Criterion-related validity and reliability of the 2-km walk test and the 20-m shuttle run test in adults: The role of sex, age and physical activity level

Objectives: To analyze the criterion-related validity and the reliability of fitness field tests for evaluating cardiorespiratory fitness in adults, by sex, age, and physical activity level. Design: Cross-sectional. Methods: During 3 weeks, sociodemographic, anthropometric measurements, a treadmill maximal test, the 2-km walk test, and the 20-m SRT were performed in 410 adults aged 18–64 years. Measured and estimated VO2max (by Oja's and Leger's equations) were analyzed. Results: Measured VO2max was associated with estimated VO2max by the 2-km walk test and 20-m SRT (r = 0.784 and r = 0.875, respectively; both p < 0.01). Bland–Altman analysis showed a mean difference of −0.30 ml* kg−1 * min−1 (p < 0.001, d = −0.141) in the 2-km walk test, and 0.86 ml* kg−1 * min−1 (p = 0.051) in the 20-m SRT. Significant mean differences between test and retest were found in the time to complete the 2-km walk test (−1.48 ± 0.51 s, p = 0.004, d = −0.014) and in the final stage reached in the 20-m SRT (0.04 ± 0.01, p = 0.002, d = 0.015). Non-significant differences were found between test and retest in the estimated VO2max by Oja's (−0.29 ± 0.20 ml* kg−1 * min−1 , p > 0.05) and Leger's eqs. (0.03 ± 0.04 ml* kg−1 * min−1 , p > 0.05). Moreover, both test results and estimated VO2max equations showed a high test–retest reliability. Conclusions: Both tests were valid and reliable for evaluating cardiorespiratory fitness in adults aged 18–64 years, regardless of sex, age, and physical activity level

Time measurement validity and reliability of the 4 × 10-m shuttle run test in adult population: The ADULT-FIT project

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze the time measurement validity and reliability (between raters and test–retest) of the 4 × 10-m shuttle run test to assess motor fitness in adults, according to gender, age, and physical activity levels. Design: Cross-sectional. A total of 230 adults (86 women) aged 18–64 years participated in the study. Methods: The time taken to complete the 4 × 10-m shuttle run test was recorded simultaneously by a trained and an untrained rater (inter-rater reliability) and by photoelectric cells (time measurement validity). 48–72 h later, the test was repeated under the same conditions (test–retest reliability). Results: The systematic error for trained rater vs. photocell was close to zero (0.0125, p < 0.01), with an effect size of 0.006; and for both, untrained rater vs. photocell and trained rater vs. untrained rater was ∼ 0.2 s (p < 0.001) with an effect size of 0.09. For the test–retest reliability, the systematic error was 0.05 s (p < 0.001), with an effect size of 0.26, the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.998 and the coefficient of variation reported a variability of 0.73 %. Results were not influenced by gender and age, while these improved for active vs. non-active participants. Conclusions: Findings indicate that measurements with trained raters are a valid and reliable method for assessing the 4 × 10-m shuttle run test in adults. It is highly recommended that raters be trained to minimize the measurement error

Influence of ACE Gene I/D Polymorphism on Cardiometabolic Risk, Maximal Fat Oxidation, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Diet and Physical Activity in Young Adults

There is controversy about the relationship between ACE I/D polymorphism and health. Seventy-four healthy adults (n = 28 women; 22.5 +/- 4.2 years) participated in this cross-sectional study aimed at determining the influence of ACE I/D polymorphism, ascertained by polymerase chain reaction, on cardiometabolic risk (i.e., waist circumference, body fat, blood pressure (BP), glucose, triglycerides, and inflammatory markers), maximal fat oxidation (MFO), cardiorespiratory fitness (maximal oxygen uptake), physical activity and diet. Our results showed differences by ACE I/D polymorphism in systolic BP (DD: 116.4 +/- 11.8 mmHg; ID: 116.7 +/- 6.3 mmHg; II: 109.4 +/- 12.3 mmHg, p = 0.035) and body fat (DD: 27.3 +/- 10.8%; ID: 22.6 +/- 9.7%; II: 19.3 +/- 7.1%, p = 0.030). Interestingly, a genotype*sex interaction in relativized MFO by lean mass (p = 0.048) was found. The DD polymorphism had higher MFO values than ID/II polymorphisms in men (8.4 +/- 3.0 vs. 6.5 +/- 2.9 mg/kg/min), while the ID/II polymorphisms showed higher R-MFO values than DD polymorphism in women (6.6 +/- 2.3 vs. 7.6 +/- 2.6 mg/kg/min). In conclusion, ACE I/D polymorphism is apparently associated with adiposity and BP, where a protective effect can be attributed to the II genotype, but not with cardiorespiratory fitness, diet and physical activity. Moreover, our study highlighted that there is a sexual dimorphism in the influence of ACE I/D gene polymorphism on MFO

