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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Physical fitness, physical activity, and functional limitation in adults aged 40 and older.

PURPOSE: A cohort of middle-aged and older men and women were followed for an average of 5.5 yr to examine the association between physical fitness, physical activity, and the prevalence of functional limitation. METHODS: The participants received medical assessments between 1980 and 1988 and responded to a mail-back survey regarding functional status in 1990. RESULTS: Among 3495 men and 1175 women over 40 yr of age at baseline, 350 (7.5%) reported at least one functional limitation in daily or household activities at follow-up. The prevalence of functional limitation was higher among women than men. Physically fit and physically active participants reported less functional limitation than unfit or sedentary participants. After controlling for age and other risk factors, the prevalence of functional limitation was lower for both moderately fit (odds ratio = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.2-0.6) and high fit men (odds ratio = 0.3, 95% CI = 0.2-0.4), compared with low fit men. Corresponding figures for women were 0.5 (0.3-0.7) and 0.3 (0.2-0.5) for moderately fit and high fit women. The association between physical activity and functional limitation was similar to the data for physical fitness. CONCLUSIONS: These data support a protective effect of physical fitness and physical activity on functional limitation among older adults and extend this protective effect to middle-aged men and women.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Perceptions of older Latino adults regarding physical fitness, physical activity, and exercise.

Healthy People 2000 has identified the importance of physical activity for healthy aging, but little is known about what motivates older individuals, older Latino adults, in particular, to be physically active. The purpose of this research was to examine the perceptions of older Latino adults toward physical fitness, physical activity, and exercise. This study used a qualitative focus group design. The sample of Latino adults age 60 and older resided in Northeast Massachusetts and was recruited from community settings which serve older Latino adults. Three focus groups, consisting of four to eight individuals in each group, were conducted and audiotaped. Data analysis used a combination of open, axial, and selective coding procedures. Focus group participants viewed physical fitness as being able to do anything; the mind and body working together; and feeling "light," being healthy. Support was viewed as a motivator of physical activity and exercise and included community resources, group support, cultural unity, and health provider assistance Barriers of fear and a feeling of inappropriateness were identified by focus group participants. Although the study was exploratory and the sample size small, it provides useful cultural knowledge and information for community health and gerontological nurses. Knowledge about older Latino adults' perceptions of motivators and barriers to physical activity and exercise is a necessary first step for nurses to prescribe activities that will help improve functional independence and quality of life. Nurses can serve as links for older Latino adults in accessing community resources. Sociocultural factors that influence Latino adult perceptions must be assessed if health promotion program planning is to be tailored to meet individual and group needs.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Associations between skeletal muscle properties, physical fitness, physical activity and coronary heart disease risk factors in men.

High physical fitness and physical activity are associated with favourable lipid levels, especially a high level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). A person's skeletal muscle properties, metabolism and percentage of different muscle fibres (ST-%), which may modify coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors, such as serum insulin, obesity and serum sex hormones may also influence his fitness level and leisure-time physical activity. We studied the associations of physical fitness, physical activity and ST-% with serum lipids and lipoproteins in 72 healthy men. Their parameters were compared with those of 20 men with defined CHD. Significant interrelationships between ST-%, fitness and leisure-time physical activity index (LTPAI) were observed. Multiple regression analysis showed that ST-%, fitness and leisure-time physical activity explained about 32% of the variation in HDL-C in the healthy men. In healthy men ST-% correlated positively with fitness (r(s) = 0.62, P < 0.001) and with LTPAI (r(s) = 0.62, P < 0.001). Fitness level also correlated significantly with LTPAI (r(s) = 0.81, P < 0.001). Serum insulin showed negative associations with ST-% (r(s) = -0.63, P < 0.001) and fitness (r(s) = -0.54, P < 0.001) and LTPAI (r(s) = -0.62, P < 0.001). Free fraction of testosterone correlated negatively with serum HDL-C level (r(s) = -0.34, P < 0.01), with fitness (r(s) = -0.41, P < 0.001) and with LTPAI (r(s) = -0.54, P < 0.001). In sedentary men with the lowest fitness and physical activity the mean of ST-% (45%) was similar to that in CHD patients (44%). However, ST-% in men in the highest tertile of physical activity and fitness (68%) was significantly higher than in CHD patients and in men in the lowest tertile of physical activity and fitness. Skeletal muscle enzyme activity in lipid metabolism was significantly lower in both CHD patients and in sedentary and low-fit men than that in fitter and physically active men. The present data imply that skeletal muscle properties are important determinants of risk profiles, such as physical activity, fitness and serum lipid and lipoprotein patterns. Although fitness is a graded, independent predictor of mortality from CHD, a relatively high fitness level is not enough. This was clearly observed in the clustering analysis, in which the healthy men, according to their ST-%, fitness, leisure-time physical activity and serum sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), fell into three natural groups: (i) Inactive men with lowest ST-% (mean 42%), lowest fitness (10.7 METs) and lowest HDL-C (1.36 mm/l); (ii) Fit men with high ST-% (66%), high fitness (14.5 METs) and moderately high HDL-C (1.54 mol/l); (iii) Active men with high ST-% (66%), highest fitness (14.9 METs) and highest serum HDL (1.83 mmol/l). The results support the idea that both fitness and physical activity give further protection against CHD by modifying risk factors. Our findings also suggest that skeletal muscle properties should be considered in the studies which assess CHD risk factors and their modifications especially in the field of health-related fitness.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Physical fitness, physical activity and blood pressure in children.

