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Exercise and Physical Fitness

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Exercise and Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2023) | Viewed by 25558

Special Issue Editor

Division of Health and Kinesiology, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea
Interests: exercise; physical fitness; physical activity; spinal cord injury; ageing; cancer; diabetes; chronic diseases

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Participation in physical activities and exercise on a regular basis is known to be associated with health-related benefits, such as increased physical fitness levels and cardiometabolic health in people both with and without disabilities. Furthermore, an increased level of physical fitness through regular physical activity has beneficial effects for improving psychological well-being and for the prevention of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases for all age groups. In conclusion, physical fitness levels and regular exercise participation are closely related to the quality of life, mental health, and prevention of chronic diseases. Therefore, the aim of this Special Issue is to examine the association between physical activity, exercise, and physical fitness effects on the health-related quality of life of teh general population.

Dr. Dong-il Kim
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • exercise
  • physical fitness
  • physical activity
  • obesity
  • health
  • disease risk
  • quality of life
  • wellbeing

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 2081 KiB  
Article
Physical Performance of Brazilian Military Policemen: A Longitudinal Analysis by Occupational Specialties
by Luiz Rezende, Rodolfo A. Dellagrana, Luiz Gustavo Rodrigues Oliveira-Santos, Arthur Duarte Fantesia Costa Cruz, Maycon Felipe da Silva Mota and Christianne F. Coelho-Ravagnani
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(24), 16948; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192416948 - 16 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1636
Abstract
Maintenance of good levels of physical fitness is essential during occupational tasks for the general health of the military police. However, no studies have evaluated longitudinal changes in the physical fitness of Brazilian military police officers according to their specialties. Thus, the objective [...] Read more.
Maintenance of good levels of physical fitness is essential during occupational tasks for the general health of the military police. However, no studies have evaluated longitudinal changes in the physical fitness of Brazilian military police officers according to their specialties. Thus, the objective of the current study was to analyze the changes in the physical fitness of military police officers according to their specialty, over a period of five years. Retrospective data (2015–2019) from 290 police officers were analyzed, including age and physical fitness tests (12-min run test, sit-ups, push-ups, and pull-ups on the bar). The sample was divided into four groups (Specialized; Border; Urban; and Environmental). ANCOVA was used to describe differences in physical fitness components between groups of police officers after adjusting for age. Initial fitness was higher among police officers in the Specialized group (i.e., those with greater physical demands). During the five-year follow-up period, there was an age-related decrease in physical capacity for all groups, regardless of specialty. However, Urban police showed improvement in running and sit-up tests (p < 0.05) over time. Changes in physical capacity during follow-up differed depending on the physical component analyzed and the occupational specialty. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise and Physical Fitness)
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13 pages, 2588 KiB  
Article
Effect of Acute Self-Myofascial Release on Pain and Exercise Performance for Cycling Club Members with Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome
by Jong Jin Park, Hae Sung Lee and Jong-Hee Kim
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 15993; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192315993 - 30 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1968
Abstract
Cycling is a popular sport, and the cycling population and prevalence of related injuries and diseases increase simultaneously. Iliotibial band friction syndrome is a common chronic overuse injury caused by repetitive knee use in cycling. Self-myofascial release using foam rollers is an effective [...] Read more.
Cycling is a popular sport, and the cycling population and prevalence of related injuries and diseases increase simultaneously. Iliotibial band friction syndrome is a common chronic overuse injury caused by repetitive knee use in cycling. Self-myofascial release using foam rollers is an effective intervention for this syndrome; however, studies reporting positive results on self-myofascial release in cycling are limited. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of self-myofascial release on pain and iliotibial band flexibility, heart rate, and exercise performance (cadence, power, and record) in adult male cyclists with iliotibial band friction syndrome. We evaluated the pain and exercise ability of the control (n = 11) and self-myofascial release (n = 11) groups before and after cycling twice. Significant differences were observed in the pain scale, the iliotibial band flexibility, and cycling pain and power. The posterior cadence of the self-myofascial release group was 3.2% higher than that of the control group. The control group’s record time increased by 74.64 s in the second cycling session compared to the first cycling session, while that of the self-myofascial release group decreased by 30.91 s in the second cycling session compared to the first cycling session. Self-myofascial release is effective in relieving pain and may improve cycling performance by increasing the iliotibial band flexibility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise and Physical Fitness)
