Helminth infections and physical fitness in schoolchildren in rural southwest China

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22424138

Parasit Vectors. 2012 Mar 16;5(1):50. [Epub ahead of print]

Soil-transmitted helminth infections and physical fitness in school-aged Bulang children in southwest China: results from a cross-sectional survey.

Yap P, Du ZW, Chen R, Zhang LP, Wu FW, Wang J, Wang XZ, Zhou H, Zhou XN, Utzinger J, Steinmann P.

Abstract

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND:

Chronic soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections have been associated with reduced physical fitness, but available evidence is limited. The aim of this cross-sectional survey was to assess the feasibility of measuring children's physical fitness and to relate it to STH infections. Our study was carried out among school-aged children of the Bulang ethnic group in rural southwest People's Republic of China (P.R. China). Standardized, quality-controlled methods were employed to determine STH infections (Kato-Katz technique), haemoglobin levels, anthropometry (body weight and height) and physical fitness (20-m shuttle run test).

RESULTS:

A compliance of 87% suggested good acceptance of the methods used. Among 69 children with complete data records, infection prevalence of Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm were 81%, 44% and 6%, respectively. The maximum volume of oxygen that can be utilized within 1 min during exhaustive exercise (VO2 max estimate) of T. trichiura-infected children was 1.94 ml kg1 min1 lower than that of their non-infected counterparts (P = 0.005). Until exhaustion, T. trichiura-infected children had completed 6.14 20-m laps less (P = 0.004). Additionally, the mean VO2 max estimate of stunted children was lowered by 1.63 ml kg1 min1 (P = 0.002) and they completed 5.32 20-m laps less (P = 0.001) compared to children of normal stature. No significant association between stunting and infection with any STH species could be established.

CONCLUSIONS:

Implementation of physical fitness tests in rural, resource-constraint settings is feasible. The physicalfitness of children who are stunted or infected with STHs, particularly T. trichiura, is significantly impaired. We have launched a larger study and will determine the dynamics of school-aged children's physical fitness over a 7-month period after administration of anthelminthic drugs.

Can exercise slow down the progression of multiple sclerosis?

Await prospective peer-reviewed studies.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22435073

Ther Adv Neurol Disord. 2012 Mar;5(2):81-95.

Exercise and disease progression in multiple sclerosis: can exercise slow down the progression of multiple sclerosis?

Dalgas U, Stenager E.

Abstract

It has been suggested that exercise (or physical activity) might have the potential to have an impact on multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology and thereby slow down the disease process in MS patients. The objective of this literature review was to identify the literature linking physical exercise (or activity) and MS disease progression. A systematic literature search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, SweMed+, Embase, Cochrane Library, PEDro, SPORTDiscus and ISI Web of Science. Different methodological approaches to the problem have been applied including (1) longitudinal exercise studies evaluating the effects on clinical outcome measures, (2) cross-sectional studies evaluating the relationship between fitnessstatus and MRI findings, (3) cross-sectional and longitudinal studies evaluating the relationship between exercise/physical activity and disability/relapse rate and, finally, (4) longitudinal exercise studies applying the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) animal model of MS. Data from intervention studies evaluating disease progression by clinical measures (1) do not support a disease-modifying effect of exercise; however, MRI data (2), patient-reported data (3) and data from the EAE model (4) indicate a possible disease-modifying effect of exercise, but the strength of the evidence limits definite conclusions. It was concluded that some evidence supports the possibility of a disease-modifying potential ofexercise (or physical activity) in MS patients, but future studies using better methodologies are needed to confirm this.

"the benefit of exercise as a major stimulus for natural muscle mass enhancement or maintenance cannot be underestimated"

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22445284

Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2012 Mar 23. [Epub ahead of print]

Genetic variation in human muscle strength-opportunities for therapeutic interventions?

Thomis MA, Aerssens J.

Source

Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Tervuursevest 101, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium.

