Background Low aerobic fitness and obesity are associated with atherosclerosis, and thereforegreatly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and early death. It has long been known that atherosclerosis my begin early in life. Despite this fact, it remains unknown how obesity and aerobic fitness early in life influence the risks of atherosclerosis, CVD and death. Furthermore, it is unknown whether high aerobic fitness can compensate for the risks associated with obesity, and how genetic confounding affects the relationshipsof aerobic fitness with CVD and all-cause mortality. Thus, the main aims of this thesis were to investigate the associations of aerobic fitness in late adolescence with myocardial infarction (Study I), stroke (Study II) and all-cause mortality (Study III), and how genetic confounding influences the relationshipsof aerobic fitness with CVD, diabetes and death (Study IV). Methods The study population comprised up to1.3 million men who participated in mandatory Swedish military conscription. During conscription, all conscripts underwent highly standardized tests to assess aerobic fitness, body mass index, blood pressure and cognitive function. A physician also examined all conscripts. Data on subjects’ diagnoses, death and socioeconomic status during follow-up were retrieved using record linkage. Subjects were subsequently followed until the study endpoint, date of death or date of any outcome of interest. Associations between baseline variables and the risks of adverse outcomes were assessed using Cox’s proportional hazard models. Genetic confounding of the relationships between aerobic fitness and diabetes, CVD and death was assessed using a twin population and a paired logistic regression model. Results In Study I, low aerobic fitness at conscription was associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) during follow-up (hazard ratio [HR] 0.82 per standard deviation increase). Similarly, in Study II, high aerobic fitness reduced the risk of stroke (HR 0.84 for ischemic stroke, HR 0.82 for hemorrhagic stroke; P < 0.001 for all), and obesity was associated with an increased risk of stroke (HR 1.15 for ischemic stroke, HR 1.18 for hemorrhagic stroke; P < 0.001 for all). In Study III, high aerobic fitness was also associated with reduced all-cause mortality later in life (HR 0.49, P < 0.001). High aerobic fitness exerted the strongest protection against death from substance and alcohol abuse, suicide and trauma (HRs 0.20, 0.41 and 0.52, respectively; P < 0.001 for all). Obese individuals with aerobic fitness were at higher risk of MI and all-cause mortality than were normal-weight individuals with low fitness (Studies I and III). In Study IV, fit twins had no reduced risk of CVD or death during follow-up compared with their unfit twin siblings (odds ratio 1.11, 95% confidence interval 0.88–1.40), regardless of how large the difference in fitness was. However, the fitter twins were protected against diabetes during follow-up. Conclusions Already early in life, aerobic fitness is a strong predictor of CVD and all-cause mortality later in life. In contrast to the “fat but fit” hypothesis, it seems that high aerobic fitness cannot fully compensate for the risks associated with obesity. The associationsof aerobic fitness with CVD and all-cause mortality appear to be mediated by genetic factors. Together, these findings have implications for the view of aerobic fitness as a causal risk factor for CVD and early death.

Obesity in America has grown widespread over the past decade and is a significant social issue that affects many families. Identifying interventions that are not only effective in the natural environment but are easy to implement are ideal for helping individuals engage in more fitness related activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the NikeTM FuelBand for increasing physical activity in 3 adults. Additionally, a goal setting procedure was used to test if it enhanced the effects of the NikeTM FuelBand. Three measures were collected as part of the study, NikeTM Fuel, daily steps, and caloric expenditure. The NikeTM FuelBand was found to be effective at increasing all participants NikeTM Fuel score, daily steps, and caloric expenditure daily average from baseline to intervention phase. The goal setting procedure was found to be effective at increasing NikeTM Fuel point score, daily steps, and caloric expenditure daily average scores for two of three participants.