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10 pages, 714 KiB  
Article
Inspiratory Muscle Training Improves Aerobic Fitness in Active Children
by Ching-Hsin Lin, Chih-Wei Lee and Chien-Hui Huang
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 14722; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192214722 - 09 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1544
Abstract
Research on the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on exercise performance is inconsistent. IMT has not been applied to fit child athletes, who are more likely to develop inspiratory muscle fatigue, and, consequently, to benefit from IMT. Methods: Thirty children (mean age: [...] Read more.
Research on the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on exercise performance is inconsistent. IMT has not been applied to fit child athletes, who are more likely to develop inspiratory muscle fatigue, and, consequently, to benefit from IMT. Methods: Thirty children (mean age: 10.7 ± 1.2 years) were recruited and randomly assigned to a high-intensity (HG), a low-intensity (LG), or a control group (CG). For both training groups, a double-blind procedure was applied. In the HG, 80% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) was used as the level of training intensity. The LG used 30% MIP. Training groups were trained at 6 breaths a set, 4 sets a day, totaling 24 breaths a day for 6 weeks. Exercise capacity outcomes include maximal and submaximal aerobic capacity, as measured as VO2max and distance from six-minute walk test (6MWD). Results show improvement in MIP, VO2max, and 6MWD only in the HG. MIP in the HG significantly increases from 108.7 (100.8–143.3) to 144.4 (130.0–175.6) cmH2O. VO2max in the HG increases from 43.0 (40.5–45) to 53.0 (46–63) mL·kg−1·min−1. The 6MWD increases from 792.0 (737.5–818.0) to 862.0 (798.5–953.5) m. Data are presented as median (interquartile range). No difference is found in the LG or CG. Conclusion: high-intensity IMT increases MIP, maximal, and submaximal exercise capacity in the HG, but no difference is found in the LG or CG. Therefore, high-intensity type of IMT improves aerobic fitness in fit children by appropriately applying inspiratory muscle strength training. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise and Physical Fitness)
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10 pages, 837 KiB  
Article
Effects of a 12-Week Recreational Skiing Program on Cardio-Pulmonary Fitness in the Elderly: Results from the Salzburg Skiing in the Elderly Study (SASES)
by David Niederseer, Roman Walser, Christian Schmied, Flemming Dela, Christoph Gräni, Philipp Bohm, Erich Müller and Josef Niebauer
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11378; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182111378 - 29 Oct 2021
Viewed by 1813
Abstract
Objectives: To investigate whether recreational alpine skiing in the elderly can improve cardio-pulmonary fitness. Design: Randomized controlled study with pre–post repeated measurements. Methods: A total of 48 elderly participants (60–76 years) were randomly assigned to either participate in a 12-week guided recreational skiing [...] Read more.
Objectives: To investigate whether recreational alpine skiing in the elderly can improve cardio-pulmonary fitness. Design: Randomized controlled study with pre–post repeated measurements. Methods: A total of 48 elderly participants (60–76 years) were randomly assigned to either participate in a 12-week guided recreational skiing program (intervention group, IG, average of 28.5 ± 2.6 skiing days) or to continue a sedentary ski-free lifestyle (control group, CG). Cardio-pulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and pulmonary function testing were performed in both groups before (PRE) and after (POST) the intervention/control period to compare parameters PRE vs. POST CPET. Results: At baseline, IG and CG did not differ significantly with respect to CPET and pulmonary function parameters. At POST, several measures of maximal exercise capacity and breathing economy were significantly improved in IG as compared to CG: maximal oxygen capacity (IG: 33.8 ± 7.9; CG: 28.7 ± 5.9 mL/min/kg; p = 0.030), maximal carbon dioxide production (IG: 36.2 ± 7.7; CG: 31.8 ± 6.5 mL/min/kg; p = 0.05), maximal oxygen pulse (IG: 16.8 ± 4.2; CG: 13.2 ± 4 mL/heart beat; p = 0.010), maximal minute ventilation (IG: 96.8 ± 17.8; CG: 81.3 ± 21.9 l/min; p = 0.025), and maximal metabolic equivalent of task (METs, IG: 9.65 ± 2.26; CG: 8.19 ± 1.68 METs; p = 0.029). Except for oxygen pulse, these significant changes could also be observed at the anaerobic threshold. Maximal heart rate and pulmonary function parameters remained essentially unchanged. Conclusion: Regular recreational skiing improves cardio-pulmonary fitness along with breathing economy and thus can contribute to a heart-healthy lifestyle for the elderly. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise and Physical Fitness)
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Review

