Importance of training volume through the use of step trackers apps promoted from the subject of physical education to change body composition, physical fitness and physical activity in adolescents and the influence of gender✰,✰✰

The aim of the present study was to determine the changes in physical activity level (PA), kinanthropometric and derived variables, and physical fitness in adolescents, as a result of an out-of-school intervention with mobile step tracker apps promoted from the field of physical education, according to the volume of training completed and gender. A randomized controlled trial was carried out with 400 adolescents (210 males and 190 females) aged 12 to 16 years old (mean age: 13.96 ± 1.21 years-old). Adolescents were divided into experimental group (EG) (n = 240) and control group (CG) (n = 160). Two measurements were carried out, separated by a 10-week intervention, and PA, kinanthropometric variables and physical condition were measured. During the intervention, EG must use Strava (n = 74); Pokémon Go (n = 59); Pacer (n = 60); and MapMyWalk (n = 47) a minimum of 3 times per week, covering an incremental distance from 7,000 steps per day (week 1) to 12,500 steps per day (week 10). After that, EG were divided in quartile according to the volume of training completed. The results obtained showed a significant increase between pre-and post in PA (p = 0.009-0.044) and curl-up (p < 0.001-0.040) in EG regardless the quartile of compliance, and a reduction in fat variables (p < 0.001) and an increase in CMJ in 75-100 % compliance group (p = 0.005). The introduction of the covariate gender did not introduce changes in the intra-group evolution. On inter-group differences, differences were only found for the post-test values between 0-25 % Vs 25-50 % and between 50-75 % Vs 75-100 % with the group that completed a longer distance being the one that showed the lowest values in the post-test in both cases. When including the covariate gender, no significant differences were found for either the pre-test or the post-test on either variable. To conclude, a higher training volume with mobile apps seems to be relevant in the increase PA and strength and decrease of fat mass. The gender factor is not influential in the intra-group changes, but it is influential in the inter-group differences.

Differences and relationship in functional movement screen (FMS™) scores and physical fitness in males and female semi-professional soccer players

Background

Soccer is the world's most popular sport for both men and women. Tests of athletic and functional performance are commonly used to assess physical ability and set performance goals. The Functional Movement Screen (FMS™) is a widely used seven-test battery developed by practitioners to provide interpretable measure of movement quality. The main objective of the present study was twofold, to analyze the relationship between FMS™ results from male and female soccer players and to compare their physical performance in different tests.

Methods

A total of twenty-eight semi-professional soccer players: fourteen male (age: 21.29 ± 1.64 years; weight: 70.66 ± 5.29 kg; height: 171.86 ± 5.35 cm; BMI: 20.90 ± 2.22 kg/m2) and fourteen females (age: 20.64 ± 1.98 years; weight: 63.44 ± 5.83 kg; height: 166.21 ± 12.18 cm; BMI: 23.02 ± 2.50 kg/m2) were recruited for this study. A paired sample t-test was used for determining differences as a repeated measures analysis. All the participants conducted the following tests: The Functional Movement Test (FMS™), 10-m linear sprint, 5-0-5 COD Test and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test-Level 1 (YYIRT Level 1).

Results

A t-test with data from 505 COD (change of direction) test showed significant differences between groups, p = 0.001, d = 1.11, revealing faster times in male soccer players (2.50 ± 0.19) in respect with female soccer players (2.70 ± 0.17). Crucially, a t-test with data from FMS did not reveal significant differences between groups. Multiple regression for V02max revealed significant effects (r = 0.55, r2 = 0.30, adjusted r2 = 0.24, F = 5.21, p = 0.04 and standard error = 2.20). On the other hand, multiple regression for 10-m sprint showed significant effects (r = 0.58, r2 = 0.33, adjusted r2 = 0.28, F = 5.98, p = 0.03). The impact of these factors on the correlation between FMS™ scores and physical performance measures can vary among individuals.

