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Silventoinen K, Maia J, Sillanpää E, Sund R, Gouveia ÉR, Antunes A, Marques G, Thomis M, Kaprio J, Freitas D. Genetic Regulation of Physical Fitness in Children: A Twin Study of 15 Tests from Eurofit and Fitnessgram Test Batteries. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2024; 56:2000-2006. [PMID: 38949118 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000003496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to analyze the shared genetic background of physical fitness tests in children. METHODS Physical fitness was assessed in 198 Portuguese twin pairs (6-18 yr old, 40% monozygotic) through 15 tests from the Eurofit and Fitnessgram test batteries. Genetic twin modeling was used to estimate the heritability of each test and the genetic correlations between them. RESULTS Girls performed better than boys in flexibility, whereas boys performed better than girls in cardiorespiratory endurance and muscular strength. No sex differences were found in the influence of genetic factors on the physical fitness tests or their mutual correlations. Genetic factors explained 52% (standing long jump) to 79% (sit and reach) of the individual variation in motor performance, whereas individual-specific environmental factors explained the remaining variation. Most of the tests showed modest to moderate genetic correlations. Out of all 105 genetic correlations, 65% ranged from 0.2 to 0.6 indicating that they shared from 4% to 36% of genetic variation. The correlations between individual-specific environmental factors were mostly negligible. CONCLUSIONS Tests measuring the strength of different muscle groups showed only modest correlations, but moderate correlations were found between tests measuring explosive strength, running speed/agility, and cardiorespiratory endurance. Genetic factors explained a major portion of the variation in tests included in the Eurofit and Fitnessgram test batteries and explained the correlations between them. The modest to moderate genetic correlations indicated that there is little redundancy of tests in either Eurofit or Fitnessgram test batteries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - José Maia
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, PORTUGAL
| | | | - Reijo Sund
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, FINLAND
| | | | - António Antunes
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Madeira, Funchal, PORTUGAL
| | - Gonçalo Marques
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Madeira, Funchal, PORTUGAL
| | - Martine Thomis
- Physical Activity, Sports & Health Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Faculty of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, BELGIUM
| | - Jaakko Kaprio
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FINLAND
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Ruan H, Tang R. Temporal changes in the physical fitness of Chinese adolescents aged 13-18 years: an analysis of eight national successive surveys over three decades. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1359701. [PMID: 39228847 PMCID: PMC11369311 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1359701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to assess temporal changes in physical fitness of Chinese adolescents aged 13-18 years from 1985 to 2019. Methods Body size /composition and physical fitness indicators, including body height, weight, body mass index (BMI), speed, power, flexibility, muscular endurance, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), were selected from Chinese boys and girls aged 13-18 years from eight Chinese National Surveillance on Students' Constitution and Health from 1985 to 2019. Temporal changes in means were estimated by sample-weighted linear regression at the test × sex × age level, and national trends were estimated by a post-stratification population weighting procedure. Results Overall mean body height, weight and BMI increased significantly for Chinese adolescents over 34 years. There was a small improvement for boys in speed (Effect size [ES] = -0.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.44 ~ 0.02), a small improvement for boys in power (ES = 0.24, 95% CI = -0.20 ~ 0.69), a small improvement for girls in flexibility (ES = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.15 ~ 0.76), a moderate decline for boys (ES = -0.53 95% CI = -0.84 ~ -0.21) and a moderate improvement for girls (ES = 0.61, 95% CI = -0.03 ~ 1.26) in muscular endurance, and large declines in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) for boys (ES = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.64 ~ 1.21) and girls (ES = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.58 ~ 1.27) from 1985 to 2019. These trends in each component of fitness were more positive for adolescents aged 13-15 years than that of adolescents aged 16-18 years in both sexes, except for girls in flexibility. Conclusion The decline in CRF was most pronounced among Chinese children and adolescents from 1985 to 2019, suggesting a future decline in population health that needs attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ruan
- College of Physical Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ruolan Tang
- Institute of Physical Education, Xinjiang Normal University, Urumqi, China
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Jarvis S, Giles H, New KJ. The Cardiorespiratory Fitness of Children and the Anthropometric Determinants During Late Childhood Within South East Wales: Potential Implications for Future Health. Glob Pediatr Health 2024; 11:2333794X241259908. [PMID: 39049880 PMCID: PMC11268011 DOI: 10.1177/2333794x241259908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective. This study investigated cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) levels and the relationship with field-based measures of anthropometry in children aged 10 to 11 years. Methods. A total of 288 boys and 257 girls participated in the study. CRF (20 m shuttle run) and several field-based measures of anthropometry were assessed. Multiple regression was utilized for all data analysis. Results. Boys performed significantly better than girls on the CRF test (P < .001) and achieved higher classifications of CRF based on centile norms compared to girls. All measures of anthropometry were significant predictors of CRF, (P < .001), and each measure was significant in predicting a negative trajectory of CRF performance when they increased in value (P < .05). Conclusion. The study findings add to the international reporting of CRF and the use of simple field-based measures of anthropometry alongside the use of BMI to predict CRF for health with Welsh school children (UK).
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart Jarvis
- University of South Wales, Pontypridd, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Giles
- University of South Wales, Pontypridd, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Karl J. New
- University of South Wales, Pontypridd, Wales, United Kingdom
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Ballin M, Berglind D, Henriksson P, Neovius M, Nordström A, Ortega FB, Sillanpää E, Nordström P, Ahlqvist VH. Adolescent Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Risk of Cancer in Late Adulthood: Nationwide Sibling-Controlled Cohort Study. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.07.01.24309761. [PMID: 39006434 PMCID: PMC11245056 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.01.24309761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Objective To investigate whether the higher risks of certain cancers associated with high cardiorespiratory fitness can be explained by increased detection and unobserved confounders. Design Nationwide sibling-controlled cohort study of adolescents. Setting Sweden. Participants 1 124 049 men of which 477 453 were full siblings, who underwent mandatory military conscription examinations between 1972 and 1995 at a mean age of 18.3 years. Main outcome measures Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of overall cancer diagnosis and cancer mortality, and 14 site-specific cancers (diagnosis or death), as recorded in the Swedish National Patient Register or Cause of Death Register until 31 December 2023, modelled using flexible parametric regressions. Results Participants were followed until a median (maximum) age of 55.9 (73.5) years, during which 98 410 were diagnosed with cancer and 16 789 had a cancer-related death (41 293 and 6908 among full siblings respectively). The most common cancers were non-melanoma skin (27 105 diagnoses & 227 deaths) and prostate cancer (24 211 diagnoses & 869 deaths). In cohort analysis, those in the highest quartile of cardiorespiratory fitness had a higher risk of prostate (adjusted HR 1.10; 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.16) and skin cancer (e.g., non-melanoma HR 1.44; 1.37 to 1.50) compared to those in the lowest quartile, which led to a higher risk of any type of cancer diagnosis (HR 1.08; 1.06 to 1.11). However, those in the highest quartile had a lower risk of cancer mortality (HR 0.71; 0.67 to 0.76). When comparing full siblings, and thereby controlling for all behavioural, environmental, and genetic factors they share, the excess risk of prostate (HR 1.01; 0.90 to 1.13) and skin cancer (e.g., non-melanoma HR 1.09; 0.99 to 1.20) attenuated to the null. In contrast, the lower risk of overall cancer mortality was still statistically significant after control for such shared confounders (HR 0.78; 0.68 to 0.89). For other site-specific cancers, the influence of such confounding tended to vary, but none showed the same excess risk as prostate and non-melanoma skin cancer. Conclusions The association between high levels of adolescent cardiorespiratory fitness and excess risk of some cancers, such as prostate and non-melanoma skin cancer, appears to be fully explained by unobserved confounders shared between full siblings. However, the protective association with cancer mortality persists even after control for such confounding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Ballin
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Clinical Geriatrics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Centre for Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniel Berglind
- Centre for Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Wellbeing, Welfare and Happiness, Stockholm School of Economics, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pontus Henriksson
