Association of FTO rs1421085 with obesity, diet, physical activity and socioeconomic status: a longitudinal birth cohort study

Background and aims Fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) variants are among genetic variants frequently associated with obesity. We analyzed the association between FTO rs1421085 polymorphism and obesity, dietary intake, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), physical activity, and socioeconomic status (SES) from the age of 9–25 years. Methods and results The sample included both birth cohorts (originally n = 1176) of the Estonian Children Personality Behaviour and Health Study. The association between FTO rs1421085 and obesity, dietary intake, CRF, physical activity, and SES from the age of 15–25 years was assessed using linear mixed-effects regression models. Associations at ages 9 (younger cohort only), 15, 18, and 25 years were assessed by one-way ANOVA. Male C-allele carriers had significantly (p < 0.05) higher body mass index (BMI), sum of 5 skinfolds, body fat percentage, and hip circumference from the age of 15–25 years. Findings were similar at the age of 9 years. In female subjects, waist-to-hip ratio was significantly greater in CC homozygotes. Interestingly, female CC homozygotes had a greater decrease in the rate of change in daily energy intake and lipid intake per year and higher physical activity score at every fixed time point. Moreover, in females, an effect of FTO × SES interaction on measures of obesity was observed. Conclusion The FTO rs1421085 polymorphism was associated with obesity and abdominal obesity from childhood to young adulthood in males, and with abdominal obesity from adolescence to young adulthood in females. This association is rather related to differences in adipocyte energy metabolism than lifestyle

PROFILES OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY DURING FIELD EXERCISES FOR ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL – A PILOT STUDY

The aim of this pilot study was to identify the profiles (intensity) of physical activity during field exercises using the example of active duty military personnel of the defence forces. Forty-one active duty servicemen from the Scouts Battalion participated in the pilot study as subjects. To record movement, we applied activity and intensity accelero- meters (ActiGraph LLC, Pensacola, FL, USA). The subjects carried accelerometers during the observation period on their right hip and removed them in water environ- ments, i.e., when swimming and washing. The current study deals with the move- ment activity of active duty servicemen during field exercises where daytime move- ment activity dominates over the sedentary intensity level. The rate of occurrences of high and very high movement intensity indicates the need and readiness to conduct short-term and intensive activities. Different movement activity profiles characterise the versatile nature of activities carried out by active duty servicemen, and the distri- bution of tasks in military units

Interpretation of peak oxygen consumption in 10–12-year-old soccer players: effect of biological maturation and body size

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of biological maturation and body size on aerobic capacity using appropriate scaling procedures in 10–12-year-old soccer players divided into late, average and early maturing boys. Peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) was expressed as absolute values, ratio standards, theoretical exponents and experimentally observed exponents. VO2peak was not directly proportional to body mass as the experimentally observed exponent for body mass calculated through linear regression analysis yielded to b=0.64 (R2=0.62; p2peak expressed in l/min was different (p2peak values were adjusted for body mass (ml/min/kg), or when the effect of body mass was adjusted for using theoretical exponent scales (ml/kg0.67/min, ml/kg0.75/min) and experimentally observed exponent (ml/kg0.64/min), the VO2peak responses displayed relativeley constant values (p&gt;0.05) throughout different maturation groups. Linear regression analyses indicated that after adjusting for the effects of body mass using the theoretical exponent scales (ml/min/kg0.67), biological maturation and body size had no effect on VO2peak values in young soccer players. In conclusion, the theoretical exponent scale for body mass (ml/kg0.67/min) control adequately for biological maturation and body size differences in VO2peak in 10–12-year-old soccer players. Therefore, more mature soccer players with better body size values should not be preferentially selected for young soccer teams

Effects of vitamin D supplementation in vitamin D deficient men involved in resistance training

