Open Access
Effects of 12-week moderate-intensity versus high-intensity water-aerobic training on physical fitness, cardiovascular health, and well-being in adults and older adults: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial
(Wiley, 2024-12-24) Faíl, Luís Brandão; Marinho, Daniel; Marques, Elisa A.; Gonçalves, Juliana Mendes; Gil, Maria Helena; Pereira, Rogério Alves; Marqués, Mário C.; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; Neiva, Henrique P.; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background and Aims: The current study aimed to compare the effects of 12 weeks of moderate versus high‐intensity wateraerobics on muscle strength, body composition, lipid profile, blood pressure, and quality of life in both adults and older adults. Methods: Twenty‐one women (65.19 ± 9.37 years) were randomly allocated to moderate (MIG; n = 11) or high‐intensity groups(HIG; n = 10). Both groups attended 45‐min sessions twice a week for 12 weeks. Assessments at baseline and posttrainingincluded muscle endurance, explosive strength, body mass, body mass index, fat mass, fat‐free mass, triglycerides, total cho-lesterol, blood pressure, resting heart rate, general quality of life, and general health, and the physical, psychological, social relationships, and environmental domains of quality of life. Results: HIG experienced greater reductions in cholesterol (ηp2 = 0.28) and fat mass (ηp2 = 0.35), and an increase in fat‐freemass (ηp2 = 0.35), compared to the MIG. The HIG also showed greater improvements in triglycerides (ηp2 = 0.24) and physicalquality of life (ηp2 = 0.19) than MIG. No significant group × time interactions were found in the other variables. Nevertheless, muscular endurance and psychological quality of life were improved in both groups (p < 0.05, ES ≥ 0.57). The HIG was the onlygroup to experience a reduction in diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.04, ES = −0.71), while the MIG showed no significant change. Explosive strength did not change in either group. Conclusion: The study suggests that high‐intensity water aerobics provide additional benefits over moderate intensity for body composition, blood lipids, diastolic blood pressure, and physical quality of life in adults and older adults. However, bothintensities effectively improved muscular endurance and psychological quality of life. Future studies should include a larger number of participants and groups (e.g., control group), longer interventions, and controlled dietary intake. Nonetheless, the current results demonstrate that exercise intensity is an important variable for optimal water aerobics outcomes.
Open Access
Handgrip strength and its relationship with white blood cell count in U.S. adolescents
(MDPI, 2021) López Gil, José Francisco; Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; García Hermoso, Antonio; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa, ID 420/2019
Background: The role of muscular fitness (as a protecting factor for an optimal immune system) and WBC count remains unclear. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the relationship between the total count of WBC and groups based on handgrip strength and body composition. The aim of this study was to elucidate the relationship between handgrip strength and WBC count in a nationally representative sample of adolescents from the U.S. Methods: We used data from the NHANES cross-sectional study (waves 2011 to 2014). The final analysis included 917 adolescents from 12–17 years old (51.0% boys). Normalized handgrip strength (kg) (NHS) was relativized by body composition parameters (body weight [NHSw], total body fat [NHSf], and trunk fat [NHSt]) assessed with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: An inverse association was found between total WBC count and all assessments of low NHS in both sexes (p < 0.05). Both boys and girls with low NHS had higher WBC counts in all estimations of NHS than those with high NHS (p < 0.05 for all). All estimations of low NHS showed significant differences with those with intermediate NHS (only in girls) (p < 0.05 for all). Girls with intermediate NHSt exhibited higher WBC count than those with high NHSt (p = 0.004). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that greater levels of NHS are linked to lower total WBC counts. From a public health perspective, our findings are clinically significant and emphasize the relevance of improving muscular fitness during adolescence since it may contribute to boosting the immune system among adolescents.
Open Access
Assessing basic motor competences, physical fitness, and executive function in 4-5-year-old children: a longitudinal study in a primary care setting
(BMC, 2024) Legarra Gorgoñón, Gaizka; García Alonso, Yesenia; Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Alonso Martínez, Loreto; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; Alonso Martínez, Alicia; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: To evaluate the progression of physical fitness (PF), basic motor competence (BMC), and executive function (EF) over one year in children aged 4-5 years at a health center. Methods: In this longitudinal analysis, children's BMC was evaluated using the MOBAK KG test for object and self-movement. The PREFIT Battery gauged PF through handgrip strength, standing long jump, and other fitness measures, while the Early Years Toolbox appraised EF. Results: Adjustments for confounding factors showed notable improvements in BMC, particularly in object movement (OM; mean difference 0.789, p=0.044) and self-movement (SM; mean difference 0.842, p=0.037), with overall MOBAK scores also increasing (mean difference 1.632, p=0.018). Enhancements in the standing long jump (mean difference 9.036 cm, p=0.014) and EF tasks "Mr. Ant" (mean difference 0.669, p<0.001) and "Go/No-Go" (mean difference 0.120, p<0.001) were evident, signifying substantial BMC gains and some progress in PF and EF. Conclusion: This research underscores the positive impact of regular training on BMC and PF in young children. Significant BMC development and associated improvements in PF and EF over the study period highlight the importance of structured activities in early childhood. These findings advocate for standardized training programs to enhance childhood health and encourage active lifestyles.