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Martin Neovius
- Department of Medicine, Clinical Epidemiology Division, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Nordström
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- School of Sports Science, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Francisco B Ortega
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada; CIBEROBN, ISCIII, Granada, Andalucía, Spain
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Elina Sillanpää
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
- Wellbeing Services County of Central Finland, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Peter Nordström
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Clinical Geriatrics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Viktor H Ahlqvist
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Clinical Geriatrics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Brazo-Sayavera J, Silva DR, Lang JJ, Tomkinson GR, Agostinis-Sobrinho C, Andersen LB, García-Hermoso A, Gaya AR, Jurak G, Lee EY, Liu Y, Lubans DR, Okely AD, Ortega FB, Ruiz JR, Tremblay MS, Dos Santos L. Physical Fitness Surveillance and Monitoring Systems Inventory for Children and Adolescents: A Scoping Review with a Global Perspective. Sports Med 2024; 54:1755-1769. [PMID: 38710913 PMCID: PMC11258155 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-024-02038-9] [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] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Surveillance of health-related physical fitness can improve decision-making and intervention strategies promoting health for children and adolescents. However, no study has comprehensively analyzed surveillance/monitoring systems for physical fitness globally. This review sought to address this gap by identifying: (1) national-level surveillance/monitoring systems for physical fitness among children and adolescents globally, (2) the main barriers and challenges to implementing surveillance/monitoring systems, and (3) governmental actions related to existing surveillance/monitoring systems. We used a scoping review to search, obtain, group, summarize, and analyze available evidence. Our review involved three stages: (1) identification of surveillance systems through a systematic literature review, with complementary search of the grey literature (e.g., reference lists, Google Scholar, webpages, recommendations), (2) systematic consultation with relevant experts using a Delphi method to confirm/add systems and to gather and analyze information on the barriers and challenges to implementing systems, and (3) Web searches for public documents on government sites and surveillance/monitoring system pages, and direct internet searches to identify relevant governmental actions related to surveillance systems. A total of 15 fitness surveillance/monitoring systems met our inclusion criteria. Experts identified a lack of government support and funding, and the low priority of fitness on the public health agenda as the main barriers/challenges to implementation. Several governmental actions related to surveillance systems were identified, including policies, strategies, programs, and guidelines. We propose a Global Observatory of Physical Fitness to help address these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Brazo-Sayavera
- Department of Sports and Computer Science, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain.
| | - Danilo R Silva
- Department of Sports and Computer Science, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
- Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Sergipe, UFS, São Cristóvão, Brazil
| | - Justin J Lang
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Grant R Tomkinson
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Cesar Agostinis-Sobrinho
- Health Research and Innovation Science Centre, Klaipeda University, Klaipeda, Lithuania
- Sport Physical Activity and Health Research & Innovation Center (SPRINT), Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, Guarda, Portugal
| | - Lars Bo Andersen
- Faculty of Teacher Education, Art and Sport, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Sogndal, Norway
| | - Antonio García-Hermoso
- Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Anelise R Gaya
- Projeto Esporte Brasil, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Gregor Jurak
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Eun-Young Lee
- School of Kinesiology & Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Physical Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Research Center for Physical Fitness and Health of Children and Adolescents, Shanghai, China
| | - David R Lubans
- Centre for Active Living and Learning, College of Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Anthony D Okely
- School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Francisco B Ortega
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sports Science, Sport and Health, University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Granada, Spain
| | - Jonatan R Ruiz
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sports Science, Sport and Health, University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria, Ibs.Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Mark S Tremblay
- Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, CHEO Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Leandro Dos Santos
- Department of Sports and Computer Science, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
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Bojanic D, Ljubojevic M, Gontarev S, Georgiev G, Velickovska LA. First body fat reference curves for Macedonian children and adolescents: the MAKFIT study. NUTR HOSP 2024; 41:560-566. [PMID: 38047420 DOI: 10.20960/nh.04873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Introduction: childhood obesity is a worldwide chief health problem. Along with body mass index, body fat percentile values can also be used to predict future cardiovascular and metabolic health risks. Objective: the study's aim is to define the percentile values and curves about the fat tissue percentage through which the childhood and adolescent overweight/obesity in the Republic of North Macedonia will be diagnosed. Methods: the research was conducted on a sample of 15,075 children and adolescents aged six to 14 years (7,627 boys and 7,448 girls). Body fat percentage was established by bioelectrical impedance. The LMS method was used in percentile values and curves' construction. Results: the boys' 50th percentile curve shows that the body fat percentage average value has a slight growth from seven to ten years of age, but after their 10th it begins to drop continuously until the age of 14 years. At the same time, the girls' body fat percentage average value increases continuously from six to 14 years of age. Conclusion: since body mass index cannot always establish body fat content, the direct assessment of body fat by bioelectrical impedance would be of great advantage for pediatric and clinical decisions. Therefore, the study provides referent percentile norms for the body fat percentage of healthy Macedonian children and adolescents. For this purpose, a practical and clinically applicable method was used. The obtained referent percentile norms can be useful in assessing overweight and obesity in Macedonian children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Bojanic
- Faculty for Sport and Physical Education. University of Montenegro
| | | | - Seryozha Gontarev
- Faculty of Physical Education, Sport, and Health. Ss. Cyril and Methodius University
| | - Georgi Georgiev
- Faculty of Physical Education, Sport, and Health. Ss. Cyril and Methodius University
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Andrade-Lara KE, Cabrera Linares JC, Párraga Montilla JA, Mayanquer-Lara A, Lucena Zurita M, Latorre Román PÁ. Breastfeeding, Walking Onset, and Abdominal Obesity Are Determinants of Physical Fitness among Latin American and Spanish Schoolchildren: A Cross-Cultural Study. EPIDEMIOLOGIA 2024; 5:318-329. [PMID: 39051202 PMCID: PMC11270378 DOI: 10.3390/epidemiologia5030022] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To comp+are levels of physical fitness between Ecuador and Spain and identify whether breastfeeding period, walking onset, and abdominal obesity are determinants of physical performance in schoolchildren from Ecuador and Spain. METHODS a total of 352 schoolchildren (6-12 years old) from Ecuador (n = 176) and Spain (n = 176) joined in this study. Anthropometric measures, socio-demographic characteristics, and physical fitness were evaluated. RESULTS Spanish schoolchildren showed better performance in handgrip strength, standing long jump, and 25 m sprint (p = 0.021; p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, Spanish children showed better cardiorespiratory fitness (p < 0.001) and a higher VO2 max (p = 0.002) with regards to their peers. In addition, children from Ecuador and Spain showed an influence of breastfeeding period (p ranged from <0.001 to 0.043) and walking onset (p ranged from <0.001 to 0.032) on physical performance. Moreover, physical fitness components were protective factors of abdominal obesity in Ecuadorian and Spanish schoolchildren (p ranged from =0.001 to 0.049). CONCLUSIONS Our findings revealed the influence of the infancy period and the onset of walking on children's physical performance, highlighting the importance of these factors in motor development during early childhood and also their influence in middle childhood and throughout adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina E. Andrade-Lara
- Department of Musical, Plastic and Corporal Expression, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain; (K.E.A.-L.); (J.C.C.L.); (P.Á.L.R.)
| | - José Carlos Cabrera Linares
- Department of Musical, Plastic and Corporal Expression, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain; (K.E.A.-L.); (J.C.C.L.); (P.Á.L.R.)
| | - Juan Antonio Párraga Montilla
- Department of Musical, Plastic and Corporal Expression, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain; (K.E.A.-L.); (J.C.C.L.); (P.Á.L.R.)
| | | | | | - Pedro Ángel Latorre Román
- Department of Musical, Plastic and Corporal Expression, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain; (K.E.A.-L.); (J.C.C.L.); (P.Á.L.R.)
