ORCID Profile
0000-0001-7601-9670
Current Organisation
University of South Australia
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Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2017
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 30-11-2017
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2017-098253
Abstract: To develop sex-specific and age-specific normative values for the nine Eurofit tests in European children and adolescents aged 9–17 years. A systematic review was undertaken to identify papers that explicitly reported descriptive results for at least one of nine Eurofit tests (measuring balance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, muscular power, flexibility, speed, speed-agility and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF)) on children and adolescents. Data were included on apparently healthy (free from known disease/injury) children and adolescents aged 9–17 years. Following harmonisation for methodological variation where appropriate, pseudodata were generated using Monte Carlo simulation, with population-weighted sex-specific and age-specific normative centiles generated using the Lambda Mu Sigma (LMS) method. Sex-specific and age-specific differences were expressed as standardised differences in means, with the percentage of children and adolescents with healthy CRF estimated at the sex-age level. Norms were displayed as tabulated centiles and as smoothed centile curves for the nine Eurofit tests. The final dataset included 2 779 165 results on children and adolescents from 30 European countries, extracted from 98 studies. On average, 78% of boys (95% CI 72% to 85%) and 83% of girls (95% CI 71% to 96%) met the standards for healthy CRF, with the percentage meeting the standards decreasing with age. Boys performed substantially (standardised differences .2) better than girls on muscular strength, muscular power, muscular endurance, speed-agility and CRF tests, but worse on the flexibility test. Physical fitness generally improved at a faster rate in boys than in girls, especially during the teenage years. This study provides the largest and most geographically representative sex-specific and age-specific European normative values for children and adolescents, which have utility for health and fitness screening, profiling, monitoring and surveillance.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2021
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 08-2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-03-2202
DOI: 10.1111/IJPO.13029
Abstract: Evidence shows children gain more weight during the summer holidays versus the school year. To examine within‐child differences in activity and diet behaviours during the summer holidays versus the school year. Children (mean age 9.4 years 37% male) wore accelerometers (GENEActiv n = 133), reported activities (Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adolescents n = 133) and parents reported child diet ( n = 133) at five timepoints over 2 years capturing school and summer holiday values. Mixed‐effects models were used to compare school and summer holiday behaviours. Children spent less time in moderate‐ to vigorous‐physical activity (−12 min/day p = 0.001) and sleep (−12 min/day p 0.001) and more time sedentary (+27 min/day p 0.001) during summer holidays versus the school year. Screentime (+70 min/day p 0.001), domestic/social activities (+43 min/day p = .001), self‐care (+24 min/day p 0.001), passive transport (+22 min/day p = 0.001) and quiet time (+16 min/day p = 0.012) were higher during the summer holidays, compensating for less time in school‐related activities (−164 min/day p 0.001). Diet quality was lower (−4 points p 0.001) and children consumed fewer serves of fruit (−0.4 serves p 0.001) during the summer holidays versus the school year. Children are displaying poorer activity and diet behaviours during the summer holidays, which may contribute to accelerated weight gain over the holiday period.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-03-2020
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 15-07-2010
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 05-2019
Abstract: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a good summative measure of the body's ability to perform continuous, rhythmic, dynamic, large-muscle group physical activity, and exercise. In children, CRF is meaningfully associated with health, independent of physical activity levels, and it is an important determinant of sports and athletic performance. Although gas-analyzed peak oxygen uptake is the criterion physiological measure of children's CRF, it is not practical for population-based testing. Field testing offers a simple, cheap, practical alternative to gas analysis. The 20-m shuttle run test (20mSRT)-a progressive aerobic exercise test involving continuous running between 2 lines 20 m apart in time to audio signals-is probably the most widely used field test of CRF. This review aims to clarify the international utility of the 20mSRT by synthesizing the evidence describing measurement variability, validity, reliability, feasibility, and the interpretation of results, as well as to provide future directions for international surveillance. The authors show that the 20mSRT is an acceptable, feasible, and scalable measure of CRF and functional/exercise capacity, and that it has moderate criterion validity and high to very high reliability. The assessment is pragmatic, easily interpreted, and results are transferable to meaningful and understandable situations. The authors recommend that CRF, assessed by the 20mSRT, be considered as an international population health surveillance measure to provide additional insight into pediatric population health.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-07-2021
DOI: 10.1002/IJFE.1894
Abstract: Assuming that the economic variables obey the normal distribution, existing studies often use traditional mean models to explore commodity prices. In fact, the distribution of economic data is often skewed. When the economic data is left‐biased or right‐biased, the quantile regression can more fully characterize the distribution of economic variables, and thus obtain a comprehensive analysis result. Moreover, the coefficient estimates of the quantile regression are more robust than those in the ordinary least squares regression. Therefore, this paper uses the quantile regression method to investigate commodity price fluctuations. The results show that the money supply has a greater impact on commodity prices in the lower 10th and 10th–25th quantile groups. Among all quantile groups, the impact of international oil prices on commodity prices in the upper 90th quantile group is the highest. The effect of the exchange rate in the 25th–50th quantile group is greater than those in other quantile groups. However, the real economy has a minimal impact on the 25th–50th quantile group. Thus, the heterogeneous effects of these influencing factors should be taken into consideration when stabilizing commodity prices.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-08-2023
DOI: 10.1111/APA.16930
Abstract: Determine if asymmetric handgrip strength exists in childhood and adulthood and quantify the degree of tracking of handgrip strength asymmetry over time. Participants from the Childhood Determinants of Adult Health Study had their right and left handgrip strength measured using handgrip dynamometry in childhood (1985: 9–15 y), young adulthood (2004–06: 26–36 y) and/or mid‐adulthood (2014–19: 36–49 y). Handgrip strength asymmetry was calculated as: strongest handgrip strength/strongest handgrip strength on the other hand. Participants were categorised based on the degree of their asymmetry (0.0%–10.0%, 10.1%–20.0%, 20.1%–30.0%, .0%). Tracking was quantified using Spearman's correlations and log binomial regression. Handgrip strength asymmetry was present in childhood and adulthood ( .0% asymmetry: childhood = 6%, young adulthood = 3%, mid‐adulthood = 4%). Handgrip strength asymmetry did not track between childhood and young‐ ( r = 0.06, 95% CI = −0.02, 0.12) and mid‐adulthood ( r = 0.01, 95% CI = −0.09, 0.10). Tracking was more apparent between young‐ and mid‐adulthood ( r = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.09, 0.22). Participants with .0% asymmetry were at greater risk to maintain this status between childhood and young‐ (RR = 3.53, 95% CI = 1.15, 10.87) and mid‐adulthood (RR = 2.14, 95% CI = 0.45, 10.20). Although handgrip strength asymmetry tracked relatively poorly, asymmetric handgrip strength was apparent in children and adults. Handgrip strength asymmetry does not exclusively affect older adults and should be considered in protocols to better understand its role across the life course.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.ARCHGER.2022.104716
Abstract: Handgrip strength (HGS) asymmetry may help identify the functional asymmetries that contribute to mobility limitations. We sought to determine the associations of HGS asymmetry on gait speed and standing balance in older Americans. The analytic s le included 8,396 adults aged ≥65-years for the last wave in which they participated in the 2006-2016 Health and Retirement Study. Participants were categorized into asymmetry groups based on the degree of HGS asymmetry. Persons with gait speed 30.0% asymmetry had 1.23 (CI: 1.05-1.44) greater odds. Persons with 10.1%-20.0%, 20.1%-30.0%, and >30% asymmetry had 1.09 (CI: 1.07-1.22), 1.23 (CI: 1.07-1.42) and 1.40 (CI: 1.22-1.61) greater odds for poorer static balance, respectively. Those in each in idual asymmetry group had greater odds for slow gait speed: 1.14 (CI: 1.03-1.26) for >10.0%, 1.19 (CI: 1.07-1.33) for >20.0%, and 1.16 (CI: 1.01-1.35) for >30.0%. Similar results were observed for poorer balance: 1.20 (CI: 1.09-1.32) for >10.0%, 1.27 (CI: 1.15-1.41) for >20.0%, and 1.31 (CI: 1.16-1.49) for >30.0%. Every 10% asymmetry increase was associated with 1.62 (CI: 1.32-1.99) greater odds for poorer balance. The bimanual aspects of HGS asymmetry may reflect the bilateral movements required for mobility, and the relationship between upper and lower extremity strength and function may elucidate our findings.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 22-07-2010
DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2010.489967
Abstract: The aim of this study was to quantify the secular changes in body dimensions of Royal Australian Air Force aircrew. Following corrections for methodological differences, two s les (matched for age and overall body size) of male aircrew measured in 1971 (n = 220) and 2005 (n = 220) were compared across 13 absolute and proportional body dimensions. Changes in means were expressed as standardised effect sizes and changes in distributional characteristics were expressed as the ratio of coefficients of variation and as changes in skew. Small secular increases (standardised effects sizes >0.2) in age-matched aircrew were observed for mass, height, BMI, sitting height, buttock-knee length, waist girth, hip girth and waist:hip ratio, with a small decline observed for head girth. Changes in body dimensions were not independent of changes in overall body size (except for head girth) and were not always uniform across the distribution. These changes in body size have implications for ensuring correct human-machine and human-equipment fit. STATEMENT OF RELEVANCE: There have been small secular changes in body dimensions of RAAF aircrew between 1971 and 2005, although these secular changes have not always been uniform across the distribution. These secular changes in body dimensions have implications for ensuring correct human-machine and human-equipment fit and underscore the need for regular anthropometric surveys.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2022
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2006
DOI: 10.1080/02640410500432193
Abstract: This study is a meta-analysis of 109 reports of the performance of children and adolescents on the 20-m shuttle run test (20-mSRT). The studies were performed in 37 countries and included data on 418,026 children, tested between 1981 and 2003. Results were expressed as running speed (km x h(-1)) at the final completed stage of the 20-mSRT. Raw data were combined with pseudodata using Monte Carlo simulation. The 20-mSRT performances were expressed as z-scores relative to all children of the same age and sex from all countries. An overall "performance index" was derived for each country as the average of the age- and sex-specific z-scores for all children from that country. Factorial analysis of variance was used to compare scores among countries and regions, and between boys and girls of the same age. There was wide and significant (P < 0.0001) global variability in the performance of children. The best performing children were from the Northern European countries Estonia, Iceland, Lithuania, and Finland (0.6 - 0.9 standard deviations above the global average). The worst performing children were from Singapore, Brazil, USA, Italy, Portugal, and Greece (0.4 - 0.9 standard deviations below the global average). There is evidence that performance was negatively related to being overweight, as well as to a country's average temperature.
Publisher: Hapres
Date: 2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-2021
DOI: 10.1007/S40279-021-01537-3
Abstract: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), which reflects the overall aerobic capacity of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and muscular systems, is significantly related to health among youth. The aim of this systematic review was to identify health-related criterion-referenced cut-points for CRF among youth aged 5-17 years. A systematic search of two electronic databases (MEDLINE and SPORTDiscus) was conducted in September 2020. Only peer-reviewed studies that developed health-related criterion-referenced cut-points for CRF among youth were eligible provided they included (1) youth aged 5-17 years from the general population (2) at least one quantitative assessment of CRF (e.g., peak oxygen uptake [[Formula: see text]O Collectively, 29 included studies developed health-related criterion-referenced cut-points for CRF among 193,311 youth from 23 countries. CRF cut-points, expressed as [Formula: see text]O Currently, there is too wide a range of health-related criterion-referenced cut-points for CRF among youth to suggest universal age- and sex-specific thresholds. To further inform the development of universal cut-points, there is a need for additional research, using standardized testing protocols and health-risk definitions, that examines health-related criterion-referenced cut-points for CRF that are age, sex, and culturally erse. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020207458.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2021
Publisher: American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Date: 05-2015
DOI: 10.1002/2014JC010557
Publisher: Routledge
Date: 11-09-2008
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2018
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-01-2008
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2016
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 30-10-2017
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2017-097982
Abstract: To estimate international and national temporal trends in the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) of children and adolescents and to examine relationships between temporal trends in CRF and temporal trends in broad socioeconomic and health-related indicators across countries. Data were obtained from a systematic search of studies that explicitly reported 20 m shuttle run test (a validated measure of CRF) descriptive data on apparently healthy in iduals aged 9–17 years. Following the estimation of relative peak oxygen uptake (mL/kg/min) as a measure of CRF, s le-weighted temporal trends were estimated at the country–sex–age level using best-fitting linear or polynomial regression models relating the year of testing to mean CRF. Poststratified population-weighted mean changes in absolute and per cent CRF were estimated. Pearson’s correlations were used to describe the association between linear temporal trends in CRF and linear temporal trends in broad socioeconomic and health-related indicators. Temporal trends were estimated from 965 264 children and adolescents from 19 high-income and upper middle-income countries between 1981 and 2014, using data from 137 studies. Collectively, there was a moderate decline in CRF of 3.3 mL/kg/min (95% CI −3.5 to −3.1), equivalent to a decline of 7.3% (95% CI −7.8% to −6.7%) over the 33-year time period. This international decline diminished with each decade and stabilised near zero around 2000. The decline was larger for boys than girls and was similar for children and adolescents. Trends also differed in magnitude and direction between countries, with most showing declines. There was a strong negative association between country-specific trends in income inequality (Gini index) and trends in CRF across 18 countries meaning, countries approaching income equality had more favourable trends in CRF. There has been a substantial decline in CRF since 1981, which is suggestive of a meaningful decline in population health. However, the international trend in CRF has not followed the anticipated trajectory, diminishing and stabilising with negligible change since 2000. CRF data are needed from children in low-income and middle-income countries to more confidently determine true international trends and determine whether temporal trends are similar to those observed in high-income and upper middle-income countries.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2003
DOI: 10.2165/00007256-200333040-00003
Abstract: It is widely believed that the performance of children and adolescents on aerobic fitness tests is declining. To test this hypothesis, this meta-analysis compared the results of 55 reports of the performance of children and adolescents aged 6-19 years who have used the 20m shuttle run test (20mSRT). All data were collected in the period 1981-2000. Following corrections for methodological variation, the results of all studies were expressed using the common metric of running speed (km/h) at the last completed stage. Raw data were combined with pseudodata generated from reported means and standard deviations using Monte Carlo simulation. Where data were available on children and adolescents from the same country of the same age and sex, but tested at different times, linear regression was used to calculate rates of change. This was possible for 11 (mainly developed) countries, representing a total of 129,882 children and adolescents in 151 age x sex x country slices. There has been a significant decline in performance in the 11 countries where data were available, and in most age x sex groups, with a s le-weighted mean decline of 0.43% of mean values per year. The decline was most marked in older age groups and the rate of decline was similar for boys and girls. There has been a very rapid secular decline in the 20mSRT performance of children and adolescents over the last 20 years, at least in developed countries. The rate of decline is not related to the change in the country's relative wealth, as quantified by per capita gross domestic product (GDP).
