Sergio Gregorio da Silva

Physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and metabolic syndrome in adolescents: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundIn adults, there is a substantial body of evidence that physical inactivity or low cardiorespiratory fitness levels are strongly associated with the development of metabolic syndrome. Although this association has been studied extensively in adults, little is known regarding this association in adolescents. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness levels with metabolic syndrome in Brazilian adolescents.MethodsA random sample of 223 girls (mean age, 14.4 ± 1.6 years) and 233 boys (mean age, 14.6 ± 1.6 years) was selected for the study. The level of physical activity was determined by the Bouchard three-day physical activity record. Cardiorespiratory fitness was estimated by the Leger 20-meter shuttle run test. The metabolic syndrome components assessed included waist circumference, blood pressure, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting plasma glucose levels. Independent Student t-tests were used to assess gender differences. The associations between physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness with the presence of metabolic syndrome were calculated using logistic regression models adjusted for age and gender.ResultsA high prevalence of metabolic syndrome was observed in inactive adolescents (males, 11.4%; females, 7.2%) and adolescents with low cardiorespiratory fitness levels (males, 13.9%; females, 8.6%). A significant relationship existed between metabolic syndrome and low cardiorespiratory fitness (OR, 3.0 [1.13-7.94]).ConclusionThe prevalence of metabolic syndrome is high among adolescents who are inactive and those with low cardiorespiratory fitness. Prevention strategies for metabolic syndrome should concentrate on enhancing fitness levels early in life.

The Effects of 12 Weeks of Step Aerobics Training on Functional Fitness of Elderly Women

Hallage, T, Krause, MP, Haile, L, Miculis, CP, Nagle, EF, Reis, RS, and Da Silva, SG. The effects of 12 weeks of step aerobics training on functional fitness of elderly women. J Strength Cond Res 24(8): 2261-2266, 2010-The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 12 weeks of step aerobics (SA) training on the functional fitness of apparently healthy older women. Thirteen previously sedentary elderly women (mean age 63.14 years) participated in this study. Subjects performed 3 training sessions per week for 30-60 minutes per session. All measurements were assessed at baseline, after 12 weeks of training (posttest), and after 1 month of detraining. Assessments included the evaluation of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), strength of the upper (arm-curl [AC] test) and lower body (30-second chair-stand test [CS]), dynamic balance and agility (8 foot up and go [8 ft]), flexibility (chair sit-and-reach [CSR]), and cardiorespiratory fitness (6-minute walk test [6MW]). Step aerobics significantly improved all functional fitness components except for BMI. The 12 weeks of SA promoted a large effect size in the following measurements: WC (d = 1.6); CSR (d = 1.51); CS (d = 1.49); AC (d = 1.41); 8 ft (d = 1.32); and 6MW (d = 1.06) (p < 0.05). These results indicate that 12 weeks of SA had a positive effect on the functional fitness components of these older women. Furthermore, these findings were confirmed by the reverse effect observed after 1 month of detraining, except for upper body strength (AC test). In conclusion, 12 weeks of SA training can promote improvements in the functional fitness of apparently healthy older women. Therefore, SA can be considered an effective exercise modality to prevent the loss of functional fitness and its associated consequences.

Influência do nível de atividade física sobre a aptidão cardiorrespiratória em mulheres idosas

ABSTRACTInfluence of the level of physical activity over thecardiorespiratory capacity in older women As age progresses, a decrease of daily activities and reductionof functionality where the cardiorespiratory capacity may be con-sidered one of the most affected components, is faced. The aimof this study was to examine the association between level ofphysical activity and cardiorespiratory capacity in older women.Nine hundred and sixty women age above 60 years, non-institu-tionalized, divided in five age groups were evaluated: F1 (60-64years; n = 286); F2 (65-69 years; n = 295); F3 (70-74 years; n =207); F4 (75-79 years; n = 120) and F5 (> 80 years; n = 52). Thelevel of physical activity was determined from the Modified BaeckeQuestionnaire for Older Adults , consisting of domestic, sports andrecreational activities, in which the level of total physical activitywas classified by the sum of these three components. The cardio-respiratory capacity was measured with the Six-Minute Gait Test.The cardiorespiratory capacity decreased an average of 24.5% andthe level of physical activity 18.0% in this study. When examiningthe influences of the terciles of the level of physical activity con-cerning the cardiorespiratory capacity, the analysis of variance dem-onstrated that the superior tercile of the total physical activity lev-el was the one which presented the lowest decrease in thecardiorespiratory capacity of 16.7%. However, the sports catego-ry of the physical activity level demonstrated differentiated valuesin the reduction of the cardiorespiratory capacity, where the non-practitioner of physical exercises sub-group presented the high-est decrease of 18.6%, while the moderate practitioner sub-groupdecreased 16.3%, revealing hence the positive influence of mod-erate physical exercises practice over the cardiorespiratory capac-ity (p < 0.05). Higher physical activity, especially higher sports phys-ical activity, may attenuate the decrease of cardiorespiratorycapacity in older women, since women practitioners of moderatephysical activities presented lower reduction of such capacity. In-crease of physical activities is recommended, especially regularphysical exercises, in order to attenuate the decrease of cardio-respiratory capacity, consequently aiding the maintenance of anindependent life.

