1
|
Maia J, Santos C, Pereira S, Hedeker D, Barreira TV, Garganta R, Farias C, Garbeloto F, Tani G, Cruz H, Chaput JP, Stodden DF, Katzmarzyk PT. A multivariate multilevel approach to unravel the associations between individual and school factors on children's motor performance in the REACT project. Am J Hum Biol 2024; 36:e24080. [PMID: 38562064 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.24080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim was to (1) estimate the relationship between physical fitness (PF) and object control fundamental movement skills (FMS), (2) identify child characteristics that relate with PF and FMS, and (3) examine associations between the school environment, PF, and FMS. METHODS The sample included 1014 Portuguese children aged 6-10 years from the REACT project. PF was assessed via running speed, shuttle run, standing long jump, handgrip, and the PACER test. Object control FMS were assessed with stationary dribble, kick, catch, overhand throw, and underhand roll. Test performances were transformed into z-scores, and their sum was expressed as overall PF and FMS. Child-level variables included body mass index (BMI) z-scores, accelerometer-measured sedentary time and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and socioeconomic status (SES). School size, physical education classes, practice areas, and equipment were also assessed. RESULTS Approximately, 90% of the variance in object control PF and FMS was at the child level, and 10% at the school level. The correlation between PF and object control FMS was .62, which declined to .43 with the inclusion of covariates. Older, more active, and higher SES children had higher object control PF and FMS, and boys outperformed girls. BMI was negatively associated with PF but not with object control FMS. Sedentary time and number of physical education classes were not significant predictors. Most school predictors did not jointly associate with PF and object control FMS. CONCLUSION PF and object control FMS z-scores were moderately related. Not all child characteristics were associated with both PF and object control FMS, and their effect sizes were different. School characteristics only explained 10% of the total variation in PF and object control FMS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Maia
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Santos
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Research Center in Sport, Physical Education, and Exercise and Health (CIDEFES), Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, Lusófona University, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sara Pereira
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Research Center in Sport, Physical Education, and Exercise and Health (CIDEFES), Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, Lusófona University, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Donald Hedeker
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Tiago V Barreira
- Department of Exercise Science, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Rui Garganta
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cláudio Farias
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Garbeloto
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Motor Behavior Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sports, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Go Tani
- Motor Behavior Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sports, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hugo Cruz
- Matosinhos City-Hall, Division of Innovation, Education and Pedagogy, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Jean-Philippe Chaput
- Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - David F Stodden
- Department of Educational and Developmental Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Alaniz-Arcos JL, Ortiz-Cornejo ME, Larios-Tinoco JO, Klünder-Klünder M, Vidal-Mitzi K, Gutiérrez-Camacho C. Differences in the absolute muscle strength and power of children and adolescents with overweight or obesity: a systematic review. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:474. [PMID: 37726719 PMCID: PMC10510195 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04290-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to describe absolute muscle strength and power in children and adolescents with obesity, overweight and normal weight, and the assessment tests and tools used. We retrieved observational studies from MEDLINE (PubMed), TripDataBase, Epistemonikos, EBSCO essentials, NICE, SCOPUS, and LILACs up to February 2023. In addition, we recovered data from studies with at least three comparison groups (obesity, overweight, normal weight) and with a description of the absolute muscle strength and power and the assessment tests and instruments used. The methodologic quality of the studies was assessed with the Joanna Briggs checklist, and the review was carried out using the PRISMA 2020 methodology. Eleven studies with 13,451 participants from 6 to 18 years of age were once included, finding that the absolute muscle strength of their upper extremities was greater when they were overweight or obese; however, in the same groups, absolute muscle strength was lower when they carried their body weight. In addition, lower limb absolute muscle strength was significantly lower in obese participants than in normal weight, regardless of age and gender. The most used tools to measure the absolute muscle strength of the upper limbs were the grip dynamometers and push-up exercises. In contrast, different jump tests were used to measure the power of the lower limbs. There are great differences in muscle strength and power between overweight or obese children and adolescents and those with normal weight. Therefore, it is recommended to use validated tests, preferably that assess strength through the load of the patient's body weight, either of the upper or lower limbs, for greater evaluation objectivity that facilitates the management of these children and adolescents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Luis Alaniz-Arcos
- Physiotherapy Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Dr. Márquez 162 Colonia Doctores, Mexico City, CP 06720 Mexico
| | - Ma. Elena Ortiz-Cornejo
- Physiotherapy Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Dr. Márquez 162 Colonia Doctores, Mexico City, CP 06720 Mexico
| | - José Omar Larios-Tinoco
- Physiotherapy Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Dr. Márquez 162 Colonia Doctores, Mexico City, CP 06720 Mexico
| | - Miguel Klünder-Klünder
- Research Headmaster’s Office, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, México
| | - Karla Vidal-Mitzi
- Physiotherapy Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Dr. Márquez 162 Colonia Doctores, Mexico City, CP 06720 Mexico
| | - Claudia Gutiérrez-Camacho
- Physiotherapy Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Dr. Márquez 162 Colonia Doctores, Mexico City, CP 06720 Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
The Most Active Child Is Not Always the Fittest: Physical Activity and Fitness Are Weakly Correlated. Sports (Basel) 2022; 11:sports11010003. [PMID: 36668707 PMCID: PMC9866618 DOI: 10.3390/sports11010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The present cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the impact of physical activity level (PA) on physical fitness by controlling for individual characteristics in Italian children. A total of 329 children (girls n = 155, 42.6%; from five primary schools, 17 classes) aged 8-10 filled out the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) to assess their PA level and performed anthropometric measurements (body mass, height, and BMI) and physical tests for measuring sprint (20 m sprint), cardiorespiratory fitness (shuttle-run test), balance (single-leg stance), handgrip strength (handgrip), lower-limb power (standing long-jump), peak force (countermovement jump), and low-back flexibility (sit-and-reach) skills. Linear mixed-effects models were applied to determine the relationship between physical fitness and PAQ-C score controlling for individual characteristics (i.e., gender, age, BMI). Results reported significant relationships between PAQ-C scores and sit-and-reach, shuttle-run, long-jump, and sprint tests. All considered physical tests were correlated with gender, age, and BMI, except for sit-and-reach from BMI. The variance in age, gender, BMI, and PAQ-C score accounted altogether for 30.0% of the variance in handgrip, 23.0% in single-leg stance, 26% in sit-and-reach, 36% in shuttle-run, 31% in long-jump, 34% in sprint, and 31% in countermovement jump. Therefore, the relationship between PA and fitness is not absolute and depends on the test and children's characteristics.
