Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Metabolic Risk, and Inflammation in Children

The aim of this study was to investigate the independent associations among cardiorespiratory fitness, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in children. The sample consisted of 112 children (11.4  ±  0.4 years). Data was obtained for children's anthropometry, cardiorespiratory fitness, MetS components, and CRP levels. MetS was defined using criteria analogous to the Adult Treatment Panel III definition. A MetS risk score was also computed. Prevalence of the MetS was 5.4%, without gender differences. Subjects with low fitness showed significantly higher MetS risk (P < 0.001) and CRP (P < 0.007), compared to the high-fitness pupils. However, differences in MetS risk, and CRP between fitness groups decreased when adjusted for waist circumference. These data indicate that the mechanisms linking cardiorespiratory fitness, MetS risk and inflammation in children are extensively affected by obesity. Intervention strategies aiming at reducing obesity and improving cardiorespiratory fitness in childhood might contribute to the prevention of the MetS in adulthood

Maximum Power Training Load Determination and Its Effects on Load-Power Relationship, Maximum Strength, and Vertical Jump Performance

This study examines the changes in maximum strength, vertical jump performance, and the load-velocity and load-power relationship after a resistance training period using a heavy load and an individual load that maximizes mechanical power output with and without including body mass in power calculations. Forty-three moderately trained men (age: 22.7 6 2.5 years) were separated into 4 groups, 2 groups of maximum power, 1 where body mass was not included in the calculations of the load that maximizes mechanical power (Pmax 2 bw, n = 11) and another where body mass was included in the calculations (Pmax + bw, n = 9), a high load group (HL-90%, n = 12), and a control group (C, n = 11). The subjects performed 4-6 sets of jump squat and the repeated-jump exercises for 6 weeks. For the jump squat, the HL-90% group performed 3 repetitions at each set with a load of 90% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM), the Pmax 2 bw group 5 repetitions with loads 48-58% of 1RM and the Pmax + bw 8 repetitions with loads 20-37% of 1RM. For the repeated jump, all the groups performed 6 repetitions at each set. All training groups improved (p &lt; 0.05) maximum strength in the semisquat exercise (HL-90%: 15.2 ± 7.1, Pmax 2 bw: 6.6 ± 4.7, Pmax + bw: 6.9 ± 7.1, and C: 0 6 4.3%) and the HL-90% group presented higher values (p &lt; 0.05) than the other groups did. All training groups improved similarly (p &lt; 0.05) squat (HL-90%: 11.7 6 7.9, Pmax 2 bw: 14.5 ± 11.8, Pmax + bw: 11.3 ± 7.9, and C: 22.2 ± 5.5%) and countermovement jump height (HL-90%: 8.6 ± 7.9, Pmax 2 bw: 10.9 ± 9.4, Pmax + bw: 8.8 ± 4.3, and C: 0.4 ± 6%). The HL-90% and the Pmax 2 bw group increased (p &lt; 0.05) power output at loads of 20, 35, 50, 65, and 80% of 1RM and the Pmax + bw group at loads of 20 and 35% of 1RM. The inclusion or not of body mass to determine the load that maximizes mechanical power output affects the long-term adaptations differently in the load-power relationship. Thus, training load selection will depend on the required adaptations. However, the use of heavy loads causes greater overall neuromuscular adaptations in moderately trained individuals. {\textcopyright} 2013 National Strength and Conditioning Association

Relationship between anaerobic power and jumping of selected male volleyball players of different ages

Evaluation de la puissance anaérobie de volleyeurs de haut niveau et de non-athlètes, divisés en 3 groupes d'âge (adultes : 18-25 ans, juniors : 15-16 ans et enfants : 10-11 ans) par le test de Wingate. Corrélation avec la performance de saut vertical, préconisée pour prédire la puissance anaérobie maximale

Relationship between anaerobic power and jumping of selected male volleyball players of different ages

Evaluation de la puissance anaérobie de volleyeurs de haut niveau et de non-athlètes, divisés en 3 groupes d'âge (adultes : 18-25 ans, juniors : 15-16 ans et enfants : 10-11 ans) par le test de Wingate. Corrélation avec la performance de saut vertical, préconisée pour prédire la puissance anaérobie maximale