Variety, Enjoyment, and Physical Activity Participation Among High School Students

Enjoyment of Physical Activity among Children and Adolescents: A Concept Analysis

Although enjoyment has been linked to participation in physical activity (PA), a thorough analysis of the concept is lacking. Health-related behavior research emphasizes the necessity of focusing on individual psychological requirements, such as enjoyment in PA, to boost children and adolescents' motivation for PA. The current paper is a report on a conceptual analysis of the enjoyment of PA among children and adolescents. We adopted the concept analysis procedure by Walker and Avant. Several databases (PubMed, CINAHL, ERIC, PsychInfo, and Sport Discus) were searched and used to extract relevant articles about the enjoyment of PA. The review process yielded a final set of 72 papers. A refined definition of enjoyment in PA, attributes, cases, antecedents, and consequences of enjoyment in PA were presented. A conceptual understanding of enjoyment in PA can enable nurses to plan interventions that help children and adolescents get appropriate PA and improve their health habits.

The feasibility, acceptability and potential efficacy of a parental text message and social media program on children's vegetable consumption and movement behaviours: A pilot randomised controlled trial

ISSUE ADDRESSED

Australian children fall short of meeting the dietary, physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines. This study aimed to test the feasibility, acceptability and potential efficacy of a parental text message and social media program on, primarily, their school-aged children's vegetable consumption and movement behaviours, and, secondarily, their own.

METHODS

Between August and November 2022, we conducted a two-armed randomised controlled trial with 242 parents/caregivers of primary school-aged children in New South Wales. The 'Adventure & Veg' intervention ran for 8 weeks, promoting vegetable eating behaviours, local outdoor physical activity opportunities and ideas for reducing screen time. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed via recruitment and retention data, intervention metrics and self-reported participant data. Vegetable intake and movement behaviour data were collected via online-surveys and effect sizes were examined.

RESULTS

Most participants reported that they enjoyed receiving the text messages (88%) and the delivery frequency was acceptable (94%). Limitations to Facebook as a delivery platform were reported. The majority of participants used the text messages to influence the vegetable eating (65%) and movement (77%) behaviours of their child. Significant effects were observed among intervention child participants compared with control for mean daily vegetable consumption (0.45 serves, CI: .19; .71, p = .001, d = .5); weekly vegetable variety (1.85, CI: .25; 3.45, p < .001, d = .6); and weekly physical activity variety (.64 CI: .09; 1.19, p = .022, d = .3). Parents in the intervention group increased their daily vegetable intake by .44 serves (CI: .11; .78, p = .01, d = .4).

CONCLUSIONS

A parental text message and social media program has potential to support children's vegetable intake and movement behaviours. Further research is required to explore different online delivery methods to promote local outdoor activity options. SO WHAT?: The Adventure & Veg program holds promise as a stand-alone health promotion intervention or as a useful adjunct to current family or school-based healthy lifestyle programs.

An SMS Text Message-Based Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Program for Hispanic Adolescents With Obesity: Qualitative Co-Design Process

BACKGROUND

SMS text message-based interventions are a promising approach for reaching and engaging high-risk youths, such as Hispanic adolescents with obesity, in health promotion and disease prevention opportunities. This is particularly relevant, given that SMS text messaging is widely accessible and available and that adolescents are frequent texters. Including youths in the development of SMS text message content can lead to more acceptable and relevant messaging; however, few studies include this group as cocollaborators.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to use a co-design process to inform the development of SMS text messages that promote healthy physical activity (PA) and sleep behaviors among Hispanic adolescents with obesity.

METHODS

The co-design framework uses multiple methods across several phases. Self-determination theory and a literature review of SMS text message-based interventions guided the background and research phases. In the co-design phase, Hispanic adolescents (n=20) completed in-depth interviews to identify barriers and facilitators of PA and sleep, preferences for ways to emphasize key self-determination theory constructs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness), and suggestions for making SMS text message content engaging. In the design and content phase, interview findings were used to develop initial SMS text messages, which were then evaluated in the early evaluation phase by experts (n=6) and adolescents (n=6). Feedback from these panels was integrated into the SMS text message content during refinement.

