Search Results (877)

Background/Introduction: Psychological inflexibility, which includes experiential avoidance, is a transdiagnostic process associated with multiple mental health issues in adolescence. Physical fitness (PF) has shown benefits for mental well-being, yet its specific relationship with psychological inflexibility remains understudied, particularly among youth. Objectives: To examine the association between components of PF and psychological inflexibility, measured by the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), in a representative sample of Spanish adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from 631 adolescents (aged 12–17) participating in the Eating Healthy and Daily Life Activities (EHDLA) study. PF was assessed by the Assessing the Levels of PHysical Activity and Fitness (ALPHA-Fit) Test Battery (cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, agility, and flexibility). Psychological inflexibility was measured using the AAQ-II. Generalized linear models (GLMs) were used to evaluate associations, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, socioeconomic status, physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep duration, and energy intake. Results: Unadjusted analyses showed weak but significant associations between psychological inflexibility and performance in the 20 m shuttle run test (p = 0.002), the 4 × 10 shuttle run test (p = 0.005), and the sit-and-reach test (p < 0.001). However, after adjusting for covariates, none of the PF components maintained a statistically significant association with the AAQ-II scores. Conclusions: In this adolescent sample, PF components were not independently associated with psychological inflexibility after adjustment for key confounders. These findings suggest that, while PF may contribute to general well-being, it is not a primary determinant of psychological inflexibility. Further longitudinal and intervention studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms linking physical and psychological health in youth. Full article

Cardiorespiratory fitness is a predictor of long-term health, traditionally assessed through structured exercise protocols that require maximal effort and controlled laboratory conditions. These protocols, while clinically validated, are often inaccessible, physically demanding, and unsuitable for unsupervised monitoring. This study proposes a non-invasive, unsupervised alternative—predicting the heart rate a person would reach after completing the step test, using wearable data collected during natural daily activities. Ground truth post-exercise heart rate was obtained through the Queens College Step Test, which is a submaximal protocol widely used in fitness settings. Separately, wearable sensors recorded heart rate (HR), blood oxygen saturation, and motion data during a protocol of lifestyle tasks spanning a range of intensities. Two machine learning models were developed—a Human Activity Recognition (HAR) model that classified daily activities from inertial data with 96.93% accuracy, and a regression model that estimated post step test HR using motion features, physiological trends, and demographic context. The regression model achieved an average root mean squared error (RMSE) of 5.13 beats per minute (bpm) and a mean absolute error (MAE) of 4.37 bpm. These findings demonstrate the potential of test-free methods to estimate standardized test outcomes from daily activity data, offering an accessible pathway to infer cardiorespiratory fitness. Full article

