Correlation between Aerobic Fitness and Body Composition in Middle School Students

Longitudinal effects of aerobic training programme on body composition in non-elite adolescent female swimmers

Introduction

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a 3-year swimming training programme on body fat measurements in adolescent girls, without prior selection.

Method

Two groups of 10-year-old girls were analysed at the beginning of the study (4th grade in primary school). The experimental group consisted of 14 swimmers (body mass: 34.99 ± 2.77 kg; height: 146.00 ± 3.05 cm). The control group consisted of 14 girls (body mass: 37.93 ± 6.02 kg; height: 145.55 ± 3.88 cm) who only participated in mandatory physical education classes. The study was conducted over a period of 3 years, with measurements taken every 6 months. Body fat was measured through the thickness of skinfolds at four anatomical locations: above the biceps; above the triceps; below the lower angle of the scapula; and above the superior iliac crest. Based on these measurements, the percentage of body fat was calculated.

Results

Statistical analysis revealed that despite the lack of initial selection, there was no significant difference in the percentage of body fat between the experimental and control groups at the start of the study-18.62% vs 24.85%. This difference persisted until the final measurement after 3 years, at which point it became statistically significant-17.31% vs 27.14% (F = 37.44, p < 0.05).

Discussion

Our findings indicate that 3 years of swimming training in adolescent girls resulted in a reduction in fat tissue growth across all four measurement sites. Initially, body fat percentage had a strong negative impact on VO2 max, particularly in the experimental group. However, this effect diminished in both groups over the course of the study.

Conclusion

Swimming may be an effective means of preventing obesity. Coaches should consider a slim physique in swimming candidates.

Correlations Between Body Composition and Aerobic Fitness in Elite Female Youth Water Polo Players

Body composition and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) are vital for optimizing sports performance, but the correlations between them are still underexplored. Our study aimed to investigate the relationships between body composition and specific CPET variables describing physical fitness in young athletes, also adjusting for age and height, in a less-studied, female population. Seventy players participated in our study (age: 16.10 ± 1.63 y). After determining body composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, we conducted treadmill-based maximal-intensity CPET. Data were analyzed in R using multivariate linear regression, accounting for age and height as confounders. Lean body mass (LBM), body fat mass (BFM), and bone mineral content (BMC) showed no effect on resting, maximum, or recovery heart rates and no correlation with resting or maximal lactate values. LBM positively correlated with maximum ventilation (VE-max) (Est: 1.3 × 10-3; SE: 6.1 × 10-4; p < 0.05) and maximum absolute oxygen consumption (VO2abs-max) (Est: 7.710-5; SE: 6.9 × 10-6; p < 0.001)-with age as an influencing factor for VE-max and height as an influencing factor for VO2abs-max. Conversely, BFM showed a negative correlation with maximum relative oxygen consumption (VO2rel-max) (Est: -4.8 × 10-4; SE: 1.2 × 10-4; p < 0.001). Moreover, BFM and BMC were also negatively correlated with maximal exercise duration (Est: -2.2 × 10-4; SE: 8.0 × 10-5; p < 0.01; Est: -3.2 × 10-3; SE: 1.4 × 10-3; p < 0.05) with height as an influencing factor. Our findings indicate complex correlations between body composition and CPET parameters, providing important information for the analysis of individual ergospirometric data. Our results draw attention to the fact that body composition is more precise than weight and height in the evaluation of athletes' physical fitness.

Body composition, cardiovascular fitness and attention of school-aged male children practicing sports club activities: A cross-sectional

BACKGROUND

The positive effects of physical activity on physical fitness, bone health, academic achievement, cognitive functions, mental health, and reduced obesity have been proven. This study aims to investigate the relationship between sports club activities, physical activity selected health-related fitness, and the d2 attention test.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in different sports clubs. A total of 78 male students aged 10-13 years participating in various branches of sports clubs were included in the study, 42 of whom were assigned to the sports group and 36 to the control group. Questionnaires were administered to assess sports club participation and attention levels, while physical health profiles were tested with body composition and Yo-Yo IR1C performance measures. Data were analyzed according to sports participation and the five most frequently reported sports. The means and standard deviation of each study value were calculated for the total subjects and by participating in sports activity using the IBM SPSS (version 23) analysis program. Data normality was checked and confirmed by the Skewness and Kurtosis Tests.

