Health-Related Physical Fitness Benefits in Sedentary Women Employees after an Exercise Intervention with Zumba Fitness®

We are grateful to Ana Yara Postigo-Fuentes for her assistance with the English language edition, who can be contracted through the University of Granada, Plan Propio de Investigación 2016, Excellence actions: Units of Excellence, Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES), and by the Junta de Andalucía, Consejería de Conocimiento, Investigación y Universidades and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), ref. SOMM17/6107/UGR.Background: The protective properties of high physical fitness levels on health are manifest independently of age, sex, fatness, smoking, alcohol consumption, and other clinical factors. However, women are less active than men, which contributes to low physical fitness and a high risk of CVD. Thus, the objective of this study is to analyze the effect of two exercise interventions on health-related physical fitness in sedentary employed females. Methods: A total of 98 physically inactive adult women were randomly assigned to 3 study groups: the control group (CG) = 31, the endurance training group based on Zumba Fitness® classes (ET; n = 39), and the concurrent training group that had an extra muscle-strengthening workout after the Zumba Fitness® class (CnT; n = 28). Body composition (BMI, waist circumference), motor fitness (one-leg stand test), musculoskeletal fitness (shoulder–neck mobility, handgrip strength test, jump and reach test, and dynamic sit-up test), and cardiorespiratory fitness (2-km test and estimated VO2 max) were assessed with the ALPHA-Fit test battery for adults. Results: Both interventions showed a significant improvement in the majority of health-related fitness and body composition variables/test (waist circumference: ET = −2.275 ± 0.95, p = 0.02, CnT = −2.550 ± 1.13, p = 0.03; one-stand leg test: ET = 13.532 ± 2.65, p < 0.001; CnT = 11.656 ± 2.88, p < 0.001; shoulder–neck mobility: ET = 1.757 ± 0.44, p < 0.001, CnT = 2.123 ± 0.47, p < 0.001; handgrip test: 0.274 ± 0.08, p < 0.001, CnT = 0.352 ± 0.08, p < 0.001; dynamic sit-up: ET = 1.769 ± 0.45, p < 0.001, CnT = −1.836 ± 0.49, p < 0.001; 2-km test time: −1.280 ± 0.25, p < 0.001, CnT = −1.808 ± 0.28, p < 0.001; estimated VO2 max: ET = 1.306 ± 0.13, p < 0.001, CnT = 1.191 ± 0.15, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences after the intervention between the two exercise intervention groups. Conclusions: Exercise interventions based on Zumba fitness® or Zumba fitness® combined with an extra muscle-strengthening workout based on bodyweight training exercises are effective strategies to improve the health-related physical fitness in sedentary women employees

Supervised exercise following bariatric surgery in morbid obese adults: CERTbased exercise study protocol of the EFIBAR randomised controlled trial

The authors acknowledge the help of the participants that are taking part in the study. Moreover, authors appreciate the help to the hospitals, as well as the sports center of the University of Almería, who helped with the development of the project.The clinical datasets will be available according to the terms established in the Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03497546, i.e., once the study ends and the main results are published, contacting the responsible party ([email protected]).Trial registration: The trial was prospectively registered at Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03497546 on April 13, 2018.Background: There is increasing evidence of weight regain in patients after bariatric surgery (BS), generally occurring from 12 to 24 months postoperatively. Postoperative exercise has been suggested to ad long-term weight maintenance and to improve physical function in BS patients. However, there are a limited number of intervention studies investigating the possible benefits of exercise in this population. The aim of the current report is to provide a comprehensive CERT (Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template)-based description of the rationale and details of the exercise programme implemented in the EFIBAR Study (Ejercicio FÍsico tras cirugía BARiátrica), a randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of a 16-week supervised concurrent (aerobic and strength) exercise intervention program on weight loss (primary outcome), body composition, cardiometabolic risk, physical fitness, physical activity and quality of life (secondary outcomes) in patients with severe/morbid obesity following bariatric surgery. Methods: A total of 80 BS patients [60–80% expected women, aged 18 to 60 years, body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m2 or ≥ 35 kg/m2 with comorbid conditions)] will be enrolled in the EFIBAR Randomized Control Trial (RCT). Participants allocated in the exercise group (n = 40) will undertake a 16-week supervised concurrent (strength and aerobic) exercise programme (three sessions/week, 60 min/session), starting 7 to 14 days after surgery. The rationale of the exercise programme will be described following the CERT criteria detailing the 16 key items. The study has been reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Torrecárdenas University Hospital (Almería, Spain) (ref. N° 76/2016). Discussion: The present study details the exercise programme of the EFIBAR RCT, which may serve: 1) exercise professionals who would like to implement an evidence-based exercise programme for BS patients, and 2) as an example of the application of the CERT criteria.This work was supported by Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO), Plan Nacional de I + D + i call RETOS 2016, reference DEP2016–74926-R. These funding sources approved this study; however, they had no role in the design of this study and will not have any role during its execution, analyses, interpretation of the data, writing the manuscript, or decision to submit results

