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Haugland ES, Nilsen AKO, Vabø KB, Pesce C, Bartholomew J, Okely AD, Tjomsland HE, Aadland KN, Aadland E. Effects of a staff-led multicomponent physical activity intervention on preschooler's fundamental motor skills and physical fitness: The ACTNOW cluster-randomized controlled trial. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2024; 21:69. [PMID: 38961489 PMCID: PMC11223439 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-024-01616-4] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fundamental motor skills (FMS) and physical fitness (FIT) play important roles in child development and provide a foundation for lifelong participation in physical activity (PA). Unfortunately, many children have suboptimal levels of PA, FMS, and FIT. The Active Learning Norwegian Preschool(er)s (ACTNOW) study investigated the effects of a staff-led PA intervention on FMS, FIT, and PA in 3-5-year-old children. METHODS Preschools in Western Norway having ≥ six 3-4-year-old children were invited (n = 56). Of these, 46 agreed to participate and were cluster-randomized into an intervention (n = 23 preschools [381 children, 3.8 yrs., 55% boys]) or a control group (n = 23 [438, 3.7 yrs., 52% boys]). Intervention preschools participated in an 18-month PA intervention involving a 7-month staff professional development between 2019 and 2022, amounting to 50 h, including face-to-face seminars, webinars, and digital lectures. Primary outcomes in ACTNOW were cognition variables, whereas this study investigated effects on secondary outcomes. FMS was measured through 9 items covering locomotor, object control, and balance skills. FIT was assessed as motor fitness (4 × 10 shuttle-run test) and upper and lower muscular strength (handgrip and standing long jump). PA was measured with accelerometers (ActiGraph GT3X +). All measures took place at baseline, 7-, and 18-month follow-up. Effects were analysed using a repeated measures linear mixed model with child and preschool as random effects and with adjustment for baseline scores. RESULTS Participants in the intervention preschools showed positive, significant effects for object control skills at 7 months (standardized effect size (ES) = 0.17) and locomotor skills at 18 months (ES = 0.21) relative to controls. A negative effect was found for handgrip strength (ES = -0.16) at 7 months. No effects were found for balance skills, standing long jump, or motor fitness. During preschool hours, sedentary time decreased (ES = -0.18), and light (ES = 0.14) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (ES = 0.16) increased at 7 months, whereas light PA decreased at 18 months (ES = -0.15), for intervention vs control. No effects were found for other intensities or full day PA. CONCLUSIONS The ACTNOW intervention improved some FMS outcomes and increased PA short-term. Further research is needed to investigate how to improve effectiveness of staff-led PA interventions and achieve sustainable improvements in children's PA, FMS, and FIT. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04048967 , registered August 7, 2019. FUNDING ACTNOW was supported by the Research Council of Norway (grant number 287903), the County Governor of Sogn og Fjordane, the Sparebanken Sogn og Fjordane Foundation, and the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Straume Haugland
- Faculty of Education, Arts and Sports, Department of Sport, Food and Natural Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Sogndal, Norway.
| | - Ada Kristine Ofrim Nilsen
- Faculty of Education, Arts and Sports, Department of Sport, Food and Natural Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Sogndal, Norway
| | - Kristoffer Buene Vabø
- Faculty of Education, Arts and Sports, Department of Sport, Food and Natural Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Sogndal, Norway
| | - Caterina Pesce
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - John Bartholomew
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Anthony David Okely
- Faculty of Education, Arts and Sports, Department of Sport, Food and Natural Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Sogndal, Norway
- Early Start and School of Education, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Hege Eikeland Tjomsland
- Faculty of Education, Arts and Sports, Department of Sport, Food and Natural Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Sogndal, Norway
| | - Katrine Nyvoll Aadland
- Faculty of Education, Arts and Sports, Department of Sport, Food and Natural Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Sogndal, Norway
| | - Eivind Aadland
- Faculty of Education, Arts and Sports, Department of Sport, Food and Natural Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Sogndal, Norway