Background: Chronic stress in childhood and adolescence leads to excessive cortisol secretion, adipokines production and obesity with all the negative mental and physical effects on the health of individuals and adulthood. Objectives: The aim of the present non-randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effect of a stress management protocol with diaphragmatic breathing (DB) and physiotherapy exercise on stress, body composition, cardiorespiratory and metabolic markers of children and adolescents with morbid obesity. Methods: The study included 31 children and adolescents (5–18 years old) with morbid obesity (22 in the intervention arm and 9 controls). All participants completed anxiety questionnaires and a self-perception scale. Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), blood pressure (BP) and SpO₂ were measured. Fasting glucose, uric acid, triglycerides, HbA1c, (AST/SGOT), (ALT/SGPT), HDL, LDL, insulin, ACTH, cortisol, HOMA-IR, 17-OH, S-DHEA, SHBG were assessed, and anthropometric measurements were also performed. Results: In the intervention group, 4 months after the treatment, an improvement was noted in the BMI, BMI z-score, waist-to-height ratio, FEV1, SpO₂, pulse and systolic BP. HDL increased, ALT/SGPT and insulin resistance improved. Positive changes were observed in temporary and permanent stress and self-esteem of children in the intervention group, including anxiety, self-perception, physical appearance, etc. Conclusions: A combined exercise and DB protocol has a positive effect on stress, by improving body composition, reducing insulin resistance, and ameliorating physical and mental health and quality of life of pediatric patients with morbid obesity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is of great interest in children and adolescents. Due to the limited availability of cardiopulmonary exercise testing, simple and reliable alternatives are needed. A stair climbing test (SCT) for the assessment of CRF developed at the Department of Pediatric Cardiology of the LMU University Hospital in Munich showed a strong correlation with VO₂max. The aim of this study is to prove its feasibility in a non-clinical setting and to analyse its results in a larger study population. Methods: During the “Hand aufs Herz” study, a comprehensive cardiovascular examination was carried out on 922 pupils and siblings (13.2 ± 7.8 years) at a high school in Bavaria. The SCT was performed to evaluate CRF: participants had to run up and down a total of four floors (14.8 m) as quickly as possible without skipping steps or holding on to the banister. Absolute time has been normalized over the standard height of 12 m to allow comparisons with different settings. An SCT Index was calculated to adjust results to the different weights of participants and the exact height of the staircase. Results: The SCT proved to be easily feasible and safe in non-clinical contexts. Out of 922 participants, 13 (1.4%) were not able to perform the test, and 3 (0.3%) had to interrupt it following fatigue or stumbling. A total of 827 participants aged from 9 to 17 years (13.1 ± 2.1 years, 45.8% girls) had a mean absolute SCT time of 53.4 ± 6.2 s and 43.3 ± 5.1 s when normalized over 12 m. Conclusions: The SCT represents a simple, cost- and time-saving test that allows a rapid and solid assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness in children and adolescents. We could demonstrate that it is safe and feasible in non-clinical contexts. Its short duration and universal applicability are valuable advantages that could facilitate the establishment of a repetitive cardiovascular screening in the pediatric population, particularly in outpatient departments or settings with low-resource systems. Full article

Background: Sports performance indicators are mainly based on male athletes, highlighting the importance of portraying the female reality, particularly in rural contexts. This study aims to characterize sports performance indicators (body composition and physical fitness) of young Portuguese female athletes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 124 girls (13.66 ± 1.93 years) participating in federated team sports in a rural region of Portugal. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance, and physical fitness was evaluated through vertical jump tests (countermovement jump and squat jump), sprint (20 m), agility (T-test), handgrip strength, and cardiovascular endurance (Yo-Yo IR1). Results: Volleyball players are taller; football and basketball players are heavier; football and volleyball players have more fat-free mass than handball players (p < 0.05). Body mass index and % body fat did not differ between sports (p > 0.05). Volleyball players performed better in the countermovement jump (F = 4.146, p = 0.008) and squat jump (F = 7.686, p < 0.001) when compared to basketball, football, and handball players. No differences were observed in the speed or cardiorespiratory endurance tests (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The results revealed that, despite some specific differences between sports, most physical fitness indicators did not differ significantly between sports after controlling for age, menarche, and training experience. These findings suggest that shared contextual limitations in rural regions may take precedence over sport-specific adaptations in the early stages of sports participation. Full article

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in older adults where frailty complicates treatment outcomes. Multimodal prehabilitation—comprising nutritional support, physical exercise, and psychological interventions—has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance patients’ resilience before CRC surgery. Clinical studies demonstrate that prehabilitation significantly reduces postoperative complications, shortens hospital stays, and improves functional recovery. Nutritional interventions focus on counteracting malnutrition and sarcopenia through tailored dietary counseling, protein supplementation, and immunonutrients like arginine and glutamine. Physical exercise enhances cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength while modulating immune and metabolic pathways critical for surgical recovery. Psychological support reduces anxiety and depression, promoting mental resilience that correlates with better postoperative outcomes. Despite clear clinical benefits, the molecular mechanisms underlying prehabilitation’s effects—such as inflammation modulation, immune activation, and metabolic rewiring—remain poorly understood. This review addresses this knowledge gap by exploring potential biological pathways influenced by prehabilitation, aiming to guide more targeted, personalized approaches in CRC patient management. Advancing molecular insights may optimize prehabilitation protocols and improve survival and quality of life for CRC patients undergoing surgery. Full article