Collapse
|
4
|
Effects of a Mixed Exercise Program on Overweight and Obese Children and Adolescents: A Pilot, Uncontrolled Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159258. [PMID: 35954616 PMCID: PMC9368334 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric excess weight has reached severity worldwide, affecting physical health. Decreasing weight and body mass index (BMI) after exercise intervention reduces the cardiometabolic consequences; the role of age and gender on the effectiveness of exercise in overweight youth was debated in this study. A total of 138 overweight/obese young (75 girls, 63 boys) were recruited at Perugia (Italy) University to follow an exercise program. Participants were allocated into two groups (children, n = 88 and adolescents, n = 50). The study aimed to verify the efficacy of a mixed resistance–endurance exercise program in anthropometric and physical performance measures, evaluating the influence of gender and age on two groups of young overweight/obese participants. In children, we observed a statistically significant improvement in fat mass percentage, fat-free mass, waist circumference (WC), fat mass, as well as in strength, endurance, speed, and flexibility measures. We also observed reduced WC and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) values in girls. In the adolescents’ subgroup, results showed a statistically significant variation in fat mass percentage, BMI, WC, and WHtR, and strength of the upper and lower limbs; we also observed a weight reduction in girls. A clinical approach, with the combination of strength and dynamometric tests plus the body composition study using air plethysmography methodology, is health-effective and allows for the monitoring of the efficacy of an exercise program in overweight/obese young people.
Collapse
|
5
|
Mancini A, Martone D, Vitucci D, Capobianco A, Alfieri A, Buono P, Orrù S. Influence of Sport Practice and Body Weight on Physical Fitness in Schoolchildren Living in the Campania Region. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127412. [PMID: 35742659 PMCID: PMC9223406 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Background: Physical fitness (PF) levels correlate with health hallmarks at all ages. In this study, w aimed to determine the PF level of schoolchildren from the Campania Region (Italy) through health-related PF (HRPF) components, taking into account body weight and sport practice (SP). Methods: PF level was determined in 565 schoolchildren aged 10−13 (11.7 ± 1.0 yrs; m: 353, f: 212) using some of the Eurofit battery tests. Results: 77% children practiced sport, boys more than girls (86% vs. 63%, respectively; p < 0.05). Boys performed better than girls (p < 0.05) in the Plate Tapping, Standing Broad Jump, Bent-Arm Hang, and 10 × 5 m Shuttle Run tests; girls performed better in the Sit-and-Reach Test (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Overweight/obese status negatively affects the muscular strength of lower limbs, even if it progressively improves during growth. SP was revealed to be a determinant in performance only in some PF tests, likely due to the heterogeneous training level among boys and girls who practice sport.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Mancini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università degli Studi di Napoli Parthenope, 80133 Naples, Italy; (A.M.); (D.M.); (D.V.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (P.B.)
- CEINGE Biotecnologia Avanzate “Franco Salvatore”, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Domenico Martone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università degli Studi di Napoli Parthenope, 80133 Naples, Italy; (A.M.); (D.M.); (D.V.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (P.B.)
- CEINGE Biotecnologia Avanzate “Franco Salvatore”, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Vitucci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università degli Studi di Napoli Parthenope, 80133 Naples, Italy; (A.M.); (D.M.); (D.V.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (P.B.)
- CEINGE Biotecnologia Avanzate “Franco Salvatore”, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Adriano Capobianco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università degli Studi di Napoli Parthenope, 80133 Naples, Italy; (A.M.); (D.M.); (D.V.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (P.B.)
| | - Andreina Alfieri
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università degli Studi di Napoli Parthenope, 80133 Naples, Italy; (A.M.); (D.M.); (D.V.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (P.B.)
- CEINGE Biotecnologia Avanzate “Franco Salvatore”, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Pasqualina Buono
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università degli Studi di Napoli Parthenope, 80133 Naples, Italy; (A.M.); (D.M.); (D.V.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (P.B.)
- CEINGE Biotecnologia Avanzate “Franco Salvatore”, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Orrù
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università degli Studi di Napoli Parthenope, 80133 Naples, Italy; (A.M.); (D.M.); (D.V.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (P.B.)
- CEINGE Biotecnologia Avanzate “Franco Salvatore”, 80145 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fühner T, Granacher U, Golle K, Kliegl R. Effect of timing of school enrollment on physical fitness in third graders. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7801. [PMID: 35550561 PMCID: PMC9098412 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11710-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Timing of initial school enrollment may vary considerably for various reasons such as early or delayed enrollment, skipped or repeated school classes. Accordingly, the age range within school grades includes older-(OTK) and younger-than-keyage (YTK) children. Hardly any information is available on the impact of timing of school enrollment on physical fitness. There is evidence from a related research topic showing large differences in academic performance between OTK and YTK children versus keyage children. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare physical fitness of OTK (N = 26,540) and YTK (N = 2586) children versus keyage children (N = 108,295) in a representative sample of German third graders. Physical fitness tests comprised cardiorespiratory endurance, coordination, speed, lower, and upper limbs muscle power. Predictions of physical fitness performance for YTK and OTK children were estimated using data from keyage children by taking age, sex, school, and assessment year into account. Data were annually recorded between 2011 and 2019. The difference between observed and predicted z-scores yielded a delta z-score that was used as a dependent variable in the linear mixed models. Findings indicate that OTK children showed poorer performance compared to keyage children, especially in coordination, and that YTK children outperformed keyage children, especially in coordination. Teachers should be aware that OTK children show poorer physical fitness performance compared to keyage children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thea Fühner
- Division of Training and Movement Sciences, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Potsdam, Am Neuen Palais 10, Building 12, 14469, Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Urs Granacher
- Division of Training and Movement Sciences, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Potsdam, Am Neuen Palais 10, Building 12, 14469, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Kathleen Golle
- Division of Training and Movement Sciences, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Potsdam, Am Neuen Palais 10, Building 12, 14469, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Reinhold Kliegl
- Division of Training and Movement Sciences, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Potsdam, Am Neuen Palais 10, Building 12, 14469, Potsdam, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Drenowatz C, Chen ST, Cocca A, Ferrari G, Ruedl G, Greier K. Association of Body Weight and Physical Fitness during the Elementary School Years. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063441. [PMID: 35329129 PMCID: PMC8951208 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Physical fitness and body weight are key correlates of health. Nevertheless, an increasing number of children display poor physical fitness and high body weight. The aim of this study was to examine the prospective association of physical fitness with body weight throughout the elementary school years with a special emphasis on children with high body weight or poor physical fitness at baseline. A total of 303 Austrian children (55.1% male) completed the German motor test up to eight times over a 4-year time span (between the ages 6 and 10 years). Physical fitness did not differ across quartiles of body weight at baseline. A more pronounced weight gain, however, was associated with an impaired development of physical fitness and this association was more pronounced in children with higher baseline body weight. In addition, the detrimental effects of an impaired development of physical fitness on subsequent body weight were more pronounced in children with higher baseline body weight. No differences in the longitudinal association between body weight and physical fitness, on the other hand, were observed across quartiles of baseline fitness. These results emphasize the importance of the promotion of physical fitness, particularly in children with increased body weight, to ensure future health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Drenowatz
- Division of Sport, Physical Activity and Health, University of Education Upper Austria, 4020 Linz, Austria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-732-7470-7426
| | - Si-Tong Chen
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne 8001, Australia;
| | - Armando Cocca
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innbruck, Austria; (A.C.); (G.R.); (K.G.)
| | - Gerson Ferrari
- Escuela de Ciencias de la Actividad Física, El Deporte y la Salud, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago 7500618, Chile;
| | - Gerhard Ruedl
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innbruck, Austria; (A.C.); (G.R.); (K.G.)
| | - Klaus Greier
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innbruck, Austria; (A.C.); (G.R.); (K.G.)
