Effects of concurrent exercise on health-related quality of life in middle-aged women

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of a 16-week concurrent exercise program on health-related quality of life in middle-aged women.

METHODS

A total of 150 middle-aged women from the FLAMENCO project (age range 45-60 years) were randomized into a counseling (n = 75) or an exercise (n = 75) group. The exercise group followed a 16-week (3 days/week, 60 min/session) concurrent exercise program (aerobic + resistance training). The counseling group attended conferences on a healthy lifestyle. Participants' health-related quality of life was assessed with the EuroQol plus, a visual analog scale and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), where greater values indicate a better health-related quality of life.

RESULTS

The visual analog scale increased by 9.0% in the exercise group, whereas it only increased by 3.5% in the counseling group (p = 0.040). The SF-36 physical function, physical role, bodily pain, vitality and emotional role increased by 5.5%, 11.3%, 10.8%, 9.6% and 8.9%, respectively, in the exercise group, whereas these only increased by 0.6%, decreased by 0.7% and increased by 1.4%, 3.8% and 0.6% in the counseling group (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that a 16-week concurrent exercise program adapted for midlife women improved their health-related quality of life.

CLINICALTRIALS.GOV IDENTIFIER

NCT02358109. Date of registration: 05/02/2015.

The Impact of Service Learning on Academic, Professional and Physical Wellbeing Competences of EFL Teacher Education Students

In response to the challenges of the 21st century, the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) has been committed to the development of a training model that focuses on the acquisition of cognitive, physical, and social competences, among others, rather than the mere acquisition of knowledge. This approach has gained momentum in recent years, where the learners are the protagonists of their own learning process. This change of approach requires a change in methodology and involves a renewal of the methodological approach in Spanish universities. Service learning (S-L) is an active methodology that is gaining ground across universities due to its experiential, community-based and reflective characteristics. The present study aimed to provide an overview of the impact of S-L by active programs (physical activities, movement games, active tasks, etc.) on the acquisition of professional, linguistic, pedagogical or intercultural competencies, as well as physical wellbeing skills, on English as a foreign language (EFL) teacher education students. Fourteen Spanish EFL university students carried out an S-L active intervention with a migrant group from the Migrant Temporary Stay Centre in the autonomous city of Melilla (Spain). A qualitative study was designed to evaluate the achievement of these competencies. The results show that even though S-L is a challenging methodology, it favours the development of academic, professional, and physical wellbeing competences to succeed in a competitive and changing world, as well as the improvement of the participant students.

Effects of a Personalised Physical Exercise Program on University Workers Overall Well-Being: "UAL-Activa" Program

Background and objectives: Regular individualised physical exercise (PE) is a habit that not only has consequences for overall health (physical, emotional, social and mental) but can also have positive effects on organisations and institutions, as it helps workers to improve their personal balance and recover from the effort of their working day, showing higher levels of energy, commitment and productivity. The aim of this study was to understand the relationship between the practice of PE and well-being in personal life and at work, as well as job satisfaction, overall health and the assessment of the personal training service provided by final-year students studying for a degree in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences. Methods: This study used a qualitative research methodology. There were 25 employees of the University of Almeria (UAL) (M = 52.16 ± 9.55 years), divided into two focus groups and participating in the physical exercise program "UAL Activa". Results: The following three main themes, based on the results, emerged: (a) social well-being during PE practice, (b) assessment of the personal training service and (c) physical exercise as an emotional benefit at work. Conclusion. The workers' interventions have shown that participating in a personalised PE program led by a personal trainer can improve overall health and mood, with a very positive influence on the working environment.

