scholarly journals Effectiveness of an Indoor Cycling Program in Improving the Physical Condition of Young Women

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 14-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Chukhlantseva

AbstractIntroduction. Indoor cycling training programs at fitness clubs offer the possibility of optimizing the structure and amount of physical activity, which reduces the risk of disrupting the adaptive abilities of women’s bodies. The main purpose of this study was to identify the effect of an indoor cycling program on the body composition and physical fitness of young women.Material and methods. Twenty-nine women (age = 29.31 ± 3.40 years, body weight = 70.71 ± 6.15 kg, and height = 169.83 ± 3.17 cm) took part in the study, participating in three classes per week for 16 weeks. Each class included three periods: the preparatory, main, and supporting periods. Body composition (waist circumference and body mass index), cardiorespiratory fitness (VО2max), motor fitness (balance), and musculoskeletal fitness (upper and lower body muscle strength and muscular endurance) were compared before the beginning of the study and after 10 and 16 weeks of training. Changes recorded in each variable over time were analyzed statistically using repeated measures methods.Results. Significant improvements in physical fitness were identified in the values of the body mass index (7.81%; ES: 0.95, p = 0.0001) and VО2max (12.51%; ES: 1.02, p = 0.0001). Moderate improvements were found in lower body muscle strength (11.13%; ES: 0.66, p = 0.0001) and waist circumference (6.05%, ES: 0.65, p = 0.0001). There was an increase in the strength of the muscles of the upper body (5.27%; ES: 0.41, p = 0.0001), muscular endurance (8.20%; ES: 0.32, p = 0.0001), and balance (10.68%; ES: 0.29, p = 0.003).Conclusion. Indoor cycling in a fitness club is an effective form of exercise for young women; it has targeted training effects on the body’s functional systems, adaptive abilities, and physical fitness.

Author(s):  
Chae Kwan Lee ◽  
Young Kyun Sim ◽  
Jae-Hoon Lee ◽  
Jang Soo Yook ◽  
Soo-Min Ha ◽  
...  

Childhood obesity can lead to adulthood obesity with adverse effects. Since body composition and physical fitness differ depending on the obesity degree, a systemic analysis could help classify that degree. We used three study designs based on the obesity degree (body mass index [BMI] as a reference) for our objectives. First, we identified the relationship between body composition and physical fitness. Second, we determined the effects of exercise on body composition and physical fitness. Third, we performed a path analysis of the impact of exercise on body composition and physical fitness, and verified those effects among the groups. In study 1, 164 10-year-old subjects were divided into four groups: 33 in the normal weight (NO), 34 in overweight (OV), 54 in obesity (OB), and 43 in the severe obesity (SOB) group. In study 2, 101 participants from study 1 who wished to participate in the exercise program were divided into four groups (same criteria). The exercise program (three times a week for 60 min, for 16 weeks) consisted of sports and reinforcement exercises of increasing intensity. Body composition was measured by body weight, percentage of body fat (%BF), muscle mass, skeletal muscle mass (SMM), and body mass index (BMI). In contrast, physical fitness was measured by muscular strength, flexibility, muscular endurance, agility, and balance. As a result, all body composition variables were higher in the SOB group than in the other groups. Physical fitness, muscular strength and balance, and agility were highest in the SOB, NO, and OV groups, respectively. Pearson’s correlation revealed that muscular strength was associated with height and body weight across all groups. Agility showed a negative correlation with %BF in the NO, OB, and SOB groups. SMM was positively correlated in the OB and SOB groups. After the exercise intervention, BMI and the %BF of the SOB group were significantly reduced (p < 0.01, and p < 0.001, respectively), while SMM presented a significant increase (p < 0.001). Height also showed a significant increase in all groups (p < 0.001). Among physical fitness variables, muscular strength, flexibility, muscular endurance, and balance showed a significant increase in all groups, while a significant increase in power was observed in only the OB and SOB groups. As for the effects of the body composition on physical fitness after exercise intervention, the greatest impact was observed for balance, muscular strength and agility, and muscular endurance in NO, OV, and OB groups, respectively. In conclusion, the body composition, physical fitness relationship, and the effects of exercise intervention on them differed depending on the obesity degree. Furthermore, the results varied according to the obesity degree. Thus, our study highlights the importance of creating particular exercise programs for the effective prevention and treatment of childhood obesity considering the obesity degree.


