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Puci MV, Cavallo C, Gatti A, Carnevale Pellino V, Lucini D, Calcaterra V, Zuccotti G, Lovecchio N, Vandoni M. International fitness scale (IFIS): association with motor performance in children with obesity. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15765. [PMID: 37547723 PMCID: PMC10399561 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health; and compared with their normal-weight peers, these individuals tend to have a lower level of self-confidence, and consequently lower physical activity adherence. Due to these self-perceived barriers, the aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of an online training program on self-reported physical fitness (SRPF) in children with obesity (OB). Methods A total of 32 children with OB carried out physical fitness (PF) tests and were asked to complete the International Fitness Enjoyment Scale (IFIS) questionnaire. The physical fitness tests were the Standing Broad Jump (SBJ), the 6-Min Walking Test (6MWT) and the 4 × 10 m sprint test. Children participated in a 3-weekly 60-min training session through Zoom platform. Before the beginning of the training protocol, OB children were compared with normal weight (NW) ones for PF batteries and the IFIS questionnaire. Changes in performances after the training were assessed by paired Student t and Wilcoxon tests. Results After the online training program children increased their performance in 6MWT (mean difference (MD) = 54.93; p < 0.0001) in SBJ (MD = 10.00; p = 0.0001) and in 4 × 10 m sprint test (MD = -0.78; p < 0.0001). No differences were found in children's physical fitness perception. Discussion Our study highlighted how a structured online training program can lead to improvements in PF of children with OB. Instead, the lack of differences in SRPF after the training suggests interesting questions to be explored on the aspects linked to self-perception. Therefore, even if our training protocol could not directly improve SRPF in children with obesity, the enhancement of their PF could be a starting point for achieving this result with a longer training period and consequently improve PA participation for children with OB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Valentina Puci
- Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Statistics Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Caterina Cavallo
- Exercise and Sports, LUNEX International University of Health, Lussemburgo, Lussemburgo
| | - Alessandro Gatti
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA)-Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Vittoria Carnevale Pellino
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA)-Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Roma “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Lucini
- BIOMETRA Department, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Exercise Medicine Unit, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Calcaterra
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Lovecchio
- Department of Human and Social Science, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Matteo Vandoni
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA)-Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Calcaterra V, Vandoni M, Marin L, Carnevale Pellino V, Rossi V, Gatti A, Patanè P, Cavallo C, Re F, Albanese I, Silvestri D, De Nunzio A, Zuccotti G. Exergames to Limit Weight Gain and to Fight Sedentarism in Children and Adolescents with Obesity. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:928. [PMID: 37371160 DOI: 10.3390/children10060928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Exergames are defined as digital games that require bodily movements to play, stimulating an active gaming experience to function as a form of physical activity (PA). The players interact with the game through whole-body movements improving energy expenditure. Exergames may be effective in improving physical and psychological aspects of children and adolescents with obesity. In this narrative review, we synthesized the current evidence regarding the role of exergames in modifying body composition and weight and in promoting changes in sedentary behavior to define the benefits of active video games as useful tools for fighting sedentarism and to outline the future directions of exergaming as a supplementation exercise rather than a replacement in educational programs for pediatric obesity. Data from the literature indicate that exergames may offer an interesting impact on childhood obesity and may be considered a potential strategy for controlling weight gain and body composition, promote PA, and decrease time spent on sedentary behavior in children and adolescents with obesity. However, exergame use also has some limits, such as children's poor self-regulation and poor structuring of exergame use. Therefore, a prudent approach should be maintained, and additional high-quality research is needed to determine if exergames can be effectively used in the treatment of childhood obesity and if new digital media, as a supplementation of exercise rather than a replacement, could be considered to combat sedentary behavior in educational programs for pediatric obesity prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Calcaterra
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Vandoni
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Luca Marin
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, 703 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Laboratory for Rehabilitation, Medicine and Sport (LARMS), 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Vittoria Carnevale Pellino
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Rossi
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gatti
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Pamela Patanè
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Laboratory for Rehabilitation, Medicine and Sport (LARMS), 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Cavallo
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Research and Development, LUNEX International University of Health, Exercise and Sports, Avenue du Parc des Sports, 50, 4671 Differdange, Luxembourg
| | - Fabio Re
- Laboratory for Rehabilitation, Medicine and Sport (LARMS), 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Albanese
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Laboratory for Rehabilitation, Medicine and Sport (LARMS), 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Dario Silvestri
- Department of Research, ASOMI College of Sciences, 2080 Marsa, Malta
| | - Alessandro De Nunzio
- Department of Research and Development, LUNEX International University of Health, Exercise and Sports, Avenue du Parc des Sports, 50, 4671 Differdange, Luxembourg