Open Access
Youth with type 1 diabetes mellitus are more inactive and sedentary than apparently healthy peers: a systematic review and meta-analysis
(Elsevier, 2023) Huerta Uribe, Nidia; Hormazábal Aguayo, Ignacio; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; García Hermoso, Antonio; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Aims: To conduct a meta-analysis of differences in physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and physical fitness between children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes and their healthy peers. Methods: The databases EMBASE, PubMed and SportsDiscus were searched for studies. Pooled effects were calculated using random effects inverse-variance models with the Hartung–Knapp–Sidik–Jonkman adjustment. Results: Thirty-five studies were included, comprising a total of 4,751 youths (53% girls, 2,452 with type 1 diabetes). Youth with type 1 diabetes were less physically active (Cohen’s d = − 0.23, 95%CI − 0.42 to − 0.04), more sedentary (Cohen’s d = 0.33, 95%CI 0.06 to 0.61), and had lower cardiorespiratory fitness (Cohen’s d = − 0.52, 95%CI − 0.73 to − 0.31) than their healthy peers. This corresponds to –12.72 min/day of moderate-tovigorous physical activity, 63.3 min/day of sedentary time (accelerometry) and –4.07 ml/kg/min of maximum/peak oxygen consumption. In addition, young people with type 1 diabetes were less likely to meet the international physical activity recommendations than their healthy peers (odds ratio = 0.44, 95%CI 0.31 to 0.62). Conclusions: Keeping in mind the heterogeneity between studies in the design, population and assessment, our findings show that children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes seem to be less active, more sedentary, and have lower cardiorespiratory fitness levels than their healthy peers.
Open Access
Construct validity and test-retest reliability of the International Fitness Scale (IFIS) in Colombian children and adolescents aged 9-17.9 years: the FUPRECOL study
(PeerJ, 2017) Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Cruz Salazar, Sandra Milena; Martínez, Myriam; Lusa Cadore, Eduardo; Alonso Martínez, Alicia; Correa Bautista, Jorge Enrique; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; Ortega, Francisco B.; García Hermoso, Antonio; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: there is a lack of instruments and studies written in Spanish evaluating physical fitness, impeding the determination of the current status of this important health indicator in the Latin population, especially in Colombia. The aim of the study was two-fold: to examine the validity of the International Fitness Scale (IFIS) with a population-based sample of schoolchildren from Bogota, Colombia and to examine the reliability of the IFIS with children and adolescents from Engativa, Colombia. Methods: the sample comprised 1,873 Colombian youths (54.5% girls) aged 9–17.9 years. We measured their adiposity markers (waist-to-height ratio, skinfold thickness, percentage of body fat and body mass index), blood pressure, lipids profile, fasting glucose, and physical fitness level (self-reported and measured). A validated cardiometabolic risk index score was also used. An age- and sex-matched subsample of 229 schoolchildren who were not originally included in the sample completed the IFIS twice for reliability purposes. Results: our data suggest that both measured and self-reported overall physical fitness levels were inversely associated with percentage of body fat indicators and the cardiometabolic risk index score. Overall, schoolchildren who self-reported “good” or “very good” fitness had better measured fitness levels than those who reported “very poor/poor” fitness (all p < 0.001). The test-retest reliability of the IFIS items was also good, with an average weighted kappa of 0.811. Discussion: our findings suggest that self-reported fitness, as assessed by the IFIS, is a valid, reliable, and health-related measure. Furthermore, it can be a good alternative for future use in large studies with Latin schoolchildren from Colombia.
