Applied Sciences

Research

13 pages, 1318 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intensity of Physical Activity in Physical Education Classes and School Recesses and Its Associations with Body Mass Index and Global Fitness Score in Spanish Schoolchildren

by José Francisco López-Gil, Iván Cavero-Redondo, Pedro Juan Tárraga-López, Edina Maria de Camargo, Irene Sequí-Domínguez, Juan Luis Yuste Lucas, Fernando Renato Cavichiolli and Antonio García-Hermoso

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(23), 11337; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112311337 - 30 Nov 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2755

Abstract

Background: Examining the association between excess weight or physical fitness and intensity of physical activity (PA) during Physical Education (PE) classes or school recesses and in children could be of great interest and importance, especially for future intervention programs or public policies related [...] Read more.

Background: Examining the association between excess weight or physical fitness and intensity of physical activity (PA) during Physical Education (PE) classes or school recesses and in children could be of great interest and importance, especially for future intervention programs or public policies related to PA. The aim of this study was to explore the association between intensity of PA in PE classes or school recesses and excess weight or global physical fitness in a sample of Spanish schoolchildren. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in the Valle de Ricote (Region of Murcia, Spain). A final sample of 350 Spanish schoolchildren between 6 and 13 years of age was included from six different schools. Intensity of PA during PE classes and recesses was assessed by the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C). To assess physical fitness, the extended ALPHA fitness test battery was used. Body mass index (z-score) was calculated following the age- and sex-specific thresholds of the World Health Organization. Results: Both body mass index (z-score) and Global Fitness Score (z-score) were lower in schoolchildren engaging in high intensity of PA in both PE lessons and school (p < 0.05 for all). Lower odds of having excess weight were found in those who reported high intensity of PA in both PE classes and school recesses (OR = 0.54; CI 95%, 0.30–0.96). In these same participants, higher odds of being in the high Global Fitness Score tertile were found (OR = 1.96; CI 95%, 1.01–3.85). Conclusions: Our study showed that higher intensity of PA in PE classes and school recesses was associated with lower excess weight and higher global physical fitness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise Training on Human Health and Performance)

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13 pages, 624 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of 12 Weeks of Strength Training and Gluten-Free Diet on Quality of Life, Body Composition and Strength in Women with Celiac Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Alejandro Martínez-Rodríguez, Daniela Alejandra Loaiza-Martínez, Javier Sánchez-Sánchez, Jacobo A. Rubio-Arias, Fernando Alacid, Soledad Prats-Moya, María Martínez-Olcina, Rodrigo Yáñez-Sepúlveda, Nuria Asencio-Mas and Pablo J. Marcos-Pardo

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(22), 10960; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112210960 - 19 Nov 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3615

Abstract

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease characterized by gluten-induced intestinal inflammation. Dietary restrictions and symptoms may have a significant impact on the patient’s quality of life, body composition (BC), and strength. This study was designed to assess the impact of an isocaloric [...] Read more.

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease characterized by gluten-induced intestinal inflammation. Dietary restrictions and symptoms may have a significant impact on the patient’s quality of life, body composition (BC), and strength. This study was designed to assess the impact of an isocaloric gluten free diet and resistance exercise in women. A total of 28 Spanish women, aged 40 years old or more, took part in a randomized controlled trial. Each group received a different intervention: group 1, gluten-free nutrition plan + exercise (GFD + E); group 2, gluten-free nutrition plan (GFD); group 3, celiac controls (NO-GFD); and group 4, non-celiac controls (CONTROL). The variables studied were quality of life, BC and isometric hand strength. After 12 weeks of intervention, celiac women that followed a gluten-free diet and exercise showed higher scores on the psychological health scale than celiac women without intervention. The women in group 1 were the only ones who presented improvements in BC variables; fat mass, BMI, and fat-free mass. Negative correlations were found between the perception of quality of life and age, however a positive correlation between quality of life and isometric strength test results was found. In addition to a gluten-free diet, resistance training is essential to improve BC, strength, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise Training on Human Health and Performance)

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15 pages, 2139 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Seat Pressures and Rowing Cadences on Muscle Oxygenation and Physiological Parameter Responses

by Kuei-Yu Chien, Wei-Han Chen, Feng-Yi Chang, Yong Yang, Hsiao-Yun Chang, En-Tzu Wang and Wan-Chin Chen

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(22), 10621; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112210621 - 11 Nov 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1948

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of rowing with different seat cushion and cadence conditions on oxyhemoglobin (O2Hb) and total hemoglobin (tHb) levels of the erector spinae (ES) as well as the effects on heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Thirty [...] Read more.