Effects of a Rehabilitation Programme with a Nasal Inspiratory Restriction Device on Exercise Capacity and Quality of Life in COPD

Objective: The objective was to assess the effects of a nasal restriction device for inspiratory muscle training, called Feelbreathe((R)), added to a rehabilitation program (RP) on exercise capacity, quality of life, dyspnea and inspiratory muscle strength in patients with stable COPD. Methods: Patients were randomized into three groups, one performed a supervised RP using the Feelbreathe((R)) device (FB group), the second group developed the same RP with oronasal breathing without FB (ONB group) and the third was the control group (CG). We evaluated inspiratory muscle strength (PImax), dyspnea (mMRC), quality of life (CAT) and exercise capacity (6MWT) before and after 8-week of RP. Results: A total of 16 patients completed the study, seven in FB group, five in ONB group and four in the CG. After the RP, the FB group showed a significant increase in PImax (93.3 +/- 19.1 vs. 123.0 +/- 15.8 mmHg) and in the 6MWT distance (462.9 +/- 71.8 m vs. 529.1 +/- 50.1 m) and a decrease in the CAT score (9.7 +/- 6.5 vs. 5.9 +/- 6.0) and in the mMRC dyspnea score. FB provides greater improvement in PImax, dyspnea, quality of life and 6MWT than ONB. Conclusions: The Feelbreathe((R)) device provides greater improvements in quality of life, dyspnea, exercise capacity and inspiratory muscle strength compared to patients that did not use it

Criterion-Related Validity of Field-Based Fitness Tests in Adults: A Systematic Review

We comprehensively assessed the criterion-related validity of existing field-based fitness tests used to indicate adult health (19-64 years, with no known pathologies). The medical electronic databases MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Web of Science (all databases) were screened for studies published up to July 2020. Each original study's methodological quality was classified as high, low and very low, according to the number of participants, the description of the study population, statistical analysis and systematic reviews which were appraised via the AMSTAR rating scale. Three evidence levels were constructed (strong, moderate and limited evidence) according to the number of studies and the consistency of the findings. We identified 101 original studies (50 of high quality) and five systematic reviews examining the criterion-related validity of field-based fitness tests in adults. Strong evidence indicated that the 20 m shuttle run, 1.5-mile, 12 min run/walk, YMCA step, 2 km walk and 6 min walk test are valid for estimating cardiorespiratory fitness; the handgrip strength test is valid for assessing hand maximal isometric strength; and the Biering-Sorensen test to evaluate the endurance strength of hip and back muscles; however, the sit-and reach test, and its different versions, and the toe-to-touch test are not valid for assessing hamstring and lower back flexibility. We found moderate evidence supporting that the 20 m square shuttle run test is a valid test for estimating cardiorespiratory fitness. Other field-based fitness tests presented limited evidence, mainly due to few studies. We developed an evidence-based proposal of the most valid field-based fitness tests in healthy adults aged 19-64 years old.This project was supported by Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness in the 2017 call for R&D Projects of the State Program for Research, Development and Innovation Oriented to the Challenges of the Company; National Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and of Innovation 2017-2020 (DEP2017-88043-R); and the Regional Government of Andalusia and University of Cadiz: Research and Knowledge Transfer Fund (PPIT-FPI19)

Needs of patients with multi-morbidity and heart failure for the development of a mHealth to improve their self-management: A qualitative analysis