In numerous studies the relationship between physical fitness, physical activity and blood pressure have been evaluated. However, only a minority of the reported studies are controlled. This report gives a review of cross-sectional studies in children and longitudinal dynamic training studies in young adults below the age of thirty dealing with physical fitness/physical activity and blood pressure.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Seven-year changes in physical fitness, physical activity, and lipid profile in the CARDIA study. Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults.

PURPOSE: To relate seven year changes in physical fitness and physical activity in the young adult population to changes in the plasma lipid profile and to examine the influence of weight change on those relationships. METHODS: The participants in this observational study were the 1777 black and white men and women, ages 18-30 at entry into the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) cohort, who completed a symptom-limited graded treadmill exercise test and had an overnight fasting blood draw at both the Baseline (1985-86) and Year 7 (1992-93) exams. CARDIA, a longitudinal study of the relationships of lifestyle and physiological variables to the development of coronary heart disease risk factors, consists of population-based cohorts in Birmingham, Alabama, Minneapolis, Minnesota and Chicago, Illinois and a cohort recruited from the membership of a large, pre-paid health care plan, broadly representative of the population, in Oakland, California. RESULTS: All race/gender groups experienced mean decreases in physical fitness and self-reported physical activity and increases in weight. Decreased fitness was associated with decreased high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and conversely, increased fitness was associated with increased HDL-C. The correlation coefficients of change in fitness with change in HDL-C ranged from 0.17 in white men and black women to 0.24 in white women (P < 0.001 for all race/gender groups). Change in fitness was minimally correlated with change in low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) in all groups (r ranged from -0.09 in black women to -0.20 in white women), triglycerides (TG) in men and white women (r ranged from -0.10 to -0.15), and total cholesterol (TC) in white men and women (r = -0.11 and -0.15, respectively). The magnitude of these correlations was further reduced with adjustment for weight change. Correlations between change in activity and change in lipid and lipoprotein values were generally weak or nonexistent, except for the suggestion of a small, direct relationship with change in HDL-C in black and white women (r = 0.14 and r = 0.11, respectively). All of the weight change adjusted correlations were essentially unaffected by further adjustment for baseline fitness or activity and other covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased fitness during young adulthood is associated with unfavorable changes in lipid profile, explained mostly by increased weight. Lack of association between change in activity and change in lipid profile observed in this study may be due, in part, to imprecision of activity measurement.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Physical fitness, physical activity, and fatness in relation to blood pressure and lipids in preadolescent children. Results from the FRESH Study.

