Search Results (28)

This study investigated the effects of a 12-week structured aquatic exercise program incorporating multiple immersion depths on muscle strength, postural alignment, and static balance in middle-aged women. Eighteen women in their 40s were randomly allocated to an aquatic exercise group (AG, n = 9) or a control group (CG, n = 9). The AG participated in a 12-week aquatic exercise program twice weekly in an indoor rehabilitation pool with progressively increased intensity (RPE 11–13 for weeks 1–6 and 14–16 for weeks 7–12) and multiple immersion depths (knee, waist, and xiphoid process levels). The CG was instructed to refrain from moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for 12 weeks. Outcomes included dominant handgrip strength, a 60-s abdominal curl-up test, postural alignment (3D posture analysis), and static balance (single-leg stance test). Data were analyzed using two-way mixed ANOVA. Significant group × time interactions were found for handgrip strength (p = 0.003), 60-s abdominal curl-up performance (p < 0.001), pelvic tilt alignment (p = 0.017), and single-leg stance time (p < 0.001). The AG improved handgrip strength (25.62 ± 2.81 to 27.57 ± 2.13 kg), 60-s abdominal curl-up performance (26.89 ± 2.93 to 41.56 ± 3.05 repetitions), pelvic tilt alignment (10.94 ± 3.46 to 7.63 ± 0.17), and single-leg stance time (29.49 ± 2.81 to 34.65 ± 2.60 s), whereas the CG showed no meaningful changes. No significant interaction effects were observed for head displacement, shoulder asymmetry, hip alignment, or knee alignment (all p > 0.05). These preliminary findings suggest that a structured aquatic exercise program incorporating multiple immersion depths may improve muscle strength, trunk muscular endurance, pelvic tilt alignment, and static balance in middle-aged women compared with a non-exercise control group. However, because this study did not include a fixed-depth aquatic exercise comparator, the findings should not be interpreted as evidence that exercise incorporating multiple immersion depths is superior to fixed-depth aquatic exercise. Full article

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the association between musculoskeletal fitness (MF) and cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents with congenital heart disease (ConHD). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 355 adolescents with ConHD (median age 12.4 years [range: 5.7–21.7]; 43.4% female). Participants completed musculoskeletal fitness (MF) tests, including handgrip strength (HGS), curl-ups, push-ups, and trunk lifts, and underwent an assessment of anthropometric indices, blood pressure, pulse wave velocity (PWV), and carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT). To account for body size, HGS was allometrically scaled to body mass with adjustment for age, sex, and ConHD severity. Clustered MF was derived by calculating z-scores for allometric HGS, curl-ups, push-ups, and trunk lifts. Results: Allometric HGS was inversely associated with anthropometric indices: waist circumference [WC] (β = −4.467, p = 0.014), waist-to-hip ratio [WHR] (β =−0.039, p = 0.005), waist-to-height ratio [WHtR] (β = −0.052, p = 0.001), and BMI (β = −3.115, p = 0.001). Push-ups were inversely related to all anthropometric indices (p < 0.05). Trunk lift showed positive associations with multiple anthropometric indices except WHR (all p < 0.05). Clustered MF was negatively associated with WHR (β = −0.004, p = 0.008) and WHtR (β = −0.006, p = 0.001). HGS (β = 0.18, p = 0.033), push-ups (β = 0.004, p = 0.041), and clustered fitness (β = 0.028, p = 0.006) were inversely associated with PWV. Conclusions: Systematically increasing MF in rehabilitation may provide a feasible strategy to mitigate CVD risk in adolescents with ConHD. Full article