Purpose: To determine the association of certain aerobic fitness and physical activity genotypes and the gene-physical activity interaction effect on aerobic fitness in pre-pubertal, African American, obese children. Methods: Subjects were 30 pre-pubertal, African American, obese children (9.5 ± 1.7 years) who were free of clinical disease. Height and weight were measured according to standard procedures. Body fat was assessed using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, and DNA samples were collected using buccal swabs. Aerobic fitness was assessed using a cycle ergometer and the McMaster cycle protocol. ANOVAs were used to determine associations and interaction effects of the ACE, ADRB2, NOS3, IL6, IGF-1, and APO-E genes, physical activity and aerobic fitness. Results: Age, height, weight, body mass index, and waist circumference were significantly lower in girls compared to boys. Subjects averaged approximately 51 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity activity per day, and girls were significantly more active than boys. There were no significant associations between the candidate genes and aerobic fitness level. P > 0.05). There were trends towards significance for the IL6 rs2069845 gene for absolute and relative VO2peak measures (P = 0.078, and P = 0.094, respectively). There was also a trend toward significance for the ADRβ2 rs1042717 gene for leanVO2peak (P = 0.092). Conclusions: In children, further research is needed that includes diverse populations and large sample sizes in order to more accurately assess the association and interaction effects of the candidate genes, physical activity and fitness.

The purpose of the study was to examine the physiological components related to the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 (YYIRL1) test in female adolescent soccer players. Eighteen female soccer players (age 16.3 ± .77 years) were tested for maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and ventilatory threshold (VT) on a motorized treadmill. Anaerobic power and capacity were assessed by peak power (W) measured during a counter movement jump (CMJ) and performance on an anaerobic speed test (AST), respectively. As well, participants completed the Multistage 20m Shuttle run (Leger). YYIRL1 performance (meters) was significantly correlated to VO2 max (r = .59), VT (r = .42), Peak Power (r = .41), CMJ height (r = .41), AST (r = .52) and the Leger (r = .72, p < .05). Leger performance (m) was significantly correlated to VO2 max (r = .60) and AST (r = .47, p < .05). Multiple stepwise linear regression equations were run with YYIRL1 and Leger as the dependent variables. VO2 max was the only variable that contributed to prediction of YYIRL1 or Leger performance with R2 values of .35 and .36. The results of the study showed that YYIRL1 performance is related to both aerobic and anaerobic variables, although predominantly maximal aerobic power (VO2 max). It is recommended that the YYIRL1 be used when assessing female adolescent soccer players as the results provide evidence that the YYIRL1 is related to anaerobic variables associated with soccer match performance. As well, coaches can efficiently test their athletes in a shorter amount of time compared to the Leger. / Graduate