PURPOSE: The cross-sectional gender patterns of fitness, activity, and fatness were examined in relation to blood pressure and lipids in 9- to 10-year-old children. METHODS: Subjects were fourth graders (26 boys and 27 girls) participating in FRESH, a school-based heart health program. The main variables of interest were fitness determined on a treadmill, habitual physical activity by self-report, fatness by skinfolds and body mass index, blood pressure, and lipoprotein lipids. RESULTS: Physical fitness and activity were higher in boys, whereas fatness and triglycerides were higher in girls. Systolic blood pressure correlated positively with fatness in girls, and there was a trend for this relationship in boys. In boys, total LDL cholesterol correlated positively with fatness and negatively with fitness. By multivariate analysis, fitness was the primary correlate of total and LDL cholesterol. In girls, fitness correlated positively with total and LDL cholesterol. This finding was opposite in boys. Fatness correlated negatively with HDL cholesterol in boys. CONCLUSION: Boys are more fit and active and less fat than girls. Fatness in young children already shows a relationship with heart disease risk factors. In boys, fitness shows a favorable relation to lipids. These data along with other studies suggest that more consistent relationships among fitness, activity, fatness, blood pressure, and lipids are likely to emerge as children approach adolescence. The findings also underscore the complexity of defining these relationships in young children.

Blood Pressure↗
PubMed1988

Physical fitness, physical activity, and cardiovascular disease risk factors in adolescents: the Oslo Youth Study.

Aerobic fitness, resting pulse rate, and self-reported physical activity were examined along with prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors in a population-based study of 413 boys and 372 girls, ages 10 to 14 years. Cardiovascular fitness (VO2 max) was predicted from heart rate measured during submaximal bicycle exercise. For both genders, fitness level was significantly and inversely related to body weight, body mass index [weight in kilos/(height in meters)2], triceps skinfold thickness, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and pulse rate and positively related to high-density lipoprotein/total cholesterol ratio and physical activity. In addition, fitness level was positively related to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and negatively related to triglycerides in females; it was also negatively related to height, total cholesterol, and hematocrit in males. Analyses of covariance, controlling for sexual maturity ratings, revealed that students in the lowest quartiles of VO2 max had significantly higher body mass index and triceps skinfold thickness than students in the higher quartiles. After adjustment for body mass index and sexual maturity ratings, blood pressure and pulse rate in both genders were significantly higher among students in the lower quartiles of VO2 max than among the groups who scored higher on the fitness test. Higher levels of VO2 max were also associated with a more favorable lipid profile in females. In gender-specific multiple regression analysis, triceps skinfold thickness was the strongest predictor of VO2 max, followed by pulse rate. Our study provides evidence that higher levels of fitness are associated with more favorable risk profiles in adolescents.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Protection against ischemic heart disease in the Belgian Physical Fitness Study: physical fitness rather than physical activity?

Occupational and leisure time physical activity and conventional risk factors were determined in the Belgian Physical Fitness Study, a prospective study of 2,363 healthy male factory workers who were aged 40-55 years at entry in 1976-1978 and who were followed for five years. Physical fitness, defined as the interpolated physical working capacity at heart rate 150 beats per minute, was measured in 2,109 subjects. In this subgroup, there were 31 myocardial infarctions and sudden deaths. Smoking, physical fitness, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) were independent risk indicators for subsequent ischemic heart disease, while both physical activity scores were not. It is concluded that in this healthy, predominantly sedentary population, the fitness level, but not the physical activity pattern, is an independent protective factor against ischemic heart disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

The importance of physical fitness versus physical activity for coronary artery disease risk factors: a cross-sectional analysis.

Numerous epidemiological investigations have shown that low physical fitness and low physical activity are related to the incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD). Most studies, however, have not examined both variables concurrently to determine which has the strongest association with CAD risk. The purpose of this investigation was to cross-sectionally examine the relationships among physical fitness, physical activity, and risk factors for CAD. Male law enforcement officers (N = 412) from the City of Austin, Texas, were subjects for this study. Physical fitness, physical activity, and risk factors for CAD were assessed through health screenings and from data collected as part of an annual physical fitness assessment. Multivariate analysis of covariance revealed that physical fitness, but not physical activity, was related to several single CAD risk factors. Percent body fat, smoking habits, and Type A behavior score were negatively related to physical fitness level, and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was positively related to physical fitness level. Univariate analysis of variance found both physical fitness and physical activity to be significantly related to a composite CAD risk score. Low physical fitness and low physical activity were associated with a high CAD risk score. These data suggest that physical activity must be sufficient to influence physical fitness before statistically significant risk-reducing benefits on single CAD risk factors are obtained, although minimal engagement in weekly vigorous activity provides a significant benefit for the composite CAD risk score. It is plausible, however, that physical fitness is a stronger measure than physical activity and optimally characterizes the relationship among physical activity and CAD risk factors.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[A simple method for estimating the level of physical fitness].