Children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) often experience abnormalities in bone health. Studies have consistently demonstrated that youth with T1D have lower bone mineral density (BMD) compared to their healthy peers. Additionally, children with T1D show impaired bone microarchitecture and reduced bone turnover. These factors collectively contribute to an increased risk of fractures across the life span of this population. To optimize bone accrual and reduce fracture risk, several strategies can be employed during childhood and adolescence. First, maintaining good glycemic control is critical, as poor glycemic control has been associated with lower BMD and an increased risk of fractures. Second, specific nutritional recommendations can help improve bone health, including a balanced diet, adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, and careful monitoring of both macronutrient and micronutrient intake. Third, regular physical activity plays a vital role. A systematic review and meta-analysis have shown that youth with T1D are generally less physically active, more sedentary, and have lower cardiorespiratory fitness levels than their non-diabetic peers. This review emphasizes targeted strategies aimed at optimizing skeletal health in the pediatric population with T1D, with a particular focus on the critical roles of glycemic control, nutritional adequacy, and regular physical activity. These modifiable factors may contribute to the reduction of fracture risk across the life span in individuals with T1D. Full article

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the components of physical fitness (PF), creativity and fluid intelligence, as well as to determine which components of PF are predictors of the analysed cognitive potential. Material and Methods: A total of 584 Spanish schoolchildren (6−11 years old; age = 8.62 ± 1.77 years) took part in this study. Creativity was assessed using the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT) and fluid intelligence through TEA-1. Moreover, PF components were evaluated using a 25 m sprint, handgrip strength, standing long jump and 20 m SRT. Results: Boys exhibited a better PF performance than girls (p range from = < 0.001 to 0.05), as well as higher creativity score (p < 0.001), the fluid intelligence score and QI score (p < 0.05, respectively). Moreover, PF components (CRF, strength and speed) were positively associated with creativity (p range from = < 0.001 to 0.001) and fluid intelligence (p range from = < 0.001 to 0.015). Regression analysis showed that the creativity model explained between 31.4% and 36.6% of the variance (R² = 0.314−0.366, p < 0.001), while the fluid intelligence model accounted for 25.5% to 33.1% of the variance (R² = 0.255−0.331, p < 0.001 to 0.001). Conclusions: A positive relationship was found between creativity, fluid intelligence, and PF components. Children with higher PF levels scored better in creativity, with notable differences between boys and girls. These findings highlight the educational value of incorporating structured physical activity into school settings to support both cognitive and physical development. Full article

Cardiac rehabilitation should be suggested after mitral valve intervention. Physical exercise is associated with improved cardiorespiratory fitness and clinical outcome and reduced rehospitalization and mortality in patients after heart valve surgery. Tailored assessment is the first step before starting a cardiac rehabilitation program. Physical examination, electrocardiogram, echocardiography, and peak exercise capacity stratify the risk of these patients when prescribing appropriate supervised aerobic and resistance exercise training. Cardiac rehabilitation participation impacts physical capacity, psychosocial function, and prognosis in patients after mitral valve surgery and transcatheter edge-to-edge repair. However, further evidence is needed on the efficacy and safety of cardiac rehabilitation programs, as well as standardization. In this review, we provide a contemporary and comprehensive update on the role of cardiac rehabilitation in patients after mitral valve intervention, after both mitral valve surgery and transcatheter mitral valve implantation. Specifically, we focus our review on the tailored assessment and management of these patients from post-operative to cardiac rehabilitation. Full article

