Mayorga-Vega, D., Viciana, J., Cocca, A., & Merino-Marban, R. (2014). Criterion-related validity of toetouch test for estimating hamstring extensibility: A meta-analysis J. Hum. Sport Exerc., 9(1), pp. 188-200. The main purpose of the present meta-analysis was to examine the scientific literature on the criterionrelated validity of the toe-touch test for estimating hamstring extensibility. For this purpose relevant studies were searched from five electronic databases dated up through September 2012. Primary outcomes of criterion-related validity were Pearson´s zero-order correlation coefficients (r) between the toe-touch test and hamstring extensibility criterion measure. Then, from the included studies, the Hunter-Schmidt´s psychometric meta-analysis approach was conducted to estimate population criterion-related validity of the toe-touch test. Firstly, the corrected correlation mean (rp), unaffected by sampling error and measurement error, was calculated. Subsequently, the three potential moderator variables (sex of participants, age of participants, and level of hamstring extensibility) were examined by a partially hierarchical analysis. Of the six studies included in the present meta-analysis, 12 correlations values were retrieved. The overall results showed that the toe-touch test have a moderate mean criterion-related validity for estimating hamstring extensibility (rp = 0.66, 0.54-0.79). Generally, females, children and individuals with high levels of hamstring extensibility seem to have greater mean values of criterion-related validity for estimating hamstring extensibility. However, due to the low number of r values found, the fact that almost all the 95% CIs of mean correlation coefficients were overlapped, and that criterion-related validity of the toe-touch test within each category was still heterogeneous, we should be cautious with the results of the present meta-analysis. When the use of the angular tests is limited, the toe-touch test seems to be a useful alternative to estimate hamstring extensibility.

The aim of this study was to analyze the current physical activity (PA) levels in youth and young adults from Granada, Spain, and to assess if they accomplish the recommendations for healthy PA. A sample of 1,832 boys and 1,840 girls was administered the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results showed that most of the children (72.2%) and adolescents (56.4%) reached the recommended PA levels, whereas only 40% of young adults achieved recommended levels of PA. The most active were students from Primary schools, whereas university students were the least active. Youth of college and university ages were found to be at higher risk for engagement in PA.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a circuit training program along with a maintenance program on muscular and cardiovascular endurance in children in a physical education setting. Seventy two children 10–12 years old from four different classes were randomly grouped into either an experimental group (n = 35) or a control group (n = 37) (two classes for each group). After an eight-week development program carried out twice a week and a four-week detraining period, the experimental group performed a four-week maintenance program once a week. The program included one circuit of eight stations of 15/45 to 35/25 seconds of work/rest performed twice. Abdominal muscular endurance (sit-ups in 30 seconds test), upper-limbs muscular endurance (bent arm hang test), and cardiovascular endurance (20-m endurance shuttle run test) were measured at the beginning and at the end of the development program, and at the end of the maintenance program. After the development program, muscular and cardiovascular endurance increased significantly in the experimental group (p < 0.05). The gains obtained remained after the maintenance program. The respective values did not change in the control group (p > 0.05). The results showed that the circuit training program was effective to increase and maintain both muscular and cardiovascular endurance among schoolchildren. This could help physical education teachers design programs that permit students to maintain fit muscular and cardiovascular endurance levels.

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The aim of this study was to assess the effects of an aerobic training program as complementary therapy in patients suffering from moderate depression. 82 female patients weredivided into a group that received traditional pharmacotherapy (Fluoxetine 20 mg) and a group that received pharmacotherapy plus an aerobic training program. This program was carried out for eight consecutive weeks, three days per week, and included gymnastics, dancing, and walking. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Beck Depression Inventory and the ICD-10 Guide for Depression Diagnosis, both administered before and after treatments. The results confirm the effectiveness of the aerobic training program as a complementary therapy to diminish depressive symptoms in patients suffering from moderate depression.