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Haav A, Oja L, Piksööt J. The Influence of Kindergarten Environment on the Development of Preschool Children's Physical Fitness. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:761. [PMID: 38929007 PMCID: PMC11203701 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this research is to find out to what extent the special qualifications of physical education teachers and the physical environment of kindergartens influence the physical development of preschoolers. Forty-four kindergartens across Estonia participated in the study, half of which had a physical education teacher (PEt), whereas the remaining 22 kindergartens were taught by non-qualified kindergarten teachers (NoPEt). Six Eurofit fitness tests were used to assess the physical development of children (n = 704; aged 6-7 years old, with an average age of 6.55 ± 0.5 years). An analysis of variance was used to compare the mean values of the fitness test results of the two groups. Linear regression analysis was applied to clarify the influence of individual and environmental factors on children's fitness scores. In kindergartens where the position of a PEt had been created, the results of children's physical fitness were statistically significantly better, more specifically in handgrip strength (m = 12.0, 95% CI = 11.8-12.3 vs. m = 11.5, 95% CI = 11.2-11.7) and in speed tests (m = 23.0, 95% CI = 22.8-23.2 vs. m = 23.6, 95% CI = 23.3-23.8). According to the teacher interviews, these kindergartens also had more rooms and areas specially created for physical exercises. The study revealed that the physical development of children is, when controlling for other individual and environmental factors, influenced by the professional qualification of the PE teacher (95% CI = 0.06-0.56) as well as children's participation in sports training (95% CI = 0.29-0.83). These findings are important for preschool institutions and municipalities in designing the optimal physical environment for facilitating children's physical fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jaanika Piksööt
- National Institute for Health Development, 10617 Tallinn, Estonia; (A.H.); (L.O.)
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9
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Kuu S, Noormets J, Rääsk T, Pedak K, Saaron V, Baskin K, Port K. Comparison of Estonian Schoolchildren's Physical Activity and Fitness Indicators before and after the COVID-19 Pandemic's Period of Restricted Mobility. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:744. [PMID: 38928990 PMCID: PMC11203990 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
It is recognized that the time adolescents spend on physical activity, and the corresponding physical fitness indicators, have diminished over time. However, the exact impact of the COVID-19 pandemic restriction period on physical activity and health-related physical fitness indicators remains unclear. This study sought to determine if and to what degree the primary indicators of physical activity (exercise frequency, exercise intensity, and outdoor physical activity) and health-related physical fitness (strength and endurance) among schoolchildren have shifted, by comparing data from before and after the coronavirus pandemic period. Students aged 12-17 years took part in the study. The physical activity questionnaire and fitness tests were conducted in the autumn of 2017 and spring of 2022. The main results show that moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity time and time spent actively outdoors have decreased among adolescents (p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in exercise frequency (p > 0.05). However, there was a statistically significant decline in strength (standing broad jump, bent arm hang) (p < 0.05) and endurance (20 m shuttle run, curl-up) (p < 0.01) when comparing results from before and after the COVID-19 pandemic restriction period. In conclusion, restricted mobility had the greatest impact on the time spent outdoors and, in turn, on physical fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saima Kuu
- School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, 10120 Tallinn, Estonia; (J.N.); (T.R.); (K.P.); (V.S.); (K.P.)
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10
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Sardinha LB, Rosa GB. Does a handful of strength imply two handfuls of health? Eur J Clin Nutr 2024; 78:461-462. [PMID: 38720003 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-024-01445-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Luís B Sardinha
- Exercise and Health Laboratory, CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada da Costa, 1495-751, Cruz Quebrada, Portugal.
| | - Gil B Rosa
- Exercise and Health Laboratory, CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada da Costa, 1495-751, Cruz Quebrada, Portugal
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11
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Ballarin G, Valerio G, Alicante P, Di Vincenzo O, Monfrecola F, Scalfi L. Could BIA-derived phase angle predict health-related musculoskeletal fitness? A cross-sectional study in young adults. Nutrition 2024; 122:112388. [PMID: 38442652 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2024.112388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To our knowledge, little evidence exists on the relationships between body composition and health-related physical fitness; in particular, musculoskeletal fitness. Bioimpedance index phase angle (bioelectrical impedance analysis raw variables) is a candidate predictor of health-related fitness, a marker of fat-free and body cell mass, respectively. The aim of this study was to evaluate body composition, raw bioelectrical impedance analysis variables, and health-related fitness in young adults and investigate their mutual relationships to identify predictors of muscle strength. METHODS The study included 229 young adults (115 men and 114 women; 24.2 ± 3 y; body mass index 19-30 kg/m²). Anthropometry was measured with standardized procedures. Whole-body BIA (50 kHz) was performed for impedance and phase angle. Predictive equations estimated fat-free mass and percentage body fat. The bioimpedance index was calculated as stature²/impedance. Musculoskeletal fitness was assessed by handgrip strength, standing broad jump, squat jump, and countermovement jump. RESULTS In both sexes, health-related fitness had stronger associations with body composition than stature or weight. Handgrip strength was related to fat-free mass and bioimpedance index, while an inverse association with percent body fat emerged for standing broad jump, squat jump and countermovement jump. Phase angle is directly correlated with handgrip strength, standing broad jump, squat jump, and countermovement jump. In multiple regression analysis phase angle was an independent predictor of all health-related fitness tests, along with fat-free mass (or bioimpedance index) for handgrip strength, and with sex and percent body fat for the three jump tests. CONCLUSIONS The present study provided consistent information on the relationships between body composition and health-related fitness in young adults. Phase angle emerged as a significant predictor of all health-related fitness measures and might be useful for a more consistent assessment of musculoskeletal fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Ballarin
- Department of Medical, Movement and Wellbeing Sciences, University of Naples "Parthenope", Naples, Italy
| | - Giuliana Valerio
- Department of Medical, Movement and Wellbeing Sciences, University of Naples "Parthenope", Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Alicante
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Olivia Di Vincenzo
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
| | - Fabiana Monfrecola
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Scalfi
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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12
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Teich P, Golle K, Kliegl R. Association between time of assessment within a school year and physical fitness of primary school children. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11500. [PMID: 38769417 PMCID: PMC11106081 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61038-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The dissociation of effects of age, time of assessment and cohort is a well-known challenge in developmental science. We examined effects of time of assessment in the school year on children's physical fitness using data from 75,362 German third-graders from seven cohorts. Children were tested once either in the first or second school term of third grade. Tests examined cardiorespiratory endurance (6-min run), coordination (star-run), speed (20-m sprint), lower (standing long jump) and upper (ball-push test) limbs muscle power, and flexibility (stand-and-reach test). We estimated the effect of time of assessment using a regression discontinuity design specified in a linear mixed model with random factors child and school and adjusted for age, sex, and cohort effects. Coordination, speed, and upper limbs muscle power were better in second compared to first school term, with boys exhibiting a larger increase of upper limbs muscle power than girls. There was no evidence for changes in cardiorespiratory endurance, lower limbs muscle power, and flexibility between assessments. Previously reported age and sex effects as well as secular fitness trends were replicated. There is thus evidence for improvement of some physical fitness components beyond age and cohort effects that presumably reflects the benefit of physical activity in physical education and other settings. Effects of assessment time should be taken into consideration in performance-based grading or norm-based selection of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Teich
- Division of Training and Movement Science, Research Focus Cognitive Sciences, University of Potsdam, Am Neuen Palais 10, Building 12, 14469, Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Kathleen Golle
- Division of Training and Movement Science, Research Focus Cognitive Sciences, University of Potsdam, Am Neuen Palais 10, Building 12, 14469, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Reinhold Kliegl
- Division of Training and Movement Science, Research Focus Cognitive Sciences, University of Potsdam, Am Neuen Palais 10, Building 12, 14469, Potsdam, Germany
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13