Background: Selenium (Se) is a trace mineral element with important roles in enhancing athletic performance and athlete recovery. Objectives: This study aimed to observe the differences in plasma, urinary, erythrocyte, and platelet Se concentrations between sexes and analyze the variations in Se concentrations during the soccer season. The main hypothesis was that significant differences in Se levels would be observed between male and female athletes and that these differences would fluctuate throughout the season due to varying training loads and nutritional factors. Methods: Twenty-two male (20 ± 2 years; 1.76 ± 0.06 m; 14.73 ± 3.13 years’ experience; fifth Spanish division) and twenty-four female soccer players (23 ± 4 years; 1.65 ± 0.06 m; 14.51 ± 4.94 years’ experience; second Spanish division) participated. Three assessments were conducted during the season. Evaluations included anthropometry, body composition, fitness (cardiorespiratory and vertical jump), and nutritional intake. Venous samples of blood and urine were obtained. The concentrations of Se in the plasma, urine, erythrocytes, and platelets were analyzed through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: No differences in Se intake were observed. The Se concentrations in the plasma, urine, and platelets were found to be higher in males, while females showed elevated levels in their erythrocytes (p < 0.05). Throughout the season, plasma and platelet Se concentrations exhibited a progressive increase (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Assessing Se status during the season is essential for evaluating nutritional supplementation to maintain performance given Se’s vital role in the immune and antioxidant systems. Full article

Background: Recess provides a valuable opportunity for physical activity for students at school. However, there is no clear evidence regarding the effects of running a mile daily on schoolchildren’s physical fitness. The objective of this study was to identify and evaluate the effects of running a mile daily during recess in a school setting over a 12-week period. Methods: The study included 68 students (39 boys and 29 girls) aged 13 to 16 years (14.45 ± 1.08) from secondary education (Spain). Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Intervention Group 1 (IG1): one-mile run once per week (22 students). Intervention Group 2 (IG2): one-mile runs three times per week (21 students). Intervention Group 3 (IG3): one-mile runs five times per week (25 students). Physical fitness was assessed using the following tests: Broad jump (lower limb strength); Sit and Reach (lower limb flexibility); 4 × 10 m shuttle runs (speed, agility, and coordination); 10 × 5 m shuttle runs (displacement speed); 20 m shuttle run (Course Navette) (cardiorespiratory endurance). Results: Broad jump: No overall post-intervention differences were observed (p > 0.05), but there were pre-existing gender differences [boys outperform girls in IG2 and IG3 (p < 0.05)] that widened after the program, even appearing in IG1 (p = 0.031). Sit and Reach: No overall changes occurred (p > 0.05), but gender differences emerged in IG3 after the intervention [girls outperformed boys (p < 0.050)], and IG3 boys showed a decrease in flexibility after the program (p = 0.041). The 4 × 10 m shuttle runs: Initial differences between IG1 vs. IG3 disappeared after the intervention, with an overall increase in test time (p > 0.005). Pre-existing gender differences decreased, except in IG2 (boys remained faster; p < 0.001). The 10 × 5 m shuttle runs: Significant improvements were observed in all post-intervention groups (p = 0.003), with the greatest gains in IG3 boys (p < 0.001) and IG1 girls (p = 0.003). The 20 m shuttle run: Significant improvements occurred in IG1 and IG3 (p < 0.005), particularly in IG3 boys (p = 0.002) and IG1 girls (p = 0.019). Conclusions: Although effects varied by fitness component, intervention frequency, and gender, daily mile running was shown to be a viable strategy for improving aspects of fitness in adolescents, particularly endurance and speed, even at lower frequencies. Full article

Wheelchair tennis (WT) is a Paralympic sport designed for athletes with physical impairments. Assessing physical fitness characteristics using appropriate field-based tests and standardized protocols is essential for individualized training, injury prevention, and performance monitoring. However, there is currently limited information on which field-based tests are most suitable and how they should be applied in WT athletes, resulting in inconsistency across studies and practical use. Establishing a standard operating procedure (SOP) enables replicable, cost-effective testing routines that improve data consistency and comparability. We conducted a scoping review to synthesize the existing evidence on field-based physical fitness assessment in WT athletes and to propose a structured SOP for these tests. A comprehensive search was conducted in three electronic databases—NLM PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus—using predefined keywords and Boolean operators. The inclusion criteria were limited to peer-reviewed, English-language original articles focusing exclusively on field tests in WT athletes. Studies with other populations, reviews, and abstracts were excluded. Eleven studies met the eligibility criteria. This scoping review identified various field tests assessing key fitness components, including cardiorespiratory endurance, muscle strength, agility, and body composition. The most frequently employed tests were the 20 m sprint test, isometric handgrip test, spider test, Illinois Agility Test, and skinfold thickness. These findings highlight the lack of standardized fitness assessments in WT. The proposed SOP offers a practical step toward consistent, replicable, and relevant evaluation in these athletes. Full article