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Azzali G, Bellato M, Giuriato M, Carnevale Pellino V, Vandoni M, Ceccarelli G, Lovecchio N. Are anthropometric characteristics powerful markers to predict the Cooper Run Test? Actual Caucasian data. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15271. [PMID: 37101790 PMCID: PMC10124560 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a powerful marker of cardiovascular health, especially in youth. Several field tests can provide accurate measurement of CRF, the Cooper Run Test (CRT) is generally preferred by physical education (PE) teachers and trainers. The CRT performance in adolescents has been compared to reference distance values, gender and age but the differences among the anthropometric characteristics of youth has not been evaluated. For these reasons, the aim of this study was to develop reference standards for CRT and evaluate possible correlations between biometric measurements and athletic performance. Methods This cross-sectional study involved a total of 9,477 children (4,615 girls) aged 11-14 years, freely recruited from North Italian middle schools. Mass, height and CRT performances were assessed in the morning during PE classes as scheduled (mornings-Monday to Friday). The anthropometric measures were collected at least 20 min before the CRT run test. Results We found a better CRT result in boys (p < 0.001), however a smaller SD in girls suggested a more homogeneous aerobic performance for girls (i.e., 371.12 m vs 282.00 m). In addition, the Shapiro-Wilk test showed a low p-value (p < 0.001) but the effect size (0.031 for boys and 0.022 for girls) was small enough that the correction on this parameter allows a practical assumption of normality for the distributions. A visual homoskedastic distribution in both sexes is evident for both body mass index (BMI), mass and VO2 peak with respect to CRT results. In addition, there were low linear correlation coefficients for both BMI, mass and VO2 peak compared to the CRT results, with a R2 < 0.5 for every covariate. The only visual heteroskedastic distribution was observed in regression between distance in CRT and age at peak high velocity. Conclusions Our findings suggested that anthropometric characteristics are not powerful markers to predict Cooper Run Test results in a well-mixed, unpolarized and unbiased pool of middle school boys and girls. PE teachers and trainers should prefer endurance tests over the use of indirect formulas to predict performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Azzali
- Human Anatomy Unit, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Massimo Bellato
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Giuriato
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Vittoria Carnevale Pellino
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Roma “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Vandoni
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gabriele Ceccarelli
- Human Anatomy Unit, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Nicola Lovecchio
- Department of Human and Social Science, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
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Mateo-Orcajada A, Vaquero-Cristóbal R, Esparza-Ros F, Abenza-Cano L. Physical, Psychological, and Body Composition Differences between Active and Sedentary Adolescents According to the "Fat but Fit" Paradigm. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191710797. [PMID: 36078538 PMCID: PMC9518456 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The practice of physical activity during adolescence is essential for the proper development of the population. In recent decades, the relevance of physical activity has been increasing, due to the development of the "fat but fit" paradigm. This paradigm shows that adolescents with a high level of physical fitness are healthier than adolescents with poorer physical fitness, regardless of their weight, giving importance to sports practice over other aspects. However, few previous studies have analyzed the differences in physical and body composition between active and sedentary adolescents in this paradigm. For this reason, the objectives of the present study were to establish the differences in body composition, physical performance, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet between active and sedentary adolescents; and to analyze the differences between active and sedentary adolescents according to the "fat but fit" paradigm. The sample consisted of 791 adolescent whose body composition, level of physical activity, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and physical fitness were measured. It was found significant between active and sedentary adolescents in most of the anthropometric, AMD, and physical fitness variables, with a significant effect of the covariates gender, age, BMI, and biological maturation on the model. The binary logistic regression analysis performed shows that anthropometric variables, AMD, and VO2 max can be considered as primary outcomes to distinguish between active and sedentary groups of adolescents. Furthermore, the results showed that the active adolescents, regardless of their weight status, had lower fat mass and greater muscle mass, as well as a higher performance in the physical fitness tests, and greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet than the sedentary adolescents. To conclude, the practice of physical activity is a determinant for the improvement of body composition, physical performance, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet of the adolescent population, regardless of their gender, age, weight, or maturity status.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raquel Vaquero-Cristóbal
- Faculty of Sport, Catholic University San Antonio of Murcia, 30107 Murcia, Spain
- Kinanthropometry International Chair, Catholic University San Antonio of Murcia, 30107 Murcia, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-968-27-82-17
| | - Francisco Esparza-Ros
- Kinanthropometry International Chair, Catholic University San Antonio of Murcia, 30107 Murcia, Spain
| | - Lucía Abenza-Cano
- Faculty of Sport, Catholic University San Antonio of Murcia, 30107 Murcia, Spain
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Benefits of Physical Exercise as Approach to Prevention and Reversion of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Children and Adolescents with Obesity. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9081174. [PMID: 36010064 PMCID: PMC9406958 DOI: 10.3390/children9081174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an important health concern during childhood; indeed, it is the most frequent cause of chronic liver diseases in obese children. No valid pharmacological therapies for children affected by this condition are available, and the recommended treatment is lifestyle modification, usually including nutrition and exercise interventions. In this narrative review, we summarized up-to-date information on the benefits of physical exercise on NAFLD in children and adolescents with obesity. The role of exercise as non-pharmacological treatment was emphasized in order to provide recent advances on this topic for clinicians not deeply involved in the field. Several studies on obese children and adults confirm the positive role of physical activity (PA) in the treatment of NAFLD, but to date, there are no pediatric randomized clinical trials on exercise versus usual care. Among the pathogenic mechanisms involved in the PA effects on NAFLD, the main players seem to be insulin resistance and related inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut dysbiosis, but further evaluations are necessary to deeply understand whether these factors are correlated and how they synergistically act. Thus, a deeper research on this theme is needed, and it would be extremely interesting.