Discussion/Conclusion

This study demonstrates the necessity of utilizing and applying multiple field-based tests to evaluate the movement and capabilities of physical performance in sports. Crucially, consider individual variations and factors such as training background, fitness level, and sport-specific demands when interpreting the relationship between the FMS™ and physical performance in both sexes.

Influence of physical fitness on decision-making of soccer referees throughout the match

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationships between physical fitness and physical performance in competition and the decision-making (successes and errors). A sample of 22 male national-level soccer referees (weight: 72.7 kg; height: 178.0 cm; age: 23.4 years) participated in this study. Physical fitness was assessed through 6 series of 40 m (velocity) and Yo-yo (aerobic) test in annual exam by Soccer Committee, physical performance was performed through the total distance covered in competition (Experiment 1), and decision-making was registered through a simulated Video Assistant Referee system (VAR) with the consensus of 2 national referees evaluating only warnings (yellow cards), expulsions (red cards), established penalties and obvious goal actions (called and no called) (Experiments 2 and 3). Results showed that physical fitness test was related with total distance (rho = 0.63, p < .01) and success rate percentage (rho = 0.74, p < .05) registered during competition. The success rate percentage, in the first half, was observed 44% successes, and in the second half, 59% successes. The number of events called was related with the physical fitness test score (R2 = 0.71, p = .035; R2 = 0.64, p = .056, respectively). As conclusion, the main finding of this study has provided insight into decision-making behavior in real competitive matches and the physical fitness was the predictor of the successful decision-making being able to determine the permanency, promotion or decrease of category.

Sleep disturbance is associated with neck pain: a 3-year longitudinal study after the Great East Japan Earthquake

Background

Neck pain is a common health problem in the general population as well as in people after natural disasters. Sleep disturbances are gaining attention as risk factors for musculoskeletal pain; however, the association between sleep disturbance and neck pain has not been clarified. The present study aimed to clarify the association between sleep disturbance and neck pain, especially focusing on the effect of the duration of sleep disturbance, after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Methods

This study used 3-year longitudinal data obtained from individuals (n = 2,059) living in disaster-affected areas after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Sleep disturbance and neck pain were investigated at 4, 5, 6, and 7 years after the disaster. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used for the assessment.

Results

Sleep disturbance was significantly associated with neck pain, and the association was stronger as the duration of sleep disturbance increased (adjusted odds ratios [95% confidence intervals]: 1.84 [1.23–2.75] for “ < 1 year”; 2.41 [1.53–3.81] for “ ≥ 1 year and < 2 years”; 2.80 [2.09–3.76] for “ ≥ 2 years”). Furthermore, preceding sleep disturbance was significantly associated with the onset of neck pain, and the association was stronger as the duration of sleep disturbance increased (adjusted odds ratios [95% confidence intervals]: 1.86 [1.08–3.20] for “ < 1 year”; 2.39 [1.22–4.70] for “ ≥ 1 year and < 2 years”; 3.00 [1.94–4.65] for “ ≥ 2 years”).

Conclusions

Sleep disturbance is associated with neck pain, and long-lasting sleep disturbance strengthens the association. Clinicians should consider this association to effectively treat patients with neck pain, especially those affected by natural disasters.

Differences in Physical Fitness and Body Composition Between Active and Sedentary Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Previous research analyzing the differences in physical fitness and body composition between active and sedentary adolescents aged 12-16 has not provided conclusive results. For this reason, a systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to provide an overview of the results obtained to date. The objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to investigate the differences in the physical fitness and body composition of adolescents who engaged in daily physical activity and those who were inactive. A search in PubMed, EBSCO, and Web of Sciences databases was performed. A total of 13,884 articles were reviewed and 11 were included in the meta-analysis. In the physical fitness performance, significantly higher values in cardiorespiratory fitness, hamstring and lower back flexibility, sit-ups and upper limb resistance were found in active compared to the inactive participants. In body composition, the inactive group showed significantly higher values in variables related to body fat, mainly in body fat percentage, fat mass and fat mass index compared to the active group. The results revealed that maintaining an active lifestyle through physical activity is a determining factor in improving the physical fitness and body composition of adolescents aged 12-16 years. The study design of the systematic review was previously registered in PROSPERO with code CRD42021241975. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=241975 .