RESULTS

The background phase revealed that few SMS text message-based interventions have included Hispanic adolescents. Common barriers and facilitators of activity and sleep as well as preferences for ways in which SMS text messages could provide autonomy, competence, and relatedness support were identified in the co-design phase. The youths also wanted feedback about goal attainment. Suggestions to make SMS text messages more engaging included using emojis, GIFs, and media. This information informed an initial bank of SMS text messages (N=116). Expert review indicated that all (116/116, 100%) SMS text messages were age and culturally appropriate; however, some (21/116, 18.1%) did not adequately address youth-identified barriers and facilitators of PA and sleep, whereas others (30/116, 25.9%) were not theoretically adherent. Adolescents reported that SMS text messages were easy to understand (116/116, 100%), provided the support needed for behavior change (103/116, 88.8%), and used mostly acceptable language (84/116, 72.4%). Feedback was used to refine and develop the final bank of 125 unique text messages.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a co-design process, a theoretically grounded, appealing, and relevant bank of SMS text messages promoting healthy PA and sleep behaviors to adolescents was developed. The SMS text messages will be further evaluated in a pilot study to assess feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy. The co-design process used in this study provides a framework for future studies aimed at developing SMS text message-based strategies among high-risk adolescents.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

RR2-10.1016/j.cct.2023.107117.

Parenting profiles: motivation toward health-oriented physical activity and intention to be physically active

INTRODUCTION

Parents influence their sons' and daughters' interest in practicing and maintaining physical activity through parenting patterns.

OBJECTIVE

To identify perceived parenting style profiles and examine whether the participants differed in their motivation toward health-oriented physical activity and the intention to be physically active.

METHOD

A sample of 296 participants completed a series of self-report measures and a latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed.

RESULTS

Two profiles emerged as the most suitable: profile (a) with average scores in parenting variables, and profile (b) with high scores in parenting variables. The results revealed significant differences in integrated regulation and in amotivation, reporting higher scores for profile (b) in the parenting variables love/affection, hostility/aggression, and indifference/neglect, and average in undifferentiated/rejection and control.

CONCLUSION

The combination of perceived parenting style variables in the profiles seems to influence people's motivation toward health-oriented physical activity. As such, it is crucial to understand parenting from a multivariate approach, mostly in interventions to adjust parenting styles to the most suitable combination.

Association between enjoyment, physical activity, and physical literacy among college students: a mediation analysis

Background

Physical literacy and enjoyment are important factors that affect physical activity.

Purpose

This work studies whether physical activity enjoyment (PAE) mediates the association between moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and physical literacy (PL) among college students.

Methods

Chinese college students were recruited using the Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument Scale (PPLI-SC), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale. The SPSS Hayes process macro (model 4) was used to analyze the direct impact and the indirect impact. Pearson correlation, independent sample t-tests, and linear regression were used to analyze the relationship between indicators.

Results

The study surveyed 587 boys and 1,393 girls with a total of 1,980 valid questionnaires. MVPA, PAE, and PL of boys were significantly higher than girls (p < 0.01). The correlation analysis showed that MVPA, PL, and PAE were significantly correlated (p < 0.01). The results showed the direct effect of PL on MVPA was still statistically significant (β = 0.067, p < 0.05) after adding PAE variables; PAE has a positive effect on MVPA after controlling PL (β = 0.170, p < 0. 01). PL has a positive effect on PAE (β = 0.750, p < 0.01). PL impacted MVPA as explained by a 65.58% mediating effect of enjoyment.

Conclusion

Physical activity enjoyment mediates the relationship between PL and MVPA among college students. This means that even high PL among student may not imply that they are physically active if they do not enjoy physical activity.

Actual vs. perceived exertion during active virtual reality game exercise

Background

Virtual exercise has become more common as emerging and converging technologies make active virtual reality games (AVRGs) a viable mode of exercise for health and fitness. Our lab has previously shown that AVRGs can elicit moderate to vigorous exercise intensities that meet recommended health benefit guidelines. Dissociative attentional focuses during AVRG gameplay have the potential to widen the gap between participants' perception of exertion and actual exertion.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine actual exertion (AEx) vs. perceived exertion (PEx) levels during AVRGs by measuring heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) in two different settings.

