The effect of callisthenic exercise on physical fitness values of sedentary women

Introduction

The purpose of this study was done to determine the effects of a 12-week callisthenic exercise program on some physical and physiological parameters of young, middle-aged and menopausal women.

Synthesis

We studied, during 12 weeks, 172 subjects’ age, height and body weight means were determined. Physical characteristics of Group I were (between19–30 years) 26.72 ± 3.57 years, 158.18 ± 4.66 cm and 71.45 ± 10.32 kg, for Group II (between 31–44 years) were as 41.43 ± 4.69 years, 156.94 ± 5.27 cm and 73,89 ± 10,66 kg, and Group III (between 45–56 years) were as 50.60 ± 4.05 years, 154.45 ± 4.18 cm and 75.51 ± 11.71 kg, respectively. All subjects attended the study, 50 minutes per session, three sessions per week, aerobic and calisthenic exercise programs. The intensity of the exercise was determined by Karvonen method (60 or 70%). There were significant differences in increase among aerobic power, sit-up, push-up, and handgrip strength values in Groups I, II and III. There was a significant difference among Group I, II and III in decreased blood pressure (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

It was determined that physical fitness values had decreased as the age increased. As a result, it can be said that the long-term callisthenic exercises cause the similar positive changes on women at different ages.     

Cross-sectional and longitudinal comparisons of self-reported and device-assessed physical activity and sedentary behaviour

ObjectivesTo examine the longitudinal associations and differences between self-reported and device-assessed physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB), using a multifaceted statistical approach.DesignLongitudinal measurement burst.MethodsIn total, 52 university students (78% female) aged 18–38 years (mean = 21.94 ± 4.57 years) participated. The study consisted of three blocks of six days of measurement, during which participants wore an accelerometer on their wrist for the entire block, and self-reported their PA over the 6 days at the end of each block.ResultsMeaningful latent differences between methods were observed for moderate PA and SB across all three assessment periods, such that participants underreported the time spent in each activity. Bland–Altman plots revealed a positive mean difference for vigorous PA, with over-reporting increasing as mean levels increased. Negative mean differences were observed for all other intensities. Underreporting of moderate PA increased as the mean level increased, whereas for light PA and SB, underreporting decreased at high levels. Repeated measures correlations revealed a meaningful association for vigorous PA only, suggesting that as self-reported minutes increase so too do device-measured minutes.ConclusionsWe found evidence of cross-sectional and longitudinal differences and weak associations between self-reported and device-assessed PA and SB. Future work is needed to enhance the quality of self-reported methods to assess PA and SB (e.g., face and content validity), and consider improvements to the processing of device-based data.     

Longitudinal associations among cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness,motor competence and objectively measured physical activity

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate cross-lagged associations in motor competence, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness and accelerometer-based moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) engagement.DesignOne-year prospective follow-up study.MethodsA sample was 491 (275 girls; M at baseline = 11.27, SD = .32) Finnish physical education students. Students’ motor competence was assessed by (1) two-legged jumping from side to side test, (2) throwing-catching combination test and (3) 5-leaps test. Their cardiorespiratory fitness was analyzed by a 20-m shuttle run test and muscular fitness by curl-up and push-up tests. Additionally, students’ MVPA was measured objectively by hip-worn accelerometers.ResultsResults demonstrated that: (1) cardiorespiratory fitness measured at Grade 5 was the only significant predictor of later MVPA and this association appeared only in the boys’ group, (2) MVPA assessed at Grade 5 significantly predicted cardiorespiratory fitness in the girls’ group, (3) cardiorespiratory fitness collected at Grade 5 associated with muscular fitness, locomotor and stability skills in both girls and boys, and (4) locomotor skills measured at Grade 5 predicted significantly muscular fitness, locomotor and manipulative skills in both sex groups.ConclusionsElementary school years are important in providing students with experiences in physical activity (PA) which leads to improvements s in cardiorespiratory health. Additionally, this study showed that cardiorespiratory fitness collected at Grade 5 associated with later muscular fitness, and locomotor and stability skills in both sex groups. These findings are noteworthy because muscular fitness in youth has several health-related benefits and motor competence in childhood and adolescence has positive association with later PA engagement.     