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Marmol-Perez A, Gil-Cosano JJ, Ubago-Guisado E, Llorente-Cantarero FJ, Pascual-Gázquez JF, Ness KK, Martinez-Vizcaino V, Ruiz JR, Gracia-Marco L. Muscle strength deficits are associated with low bone mineral density in young pediatric cancer survivors: The iBoneFIT project. JOURNAL OF SPORT AND HEALTH SCIENCE 2024; 13:419-427. [PMID: 38219958 PMCID: PMC11117007 DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric cancer survivors are at increased risk of muscle weakness and low areal bone mineral density (aBMD). However, the prevalence of muscle strength deficits is not well documented, and the associations of muscle strength with aBMD are unknown in this population. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of upper- and lower-body muscle strength deficits and to examine the associations of upper- and lower-body muscle strength with age-, sex, and race-specific aBMD Z-scores at the total body, total hip, femoral neck, and lumbar spine. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 116 pediatric cancer survivors (12.1 ± 3.3 years old, mean ± SD; 42.2% female). Upper- and lower-body muscle strength were assessed by handgrip and standing long jump test, respectively. Dual‑energy X‑ray absorptiometry was used to measure aBMD (g/cm2). Associations between muscle strength and aBMD were evaluated in multivariable linear regression models. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the contribution of muscle strength (1-decile lower) to the odds of having low aBMD (Z-score ≤ 1.0). All analyses were adjusted for time from treatment completion, radiotherapy exposure, and body mass index. RESULTS More than one-half of survivors were within the 2 lowest deciles for upper- (56.9%) and lower- body muscle strength (60.0%) in comparison to age- and sex-specific reference values. Muscle strength deficits were associated with lower aBMD Z-scores at all sites (B = 0.133-0.258, p = 0.001-0.032). Each 1-decile lower in upper-body muscle strength was associated with 30%-95% higher odds of having low aBMD Z-scores at all sites. Each 1-decile lower in lower-body muscle strength was associated with 35%-70% higher odds of having low aBMD Z-scores at total body, total hip, and femoral neck. CONCLUSION Muscle strength deficits are prevalent in young pediatric cancer survivors, and such deficits are associated with lower aBMD Z-scores at all sites. These results suggest that interventions designed to improve muscle strength in this vulnerable population may have the added benefit of improving aBMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Marmol-Perez
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Granada 18011, Spain; Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jose J Gil-Cosano
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Granada 18011, Spain; Department of Communication and Education, Loyola University Andalusia, Seville 41704, Spain
| | - Esther Ubago-Guisado
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Granada 18011, Spain; Biosanitary Research Institute, ibs.Granada, Granada 18012, Spain
| | - Francisco J Llorente-Cantarero
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba 14004, Spain; CIBEROBN, Biomedical Research Networking Center for Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid 28029, Spain; Department of Specific Didactics, Faculty of Education, University of Cordoba, Cordoba 14071, Spain
| | - Juan Francisco Pascual-Gázquez
- Pediatric and adolescent hematology and oncology service, Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery Clinical Management Unit, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, Granada 18014, Spain
| | - Kirsten K Ness
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | | | - Jonatan R Ruiz
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Granada 18011, Spain; Biosanitary Research Institute, ibs.Granada, Granada 18012, Spain; CIBEROBN, Biomedical Research Networking Center for Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Luis Gracia-Marco
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Granada 18011, Spain; Biosanitary Research Institute, ibs.Granada, Granada 18012, Spain; CIBEROBN, Biomedical Research Networking Center for Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid 28029, Spain.
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14
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Vanhelst J, Lang JJ, Matelot D, Carré F, Mercier D, Ulmer Z, Oppert JM, Baquet G, Berthoin S, Fillon A, Béghin L, Tomkinson GR. Cardiorespiratory fitness has declined among French children since 1999, although the decline appears to be getting smaller. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2024; 34:e14641. [PMID: 38682824 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a strong marker of current and future health. The aim of this study was to assess the national temporal trends in CRF for French children and adolescents between 1999 and 2022. METHODS CRF data were obtained from several cross-sectional studies on 15 420 (51.1% boys) French children and adolescents aged 9-16 years between 1999 and 2022. The 20-m shuttle run test (20mSRT) estimated CRF. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from measured height and body mass, with BMI z-scores (BMIz) calculated using WHO growth curves. The 20mSRT results were corrected for protocol and converted to z-scores (20mSRTz) using international sex- and age-specific norms. With additional adjustment for BMIz, temporal trends in mean 20mSRT performance (20mSRTz) were estimated using linear regression, with the distance max (Dmax) method used to locate a breakpoint and linear segments fitted to points below and above the breakpoint. Trends in distributional characteristics were assessed visually and described as the ratio of the coefficients of variation (CVs). RESULTS After adjustment for protocol, age, sex, and BMIz, a large decline in mean 20mSRT performance (trend per decade (95% CI): -1.42 SDs (-1.45, -1.39) or -18.4% (95% CI: -18.8, -18.0)) between 1999 and 2022 was found. Dmax located a breakpoint for the two-linear-segment model in year 2010. There was a large decline in mean 20mSRT performance pre-2010 (trend per decade (95% CI): -2.31 SDs (-2.39, -2.24)), which reduced 0.06-fold to a negligible decline post-2010 (trend per decade (95% CI): -0.15 SD (-0.20, -0.10)). We also found that the trend in mean 20mSRT performance was not uniform across the population distribution. Between 1999 and 2022, there was a small trend in distributional asymmetry, with slightly smaller declines experienced by the high performers (above the 75th percentile). CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest a large decline in the 20mSRT performance of French children and adolescents since 1999. This declining trend seems to have diminished considerably since 2010. Such declines in CRF could translate into declines in health status. Although a slowing in the declining trend in CRF in recent years is encouraging, more data are needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémy Vanhelst
- Université Sorbonne Paris Nord and Université Paris Cité, INSERM, INRAE, CNAM, Center of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), Bobigny, France
| | - Justin J Lang
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - François Carré
- Department of Sport Medicine, Pontchaillou Hospital, LTSI INSERM, U1099, University of Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | - Daniel Mercier
- Université de Grenoble, Départment STAPS, Grenoble, France
| | - Zékya Ulmer
- Centre de ressources et de preuves dédié à la prévention de la perte d'autonomie, Direction des études et de la prospective, Caisse Nationale de la Solidarité pour l'Autonomie (CNSA), Paris, France
| | - Jean-Michel Oppert
- Université Sorbonne Paris Nord and Université Paris Cité, INSERM, INRAE, CNAM, Center of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), Bobigny, France
- Department of Nutrition, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital (AP-HP), Human Nutrition Research Center Ile-de-France (CRNH IdF), Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Georges Baquet
- Univ. Lille, Univ. Artois, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, ULR 7369-URePSSS-Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société, Lille, France
| | - Serge Berthoin
- Univ. Lille, Univ. Artois, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, ULR 7369-URePSSS-Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société, Lille, France
| | - Alicia Fillon
- Clermont Auvergne University, EA 3533, Laboratory of the Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise Under Physiological and Pathological Conditions (AME2P), CRNH Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Observatoire National de l'Activité Physique et de la Sédentarité (ONAPS), Faculty of Medicine, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Laurent Béghin
- INSERM, CHU Lille, U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, and CIC 1403-Clinical Investigation Center, Univ. Lille, Lille, France
| | - Grant R Tomkinson
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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15
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Hills AP, Jayasinghe S, Arena R, Byrne NM. Global status of cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity - Are we improving or getting worse? Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2024; 83:16-22. [PMID: 38417767 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2024.02.008] [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: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Despite heightened recognition of the importance of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) to cardiovascular (CV) health, along with updated international consensus guidelines for physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB), significant proportions of the global adult population are physically inactive, and do not meet the threshold for CRF. Physical inactivity is considered a surrogate for low CRF given that the former is defined as not reaching the recommended minimum level of PA per week to derive a health benefit. Physical inactivity remains a major global public health problem despite decades of work by various United Nations agencies, and members of the international community to improve PA levels. Given the common coupling between physical inactivity and poor health status, it is reasonable to suggest that for a significant proportion of the global population, CRF is compromised by physical inactivity. This poses a longer-term risk to morbidity and mortality. Here we provide an indicative summary of the global status of CRF and PA and reference the implications for global health. We briefly reference opportunities moving forward, including reinforcement of the importance of engaging in movement from an early age, discouraging SB, and taking a life course approach to optimise healthy living for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Hills
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia; Healthy Living for Pandemic Event Protection (HL - PIVOT) Network, Chicago, IL, United States of America.
