Paulo Roberto dos Santos Amorim

Validity of body adiposity index in predicting body fat in a sample of brazilian women

This study aimed to verify the validity of BAI in predicting %BF in a sample of Brazilian women

Anthropometry and physical activity level in the prediction of metabolic syndrome in children

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of anthropometric measures and physical activity level in the prediction of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in children. DESIGN Cross-sectional study with children from public and private schools. Children underwent an anthropometric assessment, blood pressure measurement and biochemical evaluation of serum for determination of TAG, HDL-cholesterol and glucose. Physical activity level was calculated and number of steps per day obtained using a pedometer for seven consecutive days. SETTING Viçosa, south-eastern Brazil. SUBJECTS Boys and girls (n 187), mean age 9·90 (SD 0·7) years. RESULTS Conicity index, sum of four skinfolds, physical activity level and number of steps per day were accurate in predicting MetS in boys. Anthropometric indicators were accurate in predicting MetS for girls, specifically BMI, waist circumference measured at the narrowest point and at the level of the umbilicus, four skinfold thickness measures evaluated separately, the sum of subscapular and triceps skinfold thickness, the sum of four skinfolds and body fat percentage. CONCLUSIONS The sum of four skinfolds was the most accurate method in predicting MetS in both genders.

Within- and Between-Day Repeatability and Variability in Children's Physiological Responses During Submaximal Treadmill Exercise

The purpose of this study was to verify within- and between-day repeatability and variability in childrens oxygen uptake (VO2), gross economy (GE; VO2 divided by speed) and heart rate (HR) during treadmill walking based on self-selected speed (SS). Fourteen children (10.1 ± 1.4 years) undertook three testing sessions over 2 days in which four walking speeds, including SS were tested. Within- and between-day repeatability were assessed using the Bland and Altman method, and coefficients of variability (CV) were determined for each child across exercise bouts and averaged to obtain a mean group CV value for VO2, GE, and HR per speed. Repeated measures analysis of variance showed no statistically significant differences in within- or between-day CV for VO2, GE, or HR at any speed. Repeatability within- and between-day for VO2, GE, and HR for all speeds was verified. These results suggest that submaximal VO2 during treadmill walking is stable and reproducible at a range of speeds based on childrens SS.

Regional Skin Temperature Response to Moderate Aerobic Exercise Measured by Infrared Thermography

Background: Infrared thermography (IRT) does not require contact with the skin, and it is a convenient, reliable and non-invasive technique that can be used for monitoring the skin temperature (TSK). Objectives: The aim of this study was to monitor the variations in the regional TSK during exercise on 28 regions of interest (ROIs) (forehead, face, chest, abdomen, back, lumbar, anterior and posterior neck, and posterior and anterior views of the right and left hands, forearms, upper arms, thighs, and legs) with IRT. Patients and Methods: 12 physically active young males were monitored with IRT during the following three phases: a) 30 minutes before exercise b) while performing one hour of moderate intensity exercise on a treadmill at 60% of the VO2max, and c) 60 minutes after exercise. Results: During pre-exercise, all TSK reached a steady-state (P ≤ 0.05), which ensured adequate thermal stabilisation. At the beginning of exercise, there was a significant reduction in the TSK in most ROIs after 10 minutes of activity, except for the lower limbs (legs and thighs). After one hour of recovery, in the anterior view of the hands and thighs and in the posterior view of the legs, there were significant increases in the TSK compared to pre-exercise. Conclusions: There were significant distinctions in the skin temperature distribution during exercise according to the activity of the area under consideration during exercise, which may be important in the development of physiological models and heat flux analyses for different purposes.

Different waist circumference measurements and prediction of cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome in children

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE To compare the effectiveness of three waist circumference (WC) measurement sites to predict cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome (MS) in Brazilian children. METHODS 187 children (mean age = 9.9 ± 0.7 years) were evaluated for weight, height, WC at three different sites: midpoint between the lower rib and iliac crest (WC1), umbilicus (WC2), and narrowest waist (WC3). Skinfolds (triceps and subscapular) and blood pressure were also measured. Analyses for triglycerides, HDL-C and glucose were carried out in 141 children. RESULTS For boys, the most accurate predictor of overweight and obesity (from body mass index, BMI) and low HDL-C levels was WC3, and for high percentage of body fat (from skinfolds) was WC1. For girls, WC2 was the most accurate predictor of MS, and hypertriglyceridemia, and for overweight and obesity, high body fat percentage, and low HDL-C levels, WC3 was the best predictor. WC1 was the most accurate in the prediction of high blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS Each WC measurement site was accurate in predicting cardiovascular risk factors and MS. However, our results indicate that WC3 was the best predictor of cardiovascular risk factors and MS in boys and girls.

