Cardiometabolic risk through an integrative classification combining physical activity and sedentary behavior in European adolescents:HELENA study

Purpose: This study aims to compare adolescents' cardiometabolic risk score through an integrative classification of physical activity(PA),which involves the combination of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity(MVPA) and sedentary behavior(SB).Methods: A cross-sectional study derived from the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence Cross-Sectional Study database(2006-2008) was conducted in adolescents(n = 548; boys, 47.3%; 14.7 ± 1.2 years) from 10 European cities. MVPA and SB were objectively measured using accelerometry. Adolescents were divided into 4 categories according to MVPA(meeting or not meeting the international recommendations) and the median of SB time(above or below sex-and age-specific median) as follows: High-SB & Inactive, Low-SB & Inactive,High-SB & Active, and Low-SB & Active. A clustered cardiometabolic risk score was computed using the homeostatic model assessment, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, sum 4 skinfolds, and cardiorespiratory fitness(CRF).Analyses of covariance were performed to discern differences on cardiometabolic risk scores among PA categories and each health component.Results: The cardiometabolic risk score was lower in adolescents meeting the MVPA recommendation and with less time spent in SB in comparison to the high-SB & Inactive group(p < 0.05). However, no difference in cardiometabolic risk score was established between High-SB or Low-SB groups in inactive adolescents. It is important to note that CRF was the only variable that showed a significant modification(higher)when children were compared from the category of physically inactive with "active" but not from high-to low-SB.Conclusion: Being physically active is the most significant and protective outcome in adolescents to reduce cardiometabolic risk. Lower SB does not exhibit a significant and extra beneficial difference.

Mediation role of cardiorespiratory fitness on the association between fatness and cardiometabolic risk in European adolescents: The HELENA study

Purpose:This study was aimed to analyze the mediation role of cardiorespiratory fitness(CRF)on the association between fatness and cardiometabolic risk scores(CMRs)in European adolescents.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in adolescents(n=525;46%boys;14.1±1.1 years old,mean ±SD)from 10 European cities involved in the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence study.CRF was measured by means of the shuttle run test,while fatness measures included body mass index(BMI),waist to height ratio,and fat mass index estimated from skinfold thicknesses.A clustered CMRs was computed by summing the standardized values of homeostasis model assessment,systolic blood pressure,triglycerides,total cholesterol/highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol ratio,and leptin.Results:Linear regression models indicated that CRF acted as an important and partial mediator in the association between fatness and CMRs in 1217-year-old adolescents(for BMI:coefficients of the indirect role b=0.058(95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.023-0.101),Sobel test z=3.11(10.0%mediation);for waist to height ratio:b=4.279(95%CI:2.242-7.059),z=3.86(11.5%mediation);and for fat mass index:b=0.060(95%CI:0.020-0.106),z=2.85(9.4%mediation);all p<0.01).Conclusion:In adolescents,the association between fatness and CMRs could be partially decreased with improvements to fitness levels;therefore,CRF contribution both in the clinical field and public health could be important to consider and promote in adolescents independently of their fatness levels.