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Abe T, Abe A, Loenneke JP. Handgrip strength of young athletes differs based on the type of sport played and age. Am J Hum Biol 2024; 36:e24022. [PMID: 37987483 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.24022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Handgrip strength may differ depending on the type of sport played during the developmental period. Youth sports in which athletes hold equipment in their hands may be the most effective for improving handgrip strength. This study aimed to examine the age at which differences in handgrip strength appear by comparing sports that involve gripping (kendo) with those that do not involve gripping (soccer) in young athletes. METHODS Two hundred and twenty-two male athletes (115 kendo and 107 soccer) between 6 and 15 years old participated in this study. Handgrip strength was measured using a dynamometer, and the average value of both hands was used for analysis. Sports experience was determined when they started practicing each sport. Handgrip strength was compared between sports. Statistical moderation was used to determine if the relationship between sport and handgrip strength depended upon the age of the athlete. RESULTS Kendo athletes had significantly higher handgrip strength than soccer athletes (4.77 kg [95% CI: 2.34, 7.19]) in the overall sample. We found that the relationship between sport and handgrip strength depended upon the age of the child (sport*age t = -3.6, p = .004). Using the Johnson-Neyman procedure, we found statistically significant differences between sports from 8.48 years and older. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the type of sport played, that is, whether or not an athlete plays with sports equipment in their hands, may influence the development of handgrip strength during the period of growth, and these sports may contribute to a higher level of handgrip strength in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Abe
- Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Institute of Health and Sports Science & Medicine, Juntendo University, Chiba, Japan
- Division of Children's Health and Exercise Research, Institute of Trainology, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Akemi Abe
- Division of Children's Health and Exercise Research, Institute of Trainology, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Jeremy P Loenneke
- Department of Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management, Kevser Ermin Applied Physiology Laboratory, The University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
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Gioxari A, Amerikanou C, Peraki S, Kaliora AC, Skouroliakou M. Eating Behavior and Factors of Metabolic Health in Primary Schoolchildren: A Cross-Sectional Study in Greek Children. Nutrients 2023; 15:3592. [PMID: 37630782 PMCID: PMC10457842 DOI: 10.3390/nu15163592] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Childhood obesity has been associated with altered blood lipids and bad eating habits. In this cross-sectional study, we assessed cardiorespiratory fitness and metabolic health markers in regard to weight status and dietary habits in schoolchildren. In 134 children (6-11 years), we conducted: (1) Anthropometry, namely z-score BMI (z-BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and body composition analysis. (2) Measurements of handgrip strength (HGS), resting metabolic rate (RMR) and VO2max. (3) Quantification of blood lipids and antioxidant vitamins A, E, C. (4) Eating breakfast assessment. About 35% of children were overweight/obese. The z-BMI positively correlated with WHtR (r = 0.637, p < 0.001), and adversely correlated with fat-free mass (r = -0.728, p < 0.001) and vitamin E (r = -0.286, p < 0.001). RMR and VO2max were greater in normal weight children compared to those with overweight/obesity (p < 0.001). HGS did not differ between these groups, but was negatively correlated with dyslipidemia as shown by TG/HDL-C ratio (r = -0.224, p = 0.037). According to regression analysis, eating breakfast routinely at home was positively associated with RMR and adversely associated with z-BMI. Hence, regular breakfast consumption at home may improve RMR in kids. Cardiorespiratory fitness and physical strength are key modulators of metabolic health in Greek children added to a social determinant of health i.e., eating breakfast at home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristea Gioxari
- Department of Nutritional Science and Dietetics, School of Health Science, University of the Peloponnese, Antikalamos, 24100 Kalamata-Messinia, Greece; (A.G.); (S.P.)
| | - Charalampia Amerikanou
- Department of Dietetics and Nutritional Science, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, 70 El. Venizelou Ave., 17671 Athens, Greece; (C.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Sevasti Peraki
- Department of Nutritional Science and Dietetics, School of Health Science, University of the Peloponnese, Antikalamos, 24100 Kalamata-Messinia, Greece; (A.G.); (S.P.)
| | - Andriana C. Kaliora
- Department of Dietetics and Nutritional Science, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, 70 El. Venizelou Ave., 17671 Athens, Greece; (C.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Maria Skouroliakou
- Department of Dietetics and Nutritional Science, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, 70 El. Venizelou Ave., 17671 Athens, Greece; (C.A.); (M.S.)