Characterizing body composition,cardiorespiratory fitness,and physical activity in women with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

ObjectivesThe purpose was to compare body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and physical activity (PA) engagement between women with ACLR and healthy controls.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingUniversity laboratory.ParticipantsTen women with ACLR (time since surgery = 33.0 ± 18.3 months; age = 21.4 ± 3.8 years) and 10 healthy women (age = 21.9 ± 3.1 years) matched based on age (±2 years) and Tegner Activity Level (±2) participated.Main outcome measuresBody fat percentage (%BF) was estimated using air displacement plethysmography, cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed via a graded cycle test, and PA was assessed using accelerometers worn for 7 days. Groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U tests. Time (minutes/week) spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA and step count (steps/day) were compared between groups using a one-way ANCOVA with 7-day total wear time as the only covariate. Statistical significance was established a priori as α ≤ 0.05.ResultsWomen with ACLR had significantly higher %BF than controls (ACLR = 32.7 ± 6.7%, healthy = 22.6 ± 4.9%; p < 0.01) and participated in less steps per day (ACLR = 6650 ± 3227 steps/day, healthy = 9361 ± 2626 steps/day; p = 0.02).ConclusionsThere may be persistent negative effects on body composition and PA engagement for women following ACLR. Low PA and high %BF have adverse consequences for premature mortality and morbidity; therefore, it is crucial to assess these characteristics and determine interventions to maintain PA and healthy body composition following ACLR.     

A source of systematic bias in self-reported physical activity: The cutpoint bias hypothesis

ObjectivesEstimates of adults’ moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) based on self-report are generally higher than estimates derived from criterion measures. This study examines a possible explanation for part of this discrepancy: the cutpoint bias hypothesis. This hypothesis proposes that inter- and intra-individual variability in energy expenditure, combined with the fact that adults perform a high proportion of daily activities at or just above the traditional 3 MET cutpoint, result in systematic over-estimates of MVPA.DesignCross-sectional.MethodsTime-use recalls (n = 6862) were collected using the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults from 2210 adults (1215 female, age 16–93 years) from 16 studies conducted in Australia and New Zealand between 2008-2017. Minutes spent in MVPA were estimated using models with varying levels of intra- and inter-individual (total variability) Unadjusted (0% total variability), Low (11.9%), Best Guess (20.7%), and High (30.0%).ResultsIn the Unadjusted model, participants accumulated an average of 129 (standard deviation 127) min/day of MVPA. Estimated MVPA was 98 (110), 99 (107) and 108 (107) min/day in the Low, Best Guess and High variability models, respectively, with intra-class correlation coefficients with the Unadjusted model ranging from 0.78 to 0.83.ConclusionsThese findings support the hypothesis of a cutpoint bias, which probably contributes to the large disparities seen between self-reported and criterion measures of MVPA. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings using other self-report instruments and in other populations.     

Relationship of measures of leisure time physical activity to physical fitness indicators in Spanish adults

BACKGROUND: The purpose of our study was to examine the association between estimates of energy expenditure obtained by the Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity questionnarie (LTPA) and physical fitness indicators. METHODS. PARTICIPANTS: An adaptation of the LTPA was assessed in a sample of Spanish population: male (n = 44) and female (n = 38). Interventions: the LTPA 1 year recall questionnaire was administered twice with a 12-month interval and participants also responded monthly the Four Week Physical Activity History (FWH) questionnaire. Measures: test-retest reliability of the LTPA and the relationships between changes in V.O2max, percent body fat and leisure time physical activity were examined. RESULTS: Corresponding components of the LTPA and the FHW were highly correlated and scores in heavy leisure time activities and household chores showed a relatively low variance ratio, indicating an acceptable reliability of the questionnaire. Heavy intensity physical activity and household chores were highly related to V.O2max and there was a weaker association to moderate or light activity. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the Spanish version of the LTPA is a relatively valid and reliable measure of regular physical activity and a valid estimator of cardiorespiratory fitness in adults.     

