Article
Sport Sciences
Eero A. Haapala, Emmi Kuronen, Johanna K. Ihalainen, Niina Lintu, Marja H. Leppaenen, Tuomo Tompuri, Mustafa Atalay, Ursula Schwab, Timo A. Lakka
Summary: This study found that physical fitness is associated with systemic low-grade inflammation in children. Specifically, higher cardiorespiratory fitness, greater number of completed sit-ups, longer distance jumped in the standing long jump, and shorter time in the 50-meter shuttle run were associated with lower inflammatory biomarkers. However, these associations were not significant after adjusting for body fat percentage.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE & SCIENCE IN SPORTS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Miriam Garrido-Miguel, Vicente Martinez-Vizcaino, Ruben Fernandez-Rodriguez, Isabel Antonia Martinez-Ortega, Luis Enrique Hernandez-Castillejo, Bruno Bizzozero-Peroni, Marta Carolina Ruiz-Grao, Arthur Eumann Mesas
Summary: High nut consumption in young adults is associated with better physical fitness and lower adiposity-related measures compared to low nut consumption, with cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength acting as mediators in this relationship.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Eero A. Haapala, Marja H. Leppanen, Maarit Lehti, Niina Lintu, Tuomo Tompuri, Anna Viitasalo, Ursula Schwab, Timo A. Lakka
Summary: Cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with a cardioprotective metabolite profile in children, independent of body fat percentage. Associations between fitness and certain serum metabolites remained significant even after adjusting for body fat.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nils Georg Niederstrasser, Nina Attridge
Summary: The study found that high levels of physical activity were associated with a reduced risk of suffering from musculoskeletal pain. In addition, low wealth, being female, and being overweight or obese were identified as risk factors for musculoskeletal pain.
Article
Sport Sciences
Antonio Garcia-Hermoso, David Martinez-Gomez, Jorge del Rosario Fernandez-Santos, Francisco B. Ortega, Jose Castro-Pinero, Charles H. Hillman, Oscar L. Veiga, Irene Esteban-Cornejo
Summary: This study examined the longitudinal associations between changes in physical fitness components, body mass index, and academic performance in youths. It found that maintaining high cardiorespiratory fitness and motor ability was associated with better academic performance, while changes in weight status could lead to lower academic performance. Additionally, cardiorespiratory fitness may help mitigate the negative impact of excess body mass index on academic performance. Promoting physical activity programs in schools that focus on improving fitness and reducing obesity could benefit both physical health and academic development.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE & SCIENCE IN SPORTS
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kaija Appelqvist-Schmidlechner, Jani Raitanen, Tommi Vasankari, Heikki Kyroelaeinen, Arja Haekkinen, Tuomas Honkanen, Jani P. Vaara
Summary: The study found a relationship between total physical activity and symptoms of mental health problems, but no relationship with mental well-being. These results suggest that physical activity may have a stronger association with mental health problems in young adult males.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sasa Duric, Spela Bogataj, Vinko Zovko, Vedrana Sember
Summary: The study found that adolescent girls are more physically active during weekdays compared to weekends, and that physical education grades are most strongly correlated with physical fitness test results. However, correlations decrease for daily physical activity and weekend physical activity with academic performance.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Sport Sciences
Jamie L. Tait, Taya A. Collyer, Seana L. Gall, Costan G. Magnussen, Alison J. Venn, Terence Dwyer, Brooklyn J. Fraser, Chris Moran, Velandai K. Srikanth, Michele L. Callisaya
Summary: This study found that specific profiles of childhood fitness and obesity were associated with midlife cognition. Profiles characterized by poorer cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular endurance, and power were associated with lower psychomotor-attention and global cognition in midlife. However, no associations were found with learning-working memory. Strategies that improve low fitness and decrease obesity levels in childhood could contribute to improvements in cognitive performance in midlife.
JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND MEDICINE IN SPORT
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Shelley E. Keating, Gregore I. Mielke, Sara King-Dowling, Brian W. Timmons, Matthew Kwan, John Cairney
Summary: This study examined the associations between aerobic and anaerobic fitness, device-measured physical activity, and body adiposity in children aged 4-5 years. The results showed that lower aerobic fitness and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were associated with higher body adiposity in preschoolers, regardless of motor coordination.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ming Gu, Chia-Chen Liu, Chi-Chieh Hsu, Chi-Jie Lu, Tian-Shyug Lee, Mingchih Chen, Chien-Chang Ho
Summary: This study found significant associations between sleep duration and physical fitness, obesity, functional fitness, and self-perception of health among young to middle-aged adults in Taiwan. Different optimal sleep durations were observed for men and women in relation to obesity-related values and functional fitness performances. The findings of this study could have important implications for public health management and clinical research on physical fitness in Taiwan.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Aleksander Veraksa, Alla Tvardovskaya, Margarita Gavrilova, Vera Yakupova, Martin Musalek
Summary: The study focused on the relationship between physical fitness and executive functions in preschoolers, finding that inhibitory control and working memory were positively associated with physical fitness, while cognitive flexibility was not. The results were interpreted from neuropsychological, Jean Piaget's theory and cultural-historical perspectives.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
Po Ling Chen, Nur Amira A. Mutalib, Guan You Goh
Summary: This study aimed to compare the levels of physical activity, quality of life, motives for physical activity, and stages of change between young and mid adults. The results showed that young adults engaged in more physical activity, particularly light activity, while mid adults had higher levels of quality of life in various domains. Appearance was a stronger motivator for physical activity in young adults. The study also found positive correlations between vigorous physical activity and certain domains of quality of life, as well as motivations for competence. The findings suggest that both age groups have similar patterns of stages of change, with contemplation being the most common stage for moderate and light physical activity, and maintenance being the most common stage for vigorous physical activity.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Tarja Rajalahti, Eivind Aadland, Geir Kate Resaland, Sigmund Alfred Anderssen, Olav Martin Kvalheim
Summary: Physical activity is associated with a favorable cardiometabolic pattern, including increased HDL and decreased triglycerides, while adiposity is inversely related to this pattern. These associations remain strong after adjustment, with lipoproteins explaining more of the variation in adiposity compared to PA.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Natalie Pearson, Paula Griffiths, Esther van Sluijs, Andrew J. Atkin, Kamlesh Khunti, Lauren B. Sherar
Summary: This study examined the associations between socioeconomic position and physical activity and sedentary behaviors of young people in the UK. The results showed that the relationship between socioeconomic position and physical activity or sedentary behavior varied depending on the indicators used and the behavioral outcomes. The study highlights the need for greater consistency in measuring socioeconomic position and behavioral outcomes for more robust meta-analyses specific to the country.
Article
Pediatrics
Laura Redondo-Gutierrez, Rocio Carballo Afonso, Antonio Molina, Miguel A. Sanchez-Lastra, Carlos Ayan
Summary: Health-related physical fitness (HRPF) is an important indicator of children's health, encompassing cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. Understanding the relationship between perceived and desired levels of HRPF is crucial to maintaining regular physical activity. Research has shown that children who perceive themselves as fit show a stronger desire to achieve higher levels of HRPF.
Article
Sport Sciences
Essi K. Ahokas, Johanna K. Ihalainen, Helen G. Hanstock, Eero Savolainen, Heikki Kyrolainen
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a single infrared sauna session on post-exercise recovery. The results showed that infrared sauna attenuated the decrease in explosive performance and decreased muscle soreness after exercise.
Article
Sport Sciences
Olli-Pekka Nuuttila, Pekka Matomaki, Heikki Kyrolainen, Ari Nummela
Summary: This study examined the predictive quality of intervals performed at maximal sustainable effort to predict 3-km and 10-km running times. Changes in interval performance and associated changes in running performance were investigated. Results showed that maximal sustainable effort intervals can accurately predict 3-km and 10-km running performance and monitor training adaptations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Tommi Ojanen, Kai Pihlainen, Jani P. Vaara, Heikki Kyroelaeinen
Summary: This study found that the role of explosive power decreased and military specific aerobic endurance increased with an increase in task repetitions. These findings have important implications for optimizing training to improve military occupational performance.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Oona Kettunen, Ritva Mikkonen, Vesa Linnamo, Jaakko Mursu, Heikki Kyrolainen, Johanna K. Ihalainen
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between energy availability (EA) and macronutrient intake with performance, anthropometric characteristics, blood markers, training volume, and risk of low energy availability (LEA) in young female cross-country skiers. The results showed that body fat percentage (F%) and training volume were the most important factors explaining performance. Additionally, lower carbohydrate intake and EA increased the risk of LEA. These findings highlight the importance of adequate nutritional intake for supporting performance and overall health.
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF SPORTS NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Essi K. Ahokas, Helen G. Hanstock, Ida Lofberg, Mari Nyman, Piia Wenning, Heikki Kyrolainen, Ritva S. Mikkonen, Johanna K. Ihalainen
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate within-cycle differences in nocturnal heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) in naturally menstruating women (NM) and women using combined hormonal contraceptives (CU) or progestin-only hormonal contraceptives (PU). The results showed that the menstrual cycle and hormonal cycle phases influence autonomic nervous system balance, which is reflected in measurements of nocturnal HR and HRV.