- Division of Physical Education and Sports, University of Education Stams—KPH-ES, 6422 Stams, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Baj-Korpak J, Zaworski K, Stelmach MJ, Lichograj P, Wochna M. Sports activity and changes in physical fitness of Polish children and adolescents: OSF study. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:976943. [PMID: 36452358 PMCID: PMC9703092 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.976943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity promotion programs for children and adolescents should constitute the basis of any national health policy aiming to improve physical fitness, which is a significant health indicator in children, adolescents, adults as well as elderly persons. METHODS The study included 1,230 children and adolescents aged 8-16 years (60.1% of girls) from Poland. Five hundred and twenty-seven persons covered by the survey (42.8%) participated in physical activity promotion called "Athletics for All!" (AFA) as an experimental group and 703 peers not participating in any forms of physical extra-curricular activities as a control group. Participants were measured for basic anthropometric parameters and body mass indices were calculated: Body Mass Index (BMI) and Ponderal Index (PI). Evaluation of physical fitness was made using the OSF Test (3 × 10 m shuttle run, standing broad jump, 1 kg medicine ball overhead throw, 4-min run). Comparative analysis between the experimental and control groups was carried out using the T-test for independent samples. Analysis of correlations between quantitative variables was performed with Pearson's r coefficient. RESULTS Statistically significant differences in all the tests were noted between the experimental group (AFA) and the control group in favor of the former one. Taking into account reference ranges of BMI created according to the latest Polish norms, statistically significant differences were noted between the subgroups in all physical fitness tests. As far as PI is concerned, in the AFA group significant differences were noted in all physical fitness tests between subgroups created in accordance with the aforementioned norms. CONCLUSION The findings of our study show that it is necessary to introduce physical activity promotion programs for children and adolescents. Such programs should constitute the basis of national health policy aiming at improving physical fitness among young people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Baj-Korpak
- Department of Health Sciences, John Paul II University of Applied Sciences, Biala Podlaska, Poland
| | - Kamil Zaworski
- Department of Health Sciences, John Paul II University of Applied Sciences, Biala Podlaska, Poland
| | - Marian J Stelmach
- Department of Health Sciences, John Paul II University of Applied Sciences, Biala Podlaska, Poland
| | - Piotr Lichograj
- Department of Technical Sciences, John Paul II University of Applied Sciences, Biala Podlaska, Poland
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Vaccari F, Fiori F, Bravo G, Parpinel M, Messina G, Malavolta R, Lazzer S. Physical fitness reference standards in Italian children. Eur J Pediatr 2021; 180:1789-1798. [PMID: 33511465 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-021-03946-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Physical fitness in childhood is considered a marker of current and future health. For this reason, there is a need for a simple but reliable test to assess the different components of physical fitness even at school during physical education lessons. However, standard values are required to correctly interpret the results of such tests. Hence, this study aimed to generate sex- and age-specific normative percentile values for health-related physical fitness in Italian children. To this aim, 30,472 children aged 6-11 years from the Friuli Venezia-Giulia region (Italy) were examined. The fitness test battery included the Léger test (cardiorespiratory), the shuttle test (agility), standing long jumps, frontal throws of a basketball (lower and upper limb strength), the sit-and-reach test (flexibility), and the standing balance test. Sex- and age-percentile curves were determined using the General Additive Model for Location Scale and Shape (GAMLSS).Conclusion: The reference standards are provided as 1st, 3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, 97th, and 99th percentiles in the form of both tables and charts and are roughly comparable with those of other European children. What is Known: • Physical fitness in childhood is considered a marker of current and future health; • Several tests have been developed to assess physical fitness in children; • There are general European reference standards for a series of tests of the main fitness components for children. What is New: • The present study provides specific reference standards for a series of tests that are indicative of the main fitness components and easily applied in children, particularly those in the Italian population; • Standing balance test and basketball frontal throw test references in a wide sample of children; • The performance of children in the present study was roughly comparable to that of other European children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Vaccari
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, P.le Kolbe 4, 33100, Udine, Italy.
| | - Federica Fiori
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, P.le Kolbe 4, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Giulia Bravo
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, P.le Kolbe 4, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Maria Parpinel
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, P.le Kolbe 4, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Giovanni Messina
- Regional School of Sport, Italian Olympic Committee, Trieste, Italy
- School of Sport Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Lazzer
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, P.le Kolbe 4, 33100, Udine, Italy
- School of Sport Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hsu CY, Chen LS, Chang IJ, Fang WC, Huang SW, Lin RH, Ueng SWN, Chuang HH. Can Anthropometry and Body Composition Explain Physical Fitness Levels in School-Aged Children? CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 8:460. [PMID: 34072785 PMCID: PMC8229107 DOI: 10.3390/children8060460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Physical fitness (PF) is closely related to various health outcomes and quality of life among children. However, the associations between anthropometry, body composition (BC), and PF are not fully elucidated. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the associations between demographic metrics (age, sex), anthropometric measures (body mass index z-score (BMI z-score) waist/height ratio (WHtR)), BC parameters (body-fat percentage (BF%), muscle weight), and PF levels (800-m run, sit-and-reach, 1-min sit-ups, standing long jump) in school-aged children. Continuous variables were dichotomized by median splits. The results of 180 girls and 180 boys (mean age: 10.0 ± 0.7 years; mean BMI z-score: 0.366 ± 1.216) were analyzed. Multivariable linear regressions revealed that BF% (regression coefficient (B) = 3.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.5-4.3) was independently correlated with the 800-m run. Sex (B = 4.6, 95% CI = 3.0-6.3), age (B = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.9-4.3), and BMI z-score (B = -0.7, 95% CI = -1.4--0.1) were independently related to sit-and-reach. Age (B = 3.3, 95% CI = 2.0-4.7), BF% (B = -0.3, 95% CI = -0.4--0.2), and muscle weight (B = 0.7, 95% CI = 0.2-1.2) were independently associated with 1-min sit-ups. In addition to demography, anthropometry and BC provided additional information concerning some PF levels in school-aged children. Weight management and PF promotion should be addressed simultaneously in terms of preventive medicine and health promotion for children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Yu Hsu
- Department of Family Medicine, Linkou and Taipei Branches, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; (C.-Y.H.); (L.-S.C.); (I.-J.C.); (W.-C.F.)
| | - Liang-Sien Chen
- Department of Family Medicine, Linkou and Taipei Branches, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; (C.-Y.H.); (L.-S.C.); (I.-J.C.); (W.-C.F.)
| | - I-Jen Chang
- Department of Family Medicine, Linkou and Taipei Branches, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; (C.-Y.H.); (L.-S.C.); (I.-J.C.); (W.-C.F.)
| | - Wei-Ching Fang
- Department of Family Medicine, Linkou and Taipei Branches, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; (C.-Y.H.); (L.-S.C.); (I.-J.C.); (W.-C.F.)
| | - Sun-Weng Huang
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan; (S.-W.H.); (R.-H.L.)
- Graduate Institute of Urban Planning, College of Public Affairs, National Taipei University, New Taipei City 23741, Taiwan
| | - Rong-Ho Lin
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan; (S.-W.H.); (R.-H.L.)
| | - Steve Wen-Neng Ueng
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan;
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Linkou Main Branch, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Hai-Hua Chuang
- Department of Family Medicine, Linkou and Taipei Branches, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; (C.-Y.H.); (L.-S.C.); (I.-J.C.); (W.-C.F.)