Kinesiology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 238-245
Author(s):  
Hamid Arazi ◽  
Ehsan Eghbali

2D:4D ratio is determined by balance between androgens and estrogens. Low level estrogen reduces bone mineral density (BMD) and incurs negative changes to bone microarchitecture, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and, as a consequence, fracture risk in women. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between 2D:4D, muscle strength and body composition to BMD in young women. One hundred twenty-seven young women (age range 24-36 years) voluntarily participated in this study. Lengths of the second (index) and fourth (ring) fingers, upper and lower body strength and body composition (body mass index, BMI; waist to hip ratio, WHR) and body fat percentage were estimated. Also, blood levels of calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) were evaluated and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry device was used to measure BMD in the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN). The results showed that digit ratios, upper body and lower body muscle strength, BMI and fat percentage had a positive relationship with LS and FN BMD (LS BMD: r=.47, r=.56, r=.46, r=.34, r=.28, p≤.001, respectively; FN BMD: r=.34, r=.49, r=.51, r=.45, r=.27, p≤.001, respectively). In addition, there was no significant relationship between WHR and BMD of LS and FN (p˃.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed the upper body strength was a stronger determinant of LS BMD and the lower body strength was a stronger determinant of FN BMD. Based on the results, the researchers concluded that upper and lower body strength, 2D:4D ratios and BMI were important determinants of young women’s BMD. Also, it seemed that some of these factors may be able to help predicting the osteoporosis potential in young women


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Danielle Smith ◽  
Larissa Adams ◽  
Rosa Du Randt ◽  
Jan Degen ◽  
Stefanie Gall ◽  
...  

Background: Information about the relationships between physical fitness, body composition and nutrition has increased in recent years; however, little is known about physical fitness and the coexistence of under-/overnutrition among children living in disadvantaged areas. Objectives: To determine the physical fitness status and its association with body composition, growth and selected socio- demographics in primary schoolchildren from disadvantaged communities in the Nelson Mandela Bay region. Methods: Nine hundred and sixty-five children (49% girls, M=9.5 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. Height and weight were measured to establish body mass index, and height-for-age z-scores. Physical fitness was assessed using tests from the Eurofit Physical Fitness test battery (flexibility, upper/lower body muscular strength and cardiorespiratory fitness). Between- group differences and cross-sectional associations were examined with univariate (Chi2-tests, analyses of variance) and multivariate methods (mixed linear/logistic regression). Results: Most children had normal weight (76.7%), while 4.5% were underweight and 18.7% were overweight/obese. Underweight children and children with stunted growth (11.5%) had lower average upper body strength (p<0.001). Overweight/obese children had lower scores in weight-bearing activities (p<0.001). Children with higher socio-economic status were more likely to be overweight and obese (p<0.001). In the multivariate analyses, sex, age, body mass index, and stunting were associated with children’s physical fitness. Conclusion: Fitness assessments seem to be a relevant measure of the current health status of children in disadvantaged settings. Compared to international norms, the children in this study had relatively low scores for both upper- and lower body muscular strength. Therefore, effective school-based intervention programmes should be developed to improve children’s physical fitness in disadvantaged schools.


Author(s):  
Martin Zvonar ◽  
Mario Kasović ◽  
Lovro Štefan

Background. The main purpose of this study was to explore the body-mass index and waist circumference associated with physical fitness by gender. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, we included 1036 adolescents (55.4% girls) from eight randomly selected secondary schools within the city of Zagreb (Croatia). Body-mass index and waist circumference were objectively measured. Physical fitness included three tests: (1) 1 min sit-ups, (2) standing long jump and (3) a sit-and-reach test. Associations were calculated using linear regression models. Results. Boys had higher body-mass index and waist circumference values, compared to girls (p < 0.001). They also performed better in 1 min sit-ups and the standing long jump tests (p < 0.001), while girls obtained higher values in the sit-and-reach test (p < 0.001). In boys, body-mass index and waist circumference were associated with 1 min sit-ups and the standing long jump. In girls, waist circumference was also associated with 1 min sit-ups and the standing long jump, while body-mass index was only associated with this standing long jump. Conclusions. Our study shows that anthropometric indices have non-linear associations with physical fitness tests in a large sample of Croatian adolescents. Screening for thinness and obesity to predict the level of physical fitness should be of a great interest.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (73) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandrija Čapkauskienė ◽  
Kristina Visagurskienė ◽  
Rima Bakienė ◽  
Irena Vitkienė ◽  
Daiva Vizbaraitė

