Results Strong evidence was found for an inverse association between MF and total and central adiposity , and CVD and metabolic risk factors .
Strong evidence was also found for a positive association between MF and bone health and self-esteem .
Conclusion The findings of this review highlight the importance of developing MF in youth for a number of health-related benefits
Background Physical fitness during childhood and adolescence has been identified as an important determinant of current and future health status .
While research has traditionally focused on the association between cardio-respiratory fitness and health outcomes , the association between muscular fitness ( MF ) and health status has recently received increased attention .
Objective The aim of this systematic review and meta- analysis was to evaluate the potential physiological and psychological benefits associated with MF among children and adolescents .
Exercise training normalizes vascular dysfunction and improves central adiposity in obese adolescents.
OBJECTIVES We sought to characterize the impact of obesity on vascular function in adolescents and to determine whether an exercise program reverses abnormalities in endothelial function . BACKGROUND Obesity , a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease , is epidemic in Western societies , with rapid rates of increase in the young . Atherosclerosis begins in childhood , and endothelial dysfunction is its earliest detectable manifestation . METHODS The influence of eight weeks of circuit training ( CT ) was examined in 19 obese subjects ( 14.3 + /- 1.5 years ) , using a r and omized , crossover protocol . Functional capacity and muscular strength were assessed by st and ard techniques .  Body composition was examined using anthropometric measures and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry .  Conduit vessel endothelial function was assessed using high-resolution ultrasound and flow-mediated dilation ( FMD ) of the brachial artery . RESULTS Circuit training decreased abdominal and trunk fat and significantly improved fitness and muscular strength ( p < 0.05 ) . In the obese group , FMD was significantly impaired relative to control subjects ( n = 20 ) at entry ( 5.3 + /- 0.9 % vs. 8.9 + /- 1.5 % , p < 0.05 ) and was normalized after CT ( 8.8 + /- 0.8 % , p < 0.05 ) . CONCLUSIONS Circuit training improved functional capacity , muscular strength , and body composition in obese adolescents . Furthermore , conduit vessel function was normalized after exercise training . If vascular dysfunction is an integral component of the pathogenesis of vascular disease , this study supports the value of an exercise program in the management of obese adolescents
Results Strong evidence was found for an inverse association between MF and total and central adiposity , and CVD and metabolic risk factors .
Strong evidence was also found for a positive association between MF and bone health and self-esteem .
Conclusion The findings of this review highlight the importance of developing MF in youth for a number of health-related benefits
Background Physical fitness during childhood and adolescence has been identified as an important determinant of current and future health status .
While research has traditionally focused on the association between cardio-respiratory fitness and health outcomes , the association between muscular fitness ( MF ) and health status has recently received increased attention .
Objective The aim of this systematic review and meta- analysis was to evaluate the potential physiological and psychological benefits associated with MF among children and adolescents .