Shifting the Paradigm:A Fresh Look at Physical Activity Frequency and Its Impact on Mental Health,Life Satisfaction,and Self-Rated Health in Adolescents

As adolescent mental health problems are becoming a more serious issue globally,this paper explores the relationship of physical activity in adolescents and its frequency on mental health as well as examines the mediating effects of life satisfaction and self-rated health in order to provide a reference for the promotion of mental health in adolescents.A sample of 3578 Chinese high school students completed questionnaires assessing their mental health,physical activity frequency,life satisfaction,and self-rated health.The mean SCL-90 value for adolescents was found to be 1.629%,and 24.73%of adolescents had varying degrees of mental health issue.Increased physical activity frequency is positively associated with improved mental health(p<0.001).Additionally,life satisfaction and self-rated health were found to play significant mediating roles in the relationship between physical activity frequency and mental health.Specifically,low-frequency physical activity had the most pronounced mediating effect on mental health through life satisfaction,while high-frequency physical activity exerted the most significant mediating effect on mental health through self-rated health.These findings underscore the importance of promoting physical activity among adolescents and highlight the distinct pathways through which physical activity frequency can influence mental health outcomes.Further research is needed to explore these relationships in diverse populations and settings,as well as to develop targeted intervention.

Physical activity and amyloid beta in middle-aged and older adults:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:One of the pathological hallmarks distinguishing Alzheimer’s disease from other dementias is the accumulation of amyloid beta(Aβ).Higher physical activity is associated with decreased dementia risk,and one potential path could be through Aβlevels modulation.We aimed to explore the relationship between physical activity and Aβin middle-aged and older adults.Methods:A systematic search of PubMed,Web of Science,PsycINFO,Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials,and SPORTDiscus was performed from inception to April 28,2022.Studies were eligible if they included physical activity and Aβdata in adults aged 45 years or older.Multi-level metaanalyses of intervention and observational studies were performed to examine the role of physical activity in modulating Aβlevels.Results:In total,37 articles were included(8 randomized controlled trials,3 non-randomized controlled trials,4 prospective longitudinal studies,and 22 cross-sectional studies).The overall effect size of physical activity interventions on changes in blood Aβwas medium(pooled standardized mean difference=-0.69,95%confidence interval(95%CI):-1.41 to 0.03;I^(2)=74.6%).However,these results were not statistically significant,and there were not enough studies to explore the effects of physical activity on cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)and brain Aβ.Data from observational studies were examined based on measurements of Aβin the brain using positron emission tomography scans,CSF,and blood.Higher physical activity was positively associated with Aβonly in the CSF(Estimate r=0.12;95%CI:0.05-0.18;I^(2)=38.00%).Conclusion:Physical activity might moderately reduce blood Aβin middle-aged and older adults.However,results were only near statistical significance and might be interpreted with caution given the methodological limitations observed in some of the included studies.In observational studies,higher levels of physical activity were positively associated with Aβonly in CSF.Therefore,further research is needed to understand the modulating role of physical activity in the brain,CSF,and blood Aβ,as well as its implication for cognitive health.

The Link between Psychomotor Disorders and Physical Therapy

The evolution of the individual in ontogenesis has been studied throughout life and on all sides of development. Studies in the field based on medical rehability performed by a full team such as doctors, physiotherapists and psychologists and not only have shown that the link between the patient’s psychological state and exercise are factors in full dependence and any imbalance can trigger irreparable effects. Psychology is the science that studies the laws of formation, development, functioning and deficiencies related to psychism;it includes a series of fundamental concepts that include: psychic processes, psychic phenomena, psychic attributes, psychic states or psychic activities. Psychic phenomena are the component elements of psychism. In a sense, the psychic phenomena are manifested by external facts, by our behavior, by the motor actions started, by gestures or verbal actions;in the other sense, psychic phenomena are manifested by inner deeds, as the form of ideas, images, feelings, and desires. The motor acts without psychism would be only simple automatisms, without human specifications of adaptation, while the psychism without motor acts would be deprived of the fundamentals of formation and functioning as well as of its production mechanisms. Objective: The objective of this study is to highlight the causal problems of delayed medical recovery in relation to the psychological and emotional factors. This desktop review aims to identify psychoemotional disorders in the case of subjects with operated lumbar disc herniation and aims to adapt a specialized physiotherapeutic protocol by adapting to CIF. The result of this study will be found in the percentage of socio-professional reintegration of the subjects with operated lumbar disc herniation and implicitly the increase in the quality of life. Conclusions: 1) For an effective functional recovery, a psycho-emotional balance is needed;2) A positive attitude actively influences medical rehabilitation;3) Regaining physical, cognitive and social activities depend on the degree of psycho-emotional impairment. .