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2003
DOI: 10.1016/S1440-2440(03)80025-7
Abstract: Data on the performance fitness of 50,385 Australian students aged between 12 and 15 years were used to determine whether students differed in physical fitness according to school sector (independent vs government vs Catholic). Students were tested between 1995 and 2001 as part of the Australian Sports Commission's Talent Search program. The results of the 20 m shuttle run (20mSRT), vertical jump and 40 m sprint tests were selected as being representative of aerobic, explosive and anaerobic performance. All results were expressed as age- and gender-specific z-scores. MANOVA showed that independent school students outperformed students from the Catholic and government sectors on the selected tests for both boys and girls (p < 0.0001). In the 20mSRT, the difference amounted to 0.28-0.43 SDs. In the sprint and jump tests, independent school students were superior by 0.05-0.17 SDs. A proxy for socio-economic status (SES) explained about 90% of the differences between sectors, with high SES schools consistently outperforming low SES schools. Nonetheless, even when SES was factored in, sectoral differences remained significant. Insofar as fitness is related to school activities, these findings raise equity concerns in Australian school physical education.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 09-02-2020
Abstract: to estimate temporal trends in handgrip strength (HGS) for older Japanese adults between 1998 and 2017. adults aged 60–79 years were included. Annual nationally representative HGS data (n = 176,449) for the 19-year study period were obtained from the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Temporal trends in mean HGS were estimated by s le-weighted regression models relating the year of testing to mean HGS. National trends in absolute, percent and standardised HGS were estimated by a post-stratified population-weighting procedure. Temporal trends in variability were estimated as the ratio of coefficients of variation (CVs). collectively, there was a small improvement in mean HGS of 1.4 kg (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3–1.5), 4.5% (95%CI: 4.3–4.7) or 0.27 standard deviations (95%CI: 0.26–0.28) between 1998 and 2017. The rate of improvement progressively increased over time, with more recent values (post-2008) 1.5-fold larger than earlier values. Gender- and age-related temporal differences were negligible. Variability in HGS declined substantially over time (ratio of CVs [95%CI]: 0.88 [0.86–0.90]), with declines 1.9-fold larger in women compared to men and 1.7-fold larger in 70- to 79-year-olds compared to 60- to 69-year-olds. there has been a small, progressive improvement in mean HGS for older Japanese adults since 1998, which is suggestive of a corresponding improvement in strength capacity. The substantial decline in variability indicates that the improvement in mean HGS was not uniform across the population.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2018
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 16-08-2018
DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2018.1511318
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the ability of international normative centiles for the 20 m shuttle run test (20mSRT) to identify youth at increased cardiometabolic risk. This was a cross-sectional study involving 961 children aged 10-17 years (53% girls) from the United Kingdom. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves determined the discriminatory ability of cardiorespiratory fitness percentiles for predicting increased cardiometabolic risk. ROC analysis demonstrated a significant but poor discriminatory accuracy of cardiorespiratory fitness in identifying low/high cardiometabolic risk in girls (AUC = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.54-0.63 p = 0.04), and in boys (AUC = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.54-0.63 p = 0.03). The cardiorespiratory fitness cut-off associated with high cardiometabolic risk was the 55
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2021
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 08-2006
DOI: 10.1123/PES.18.3.314
Abstract: Secular changes in anaerobic fitness test performance in healthy 6- to 17-year-old Australasians were examined by meta-analysis of 232,564 power- and speed-test performances between 1960 and 2002. Overall, power-test performance improved at a rate of +0.05% [95% confidence interval (CI) = +0.01% to +0.09%] per annum, and speed at +0.04% (CI = +0.02% to +0.06%) per annum. Results indicate that anaerobic-fitness-test performances have remained relatively stable in Australasian children and adolescents in recent decades.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-02-2020
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 20-09-2016
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2016-096224
Abstract: To describe and compare 20 m shuttle run test (20mSRT) performance among children and youth across 50 countries to explore broad socioeconomic indicators that correlate with 20mSRT performance in children and youth across countries and to evaluate the utility of the 20mSRT as an international population health indicator for children and youth. A systematic review was undertaken to identify papers that explicitly reported descriptive 20mSRT (with 1-min stages) data on apparently healthy 9–17 year-olds. Descriptive data were standardised to running speed (km/h) at the last completed stage. Country-specific 20mSRT performance indices were calculated as population-weighted mean z-scores relative to all children of the same age and sex from all countries. Countries were categorised into developed and developing groups based on the Human Development Index, and a correlational analysis was performed to describe the association between country-specific performance indices and broad socioeconomic indicators using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Performance indices were calculated for 50 countries using collated data on 1 142 026 children and youth aged 9–17 years. The best performing countries were from Africa and Central-Northern Europe. Countries from South America were consistently among the worst performing countries. Country-specific income inequality (Gini index) was a strong negative correlate of the performance index across all 50 countries. The pattern of variability in the performance index broadly supports the theory of a physical activity transition and income inequality as the strongest structural determinant of health in children and youth. This simple and cost-effective assessment would be a powerful tool for international population health surveillance.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1039/D2FO02403A
Abstract: Increasing dietary nitrate consumption over 7 days is not effective in reducing soluble inflammatory mediators in in iduals with treated hypertension.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 02-2016
Abstract: Australia has joined a growing number of nations that have evaluated the physical activity and sedentary behavior status of their children. Australia received a “D minus” in the first Active Healthy Kids Australia Physical Activity Report Card. An expert subgroup of the Australian Report Card Research Working Group iteratively reviewed available evidence to answer 3 questions: (a) What are the main sedentary behaviors of children? (b) What are the potential mechanisms for sedentary behavior to impact child health and development? and (c) What are the effects of different types of sedentary behaviors on child health and development? Neither sedentary time nor screen time is a homogeneous activity likely to result in homogenous effects. There are several mechanisms by which various sedentary behaviors may positively or negatively affect cardiometabolic, neuromusculoskeletal, and psychosocial health, though the strength of evidence varies. National surveillance systems and mechanistic, longitudinal, and experimental studies are needed for Australia and other nations to improve their grade. Despite limitations, available evidence is sufficiently convincing that the total exposure and pattern of exposure to sedentary behaviors are critical to the healthy growth, development, and wellbeing of children. Nations therefore need strategies to address these common behaviors.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-10-2010
DOI: 10.1038/IJO.2009.211
Abstract: Popular media, health experts and researchers talk about a paediatric 'obesity epidemic' with exponentially increasing rates of obesity and overweight. However, some recent reports suggest that prevalence may have plateaued. This study examined trends in the prevalence of Australian childhood overweight and obesity since 1985. Specifically, it aimed to determine whether there have been (a) overall increases in average body mass index (BMI), (b) differential patterns of change within age groups and (c) increases in BMI within each weight-status category. Forty-one Australian studies of childhood weight status conducted between 1985 and 2008 were reviewed. The studies included data on 264 905 Australians aged 2-18 years, with raw data being available on 70 758 children (27%). Children were classified as overweight or obese based on BMI using the criteria of Cole et al. (BMJ, 2000). The prevalence estimates were adjusted for age and sex, and plotted against measurement year using Lowess plots and two-linear-segment models. Where raw data were available, BMI z-scores (UK 1990 standard) were plotted against measurement year for all children and children in various age groups. Lowess plots and two-linear-segment models were used to assess secular trends in BMI z-scores pre- and post-1996 within age, gender and weight-status categories. There has been a plateau, or only slight increase, in the percentage of boys and girls classified as overweight or obese, with almost no change over the last 10 years. In boys and girls, prevalence rates have settled around 21-25% for overweight and obesity together, and 5-6% for obesity alone. Similar trends were found for BMI z-scores. These patterns were fairly consistent across the age span. Within each weight-status category, average BMI has not increased. Although levels of Australian paediatric overweight remain high, the prevalence of overweight and obesity seems to have flattened and has not followed the anticipated exponential trajectory.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2020
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 06-2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2020
Publisher: Canadian Science Publishing
Date: 03-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-03-2012
DOI: 10.1002/AJPA.22051
Abstract: Measurements of whole body surface area (WBSA) have important applications in numerous fields including biological anthropology, clinical medicine, biomechanics, and sports science. Currently, WBSA is most often estimated using predictive equations due to the complex and time consuming methods required for direct measurement. The main aim of this study was to identify whether there were significant and meaningful differences between WBSA measurements taken using a whole body three-dimensional (3D) scanner (criterion measure) and the estimates derived from each WBSA equation identified from a systematic review. The study also aimed to determine whether differences varied according to body mass index (BMI), sex, or athletic status. Fifteen WBSA equations were compared with direct measurements taken on 1,714 young adult subjects, aged 18-30 years, using the Vitus Smart 3D whole body scanner, including 1,452 subjects (753 males, 699 females) from the general Australian population and 262 rowers (148 males, 114 females). Mixed-design analysis of variances determined significant differences and accuracy was quantified using Bland-Altman analysis and effect sizes. Thirteen of the 15 equations overestimated WBSA. With a few exceptions, equations were accurate with a low-systematic error (bias ≤2%) and low-random error (standard deviation of the differences 1.5-3.0%). However, BMI did have a substantial impact with the accuracy of some WBSA equations varying between the four BMI categories. The Shuter and Aslani: Eur J Appl Physiol 82 (2000) 250-254 equation was identified as the most accurate equation and should be used for Western populations 18-30 years of age. Care must be taken when deciding which equation to use when estimating WBSA.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 11-08-2011
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2011-090190
Abstract: The aim of this review is to summarise issues surrounding the measurement of physical activity (PA) by self-report and accelerometry in youth (2-18 years old). Current levels and temporal trends in PA and sport participation and the effect of assessment method on data interpretation will be summarised. Relevant papers were extracted from a computerised literature search of MEDLINE and personal databases. Additional papers were extracted from reference lists of recently published reviews. The criterion validity (direct comparison with an objective method) of self-reported instruments is low to moderate, with correlation coefficients generally between 0.3 and 0.4. Self-report instruments overestimate the intensity and duration of PA and sport participation. The interpretation of PA data from accelerometry is a challenge, and specific issues include the definition of intensity thresholds and the influence of age on intensity thresholds. Recent data on self-reported PA in youth suggest that between 30% and 40% are sufficiently active. Prevalence values for sufficiently active youth measured by accelerometry range between 1% and 100%, depending on the intensity thresholds used. Sport participation is likely to contribute to higher levels of PA. The available evidence does not support the notion that PA levels and sport participation in youth have declined in recent decades. The number of youth meeting current PA guidelines varies by assessment method and the intensity thresholds used when PA is measured by accelerometry. The available evidence does not firmly support the notion that PA in young people has declined during the last decades. It is unlikely that any self-report method is sufficiently accurate for examining cross-cultural differences and temporal trends in young people's PA and sport participation over time. Surveillance systems therefore need to strive for an international standardisation using objective measurements of PA to complement existing self-report instruments.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 11-2016
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 11-08-2011
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2011-090200
Abstract: To analyse aerobic fitness and its relationship with sport participation, exercise training and habitual physical activity (HPA) during youth. Studies were located through computer searches of Medline, SPORT Discus and personal databases. Systematic reviews of time trends in aerobic fitness erformance, and exercise training and peak oxygen uptake (peak VO(2)) are reported. Peak VO(2) increases with age and maturation. Boys' peak VO(2) is higher than girls'. Despite data showing a decrease in performance test estimates of aerobic fitness there is no compelling evidence to suggest that young people have low levels of peak VO(2) or that it is declining over time. The primary time constant of the VO(2) kinetics response to moderate and heavy intensity exercise slows with age and the VO(2) kinetics response to heavy intensity exercise is faster in boys. There is a negative correlation between lactate threshold as a percentage of peak VO(2) and age but differences related to maturation or sex remain to be proven. Young athletes have higher peak VO(2), a faster primary time constant and accumulate less blood lactate at the same relative exercise intensity than their untrained peers. Young people can increase their peak VO(2) through exercise training but a meaningful relationship between aerobic fitness and HPA has not been demonstrated. During youth the responses of the components of aerobic fitness vary in relation to age, maturation and sex. Exercise training will enhance aerobic fitness but a relationship between young people's current HPA and aerobic fitness remains to be proven.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2020
Publisher: WHO Press
Date: 12-09-2018
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 22-04-2020
