Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Fitting”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,135 records · Page 63Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Physical fitness, aging, and sexuality.

Sexuality is a major quality-of-life issue, even into advanced age. Although relatively few studies have addressed sexuality, most studies have emphasized the decline in both sexual performance and satisfaction with aging. In an effort to assess possible positive modifiers of the decline, we included questions concerning sexuality in a multipurpose 90-item questionnaire submitted to members of the Fifty Plus Fitness Association based in Stanford, California. This group is unique in its commitment to a very active lifestyle and has served as a cohort for many prior studies related to fitness and medical outcomes. Sixty-seven percent of the membership returned the mail questionnaire, and 59% of these respondents replied to the sexually relevant items. The results indicated a high level of sexual activity and satisfaction in both older men and women of the Fifty Plus Fitness Association members. Further, sexual satisfaction seemed to correlate with the degree of fitness. We conclude that physical fitness and high levels of sexual activity are mutually supportive elements of successful aging.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Does employee fitness decrease employee absenteeism and medical cost?

In recent years American have become increasingly interested in physical fitness and optimum health care. Health care is big business in the United States. American industry has lead the nation in a quest for wellness by establishing wellness programs for it's employees. This article will attempt to determine: 1) if employees on a fitness program facilitate cost containment for industry when compared to employees not participating in a fitness program; and 2) if employees on a fitness program experience reduced absenteeism due to health reasons and reduced medical costs compared to employees not participating in a fitness program.

Absenteeism↗
PubMed1999

[Prospective study on the relationship between physical fitness and all-cause mortality in Japanese men].

This study was conducted to examine the relationship between physical fitness and all-cause mortality in Japanese men. We evaluated the physical fitness and risk for all-cause mortality of 9,986 Japanese men who were given a submaximal exercise test and a medical examination between 1982 and 1984. Physical fitness was measured using a bicycle ergometer test, and maximal oxygen uptake was estimated. The average follow-up time was 14 years, for total of 139,836 person-years of observation. There were 247 deaths during the observation period. The relative risk and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for all-cause mortality were obtained using the Cox proportional hazards model. Following age adjustment, and using the lowest physical fitness (quintile I) group as a reference, the hazard ratios for quintiles II through V were, 0.54 (0.39-0.77), 0.66 (0.47-0.94), 0.58 (0.39-0.86), and 0.46 (0.27-0.78), respectively. After being adjusted for age, body mass index, hypertension, and urinary protein, the hazard ratios were, 0.52 (0.37-0.73), 0.60 (0.42-0.87), 0.50 (0.33-0.75), and 0.39 (0.22-0.67), respectively. The results presented here support the hypothesis that a low level of physical fitness in an important risk factor for all-cause mortality in Japanese men.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Sports activity, physical activity and fitness of 9- to 19-year-old teenagers in the canton of Vaud (Switzerland).

BACKGROUND: The protective effects of physical activity and fitness on cardiovascular health have clearly been shown among adults and, to a lesser extent, among children and adolescents. However, data are currently lacking pertaining to children and adolescents living in Switzerland. OBJECTIVES: To gather data on the physical fitness and physical/sports activity of children and adolescents aged 9 to 19 years. METHODS: From September 1996 until March 1997, 3540 subjects (1778 girls, 1762 boys) from the canton of Vaud were enrolled in a multifaceted study which included a battery of 7 tests measuring different components of fitness, anthropometric measures and a self-administered questionnaire assessing physical activity, health and lifestyles. RESULTS: Most of the respondents practise sports on a regular basis but boys engage in physical and sports activities much more often than girls: 75% of boys versus 56% of girls spent at least one hour a day in activities inducing sweating, an index of moderate to vigorous physical activity (p < 0.001). Depending on the grade, 56 to 74% of girls and 62 to 88% of boys reported participation in sports clubs (p < 0.01); current participation ranges from 33 to 46% among girls and 64 to 69% among boys (p < 0.001). Participation in physical and sports activities was lower after age 15 than before, and also lower among girls than among boys. As far as fitness is concerned, girls exhibit greater flexibility than boys, while the latter exhibit greater strength and endurance, especially after age 15. Calculated values for the BMI and VO2max are within the ranges published in the international literature for both sexes. CONCLUSION: Programmes and strategies which aim to increase physical activities should be gender-specific and should especially target adolescents aged over 15. Physical/sports activities and fitness could and should be monitored using both a battery of tests and self-administered questionnaires.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Comparison of service member and military spouse satisfaction with installation fitness facilities and exercise programs.

