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.

What is the most effective exercise protocol to improve cardiovascular fitness in overweight and obese subjects？

Background: Increased peak oxygen consumption(VO2 peak) can reduce cardiovascular risks associated with obesity. Our aim was to analyze the effect of a weight loss program on cardiovascular fitness in overweight(W) and obese(O) subjects.Methods: One hundred and sixty-seven subjects(77 males and 90 females), aged 18–50 years, performed a modified Bruce protocol before(pre)and after(post) a weight loss program of 24 weeks. This program combined physical training(strength, S; endurance, E; combined strength + endurance, SE; or physical activity recommendation, PA) 3 times per week, with a 25%–30% caloric restriction diet.Results: VO2 peak improved in overweight and obese males(pre and post values in L/min, respectively; W = 3.2 ± 0.6 vs. 3.7 ± 0.5, p < 0.001;O = 3.6 ± 0.6 vs. 3.8 ± 0.6, p = 0.013) as well as in overweight females(2.0 ± 0.3 vs. 2.3 ± 0.4, p < 0.001). VO2 peak in the first ventilatory threshold(VT1) increased for all 4 interventions in males(p < 0.05), except for S in the obese group(1.6 ± 0.2 vs. 1.7 ± 0.3, p = 0.141). In females, it increased in E(0.9 ± 0.2 vs. 1.4 ± 0.3, p < 0.001), SE(0.9 ± 0.2 vs. 1.2 ± 0.4, p = 0.003), and PA(0.9 ± 0.1 vs. 1.2 ± 0.2, p = 0.006) in overweight groups. Time-to-exhaustion improved in all subjects except for females in PA group(15.7 ± 0.3 min vs. 15.9 ± 0.3 min, p = 0.495).Conclusion: Our results suggest that all methods, including the recommendation of physical activity, can improve cardiovascular fitness in overweight subjects and obese males.