Abstract: Evaluating handgrip strength (HGS) asymmetry may help to improve the prognostic value of HGS. This study sought to determine the associations of HGS asymmetry and weakness on future activities of daily living (ADL) disability in a national s le of aging Americans. The analytic s le included 18,468 Americans aged ≥50 years from the 2006–2016 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. A handgrip dynamometer measured HGS. Those with HGS & % stronger on either hand were considered as having any HGS asymmetry. In iduals with HGS & % stronger on their dominant hand were considered as having dominant HGS asymmetry, while those with HGS & % stronger on their nondominant hand were classified as having nondominant HGS asymmetry. Men with HGS & kg and women with HGS & kg were considered weak. ADLs were self-reported. Generalized estimating equations were used for analyses. Relative to those with symmetric HGS and no weakness, each HGS asymmetry and weakness group had increased odds for future ADL disability: 1.11 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.20) for any HGS asymmetry alone, 1.42 (CI: 1.16–1.74) for weakness alone, and 1.81 (CI: 1.52–2.16) for both any HGS asymmetry and weakness. Most weakness and HGS asymmetry dominance groups had increased odds for future ADL disability: 1.30 (CI: 1.13–1.50) for nondominant HGS asymmetry alone, 1.42 (CI: 1.16–1.74) for weakness alone, 1.72 (CI: 1.29–2.29) for both weakness and nondominant HGS asymmetry, and 1.86 (CI: 1.52–2.28) for both weakness and dominant HGS asymmetry. HGS asymmetry and weakness together may increase the predictive utility of handgrip dynamometers.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2017.08.002
Abstract: This systematic review aimed to summarize research that assessed the associations between 20m shuttle run test (20mSRT) performance and indicators of physiological, psychosocial and cognitive health among school-aged children and youth. Systematic review. Five online databases were used to identify peer-reviewed studies published from 1980 to 2016. Studies were included if they matched these criteria: population (children and youth with a mean age of 5-17 years and/or in Grades 1-12), intervention/exposure (performance on the 20mSRT), and outcomes (health indicators: adiposity, cardiometabolic biomarkers, cognition, mental health, psychosocial health, self-esteem and physical self-perception, quality of life and wellbeing, bone health, musculoskeletal fitness, motor skill development, and injuries and/or harm). Narrative syntheses were applied to describe the results. A lack of homogeneity precluded a meta-analysis approach. Overall, 142 studies that determined an association between 20mSRT performance and a health indicator were identified, representing 319,311 children and youth from 32 countries. 20mSRT performance was favourably associated with indicators of adiposity, and some indicators of cardiometabolic, cognitive, and psychosocial health in boys and girls. Fewer studies examined the relationship between 20mSRT performance and measures of quality of life/wellbeing, mental health and motor skill development, and associations were generally inconsistent. The quality of the evidence ranged from very low to moderate across health indicators. These findings support the use of the 20mSRT as a holistic indicator of population health in children and youth.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2022
Publisher: Government of Canada, Statistics Canada
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.25318/82-003-X201901000002-ENG
Abstract: This study developed age- and sex-specific normative-referenced percentile values for five physical fitness tests across a wide age range of Canadians, using a nationally representative s le. The data are from 5,188 Canadians (50.1% female) and were collected as part of cycle 5 of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2016 to 2017). Males had slightly better cardiorespiratory fitness and substantially better grip strength, jumping height and jumping power scores than females, whereas females had better sit-and-reach flexibility. Among females, there were pronounced increases in jumping height (P50: 25%) and jumping power (P50: 58%) between ages 8 and 13, and in grip strength (P50: 193%) between ages 6 and 19. Performance gradually declined with age, beginning in adolescence for jumping ability and at approximately age 35 for grip strength. Among males, there were pronounced increases in jumping height (P50: 69%) and jumping power (P50: 233%) between ages 8 and 20, and in grip strength (P50: 365%) between ages 6 and 20. Performance gradually declined with age, beginning immediately after adolescence for jumping ability and at approximately age 30 for grip strength. Sit-and-reach flexibility remained relatively stable with age in both sexes. Cardiorespiratory fitness scores in both sexes declined steadily with age beginning (generally) at age 8, with a larger decline evident in females until age 18. These normative-referenced values for physical fitness could be useful for screening in public health and clinical practice.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 30-06-2021
DOI: 10.3390/GERIATRICS6030068
Abstract: Background: Physical inactivity during the COVID-19 pandemic is a public health concern for older adults. Telehealth presents a safe platform for conducting health-related interventions that may have additional benefits such as widespread reach. Our pilot study sought to examine how a telehealth intervention changed activity profiles in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: There were n = 13 adults aged 70.6 ± 4.5 years that participated in a 6 week telehealth intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic. The didactic intervention contents were shared online, and participants worked with trained interviewers over the telephone to discuss physical activity. At baseline and post-intervention, the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults examined activity profiles, while accelerometry estimated time spent sedentary and in physical activity. Results: Relative to the baseline measures, there was an 88 min/day (95% confidence interval (CI): 39, 137) increase in computer time and 36 min/day (CI: 10, 62) reduction in time spent in active transport at post-intervention. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity participation also increased by an estimated 2 min/day (CI: −21, 26) and 12 min/week (CI: −154, 180), but this trend was not statistically significant. Conclusion: We recommend that support be provided to older adults transitioning to telehealth, especially as migration to telehealth progresses.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.GAITPOST.2012.06.031
Abstract: Measurement repeatability has important decision-making implications for clinicians and researchers when assessing in iduals. The aims of this study were to quantify: (a) the repeatability of direct measurements of standing posture using three dimensional (3D) whole body scanning, and (b) the magnitude of the postural and technical errors involved. Fifty-two asymptomatic adults were scanned twice, 24h apart, using the Vitus Smart 3D whole body scanner. Eleven clinically relevant standing postural measurements were calculated from scan-extracted data. The process was repeated with 10 shop mannequins. Systematic error was expressed as absolute changes in means and as standardised effect sizes, with random (within-subject) error expressed as the typical error. Technical error was calculated as the typical error in the measurement of mannequins total error as the typical error in the measurement of subjects and postural error as the square root of the difference between the squared total error and the squared technical error. Most standing postural measurements demonstrated good repeatability, with median (95% CI) systematic and random errors of -0.1° (1.1°) and 2.8° (1.9°), respectively. However, head and neck postures demonstrated poor repeatability due to large random errors brought about by large postural errors. Overall, most of the error was due to postural error rather than technical error. The relatively small technical errors highlight that this 3D measurement process is generally repeatable, while the relatively large postural errors related to the head and neck suggest that these postures probably lack the precision to be clinically useful using this procedure.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-09-2018
DOI: 10.1002/AJHB.23182
Abstract: The primary aim of this study was to examine relationships between digit ratio (2D:4D) and game-related statistics in professional and semi-professional male basketball players. The secondary aim was to quantify differences in mean 2D:4Ds between starting and reserve players. Using a cross-sectional design, 93 male basketball players from the professional Australian National Basketball League and the semi-professional South Australian Premier League were measured in-season for height, mass, and 2D:4D, with game-related statistics collected end-season. Linear relationships between right and left 2D:4Ds and game-related statistics were quantified using nonparametric partial correlations, and differences in mean 2D:4Ds between starting and reserve players were quantified using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). All partial correlations and ANCOVAs were adjusted for playing experience, body size, and competitive standard. 2D:4D was a weak to moderate negative correlate of points scored and assists-to-turnovers ratio, indicating that males with lower 2D:4Ds were generally better offensively as they recorded more points and assists relative to turnovers. The difference in mean 2D:4D between starting and reserve players was negligible. 2D:4D was favorably correlated with open-skill sports performance, as evidenced by the better offensive statistics of male basketball players with lower 2D:4Ds. These results probably reflect the organizational benefits of prenatal testosterone and indicate that 2D:4D may be a useful complement to traditional physical, physiological, skill, and behavioral predictors of basketball success.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 21-06-2020
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 11-2016
Abstract: The Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance organized the concurrent preparation of Report Cards on the physical activity of children and youth in 38 countries from 6 continents (representing 60% of the world’s population). Nine common indicators were used (Overall Physical Activity, Organized Sport Participation, Active Play, Active Transportation, Sedentary Behavior, Family and Peers, School, Community and the Built Environment, and Government Strategies and Investments), and all Report Cards were generated through a harmonized development process and a standardized grading framework (from A = excellent, to F = failing). The 38 Report Cards were presented at the International Congress on Physical Activity and Public Health in Bangkok, Thailand on November 16, 2016. The consolidated findings are summarized in the form of a Global Matrix demonstrating substantial variation in grades both within and across countries. Countries that lead in certain indicators often lag in others. Average grades for both Overall Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior around the world are D (low oor). In contrast, the average grade for indicators related to supports for physical activity was C . Lower-income countries generally had better grades on Overall Physical Activity, Active Transportation, and Sedentary Behaviors compared with higher-income countries, yet worse grades for supports from Family and Peers, Community and the Built Environment, and Government Strategies and Investments. Average grades for all indicators combined were highest (best) in Denmark, Slovenia, and the Netherlands. Many surveillance and research gaps were apparent, especially for the Active Play and Family and Peers indicators. International cooperation and cross-fertilization is encouraged to address existing challenges, understand underlying determinants, conceive innovative solutions, and mitigate the global childhood inactivity crisis. The paradox of higher physical activity and lower sedentary behavior in countries reporting poorer infrastructure, and lower physical activity and higher sedentary behavior in countries reporting better infrastructure, suggests that autonomy to play, travel, or chore requirements and/or fewer attractive sedentary pursuits, rather than infrastructure and structured activities, may facilitate higher levels of physical activity.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 13-10-2019
DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2018.1523672
Abstract: Previous data have indicated relative stability over time of paediatric jumping performance, but few data exist since the early 2000s. This study quantified the 30-year secular changes in jumping performance of Australian children aged 11-12-years using data from the Australian Schools Health and Fitness Survey (1985, n = 1967) and Growing Up in Australia's Child Health CheckPoint (2015, n = 1765). Both cohorts measured jumping performance (standing long jump distance), anthropometric and demographic data. Secular changes in jumping performance means and quantiles were examined using multivariable linear and quantile regression. Between 1985 and 2015, jumping performance declined by 16.4 cm or by 11.2% (standardised change 0.66 SD, 95%CI 0.60 to 0.73). Adjustment for body mass reduced the effect by 32%, although the decline remained (absolute change - 11.1 cm, 95%CI -12.5 to -9.7 percent change 7.7%, 95%CI 6.7 to 8.6 standardised change 0.51 SD, 95%CI 0.44 to 0.57). This decline was evident across all quantiles. The jumping performance of Australian children aged 11-12-years has declined between 1985 and 2015, with body mass changes accounting for only part of the decline. Efforts should continue to promote paediatric muscular fitness, reduce adiposity, and aim to reverse this decline in jumping performance.
Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Date: 04-2007
Abstract: There is increasing evidence that the aerobic fitness performance of children is declining, at least in developed countries. To see if there was evidence of similar trends in a non-Western country, this study analysed data on 6-18-year-old Koreans tested between 1968 and 2000 using distance runs ranging from 600 to 1200 m. All existing data on the results of children's aerobic fitness tests in Korea were collated. In addition to six in idual studies, very large datasets were available from the Korean Ministries of Education, and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Data on a total of 22,127,265 6-18-year-old children were available in the form of group means and standard deviations. Data were collated for each age x sex x test group, and performances were expressed as percentages of the fitted values for the year 1992 to standardise across tests, ages and sexes. All age x sex x test groups were then combined, and curves were fitted using weighted regression. A two-linear segment model best described the pattern of change (r = 0.83, p < 0.001). There was a relatively slow decline (0.26 % per year) in the aerobic performance of Korean children between 1968 and 1984. After 1984, however, there was a steep decline in performance, averaging 0.80 % per year. The rate of decline was greater in boys, younger children and children from outside the capital Seoul. Changes in running performance showed a similar pattern to changes in estimated body mass index. Compared to other countries, there has been a sharp decline in Korean children's performance on tests of aerobic fitness, which has been concurrent with increases in estimated body mass index.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 21-10-2011
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2011-090218
Abstract: To provide sex- and age-specific normative values for health-related fitness of 9-17-year-old Australians. A systematic literature search was undertaken to identify peer-reviewed studies reporting health-related fitness data on Australian children since 1985-the year of the last national fitness survey. Only data on reasonably representative s les of apparently healthy (free from known disease or injury) 9-17-year-old Australians, who were tested using field tests of health-related fitness, were included. Both raw and pseudo data (generated using Monte Carlo simulation) were combined with sex- and age-specific normative centile values generated using the Lambda Mu and Sigma (LMS) method. Sex- and age-related differences were expressed as standardised effect sizes. Normative values were displayed as tabulated percentiles and as smoothed centile curves for nine health-related fitness tests based on a dataset comprising 85347 test performances. Boys typically scored higher than girls on cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, speed and power tests, but lower on the flexibility test. The magnitude of the age-related changes was generally larger for boys than for girls, especially during the teenage years. This study provides the most up-to-date sex- and age-specific normative centile values for the health-related fitness of Australian children that can be used as benchmark values for health and fitness screening and surveillance systems.