MEDICINE & SCIENCE IN SPORTS & EXERCISE
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Akseli Laaksi, Ilkka Laaksi, Harri Pihlajamaki, Jani P. Vaara, Tiina Luukkaala, Heikki Kyrolainen
Summary: The present study examined the association of serum 25(OH)D levels with physical performance outcomes and serum levels of anabolic hormones in young men. The results showed a positive association between serum 25(OH)D levels and both aerobic and muscular fitness. Participants with sufficient levels of vitamin D also had higher levels of testosterone. Maintaining a sufficient serum 25(OH)D level may have beneficial effects on physical performance and anabolic state in young men.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Pekka Matomaki, Olli J. J. Heinonen, Ari Nummela, Jari Laukkanen, Eero-Pekka Auvinen, Leena Pirkola, Heikki Kyrolainen
Summary: This intervention study examined the effects of low-intensity and high-intensity endurance training on durability. The results showed that both types of training improved durability by reducing physiological drifts and delaying their onset, as well as by changing physiological strain. However, these improvements may not be significant for untrained individuals.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Paavo Nylanden, Mikko Virmavirta, Roope Sovelius, Heikki Kyrolainen, Tuomas Honkanen
Summary: Fighter pilots must withstand high Gz-forces that can damage the cervical spine. However, there is very little evidence on valid neck muscle strength measurement methods for fighter pilots. This study aimed to examine the validity of a commercial force gauge attached to a pilot's helmet for measuring isometric neck muscle strength.
AEROSPACE MEDICINE AND HUMAN PERFORMANCE
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Christina Mishica, Heikki Kyrolainen, Maarit Valtonen, Hans-Christer Holmberg, Vesa Linnamo
Summary: This study examined the influence of endurance training on maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)max), muscle power, and sports-related performance in cross-country skiers. The results showed that endurance training significantly improved ski-specific performance, but had minimal impact on VO(2)max. Therefore, the improvement observed may reflect better upper-body performance, rather than changes in VO(2)max.
FRONTIERS IN SPORTS AND ACTIVE LIVING
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Tommi Ojanen, Kai Pihlainen, Jussi Yli-Renko, Jani P. Vaara, Tarja Nykanen, Risto Heikkinen, Heikki Kyrolainen
Summary: This study aimed to observe the effects of a 36-hour recovery period on serum hormone concentrations, salivary cortisol, and marksmanship during a 10-day winter military survival training. The results showed that the recovery period attenuated the negative effects of the training and improved shooting performance. Therefore, appropriate recovery periods should be implemented to optimize occupational performance in high-stress environments.
BMC SPORTS SCIENCE MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Mikko Myllyla, Kai I. Parkkola, Tommi Ojanen, Olli J. Heinonen, Juha-Petri Ruohola, Tero Vahlberg, Heikki Kyrolainen
Summary: This study investigated the effects of a 12-month voluntary motivational training intervention among Finnish Defence Forces' (FDF) Navy soldiers. The results suggest that long-term voluntary training interventions may not be as successful as short-term supervised interventions. Additionally, the participants' motivation to exercise is a key factor for improving physical fitness among military personnel.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ella-Erika Soderlund, Heikki Kyrolainen, Outi M. Laitinen-Vapaavuori, Heli K. Hyytiainen
Summary: This study aims to describe a simple, easy-to-repeat, and inexpensive method for testing the intervention effects of training on endurance fitness in young Labrador Retrievers. Client-owned 16-week-old Labrador Retrievers will be divided into test and control groups. The test group will undergo an eight-week training program followed by a four-week detraining period, while the control group will live a normal puppy life. The dogs will be tested for endurance fitness four times at four-week intervals, evaluating changes in heart rate, blood lactate, heart rate recovery times, and running times.
METHODS AND PROTOCOLS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jani P. Vaara, K. Pihlainen, J. Rusila, T. Ojanen, H. Kyrolainen
Summary: This study evaluated the physical fitness and anthropometrics of soldiers during their early career. The results showed that there were small decrements in physical fitness and anthropometrics during this period. The findings suggest that support for exercise training may be needed even in the early career of soldiers.
BMJ MILITARY HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tommi Ojanen, Kai Pihlainen, Jani P. Vaara, Heikki Kyrolainen
Summary: The present study examined the changes in physiological, mental, and physical performance during a 20-day winter military training course and the subsequent 10-day recovery period. The study included 58 male soldiers who underwent measurements of body composition, serum biomarker levels, and performance tests. The results showed significant declines in body and fat mass, physical performance variables, testosterone, and IGF-1 concentrations, while sex hormone-binding globulin, creatine kinase, and C-reactive protein values increased. Although some physical performance variables returned to baseline after the recovery period, explosive force production in the upper and lower bodies remained unrecovered.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CIRCUMPOLAR HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kaija Appelqvist-Schmidlechner, Risto Heikkinen, Tommi Vasankari, Toni Virtanen, Kai Pihlainen, Tuomas Honkanen, Heikki Kyrolainen, Jani P. P. Vaara
Summary: This study examined the relationship between self-reported leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and psychosocial well-being in Finnish young men. The findings showed that LTPA was associated with higher levels of self-esteem, prosocial behavior, and good social relations. Men with friends were more likely to engage in LTPA, while those without friends were more likely to have an inactive lifestyle.
ARCHIVES OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)