Dance Fitness Classes Improve the Health-Related Quality of Life in Sedentary Women

Authors are grateful to valuable support of National University of Chimborazo, as well as to all participants of the study. We are grateful to Ana Yara Postigo-Fuentes for her assistance with the English language.Introduction: This study aims to analyze the effect of two dance-focused and choreographic fitness classes on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in sedentary worker women. Methods: 65 sedentary middle-aged worker women (38 ± 7.3 years old) completed a 16-week intervention randomly assigned to: (1) dance fitness group based on Zumba Fitness classes (DF group, n = 25)], (2) dance fitness + functional strength training group (DFFT group, n = 20), and (3) control group (n = 20). HRQoL was assessed by the 36-Item Short-Form Health-Survey (SF-36), which evaluates 8 dimensions of health [General Health (GH), Physical Functioning (PF), Social Functioning (SF), Physical Role (PR), Emotional Role (ER), Bodily Pain (BP), Vitality (V), and Mental Health (MH)] scored from 0 (worst) to 100 (best health status). Results: The control group statistically differed from both exercise groups in PF and PR, and from the DF group in SF and MH showing a lower score. No statistical differences were observed between exercise groups post-intervention, except in V. DF group showed increases in GH, PF, SF, V, PR, and MH post-intervention. Conclusions: A 16-week dance fitness intervention based on Zumba Fitness classes generates notable improvements in a wide range of HRQoL dimensions in sedentary middle-aged worker women, especially in V, PR and MH dimensions

Supervised Exercise Immediately After Bariatric Surgery: the Study Protocol of the EFIBAR Randomized Controlled Trial

This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO), Plan Nacional de I+D+i calls RETOS 2016 (reference DEP2016-74926-R) and RETOS 2018 (reference RTI2018-093302-A-I00). EM-R and MAI were funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (FPU18/01107 and FPU17/01158, respectively). AH-M and LL-S were funded by the predoctoral fellowship program of the University of Almeria. The funding sources approved this study although they had no role in the design and will not have any role during its execution, analyses and interpretation of the data, writing manuscripts, or decision to submit for publication.Background Previous studies have investigated weight loss caused by exercise following bariatric surgery. However, in most cases, the training programis poorly reported; the exercise type, volume, and intensity are briefly mentioned; and the sample size, selection criteria, and follow-up time vary greatly across studies. Purpose The EFIBAR study aims to investigate over 1 year the effects of a 16-week supervised exercise program, initiated immediately after bariatric surgery, on weight loss (primary outcome), body composition, cardiometabolic risk, physical fitness, and quality of life in patients with severe/extreme obesity. Material and Methods The EFIBAR study is a parallel-group, superiority, randomized controlled trial (RCT), comprising 80 surgery patients. Half of the participants, randomly selected, perform a 16-week supervised exercise program, including both strength and aerobic training, starting immediately after the surgery (7–14 days). For each participant, all primary and secondary outcomes are measured at three different time points: (i) before the surgery, (ii) after the intervention (≈4 months), and (iii) 1 year after the surgery.Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO), Plan Nacional de I+D+i calls RETOS DEP2016-74926-R RTI2018-093302-A-I00Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities FPU18/01107 FPU17/01158predoctoral fellowship program of the University of Almeri

Injury prevention program for the improvement of shoulder health in young triathletes

La aparición de lesiones por sobreuso del complejo articular del hombro en la disciplina de natación en triatletas jóvenes anima a una profundización en el estudio de métodos efectivos para la prevención de dichas lesiones. Objetivo: Analizar la efectividad de un programa de intervención diseñado para la prevención de lesiones del complejo articular del hombro en la disciplina de natación en jóvenes triatletas. Métodos: 26 jóvenes (edad entre 8-17 años) fueron aleatorizados en Grupo-Intervención (GI, n=17), y Grupo-Control (GC, n=9). La salud del complejo articular del hombro se evaluó antes y después de un programa de intervención (cuatro semanas de duración: 2-sesiones/30-minutos/semana), mediante los siguientes test: 1) Test del ángulo de cabeza adelantada–Ángulo hombro adelantado, 2) Test de Rotación Glenohumeral, 3) Test de opresión durante la abducción horizontal de hombro, 4) Test Longitud del Pectoral menor. Se utilizó un análisis intra-sujeto y otro análisis inter-sujeto para analizar las diferencias significativas (p<.05) en las variables de estudio, antes y después del programa de intervención. Resultados: Tras el programa de intervención se observaron mejoras significativas en el GI comparado con el GC en las variables: ángulo de adelantamiento de la cabeza (p<.001), rotación interna del hombro dominante (p=.001), rotación externa del hombro dominante, (p=.046), rotación interna del hombro no dominante (p=0.002), abducción horizontal del hombro (p=.003), longitud del pectoral derecho (p<0.001) y longitud del pectoral izquierdo (p=.001). Conclusión: Un programa de intervención diseñado para la prevención de lesiones en el complejo articular del hombro de cuatro semanas de duración (dos-sesiones/30-minutos/ semana), fue efectivo mejorando la salud articular y movilidad del hombro en jóvenes triatletas