Background: This research explored how tele-exercise influenced physical fitness and mental well-being in individuals with and without disabilities and with different training habits. Methods: One hundred and ninety-three participants were categorized into two groups: athletes and non-athletes. Participants were involved in either synchronous or asynchronous tele-exercise programs of two or three sessions of workouts per week, lasting eight weeks. Psychological well-being was evaluated pre- vs. post-intervention by the WHO-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5), Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Fitness assessment tools included the 2-minute step test, curl-up test, forward bending test, and squat test. Body weight was also assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results: The analysis showed a significant increment in all fitness scores (p-value ranged from <0.001 to 0.015) with no change in body weight. Psychological tests indicated an overall increment in the participants’ well-being measured by the WHO-5 and unexpectedly, also in the stress level assessed through PSS-10. Conclusions: Enabled by technology, tele-exercise provides a flexible and convenient complementary approach to conventional workouts, helping individuals maintain an active lifestyle and improve their well-being. Positive effects on the sedentary population’s lifestyles are discussed. Full article

Military personnel need physical fitness to effectively carry out operational military activities within their specific field of operation. This research investigates the effects of a 34-week training program on Angolan cadets’ body composition, muscle strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Seventy-four volunteer recruits, aged 18 to 26 years, were monitored during their eight-month military service, following an exercise program protocol comprising 12 weeks of strength training followed by 24 weeks of endurance training. Anthropometric variables, including body mass, body mass index, and fat mass, were assessed, along with cardiorespiratory fitness (VO₂max), sprint performance, countermovement jump (CMJ), medicine ball throw, push-ups, and curl-ups. The physical training protocol encompassed running sessions, strength exercises, agility drills, and flexibility exercises. The initial assessment revealed gender differences in various parameters such as body mass, body fat percentage, VO₂max, sprinting, countermovement jump (CMJ), medicine ball throw, and push-ups. Following the training program, changes were observed in all variables (effect size between 0.48 and 2.33, p < 0.01) for the participants. Significant interactions (sex × time) were found in body mass (F = 5.18, p = 0.03, ηp² = 0.06), body fat percentage (F = 5.31, p < 0.01, ηp² = 0.14), and medicine ball throw (F = 10.84, p < 0.01, ηp² = 0.13). Specifically, males exhibited a greater reduction in body mass (females: 2.70%, males: 3.47%, p < 0.05) and a substantial improvement in ball throwing performance (females: 7.74%, males: 11.47%, p < 0.01), while females experienced a greater reduction in fat mass (females: 5.34%, males: 3.15%, p < 0.01). The physical training regimen effectively influenced body composition, particularly in enhancing strength performance among males. The integration of exercise programs with military service led to a notable reduction in fat tissue and an increase in lean tissue. Hence, the development of tailored training protocols is imperative to enhance the physical capacity and overall health of military recruits, considering sex-specific characteristics and physical attributes. Full article

It is recognized that the time adolescents spend on physical activity, and the corresponding physical fitness indicators, have diminished over time. However, the exact impact of the COVID-19 pandemic restriction period on physical activity and health-related physical fitness indicators remains unclear. This study sought to determine if and to what degree the primary indicators of physical activity (exercise frequency, exercise intensity, and outdoor physical activity) and health-related physical fitness (strength and endurance) among schoolchildren have shifted, by comparing data from before and after the coronavirus pandemic period. Students aged 12–17 years took part in the study. The physical activity questionnaire and fitness tests were conducted in the autumn of 2017 and spring of 2022. The main results show that moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity time and time spent actively outdoors have decreased among adolescents (p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in exercise frequency (p > 0.05). However, there was a statistically significant decline in strength (standing broad jump, bent arm hang) (p < 0.05) and endurance (20 m shuttle run, curl-up) (p < 0.01) when comparing results from before and after the COVID-19 pandemic restriction period. In conclusion, restricted mobility had the greatest impact on the time spent outdoors and, in turn, on physical fitness. Full article