| | - Sisitha Jayasinghe
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Ross Arena
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Science, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, United States of America; Healthy Living for Pandemic Event Protection (HL - PIVOT) Network, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Nuala M Byrne
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
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Joensuu L, Csányi T, Huhtiniemi M, Kälbi K, Magalhães J, Milanović I, Morrison SA, Ortega FB, Sardinha LB, Starc G, Tammelin TH, Jurak G. How to design and establish a national school-based physical fitness monitoring and surveillance system for children and adolescents: A 10-step approach recommended by the FitBack network. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2024; 34:e14593. [PMID: 38488439 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Providing individual- and population-level data on children's physical fitness (PF) is a crucial public health and education priority. However, few national fitness monitoring or surveillance systems are currently in practice internationally. We aim to summarize the current European PF monitoring and surveillance systems for school-aged children and to provide experience-based guidelines on how to design such systems. METHODS The FitBack network consists of experts from diverse backgrounds with the common interest to improve the accessibility of PF monitoring for young people globally. Through FitBack network, we identified and compared the national or regional PF monitoring and surveillance systems currently in operation across Europe. We formulated a 10-step approach for designing and establishing one's own system, based on analysis of experienced strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to monitoring childhood fitness. RESULTS We identified a total of eight PF monitoring systems in Finland, France, Galicia of Spain, Hungary, Lithuania, Portugal, Serbia, and Slovenia. The FitBack network recommends the following steps for designing and establishing one's own system: (1) set up mission statements and aims, (2) involve stakeholders, (3) utilize scientific background, (4) governance structure, (5) ensure sufficient funding, (6) data management planning, (7) provide meaningful feedback, (8) conduct pilot testing, (9) plan implementation process, and (10) invest in communication with stakeholders. CONCLUSIONS This study provides an updated overview of the best practices for school-aged children's fitness monitoring and surveillance in Europe. Additionally, it offers a 10-step approach to assist in the creation of similar systems in Europe or globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Joensuu
- LIKES, Jamk University of Applied Sciences, Jyväskylä, Finland
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Tamás Csányi
- Department of Physical Education Theory and Methodology, Hungarian University of Sports Science, Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian School Sport Federation, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mikko Huhtiniemi
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Katalin Kälbi
- Hungarian School Sport Federation, Budapest, Hungary
- Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) Bárczi Gusztáv Faculty of Special Needs Education, Institute for the Methodology of Special Needs Education and Rehabilitation, Budapest, Hungary
| | - João Magalhães
- Exercise and Health Laboratory, CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Cruz Quebrada, Portugal
| | - Ivana Milanović
- Faculty of Sports and Physical Education, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Shawnda A Morrison
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Human Potential Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Francisco B Ortega
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada and CIBEROBN Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Granada, Spain
| | - Luis B Sardinha
- Exercise and Health Laboratory, CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Cruz Quebrada, Portugal
| | - Gregor Starc
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Gregor Jurak
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Hormazábal-Aguayo I, Muñoz-Pardeza J, López-Gil JF, Huerta-Uribe N, Chueca-Guindulain MJ, Berrade-Zubiri S, Burillo Sánchez E, Izquierdo M, Ezzatvar Y, García-Hermoso A. Comprehensive management of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus through personalized physical exercise and education using an mHealth system: The Diactive-1 study protocol. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1354734. [PMID: 38379866 PMCID: PMC10877052 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1354734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The use of new technologies presents an opportunity to promote physical activity, especially among young people with type 1 diabetes (T1DM), who tend to be less active compared to their healthy counterparts. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of a personalized resistance exercise program, facilitated by the Diactive-1 App, on insulin requirements among children and adolescents diagnosed with T1DM. Methods and analysis A minimum of 52 children and adolescents aged 8-18 years, who were diagnosed with T1DM at least 6 months ago, will be randomly assigned to either a group engaging in an individualized resistance exercise program at least 3 times per week over a 24-week period or a waiting-list control group. The primary outcome will be the daily insulin dose requirement. The secondary outcomes will include glycemic control, cardiometabolic profile, body composition, vascular function, physical fitness, 24-hour movement behaviors, diet, and psychological parameters. The usability of the app will also be assessed. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval to conduct this study has been granted by the University Hospital of Navarra Research Board (PI_2020/140). Parents or legal guardians of minors participating in the study will provide written consent, while children and adolescents will sign an assent form to indicate their voluntary agreement. The trial's main findings will be shared through conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and communication directly with participating families. This study aims to offer valuable insights into the holistic management of children and adolescents with T1DM by utilizing personalized exercise interventions through an mHealth system. Trial registration NCT06048757.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Hormazábal-Aguayo
- Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jacinto Muñoz-Pardeza
- Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Nidia Huerta-Uribe
- Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Sara Berrade-Zubiri
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Mikel Izquierdo
- Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Yasmin Ezzatvar
- Department of Nursing, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio García-Hermoso
- Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
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18
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Diaconașu DE, Stoleriu I, Câmpanu IA, Andrei AM, Boncu Ș, Honceriu C, Mocanu V, Juravle G. Predictors of sustained physical activity: behaviour, bodily health, and the living environment. Front Physiol 2024; 14:1213075. [PMID: 38260099 PMCID: PMC10800461 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1213075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
This study examined the determinants of sustained physical activity. Eighty-four participants undertook a 7-weeks walking regime (i.e., a 1-h biometrically-monitored walk, at least 5 days/week), with bioelectrical impedance (BIA) and total cholesterol capillary blood measurements performed before and after programme. To investigate behavioural habit formation, 7 weeks after walking termination, all participants were interviewed and (health) re-tested. Data were modelled with an artificial neural network (ANN) cascading algorithm. Our results highlight the successful prediction of continued physical activity by considering one's physical fitness state, the environmental living context, and risk for cardiovascular disease. Importantly, those artificial neural network models also taking body mass index (BMI) and blood cholesterol as predictors excel at predicting walking continuation (i.e., predictions with 93% predictability). These results are first to highlight the type and importance of available physiological drivers in maintaining a sustained physical activity regime such as walking. They are discussed within the framework of habit formation and the nowadays health and/or wellbeing focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Elena Diaconașu
- Sensorimotor Dynamics Laboratory, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iasi, Romania
- Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iasi, Romania
| | - Iulian Stoleriu
- Faculty of Mathematics, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iasi, Romania
| | - Ioana Andreea Câmpanu
- Sensorimotor Dynamics Laboratory, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iasi, Romania
| | - Ana-Maria Andrei
- Sensorimotor Dynamics Laboratory, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iasi, Romania
- Faculty of Educational Sciences, Stefan cel Mare University, Suceava, Romania
| | - Ștefan Boncu
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iasi, Romania
| | - Cezar Honceriu
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iasi, Romania
| | - Veronica Mocanu
- Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences 2—Pathophysiology, Grigore T. Popa Medical University of Iasi, Iasi, Romania
| | - Georgiana Juravle
- Sensorimotor Dynamics Laboratory, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iasi, Romania
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19
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Kasović M, Oreški A, Vespalec T, Štefan A, Štefan L. Does muscular fitness predict cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescent girls? A 3-year follow-up study. J Sports Sci 2024; 42:125-131. [PMID: 38425015 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2024.2322250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The main purpose of the study was to establish, whether future cardiorespiratory fitness might be predicted by the level of muscular fitness at baseline. In this 3-year follow-up study, we recruited 240 secondary school girls at the age of 15 y, who were followed until the age of 17 y. Muscular fitness included the following tests: (i) standing broad jump (cm), (ii) sit-ups in 60 s (#) and (iii) squats in 60 s (#). Cardiorespiratory fitness was split into aerobic endurance (the 800-m run test) and speed endurance (the 400-m run test). Better performances in the 800-m run and the 400-m run tests at follow-up were correlated with higher levels of standing broad jump, sit-ups and squats in 60 s measured at baseline. In regression models adjusted for fat mass and maturity offset, standing broad jump, sit-ups and squats in 60 s were positively associated with the 800-m run test, while only standing broad jump remained significantly and positively associated with the 400-m run test. These data suggest that interventions enhancing muscular fitness should be recommended, as the effects are likely to be associated with future cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescent girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Kasović