Objective: To provide practical information regarding needs, preferences of content and format of an app to assist the self-management in patients with multi-morbidity and heart failure (HF). Methods: The three-phase study was conducted in Spain. Six integrative reviews, a qualitative methodology based on Van Manen's hermeneutic phenomenology through semi-structured interviews and user stories were used. Data collection continued until data saturation was reached. All data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a framework approach. Thematic analysis technique following the methods of Braun and Clarke was used for emerging themes. Results: Integrative reviews conducted included practical recommendations to include in the content and format of the App and helped create the interview guide. Interviews revealed 15 subthemes that captured the meaning of narratives offering contextual insights into the development of the App. The main effective mechanisms of multicomponent interventions for patients with HF must contain (a) components that increase the patient's understanding of HF, (b) self-care, (c) self-efficacy and participation of the family/informal caregiver, (4) psychosocial well-being and (5) professional support and use of technology. User stories revealed that patients prioritized improvements in direct contact with health services in case of emergency (90%), nutritional information (70%), type of exercises in order to improve their physical condition (75%) and information about food and drug interaction (60%). The importance of motivation messages (60%) was highlighted by transversal way. Conclusions: The three-phase process integrating theoretical basis, evidence from integrative reviews and research findings from target users has been considered a guide for future app development17 página

ALPHA-fitness test battery: health-related field-based fitness tests assessment in children and adolescents

Batería ALPHA-Fitness: test de campo para la evaluación de la condición física relacionada con la salud en niños y adolescentes (DOI:10.3305/nh.2011.26.6.5611)En el presente estudio describe el trabajo desarrollado para la creación de la batería ALPHA-Fitness de test de campo para la evaluación de la condición física relacionada con la salud en niños y adolescentes. La batería ALPHA-Fitness basada en la evidencia incluye los siguientes test: 1) test de ida y vuelta de 20 metros para evaluar la capacidad aeróbica, 2) test de fuerza de prensión manual y 3) test de salto de longitud a pies juntos para evaluar la capacidad músculo-esquelética, y 4) el IMC, 5) el perímetro de la cintura, y 6) los pliegues cutáneos (tríceps y subscapular) para evaluar la composición corporal. Además, se incluyen 2 variantes: i) batería ALPHA-Fitness de alta prioridad. Esta variante incluye todos los tests excepto la medida de pliegues cutáneos, y ii) la batería ALPHA-Fitness extendida, que incluye todos los test y además del test de velocidad y agilidad de 4 x 10 m.Hereby we summarize the work developed by the ALPHA (Assessing Levels of Physical Activity) Study and describe the tests included in the ALPHA health-related fitness test battery for children and adolescents. The evidence-based ALPHA-Fitness test battery include the following tests: 1) the 20 m shuttle run test to assess cardiorespiratory fitness; 2) the handgrip strength and 3) standing broad jump to assess musculoskeletal fitness, and 4) body mass index, 5) waist circumference; and 6) skinfold thickness (triceps and subscapular) to assess body composition. Furthermore, we include two versions: 1) the high priority ALPHA health-related fitness test battery, which comprises all the evidence-based fitness tests except the measurement of the skinfold thickness; and 2) the extended ALPHA health-related fitness tests battery for children and adolescents, which includes all the evidence-based fitness tests plus the 4 x 10 m shuttle run test to assess motor fitness.El estudio ALPHA ha sido financiado con fondos de la Unión Europea (Ref: 2006120), El Ministerio de Educación (EX-2008-0641, EX-2009-0899, AP2008-03806), los fondos FEDER (Acciones Complementarias DEP2007-29933-E), y el Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (RYC-2010-05957, CEB09-0005 GREIB, JCI-2010-07055), y la Swedish Lung-Heart Foundation (20090635)