RESULTS

The results showed that boys enrolled in a sports activity had lower body mass (-17.9%, P < 0.05 d = 0.72), body mass index (-13.4%, P < 0.05, d = 0.87), and body fat (%) (-54.1%, P < 0.05, d = 1.38) and higher VO2max 32.3% (P < 0.05, d = 3.67), than the non-active group. The boys active in sports clubs also had better results in the total number of items processed (11%, P < 0.05 d = 0.50) and in concentration performance (17.7%, P < 0.05 d = 0.56) than the non-active group. In correlation analyses, VO2max was negatively associated with body mass, body mass index, and body fat (P = 0.011; P = 0.001 and P = 0.00, respectively) and positively related to the total number of items processed and concentration performance (P = 0.003 and P = 0.015, respectively). In the Pearson Correlation analyses, body fat showed a lower negative correlation with TN (r = 0.33; P = 0.003) and CP (r = 0.28; P = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

Boys participating in regular sports have lower body mass, BMI, and BF values. In addition, boys who participated in sports showed higher imaginary fitness and selective attention and concentration capacity results, as expected, for any sports part compared to their body peers. Another attempt from this study is that body mass and body fat percentage recovery are negatively associated with fitness. Considering the increasing prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents due to sedentary living, which has become a worldwide epidemic, it is recommended that pedagogical and public health strategies and policies be developed based on the physical fitness level of children.

The Impact of Body Composition on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Adult Females

INTRODUCTION

 This study investigates the impact of body composition on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in adult females, focusing on factors such as maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max). It also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a physically active lifestyle for achieving CRF. Previous research links CRF to protection against metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

 To investigate the impact of body composition as specified by body mass index (BMI), fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), and basal metabolic rates (BMRs) on CRF in adult females.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult females aged 19-24 participated in this prospective cross-sectional experimental study (n=110). The study excluded those with specific health conditions. Anthropometric measurements, bio-impedance analysis, and a Balke treadmill test were conducted to assess VO2 max and, hence, the CRF. Nutrient intake was assessed, and energy requirements were calculated. The data were analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 21; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY). The test statistics deployed were mean (± SD), ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient, post-hoc Bonferroni test, and regression analysis.

RESULTS

 The study revealed significant differences in anthropometry among BMI categories. Energy intake showed no significant variation. Body mass distribution, BMRs, and vital signs significantly differed among BMI groups. Most participants exhibited poor CRF; a negative correlation between BMI and VO2 max was observed.

CONCLUSION

Body compositions, particularly BMI and FFM, body fat percentage, and BMR, influence CRF in young adult females. Poor CRF was prevalent among participants, indicating a potential impact on cardiovascular health. The findings underline the importance of addressing lifestyle factors in promoting better cardiorespiratory health among young adult females.

Body Mass Index Superior to Body Adiposity Index in Predicting Adiposity in Female Collegiate Athletes

Body mass index (BMI) is moderately correlated with %Fat and often used to assess obesity in athletes. Limited research assesses BMI as a surrogate for %Fat in female collegiate athletes. Body Adiposity Index (BAI) is an anthropometric measurement suggested to be superior to BMI at predicting adiposity but has not been well assessed within female athletic populations. This study aimed to determine if BAI is superior to other anthropometric indices to predict %Fat in female collegiate athletes and college-aged female non-athletes. Collegiate female athletes and female non-athletes were invited into the laboratory for anthropometrics and %Fat measurements via BOD POD. BAI was calculated as Hip Circumference/Height1.5 - 18. Eighty-eight female non-athletes and 72 female athletes from soccer (n = 27), softball (n = 28), and basketball (n = 17) completed the study. Using BMI, 19% of non-athletes had a false positive (FP). Sensitivity of BMI in non-athletes was 85.5%, while specificity was 73%. 16% of athletes had a FP. Sensitivity of BMI within athletes was 100%, specificity was 81%. BMI outperformed BAI in athletic (BMI: r = .725, p < .001; BAI: r = .556, p < .001) and nonathletic (BMI: r = .650, p < .001; BAI: r = .499, p < .001) groups. The strongest anthropometric predictor of %Fat within the non-athlete population was BMI (r2 = .42, p < .001). Waist circumference was the strongest predictor in the athletic population (r2 = .62, p < .001). BMI outperformed BAI in its ability to predict %Fat.