Submitted by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2018-10-09T14:55:44Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Evellin Pereira Dourado - 2018.pdf: 1659204 bytes, checksum: d95a66baad3a4d0314451bdb192b88de (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2018-10-10T10:41:39Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Evellin Pereira Dourado - 2018.pdf: 1659204 bytes, checksum: d95a66baad3a4d0314451bdb192b88de (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-10-10T10:41:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Evellin Pereira Dourado - 2018.pdf: 1659204 bytes, checksum: d95a66baad3a4d0314451bdb192b88de (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-09-13 / Introduction: Undergraduate students go through an important process of changes and exposure to stressing events, which can directly affect the health and lifestyle of this population. These changes can trigger psychological problems, such as mood disorders, anxiety and stress. On the other hand, regular physical activity can promote positive effects on mood and a decrease in anxiety and stress. Objective: To compare the aerobic fitness, physical activity level, total mood profile and perceived stress of university students, considering sex and anxiety symptoms. Materials and methods: We evaluated 180 university students, of both sexes, with ages between 18 and 30 years. Participants were initially submitted to anamnesis and completed the questionnaires that assessed the habitual level of physical activity, anxiety slymptoms, mood profile and perceived stress. Subsequently, they were submitted to anthropometric and aerobic fitness assessments. Results: Males with mild anxiety symptoms had a higher maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) when compared to students with moderate/severe symptoms, while women did not present differences between groups. Regarding mood, an interaction was identified in the rabies-hostility, fatigue and total mood disorders domains, showing that there were differences in the amplitude in relation to the symptoms, however the behavior of the variables were similar in both sexes, with women presenting a lower difference of amplitude when compared to anxiety symptoms. Conclusion: Individuals with moderate/severe anxiety symptoms have greater physiological and psychological impairment when compared to individuals with mild symptoms. As regards aerobic fitness, the harm to the symptoms was present in male students. In the psychological variables, there were differences in the amplitude of the responses in relation to the symptoms, however, the behavior of the variables was similar in both sexes. / Introdução: Estudantes universitários passam por um importante processo de mudanças e exposição a eventos estressantes, os quais podem afetar diretamente a saúde e o estilo de vida desta população. Estas mudanças podem desencadear problemas psicológicos, tais como, transtornos de humor, ansiedade e estresse. Por outro lado, a prática regular de atividades físicas pode promover efeitos positivos no humor e diminuição da ansiedade e do estresse. Objetivo: Comparar a aptidão aeróbia, o nível de atividade física, o perfil de humor e a percepção de estresse de estudantes universitários em relação ao sexo e sintomas de ansiedade. Materiais e Métodos: Foram avaliados 180 estudantes universitários (62% mulheres) com faixa etária entre 18 e 30 anos. Inicialmente os participantes foram submetidos a anamnese e preencheram questionários validados que permitem avaliar o nível habitual de atividade física, os sintomas de ansiedade, o perfil de humor e a percepção de estresse. Posteriormente, os voluntários foram submetidos às avaliações antropométricas e de aptidão aeróbia. Resultados: Os estudantes do sexo masculino com sintomas leves de ansiedade tiveram um maior consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2máx) quando comparado aos estudantes com sintomas moderados/graves, enquanto as mulheres não apresentaram diferenças entre grupos. No que se refere ao humor, foi identificado uma interação nos domínios Raiva- Hostilidade, Fadiga e Distúrbio Total de Humor, demonstrando que houve diferenças na amplitude das respostas em relação aos sintomas, no entanto o comportamento das variáveis foram similares em ambos os sexos, com as mulheres apresentando uma menor amplitude de diferença quando comparado os sintomas de ansiedade. Conclusão: Os indivíduos com sintomas moderados/graves de ansiedade têm maiores prejuízos fisiológicos e psicológicos quando comparados aos indivíduos com sintomas leves. No que se referem à aptidão aeróbia, os prejuízos relacionados aos sintomas de ansiedade estiveram presentes nos estudantes do sexo masculino. Nas variáveis psicológicas, houve diferenças na amplitude das respostas entre os grupos, no entanto, o comportamento das variáveis foi similar em estudantes do sexo masculino e feminino.