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan; (S.-W.H.); (R.-H.L.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan;
- Obesity Institute, Geisinger, Danville, PA 17837, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Flexibility refers to the intrinsic properties of body tissues that determine maximal joint range of motion without causing injury. For many years, flexibility has been classified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a major component of physical fitness. The notion flexibility is important for fitness has also led to the idea static stretching should be prescribed to improve flexibility. The current paper proposes flexibility be retired as a major component of physical fitness, and consequently, stretching be de-emphasized as a standard component of exercise prescriptions for most populations. First, I show flexibility has little predictive or concurrent validity with health and performance outcomes (e.g., mortality, falls, occupational performance) in apparently healthy individuals, particularly when viewed in light of the other major components of fitness (i.e., body composition, cardiovascular endurance, muscle endurance, muscle strength). Second, I explain that if flexibility requires improvement, this does not necessitate a prescription of stretching in most populations. Flexibility can be maintained or improved by exercise modalities that cause more robust health benefits than stretching (e.g., resistance training). Retirement of flexibility as a major component of physical fitness will simplify fitness batteries; save time and resources dedicated to flexibility instruction, measurement, and evaluation; and prevent erroneous conclusions about fitness status when interpreting flexibility scores. De-emphasis of stretching in exercise prescriptions will ensure stretching does not negatively impact other exercise and does not take away from time that could be allocated to training activities that have more robust health and performance benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James L Nuzzo
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Barker Street, Randwick, NSW, Australia, 2031.
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Invernizzi PL, Signorini G, Colella D, Raiola G, Bosio A, Scurati R. Assessing Rolling Abilities in Primary School Children: Physical Education Specialists vs. Generalists. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17238803. [PMID: 33256265 PMCID: PMC7730762 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17238803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Teaching physical education requires competencies to conduct the classes and to assess the motor skills of practitioners. Specialists (physical education professionals) and generalists (primary school teachers) differently experienced motor tasks during their academic education. This study aimed to compare the teachers’ ability in assessing the children’s forward and backward rolls from the analysis of the reliability of an evaluation grid of rolling abilities (Information Scale for Agility on the Soil, InfoSAS), which was investigated in a first study with teachers. A second study in young children explored the responsiveness of the InfoSAS to discriminate by skill level or by training effects. When administered by specialists, the InfoSAS resulted in being reliable (forward: p = 0.087 and p = 0.908; backward: p = 0.926 and p = 0.910; intra- and inter-rater reliability, respectively) and responsive in detecting differences due to expertise (gymnasts vs. primary school children; forward: p = 0.003, backward: p = 0.016) or improvements after specific training in rolling (pre- vs. post-children’s training; forward: p = 0.005, backward: p = 0.001). The results support the conclusion that specialists exhibit higher competence than generalists, which allows proper application of the InfoSAS, possibly because of the practice of skills and reflective teaching styles in physical activity they experienced, along with their academic education in sport sciences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Luigi Invernizzi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20129 Milan, Italy; (P.L.I.); (G.S.)
| | - Gabriele Signorini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20129 Milan, Italy; (P.L.I.); (G.S.)
| | - Dario Colella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Gaetano Raiola
- Department of Human, Philosophical and Education Sciences, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy;
| | - Andrea Bosio
- Human Performance Laboratory, Mapei Sport Research Centre, 21057 Olgiate Olona (VA), Italy;
| | - Raffaele Scurati
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20129 Milan, Italy; (P.L.I.); (G.S.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Masini A, Lanari M, Marini S, Tessari A, Toselli S, Stagni R, Bisi MC, Bragonzoni L, Gori D, Sansavini A, Ceciliani A, Dallolio L. A Multiple Targeted Research Protocol for a Quasi-Experimental Trial in Primary School Children Based on an Active Break Intervention: The Imola Active Breaks (I-MOVE) Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17176123. [PMID: 32842483 PMCID: PMC7503895 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children and adolescents should perform, according to the World Health Organization guidelines, at least 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per-day in order to avoid the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The school represents a fundamental setting to conduct interventions to promote physical activity (PA) and contrast sedentary behaviors. Active breaks (ABs), bouts of 10 min of PA conducted inside the classroom, seem to be a good strategy to promote PA and improve classroom behavior. The aim of this study protocol is to describe the design and the assessment of the Imola Active Breaks I-MOVE study. METHODS The I-MOVE study is a school-based intervention trial, with a quasi-experimental design, performed in a primary school. It involves one experimental-group performing the intervention, focused on ABs, and one control-group. Nine main outcomes are evaluated: PA and sedentary behaviors; health related fitness; motor control development; dietary patterns; anthropometric evaluation; sociodemographic determinants; cognitive function; time-on-task behavior and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS Results from the I-MOVE study will help to clarify the effects of incorporating ABs in the Italian school curriculum as a new public health strategy and an innovative school model oriented to the well-being of children and teachers for the best quality of school life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Masini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.); (S.T.) (L.D.)
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Sofia Marini
- Department of Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Campus of Rimini, 47921 Rimini, Italy; (L.B.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-051-209-4812
| | - Alessia Tessari
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.T.); (A.S.)
| | - Stefania Toselli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.); (S.T.) (L.D.)
| | - Rita Stagni
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering “Guglielmo Marconi” University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (R.S.); (M.C.B.)
| | - Maria Cristina Bisi
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering “Guglielmo Marconi” University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (R.S.); (M.C.B.)
| | - Laura Bragonzoni
- Department of Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Campus of Rimini, 47921 Rimini, Italy; (L.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Davide Gori
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.); (S.T.) (L.D.)
| | - Alessandra Sansavini
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.T.); (A.S.)
