scholarly journals Cardiorespiratory Fitness as a Correlate of Cardiovascular, Anthropometric, and Physical Risk Factors: Using the Ruffier Test as a Template

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Khalid A. Alahmari ◽  
Kanagaraj Rengaramanujam ◽  
Ravi Shankar Reddy ◽  
Paul Silvian Samuel ◽  
Venkata Nagaraj Kakaraparthi ◽  
...  

Background. Assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a standard procedure in routine clinical practices. Early identification of risk factors through screening is vital in the fight against chronic diseases. Evaluation of CRF can impose cost implications in the clinical setting; thus, a simple and easy-to-use test is to be advocated. The Ruffier test is a simple test that can assess CRF, and it is necessary to find whether the test reflects the effects of compounding factors in CRF. Objective. This study aims to determine the association between CRF (estimated VO2max) with cardiovascular, anthropometric, and physical risk factors using the Ruffier test. Methods. A cross-sectional study with a sample of 52 male participants was conducted. Before the Ruffier test, each participant’s body weight, height, waist circumference, skinfold thickness, thigh length, lower-limb length, thigh circumference, physical activity, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and pulmonary functions were recorded, and these factors correlated with CRF. Results. There was a significant inverse relationship found between the estimated VO2max and age, height, body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, a sum of skinfold, fat percentage, thigh length, lower-limb length, thigh circumference, smoking, blood pressure, heart rates, and diabetes p<0.05. A significant positive correlation was found between the estimated VO2max with physical activity and respiratory functions p<0.05. In the multivariable model, body weight and resting heart rate were significantly inversely associated with the estimated VO2maxp<0.05. Conclusion. Using the Ruffier test, various risk factors of CRF are correlated with the estimated VO2max. This test reflects the effects of different compounding factors on CRF; therefore, it can be used in routine clinical practices to identify the risk factors early.

Author(s):  
Rubina Mulchandani ◽  
Ambalam M. Chandrasekaran ◽  
Roopa Shivashankar ◽  
Dimple Kondal ◽  
Anurag Agrawal ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Adults in urban areas spend almost 77% of their waking time being inactive at workplaces, which leaves little time for physical activity. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to synthesize evidence for the effect of workplace physical activity interventions on the cardio-metabolic health markers (body weight, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, lipids and blood glucose) among working adults. Methods All experimental studies up to March 2018, reporting cardio-metabolic worksite intervention outcomes among adult employees were identified from PUBMED, EMBASE, COCHRANE CENTRAL, CINAHL and PsycINFO. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess bias in studies. All studies were assessed qualitatively and meta-analysis was done where possible. Forest plots were generated for pooled estimates of each study outcome. Results A total of 33 studies met the eligibility criteria and 24 were included in the meta-analysis. Multi-component workplace interventions significantly reduced body weight (16 studies; mean diff: − 2.61 kg, 95% CI: − 3.89 to − 1.33) BMI (19 studies, mean diff: − 0.42 kg/m2, 95% CI: − 0.69 to − 0.15) and waist circumference (13 studies; mean diff: − 1.92 cm, 95% CI: − 3.25 to − 0.60). Reduction in blood pressure, lipids and blood glucose was not statistically significant. Conclusions Workplace interventions significantly reduced body weight, BMI and waist circumference. Non-significant results for biochemical markers could be due to them being secondary outcomes in most studies. Intervention acceptability and adherence, follow-up duration and exploring non-RCT designs are factors that need attention in future research. Prospero registration number: CRD42018094436.


2016 ◽  
Vol 115 (9) ◽  
pp. 1586-1597 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Alessandra Castro ◽  
Valéria Troncoso Baltar ◽  
Dirce Maria Marchioni ◽  
Regina Mara Fisberg

AbstractThe association between dietary patterns and metabolic cardiovascular risk factors has long been addressed but there is a lack of evidence towards the effects of the overall diet on the complex net of biological inter-relationships between risk factors. This study aimed to derive dietary patterns and examine their associations with metabolic cardiovascular risk factors following a theoretic model for the relationship between them. Participants included 417 adults of both sexes, enrolled to the cross-sectional population-based study performed in Brazil. Body weight, waist circumference, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, blood pressure, total cholesterol:HDL-cholesterol ratio, TAG:HDL-cholesterol ratio, fasting plasma glucose and serum leptin were evaluated. Food consumption was assessed by two non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls adjusted for the within-person variation of intake. A total of three dietary patterns were derived by exploratory structural equation modelling: ‘Traditional’, ‘Prudent’ and ‘Modern’. The ‘Traditional’ pattern had a negative and direct effect on obesity indicators (serum LEP, body weight and waist circumference) and negative indirect effects on total cholesterol:HDL-cholesterol ratio, TAG:HDL-cholesterol ratio and fasting plasma glucose. The ‘Prudent’ pattern had a negative and direct effect on systolic blood pressure. No association was observed for the ‘Modern’ pattern and metabolic risk factors. In conclusion, the ‘Traditional’ and ‘Prudent’ dietary patterns were negatively associated with metabolic cardiovascular risk factors among Brazilian adults. Their apparent protective effects against obesity and high blood pressure may be important non-pharmacological strategies for the prevention and control of obesity-related metabolic disorders and CVD.


