Integrated neuromuscular training intervention applied in schools induces a higher increase in salivary high molecular weight adiponectin and a more favorable body mass index, cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength in children as compared to the traditional physical education classes

Abstract

Background: High-molecular-weight adiponectin (HMW-adiponectin) is a cardio-metabolic health protector. Objectives: (1) to compare body mass index (BMI), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscle strength (MS) in healthy school-children depending on their baseline salivary-HMW-adiponectin concentration; and (2) to apply a 3-month integrated neuromuscular training (INT) and evaluate its effects on salivary-HMW-adiponectin concentration, BMI, CRF and MS in the same children. Additional goal: to identify if any potential changes during the 3-month period may be related to a potential change in salivary-HMW-adiponectin concentration.

Methods: Ninety children (7.4 ± 0.3 years) were recruited in primary schools and randomly allocated into control or intervention group. The intervention consisted of a 3-month INT applied during physical education (PE) classes, twice-weekly, while the control group had traditional PE classes. Body mass and height were measured, BMI was calculated and HMW-adiponectin was quantified in saliva. To assess CRF and MS, 800 m-run and hand-dynamometry were applied, respectively. All measurements were performed twice, at baseline and after 3 months.

Results: Children with higher baseline salivary-HMW-adiponectin have more favorable BMI (p = 0.006) and slightly higher CRF (p = 0.017) in comparison to the children with lower baseline salivary-HMW-adiponectin. There were no big changes after the 3-month-period neither in the control, nor the INT group. However, it is worthy to note that the INT induced slightly higher increase in salivary-HMW-adiponectin (p = 0.007), and a slightly higher improvement in BMI (p = 0.028), CRF (p = 0.043) and MS (p = 0.003), as compared to the traditional PE classes. Finally, the INT-induced improvement in CRF was associated with the increased post-salivary-HMW-adiponectin concentration (p = 0.022).

Conclusion: Main findings may suggest the potential utility of an INT as a cost-effective strategy that can be applied in schools to induce cardio-protective effects in school-children.

Keywords: cardio-metabolic health; children; high molecular weight adiponectin; integrated neuromuscular training; saliva; schools.