Abstract

Inter-individual variation in muscle mass and muscular fitness is broad; being at the upper tail of the distribution not only contributes to improve elite sport performance, but is also associated with longer independent living and higher quality-of-life in the aging population. Heritability estimates of muscle phenotypes are substantial and warrant the search for genetic components underlying this individual variability. The 'kinesiogenomics' field is young, but genetic associations with muscle strength-related phenotypes have been reported already for more than 40 candidate genes, and genome-wide scans revealed several additional regions of interest in the genome. Although genetic findings may reveal attractive targets for novel muscle atrophy therapy, the benefit of exercise as a major stimulus for natural muscle mass enhancement or maintenance cannot be underestimated.

Energy expenditure: walking versus running

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22446673

J Strength Cond Res. 2012 Apr;26(4):1039-44.

Energy expenditure comparison between walking and running in average fitnessindividuals.

Wilkin LD, Cheryl A, Haddock BL.

Source

Department of Kinesiology, Human Performance Laboratory, California State University, San Bernardino, California.

Abstract

Increased energy expenditure (EE) is a key component in maintaining a healthy body mass. Walking and running are 2 common aerobic activities that increase EE above resting values. The purpose of this study was to compare the EE of individuals with average fitness during a walk and run for 1600 meters at 86 m·min and 160 m·min, respectively. In addition, EE after the walk and run was compared. Fifteen females and 15 males (21.90 ± 2.52 y; 168.89 ± 11.20 cm; 71.01 ± 17.30 kg; 41.51 ± 6.31 ml·kg·min) volunteered to participate. Each participant completed a V[Combining Dot Above]O2max test. In addition, oxygen consumption was measured at rest for 10 minutes before exercise, during the walk and run, and after the walk and run for 30 minutes of recovery. EE during exercise was 372.54 ± 78.16 kilojoules for the walk and 471.03 ± 100.67 kilojoules for the run. Total EE including excess postexercise EE was 463.34 ± 80.38 kilojoules and 664.00 ± 149.66 kilojoules for the walk and run, respectively. Postexercise EE returned to resting values 10 minutes after the walk and 15 minutes after the run. Walking and running are both acceptable activities that increase EE above rest and can be performed without the expense of a health club membership and meet adequate kilojoule expenditure according to American College of Sports Medicine guidelines.

Sad this even exists: Canadian Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for the Early Years (aged 0-4 years)

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22448609

Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2012 Mar 27. [Epub ahead of print]

Canadian Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for the Early Years (aged 0-4 years).

Tremblay MS, Leblanc AG, Carson V, Choquette L, Connor Gorber S, Dillman C, Duggan M, Gordon MJ, Hicks A, Janssen I, Kho ME,Latimer-Cheung AE, Leblanc C, Murumets K, Okely AD, Reilly JJ, Stearns JA, Timmons BW, Spence JC.

Source

a Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, CHEO Research Institute, University of Ottawa, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada.

Abstract

The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP), with assistance from multiple partners, stakeholders, and researchers, developed the first Canadian Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for the Early Years (aged 0-4 years). These national guidelines are in response to a call from health and health care professionals, child care providers, and fitnesspractitioners for guidance on sedentary behaviour in the early years. The guideline development process followed the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research Evaluation (AGREE) II framework. The recommendations are informed by evidence from a systematic review that examined the relationships between sedentary behaviour (predominantly screen time) and health indicators (healthy body weight, bone and skeletal health, motor skill development, psychosocial health, cognitive development, and cardio-metabolic disease risk factors) for three age groups (infants aged <1 year; toddlers aged 1-2 years; preschoolers aged 3-4 years). Evidence from the review was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. The new guidelines include a preamble to provide context, followed by the specific recommendations. The final guidelines benefitted from extensive on-line consultations with input from >900 domestic and international stakeholders, end-users, and key informants. The final guidelines state: for healthy growth and development, caregivers should minimize the time infants (aged <1 year), toddlers (aged 1-2 years), and preschoolers (aged 3-4 years) spend being sedentary during waking hours. This includes prolonged sitting or being restrained (e.g., stroller, high chair) for more than 1 h at a time. For those under 2 years, screen time (e.g., TV, computer, electronic games) is not recommended. For children 2-4 years, screen time should be limited to under 1 h per day; less is better.

From BMJ: Effectiveness of physical activity promotion based in primary care

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22451477

BMJ. 2012 Mar 26;344:e1389. doi: 10.1136/bmj.e1389.