Satisfaction with fitness facilities has long been accepted as a positive contributing factor to physical activity, readiness, and overall quality of life for military families. Our findings are based on a random sample of military families surveyed at 38 installations worldwide and at remote locations. A total of 8,572 service member and 3,493 spouse (55% and 32% response rate, respectively) questionnaires were completed and returned. Overall, members were satisfied with fitness facilities and programs, but spouses were less satisfied and more unfamiliar with these facilities. Most valued programs were fitness centers and swimming pools. Members reported that elimination of fitness facilities would greatly decrease the quality of life on installations, particularly at sites outside the continental United States, whereas spouses reported that this would not have a dramatic effect. The results of this study could be used to direct funding allocations, improve the health and fitness of military families, and suggest areas for further research.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Health-related physical fitness knowledge of student allied health professions.

Each allied-health profession has their own particular expertise but also shares some commonalities. One such commonality should be knowledge of health-related physical fitness relating to the health and well-being of individuals. Although the benefits of health-related physical fitness have been well documented, few studies have examined the level of health-related physical fitness knowledge among allied-health professions. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to assess the health-related physical fitness knowledge of three allied health professions using a 40 item multiple-choice test designed to assess knowledge in five domains of health-related physical fitness. Results indicated that student athletic trainers scored significantly higher on the post-test versus pre-test. On the post-test, athletic training and physical therapy groups scored significantly higher than the nursing group. The information from this study may be valuable in aiding educators in developing appropriate curricula to better prepare students for their role as allied health professionals.

Allied Health Occupations↗
PubMed2001

Regional brain activation as a biological marker of affective responsivity to acute exercise: influence of fitness.

Previous research has shown that regional brain activation, assessed via frontal electroencephalographic (EEG) asymmetry, predicts affective responsivity to aerobic exercise. To replicate and extend this work, in the present study we examined whether resting brain activation was associated with affective responses to an acute bout of aerobic exercise and the extent to which aerobic fitness mediated this relationship. Participants (high-fit, n = 22; low/moderate-fit, n = 45) ran on a treadmill for 30 min at 75% VO2max. EEG and affect were assessed pre- and 0-, 10-, 20-, and 30-min postexercise. Resting EEG asymmetry predicted positive affect (as measured by the energetic arousal subscale of the Activation Deactivation Adjective Check List) postexercise. Furthermore, resting frontal EEG asymmetry predicted affect only in the high-fit group, suggesting the effect might be mediated by some factor related to fitness. It was also shown that subjects with relatively greater left frontal activation had significantly more energy (i.e., activated pleasant affect) following exercise than subjects with relatively greater right frontal activation. In conclusion, aerobic fitness influenced the relationship between resting frontal asymmetry and exercise-related affective responsivity.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Marginal fit of alumina-and zirconia-based fixed partial dentures produced by a CAD/CAM system.