- Department of General and Applied Kinesiology, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Physical Activities and Health Sciences, Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ana Oreški
- Department of Physical Education, Secondary school 'Gospodarska škola Varaždin', Varaždin, Croatia
| | - Tomaš Vespalec
- Department of Physical Activities and Health Sciences, Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Andro Štefan
- Department of General and Applied Kinesiology, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lovro Štefan
- Department of Physical Activities and Health Sciences, Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Catholic University in Ružomberok, Ružomberok, Slovakia
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20
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Kelly HT, Smith JJ, Verdonschot A, Kennedy SG, Scott JJ, McKay H, Nathan N, Sutherland R, Morgan PJ, Salmon J, Penney D, Boyer J, Lloyd RS, Oldmeadow C, Reeves P, Pursey K, Hua M, Longmore S, Norman J, Voukelatos A, Zask A, Lubans DR. Supporting adolescents' participation in muscle-strengthening physical activity: protocol for the 'Resistance Training for Teens' (RT4T) hybrid type III implementation-effectiveness trial. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e075488. [PMID: 37914300 PMCID: PMC10626834 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Australia, only 22% of male and 8% of female adolescents meet the muscle-strengthening physical activity guidelines, and few school-based interventions support participation in resistance training (RT). After promising findings from our effectiveness trial, we conducted a state-wide dissemination of the 'Resistance Training for Teens' (RT4T) intervention from 2015 to 2020. Despite high estimated reach, we found considerable variability in programme delivery and teachers reported numerous barriers to implementation. Supporting schools when they first adopt evidence-based programmes may strengthen programme fidelity, sustainability, and by extension, programme impact. However, the most effective implementation support model for RT4T is unclear. OBJECTIVE To compare the effects of three implementation support models on the reach (primary outcome), dose delivered, fidelity, sustainability, impact and cost of RT4T. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will conduct a hybrid type III implementation-effectiveness trial involving grade 9 and 10 (aged 14-16 years) students from 90 secondary schools in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Schools will be recruited across one cohort in 2023, stratified by school type, socioeconomic status and location, and randomised in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive one of the following levels of implementation support: (1) 'low' (training and resources), (2) 'moderate' (training and resources+external support) or 'high' (training and resources+external support+equipment). Training includes a teacher workshop related to RT4T programme content (theory and practical sessions) and the related resources. Additional support will be provided by trained project officers from five local health districts. Equipment will consist of a pack of semiportable RT equipment (ie, weighted bars, dumbbells, resistance bands and inverted pull up bar stands) valued at ~$A1000 per school. Study outcomes will be assessed at baseline (T0), 6 months (T1) and 18 months (T2). A range of quantitative (teacher logs, observations and teacher surveys) and qualitative (semistructured interviews with teachers) methods will be used to assess primary (reach) and secondary outcomes (dose delivered, fidelity, sustainability, impact and cost of RT4T). Quantitative analyses will use logistic mixed models for dichotomous outcomes, and ordinal or linear mixed effects regression models for continuous outcomes, with alpha levels set at p<0.025 for the outcomes and cost comparisons of the moderate and high support arms against the low support arm. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval has been obtained from the University of Newcastle (H-2021-0418), the NSW Department of Education (SERAP:2022215), Hunter New England Human Research Ethics Committee (2023/ETH00052) and the Catholic Schools Office. The design, conduct and reporting will adhere to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement, the Standards for Reporting Implementation Studies statement and the Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist. Findings will be published in open access peer-reviewed journals, key stakeholders will be provided with a detailed report. We will support ongoing dissemination of RT4T in Australian schools via professional learning for teachers. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ACTRN12622000861752.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayden Thomas Kelly
- School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Active Living and Learning, College of Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jordan James Smith
- School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Active Living and Learning, College of Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Angeliek Verdonschot
- School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Active Living and Learning, College of Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Grace Kennedy
- School of Health Sciences, Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Kingswood, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joseph J Scott
- School of Education and Tertiary Access, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
- School of Education, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Heather McKay
- Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Active Aging Research Team, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nicole Nathan
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- National Centre of Implementation Science, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rachel Sutherland
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- National Centre of Implementation Science, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Philip James Morgan
- School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Active Living and Learning, College of Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jo Salmon
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dawn Penney
- School of Education, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - James Boyer
- School Sport Unit, NSW Department of Education, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rhodri S Lloyd
- Youth Physical Development Centre, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Christopher Oldmeadow
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Penny Reeves
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kirrilly Pursey
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Food and Nutrition Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Myna Hua
- Health Promotion Service, Population Health, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Longmore
- Health Promotion Service, Western NSW Local Health District, Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jennifer Norman
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
- Health Promotion Service, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexander Voukelatos
- Population Health Research and Evaluation Hub, Sydney Local Health District, Forest Lodge, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Avigdor Zask
- Health Promotion, Northern NSW Local Health District, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
- North Coast University Centre for Rural Health, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Revalds Lubans
- School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Active Living and Learning, College of Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Martinko A, Sorić M, Jurak G, Starc G. Physical fitness among children with diverse weight status during and after the COVID-19 pandemic: a population-wide, cohort study based on the Slovenian physical fitness surveillance system (SLOfit). THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2023; 34:100748. [PMID: 37927431 PMCID: PMC10624998 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2023.100748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Background COVID-19 public health crisis has exerted immediate negative impacts on children's physical fitness, but the longer-term effects are not clear, and the impact on children with excess weight is yet unknown. We examined changes in multiple components of physical fitness in response to COVID-19 imposed restrictions, but also a year after the restrictions were terminated, and compared these trends in groups of boys and girls with normal weight, overweight, or obesity before the pandemic. Methods Information was gathered through Slovenia's national fitness surveillance system, and included 41,330 children (19,890 girls), aged 5-17, who had their fitness levels measured yearly from 2019 to 2022. Multilevel linear mixed models, fitted separately for boys and girls, were used to model the individual-level trends over time in centile score for each fitness test across 3 weight groups. Findings Overall fitness levels decreased markedly across all weight categories between 2019 and 2020, with the largest decreases in Total Fitness Index observed in children with normal weight and overweight (-8.4 and -7.7 centiles for boys and -8.3 and -8.8 for girls, respectively, p < 0.001). While there was some recovery in the overall fitness level between 2020 and 2022, it remained much lower in 2022 compared to 2019 across most groups, apart from boys with obesity. Fitness components that had the largest impact on general fitness trends were cardiorespiratory fitness, lower body power, body core, and upper body strength. Interpretation A severe decline in fitness that has not come close to returning to pre-pandemic levels in most population groups of youth begs for urgent population-wide initiatives that will provide additional opportunities for physical activity to youth. Among vulnerable groups, girls with overweight and obesity deserve a special focus of these policies. Funding Horizon 2020 (Grant no. 774548), Slovenian National Research Agency (Grant no. P5-0142), Croatian Science Foundation (Grant no. DOK-2020-01-3728).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maroje Sorić
