Motives for Exercising and Associations with Body Composition in Icelandic Adolescents

Motivation by, Perceived Quality of and Satisfaction with Sports Services among Young Athletes: A Psychological Approach

The aim was to assess the psychological approach of young athletes to sports services in terms of motivation, perceived quality and satisfaction. A total of 307 adolescents (55.7% male and 44.3% female) between 12 and 18 years old participated. Three questionnaires were applied: an ad hoc questionnaire, the Self-Report of Motivation to Practice Physical Exercise (AMPEF) and the Questionnaire for the Evaluation of Sports Services (EPOD2). A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted, applying regression analysis to determine the predictive nature of the factors in the questionnaires. Individual sports players and non-competitors rated the motivational factors lower than those who practised collective sports and competed, and the results were reversed with regard to the perceived quality of, satisfaction with and value of the service. They valued human and personal treatment more highly, correlating it moderately and positively with service value (r = 0.422 for the monitor and r = 0.442 for the organisation's staff) and satisfaction (r = 0.43 for the monitor and r = 0.552 for the organisation's staff). Satisfaction was a negative predictor of extrinsic motivation, and vice versa (β = -0.207 and β = -0.143). Young athletes, in general, have an orientation towards intrinsic motivation and therefore a low tendency towards sports dropout.

Joy of living through exercise - a qualitative study of clinically referred adolescents' experiences of moderate to vigorous exercise as treatment for depression

AIM

Depression is common and rising in adolescents. Recent meta-analyses indicate a moderate effect of exercise on depression symptoms. Clinically referred adolescents and their experiences of an exercise intervention have rarely been studied. The aim of this study was to describe clinically referred adolescents' experience of moderate to vigorous exercise as a treatment for depression.

METHODS

A total of 16 clinically referred adolescents with persistent major depression, who had taken part in a 14-week aerobic exercise intervention of moderate to vigorous intensity, were interviewed. Data was analysed by latent qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

After taking part in the exercise intervention the adolescents expressed enhanced participation in daily life and joy of living by demonstrating commitment and a sense of empowerment. The categories contained both improved vitality and structure of everyday life as well as improved self-esteem and self-control. Participation in the exercise intervention changed their self-image, relationships, school performance, and family life. The adolescents highlighted that exercising in a group was beneficial, giving security and structure.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents with persistent depression experienced several beneficial aspects of participating in an aerobic group exercise of moderate to vigorous intensity.

Motives of Students for or against the Practice of Physical Exercise and How They Are Related with the Climate in Physical Education Classes

The main aim of the study was to investigate the reasons that motivate secondary school pupils to practise physical exercise, and how these motives are related to their perception of the climate in physical education classes. Participants: The sample consisted of 448 subjects, 36.8% girls and 63.2% boys, aged between 16 and 19 years (M = 17.61; SD = 0.96). The methodology was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Two instruments were applied: self-reporting by the pupils of their motives for practising physical exercise, and a questionnaire on their attitudes towards teachers' behaviour and the physical education programme. The results showed that the strongest motive for the practice of physical exercise was "Prevention and positive health" (M = 5.29; SD = 1.45). In conclusion, there is a weak correlation among the pupils' motives for practising physical exercise and their perception of the climate in class.

The impacts of exercise on pediatric obesity

Over the last few decades, the rates of pediatric obesity have more than doubled regardless of sociodemographic categorization, and despite these rates plateauing in recent years there continues to be an increase in the severity of obesity in children and adolescents. This review will discuss the pediatric obesity mediated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors such as attenuated levels of satiety and energy metabolism hormones, insulin resistance, vascular endothelial dysfunction, and arterial stiffness. Additionally, early intervention to combat pediatric obesity is critical as obesity has been suggested to track into adulthood, and these obese children and adolescents are at an increased risk of early mortality. Current suggested strategies to combat pediatric obesity are modifying diet, limiting sedentary behavior, and increasing physical activity. The effects of exercise intervention on metabolic hormones such as leptin and adiponectin, insulin sensitivity/resistance, and body fat in obese children and adolescents will be discussed along with the exercise modality, intensity, and duration. Specifically, this review will focus on the differential effects of aerobic exercise, resistance training, and combined exercise on the cardiovascular risks in pediatric obesity. This review outlines the evidence that exercise intervention is a beneficial therapeutic strategy to reduce the risk factors for CVD and the ideal exercise prescription to combat pediatric obesity should contain both muscle strengthening and aerobic components with an emphasis on fat mass reduction and long-term adherence.

Percentile values of the standing broad jump in children and adolescence aged 6-18 years old

The standing broad jump (SBJ) is a valid, reliable and feasible field-based test, which can evaluate explosive strength of the lower limbs and physical fitness. This study aimed to provide normative data for the SBJ for male and female children and adolescents and describe differences in performance between age groups and genders. A total number of 2140 children and adolescents, sampled in seven European nations have been included for analysis. The SBJ was performed to derive percentile values for gender and each age group. In general, males have greater jumping performance compared to females. Data demonstrate a linear increase in the jumping distance for both males and females until adolescence. However, such increase is evident in males up to 16-17 years old, whereas in females a plateau value is met at 12-13 years old, with a subsequent decrease in the jumping performance. No differences were present in jumping performance between male and female children, however differences between male and female adolescents were evinced. The study has provided percentile values useful to monitor the physical fitness status of children and adolescents.

Percentile values of the standing broad jump in children and adolescents aged 6-18 years old

The standing broad jump (SBJ) is a valid, reliable and feasible field-based test, which can evaluate explosive strength of the lower limbs and physical fitness. This study aimed to provide normative data for the SBJ for male and female children and adolescents and describe differences in performance between age groups and genders. A total number of 2140 children and adolescents, sampled in seven European nations have been included for analysis. The SBJ was performed to derive percentile values for gender and each age group. In general, males have greater jumping performance compared to females. Data demonstrate a linear increase in the jumping distance for both males and females until adolescence. However, such increase is evident in males up to 16-17 years old, whereas in females a plateau value is met at 12-13 years old, with a subsequent decrease in the jumping performance. No differences were present in jumping performance between male and female children, however differences between male and female adolescents were evinced. The study has provided percentile values useful to monitor the physical fitness status of children and adolescents.