| | - Andrea Ceciliani
- Department of Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Campus of Rimini, 47921 Rimini, Italy; (L.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Laura Dallolio
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.); (S.T.) (L.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Pippi R, Buratta L, Germani A, Fanelli CG, Mazzeschi C. Physical Activity Habits and Well-Being among 6-Year-Old Children: The "Improving Umbrian Kids' Healthy Lifestyle", an Uncontrolled Pilot Study Project. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E6067. [PMID: 32825418 PMCID: PMC7503798 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
There is evidence that promoting physical activity programs and decreasing sedentary behavior is a potential strategy for improving health-outcomes, peer relationships and social/emotional well-being in at-risk youth. The World Health Organization recommends enhancing physical education and school-based programs with multi-component and evidence-based assessment methodology. In Umbria (Italy) an uncontrolled pilot study project referred to as "Improving Umbrian kids' healthy lifestyle" was implemented as a systemic school-based intervention directed at 6-year-old primary school children. The intervention applied a consolidated assessment methodology developed by the C.U.R.I.A.Mo. and Eurobis projects that inserted two hours per week of physical education activity into the school curriculum, structured and supervised by specialists with Exercise and Sport Science degrees, for eight months (from October to June) of the school year. We measured anthropometric values (BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio index) with objective tools. Moreover, we evaluated physical performance variables (speed, strength, and flexibility) using standard tests. Additionally, self-report measures (measured physical activity during the week, sedentary habits, and psychological well-being) were assessed using validated questionnaires. We observed a significant decrease in waist to height ratio, and improvements in physical performance values and self-report questionnaire measures. Our study suggests that the promotion of physical activity in the school setting is likely to result in physically, mentally, and psycho-socially healthier primary-school-age children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Pippi
- Centro Universitario Ricerca Interdipartimentale Attività Motoria (C.U.R.I.A.MO.), Healthy Lifestyle Institute, University of Perugia, Via Giuseppe Bambagioni 19, 06126 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Livia Buratta
- Department of Philosophy, Social, Human and Educational Sciences, University of Perugia, Piazza G. Ermini 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (L.B.); (A.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Alessandro Germani
- Department of Philosophy, Social, Human and Educational Sciences, University of Perugia, Piazza G. Ermini 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (L.B.); (A.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Carmine Giuseppe Fanelli
- Centro Universitario Ricerca Interdipartimentale Attività Motoria (C.U.R.I.A.MO.), Healthy Lifestyle Institute, University of Perugia, Via Giuseppe Bambagioni 19, 06126 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Claudia Mazzeschi
- Department of Philosophy, Social, Human and Educational Sciences, University of Perugia, Piazza G. Ermini 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (L.B.); (A.G.); (C.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Masini A, Marini S, Leoni E, Lorusso G, Toselli S, Tessari A, Ceciliani A, Dallolio L. Active Breaks: A Pilot and Feasibility Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Physical Activity Levels in a School Based Intervention in an Italian Primary School. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17124351. [PMID: 32560544 PMCID: PMC7345227 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Background: The school gives access to children, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender and socio-economic class and can be identified as the key environment in which to promote children’s physical activity (PA). The guidelines of the European Union recommend accumulating at least 10-min bouts of PA to reach the daily 60 min. Active breaks (ABs) led by teachers inside the classroom represent a good strategy to promote PA. The aim of this pilot and feasibility study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness in terms of PA level of an AB programme in children aged 8–9 years attending primary school. Methods: A pre-post quasi-experimental pilot and feasibility study was performed in two primary school classes, one of which was assigned to a 14-week AB intervention (AB group) and the other to the control group (CG). At baseline and at follow-up, children were monitored for sedentary and motor activity during an entire week using ActiGraph Accelerometer (ActiLife6 wGT3X-BT). The satisfaction of children and teachers was assessed by self-administered questionnaires. Results: In the pre-post comparison, AB group (n = 16) showed a reduction in the minutes spent in weekly sedentary activity (−168.7 min, p > 0.05), an increase in the number of step counts (+14,026.9, p < 0.05) and in time spent in moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA): weekly MVPA: +64.4 min, daily MVPA: +8.05 min, percentage of MVPA: +0.70%. On the contrary, CG showed a worsening in all variables. ANCOVA analysis, after adjusting for baseline values, showed significant differences between the AB group and CG for time spent in MVPA, percentage of MVPA and step counts. The satisfaction of children and teachers was good. Teachers were able to adapt the AB protocol to the needs of the school curriculum, thus confirming the feasibility of the AB programme. Conclusions: This pilot and feasibility study showed the feasibility and effectiveness of the AB protocol and represented the basis for a future controlled trial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Masini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, Bologna Via San Giacomo, 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.); (E.L.); (G.L.); (L.D.)
| | - Sofia Marini
- Department of Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Campus of Rimini, Rimini Corso d’Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-05-1209-4812
| | - Erica Leoni
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, Bologna Via San Giacomo, 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.); (E.L.); (G.L.); (L.D.)
| | - Giovanni Lorusso
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, Bologna Via San Giacomo, 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.); (E.L.); (G.L.); (L.D.)
| | - Stefania Toselli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, Bologna Via Selmi, 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Alessia Tessari
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna Viale Berti Pichat, 5, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Andrea Ceciliani
- Department of Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Campus of Rimini, Rimini Corso d’Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy;
| | - Laura Dallolio
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, Bologna Via San Giacomo, 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.); (E.L.); (G.L.); (L.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Relationship between body mass index and physical fitness in Italian prepubertal schoolchildren. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233362. [PMID: 32442183 PMCID: PMC7244112 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the association between physical fitness and body mass index categories (obesity, OB; overweight, OW; normal-weight, NW; and underweight, UW) in prepubertal children. Anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics were collected from a convenience sample of 30472 Italian schoolchildren (6–11 years old). Six field-based tests were used: Léger, agility shuttle, long jump, frontal throw of the basketball, Sit & Reach and standing balance. Significant differences were found in the anthropometric characteristics, physical fitness and weight status prevalence between girls and boys (p<0.05) and, except for flexibility, by age class (p<0.05). Obese children performed worse than their NW counterparts in aerobic capacity (p<0.001), agility (p<0.001), muscular power of the lower limb (p<0.001) and balance (p<0.001). Conversely, children with obesity showed greater upper limb power than NW children (p<0.001). The discrepancy in physical fitness between OB and NW children increased in older girls (flexibility, p = 0.002; muscular power of the lower and upper limb, p = 0.002 and p = 0.005) and boys (aerobic capacity, p = 0.009; agility, p = 0.006; standing balance, p = 0.019; muscular power of the lower and upper limb, p<0.001 and p = 0.011) compared to their younger counterparts. On the other hand, UW children performed worse than NW children mainly in terms of muscular power of the arms (p<0.001). Additionally, there was an increasing disparity in the frontal throw test scores of UW and NW girls (p = 0.003) and boys (p = 0.011) in older children compared to younger children. In conclusion, the effect of body mass index on children’s physical fitness intensifies with age. OB and OW negatively affect aerobic capacity, agility, lower limb power and balance but positively affect upper limb power. UW negatively affects upper limb power. This study underscores the importance of preventing childhood OW, OB, and UW in early life to promote children’s health and proper fitness development.
Collapse
|
17
|
Motorische Leistungsfähigkeit 4‑ bis 10‑jähriger Kinder in Deutschland. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2019; 62:1242-1252. [DOI: 10.1007/s00103-019-03016-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
18
|
Szmodis M, Szmodis I, Farkas A, Mészáros Z, Mészáros J, Kemper HCG. The Relationship between Body Fat Percentage and Some Anthropometric and Physical Fitness Characteristics in Pre- and Peripubertal Boys. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E1170. [PMID: 30939794 PMCID: PMC6480244 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16071170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The main aim of this study was to compare anthropometric and physical fitness indicators of boys of the same chronical age but with different fat percentages. Subjects were Hungarian boys aged 9⁻13 years (N = 6919). Anthropometry was measured according the guidelines of the International Biological Program. Relative body fat was estimated by Drinkwater⁻Ross's method (1980); Conrad's growth type of physique was also estimated (1963). Physical fitness was tested with 30 m dash (s), standing long jump (cm), fistball throw (m), and 1200 m run (s). Subjects of each cohort were grouped into seven subgroups with fat percentage ranges of 4%. Differences between subgroups were tested by one-way ANOVA. In the case of a significant F-test, Tukey's post-hoc tests were used. The level of effective random error was set at 5% in all significance tests (p < 0.05). Except for the three groups with low fat percentages, values of body weight, stature, body mass index, and plastic and metric indexes were significantly higher; results of 30 m, 1200 m running, and standing long jump were worse in all groups with higher fat percentages. An interesting finding of the current study is that body fat percentage also influenced the physical fitness of non-overweight and obese children as well when using merely the 4% ranges in grouping by fatness. The lower the fat the better the physical fitness was in this sample of pre- and peripubertal boys.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Márta Szmodis
- Department of Health Sciences and Sport Medicine, University of Physical Education, Budapest 1123, Hungary.