Exercise interventions are increasingly recognized as effective non-pharmacological strategies to improve clinical outcomes in patients with breast cancer. This review provides a comprehensive framework linking physical activity with breast cancer risk reduction, disease progression, and survivorship. We first outline the robust epidemiological evidence demonstrating that regular exercise significantly reduces breast cancer incidence, recurrence, and disease-specific mortality. The review then delves into the molecular mechanisms by which exercise exerts its protective effects, including modulation of sex hormones, metabolic hormones, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, circulating microRNAs, and breast cancer-related DNA methylation. Furthermore, we summarize findings from clinical trials evaluating the effects of exercise on cardiorespiratory fitness, functional capacity, and quality of life in breast cancer patients. Emerging research on the synergistic potential of exercise with conventional cancer treatments and bioactive dietary components, particularly polyphenols such as saffron and curcumin, is also discussed. Finally, we present evidence-based exercise recommendations tailored to breast cancer patients, emphasizing the importance of individualized prescriptions to optimize safety and therapeutic benefit. Collectively, this review highlights the multifaceted role of exercise in breast cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship. Full article

Background: Increases in maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O₂max) occur with high-intensity interval training (HIIT), partially due to an extended duration spent at or near maximal V̇O₂ or heart rate (HRmax). HIIT induces a delay in HR and V̇O₂ during exercise, leading to consistently high HR/V̇O₂ values in recovery between intervals. Purpose: This study compared the V̇O₂ and HR response between exercise and recovery to various cycling HIIT protocols using data from seven prior studies. Methods: Healthy, active men and women (N = 104, age and V̇O₂max 24 ± 5 yr and 40 ± 7 mL/kg/min) underwent HIIT protocols having different durations (30–60 s), intensities (70–85 percent of maximal workload (%Wmax), and recovery periods (10–75 s). V̇O₂, HR, and blood lactate concentration (BLa) were assessed. Results: Across studies, peak HR was equal to 90.7 ± 6.2% HRmax. Results showed no significant difference in mean HR (159 ± 14 vs. 160 ± 15 b/min, p = 0.48) or V̇O₂ (1.97 ± 0.47 vs. 1.98 ± 0.48 L/min, p = 0.82) between exercise and recovery. Conclusions: These data show elevated V̇O₂ and HR during recovery from HIIT, suggesting a substantial, sustained load on the cardiovascular system in recovery from interval exercise. Full article

Obesity is associated with reduced cardiorespiratory fitness and altered metabolic responses. However, the acute effects of forward and backward locomotion training in individuals with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 remain underexplored. This study investigated this population’s cardiorespiratory, metabolic–perceptual, and muscle electromyography (EMG) responses to forward and backward locomotion at different speeds. Twenty-eight male participants were divided into four seven-member groups, following a randomized crossover design with a Latin Square-like counterbalancing approach. Participants completed four 10 min walking conditions (3 km/h forward, 3 km/h backward, 4 km/h forward, and 4 km/h backward) on separate days, with cardiorespiratory parameters (e.g., VO₂, VCO₂, and heart rate), metabolic responses (e.g., lactate and energy expenditure), and lower-limb muscle EMG activity measured. Statistical analysis using two-way repeated measures (MANOVA) revealed significant direction effects (p < 0.05) on VO₂, VCO₂, heart rate, energy expenditure, Borg RPE, final lactate, and the EMG activity of quadriceps, hamstrings, and tibialis anterior, but not on pre-lactate or soleus activity (p > 0.05). These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing exercise programs in obese individuals, supporting tailored movement strategies to enhance physiological outcomes. Full article