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Effects of an Online Supervised Exercise Training in Children with Obesity during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159421. [PMID: 35954777 PMCID: PMC9368250 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 restrictions have dramatically reduced the active lifestyle and physical activity (PA) levels in the whole population, a situation that can contribute to weight gain and to develop obesity. To improve physical fitness (PF) in children with obesity during COVID-19 restrictions, sport specialists started to deliver physical training through tele-exercise. For these reasons, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 12-week online supervised training program in children with obesity on different PF components and PA levels. We enrolled a total of 40 Caucasian children (9 F/31 M; aged 11 ± 1.9 years) with obesity. The data collection consisted of a series of anthropometric measures, the PAQ-C questionnaire, and PF tests, valid and reliable tools to assess PF in children. We used a Wilcoxon’s t-test and a Student’s t-test, as appropriate, to assess the differences before and after the training protocol. A total of 37 patients completed the training protocol and were considered in the analysis. Our results show an improvement in all the PF tests, a reduction in the BMI z-score, the waist circumference, and in the waist-to-height ratio, and an increased PA level. In conclusion, the results of our study show that an online supervised training program is effective to promote PA, improving PF and reducing the BMI z-score in children with obesity.
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Self-Declared Physical Activity Levels and Self-Reported Physical Fitness in a Sample of Italian Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2022; 12:655-665. [PMID: 35735470 PMCID: PMC9221701 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe12060049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Only 20% of children worldwide reach the suggested physical activity (PA) levels, and the COVID-19 restrictions seemed to have worsened this situation. In addition, physical fitness (PF) is a crucial marker of health and combined with PA could predict future health status. The aim of this study was to compare reported PA and PF levels in a sample of Italian adolescents. We administered the International PA Questionnaire and International Fitness Enjoyment Scale to 208 adolescents aged 16.0 ± 1.5 (N = 166 females, 16 ± 2.0 years) recruited from a high school in the province of Milan (Italy). The majority of the subjects were “Minimally active” but reported adequate PF levels. In particular, subjects who reported a “Very good” PF perception, had a lower PA level. The misperception of reported PA and PF from our sample could reduce the future PA level in adolescents and lead to a negative spiral of disengagement in PA. These findings should lead to more attention on and improvements to PA promotion in the adolescent population after the restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Use of Physical Activity and Exercise to Reduce Inflammation in Children and Adolescents with Obesity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116908. [PMID: 35682490 PMCID: PMC9180584 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Childhood obesity is a leading public health problem worldwide, as it is increasingly prevalent and therefore responsible for serious obesity-related comorbidities, not only in childhood but also in adulthood. In addition to cardio-metabolic obesity-related disorders, recent evidence suggests that excess adipose tissue in turn is associated with immune cell infiltration, increased adipokine release, and the development of low-grade systemic inflammation obesity. Exercise is considered a non-pharmacological intervention that can delay obesity-related comorbidities, improving cardiovascular fitness and modulating the inflammatory processes. It has been reported that the anti-inflammatory effect of regular exercise may be mediated by a reduction in visceral fat mass, with a subsequent decrease in the release of adipokines from adipose tissue (AT) and/or by the induction of an anti-inflammatory environment. In this narrative review, we discuss the role of AT as an endocrine organ associated with chronic inflammation and its role in obesity-related complications, focusing on the effect of exercise in reducing inflammation in children and adolescents with obesity. Regular physical exercise must be considered as a natural part of a healthy lifestyle, and promoting physical activity starting from childhood is useful to limit the negative effects of obesity on health. The crucial role of the immune system in the development of obesity-induced inflammatory processes and the efficacy of exercise as an anti-inflammatory, non-pharmacological intervention may provide possible targets for the development of new treatments and early preventive strategies.