Materials and methods

HR and RPE were collected on participants (N = 32; age 22.6 ± 2.6) during 10 min of gameplay in LabS and GymS using the HTC VIVE with the following games played: Fruit Ninja VR (FNVR), Beat Saber (BS), and Holopoint (HP).

Results

Participants exhibited significantly higher levels of AEx compared to reported PEx for all three AVRGs (Intensity): FNVR [AEx = 11.6 ± 1.8 (Light), PEx = 9.0 ± 2.0 (Very Light)], BS [AEx = 11.3 ± 1.7 (Light), PEx = 10.3 ± 2.1 (Very Light)], HP [AEx = 13.1 ± 2.3 (Somewhat Hard), PEx = 12.3 ± 2.4 (Light–Somewhat Hard)]. Additionally, participants playing in the GymS experienced significantly higher levels of AEx [12.4 ± 2.3 (Light–Somewhat Hard)] and PEx [10.8 ± 2.5 (Very Light–Light)] compared to the LabS [AEx = 11.6 ± 1.8 (Light), PEx = 10.3 ± 2.6 (Very Light–Light)].

Conclusion

Perceptions of exertion may be lower than actual exertion during AVRG gameplay, and exertion levels can be influenced by the setting in which AVRGs are played. This may inform VR developers and health clinicians who aim to incorporate exercise/fitness regimens into upcoming ‘virtual worlds' currently being developed at large scales (i.e., the “metaverse”).

Effect of acute game-based exercises on steroid hormones and cognitive performance in adolescents

PURPOSE

While exercise was found to affect cognitive performance in adolescents, the underlying mechanisms need to be considered. This study compared the effect of a 20 min game-based exercise with different intensities on hormonal responses and potential links to cognitive performance.

METHODS

37 adolescents (24 girls and 13 boys; 15-16 years of age) were randomly assigned into light intensity (LIG; 58.64% HR_max), vigorous intensity (VIG; 89.51% HR_max), and control group (CON). The concentration of salivary Testosterone and Cortisol was measured before, immediately after, 20 min and 60 min after the intervention.

RESULTS

Repeated-measure ANOVA revealed that neither light nor vigorous game-based exercise acutely affects Testosterone, while Cortisol was higher in the VIG, 20 min after the intervention compared to the LIG and CON. Furthermore, changes in Testosterone were negatively associated with changes in cognitive performance after the acute vigorous intensity exercise (r = -0.63, p = .039) and control condition (r = -0.78, p = .003), but positively associated with post-intervention cognitive performance after the acute light intensity exercise (r = 0.67, p = .012).

CONCLUSION

The intensity of game-based exercise affected Cortisol concentration in adolescents, while Testosterone concentration did not change after the intervention. On the other hand, exercise intensity plays an important role in the association between Testosterone concentration and cognitive performance.

Motivation, Segmented Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Weight Status in Adolescents: A Path Analysis

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships linking motivational variables with BMI percentile (BMI%) via segmented physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) in adolescents using path analysis. Method: Secondary data analysis was performed using participants from the Family, Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating (FLASHE) study. A non-probability panel balanced to the US population on sex, Census division, household income and size, and race/ethnicity were screened for eligibility. The final sample consisted of 1,643 adolescents (822 girls, 821 boys). Motivational variables consisted of PA enjoyment, self-efficacy, and peer social support. Mediator variables consisted of segmented weekly PA and SB assessed using the Youth Activity Profile (YAP). BMI% was the outcome. A recursive bootstrapped path analysis was conducted to examine the relationships between motivational variables, segmented PA and SB, and BMI% with indirect effects calculated via bootstrapped mediation analyses. Results: The relationships between motivational variables and segmented PA and SB were stronger than relationships between segmented PA and SB and BMI%. Three mediated paths were observed: self-efficacy and BMI% using sedentary YAP as the mediator (IE = -0.38, 95%CI: -0.65, -0.18), enjoyment and BMI% using weekend YAP as the mediator (IE = -0.62, 95%CI: -1.14, -0.12) and social support and BMI% using weekend YAP as the mediator (IE = -0.53, 95%CI: -1.00, -0.07). Conclusion: The relationship between adolescent motivational variables and segmented PA and SB is relatively strong and specific motivational variables' relationships with BMI% is mediated through segmented PA and SB.

Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a school-based health and well-being program for adolescent girls

BACKGROUND

The primary aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a school-based health and well-being program (Health and Well-being for Girls: HWBG) on adolescent girls' well-being, mindfulness, screen-time, and physical activity.

METHOD

The HWBG program was evaluated using a group randomized controlled trial (RCT) in one secondary school. A convenience sample of female students in Grade 8 (mean age 14 ± 0.5 years) was recruited for the study (n=4 classes; 89 girls). The 20-week multi-component HWBG program, guided by Self-Determination Theory and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, was designed and delivered by a member of the research team. Randomization occurred prior to baseline assessments at the class level (n=4 classes) into dose-matched treatment conditions (i.e., two classes received the HWBG intervention and two classes received an alternate elective course as a wait-list control group). Process evaluation measures of recruitment, retention, adherence, and satisfaction were used to determine program feasibility. This study was designed to assess feasibility (primary outcome) and preliminary efficacy (secondary outcomes), rather than effectiveness. Preliminary efficacy of HWBG for improving mental and social health, screen-time, and physical activity were measured and analyzed using linear mixed-models.

RESULTS

"The health and well-being program" targeting adolescent girls was found to be feasible for implementation as an elective course in a secondary school setting. Participants in the HWBG program reported high levels of satisfaction, the majority of lessons (45 out of 50), were implemented as planned and adherence to the planned HWBG program content was very high. Medium positive effects on mental health (d=0.45) and social health (d=0.50) were observed. Small effects were observed for physical activity, and no significant intervention effects were found for levels of recreational screen time. Participant ratings showed high levels of perceived benefit and enjoyment as indicated in the evaluation data (mean rating of 4.44 out of a possible 5.0) when asked whether the program was enjoyable.

CONCLUSION

The study provides preliminary support for HWBG as a potentially feasible and enjoyable program suitable for use with adolescent girls in the secondary school setting. Potential of the study for facilitating improvements in pro-social and psychological well-being is also supported.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ACTRN12617000157370 . The trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry.

Associations Between Physical Activity Enjoyment and Age-Related Decline in Physical Activity in Children-Results From a Longitudinal Within-Person Study

Physical activity declines from childhood to adolescence. Affective factors may partially account for this decline. The present study investigated whether within-person changes in children's enjoyment of physical activity are associated with the age-related decline in physical activity. Children (N = 169, 54% female, 56% Hispanic; 8-12 years old at enrollment) took part in a longitudinal study with six assessment waves across 3 years. At each wave, enjoyment of physical activity was reported, and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was measured with an accelerometer across seven consecutive days. MVPA and enjoyment of physical activity both declined across waves. Multilevel analyses revealed that within-person changes in enjoyment moderated the effects of age on within-person changes in MVPA. Enjoyment appeared to be a dynamic factor that buffered against the age-related decline in physical activity in youth. These findings call for health promotion interventions that encourage enjoyable physical activities.

"It's Just Not Something We Do at School". Adolescent Boys' Understanding, Perceptions, and Experiences of Muscular Fitness Activity

BACKGROUND

English youth typically do not sufficiently engage in the types and intensities of physical activity that develop muscular fitness. The aim of this study was to use a combination of qualitative techniques to explore adolescent boys' understanding, perceptions, and experiences of physical activity and the role muscular fitness plays within boys' physically active lifestyles.

METHODS

Focus group interviews with a write, draw, show, and tell activity were conducted with 32 adolescent boys aged 14-16 years from 3 secondary schools. Three separate sources of data (frequency counts, verbatim transcripts, and visual data) were generated and were pooled together and triangulated. Data were analysed deductively, first using the Youth Physical Activity Promotion model as a thematic framework, and then inductively.

RESULTS

Physical activity was frequently associated with organised sport, and most boys were unaware of current UK physical activity guidelines. Co-participation was frequently reported as a reinforcing factor to physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a perceived lack of opportunity to participate in muscular fitness activities, particularly in school, and knowledge of how to conduct muscular fitness activities was limited. The contribution of physical education was highlighted as being key to facilitating exposure to muscular fitness activities.