The association between type 1 diabetes and exercise/physical activity and prolongation of the honeymoon phase in patients

In type 1 diabetes (T1D), pancreatic beta cells are destroyed by the immune system, causing chronic hyperglycemia and micro and macrovascular complications. However, some people experience a 'honeymoon' phase (or partial remission) after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. During this phase, a substantial amount of insulin is still produced by the pancreas, helping to reduce blood sugar levels and the requirement for external insulin. The clinical significance of this phase lies in the potential for pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions during this time frame to either slow down or arrest beta-cell destruction. Clearly, we need to continue researching novel therapies like immunomodulatory agents, but we also need to look at potentially effective therapies with acceptable side effects that can serve as a complement to the medicines currently being studied. Physical activity and exercise, regardless of its type, is one of the factors its impact on the control of diabetes is being investigated and promising results have been achieved. Although there are still limited reports in this regard, there is some evidence to suggest that regular physical exercise could prolong the honeymoon period in both adults and children. In this review, having described the immune base of type 1 diabetes, we outline the benefits of exercise on the general health of individuals with T1D. Moreover, we centered on the honeymoon and current evidence suggesting the effects of physical activity and exercise on this phase duration.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing to observe subclinical abnormalities in cardiopulmonary function in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis

BACKGROUND

Decreased cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) related to cardiopulmonary function increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with end-stage kidney disease. Thus, early detection of the cause of impaired cardiopulmonary function in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) is of important clinical significance.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, Symptom-restricted cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) was performed in 30 patients undergoing PD and in 23 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects.A fixed workload was added every minute until fatigue, and breath-by-breath respiratory gas was analyzed with an automated gas analyzer at 10-second intervals.

RESULTS

The peak oxygen uptake ( 16.39±0.83 vs 25.77±1.33 ml/kg/min p<0.001) and the oxygen uptake at the anerobic threshold of patients undergoing PD (9.61±0.34 vs 14.55± 0.64 ml/kg/min; p<0.001) were lower than in healthy control subjects, and both of these parameters correlated with body mass index and left atrial dimension. A steeper minute ventilation / carbon dioxide production slope (27.20±0.68 vs 24.29±0.69；p<0.01) and a lower end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure (37.93±0.54 vs 41.27±0.83mmHg；p<0.05) were observed in patients undergoing PD. The oxygen pulse and oxygen uptake efficiency slope was smaller in patients undergoing PD. The Maximum heart rate (126.07±4.01 vs 149.96±5.29 bpm；p<0.01) and 1-minute heart rate recovery (13.93±1.52 vs 24.39±1.61bpm；p<0.01) were also lower in patients undergoing PD.

CONCLUSION

Subclinical cardiopulmonary dysfunction may exist in patients with PD, and a reduction in CRF in patients undergoing PD is affected by both central and peripheral functions. CPET has potential value in revealing the mechanism of impaired CRF and in discovering subclinical abnormalities in cardiopulmonary function. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Differences between Treadmill and Cycle Ergometer Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Results in Triathletes and Their Association with Body Composition and Body Mass Index

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is the method of choice to assess aerobic fitness. Previous research was ambiguous as to whether treadmill (TE) and cycle ergometry (CE) results are transferrable or different between testing modalities in triathletes. The aim of this paper was to investigate the differences in HR and VO2 at maximum exertion between TE and CE, at anaerobic threshold (AT) and respiratory compensation point (RCP) and evaluate their association with body fat (BF), fat-free mass (FFM) and body mass index (BMI). In total, 143 adult (n = 18 female), Caucasian triathletes had both Tr and CE CPET performed. The male group was divided into <40 years (n = 80) and >40 years (n = 45). Females were aged between 18 and 46 years. Body composition was measured with bioelectrical impedance before tests. Differences were evaluated using paired t-tests, and associations were evaluated in males using multiple linear regression (MLR). Significant differences were found in VO2 and HR at maximum exertion, at AT and at RCP between CE and TE testing, in both males and females. VO2AT was 38.8 (±4.6) mL/kg/min in TE vs. 32.8 (±5.4) in CE in males and 36.0 (±3.6) vs. 32.1 (±3.8) in females (p < 0.001). HRAT was 149 (±10) bpm in TE vs. 136 (±11) in CE in males and 156 (±7) vs. 146 (±11) in females (p < 0.001). VO2max was 52 (±6) mL/kg/min vs. 49 (±7) in CE in males and 45.3 (±4.9) in Tr vs. 43.9 (±5.2) in females (p < 0.001). HRmax was 183 (±10) bpm in TE vs. 177 (±10) in CE in males and 183 (±9) vs. 179 (±10) in females (p < 0.001). MLR showed that BMI, BF and FFM are significantly associated with differences in HR and VO2 at maximum, AT and RCP in males aged >40. Both tests should be used independently to achieve optimal fitness assessments and further training planning.