Submitted by Onia Arantes Albuquerque (onia.ufg@gmail.com) on 2018-10-11T15:27:45Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Luiz Carlos Bandeira Santos Júnior - 2018.pdf: 1479813 bytes, checksum: 988b1561ac11c4c7d2c1b0a45317ca84 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2018-10-15T11:06:06Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Luiz Carlos Bandeira Santos Júnior - 2018.pdf: 1479813 bytes, checksum: 988b1561ac11c4c7d2c1b0a45317ca84 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-10-15T11:06:06Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Luiz Carlos Bandeira Santos Júnior - 2018.pdf: 1479813 bytes, checksum: 988b1561ac11c4c7d2c1b0a45317ca84 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-09-12 / Every year the presence of young people in the university environment increases. The challenge of academic graduation leads to personal changes and physiological changes, including changes in mood and changes in the perception of stress. Of college students, a wide range presents with mood disorders, and among the most prevalent is depression. Scientific evidence demonstrates the positive effect of various types of physical exercises in reducing the symptoms of depression and stress. In this sense, the objective of the present study was to compare aerobic fitness, habitual physical activity level, mood profile and stress perception of university students taking into account the gender and symptoms of depression. Eighteen to 30 years old, 69 men and 111 women, with B.M.I. (Body Mass Index) ≥ 18,5 and < 30 kg/m2; who did not present a history of cardiovascular or respiratory diseases, were not smokers and were able to perform physical activities. After inclusion of the volunteers in the study, participants were allocated to two groups: CONTROL group (no symptoms or dysphoria, score ≤ 20) and DEPRESSION group (score > 20), according to the classification of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Subjective evaluations were performed to evaluate the Habitual Physical Activity Level (Baecke Questionnaire), Humor Profile (POMS) and Stress Perception (Stress Perception Scale-10). For aerobic fitness assessments, the McArdle step test was used. The results showed significant differences in aerobic fitness, vigour and perceived stress. Subjects with symptoms of depression had lower aerobic fitness and vigour; and increased stress-anxiety, depression, anger-hostility, fatigue, mental confusion, total mood disturbance and perceived stress when compared to individuals with no symptoms of depression. / A cada ano aumenta a presença de indivíduos jovens no ambiente universitário. O desafio da graduação acadêmica leva à mudanças pessoais e alterações fisiológicas, entre elas, alterações do estado de humor e mudanças na percepção do estresse. Dos estudantes universitários, uma ampla faixa se apresenta com transtornos do humor, e entre os mais prevalentes está a depressão. Evidências científicas demonstram efeito positivo de diversos tipos de exercícios físicos na redução dos sintomas de depressão e estresse. Nesse sentido, o objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar a aptidão aeróbia, o nível de atividade física habitual, o perfil de humor e a percepção de estresse de estudantes universitários levando em consideração o sexo e os sintomas de depressão. Foram selecionados jovens de 18 a 30 anos, 69 homens e 111 mulheres, com I.M.C. (Índice de Massa Corporal) ≥ 18,5 e < 30 kg/m2; que não apresentassem histórico de doenças cardiovasculares ou respiratórias, não fossem fumantes e estivessem aptos a realizar atividades físicas. Após a inclusão dos voluntários no estudo, os participantes foram alocados em dois grupos: Grupo CONTROLE (sem sintomas ou disforia; escore ≤ 20) e Grupo DEPRESSÃO (escore > 20), de acordo coma classificação do Inventário Beck de Depressão. Foram realizadas avaliações subjetivas para avaliar o Nível de Atividade Física Habitual (Questionário de Baecke), Perfil de Humor (POMS) e Percepção do Estresse (Escala de Percepção de Estresse-10). Para as avaliações da aptidão aeróbia foi utilizado o teste de degrau de McArdle. Os resultados mostraram diferenças significativas da aptidão aeróbia, vigor e percepção de estresse Indivíduos com sintomas de depressão tiveram uma menor aptidão aeróbia e vigor; e uma maior tensão-ansiedade, depressão, raivahostilidade, fadiga, confusão mental, distúrbio total de humor e percepção de estresse quando comparados aos indivíduos sem sintomas de depressão.

Motor competence is positively associated with physical activity and health-related fitness (HRF) across childhood and adolescence. Owing to their motor difficulties, children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) are found to have poorer HRF and lower activity levels compared to typically developing (TD) children. It is thought that children with DCD are less physically fit due in part to hypoactivity; however, it is still unclear how young these deficits emerge, or if physical activity explains these HRF differences. This thesis aims to fill these gaps by examining physical activity and HRF in preschool children with and without DCD, and testing mediation models linking motor competence to HRF through physical activity engagement, both cross-sectionally and over time from preschool to school age. The first and second studies demonstrated that preschool children with DCD exhibit poorer musculoskeletal and aerobic fitness compared to TD children, however physical activity engagement was similar and did not explain these fitness deficits. The third study found that the relationship between motor competence and physical activity was not significant at preschool age, but emerged over time as children reached school age. Additionally, motor competence was a significant positive predictor of musculoskeletal fitness across the early years, again largely independent of physical activity levels. This thesis represents the first comprehensive series of studies that examines objectively-measured motor competence, physical activity and HRF in large samples of preschool-age children both with and without DCD. These studies highlight that poor motor competence is a risk factor for poor physical fitness, irrespective of physical activity in the early childhood period. Early motor interventions may positively influence physical fitness and may help to prevent the declines in physical activity observed as children with DCD reach middle childhood and adolescence. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Children with motor coordination difficulties are more likely to be unfit and inactive compared to typically developing (TD) children. However, it is still not understood when these problems emerge, or if inactivity explains why children with motor difficulties are less physically fit. This thesis examines the links between motor competence, physical activity, and fitness in two large cohorts of preschool-age children. Results show that young children with motor difficulties are less physically fit, but are not less active than TD children. In addition, children with better motor skills become more active as they get older. Despite similar physical activity levels at preschool age, these findings highlight that poor motor abilities in early childhood are a risk factor for poor physical fitness and future inactivity. Interventions targeting motor skills in the early years may help children stay active and healthy as they age.