An Intervention of 12 Weeks of Nordic Walking and Recreational Walking to Improve Cardiorespiratory Capacity and Fitness in Older Adult Women

(1) Background: The main aim of this study was to examine the effect of an intervention of 12 weeks in three groups on anthropometric measurement and heart rate (HR) variables, fitness index, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in older women. (2) Methods: In total, 166 Serbian adult women, aged 50 to 69 years old, participated in this study, comprising a control group (60 participants, μage = 57.8 + 6.6), Nordic-walking (NW) group (53 participants, μage = 57.5 + 6.8), and recreational-walking (RW) group (53 participants, μage = 57.8 + 6.6) in a physical fitness programme for 12 weeks. (3) Results: Anthropometric measurement variables were measured using a stadiometer and an electronic scale. The data showed differences in walking heart rate (bt/min) (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.088) between control, NW, and RW groups in the pretest analysis. Moreover, there were significant differences in walking heart rate (bt/min) (η2 = 0.155), heart rate at the end of the test (bt/min) (η2 = 0.093), total time of fitness index test (min) (η2 = 0.097), fitness index (η2 = 0.130), and VO2max (η2 = 0.111) (all, p < 0.001) between control, NW, and RW groups in the posttest analysis. (4) Conclusions: NW group training resulted in slightly greater benefits than RW group training. The present study demonstrated that both groups could act as modalities to improve the functionality and quality of life of people during the ageing process, reflected mainly in HR variables; UKK test measurements, and VO2max. It also contributes to the extant research on older women during exercise and opens interesting avenues for future research.

Environmental Education in Initial Training: Effects of a Physical Activities and Sports in the Natural Environment Program for Sustainable Development

Training for sustainable development is an educational challenge of prime importance. Physical activity and sports in natural environments provide training committed to sustainability and environmental education. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of an undergraduate training program in Physical Activities and Sports in Natural Environments concerned with sustainable development. A total of 113 students from the Autonomous University of Madrid (Spain) who are studying a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences and a Master’s Degree in Teacher Training for Secondary Education and High School (specializing in Physical Education) were involved. Specifically, we aimed to assess the impact of this training program on three dimensions related to Environmental Education (knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes). Its effect was also examined bearing in mind students’ sex, age and educational profile (sportive and educational). Mixed-methods were used: for the quantitative approach, data were collected with the Environmental Attitude in Physical Activities in Natural Environments validated scale; for the qualitative approach individual reflective diaries completed by students that attended the program were analyzed. The results show positive effects on the students regarding the three dimensions of Environmental Education, for both the sportive and educational training profiles. The quantitative results do not present significant differences concerning the gender variable, although the qualitative information shows that female students perceived a greater environmental sensitivity during their practices. Regarding the age variable, significant differences are found in the youngest students with an educational profile. To conclude, the study ratifies that the program carried out generated improvements in terms of knowledge, behaviors and attitudes toward the environment and sustainable development. Future research should use larger samples and consider other variables related to education for sustainability.

The use of anthropometrical variables for detection of homeostatic measurement assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in female participants of a physical exercise program

BACKGROUND

The Homeostatic Measurement Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) is a recognized and validated method which uses the levels of fasting glucose in blood and insulin of patients to evaluate the insulin resistance.

AIMS

The purpose of the present study was to assess the cut-off values for anthropological variables to identify the (HOMA-IR) index in female participants of a physical exercise program. In addition, the association and prediction of insulin resistance by anthropological variables was studied.

METHODS

A total of 143 participants (45.64 ± 13.17 years) volunteered for this study. Clinical data were collected by means of a self-reported questionnaire. Body weight and BMI were assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis and skinfold thickness was taken using a caliper. Girths were assessed with a flexible metallic tape measures and finally, the HOMA-IR was calculated by the formula as follows: fasting plasma insulin ((μU/ml) x fasting plasma glucose (mmol/L).

RESULTS

The outcomes of the study indicated that the AUC of anthropometrical variables for identifying HOMA-IR are reflected primarily in weight, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-thigh ratio, subscapular skinfold thickness, abdominal skinfold thickness, hip circumference, chest circumference, upper arm muscular girths (tensed and relaxed) (all, p ≤ 0.001), triceps skinfold thickness (p 109 cm (specificity: 99.2  waist circumference > 116 cm (specificity: 99.2 %) and abdomen skinfold < 8.8 (specificity: 97.6 %), predict the HOMA-IR in 35.29 %, 29.41 %, 23.53 % and 23.53 %, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The present empirical study demonstrates that hip, chest and waist circumference on the one hand, and abdomen skinfold on the other hand are markers that are relevant to the identification of HOMA-IR index in females (Tab. 3, Ref. 33). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: insulin resistance, anthropometry, cut-off value, women, HOMA-IR.