Correlation of Job stress and self-control through various dimensions in Beijing Hospital staff

BACKGROUND

Mental, emotional and physical exhaustion has been increasing in humans due to work related stress. Many studies have been conducted on various variables contributing to and counteracting job stress. In our study, we aimed to examine the effect of different demographic and personal variables on job stress and its correlation with self-control in a hospital setting.

METHOD

Our cross-sectional study involved 220 healthy staff members from Beijing hospital. Job stress and self-control were measured via the Chinese versions of the House and Rizzo Work Scale and the Self-Control Scale, respectively.

RESULT

Participants with male gender and those with leading positions of authority reported higher job stress and poorer self-control (P < 0.01). Smokers also showed poorer self-control (P < 0.05, Bonferroni corrected P > 0.05). Poor physical and mental health conditions were observed to be significantly related to poor self-control (Bonferroni corrected P < 0.01) and higher job stress (Bonferroni corrected P < 0.05). Moreover, negative correlation was found between job stress and self-control and its dimensions (P < 0.001). Furthermore, job stress group and leadership position could interact to influence self-control, healthy habit, and resistance to temptation.

CONCLUSION

We concluded that gender difference, leadership position, physical and mental health conditions all can affect work stress and an individual's self-control. Moreover, self-control dimensions like impulse control and attention to work correlated to job stress. Furthermore, the interaction between job stress and leadership could affect self-control and its dimensions. Future studies can be focused on using these variables to cope up with the ever increasing work related stress in the modern world.

[Niveau d'activité physique et déconditionnement des patients insuffisants cardiaques suivis dans deux hôpitaux de la ville de Yaoundé : étude observationnelle au Cameroun]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the basic physical condition of chronic heart failure's Cameroonian patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We carried out a cross-sectional study from February to June 2020 at the Yaoundé Central and General Hospitals, including all consenting adults with stage I or II chronic heart failure of the New York Heart Association without sign of decompensation and received in outpatient consultation. Socio-demographic data and the level of physical activity assessed according to the International Questionnaire on PhysicalActivity were recorded. Quality of Life was evaluated using the "Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire". Associated factors were analysed using the Chi-square test, the strength of association expressed by the odds ratio, and its 95% confidence interval. The significance level was 0.05.

RESULTS

We recruited 102 participants, including 60 women with a median age of 64 [56,68]. Daily physical activity was moderate in 54% of participants and low in 45%, with no significant difference between the sexes (p = 0.3). About 39.2% of patients had an altered physical condition, and the most effective associated factors were obesity (p = 0.01), low daily physical activity (p = 0.002) and non-compliance to the treatment (p = 0.03). The mean Quality of Life score was low (36.7 ± 22.4), and the deterioration in physical condition harmed it (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

More than a third of the study population had a poor physical condition, which negatively affected their Quality of Life. Therefore, we can suggest that prescribing appropriate physical activity should be an integral part of heart failure management in our context.

Maternal care according to offspring sex and maternal physical condition in mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata)

The Trivers-Willard hypothesis (TWH) posits that maternal care will be biased in favor of the sex that provides the greatest fitness returns per unit of investment, depending on maternal physical condition. Our aim was to examine the TWH in mantled howler monkeys living at Los Tuxtlas (Veracruz, Mexico). The biological attributes of mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata) meet the assumptions of TWH better than those of other explanations, so we expected that females in better physical condition should bias maternal care toward sons, whereas mothers in worse physical condition should bias care toward daughters. Between December 2017 and March 2019, we studied mother-infant interactions in 20 dyads with focal-animal sampling and continuous recording (N = 204 h). We performed genetic analysis to determine offspring sex (N = 7 daughters and 13 sons) and measured C-peptide in urine samples of mothers to assess their physical condition (N = 46 samples). Mothers in better physical condition spent less time in contact with their sons but more time in contact with their daughters. For proximity behavior, mothers in better physical condition spent more time near their sons and less time near their daughters. These results suggest a bias in maternal care towards daughters, contrary to our predictions. In light of current models of maternal investment, our results support that mothers obtain higher fitness returns through daughters.