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Abe T, Abe A, Loenneke JP. Association of changes in grip strength with second digit length adjusted for fourth digit length in young children. Am J Hum Biol 2023; 35:e23901. [PMID: 36998165 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The factors involved in changes in grip strength (GS) during growth/development are not well known. Findings from cross-sectional studies have indicated that digit lengths are associated with physical fitness, including GS. This study aimed to investigate the association of changes in GS over 1 year and the second (2D) and fourth (4D) digit lengths in young children using the 4D as a covariate. METHODS One hundred and three young children (54 boys and 49 girls) performed maximum voluntary GS and ultrasound-measured forearm muscle thickness measurements in the right hand. All participants completed the first measurement and underwent a second measurement 1 year after the first one. The 2D and 4D were taken on the palmar surface of the outstretched right hand at the second measurement. RESULTS The 2D was inversely associated with the change in GS (B = -2.1, p = 0.023) adjusted for all covariates. Girls had numerically lower adjusted changes in grip strength, although this was not statistically significant [-0.61 (-1.2, 0.02) kg]. When sex was removed from the model, the 2D remained inversely associated with the change in GS (B = -2.39, p = 0.011). Finally, when only adjusting for the 4D, the 2D was inversely associated with the change in GS (B = -3.07, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION This study documented the association between changes in GS over 1 year and digit lengths in young children. The difference in children's digit length needs to be recognized as a factor involved in weak GS in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Abe
- Institute of Health and Sports Science & Medicine, Juntendo University, Inzai-shi, Chiba, 270-1695, Japan
- Division of Children's Health and Exercise Research, Institute of Trainology, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka, 814-0001, Japan
| | - Akemi Abe
- Division of Children's Health and Exercise Research, Institute of Trainology, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka, 814-0001, Japan
| | - Jeremy P Loenneke
- Department of Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management, Kevser Ermin Applied Physiology Laboratory, The University of Mississippi, Mississippi, 38677, USA
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Abe A, Sanui R, Loenneke JP, Abe T. One-Year Handgrip Strength Change in Kindergarteners Depends upon Physical Activity Status. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1665. [PMID: 37629522 PMCID: PMC10455176 DOI: 10.3390/life13081665] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Free play in kindergarten can be roughly divided into fine and gross motor activities, but the effects of these activities on improving handgrip strength are unknown. Therefore, we aimed to compare one-year changes in handgrip strength and forearm flexor muscle size in children separated by preferred play in a kindergarten. One hundred and eleven children were recruited from a local kindergarten. They underwent handgrip strength and forearm muscle thickness measurements, and 95 (49 boys and 46 girls) underwent a second measurement one year after the first measurement. Class teachers assessed the physical activity of everyone in their class after the second measurement. Using three evaluation scores by the class teachers, we divided children into three groups based on the children's preference to play in kindergarten (fine movement vs. gross motor movement). Handgrip strength did not change differently between groups across one year. However, children who liked active playing outside (i.e., gross motor activity) were stronger than others. Furthermore, children who like playing outside observed greater changes than the other groups in the ulna (right hand) and radius muscle thickness (left hand), suggesting that changes in forearm muscle size might be incongruent with changes in handgrip strength among the three activity groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akemi Abe
- Division of Children’s Health and Exercise Research, Institute of Trainology, Fukuoka 814-0001, Japan;
| | - Rika Sanui
- Child Health Research Group, Atagohama Kindergarten, Fukuoka 819-0002, Japan;
| | - Jeremy P. Loenneke
- Department of Health, Exercise Science, & Recreation Management, Kevser Ermin Applied Physiology Laboratory, The University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS 38677, USA;
| | - Takashi Abe
- Division of Children’s Health and Exercise Research, Institute of Trainology, Fukuoka 814-0001, Japan;
- Institute of Health and Sports Science & Medicine, Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Juntendo University, Inzai 270-1695, Japan
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ABE TAKASHI, KOHMURA YOSHIMITSU, SUZUKI KOYA, SOMEYA YUKI, LOENNEKE JEREMYP, MACHIDA SHUICHI, NAITO HISASHI. Handgrip Strength and Healthspan: Impact of Sports During the Developmental Period on Handgrip Strength (Juntendo Fitness Plus Study). JUNTENDO IJI ZASSHI = JUNTENDO MEDICAL JOURNAL 2023; 69:400-404. [PMID: 38845729 PMCID: PMC10984362 DOI: 10.14789/jmj.jmj23-0017-p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Handgrip strength as a biomarker is being studied as a factor in predicting disease onset. However, the effect of improving handgrip strength through physical exercises, such as sports during the developmental period, on disease prevention has yet to be fully elucidated. The Juntendo Fitness Plus (J-Fit Plus) Study is a unique database of anthropometric and physical fitness measurements with over 50 years of accumulated data. It has the potential to explore the effects of sports on the association between handgrip strength and morbidity/mortality. We first outline previous studies on the impact of physical exercise interventions on handgrip strength, separated into adulthood and developmental period. We then introduced a unique effort to investigate the effects of sports using the J-Fit Plus Study database and describe the challenges of finally elucidating the impact of exercise on the association between handgrip strength and health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- TAKASHI ABE
- Corresponding author: Takashi Abe, Institute of Health and Sports Science & Medicine, Juntendo University, 1-1 Hiraka-gakuendai, Inzai-shi, Chiba 270-1695, Japan, TEL: +81-476-98-1001 (ext. 9301) E-mail:
