserve in training boys aged 7 which will make it possible to increase the effectiveness of the educational process.

Background: Optimal application of the recently updated World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for exercise in advanced age necessitates an accurate adjustment for the age-related increasing variability in biological age and fitness levels, alongside detailed recommendations across a range of motor fitness components, including balance, strength, and flexibility. We previously developed and validated a novel tool, designed to both remotely assess these fitness components, and subsequently deliver a personalized exercise program via smartphone. We describe the design of a prospective randomized control trial, comparing the effectiveness of the remotely delivered personalized multicomponent exercise program to either WHO exercise guidelines or no intervention.Methods: Participants (n = 300) are community dwelling, healthy, functionally independent, cognitively intact volunteers aged ≥65 at low risk for serious fall injuries, assigned using permuted block randomization (age/gender) to intervention, active-control, or control group. The intervention is an 8-week program including individually tailored exercises for upper/lower body, flexibility, strength, and balance (dynamic, static, vestibular); active-controls receive exercising counselling according to WHO guidelines; controls receive no guidance. Primary outcome is participant fitness level, operationalized as 42 digital markers generated from 10 motor fitness measures (balance, strength, flexibility); measured at baseline, mid-trial (4-weeks), trial-end (8-weeks), and follow-up (12-weeks). Target sample size is 300 participants to provide 99% power for moderate and high effect sizes (Cohen's f = 0.25, 0.40 respectively).Discussion: The study will help understand the value of individualized motor fitness assessment used to generate personalized multicomponent exercise programs, delivered remotely among older adults.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04181983. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study is to investigate co-relation of basketball playing ability with motor fitness and health related fitness of female basketball players. The sample for the present study consists of n=100 women high standard (university players) and low standard players (intercollegiate players). Were selected from various colleges affiliated of Osmania university in Telangana state, India and their age ranged between 18 and 23 years. The subjects had past played experience of at least one year in basketball and only those who represented their respective college teams were taken as subjects. Test were conducted in standing broad jump test to measure the explosive strength (motor fitness) 600mts run to measure the cardio respiratory endurance (health related fitness) and dribbling to measure the playing ability (performance ability) it is concluded that high standard (university players) has great efficiency in motor fitness health related fitness and playing ability than low standard players (inter collegiate players). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jean-Jacques Temprado,1,2 Marine Julien-Vintrou,1,2 Elisa Loddo,1,2 Jérome Laurin,1,2 Rita Sleimen-Malkoun1,21Institut des Sciences du Mouvement, Faculté des Sciences du Sport, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France; 2Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, FranceCorrespondence: Jean-Jacques TempradoAix-Marseille Université, Institut des Sciences du Mouvement, Faculté des Sciences du Sport, 163 Avenue de Luminy, BP 910, Marseille 13288, FranceTel +33 49 117 2272Email jean-jacques.temprado@univ-amu.frIntroduction: We compared Nordic walking training (NW) to a multicomponent training (MCT) program of an equivalent intensity, in older adults. Our main hypothesis was that MCT would result in larger effects on cognitive processes than NW.Methods: Thirty-nine healthy older adults, divided into two groups (NW and MCT), took part in the study (17 males, 22 females, mean age =70.8±0.8 years). They were tested for cardiovascular fitness, motor fitness and cognitive performance during the two weeks preceding and following the 12-week training session (3 times/week), respectively. For both the NW and MCT interventions, the training sessions were supervised by a trainer. Heart rate of participants was monitored during the sessions and then used to make training loads as similar as possible between the two groups (TRaining IMPulse method).Results: Results showed that training resulted in better performance for cardiovascular and motor fitness tests. Among these tests, only two revealed a significant difference between the two groups. The NW group progressed more than the MCT group in the 30 Seconds Chair Stand test, while in the One Leg Stance test, the MCT group progressed more. For the cognitive assessment, a significant effect of training was found for executive functions, spatial memory score, and information processing speed response time, with no differences between the two groups.Conclusion: The study confirmed that physical exercise has a positive impact on cognitive processes with no advantage of MCT intervention over NW training. A possible reason is that NW intervention not only improved cardiovascular capacities, but also motor fitness, including coordination capacities.Keywords: aerobic training, cognition, motor fitness, Nordic walking, multicomponent training, aging