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Vandoni M, Carnevale Pellino V, De Silvestri A, Lovecchio N, Rovida A, Gatti A, Biagioli V, Zuccotti G, Calcaterra V. The Temporal Association between Body Characteristics and Speed Performance over Twenty-Five Years in Italian Adolescents. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9040521. [PMID: 35455565 PMCID: PMC9031414 DOI: 10.3390/children9040521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Physical fitness (PF) is positively related to skeletal and metabolic health, and it had an inverse relation with obesity. Adolescents with obesity have the worst performance in PF and speed-agility (SA) that contributes to an augmented risk to develop pathologies. To the best of our knowledge, many studies analyzed the trends of obesity and SA separately, but there is a lack of data about SA ability trends in adolescents with obesity. We aimed to investigate SA trends in children with obesity in the last few decades to define the association between body weight and physical performance. Methods: We recruited 3.923 Caucasian children across the period 1985–2010 in the same school in Northern Italy, near Milan. Once a year, at the ages of 11–12- and 13-years-old, we collected anthropometric measures and SA performance. We pooled the data into 5-year-period study waves and then stratified our analysis into test-sex-age BMI-z-score specific groups. Results: We reported an undetermined trend across years. The 4×5 m run test significantly decreased in adolescents with overweight/obesity, while we did not report a decline in 30 m and 60 m run tests. Conclusions: Fitness tests highlighted differences in normal weight compared to overweight/obese children, suggesting that it is crucial to carefully monitor PF capacities through the years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Vandoni
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (V.C.P.); (A.R.); (A.G.); (V.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Vittoria Carnevale Pellino
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (V.C.P.); (A.R.); (A.G.); (V.B.)
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa De Silvestri
- Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Scientific Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Nicola Lovecchio
- Department of Human and Social Science, University of Bergamo, 24127 Bergamo, Italy;
| | - Antonio Rovida
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (V.C.P.); (A.R.); (A.G.); (V.B.)
| | - Alessandro Gatti
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (V.C.P.); (A.R.); (A.G.); (V.B.)
| | - Valentina Biagioli
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (V.C.P.); (A.R.); (A.G.); (V.B.)
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Department of Pediatrics, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20157 Milano, Italy; (G.Z.); (V.C.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science “L. Sacco”, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
| | - Valeria Calcaterra
- Department of Pediatrics, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20157 Milano, Italy; (G.Z.); (V.C.)
- Pediatric and Adolescent Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Köster P, Hohmann A, Niessner C, Siener M. Health-Related Motor Testing of Children in Primary School: A Systematic Review of Criterion-Referenced Standards. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 8:1046. [PMID: 34828759 PMCID: PMC8619070 DOI: 10.3390/children8111046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Being physically fit in younger years prevents several diseases in the presence as well as in the life course. Therefore, monitoring physical fitness and motor competence through motor testing is essential for determining developmental status and identifying health-related risks. The main objectives of this systematic review were (1) to identify currently available health-related criterion-referenced standards and cut-off points for physical fitness and motor competence test items, (2) to frame the methodological background on setting health-related criterion-referenced standards and (3) to give implications for a health-related evaluation system for physical fitness and motor competence tests. The electronic data base search (PubMed, Web of Science and SURF) yielded 2062 records in total and identified six empirical studies reporting cut-off points of motor test items for children (7-10 years), as well as 30 methodological papers discussing determination approaches to health-related criterion-referenced standards. Data collection, selection and analyses followed the PRISMA guidelines. Health-related motor test standards need to be gender- and age-specific but should refer to an absolute cut-off point rather than to relative performance in the reference group. Due to the lack of data on health-related criterion referenced standards, receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curves provide a tool for the determination of cut-off points and criterion referenced standards for physical fitness and motor competence tests. A standardized approach forms the fundamental base for a globally applicable evaluation of health-related fitness tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Köster
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; (A.H.); (M.S.)
| | - Andreas Hohmann
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; (A.H.); (M.S.)
| | - Claudia Niessner
- Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engler-Bunte-Ring 15, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany;
| | - Maximilian Siener
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; (A.H.); (M.S.)