Open Access
Handgrip strength, cardiometabolic risk and body composition in youth with type 1 diabetes: the Diactive-1 Cohort Study
(BMJ Publishing, 2024-12-04) Huerta Uribe, Nidia; Hormazábal Aguayo, Ignacio; Muñoz Pardeza, Jacinto; Chueca-Guindulain, María J.; Berrade-Zubiri, Sara; Andrés Sesma, Carlos; Burillo Sánchez, Elisabeth; Ezzatvar, Yasmin; Yáñez-Sepúlveda, Rodrigo; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; García Hermoso, Antonio; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Objective: this study aimed to explore the association between handgrip strength, cardiometabolic risk (CMR) and body composition in youth with type 1 diabetes. Methods: for this prospective cohort study, muscular fitness was assessed via handgrip test and relativised by weight, and body composition, evaluated through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in type 1 diabetes patients aged 6-18 years. CMR score included z-scores for total body fat, blood pressure, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride-glucose index. Results: eighty-three patients were analysed at baseline and 1-year follow-up (44.6% females, mean age 12.77 years). Individuals with high handgrip strength tended to have lower CMR and body fat compared with those with low handgrip strength. Over a year, individuals with high handgrip strength showed reduced HbA1c, CMR and subcutaneous fat. Consistently meeting high handgrip strength criteria resulted in reductions in HbA1c levels, CMR score and subcutaneous adipose tissue compared with those who never complied or lost compliance during follow-up. Additionally, subjects classified with high handgrip strength both at baseline and follow-up had a lower likelihood of being classified with high CMR (OR=0.241, 95% CI 0.121 to 0.947, p=0.044). Conclusions: high handgrip strength was associated with significant cardiometabolic and body composition benefits in youth with type 1 diabetes. This tool could be considered of potential clinical value for incorporating assessments like handgrip tests to monitor and address cardiometabolic health.
Open Access
Muscle strength matters most for risk of falling apart from body mass index in older adults: a mediated-moderation analysis
(Springer, 2024-09-10) Rodrigues, Filipe ; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; Monteiro, Diogo; Jacinto, Miguel; Matos, R.; Amaro, Nuno; Antunes, R.; Teixeira, Diogo S.; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
The primary objective of this study was to analyze the moderating effect of body mass index (BMI) on the association between lower body strength, agility, and dynamic balance, considering the mediating influence of lower body flexibility and aerobic endurance in community-dwelling older adults. This study included a sample of 607 community-dwelling older adults (female = 443; male = 164) aged between 60 and 79 years (M = 69.24; SD = 5.12). Participants had a mean body mass index of 28.33kg/m2 (SD = 4.45). In the mediation-moderation model, positive associations were found between lower body strength and lower body flexibility, aerobic endurance, and agility and dynamic balance (p < 0.05). As for the moderation effects and interactions, BMI was found to have a significant interaction with lower body strength on agility and dynamic balance (β = −.04, [−.06, −.03]), representing an R2-change of 0.04 (p <.001). Conditional direct effects were estimated at BMI scores of 23.9 (β = −.09, [−.15, −.03]), 27.7 (β = −.19, [−.24, −.14]), and 32.7 (β = −.33, [−.40, −.26]) kg/m2. Older adults with high levels of muscular strength tended to have shorter timed up-and-go test times, regardless of BMI. Also, individuals with lower levels of lower body strength were found to have longer timed up-and-go test times, and this relationship became more pronounced with increasing BMI.
Open Access
Evaluación de los dominios de la actividad física y los componentes de la condición física en niños de 4-5 años en un centro de salud
(Lúa Ediciones 3.0, 2023) Legarra Gorgoñón, Gaizka; García Alonso, Yesenia; Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Erice Echegaray, Blanca; Moreno González, Paula; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; Alonso Martínez, Alicia; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Introducción: la falta de actividad física y el sedentarismo en niños se asocia con una mayor adiposidad, bajo nivel de aptitud cardiovascular y riesgo de enfermedades cardiovasculares. Sin embargo, cumplir con las recomendaciones de actividad física se relaciona con mejoras en la salud mental, disminución de la ansiedad y depresión, así como adopción de hábitos saludables. Objetivos: evaluar la relación entre los diferentes dominios de la actividad física y del sedentarismo, medidos de forma objetiva, y los componentes de la condición física en niños españoles de 4 y 5 años. Población y métodos: estudio transversal dentro del proyecto 'Observatorio y programa de intervención de ejercicio físico y estilos de vida en familia para niños y niñas de 4 a 5 años en Atención Primaria' (https://observatorioactividadfisica.es). La condición física se evaluó con la batería PREFIT y la cantidad e intensidad de actividad física mediante un acelerómetro tri-axial GENEActiv durante 7 días consecutivos las 24 horas del día. Resultados: la muestra evaluada fue de 70 niños (38 niños y 32 niñas) con una media (intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%) de 4,83 años. No se observaron diferencias significativas en la condición física entre niños y niñas. Los niños realizaron una actividad física de mayor intensidad y tiempo que las niñas. Además, se encontró una fuerte relación significativa entre los componentes de la condición física y los dominios de la actividad física. Conclusiones: estos hallazgos resaltan la importancia de promover estilos de vida activos desde temprana edad y la necesidad de programas de entrenamiento estructurado para reducir el sedentarismo y mejorar la condición física en esta población.