School-Based Interventions for Promoting Physical Activity Using Games and Gamification: A Systematic Review Protocol

Games and/or gamification seem to be a promising area for educational and health research. These strategies are being increasingly used for improving health indicators, even in educational settings; however, there is little information about these terms within the school to promote physical activity (PA). Objective: the aim of this study is to describe a systematic review protocol of school-based interventions for promoting PA in pre-schoolers, children, and adolescent students using games and gamification. Methods: This review protocol is registered in International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42019123521). Scientific databases include PubMed, Web of Science, SportDiscus, Cochrane Library, ERIC, and PsycINFO. A standardized procedure will be executed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol (PRISMA-P) checklist for conducting systematic review protocols and the PICOS (Population, Interventions, Comparators, Outcomes, and Study design) tool to address an appropriate search strategy. Detailed information will be extracted, including a quantitative assessment using effect sizes to compare the interventions and a qualitative assessment using the Evaluation of Public Health Practice Projects (EPHPP) tool. Conclusion: This systematic review protocol contributes to establishing future systematic reviews using games and gamification strategies in school settings in order to examine their effect on PA outcomes among youth. Additionally, an update and clarification on the different terms in the school context have been included.Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and CompetitivenessEuropean Regional Development Fund (MINECO/FEDER, UE) DEP2016-75598-RUniversity of Granada, Plan Propio de Investigacion 2016, Excellence actions: Units of Excellence; Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES)Junta de AndaluciaEuropean Union (EU) SOMM17/6107/UG

Contribution of active commuting to and from school to device-measured physical activity levels in young people: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Spanish Ministry of Universities, Grant/Award Number: FPU18/04251; Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness and the European Regional Development Fund, Grant/Award Number: DEP2016- 75598- R; MCIN/AEI/ and "ERDF a way of making Europe" European Union, Grant/Award Number: PID2021- 126126OA- I00; University of Granada Plan Propio de Investigación 2016—Excellence actions: Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES); Junta de Andalucía, Consejería de Conocimiento, Investigación y Universidades, European Regional Development Fund, Grant/Award Number: SOMM17/6107/UGR. Pablo Campos-Garzón is supported by FPU18/04251 from the Spanish Ministry of Universities. This study is part of a PhD thesis conducted in the Biomedicine Doctoral Studies program of the University of Granada, Spain. Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Granada/CBUA.Objective: To analyze the contribution of active commuting to and from school (ACS) to device-measured light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels in young people aged 6 to 18 years old, as well as, in both trip directions (i.e., home-school, school-home). Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA statement, and five different databases were used for the systematic search (PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTdiscuss, Cochrane Library, and National Transportation Library) using PECO strategy. Results: A total of 14 studies met all the eligibility criteria, which compile 7127 participants. The overall ACS weighted LPA was 19.55 min (95% CI: 3.84-35.26; I2 = 99.9%, p < 0.001) and 68.74 min (95% CI: 6.09-131.39; z = 2.15, p = 0.030) during the home-school and school-home trips, respectively. For MVPA, the overall ACS weighted MVPA was 8.98 min (95% CI: 5.33–12.62; I2 = 99.95%, p < 0.001) during the home-school trip and 20.07 min (95% CI: 13.62-26.53; I2 = 99.62%, p < 0.001) during the school-home trip. Conclusion: ACS may contribute about 48% of the PA recommendations in young people on school days if both trip directions are actively performed. Therefore, future studies aimed at increasing daily PA levels in young population should focus on promoting students' ACS. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020162004A.Spanish Ministry of Universities, FPU18/04251Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness and the European Regional Development Fund, DEP2016- 75598- RMCIN/AEI/"ERDF a way of making Europe" European Union, PID2021- 126126OA- I00University of GranadaJunta de AndalucíaEuropean Regional Development Fund, SOMM17/6107/UGRUniversidad de Granada/CBU