The Association between Physical Education and Mental Health Indicators in Adolescents:A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective:To explore the associations between physical education attendance and mental health indicators.Methods:Using data from the Global Student Health Survey,the frequency of physical education attendance,suicidality-related indicators,loneliness,bullying,and anxiety were all assessed using a standardized self-reported questionnaire.Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the association between physical education attendance and mental health-related indicators.Results:The study included 276,169 participants from 71 coun-tries(47.3%males,aged 11–18 years old).After controlling for sex,age,food insecurity,close friends,physical activity,sedentary time,others’help,and parents’understanding,physical education attendance was not signifi-cantly associated with suicidal attempts,suicidal ideation,and anxiety.However,compared with no physical edu-cation attendance,individuals attending physical education for 1,2,as well as 5 or more days had significantly reduced odds/ratios of suicide;only 2 days of physical education attendance was associated with a lower odds ratio for suffering from loneliness.Even 1 day of physical education was associated with not being bullied by others.Conclusion:This study suggests that physical education attendance may not have an effective role in reducing mental health illnesses in children and adolescents.Future studies are encouraged to corroborate or negate our research discoveries by using better and further improved study designs.

Physical exercise in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

Dementia is one of the greatest global challenges for health and social care in the 21st century.Alzheimer’s disease(AD),the most common type of dementia,is by no means an inevitable consequence of growing old.Several lifestyle factors may increase,or reduce,an individual’s risk of developing AD.Much has been written over the ages about the benefits of exercise and physical activity.Among the risk factors associated with AD is a low level of physical activity.The relationship between physical and mental health was established several years ago.In this review,we discuss the role of exercise(aerobic and resistance)training as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment and prevention of AD.Older adults who exercise are more likely to maintain cognition.We address the main protective mechanism on brain function modulated by physical exercise by examining both human and animal studies.We will pay especial attention to the potential role of exercise in the modulation of amyloid b turnover,inflammation,synthesis and release of neurotrophins,and improvements in cerebral blood flow.Promoting changes in lifestyle in presymptomatic and predementia disease stages may have the potential for delaying one-third of dementias worldwide.Multimodal interventions that include the adoption of an active lifestyle should be recommended for older populations.

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.

Associations of physical activity, sedentary time, and physical fitness with mental health during pregnancy: The GESTAFIT project

Purpose:This study was aimed to analyze the associations of objectively measured physical activity(PA),sedentary time,and physical fitness with mental health in the early second trimester(16§2 gestational weeks)of pregnancy.Methods:From 229 women initially contacted,124 pregnant women participated in the present cross-sectional study.Data were collected between November 2015 and March 2017.The participants wore Actigraph GT3X+Triaxial accelerometers for 9 consecutive days to objectively measure their PA levels and sedentary time.A performance-based test battery was used to measure physical fitness.Self-report questionnaires assessed psychological ill-being(i.e.,negative affect,anxiety,and depression),and psychological well-being(i.e.,emotional intelligence,resilience,and positive affect).Linear regression analyses were adjusted for age,educational level,accelerometer wear time,miscarriages,and low back pain.Results:Moderate-to-vigorous PA was negatively associated with depression(b=0.222,adjusted R2=0.050,p=0.041).Higher levels of sedentary time were negatively associated with positive affect(b=0.260,adjusted R2=0.085,p=0.017).Greater upper-body flexibility was positively associated with better emotional regulation(b=0.195,adjusted R2=0.030,p=0.047).The remaining associations were not significant(all p>0.05).Conclusion:An active lifestyle characterized by higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous PA and lower levels of sedentary time during pregnancy might modestly improve the mental health of pregnant women.Although previous research has focused on the benefits of cardiorespiratory exercise,the present study shows that only upper-body flexibility is related to emotional regulation in early pregnant women.If the present findings are corroborated in further experimental research,physical exercise programs should focus on enhancing flexibility to promote improvements in emotional regulation during early second-trimester of pregnancy.