Mercury exposure in migrating songbirds: correlations with physical condition

Many migratory songbirds are at high risk of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure due to their trophic position and foraging in and around wetland habitats. Methylmercury has the potential to alter migratory behaviors and physiology via neurological impairment or reduced flight performance and can be remobilized from songbird muscle tissue during migration, increasing the risk of acute MeHg exposure. To document MeHg exposure and its relationship with physical condition in migratory songbirds, we sampled passerine blood and feathers at a migration stopover site on Key Biscayne, FL during fall and spring from 2009 to 2012. We found evidence that spring blood total mercury (THg) concentrations decreased throughout the day and that fall feather THg concentrations changed over the migratory season. Total mercury exposure was marginally correlated with migratory fat stores and related to changes in pectoral muscle thickness by time of day. These patterns suggest that environmentally relevant levels of THg are related to, and may be influencing, the physical condition of free-living migrating songbirds. Further research and monitoring during the migratory period will be important to elucidate exposure risk across multiple species and assess the potential for effects during this complex period of the annual cycle.

Effects of the chemical and physical reaction conditions on the formation of nanocomposites made of starch and stearic acid

To evaluate the reaction conditions on the physicochemical properties of composites of starch and stearic acid, composites were prepared under reaction conditions that varied the starch concentration (0.5, 1, 3%), stearic acid addition level (5, 10, 25 mg), stearic acid addition rate (2, 4, 8, 16 mL/min), and temperature (70, 80, 90 °C). All conditions significantly impacted the recovery, mean particle size, and zeta potential of samples. Specifically, a higher starch concentration and temperature significantly increased the recovery of stearic acid, but the mean particle size of the composite increased with higher stearic acid addition level and starch concentration. Stearic acid content in the composite exhibited a significant correlation with zeta potential (r = 0.818, p = 0.001). During enzymatic digestion for 20 min, 8% of the stearic acid was released from the composite. Approximately 10 % of the stearic acid was degraded after 36 h of storage at 50°C under 75 % relative humidity.

Effects of an exercise program linked to primary care on depression in elderly: fitness as mediator of the improvement

PURPOSE

The present study aimed to analyse the effects of 12 months of participation in a public physical activity program linked to primary care on depression level and fitness, and to determine which fitness components were responsible for the improvement in depression using mediation analysis.

METHODS

Participants of this program were 2768 middle-aged and older adults from 67 municipalities throughout the Spanish region of Extremadura. In the analysis only participants with depression and without any missing values for fitness variables were included. This sample was 303 for exercise group and 74 for control group. Socio-demographic data, Geriatric Depression Scale and some fitness tests were applied at baseline and 1 year later. Exercise group performed the program 3 days/week for 50-60 min per session involving brisk walking with intermittent flexibility, strength and balance activities/exercises. Socializing within the group was encouraged in all sessions. Data analysis included analysis of covariance, chi-squared and effect size statistics. Additionally, a parallel model of mediation analysis was performed to determine the indirect effect of the participation in the exercise program on depression through improvements in fitness.

RESULTS

A considerable reduction from mild, moderate or severe depression to non-depression were obtained for exercise group (68%) P-value < .05. The parallel mediation analysis showed that flexibility (sit-and-reach [β - 0.04 (- 0.07 to - 0.01)], back scratch [β - 0.06 (- 0.12 to - 0.02)]) and cardiorespiratory fitness (6-min walk [β - 0.09 (- 0.15 to - 0.04)]) were mediators of the reduction in depression.

