Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Muscular Strength Moderates the Relationship between FNDC5 Polymorphism and Adiposity in Children and Adolescents

Interactions between genetic and lifestyle factors on cardiometabolic disease-related outcomes in Latin American and Caribbean populations: A systematic review

Introduction

The prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases has increased in Latin American and the Caribbean populations (LACP). To identify gene-lifestyle interactions that modify the risk of cardiometabolic diseases in LACP, a systematic search using 11 search engines was conducted up to May 2022.

Methods

Eligible studies were observational and interventional studies in either English, Spanish, or Portuguese. A total of 26,171 publications were screened for title and abstract; of these, 101 potential studies were evaluated for eligibility, and 74 articles were included in this study following full-text screening and risk of bias assessment. The Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS) and the Risk Of Bias In Non-Randomized Studies-of Interventions (ROBINS-I) assessment tool were used to assess the methodological quality and risk of bias of the included studies.

Results

We identified 122 significant interactions between genetic and lifestyle factors on cardiometabolic traits and the vast majority of studies come from Brazil (29), Mexico (15) and Costa Rica (12) with FTO, APOE, and TCF7L2 being the most studied genes. The results of the gene-lifestyle interactions suggest effects which are population-, gender-, and ethnic-specific. Most of the gene-lifestyle interactions were conducted once, necessitating replication to reinforce these results.

Discussion

The findings of this review indicate that 27 out of 33 LACP have not conducted gene-lifestyle interaction studies and only five studies have been undertaken in low-socioeconomic settings. Most of the studies were cross-sectional, indicating a need for longitudinal/prospective studies. Future gene-lifestyle interaction studies will need to replicate primary research of already studied genetic variants to enable comparison, and to explore the interactions between genetic and other lifestyle factors such as those conditioned by socioeconomic factors and the built environment. The protocol has been registered on PROSPERO, number CRD42022308488.

Systematic review registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov, identifier CRD420223 08488.

The Multistage 20-Meter Shuttle Run Test Reference Values for Tibetan Children and Adolescents in Tibet, China

OBJECTIVE

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) reference data for Tibetan (Zang ethnicity) children and adolescents at high altitudes in Tibet of China are lacking. The present study aimed to develop sex- and age-specific 20mSRT norms for Chinese Tibetan children and adolescents at high altitudes.

METHOD

A total of 4667 participants from Lhasa (3650 m), Nagqu (4500 m), and Amdo (4700 m) were selected by a stratified random cluster sampling method in two stages. The 20 m SRT test was used to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness. The 20 m SRT norms were developed by the lambda, mu, and sigma method (LMS).

RESULTS

The 20 m SRT laps, completed stages/minutes, and the speed at the last complete stage of Chinese Tibetan children and adolescents aged 7-18 years increased with age.

CONCLUSION

Given the importance of CRF for children and adolescents' health, the government should strengthen the monitoring of the CRF of Tibetan children and adolescents in high-altitude areas, strengthen physical education curriculum reform, and increase the level of physical activity in order to improve the level of CRF in children and adolescents.

Intervention for Children with Obesity and Overweight and Motor Delays from Low-Income Families: Fostering Engagement, Motor Development, Self-Perceptions, and Playtime

Obesity is increasing globally, affecting children’s health and development. This study examines the influence of a motor skill intervention on the daily routine, self-perceptions, body mass index, motor development, and engagement in physical education lessons of children with obesity and overweight with motor delays. Children were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The daily routine at home, self-perceptions, motor development, BMI, and engagement were assessed. Significant group by time interactions were found for play (p < 0.0001) and television (p < 0.0001) time, perceived social (p = 0.003) and motor (p < 0.0001) competence, global self-worth (p < 0.0001), BMI (p = 0.001), motor development (p < 0.0001), and engagement (p = 0.029). From pre-to-post intervention, children with obesity and overweight in the intervention group increased (1) playtime at home; (2) self-perceptions of social and motor competence and global worth; (4) engagement in the lessons, and improved scores, in motor skills; and (6) reduced BMI and screen time. The intervention promoted the health and improved the self-concept of children with obesity/ overweight.