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Gokal K, Amos-Hirst R, Moakes CA, Sanders JP, Esliger DW, Sherar LB, Ives N, Biddle SJH, Edwardson C, Yates T, Frew E, Greaves C, Greenfield SM, Jolly K, Skrybant M, Maddison R, Mutrie N, Parretti HM, Daley AJ. Views of the public about Snacktivity™: a small changes approach to promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:618. [PMID: 35351075 PMCID: PMC8964250 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13050-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many people do not meet the recommended health guidance of participation in a minimum of 150–300 min of moderate intensity physical activity per week, often promoted as at least 30 min of physical activity on 5 days of the week. This is concerning and highlights the importance of finding innovative ways to help people to be physically active each day. Snacktivity™ is a novel approach that aims to encourage people to do small, 2–5 min bouts of physical activity ‘snacks’ throughout the whole day, such that they achieve at least 150 min of moderate intensity activity per week. However, before it can be recommended, there is a need to explore whether the concept is acceptable to the public. Methods A survey to assess the views of the public about Snacktivity™ was distributed to adult patients registered at six general practices in the West Midlands, UK and to health care employees in the same region. Results A total of 5989 surveys were sent to patients, of which 558 were returned (9.3%). A further 166 surveys were completed by health care employees. A total of 85% of respondents liked the Snacktivity™ concept. The flexibility of the approach was highly rated. A high proportion of participants (61%) reported that the ability to self-monitor their behaviour would help them to do Snacktivity™ throughout their day. Physically inactive participants perceived that Snacktivity™ would help to increase their physical activity, more than those who were physically active (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.25–0.67). Approximately 90% of respondents perceived that Snacktivity™ was easy to do on a non-working day compared to 60% on a working day. Aerobic activity ‘snacks’ were preferred to those which were strength based. Conclusions The Snacktivity™ approach to promoting physical activity was viewed positively by the public and interventions to test the merits of such an approach now need to be developed and tested in a variety of everyday contexts. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13050-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Gokal
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK. .,The Centre for Lifestyle Medicine and Behaviour (CLiMB), School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK.
| | - R Amos-Hirst
- Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - C A Moakes
- Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - J P Sanders
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK.,The Centre for Lifestyle Medicine and Behaviour (CLiMB), School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK
| | - D W Esliger
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK.,The Centre for Lifestyle Medicine and Behaviour (CLiMB), School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK
| | - L B Sherar
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK.,The Centre for Lifestyle Medicine and Behaviour (CLiMB), School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK
| | - N Ives
- Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - S J H Biddle
- Physically Active Lifestyles Research Group (USQ-PALs), Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, QLD, 4300, Australia
| | - C Edwardson
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, LE5 4PW, UK
| | - T Yates
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, LE5 4PW, UK
| | - E Frew
- Health Economics Unit Institute for Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - C Greaves
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - S M Greenfield
- Institute for Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - K Jolly
- Institute for Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - M Skrybant
- Institute for Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - R Maddison
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - N Mutrie
- Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 8AQ, UK
| | - H M Parretti
- Norwich Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - A J Daley
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK.,The Centre for Lifestyle Medicine and Behaviour (CLiMB), School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK
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Jackowski SA, Eisenmann JC, Sherar LB, Bailey DA, Baxter-Jones ADG. Adolescent Trajectories of Aerobic Fitness and Adiposity as Markers of Cardiometabolic Risk in Adulthood. J Obes 2017; 2017:6471938. [PMID: 29279776 PMCID: PMC5723934 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6471938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate whether adolescent growth trajectories of aerobic fitness and adiposity were associated with mid-adulthood cardiometabolic risk (CMR). METHODS Participants were drawn from the Saskatchewan Growth and Development Study (1963-1973). Adolescent growth trajectories for maximal aerobic capacity (absolute VO2 (AbsVO2)), skinfolds (SF), representing total body (Sum6SF) and central adiposity (TrunkSF), and body mass index (BMI) were determined from 7 to 17 years of age. In mid-adulthood (40 to 50 years of age), 61 individuals (23 females) returned for follow-ups. A CMR score was calculated to group participants as displaying either high or a low CMR. Multilevel hierarchical models were constructed, comparing the adolescent growth trajectories of AbsVO2, Sum6SF, TrunkSF, and BMI between CMR groupings. RESULTS There were no significant differences in the adolescent development of AbsVO2, Sum6SF, TrunkSF, and BMI between adult CMR groupings (p > 0.05). Individuals with high CMR accrued 62% greater adjusted total body fat percentage from adolescence to adulthood (p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS Growth trajectories of adolescent aerobic fitness and adiposity do not appear to be associated with mid-adulthood CMR. Individuals should be encouraged to participate in behaviours that promote healthy aerobic fitness and adiposity levels throughout life to reduce lifelong CMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. A. Jackowski
