Explore the vast range of titles available.

Previous physical activity interventions for children (5-12yrs) have aimed to change determinants associated with self-report physical activity behaviour (PAB) and/or sedentary behaviour (SB), however, the associations between these determinants and PAB/SB in different settings are uncertain. The present study aimed to identify modifiable determinants targeted in previous PAB/SB interventions for children. Intervention effects on the determinants and their associations with self-report PAB/SB were assessed across settings. Search of relevant interventions from pre-defined databases was conducted up to July 2023. Randomized and non-randomized controlled trials with modifiable determinants were included. Data extraction and risk of bias assessments were conducted by two independent researchers. Where data could be pooled, we performed Robust Bayesian meta-analyses. Heterogeneity, publication bias and certainty of evidence were assessed. Fifteen studies were deemed eligible to be included. Thirty-seven unique determinants within four settings were identified–school, family, school with family/home, and community with(out) other settings. Ninety-eight percent of determinants belonged to individual/interpersonal determinant categories. Narratively, intervention effects on student perception of teachers’ behaviour (school), self-management, perceived barriers, external motivation, exercise intention, parental modeling on SB (school with family/home) and MVPA expectations (community) were weak to strong, however, corresponding PAB/SB change was not evident. There were negligible effects for all other determinants and the corresponding PAB/SB. Meta-analyses on self-efficacy, attitude, subjective norm and parental practice and PAB/SB in two settings showed weak to strong evidence against intervention effect, while the effect on knowledge could not be determined. Similarly, publication bias and heterogeneity for most analyses could not be ascertained. We found no concrete evidence of association between the modifiable determinants and self-report PAB/SB in any settings. This is presumably due to intervention ineffectiveness. Design of future interventions should consider to follow the systems-based approach and identify determinants unique to the context of a setting, including policy and environmental determinants.

Volleyball referees, as athletes and staff members, are exposed to different stress levels which can be determined by measuring pre- and post-match levels of salivary cortisol (C) and alpha-amylase (AA). This study aimed to determine the dynamics of stress biomarkers in referees during official volleyball matches and the connection to the roles or level of competition. The participants in this study were nine international volleyball referees (three females and six males) with a mean chronological age of 48.23 ± 2.31 years. In this study, saliva samples were collected during 24 official matches during the European championship for senior women’s teams (Eurovolley 2021). The AA activity and C concentrations were determined from saliva samples. When the referees’ roles were assessed in line with their duties, the first referees’ salivary C levels showed a significant increase between the pre- and post-match measurements (p = 0.01), while in the second referees remained low. The reserve and challenge referees demonstrated a significant drop in their C concentrations (p = 0.00 and p = 0.02, respectively). Additionally, when assessing AA which accounts for the responsibilities of referees and the intensity of competition, the first (p = 0.06 and p = 0.07) and second referees (p = 0.01 and p = 0.00) showed an increase between the pre- and post-match measurements, respectively. At the same time, the AA activity did not show any significant change concerning the reserve and challenge referees. Our results indicate that referees’ roles and the level of competition may cause higher responses in “active referee roles”—mainly the first and second referees—while reserve and challenge referees showed no increase or even a decrease in the measured biomarkers. The observed changes in the stress markers can be explained by psychological or emotional effects and are dependent on the level of competition and the role referees are fulfilling.

Childhood obesity has become a worldwide public health concern over the past decade, counting Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to address the lack of standardized surveillance data on childhood obesity. However, BiH and its entity, Republic of Srpska (RS), are failing inclusion in such initiative, which hinders efforts to monitor and address the issue. Henceforth, the objective of this nationally funded study was to gather and analyse data on the prevalence of overweight and obesity among primary-school children in RS by implementing the COSI methodology. Weight, height, and BMI of first, second, and third grade children (aged 6-8), from 11 schools (N = 2,030) in the RS region was analysed according to the standardized COSI protocol. The prevalence rates of overall overweight (OW) and obesity (OB) observed were 14.37% (OW 9.09%, OB 5.21%). No gender-related differences were noted (boys 14.36%, girls 14.88%). These findings highlight a concerning trend of increasing overweight and obesity prevalence with age among primary-school children in the RS.