An Exploratory Data Analysis on the Influence of Role Rotation in a Small-Sided Game on Young Soccer Players

The aim of the present study was to analyze the behavior of players in a standard small-sided game (SSG) according to the role played (offensive (OF), defensive (DF), and wildcard (W)) and its relationship with physical demands (PHYD), technical performance (TP), and internal load (RPE). A total of 24 young highly trained male soccer players (under 16: n = 12; under 19: n = 12) participated. During the SSG, the players alternated the three roles (OF, DF, and W). The duration of each repetition was 4 min with a passive rest of 3 min between them. Furthermore, it emphasized the high demand in all defensive parameters. In addition, DF roles showed higher values in PHYD and RPE, followed by the OF roles, and finally by the W roles. A complementary, positive moderate correlation was found between PHYD and RPE in the U16 dataset (r = 0.45, p < 0.006). Very large positive correlations were also found between PHYD and RPE in the U19 and merged dataset (r = 0.78, p < 0.001 and r = 0.46, p < 0.63, respectively). This information could be useful for coaches in order to structure the roles in SSGs and control training load.

Association of objectively measured physical fitness with health-related quality of life of mid-life women: the FLAMENCO project

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore the association of physical fitness with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in mid-life women and to examine the potential independent association of physical fitness components with the physical and mental components from the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) in this population.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study comprised 183 mid-life women from southern Spain who participated in the FLAMENCO project. Body composition was measured through an impedanciometer, a stadiometer, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Physical fitness was objectively measured with the Senior Fitness Test battery (cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility, and dynamic balance/agility) plus handgrip strength (muscle strength). The SF-36 questionnaire was used to assess HRQoL of the participants.

RESULTS

All the physical fitness components were associated with the SF-36 physical function (all p < 0.05) except for lower-body flexibility. The rest of the physical fitness components showed associations with most of the SF-36 dimensions (all p < 0.05). Dynamic balance/agility and upper-body flexibility were independently associated with the SF-36 physical component scale, explaining 15% and 17% of the SF-36 physical component scale, respectively. Any physical fitness component showed independent associations with the SF-36 mental component scale.

CONCLUSIONS

Greater physical fitness levels are associated with better HRQoL of mid-life women. Dynamic balance/agility and upper-body flexibility were the strongest independent physical fitness components associated with the SF-36 physical component scale.

Gender, Physical Self-Perception and Overall Physical Fitness in Secondary School Students: A Multiple Mediation Model

Background: Physical self-perception is often related with better physical fitness perception in adolescents. Moreover, it is an important social cognitive perspective to provide suitable mental health in this population. However, this relationship is unequal between boys and girls. The physical fitness is a marker of health in young population. The aims of the present study were the following: (1) to compare physical self-perception and self-reported overall physical fitness (OPF) between boys and girls (gender) and body mass index (BMI) status, and (2) to determine the mediating role of all physical self-perception subscales (except physical condition) and BMI status in the link between gender and OPF in adolescent students. Methods: This cross-sectional study consisted of 85 adolescent students of secondary school between 12 and 17 years of age; 41 were boys (M_age = 14.6, SD = 1.7) and 44 were girls (M_age = 14.4, SD = 1.6). Adolescent participants completed all clinical characteristics by body composition measures (age, body weight, body height, and BMI). Physical self-perception was assessed by the physical self-perception profile (PSPP) whereas the international fitness scale (IFIS) was used to predict the self-reported OPF of adolescents in the present study. Results: Gender (boys and girls) differed significantly in all PSPP subscales and OPF, whereas the BMI status (underweight = 19 students, normal weight = 53 students, overweight/obese = 13 students) showed significant differences in all clinical characteristics, physical condition (PSPP), and OPF. A multiple mediation analysis was performed using bias corrected bootstrap. This multiple mediation analysis revealed that all PSPP subscales were significant mediators between gender and OPF: attractive body (p = 0.013), sport competence (p = 0.009), physical strength (p = 0.002), and self-confidence (p = 0.002). The total direct effect of gender on OPF was significant (p = 0.002). Moreover, the multiple mediation estimated a completely standardized indirect of X on Y for attractive body (effect = 0.109), sport competence (effect = 0.066), physical strength (effect = 0.130), and self-confidence (effect = 0.193). Conclusions: These findings contribute to understanding the link between gender and OPF in adolescent students and the mediation of physical self-perception and OPF in this relationship. In addition, strategies focused to improve self-confidence and physical self-perception are necessary in female adolescent students, because boys showed better physical self-perception in all PSPP subscales. Girls are a risk group because they report low physical self-confidence with their respective insecurity feelings and psychological disorders. Thus, personal physical self-perception must be considered as an important social cognitive perspective to provide suitable mental health in children and adolescents.