CONCLUSION

This exercise program was effective in improving depression in older adults. Integrating aerobic and flexibility exercises in a group-based program of physical activity programs could improve the severity of depression in this population.

Hepatotoxicity and reproductive disruption in male lizards (Eremias argus) exposed to glufosinate-ammonium contaminated soil

Glufosinate-ammonium (GLA) is a spectrum herbicide that is widely used in agriculture. The toxic effects of GLA on plants and mammals have been extensively studied; however, little is known about its effects on reptiles. In this study, male lizards (Eremias argus) were exposed to GLA contaminated soil for 60 days. Physical conditions, organ coefficients, antioxidant enzyme activity, tissue distribution, histopathological damage, steroid hormones levels, and related gene expression of sex steroids were evaluated. In contrast to unexposed control lizards, the body mass index of the GLA group was decreased, which elucidated that GLA adversely affected the physical condition of E. argus. Changes in antioxidant enzyme activities in response to elevated malondialdehyde levels in lizard testis indicated that testes were strongly affected by oxidative damage, and the increased testis index was associated with severe testis lesions. Moreover, alterations of plasma sex hormone levels and related gene expression levels of sex steroids were also observed, and the mechanism underlying the induction of reproductive toxicity was clarified. The activity of glutamine synthetase was severely inhibited in the liver of the GLA exposure group. Based on the results of liver index and histopathology examinations, the hepatotoxicity effect of GLA was confirmed.

Optimization of physical conditions for the production of thermostable T1 lipase in Pichia guilliermondii strain SO using response surface methodology

BACKGROUND

Pichia guilliermondii was found capable of expressing the recombinant thermostable lipase without methanol under the control of methanol dependent alcohol oxidase 1 promoter (AOXp 1). In this study, statistical approaches were employed for the screening and optimisation of physical conditions for T1 lipase production in P. guilliermondii.

RESULT

The screening of six physical conditions by Plackett-Burman Design has identified pH, inoculum size and incubation time as exerting significant effects on lipase production. These three conditions were further optimised using, Box-Behnken Design of Response Surface Methodology, which predicted an optimum medium comprising pH 6, 24 h incubation time and 2% inoculum size. T1 lipase activity of 2.0 U/mL was produced with a biomass of OD₆₀₀ 23.0.

CONCLUSION

The process of using RSM for optimisation yielded a 3-fold increase of T1 lipase over medium before optimisation. Therefore, this result has proven that T1 lipase can be produced at a higher yield in P. guilliermondii.

Female choice, male dominance and condition-related traits in the polygynous subterranean rodent Ctenomys talarum

Ctenomys talarum is a solitary and highly territorial species in which dominant males aggressively deter other males and monopolize reproductive activity. Female preference for dominant males is not easy to assess due to coercive mating by males. Hence, we aimed to answer if behavioural dominance and several condition-related traits like testosterone and cortisol levels, endoparasite load, and hematocrit volume may affect female preference when they have the opportunity to exert it. We designed a laboratory experiment using wild-caught C. talarum and employed a combined approach involving behavioural observations and the measurements of parameters of physical condition. We staged dyadic encounters between males to determine dominance index and then analyzed female preference towards tethered males (n=15) or their odours (n=18). Male dominance did not affect female preferences when odours were presented. When two tethered males were offered, females preferred those with higher dominance index. Preference of females for dominant males would mainly represent indirect benefits. Females did not show preference for males in relation to any physiological trait evaluated. Dominance was found negatively related to cortisol levels, probably avoiding the glucocorticoids-related costs, and positively related to parasite diversity, since they could tolerate it without impairing their health.