Association of sedentary and physical activity time with maximal fat oxidation during exercise in sedentary adults

The present work examines the relationships of objectively measured sedentary time and physical activity (PA) with maximal fat oxidation during exercise (MFO) and the intensity of exercise that elicits MFO (Fat_max), in young and middle-aged men and women. A total of 121 young sedentary adults (81 women, age 22.1 ± 2.1 years, body mass index 25.2 ± 4.9 kg/m²) and 70 middle-aged sedentary adults (36 women, age 53.4 ± 4.9 years, body mass index 26.8 ± 3.8 kg/m²) participated in this cross-sectional study. PA was objectively assessed using a wrist-worn accelerometer for 7 consecutive days. Wrist accelerations were classified into sedentary time and PA of different intensity (light, moderate, vigorous, moderate-vigorous), taking into account age-specific cut-offs. MFO and Fat_max were determined for all subjects by indirect calorimetry, using a walking graded exercise test. No association was found between any of the sedentary time-related variables and MFO (all P ≥ .05). However, several sedentary time-related variables were related to FAT_max in young men and women (all P ≤ .04). A positive relationship was also detected between PA and MFO in young and middle-aged women (P ≤ .05), although this became non-significant after adjustment for cardiorespiratory fitness (P > .05). The present results suggest that, depending on the characteristics of the study cohort, sedentary time, and PA time may be related to MFO and FAT_max during exercise. Future longitudinal and intervention studies are warranted to better understand the role of sedentary time and PA in metabolic flexibility during exercise.     

Diurnal patterns of objectively measured sedentary time and interruptions to sedentary time are associated with glycaemic indices in type 2 diabetes

ObjectivesTo investigate diurnal patterns of sedentary time and interruptions to sedentary time and their associations with achievement of pre-meal glucose, post-meal glucose, bedtime glucose and the dawn phenomenon targets and with duration of hypoglycaemia, euglycaemia, hyperglycaemia and above target range.DesignIntensive longitudinal study.MethodsIn 37 adults with type 2 diabetes, the FreeStyle Libre and activPAL3 were used to monitor glucose and sedentary time and interruptions to sedentary time in the morning (07:00–12:00), afternoon (12:00–17:00) and evening (17:00–23:00) for 14 days. Diurnal patterns of sedentary behaviour and associations with glycaemic indices were assessed using repeated measures ANOVA and linear regressions.ResultsSedentary time was significantly higher in the evening (43.47 ± 7.37 min/h) than the morning (33.34 ± 8.44 min/h) and afternoon (37.26 ± 8.28 min/h). Interruptions to sedentary time were significantly lower in the evening (2.64 ± 0.74 n/h) than the morning (3.69 ± 1.08 n/h) and afternoon (3.06 ± 0.87 n/h). Sedentary time in the morning and afternoon was associated with lower achievement of the dawn phenomenon target. Sedentary time in the evening was associated with lower achievement of post-lunch glucose target. Interruptions to sedentary time in the morning and afternoon were associated with higher achievement of pre-dinner glucose target. Interruptions to sedentary time in the evening showed beneficial associations with achievement of post-dinner glucose and bedtime glucose targets and euglycaemia.ConclusionsProlonged sedentary behaviour is high in the evening. Interruptions to sedentary time, particularly in the evening, have beneficial associations with glycaemic indices. Interventions targeting interruptions to sedentary time in the evening may be more clinically relevant.     

Developmental associations of accelerometer measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary time with cardiorespiratory fitness in schoolchildren