Despite its positive impact on physical and mental well-being, adults may refrain from performing regular physical activity, due to inadequate time, accessibility, or funds. Yet remote platforms could overcome such obstacles and increase participation. This study evaluated the effectiveness of remote-synchronous group-Pilates classes compared to in-studio classes in healthy sedentary women. In a randomized controlled design, 40 women, aged 20–45, were assigned to a Zoom or studio group-Pilates training. The intervention included twice-weekly 45 min sessions over an eight-week period. Attendance (adherence) was recorded, and the participants completed physical motor tests (plank, curl-up, stork, push-up, and V-sit and reach), Profile of Mood State Surveys, and Nordic Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaires. Evaluations were performed at baseline, mid-intervention (4 weeks), and post intervention (8 weeks). Adherence to training was high in the Zoom and studio groups (80% and 74%, respectively). Improvements in physical motor tests were seen in both groups following the Pilates interventions, thereby indicating the effectiveness of group-Pilates Zoom training. In conclusion, remote online physical activity such as Pilates offers a good alternative to in-studio trainings, as a means for improving physical fitness and promoting a healthy lifestyle in adults, by offering a more accessible and less timely alternative to in-studio physical activity programs. Full article

Research has shown that higher levels of physical activity are associated with better cognitive performance in children. However, the benefits of physical activity on academic achievement and specifically on mathematics performance need to be further explored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of a complex physical activity (CPA) intervention program, including cognitive involvement, on children’s mathematics performance. The participants were 128 children (aged 12–13 years) attending third grade in three middle schools. They were randomly allocated into a CPA intervention (n = 64) or a waitlist control group (n = 64), the latter of which was given a regular and easy-to-perform activity program. At baseline and after the intervention, students’ physical fitness was measured using a battery of standardized motor tests (20 m shuttle run test, curl-up test, push-up test, and sit and reach test). In addition, the AC-MT 11-14 test was administered to allow a standardized and comprehensive assessment of arithmetic problem-solving and arithmetic reasoning abilities. In comparison to the control, the intervention group showed significant improvements (p < 0.001) in comprehension and production (d = 1.88), arithmetic reasoning (d = 2.50), and problem solving (d = 1.32), as well as in 20 m shuttle run test (d = 1.81), push-up test (d = 1.88), curl-up (d = 3.52), and sit and reach (d = 2.52). No significant changes were found in the control group. In conclusion, findings showed that a 12-week CPA intervention program can improve mathematical performance in children in the third grade of middle school. CPA intervention may be an effective method to improve academic performance and avoid student failure. Full article

The rectus abdominis (RA) muscle is related to abdominal muscle contraction and is divided into three sub-sections. In this study, changes in each section according to the curl-up angles were measured using ultrasound with an extended field of view (EFOV) scan and compared with the conventional scan. The results showed that the locations of the measurement position center were consistently detected only with the EFOV scan and that the change ratios in thickness and length between sections at the same angles were not significantly different, suggesting that each section was selectively activated. Furthermore, the ratios of the thickness and length changes in each section were significantly different between the rest position and curl-up angles. Specifically, in the section 2 there was a significant difference in the thickness and length changes between different angles, reflecting the characteristics of RA during contraction, and their variations were less than in the section 3. Therefore, the results suggest that changes in only a section of RA cannot be representative of overall RA activation, EFOV scan method can be useful for investigating the structural characteristics of RA in detail, and the proposed method can obtain various information about muscle contraction for efficient muscle treatment and muscle strengthening. Full article

Core exercises have been widely promoted in the last 25 years. However, the scientific debate about its efficacy for improving individual and team sports performance is still open. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the effects of circuit training with a core exercise program on physical performance in competitive amateur soccer players. The training was conducted during the off-season period, two times per week for 8 weeks. Pre- and post-evaluations were conducted using the following tests: Y-Balance Test (YB), standing long jump (SLJ), medicine ball chest press (MBC), curl-up (CU), and Illinois Agility Test (IAT). A total of 19 adults were divided into an experimental group (EG, n = 11, age 22 years, weight 71.2 ± 4.8 kg, height 174 ± 5.8 cm) and a control group (CG, n = 8, age 22 years, weight 73.2 ± 4.1 Kg, height 176 ± 6.3 cm). The EG showed significant improvements in lower and upper body strength, core endurance and balance, whereas the CG did not report significant changes in the pre- and post-test comparison. Despite study limitations, our positive results show that circuit training with core exercises appears to be a good strategy for performance improvement in adult soccer players. Full article