IMAGERY INTERVENTION IN OPEN AND CLOSED TENNIS MOTOR SKILL PERFORMANCE

To assess use of imagery intervention in performance of two tennis motor skills the quasi-experimental design included a pre- and posttest and a control group. The tennis service shot and service receiving skill were selected as representative of open and closed skills, respectively. 48 subjects, male tennis players, whose ages ranged from 16 to 18 yr. (M = 17.2), were divided into two groups: (1) Technical practice only which was used as control group and (2) Imagery group who received both imagery and technical practice. Analysis of covariance showed a significant main effect for the imagery intervention on the closed skill (p = .002). Findings suggest that imaging a positive outcome may be more powerful in improving performance of closed skill movements than of open skill movements.

Is the Self-Selected Resistance Exercise Intensity by Older Women Consistent With the American College of Sports Medicine Guidelines to Improve Muscular Fitness?

Abstract Elsangedy, HM, Krause, MP, Krinski, K, Alves, RC, Hsin Nery Chao, C, and da Silva, SG. Is the self-selected resistance exercise intensity by older women consistent with the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines to improve muscular fitness? J Strength Cond Res 27(7): 1877–1884, 2013—The purpose of this study was to verify the self-selected intensity during resistance training (RT) in older women. Twenty healthy women (mean age, 65.6 years) underwent a 2-week familiarization period followed by 3 experimental sessions. During the first session, anthropometric measurements were taken. The second session involved completion of a 1 repetition maximum (1RM) test for the following exercises: chest press, leg press, lat pull-down, leg extension, lateral shoulder raise, leg curl, biceps curl, and triceps pushdown. Last, a single RT session was performed at a self-selected intensity. During the RT session, participants were instructed to self-select a load for performing 3 sets of 10–15 repetitions. Data were analyzed by mean (SD) and analysis of variance with repeated measures (p < 0.05). Global mean of the 3 sets was bench press 41.0% 1RM (11.9), leg press 43.0% 1RM (17.2), lat pull-down 47.2% 1RM (11.1), leg extension 33.0% 1RM (8.1), lateral shoulder raise 51.1% 1RM (12.1), leg curl 43.5% 1RM (8.8), biceps curl 48.0% 1RM (15.5), and triceps pushdown 51.7% 1RM (13.3); there were no significant differences between the sets (p > 0.05). These results indicate that inactive older women self-selected an intensity exercise during RT below the recommendation for improvements on muscle fitness in apparently healthy older adults. However, this intensity is recommended for very deconditioned individuals. Nevertheless, the use of self-selection strategy during an exercise program can have greater advantages because of its easy applicability, its positive relation with exercise adherence, and for promoting initial muscle conditioning in older adults. Furthermore, it is crucial to gradually increase the RT load to guarantee better and sustainable effects on muscle fitness. Finally, future studies are needed to establish the chronic effects of RT at self-selected intensity on muscle fitness and the functional health of older adults.