ObjectivesThis study examined the developmental associations of accelerometer-based moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time (ST) with cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in schoolchildren.DesignA three-year follow-up study.MethodsParticipants were 446 (girls 57 %) Finnish children (M = 11.26 ± 0.32 years) from 17 randomly selected public schools in Finland. Accelerometer-based MVPA and ST were assessed using waist-worn activity monitors and CRF using the 20 m shuttle run test at four measurement points from 2017 to 2020. The developmental associations were tested using the Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Model (RI-CLPM) reflecting MVPA, CRF, and ST overall levels and repeated measures over time.ResultsThe key findings were 1) MVPA was positively associated with CRF, whereas ST was negatively associated with CRF; 2) associations between repeated measures of MVPA and ST with CRF were found only at the final time point; 3) CRF was lower in girls than boys, CRF and MVPA were lower in children with higher BMI, and vice versa; and 4) CRF was higher in children who were still experiencing or had already passed their peak growth spurt than children whose growth spurts had not yet begun.ConclusionsThe results contribute to the growing evidence of a positive developmental association between MVPA engagement and CRF. Furthermore, the inverse association between ST and CRF calls for the avoidance of excessive sedentary behaviour. More effort should be made to promote physically active lifestyles in children and youth.     

Positive,limited and negative responders: The variability in physical fitness adaptation to basic military training

Objectives

To investigate the heterogeneity of physical adaptation in Australian Army recruits completing a 12-week basic military training regimen.

Physical fitness in relation to later body composition in pre-school children

Objectives

Although physical fitness is considered a marker of health in youth, little is known whether physical fitness in pre-school age is related to later body composition. Thus, this study investigated (i) associations of physical fitness at 4.5 years of age with body composition 12 months later and (ii) whether improvements in physical fitness during the 12-month follow-up were associated with changes in body composition.

Non-locomotive physical activity intervention using a tri-axial accelerometer reduces sedentary time in type 2 diabetes

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine whether the use of a tri-axial accelerometer can reduce sedentary time and increase non-locomotive physical activity (N-LPA), and to investigate the effect of this intervention on parameters of glucose and fat metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: Thirty-eight patients with type 2 diabetes (Age: 61.8 ± 1.4 years, BMI: 24.8 ± 0.6, HbA_1c: 6.6 ± 0.1 %) participated in this 12-week randomized controlled study, and 31 patients were included in the final analyses. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control, N-LPA or locomotive physical activity (LPA). Patients in the N-LPA and LPA groups were asked to increase their N-LPA and LPA, respectively, using tri-axial accelerometer feedback. Glucose and fat metabolic parameters were evaluated before and after 12-week intervention.

Results: Only the N-LPA intervention significantly reduced sedentary time (p < 0.05) and increased N-LPA (p < 0.05). However, these changes were insufficient to improve parameters associated with glucose and fat metabolism (p > 0.05), despite a significant positive correlation between the change in sedentary time and HbA_1c levels (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Our results showed that the N-LPA intervention using a tri-axial accelerometer successfully reduced sedentary time in patients with type 2 diabetes, however that induced no significant improvement of glucose and fat metabolism. Further research is required to determine the degree of reduction in sedentary time and increase in N-LPA needed to improve glucose and fat metabolism.     

Associations between physical activity,body composition,and physical fitness in the transition from preschool to school

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.     

Role of physical fitness and functional movement in the body posture of children with overweight/obesity

BackgroundChildhood obesity is known to negatively impact body posture with severe consequences for the musculoskeletal system. Physical performance could play a positive role in the body posture conformation of these children, but there is little evidence to date.Research Question: Is physical performance (i.e., physical fitness and functional movement) associated with a better body posture in children with overweight/obesity (OW/OB)? If so, is physical performance more determinant than their obesity degree in the body posture conformation?MethodA total of 62 children with OW/OB (10.86 ± 1.25 years, 58 % girls) were included. BMI, physical fitness components (one-repetition-maximum (1RM) arms and leg press, and ALPHA test battery), functional movement quality (Functional Movement Screen™) and body posture (two-dimensional photogrammetry) were evaluated.ResultsPhysical fitness components and functional movement were overall associated with a more aligned posture of the head, lumbar and thoracic spines and lower limb. BMI was associated with head protraction, thoracic hyperkyphosis, lumbar hyperlordosis and lower limb valgus. BMI was the best predictor of head and lumbar spine posture, cardiorespiratory fitness of lower limb posture in frontal plane, speed-agility of lower limb posture in the sagittal plane and functional movement of thoracic spine.SignificanceOur findings reveal that physical fitness and functional movement are associated with a better global body posture in children with OW/OB, and that in some musculoskeletal structures are even better predictors than their obesity degree.     