Childhood obesity is a key public health issue around the globe in developed and developing countries (Dugan, 2008). The recent worldwide increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity may be due in part to a decrease in children’s physical activity levels (Ball et al., 2001). It is necessary to develop early interventions to improve physical fitness in children and to prevent the increase of childhood obesity (Brunet et al., 2006). So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the body composition and physical fitness of children aged 5—7 years and to estimate the interaction between body composition components and physical fitness tests. Participants: 216 children participated in this study: 104 girls, mean age 5.90 ± 0.63 years and 112 boys — mean age 5.98 ± 0.50 years from Kaunas city (Lithuania) preschools. Methods: all the subjects have been measured for their height, body mass, waist circumference (WC) and skinfolds at 2 different places — triceps and subscapular. Body mass index (BMI) and percentage body fat mass (BFM) were evaluated. All the participants did four physical fitness tests including speed shuttle run, 20 meters distance run, standing long jump and throwing 1 kg ball. General physical fitness level was evaluated based on B. Sekita (1988) methods. Results. Results showed that BMI did not significantly differ between boys and girls, and was evaluated as “optimal” for both groups. BFM was significantly higher in girls (p < 0.001), and WC did not differ between genders. But WC had a tendency to increase with age in both boys and girls. Strong relationship was observed between BMI and BFM (r = 0.660, r = 0.660 respectively; p < 0.01), and between BMI and WC (r = 0.703, r = 0.826 respectively; p < 0.01) for both boys and girls. The results of physical tests showed that boys did all the tests better than girls (p < 0.01). When we evaluated the general physical fitness of each child, the results indicated that their physical fitness waslow, evaluated as “good enough” for most boys and girls. General physical fitness of children negatively but slightly correlated with BFM (r = –0.201; p < 0.001), it indicated that higher BFM determined lower evaluation of general physical fitness.Conclusions. Optimal body weight, according to body mass index, percentage body fat mass and waist circumference, was established for the bigger part of children, aged 5—7 years old. This study shows that physical fitness of children was low — evaluated as “good enough” and negatively correlated with body fat mass, showing that high body fat mass negatively impacted physical fitness.Key words: body mass index, percentage body fat mass, waist circumference, physical fitness.


Author(s):  
Stevo POPOVIC ◽  
Boris BANJEVIC ◽  
Bojan MASANOVIC ◽  
Dusko BJELICA

Background: The body composition and physical fitness of members of the army is always a relevant topic for research, since the level of defense and security of people and material goods in a specific territory in many ways depends on the level of ability of the army. However, members of the armed forces are a heterogeneous group, typified by different abilities, characteristics, but also everyday needs, and the trend of changing body composition and reducing physical fitness is a current issue that has not bypassed this population either. Therefore, this study aimed to determine possible differences in body composition indicators that could appear between members of the Army of Montenegro of different military specialties. Methods: The sample of respondents included 240 Montenegrin male soldiers (32.5yr±9.5), who were measured at the sports dispensaries within the barracks of Montenegrin Army around the country in the spring of 2020, was classified into eight numerically equal subsamples according to their military specialty. The sample of variables included five anthropometric measures, which were necessary to calculate two derived body composition indicators: Body Mass Index (BMI) and Body Fat Percentage (FAT %). Using the one-way ANOVA and Post Hoc test with Taki’s model, the variables were analyzed. Results: It was determined that the body composition of Montenegrin soldiers shows a certain peculiarity compared to other national military corps, while there are differences in body composition indicators between members of the Montenegrin Army of different military specialties. Conclusion: This fact dramatically strengthens the issues of Montenegrin distinctive regarding body composition, both in general terms and in terms of distinctive within specific professional vocations.  


2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-27
Author(s):  
Oscar Medina ◽  
Juan Manuel Sarmiento ◽  
Larry Quinn ◽  
Sonia Merlano ◽  
Fabian Antonio Dávila ◽  
...  