- College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - J. C. Eisenmann
- Deparment of Radiology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - L. B. Sherar
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - D. A. Bailey
- College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- School of Human Movement Studies, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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3
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Edwardson CL, Harrington DM, Yates T, Bodicoat DH, Khunti K, Gorely T, Sherar LB, Edwards RT, Wright C, Harrington K, Davies MJ. A cluster randomised controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of the 'Girls Active' intervention: a study protocol. BMC Public Health 2015; 15:526. [PMID: 26036965 PMCID: PMC4453020 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-1886-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the health benefits of physical activity, data from the UK suggest that a large proportion of adolescents do not meet the recommended levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). This is particularly evident in girls, who are less active than boys across all ages and may display a faster rate of decline in physical activity throughout adolescence. The 'Girls Active' intervention has been designed by the Youth Sport Trust to target the lower participation rates observed in adolescent girls. 'Girls Active' uses peer leadership and marketing to empower girls to influence decision making in their school, develop as role models and promote physical activity to other girls. Schools are provided with training and resources to review their physical activity, sport and PE provision, culture and practices to ensure they are relevant and attractive to adolescent girls. METHODS/DESIGN This study is a two-arm cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) aiming to recruit 20 secondary schools. Clusters will be randomised at the school level (stratified by school size and proportion of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) pupils) to receive either the 'Girls Active' intervention or carry on with usual practice (1:1). The 20 secondary schools will be recruited from state secondary schools within the Midlands area. We aim to recruit 80 girls aged 11-14 years in each school. Data will be collected at three time points; baseline and seven and 14 months after baseline. Our primary aim is to investigate whether 'Girls Active' leads to higher objectively measured (GENEActiv) moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in adolescent girls at 14 months after baseline assessment compared to the control group. Secondary outcomes include other objectively measured physical activity variables, adiposity, physical activity-related psychological factors and the cost-effectiveness of the 'Girls Active' intervention. A thorough process evaluation will be conducted during the course of the intervention delivery. DISCUSSION The findings of this study will provide valuable information on whether this type of school-based approach to increasing physical activity in adolescent girls is both effective and cost-effective in the UK. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN10688342. Registered 12 January 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Edwardson
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK. .,NIHR Leicester-Loughborough Diet, Lifestyle, and Physical Activity Biomedical Research Unit, Leicester, UK.
| | - D M Harrington
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK. .,NIHR Leicester-Loughborough Diet, Lifestyle, and Physical Activity Biomedical Research Unit, Leicester, UK.
| | - T Yates
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK. .,NIHR Leicester-Loughborough Diet, Lifestyle, and Physical Activity Biomedical Research Unit, Leicester, UK.
| | - D H Bodicoat
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK. .,NIHR Leicester-Loughborough Diet, Lifestyle, and Physical Activity Biomedical Research Unit, Leicester, UK.
| | - K Khunti
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK. .,NIHR Leicester-Loughborough Diet, Lifestyle, and Physical Activity Biomedical Research Unit, Leicester, UK.
| | - T Gorely
- School of Sport, University of Stirling, Scotland, UK.
| | - L B Sherar
- NIHR Leicester-Loughborough Diet, Lifestyle, and Physical Activity Biomedical Research Unit, Leicester, UK. .,School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, UK.
| | - R T Edwards
- Centre for Health Economics and Medicines Evaluation, Bangor University, Bangor, UK.
| | - C Wright
- Youth Sport Trust, Leicestershire, UK.
| | - K Harrington
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
| | - M J Davies
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK. .,NIHR Leicester-Loughborough Diet, Lifestyle, and Physical Activity Biomedical Research Unit, Leicester, UK.