Physical activity is becoming an integral part of everyday life. In order to modify and control this activity we need simple and readily available criteria for the control of physical fitness. One of the possible approaches how to resolve this problem is to use motor tests. The most frequently used method for evaluation of physical fitness proposed by Cooper, based on measurement in the American population may involve, when used under our conditions, inaccuracy of estimates of physical fitness and be associated with some difficulties regarding the 12-minute period of the test. The author submits therefore tables for the estimation of physical fitness elaborated with regard to our population standards and general relations between the velocity of movement and energy required for this activity expressed indirectly by oxygen consumption. The basic element of evaluation is the velocity of movement of a 2000 to 3000 m track. The tables were prepared for men and women aged 14-65 years and make it possible to estimate below-average, average and above-average levels of physical fitness. The error of assessment of VO2 max and thus also of the estimate of physical fitness level varies round 15%.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Physical fitness and physical activity in obese and nonobese Flemish youth.

OBJECTIVE: To assess different aspects of physical fitness and physical activity in obese and nonobese Flemish youth. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A random sample of 3214 Flemish schoolchildren was selected and divided into an "obese" and "nonobese" group based on body mass index and sum of skinfolds. Physical fitness was assessed by the European physical fitness test battery. Physical activity was estimated by a modified version of the Baecke Questionnaire. RESULTS: Obese subjects had inferior performances on all tests requiring propulsion or lifting of the body mass (standing-broad jump, sit-ups, bent-arm hang, speed shuttle run, and endurance shuttle run) compared with their nonobese counterparts (p < 0.001). In contrast, the obese subjects showed greater strength on handgrip (p < 0.001). Both groups had similar levels of leisure-time physical activity; however, nonobese boys had a higher sport index than their obese counterparts (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: Results of this study show that obese subjects had poorer performances on weight-bearing tasks, but did not have lower scores on all fitness components. To encourage adherence to physical activity in obese youth, it is important that activities are tailored to their capabilities. Results suggest that weight-bearing activities should be limited at the start of an intervention with obese participants and alternative activities that rely more on static strength used.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

Physical fitness of physical therapy students.

Physical fitness norms do not exist for physical therapists or physical therapy students. This lack, in part, reflects the complexity of physical fitness and the scarcity of data reported on physical fitness norms of other populations. This report describes the methods used and the results obtained for 16 physical fitness factors of 98 female and 13 male physical therapy upperclassmen and discusses the implications of physical fitness in the practice of physical therapy. Means, standard deviations, ranges, and percentile rankings are given by sex for each of the 16 fitness factors. The purpose of this study was to begin to establish physical fitness norms. As physical fitness norms are established, it will be possible to determine how norms of physical therapists and physical therapy students compare with established values.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Tracking physical fitness and physical activity from childhood to adolescence: the muscatine study.

PURPOSE: Physical fitness and physical activity tracking data enhance our understanding as to when children settle into their long-term exercise and fitness patterns and, therefore. provide insight as to when programs focusing on preventing sedentary adults behaviors should be initiated. METHODS: In this paper, the tracking of physical fitness and physical activity was examined in a 5-yr population-based study of children and adolescents in Muscatine, IA. Study subjects (N = 126) were pre- or early-pubescent at baseline (mean age boys 10.8 yr and girls 10.3 yr). Physical fitness was measured using direct determination of oxygen uptake and maximal voluntary isometric contraction while physical activity was assessed via questionnaire. RESULTS: Boys classified as sedentary based on initial measurements of TV viewing and video game playing were 2.2 times more likely than their peers to also be classified as sedentary at follow-up. Tracking of most physical fitness and physical activity variables was moderate to high, indicating some predictability of early measurements for later values. Sedentary behavior tracked better in boys, whereas vigorous activity tended to track better in girls. CONCLUSION: These observations suggest that preventive efforts focused on maintaining physical fitness and physical activity through puberty will have favorable health benefits in later years.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1984

Hepatic drug metabolism and physical fitness.