Background Although physical activity (PA) is associated with significant health benefits, only a small percentage of adolescents meet recommended PA levels. This systematic review with meta-analysis explored the modifiable determinants of adolescents’ device-based PA and/or sedentary behaviour (SB), evaluated in previous interventions and examined the associations between PA/SB and these determinants in settings. Methods A search was conducted on five electronic databases, including papers published from January 2010 to July 2023. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) or Controlled Trials (CTs) measuring adolescents’ device-based PA/SB and their modifiable determinants at least at two time points: pre- and post-intervention were considered eligible. PA/SB and determinants were the main outcomes. Modifiable determinants were classified after data extraction adopting the social-ecological perspective. Robust Bayesian meta-analyses (RoBMA) were performed per each study setting. Outcomes identified in only one study were presented narratively. The risk of bias for each study and the certainty of the evidence for each meta-analysis were evaluated. The publication bias was also checked. PROSPERO ID: CRD42021282874. Results Fourteen RCTs (eight in school, three in school and family, and one in the family setting) and one CT (in the school setting) were included. Fifty-four modifiable determinants were identified and were combined into 33 broader determinants (21 individual–psychological, four individual–behavioural, seven interpersonal, and one institutional). RoBMAs revealed none or negligible pooled intervention effects on PA/SB or determinants in all settings. The certainty of the evidence of the impact of interventions on outcomes ranged from very low to low. Narratively, intervention effects in favour of the experimental group were detected in school setting for the determinants: knowledge of the environment for practicing PA, d  = 1.84, 95%CI (1.48, 2.20), behaviour change techniques, d  = 0.90, 95%CI (0.09, 1.70), choice provided, d  = 0.70, 95%CI (0.36, 1.03), but no corresponding effects on PA or SB were found. Conclusions Weak to minimal evidence regarding the associations between the identified modifiable determinants and adolescents’ device-based PA/SB in settings were found, probably due to intervention ineffectiveness. Well-designed and well-implemented multicomponent interventions should further explore the variety of modifiable determinants of adolescents’ PA/SB, including policy and environmental variables.

Background Maximal fat oxidation (MFO) and its intensity (FAT max ) are important for metabolic health, but current models explain only partially their variability. Research suggests that factors like oxygen uptake efficiency (i.e., OUES and OUEP) may better predict MFO and FAT max than maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2max ) and the first ventilatory threshold (VT1). This study investigates whether OUES and OUEP can explain more of the variation in fat oxidation during exercise. Methods Fifty-five healthy male participants underwent a series of tests, including body composition measurements, resting metabolic rate, and a treadmill exercise trial to assess cardiovascular fitness (CRF) and fat oxidation. The incremental exercise test measured gas exchange and heart rate, and blood samples were collected for glucose and lactate analysis. Statistical analyses, including multivariate regression, were used to explore relationships between CRF biomarkers, OUES, OUEP, and fat oxidation, with significance set at p  < 0.05. Results Participants with excellent cardiovascular fitness (CRF) showed lower body fat, higher fat-free mass, and higher VO 2max , MFO, and FAT max compared to those with poor or regular CRF. When oxygen uptake efficiency and VT1 were included in the models, VT1 and OUEP emerged as stronger predictors of MFO and FATmax than VO 2max . The OUES did not significantly relate to MFO or FAT max but was a key moderator of VO 2max , explaining 71% of its variance. Conclusions VT1 and OUEP are stronger predictors of MFO and FAT max than VO 2max , while OUES significantly moderates VO 2max , highlighting the importance of submaximal biomarkers in fat oxidation capacity. Key Points • VT1 and OUEP are stronger predictors of MFO and FAT max than VO 2max . • VT1 and OUEP are directly associated with MFO and FAT max . • Fat oxidation and OUE biomarkers are positively associated with CRF.