This study investigated the effects of rowing with different seat cushion and cadence conditions on oxyhemoglobin (O2Hb) and total hemoglobin (tHb) levels of the erector spinae (ES) as well as the effects on heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Thirty healthy adults completed tests under three unstable air seat cushion pressure levels (0, 80, and 140 mmHg) and three rowing cadences (slow: 18 bpm, medium: 30 bpm, and fast: 36 bpm) on a rowing machine, for a total of nine test conditions. During the exercise period, rowing on cushions set to 80 mmHg resulted in greater O2Hb and tHb changes than did rowing at 0 mmHg (p < 0.05). When rowing cadence increased, the O2Hb and tHb decreased during the exercise period, whereas HR and RPE increased (p < 0.05). During the recovery period, O2Hb and tHb on cushions set to 140 mmHg during slow rowing were higher than those at 0 mmHg during slow rowing and 140 mmHg during fast rowing (p < 0.05). Rowing on an appropriate pressure of seat cushion and using a slow cadence contribute to increasing muscle oxygenation of low back during exercise. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise Training on Human Health and Performance)

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14 pages, 2310 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ultrafast Ultrasound-Derived Muscle Strain Measure Correlates with Carotid Local Pulse Wave Velocity in Habitual Resistance-Trained Individuals

by Hsin-Fu Lin, Yi-Hung Liao and Pai-Chi Li

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(18), 8783; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11188783 - 21 Sep 2021

Viewed by 2569

Abstract

Purpose: this study investigated the effects of the intensity of machine-based bicep curl resistance exercise on ultrafast ultrasound-derived muscle strain rate and carotid ultrafast pulse wave velocity (ufPWV), and examined the association between muscle strain rate, ufPWV, and established carotid [...] Read more.

Purpose: this study investigated the effects of the intensity of machine-based bicep curl resistance exercise on ultrafast ultrasound-derived muscle strain rate and carotid ultrafast pulse wave velocity (ufPWV), and examined the association between muscle strain rate, ufPWV, and established carotid function measures in habitual resistance-trained individuals. Methods: twenty-three young habitual resistance-trained males (age: 24 ± 1 year, body mass index = 24 ± 1 kg/m²) were recruited to participate in two bouts of acute bicep curl exercise. After one-repetition maximum determination (1RM), the participants were randomly assigned to engage in bicep curls at 40 or 80%1RM intensity (10 reps × five sets) by a crossover study design. The muscle strain rate of bicep muscle, carotid ufPWV during systole(ufPWV-sys), and diastole (ufPWV-dia) were obtained pre- and post-exercise. In addition, carotid function measures were calculated by obtained carotid diameter and central blood pressure changes. Results: compared with pre-exercise, the reduction in post-exercise muscle strain rate and its area under the curve of 80%1RM was greater than those of 40%1RM. Both ufPWV-sys and ufPWV-dia increased regardless of exercise intensity. Baseline bicep muscle strain rate correlated not only with ufPWV-sys (r = −0.71, p = 0.001), ufPWV-dia (r = −0.74, p = 0.001), but also carotid compliance (r = 0.49, p = 0.02), distensibility (r = 0.54, p = 0.01) and ß stiffness (r= −0.84, p < 0.0001). The ufPWVs also correlated with ß stiffness (r = 0.64–0.76, p = 0.01). Conclusion: muscle stiffness measured by ultrafast ultrasound elastography increases positively with resistance exercise intensity, and it appears to correlate with carotid ufPWV and established carotid function measures in habitual resistance-trained individuals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise Training on Human Health and Performance)

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10 pages, 264 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Gender Differences in Nutritional, Odontological and Psychological Patterns of Adolescent Students during COVID-19 Pandemic

by Alexandra Martín-Rodríguez, José Francisco Tornero-Aguilera, P. Javier López-Pérez and Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(18), 8499; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11188499 - 13 Sep 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2556

Abstract

This research aimed to explore gender differences in nutritional, odontological and psychological patterns of adolescent students during the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to achieve the study’s aim, 127 adolescent students (17.61 ± 7.43 years) completed an online questionnaire which analysed variables regarding their [...] Read more.

This research aimed to explore gender differences in nutritional, odontological and psychological patterns of adolescent students during the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to achieve the study’s aim, 127 adolescent students (17.61 ± 7.43 years) completed an online questionnaire which analysed variables regarding their psychological, nutritional, oral health, and physical activity profiles and habits during the COVID-19 crisis. Students showed a higher weekly alcohol consumption and higher levels of loneliness perception when alcohol consumption was lower. In addition, experimental avoidance and psychological inflexibility values were lower when the perception of having dry mouth or lack of saliva is higher. The results also show that males presented a more varied intake of food than females and a stronger adherence to physical activity routines. Female students presented a lower number of meals per day when beer and alcohol consumption was higher, and a higher tendency for fat- and sugar-rich foods such as fast food or bakery products than males. Regarding the oral health profile, females showed higher values in daily tooth brushing and no significant differences were found in dry mouth and gastritis variables. The results from the present study could be used by various educational institutions to implement multidisciplinary interventions to develop healthier habits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise Training on Human Health and Performance)

8 pages, 286 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Surgical Mask Use in Anaerobic Running Performance

by José Francisco Tornero-Aguilera, Alejandro Rubio-Zarapuz, Alvaro Bustamante-Sánchez and Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(14), 6555; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11146555 - 16 Jul 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4105

Abstract

COVID-19 restrictions stipulate the mandatory use of surgical masks during outdoor and indoor physical activities. The impact of this on athletic performance and especially on anaerobic physical activities is poorly known. The aim of the present research was to analyze the effect of [...] Read more.