Effect of physical stress on drug-induced sleep endoscopy for obstructive sleep apnea

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is a reliable upper airway evaluation tool, widely used to improve surgical results in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Several factors, including sleeping position and depth of sedation, affect DISE findings. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of physical stress on DISE findings. Eighty-five patients with OSA underwent two DISE examinations at the same level of sedation. The "first DISE" (control group) was performed after polysomnography, while the "second DISE" (test group) performed immediately after a treadmill stress test. The two groups were compared for changes in degree and configuration of airway obstruction at the levels of the velum, oropharynx, tongue base, and epiglottis. There were several differences in DISE findings between the control and test groups. DISE findings obtained after the stress test revealed significant narrowing of multiple airway structures; upper airway narrowing was observed at the velum (19/48; 39.6%), oropharynx (31/63; 49.2%), and tongue base (9/61; 14.8%). Changes in configuration of upper airway obstruction were observed only at the level of the velum (33/85; 38.8%). Stress exercise test induces changes in the degree and configuration of upper airways narrowing, which causes surgeons to over or underestimate the obstructive pattern, depending on the clinical circumstance. When counseling patients on the likely value of sleep surgery based on DISE findings, stressful physical activity should be included as a contributing factor in treatment planning.

Assessment of physical activity levels, fitness and perceived barriers to physical activity practice in adolescents: cross-sectional study

Adolescence is a time of rapid physical, psychological and social changes. Recent studies show that, at this stage, there is a decrease in physical activity (PA) levels, along with high rates of overweight and obesity. The purpose of this study was to assess PA levels and physical condition (PC) related to perceived barriers (PB) and limiting factors for PA practice in a randomised sample of adolescents in Barcelona (Spain) considering overweight status and gender. One hundred and forty-three adolescents (53.8 % boys; median age of 15 years) of Secondary Education in public schools located in a randomly selected district (Sants - Montjuïc) in Barcelona (Spain) participated in a cross-sectional study. Variables assessed were (a) PC (ALPHA-Fitness), (b) PA levels (Physical Activity Questionnaire PAQ-A), and (c) perceived barriers (Self-Reported Barriers to Participation in Physical Activity questionnaire). The different variables were tested by calculating means and standard deviations, with the presence/absence of overweight, and according to the adolescents' gender. Means between groups were compared using Student's t test.

CONCLUSION

Significant differences in most results suggest a correlation between being overweight or obese and having a worse PC. The variables gender (being a girl) and body mass index (overweight or obese) showed a direct correlation to perceive significantly greater barriers to PA practice. What is known: • Epidemiological studies indicate that there is a high prevalence of overweight and obesity linked to an insufficient amount of physical activity (PA) practice in children and adolescents, which is accompanied higher rates of abandonment of the common PA practice as they grow up. • Perceived barriers to regular PA practice had increased in the adolescent population, accompanied with lower levels of PA practice. What is new: • This study shows for the first time the correlation between physical condition, PA levels, and perceived barriers to regular PA, considering overweight and gender. • There is a correlation between being overweight or obese and having a worse physical condition. The variables gender (being a girl) and body mass index (overweight or obese) showed a direct correlation to perceive significantly greater barriers to PA practice.

Study of the physical condition of middle-aged workers by gender

[Purpose] The purpose of this research was to investigate the physical condition of middle-aged workers in Korea by gender. [Subjects] In total, 2,644 middle-aged workers (male, n = 2,175; female, n =469) ≥50 years of age from eight geographical areas were evaluated from 2007 to 2008. [Methods] The subjects’ physical condition, muscular endurance, reaction, flexibility, agility and age of physical strength were evaluated. [Results] The physical condition and exercise status of males were superior to those of female workers. Male workers exhibited a higher rate of smoking than female workers, but had better muscular endurance, reaction, agility and age of physical strength. [Conclusion] Middle-aged female workers in Korea have a poorer overall physical condition than middle-aged male workers. The physical condition of middle-aged and elderly workers must be managed through various health management programs to maintain a productive aging society.