Introducción: La obesidad y la adiposidad están relacionadas con el aumento del riesgo cardiovascular. El índice de masa corporal (IMC) y el perímetro abdominal son las variables antropométricas más utilizadas para evaluar su magnitud. El presente estudio busca establecer la relación entre desenlaces cardiometabólicos y la adiposidad medida con Absorciometría Dual por rayos X (DXA), así como el rendimiento diagnóstico de la misma contra la medición de las variables antropométricas convencionales. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional de corte transversal; se calcularon las variables antropométricas y de composición corporal para 60 pacientes en programa de rehabilitación cardiaca fase II. Resultados: Existió mayor prevalencia de obesidad por IMC y adiposidad en mujeres que en hombres (p=0,01 y 0,048). La curva ROC encontró que el rendimiento del perímetro abdominal es solo 65% y el del IMC del 65,6% para el diagnóstico de adiposidad. Se encontraron relaciones significativas entre porcentaje de masa grasa elevado y la enfermedad coronaria (OR: 1,9 p= 0,042); el IMC aumentado con la hipertensión arterial (OR: 3,0 p= 0,0334) y el LDL > 70 mg/dl (OR: 0,4 p= 0,0178); el perímetro abdominal aumentado con la falla cardiaca (OR: 0,58 p=0,0382); la TMB baja con la hipertensión arterial (OR: 1,70 p= 0,046) y finalmente el IIRME disminuido con el LDL > 70 mg/dl y la falla cardiaca (OR: 0,4 p= 0,0178 y OR 1,96 p=0,078, respectivamente).Conclusiones: La suma de la medición de las variables antropométricas y de composición corporal por DXA ofrece información valiosa para el estudio y estimación del riesgo cardiovascular y metabólico de los pacientes. Abstract Introduction: Obesity and adiposity are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. The body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference are the most anthropometric variables used to assess their magnitude. This study aims to establish the relationship between adiposity and cardiometabolic outcomes measured by Dual X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) as well as the diagnostic performance of the latter against the measurement of the conventional anthropometric variables. Materials and methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted; anthropometric and body composition variables for 60 patients in cardiac rehabilitation program phase II were calculated. Results: There was a higher prevalence of obesity by BMI and adiposity in women than in men (p = 0.01 and 0.048). The ROC curve found that the performance is only 65% for waist circumference and 65.6% for BMI for the diagnosis of adiposity. Significant correlations between high percentage of fat mass and coronary heart disease (OR: 1.9 p = 0.042) were found; as well as for increased BMI with hypertension (OR: 3.0 p = 0.0334) and LDL> 70mg/dl (OR: 0.4 p = 0.0178); increased waist circumference with heart failure (OR: 0.58 p = 0.0382); low basal metabolic rate (BMR) with hypertension (OR: 1.70 p = 0.046) and finally the decreased fat free mass index (FFMI) with LDL>70mg/dl and heart failure (OR: 0.4 p = 0.0178 and OR: 1.96 p = 0.078 respectively). Conclusions: The addition of body composition variables by DXA and anthropometric variables, provides valuable information for the study and estimation of cardiovascular and metabolic risk. Key Words: Obesity; DEXA Scans; Coronary Disease; BodyComposition; Body Mass Index; Adiposity.


Medicina ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 57
Author(s):  
Sergio Sola-Rodríguez ◽  
Blanca Gavilán-Carrera ◽  
José Antonio Vargas-Hitos ◽  
José Mario Sabio ◽  
Pablo Morillas-de-Laguno ◽  
...  