Objectives : A still small number of Poles declare regular physical activity. International Obesity reports Task Force shows that 30-45 million children in the world aged 5 to 17 suffer from overweight, and under the age of five, 22 million. In total, nearly 155 million children and adolescents are obese or overweight. Currently in Poland is the highest percentage of men over 15 years of age suffering from these conditions among all European Union countries. The research aims to assess the impact of general conditioning exercises on the development of motor fitness of pre-school children. Material and methods : The research was carried out in 2013 at the kindergarten in Szczecin. The children who took part in the study were aged three to six years. Classes were conducted according to the "Key to Learning" program, which was based on the ideas of LeoVygotsky . The study involved 82 preschoolers, including 38 girls and 44 boys. Results : Compiled results indicate that physical activity determines the proper formation of traits not only motor but also psychological and social behavior in pre-school children. Own research has shown that general development exercises positively influence the level of children's physical fitness, they show on average a very good and good level, which should positively affect their health. Conclusions : Physical efficiency is one of the most important health parameters, and its high level obtained in the early years guarantees correct adaptation in later periods of life. In children and adolescents, the right amount of traffic plays a huge role. Encouraging and introducing as early as possible an active form of spending time both in kindergarten and outside it is very important and positively affects motor efficiency of children. kay words : motor fitness, health, physical activity, general development exercises, sport, children

Objective: To examine the impact of cardiovascular and motor fitness on cognitive performance in subjects interested in the prevention and early recognition of Alzheimer’s dementia (AD). Methods: The data of 388 participants of a respective project aged between 50 and 85 years were evaluated. Classification of the participants into the groups of “no cognitive impairment” (NCI), “mild cognitive impairment of the amnestic type” (MCIa), and “mild AD” (mAD) was performed by neuropsychological assessment, history of third party, and further clinical, laboratory, or imaging investigations. Subjective memory impairment (SMI) and cognitive blackouts were recorded. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was assessed by means of the 2-min step test and motor fitness (MF) by means of the 30-s chair-stand test. Results: CRF and MF were reduced in participants with MCIa and mAD. They were negatively correlated with the score for cognitive blackouts. In the group of 50- to 60-year-old nondemented participants those with low CRF and MF performed poorer in various cognitive domains, had a higher score for cognitive blackouts, and more frequently SMI. Conclusion: Low CRF and MF are associated with cognitive impairment. This applies even in 50- to 60-year-old nondemented subjects without marked physical morbidity. These findings support the potential usefulness of physical exercise for dementia prevention.

Assessing physical fitness has emerged as a proxy of the health status of children and adolescents and therefore as relevant from a public health point of view. DAFIS is a project included in Plan Galicia Saudable (Healthy Galicia Plan) of the regional government of Galicia (Spain). DAFIS consists of an on-line software devoted to record the results of a standard physical fitness protocol carried out as a part of the physical education curriculum. The aims of this study were: to obtain normative values of physical fitness of the Galician school population evaluated in the DAFIS project, and to identify a reduced number of components and tests able to capture a significant amount of the variability in the physical fitness of children and adolescents. From an initial sample of 27784 records, 15287 cases (7543 males, 7744 females) were considered after filtering. Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale and Shape were used for obtaining percentile curves and tables for each sex. Furthermore, a principal components analysis was performed, selecting the number of components by applying the Kaiser's rule and selecting a subset of variables considering the correlation between each variable and the components. Percentile curves and normative values are reported for each test and sex. Physical fitness was better in boys than in girls throughout age groups, except for flexibility that was consistently higher in girls. Two main components were detected throughout age groups: the first one representing body composition and partially cardiorespiratory fitness and the second one muscular fitness. For boys and girls, waist to height ratio had the highest correlations with the first component in four out of six age groups. The highest correlation with the second component, was most frequently observed for the handgrip test both in boys and girls (four out of six age groups). This study provides evidence about the utility of school community actions like DAFIS aimed to track the health-related fitness of children and adolescents. The results suggest that fat mass distribution (i.e., waist to height ratio and waist circumference) and muscular performance (mainly handgrip) concentrate a high proportion physical fitness variance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to evaluate socio-economic differences in physical, cognitive, and motor development among six-year-old children living in rural areas. The study encompassed 228 children, including 118 girls and 110 boys living in different rural settlements in the Świętokrzyskie Province in Poland, who were selected through a combination of nonprobability and random sampling. The study was carried out from April to June 2014. A questionnaire was used to collect information from the parents of the children concerning the parents' education, number of children in the family, and the number of persons per room. Based on the concept of socio-economic status (SES), three levels of quality of life conditions of each family, i.e., high, average, and low, were distinguished. The study noted considerable differences in BMI, and especially the cognitive development of the children with respect to the socio-economic status of their family. It was observed that children from rural areas who live in bad socio-economic conditions are exposed to a wide range of negative factors affecting their health, which leads to lower educational results and negative long-term biological and psychosocial consequences. The chance for more rapid alignment of development deficits for those children would have been their earlier cover of school duty. [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]

