Open Access
Similar cardiometabolic effects of high- and moderate-intensity training among apparently healthy inactive adults: a randomized clinical trial
(BioMed Central, 2017) Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Tordecilla Sanders, Alejandra; Téllez Tinjaca, Luis Andrés; Camelo Prieto, Diana; Hernández Quiñonez, Paula Andrea; Correa Bautista, Jorge Enrique; García Hermoso, Antonio; Ramírez Campillo, Rodrigo; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) increases the risk of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease, and exercise training is an important factor in the treatment and prevention of the clinical components of MetS. Objective: The aim was to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training and steady-state moderate-intensity training on clinical components of MetS in healthy physically inactive adults. Methods: Twenty adults were randomly allocated to receive either moderate-intensity continuous training [MCT group; 60–80% heart rate reserve (HRR)] or high-intensity interval training (HIT group; 4 × 4 min at 85–95% peak HRR interspersed with 4 min of active rest at 65% peak HRR). We used the revised International Diabetes Federation criteria for MetS. A MetS Z-score was calculated for each individual and each component of the MetS. Results: In intent-to-treat analyses, the changes in MetS Z-score were 1.546 (1.575) in the MCT group and −1.249 (1.629) in the HIT group (between-groups difference, P = 0.001). The average number of cardiometabolic risk factors changed in the MCT group (−0.133, P = 0.040) but not in the HIT group (0.018, P = 0.294), with no difference between groups (P = 0.277). Conclusion: Among apparently healthy physically inactive adults, HIT and MCT offer similar cardiometabolic protection against single MetS risk factors but differ in their effect on average risk factors per subject.
Open Access
High intensity interval- vs resistance or combined-training for improving cardiometabolic health in overweight adults (cardiometabolic HIIT-RT study): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
(BioMed Central, 2016) Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Hernández, Alejandra; Castro, Karem; Tordecilla Sanders, Alejandra; González Ruiz, Katherine; Correa Bautista, Jorge Enrique; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; García Hermoso, Antonio; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: Although evidence shows the positive health effects of physical activity, most of the adult population in Colombia are sedentary. It is, therefore, important to implement strategies that generate changes in lifestyle behaviours. This protocol describes a study in which we will compare the effects of 12 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), resistance training (RT) or combined training (HIIT + RT) on the improvement of body composition, endothelial function, blood pressure, blood lipids, and cardiorespiratory fitness in a cohort of sedentary, overweight adults (aged 30–50 years). Methods/design: Sixty sedentary, overweight adults attending primary care in Bogotá, Colombia will be included in a factorial randomised controlled trial. Participants will be randomly assigned to the following intervention groups: (1) non-exercise group: usual care with dietary support, (2) HIIT group: 4 × 4-min intervals at 85–95 % maximum heart rate (HRmax) (with the target zone maintained for at least 2 minutes), interspersed with a 4-min recovery period, at 65 % HRmax, (3) RT group: completing a resistance circuit (including upper and lower muscle groups) as many times as needed according to subject’s weight until an expenditure of 500 kcal at 40–80 % of one-rep max (1RM) has been achieved, and (4) combined group: HIIT + RT. The primary end point for effectiveness is vascular function as measured by flow-mediated vasodilatation 1 week after the end of exercise training. Discussion: The results of this study will provide new information about the possible effect of the programme in improving the cardiometabolic health of overweight adults, making a more efficient use of an adult’s resources over time.
Open Access
Using LMS tables to determine waist circumference and waist-to-height ratios in colombian children and adolescents: the FUPRECOL study
(BioMed Central, 2017) Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Moreno-Jiménez, Javier; Correa Bautista, Jorge Enrique; Martínez Torres, Javier; González-Ruíz, Katherine; González-Jiménez, Emilio; Schmidt Río-Valle, Jacqueline; Lobelo, Felipe; García Hermoso, Antonio; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: Waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) are often used as indices predictive of central obesity. The aims of this study were: 1) to obtain smoothed centile charts and LMS tables for WC and WHtR among Colombian children and adolescents; 2) to evaluate the utility of these parameters as predictors of overweight and obesity. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted of a sample population of 7954 healthy Colombian schoolchildren [3460 boys and 4494 girls, mean age 12.8 (±2.3) years]. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), WC and WHtR were measured, and percentiles were calculated using the LMS method (Box-Cox, median and coefficient of variation). Appropriate cut-off points of WC and WHtR for overweight and obesity, according to International Obesity Task Force definitions, were selected using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The discriminating power of WC and WHtR is expressed as area under the curve (AUC). Results: Reference values for WC and WHtR are presented. Mean WC increased and WHtR decreased with age for both genders. A moderate positive correlation was observed between WC and BMI (r = 0.756, P < 0.01) and between WHtR and BMI (r = 0.604, P < 0.01). ROC analysis revealed strong discrimination power in the identification of overweight and obesity for both measures in our sample population. Overall, WHtR was a slightly better predictor of overweight/obesity (AUC 95% CI 0.868-0.916) than WC (AUC 95% CI 0.862-0.904). Conclusion: This paper presents the first sex and age-specific WC and WHtR percentiles for Colombian children and adolescents aged 9.0-17.9 years. The LMS tables obtained, based on Colombian reference data, can be used as quantitative tools for the study of obesity and its comorbidities.