Examining If Changes in the Type of School-Based Intramural Programs Affect Youth Physical Activity over Time: A Natural Experiment Evaluation

(1) School-based physical activity programs such as intramurals provide youth with inclusive opportunities to be physically active, yet we know little about how types of intramurals (e.g., team and individual sports) may contribute to youth MVPA. This research aims to evaluate how real-world changes in types of intramurals available in schools impact youth physical activity over time. (2) This study used three years of longitudinal school- and student-level data from Ontario schools participating in year 5 (2016–2017), year 6 (2017–2018) and year 7 (2018–2019) of the COMPASS study. Data on types of intramural programs from 55 schools were obtained, baseline demographic characteristics were measured and data on physical activity and sport participation were collected on a sample of 4417 students. Hierarchical linear mixed regression models were used to estimate how changes in the type of intramurals associate with youth MVPA over time. (3) Regardless of participation, adding individual and team intramurals was significantly and positively associated with female MVPA in Y6. (4) The indirect, but positive relationship between adding individual and team intramurals and female MVPA may be explained by other characteristics of the school environment that are conducive to female MVPA.

Effects of Non-Sport-Specific Versus Sport-Specific Training on Physical Performance and Perceptual Response in Young Football Players

This study aimed to compare the effects of non-sport-specific and sport-specific training methods on physical performance and perceptual response in young football players. Seventy-nine under 11 participants were selected and assigned to non-sport-specific (NSSG), sport-specific (SSG), and control (CNTG) groups. The NSSG training protocol consisted of combined stimuli based on balance, agility, and jump rope drills. The SSG training protocol included technical exercises, defensive and offensive game-based drills, and a small-sided game. The CNTG included the participants not taking part in any sport training. All participants were tested for general motor coordination (Harre test), dynamic balance (Lower Quarter Y-balance test), and dribbling before and after 10 weeks of training (NSSG and SSG) or habitual activity (CNTG). At post-intervention, perceived enjoyment was requested by the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES). A two-way repeated measure analysis of covariance was used to detect interactions and main effects of time and groups controlling for baseline values. Whereas, a one-way analysis of variance was used to evaluate PACES-related differences between groups. NSSG gained greater improvements (p < 0.05) compared with SSG in the Harre and Lower Quarter Y-balance tests, while dribbling skills improved similarly in both groups. Regarding PACES, NSSG and SSG presented a comparable perceived enjoyment. These findings suggest that a 10-week non-sport-specific training is an enjoyable practice capable to promote greater improvements in general motor coordination and dynamic balance compared with sport-specific training in youth football players. This can occur without impairment of football-specific skills.

A cross-sectional examination of the association between co-ed and gender-specific school intramural programs and intramural participation among a sample of Canadian secondary school students

Intramurals are an important part of the physical activity offerings in secondary schools; however, it is not well understood how co-ed and gender-specific intramural programs impact intramural participation among male and female students. Therefore, the objective of this research was to examine if the number of co-ed, male-only, and female-only intramurals offered at a school was associated with student participation in intramurals. A large sample of Canadian secondary school students (N = 59,370) completed the COMPASS survey in 2017-2018. School staff reported the number of co-ed, male-only, and female-only intramurals offered at each school. Students reported whether they participated in school intramurals. Hierarchical models were used to assess associations. Intramural participation was marginally higher among male students (36%) than female students (32%; p < 0.0001). Female students attending schools that offered female-only intramurals were 17% (OR 1.17 [95% CI: 1.05-1.30]) more likely to participate. The number of co-ed and male-only intramurals offered were not significantly associated with student participation. We found a positive association between offering female-only intramurals and female intramural participation, highlighting the importance of these programs for female students. Offering female-only intramurals may be a way for schools to improve participation and physical activity levels of female students. More research is needed on the impact of specific sports or activities on male and female student participation.