Publisher: KARGER
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1159/000101075
Abstract: Current attitudes towards secular changes in pediatric aerobic fitness are highly polarized, both in the popular and scientific literature. Few studies have actually quantified secular changes in pediatric aerobic fitness, with most making only informal comparisons. The aim of this study therefore, was to quantify the global change in pediatric aerobic fitness test performance. Following an extensive review of the literature, 33 pediatric studies examining secular changes in maximal field running tests of aerobic performance were analyzed. Secular changes were calculated at the country x study x age x sex x test level using least squares linear regression weighted by the square root of s le size. All secular changes were expressed as a percentage of the weighted mean value for all data points in the regression. Negative values indicated performance declines, and positive values improvements. Secular changes in aerobic performance were calculated for 25,455,527 6- to 19-year-old from 27 countries (representing five geographical regions) between 1958 and 2003. Over the 45-year period, there has been a global decline in aerobic performance of -0.36% per annum. Secular changes have been very consistent across age, sex, and geographical groups. The pattern of change however, was not consistent over time, with improvements from the late 1950s until about 1970, and declines of increasing magnitude every decade thereafter. This study provides the most comprehensive picture to date, of the global change in pediatric aerobic performance. It shows that there has been a precipitous decline in pediatric aerobic performance since 1970, a pattern which is not observed in pediatric anaerobic performance. This secular decline may result from a network of social, behavioral, physical, psychosocial and physiological factors.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 09-01-2023
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2022-106176
Abstract: (1) To develop reference values for health-related fitness in European children and adolescents aged 6–18 years that are the foundation for the web-based, open-access and multilanguage fitness platform (FitBack) (2) to provide comparisons across European countries. This study builds on a previous large fitness reference study in European youth by (1) widening the age demographic, (2) identifying the most recent and representative country-level data and (3) including national data from existing fitness surveillance and monitoring systems. We used the Assessing Levels of PHysical Activity and fitness at population level (ALPHA) test battery as it comprises tests with the highest test–retest reliability, criterion/construct validity and health-related predictive validity: the 20 m shuttle run (cardiorespiratory fitness) handgrip strength and standing long jump (muscular strength) and body height, body mass, body mass index and waist circumference (anthropometry). Percentile values were obtained using the generalised additive models for location, scale and shape method. A total of 7 966 693 test results from 34 countries (106 datasets) were used to develop sex-specific and age-specific percentile values. In addition, country-level rankings based on mean percentiles are provided for each fitness test, as well as an overall fitness ranking. Finally, an interactive fitness platform, including in idual and group reporting and European fitness maps, is provided and freely available online ( www.fitbackeurope.eu ). This study discusses the major implications of fitness assessment in youth from health, educational and sport perspectives, and how the FitBack reference values and interactive web-based platform contribute to it. Fitness testing can be conducted in school and/or sport settings, and the interpreted results be integrated in the healthcare systems across Europe.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-06-2011
DOI: 10.1038/IJO.2011.128
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 02-01-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2022
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 07-10-2021
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004146
Abstract: Potter, NJ, Tomkinson, GR, Dufner, TJ, Walch, TJ, Roemmich, JN, Wilson, PB, and Fitzgerald, JS. Effects of exercise training on resting testosterone concentrations in insufficiently active men: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res 35(12): 3521–3528, 2021—The anabolic hormone testosterone plays a pivotal role in the healthy aging of men and tends to decline with age. The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were 2-fold: (a) to evaluate the effect of exercise training on resting total testosterone concentration in insufficiently active, apparently healthy men and (b) to determine whether the effects of exercise training differed by training mode, age, body mass status, or testosterone measure. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus) were systematically searched (up to and including October 22, 2020) for peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting the following criteria: population (insufficiently active, apparently healthy men aged ≥18 years), intervention (exercise training [any modality at intensity of ≥4 metabolic equivalents] lasting a minimum of 4 weeks), control (insufficiently active men), and outcome (resting total testosterone concentration). Intervention effects, weighted by the inverse of the pooled variance, were calculated relative to the control group as standardized mean differences (SMDs). Eleven RCTs, representing 421 insufficiently active, apparently healthy men aged 19–75 years across 16 intervention groups who participated in aerobic, resistance, or combined training lasting a median of 12 weeks, were included in the analysis. Overall, exercise training had a negligible effect on resting total testosterone concentration (mean SMD [95% CI]: 0.00 [–0.20 to 0.20]). Subgroup analyses indicated that the effect of exercise training was not significantly affected by training mode, age, body mass status, or testosterone measure. Exercise training does not seem to affect resting total or free testosterone concentration in insufficiently active, eugonadal men.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 11-2016
Abstract: Two years on from the inaugural Active Healthy Kids Australia (AHKA) Physical Activity Report Card, there has been little to no change with the majority of Australian children still insufficiently active. The 2016 AHKA Report Card was developed using the best available national- and state-based physical activity data, which were evaluated by the AHKA Research Working Group using predetermined weighting criteria and benchmarks to assign letter grades to the 12 Report Card indicators. In comparison with 2014, Overall Physical Activity Levels was again assigned a D - with Organized Sport and Physical Activity Participation increasing to a B (was B -) and Active Transport declining to a C - (was C ). The settings and sources of influence again performed well ( A - to a C +), however Government Strategies and Investments saw a decline ( C + to a D ). The traits associated with physical activity were also graded poorly ( C - to a D ). Australian youth are insufficiently active and engage in high levels of screen-based sedentary behaviors. While a range of support structures exist, Australia lacks an overarching National Physical Activity Plan that would unify the country and encourage the cultural shift needed to face the inactivity crisis head on.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-10-2017
DOI: 10.1002/AJHB.23070
Abstract: Digit ratio (2D:4D) is a negative correlate of sports performance, although this relationship may be weak in open-skill sports such as basketball. The primary aim was to quantify relationships between 2D:4D and game-related statistics in semi-professional female basketball players. The secondary aim was to quantify the differences in mean 2D:4Ds between players based on their position in the starting lineup. Using a cross-sectional design, 64 female basketball players who competed in the South Australian Premier League were measured in-season for height, mass, and 2D:4D, with game-related statistics collected end-season. Partial correlations (adjusted for age and body mass index) were used to quantify relationships between right and left 2D:4Ds and game-related statistics. Unpaired t-tests were used to quantify differences in mean 2D:4Ds between starting and reserve players. 2D:4D was a substantial negative correlate of blocks, rebounds, and field-goal percentage meaning, females with lower 2D:4Ds were generally better defensively as they recorded more blocks and rebounds, and were more efficient scorers, irrespective of their age and body size. Mean 2D:4D differed by position in the starting lineup, as females with lower 2D:4Ds were more likely to be in the starting lineup. This study found evidence that 2D:4D was a correlate of performance in an open-skill sport. Female players with lower digit ratios tended to perform better in several aspects of basketball, especially defensively, and were more likely to be starters, suggesting they are the best players on the team in their positions. These results probably reflect the organizational benefits of prenatal testosterone.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-12-2006
DOI: 10.1111/J.1600-0838.2006.00569.X
Abstract: To quantify the global changes in anaerobic fitness (operationalized as power and speed test performance) of children and adolescents. Following an extensive review of the literature, 32 studies examining secular changes in power and speed test performance of children and adolescents were analysed. Performance changes were calculated at the country x age x sex x test level using weighted least-squares regression, and were expressed as a percentage of the weighted mean value for all data points in the regression. Negative values indicated performance declines, and positive values indicated improvements. Changes in power (n=20 802 925) and speed (n=28 320 308) test performance were calculated for 6-19 year olds from 27 countries and five geographical regions, for the period 1958-2003. Overall, power and speed test performances improved at +0.03% and +0.04% per annum, respectively. Performance changes were remarkably similar for boys and girls, and children and adolescents, and somewhat similar for different geographical regions, and high and low income economies. The pattern of change was reasonably consistent over time. The relative stability in anaerobic fitness test performances in recent decades could be due to the negating effects of increases in fat mass and fat-free mass on anaerobic performance.
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 07-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-04-2023
DOI: 10.1186/S40635-023-00508-4
Abstract: To investigate the effect of IV fluid resuscitation on endothelial glycocalyx (EG) shedding and activation of the vascular endothelium and inflammation. A planned biomarker sub-study of the REFRESH trial in which emergency department (ED) patients) with suspected sepsis and hypotension were randomised to a restricted fluid/early vasopressor regimen or IV fluid resuscitation with later vasopressors if required (usual care). Blood s les were collected at randomisation (T0) and at 3 h (T3), 6 h (T6)- and 24 h (T24) for measurement of a range of biomarkers if EG shedding, endothelial cell activation and inflammation. Blood s les were obtained in 95 of 99 enrolled patients (46 usual care, 49 restricted fluid). Differences in the change in biomarker over time between the groups were observed for Hyaluronan (2.2-fold from T3 to T24, p = 0.03), SYN-4 (1.5-fold from T3 to T24, P = 0.01) and IL-6 (2.5-fold from T0 to T3, p = 0.03). No difference over time was observed between groups for the other biomarkers. A consistent signal across a range of biomarkers of EG shedding or of endothelial activation or inflammation was not demonstrated. This could be explained by pre-existing EG shedding or overlap between the fluid volumes administered in the two groups in this clinical trial. Trial registration Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN126160000006448 Registered 12 January 2016.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-09-2014
DOI: 10.1002/AJHB.22627
Abstract: Digit ratio (2D:4D), a measure of prenatal testosterone exposure, is weakly-to-moderately associated with increased physical performance, although the evidence is far stronger for males than females. To examine the relationship between 2D:4D and measured on-water rowing performance in young females competing at the Australian Rowing Ch ionships. Using an observational, cross-sectional design, female rowers (n = 69, aged 12-30 years) who competed in single sculls events at the Australian Rowing Ch ionships in 2007 and 2008 had numerous physical and digital anthropometric measurements taken, including 2D:4D measurements. Relationships between 2D:4Ds and race times were examined using Pearson's correlations, partial correlations and multiple regression. Partial Least Squares regression analysis determined the strength of the 2D:4D as a predictor of race time relative to 78 body dimensions plus age. Overall, weak to strong positive correlations between 2D:4D and race time were found that is, females with smaller 2D:4Ds had faster race times than females with larger 2D:4Ds. Relationships were weak to moderate for all females (r = 0.29-0.32), moderate-to-strong for senior rowers (aged ≥20 years r = 0.42-0.55), and weak for junior rowers (aged <20 years r = 0.13-0.18), with all relationships persisting following adjustment for age. Partial Least Squares regression analysis showed that 2D:4Ds had high predictive importance relative to other body dimensions. Females with smaller 2D:4Ds rowed substantially faster than females with larger 2D:4Ds, with the 2D:4D possibly linked to underlying characteristics that have been optimized over time resulting in better rowing performance.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 13-02-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-07-2021
DOI: 10.1111/CEA.13982
Abstract: Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life‐threatening allergic reaction driven primarily by the activation of mast cells. We still fail to understand factors underlying reaction severity. Furthermore, there is currently no reliable diagnostic test to confirm anaphylaxis in the emergency department (ED). This study sought to explore gene expression changes associated with anaphylaxis severity in peripheral blood leucocytes and evaluate biomarker potential. Microarray analysis (total RNA) was performed using peripheral blood s les from ED patients with moderate ( n = 6) or severe ( n = 12) anaphylaxis and sepsis ( n = 20) at presentation (T0) and one hour later (T1). Results were compared between groups and healthy controls ( n = 10 and n = 11 matched to anaphylaxis and sepsis patients, respectively). Changes in gene expression were determined using R programming language, and pathway analysis applied to explore biological processes and pathways associated with genes. Differentially expressed genes were validated in an independent cohort of anaphylaxis ( n = 30) and sepsis ( n = 20) patients, and healthy controls ( n = 10), using quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Significant up‐regulation of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) was demonstrated in anaphylaxis compared to sepsis patients in the microarray cohort, at T0 and T1. qRT‐PCR analysis of the validation cohort showed five genes: SNORD61 , SNORD8 , SNORD69 , SNORD119 and HIST1H1D to be significantly up‐regulated (adjusted p 0.05) in severe anaphylaxis compared to sepsis. Seven genes ( SNORD61 , SNORD8 , SCARNA21 , SNORD69 , SNORD110 , SNORD119 and SNORD59A ) were significantly up‐regulated (adjusted p 0.05) in severe anaphylaxis compared to healthy controls. This study demonstrates for the first time the unique involvement of snoRNAs in the pathogenesis of anaphylaxis and suggests they are not a general feature of systemic inflammation. Further investigation of snoRNA expression in anaphylaxis could provide insights into disease pathogenesis. SnoRNAs are up‐regulated during acute anaphylaxis in humans and could potentially be used as biomarkers of severe anaphylaxis.
Publisher: SERDI
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.14283/JFA.2022.21
Abstract: Handgrip dynamometers are widely used to measure handgrip strength (HGS). HGS is a safe and easy to obtain measure of strength capacity, and a reliable assessment of muscle function. Although HGS provides robust prognostic value and utility, several protocol variants exist for HGS in clinical settings and translational research. This lack of methodological consistency could threaten the precision of HGS measurements and limit comparisons between the growing number of studies measuring HGS. Providing awareness of the protocol variants for HGS and making suggestions to reduce the implications of these variants will help to improve methodological consistency. Moreover, leveraging recent advancements in HGS equipment may enable us to use more sophisticated HGS dynamometer technologies to better assess muscle function. This Special Article will 1) highlight differences in HGS protocols and instrumentation, 2) provide recommendations to better specify HGS procedures and equipment, and 3) present future research directions for studies that measure HGS. We also provided a minimum reporting criteria framework to help future research studies avoid underreporting of HGS procedures.
Publisher: The Japanese Society of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine
Date: 25-05-2022
DOI: 10.7600/JPFSM.11.161
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-2018
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-2012
DOI: 10.2165/11599160-000000000-00000
Abstract: Aerobic fitness is considered to be an important marker of current health and even a predictor of future health. The aim of this study was to systematically analyse the available scientific information on temporal changes in maximal long-distance running performance (a widely and long-used marker of aerobic fitness) of Asian children. A systematic review of the scientific literature was undertaken to locate studies explicitly reporting on temporal changes (spanning a minimum of 5 years) in maximal long-distance running of apparently healthy (free from known disease or injury) Asian children aged 9-17 years. Studies were located up to October 2010 via computerized searching of bibliographical databases, reference list searching and personal communication with international experts. Temporal changes were analysed at the country by sex by age by test level using best-fitting linear or polynomial regression models relating the year of testing to long-distance running performances expressed as average running speeds. Changes in means were expressed as percent changes and as standardized effect sizes. Eight studies reporting temporal changes in the long-distance running performance of 23,897,571 children aged 9-17 years from four Asian countries over the period 1964-2009 were included. Overall, there was a large decline in long-distance running performance equivalent to -16.6 ± 1.3% (mean change ± 95% confidence interval) or -1.2 ± 0.1 standard deviations. Temporal changes were generally consistent for different sex and age groups, but not for different countries, with large declines observed for children from China and the Republic of Korea, small declines for children from Japan and very small declines for children from Singapore. There is overwhelming evidence of meaningful declines in the maximal long-distance running performance of Asian children in recent decades, which are probably caused by a network of social, behavioural, physical, psychosocial and physiological factors. These declines highlight the need for regular surveillance of Asian children's health-related fitness and proactive public health strategies.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-05-2022
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-022-12752-X
Abstract: Endothelial glycocalyx (EG) shedding is associated with septic shock and described following intravenous (IV) fluid administration. To investigate the possible impact of IV fluids on the pathobiology of septic shock we investigated associations between biomarkers of EG shedding and endothelial cell activation, and relationships with IV fluid volume. Serum s les were obtained on admission (T0) and at 24 h (T24) in patients undergoing haemodynamic resuscitation for suspected septic shock in the emergency department. Biomarkers of EG shedding—Syndecan-1 (Syn-1), Syndecan-4 (Syn-4), Hyaluronan, endothelial activation—Endothelin-1 (ET-1), Angiopoeitin-2 (Ang-2), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1(VEGF-1) and leucocyte activation/inflammation—Resistin, Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) and a marker of cardiac stretch—Pro-Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (Pro-ANP) were compared to the total IV fluid volume administered using Tobit regression. Data on 86 patients (52 male) with a mean age of 60 (SD 18) years were included. The mean fluid volume administered to T24 was 4038 ml (SD 2507 ml). No significant association between fluid volume and Pro-ANP or any of the biomarkers were observed. Syn-1 and Syn-4 were significantly correlated with each other (Spearman Rho 0.43, p 0.001) but not with Hyaluronan. Syn-1 and Syn-4 both correlated with VEGFR-1 (Rho 0.56 and 0.57 respectively, p 0.001) whereas Hyaluronan correlated with ET-1 (Rho 0.43, p 0.001) and Ang-2 (Rho 0.43, p 0.001). There was no correlation between Pro-ANP and any of the EG biomarkers. Distinct patterns of association between biomarkers of EG shedding and endothelial cell activation were observed among patients undergoing resuscitation for sepsis. No relationship between IV fluid volume and Pro-ANP or any of the other biomarkers was observed.