Evaluating the effects of exercise on cognitive function in hypertensive and diabetic patients using the mental test and training system

Abstract Objectives: Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are important risk factors for developing cognitive impairment. General life-style changes including physical training are known to reduce elevated blood pressure and sugar levels, as well as improve mental health. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether supervised physical exercise enhances the cognitive status of patients with chronic diseases. Methods: Volunteers with SAH, DM or SAH + DM participated in either aerobic or resistance training during a period of 12 weeks. Several domains of cognitive functions were evaluated using the mental test and training system before and after the 3 months. Results: Participants with either of these chronic diseases demonstrated significantly improved attention and concentration, but not reaction time, following the supervised exercise. Conclusions: Structured physical training promotes several aspects of cognitive functions in diabetic and hypertensive patients.

Energy Expenditure and Intensity of Active Video Games in Children and Adolescents

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to compare the energy expenditure and intensity of active video games to that of treadmill walking in children and adolescents. Method: Seventy-two boys and girls (aged 8–13 years) were recruited from local public schools. Energy expenditure and heart rate were measured during rest, during 3-km/hr, 4-km/hr, and 5-km/hr walks, and during active games (Adventure, Boxing I, Boxing II, and Dance). During walking and active games, we also assessed physical activity using an accelerometer. Results: The energy expenditure of the active games Adventure, Boxing I, Boxing II, and Dance was similar to that of treadmill walking at 5 km/hr in boys and girls. Heart rate was significantly higher for the game Adventure compared with walking at 3 km/hr, 4 km/hr, and 5 km/hr and the game Dance in both genders. The heart rate of girls during the games Adventure and Dance was significantly higher compared with boys. There was a statistically significant difference (p < .05, with an effect size ranging from 0.40 to 3.54) in the counts·min−1, measured through accelerometry, between activities. Conclusion: XBOX 360 Kinect games provide energy expenditure and physical activity of moderate intensity for both genders. The use of active video games can be an interesting alternative to increase physical activity levels.

Analyses of the international physical activity questionnaire In adolescents

This study verifi ed the habitual physical activity (HPA) and analyzed the IPAQ in its short (SF) and long form (LF), in students of public (PS) and private schools (PR). The sample was composed of 102 subjects, 27 girls (G) ( =15.6±0.84 years old) and 27 boys (B) ( =15.9±0.83 years old) of the PS, and 23 G ( =15.9±0.85 years old) and 25 B ( =15.7±0.74 years old) of the PR. The SF and LF of the IPAQ were used comparing within-sex (WS), between-sex (BS), and inter-systems (IR). ANOVA + post hoc Tukey Test showed statistically signifi cant difference (p<0.05) between the SF and LF BS, with G as more active with the SF in the PS. The WS comparison was statistically signifi cant (p<0.05), presenting the B more active in the LF inside the PS sample. The IR analysis showed a statistically signifi cant difference (p<0.05) in the SF for the B, with more active B in the PR. When analyzed difference among activities categories, It was evident that PS’s students have their predominant HPA in home and work tasks, and those from PRs, in leisure activities. Such results allow us to conclude that: a) there are differences between IPAQ SF and LF; b) PS students showed their predominant HPA in home and work tasks, and the ones from PR, in leisure activities. The incentive campaigns to the increase of the HPA at schools should focus according to the educational system.

Evaluación de la encuenta internacional de actividad física en adolescentes

Paulo Roberto S. Amorim Laboratorio de Performance Humana Universidade Federal de Vicosa/MG pramorim@ufv.br Ricardo C. Faria Laboratorio de Performance Humana Universidade Federal de Vicosa/MG ricardoefi @yahoo.com.br Nuala M. Byrne Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation – ATN Centre for Metabolic Fitness – Queensland University of Technology Australia n.byrne@qut.edu.au Andrew P. Hills Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation – ATN Centre for Metabolic Fitness – Queensland University of Technology Australia a.hills@qut.edu.au

Sensitivity and Specificity of the Body Mass Index to Determine Obesity: A Study with Brazilian Men and Women

Abstract: The Body Mass Index (BMI) has been widely used as an indicator of nutritional status. However, its signifi cance isn’t li-mited to clinical assessments, as it also refl ects the social, economic and health conditions of a given population. Literature reports heavy criticism over the use of BMI, particularly the cut-off points characterizing obesity, and highlights the need for studies taking into account the index’s sensitivity and specifi city in different populations. The purpose of this study is to examine BMI’s se nsitivity and specifi city to assess obesity in 1022 male and female individuals divided into two age groups (20 to 30 and 31 to 40). The cut-off points to determine obesity were the following: fat percent (%F) ³ 25% and BMI ³ 28 kg.m-2 for men and (%F) ³ 30% and BMI ³ 27 kg.m-2 for women. The results for both sexes, in general and divided according to age groups (except for the 31-40 age group on males), showed high specifi city and sensitivity to identify obesity. False-negative values, indicating the incidence of non-obe se indivi-duals detected by BMI, were low. On the other hand, the false-positive values were high, revealing a trend to overestimate body fat in non-obese individuals with values bordering with the cut-off points characterizing obesity. Such results allow us to conclude that BMI proved valid, at least in the sample for this study.