Continuity of physical activity practice from childhood to adolescence is associated with lower neck pain in both sexes and lower back pain in girls

BACKGROUND

The literature on physical activity practice through sports as a protective factor for back pain in adolescents is conflicting. However, few studies have aimed to verify if continuity of the practice of physical activity from childhood to adolescence may be related to lower chances of back pain in adolescents.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to analyze the association between physical activity practice from childhood to adolescence and back pain in adolescents.

METHODS

The random sample was composed of 870 adolescents with a mean age of 13.7 ± 2.0 years. The continuity of physical activity practice was assessed through the continuity of sports practice from childhood to adolescence. Pain in the neck and low back were evaluated through a questionnaire.

RESULTS

The prevalence of neck pain and low back pain in boys was 17.5% and in girls was 20.9% for neck pain and 21.9% for low back pain. Physical activity practice during childhood to adolescence was a protective factor for neck pain (OR = 0.57 [CI = 0.35-0.94]) and low back pain (OR = 0.53 [CI = 0.33-0.86]) in girls and neck pain in boys (OR = 0.52 [CI = 0.30-0.90]), even after adjusting for confounding factors.

CONCLUSION

Girls with physical activity practice during childhood to adolescence were less likely to develop neck pain and back pain when compared to girls who did not maintain practice of physical activity. Similar results were observed in boys considering neck pain.

Interventions to Promote Positive Affect and Physical Activity in Children, Adolescents and Young Adults-A Systematic Review

Interventions to promote physical activity (PA) in children, adolescents and young adults based on social-cognitive theories often fail to increase PA. In recent years, affect-based approaches have gained interest, but the current state of research is not sufficiently reported. Therefore, a systematic review about the influence of interventions to promote positive affect and PA enjoyment and PA in children, adolescents and young adults was conducted. Literature searches were carried out including studies published between September 2009 and April 2019. Intervention studies targeting healthy children, adolescents or young adults and measuring enjoyment and PA were included. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria, including five group-based PA interventions, three multi-component school interventions, two internet-based interventions and three exergaming interventions. Most studies use multiple components in their intervention. Group-based PA programs incorporating task-oriented teaching styles and opportunities for voluntary PA are most consistently associated with positive findings. This review shows moderate evidence of interventions for children, adolescents and young adults being effective in increasing enjoyment and PA. Besides physical education and comprehensive school interventions, heterogenous intervention designs limit the comparability of studies. Future research should focus on theory-based, multi-component interventions with mediator analyses.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Pattern of Physical Activity in Middle School Students in Isfahan, 2015

Background:

The incidence of overweight and obesity in children has increased in recent decades. Physical activity (PA), which is a multidimensional behavior, has an important role in preventing and decreasing obesity. The aim of the study is to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and exercise habits of middle school students and also explore the differences regarding demographic variables in Isfahan, Iran.

Materials and Methods:

One thousand seven hundred and forty-one middle school students were studied in this cross-sectional study, in 2015, Isfahan. Knowledge, attitude, and pattern of PA were evaluated by a questionnaire. Data were described using central tendency and dispersion values, as well as t-test, Chi-square, ANOVA, and linear regression tests for further analysis.

Results:

Students living in Khour and Biabanak and Tiran got the highest and lowest scores in knowledge (mean ± standard deviation: 9 ± 1.32 and 6.7 ± 2.19, respectively). Education of the father is the only variable which was associated with the knowledge about PA after adjusting for other factors. About 62.5% of the students mentioned a good attitude toward PA. About 50% of the students said that they always and often do exercise. The most favorable exercise for all the students was walking.

Conclusion:

We provide the pattern of PA among middle school students of Isfahan province, which can be used to design evidence-informed policies and interventions that aim to increase PA in students.

An enjoyable school-based swimming training programme improves students' aquaticity

AIM

The main objectives of this research were to a) examine the test-retest reliability of aquaticity test (study 1), b) investigate the efficacy of 'swimming lesson', during the physical education course, in the aquaticity (study 2) and c) examine enjoyment from the 'swimming lesson' (study 3) in primary school students of the 3rd grade.

METHODS

In the first study, 23 students performed 2 assessment sessions for the evaluation of aquaticity, separated by 1 week. In the second study, 30 students followed a short-term swimming training programme (9 sessions). Before and after the programme, students' aquaticity was assessed. In the third study, enjoyment was examined in 273 students who followed the short-term swimming programme.