A Mixed Methods Study to Examine the Influence of CLIL on Physical Education Lessons: Analysis of Social Interactions and Physical Activity Levels

Physical Education is often selected for applying multilingual initiatives through the use of a content and language integrated learning (CLIL) approach. However, it is still unclear whether the introduction of such an approach might entail losing the essence of physical education and distorting its basic purposes. The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of CLIL on physical education lessons. Given the purpose of this study, a mixed methodological approach based on a sequential exploratory design divided into two different phases is used. We begin with initial qualitative data collection (phase I), consisting of the analysis of interviews with 12 participants (8 teachers and 4 students). Based on its analysis, two foci are identified: social relationships and physical activity. Then, informed by the results obtained, a quantitative approach is used (phase II), differentiating these two sets of data to make a more in-depth analysis of them. On the one hand, a sociometric questionnaire was applied to analyze the social relationships between CLIL students. On the other hand, a quasi-experimental design (n = 49) was implemented using accelerometry to measure moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in the physical education sessions. Regarding physical activity, the results show that levels of MVPA are higher in the experimental group (CLIL) than in the control group, a result which clarifies the divergent viewpoints of the interviewees. However, focusing on social relationships, the sociometric questionnaire results show that there were no statistically significative changes, although some signs of a slight effect on students’ relationships arise depending on their gender. Therefore, more research would be necessary to further study the effect of CLIL in this regard.

Do Health-Related Quality of Life and Pain-Coping Strategies Explain the Relationship between Older Women Participants in a Pilates-Aerobic Program and Bodily Pain? A Multiple Mediation Model

This study (1) analyzes the differences between non-participating and participating older women in terms of clinical characteristics, pain coping strategies, health-related quality of life and physical activity (PA); (2) studies the associations between non-participants and participants, clinical characteristics, pain coping strategies, HRQoL and bodily pain and PA; and (3) determines whether catastrophizing, physical role, behavioural coping, social functioning and emotional role are significant mediators in the link between participating in a Pilates-aerobic program (or not) and bodily pain. The sample comprised 340 older women over 60 years old. Participants of the present cross-sectional study completed measures of clinical characteristics: HRQoL using the SF-36 Health Survey, pain-coping strategies using the Vanderbilt Pain Management Inventory (VPMI) and PA using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Significant differences between non-participants and participants, were found in clinical characteristics, pain-coping strategies (both, p < 0.05), HRQoL (p < 0.01), and PA (p < 0.001). Moreover, catastrophizing support mediated the link between non-participants and participants and bodily pain by 95.9% of the total effect; 42.9% was mediated by PA and 39.6% was mediated by behavioural coping. These results contribute to a better understanding of the link between PA and bodily pain.