Author(s):  
Mette Aadahl ◽  
Michael Kjær ◽  
Torben Jørgensen

Introduction Sedentary behaviour, especially TV viewing, has been identified as a possible risk factor for cardiovascular disease, whereas physical activity seems to protect against major cardiovascular risk factors: obesity, dyslipidemia and hypertension. The aim of this study was to explore the association between both time spent on TV viewing and vigorous intensity physical activity in relation to body mass index, waist circumference, waist/hip ratio, serum lipids and blood pressure. Methods A total of 1693 men and women, 33-64 years of age, from the 3-year follow-up of a population-based intervention study, The Inter 99 study, were included in this cross-sectional design. Information on TV viewing, physical activity and other lifestyle habits was obtained by self-report questionnaire. Associations between TV viewing/physical activity and biological cardiovascular risk factors were explored by multiple linear regression analyses. Results Data from 835 (51%) men and 805 (49%) women were included. Mean age was 50.8 years (33.0-64.6). Men had a higher overall physical activity score than women ( P < 0.0001). TV viewing was significantly, positively associated with waist/hip ratio ( P = 0.005), body mass index ( P = 0.03), triglycerides ( P = 0.005), low density lipoprotein cholesterol ( P = 0.03), total cholesterol ( P = 0.01), systolic ( P = 0.05) and diastolic blood pressure ( P = 0.03), but not with waist circumference and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL). Engaging in vigorous intensity physical activity was associated with higher HDL ( P = 0.0006) and lower waist circumference ( P < 0.0001). Conclusion TV viewing and physical activity should be regarded as separate types of behaviour that relate to different cardiovascular disease risk factors. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil 14:660-665 © 2007 The European Society of Cardiology


Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 3405-3405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shawn M Bediako ◽  
Julie Nelson ◽  
Cody Cichowitz ◽  
Tiffany Yu ◽  
C. Patrick Carroll ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The life span of individuals living with sickle cell disease (SCD) has increased considerably over the past three decades. Yet, as this group ages, new concerns emerge about their overall health profile - particularly with regard to cardiovascular disease (CVD), the primary cause of mortality in the United States. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of conditions that are associated with a 2-fold increase in CVD outcomes and a 1.5-fold increase in all-cause mortality. Little is known, however, about the prevalence of MetS risk factors among adults with SCD. As part of exploring the CVD profile of this population, we report findings from a pilot study that sought to evaluate MetS (typically defined as the presence of 3 or more risk factors). Methods: 49 adults (ages 21-66 years; 72% female) completed demographic and health behavior surveys, health-related family and personal histories, anthropometric measurements, the Block 2005 nutritional assessment, and a comprehensive blood panel. In terms of SCD genotype, 63% of participants were diagnosed with homozygous sickle cell anemia and 37% were diagnosed with hemoglobin SC disease. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to summarize and compare MetS components stratified in separate analyses by genotype and sex. Results: The most prevalent MetS risk factors observed in our study - large waist circumference and reduced HDL levels - affected 45% and 69% of the sample, respectively. Overall, 16% of participants met traditional criteria for MetS. Table 1 summarizes mean values and shows the gender-adjusted risk for MetS. Although 78% of the sample self-reported moderate to high physical activity, nearly half of participants were overweight and had dietary saturated fat intake levels that exceeded both the national average and US Dietary Guidelines (<10%). Participants with the SC phenotype were older, consumed more calories, and had higher BMI, waist circumference, and BP values compared to those with the SS phenotype. Overall, males had worse MetS risk profiles compared to women, but no statistically significant sex differences were observed with regard to components of MetS. Conclusion: We report prevalence of MetS components, a surrogate of CVD risk, in a sample of adults living with SCD. Despite high levels of self-reported physical activity, both increased waist circumference and reduced HDL levels were notably high in our sample. These findings correspond with recent studies that indicate an upward trend in obesity and BMI among young adults with SCD. They also suggest a need to prioritize weight management, aerobic exercise, and resistance training strategies that could decrease MetS risk, but are rarely considered for this population. Table 1. Metabolic syndrome risk among adults living with SCD (N=49) Mean Value (SD) Proportion at Risk* Male (n = 14) Female (n = 35) Male (n = 14) Female (n = 35) Age (years) 41.6 (10.76) 39.3 (12.86) - - Waist circumference (cm) 96.53 (21.99) 90.75 (14.05) 42.9% 45.7% Triglycerides (mg/dL) 114.21 (57.22) 83.36 (36.21) 21.4% 3.0% HDL (mg/dL) 35.07 (9.51) 51.30 (20.31) 78.6% 69.7% Systolic BP 115.79 (15.00) 108.59 (13.15) 21.4% 8.6% Diastolic BP 69.11 (8.99) 62.17 (6.18) 0.0% 0.0% Fasting Glucose (mg/dL) 86.50 (8.07) 80.91 (13.73) 0.0% 9.0% Metabolic Syndrome - - 28.6% 8.6% *"Risk" is defined as: waist circumference > 89cm (Females) and > 102cm (Males); triglyceride levels > 150mg/dL; HDL levels < 50mg/dL (Females) and < 40mg/dL (Males); systolic blood pressure > 130; diastolic blood pressure > 85; fasting glucose levels > 100mg/dL. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shafiqah Mohd Radhi ◽  
Nur Zakiah Mohd Saat ◽  
Nor Farah Mohamad Fauzi ◽  
Siti Aishah Hanawi

