Open Access
Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of physical activity and sitting time among south american adolescents: a harmonized analysis of nationally representative cross-sectional surveys
(BMC Public Health, 2022) Araujo, Raphael H. O.; Werneck, André de Oliveira; Barboza, Luciana L.; Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Martins, Clarice M. L.; Tassitano, Rafael M.; Silva, Ellen C. M.; Jesus, Gilmar M. de; Matias, Thiago S.; Lima, Luiz R. A. de; Brazo-Sayavera, Javier; Silva, Danilo R.; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Background: to identify the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of diferent domains of physical activity (PA) and higher sitting time among South American adolescents. Methods: data from national surveys of 11 South American countries were analyzed, and comprised information on 166,901 adolescents. PA (≥60 min/day of moderate-vigorous PA), physical education classes (PEC) (≥3 classes/wk), active commuting to school (≥1 d/wk), and higher sitting time (≥3 h/d) were self-reported. Sociodemographic correlates, such as gender, age, and food security status were explored using a random efect meta-analysis for logistic parameters. Results: recommended PA ranged between 7.5% (Brazil) and 19.0% (Suriname). Peru (2.2%) and Guyana (43.1%) presented the lowest prevalence of PEC and active commuting to school, respectively. Higher sitting time was less prevalent in Bolivia (24.6%) and more prevalent in Argentina (55.6%). Compared to girls, boys were more prone to reach recommendations for PA [OR=1.94(1.65;2.28)]; to reach≥3 PEC [OR=1.17(1.04;1.33)] and to be active in commuting to school [(OR=1.14(1.06;1.23)], but less prone to higher sitting time [(OR=0.89(0.82;0.96)]. Older adolescents had less odds of reach PA guidelines [OR=0.86(0.77; 0.97)] and accumulated higher sitting time [OR=1.27(1.14;1.41)]. Adolescents with food insecurity reported more PEC [OR=1.12(1.04;1.21)] and active commuting to school [OR=1.12(1.02;1.22)] but had less higher sitting time than their food security pairs [OR=0.89(0.81;0.98)]. Conclusions: few adolescents reach the PA recommendation. Actions aiming the promotion of PA and the reduction of sitting time must consider girls and older adolescents as target groups, as well as the specifcs of each country.
Open Access
Waist circumference and abdominal volume index can predict metabolic syndrome in adolescents, but only when the criteria of the international diabetes federation are employed for the diagnosis
(MDPI, 2019) Perona, Javier S.; Schmidt Río-Valle, Jacqueline; Fernández Aparicio, Ángel; Correa Rodríguez, María; Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; González Jiménez, Emilio; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
We previously reported, using the diagnostic criteria of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), that waist circumference (WC) and abdominal volume index (AVI) were capable of predicting metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adolescents. This study was aimed at confirming this finding when other diagnostic criteria are used. A cross-sectional study was performed on 981 Spanish adolescents (13.2 ± 1.2 years). MetS was diagnosed by eight different criteria. Ten anthropometric indexes were calculated and receiver-operator curves (ROC) were created to determine their discriminatory capacity for MetS. Of all diagnostic criteria, the ones proposed by the IDF showed the highest mean values for weight, WC and systolic blood pressure in boys and girls with MetS, and the lowest for glucose and triglycerides in boys. ROC analysis showed that only WC, AVI and body roundness index (BRI) achieved area under the curve (AUC) values above 0.8 in boys, and that fat content, body mass index (BMI), WC, AVI, BRI and pediatric body adiposity index (BAIp) showed AUC values above 0.8 in girls. Importantly, this occurred only when diagnosis was carried out using the IDF criteria. We confirm that WC and AVI can predict MetS in adolescents but only when the IDF’s diagnostic criteria are employed.