Motivación de logro para aprender en estudiantes de educación física: Diverhealth

El objetivo del estudio es identificar las variaciones motivacionales según la teoría de las metas de logro en 30 estudiantes de Bachillerato (17-18 años), mediante una innovadora intervención denominada “DiverHealth”. Se valoraron los resultados del cuestionario Achievement Motivation for Learning in Physical Education, antes y después de la intervención. Los resultados muestran diferencias significativas en la percepción de competencia motriz percibida en el grupo-clase (p<0,003) y en el grupo-alumnas (p<0,011). En cuanto a la percepción de competencia motriz comparada, el grupo-clase ha obtenido (p<0,042). El compromiso por el aprendizaje ha aumentado en el grupo-clase y en el grupo-alumnos (ambos, p<0,01). La ansiedad y agobio ante el fracaso ha incrementado en el grupo-clase (p<0,007) y el grupo-alumnas (p<0,024). Como conclusión, se deduce que una estrategia de aprendizaje de hábitos saludables y práctica de actividad física a través de la gamificación, podría mejorar la motivación de los estudiantes.El objetivo del estudio es identificar las variaciones motivacionales según la teoría de las metas de logro en 30 estudiantes de Bachillerato (17-18 años), mediante una innovadora intervención denominada “DiverHealth”. Se valoraron los resultados del cuestionario Achievement Motivation for Learning in Physical Education, antes y después de la intervención. Los resultados muestran diferencias significativas en la percepción de competencia motriz percibida en el grupo-clase (p<0,003) y en el grupo-alumnas (p<0,011). En cuanto a la percepción de competencia motriz comparada, el grupo-clase ha obtenido (p<0,042). El compromiso por el aprendizaje ha aumentado en el grupo-clase y en el grupo-alumnos (ambos, p<0,01). La ansiedad y agobio ante el fracaso ha incrementado en el grupo-clase (p<0,007) y el grupo-alumnas (p<0,024). Como conclusión, se deduce que una estrategia de aprendizaje de hábitos saludables y práctica de actividad física a través de la gamificación, podría mejorar la motivación de los estudiantes.

Land- and pool-based intervention in female fibromyalgia patients: A randomized-controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a standard physical rehabilitation intervention (SPRI) program, in pool-based (SPRI-P) and land-based (SPRI-L) environments, applied to female fibromyalgia (FM) patients with mild-to-moderate symptoms during a period of 20 weeks.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between September 2016 and September 2017, a total of 73 female FM patients (mean age 48.2±6.8 years; range, 30 to 59 years) who suffered from FM were included in this study on a voluntary basis. The SPRI program was applied to the patients for 20 weeks. The severity of FM was assessed using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire. The dependent variables including self- perceived pain, perceived fatigue, aerobic capacity, depressive symptoms, and the overall impact of FM were evaluated.

RESULTS

Self-perceived pain, perceived fatigue, overall impact of FM (p<0.05) and depressive symptoms (p<0.001) of the participants in the SPRI-P program decreased in the post-test values, compared to the pre-test values. Using the SPRI-L program, a significant improvement in the aerobic capacity (maximum consumption of relative oxygen and distance in meters), overall impact of FM (p<0.05), and depressive symptoms (p<0.01) was observed.

CONCLUSION

Our study results indicated that the SPRI-P program yielded improvements in patients with FM in self-perceived pain, perceived fatigue, depressive symptoms, and overall impact, as well as improving the aerobic capacity. In addition, in the SPRI-L program, the participants increased their capacities, self-perceived pain, and overall impact of FM.

The effects of a pilates-aerobic program on maximum exercise capacity of adult women

ABSTRACT Introduction: Physical exercise such as the Pilates method offers clinical benefits on the aging process. Likewise, physiologic parameters may be improved through aerobic exercise. Methods: In order to compare the differences of a Pilates-Aerobic intervention program on physiologic parameters such as the maximum heart rate (HRmax), relative maximal oxygen consumption (relative VO2max) and absolute (absolute VOmax), maximum heart rate during maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max-HRmax), maximum minute volume (VE) and forced vital capacity (FVC), a total of 64 adult women (active group = 48.1 ± 6.7 years; control group = 47.2 ± 7.4 years) participated in the study. The physiological parameters, the maximal speed and total duration of test were measured by maximum exercise capacity testing through Bruce protocol. The HRmax was calculated by a cardio-ergometric software. Pulmonary function tests, maximal speed and total time during the physical test were performed in a treadmill (Medisoft, model 870c). Likewise, the spirometry analyzed the impact on oxygen uptake parameters, including FVC and VE. Results: The VO2max (relative and absolute), VE (all, P<0.001), VO2max-HRmax (P<0.05) and maximal speed of treadmill test (P<0.001) showed significant difference in the active group after a physical exercise interventional program. Conclusion: The present study indicates that the Pilates exercises through a continuous training program might significantly improve the cardiovascular system. Hence, mixing strength and aerobic exercises into a training program is considered the optimal mechanism for healthy aging.