Physical fitness, as expressed by maximal oxygen uptake (Vo2max), was measured in 14 subjects before and during physical education consisting of 4 to 8 hr of daily physical training. Mean pulse rate during training was 115 bpm. After 3 mo of physical training, Vo2max increased a mean 6% (range -5% to +23%). Corresponding mean increases in hepatic drug metabolism, as expressed by the metabolism of the model drugs antipyrine and aminopyrine, were 12% (range -12% to +59%) and 13% (range -21% to +47%). Changes in the two groups were still present 6 mo after physical education. There was only a moderately close but nonetheless significant correlation (r = 0.7) between the extent of change in Vo2max and the corresponding relative change in antipyrine metabolism during the 3-mo period of this investigation. The correlation between oxygen uptake and aminopyrine metabolism (r = 0.6) was slightly less and was not significant. Improved physical fitness associated with enhanced drug metabolism may lead to changes in drug efficacy and drug toxicity that may be clinically important in the case of drugs with low therapeutic indices.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Prediction of physical fitness and physical activity level in adulthood by physical performance and physical activity in adolescence--an 18-year follow-up study.

The aim of the study was to investigate relationships between physical fitness and self-reported physical activity in adulthood and to what extent the level of physical fitness and leisure-time physical activity in adulthood can be explained by anthropometric measures, physical performance, physical activity, attitudes to sports activities and socio-demographic characteristics at the age of 16. A group of 157 men and 121 women was tested at the ages of 16 and 34 by means of questionnaires and fitness tests. Physically active men and women had higher estimated VO2 max and performed better in curl ups and bench press than those who were inactive. Performance in physical tests, height, weight and physical activity at the age of 16 contributed best to explain adult physical performance and physical activity. The magnitude of explanation varied between 10% (9-min run test) and 56% (bench press test); it was in general lower in the men than in the women. The various fitness tests and physical activity were explained by different predictors and the predictors also differed between men and women. The findings about attitudes to sports and socio-demographic factors at a young age that influence adult physical activity habits and fitness are very complex and further research is required to identify specific inactivity risks.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Tracking of physical fitness and physical activity from youth to adulthood in females.

PURPOSE: To evaluate stability of physical fitness and physical activity from adolescence into middle adulthood in Flemish females. METHODS: Within the scope of the Leuven Longitudinal Study on Lifestyle, Fitness and Health, 138 females (mean age=16.6+/-1.1 yr) from the Leuven Growth Study of Flemish Girls were seen in adulthood (mean age=40.5+/-1.1 yr). Several body dimensions and motor fitness tests were taken. Physical activity was assessed by means of a sports participation inventory. Inter-age correlations were calculated between adolescent and adult values. Cross-tabulation was used to identify the percentage of subjects remaining in the same BMI and physical activity group or shifting from one group to another from adolescence to adulthood. Odds ratios for less activity and overweight in adulthood according to adolescent activity or weight status were calculated. RESULTS: Except for flamingo balance, plate tapping, leg lifts, and arm pull, all anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics were stable from adolescence to adulthood (r ranging from 0.49 to 0.96). Sports participation was not a stable characteristic (r=0.13). From adolescence to adulthood, 84.5 and 63.6%, respectively, remained in the normal-weight and overweight group, whereas 62.5 and 54.4%, respectively, remained in the less active and active group. The odds of being overweight in adulthood was 9.53 (95% CI: 3.1-29.8) times greater in overweight compared with normal-weight adolescent girls. CONCLUSION: In Flemish females, anthropometric and fitness characteristics demonstrate higher levels of stability from adolescence to middle adulthood than physical activity. Weight status during adolescence is indicative of adult weight status, and a pattern of less activity rather than activity tends to continue from youth to adulthood.

Adolescent↗