Given the problem of the low tensile performance of the plastic film used in China, which brings about difficulties in curl-up film collecting, in this study, a contrast test was carried out on the tensile property of high-performance film for full recycling and the ordinary polyethylene film (PE film) that is used extensively in China. Test results showed that, within the service period, the elongation at break and tensile yield stress of the high-performance film were higher than those of ordinary polyethylene film, and, within the film-laying period of 0~30 days, the reduction scale of the elongation at break and tensile yield stress was higher than that within the film-laying period of 30~180 days. In this study, in order to obtain the lowest tensile performance of the film by curl-up film collecting, the operation principles of the curl-up film collectors were analyzed. The test on the force of curling up the film in the process of overcoming the force between the film and soil was analyzed. Test and analysis results showed that, for different sampling positions, film pick-up angles, and film types, the tensile stress on the film while pulling it up was within a range of 15.97~21.86 MPa. In order to verify the curling up effect of differently structured film collectors on different types of film with different thicknesses, a field test on film curl-up collecting was designed. A contrast test was carried out on two types of curl-up film collectors, 1JRM-2000 and 11SM-1.2, and the test results showed that the film recycling rate and working performance on the film laid in the same year by the film collector with a fixed film pick-up angle were higher than those for varying film pick-up angles. The curl-up film collector fixed with an automatic film-guiding mechanism is not affected by the velocity difference between the linear velocity of the film curl-up mechanism and the advancing velocity of the machine. The film recycling rate and working performance on the film laid in the same year by the 11SM-1.2 curl-up film collector can meet the operational requirements for collecting high-performance film with thicknesses of 0.008 mm and 0.01 mm. This research can provide a reference for simplifying the structure of residual plastic film collectors, increasing the film recycling rate, and reducing the cost. Full article

Background: This research aimed to investigate the correlation between students’ physical fitness and campus-built environment, which could put forward some suggestions for the construction of a campus environment. Method: Four colleges in Xi’an were regarded as special “semi-closed” spaces. Combined with ArcGIS and SPSS, the correlation between the built environment of colleges and the students’ physical fitness test results in 2019 was analyzed (n = 1498). Results: regarding the men questioned in this research, there was a significant correlation between street connectivity and vital capacity, grip strength, 50 m running, 1000 m running, a significant correlation between land use mix and vital capacity, sit-and-reach, pull-up, grip strength, a significant correlation between green space per capita and vital capacity, grip strength, 50 m running, and a significant correlation between walk score and vital capacity, pull-up, grip strength, and 50 m running. Regarding the women questioned in this research, there was a significant correlation between street connectivity and vital capacity, grip strength, 50 m running, 800 m running, curl-up, a significant correlation between land use mix and vital capacity, sit-and-reach, curl-up, grip strength, 800 m running, a significant correlation between green space per capita and vital capacity, grip strength, curl-up, sit-and-reach, and a significant correlation between walk score and vital capacity, curl-up, grip strength, and 800 m running. Conclusion: the built environment on campus can indirectly affect the physical fitness of college students. Increasing the number of intersections and short connections of campus streets, ensuring that the green space of the campus meets the standards, and reasonably arranging the site selection of buildings are conducive to improving the physical fitness of students. Full article

The health benefits of physical activity (PA) are widely recognized; however, biological maturation contributions are a subject that has been little studied, which is why the aim of this study was to analyze the effect of a six-week training program at moderate-intensity on the muscular strength and aerobic capacity in children between nine and 13 years (13 ± 1.0 years) according to their maturation state. Twenty-six schoolchildren (15 girls) participated in a six-week physical exercise program based on aerobic/anaerobic capacity and coordination skills. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max), trunk-lift, push-ups, curl-ups, and handgrip strength (both hands) were measured as response variables. Body mass index (BMI), skeletal maturity indicator (SMI), peak height velocity (PHV), age on peak height velocity (APHV) and sex were considered as covariates. The results of VO₂max, push-ups, curl-ups, and handgrip strength were higher after the exercise program in the whole group (p < 0.05). The VO₂max showed a greater increase in the normal-weight than in the overweight-obesity children (p = 0.001). Higher results in dominant handgrip strength were observed in girls (p = 0.003). The PHV before intervention presented a positive correlation with the dominant handgrip strength in all kids (r = 0.70, p = 0.001). As a conclusion, the six-week training program improved the physical fitness of children independent of the maturation state. Somatic maturation increases the physical abilities in schoolchildren. Full article