Cardiorespiratory fitness not sedentary time or physical activity is associated with cardiometabolic risk in active older adults

Sedentary time (ST ) and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA ) are associated with cardiometabolic health. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF ) is also implicated but often overlooked in health recommendations. This study assessed the relationships between ST , MVPA , CRF , and cardiometabolic health in highly active older individuals. 125 healthy amateur cyclists aged 55 to 79 years had their ST and MVPA levels assessed by actigraphy over a 7‐day period. CRF was assessed using a maximal effort cycle ergometry test to determine VO _2max with results normalized to both body mass and fat‐free mass measured by DXA . Markers of cardiometabolic risk (blood glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL , LDL , Insulin, HOMA IR , blood pressure, and body fat) were assessed and used to determine cumulative cardiometabolic risk. Multiple linear regression was used to assess ST , MVPA , and CRF associations with cardiometabolic health with the relationship between activity levels and CRF determined. CRF was associated with training volume (P  = .003), but not ST or MVPA . A high CRF was associated with lower cumulative cardiometabolic risk, body fat percentage, triglyceride, and HDL levels (P  < .05 in all cases). MVPA was negatively associated with body fat percentage, while ST was not associated with any marker of cardiometabolic risk when adjusting for activity levels. An association between CRF and cardiometabolic risk even in a group of older individuals with high fitness levels highlights the importance that CRF may have in maintaining health.     

Cardiorespiratory fitness in 16 025 adults aged 18–91 years and associations with physical activity and sitting time

Our aim was to provide up‐to‐date cardiorespiratory fitness reference data for adults of all ages and to investigate associations between cardiores‐piratory fitness and leisure time physical activity as well as sitting time. In the Danish Health Examination Survey 2007–2008, cardiorespiratory fitness was estimated in 16 025 individuals aged 18–91 years from validated cycle ergometer exercise tests. Level of leisure time physical activity (sedentary, light, moderate, and vigorous) and daily sitting time in hours was obtained from a self‐administered questionnaire. Men had 20–33% higher cardiorespiratory fitness than women, depending on age, and cardiorespiratory fitness decreased by 0.26 and 0.23 mL/min/kg per year in men and women, respectively. Cardiorespiratory fitness was higher among participants who reported a high level of physical activity in leisure time compared with participants who were sedentary. Among sedentary or lightly physically active participants, inverse associations between total daily sitting time and cardiorespiratory fitness were found, while there was no association between sitting time and cardiorespiratory fitness among moderately or vigorously physically active participants. These data on cardiorespiratory fitness can serve as useful reference material. Although reluctant to conclude on causality, sitting time might impact cardiorespiratory fitness among individuals with low levels of leisure time physical activity.     

The effect of a physical activity education programme on physical activity, fitness, quality of life and attitudes to exercise in obese females

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions worldwide. Decline in physical activity has occurred simultaneously or before the increase in obesity. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the effect of a physical activity group-based education programme delivered by a Physiotherapist on weight, physical activity, cardiovascular fitness, quality of life and attitudes to exercise in obese females. A sample of 18 obese Irish females (mean age 37.6 years, mean weight 117.9kg), took part in this study. The participants attended four physical activity education sessions in groups of 6-8, 1 month apart. Outcome measures were Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) measured by the Incremental Shuttle Walk test (ISWT) International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-Short) Impact of Weight on Quality of Life Questionnaire-Short Form (IWQOL-Lite), and a questionnaire adapted from the EU survey on Consumer Attitudes to Physical Activity. There were no significant decreases in participants' weight (p=0.444) and there were no significant improvements in IPAQ (p=0.496) and IWQOL-Lite scores (p=0.337). There were significant improvements in CRF (p<0.0002). Attitudes towards exercise improved as shown by decreased barriers to exercise, i.e. decreased shyness (17%) and increased energy (22%) and increased enjoyment (22%). A group education programme focusing on physical activity alone demonstrated a significant increase in CRF (ISWT) and had a positive influence on attitudes to exercise. Longer duration interventions may allow participants to make the necessary lifestyle changes to achieve weight loss.