Physical Fitness Comparison and Quality of Life between Spanish and Serbian Elderly Women through a Physical Fitness Program

The aim of this study was to compare the physical fitness and quality of life related to the health of a sample population of older adult women from Spain and Serbia (60-69 years). A total of 127 female participants of physical fitness programs from Spain (64.33 ± 3.26) and Serbia (63.00 ± 2.88) have participated. Physical fitness (PF), quality of life (QoL) and sociodemographic characteristics were evaluated by Senior Fitness Test, SF-36 Health Survey and socio-demographic questionnaire, respectively. The anthropometric characteristic was measured by corporal measurement. The physical fitness program comprised exercise of strength, agility and aerobic capacity, centering on the Pilates'program and Aerobic. Mean body mass index was 33.6 ± 7.4 kg x m(-2) in the Spanish participants and 25.1 ± 2.6 kg x m(-2) from the Serbian participants (p < 0.001). Similarly, mean waist circumference and body weight of Spanish women was higher than Serbian (p < 0.001; p < 0.05, respectively). Spanish women perceived lower quality of life dimensions than Serbian women, such as physical functioning, social functioning and general health (p < 0.001), general health (p < 0.01) and vitality (p < 0.05). Serbian participants experienced higher physical fitness, such as upper body flexibility (p < 0.05), lower body flexibility, agility and aerobic endurance (p < 0.001). In conclusion, Serbian women were found to have better levels of physical fitness and quality of life than Spanish women. Furthermore, endurance fitness has 73% of explained variance with age, body mass index and fat mass.

Transformación antropológica en mayores con diabetes tipo II a través del ejercicio: pilates y ejercicio aeróbico

Las estadísticas muestran que 285 millones de personas sufren de Diabetes Tipo II, esto es el 6% de la población mundial adulta y 60 millones de personas en los Estados Unidos (10% de la población). De los 47 millones de habitantes que posee España, mas de 3 millones de personas sufren de diabetes (6.4%). En el año 2010 se gastaron más de 106 mil millones de dólares en salud por causa de la diabetes en los Estados Unidos. El ejercicio físico es una manera de evitar la diabetes en la población a través de: un mejor  uso de la propia insulina producida por el cuerpo, de la quema de grasas, del control del peso corporal, del aumento de la fuerza muscular y del aumento en la densidad y calidad ósea. Una frecuencia semanal de 250 a 300 minutos de actividad física puede resultar de gran ayuda en el control de esta patología. La práctica de Pilates es un ejercicio que puede ser utilizado para lograr fácilmente un estado físico saludable. Puede ser realizado en el hogar, aprendiendo la técnica a través de la TV o de DVDs, es conveniente y sin costos. Además no presenta riesgos para las personas con diabetes tipo II, quienes son vulnerables por presentar una biomecánica disminuida en los miembros inferiores y/o una disfunción de la marcha. 

24-weeks Pilates-aerobic and educative training to improve body fat mass in elderly Serbian women

Background

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in anthropometric measurements using an aerobic and Pilates exercise program which lasted 24 weeks.

Method

This was a clinical intervention study of 303 women over the age of 60 living in Novi Sad, Serbia. Changes in body mass index and skinfold thickness were estimated through height, weight, and anthropometric measurements. The program comprised Pilates exercises for upper- and lower-body strength, agility, and aerobic capacity.

Results

Fat mass (FM) improved significantly (pre-test, 32.89%, 8.65; post-test, 28.25%, 6.58; P<0.01). Bone diameters and muscle perimeters showed no significant changes pre- and post-test (P>0.05), but there was a higher correlation between FM (%) and waist–hip ratio (rho, 0.80; P<0.01).

Conclusion

A mixed program of aerobics and Pilates, controls and improves baseline muscle mass and decreases FM values, without causing deterioration during practice and follow-up exercises.