Physical activity is an important component of cardiovascular health. The fact that physical activity is also associated with a substantial number of cognitive and academic benefits, therefore schools teachers can be an important role model in promoting a physically-active lifestyle in school children. The aim of this study is to examine the levels of physical activity (PA) and its association with cardiovascular risk factors in a sample of school teachers. Forty-nine (n=49) teachers from primary and secondary schools around Klang Valley urban areas were recruited. The PA level was determined using pedometer, worn for three consecutive days. Anthropometric measurements and blood samples were collected to determine cardiovascular risk factors. Findings showed that the school teachers recorded an overall mean (± SEM) of 7707 ± 490 steps/day, which is below the recommended target of 10 000 steps per day. According to pedometer-determined physical activity indices proposed by Tudor-Locke and Bassett (2004), 20.83% of the sample were classified as ‘sedentary’ (<5000 steps/day), 35.40% were ‘low active’ (5000 – 7499 steps/day) and only 18.70% achieved more than 10 000 steps/day. According to Asian BMI cut-off points, 43% of the teachers were categorized as overweight and obese (>23 kg/m2). The mean values for waist circumference, fasting blood sugar, and cholesterol level, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 83.96 ± 1.90 cm, 5.41 ± 0.26 mmol/l, 4.64±0.26 mmol/l, 118.90 ± 1.72 mmHg and 72.40±1.58 mmHg respectively. Fisher Exact Test shown that there were significant association between daily step and age category. Daily steps weakly negative correlated with systolic blood pressure (r = -0.024, p > 0.05) as well as blood sugar levels (r = -0.061, p> 0.05), diastolic blood pressure (r = -0.079, p> 0.05), body mass index (r = -0.271, p> 0.05), waist circumference (r = -0.196, p> 0.05), as well as blood cholesterol levels (r = -0.037, p> 0.05). In conclusion, there were weak negative correlations between steps per day and cardiovascular risk factors. Generally, the level of physical activity in the sample of teachers needs to be improved. Interventions aimed at promoting PA among school teachers may be warranted in the future.


1997 ◽  
Vol 82 (2) ◽  
pp. 652-660 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edith T. Stevenson ◽  
Kevin P. Davy ◽  
Pamela P. Jones ◽  
Christopher A. Desouza ◽  
and Douglas R. Seals ◽  
...  