| | - Iván Szmodis
- Department of Health Sciences and Sport Medicine, University of Physical Education, Budapest 1123, Hungary.
| | - Anna Farkas
- Department of Health Sciences and Sport Medicine, University of Physical Education, Budapest 1123, Hungary.
| | - Zsófia Mészáros
- Department of Health Sciences and Sport Medicine, University of Physical Education, Budapest 1123, Hungary.
| | - János Mészáros
- Department of Health Sciences and Sport Medicine, University of Physical Education, Budapest 1123, Hungary.
| | - Han C G Kemper
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, 1081 Amsterdam. The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Behavioral Correlates of Muscular Fitness in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review. Sports Med 2019; 49:887-904. [DOI: 10.1007/s40279-019-01089-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
20
|
Vitali F, Robazza C, Bortoli L, Bertinato L, Schena F, Lanza M. Enhancing fitness, enjoyment, and physical self-efficacy in primary school children: a DEDIPAC naturalistic study. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6436. [PMID: 30809444 PMCID: PMC6387574 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity (PA) (e.g., sport, physical education) promotes the psychophysical development of children, enhances health and wellbeing, offers opportunities for enjoyable experiences, and increases self-efficacy. METHODS In the DEDIPAC framework, we conducted a naturalistic, cross-sectional study to evaluate the effects of a school-based, long-term intervention on fitness (i.e., cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, speed, and finger dexterity), body mass index (BMI), PA levels, sedentary levels, enjoyment, and physical self-efficacy in primary school children. A group of Italian children (41 boys and 39 girls, aged 10-11 years) involved in the project-named "Più Sport @ Scuola" (PS@S)-was compared with a group of children (41 boys and 39 girls) of the same age not involved in the project. RESULTS After a four-year long attendance to the PS@S project, participants reported higher scores of cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, enjoyment, and physical self-efficacy compared to children not involved in the project. Correlation analysis results showed that muscular strength scores correlated positively with BMI, PA levels, and enjoyment. Flexibility of the upper body was positively related to physical self-efficacy, and negatively related to speed and BMI. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that the PS@S project enhanced fitness level, enjoyment, and physical self-efficacy of children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Vitali
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Claudio Robazza
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Laura Bortoli
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Luciano Bertinato
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Federico Schena
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Massimo Lanza
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Tambalis KD, Panagiotakos DB, Psarra G, Sidossis LS. Current data in Greek children indicate decreasing trends of obesity in the transition from childhood to adolescence; results from the National Action for Children's Health (EYZHN) program. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2018; 59:E36-E47. [PMID: 29938238 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2018.59.1.797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Introduction The aim of the study is to present the most recent estimates of obesity (total and central) prevalence in Greek children and associated risk factors. Methods Population data are derived from a yearly, school-based health survey polled in 2015 on 336,014 (51% boys) children aged 4 to 17 years old from almost 40% of all schools of primary and secondary education in Greece. Anthropometric and physical fitness measurements were obtained by trained investigators. Dietary habits, physical activity status, sedentary activities and sleeping hours were assessed through self-completed questionnaires. The gender and age-specific Body Mass Index (BMI) cut-off points were used in order to define BMI groups. Results The prevalence of overweight and obesity in the whole population was 22.2% and 9.0% in boys and 21.6% and 7.5% in girls, respectively. Obesity presented decreasing trends in the transition from childhood to adolescence. Central obesity was diagnosed in 95.3% and 93.5% of the simple obese boys and girls, respectively, in almost two to three of overweight children (68.6% of boys and 64.3% of girls), and in 12% of normal weight children. Age, physical fitness, low adherence to Mediterranean diet, insufficient sleeping hours, inadequate physical activity levels and increased screen time were all associated with higher odds of total and central obesity. Conclusions Serious and urgent actions need to be taken from public health policy makers in order not only to prevent a further increase in obesity rates but, more important, to treat obesity and/or the obesity associated co-morbidities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K D Tambalis
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece
| | - D B Panagiotakos
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece
| | - G Psarra
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece
| | - L S Sidossis
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece
- Department of Kinesiology and Health, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Physical Activity, a Critical Exposure Factor of Environmental Pollution in Children and Adolescents Health Risk Assessment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15020176. [PMID: 29360730 PMCID: PMC5857044 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15020176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
It is an extremely urgent problem that physical fitness promotion must face not only the increasing air pollution but also the decline of physical activity level of children and adolescents worldwide at present, which is the major reason that forms an inactive lifestyle and does harm to adolescents’ health. Thus, it is necessary to focus on the exposure factor in environmental health risk assessment (EHRA) which conducts supervision of environmental pollution and survey of adolescents’ activity patterns according to the harmful characteristics of air pollutant and relationship between dose and response. Some countries, such as USA, Canada and Australia, regard both respiratory rate and physical activity pattern as main exposure factors for adolescents in both air pollution health risk assessment and exercise risk assessment to forecast a safe exposing condition of pollutant for adolescents while they are doing exercise outdoors. In addition, it suggests that the testing indexes and testing methods of these two exposure factors, such as investigating the time of daily physical activity, strength, and characteristic of frequency, help to set up the quantitative relationship between environmental pollution index and the time, strength, frequency of daily activities, and formulate children’s and adolescents’ activity instructions under different levels of environmental pollutions. As smog becomes increasingly serious at present, it is meaningful to take physical activity as a critical composition of exposure factor and establish physical activity guideline, so as to reduce the risk of air pollution, and promote physical health of children and adolescents effectively.