Friendliness to Animals and Verbal Aggressiveness to People: Using Prison Inmates Education Networks as an Illustration

Goal of this research is to detect possible relations between animal-related attitudes and verbal aggressiveness as well as types combining such parameters. The sample collected in 2015 contains two adult education classes equivalent to secondary school level (class A = 23 inmates and B = 12 inmates, all male) at a correctional facility. Questionnaires were used. Network analysis software (Visone) and conventional statistics (SPSS) are used for calculating network variables (indegree, outdegree, katz, pageranketc) and implementing Spearman test and Principal Component Analysis. Inmates who have adopted an animal-friendly value system and are too coward to react against torture of animals, maintain a repressed emotion. If they do not intervene and provoke, then they are also not targeted by others. No reaction against torture is also connected with a deep-rooted aggressiveness. Concerning superficial aggressiveness, a profile, whose characterize is multiple verbal aggressiveness, can be attributed to repressed emotions. A type is torturing and indifferently restricts his aggressiveness, as he can satisfy his need of dominance by being aggressive towards animals. A type of inmate who loves animals and reacts against their torture, presents the most restricted and relatively smooth aggressiveness, as he discharges his repressed emotions to this reaction. Under condition of indifference, keeping pets is not evidence of loving but of a need of companionship. As for the deep-rooted aggressiveness (over-extroversion), it does not seem to be triggered by any repression.

Activity-related typologies and longitudinal change in physical activity and sedentary time in children and adolescents:The UP&DOWN Study

Background:Children and adolescents can be distinguished by different typologies(clusters) of physical activity and sedentary behavior.How physical activity and sedentary behaviors change over time within different typologies is not known.This study examined longitudinal changes in physical activity and sedentary time among children and adolescents with different baseline typologies of activity-related behavior.Methods:In this longitudinal study(3 annual time points) of children(n=600,age=9.2±0.4 years(mean±SD),50.3% girls) and adolescents(n=1037,age=13.6±1.7 years,48.4% girls),participants were recruited in Spain in 2011-2012.Latent class analyses identified typologies based on self-reported screen,educational,social and relaxing sedentary behaviors,active travel,muscle strengthening activity,and sport at baseline.Within each typology,linear mixed growth models explored longitudinal changes in accelerometer-derived moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary time,as well as time by class interactions.Results:Three typologies were identified among children( "social screenies",12.8%;"exercisers",61.5%;and "non-sporty active commuters",25.7%) and among adolescents "active screenies",43.5%;"active academics",35.0%;and "non-sporty active commuters",21.5%) at baseline.Sedentary time increased within each typology among children and adolescents,with no significant differences between typologies.No changes in physical activity were found in any typology among children.In adolescents,physical activity declined within all typologies,with "non-sporty active commuters" declining significantly more than "active screenies" over 3 years.Conclusion:These results support the need for interveation to promote physical activity and prevent increases in sedentary time during childhood and adolescence.Adolescents characterized as "non-sporty active commuters" may require specific interventions to maintain their physical activity over time.

The association of various social capital indicators and physical activity participation among Turkish adolescents

Background: Physical activity participation(PAP) has been proven to improve health and promote optimal growth among adolescents. However,most adolescents do not meet the current physical activity(PA) recommendations in Turkey. The role of the social environment and social factors on PAP is being increasingly recognized. Although social capital(SC) indicators have been examined in high-income countries, there are few studies on developing countries. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between SC indicators and PAP among Turkish adolescents.Methods: A survey was conducted among 19 high schools in 4 different cities in Turkey in 2016. A total of 506 female and 729 male high school students participated in this study. The dependent variable was overall PAP, which was measured using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The independent variables included self-perceived family, neighborhood, and school SC. Self-rated health and obesity status, measured by body mass index, were other study covariates in multiple binary logistic regression models. Chi-square tests were used to assess the differences between genders.Results: PAP levels were significantly different between males and females. A higher percentage of males reported PAP(77.4%) compared to females(51.0%). Among males, teacher–student interpersonal trust and informal social control were inversely associated with PAP, while high students interpersonal trust was positively associated with increased odds of PAP. For females, students interpersonal trust was inversely associated with PAP.Conclusion: Various SC indicators are associated with PAP for males and females. These associations are different from findings of studies conducted in developed countries. Therefore, health-promotion interventions and policies should consider gender and different social agents on the social and cultural background to improve PAP among Turkish adolescents.