RESULTS

The test-retest reliability for the assessment of students' aquaticity was high (ICC = 0.87-0.99). Paired t tests, also, revealed significant improvement (28-62.7%) in the aquaticity of the children following the swimming programme. A great percentage of students reported high levels of enjoyment (92.2%).

CONCLUSION

A short-term swimming programme, incorporated into the physical education course, is an enjoyable exercise modality that may be used for the improvement of children's aquaticity. We, also, found that the testing protocol may be reliably used for the evaluation of aquaticity in the paediatric population.

Examining psychosocial correlates of physical activity and sedentary behavior in youth with and without HIV

The objectives of this study were to examine differences in physical activity behaviors as a function of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status and sex, to test differences in physical activity self-efficacy (PASE), body weight satisfaction (BWS), and enjoyment of physical activity as a function of HIV status, and to determine if PASE, BWS, and enjoyment are associated with daily physical activity (daily PA), muscle strengthening activities, and sedentary behavior of youth with and without HIV. A total of 250 HIV positive (HIV+) and HIV negative (HIV-) youth from Botswana aged 12–23 years (Mean = 17.87, SD = 2.24) participated in the study. The HIV+ group (n = 88) was recruited from a previous 12-month antiretroviral therapy (ART) and nutrition intervention study. The HIV- group (n = 162) was randomly selected from public junior and senior (secondary) high schools in and around Gaborone. Participants’ PASE, BWS, enjoyment of physical activity, daily PA, muscle strengthening, body mass index (BMI), and sedentary behavior were obtained using items from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) showed that the HIV- group (M = 1.20, SE = 0.06, CI = 1.08 to 1.32) had significantly higher daily PA than the HIV+ group (M = 0.99, SE = 0.08, CI = 0.82 to 1.15). The HIV- group (M = 0.91, SE = 0.06, CI = 0.79 to 1.03) also reported participating significantly more in muscle strengthening activities than the HIV+ group (M = 0.63, SD = 0.08, CI = 0.47 to 0.78). Multiple regression analyses showed that higher PASE (p < .001) and greater enjoyment of PA (p < .01) were predictive of higher daily PA. HIV- participants had higher PASE but lower BWS compared to HIV+ participants. Sex and age differences were observed in muscle strengthening activities and sedentary behavior. This study supports previous findings on the association of efficacy beliefs to daily PA and muscle strengthening activities. The findings have implications for PA interventions aimed at health promotion and mitigation of the effects of living with HIV/AIDS.

Kickball and Its Underappreciated Pediatric Injury Burden: An 18-Year Retrospective Epidemiological Study

Background:

Kickball is a popular childhood game most frequently played during gym class or recess at schools throughout the United States (US). Despite this, the national health burden of injuries associated with kickball has never been explored in the US pediatric population.

Purpose:

To report national estimates and demographic characteristics of pediatric patients presenting to US emergency departments between 2000 and 2017 with kickball-associated injuries.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

This study retrospectively analyzed the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database (2000-2017) to identify annual cases of injuries associated with playing kickball presenting to US emergency departments in the pediatric population (age ≤18 years).

Results:

On average, 10,644 (95% CI, 8671-12,618) pediatric kickball-associated injuries presented to US emergency departments each year. There was no significant change in the number of injuries between the years 2000 (n = 10,331; 95% CI, 7781-12,881) and 2017 (n = 9407; 95% CI, 7233-11,582) (P = .64). Patients frequently sustained sprains, strains, or muscle tears (34.4%; 95% CI, 32.4%-36.5%) and fractures (24.8%; 95% CI, 23.1%-26.5%); these injuries most commonly affected the ankle (13.7%; 95% CI, 12.2%-15.2%) and the fingers of the hand (17.1%; 95% CI, 15.5%-18.7%). The greatest proportion of injuries occurred in male patients (60.7%; 95% CI, 58.7%-62.7%) who were 10 to 12 years of age (44.8%; 95% CI, 43.0%-46.6%), with over half of kickball-associated injuries occurring at school (54.1%; 95% CI, 50.7%-57.5%).