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Vandoni M, Calcaterra V, Carnevale Pellino V, De Silvestri A, Marin L, Zuccotti GV, Tranfaglia V, Giuriato M, Codella R, Lovecchio N. "Fitness and Fatness" in Children and Adolescents: An Italian Cross-Sectional Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 8:762. [PMID: 34572192 PMCID: PMC8470229 DOI: 10.3390/children8090762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Children with obesity tend to have lower level of physical activity compared to non-obese peers. In fact, sedentary behaviors are prevalent in obese children causing difficulties to perform motor tasks and engaging in sport activities. This, in turn, has direct repercussions on adiposity and related comorbidities. The aim of the study was to investigate several components of fitness and their relationship with the degree of fatness in children. We considered 485 Italian schoolchildren (9.5 ± 1.12 years). BMI and prediction modelling outputs of fat mass were employed as markers of body fatness. Physical fitness (PF) was assessed by the 9-item test battery (explosive power, leg muscle power, arm muscle power, upper body power, coordination, agility, speed and endurance). Differences between groups in the PF tests (p < 0.05) were noted. A similar pattern was reflected in both genders. The relationship between anthropometrics' characteristics and PF tests showed that weight and fat mass had a high level of correlation with different PF tests. Our findings highlight the importance of investigating the degree of fatness in relation with different components of fitness, in children and adolescents. This combination of proxies may cover an unexpectedly helpful screening of the youth population, for both health and performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Vandoni
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.V.); (V.C.P.); (L.M.)
| | - Valeria Calcaterra
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.C.); (G.V.Z.); (V.T.)
- Pediatric and Adolescent Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Vittoria Carnevale Pellino
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.V.); (V.C.P.); (L.M.)
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa De Silvestri
- Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Scientific Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Luca Marin
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.V.); (V.C.P.); (L.M.)
- Department of Research, ASOMI College of Sciences, 2080 Marsa, Malta
| | - Gian Vincenzo Zuccotti
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.C.); (G.V.Z.); (V.T.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science “L. Sacco”, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Tranfaglia
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.C.); (G.V.Z.); (V.T.)
| | - Matteo Giuriato
- Unit of Molecular Biology, Department of Health and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Physical Culture, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80336 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Roberto Codella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Department of Endocrinology, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS MultiMedica, 20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Lovecchio
- Department of Human and Social Science, University of Bergamo, 24127 Bergamo, Italy;
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Impact of Parental Education and Physical Activity on the Long-Term Development of the Physical Fitness of Primary School Children: An Observational Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168736. [PMID: 34444484 PMCID: PMC8391261 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Low physical fitness (PF) has been associated with higher risk of suffering from different diseases. The importance of PF is evident already in early ages, as children’s PF appears to be a key factor of their future PF and physical activity level. Among the variables that may have an influence on children’s PF, the importance of parent’s socioeconomic status and active/inactive behaviors has been stressed in several previous studies. However, previous literature has mostly reported this association through cross-sectional studies. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of parental education and self-reported parental physical activity (PA) on their children’s development of PF during the 4-year duration of primary education. Using German Motor Test 6-18, the major components of PF (sprint velocity, coordination, flexibility, strength endurance, power, and endurance) were measured on a total of 371 children (46.9% girls, 30.6% migration background, 19.6% overweight/obese at the fourth test time point, compliance 70.1%) from 20 primary schools in Tyrol, Austria. Results showed that children with at least one parent with upper secondary education or above obtained significantly higher PF scores at all time points compared to children with both parents with lower secondary education and below. However, PF in both groups developed over time in a comparable manner irrespective of parental education. From the age of 9 years old, children with regularly physically active parents showed a stronger development of PF over the time compared to their peers with parents reporting irregular/no PA. Our results suggest that low-educated parents’ children might be considered a special target group for interventions aiming at increasing PF. More research is needed in order to delve into the potential underdevelopment of PF in 9-year-old children whose parents have low PA levels.
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13
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Williams MD, Ramirez-Campillo R, Chaabene H, Moran J. Neuromuscular Training and Motor Control in Youth Athletes: A Meta-Analysis. Percept Mot Skills 2021; 128:1975-1997. [PMID: 34293993 PMCID: PMC8414837 DOI: 10.1177/00315125211029006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Our purpose in this review was to determine the effects of bodyweight-only neuromuscular training (NMT) programs on motor control of movement among youth athletes. We searched three electronic databases (CrossRef, Google Scholar, and PubMed), using the following inclusion criteria for selecting research studies: (a) healthy male and female participants aged 8-18 years who were engaged in organized sports; (b) interventions up to 16-weeks duration; (c) incorporation of a control group; and (d) interventions that utilized only exercises using participants' body mass. We calculated pooled estimates of effect sizes (standardized mean difference) for changes in motor control across nine studies (12 comparisons) using the inverse-variance random effects model for meta-analyses and 95% confidence intervals. Among the nine studies included in our meta-analysis, there was a moderate, significant effect in favor of neuromuscular training programs (0.79 [95% CI: 0.38, 1.20], Z = 3.76 [p = 0.0002]) on motor control. Heterogeneity was high and significant (I2= 77% [p = 0.00001]). Moderator analyses for age and stature revealed NMT programs to be more effective in younger, shorter, and lighter individuals. We found larger effect sizes in males, and for programs >8 weeks in duration. We concluded that the older and heavier an individual is, the less effective bodyweight-only NMT programs became, particularly for female participants. These results reinforce the notion that exercise to enhance motor control should be emphasized during pre-adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark David Williams