Background: Previous studies have shown that compression garments may aid recovery in acute settings; however, less is known about the long-term use of compression garments (CG) for recovery. This study aimed to assess the influence of wearing CG on changes in physical performance, subjective soreness, and sleep quality over 6 weeks of military training. Methods: Fifty-five officer-trainees aged 24 ± 6 y from the New Zealand Defence Force participated in the current study. Twenty-seven participants wore CG every evening for 4–6 h, and twenty-eight wore standard military attire (CON) over a 6-week period. Subjective questionnaires (soreness and sleep quality) were completed weekly, and 2.4 km run time-trial, maximum press-ups, and curl-ups were tested before and after the 6 weeks of military training. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA indicated no significant group × time interactions for performance measures (p > 0.05). However, there were small effects in favour of CG over CON for improvements in 2.4 km run times (d = −0.24) and press-ups (d = 0.36), respectively. Subjective soreness also resulted in no significant group × time interaction but displayed small to moderate effects for reduced soreness in favour of CG. Conclusions: Though not statistically significant, CG provided small to moderate benefits to muscle-soreness and small benefits to aspects of physical-performance over a 6-week military training regime. Full article

This study aimed to examine the physical fitness (PF) levels of primary school children and to determine the associations among PF, concentration, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a subcohort. PF was assessed in 6533 healthy primary school-age children (aged 6–10 years, 3248 boys and 3285 girls) via standardized test batteries. Concentration was measured with the d2-R test, and KINDL questionnaires were used to determine HRQOL. Analysis of variance showed an increase in PF with age in all PF dimensions (all p < 0.001), except cardiopulmonary fitness (estimated VO2max) in girls (p = 0.129). Boys performed better in nearly all PF dimensions, except curl-ups, in all children aged ≥7 years (p < 0.05). Concentration levels increased in boys and girls aged 7–9 years (p < 0.001), whereas HRQOL did not (p = 0.179). The estimated VO2max had a strong impact on concentration (β = 0.16, p < 0.001) and HRQOL (β = 0.21, p < 0.001) in 9- to 10-year-olds. Cardiopulmonary fitness is important for improved concentration and better HRQOL in primary school-age children. However, longitudinal data are needed to provide further insight into the intraindividual relationships of PF and concentration over the course of child development and set up targeted prevention programs. Full article

This study described the response of the bladder base (BB) by transabdominal ultrasound in primiparous women during movements that activate the abdominopelvic cavity musculature and cause variations in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 64 primiparous women at eight weeks after uncomplicated delivery. BB displacement was measured using a 5-MHz convex transducer in a suprapubic position. Participants were asked to perform the isolated contraction of pelvic floor musculature (PFM) and transverse abdominis (TrA), cough at high lung volume and trunk flexion with and without maximal voluntary contraction of PFM. PFM contraction elevated the BB in all but one participant, whereas TrA contraction caused the BB to ascend in 56% of the women and descend in the rest; their combined contraction rose the BB in 65% of the women although the effect was greater with only PFM contraction (p < 0.01). The BB descended in all participants during coughing and trunk flexion although the descent was inferior with the joint maximal voluntary contraction of PFM (p < 0.01). In conclusion, TrA contraction must be assessed individually in puerperal women since its effect on the BB varies among subjects. During movements increasing IAP, such as coughing or curl-ups, the anticipatory contraction of PFM reduces bladder descent although not sufficiently to counteract bladder displacement. Full article