COVID-19 restrictions stipulate the mandatory use of surgical masks during outdoor and indoor physical activities. The impact of this on athletic performance and especially on anaerobic physical activities is poorly known. The aim of the present research was to analyze the effect of surgical mask use on the anaerobic running performance of athletes. Modifications in running time, blood lactate, blood glucose, blood oxygen saturation, subjective perceived stress, rating of perceived exertion, and heart rate variability were measured in 50 m and 400 m maximal running tests with and without the use of surgical masks in 72 athletes. The use of a surgical mask increased blood lactate concentration, sympathetic autonomic modulation, perceived exertion, perceived stress, and decreased blood oxygen saturation in 50 and 400 m running tests. Thus, the higher levels of blood lactate and lower blood oxygen saturation require adaptation of the athlete’s rest and recovery periods to the acute workload. The higher level of sympathetic activation makes the acute and chronic control of autonomic modulation essential for an efficient training periodization. Finally, the use of acid buffers such as bicarbonate or sodium citrate would be a recommended ergogenic strategy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise Training on Human Health and Performance)

Review

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14 pages, 1249 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effects of Exercise on Cardiac Function Outcomes in Women Receiving Anthracycline or Trastuzumab Treatment for Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Pedro Antunes, Dulce Esteves, Célia Nunes, Anabela Amarelo, José Fonseca-Moutinho, Vera Afreixo, Henrique Costa, Alberto Alves and Ana Joaquim

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(18), 8336; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11188336 - 8 Sep 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2679

Abstract

Background: we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy of exercise training on cardiac function and circulating biomarkers outcomes among women with breast cancer (BC) receiving anthracycline or trastuzumab-containing therapy. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, [...] Read more.

Background: we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy of exercise training on cardiac function and circulating biomarkers outcomes among women with breast cancer (BC) receiving anthracycline or trastuzumab-containing therapy. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Scopus were searched. The primary outcome was change on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Secondary outcomes included diastolic function, strain imaging and circulating biomarkers. Results: Four RCTs were included, of those three were conducted during anthracycline and one during trastuzumab, involving 161 patients. All trials provided absolute change in LVEF (%) after a short to medium-term of treatment exposure (≤6 months). Pooled data revealed no differences in LVEF in the exercise group versus control [mean difference (MD): 2.07%; 95% CI: −0.17 to 4.34]. Similar results were observed by pooling data from the three RCTs conducted during anthracycline. Data from trials that implemented interventions with ≥36 exercise sessions (n = 3) showed a significant effect in preventing LVEF decline favoring the exercise (MD: 3.25%; 95% CI: 1.20 to 5.31). No significant changes were observed on secondary outcomes. Conclusions: exercise appears to have a beneficial effect in mitigating LVEF decline and this effect was significant for interventions with ≥36 exercise sessions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise Training on Human Health and Performance)

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Other

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14 pages, 2531 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Regular Physical Activity and Dental Erosion: A Systematic Review

by Kacper Nijakowski, Jakub Zdrojewski, Monika Nowak, Filip Podgórski and Anna Surdacka

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(3), 1099; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12031099 - 21 Jan 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4322

Abstract

Dental erosion is the irreversible pathological loss of hard tissues, which are chemically dissolved by acids, especially through external means, such as diet (e.g., fruit juices, isotonic or energy drinks). This systematic review was designed to answer the question “Is there a relationship [...] Read more.

Dental erosion is the irreversible pathological loss of hard tissues, which are chemically dissolved by acids, especially through external means, such as diet (e.g., fruit juices, isotonic or energy drinks). This systematic review was designed to answer the question “Is there a relationship between dental erosion and regular physical activity with or without sports drink consumption?” Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, sixteen studies were included in this systematic review (according to PRISMA statement guidelines). Based on the meta-analysis, physically active individuals who declared regular consumption of sports drinks had a more than 2.5-fold increase in the odds of erosive lesions. In general, nearly half of the people who practiced sports experienced tooth erosion, and more than half frequently consumed sports beverages. Despite the heterogeneity of the included studies (different age groups, various sports disciplines), regular physical activity was associated with an increased risk of dental erosion, especially under the influence of frequent consumption of sports drinks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise Training on Human Health and Performance)

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