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, Essex, United Kingdom
| | - Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo
- Laboratory of Measurement and Assessment in Sport, Department of Physical Activity Sciences, Research Nucleus in Health, Physical Activity and Sport, Universidad de Los Lagos (University of Los Lagos), Osorno, Chile.,Centro de Investigación en Fisiología del Ejercicio. Facultad de Ciencias. Universidad Mayor. Santiago, Chile
| | - Helmi Chaabene
- Division of Training and Movement Science, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany.,High Institute of Sports and Physical Education, Kef, University of Jendouba, Jendouba, Tunisia
| | - Jason Moran
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, Essex, United Kingdom
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Giuriato M, Codella R, Lovecchio N, Carnevale Pellino V, Vandoni M, Nevill AM. Speed agility trends in children according to growth. Ann Hum Biol 2021; 48:271-279. [PMID: 33974454 DOI: 10.1080/03014460.2021.1928285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Speed agility is considered as the whole assessment of speed of movement, agility and coordination. The 10x4m test has been broadly used to evaluate physical fitness and overall health in children of developmental ages. A myriad of studies have investigated the ecology of speed agility (SA). However, body dimensions are rarely appraised, and this is a weakness because body shapes are affected by growth. AIM This study aimed to model SA-specific allometric equations, and develop an approach objectively predictive for performance while controlling for maturity through age at peak height velocity (agePHV). SUBJECTS AND METHODS A total of 7317 (3627 girls) children aged 8-11 years were SA-tested. Multiplicative models with allometric body-size components, agePHV, and categorical differences, were implemented to evaluate SA performance. RESULTS Model 1 accounted for body-size and shape only, whereas Model 2 included agePHV and Model 3 considered standing broad jump (SBJ) as a surrogate marker for explosive strength. An ectomorphic dominance was revealed across all the models. CONCLUSION The explosive strength resulted in influencing SA per height-to-weight ratio. Further, positive exponent of agePHV suggested that the late maturers were likely to show better SA performances. Predictive equations modelled on developmental factors are fundamental to scrutinise performances as valuable health and fitness outcomes in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Giuriato
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Università di Verona, Verona, Italy.,Unit of Molecular Biology, Department of Health and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Physical Culture, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Roberto Codella
- Department of Endocrinology, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milano, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Science for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Nicola Lovecchio
- Department of Human Science, Università degli Studi di Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Vittoria Carnevale Pellino
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Industrial Engineering, University of TorVergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Vandoni
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alan M Nevill
- Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Walsall, UK
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15
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Vandoni M, Lovecchio N, Carnevale Pellino V, Codella R, Fabiano V, Rossi V, Zuccotti GV, Calcaterra V. Self-Reported Physical Fitness in Children and Adolescents with Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Analysis on the Level of Alignment with Multiple Adiposity Indexes. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8060476. [PMID: 34200029 PMCID: PMC8230218 DOI: 10.3390/children8060476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Obesity has been associated with several alterations that could limit physical activity (PA) practice. In pediatrics, some studies have highlighted the importance of enjoyment as a motivation to begin and maintain adherence in PA. Since self-reported physical (SRPF) fitness was related to motivation, the aim of this study was to investigate the existence of differences between SRPF in children with obesity (OB) compared to normal weight (NW). The International Fitness Enjoyment Scale (IFIS) questionnaire was administered to 200 OB and 200 NW children. In all the subjects, height, weight, and BMI and in OB children adiposity indexes including waist circumference (WC), body shape index (ABSI), triponderal mass index (TMI), and fat mass were measured. NW group showed higher IFIS item scores than the OB group (p < 0.01), except in muscular strength. In OB, the anthropometric outcomes were inversely correlated to SRPF outcome except for muscular strength. OB children reported a lower perception of fitness that could limit participation in PA/exercise programs. The evaluation of anthropometric patterns may be useful to prescribe a tailored exercise program considering individual better self-perception outcomes to obtain an optimal PA adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Vandoni
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Nicola Lovecchio
- Department of Human and Social Science, University of Bergamo, 24127 Bergamo, Italy;
| | - Vittoria Carnevale Pellino
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Codella
- Department of Biomedical Science for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy;
- Department of Endocrinology, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS MultiMedica, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Fabiano
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science “L. Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (V.F.); (V.R.); (G.V.Z.)
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy;
| | - Virginia Rossi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science “L. Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (V.F.); (V.R.); (G.V.Z.)
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy;
| | - Gian Vincenzo Zuccotti
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science “L. Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (V.F.); (V.R.); (G.V.Z.)