Clinical long-term success of all-ceramic dental restorations can be significantly influenced by marginal discrepancies. As a result, this in vitro study evaluated the marginal fit of alumina- and zirconia-based fixed partial dentures (FPDs) machined by the Precident DCS system. Different master steel models of three-, four- and five-unit posterior FPDs with an 0.8 mm chamfer preparation were produced. FPDs made of DC-Zirkon and In-Ceram Zirconia core ceramics were machined by the Precident DCS system. The marginal fit of the milled frameworks placed on the master steel models was determined by a replica technique using a light-body silicone to fill the discrepancies between crown and tooth and a heavy-body material to stabilize the light-body impression material. The impressions were poured into an epoxy resin material and each model was cross-sectioned with a low speed diamond saw to better visualize marginal discrepancies. The marginal fit of the FPDs was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The measurements of the marginal fit exhibited mean marginal discrepancies in a range between 60.5 and 74.0 microm, mean marginal gaps in a range from 42.9 to 46.3 microm, mean vertical discrepancies in a range from 20.9 to 48.0 microm and mean horizontal discrepancies in the range of 42.0 to 58.8 microm. Statistical data analysis was performed using the non-parametric test of Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney. The analysis revealed no significant differences (p>0.05) between the mean marginal gaps and vertical and horizontal discrepancies. However, for some FPDs the mean values of the marginal discrepancies were significantly different (p < or =0.05). The wide range of the measured values may be attributed to the complex geometrical design of long span FPDs and difficulties regarding the milling process of brittle ceramic materials. Based on the selection of 100 microm as the limit of clinical acceptability, the results of this study can conclude that the level of marginal fit for alumina- and zirconia-based FPDs achieved with the Precident DCS system meet the clinical requirements.

Aluminum Oxide↗
PubMed2001

[Study on the effects of walking on functional fitness in aged patients with the hand-arm vibration syndrome].

PURPOSE: This article reports the effectiveness of mild walking exercise for maintaining functional fitness in aged patients with the hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifty-two patients suffering from vibration syndrome, for which they received annual compulsory examination from December 1998 to March 1999 at the San-in Rosai Hospital, were examined. They all were male, with a mean age (standard deviation) of 69.1 (7.3) years, and were randomly allocated to an intervention group (N = 26) and a control group (N = 26). The goal of the intervention was to achieve and maintain at least 30 minutes of walking a day. Functional fitness was assessed by a sitting and standing test, a zigzag walking test, a hand working test with a pegboard for dexterity, and a self-care working test proposed by the Physical Fitness Research Institute, Meiji Life Foundation of Health and Welfare. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding baseline characteristics. The proportions of subjects with regular exercise habits after the intervention were 84.6% (22/26) and 53.8% (14/26) in the intervention and control groups, respectively, the difference being significant. The total scores for functional fitness were improved in the intervention, while decline was noted in the control group. Sitting and standing and self-care working ability were also improved in the intervention group as against the deterioration with age in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show to some extent that intervention using mild exercise, walking for 30 min, is effective for aged patients with HAVS to maintain and improve functional fitness.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

[Cross sectional study of the relationship between physical fitness and life style, health-status in healthy aged males].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between physical fitness and life style, as well as health-status in aged males living in a community. METHOD: A total of 304 males aged 60 to 89 years volunteered as subjects for this study. Eleven performance-test items were selected from four physical fitness domains of muscle, joint, neuromuscular and lung functions, with consideration given to the safety, reliability, and feasibility of the tests. To assess life style and health-status, a questionnaire consisting of 40 items was constructed. Principal component analysis was applled to the correlation matrix consisting of 11 physical fitness variables. Statistical techniques for Creamer's association coefficient and theory of quantification I were used to examine the relationships between life style, medical condition and fundamental physical fitness (FPF). RESULTS: Cramer's association coefficient was only significant for the variable of quantity consumed at dinner. Multiple correlation coefficient between FPF and age-grade, life style, and health-status were significant (P < 0.01). Partial correlation coefficients were high for the variables of aged-grade, sleeping hours, and receiving medical treatment. CONCLUSION: Fundamental physical fitness showed a decreasing trend with age. It was inferred that acquisltion of adequate sleeping hours and not taking medical treatment for injury of illness might be related to the decline of FPF level with aging in aged males.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

Reliability and validity of a fitness assessment for epidemiological studies.