The aim of this study was to validate four commonly used tests (Astrand-Ryhming, Bruce, Balke and PWC150) for indirect maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) prediction and to assess their usage in the case of soccer players. Sixteen male subjects (age = 27.8 ± 3.8 y, height = 182.8 ± 4.7 cm and body mass = 81.5 ± 8.5 kg) participated in this study. Four observed tests were compared with direct VO2max assessment which was performed as breath-by-breath gas analysis during graded treadmill protocol until exhaustion. The AstrandRyhming and PWC150 tests were performed on a stationary bike while the Bruce and Balke tests were conducted on a motorized treadmill. The methods of statistical analysis and comparison used were Bland-Altman plot analysis, regression analysis, the coefficient of variation and one way ANOVA. Our results revealed no agreement among measurement techniques and mean differences in all four protocols. The relationship was modest but statistically significant in the case of Bruce protocol (R2 = 32%, p ≤ 0.05). We conclude moderate reliability to be sufficiently satisfactory for the observed population and can be used under given circumstances.

ObjectivesThe substrates utilisation at high intensity exercise has been less studied and intensity at which carbohydrates (CHO) remain single energy source while fat utilisation becomes negligible (FATmin), is debatable 4. Since physical activity in aerobic fat burn zone is prescribed to facilitate improvement of fat oxidation and insulin sensitivity while improving health 1, activity equal or above FATmin can’t be considered as beneficial. Therefore, FATmin could become important exercise parameter in sedentary population. The aim of this study was to determine FATmin while performing incremental treadmill test till exhaustion and to assess its correlation with anaerobic threshold (AT), which in turn can be used as an individuals performance marker or last exercise beneficial point.MethodologyThirteen sedentary females (age: 34 ± 3 y, body mass: 62 ± 4 kg, height: 165 ± 4 cm) performed breath-by-breath test to measure maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max;ml·kg-1·min-1) and substrates oxidation (g·min-1). A Pearson correlation coefficient (r), 95% confidence interval (CI) and effect size (R2) were used to test connexion between VO2 at AT and at FATmin. Alpha intervals were set at p < 0.05. Substrates oxidation was calculated using a stoichiometric equation 4. The AT was detected by V-slope method 2.ResultsVO2max was 34.89 ± 4.34 ml·kg-1·min-1 (95% CI 34.02 to 35.52). FATmin and AT occurred at 24.53 ± 4.25 ml·kg-1·min-1 VO2 (95% CI 24.29 to 24.97) and 24.04 ± 4.07 ml·kg-1·min-1 VO2 (95% CI 24.01 to 24.80), respectively. A high correlation was found between VO2 at FATmin and at AT (r = 0.91, p < 0.001, 95 % CI of 0.87 to 0.93). R2 was 0.83. Absolute fat oxidation rate at FATmin was 0.01 ± 0.01 g·min-1 (95% CI 0.00 to 0.01).ConclusionsThis is the first study to detect FATmin and demonstrate correlation between VO2 at FATmin and at AT in sedentary females. High inter-subjects FATmin variation demonstrates marked degree of individuality and importance of existing correlation should be taken into consideration when aiming to optimise exercise prescription for sedentary population.ReferencesAmerican College of Sports Medicine: Position Stand. “The Recommended Quantity and Quality of Exercise for Developing and Maintaining Cardiorespiratory and Muscular Fitness”. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1998;30:975–991.Beaver WL, Wasserman K, Whipp BJ. A new method for detecting anaerobic threshold by gas exchange. J Appl Physiol 1986;60(6):2020–2027.Elia M, Livesey G. Energy expenditure and fuel selection in biological systems: the theory and practice of calculations based on indirect calorimetry and tracer methods. World Rev Nutr Diet 1992;70:68–131.Peric R, Meucci M, Nikolovski Z. Fat utilisationutilization during high intensity exercise: when does it end? Sport Med Open 2016;2(35). DOI: 10.1186/s40798-016-0060-1