Collapse
|
23
|
Armstrong MEG, Lambert MI, Lambert EV. Relationships between different nutritional anthropometric statuses and health-related fitness of South African primary school children. Ann Hum Biol 2017; 44:208-213. [PMID: 27546583 PMCID: PMC5399808 DOI: 10.1080/03014460.2016.1224386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A double burden of both under- and over-nutrition exists among South African children. AIM To describe associations between nutritional statuses and health-related fitness test performances. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Height and weight of 10 285 children (6-13 years; n = 5604 boys and 4681 girls) were measured and used to calculate body mass index (BMI) and prevalence of overweight and obesity, stunting, wasting and underweight. Physical fitness scores for standing long jump, shuttle run, sit-and-reach, sit-up (EUROFIT) and cricket ball throw were assessed. Age- and gender-specific z-scores were calculated for these variables. Physical fitness for each nutritional status group was compared to children of normal weight. RESULTS Compared to normal weight children, overweight and obese children scored lower on all fitness tests (p < .001), except cricket ball throw (p = .235) and sit-and-reach (p = .015). Stunted and underweight children performed poorer than normal weight children on most fitness tests (p < .001), except sit-and-reach (stunted: p = .829; underweight: p = .538) and shuttle run (underweight: p = .017). Performance of wasted children was not as highly compromised as other under-nourished groups, but they performed poorer on the cricket ball throw (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS When compared to normal weight children, both under- and over-nourished children performed poorer on some, but not all, health-related fitness tests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - M. I. Lambert
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - E. V. Lambert
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
|
25
|
Arya R, Gillespie CW, Cnaan A, Devarajan M, Clark P, Shinnar S, Vinks AA, Mizuno K, Glauser TA. Obesity and overweight as CAE comorbidities and differential drug response modifiers. Neurology 2016; 86:1613-21. [PMID: 27029636 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000002611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined whether overweight and obesity are pretreatment comorbidities and predictors of short-term drug response in newly diagnosed untreated childhood absence epilepsy (CAE). We also examined whether dietary intake accounts for observed pretreatment body mass index (BMI) distribution. METHODS Pretreatment height and weight were available for 445 of 446 participants in the NIH-funded CAE comparative effectiveness trial (NCT00088452). Twenty-four-hour dietary recalls were collected. Calculated BMI and dietary intake were standardized for age, sex, and race/ethnicity and compared to age-matched US population from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Logistic regression models tested BMI as a predictor of treatment response. Pharmacokinetic variables were explored as contributors to differential drug response. RESULTS After standardizing for demographic differences, children with CAE were more likely to be overweight (19.3% vs 13.8%; p < 0.001) or obese (14.5% vs 11.5%; p < 0.001) than NHANES controls. The combined prevalence of overweight and obesity was 33.8% in the CAE cohort and 25.3% among controls (p < 0.001). Mean daily energy intake (difference -79.5 kcal/day, p = 0.04) and daily carbohydrate intake (difference -10.7 g/day, p = 0.04) were lower in the CAE group than in NHANES controls. With increasing baseline BMI z score, the efficacy and effectiveness of ethosuximide and valproic acid over lamotrigine became more pronounced, despite no significant differences in drug exposure and trough levels. CONCLUSIONS Overweight and obesity are more prevalent in children with newly diagnosed CAE than in age-matched peers, despite lower caloric and carbohydrate intake. Baseline BMI may also predict differential drug response, which cannot be attributed to pharmacokinetic differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ravindra Arya
- From the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (R.A., M.D., P.C., T.A.G.), Division of Neurology, and Division of Clinical Pharmacology (A.A.V., K.M.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Children's National Health System (C.W.G., A.C.), Washington, DC; and Montefiore Medical Center (S.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY.
| | - Catherine W Gillespie
- From the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (R.A., M.D., P.C., T.A.G.), Division of Neurology, and Division of Clinical Pharmacology (A.A.V., K.M.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Children's National Health System (C.W.G., A.C.), Washington, DC; and Montefiore Medical Center (S.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Avital Cnaan
- From the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (R.A., M.D., P.C., T.A.G.), Division of Neurology, and Division of Clinical Pharmacology (A.A.V., K.M.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Children's National Health System (C.W.G., A.C.), Washington, DC; and Montefiore Medical Center (S.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Mahima Devarajan
- From the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (R.A., M.D., P.C., T.A.G.), Division of Neurology, and Division of Clinical Pharmacology (A.A.V., K.M.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Children's National Health System (C.W.G., A.C.), Washington, DC; and Montefiore Medical Center (S.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Peggy Clark
- From the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (R.A., M.D., P.C., T.A.G.), Division of Neurology, and Division of Clinical Pharmacology (A.A.V., K.M.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Children's National Health System (C.W.G., A.C.), Washington, DC; and Montefiore Medical Center (S.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Shlomo Shinnar
- From the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (R.A., M.D., P.C., T.A.G.), Division of Neurology, and Division of Clinical Pharmacology (A.A.V., K.M.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Children's National Health System (C.W.G., A.C.), Washington, DC; and Montefiore Medical Center (S.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Alexander A Vinks
- From the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (R.A., M.D., P.C., T.A.G.), Division of Neurology, and Division of Clinical Pharmacology (A.A.V., K.M.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Children's National Health System (C.W.G., A.C.), Washington, DC; and Montefiore Medical Center (S.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Kana Mizuno
- From the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (R.A., M.D., P.C., T.A.G.), Division of Neurology, and Division of Clinical Pharmacology (A.A.V., K.M.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Children's National Health System (C.W.G., A.C.), Washington, DC; and Montefiore Medical Center (S.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Tracy A Glauser
- From the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (R.A., M.D., P.C., T.A.G.), Division of Neurology, and Division of Clinical Pharmacology (A.A.V., K.M.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Children's National Health System (C.W.G., A.C.), Washington, DC; and Montefiore Medical Center (S.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Thivel D, Ring-Dimitriou S, Weghuber D, Frelut ML, O'Malley G. Muscle Strength and Fitness in Pediatric Obesity: a Systematic Review from the European Childhood Obesity Group. Obes Facts 2016; 9:52-63. [PMID: 26901423 PMCID: PMC5644904 DOI: 10.1159/000443687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of paediatric obesity and related metabolic complications has been mainly associated with lower aerobic fitness while less is known regarding potential musculoskeletal impairments. The purpose of the present systematic review was to report the evidence regarding muscular fitness in children and adolescents with obesity. A systematic article search was conducted between November 2014 and June 2015 using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL psycINFO, SPORTDiscus and SocINDEX. Articles published in English and reporting results on muscle strength and muscular fitness in children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years were eligible. Of 548 identified titles, 36 studies were included for analyses. While laboratory-based studies described higher absolute muscular fitness in youth with obesity compared with their lean peers, these differences are negated when corrected for body weight and lean mass, then supporting field-based investigations. All interventional studies reviewed led to improved muscular fitness in youth with obesity. Children and adolescents with obesity display impaired muscular fitness compared to healthy-weight peers, which seems mainly due to factors such as excessive body weight and increased inertia of the body. Our analysis also points out the lack of information regarding the role of age, maturation or sex in the current literature and reveals that routinely used field tests analysing overall daily muscular fitness in children with obesity provide satisfactory results when compared to laboratory-based data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Thivel
- Laboratory of the Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions (AME2P), UE3533, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Smith JJ, Eather N, Morgan PJ, Plotnikoff RC, Faigenbaum AD, Lubans DR. The health benefits of muscular fitness for children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Med 2015; 44:1209-23. [PMID: 24788950 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-014-0196-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 423] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