A pilot study was conducted to investigate the applicability of the Canadian Aerobic Fitness Test (CAFT) for use in epidemiological studies. Thirty subjects ranging in age from 18 to 65 were evaluated for cardiorespiratory fitness on four separate visits. Protocols used included maximal treadmill testing, maximal step testing, and the CAFT. Results from these evaluations suggested that (a) habituation to the CAFT was negligible; (b) prediction of VO2max from the CAFT in fit subjects remains a problem and further equation development for this group may be necessary; (c) maximal step-test protocols do not result in unequivocal VO2max determinations and may lead to misclassification of fitness level; and (d) although the CAFT correlates highly to treadmill VO2max (r = 0.90), a relatively large standard error may result in as high as a 13% error in estimating VO2max and may lead to problems in classifying fitness in some populations (e.g., older unfit).

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

In vitro study on passive fit in implant-supported 5-unit fixed partial dentures.

PURPOSE: Fabrication and retention methods have an influence on the passivity of superstructure fit. The objective of the study was to quantify the strain development of various cemented and screw-retained fixed partial dentures (FPDs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty samples of 4 different types of FPDs (10 of each type) were investigated. Each sample had 3 ITI implant abutments and 2 pontics. The 3 implants were anchored in a straight-line configuration in a measurement model simulating a real-life patient situation. Strain gauges were mounted close to the implants and on the pontics. The developing strains were recorded during cement setting and screw fixation. For statistical analysis, multivariate 2-sample tests were performed, with the level of significance set at P = .1. RESULTS: All FPDs investigated revealed a considerable amount of strain, with no significant difference between cement and screw retention. Furthermore, no significant difference was found between the conventional fabrication modes for screw-retained FPDs. The lowest strains were found in prostheses that were intraorally bonded onto gold cylinders. DISCUSSION: Because bonding of the superstructure in the oral cavity may compensate for impression and laboratory variables, restorations with the best possible passive fit can result from this retention technique. Before this technique can be recommended, the long-term stability of the adhesive layer should be investigated. CONCLUSIONS: As an absolute passive fit of superstructures is not possible using conventional clinical and laboratory procedures, and as clinical fit-evaluation methods often do not detect "hidden" inaccuracies, the more sensitive strain-gauge technique should be utilized for an objective accuracy test. Reference strain values from implant-supported prostheses that have served without complications could help define a "biologically acceptable fit.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Health-related fitness in Swedish adolescents between 1987 and 2001.

AIM: To assess trends in neuro-muscular and cardio-respiratory fitness and morphological fitness in Swedish adolescents between 1987 and 2001. METHODS: Comparison of data from two samples, one from 1987 (n = 479) and one from 2001 (n = 1470). Subjects underwent functional tests of muscular strength in the lower limbs, trunk and upper body, sub-maximal ergometrics, and measurement of body mass and height. RESULTS: Cardio-respiratory fitness showed only small changes between 1987 and 2001 among boys, with no changes in girls. Neuro-muscular fitness, as measured by three functional tests, was lower in 2001 compared to 1987. The most pronounced changes in these functional tests were found in the arm-hang test, while changes in lower body and trunk strength tests were less. Our results indicate that the difference in the prevalence of overweight in adolescents between 1987 and 2001 is mainly due to a large change in the most unfit group. The fittest group showed only marginal changes. CONCLUSION: We suggest that the differences in neuro-muscular fitness are at least partly due to differences in the amount and nature of physical activity, and that this might lead to consequences for health later in life.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

[Knowledge and attitude regarding use of anabolic steroids among youth exercising in fitness centers].

A survey on knowledge and attitudes towards the use of steroids in youth who exercise in fitness centers was conducted in a national sample of fitness centers in Israel. A total of 528 participants aged 13-18 years completed the questionnaire. Fitness centers were chosen by cluster samples. Forty five percent of the respondents believe that the use of steroids improves physical fitness and 41% believe that most well-known athletes use steroids. Ten percent of respondents believe that the use of steroids is popular among young people in gym centers. Overall, 7% stated that they tended to use steroids and a significantly lower percentage were aware of the side effects of steroids. The role of the physician is essential to identify the patients at risk, to deliver accurate information, to minimize harm and to follow-up. There is also a need for health education in schools, fitness centers and the community, concerning the use of steroids among young people.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

The physical fitness of first-year osteopathic medical students.