Atividade física, consumo de lipídios e fatores de risco para aterosclerose em adolescentes

FUNDAMENTO: A aterosclerose e a doenca coronariana que acomete com maior frequencia a populacao adulta brasileira. Embora seja uma doenca predominantemente adulta, os fatores de risco associados podem surgir em individuos jovens. OBJETIVO: Verificar a associacao do nivel de atividade fisica (NAF) e o consumo de lipidios com os fatores de risco para aterosclerose em adolescentes. METODOS: Foram avaliados 260 meninos e 237 meninas com idades entre 10-18 anos. O nivel de atividade fisica foi estimado atraves do recordatorio proposto por Bouchard e cols.. O consumo de lipidios foi avaliado atraves do inquerito alimentar desenvolvido por Sichieri e Everhart. A pressao arterial foi mensurada utilizando um esfigmomanometro de coluna de mercurio. O colesterol total, o HDL-C e os triglicerides foram determinados atraves do metodo enzimatico-colorimetrico. O LDL-C foi calculado pela formula de Friedewald. Na analise estatistica, foi empregada a regressao logistica, com nivel de significância estipulado em p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Quanto ao NAF, 17,3% dos meninos e 22,6% das meninas foram classificados como sedentarios. Para os habitos alimentares, 54% e 48,6% dos meninos e meninas, respectivamente, apresentaram consumo de lipidios acima das recomendacoes. Meninos com niveis elevados de colesterol total e de LDL-C tiveram maior razao de chances de serem sedentarios do que seus pares mais ativos. Apresentar niveis elevados de LDL-C esteve associado ao consumo excessivo de gordura saturada em ambos os sexos. CONCLUSAO: Os resultados avigoram as evidencias previas de que jovens devem ser encorajados desde cedo a adocao de um estilo de vida fisicamente mais ativo associado a uma ingestao alimentar apropriada.BACKGROUND Atherosclerosis is the coronary disease that most often affects the adult Brazilian population. Although it is a predominantly adult disease, the risk factors can appear in young individuals. OBJECTIVE To verify the association between the physical activity level (PAL) and the consumption of lipids with the risk factors for atherosclerosis in adolescents. METHODS A total of 260 boys and 237 girls aged 10-18 years were assessed. The PAL was estimated based on the activity record proposed by Bouchard et al. The consumption of lipids was assessed through the food frequency questionnaire developed by Sichieri and Everhart. Blood pressure was measured using a mercury-column sphygmomanometer. Total cholesterol (TC), HDL-c and triglycerides (TG) were measured by the enzymatic-colorimetric method. LDL-c was calculated by Friedewalds formula. The statistical analysis was carried out through logistic regression, with a level of significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS Regarding the PAL, 17.3% of the boys and 22.6% of the girls were classified as sedentary. As for the diet, 54% and 48.6% of the boys and girls, respectively, presented a consumption of lipids above the recommended level. Boys with high TC and LDL-c levels had a higher OR to be sedentary than their more active peers. High levels of LDL-c were associated with the excessive consumption of saturated fats in both sexes. CONCLUSION The results reinforce the previous evidence that young people must be encouraged since an early age to adopt a more physically active lifestyle, associated to more adequate dietary habits.

Associação entre perfil lipídico e adiposidade corporal em mulheres com mais de 60 anos de idade

OBJECTIVE: To verify the association between lipid profiles and overall or central obesity in women over the age of 60. METHODS: The sample was comprised of 388 women over the age of 60 (mean 69; standard deviation 5.9 years). The lipid profile was determined using total cholesterol (TC), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) levels. Overall obesity was determined using the body mass index (BMI) and skin fold (SF) measurements. Central obesity was determined using the waist circumference (WC) and waist - hip ratio (WHR). Statistical analysis was conducted using age adjusted partial correlation and one way ANOVA (p<0.05). RESULTS: The mean values found for the adiposity variables and lipid profile components indicate an elevated atherogenic risk. In addition, the indicators for overall and central obesity were directly related to TG levels and inversely related to HDL-C levels. CONLCUSION: The partial correlation analysis and the largest variance found for WC and WHR in comparison to the lipidogram components indicate that both methods could be useful in the early diagnosis of atherosclerosis.

Physiological, anthropometric, strength, and muscle power characteristics correlates with running performance in young runners.