Objective Measurement of the Mode of Commuting to School Using GPS: A Pilot Study

Active commuting to school (ACS) is a promising strategy to increase the daily physical activity (PA) in youths. However, more studies are required to objectively quantify the mode of commuting to school, as well as the health impact of this behavior. Thus, the aims of this study were: (1) to objectively determine the mode of commuting to school using GPS; (2) to quantify the sedentary time, PA levels, energy expenditure, and the steps derived from each mode of commuting; and (3) to analyze the associations between ACS trips and sedentary time, PA, energy expenditure, and steps. A total of 115 trips were recorded. Most trips were performed by walk (49.5%), followed by vehicle (39.1%) and mixed transport (11.3%). In the active school trips, youths were less likely to spend minutes in sedentary behaviors (OR: 0.481, p = 0.038), a higher increase on Metabolic-Equivalent of Task (METs) (OR: 5.497, p = 0.013), and greater steps (OR: 1.004, p = 0.029) than in the passive school trips (both active and passive modes were objectively measured). ACS (mainly walking) contribute to higher METs and steps in adolescents. GPS could be an appropriate method to objectively evaluate the PA variables related to the ACS trips.This study was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness and the European Regional Development Fund (DEP2016-75598-R, MINECO/FEDER, UE). Additionally, this study takes place thanks to funding from the University of Granada, Plan Propio de Investigación 2016, Excellence actions: Units of Excellence; Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES). To PACO project (Pedalea y Anda al Cole), from PROFITH group, University of Granada

Active Commuting to University and its Association with Sociodemographic Factors and Physical Activity Levels in Chilean Students

Background and Objectives: Active commuting to and from university (ACU) could be a strategy to increase physical activity levels (PA) and promote health in young university students. We aimed to a) examine the patterns of commuting to university in Chilean students; b) the association between the mode of commuting to and from university and socio-demographic factors and PA-levels. Results: The main mode of commuting was by bus (to university: 55.2% vs. from university: 59.3%; p < 0.001). The least used mode was cycling (1.4% to and from university). Students living >5-km from university were less active commuters than those living in closer distances: (2–5 km, odds ratio (OR): 4.424, 95% and 95% confidence intervals (CI): 2.443–8.011, p < 0.001; 2 km, OR: 143.052, 95% CI: 55.154–371.030, p < 0.001). Students with low PA-levels were less active commuters than those with medium (OR: 1.446; 95% CI: 0.864–2.421; p = 0.160) or higher levels (OR: 1.880; 95% CI: 1.880–1.094; p = 0.022). Students who lived between 2 and 5 km, presented a significant association to be active commuters when they showed medium PA-levels (OR: 5.244, 95% CI: 1.358–20.246; p = 0.016). Conclusions: Chilean university students from Valparaíso are mainly passive commuters using public transport as the main mode of commuting to and from university; longer distances from home to the university are associated with low PA levels. ACU in distances between 2–5 km (mainly walking) could contribute to having medium PA-levels in Chilean university students. Thus, promoting the ACU walking to and from the university in such distances could be an e ective strategy to increase the overall PA levels in Chilean university students

Testing the Mystic School Mobile Application to Promote Active Commuting to School in Spanish Adolescents: The PACO Study

Active commuting to and/or from school (ACS) is an opportunity to increase daily physical activity (PA) levels in young people. Mobile-device interventions focused on promoting the practice of health-related PA can be more cost-effective than traditional interventions in this population. Objective: To analyze the adolescents’ opinion of the mobile application (app) Mystic School, which was designed to promote ACS in Spanish adolescents. Methods: A total of 44 students (14–15 years old) from Granada and Jaén participated in the test of the Mystic School app during two phases: phase 1 (n = 10) for 2 weeks and phase 2 (n = 34) for 1 month. Each phase included an app presentation, a follow-up, and focus group sessions. The qualitative analysis was carried out through NVivo software. Results: In phase 1, adolescents reported improvements in the design and functioning, such as the avatar movement, virtual steps utilities, and multiplayer function. These suggestions were included in phase 2. After phase 2, adolescents reported that it is important to add the possibility of playing without an Internet connection to the game, to include more competitive options, prizes, and to increase the difficulty of the levels. In both phases, problems with the step number counting remained. Conclusion: The Mystic School app can be a useful tool for the physical education teacher to integrate the content from this curriculum related to the promotion of PA, such as ACS.Spanish GovernmentEuropean CommissionUniversity of Granada Plan Propio de Investigacion 2016-Excellence actions: Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES) DEP2016-75598-RJunta de AndaluciaConsejeria de Conocimiento, Investigacion y UniversidadesEuropean Commission SOMM17/6107/UG