This study examined the effects of a 6-week intermittent exercise training, at different intensities, on body composition, functional walking and aerobic endurance in overweight children. Forty-eight overweight children (age: 10.4 ± 0.9 years) were randomly assigned to either intervention or control group. Lower and higher intensity intermittent exercise groups (LIIE and HIIE) performed intermittent running three times a week. LIIE performed more intervals at a lower intensity [16 intervals at 100% of individual maximal aerobic speed (MAS), 8 minutes in total], and HIIE performed fewer intervals at a higher intensity (12 intervals at 120% of MAS, 6 minutes in total). Each interval consisted of a 15-second run at the required speed, followed by a 15-second passive recovery. After 6 weeks, HIIE had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher percentage reduction in sum of skinfolds (i.e. calf and triceps), and significantly (p < 0.05) fewer steps during the functional obstacle performance, as compared with LIIE and control group. Significant improvement (p < 0.05) was found in intermittent aerobic endurance for HIIE as compared to the control group. Higher intensity intermittent training is an effective and time-efficient intervention for improving body composition, functional walking and aerobic endurance in overweight children.
Background and Aims
A novel bioactive peptide, mitochondrial‐derived peptide (MOTS‐c), has recently attracted attention as a potential prevention or therapeutic option for obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). MOTS‐c profiles have not yet been reported in human obesity and T2DM. We aimed to determine circulating MOTS‐c levels in obesity and explore the association between MOTS‐c levels and various metabolic parameters.
Methods
In this case‐control study, 40 obese children and adolescents (27 males) and 57 controls (40 males) were recruited in the Hubei Province of China in 2017. Circulating MOTS‐c levels were measured, clinical data (eg, glucose, insulin, and lipid profile) were recorded, and anthropometric measurements were performed. Finally, we investigated correlations between MOTS‐c levels and related variables.
Results
MOTS‐c levels were significantly decreased in the obese group compared with the control group (472.61 ±22.83 vs 561.64 ±19.19 ng/mL, P <.01). After classification by sex, MOTS‐c levels were significantly decreased in obese male children and adolescents compared to their counterparts (465.26 ±24.53 vs 584.07 ±21.18 ng/mL, P <.001), while they were comparable between the obese and healthy female subjects (487.89 ±49.77 vs 508.85 ±38.76 ng/mL, P >.05). Further, MOTS‐c levels were negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI), BMI SD score, waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio, fasting insulin level, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in the male cohort.
Conclusions
Circulating MOTS‐c levels were decreased in obese male children and adolescents and correlated with markers of insulin resistance and obesity.
BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) correlates have not been extensively studied in Hong Kong children.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to assess the validity and reliability of translated scales to measure PA related self-efficacy, enjoyment and social support in Hong Kong Chinese children.MethodsSample 1 (n = 273, aged 8–12 years) was recruited (May–June, 2013) from two primary schools. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were conducted to assess factorial validity. Criterion validity was assessed by correlating measured constructs with self-reported PA. Cronbach's alpha was computed to assess scale internal consistency. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was performed to assess scale test–retest reliability. Criterion validity was further examined in Sample 2 (n = 84, aged 8–12 years) from a third school by correlating measured constructs with objectively measured PA collected in September 2013 and February 2014.ResultsThe CFA results supported the one-factor structure of the scales. All PA correlates were significantly (p < 0.01) associated with self-reported PA in Sample 1. Self-efficacy and enjoyment were significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with objectively measured PA in Sample 2. All the scales demonstrated acceptable internal consistency. All ICC values of the scales suggested acceptable test–retest reliability.ConclusionThe results provide psychometric support for using the scales to measure PA correlates among Hong Kong Chinese children.
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