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Valente-Dos-Santos J, Coelho-E-Silva MJ, Vaz V, Figueiredo AJ, Capranica L, Sherar LB, Elferink-Gemser MT, Malina RM. Maturity-associated variation in change of direction and dribbling speed in early pubertal years and 5-year developmental changes in young soccer players. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2014; 54:307-316. [PMID: 24739293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
AIM The purpose of the current study was to assess the developmental changes in change of direction and dribbling speed in youth soccer players taking into account skeletal age (SA), maturity status, body size, estimated fat mass, aerobic endurance, lower limb explosive strength and annual volume of training. METHODS Eighty-three male soccer players aged 10-15 years (SA) at baseline were annually followed over 5 years, resulting in an average 4.4 observations per player. After testing for multicollinearity, multi-level regression modeling was used to examine the longitudinal developmental changes on change of direction and dribbling speed. RESULTS Maturity-associated variability was significant in change of direction and also dribbling speed among young soccer players aged 12-14 years with better scores being performed by late maturers. Moreover, the predicted longitudinal scores for change of direction and dribbling speed improved with SA (P<0.01), SA2 (P<0.01) and skeletal maturity status entered as an additional developmental predictor (P<0.05). Estimated fat-free mass (P<0.01), aerobic endurance (P<0.01) and lower limb strength (P<0.01) were additional predictors in both models. The soccer-specific skill, dibbling speed, was also explained by annual volume of training (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Skeletal maturity status explains inter-individual variability on maximal short-term run performances with and without the ball possession at early ages of participation in competitive soccer. The effects tend to persist across ages combined with longitudinal changes in body composition and functional fitness. In the particular case of the ball test, annual volume of training was also a longitudinal performance predictor.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Valente-Dos-Santos
- Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal -
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5
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Valente-dos-Santos J, Coelho-e-Silva MJ, Duarte J, Pereira J, Rebelo-Gonçalves R, Figueiredo A, Mazzuco MA, Sherar LB, Elferink-Gemser MT, Malina RM. Allometric multilevel modelling of agility and dribbling speed by skeletal age and playing position in youth soccer players. Int J Sports Med 2014; 35:762-71. [PMID: 24920564 DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1358469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluates the contributions of age, skeletal maturation, body size and composition, training and playing position to the development of agility and dribbling speed in young male soccer players (10-18 years) followed longitudinally. 83 players [defenders (n=35), midfielders (n=27), forwards (n=21)] were followed annually over 5 years (average: 4.4 observations per player). Skeletal age (SA), stature, body mass, triceps and subscapular skinfolds, agility and dribbling speed were measured annually. Body composition was estimated from the 2 skinfolds. Annual training volume was estimated from weekly participation forms completed by coaches. The multiplicative allometric models with the best statistical fit showed that statural growth of 1 cm predicts 1.334 s and 1.927 s of improvement in agility and dribbling speed, respectively. Significant independent effects of fat-free mass and annual volume training were found for agility and dribbling speed, respectively (P<0.05). Predicted agility (from 12 to 18 years of SA) and dribbling speed (from 13 to 18 years of SA) differed significantly among players by playing positions (midfielders>forwards>defenders). The present results provide developmental models for the interpretation of intra- and inter-individual variability in agility and dribbling speed among youth soccer players across adolescence, and may provide a framework for trainers and coaches to develop and evaluate individualized training protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Valente-dos-Santos
- Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - M J Coelho-e-Silva
- Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - J Duarte
- Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - J Pereira
- Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - R Rebelo-Gonçalves
- Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - A Figueiredo
- Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - L B Sherar
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
| | - M T Elferink-Gemser
- Center for Human Movement Sciences, University Medical Center -Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - R M Malina
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, University of Texas, Austin, United States
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6
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Harrington
- Diabetes Research Centre, College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology, University of Leicester, , Leicester, UK
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7
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Cumming SP, Sherar LB, Esliger DW, Riddoch CJ, Malina RM. Concurrent and prospective associations among biological maturation, and physical activity at 11 and 13 years of age. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2013; 24:e20-8. [DOI: 10.1111/sms.12103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - L. B. Sherar
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences; Loughborough University; Loughborough UK
| | - D. W. Esliger
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences; Loughborough University; Loughborough UK
| | | | - R. M. Malina
- Tarleton State University and University of Texas at Austin; Stephenville Texas USA
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8