Open Access
Global prevalence and gender inequalities in at least 60 min of self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity 1 or more days per week: an analysis with 707,616 adolescents
(Elsevier, 2024) Araujo, Raphael H. O.; Werneck, André de Oliveira; Martins, Clarice M. L.; Barboza, Luciana L.; Tassitano, Rafael M.; Aguilar-Farias, Nicolas; Jesus, Gilmar M. de; Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Tesler, Riki; Oyeyemi, Adewale L.; Silva, Ellen C. M.; Weaver, Robert G.; Tremblay, Mark S.; Brazo-Sayavera, Javier; Mielke, Grégore I.; Silva, Danilo R.; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: Guidelines recommend that adolescents should accumulate an average of 60 min per day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). However, using only this cut-off could hide important information. For instance, from a population-level point of view, increasing physical activity for those with no or low physical activity could provide more health benefits than increasing physical activity for those with intermediate levels. Also, including a more sensitive cut-point of ≥1 days per week could be an additional strategy for identifying those with low access/opportunities for physical activity practice. Thus, the current study aims to estimate the prevalence of ≥60 min of MVPA ≥1 days per week among adolescents globally, and to describe any relevant gender inequalities. Methods: We used representative datasets from 146 countries/territories collected between 2003 and 2019. MVPA was self-reported. Participants were grouped into younger (≤14 years old) and older (>14 years old) adolescents. Crude Poisson regression models were used to identify the relative differences in ≥60 min of MVPA ≥1 days per week between boys and girls, and random-effects meta-analysis models were used to identify the pooled estimates. Analyses were stratified by country and region. Results: Approximately 80% of both younger and older adolescents reported ≥60 min of MVPA ≥1 days per week. This prevalence was ≥94% in Europe and Central Asia and North America, while the estimates for the other regions were <77%. The prevalence of ≥60 min of MVPA ≥1 days per week was higher among boys than girls, with the largest differences occurring among the oldest adolescents (Prevalence ratio≤14y = 1.04 (95% confidence interval (95%CI)): 1.03‒1.04) vs. Prevalence ratio>14y = 1.09 (95%CI: 1.08‒1.10)). Conclusion: Approximately 8 out of 10 adolescents reported accumulating ≥60 min of MVPA ≥1 days per week, with notable differences between regions. Gender differences were observed in several countries, especially among the oldest adolescents. Priorities for physical activity promotion among adolescents should include increasing access/opportunities for physical activity among those who do not achieve ≥60 min of MVPA ≥1 days per week and reducing gender inequalities.
Open Access
Active commuting to and from university, obesity and metabolic syndrome among Colombian university students
(BioMed Central, 2018) García Hermoso, Antonio; Quintero, Andrea P.; Hernández, Enrique; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: There is limited evidence concerning how active commuting (AC) is associated with health benefits in young. The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between AC to and from campus (walking) and obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a sample of Colombian university students. Methods: A total of 784 university students (78.6% women, mean age = 20.1 ± 2.6 years old) participated in the study. The exposure variable was categorized into AC (active walker to campus) and non-AC (non/infrequent active walker to campus: car, motorcycle, or bus) to and from the university on a typical day. MetS was defined in accordance with the updated harmonized criteria of the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Results: The overall prevalence of MetS was 8.7%, and it was higher in non-AC than AC to campus. The percentage of AC was 65.3%. The commuting distances in this AC from/to university were 83.1%, 13.4% and 3.5% for < 2 km, 2-5 km and > 5 km, respectively. Multiple logistic regressions for predicting unhealthy profile showed that male walking commuters had a lower probability of having obesity [OR = 0.45 (CI 95% 0.25–0.93)], high blood pressure [OR = 0.26 (CI 95% 0.13–0.55)] and low HDL cholesterol [OR = 0.29 (CI 95% 0.14–0.59)] than did passive commuters. Conclusions: Our results suggest that in young adulthood, a key life-stage for the development of obesity and MetS, AC could be associated with and increasing of daily physical activity levels, thereby promoting better cardiometabolic health.
Open Access
Predictive validity of the body adiposity index in overweight and obese adults using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
(MDPI, 2016) Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Correa Bautista, Jorge Enrique; González-Ruíz, Katherine; Vivas, Andrés; García Hermoso, Antonio; Triana Reina, Héctor Reynaldo; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
The body adiposity index (BAI) is a recent anthropometric measure proven to be valid in predicting body fat percentage (BF%) in some populations. However, the results have been inconsistent across populations. This study was designed to verify the validity of BAI in predicting BF% in a sample of overweight/obese adults, using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) as the reference method. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 48 participants (54% women, mean age 41.0 ± 7.3 years old). DEXA was used as the "gold standard" to determine BF%. Pearson¿s correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the association between BAI and BF%, as assessed by DEXA. A paired sample t-test was used to test differences in mean BF% obtained with BAI and DEXA methods. To evaluate the concordance between BF% as measured by DEXA and as estimated by BAI, we used Lin¿s concordance correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman agreement analysis. The correlation between BF% obtained by DEXA and that estimated by BAI was r = 0.844, p < 0.001. Paired t-test showed a significant mean difference in BF% between methods (BAI = 33.3 ± 6.2 vs. DEXA 39.0 ± 6.1; p < 0.001). The bias of the BAI was -6.0 ± 3.0 BF% (95% CI = -12.0 to 1.0), indicating that the BAI method significantly underestimated the BF% compared to the reference method. Lin¿s concordance correlation coefficient was considered stronger (rc = 0.923, 95% CI = 0.862 to 0.957). In obese adults, BAI presented low agreement with BF% measured by DEXA; therefore, BAI is not recommended for BF% prediction in this overweight/obese sample studied.