OXYGEN UPTAKE AND INDICATORS OF OBESITY: META-ANALYSIS INCLUDING 17,604 ADOLESCENTS

ABSTRACT Introduction: Low aerobic fitness levels are associated with excess body adiposity in adolescents. However, studies that have analyzed this association in adolescents have used different methods and measures to evaluate aerobic fitness, making it difficult to compare the results. Objective: To conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis of studies that have analyzed the association between aerobic fitness and anthropometric body adiposity indicators in adolescents aged 10-19 years. Methods: A systematic search was performed in May 2016, updated in March 2017, in the following electronic databases: LILACS (BIREME), Embase, MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science (Web of Knowledge), Scopus, and SPORTDiscus. Results: Twenty-three studies were selected. The meta-analysis indicated that as the aerobic fitness levels increased, the BMI, waist circumference and body fat percentage values of the adolescents decreased. Conclusion: There is a negative association between aerobic fitness (evaluated by measuring maximum oxygen uptake in the 20-meter Shuttle Run test) and the body fat percentage, BMI and waist circumference of adolescents and a negative association between aerobic fitness (assessed by measuring the number of laps in the 20-meter Shuttle Run test) and body fat percentage. However, caution is required in the interpretation of data due to the heterogeneity of the studies analyzed. Level of Evidence II; Systematic review of studies with level II of evidence.

Body fat and aerobic capacity of physical education students from a Chilean university

The components of physical fitness, aerobic capacity and anthropometric characteristics play an important role in maintaining and protecting cardiorespiratory functioning during all stages of life. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between body fat indicators and aerobic capacity of students in a physical education program. A descriptive study (cross-sectional) was carried out with 110 physical education university students (75 males and 35 females). Ages ranged between 17.7 and 26.1 years old. Weight, standing height, sitting height, waist circumference (WC), and seven skinfolds (mm) were evaluated. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. The Navette test (20m back and forth run) was used to assess the students. The correlations between adiposity and aerobic capacity for males varied from r= -0.21 to 0.34 and for females, from r= -0.21 to 0.34. In general, greater body adiposity (BMI, WC, and skinfolds) was a determinant in the males (R2= 14 to 27%). For the females, the Σ 7 skinfolds explained 11% of the adiposity. Males and females classified as having a high level of aerobic capacity showed less fat tissue (Σ 7 skinfolds) than those with moderate and low aerobic capacity (p<0.05). The results from this study indicated that body adiposity expressed as fat tissue limited aerobic capacity in a greater proportion of the males than in the females. The youth classified with high aerobic capacity showed less body fat than their counterparts classified as having moderate and low levels of aerobic capacity.

Effects of Aerobic, Resistance, and Combined Exercise on Markers of Male Reproduction in Healthy Human Subjects: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Hajizadeh Maleki, B, Tartibian, B, and Chehrazi, M. Effects of aerobic, resistance, and combined exercise on markers of male reproduction in healthy human subjects: a randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 33(4): 1130-1145, 2019-The effects of moderate intensity treadmill exercise training (MI), resistance training (RT), and combined treadmill + resistance training (CT) on markers of male reproductive function including seminal markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, and semen quality and sperm DNA integrity were evaluated in healthy human subjects. A total of 376 healthy sedentary male volunteers (aged 25-40) were screened and 282 were randomized into 4 treatment groups: MI (n = 71), RT (n = 71), CT (n = 71), and nonexercise (NON-EX, n = 70) groups for an experimental period of 24 weeks. After the intervention, compared with the NON-EX group, all 3 MI, RT, and CT exercise modalities showed significantly reduced body mass, fat percent, waist circumference, reactive oxygen species, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α and improved maximal oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max), progressive motility, sperm morphology, sperm concentration and sperm DNA integrity, as indicated by a decrease of percentage of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated fluorescein-dUTP nick end labeling-positive sperm cells (p ≤ 0.05). Body mass index, semen volume, number of spermatozoa, superoxide dismutase, catalase, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, and 8-isoprostane improved significantly in the MI and CT groups (p ≤ 0.05) but not significantly in the RT group (p > 0.05). In summary, all 3 MI, RT, and CT interventions attenuate seminal markers of inflammation and oxidative stress and improve body composition, semen quality parameters, and sperm DNA integrity in the studied population. In respect to all the aspects studied, those men who took part in MI intervention had the best results. Considering the seminological parameters, however, CT had a synergistic effect and was superior over the other interventions used.