Barriers to Physical Activity among Children and Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities: A Cross-sectional Study

Regular physical activity (PA) has numerous advantages in improving the physical and mental health of children and adolescents^([1]).However,the PA status quo for children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID) is dismal.Children and adolescents with ID frequently exhibit sedentary behaviors because their physical,sensory,and/or cognitive impairments make it difficult to participate in sports and games with their peers^([2]).They have higher rates of mental illness,obesity,type 2diabetes,and other health problems than peers with typical development (TD).

Changes Induced by Physical Activity, Weight Loss and Calorie Restriction in Body Composition, Lipoproteins and Functional Capacity in Obese Congolese Women

Background. The effects of physical exercises combined with a low-calorie diet on weight loss, body composition, lipoproteins profile, and physical fitness had been well described. However, Central Africa’s studies investigating these kinds of diets and exercise regimens are lacking. Objective. To investigate the effects of adding 14-weeks exercises to a hypocaloric diet on changes in body composition, lipoproteins concentrations, and physical capacities in obese Congolese women. Population and Methods. In total, 34 obese women aged 30 - 39 years (mean age: 33.7 ± 2.4 years) assigned to 14-weeks training program and low energy ketogenic diet. Body composition was assessed using classic methods and impedancemetry. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and fasting serum insulin were assessing using enzymatic colorimetric and radioim-munoradiometric methods. HOMA-IR and lipoproteins concentrations were assessed using standardized laboratory methods. VO2peak was measured on a treadmill during a progressive exercise test. Speed, cadence and stride length were measured along the 10-m level walkway. Muscular endurance was measured using the tests of sit-up and inflections-extensions of elbows. All the variables of the study were assessed at the beginning, in the 7-weeks, and in the 14-weeks of training methods. Results. Declines in body weight (16%), percent fat (12.1%), fat weight (26.4%), abdominal fat (34.2%), and waist circumference (10.4%) were found. A significant decrease in FPG (13%), fasting serum insulin (60.9%), HOMA-IR (64.7%), total cholesterol (12.2%), LDL-cholesterol (20.3%), triglycerides (92.8%), and VLDL-triglycerides (17.5%) was shown. In contrast, significant increase in HDL-cholesterol (27.13%) was found. The peak oxygen consumption VO2peak relative to body weight improved more in the 14-weeks training program (13.4%). Obese women exhibited higher values in the 14-weeks training program for speed gait (16.5%), cadence (9.1%), and stride length (15.7%) during normal walk and rapid walk. Weight loss combined with a low-calorie diet and 14-weeks training program improved significantly muscular endurance capacities. Conclusion. Exercise added to hypocaloric diet leads to decreases in body composition, to improve in insulin sensitivity, to enhancement of VO2peak and functional fitness. This may be helpful for the treatment of the metabolic complications of abdominal obesity.

The Effects of Aerobic Exercise Training on Basal Metabolism and Physical Fitness in Sedentary Women

Objective: Aerobic exercises are the basic activity on fight against obesity. And obesity is related with metabolic rate. So our study is aimed to investigate the effects of 8 weeks aerobic exercise on basal metabolic rate and physical parameters. Methods: Sedentary women between the ages of 35 - 45 (n = 40) were randomized into control group (CG) (n = 20) and exercise group (EG) (n = 20). EG underwent 8 weeks of aerobic-run-walk exercise training: 3 days a week, 1 hour sessions. The CG was not trained. Basal metabolic rate (BMR), body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), body fat percentage (BFP), body fat mass (FM) and lean body mass (LBM) were measured for all of the subjects before and after the training program. Results: Mean BMR decreased from 1386 ± 213.6 kcal to 1327 ± 253.7 in CG, and raised from 1308 ± 201.8 to 1409 ± 218.3 kcal in EG. While BMI raised from 31.39 ± 6.15 kg/m2 to 31.51 ± 6.09 kg/m2 in CG, it decreased from 29.62 ± 3.78 kg/m2 to 28.47 ± 3.74 kg/m2 in EG. There was also statistically significant difference in parameters of WHR, BFP, FM and LBM in favour of EG (p < 0.05). Conclusion: After 8 weeks aerobic exercise training program, there was a statistically significant difference in favour of EG in BMR, BMI, BFP, FM, LBM, WHR and weight parameters.

