Sport activity in adolescence: associations with health perceptions and experimental behaviours

Despite the relevance of this research topic from a public health perspective, there is currently a lack of objective data on European adolescents' sport activity, notably the associations between their sport habits and their health attitudes and behaviours, which may have important consequences both in terms of somatic (cardiovascular) health and mental health. The objective of the present study was to determine the direction and strength of the associations between the frequency of sport and health variables; in particular, perceptions of health, self image, substance use and experimental behaviours. Data were collected as part of the 1993 Swiss Multicentric Adolescent Survey on Health. In this survey, anonymous self-administered questionnaires were distributed to a national representative sample of 10 000 in-school adolescents (15-20 years of age). Univariate analyses explored the relationships between the level of sport activity and health variables; then logistic regression analyses examined the strength of these relationships. According to the results, half of the sample do sports more than twice a week, boys more often as part of a sports club. Differences between non-athletic and athletic adolescents describe the latter as having less somatic complaints, more confidence in their future health, a better body image, a lesser tendency to attempt suicide, a higher frequency of use of the car seat belt, and a lower use of tobacco, wine and marijuana. Links between the frequency of sport activity and the locus of control related to health, general satisfaction with life or sexual behaviours are less strong. It must be noticed that the cross-sectional data collection precludes the establishment of a causal relationship between exercise and health behaviours. However, the existing links underline the coexistence of positive health characteristics and sport activity, suggesting that an incitement to get involved in physical activity may be a necessary component of a comprehensive prevention approach among adolescent

Sport activity in adolescence: associations with health perceptions and experimental behaviours

Despite the relevance of this research topic from a public health perspective, there is currently a lack of objective data on European adolescents' sport activity, notably the associations between their sport habits and their health attitudes and behaviours, which may have important consequences both in terms of somatic (cardiovascular) health and mental health. The objective of the present study was to determine the direction and strength of the associations between the frequency of sport and health variables; in particular, perceptions of health, self image, substance use and experimental behaviours. Data were collected as part of the 1993 Swiss Multicentric Adolescent Survey on Health. In this survey, anonymous self-administered questionnaires were distributed to a national representative sample of 10,000 in-school adolescents (15-20 years of age). Univariate analyses explored the relationships between the level of sport activity and health variables; then logistic regression analyses examined the strength of these relationships. According to the results, half of the sample do sports more than twice a week, boys more often as part of a sports club. Differences between non-athletic and athletic adolescents describe the latter as having less somatic complaints, more confidence in their future health, a better body image, a lesser tendency to attempt suicide, a higher frequency of use of the car seat belt, and a lower use of tobacco, wine and marijuana. Links between the frequency of sport activity and the locus of control related to health, general satisfaction with life or sexual behaviours are less strong. It must be noticed that the cross-sectional data collection precludes the establishment of a causal relationship between exercise and health behaviours. However, the existing links underline the coexistence of positive health characteristics and sport activity, suggesting that an incitement to get involved in physical activity may be a necessary component of a comprehensive prevention approach among adolescents

EWSR1-ATF1 dependent 3D connectivity regulates oncogenic and differentiation programs in Clear Cell Sarcoma.

Oncogenic fusion proteins generated by chromosomal translocations play major roles in cancer. Among them, fusions between EWSR1 and transcription factors generate oncogenes with powerful chromatin regulatory activities, capable of establishing complex gene expression programs in permissive precursor cells. Here we define the epigenetic and 3D connectivity landscape of Clear Cell Sarcoma, an aggressive cancer driven by the EWSR1-ATF1 fusion gene. We find that EWSR1-ATF1 displays a distinct DNA binding pattern that requires the EWSR1 domain and promotes ATF1 retargeting to new distal sites, leading to chromatin activation and the establishment of a 3D network that controls oncogenic and differentiation signatures observed in primary CCS tumors. Conversely, EWSR1-ATF1 depletion results in a marked reconfiguration of 3D connectivity, including the emergence of regulatory circuits that promote neural crest-related developmental programs. Taken together, our study elucidates the epigenetic mechanisms utilized by EWSR1-ATF1 to establish regulatory networks in CCS, and points to precursor cells in the neural crest lineage as candidate cells of origin for these tumors