Variables psicológicas implicadas en la actitud e iniciativa emprendedora

Identificar variables individuales relacionadas con la iniciativa emprendedora y el fomento de competencias transversales relacionadas con la misma, supone un desafío en la investigación actual sobre emprendimiento. El proyecto titulado Variables psicológicas implicadas en la actitud e iniciativa emprendedora, realizado bajo el programa Innova Docencia promovido por el Vicerrectorado de Calidad de la UCM en la convocatoria 2016-2017, ha tenido por objetivo analizar y evaluar variables psicológicas relacionadas con emprendimiento que presentan una muestra de estudiantes de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid. En dicho estudio han participado 1222 estudiantes de la UCM correspondientes a 27 titulaciones: 14 de Grado, 2 de Dobles Grados, y 11 de Máster. El 28,6% de la muestra fueron hombres y el 71% fueron mujeres. La media de edad fue de 20,43 años. El equipo investigador estuvo compuesto por 40 personas: 25 PDI de la UCM, 2 PAS, 8 alumnos y alumnas, 1 técnico, y 4 PDI de las universidades de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), UNED, Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), y Alcalá de Henares (UAH). El PDI de la UCM correspondía a las siguientes facultades: Psicología (7), Ciencias de la Documentación (3), Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales (6), Ciencias Políticas y Sociología (3), Comercio (1), Trabajo Social (1), Ciencias Biológicas (2), Informática (1), y Bellas Artes (1). Un equipo UCM perteneciente a 9 facultades, que representó a 13 departamentos y a todas las áreas de conocimiento. La metodología empleada consistió en un cuestionario que evaluaba los siguientes aspectos: datos sociodemográficos, actitud emprendedora, y las variables psicológicas: personalidad, inteligencia emocional, resolución de problemas y tolerancia a la ambigüedad. Se optó por instrumentos estandarizados, con buenas características psicométricas de fiabilidad y validez que permitieran obtener resultados robustos, con amplia evidencia empírica y que evaluaban adecuadamente variables que la literatura ha relacionado con la actitud e iniciativa emprendedora. Además todos ellos se han utilizado en investigaciones relacionadas con emprendimiento, lo que aumentó la validez externa. Se ha analizado la iniciativa emprendedora desde el punto de vista de los estudiantes y también teniendo en cuenta variables del entorno familiar y personal. Los resultados nos muestran que son las variables psicológicas de extraversión, reparación emocional y estrategias de resolución de problemas las que predicen la iniciativa emprendedora. Los estudiante que compaginan estudios y trabajo tienen una mayor iniciativa emprendedora, y aquellos cuyos padres y/o pareja desarrollan su actividad laboral como autónomos. Se presentan datos por titulación académica, sexo, actividad laboral de los padres y compaginar estudios y trabajo. Se muestran datos de todas las variables psicológicas por titulación académica, y una comparativa de dichas variables entre los universitarios, un grupo de estudiantes de Formación Profesional (FP) y una muestra de emprendedores reales. Los resultados obtenidos son relevantes para tomar decisiones orientadas a la mejora de la actitud, iniciativa y comportamiento emprendedor. Permitirán el diseño y ejecución de actividades académicas para sensibilizar a los estudiantes en la cultura emprendedora, y formar en competencias transversales, cada vez más demandadas, para mejorar la empleabilidad y competitividad como claves para el crecimiento de nuestra sociedad

Capacidad aeróbica, dieta mediterránea y factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos en adultos