Effects of energy drink major bioactive compounds on the performance of young adults in fitness and cognitive tests: a randomized controlled trial

Background

The consumption of beverages containing caffeine and taurine before exercising has been associated with increased physical and psychological performances and has been promoted to support the emotional state and provide vitality to consumers. However, there are contradictory results on these issues, it is not clear the effect of every major compound in relation to the whole effect of the beverages and there is a lack in knowledge about their degree of safety for consumption.

Methods

This study used a double-blind, placebo controlled, randomized, crossover design. Fourteen male volunteer soldiers from the Colombian army performed different tests to measure their cardiorespiratory fitness (VO₂max and maximum heart rate), time to exhaustion, strength (isometric strength), power (vertical jump), concentration (Grid test) and memory (Digits test) after drinking 250 ml of one of the following beverages: one with 80 mg caffeine, one with 1000 mg taurine, one with 80 mg caffeine plus 1000 mg taurine, a commercial energy drink (Red Bull®) or a placebo drink. Subjects were caffeine-consumers that avoided caffeine during the day of evaluation. All beverages were matched in flavor and other organoleptic properties to the commercial one, were bottled in dark plastic bottles and were administered in identical conditions to the participants. Differences between treatments were assessed using repeated measures and analysis of variance.

Results

The mean ± SD values of VO₂max, maximum heart rate, time to exhaustion, right handgrip strength, left handgrip strength, vertical jump, Grid test and Digits test were 61.3 ± 6.2 ml/kg.min, 196 ± 6.8 beats per min, 17 ± 1.2 min, 56.8 ± 6.6 kgf, 53.1 ± 5.9 kgf, 41.1 ± 3.8 cm, 19.9 ± 5.9 observed digits and 10.9 ± 3.1 remembered digits after drinking a placebo drink. Comparisons among the commercial drink, caffeine, taurine, caffeine plus taurine and placebo treatments did not show statistically differences in the results of the performed tests. No adverse effects were reported by the participants.

Conclusion

The consumption of caffeine (80 mg) and taurine (1000 mg) or their combination does not increase the physical and cognitive ability in young adults during exercise.

Study of the Physical Condition of Middle-aged Office and Field Workers Aged 50 and Older

[Purpose] We investigated the physical condition of middle-aged workers in Korea by job category (office job vs. production job). [Subjects] In total, 3,650 middle-aged workers (production job, n = 2,615; office job, n = 1,035) ≥50 years of age from eight geographical areas were evaluated from 2007 to 2008. [Methods] The subjects’ subjective physical condition, exercise status, smoking status, and drinking status were investigated, and precise physical measurements, cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, reflexes, and reactions were measured. [Results] Subjectively, the physical condition and exercise status of those with office jobs were superior to those of production job workers. Office workers exhibited a higher rate of drinking than production workers, and also had better cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, reflexes, and reactions. However, production workers were more flexible than office workers. [Conclusion] Middle-aged production job workers in Korea have poorer overall physical condition than middle-aged office job workers. The physical condition of middle-aged and elderly workers must be managed through various health management programs to secure a productive aging society.

Relationship between Barthel index with physical tests in adults with intellectual disabilities

We usually find low levels of fitness condition affect other aspects of living for people with ID like dependency in carrying out activivities of daily living. Therefore we find high levels of dependency in activities of daily living due to poor fitness condition. The aim of the study is to explore the criterion validity of the Barthel index with a physical fitness test. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted. Data from the Barthel index and a physical fitness test were measured in 122 adults with intellectual disability. The data were analysed to find out the relationship between four categories of the physical fitness test and the Barthel index. It needs to be stressed that the correlations between the Barthel index and leg, abdominal and arm strength can confirm that these physical test are predictive of the Barthel index. The correlations between the balance variables as functional reach and single-leg stance with eyes open shown relationships with Barthel Index. We found important correlations between the physical fitness test and the Barthel index, so we can affirm that some physical fitness features are predictor variables of the Barthel index.