Publisher: SERDI
Date: 2023
DOI: 10.14283/JFA.2023.9
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2016
Publisher: Active Healthy Kids Australia
Date: 2016
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-05-2022
DOI: 10.1111/JCH.14479
Abstract: Elevated office blood pressure (BP) has previously been associated with increased levels of circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs). The present study aimed to assess the relationship between levels of platelet derived EVs, ambulatory BP parameters, and pulse wave velocity as a marker of macrovascular organ damage. A total of 96 participants were included in the study. Platelet‐derived extracellular vesicles (pEVs) were evaluated by flow cytometry (CD41+/Annexin v+). BP evaluation included unobserved automated office BP and ambulatory BP monitoring. Carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured as a marker of macrovascular damage. pEVs correlated with nocturnal systolic BP (r = 0.31 p = .003) and nocturnal dipping (r = ‐0.29 p = .01) in univariable analysis. Multivariable regression models confirmed robustness of the association of EVs and nocturnal blood pressure ( p = .02). In contrast, systolic office, 24h‐ and daytime‐BP did not show significant associations with pEVs. No correlations were found with diastolic BP. Circulating pEVs correlated with pulse wave velocity (r = 0.25 p = .02). When comparing different hypertensive phenotypes, higher levels of EVs and PWV were evident in patients with sustained hypertension compared to patients with white coat HTN and healthy persons. Circulating platelet derived EVs were associated with nocturnal BP, dipping, and PWV. Given that average nocturnal BP is the strongest predictor of CV events, platelet derived EVs may serve as an integrative marker of vascular health, a proposition that requires testing in prospective clinical trials.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-09-2020
Publisher: Deakin University
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.21153/AHKA2022
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-07-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2021
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 10-09-2022
Abstract: Elevated circulating platelet-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been reported in conditions associated with thrombotic risk. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between circulating platelet-derived EV levels, cardiovascular risk stratification and vascular organ damage, as assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV). A total of 92 patients were included in the present analysis. Platelet EV were evaluated by flow cytometry (CD41+/Annexin v+). The cardiovascular risk was determined using the 2021 ESC guideline stratification and SCORE2 and SCORE-OP. PWV was performed as a surrogate to assess macrovascular damage. Risk stratification revealed significant group differences in EV levels (ANOVA, p = 0.04). Post hoc analysis demonstrated significantly higher levels of EVs in the very high-risk group compared with the young participants (12.53 ± 8.69 vs. 7.51 ± 4.67 EV/µL, p = 0.03). Linear regression models showed SCORE2 and SCORE-OP (p = 0.04) was a predictor of EV levels. EVs showed a significant association with macrovascular organ damage measured by PWV (p = 0.01). PWV progressively increased with more severe cardiovascular risk (p 0.001) and was also associated with SCORE2 and SCORE-OP (p 0.001). Within the pooled group of subjects with low to moderate risk and young participants ( years), those with EV levels in the highest tertile had a trend towards higher nocturnal blood pressure levels, fasting glucose concentration, lipid levels, homocysteine and PWV. Levels of platelet-derived EVs were highest in those patients with very high CV risk. Within a pooled group of patients with low to moderate risk, an unfavourable cardiometabolic profile was present with higher EV levels.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2017
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 06-02-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2020
Publisher: Canadian Science Publishing
Date: 08-2023
Abstract: We used a prevalence-based approach to estimate the economic costs associated with low muscle strength, as assessed using handgrip strength, in Canadian adults. We estimated the annual economic burden of low muscle strength at $3.0 billion, representing 2.2% of the 2021 Canadian burden of illness costs. The two most expensive chronic diseases attributable to low muscle strength were cardiovascular disease ($899 million) and type 2 diabetes ($880 million). A 10% decrease in the prevalence of low handgrip strength would save approximately $546 million per year, equivalent to an 18.1% cost reduction. Strategies to increase population-level muscle strength are needed to reduce healthcare costs and improve health. The economic cost associated with low muscle strength in Canadian adults is unknown. The total annual economic burden of low muscle strength in Canadian adults represents 2.2% of the overall burden of illness costs in 2021. We estimated that $546 million per year would be saved if the prevalence of low handgrip strength was reduced by 10%.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 31-07-2021
DOI: 10.1002/AJHB.23657
Abstract: Digit ratio (2D:4D), a marker of prenatal testosterone exposure, is a weak negative correlate of sports/athletic/fitness performance. While numerous studies have examined the relationship between 2D:4D and physical fitness, there has never been a comprehensive study that has synthesized studies examining relationships between 2D:4D and muscular fitness. To systematically review and meta‐analyze the relationship between 2D:4D and muscular fitness measured as handgrip strength (HGS). We systematically searched five electronic databases, reference lists, topical systematic reviews/meta‐analyses, and personal libraries in November 2020. Peer‐reviewed, cross‐sectional studies that reported Pearson's correlation coefficients between objectively measured 2D:4D and HGS were included. We used random‐effects meta‐analysis to estimate the pooled correlation and the 95% confidence interval (95%CI), and moderator analyses to estimate the influence of sex and age. Data from 22 studies, representing 5271 in iduals from 11 countries ranging in (mean) age from 10.4 to 58.0 years, were included. Overall, there was a weak negative correlation between 2D:4D and HGS ( r = −0.15, 95%CI = –0.20 to −0.09), indicating that in iduals with low 2D:4Ds had high HGS. We found substantial heterogeneity between studies ( Q = 123.4, p .0001 I 2 = 74%), but neither sex ( Q = 0.003, p = .96) nor age ( Q = 0.46, p = .50) significantly moderated the pooled correlation. We found a weak negative relationship between 2D:4D and HGS, which showed substantial heterogeneity between studies, but was neither moderated by sex nor age. Our finding probably reflects both the long‐term (organizational) and short‐term (activational) benefits of testosterone.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.EARLHUMDEV.2017.07.013
Abstract: Using a cross-sectional design, this study quantified the relationship between the digit ratio (2D:4D) and muscular strength in 57 adolescent boys. 2D:4D was very likely a moderate negative correlate of handgrip strength, even after adjustment for age and body size. This result may reflect the organizational benefits of prenatal testosterone.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2021
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2015
Publisher: KARGER
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1159/000101394
Abstract: This study quantifies the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between young people's fatness (BMI, skinfold thickness) and fitness (performance on tests of aerobic fitness). Over the last 20-30 years, young people have become fatter and less fit. It is likely that the decline in fitness is largely due to increases in fatness. There are strong mechanistic connections within cohorts, variability in fatness accounts for about 20% of variability in running performance there is a strong correlation between overweight prevalence and relative fitness across specific cohorts from different countries and secular declines in fitness coincide temporally with increases in BMI. Australians aged 10-12 years tested in 1985 were matched for age, sex, BMI and triceps skinfold thickness with their counterparts tested in 1997 (n = 279 matched pairs), and 12-15 year-old tested in 1995-1996 were matched with their counterparts tested in 1999-2000 (n = 2,834 matched pairs). Performance differences on running tests in the matched datasets were compared with performance differences in the complete (unmatched) datasets. Performance differences persisted even when young people were matched for fatness. Matching for fatness reduced overall performance differentials by 29-61%. Other factors such as reduced physical activity and subsequent training effect are likely to have contributed to the decline.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 23-09-2021
DOI: 10.3390/JFMK6040079
Abstract: This study examined the associations between asymmetric handgrip strength (HGS) and multimorbidity in American adults. Secondary analyses of data from persons aged at least 40 years from the 2011–2012 and 2013–2014 waves of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were conducted. A handheld dynamometer collected HGS on each hand and persons with a strength imbalance % between hands were classified as having asymmetric HGS. Adults with the presence of ≥2 of the following conditions had multimorbidity: cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, asthma, arthritis, cancer, obesity, stroke, hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Of the n = 3483 participants included, n = 2700 (77.5%) had multimorbidity. A greater proportion of adults with multimorbidity had HGS asymmetry (n = 1234 (45.7%)), compared to persons living without multimorbidity (n = 314 (40.1%) p 0.05). Relative to in iduals without asymmetry, adults with asymmetric HGS had 1.31 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–1.67) greater odds for multimorbidity. Moreover, persons with HGS asymmetry had 1.22 (CI: 1.04–1.44) greater odds for accumulating morbidities. Asymmetric strength, as another indicator of diminished muscle function, is linked to chronic morbidity status. Healthcare providers should recommend healthy behaviors for reducing asymmetries to improve muscle function and mitigate morbidity risk after completing asymmetry screenings.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2017
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-10-2021
DOI: 10.1038/S41586-021-03960-Y
Abstract: Astrocytes regulate the response of the central nervous system to disease and injury and have been hypothesized to actively kill neurons in neurodegenerative disease
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2021
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 07-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-10-2012
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-11-2018
DOI: 10.1007/S40279-018-1017-Y
Abstract: To estimate international and national temporal trends in the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) of adults, and to examine relationships between trends in CRF and trends in health-related, socioeconomic, and environmental indicators. Data were obtained from a systematic search of studies that explicitly reported temporal trends in the CRF of apparently healthy adults aged 18-59 years. S le-weighted temporal trends were estimated using best-fitting regression models relating the year of testing to mean CRF. Post-stratified population-weighted mean changes in percent and standardized CRF were estimated. Pearson's correlations were used to describe associations between linear trends in CRF and linear trends in health-related, socioeconomic, and environmental indicators. 2,525,827 adults representing eight high- and upper-middle-income countries between 1967 and 2016 collectively showed a moderate decline of 7.7% (95% CI - 8.4 to - 7.0) or 1.6% per decade (95% CI - 1.7 to - 1.5). Internationally, CRF improved in the 1960s and 1970s, and progressively declined at an increasing rate thereafter. Declines were larger for men than for women, and for young adults (< 40 years) than for middle-aged adults (≥ 40 years). All countries experienced declines in CRF with a very strong negative correlation between CRF trends and obesity trends. There has been a meaningful decline in the CRF of adults since 1980, which has progressively increased in magnitude over time, suggestive of a corresponding decline in population health. Continuous national and international surveillance systems are needed in order to monitor health and fitness trends, especially among low- and middle-income countries for which data do not currently exist. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42013003678.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2017
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 18-10-2023
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 11-08-2011
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2023
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 04-2018
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002418
Abstract: Lamoureux, NR, Tomkinson, GR, Peterson, BJ, and Fitzgerald, JS. Relationship between skating economy and performance during a repeated-shift test in elite and subelite ice hockey players. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 1109–1113, 2018—The purpose of this study was to determine the importance of skating economy to fatigue during repeated high-intensity efforts of a simulated ice hockey shift. Forty-five collegiate and Junior A male ice hockey players (aged 18–24 years) performed a continuous graded exercise test using a skate treadmill. Breath-by-breath data for oxygen consumption (V̇ o 2 ) and respiratory exchange ratio were collected and used to derive energy expenditure (EE) averaged over the final 10 seconds of each stage. Economy was determined as the slope of the regression line relating V̇ o 2 and EE against skating speed separately. Participants also completed 8 bouts of maximal ice skating through a course designed to simulate typical shift, with timing gates determining first half, second half, and total fatigue decrement, calculated by a percent decrement score. Partial correlation was used to determine the association between economy measures and decrement during the repeated-shift test. Twenty-six participants met inclusion criteria and were included in data analysis. Skating economy measures (both relative V̇ o 2 and EE) were very likely moderate positive correlates of total fatigue decrement ( r [95% confidence interval]: V̇ o 2 , 0.46 [0.09, 0.72] and EE, 0.44, [0.06, 0.71]) but not with first or second gate decrement. Our results indicate that skating economy plays an important role in fatigue resistance over repeated on-ice sprints designed to simulate a typical shift. This supports the use of technical skating coaching and training techniques to enhance skating economy as a means of improving ice hockey performance.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1002/CTI2.1435
Abstract: Mechanisms underlying the anaphylactic reaction in humans are not fully understood. Here, we aimed at improving our understanding of anaphylaxis by investigating gene expression changes. Microarray data set GSE69063 was analysed, describing emergency department (ED) patients with severe anaphylaxis ( n = 12), moderate anaphylaxis ( n = 6), sepsis ( n = 20) and trauma ( n = 11). S les were taken at ED presentation (T0) and 1 h later (T1). Healthy controls were age and sex matched to ED patient groups. Gene expression changes were determined using limma , and pathway analysis applied. Differentially expressed genes were validated in an independent cohort of anaphylaxis patients ( n = 31) and matched healthy controls ( n = 10), using quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Platelet aggregation was dysregulated in severe anaphylaxis at T0, but not in moderate anaphylaxis, sepsis or trauma. Dysregulation was not observed in patients who received adrenaline before T0. Seven genes ( GATA1 (adjusted P‐ value = 5.57 × 10 −4 ), TLN1 (adjusted P‐ value = 9.40 × 10 −4 ), GP1BA (adjusted P ‐value = 2.15 × 10 −2 ), SELP (adjusted P ‐value = 2.29 × 10 −2 ), MPL (adjusted P ‐value = 1.20 × 10 −2 ), F13A1 (adjusted P ‐value = 1.39 × 10 −2 ) and SPARC (adjusted P ‐value = 4.06 × 10 −2 )) were significantly downregulated in severe anaphylaxis patients who did not receive adrenaline before ED arrival, compared with healthy controls. One gene ( TLN1 (adjusted P ‐value = 1.29 × 10 −2 )) was significantly downregulated in moderate anaphylaxis patients who did not receive adrenaline before ED arrival, compared with healthy controls. Downregulation of genes involved in platelet aggregation and activation is a unique feature of the early anaphylactic reaction not previously reported and may be associated with reaction severity.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2018
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-12-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2019
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 06-2010
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-1998
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 2014
Abstract: The Active Healthy Kids Canada (AHKC) Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth has been effective in powering the movement to get kids moving by influencing priorities, policies, and practice in Canada. The AHKC Report Card process was replicated in 14 additional countries from 5 continents using 9 common indicators (Overall Physical Activity, Organized Sport Participation, Active Play, Active Transportation, Sedentary Behavior, Family and Peers, School, Community and Built Environment, and Government Strategies and Investments), a harmonized process and a standardized grading framework. The 15 Report Cards were presented at the Global Summit on the Physical Activity of Children in Toronto on May 20, 2014. The consolidated findings are summarized here in the form of a global matrix of grades. There is a large spread in grades across countries for most indicators. Countries that lead in certain indicators lag in others. Overall, the grades for indicators of physical activity (PA) around the world are low oor. Many countries have insufficient information to assign a grade, particularly for the Active Play and Family and Peers indicators. Grades for Sedentary Behaviors are, in general, better in low income countries. The Community and Built Environment indicator received high grades in high income countries and notably lower grades in low income countries. There was a pattern of higher PA and lower sedentary behavior in countries reporting poorer infrastructure, and lower PA and higher sedentary behavior in countries reporting better infrastructure, which presents an interesting paradox. Many surveillance and research gaps and weaknesses were apparent. International cooperation and cross-fertilization is encouraged to tackle existing challenges, understand underlying mechanisms, derive innovative solutions, and overcome the expanding childhood inactivity crisis.