An Investigation into Food Balance and Its Relationship to the Physical Activity Practised within the School Context for Both Males and Females Aged 10-13 Years

The preliminary aim of this study was to reach food balance （quantitative and qualitative） of the meals provided by the school canteen at the Wilaya of Tieret, and its relationship to the physical activity practised, adequately through using a definite method to weight the amounts of food distributed for the meals, and to calculate the energetic expenditure of the physical activity, with an informative exploration of data and the value standards of the dispensed energy that is highly recommended by the （CNRS/CNERA 1992） center. The results of the main findings revealed that the value of macronutrients was smaller than the approved standards. Additionally, the value of the total protein weight per a day was 49.23 g, the fat value as 24.11 g and carbohydrate value as 190.87 g. The results showed also that protein diversity, animal and vegetal fats did not match the standards since the animal protein ratio was 27.76% and the vegetal as 72.24% from the whole total of protein. The percentage of the vegetal fat was 43.49% and the animal 56.31% Moreover, there is a weak correlation between the value of the expended and consumed energy. The Pearson＇s coefficient of males reached 0.09- and 0.39- for females. Furthermore, the value of the consumed energy did not fit the standards recommended for both males and females ages between 10/13 years old. On the basis of the previous pieces of information, we majorly recommend the achievement of a similar investigation for the rest parts of the country in order to reach a balanced nutrition for our children on internal schools.

Typology of Motivation and Aggression on the Basis of Social Network Variables: Examples of Complementary and Nested Behavioral Types through Conventional Statistics

Goal of this research is to suggest a typology of verbal aggressiveness, argumentativeness and motivational climate influence, pointing out examples of complementary types (namely containing no identical components) and nested types (containing identical components). Complete network analysis was conducted in a student class at the Dept. of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Thessaly (N = 66). Standardized questionnaires were used. Network analysis and Principal Component Analysis were implemented using Visone software and SPSS, respectively. Main results were: in the typology of targeting, parameters of motivation climate, verbal aggressiveness and argumentativeness were combined in several types (“affable ambitious”, “isolated victim”, “isolated ambitious”, “lightly victimized” and “severely victimized”) which were partially complementary and partially nested into each other. These depict student profiles vary from quite socialized and invulnerable to only isolated and victimized. They also reveal the significance of seeking knowledge acquirement vs. performance. The typology of general involvement (in- and out-degree) contains types tending to be rather nested into each other than complementary which varies from quite integrative to purely deconstructive appearance. This typology depicts the connection of motivation climate (and the subsequently induced familiarity) with verbal aggressiveness without diminishing susceptibility to argumentation. The fact that the typology of targeting is composed of several complementary types while in the typology of general involvement mainly of nested ones, can be attributed to the structural clarity of the former ones (a typology focusing

An Exploration of the Relation between Hunting and Aggressiveness: Using Inmates Networks at Prison Secondary School as an Illustration

Aim of this research is to explore the relation of hunting with aggressiveness. For this purpose, two samples of prison inmates (who were students of the prison secondary school) were collected (class A = 23, class B = 12). The network indicators for superficial, idiosyncratic and strategic behavior (particularly, aggressiveness), applied in Bekiari and Hasanagas (2016), which were based on the primary network variables (outdegree, indegree, Katz status, pagerank, authority) were used. Non-network variables were also used for the criminal profile of the inmates. The data were sampled with questionnaire. Spearman test was conducted for detecting correlation between aggressiveness and hunting and Principal Component Analysis was used for formulating a typology. The following results were produced: The criminal profile seems hardly to be related with hunting experience or attitude. The relation of hunting experience and attitude with the superficial, idiosyncratic and strategic aggressiveness was examined. These three occasions of aggressiveness are expected to describe the incidental reaction, impulsive and adaptive reaction, respectively. The hunting is quite irrelevant to the incidental reaction. The impulsiveness seems to be more strongly correlated with hunting. In case of adaptiveness, there are many similarities with impulsiveness. The typology which is based on the existence (or not) of hunting experience seems to be more insightful, as it reveals a gradual involvement of aggressiveness dimensions, from incidentality to impulsiveness and further to adaptiveness. The following behavioral patterns of gradually enhanced aggressiveness appear: incidentally just provoking, impulsively being aggressive but without harming, and adaptively being aggressive and harming.