Open Access
Effect and individual response to inspiratory muscle training program among instrumentalist musicians
(Frontiers Media, 2024-12-18) Ibáñez Pegenaute, Ana; Ortega Moneo, María; Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Antón Olóriz, María Milagros; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
In this quasi-experimental before-after trial, we investigated the effects of a high-intensity, low-repetition inspiratory muscle training (HI-LRMT) protocol on respiratory muscle strength in instrumental musicians. In addition, was to estimate the prevalence of “non-responders” (NRs) in terms of muscle force after intervention. Healthy musicians (n = 48) were divided into 2 groups: HI-LRMT (n = 33) and a control group that did not train (CG, n = 15). The intervention training was a high-intensity, low-repetition inspiratory muscle training program using the PowerBreathe® threshold load pressure device, 2 daily sessions of 30 repetitions per session, with a minimum frequency of 5 days per week, for 12 weeks, 5 min per session. The primary outcome measures were maximal inspiratory pressure and expiratory pressure. Change in PImax over 12 weeks for HI-LRMT vs. control was 30.9 (95% CI 25.5–38.3), with the large effect, confirming worthwhile benefits (ηp2 = 0.61). There were significant changes in PEmax 37.3 (95% CI 19.3–48.1), with a large effect size (ηp2 = 0.33). A third of the participants did not demonstrate improvements in terms of muscle force in instrumental musicians. In conclusion, a 12-week high-intensity, low-repetition inspiratory muscle training program using the PowerBreathe® threshold load pressure device, improved inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength in instrumental musicians.
Open Access
Short-term effects of manipulative treatment versus a therapeutic home exercise protocol for chronic cervical pain: a randomized clinical trial
(IOS Press, 2018) Galindez Ibarbengoetxea, Xabier; Setuain Chourraut, Igor; Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; González Izal, Miriam; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: While both manipulative treatment and physical exercises are used to treat cervical pain, it remains unclear which is most effective. Objective: To compare the short-term effects of high-velocity, low-amplitude manipulation techniques (MT) with those of home-exercise (HE) with stretching and low-intensity (10% of max) isometric contractions on pain and function. Methods: Single-blind randomized clinical trial was performed. A total of 27 asymptomatic subjects were randomly assigned to 2 groups: manipulation techniques (MT, n= 13) and home exercise (HE, n= 14). The visual analogue scale (VAS); neck disability index (NDI); pressure pain thresholds; cervical spine range of motion and electromyography during the cranio-cervical flexion test was measured before and one week after the intervention. Results: After the intervention, both groups showed improved (P< 0.05) NDI and VAS scores and flexion in both rotation ranges compared with the pre-intervention values. For the NDI, pain intensity, and neck flexion, the effects sizes were large; for the majority of the other measurements, the effect sizes were small to moderate. The MT group showed significantly better results than the HE group for 2 out of 17 tests. Conclusions: Both interventions improved function and pain after one week, with only marginal between-group differences in favor of MT.
Open Access
Validation of surrogate anthropometric indices in older adults: what is the best indicator of high cardiometabolic risk factor clustering?
(MDPI, 2019) Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Pérez Sousa, Miguel A.; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; Cano Gutiérrez, Carlos Alberto; González Jiménez, Emilio; Schmidt Río-Valle, Jacqueline; González Ruiz, Katherine; Correa Rodríguez, María; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
The present study evaluated the ability of five obesity-related parameters, including a body shape index (ABSI), conicity index (CI), body roundness index (BRI), body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-height ratio (WtHR) for predicting increased cardiometabolic risk in a population of elderly Colombians. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1502 participants (60.3% women, mean age 70 ± 7.6 years) and subjects’ weight, height, waist circumference, serum lipid indices, blood pressure, and fasting plasma glucose were measured. A cardiometabolic risk index (CMRI) was calculated using the participants’ systolic and diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein and fasting glucose levels, and waist circumference. Following the International Diabetes Federation definition, metabolic syndrome was defined as having three or more metabolic abnormalities. All surrogate anthropometric indices correlated significantly with CMRI (p < 0.01). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of how well the anthropometric indices identified high cardiometabolic risk showed that WtHR and BRI were the most accurate indices. The best WtHR and BRI cut-off points in men were 0.56 (area under curve, AUC 0.77) and 4.71 (AUC 0.77), respectively. For women, the WtHR and BRI cut-off points were 0.63 (AUC 0.77) and 6.20 (AUC 0.77), respectively. In conclusion, BRI and WtHR have a moderate discriminating power for detecting high cardiometabolic risk in older Colombian adults, supporting the idea that both anthropometric indices are useful screening tools for use in the elderly.