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Jurak
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Starc
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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22
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Sember V, Đurić S, Starc G, Leskošek B, Sorić M, Kovač M, Jurak G. Secular trends in skill-related physical fitness among Slovenian children and adolescents from 1983 to 2014. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2023; 33:2323-2339. [PMID: 37493345 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
It is vital from the public health and educational perspective to be familiar with changes in the fitness levels of individuals and populations since fitness is associated with several health outcomes and cognition. Skill-related physical fitness refers to performance in sports or occupation and is associated with motor skill performance. The aim of the present study was to examine secular trends in skill-related physical fitness of 16 678 participants in four youth generations of Slovenian children and adolescents in years 1983 (n = 3128), 1993/94 (n = 3413), 2003/04 (n = 5497), and 2013/14 (n = 4640). Using repeated cross-sectional design, we observed fitness level of all participants divided into three age groups: 6-10, 11-14, and 15-19 years. Skill-related physical performance was measured with seven fitness tests for speed, coordination, balance, and flexibility. Analysis of covariance was used to compare differences in fitness performance between decades in each age and sex group, adjusted for body height, body weight, and body mass index. Overall, large but inconsistent changes in coordination, a small improvement in speed, and a decline in flexibility were seen. The trends over the whole examined period were not linear throughout decades. Generally, positive trends were noticed in periods 1983-1993 (range 1.4%-17.9%; except flexibility) and 2003/04-2013/14 (range 0.2%-36.4%; except age group 15-19 years) while in the period 1993/94-2003/04 there are some particularities in secular trends according to individual components as well as age groups. In general, the secular trend showed a positive direction for both genders (p < 0.05), except for gross motor coordination, which demonstrated positive trends in 1993 and 2013 compared with a decade earlier (p < 0.05) and from 1983 to 2013/14, except for the youngest boys in 2003 and the youngest girls from 1993 to 2003 (p < 0.05). Our findings call for exercise programs aimed at improving speed and gross motor coordination in both sexes and all age groups, especially in the group of 15-19 years old.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vedrana Sember
- Faculty of Sports, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Saša Đurić
- American University of the Middle East, Al-Egaila, Kuwait
| | - Gregor Starc
- Faculty of Sports, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bojan Leskošek
- Faculty of Sports, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maroje Sorić
- Faculty of Sports, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty for Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marjeta Kovač
- Faculty of Sports, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Jurak
- Faculty of Sports, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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23
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Morrison SA, Jurak G, Starc G, Kovač M, Golobič M, Pavletič Samardžija P, Gabrijelčič M, Kotnik P, Meh K, Primožič M, Sember V. Challenges of social change: The 2021 Republic of Slovenia report card on physical activity of children and adolescents. J Exerc Sci Fit 2023; 21:305-312. [PMID: 37520932 PMCID: PMC10372450 DOI: 10.1016/j.jesf.2023.06.003] [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: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Slovenian children are facing considerable health challenges from the rapid social changes that influence their opportunity to engage in daily physical activity. Objective To overlay the social changes to the established Report Card model as a means of contextualising the extreme changes in physical activity and fitness observed over several years. Methods Benchmarks were graded for 10 core indicators, plus two (Sleep, Seasonal Variations). Active Healthy Kids Slovenia members met (predominantly via zoom) liaising with team leader(s) on a flexible, individual basis, based on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) regulations, over the ∼2-year assessment period of the project. Data were separated to the years prior to, 'pre' 2018-2020, and 'during' the global pandemic (2020-2021). Where sufficient data existed for both timeframes, grades were averaged to produce an overall grade. Results Grade results are expressed as pre/during/final grade, where the final grade (bolded) is a straight average of the two preceding time epochs: Overall Physical Activity (A-/A-/A-), Organized Sport and Physical Activity (C+/C/C), Active Play (D/C+/C), Active Transport (C/INC/C), Sedentary Behaviour (B/C/C+), Physical Fitness (A+/A-/A), Family and Peers (B+/INC/B+), Schools (A/A/A), Community and Environment (A+/A+/A+), Government (A/F/D), Sleep (D-/INC/D-), Seasonal Variations (D/C-/D+). Conclusion Although Slovenia has some of the most consistently physically-active children in the world, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic exerted significant reductions in physical activity opportunities, and especially when coupled with funding re-distributions, resulted in the steepest decline of child physical fitness observed within the >35-year history of Slovenia's well-established national fitness surveillance system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawnda A. Morrison
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gregor Jurak
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Starc
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marjeta Kovač
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mojca Golobič
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | | | - Primož Kotnik
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Kaja Meh
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Vedrana Sember
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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24
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García-Alonso Y, Alonso-Martínez AM, García-Hermoso A, Legarra-Gorgoñon G, Izquierdo M, Ramírez-Vélez R. Centile reference curves of the ultrasound-based characteristics of the rectus femoris muscle composition in children at 4-11 years old. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1168253. [PMID: 37635791 PMCID: PMC10449539 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1168253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantitative diagnostic ultrasound has been proposed as a way to characterize muscle structure, but there is a lack of normative data for children. This study aims to establish age-specific normal ranges for echo-intensity (EI), cross-sectional area (CSA), muscular thickness (MT), and subcutaneous adipose thickness (SAT) values of the rectus femoris muscle in typically developing children. The study recruited 497 children (288 boys and 209 girls) aged 4-10.9 years (mean age 7.39 years), and muscle parameters were measured using 2D B-mode ultrasound. Percentile values and reference curves were calculated using the Lambda, Mu, and Sigma method (LMS). The results showed small variation between measurements for boys compared to girls, with the most significant difference in EI, CSA, and MT values. EI decreased with age, with the most pronounced curve in boys. SAT increased in both sexes, with a slightly higher increase in girls after the age of 9.0 years. This study provides the first age-specific reference norms for the rectus femoris muscle architecture in children, and further research is needed to validate these curves and determine their clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesenia García-Alonso
- Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Alicia M. Alonso-Martínez
- Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Antonio García-Hermoso
- Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Gaizka Legarra-Gorgoñon
- Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Mikel Izquierdo
- Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBER of Frailty and Healthy Aging (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Robinson Ramírez-Vélez
- Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBER of Frailty and Healthy Aging (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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25
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Teich P, Fühner T, Granacher U, Kliegl R. Physical fitness of primary school children differs depending on their timing of school enrollment. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8788. [PMID: 37258586 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35727-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous research has shown that children who were enrolled to school according to the legal key date (i.e., keyage children, between eight and nine years in third grade) exhibited a linear physical fitness development in the ninth year of life. In contrast, children who were enrolled with a delay (i.e., older-than-keyage children [OTK], between nine and ten years in third grade) exhibited a lower physical fitness compared to what would be expected for their age. In these studies, cross-sectional age differences within third grade and timing of school enrollment were confounded. The present study investigated the longitudinal development of keyage and OTK children from third to fifth grade. This design also afforded a comparison of the two groups at the same average chronological age, that is a dissociation of the effects of timing of school enrollment and age. We tested six physical fitness components: cardiorespiratory endurance, coordination, speed, power of lower and upper limbs, and static balance. 1502 children (i.e., 1206 keyage and 296 OTK children) from 35 schools were tested in third, fourth, and fifth grade. Except for cardiorespiratory endurance, both groups developed from third to fourth and from fourth to fifth grade and keyage children outperformed OTK children at the average ages of 9.5 or 10.5 years. For cardiorespiratory endurance, there was no significant gain from fourth to fifth grade and keyage and OTK children did not differ significantly at 10.5 years of age. One reason for a delayed school enrollment could be that a child is (or is perceived as) biologically younger than their chronological age at the school entry examination, implying a negative correlation between chronological and biological age for OTK children. Indeed, a simple reflection of chronological age brought the developmental rate of the chronologically youngest OTK children in line with the developmental rate observed for keyage children, but did not eliminate all differences. The mapping of chronological and biological age of OTK children and other possible reasons for lower physical fitness of OTK children remain a task for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Teich