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24 pages, 4486 KiB  
Review
Effects of Combined Upper and Lower Limb Plyometric Training Interventions on Physical Fitness in Athletes: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
by Nuannuan Deng, Kim Geok Soh, Zeinab Zaremohzzabieh, Borhannudin Abdullah, Kamariah Md Salleh and Dandan Huang
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 482; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20010482 - 28 Dec 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3327
Abstract
Objective: We aimed to meta-analyze the effects of combined upper and lower limb plyometric training (ULLPT) on physical fitness attributes in athletes. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, PubMed, and SCOPUS, for up to 13 August 2022. [...] Read more.
Objective: We aimed to meta-analyze the effects of combined upper and lower limb plyometric training (ULLPT) on physical fitness attributes in athletes. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, PubMed, and SCOPUS, for up to 13 August 2022. Controlled studies with baseline and follow-up measures were included if they examined the effects of ULLPT on at least one measure of physical fitness indices in athletes. A random effects meta-analysis was performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Results: Fifteen moderate-to-high-quality studies with 523 participants aged 12–22.4 years were included in the analyses. Small to large (ES = 0.42–1.66; p = 0.004 to <0.001) effects were noted for upper and lower body muscle power, linear sprint speed, upper and lower body muscle strength, agility, and flexibility, while no significant effects on static and dynamic balance were noted (ES = 0.44–0.10; all p > 0.05). Athletes’ sex, age, and training program variables had no modulator role on the effects of ULLPT in available data sets. Conclusions: ULLPT induces distinct neuro-muscular adaptations in the upper and lower body musculature and is an efficient method for enhancing athletes’ physical fitness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise and Physical Fitness)
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19 pages, 1553 KiB  
Review
The Impact of Training on the Loss of Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Aging Masters Endurance Athletes
by Johannes Burtscher, Barbara Strasser, Martin Burtscher and Gregoire P. Millet
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(17), 11050; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191711050 - 03 Sep 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 14303
Abstract
Elite masters endurance athletes are considered models of optimal healthy aging due to the maintenance of high cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) until old age. Whereas a drop in VO2max in masters athletes has been broadly investigated, the modifying impact of training still [...] Read more.
Elite masters endurance athletes are considered models of optimal healthy aging due to the maintenance of high cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) until old age. Whereas a drop in VO2max in masters athletes has been broadly investigated, the modifying impact of training still remains a matter of debate. Longitudinal observations in masters endurance athletes demonstrated VO2max declines between −5% and −46% per decade that were closely related to changes in training volume. Here, using regression analyses, we show that 54% and 39% of the variance in observed VO2max decline in male and female athletes, respectively is explained by changes in training volume. An almost linear VO2max decrease was observed in studies on young and older athletes, as well as non-athletes, starting a few days after training cessation, with a decline of as much as −20% after 12 weeks. Besides a decline in stroke volume and cardiac output, training cessation was accompanied by considerable reductions in citrate synthase and succinate dehydrogenase activity (reduction in mitochondrial content and oxidative capacity). This reduction could largely be rescued within similar time periods of training (re)uptake. It is evident that training reduction or cessation leads to a considerably accelerated VO2max drop, as compared to the gradual aging-related VO2max decline, which can rapidly nullify many of the benefits of preceding long-term training efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise and Physical Fitness)
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