Effects of the FIFA 11+program on performance,biomechanical measures,and physiological responses:A systematic review

Background:The side effects of the FIFA 11+program on performance have not been generally reviewed.The objective of this study was to synthesize the literature on the effects of the 11+on players’performance.Methods:Five online databases(PubMed,Scopus,ScienceDirect,Springer,and Google Scholar)were searched(from April 2006 to March 2022)using predefined keywords and sub-keywords.The potential references were primarily recorded through Endnote and imported to Covidence.Out of the 123 references screened by 2 blinded researchers through the software,59 full texts were assessed for eligibility,33 of which were ultimately included.The quality of the studies and the risk of bias were then assessed.Study ID,title,place,aim,design,start/end dates,population description,study criteria,statistical analysis,and outcomes were extracted.Results:Studies were conducted on male and female players aged 10-32 years old.The quality of the studies was moderate to high,and except for unclear bias for blinding outcome assessment,the risk of bias for all domains was low.Long-term application of the 11+improved most biomechanical measures and physiological responses except for lower extremity stability,ankle evertors time latency,ankle dorsiflexion,and proprioception.Conversely,the 11+showed acute negative effects on physical performance compared to dynamic warm-ups and non-significant effects on technical abilities.Conclusion:Mid-to-long-term implementation of the 11+improved the maj ority of biomechanical and a couple of physical measure s but showed no effects on technical skills.Precaution must be observed for using the 11+before competitions,as it could acutely decrease physical/technical performance.Given the contradictory nature of the literature,further studies should evaluate the short-to-mid-term effects of the 11+.Further studies are required to address ankle responses to the 11+intervention.

The Effects of Functional Training on Pain, Function, and Performance in Taekwondo Players with Mechanical Low Back Pain

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of functional training (FT) on pain, function, and performance in elite male taekwondo players with CMLBP. Method: 27 elite male taekwondo players (mean ± standard deviation: age 24.4 ± 4.9 years, body mass 75.7 ± 15.1 kg, height 181.4 ± 7.8 cm) were allocated to two experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 12) groups. The eight-week FT was divided into four distinct phases for the subjects of the experimental group. Variables of pain and function were assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), respectively. The movement time of Ap Douliou Chagi kick (MTAK) and speed of Ap Douliou Chagi kick (SAK) was used for the variable of performance. Results: Considering the results of pretest before the implementation of the scores protocol, after FT intervention, VAS (p = 0.004), ODI (p = 0.005), MTAK on the right leg (p = 0.029) and the left leg (p = 0.013) decreased and SAK on both legs (p = 0.000) increased significantly in comparison with the control group. Conclusion: It is assumed that FT can reduce the pain intensity and improve the function and performance in taekwondo players.

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.

Sports Participation and Depressive Symptoms in Youth:Demographic Differences

Background:Youth emerge as an essential period in forming lifelong health and well-being.During adolescence,physical activity(PA)improves cardiovascular health,fitness levels,and the prevention of chronic illnesses,and the positive effect is also extended to the mental realm,as PA reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression.Therefore,the current study aims to enhance our understanding of the correlation between sports participation and depressive symptoms.Additionally,it seeks to explore how demographics such as gender,age,and race can shape these connections.Methods:The research sample was established by utilising the U.S.Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance(YRBS)2019 cycle,and the eligible samples from this cycle were included in the current study.A self-administered survey evaluated sports participation,categorized as Zero,one,two,three,or more teams.This study included 16,104 participants and conducted self-reported questionnaires on gender,grade,race/ethnicity,and depressive symptoms.The study had a nationally representative population of American students in Grades 10 to 12(aged 14–17 years).Results:A total of 7843 females and 8261 males,distributed across age groups(14 years old,15 years old,16 years old,and 17 years old),with the numbers 3430,4445,4300,and 3929,respectively.Overall,there was a negative correlation between sports participation and feelings of sadness(a symptom of depression)among the subjects.This significant relationship between participating in sports teams and experiencing sadness was dose dependent.Conclusion:Youth with more team sports participation is likely to display lower depression symptoms,and differences in demographic factors such as gender,race,and age are detected.Physical activity research is responsible for attending to social equity issues and fostering inclusiveness,particularly concerning different gender and ethnic groups.