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
Handgrip strength cutoff for cardiometabolic risk index among colombian children and adolescents: the FUPRECOL study
(Springer Nature, 2017) Peña Ibagon, Jhonatan Camilo; Martínez Torres, Javier; Tordecilla Sanders, Alejandra; Correa Bautista, Jorge Enrique; Lobelo, Felipe; García Hermoso, Antonio; Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Evidence shows an association between muscular strength (MS) and health among young people, however low muscular strength cut points for the detection of high metabolic risk in Latin-American populations are scarce. The aim of this study was twofold: to explore potential age- and sex-specific thresholds of MS, for optimal cardiometabolic risk categorization among Colombian children and adolescents; and to investigate whether cardiometabolic risk differed by MS group by applying the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) cut point. MS was estimated by using a handle dynamometer on 1,950 children and adolescents from Colombia, using MS relative to weight (handgrip strength/body mass). A metabolic risk score was computed from the following components: waist circumference, triglycerides, HDL-c, glucose, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. ROC analysis showed a significant discriminatory accuracy of MS in identifying the low/high metabolic risk in children and adolescents and in both genders. In children, the handgrip strength/body mass levels for a low metabolic risk were 0.359 and 0.376 in girls and boys, respectively. In adolescents, these points were 0.440 and 0.447 in girls and boys, respectively. In conclusion, the results suggest an MS level relative to weight for having a low metabolic risk, which could be used to identify youths at risk.
Open Access
Pubertal stage, body mass index, and cardiometabolic risk in children and adolescents in Bogotá, Colombia: the cross-sectional FUPRECOL study
(MDPI, 2017) Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; García Hermoso, Antonio; Agostinis-Sobrinho, César; Mota, Jorge; Santos, Rute; Correa Bautista, Jorge Enrique; Peña-Guzmán, Carlos Andrés; Domínguez Sánchez, María Andrea; Schmidt Río-Valle, Jacqueline; González Jiménez, Emilio; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
This study explored the association between pubertal stage and anthropometric and cardiometabolic risk factors in youth. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2877 Colombian children and adolescents (9¿17.9 years of age). Weight, height, and waist circumference were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. A biochemical study was performed to determine the cardiometabolic risk index (CMRI). Blood pressure was evaluated and pubertal stage was assessed with the Tanner criteria. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed. The most significant variable (p < 0.05) in the prognosis of cardiometabolic risk was found to be the BMI in both boys and girls. In the case of girls, the pubertal stage was also a CMRI predictive factor. In conclusion, BMI was an important indicator of cardiovascular risk in both sexes. Pubertal stage was associated with cardiovascular risk only in the girls.
Open Access
Association between bullying victimization and physical fitness among children and adolescents
(Asociación Española de Psicología Conductual (AEPC), 2019) García Hermoso, Antonio; Oriol Granado, Xabier; Correa Bautista, Jorge Enrique; Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Antecedentes/Objetivo: el objetivo del estudio fue analizar la relación entre el bullying y la condición física, y determinar si un nivel físico saludable está relacionado con menor nivel de victimización en niños y adolescentes con sobrepeso y obesidad en comparación con suscompañeros con sobrepeso u obesidad no aptos. Método: se incluyó un total de 7.714 niños y adolescentes (9-17 años), categorizados en peso normal o sobrepeso/obeso y aptos o no aptos a través de puntos de corte específicos para la capacidad aeróbica y fuerza manual en esta población. El bullying (físico, verbal, exclusión social, acoso sexual y cyberbullying) se evaluó a través de autoinforme. Resultados: los jóvenes categorizados como aptos (capacidad cardio-respiratoria) padecen menos bullying en comparación con sus homólogos no aptos. Además, un nivel saludable de capacidad cardiorrespiratoria se relacionó con menor bullying tradicional entre los jóvenes con sobrepeso/obesidad en comparación con sus homólogos no aptos. Conclusiones: la capacidad cardiorrespiratoria se relaciona con un menor riesgo de sufrir acoso escolar tradicional en los jóvenes latinos con y sin obesidad, lo que enfatiza el papel del buen estado físico incluso entre los jóvenes con exceso de adiposidad.