- Division of Training and Movement Science, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Potsdam, Am Neuen Palais 10, Building 12, 14469, Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Thea Fühner
- Division of Training and Movement Science, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Potsdam, Am Neuen Palais 10, Building 12, 14469, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Urs Granacher
- Exercise and Human Movement Science, Department of Sport and Sport Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Reinhold Kliegl
- Division of Training and Movement Science, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Potsdam, Am Neuen Palais 10, Building 12, 14469, Potsdam, Germany
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26
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Tortella P, Quinto A, Fumagalli GF, Lipoma M, Stodden D, Sgrò F. Effects of Different Teaching Approaches on Proxy Measures of Physical Fitness of Italian Kindergarten Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20105792. [PMID: 37239522 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20105792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Developing physical fitness (PF) behaviors early in life enhances physical development and facilitates sustained participation in physical activity and sports across childhood. This study addressed the effect of different teaching approaches on precursors of PF in kindergarten children. A total of 178 children (5.45 ± 0.40 years, female = 92) from 11 classes were organized into three groups. Group 1 (structured activity + free play) and Group 2 (only free play) attended the same playground (PrimoSport0246) for one hour/week for 10 weeks. Group 3 (structured activity + free play in kindergarten) followed their standard physical education curriculum at school. PF tests (standing long jump, medicine ball throw, and 20 m running speed) were administered pre- and post-intervention. Factorial ANOVA was implemented using a percentage change in PF performance (PFC) as the dependent variable, and teaching approaches, gender, and age as factors. Group 1 demonstrated significant improvements in fitness performance compared with Groups 2 and 3. Moderate to large effect sizes (Cohen's d range: 0.68-1.40) were noted in both males and females. Six-year-old demonstrated the greatest improvement in composite PFC compared to Groups 2 and 3. A structured teaching plan, even with a limited dose of once per week, supported the development of PF attributes in kindergarteners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Tortella
- Faculty of Human and Society Sciences, University of Enna "Kore", 94100 Enna, Italy
| | - Antonella Quinto
- Faculty of Human and Society Sciences, University of Enna "Kore", 94100 Enna, Italy
| | - Guido Francesco Fumagalli
- Research Center on Child Motor Development, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
| | - Mario Lipoma
- Faculty of Human and Society Sciences, University of Enna "Kore", 94100 Enna, Italy
| | - David Stodden
- Department of Physical Education, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Francesco Sgrò
- Faculty of Human and Society Sciences, University of Enna "Kore", 94100 Enna, Italy
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Vasiljevic I, Petkovic J. The prevalence of overweight and obesity: a measurement-based analysis of 6-9-year-old school children from Montenegro. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1194600. [PMID: 37234761 PMCID: PMC10206028 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1194600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aimed to conduct a measurement-based analysis of overweight and obesity prevalence among 6-9-year-old children in Montenegro. Methods The population of this cross-sectional study included 1993 (1059 boys and 934 girls) primary-school children. The sample of anthropometric variables includes body height, body weight and body mass index, as well as nutrition status that were presented based on BMI standardized categories: underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity. The descriptive statistics described the means for each variable, while post hoc tests and ANOVA were applied to explore differences between the proposed means. Results The results indicate the overweight (including obesity) prevalence was 28% (15% of overweight and 13% of obese children), while boys have a higher overweight prevalence rate than girls. In addition, the tendency of higher prevalence rates to differ by age in both sexes is observed. This study also confirmed that overweight and obesity are affected by geographical regions but not by the level of urbanization in Montenegro. Discussion The innovation of this study is reflected in the fact that the overweight and obesity prevalence rates among 6-9-year-old children are within an acceptable range in Montenegro, since it does not deviate from the European average, but further interventions and continuous monitoring are necessary, due to the specific nature of this issue.
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Religiosity in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a cross-country comparison. Qual Life Res 2023:10.1007/s11136-023-03383-4. [PMID: 36929475 PMCID: PMC10328897 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-023-03383-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive motor impairment leading to early death. Religiousness is one of the factors potentially alleviating the psychological burden of patients. However, its role might vary according to cultural context. Our study aimed to analyze religiosity, and its clinical, psychological and socio-demographic correlates in ALS patients and controls, comparing two European countries with different cultural backgrounds. METHODS 268 Polish and German ALS patients, including 18 with locked-in syndrome (LIS) and 198 healthy controls (HC) were interviewed about religiousness, quality of life (Qol), depression, functional status and pain. A follow-up was conducted on 71 patients. RESULTS Polish subjects had a significantly higher level of public, private and general religiosity than the German sample. Importantly, we found no difference in total and public religiousness between ALS patients and HC within either population. Only the private religiousness was significantly higher in German patients compared to controls. In the same sample, private religiousness correlated with functional impairment due to disease progression. In ALS groups and LIS patients, religiousness did not correlate with any disease-associated factors: disease duration, pain, Qol or depression. Follow-up comparisons in the ALS group revealed worsening functional status, increased depression and no significant change in religiosity. CONCLUSIONS Religiosity was linked to the cultural background rather than ALS. Generally, it did not correlate with clinical, psychological and socio-demographic parameters and was stable throughout disease progression. The only exception was the relationship between the functional decline and private religiosity among German patients.
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Sagat P, Štefan L, Petrić V, Štemberger V, Blažević I. Normative values of cardiorespiratory fitness in Croatian children and adolescents. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284410. [PMID: 37093827 PMCID: PMC10124836 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Although defining normative values of cardiorespiratory fitness have been the topic of many Western societies, little evidence has been provided for less developed countries like Croatia. Since cardiorespiratory fitness rapidly declines in Croatian children and adolescents, the newly established normative values would help health-related professionals and physical education teachers to detect 'talented' groups and direct them towards sport and 'risky' groups for planning special interventions. Therefore, the main purpose of the study was to determine normative reference values of cardiorespiratory fitness. A total of 1,612 children and adolescents aged 7-14 years (mean±SD; age 9.7±2.4 years; stature 151.0±17.6 cm; body mass 45.1±19.1 kg; 52.5% girls) participated in this cross-sectional study. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by the Maximal multistage 20-m shuttle run test and the performance was expressed as the number of stages. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was estimated by equations. Smoothed percentile curves were calculated. Boys outperformed girls in the maximal number of levels achieved after the 20-m shuttle run test and in the VO2max values at each age category. In boys, a gradually higher level of performance between ages 11 and 14 was observed, while in girls the values started to rise after the age of 8. Our study provides one of the first sex- and age-specific normative values for cardiorespiratory fitness assessed by the 20-m shuttle run test in Croatian children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sagat
- Department of Health and Physical Education, Prince Sultan University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lovro Štefan
- Department of General and Applied Kinesiology, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Sport Motorics and Methodology in Kinanthropology, Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Educational Studies, Faculty of Teacher Education, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Vilko Petrić
- Department of Educational Studies, Faculty of Teacher Education, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Vesna Štemberger
- Department of Primary Teacher Education, Faculty of Education, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Iva Blažević
- Department of Primary Teacher Education, Faculty of Educational Science, University of Pula, Pula, Croatia
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