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Abe T, Kohmura Y, Suzuki K, Someya Y, Loenneke JP, Machida S, Naito H. Athletes in sporting events with upper-body gripping movements have greater handgrip strength than those in sporting events that prioritize the lower body. Am J Hum Biol 2023:e23891. [PMID: 36916960 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evidence suggests that acquiring a high level of handgrip strength early in life and maintaining that strength throughout life may be important for health. In addition, it is thought that sports activities performed during the developmental period are effective in improving handgrip strength, but it is unknown what types of sports are more effective. As a first step, we conducted a cross-sectional study to compare handgrip strength across different sports (upper-body gripping sports vs. lower body) in early adulthood. METHODS We used the Juntendo Fitness Plus Study data from 1973 to 2018 and selected two types of sporting events with matching physiques (soccer, baseball, and kendo) but different degrees of gripping. Data on 7344 male first-year sports university students included 1127 soccer, 297 Kendo, and 698 baseball players. RESULTS Those in the lower body-only (soccer) sports had -3.78 (95% CI: -4.27, -3.29) kg lower handgrip strength than those in the lower + upper (kendo and baseball). Comparing each individual sport found that each sport was different from each other with Kendo > Baseball > Soccer (between each sport, p < .001). In addition, the difference between sports has become greater across time. CONCLUSIONS In early adulthood, handgrip strength is greatest in those participating in sports with upper-body movements compared to those participating in sports that mainly involved lower-body movements. The three sports we selected are natural activities that do not directly train handgrip strength. Therefore, sport may be one potential method to improve low handgrip strength in children/adolescents during the developmental period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Abe
- Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Institute of Health and Sports Science & Medicine, Juntendo University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshimitsu Kohmura
- Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Institute of Health and Sports Science & Medicine, Juntendo University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Koya Suzuki
- Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Institute of Health and Sports Science & Medicine, Juntendo University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yuki Someya
- Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Institute of Health and Sports Science & Medicine, Juntendo University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Jeremy P Loenneke
- Department of Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management, Kevser Ermin Applied Physiology Laboratory, The University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
| | - Shuichi Machida
- Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Institute of Health and Sports Science & Medicine, Juntendo University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hisashi Naito
- Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Institute of Health and Sports Science & Medicine, Juntendo University, Chiba, Japan
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Ungurean BC, Cojocariu A, Abalașei BA, Popescu L. Analysis of Morphological Parameters and Body Composition in Adolescents with and without Intellectual Disability. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3019. [PMID: 36833714 PMCID: PMC9966700 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Compared to the tremendous volume of studies focusing on children and teenagers without disabilities, research regarding weight and body composition among young populations with an intellectual disability is relatively rare. Their number further decreases when we refer to specific age groups with intellectual deficits, such as children and adolescents younger than 18. In addition, studies are even scarcer when we wish to compare groups of subjects with different degrees of intellectual disability by gender. This study has a constative nature. The research sample comprises 212 subjects-girls and boys with an average age of 17.7 ± 0.2, divided into six groups by gender and type of intellectual disability. The parameters considered within the study include anthropometrical data and body composition determined using a professional device (Tanita MC 580 S). The findings of this study highlight the impact of intellectual disability on body composition in this age category. We hope it will help develop efficient strategies, recommendations, and intervention plans to ensure active participation in physical activities and categorisation within the optimal parameters of body composition indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Constantin Ungurean
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași, 507184 Iași, Romania
| | - Adrian Cojocariu
- Romania-Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, Doctoral School in Sports and Physical Education Science, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, 507184 Iași, Romania
| | - Beatrice Aurelia Abalașei
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași, 507184 Iași, Romania
| | - Lucian Popescu
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași, 507184 Iași, Romania
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Reference Values of Absolute and Relative Handgrip Strength in Chilean Schoolchildren with Intellectual Disabilities. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9121912. [PMID: 36553355 PMCID: PMC9777202 DOI: 10.3390/children9121912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Handgrip strength is a simple measure of general muscle strength and is related to functionality in people with intellectual disabilities. The objective of this research was to describe the normative values of absolute and relative handgrip strength in children, adolescents and adults according to sex. The sample was made up of 264 schoolchildren (n = 168 men) belonging to five special education schools in Santiago of Chile. The results show higher levels of absolute handgrip strength in males compared to females. The maximum peak of the absolute manual handgrip is reached in females in adolescence with a decrease in adulthood. Relative handgrip strength levels are similar in boys and girls. In females, the relative handgrip strength is similar in childhood and adolescence. Relative handgrip strength declines in both sexes from adolescence to adulthood. The reference values of this study can be used by professionals in the areas of health and education as a guide for interpretation, monitoring and follow-up of Chilean schooled people with intellectual disabilities.
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