Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between the level of physical activity and body composition, and the levels of motor skills and strength in overweight and obese men. Methods: The research involved 64 men. Body composition, physical activity, motor control, Motor Control Test (MCT), and strength variables were evaluated. Body composition was assessed by DXA, and the participants were classified into two groups according to the percentage of total fat mass: greater and less than 27.65%. Physical activity was assessed using accelerometry, and motor control was measured with posturography, which provided a composite score of motor performance and postural control effectiveness. Strength was assessed using hand, leg, and back dynamometers. Results: The participants with a higher percentage of body fat had a lower DSI (Dynamic Strength Index) (p < 0.001) and significantly reduced PAL (physical activity level) and energy expenditure (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in the muscle strength of the upper limbs (p = 0.06) and lower limbs (p = 0.419). With regard to MCT, there was a significant difference between groups in the backward direction (p = 0.041), with the group with the highest percentage of body fat showing lower values. Conclusions: Individuals with a higher percentage of body fat tend to have lower levels of strength, physical activity, and energy expenditure, which can lead to impaired balance. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve body composition and levels of strength and physical activity, with a positive impact on general health and quality of life. Emphasis should be placed on improving physical activity levels in male individuals with a higher percentage of fat mass to improve their body composition and dynamic strength levels, which are beneficial to life, particularly to help improve postural control.

Hormonal variations during the menstrual cycle (MC) impact muscular strength and flexibility in women practicing strength training, potentially leading to performance reductions and increased injury susceptibility. Understanding these variations across MC phases is crucial for precise training program guidance. This cross-sectional, exploratory study assessed muscular strength and flexibility levels during the MC in 20 women (aged 20-35) engaged in strength training for at least 6 months. The Sit and Reach Test (SRT) measured flexibility, and the 1-Maximum Repetition Test (1RM) leg extension evaluated muscular strength during menstrual, post-menstrual, and pre-menstrual phases. While the post-menstrual period showed the highest strength values (50.65 ± 17.70 kg), no significant differences were observed compared to other phases. However, flexibility was significantly higher in the post-menstrual period (29.43 ± 8.69 cm) compared to menstrual (p=0.002) and pre-menstrual phases (p=0.001). Statistically, no significant differences were found in strength performance. Nevertheless, flexibility appeared influenced by MC phases, with superior outcomes in the post-menstrual period. This research enhances our understanding of how MC phases may impact strength and flexibility in women engaged in strength training, providing valuable insights for tailoring training programs to individual needs. Keywords: Hormonal fluctuations, Women's fitness, Exercise performance, Strength Training, Flexibility.

Background: Nowadays, not only is a high, long life expectancy desired, but also longevity with quality. Quality of life in adulthood is a multidimensional construct related to the perception of one’s own health, psychological and socio-emotional factors, functionality for daily activities, and body composition. Objective: This study evaluates the effects of physical activity level (PAL), strength, balance, and body composition on perceived health in healthy adults. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study with consecutive, non-probabilistic inclusion of cases was conducted. Body fat percentage (BFP) was measured by DXA. Physical activity level was assessed using accelerometry. The strength index (S_Index) was estimated using dynamometry. Postural control was assessed through posturography. The composite equilibrium score from the Sensory Organization Test (SOT_CES) was conducted to measure postural stability under various sensory conditions using dynamic posturography. Perceived health was calculated using the SF36 questionnaire, which detects health states, both positive and negative. A linear regression model was generated between each domain of SF36 with SOT_CES, BFP, PAL, and S_Index. Results: A total of 64 males with a mean age of 55 ± 5 years and a mean body mass index of 27 ± 4 kg/m² were recruited. Results showed a negative correlation between physical function (ß = −0.7; t = −3.163; p = 0.003; R² = 23.7%) and general health (ß = −0.227; t = −3.425; p = 0.001; R² = 17.4%) with BFP. Also, it showed a negative correlation between physical function (ß = 0.047; t = −2.643; p = 0.011; R² = 17.5%) and general health (ß = 0.016; t = −3.044; p = 0.004; R² = 14.6%) with S_Index. On the other hand, no relation was observed between SF36 and SOT_CES. Finally, only the emotional role showed a positive correlation (ß = −0.02; t = −2.629; p = 0.011; R² = 23.1%) with PAL. Conclusion: A lower BFP and higher S_Index are associated with increased physical function and general health. Also, the higher the PAL, the greater the emotional health. On the other hand, no relation was observed between SF36 and the balance detected from SOT_CES.

The search for ergogenic strategies to enhance physical performance in both professional and amateur sports has, in recent years, led to a growing consumption of beverages and supplements known as ...