Effects of 8-week of fitness classes on blood pressure, body composition, and physical fitness

Physical fitness mediates and predicts for high blood pressure among children in relation to weight status

Background

Pediatric hypertension contributes to adulthood hypertension and target organ damage. Obesity is a well-known predictor for pediatric hypertension; however, the relationship between physical fitness and blood pressure (BP) is unclear among children. This study aimed to compare the differences in demographics, anthropometrics, and physical fitness across BP subgroups and investigate whether physical fitness was related to pediatric hypertension independent of weight status.

Methods

This quantitative, cross-sectional study investigated demographic, anthropometric, physical fitness, and BP measures among 360 healthy school-aged children. Continuous variables were compared across BP subgroups with the one-way analysis of variance. Mediation and moderation analyses were used to explore the mechanism. Multivariable regression models were used to assess independent associations for hypertension.

Results

There were 177 (49.2%), 37 (10.3%), and 146 (40.6%) children in the normotensive, elevated BP, and hypertensive subgroups, respectively. The hypertensive subgroup had higher body mass index (BMI) and waist/height ratio percentiles and performed worse in 800-m run, standing long jump (SLJ), and 1-min sit-ups than the normotensive subgroup. Furthermore, the 800-m run percentile (total effect: β = 0.308, standard error = 0.044, p < 0.001) and sit and reach percentile (total effect: β = 0.308, standard error = 0.044, p < 0.001) mediated the relationship between the BMI percentile and systolic BP percentile; the SLJ percentile was directly associated with the diastolic BP percentile (β,-0.197, 95% confidence interval,-0.298-0.097; p < 0.001). The parsimonious model of multivariable regression models revealed that the SLJ percentile (adjusted exp (β), 0.992, 95% confidence interval, 0.985-0.999; p = 0.042) and BMI percentile (adjusted exp (β), 1.024, 95% confidence interval, 1.016-1.032; p < 0.001) were two independent predictors for pediatric hypertension.

Conclusion

Physical fitness mediates the relationship between anthropometric and BP measures. The SLJ percentile is associated with pediatric hypertension independent of the BMI percentile. Proactive screening and health promotion for not only healthy weight status but also good physical fitness may be beneficial for BP control among school-aged students.

An Empirical Study on the Influence of College Students' Physical Fitness on the Level of Public Health

As a compulsory course in universities, physical fitness is an important part of public health. At present, research on physical fitness lacks a comprehensive evaluation method, which cannot accurately guide public health. Based on this, this paper compares the key factors affecting public health, aiming to better guide public health and improve the level of public health. In this paper, 219 college students were selected as the research object, using statistical analysis methods, to find out the significant differences in influencing factors. Then, regression analysis is carried out on different influencing factors to determine the key factors affecting physical fitness. The results show that physical fitness level, exercise frequency, and physical injury are the key factors affecting physical fitness and have a serious impact on public health, with an impact level of about 70~80%. Therefore, colleges and sports departments should set out from the above factors, formulate a development plan for physical fitness, and promote the improvement of public health.

Choreographic Group-Based Fitness Classes Improve Cardiometabolic Health-Related Anthropometric Indices and Blood Lipids Profile in Overweight Sedentary Women

Background: Choreographic group-based fitness classes are the most common type of physical activity practiced by women, being a viable and sustainable strategy to improve general health. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the effect of a 16-week healthy lifestyle program, based on choreographic fitness classes, on cardiometabolic health-related anthropometric indices and metabolic blood profile among overweight sedentary women. Methods: A total of 50 overweight (Body Mass Index = 27.68 ± 1.19 kg/m2) middle-aged women (39.73 ± 7.41 years) were randomly assigned to an experimental exercise group based on structured choreographic fitness classes (CFC) with the Zumba Fitness program (3 days/week; 60 min/session) (CFC = 30) or a non-exercise control group (CG = 20). The anthropometric indices (waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, a body shape index, conicity index, abdominal volume index, and body adiposity index), blood pressure, glycemia, and blood lipid profile [triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL)] were evaluated pre- and post-intervention. Results: 40 participants competed the pre/post measures. Post-intervention, the CFC group (n = 25) presented a significant improvement in all anthropometric indices as well as in TG, HDL, and LDL as compared with the CG (n = 15). Conclusion: A 16-week healthy lifestyle program based on structured choreographic fitness classes with the Zumba Fitness program (3 days/week; 60 min/session) could significantly improve cardiometabolic health-related anthropometric indices and the blood lipid profile in overweight sedentary middle-aged women.