Open Access
Reference values for handgrip strength and their association with intrinsic capacity domains among older adults
(Wiley, 2019) Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Correa Bautista, Jorge Enrique; García Hermoso, Antonio; Cano Gutiérrez, Carlos Alberto; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Objective The purposes of this study were three-fold: (i) to describe handgrip strength in older individuals aged >= 60 years in Colombia; (ii) to identify sex-specific and age-specific muscle weakness cut-off points in older adults; and (iii) to determine the odds of adverse events for each of the intrinsic capacity domains for individuals with handgrip strength greater than the muscle weakness cut-off points, as compared with their weaker counterparts. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Colombia, among 5237 older adults aged >= 60 years old (58.5% women, 70.5 +/- 7.8 years), according to 'SABE Survey 2015'. Handgrip strength data were obtained with a Takei dynamometer. Sociodemographic variables, five domains of intrinsic capacity (i.e. locomotion, vitality, cognition, psychological, and sensory), and medical conditions were assessed and analyzed. Adjustments variables were age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, urbanicity, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol intake, drug use, physical activity, and co-morbid chronic diseases. Sex-stratified analyses were conducted with logistic regression models. Results Handgrip strength was greater among men than among women (26.7 +/- 8.5 vs. 16.7 +/- 5.7 kg, respectively, P < 0.001) at all ages. Weak handgrip strength cut-off points ranged from 17.4 to 8.6 and from 10.1 to 4.9 in men and women, respectively. Overall, participants with optimal handgrip strength had better intrinsic capacity [in men, odds ratio (OR) = 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53 to 0.71; P < 0.001; and in women, OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.92; P = 0.002] than their weaker counterparts. Also, men with optimal handgrip strength had a lower risk of hospitalization (OR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.78; P = 0.004) than their weaker counterparts. Conclusions This study is the first to describe handgrip strength values and cut-off points for muscle weakness among a nationally representative sample of Colombian older adults by age and sex. After categorizing older adults as weak or not weak based on the handgrip cut-off points, non-weakness was associated with a decreased odds of intrinsic capacity impairments. These cut-off points may be good candidates for clinical assessment of risks to physical and mental health in older Colombian adults.
Open Access
Role of sleep duration and sleep-related problems in the metabolic syndrome among children and adolescents
(BMC, 2018) Pulido-Arjona, Leonardo; Correa Bautista, Jorge Enrique; Agostinis-Sobrinho, César; Mota, Jorge; Santos, Rute; Correa Rodríguez, María; García Hermoso, Antonio; Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: There is increasing recognition that sleep is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between self-reported sleep duration, sleep-related problems and the presence of MetS in children and adolescents from Bogotá, D.C., Colombia. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analysis from the FUPRECOL study (2014-15). Participants included 2779 (54.2% girls) youth from Bogota (Colombia). MetS was defined as the presence of ¿3 of the metabolic abnormalities (hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-c], hypertension, and increased waist circumference) according to the criteria of de Ferranti/Magge and colleges. Self-reported sleep duration and sleep-related problems were assessed with the BEARS questionnaire. Results: Logistic regression analysis showed that boys who meet recommended duration of sleep had a decreased risk of elevated blood glucose levels (Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.71, 95%CI [0.40-0.94]; p = 0.031) compared to boys who have short-long sleep duration. Also, compared to young without sleep problems, excessive sleepiness during the day was related to low HDL-c levels in boys (OR = 1.36, 95%CI [1.02-1.83]; p = 0.036) and high triglyceride levels in girls (OR = 1.28, 95%CI [1.01-1.63]; p = 0.045). Girls with irregular sleep patterns had decreased HDL-c levels (OR = 0.71, 95%CI [0.55-0.91]; p = 0.009). Conclusions: Recommended sleep duration was associated with a decreased risk of elevated fasting glucose levels in boys, and sleep problems was related to lower HDL-c in girls and higher triglyceride levels in boys. These findings suggested the clinical importance of improving sleep hygiene to reduce metabolic risk factors in children and adolescents.
Open Access
Comparative lipidomic profiling in adolescents with obesity and adolescents with type 1 diabetes
(Elsevier, 2025-01-18) García Hermoso, Antonio; Huerta Uribe, Nidia; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; González-Ruíz, Katherine; Correa Bautista, Jorge Enrique; Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Objective: Both adolescents with obesity and those with type 1 diabetes (T1D) exhibit alterations in lipid profiles, but direct comparisons are limited. Comparing lipidomic profiles between obese individuals and those with T1D is crucial for identifying specific metabolic markers, informing tailored interventions, and advancing precision medicine strategies for these distinct populations. The aim of the study was to compare lipidomic profiles between adolescents with obesity and those with T1D, and to analyze associations between metabolites and clinical parameters. Methods: We included 156 adolescents aged 11–18 years (59.6% girls) from the HEPAFIT (n=114, obesity) and Diactive-1 Cohort (n=42, T1D) studies. Clinical measures included anthropometrics, body composition, lipids, liver enzymes, glucose, and HbA1c. Lipidomic analysis of 277 serum/ plasma metabolites used UHPLC-MS. Results: Distinct lipid profiles were seen, with higher diglycerides, triglycerides, and certain phosphatidylinositols in the obesity group, while phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, cholesterol esters, sphingomyelins, and ceramides were elevated in T1D. Triglycerides acyl chain lengths and saturation levels also varied. Multivariate analysis identified seven metabolites –PC(O-18:1/18:1), PC(O-18:1/22:4), PE(O-16:0/18:1), PE(18:2e/22:6), PC(40:1), PC(O22:1/20:4), and PE(P-18:0/18:1)– significantly associated with clinical parameters. Conclusions: Distinct lipid profiles were observed among adolescents with obesity and T1D in the study, emphasizing the importance of understanding specific metabolite associations with clinical parameters for more precise health management.