Over the past two decades, scientists have attempted to evaluate whether the point of maximal fat oxidation (FATmax) and the aerobic threshold (AerT) are connected. The existence of such a relationship would allow a more tailored training approach for athletes while improving the efficacy of individualized exercise prescriptions when treating numerous health-related issues. However, studies have reported conflicting results, and this issue remains unresolved. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed: (i) to examine the strength of the association between FATmax and AerT by using the effect size (ES) of correlation coefficient (r) and standardized mean difference (SMD); (ii) to identify potential moderators and their influence on ES variability. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021239351) and ClinicalTrials (NCT03789045). PubMed and Google Scholar were searched and fourteen articles, consisting of overall 35 ES for r and 26 ES for SMD were included. Obtained ESs were analyzed using a multilevel random-effects meta-analysis. Our results support the presence of a significant association between FATmax and AerT exercise intensities. In conclusion, due to the large ES variance caused by clinical and methodological differences among the studies, we recommend that future studies follow strict standardization of data collection and analysis of FATmax and AerT-related outcomes.

To combat the high prevalence of physical inactivity among children, there is an urgent need to develop and implement real-world interventions and policies that promote physical activity (PA) and reduce sedentary behaviour (SB). To inform policy makers, the current body of evidence for children's PA/SB interventions needs to be translated. The current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify modifiable determinants of device-measured PA and SB targeted in available intervention studies with randomized controlled trial (RCT) and controlled trial (CT) designs in children and early adolescents (5-12 years) and to quantify the effects of the interventions within their respective settings on the determinants of PA/SB and the outcomes PA and SB. A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus and CENTRAL. Studies were considered if they were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled trials (CTs), included children and/or early adolescents (5-12 years; henceforth termed children), measured PA and/or SB using device-based methods and measured PA and/or SB and determinants of PA/SB at least at two timepoints. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Randomised Trials (RoB2) for RCTs and Risk of Bias in Non-randomised Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) for CTs. The quality of the generated evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Robust Bayesian meta-analysis was conducted to quantify the effects of the interventions on the determinants of PA/SB, and the outcomes PA and SB, stratifying by study design, duration of PA/SB measurement, intervention setting and duration of follow-up measurement. Study characteristics and interventions were summarized. Thirty-eight studies were included with a total sample size of n = 14,258 (67% girls). Settings identified were school, family/home, community and combinations of these. The review identified 38 modifiable determinants, spanning seven categories on individual, interpersonal and physical environmental levels, with 66% of determinants on the individual level. Overall, the results indicated trivial-to-moderate effects of the interventions on the determinants of PA and SB, with mostly trivial level of evidence for the presence of an effect (as indicated by a small Bayes factor; BF  < 3.00). The exceptions were moderate effects on parental PA modelling in the family/home setting and SB measured during specific parts of the school day. Higher quality of evidence was found in the family/home setting compared with other settings. Overall, the results indicated that interventions have neither been effective in modifying the determinants of PA/SB, nor changing the PA/SB outcomes in children. In general, the approach in the current review revealed the breadth of methodological variability in children's PA interventions. Research is needed to address novel approaches to children's PA research and to identify potential determinants to inform policy and future interventions. International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO): CRD42021282874.

Regular exercise at the intensity matching maximal fat oxidation (FATmax) has been proposed as a key element in both athletes and clinical populations when aiming to enhance the body’s ability to oxidize fat. In order to allow a more standardized and tailored training approach, the connection between FATmax and the individual aerobic thresholds (AerT) has been examined. Although recent findings strongly suggest that a relationship exists between these two intensities, correlation alone is not sufficient to confirm that the intensities necessarily coincide and that the error between the two measures is small. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aim to examine the agreement levels between the exercise intensities matching FATmax and AerT by pooling limits of agreement in a function of three parameters: (i) the average difference, (ii) the average within-study variation, and (iii) the variation in bias across studies, and to examine the influence of clinical and methodological inter- and intra-study differences on agreement levels. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021239351) and ClinicalTrials (NCT03789045). PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for studies examining FATmax and AerT connection. Overall, 12 studies with forty-five effect sizes and a total of 774 subjects fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The ROBIS tool for risk of bias assessment was used to determine the quality of included studies. In conclusion, the overall 95% limits of agreement of the differences between FATmax and AerT exercise intensities were larger than the a priori determined acceptable agreement due to the large variance caused by clinical and methodological differences among the studies. Therefore, we recommend that future studies follow a strict standardization of data collection and analysis of FATmax- and AerT-related outcomes.