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy;
| | - Valeria Calcaterra
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy;
- Pediatric and Adolescent Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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16
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Giuriato M, Kawczynski A, Mroczek D, Lovecchio N, Nevill A. Allometric association between physical fitness test results, body size/shape, biological maturity, and time spent playing sports in adolescents. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249626. [PMID: 33822815 PMCID: PMC8023482 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Regular participation in strength and conditioning activities positively correlates with health-related benefits in sports (team and individual). Maturity offset (MO) is a recognized parameter in fitness outcome assessment. The aims of the present study are to analyze cross-sectional allometric development of motor performances in a sample of adolescents and relate scaled motor performance to the estimated amount and type of physical activity and biological maturity status in 771 subjects aged 14-19 years. Three physical fitness components were evaluated using field tests (standing broad jump, sit-ups, shuttle run). Extra hours of sport after school (EHS) and MO were the covariates. The model to predict the physical performance variables was: Y = a · Mk1 · Hk2 · WCk3 · exp(b · EHS + c · MO) · ε. Results suggest that having controlled for body size and body shape, performing EHS and being an early developer (identified by a positive MO slope parameter) benefits children in physical fitness and motor performance tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Giuriato
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Faculty of Physical Culture, Department of Health and Natural Sciences, Unit of Molecular Biology, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Adam Kawczynski
- Department of Paralympics Sports, University School of Physical Education, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Mroczek
- Department of Paralympics Sports, University School of Physical Education, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Nicola Lovecchio
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine & Forensic Science, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Dep. of Human and Social Science, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Alan Nevill
- The Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
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17
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Lovecchio N, Giuriato M, Carnevale Pellino V, Valarani F, Codella R, Vandoni M. Italian Physical Fitness Decline: A True Fact or a Mindset? A 10-Year Observational Perspective Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E8008. [PMID: 33143298 PMCID: PMC7663718 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Evidence regarding a putative physical fitness decline remains less well documented for Italian children and adolescents. An update review of data collection articles was undertaken concerning motor performances (power, strength, speed-agility and indirect cardiorespiratory fitness) of children and adolescents worldwide and compared with 2859 11-12-year-old Italian students of both sexes, throughout a ten-year observational period. Lower limb explosive strength (standing broad jump), flexibility (sit-and-reach), endurance (Cooper) and speed (SP-30) performances of sixth grade Italian students showed nearly stable trends, with no differences during the observed decade, in both sexes. This 10-year perspective study confirmed that Italian physical fitness levels flatlined rather than actually declined. According to these study data, the decline in physical fitness of the Italian youth is ostensible and needs a further in-depth analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Lovecchio
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (V.C.P.); (M.V.)
- Department of Human and Social Science, University of Bergamo, 24100 Bergamo, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (F.V.); (R.C.)
| | - Matteo Giuriato
- Department of Human Science, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy;
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine, and Movement Science, Università of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
- Department of Physical Education, Gdańsk Academy of Physical Education and Sport, 80-001 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Vittoria Carnevale Pellino
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (V.C.P.); (M.V.)
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Tor Vergata, 00100 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Valarani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (F.V.); (R.C.)
| | - Roberto Codella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (F.V.); (R.C.)
- Department of Endocrinology, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS MultiMedica, 20138 Milano, Italy
| | - Matteo Vandoni
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (V.C.P.); (M.V.)
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Explosive Strength Modeling in Children: Trends According to Growth and Prediction Equation. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10186430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Lower limb explosive strength has been widely used to evaluate physical fitness and general health in children. A plethora of studies have scoped the practicality of the standing broad jump (SBJ), though without accounting for body dimensions, which are tremendously affected by growth. This study aimed at modeling SBJ-specific allometric equations, underlying an objectively predictive approach while controlling for maturity offset (MO). A total of 7317 children (8–11 years) were tested for their SBJs; demographics and anthropometrics data were also collected. The multiplicative model with allometric body size components, MO, and categorial differences were implemented with SBJ performance. The log-multiplicative model suggested that the optimal body shape associated with SBJs is ectomorphic (H = −0.435; M = 1.152). Likewise, age, sex, and age–sex interactions were revealed to be significant (p < 0.001). Our results confirmed the efficacy of the allometric approach to identify the most appropriate body size and shape in children. Males, as they mature, did not significantly augment their performances, whereas females did, outperforming their peers. The model successfully fit the equation for SBJ performance, adjusted for age, sex, and MO. Predictive equations modeled on developmental factors are needed to interpret appropriately the performances that are used to evaluate physical fitness.