Effectiveness of physical activity promotion based in primary care: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Orrow G, Kinmonth AL, Sanderson S, Sutton S.

Source

General Practice and Primary Care Research Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SR, UK.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To determine whether trials of physical activity promotion based in primary care show sustained effects on physical activity or fitness in sedentary adults, and whether exercise referral interventions are more effective than other interventions.

DESIGN:

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

DATA SOURCES:

Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, the Cochrane Library, and article reference lists.

REVIEW METHODS:

Review of randomised controlled trials of physical activity promotion in sedentary adults recruited in primary care, with minimum follow-up of 12 months, reporting physical activity or fitness (or both) as outcomes, and using intention to treat analyses. Two reviewers independently assessed studies for inclusion, appraised risk of bias, and extracted data. Pooled effect sizes were calculated using a random effects model.

RESULTS:

We included 15 trials (n=8745). Most interventions took place in primary care, included health professionals in delivery, and involved advice or counselling given face to face or by phone (or both) on multiple occasions. Only three trials investigated exercise referral. In 13 trials presenting self reported physical activity, we saw small to medium positive intervention effects at 12 months (odds ratio 1.42, 95% confidence interval 1.17 to 1.73; standardised mean difference 0.25, 0.11 to 0.38). The number needed to treat with an intervention for one additional sedentary adult to meet internationally recommended levels of activity at 12 months was 12 (7 to 33). In four trials reporting cardiorespiratory fitness, a medium positive effect at 12 months was non-significant (standardised mean difference 0.51, -0.18 to 1.20). Three trials of exercisereferral found small non-significant effects on self reported physical activity at 12 months (odds ratio 1.38; 0.98 to 1.95; standardised mean difference 0.20, -0.21 to 0.61).

CONCLUSIONS:

Promotion of physical activity to sedentary adults recruited in primary care significantly increases physical activity levels at 12 months, as measured by self report. We found insufficient evidence to recommend exercise referral schemes over advice or counselling interventions. Primary care commissioners should consider these findings while awaiting further trial evaluation of exercise referral schemes and other primary care interventions, with longer follow-up and use of objective measures of outcome.

The HALO submaximal treadmill protocol to measure cardiorespiratory fitness in obese children and youth

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22452609

Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2012 Mar 27. [Epub ahead of print]

The HALO submaximal treadmill protocol to measure cardiorespiratory fitness in obese children and youth: a proof of principle study.

Breithaupt P, Adamo KB, Colley RC.

Source

a Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada.

Abstract

Many limitations exist with completing cardiorespiratory fitness testing in obese children. The aim of this study was to determine if the new Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group's (HALO's) submaximal cardiorespiratory fitnesstesting protocol for obese children and youth provides a comparable estimate of peak oxygen uptake to that measured using validated maximal and submaximal, equation-based protocols in the obese pediatric population. A group of obese children (n = 21; all ≥95th body mass index percentile; aged 10-17 years) completed 3 exercise testing protocols. Testing was completed as part of an ongoing cohort study and 2 submaximal cardiorespiratory fitness tests were completed, in randomized order, during a second visit. Significant correlations were found between observed peak oxygen uptake (mL·min(-1)) and predicted peak oxygen uptake for both the HALO (r = 0.75, p = 0.001) and Nemeth (r = 0.66, p = 0.001) submaximal protocols. A similar correlation was found, after accounting for body mass, between measured and predicted HALO peak oxygen uptake (mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)) values (r = 0.54, p = 0.01). HALO predicted peak oxygen uptake values showed a significant correlation when plotted against the measured values (r = 0.99). A Bland-Altman analysis found agreement between the maximal and HALO submaximal protocols (mean bias = -201.75 mL·min(-1)). The significant relationships found between estimates of peak oxygen uptake from the HALO submaximal protocol and measures of peak oxygen uptake during maximal cardiorespiratory testing support the use of the HALO submaximal protocol as a valid measure to estimate maximal cardiorespiratory fitness within the obese pediatric population. Given the proof of principle goal of this study, future research in the obese, pediatric population is encouraged to confirm the generalizability of the protocol.