Stevenson, Edith T., Kevin P. Davy, Pamela P. Jones, Christopher A. Desouza, and Douglas R. Seals. Blood pressure risk factors in healthy postmenopausal women: physical activity and hormone replacement. J. Appl. Physiol. 82(2): 652–660, 1997.—The prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) increases with advancing age in women, particularly after menopause. CVD risk is lower in physically active women relative to their sedentary peers, but the responsible mechanisms are not well understood. The aims of this study were to test the hypotheses that 1) physically active postmenopausal women demonstrate more favorable blood pressure (BP)-related risk factors for CVD than do sedentary healthy women and 2) women on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) also have more favorable levels of these CVD risk factors. BP-related CVD risk factors were measured in physically active women ( n = 18; age 55 ± 1 yr; n = 8 on HRT) and in healthy less-active controls ( n = 34; age 59 ± 1 yr; n = 17 on HRT). Maximal oxygen consumption was higher in the active group, whereas waist-to-hip ratio and waist circumference were lower (all P < 0.005). The active women demonstrated marginally lower (5–8 mmHg; P ≤ 0.10) levels of casual, 24-h, and daytime systolic BP (SBP). They also tended to have lower ( P = 0.11) daytime SBP loads (percentage of BP recordings >140/90 mmHg) and lower daytime and nighttime BP variabilities ( P = 0.04) and a reduced ( P < 0.007) SBP response to submaximal exercise. Women on HRT tended to have lower (3–4 mmHg; P = 0.07) levels of 24-h and nighttime diastolic BP (DBP) relative to the nonusers and smaller ( P < 0.04) daytime and 24-h DBP loads. Stepwise multiple regression indicated that waist circumference was the primary predictor of most of the SBP-related CVD risk factors while HRT use was the best predictor for DBP loads. These findings indicate that, in general, physically active postmenopausal women demonstrate more favorable SBP-related CVD risk factors relative to their less-active healthy peers, which may be mediated, in part, by their lower levels of abdominal adiposity. In addition, HRT use tends to be associated with lower levels of DBP-related CVD risk factors.


2011 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Kellow

Time constraints and lack of awareness of risk factors for future chronic disease development prevent many young adults from accessing lifestyle programs offered by local health services. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a rural pharmacy-based multidisciplinary healthy lifestyle pilot program on reducing risk factors for chronic disease development among young adults. Individuals under the age of 50 with chronic disease risk factors were referred to the program. All subjects were provided with free after-hours nutritional counselling from a dietitian at the local community pharmacy, a comprehensive medication review conducted by the pharmacist, gym membership and access to cooking classes and supermarket tours. Selected participants also received bulk-billed GP appointments and assistance with establishing a home vegetable garden. Body weight, waist circumference, fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity were assessed at baseline and after program conclusion. Forty participants regularly attended the program between March 2009 and March 2010. At program conclusion, mean body weight was reduced by 3.8 ± 6.7 kg (P < 0.001) and waist circumference reduced by 3.9 ± 6.5 cm (P < 0.001). Fruit consumption increased by 1.2 ± 0.2 serves/day (P < 0.001) and vegetable intake increased by 1.6 ± 1.0 serves/day (P < 0.001). Participants also spent an average of 88.0 ± 47.7 more min/week (P < 0.001) engaged in physical activity on completion of the program. The community pharmacy provided an accessible location for the delivery of a successful chronic disease risk reduction program targeting young adults in a rural area.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0256448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabrielle ten Velde ◽  
Guy Plasqui ◽  
Maartje Willeboordse ◽  
Bjorn Winkens ◽  
Anita Vreugdenhil

Introduction Physical activity (PA) plays an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, especially in children. Previous studies which investigated the role of PA and sedentary time (ST) in cardiovascular disease used different measurements and found inconsistent results. The current study used recommended standardized measures and provides an overview of PA and ST among Dutch primary school children and their associations with cardiovascular risk factors. Methods 503 children (55% girls, mean age (± SD) 10 ± 1y) were included. PA (total PA, lightPA and moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA)) and ST were measured with the Actigraph GT3X accelerometer. PA in different domains was measured with the BAECKE questionnaire. Cardiovascular risk factors included BMI z-score, waist circumference, blood pressure (z-score) and estimated cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) as measured with the 20 meter shuttle run test. Results Children spent 57 ± 20 min/day (8%) on MVPA and 42% of the children reached the MVPA guideline of 60 min/day. Total PA and MVPA (h/day) were negatively associated with BMI z-score (B = -0.452, p = 0.011) and waist circumference (B = -3.553, p = 0.011) and positively associated with CRF (B = 2.527, p = <0.001). ST was positively associated with BMI z-score (B = 0.108, p = 0.048) and waist circumference (B = 0.920, p = 0.033). No significant associations were found between total PA or PA intensities and blood pressure. Conclusion This study used standardized measures of PA and therefore created an accurate overview of PA, ST and their associations with cardiovascular risk factors. PA and ST were associated with BMI z-score, waist circumference and CRF. The findings emphasize the importance of promoting MVPA in children, but also highlight the potential benefits of reducing ST to improve cardiovascular risk factors. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03440580.


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