The contribution of Swiss scientists to the assessment of energy metabolism

Although Switzerland is considered a small country, it has its share in discoveries, inventions and developments for the assessment of energy metabolism. This includes seminal contributions to respiratory and metabolic physiology and to devices for measuring energy expenditure by direct and indirect calorimetry in vivo in humans and small animals (as well as in vitro in organs/tissues), for the purpose of evaluating the basic nutritional requirements. A strong momentum came during World War II when it was necessary to evaluate the energy requirements of soldiers protecting the country by assessing their energy expenditure, as well as to determine the nutritional needs of the Swiss civil population in time of war when food rationing was necessary to ensure national neutrality and independence. A further impetus came in the 1970s at the start of the obesity epidemics, toward a better understanding of the metabolic basis of obesity, ranging from the development of whole-body concepts to molecular mechanisms. In a trip down memory lane, this review focuses on some of the earlier leading Swiss scientists who have contributed to a better understanding of the field

L'entraineur de gymnastique a l'artistique face aux problemes medicaux: Les resultats d'une enquete menee en Suisse romande. [The coach of artistic gymnastics facing medical problems: results of a survey conducted in French-speaking Switzerland]

The need for high technical skills in gymnastics has resulted in a decrease of the age of talented gymnasts. Young gymnasts are submitted to intensive training, hence to an increase of the risk of injuries. In spite of this evolution, present medical assistance does not appear to be readily accessible to swiss coaches and gymnasts. By necessity, coaches endorse medical functions which have so far not been evaluated. This aspect was therefore investigated among coaches from the french speaking community of our country. The results show that the present medical network hinders regular follow-up of gymnasts and valuable discussions between coaches and doctors with, as a result, inappropriate medical teaching. Coaches distrust advice given by doctors of whom most underestimate the technical aspects of this sport. Medical assistance should be improved on a regional basis

A cross-sectional survey assessing physical fitness of 9-to 19-year-old girls and boys in Switzerland

Biometric status, cardiovascular endurance, strength, speed, flexibility, and coordination were assessed in a cross-sectional survey involving 3,540 Swiss boys and girls, aged 9 to 19. Strength and endurance were better among boys, whereas girls displayed better flexibility. Most of the performances among girls did not change from 14 years onwards, while boys exhibited better performances after 15-16 years. The coefficients of correlation between the tests varied from as low as .16 (NS) to .63 (p <.01). Multiple regression analyses showed that height, weight, and chronological and biological age altogether were independently related to the performance on most of the tests. Fitness is a multidimensional concept that not only evolves with chronological age but also depends on biometrical characteristics such as pubertal stage, height, and weight

Sports activity, physical activity and fitness of 9- to 19-year-old teenagers in the canton of Vaud (Switzerland).

BACKGROUND: The protective effects of physical activity and fitness on cardiovascular health have clearly been shown among adults and, to a lesser extent, among children and adolescents. However, data are currently lacking pertaining to children and adolescents living in Switzerland. OBJECTIVES: To gather data on the physical fitness and physical/sports activity of children and adolescents aged 9 to 19 years. METHODS: From September 1996 until March 1997, 3540 subjects (1778 girls, 1762 boys) from the canton of Vaud were enrolled in a multifaceted study which included a battery of 7 tests measuring different components of fitness, anthropometric measures and a self-administered questionnaire assessing physical activity, health and lifestyles. RESULTS: Most of the respondents practise sports on a regular basis but boys engage in physical and sports activities much more often than girls: 75% of boys versus 56% of girls spent at least one hour a day in activities inducing sweating, an index of moderate to vigorous physical activity (p < 0.001). Depending on the grade, 56 to 74% of girls and 62 to 88% of boys reported participation in sports clubs (p < 0.01); current participation ranges from 33 to 46% among girls and 64 to 69% among boys (p < 0.001). Participation in physical and sports activities was lower after age 15 than before, and also lower among girls than among boys. As far as fitness is concerned, girls exhibit greater flexibility than boys, while the latter exhibit greater strength and endurance, especially after age 15. Calculated values for the BMI and VO2max are within the ranges published in the international literature for both sexes. CONCLUSION: Programmes and strategies which aim to increase physical activities should be gender-specific and should especially target adolescents aged over 15. Physical/sports activities and fitness could and should be monitored using both a battery of tests and self-administered questionnaires