Introduction: Unhealthy lifestyle and inadequate diet could influence the development of future cardiometabolic disease. The main aim of this study was to determine the association between aerobic fitness and cardiometabolic risk factors in adults, whether this relation depends on adherence to Mediterranean diet (MD). A secondary aim was to study the combined effect of aerobic capacity and adherence to MD on global cardiometabolic risk score (CMRS). Method: A total of 79 adults (38% women) enrolled between 18-40 years from Cádiz. We measured adiposity indicators, blood pressure, triglycerides, glucose and inflammatory profile (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor) and computed CMRS. Aerobic fitness was measured by maximal oxygen consumption through an incremental stress test by cycle ergometer. The MD patterns were measured using the questionnaire of adherence to MD. The association between aerobic fitness and cardiometabolic risk factors was examined using a linear regression and it was adjusted for different confounders. CMRS on the lifestyle was analyzed using the ANOVA test, with statistical significance level of p < 0.05 in Bonferroni. Results: Linear regression showed inverse association between aerobic fitness and cardiometabolic risk factors (all p≤0.05) in the model without adjustment. Blood pressure and triglycerides lost the association after adjusting the model for sex, age, and adherence to MD. Participants with high aerobic fitness and high adherence to MD show a lowest CMRS (−1.083 ±2.325 vs. 2.802±1.759).Introducción: Un estilo de vida poco activo y una dieta inadecuada podrían influir en el desarrollo de futuras enfermedades cardiometabólicas. El objetivo principal fue determinar la asociación entre capacidad aeróbica y factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos y si dicha posible asociación es independiente de la dieta mediterránea (DM). A su vez, se plantea como objetivo secundario estudiar el efecto combinado de la capacidad aeróbica y la adherencia a la DM sobre el índice de riesgo cardiometabólico global (IRCM) en adultos. Métodos: Se evaluó a 79 adultos (38% mujeres) entre 18 y 40 años en Cádiz. Se midieron indicadores de adiposidad, presión arterial, triglicéridos, glucosa y perfil inflamatorio (interleucina-6 y factor de necrosis tumoral) y se desarrolló un IRCM. Se midió la capacidad aeróbica mediante el consumo máximo de oxígeno a través de una prueba de esfuerzo incremental en cicloergómetro. La adherencia a la DM se evaluó mediante cuestionario. Se utilizó un modelo de regresión lineal para estudiar la asociación entre capacidad aeróbica y factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos con diferentes modelos de ajuste. Se analizó el efecto combinado de la capacidad aeróbica y la adherencia a la DM sobre el IRCM mediante el test de ANOVA, con nivel de significación de p < 0,05 en Bonferroni. Resultados: Se observó asociación negativa entre la capacidad aeróbica y los factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos (todas p ≤ 0,05) en el modelo sin ajustar. La presión arterial y los triglicéridos perdieron la asociación tras ajustar el modelo por sexo, edad y adherencia a la DM. Los participantes con alta capacidad aeróbica y alta adherencia a la DM mostraron un menor IRCM (−1,083 ± 2,325 vs. 2,802 ± 1,759).nConclusiones: La capacidad aeróbica se asocia de forma inversa con factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos relacionados con la adiposidad, independientemente de la adherencia a la DM. Una alta adherencia a la DM podría influir en la modulación de la presión arterial. Una alta capacidad aeróbica podría reducir las consecuencias adversas de una baja adherencia a la DM.Depto. de Genética, Fisiología y MicrobiologíaFac. de Ciencias BiológicasTRUEpu

Maximal fat oxidation capacity is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in healthy young adults

It is unknown whether resting fat oxidation (RFO), maximal fat oxidation (MFO) and FatMax (intensity at which MFO is reached) are related to cardiometabolic risk (CMR). Thus the aim of this study was to examine the association of RFO, MFO and FatMax with CMR. 81 healthy adults (n= 31 women; 22.72 +/- 4.40 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. Glucose and triglycerides were analysed in plasma. Body composition, anthropometry, physical activity, blood pressure (BP) and heart rate measurements were taken. RFO and MFO were determined through indirect calorimetry. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)max) test was performed until exhaustion after MFO test. The CMR cluster was created from individual CMR factors: waist circumference, body fat percentage, systolic BP, diastolic BP, blood glucose and plasma triglycerides. Groups of high and low MFO and VO(2)max were created. RFO was not associated with CMR (p< 0.05). FatMax, MFO and VO(2)max were associated with individual CMR factors as waist circumference (R-2= 0.144;R-2= 0.241;R-2= 0.285;p= 0.001; respectively) and plasma triglycerides (R-2= 0.111;p= 0.004 andR(2)= 0.130;p= 0.002 andR(2)= 0.093;p= 0.008; respectively) and clustered CMR factors (R-2= 0.105;p= 0.008 andR(2)= 0.162;p= 0.001 andR(2)= 0.239;p= 0.001; respectively). VO(2)max was also associated with body fat percentage (R-2= 0.105;p= 0.003) and diastolic BP (R-2= 0.083;p= 0.01), even adjusting for sex or age (p< 0.05). Groups with high level of MFO or VO(2)max obtained lower CMR (p= 0.001), even adjusting for sex or age (p< 0.01). FatMax, MFO and, especially, VO(2)max are associated with CMR, regardless of age and sex. However, RFO is not associated with CMR.University of Cadiz Research Program PR2016-041 PR2016-05