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Giuriato M, Lovecchio N, Fugiel J, Lopez Sanchez GF, Pihu M, Emeljanovas A. Enjoyment and self-reported physical competence according to Body Mass Index: international study in European primary school children. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2020; 60:1049-1055. [DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.20.10550-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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20
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Ceccarelli G, Bellato M, Zago M, Cusella G, Sforza C, Lovecchio N. BMI and inverted BMI as predictors of fat mass in young people: a comparison across the ages. Ann Hum Biol 2020; 47:237-243. [PMID: 32183542 DOI: 10.1080/03014460.2020.1738551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Background: The use of body mass index (BMI) could lead to over/under estimation of fat mass percentage (FM%). An alternative index (inverted BMI, iBMI) has been proposed as a better estimator of FM% in adults, while its practical feasibility in children and adolescents has not been fully investigated.Aim: To examine if iBMI can better estimate FM% than BMI in children/adolescents.Subjects and methods: Height, weight, and triceps and subscapularis skinfolds were measured in 6686 schoolchildren aged 11-14-years-old. BMI and iBMI (squared height/weight) were calculated; FM% was estimated by skinfold thicknesses. The Pearson correlation coefficient and the coefficient of determination were obtained to test the best regression model between the indexes and FM%.Results: FM% was linearly related to both indexes with R2 values that were overall > 0.7. No significant differences among the R2 values were found (p value = .2, ANOVA).Conclusion: BMI persists as a robust index for health surveillance screening in children/adolescents, being very intuitive and ready-to-use. Inverted BMI may be more accurate within a cohort of adults who experience only ponderal modifications, directly implicated in the variation of FM. In conclusion, the BMI remains a quick, handy and intuitive predictor of FM%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Ceccarelli
- Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic, Center for Health Technologies (C.H.T.)-Human Anatomy Unit, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Massimo Bellato
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Mathematical Modelling and Synthetic Biology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Zago
- Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Gabriella Cusella
- Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic, Center for Health Technologies (C.H.T.)-Human Anatomy Unit, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Chiarella Sforza
- Department of Biomedical Science for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Nicola Lovecchio
- Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic, Sport Sciences Unit, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Giuriato M, Nevill A, Kawczynski A, Lovecchio N. Body size and shape characteristics for Cooper's 12 minutes run test in 11-13 years old Caucasian children: an allometric approach. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2020; 60:417-421. [DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.19.10282-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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22
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Association between motor coordination, body mass index, and sports participation in children 6–11 years old. SPORT SCIENCES FOR HEALTH 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11332-019-00554-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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23
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Lovecchio N, Giuriato M, Zago M, Nevill A. Identifying the optimal body shape and composition associated with strength outcomes in children and adolescent according to place of residence: An allometric approach. J Sports Sci 2019; 37:1434-1441. [DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2018.1562615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Lovecchio
- Departement of Biomedical Science for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Giuriato
- Department of Human Science, Università degli Studi di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Matteo Zago
- Movement and Posture Analysis Lab, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
- Fondazione Istituto Farmacologico Filippo Serpero, Milano, Italy
| | - Alan Nevill
- Institute of Sport & Human Sciences, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
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Lovecchio N, Novak D, Sedlacek J, Hamar P, Milanovic I, Radisavljevic-Janic S, Emeljanovas A, Eid L, Zago M. Physical fitness for sedentary students: a common trend from six European countries. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2018; 59:1389-1396. [PMID: 30035472 DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.18.08926-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have assessed the fitness level of students to evaluate physical condition, compare groups with differences in social disadvantage and to define indexes for post training programs. Often, these large surveys compared groups without normative value that could define the real, practical gaps. Thus, the aim of this study was the definition of baseline values describing the fitness level of sedentary European students. METHODS Standing broad jump (SBJ), sit up (SUP) and sit and reach (SAR) physical fitness tests were assessed on 31,476 students (age=11-13) from 6 European countries were collected and analyzed. RESULTS The effect size for multiple groups ANOVA was obtained to verify the biological consistence of differences. Then, weighted-means were calculated and stratified for age and gender. Overall, boys obtained SAR scores close to zero, while girls obtained results between 2 and 7 cm. The SUP test revealed similar results between boys and girls (about 20). SBJ performances were similar among countries (over 160 cm for boys and 150 for girls). CONCLUSIONS Our results were aligned to other studies performed in other Continents or Countries and can contribute to the establishment of a large and objective reference to readily evaluate the physical fitness and health-related status of young students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Lovecchio
- Department of Biomedical Science for Health, School of Sport Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy -
| | - Dario Novak
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.,Institute for Anthropological Research, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Pal Hamar
- University of Physical Education, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ivana Milanovic
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Arunas Emeljanovas
- Faculty of Sports Education, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Luca Eid
- CAPDI & LSM (Italian Physical Education Association), Venice, Italy
| | - Matteo Zago
- Department of Biomedical Science for Health, School of Sport Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengeneering, Polytechnic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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