Open Access
Physical fitness and anthropometric normative values among Colombian-Indian schoolchildren
(BioMed Central, 2016) Ramos Sepúlveda, Jeison Alexander; Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Correa Bautista, Jorge Enrique; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; García Hermoso, Antonio; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: Substantial evidence indicates that children’s physical fitness levels are markers of their lifestyles and their cardio-metabolic health profile and are predictors of the future risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiometabolic disease, skeletal health and mental health. However, fitness reference values for ethnic children and adolescents have not been published in a Latin-American population. Therefore, the aim of the study was to provide sex- and age-specific physical fitness and anthropometric reference standards among Colombian-Indian schoolchildren. Methods: A sample of 576 participants (319 boys and 257 girls) aged 10 to 17 years old was assessed using the FUPRECOL test battery. Four components of physical fitness were measured: 1) morphological component: height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), triceps skinfold, subscapular skinfold, and body fat (%); 2) musculoskeletal component: handgrip and standing long jump test; 3) motor component: speed/agility test (4 × 10 m shuttle run); and 4) cardiorespiratory component: course-navette 20 m, shuttle run test and estimation of maximal oxygen consumption by VO2max indirect. Centile smoothed curves for the 3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 97th percentiles were calculated using Cole’s LMSmethod. Results: Our results show that weight, height and BMI in each age group were higher in boys than in girls. In each groups, age showed a significant effect for BMI and WC. Boys showed better than girls in cardiorespiratory fitness, lowerand upper-limb strength and speed/agility and girls performed better in low back flexibility. Conclusion: Our results provide for the first time sex- and age-specific physical fitness and anthropometric reference values for Colombian Nasa Indian children and adolescents aged 10–17.9 years.
Open Access
Impact of resistance and high-intensity interval training on body composition, physical function, and temporal dynamics of adaptation in older women with impaired cardiometabolic health: a randomized clinical trial
(BMC, 2025-04-11) Cano Montoya, Johnattan; Rojas-Vargas, Marcela; Báez Vargas, Sebastián; Núñez Vergara, Carolina; Martínez-Huenchullán, Sergio; Gallegos, Fernando; Álvarez, Cristian; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Purpose: Physical inactivity is associated with reduced physical fitness (PF) in older women with impaired cardiometabolic health. Although exercise has been shown to improve PF, interindividual variability in response and adaptation changes over time remain unclear. This study evaluated the effects of eight weeks of resistance training (RT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on body composition, isometric strength, and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in older women with impaired cardiometabolic health. Additionally, the study explored the reduction of non-responders (NRs) and adaptation changes over time. Methods: This randomized clinical trial involved 36 older women (64 ± 8.4 years; BMI: 31.8 ± 5.5) with impaired cardiometabolic health, divided into RT-G (n = 12; 62 ± 7 years; BMI: 32.2 ± 4.1), HIIT-G (n = 12; 66 ± 10 years; BMI: 31.2 ± 4.1), and CG (n = 12; 64 ± 9 years; BMI: 31.8 ± 6) groups. RT-G performed elastic band exercises, and HIIT-G performed cycle ergometer intervals. BMI, body fat, lean mass, isometric strength, and 6MWT were measured at baseline and at four and eight weeks. The Student’s t-test was applied for normally distributed variables and the Mann–Whitney U test for non-normal variables. Intra- and inter-group differences were analyzed using a two-way repeated measures ANOVA, considering group, time, and their interaction. Post-hoc comparisons were conducted using the Bonferroni test. Individual responses (IR) were calculated using the equation proposed by Hopkins: SDIR = √(SDExp2 − SDCon2). The prevalence of responders (Rs) and non-responders (NRs) was expressed as a percentage, and percentage changes from baseline to weeks four and eight were used to evaluate adaptations dynamics. Results: By week eight, isometric strength in RT-G significantly improved from 21.3 ± 4.4 to 24.37 ± 3.99 kg (p = 0.027; 95% CI: 1.8, 4.3 kg; Cohen’s d = 0.731) and 6MWT distance in HIIT-G increased from 441.0 ± 48.9 to 480.0 ± 53.0 m. (p = 0.002; 95% CI: 22, 55 m; Cohen’s d = 0.757). Both protocols reduced NRs for body fat, lean mass, and 6MWT. Responders showed greater adaptations in the first four weeks, stabilizing by week eight. Conclusion: RT and HIIT improved PF in older women with impaired cardiometabolic health, reducing NRs in terms of body composition and 6MWT over eight weeks, with similar adaptation changes over time among the responders. These findings highlight the importance of individualized exercise interventions to maximize health benefits. Trial registration: This study was part of a trial registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT06201273). Date: 22/12/2023.