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. METHODS A systematic search of six electronic databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, EMBASE, PsycINFO and OVID MEDLINE) was performed on the 20th May, 2013. Cross-sectional, longitudinal and experimental studies that quantitatively examined the association between MF and potential health benefits among children and adolescents were included. The search yielded 110 eligible studies, encompassing six health outcomes (i.e., adiposity, bone health, cardiovascular disease [CVD] and metabolic risk factors, musculoskeletal pain, psychological health and cognitive ability). The percentage of studies reporting statistically significant associations between MF and the outcome of interest was used to determine the strength of the evidence for an association and additional coding was conducted to account for risk of bias. Meta-analyses were also performed to determine the pooled effect size if there were at least three studies providing standardised coefficients. RESULTS Strong evidence was found for an inverse association between MF and total and central adiposity, and CVD and metabolic risk factors. The pooled effect size for the relationship between MF and adiposity was r = -0.25 (95% CI -0.41 to -0.08). Strong evidence was also found for a positive association between MF and bone health and self-esteem. The pooled effect size for the relationship between MF and perceived sports competence was r = 0.39 (95% CI 0.34-0.45). The evidence for an association between MF and musculoskeletal pain and cognitive ability was inconsistent/uncertain. Where evidence of an association was found, the associations were generally low to moderate. CONCLUSION The findings of this review highlight the importance of developing MF in youth for a number of health-related benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan J Smith
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus, Newcastle, NSW, Australia,
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Moschonis G, Tsoutsoulopoulou K, Efstathopoulou E, Tsirigoti L, Lambrinou CP, Georgiou A, Filippou C, Lidoriki I, Reppas K, Androutsos O, Lionis C, Chrousos GP, Manios Y. Conceptual framework of a simplified multi-dimensional model presenting the environmental and personal determinants of cardiometabolic risk behaviors in childhood. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2015; 13:673-92. [PMID: 25926102 DOI: 10.1586/14779072.2015.1039992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Clinical manifestations of cardiometabolic risk (CMR) may be set early in childhood due to unfavorable behaviors or lifestyle patterns related to diet and physical activity. Several factors may determine the adoption of such lifestyle-related behaviors, which researchers have tried to cluster under certain frameworks or models. In this context, the framework developed and proposed by this review gathers all the present knowledge regarding these determining factors to date and groups them into three main categories related to personal characteristics and the social and physical environment. Based on the proposed framework, a large variety of personal, social and physical environmental factors can positively or negatively influence CMR-related behaviors (either directly or indirectly via their interrelations), thus leading to decreased or increased risk, respectively. This framework could be of great value to public health policy makers and legislators for designing and implementing interventional programs tailored to the needs of susceptible population groups who are most in need for such initiatives. Targeting the correlates as potential determinants of CMR-related behaviors, and not just on the behaviors themselves, has been shown previously to be the most effective approach for tackling health issues related to CMR starting from early life stages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George Moschonis
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, 70, El. Venizelou ave. 17671, Kallithea, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Ceschia A, Giacomini S, Santarossa S, Rugo M, Salvadego D, Da Ponte A, Driussi C, Mihaleje M, Poser S, Lazzer S. Deleterious effects of obesity on physical fitness in pre-pubertal children. Eur J Sport Sci 2015; 16:271-8. [DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2015.1030454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
30
|
Jarraya S, Jarraya M, Souissi N. Diurnal variation and weekly pattern on physical performance in Tunisian children. Sci Sports 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scispo.2014.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
31
|
Gulías-González R, Sánchez-López M, Olivas-Bravo Á, Solera-Martínez M, Martínez-Vizcaíno V. Physical fitness in Spanish schoolchildren aged 6-12 years: reference values of the battery EUROFIT and associated cardiovascular risk. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2014; 84:625-635. [PMID: 25154526 DOI: 10.1111/josh.12192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2012] [Revised: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 01/05/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical fitness is considered an important indicator of health in children. The aims of this study were to (1) provide sex- and age-specific EUROFIT battery levels of fitness in Spanish children; (2) compare Spanish children's fitness levels with those of children from other countries; and (3) determine the percentage of Spanish children with cardiovascular risk associated with low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). METHODS Physical fitness was assessed using the EUROFIT tests in 1725 children, aged 6 to 12, from Castilla-La Mancha, Spain. We derived specific values for physical fitness using LMS method. FITNESSGRAM 2010 criteria were used to estimate the percentage of children with cardiovascular risk associated with low CRF. RESULTS Boys scored higher in all the physical fitness tests, except for the flexibility test. Physical fitness improved as age increased, except for flexibility, which worsened in boys, and VO2max, which decreased in both sexes. The prevalence of boys and girls with cardiovascular risk associated to low CRF was 13% and 26%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Specific fitness test scores for children and adolescents can represent the fitness status of schoolchildren accurately. Schools need to make efforts to improve the fitness level of the schoolchildren to prevent cardiovascular risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gulías-González
- Faculty of Education, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Ronda de Calatrava, 3, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Augste C, Lämmle L, Künzell S. Does current behaviour predict the course of children's physical fitness? Eur J Sport Sci 2014; 15:429-35. [PMID: 25144727 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2014.948076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
33
|
Augste C, Künzell S. Seasonal variations in physical fitness among elementary school children. J Sports Sci 2013; 32:415-23. [PMID: 24016228 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2013.830189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
There is empirical evidence that children's physical activity is dependent on climatic conditions. In addition, a correlation between physical activity level and physical fitness has been identified. In this longitudinal study, we investigate whether seasons have an influence on physical fitness. A total of 145 German elementary school children were tested every six months over a two-year period. We used the German Motor Test 6-18 to assess physical fitness. Performance in the 6-min endurance run (P < 0.001), bidirectional jumping (P < 0.001), the standing long jump (P = 0.026), the 20 m sprint (P = 0.006) and the stand-and-reach task (P = 0.017) was significantly better in summer than in winter. There were no differences in the ability to balance backwards (P = 0.120); in the winter, the results for push-ups (P < 0.001) and sit-ups (P < 0.001) were better than those in the summer. We have shown that physical fitness is significantly influenced by the season. Consequently, when children's fitness tests are used (e.g. as the basis for intervention programs, for classifying health-risk groups or for recognising talent), the season in which testing occurred should be reported and accounted for in future studies.
Collapse
|
34
|
Sacchetti R, Ceciliani A, Garulli A, Dallolio L, Beltrami P, Leoni E. Effects of a 2-year school-based intervention of enhanced physical education in the primary school. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2013; 83:639-646. [PMID: 23879783 DOI: 10.1111/josh.12076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2012] [Revised: 11/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/20/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to assess whether a school-based physical education intervention was effective in improving physical abilities and influencing daily physical activity habits in primary school children. The possible effect on body mass index (BMI) was also considered. METHODS Twenty-six 3rd-grade classes were randomly selected stratifying by geographic location (city, plain, hills) and were assigned either to an intervention (127 boys; 120 girls) or to a traditional (129 boys; 121 girls) physical education program. At baseline (age: 8-9 years) and after a 2-year follow-up (age: 10-11 years), information was collected about sport participation and daily activity habits using a self-administered questionnaire. Height, weight, and BMI were measured and physical performance was assessed by means of standardized tests. RESULTS The enhanced program of physical education was effective in improving physical abilities of children and determining a decrease (boys: 10%; girls: 12%) in daily sedentary activities (preintervention versus postintervention, p < .05; intervention versus control group, p < .01). The percentages of overweight and obese children did not vary significantly, but the experimental group showed a significantly lower rise in BMI compared to the control group (p < .001). CONCLUSION The school proved to be an ideal setting for promoting physical activity and achieving the required daily activity levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Sacchetti
- Department of Medicine and Public Health, University of Bologna, S. Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Gama de Matos D, Dantas EHM, Aidar FJ, Silva AC, Rodrigues BM, Klain I, Hickner RC, Carneiro AL, Filho MLM. Relationship between maturity levels and neuromuscular capacity among youth soccer players and individuals not practicing soccer. Health (London) 2013. [DOI: 10.4236/health.2013.51005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|