Publisher: Trans Tech Publications, Ltd.
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.4028/WWW.SCIENTIFIC.NET/AMR.181-182.879
Abstract: In recent years, with the rapid development of higher education in China, the scale of every university unceasingly expands and many universities are building new c us or are intend to construct new c us. The construction of new c us needs large-scale capital, although various universities try every means to raise the funds, the main source of construction capital is bank loans. In this paper, we, at first, put forward the background and significance studying the factors affecting the loan scale of the construction of new university c us, then, we screened the factors affecting the loan scale of university and made use of the data of these factors for statistical analysis. Finally, we summarized the results of statistical analysis.
Publisher: Termedia Sp. z.o.o.
Date: 2019
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 04-2018
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 05-2021
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2020-047122
Abstract: Physical fitness (PF) is an important indicator of health in children and adolescents. Internationally, test batteries have been used to assess overall PF. In Latin America, however, while PF has been widely measured, there is no accepted test battery, making it difficult to monitor and/or compare the PF levels of Latin children. The aim of this study, therefore, is to systematically review and potentially meta-analyse the peer-reviewed literature regarding the assessment of PF in Latin American children and adolescents. This systematic review and meta-analysis will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols statement. The systematic literature search will be performed in MEDLINE, Scopus, SciELO, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, LILACS and Latindex (Spanish) to locate articles published up to April 2021. Eligible studies will include both descriptive and analytic study designs. Meta-analyses are planned for sufficiently homogeneous PF outcomes with regard to statistical and methodological characteristics. Narrative syntheses are planned for PF outcomes that are considered to be too heterogeneous. The statistical program STATA V.15 will be used for meta-analyses, with subgroup analyses performed according to the characteristics of included studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol is designed to provide updated evidence on the PF of Latin American children and adolescents. Findings from this review may be useful for teachers, researchers and other professionals responsible for paediatric fitness and health promotion/surveillance. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed scientific publications, conferences, educational talks and infographics. CRD42020189892.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-11-2021
DOI: 10.1007/S40279-021-01584-W
Abstract: Little is known about which indicators of performance elite athlete coaches (i.e., professional coaches who coach at the national or international levels) consider to be important for basketball. Using a Delphi procedure, the aim of this study was to identify the non-game performance indicators elite athlete coaches consider to be important for the recruitment/selection of basketball players. Ninety elite athlete coaches (basketball coaches (n = 71) and strength/conditioning coaches (n = 19) who coached men (n = 60), women (n = 23), or both (n = 7)), employed in 23 countries across six continents, participated in a three-round online Delphi survey. Round 1 asked coaches to identify the non-game performance indicators (i.e., measures other than game statistics) they currently used (or would like to use) for player recruitment/selection, with common indicators combined into single indicators. Round 2 asked coaches to rate the importance of each performance indicator using a Likert scale (range: 0 = no importance whatsoever to 10 = extremely important). Round 3 asked coaches to identify the single best test measure for each indicator rated ≥ 6 (i.e., important to extremely important) in Round 2. Results were reported descriptively. A total of 608 responses (344 after removal of duplicates) were reported in Round 1, which were collapsed into 35 indicators, all of which were rated as 'important' in Round 2. Psychological and game intelligence indicators were typically rated as very important to extremely important (i.e., median = 9), with physical fitness and movement skills typically rated as very important (i.e., median = 8). For most indicators, coach observation was identified as the best test measure, with unique objective performance/anthropometric tests identified for all physical fitness indicators. This study identified a range of psychological, game intelligence, physical fitness, and movement skill indicators that were considered by elite athlete coaches to be important to extremely important for the recruitment/selection of basketball players. These findings may inform the development of a basketball-specific test battery for recruiting/selecting and monitoring players.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2015
DOI: 10.14814/PHY2.12511
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2023
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2003
DOI: 10.1080/0264041031000071029A
Abstract: Deviations from perfect bilateral symmetry, in a normally symmetric organism, signal a lack of developmental precision. In adult human males, previous studies have shown that symmetry is positively associated with height, body mass and physical performance. In this study, symmetry was measured in adult male athletes from two sports, competing at two different standards. Fifty-two elite and sub-elite Australian male basketballers and soccer players, who regularly competed in the national and state leagues in the 2000-2001 season, participated in the study. All participants underwent anthropometric assessment. Both basketballers and national league athletes in general were significantly taller (P < 0.0001) and heavier (P 0.50), the two sports (P > 0.50) or among any of the competitive standard x sport groups (P > 0.50). Contrary to expectations, we did not find any differences in asymmetry between adult male athletes from two sports (basketball and soccer), competing at two different standards (professional national league and semi-professional state league).
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 06-05-2020
Abstract: Background: Handgrip strength (HGS) is a convent measure of strength capacity and associated with several age-related health conditions such as functional disability. Asymmetric strength between limbs has been linked to diminished function. Therefore, both HGS asymmetry and weakness could be associated with functional disability. We examined the associations of HGS asymmetry and weakness on functional limitations in a nationally representative s le of older Americans. Methods: Data were analyzed from 2689 adults ≥ 60 years who participated in the 2011–2012 and 2013–2014 waves of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Weakness was defined as HGS 26 kg for men and 16 kg for women. Asymmetry was determined from the ratio of the dominant and non-dominant HGS. Those with HGS ratio 0.9–1.1 were considered as having HGS symmetry, and those outside this range had asymmetry. Results: Compared to those with symmetric HGS and were not weak, those with weakness alone, and both weakness and HGS asymmetry had 2.47 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14–5.35) and 3.93 (CI: 1.18–13.07) greater odds for functional limitations, respectively. However, HGS asymmetry alone was not associated with functional limitations (odds ratio: 0.80 CI: 0.62–1.03). Conclusion: The use of HGS asymmetry in protocols could improve the prognostic value of handgrip dynamometers.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2020
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 20-05-2016
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2016-095987
Abstract: To develop sex-specific and age-specific international norms for the 20 m shuttle run test (20mSRT) in children and youth (aged 9-17 years), and to estimate the prevalence meeting the FITNESSGRAM criterion-referenced standards for healthy cardiorespiratory endurance (CRE). A systematic review was undertaken to identify papers explicitly reporting descriptive 20mSRT (with 1 min stages) data on children and youth since 1981. Data were included on apparently healthy (free from known disease/injury) 9-17 years old. Following standardisation to a common metric and for protocol differences, pseudo data were generated using Monte Carlo simulation, with population-weighted sex-specific and age-specific normative centiles generated using the Lambda Mu and Sigma (LMS) method. Sex-related and age-related differences were expressed as per cent and standardised differences in means. The prevalence with healthy CRE was estimated using the sex-specific and age-specific FITNESSGRAM criterion-referenced standards for [Formula: see text]. Norms were displayed as tabulated centiles and as smoothed centile curves for the 20mSRT using 4 common metrics (speed at the last completed stage, completed stages/minutes, laps and relative [Formula: see text]). The final data set included 1 142 026 children and youth from 50 countries, extracted from 177 studies. Boys consistently outperformed girls at each age group (mean difference±95% CI: 0.86±0.28 km/h or 0.79±0.20 standardised units), with the magnitude of age-related increase larger for boys than for girls. A higher proportion of boys (mean±95% CI: 67±14%) had healthy CRE than girls (mean±95% CI: 54±17%), with the prevalence of healthy CRE decreasing systematically with age. This study provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date set of international sex-specific and age-specific 20mSRT norms for children and youth, which have utility for health and fitness screening, profiling, monitoring and surveillance.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 08-2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-08-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S40279-022-01752-6
Abstract: The measurement of physical fitness has a history that dates back nearly 200 years. Recently, there has been an increase in international research and surveillance on physical fitness creating a need for setting international priorities that could help guide future efforts. This study aimed to produce a list of the top 10 international priorities for research and surveillance on physical fitness among children and adolescents. Using a twin-panel Delphi method, two independent panels consisting of 46 international experts were identified (panel 1 = 28, panel 2 = 18). The panel participants were asked to list up to five priorities for research or surveillance (round 1), and then rated the items from their own panel on a 5-point Likert scale of importance (round 2). In round 3, experts were asked to rate the priorities identified by the other panel. There was strong between-panel agreement (panel 1: r s = 0.76, p 0.01 panel 2: r s = 0.77, p 0.01) in the priorities identified. The list of the final top 10 priorities included (i) “conduct longitudinal studies to assess changes in fitness and associations with health”. This was followed by (ii) “use fitness surveillance to inform decision making”, and (iii) “implement regular and consistent international/national fitness surveys using common measures”. The priorities identified in this study provide guidance for future international collaborations and research efforts on the physical fitness of children and adolescents over the next decade and beyond.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 02-03-2017
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2016-096955
Abstract: To identify criterion-referenced standards for cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) to estimate the percentage of children and youth that met each standard and to discuss strategies to help improve the utility of criterion-referenced standards for population health research. A search of four databases was undertaken to identify papers that reported criterion-referenced CRF standards for children and youth generated using the receiver operating characteristic curve technique. A pseudo-dataset representing the 20-m shuttle run test performance of 1 142 026 children and youth aged 9–17 years from 50 countries was generated using Monte Carlo simulation. Pseudo-data were used to estimate the international percentage of children and youth that met published criterion-referenced standards for CRF. Ten studies reported criterion-referenced standards for healthy CRF in children and youth. The mean percentage (±95% CI) of children and youth that met the standards varied substantially across age groups from 36%±13% to 95%±4% among girls, and from 51%±7% to 96%±16% among boys. There was an age gradient across all criterion-referenced standards where younger children were more likely to meet the standards compared with older children, regardless of sex. Within age groups, mean percentages were more precise (smaller CI) for younger girls and older boys. There are several CRF criterion-referenced standards for children and youth producing widely varying results. This study encourages using the interim international criterion-referenced standards of 35 and 42 mL/kg/min for girls and boys, respectively, to identify children and youth at risk of poor health—raising a clinical red flag.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-04-2022
DOI: 10.1038/S41366-022-01113-3
Abstract: Few studies have investigated the optimal anthropometric index associated with potential cardio-metabolic risk. Using direct measures of standing height, body mass, and waist circumference, we sought to identify the optimal index for detecting cardio-metabolic risk associated with diabetes and hypertension in a nationally representative s le of US adults. Complete (non-missing) cross-sectional data from 8375 US adults aged 18-80+ years were obtained from the 2015-16 and 2017-March 2020 (pre-pandemic) cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The cardio-metabolic risk was identified using blood pressure and glycohemoglobin (A1c). Allometric models were used to identify the optimal anthropometric indices associated with cardio-metabolic risk. Receiver operating characteristics curves were used to verify the discriminatory ability of the identified index in comparison with other anthropometric measures. The optimal anthropometric index associated with cardio-metabolic risk was waist circumference ided by body mass to the power of 0.333 (WC/M We identified WC/M
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 17-11-2022
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-11-2014
DOI: 10.1002/AJHB.22490
Abstract: This study quantified differences in body shape of people differing in body mass index (BMI), using three-dimensional (3D) scan-extracted segmental body volumes. Eight segmental volumes were measured on 340 young adults (169 males and 171 females) aged 18-30 years, using the Vitus Smart 3D whole body scanner. Body volumes were also expressed as a ratio of the sex-specific mean volume (segmental or whole body) and compared to BMI using simple linear regression, multiple-segment-linear regression and Lowess curves. While all segmental volumes increased significantly as BMI increased, the BMI-related patterns of increase varied among different body segments. For ex le, pelvis and abdomen volumes increased at a significantly greater rate than whole body volume, with the rates of increase greatest in the overweight and obese. Body shape changes due to variations in body volume could have important implications in a range of fields that currently use 1D anthropometric measurements that do not capture body shape differences in the same detail.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-10-2019
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-019-7671-7
Abstract: Emerging evidence suggests that children become fatter and less fit over the summer holidays but get leaner and fitter during the in-school period. This could be due to differences in diet and time use between these distinct periods. Few studies have tracked diet and time use across the summer holidays. This study will measure rates of change in fatness and fitness of children, initially in Grade 4 (age 9 years) across three successive years and relate these changes to changes in diet and time use between in-school and summer holiday periods. Grade 4 Children attending Australian Government, Catholic and Independent schools in the Adelaide metropolitan area will be invited to participate, with the aim of recruiting 300 students in total. Diet will be reported by parents using the Automated Self-Administered 24-h Dietary Assessment Tool. Time use will be measured using 24-h wrist-worn accelerometry (GENEActiv) and self-reported by children using the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults (e.g. chores, reading, sport). Measurement of diet and time use will occur at the beginning (Term 1) and end (Term 4) of each school year and during the summer holiday period. Fitness (20-m shuttle run and standing broad jump) and fatness (body mass index z -score, waist circumference, %body fat) will be measured at the beginning and end of each school year. Differences in rates of change in fitness and fatness during in-school and summer holiday periods will be calculated using model parameter estimate contrasts from linear mixed effects model. Model parameter estimate contrasts will be used to calculate differences in rates of change in outcomes by socioeconomic position (SEP), sex and weight status. Differences in rates of change of outcomes will be regressed against differences between in-school and summer holiday period diet and time use, using compositional data analysis. Analyses will adjust for age, sex, SEP, parenting style, weight status, and pubertal status, where appropriate. Findings from this project may inform new, potent avenues for intervention efforts aimed at addressing childhood fitness and fatness. Interventions focused on the home environment, or alternatively extension of the school environment may be warranted. Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, identifier ACTRN12618002008202 . Retrospectively registered on 14 December 2018.