Background and objectives: Higher physical fitness is associated with a more favorable weight and body composition in the general population, although this association has not been studied in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of the present study was to examine the association of different components of physical fitness with body composition in women with SLE with mild disease activity. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 77 women with SLE (43.2 ± 13.8 years old) and clinical stability during the previous 6 months. Body composition (including body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI), waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio and waist-to-hip ratio) was assessed using a stadiometer, an anthropometric tape, and a bioimpedance device. Physical fitness included cardiorespiratory fitness (Siconolfi step test and 6 min walk test), muscular strength (handgrip strength test as upper body measure and 30 s chair stand as lower body measure), and flexibility (back-scratch test). Participants with a fitness level equal or above the median of the study sample were categorized as “fit” and those below the median were categorized as “unfit”. Linear regression assessed the association of physical fitness with body composition parameters. Results: Cardiorespiratory fitness and upper body muscular strength were negatively associated with BMI, FMI, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio (all, p < 0.05). Lower body muscular strength and flexibility were negatively related to FMI, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, and waist-to-hip ratio (all, p < 0.05). These relationships were still significant after controlling for age, disease duration, accrual damage, and SLE activity. Overall, fit patients presented significantly lower values in all body composition parameters compared to unfit patients (all, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The main findings of the present study suggest that physical fitness is inversely associated with body composition in women with SLE. Given the cross-sectional nature of this study, future clinical trials should study the causal pathways underlying these relationships.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonios Vantarakis ◽  
Nikolaos Vezos ◽  
Konstantinos Karakatsanis ◽  
Gerasimos Grivas ◽  
Theodosia Oikonomou ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Introduction The period of basic military training (BMT) is a sudden change in the individual habits of the trainees and is characterized by significant improvements in body composition such as the percentage of body fat (%BF) and lean body mass (BM). Research has shown that physical activity during the period of BMT lasting 7–10 weeks has positive effects on the physical condition and BM of cadets. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of training combining cardiovascular conditioning, circuit strength training, swimming, team sports, and obstacle course on physical fitness and body composition during a 10-week BMT period over 4 years in the Hellenic Naval Academy (HNA). Materials and Methods The sample consisted of 185 Greek cadets of the HNA (age: 18.4 ± 0.7 years, height: 1.77 ± 6.7 m, BM: 72.6 ± 9.1 kg), of which 153 was male (age: 18.3 ± 0.6 years, height: 1.79 ± 5.8 cm, BM: 75.3 ± 7.6 kg) and 32 was female (age: 18.6 ± 0.9 years, height: 1.68 ± 2.8 cm, BM: 59.9 ± 3.1 kg). The cadets participated each year for 4 years in the BMT, performing 94 training sessions, five times a week. The weekly training program included cardiovascular conditioning, circuit strength training, swimming, team sports, and obstacle course. The measurements of the participants before and after BMT were on BM, %BF, and body mass index (BMI); on the number of sit-ups (SU1), push-ups (PU1), and pull-ups (PullU1) in 1 minute; and on the 12-minute aerobic Cooper test (12-min run). Results The results of the study showed that the BM of the cadets decreased significantly by 2.5%, (t184 = 17.591, P &lt; .01), in men by 2.7% (t152 = 16.243, P &lt; .01) and in women by 2.2% (t31 = 9.280, P &lt; .01). Body mass index (BMI) decreased significantly by 2.6% (t184 = 17.681, P &lt; .01), in men by 3.0% (t152 = 16.046, P &lt; .01) and in women by 2.3% (t31 = 9.224, P &lt; 0.01). Reduction in %BF in all cadets reached 11.3% (t184 = 8.134, P &lt; .01), for men −14.8% (t152 = 8.918, P &lt; .01) and women −2.1% (t31 = 0.860, P &gt; .05) without significant differences between the measurements. The number of push-ups in 1 minute (PU1) significantly increased by 27.6% (t184 = −27.813, P &lt; .01), in women by +35.6% (t31 = 13,864, P &lt; .01). The number of sit-ups in 1 minute (SU1) significantly increased by 27.3% (t184 = −30.501, P &lt; .01), for men +28.8% (t152 = −29.862, P &lt; .01). The number of pull-ups in 1 minute (PullU1) reached 20.8% (t184 = −13.426, P &lt; .01) in total, at similar levels in men (t152 = −13.918, p &lt; .01) and women (t31 = −2.820, P &lt; .01). On the 12-min run, the significant improvement exceeded 10.8% (t184 = −45.289, P &lt; .01), in men by 11.1% (t152 = −45.222, P &lt; .01) while in women by 9.0% (t31 = 15.709, P &lt; .01). Conclusions The results of this study showed that 10 weeks of BMT, which combined cardiovascular conditioning, circuit strength training, swimming, team sports, and obstacle course improved the body composition, cardiorespiratory endurance, and the strength of the Greek HNA cadets.


2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 27
Author(s):  
Liana Pļaviņa ◽  
Silvija Umbraško

The Body composition is related to higher physical performance and a lower risk of health problems, it connects to external and internal factors. Military activitiesf are characterized with a high physical load and a psychological load, physical fitness and the body composition have an adverse effect on military performance. The primary purpose of the body composition and physical fitness is related to the selection of individuals the best suited to the demands of military service [2,10]. The proper body mass supports good health capacity [11,13]. The maintenance of body composition and appropriate physical fitness standards by the military personnel is affected by the intrinsic factors such as the individual’s genetic factors, development history, social background, and extrinsic factors, environmental changes and institutional, systemic changes. The effects of the excess body mass are widespread, raise the variety of concerns relevant to the health and performance of the military personnel [1,3,4,5]. The diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and heart disease increased with the obesity [6,7,9,12]. The individuals with overweight have more medical complication than the individuals with the standard body mass. The higher body mass index was associated with higher morbidity and mortality [8]. We have classified individuals according to the age into subgroups and provided the evaluation of the body composition on the basis of the main anthropometric characteristics as well the analysis of the standard physical fitness tests results. The analysis of the average value of the body mass and the Body Mass Index have shown large individual changes inside the subgroups and between the subgroups. The assessment of the results of physical fitness tests is provided differentially according to the individual corresponding age subgroup. The analysis of the respondent data reveals the overweight and obesity problem that became actual with the increasing the age of individuals. Physical fitness tests results have shown that the excellent physical fitness evaluation is received by about 33–44% of the military personnel that reflects a high unit of operational readiness.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document