The purpose of the current studywas to derive representative reference scores on anthropometricmeasures and test scores for themusculoskeletal,motor,and cardiorespiratory fitness of Lithuanian primary school children according to age and sex. This cross-sectional design study included ×,456 Lithuanian first- to fourth-grade children from age 6 to 10 years. Physical fitness was measured using a nine-item test battery developed by FjØrtoft et al. The test battery included the following tests: standing broad jump (explosive strength), jumping a distance of 7 m on 2 feet, jumping a distance of 7 m on 1 foot (both tests indicate leg muscle strength), throwing a tennis ball with one hand, andpushing a medicine ball with 2 hands (both tests indicate armmuscle strength). These tests measured musculoskeletal fitness. In addition,there were measures of a 10 × 5-m shuttle run (agility), running 20 m as fast as possible (speed), and climbing wall bars(coordination) general tests of motor fitness. Reduced 6-minute Cooper test (endurance) measured cardiorespiratory fitness. A Student‘st test and analysis of variance were performed to indicate differences between sexes and across age, respectively. The significantdifferences in mean scores in anthropometric and fitness means indicated that boys had higher scores than girls, and older childrenscored higher than younger children (p < 0.05). Data on normative sex and age specific percentile values (3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th,90th, and 97th) for physical fitness tests in Lithuanian primary school children are provided. These data are useful for educational settings,parents, clinicians, sports organizations, and sports clubs in identifying problems or outstanding performance and providing sportsprograms that develop children‘s athletic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The goal of the study was to determine the differences in fitness components between children and adolescents, from urban and suburban areas. Design/method: A sample of 1485 respondents, (885) school children and (600) adolescents from urban and suburban areas from the municipality of Kisela Voda (Macedonia). Physical fitness is assessed with nine tests: sit and reach test, flamingo balancing, plate tapping, hand grip test, standing broad jump test, bent arm hang test, sit-ups 30 sec, shuttle run 4×10 meters and three-minute step test. Height, body weight, upper arm and upper leg circumferences, body fat percentage, muscle mass percentage, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured, and body mass index was calculated. Differences in fitness tests, anthropometric measures, and body mass were determined by t-test for large independent samples. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that students who study in suburban areas, generally have smaller circumferences, body fat percentage, and body mass index, higher speed of alternative movements coordination, agility and speed, and better aerobic capacity, compared to students who study in urban environment. Students from urban environment have better results in the test for assessing the repetitive strength of the abdominal muscles. There were no statistically significant differences in the flexibility, between urban and suburban children, and adolescents. Conclusion: The place of residence, in addition to other environmental factors, should be taken into account when creating a state strategy and interventions that will promote physical activity and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the paper was to evaluate the digit ratio between groups of sporting and non-sporting women and men, and attempt to determine a value typical for athletes of each gender. Additionally, the aim was to evaluate relations of the digit ratio with both the somatic structure and motor fitness, which could then be used to improve on sports selection criteria. The research material comprised 22 anthropometric measurements together with results of four motor fitness tests of students active in various sports disciplines. The control group comprised students who had never practiced sport. The sporting students showed significantly lower digit ratios compared to the control group of non-sporting students. Correlations between the digit ratio and features of the body structure were low. Both sexes recorded significant negative correlations between the digit ratio and handgrip strength, as well as with the long jump length. Those with a lower value of the digit ratio had better predispositions to practicing sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the validity of the circumduction test for measuring shoulder flexibility in older adults. Participants included 137 community-dwelling older adults. Equipment consisted of a cord with a fixed handle on one end and a sliding handle on the other. The sliding handle was adjusted so that the cord length between the 2 handles equaled the participant's shoulder width. Holding the 2 handles, the participant must pass the cord from the front of the body over the head and as far back as possible with extended arms. The score is the fanning-out angle. Forward flexion, abduction, horizontal retroflexion, and outward rotation were also measured. The test and criterion measurements were administered within 1 wk. The criterion-related validity of the circumduction test as a measure of forward flexion and horizontal retroflexion received support from moderate correlations. Its use as a measure of abduction and outward rotation, however, received no support from the data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]