Introduction. The prevalence of vitamin D (Vit-D) deficiency is high worldwide, especially in countries located at north and south latitudes above approximately 35 degrees. Vit-D supplementation has been shown to increase muscle strength in young adults. However, it remains unclear if Vit-D supplementation enhances the efficacy of resistance training (RT). The data regarding the impact of Vit-D supplementation on cardiorespiratory fitness in subjects with varying Vit-D status are controversial and there is lack of knowledge on the potential additive effect of Vit-D supplementation on anti-inflammatory responses to RT in Vit-D deficient young men. Aim. The aim of the study was to test two hypotheses. First, we hypothesised that Vit-D supplementation would enhance the RT-induced increases in muscle strength and lean body mass (LBM) in Vit-D deficient young men. Our second hypothesis was that Vit-D supplementation would have a positive effect on cardiorespiratory fitness (measured as maximal rate of oxygen consumption; VO2max) and potentiate anti-inflammatory effect of RT. Our hypotheses assume that these effects of Vit-D supplementation, if present, are more likely to occur in subjects with Vit-D deficiency than in individuals with normal Vit-D status. Material and methods. Thirty-nine young healthy men (baseline serum 25(OH)D<50 nmol/L) were quasi-randomly assigned to one of two groups that performed a 12-week supervised RT program concomitant with either Vit-D (8000 IU daily; VD) or placebo (PLC) supplementation. The RT program consisted of 7 exercises which were carried out on RT equipment. Energy and nutrient intake of the participants were monitored during the 2 nd, 6th and 11th week of RT. A graded maximal exercise test on a motorized treadmill was used to determine VO2max before and after the 12-week RT program. Results. During the 12-week RT, energy and nutrient (except Vit-D) intake and training loads did not differ in the two groups. Serum 25(OH)D levels increased from 36.3±9.2 to 142.4±21.9 nmol/L (P0.05) in PLC group. Muscle strength (1-repetition maximum) increased (P<0.05) to an equal extent in the two groups in 5 exercises performed on RT equipment whereas strength gains in chest press and seated row were greater (P<0.05) in PLC compared to VD group. Total and regional LBM (measured by DXA scan) increased (P<0.05) equally in the two groups. Android fat mass decreased (P<0.05) in VD group only. Baseline VO2max did not differ in the two groups (50.2±4.8 and 49.7±5.5 mL/kg/min in VD and PLC, respectively; p>0.05) and remained unchanged during the intervention. Serum interleukin-10/tumor necrosis factor alpha ratio, an indicator of chronic low-grade inflammation, increased significantly (30%, p=0.007; effect size 0.399) in VD but not in PLC group. Conclusions. In young healthy Vit-D deficient men participating in 12-week supervised RT, daily Vit-D supplementation of 8000 IU rapidly (within 4 weeks) eliminates Vit-D deficiency and improves inflammatory status. However, it does not enhance RT-induced muscle strength or LBM gains, does not increase total or regional fat mass reductions, and has no impact on cardiorespiratory fitness

European fitness landscape for children and adolescents: updated reference values, fitness maps and country rankings based on nearly 8 million test results from 34 countries gathered by the FitBack network

OBJECTIVES (1) To develop reference values for health-related fitness in European children and adolescents aged 6-18 years that are the foundation for the web-based, open-access and multilanguage fitness platform (FitBack); (2) to provide comparisons across European countries. METHODS This study builds on a previous large fitness reference study in European youth by (1) widening the age demographic, (2) identifying the most recent and representative country-level data and (3) including national data from existing fitness surveillance and monitoring systems. We used the Assessing Levels of PHysical Activity and fitness at population level (ALPHA) test battery as it comprises tests with the highest test-retest reliability, criterion/construct validity and health-related predictive validity: the 20 m shuttle run (cardiorespiratory fitness); handgrip strength and standing long jump (muscular strength); and body height, body mass, body mass index and waist circumference (anthropometry). Percentile values were obtained using the generalised additive models for location, scale and shape method. RESULTS A total of 7 966 693 test results from 34 countries (106 datasets) were used to develop sex-specific and age-specific percentile values. In addition, country-level rankings based on mean percentiles are provided for each fitness test, as well as an overall fitness ranking. Finally, an interactive fitness platform, including individual and group reporting and European fitness maps, is provided and freely available online (www.fitbackeurope.eu). CONCLUSION This study discusses the major implications of fitness assessment in youth from health, educational and sport perspectives, and how the FitBack reference values and interactive web-based platform contribute to it. Fitness testing can be conducted in school and/or sport settings, and the interpreted results be integrated in the healthcare systems across Europe

European fitness landscape for children and adolescents: updated reference values, fitness maps and country rankings based on nearly 8 million test results from 34 countries gathered by the FitBack network