Publisher: KARGER
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1159/000101356
Abstract: Both Estonia and Lithuania have a long history of pediatric fitness testing, but due to a lack of standardized test batteries spanning a substantial number of years, secular changes in fitness test performance have not been previously reported. Using the Eurofit test battery, the aim of this study was to quantify the secular changes in fitness test performance of Estonian and Lithuanian children and adolescents during the first ten years of independence. Two cross-sectional surveys of Estonian and Lithuanian 11- to 17-year-old tested on the Eurofit in 1992 and 2002 were compared. Secular changes were calculated by first, expressing mean values (at the country x age x sex x test level) in 2002 as a percentage of mean values in 1992, and second, by subtracting 100 from the resultant and then iding 10 to express the changes as percentage changes per annum (p.a.). Negative values indicated secular declines, and positive values secular improvements. Secular changes in Eurofit test performance were calculated for 12,226 Estonian and Lithuanian children and adolescents over the 10-year period. Across all Eurofit tests, secular changes ranged on average from -0.98 to +0.49% p.a., with performances less variable for Estonian children than for Lithuanian children. Secular changes were strikingly consistent across age and sex groups. This is the first study to have described the secular changes in Eurofit test performance of children and adolescents from the Baltic states. It shows that between 1992 and 2002, changes in Eurofit performance varied among tests and were not always in line with European and global changes.
Publisher: KARGER
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1159/000101355
Abstract: Despite several studies highlighting differences in aerobic test performance among age-matched children and adolescents from different countries, little is known about the geographic variability in children's performances on tests measuring other fitness components. By cumulating studies reporting Eurofit data for children and adolescents, the aim of this study was to describe the variability in fitness test performance among children and adolescents from different parts of Europe. Sixty-seven studies reporting on the Eurofit test performances of healthy European children and adolescents were included in the analysis. Following corrections for methodological variation where appropriate, all data for each test were expressed in a common metric. Raw data were combined with pseudodata generated using Monte Carlo simulation. Performances on each fitness test were expressed as z-scores relative to all children of the same age and sex from all countries. For each Eurofit test, s le-weighted mean z-scores were calculated for each country across all age x sex groups for which data were available. Data were collated on 1,185,656 Eurofit test performances by 7- to 18-year-old Europeans from 23 countries. There was considerable variability in the mean z-scores among countries, with the variability among countries differing by test. Overall, the best performing children came from northern and central European countries (0.3-0.4 standard deviations above the overall European average). There is evidence that performance was related to socio-cultural factors, such as the place of exercise and sport in the national psyche.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2016
Publisher: KARGER
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1159/000101358
Abstract: Although Asia represents well over half of the world's population, the comparative lack of resources and infrastructure in many of these countries is likely to have contributed to only sporadic data being available to examine secular changes and geographical variability in the fitness test performances of Asian children and adolescents. Given the concerns that currently exist in the development of childhood obesity including, in many Asian countries, knowledge on the secular changes in nutrition and physical fitness and activity would seem germane to developing proactive public health strategies. The aim of this study therefore was to summarize existing literature reporting explicitly on secular changes in the fitness test performance of Asian children and adolescents, and where possible, comment on the geographical variability of such performances. Using a meta-analytical strategy, this study summarizes the secular changes in power, speed and cardiovascular endurance test performance of over 23.5 million 6- to 19-year-olds from seven Asian countries, tested between 1917 and 2003. In addition, it summarizes the geographic variability in fitness test performance of Asian children and adolescents within, and outside of, Asia. There has been very little change in the power and speed test performances of Asian children and adolescents in recent decades, yet alarmingly, there have been consistent declines in cardiovascular endurance fitness performance across all studied Asian nations over the past 10-15 years. Given the association between cardiovascular endurance fitness and numerous degenerative conditions (e.g. diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome), recent declines in cardiovascular endurance fitness performance of Asian children and adolescents should be an issue of major concern for public health authorities throughout Asia.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2016
Publisher: Routledge
Date: 07-04-2020
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 2009
DOI: 10.1109/KAM.2009.278
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-11-2016
DOI: 10.1002/AJHB.22937
Abstract: To investigate relationships between the digit ratio (2D:4D) and competitive basketball performance in Australian men. Using an observational cross-sectional design a total of 221 Australian basketball players who competed in the Olympic Games, International Basketball Federation World Ch ionships/Cup, Australian National Basketball League, Central Australian Basketball League or socially had their 2D:4Ds measured. Analysis of variance was used to assess differences in mean 2D:4Ds between men playing at different competitive standards, with relationships between 2D:4Ds and basketball game-related statistics assessed using Pearson's product moment correlations in men playing at a single competitive standard. There were significant differences between competitive standards for the left 2D:4D following Bonferroni correction, but not for the right 2D:4D, with basketballers who achieved higher competitive standards tending to have lower left 2D:4Ds. No important correlations between 2D:4D and basketball game-related statistics were found, with correlations typically negligible. This study indicated that the 2D:4D can discriminate between basketballers competing at different standards, but not between basketballers within a single competitive standard using objective game-related statistics.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2016
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 08-08-2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2017
Publisher: S. KARGER AG
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1159/000101361
Abstract: There have been an increasing number of reports in recent years which have highlighted that the aerobic fitness test performances of Australian and New Zealand children and adolescents are declining. Some researchers have previously commented on secular changes in performance, but have used data dating back only to 1985. Using a metaanalytical approach, this study aimed to quantify the secular changes in the aerobic fitness test performances of Australasian (Australian and New Zealand) children and adolescents over the past half a century. Forty-six studies reporting on the aerobic fitness test performances of healthy Australasian children and adolescents were included in the analysis. Corrections for methodological variation were made where possible, and data for each aerobic fitness test were expressed in a common metric. Raw data were merged with pseudo data generated from reported means and standard deviations using Monte Carlo simulation. Changes in aerobic test performance were calculated at the country x age x sex x test level using least squares linear regression. Secular changes were calculated for 161,419 6-17-year-old tested on five different maximal field-running tests of aerobic fitness between 1961 and 2002. Overall, the aerobic performance of young Australasians declined at an average rate of -0.24% per annum (95% confidence interval -0.22 to -0.26% per annum). The pattern of change, however, was not consistent over time. Early in the 1960s, changes in performance shifted from improvements to declines, with the rate of decline accelerating until about 1990, and slowing thereafter. Secular changes were reasonably similar for boys and girls, but quite different for children and adolescents. There has been a marked decline in aerobic fitness test performances of Australasian children and adolescents in recent decades. It is likely that this secular decline is caused by a network of social, behavioral, physical, psychosocial and physiological factors.
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 13-06-2022
DOI: 10.1101/2022.06.09.22275139
Abstract: (1) To develop reference values for health-related fitness European children and adolescents aged 6–18 years that are the foundation for the web-based, open-access and multi-language fitness platform (FitBack) (2) To provide comparisons across European countries. This study builds on a previous large fitness reference study in European youth by: (1) widening the age demographic, (2) identifying the most recent and representative country-level data, and (3) including national data from existing fitness surveillance and monitoring systems. We used the ALPHA test battery as it comprises tests with the highest test-retest reliability, criterion/construct validity, and health-related predictive validity: the 20-m shuttle run (cardiorespiratory fitness) handgrip strength and standing long jump (muscular strength) and body height, body mass, body mass index, and waist circumference (anthropometry). Percentile values were obtained using the GAMLSS method. A total of 7,966,693 data points from 34 countries (106 datasets) were used to develop sex- and age-specific percentile values. In addition, country-level rankings based on mean percentiles are provided for each fitness test, as well as an overall fitness ranking. Finally, an interactive fitness platform, including in idual and group reporting, and European fitness maps, is provided and freely available at www.fitbackeurope.eu . This study discusses the major implications of fitness assessment in youth from a health, educational and sport perspective, and how the FitBack reference values and interactive web-based platform contribute to it. Fitness testing can be conducted in school and/or sport settings, and the interpreted results be integrated in the healthcare systems across Europe. - Fitness testing in youth is important from a health, educational and sport point of view. - The EU-funded ALPHA project reviewed the existing evidence and proposed a selection of field-based fitness tests that showed the highest test-retest reliability, criterion/construct validity, and health-related predictive validity among available tests. - The FitBack project provides the most up-to-date and geographically erse reference fitness values for 6-to 18-year-old Europeans. - This study introduces the first web-based, open-access, and multi-lingual fitness reporting platform (FitBack) providing interactive information and visual mapping of the European fitness landscape. - From a health perspective, very low fitness levels are a non-invasive indicator of poor health at both the in idual and group level (e.g., school, region), which have utility for health screening and may guide public health policy. There are already ex les of regional and national fitness testing systems that are integrated into the healthcare systems. - From an educational perspective, fitness testing is part of the school curriculum in many countries, and the FitBack platform offers physical education teachers an easy-to-use tool for interpreting fitness test results by sex and age. - From a sport perspective, these reference values can help identify young in iduals who are talented in specific fitness components.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2021
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 25-08-2021
DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000002771
Abstract: Handgrip strength (HGS) is an important indicator of health. Because HGS is strongly associated with body size, most investigators normalize HGS for some measure of body size as a more sensitive indicator of strength within a population. We aimed to 1) identify the optimal body size dimension to remove (normalize) HGS for differences in body size among adults and 2) generate norm-referenced centiles for HGS using the identified body size dimension. Data were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a representative s le of the US noninstitutionalized civilian population. Exclusions resulted in a final s le of 8690 adults 20 yr and older. HGS was measured using handheld dynamometry. Body size dimensions included body mass, height, and waist circumference. The most appropriate dimension(s) associated with HGS is identified using allometry. We fitted centile curves for normalized HGS using the generalized additive model for location, scale, and shape. Findings suggest that neither body mass nor body mass index is appropriate to normalize HGS. Incorporating all three body size dimensions of body mass, height, and waist circumference, or the reduced subsets of body mass and height, or height alone, suggests that the most appropriate normalizing (body size) dimension associated with HGS should be a cross-sectional or surface area measure of an in idual’s body size (i.e., L 2 , where L is a linear dimension of body size). Given that height was also identified as the signally best body size dimension associated with HGS, we recommend HGS be normalized by height 2 (i.e., HGS/HT 2 ). Centile curves for HGS/HT 2 by age group and gender were therefore provided. Scaling adult HGS by height 2 may help normalize strength for population-based research.
Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Date: 12-01-2022
DOI: 10.1055/A-1738-2072
Abstract: Low physical fitness in adolescence is linked with increased cardiometabolic risk and early all-cause mortality. This study aimed to estimate temporal trends in the physical fitness of Hong Kong adolescents aged 12–17 years between 1998 and 2015. Physical fitness (9-min run/walk, sit-ups, push-ups, and sit-and-reach) and body size data in a total of 28,059 adolescents tested across five population-representative surveys of Hong Kong secondary school pupils, were reported. Temporal trends in means were estimated at the gender-age level by best-fitting s le-weighted linear regression, with national trends estimated by a post-stratified population-weighting procedure. Overall, there were small declines in 9-min run/walk (effect size (ES) = 0.29 (95%CI: 0.32, 0.26)) and sit-ups performance (ES = 0.24 (95%CI: 0.27, 0.21)), with negligible changes in push-ups and sit-and-reach performance. There were small concurrent increases in both mean height and body mass, with a negligible increase in sum of skinfolds. Trends in mean physical fitness and body size/ were not always uniform across the population distribution. The small declines in mean 9-min run/walk and sit-ups performance for Hong Kong adolescents are suggestive of corresponding declines in cardiorespiratory fitness and abdominal/core endurance, respectively. Increased national health promotion strategies are required to improve existing fitness trends.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-08-2021
DOI: 10.1007/S40279-021-01524-8
Abstract: Musculoskeletal fitness is an excellent functional measure that is significantly related to health among youth. Our objective was to identify health-related criterion-referenced cut-points for musculoskeletal fitness (MSF) among youth. A systematic search of two electronic databases (MEDLINE and SPORTDiscus) was conducted in September 2020. Only peer-reviewed studies that developed health-related criterion-referenced cut-points for MSF among youth were eligible provided they included (1) youth aged 5-17 years from the general population, (2) at least one quantitative assessment of MSF (e.g., muscular strength), (3) at least one quantitative assessment of health (e.g., cardiometabolic risk), (4) a criterion for health, and (5) a quantitative analysis [e.g., receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve] of at least one health-related cut-point for MSF. A narrative synthesis was used to describe the results of included studies. Collectively, 13 studies that developed health-related criterion-referenced cut-points for MSF among 14,476 youth from 15 countries were included. Muscular strength demonstrated high discriminatory ability [median area under the curve (AUC) ≥ 0.71] for cardiometabolic risk/metabolic syndrome, sarcopenic obesity risk and bone health, and moderate discriminatory ability (median AUC 0.64-0.70) for asthma. Muscular power also demonstrated high discriminatory ability for bone health but only moderate discriminatory ability for cardiometabolic risk/metabolic syndrome and low discriminatory ability (median AUC 0.56-0.63) for cognition/academic performance. Both muscular endurance and flexibility demonstrated low discriminatory ability for musculoskeletal pain. Health-related cut-points for MSF that demonstrated significant discriminatory ability were generally higher for boys than for girls (for muscular strength and power) and generally increased with age for muscular strength and power but remained stable for flexibility. Data remain insufficient to establish universal health-related cut-points for MSF among youth. Despite variations in the health-related discriminatory ability of different MSF tests, handgrip strength and standing broad jump emerged as the two tests with the highest discriminatory ability. More research, using standardized testing protocols and health-risk definitions, is required to better triangulate universal health-related cut-points for MSF among youth. CRD42020207458.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-08-2023
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 08-10-2022
Abstract: This decoupling between carbon dioxide emissions and the heavy industry is one of the main topics of government managers. This paper uses the quantile regression approach to investigate the carbon intensity of China’s heavy industry, based on 2005–2019 panel data. The main findings are as follows: (1) incentive-based environmental regulations have the greater impact on the carbon intensity in Jiangsu, Shandong, Zhejiang, Henan, Liaoning, and Shaanxi, because these provinces invest more in environmental governance and levy higher resource taxes (2) the impact of mandatory environmental regulations on carbon intensity in Beijing, Tianjin, and Guangdong provinces is smaller, since these three provinces have the fewest enacted environmental laws and rely mainly on market incentives (3) conversely, foreign direct investment has contributed most to carbon intensity reduction in Tianjin, Beijing, and Guangdong provinces, because these three have attracted more technologically advanced foreign-funded enterprises (4) technological progress contributes more to the carbon intensity in the low quantile provinces, because these provinces have more patented technologies (5) the carbon intensity of Shaanxi, Shanxi, and Inner Mongolia provinces is most affected by energy consumption structures because of their over-reliance on highly polluting coal.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-09-2021
DOI: 10.1002/AJHB.23679
Abstract: Digit ratio (2D:4D), a putative marker of prenatal testosterone, is a negative correlate of sports, athletic, and fitness performance. To describe the relationship between 2D:4D and vertical jump performance in athletes. Sixty‐one Division I American Football players from a Midwestern U.S. university had their 2D:4D measured digitally and their vertical jump performance measured using jump mechanography. The primary outcome was jump height, with secondary outcomes depicting jump execution also recorded. Linear relationships between 2D:4D and vertical jump performance were quantified using partial correlations adjusted for age, height, mass, and ethnicity. 2D:4D was a statistically significant weak negative correlate of jump height (partial r [95% confidence interval]: −0.26 [−0.48, −0.01]), indicating that athletes with lower 2D:4Ds (i.e., relatively longer 4th digits) jumped higher. Relationships with jump execution variables were negligible to weak and negative, but not statistically significant. The significant relationship between 2D:4D and jump height probably reflects both the long‐term organizational and short‐term activational benefits of testosterone. Therefore, 2D:4D may be a useful indicator of explosive strength among young athletes.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-10-2013
Abstract: The quantity and quality of studies in child and adolescent physical activity and sedentary behaviour have rapidly increased, but research directions are often pursued in a reactive and uncoordinated manner. To arrive at an international consensus on research priorities in the area of child and adolescent physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Two independent panels, each consisting of 12 experts, undertook three rounds of a Delphi methodology. The Delphi methodology required experts to anonymously answer questions put forward by the researchers with feedback provided between each round. The primary outcome of the study was a ranked set of 29 research priorities that aimed to be applicable for the next 10 years. The top three ranked priorities were: developing effective and sustainable interventions to increase children’s physical activity long-term policy and/or environmental change and their influence on children’s physical activity and sedentary behaviour and prospective, longitudinal studies of the independent effects of physical activity and sedentary behaviour on health. These research priorities can help to guide decisions on future research directions.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-05-2021
Publisher: Government of Canada
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.25318/82-003-X202101100001-ENG
Abstract: The fitness levels of Canadian adults declined substantially between 1981 and the years 2007 to 2009, suggesting a reduction in population health. This paper updates the fitness trends of Canadians aged 20 to 69 years by extending the time period to 2017. The Canadian Health Measures Survey is a repeated cross-sectional survey that is conducted to produce nationally representative health estimates. Descriptive statistics are presented for fitness measures in 2016 and 2017 by age and sex, and trends in fitness were calculated spanning a period of 10 years (2007 to 2017). The associations between fitness measures and meeting the 2020 Canadian physical activity recommendations were also assessed. From 2007 to 2017, there were few statistically significant changes in the fitness levels of Canadian adults. When all ages were combined, there were declining trends in predicted cardiorespiratory fitness, from 39.5 to 36.7 mL•kg⁻¹•min⁻¹ among men and 34.0 to 32.2 mL•kg⁻¹•min⁻¹ among women. Trends indicated declining flexibility among men. In general, meeting the current Canadian moderate-to-vigorous physical activity recommendation was associated with better fitness, particularly in the categories of predicted cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition. The periodic assessment of fitness in Canadians provides valuable insight into population health. The present update provides evidence that fitness levels among adults have generally stabilized over the past 10 years. Taken with the reported declines in fitness that occurred from 1981 to the 2007-to-2009 period, this study shows that the fitness of Canadian adults remained low between 2007 to 2009 and 2016 to 2017. It is necessary to explore new ways to help improve the fitness levels of the Canadian population.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-2010
DOI: 10.1080/02640411003645703
Abstract: The main aim of this study was to assess the effect of site location on various girth measurements by using a novel method of three-dimensional whole-body scanning. We also wished to identify interactions between distances from the criterion site (site variants), sex, and body mass index (BMI) categories. Two hundred participants were analysed across the sexes and all BMI categories. Girth measurements were extracted 5, 10, 15, and 20 mm distal and proximal to the criterion site. The criterion site was identified by an ISAK-accredited (Level 2) anthropometrist. Error was quantified using the technical error of measurement (TEM). A limit of TEM < or = 1.0% was applied when determining the practical significance of this error at each site location. Analysis of variance was used to determine the interaction effects between site variants, sex, and BMI categories. Post hoc analysis was completed using t-tests with sequential Bonferroni correction to identify where the significant differences occurred. We found that site location error can have a significant impact on various girth measurements. The magnitude of this error varies according to the girth measurement being taken, sex, and BMI. Special care should be applied when measuring girths on females, especially waist girths on lean females.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 26-06-2017
DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2017.1346818
Abstract: Mechanography during the vertical jump may enhance screening and determining mechanistic causes underlying physical performance changes. Utility of jump mechanography for evaluation is limited by scant test-retest reliability data on force-time variables. This study examined the test-retest reliability of eight jump execution variables assessed from mechanography. Thirty-two women (mean±SD: age 20.8 ± 1.3 yr) and 16 men (age 22.1 ± 1.9 yr) attended a familiarization session and two testing sessions, all one week apart. Participants performed two variations of the squat jump with squat depth self-selected and controlled using a goniometer to 80º knee flexion. Test-retest reliability was quantified as the systematic error (using effect size between jumps), random error (using coefficients of variation), and test-retest correlations (using intra-class correlation coefficients). Overall, jump execution variables demonstrated acceptable reliability, evidenced by small systematic errors (mean±95%CI: 0.2 ± 0.07), moderate random errors (mean±95%CI: 17.8 ± 3.7%), and very strong test-retest correlations (range: 0.73-0.97). Differences in random errors between controlled and self-selected protocols were negligible (mean±95%CI: 1.3 ± 2.3%). Jump execution variables demonstrated acceptable reliability, with no meaningful differences between the controlled and self-selected jump protocols. To simplify testing, a self-selected jump protocol can be used to assess force-time variables with negligible impact on measurement error.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2011
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 03-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-10-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2022
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-10-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.APERGO.2016.05.008
Abstract: The aim of this study was to quantify time changes in the body dimensions of male Australian Army personnel. Following a systematic review, two studies were identified and matched for occupation and age (n = 669) with time changes in 12 absolute and 11 proportional body dimensions assessed between 1977 and 2010-12. Changes in means were expressed as absolute, percent and standardised changes, with changes in variability assessed visually and as the ratio of coefficients of variation (CVs). Time changes in absolute dimensions were typically positive (increases) and moderate in magnitude (median standardised change ± 95%CI: 0.53 ± 0.23), and while changes in proportional dimensions were typically negligible (median standardised change ± 95%CI: 0.16 ± 0.33), substantial changes (standardised changes ≥0.2 or ≤-0.2) were observed in several dimensions. Variability in body dimensions has also typically increased (median ratio of CVs ± 95%CI: 1.10 ± 0.07) and become more right-skewed. These findings have important implications for the design and acquisition of new military vehicles, body equipment and clothing.
Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Date: 11-2000
DOI: 10.1055/S-2000-8479
Abstract: Departures from perfect bilateral symmetry are thought to mirror an organism's ability to maintain developmental homeostasis. There is evidence showing that symmetry is negatively correlated with evolutionary and physical fitness. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between symmetry and health-related physiological characteristics in males and females. Forty-six male and female subjects participated in this study. Both facial and anthropometric traits were investigated for deviations from perfect bilateral symmetry. After measurements were made the subjects were tested on a range of physiological variables. There was no pattern of consistent significant correlations between fluctuating asymmetry and the physiological variables across all traits, and poor inter-correlations between the fluctuating asymmetries measured at different sites. The study failed to confirm the hypothesis that symmetric in iduals were physiologically fitter when compared to their asymmetric counterparts.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2021
Publisher: Research Square Platform LLC
Date: 08-06-2022
DOI: 10.21203/RS.3.RS-1714832/V1
Abstract: INTRODUCTIONIntravenous (IV) fluid resuscitation is recommended first line therapy in septic shock, but the effectiveness and safety of this approach has been questioned. To investigate potential mechanisms of harm from IV fluid resuscitation, we measured biomarkers of endothelial glycocalyx (EG) shedding, activation of the vascular endothelium and inflammation over the first 24 hours in a clinical trial comparing a fluid-restricted resuscitation regimen to usual care with no IV fluid restriction. METHODSA planned biomarker sub-study of the REFRESH trial in which emergency department (ED) patients) with suspected sepsis and a systolic blood pressure of mmHg after at least 1000ml of crystalloid fluid were randomised to restricted fluids (with a vasopressor infusion if needed to restore perfusion targets) or additional IV fluid resuscitation with later vasopressor if required (usual care). Blood s les were collected at randomisation (T0) and at 3 hours (T3), 6 hours (T6)- and 24 hours (T24) for measurement of Pro-Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (Pro-ANP) EG biomarkers - Syndecans 1 & 4 (SYN-1, SYN-4), Hyaluronan, Heparan Sulphate Endothelial cell markers - Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule (VCAM), Intercellular Adhesion Molecule (ICAM), E-selectin, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor 1 (VEGFR-1) and inflammatory biomarkers - Interleukins 6 & 10 (IL-6, IL-10), Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) and Resistin. RESULTSBlood s les were obtained in 95 of 99 enrolled patients (46 usual care, 49 restricted fluid). Differences in the change in biomarker over time between the groups were observed for Hyaluronan (2.2-fold from T3-T24, p=0.03), SYN-4 (1.5-fold T3 to T24, P=0.01) and IL-6 (2.5-fold from T0 to T3, p=0.03). No difference over time was observed between groups for the other biomarkers. CONCLUSIONSDifferences in the change over time for Hyaluronan, SYN-4 and IL-6 were observed during the first 24 hours among patients with suspected sepsis randomised to difference resuscitation regimens. This supports the hypothesis that IV fluids can lead to shedding of the endothelial glycocalyx and promote inflammation. Conversely no effect was seen for other EG components (SYN-1 and Heparan Sulphate), or for a range of endothelial activation and inflammatory markers. TRIAL REGISTRATIONAustralia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN126160000006448 Registered 12 January 2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-09-2020
Publisher: Canadian Science Publishing
Date: 09-2020
Abstract: This study aimed to develop and validate health-related criterion-referenced cut-points for the modified Canadian Aerobic Fitness Test (mCAFT), a field-based measure to predict cardiorespiratory fitness among adults (18–69 years). Criterion-referenced mCAFT cut-points were developed using nationally representative data from cycles 1 (2007–2009) and 2 (2009–2011) of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS). Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to identify age- and sex-specific cut-points for measured waist circumference, blood pressure, and high-density lipoprotein. Cut-points were validated against metabolic syndrome using a fasted subs le (n = 1093) from cycle 5 (2016–2017). For the main analyses, 4967 participants (50% women) were retained. The mCAFT cut-points ranged from 28 to 43 mL·kg –1 ·min –1 (area under the curve (AUC): 0.60–0.87) among men, and 23 to 37 mL·kg –1 ·min –1 (AUC: 0.61–0.86) among women. The likelihood of meeting the new mCAFT cut-points decreased with an increase in the presence of metabolic risk factors. In total, 54% (95% confidence interval: 42% to 67%) of Canadian adults met the new mCAFT cut-points in 2016–2017. This study developed and validated the first health-related criterion-referenced mCAFT cut-points for metabolic health among Canadian adults aged 18–69 years. These mCAFT cut-points may be useful in health surveillance, clinical, and public health settings. Novelty We developed and validated new criterion-referenced cut-points for the mCAFT to help identify adults at potential risk of poor metabolic health. These new cut-points could help support national health surveillance efforts.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 06-2019
Publisher: Active Healthy Kids Australia
Date: 2018
No related grants have been discovered for Grant Tomkinson.