Title: Possibilities of evaluation and development of aerobic fitness of obese individuals Aim of diploma thesis: The aim of the research was to verify the 2km walking test to asses aerobic fitness of individuals who are overweight or obese. Furthemore, whether physical activity lasting two month has a significant effect on the reduction of weight and % body fat of overweight and obese individuals. Methods:. The 2 km walking test was performed at the beginning and end of the intervention. Meanwhile, a group of 6 overweight ( BMI > 25 kg.m-2 ) or obese, grade I, II (BMI < 40 kg.m-2 ) adult men and women (aged 21-56) performed the prescribed physical aktivity based on walking on the "treadmill" and "ride" on the stationary bike in the Reconditioning Center (at VŠTJ Medicina Praha). Description of physical activity: the duration of at least 40 min., 3 times a week for 2 months, moderate intensity (60 % VO2max) measured by a Sport tester. To calculate the index of aerobic fitness of the walk test, we used the predictive equation of Eurofit for adults, weight and body composition was measured using bioimpedance bipedal Tanita scales, we used a survey to assess the level of lifelong physical activity and for an overall health assesment we used PAR-Q questionnaire. Results of the study: 2 km walking test...

Topic: Choreographical strategies of aerobic fitness teams Objective: To find out according to given criteria, which types of transitions from formation to formation in the competition FISAF fitness aerobic, have the highest impression (effect) on the observer. The types of transitions evaluated are; short and simple transitions, combination of transitions and long and complex transitions. Methods: Sequential mixed method was used to obtain the results. Three criteria, specific for the solutions of space and floor pathways, have been designed for indirect observation and quantitative analysis of the selected choreographies. Second criterion was evaluated by twenty experts through participatory observation and the results were quantified. Qualitative analysis was used in the second part of the third criterion and for all results of the quantitative analysis. Method of comparison was used to compare all results. Conclusion: Most effective showed to be the short and simple transitions, followed by combination of transitions. Long and complex transitions were least impressive for the observer. KEY WORDS: Space and floor pathways solutions, effect, choreography, aerobic fitness, creation

abstract: This study investigated the effect of environmental heat stress on physiological and performance measures during a ~4 mi time trial (TT) mountain hike in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Participants (n = 12; 7M/5F; age 21.6 ± 2.47 [SD]) climbed ‘A’ mountain (~1 mi) four times on a hot day (HOT; wet bulb globe temperature [WBGT] = 31.6°C) and again on a moderate day (MOD; WBGT = 19.0°C). Physiological and performance measures were made before and throughout the course of each hike. Mean pre-hike hydration status (urine specific gravity [USG]) indicated that participants began both HOT and MOD trials in a euhydrated state (1.016 ± 0.010 and 1.010 ± 0.008, respectively) and means did not differ significantly between trials (p = .085). Time trial performance was impaired by -11% (11.1 minutes) in the HOT trial (105 ± 21.7 min), compared to MOD (93.9 ± 13.1 min) (p = .013). Peak core temperatures were significantly higher in HOT (38.5 ± 0.36°C) versus MOD (38.0 ± 0.30°C) with progressively increasing differences between trials over time (p < .001). Peak ratings of perceived exertion were significantly higher in HOT (14.2 ± 2.38) compared to MOD (11.9 ± 2.02) (p = .007). Relative intensity (percent of age-predicted maximal heart rate [HR]), estimated absolute intensity (metabolic equivalents [METs]), and estimated energy expenditure (MET-h) were all increased in HOT, but not significantly so. The HOT condition reduced predicted maximal aerobic capacity (CRFp) by 6% (p = .026). Sweat rates differed significantly between HOT (1.38 ± 0.53 L/h) and MOD (0.84 ± 0.27 L/h) (p = .01). Percent body mass loss (PBML) did not differ significantly between HOT (1.06 ± 0.95%) and MOD (0.98 ± 0.84%) (p = .869). All repeated measures variables showed significant between-subjects effects (p < .05), indicating individual differences in response to test conditions. Heat stress was shown to negatively affect physiological and performance measures in recreational mountain hikers. However, considerable variation exists between individuals, and the degree of physiological and performance impairment is probably due, in part, to differences in aerobic fitness and acclimatization status rather than pre- or during-performance hydration status. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Exercise and Wellness 2019