Conclusion:

Despite kickball’s ubiquity as a schoolyard game, its associated injuries remain largely underappreciated. This is particularly unjustified when considering that the annual pediatric injury burden associated with playing kickball surpasses that of other sports acknowledged as carrying a high injury risk, such as martial arts or tennis.

In Search of Consistent Predictors of Children's Physical Activity

Physical activity is pivotal for children's health and well-being, yet participation declines across teenage years. Efforts to increase physical activity need to be strengthened to combat this, however, evidence for the design and planning of physical activity promotion in children is lacking. The aim was to identify predictors of physical activity that were relatively consistent across three different measures of physical activity, in pre- and early adolescent South Australians. This is the first study to compare correlates of physical activity across three measures of physical activity in a single sample, in this age group. Children (n = 324) aged 9-13 years and their parents were surveyed on personal, interpersonal and environmental correlates of physical activity. Child physical activity was objectively measured using pedometers (7 days). Self-reported physical activity was determined from organised sport participation and the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents. Regression models were used to identify consistent predictors of three physical activity measures. Consistent predictors across multiple physical activity measures were: parent support for physical activity, having appropriate clothing for sport, enjoyment of physical activity and perceived availability of sporting clubs. These predictors identify potential avenues for directing intervention efforts to increase physical activity in early adolescents.

Mood and Performance Anxiety in High School Basketball Players: A Pilot Study

Participation in competitive sport may impact psychological measures, such as mood and performance anxiety, which in turn may impact enjoyment, adherence, continued participation, and so on. This study assessed the feasibility - in terms of process, resources, management, and potential scientific value- of measuring the effect of varying competitive challenges upon the mood and performance anxiety measures of high school athletes. The participants (n=12) consisted of the boys' varsity basketball team at a high school in a rural Midwestern community. Participants completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS) to assess mood and the Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2) to assess performance anxiety, respectively. Survey administration occurred at baseline and prior to games designated as non-conference, conference, and state tournament. A-priori feasibility measures were achieved in this prospective design. Significant correlations on the subscale measures were found on the POMS and SAS-2 administered before the four conditions in this study; Chronbach's alpha ranged from 0.54-0.94 across conditions for POMS subscales, and Chronbach's alpha ranged from 0.73-0.97 across all conditions for SAS-2 subscales, respectively. Significant differences were found across conditions in the POMS subscale confusion [F(3,33) = 5.71, p = 0.01] and in the SAS-2 subscale worry [F(3,33) = 6.13, p=0.01]. These preliminary findings suggest that the competitive conditions in this study significantly affected some measures of mood and performance anxiety in high school basketball players. These findings warrant further investigation, as well as suggest coaches could gather such information from their players, ultimately aiding in player development and team performance.

Effect of exposure to greater active videogame variety on time spent in moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity

BACKGROUND

This investigation examined whether exposure to greater active videogame variety increases moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA).

METHODS

Twenty-three participants (age=22.7±4.2yrs; body mass index=23.5±3.0kg/m(2); self-reported MVPA=298.7±116.7min/wk; 62.2% female; 73.9% Caucasian) participated in VARIETY (4 different active videogames during 4, 15-min bouts) and NON-VARIETY (only 1 active videogame during 4, 15-min bouts) counterbalanced sessions. VARIETY provided a different active videogame in each bout. NON-VARIETY provided participants their most highly liked active videogame in each bout. The Sensewear Mini Armband objectively assessed MVPA.

RESULTS

For MVPA minutes, a session×bout (p<0.05) interaction occurred. In NON-VARIETY, bouts 2, 3, and 4 had significantly (p<0.05) fewer minutes than bout 1, with no decrease occurring in VARIETY. In bout 4, VARIETY had significantly (p<0.05) more minutes than NON-VARIETY. A main effect of session (p<0.05) occurred for MVPA minutes and energy expenditure, with VARIETY achieving greater amounts (31.8±14.3min vs. 27.6±16.9min; 186.1±96.8kcal vs. 171.2±102.8kcal).

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to greater activity variety within a session increased MVPA. Future research should examine exposure to a variety of activities over a longer time frame with participants of differing lifestyles in free-living environments.