Objectives (1) To develop reference values for health-related fitness in European children and adolescents aged 6–18 years that are the foundation for the web-based, open-access and multilanguage fitness platform (FitBack); (2) to provide comparisons across European countries. Methods This study builds on a previous large fitness reference study in European youth by (1) widening the age demographic, (2) identifying the most recent and representative country-level data and (3) including national data from existing fitness surveillance and monitoring systems. We used the Assessing Levels of PHysical Activity and fitness at population level (ALPHA) test battery as it comprises tests with the highest test–retest reliability, criterion/construct validity and health-related predictive validity: the 20 m shuttle run (cardiorespiratory fitness); handgrip strength and standing long jump (muscular strength); and body height, body mass, body mass index and waist circumference (anthropometry). Percentile values were obtained using the generalised additive models for location, scale and shape method. Results A total of 7 966 693 test results from 34 countries (106 datasets) were used to develop sex-specific and age-specific percentile values. In addition, country-level rankings based on mean percentiles are provided for each fitness test, as well as an overall fitness ranking. Finally, an interactive fitness platform, including individual and group reporting and European fitness maps, is provided and freely available online (www.fitbackeurope.eu). Conclusion This study discusses the major implications of fitness assessment in youth from health, educational and sport perspectives, and how the FitBack reference values and interactive web-based platform contribute to it. Fitness testing can be conducted in school and/or sport settings, and the interpreted results be integrated in the healthcare systems across Europe

European fitness landscape for children and adolescents: updated reference values, fitness maps and country rankings based on nearly 8 million test results from 34 countries gathered by the FitBack network

Objectives (1) To develop reference values for health-related fitness in European children and adolescents aged 6–18 years that are the foundation for the web-based, open-access and multilanguage fitness platform (FitBack); (2) to provide comparisons across European countries. Methods This study builds on a previous large fitness reference study in European youth by (1) widening the age demographic, (2) identifying the most recent and representative country-level data and (3) including national data from existing fitness surveillance and monitoring systems. We used the Assessing Levels of Physical Activity and fitness at population level (ALPHA) test battery as it comprises tests with the highest test–retest reliability, criterion/construct validity and health-related predictive validity: the 20 m shuttle run (cardiorespiratory fitness); handgrip strength and standing long jump (muscular strength); and body height, body mass, body mass index and waist circumference (anthropometry). Percentile values were obtained using the generalised additive models for location, scale and shape method. Results A total of 7 966 693 test results from 34 countries (106 datasets) were used to develop sex-specific and age-specific percentile values. In addition, country-level rankings based on mean percentiles are provided for each fitness test, as well as an overall fitness ranking. Finally, an interactive fitness platform, including individual and group reporting and European fitness maps, is provided and freely available online (www.fitbackeurope.eu)

Global matrix 4.0 physical activity report card grades for children and adolescents : results and analyses from 57 countries

Background: The Global Matrix 4.0 on physical activity (PA) for children and adolescents was developed to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the global variation in children’s and adolescents’ (5–17 y) PA, related measures, and key sources of influence. The objectives of this article were (1) to summarize the findings from the Global Matrix 4.0 Report Cards, (2) to compare indicators across countries, and (3) to explore trends related to the Human Development Index and geo-cultural regions. Methods: A total of 57 Report Card teams followed a harmonized process to grade the 10 common PA indicators. An online survey was conducted to collect Report Card Leaders’ top 3 priorities for each PA indicator and their opinions on how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted child and adolescent PA indicators in their country. Results: Overall Physical Activity was the indicator with the lowest global average grade (D), while School and Community and Environment were the indicators with the highest global average grade (C+). An overview of the global situation in terms of surveillance and prevalence is provided for all 10 common PA indicators, followed by priorities and examples to support the development of strategies and policies internationally. Conclusions: The Global Matrix 4.0 represents the largest compilation of children’s and adolescents’ PA indicators to date. While variation in data sources informing the grades across countries was observed, this initiative highlighted low PA levels in children and adolescents globally. Measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, local/international conflicts, climate change, and economic change threaten to worsen this situation

The Effect of Different Periodization and Modes of Concurrent Strength and Endurance Training on Double Poling Performance and Body Composition in Adolescent Cross-Country Skiers

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of different types and periodization of strength training on body composition and maximal aerobic performance in 10-week training period in adolescent XC skiers. Twenty-eight adolescent competitive cross-country skiers, including 10 females (age 17.9 ± 1.8 years; body mass 69.6 ± 9.7 kg; height 1.77 ± 0.1 m; training experience 8.6 ± 3.2 years) took part in this study. Pre-and post-intervention performance was measured with the incremental exercise test (Pmax) on a double poling ski ergometer. Changes in body composition were measured with DXA. In addition to regular endurance training, experimental group one (EXP1) performed maximal and explosive strength training two times per week, experimental group two (EXP2) performed maximal and explosive strength training 1–3 times per week, and the traditional (TRAD) group performed low intensity–high volume strength training 2 times per week. Increases in arm, trunk, and overall lean mass were found in TRAD (p p p ≥ 0.05). Pmax improved significantly in all groups (p p p ≥ 0.05). In conclusion, different periodization of strength training led to similar improvements in double poling ergometer performance, but resulted in different changes in body composition (lean mass) in adolescent cross-country skiers