Abstract Dellagrana, RA, Guglielmo, LGA, Santos, BV, Hernandez, SG, da Silva, SG, and Campos, W. Physiological, anthropometric, strength, and muscle power characteristics correlates with running performance in young runners. J Strength Cond Res 29(6): 1584–1591, 2015—The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between physiological, anthropometric, strength, and muscle power variables and a 5-km time trial (5kmT) in young runners. Twenty-three runners volunteered to participate in this study. Height, body mass, body fat, and fat-free mass (FFM) were measured. The subjects underwent laboratory testing to determine maximal oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max), velocity at ventilatory threshold (VVT), running economy (RE), velocity associated with maximal oxygen uptake (vV[Combining Dot Above]O2max), and peak velocity (PV). Peak torque, total work, and power were measured by an isokinetic dynamometer at 60°·s−1 and 240°·s−1 angular velocities. Right and left knee flexor and extensor torques were evaluated. Finally, the participants performed a 5kmT. Multiple regression and correlation analysis were used to determine the variables that significantly related to 5kmT. Strength and muscle power variables did not correlate with 5kmT. However, most physiological variables were associated with 5kmT. Velocity at ventilatory threshold alone explains 40% of the variance in 5kmT. The addition of the RE at speed 11.2 km·h−1 (RE11.2) and FFM to the prediction equation allowed for 71% of the adjusted variance in 5kmT to be predicted. These results show that strength and muscle power variables are not good predictors of 5kmT; however, the physiological variables presented high prediction capacity in the 5kmT. Moreover, the anthropometric measures showed significant influence in performance prediction.

Effect of Body Mass Index on Affect at Intensities Spanning the Ventilatory Threshold

The aim of this study was to compare acute affective responses at exercise intensities based on the ventilatory threshold between normal weight, overweight, and obese women. 66 sedentary women (22 in each Body Mass Index group) performed a maximal graded treadmill test to measure their maximal oxygen uptake and ventilatory thresholds. Affective valence was compared at intensities spanning the ventilatory threshold (below, at, and above threshold). Affective valence below ventilatory threshold did not differ among the Body Mass Index groups. The obese group had a lower affective response at ventilatory threshold and above ventilatory threshold than the normal weight and overweight groups; the latter two groups did not differ. The obese group had a lower affective response than the normal and overweight groups, which corresponds to a less pleasant experience. Exercise prescriptions for obese subjects targeting intensities below ventilatory threshold can provide a more pleasant experience and may facilitate exercise adherence.

Associação de aptidão cardiorrespiratória e circunferência abdominal com hipertensão em mulheres idosas brasileiras

BACKGROUND: The protective effect of cardiorespiratory fitness, regardless of obesity, has been recognized in adults. However, this association is still not clear in elderly individuals. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between hypertension and cardiorespiratory fitness in 1,064 elderly Brazilian women. METHODS: Central obesity was estimated by waist circumference and cardiorespiratory fitness by the 6-minutes walk test. ANOVA one way, chi-square and logistic regression were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension was 53.9%. The central obesity group had higher odds for hypertension when compared with the non-central-obesity group, in the same cardiorespiratory fitness group. Furthermore, both the central obesity and non-central obesity groups had a progressive increase in the odds ratio for hypertension, from the highest to lowest fitness groups, indicating an inverse relation between fitness and central adiposity. The non-central obesity group had the lowest odds ratios (OR), 1.49 (95%IC 0.97-2.28) and 1.54 (95%IC 0.94-2.51); whereas the central obesity group had an OR of 2.08 (95%IC 1.47-2.93), 2.79 (95%IC 1.79-4.33) and 3.09 (95%IC 1.86-5.12). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated that the waist circumference measurement is a strong predictor of hypertension and suggested that the protective effect of cardiorespiratory fitness can be extended to elderly women, even to those with central obesity.BACKGROUND The protective effect of cardiorespiratory fitness, regardless of obesity, has been recognized in adults. However, this association is still not clear in elderly individuals. OBJECTIVE To analyze the association between hypertension and cardiorespiratory fitness in 1,064 elderly Brazilian women. METHODS Central obesity was estimated by waist circumference and cardiorespiratory fitness by the 6-minutes walk test. ANOVA one way, chi-square and logistic regression were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS The prevalence of hypertension was 53.9%. The central obesity group had higher odds for hypertension when compared with the non-central-obesity group, in the same cardiorespiratory fitness group. Furthermore, both the central obesity and non-central obesity groups had a progressive increase in the odds ratio for hypertension, from the highest to lowest fitness groups, indicating an inverse relation between fitness and central adiposity. The non-central obesity group had the lowest odds ratios (OR), 1.49 (95%IC 0.97-2.28) and 1.54 (95%IC 0.94-2.51); whereas the central obesity group had an OR of 2.08 (95%IC 1.47-2.93), 2.79 (95%IC 1.79-4.33) and 3.09 (95%IC 1.86-5.12). CONCLUSION Our findings indicated that the waist circumference measurement is a strong predictor of hypertension and suggested that the protective effect of cardiorespiratory fitness can be extended to elderly women, even to those with central obesity.