Open Access
Top 10 international priorities for physical fitness research and surveillance among children and adolescents: a twin-panel Delphi study
(Springer, 2022) Lang, Justin J.; Zhang, Kai; Agostinis-Sobrinho, César; Andersen, Lars Bo; Basterfield, Laura; Berglind, Daniel; Blain, Dylan O.; Cadenas-Sánchez, Cristina; Cameron, Christine; Carson, Valerie; Colley, Rachel C.; Csányi, Tamás; Faigenbaum, Avery D.; García Hermoso, Antonio; Queiroz Ferreira Gomes, Thayse Natacha; Gribbon, Aidan; Janssen, Ian; Jurak, Gregor; Kaj, Mónika; Kidokoro, Tetsuhiro; Lane, Kirstin N.; Liu, Yang; Löf, Marie; Lubans, David R.; Magnussen, Costan G.; Manyanga, Taru; McGrath, Ryan; Mota, Jorge; Olds, Tim; Onywera, Vincent O.; Ortega, Francisco B.; Oyeyemi, Adewale L.; Prince, Stephanie A.; Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Roberts, Karen C.; Rubín, Lukáš; Servais, Jennifer; Silva, Diego Augusto Santos; Silva, Danilo R.; Smith, Jordan J.; Song, Yi; Stratton, Gareth; Timmons, Brian W.; Tomkinson, Grant R.; Tremblay, Mark S.; Wong, Stephen H. S.; Fraser, Brooklyn J.; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background The measurement of physical ftness has a history that dates back nearly 200 years. Recently, there has been an increase in international research and surveillance on physical ftness creating a need for setting international priorities that could help guide future eforts. Objective This study aimed to produce a list of the top 10 international priorities for research and surveillance on physical ftness among children and adolescents. Methods Using a twin-panel Delphi method, two independent panels consisting of 46 international experts were identifed (panel 1=28, panel 2=18). The panel participants were asked to list up to fve priorities for research or surveillance (round 1), and then rated the items from their own panel on a 5-point Likert scale of importance (round 2). In round 3, experts were asked to rate the priorities identifed by the other panel. Results There was strong between-panel agreement (panel 1: rs=0.76, p<0.01; panel 2: rs=0.77, p<0.01) in the priorities identifed. The list of the fnal top 10 priorities included (i) “conduct longitudinal studies to assess changes in ftness and associations with health”. This was followed by (ii) “use ftness surveillance to inform decision making”, and (iii) “implement regular and consistent international/national ftness surveys using common measures”. Conclusions The priorities identifed in this study provide guidance for future international collaborations and research eforts on the physical ftness of children and adolescents over the next decade and beyond.
Open Access
Exercise and postprandial lipemia: effects on vascular health in inactive adults
(BioMed Central, 2018) Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Correa Rodríguez, María; Tordecilla Sanders, Alejandra; Aya Aldana, Viviana; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: There is evidence to suggest that postprandial lipemia are is linked to the impairment of endothelial function, which is characterized by an imbalance between the actions of vasodilators and vasoconstrictors. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a 12-week high-intensity training (HIT) and moderate continuous training (MCT) protocol on postprandial lipemia, vascular function and arterial stiffness in inactive adults after high-fat meal (HFM) ingestion. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted in 20 healthy, inactive adults (31.6 ± 7.1 years). Participants followed the two exercise protocols for 12 weeks. To induce a state of postprandial lipemia (PPL), all subjects received a HFM. Endothelial function was measured using flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), normalized brachial artery FMD (nFMD), aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx). Plasma total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), triglycerides and glucose were also measured. Results: The effects of a HFM were evaluated in a fasted state and 60, 120, 180, and 240 min postprandially. A significant decrease in serum glucose between 0 min (fasted state) and 120 min postprandially was found in the HIT group (P = 0.035). Likewise, FMD (%) was significantly different between the fasted state and 60 min after a HFM in the HIT group (P = 0.042). The total cholesterol response expressed as area under curve (AUC)(0–240) was lower following HIT than following MCT, but no significant differences were observed (8%, P > 0.05). Similarly, triglycerides AUC(0–240) was also lower after HIT compared with MCT, which trended towards significance (24%, P = 0.076). The AUC(0–240) for the glucose response was significantly lower following HIT than MCT (10%, P = 0.008). FMD and nFMD AUC(0–240) were significantly higher following HIT than following MCT (46.9%, P = 0.021 and 67.3%, P = 0.009, respectively). PWV AUC(0–240) did not differ following between the two exercise groups (2.3%, P > 0.05). Conclusions: Supervised exercise training mitigates endothelial dysfunction and glucose response induced by PPL. Exercise intensity plays an important role in these protective effects, and medium-term HIT may be more effective than MCT in reducing postprandial glucose levels and attenuating vascular impairment.