The authors studied the physical fitness of first-year students attending an osteopathic medical college between 1981 and 1986. Overall, 319 (49.2%) of all students entering during this period participated in a comprehensive health and fitness assessment. The mean treadmill performance times for men and women were 20.4 minutes and 15.5 minutes, respectively, using a modified Balke protocol. Men and women were at the 72nd and 79th percentiles, respectively, for physical fitness. In multivariate regression models that adjusted for confounding variables, body fat percentage was a highly significant negative predictor of fitness in both men and women. Forced vital capacity was also a highly significant predictor in women. The results of the study suggest that the fitness of medical students can be improved by implementing health promotion measures that encourage regular physical activity and dietary modification. A greater emphasis on health promotion in the medical curriculum may help students to adopt more healthy behaviors and, in addition, encourage them to provide preventive medical counseling to their patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Women walking for health and fitness. How much is enough?

OBJECTIVE: We studied whether the quantity and quality of walking necessary to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease among women differed substantially from that required to improve cardiorespiratory fitness. DESIGN: A randomized, controlled, dose-response clinical trial with a follow-up of 24 weeks. SETTING: A private, nonprofit biomedical research facility. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred two sedentary premenopausal women, 20 to 40 years of age, were randomized to one of four treatment groups; 59 completed the study (16 aerobic walkers [8.0-km/h group], 12 brisk walkers [6.4-km/h group], 18 strollers [4.8-km/h group], and 13 sedentary controls). Eighty-one percent were white, 17% black, and 2% Hispanic. INTERVENTION: Intervention groups walked 4.8 km per day, 5 days per week at 8.0 km/h, 6.4 km/h, or 4.8 km/h on a tartan-surfaced, 1.6-km track for 24 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fitness (determined by maximal oxygen uptake) and cardiovascular risk factors (determined by resting blood pressure and serum lipid and lipoprotein levels). RESULTS: As compared with controls, maximal oxygen uptake increased significantly (P less than .0001) and in a dose-response manner (aerobic walkers greater than brisk walkers greater than strollers). In contrast, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were not dose related and increased significantly (P less than .05) and to the same extent among women who experienced considerable improvements in their physical fitness (8.0-km/h group, +0.08 mmol/L) and those who had only minimal improvements in fitness (4.8-km/h group, +0.08 mmol/L). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol also increased among the 6.4-km/h group, but did not attain statistical significance (+0.06 mmol/L; P = .06). Dietary patterns revealed no significant differences among groups. CONCLUSION: Thus, we conclude that vigorous exercise is not necessary for women to obtain meaningful improvements in their lipoprotein profile. Walking at intensities that do not have a major impact on cardiorespiratory fitness may nonetheless produce equally favorable changes in the cardiovascular risk profile.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Fitness and absenteeism among hospital workers. Clarifying the connection.

A total of 48% of hospital workers rated poor to below average in fitness. Administrative and clericals had the lowest fitness rating, while technical and paraprofessionals were the most fit. Illness absence days ranged from 0 to 39 in a 6 month period, with professionals absent the greatest number of days. Gender, income, and ethnicity explained 50% of the variance in the fitness results. Demographic and social characteristics potentially may confound fitness program outcome, including absenteeism.

Absenteeism↗
PubMed1990

Blood pressure and physical fitness in a population of children--the Odense Schoolchild Study.

This cross-sectional study examined the association between blood pressure and physical fitness in 1,369 children (81.5% of the eligible population) aged 8-10 years participating in the first phase of a primary intervention study with physical training. An inverse correlation between BP and physical fitness was demonstrated, and significant differences have been found between quartiles of distribution of physical fitness in girls with regard to systolic BP and in boys and girls with regard to diastolic BP respectively. Important determinants of physical fitness seemed to be dependent on confounding variables representing body mass index, height, heart rate and age. Our observations suggest that the contribution of confounding variables may explain the relationship between BP and physical fitness in childhood.

Aging↗