Reliability and Validity of the Japanese Version of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) in Japanese children aged 9 to 12 years.

Methods

A total of 210 children aged between 9 and 12 years participated. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were evaluated using Cronbach alpha coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. Validity was evaluated using athletic competence (AC), self-efficacy (SE), body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (%BF), cardiovascular fitness (CVF), and World Health Organization Health Behavior in School-aged Children (WHO HBSC) physical activity questionnaire.

Results

Internal consistency was acceptable (alpha = 0.80) and test-retest reliability showed excellent agreement (ICC = 0.83). The PAQ-C score was significantly correlated with AC (r = 0.41), SE (r = 0.65), %BF (r = 0.19), and CVF (r = -0.32). The PAQ-C score of the active group classified by the WHO HBSC physical activity questionnaire (mean score ± standard deviation [SD] = 3.03 ± 0.57) was significantly higher than that of the inactive group (mean score ± SD = 2.27 ± 0.63, P < .01).

Conclusions

The PAQ-C had acceptable reliability and validity. The PAQ-C is a useful instrument to evaluate physical activity for Japanese children aged 9 to 12 years.

Effect of BMI, Body Fat Percentage and Fat Free Mass on Maximal Oxygen Consumption in Healthy Young Adults

INTRODUCTION

Maximal oxygen consumption (VO_2max) is an important measure of cardiorespiratory capacity of an individual at a given degree of fitness and oxygen availability. Risk of cardiovascular diseases increases with increasing degree of obesity and a low level of VO_2max has been established as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality.

AIM

To determine VO_2max in young adults and to find its correlation with Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Fat% and Fat Free Mass (FFM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty four (male=30, female=24) healthy young adults of age group18-25 years after screening by Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) participated in the study. Height was measured by stadiometer. Weight was measured by digital weighing scale with 0.1 kg sensitivity. Body fat% was measured by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) method. FFM was calculated by subtracting fat mass from the body weight. VO_2max (mL.kg^-1.min^-1) was obtained by Submaximal Exercise Test (SET) by first two stages of Bruce Protocol with the basis of linear relationship between Heart Rate (HR) and oxygen consumption (VO₂). Data were analysed statistically in GraphPad Prism software version 6.01 for windows.

RESULTS

VO_2max (mL.kg^-1.min^-1) of male (43.25±7.25) was significantly (p<0.001) higher than female (31.65±2.10). BMI showed weak negative correlation (r= -0.3232, p=0.0171) with VO_2max but Body Fat% showed strong negative correlation (r= -0.7505, p<0.001) with VO_2max. FFM positively correlated (r=0.3727, p=0.0055) with VO_2max.

CONCLUSION

Increased body fat is associated with decreased level of VO_2max in young adults. Obesity in terms of Fat% is a better parameter than BMI for prediction of low VO_2max.

Moderate aerobic exercise training for improving reproductive function in infertile patients: A randomized controlled trial

This study investigated for the first time the changes in seminal markers of inflammation, oxidative stress status, semen parameters, sperm DNA integrity as well as pregnancy rate following 24weeks of moderate aerobic exercise in infertile patients. A total of 1026 sedentary men (aged 25-40years) attending the infertility clinic with history of more than one year of infertility, were screened and 419 were randomized to either exercise (EX, n=210) or non-exercise (NON-EX, n=209) groups. Exercise training favorably attenuated seminal markers of both inflammation (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) and oxidative stress (ROS, MDA, 8-Isoprostane) as well as enhanced antioxidant defense system (SOD, catalase and TAC) (P<0.05). These changes correlate with favorable improvements in semen parameters, sperm DNA integrity and pregnancy rate (P<0.05). The results provide information about the effectiveness of moderate aerobic exercise training as a treatment option for male factor infertility. The 4-week detraining period was not enough to reverse all benefits promoted by exercise intervention.