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Van Oort C, Jackowski SA, Eisenmann JC, Sherar LB, Bailey DA, Mirwald R, Baxter-Jones ADG. Tracking of aerobic fitness from adolescence to mid-adulthood. Ann Hum Biol 2013; 40:547-53. [PMID: 24229403 DOI: 10.3109/03014460.2013.817606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although adults' aerobic fitness is known to be correlated with cardiovascular disease risk, the longitudinal relationship with adolescent aerobic fitness is poorly described. AIM To longitudinally investigate the relationship between aerobic fitness during adolescence and adulthood. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Participants (207 boys, 149 girls) aged 7-17 years performed annual measures of VO2peak. In adulthood (40 and 50 years), 78 individuals (59 males and 18 females) were reassessed. Serial height measurements were used to estimate age at peak height velocity (APHV). During adolescence, VO2peak was measured via a treadmill test to voluntary exhaustion; adult VO2peak was assessed using submaximal predictive tests. Correlations were tested using Spearman's rho. ANCOVA was used to assess adult VO2peak group differences based off APHV VO2peak groupings (low, average or high). RESULTS When sexes were pooled, moderate tracking existed from 2 years prior to APHV to APHV and APHV to 2 years after APHV (0.46, p < 0.001 and 0.35, p < 0.01, respectively). Correlations between APHV and adult values were low when sexes were pooled (p < 0.05). Comparisons of aggregated sexes revealed the low adolescent VO2peak group had lower values in adulthood relative to other groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Aerobic fitness has a low tracking between APHV and adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Van Oort
- College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon , SK , Canada
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Valente-dos-Santos J, Coelho-e-Silva MJ, Martins RA, Figueiredo AJ, Cyrino ES, Sherar LB, Vaeyens R, Huijgen BCH, Elferink-Gemser MT, Malina RM. Modelling developmental changes in repeated-sprint ability by chronological and skeletal ages in young soccer players. Int J Sports Med 2012; 33:773-80. [PMID: 22499567 DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1308996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the influence of chronological (CA) and skeletal ages (SA), anthropometry, aerobic endurance and lower limb explosive strength on developmental changes in repeated-sprint ability (RSA) in soccer players aged 11-17 years. Participants were annually followed over 5 years, resulting in 366 measurements. Multilevel regression modelling analysed longitudinal data aligned by CA and SA (Model 1 and 2, respectively). After diagnosing for multicollinearity, it was possible to predict RSA with 2-level hierarchical models [Model 1 (CA as Level 2 predictor): Log-Likelihood=1,515.29, p<0.01; Model 2 (SA as Level 2 predictor): Log-Likelihood=1,513.89, p<0.01]. Estimating sum of sprints for young soccer players are given by equations: sum of sprints=84.47 - 1.82 × CA + 0.03 × CA2 - 0.05 × aerobic endurance - 0.10 × lower limb explosive strength -0.09 × fat-free mass + 0.13 × fat mass (Model 1); 73.58 - 0.43 × SA - 0.05 × aerobic endurance - 0.10 × lower limb explosive strength - 0.08 × fat-free mass - 0.45 × training experience + 0.13 × fat mass (Model 2). The models produced performance curves that may be used to estimate individual performance across adolescent years. Finally, the validity of each model was confirmed based on corresponding measurements taken on an independent cross-sectional sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Valente-dos-Santos
- Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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10
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Sherar LB, Muhajarine N, Esliger DW, Baxter-Jones ADG. The relationship between girls' (8-14 years) physical activity and maternal education. Ann Hum Biol 2009; 36:573-83. [PMID: 19657765 DOI: 10.1080/03014460903071151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mothers with higher levels of education are more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviour; thus, it is intuitive that a child's physical activity would be positively related to maternal education. The literature on this area, however, is inconclusive and may be due to the methods used to assess physical activity (i.e. the use of aggregated and self-reported physical activity that may not reflect the true and detailed variation of physical activity). AIM To profile the physical activity behaviours of girls with mothers of differing educational attainment. SUBJECTS AND METHODS 77 girls (grades 4-8) wore an Actical accelerometer for 7 days. Minutes spent sedentary and in light, moderate and vigorous physical activity per day over 7 days, 5 weekdays, 2 weekends, and 1 h commuting period to and from school of girls of University educated (UE) and non-UE mothers were analysed. RESULTS After controlling for confounders, girls with UE mothers were more likely to participate in vigorous physical activity at the weekend and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during the morning commute to school. CONCLUSIONS Research investigating the relationship between maternal education and child's physical activity should explore, at higher resolution, when activity is accumulated, in particular separating weekday and weekend physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- L B Sherar
- College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
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11
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Abstract
BACKGROUND To control for the confounding effect of maturation many researchers use secondary sex characteristics to compare individuals within and between genders. However, this assumption presumes that the timing and tempo of secondary sex characteristics is identical in both genders. AIM The study investigated the timing and relationships between sexual and somatic maturation indices between and within genders. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Eighty three boys and 75 girls, aged between 8 and 15 years at study entry, were measured every 6 months for 6 consecutive years. Sexual maturation was assessed through pubic hair, facial hair and axillary hair development in boys, and pubic hair development and menarcheal status in girls. Somatic maturation was assessed through age at peak height velocity (PHV). RESULTS Low to moderate correlations (r = 0.30-0.55, p < 0.05) existed between age of PHV and age of reaching each pubic hair stage. The majority of boys reached PHV in pubic hair stage 4 (79.2%). The majority of girls reached PHV in pubic hair stage 3 (42.5%) and pubic hair stage 4 (47.5%). CONCLUSION Boys and girls differ in the timing and tempo of somatic and sexual maturity. Thus boys and girls should not be aligned on secondary sex characteristics when controlling for the confounding effects of maturity.
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Affiliation(s)
- L B Sherar
- College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. B. Sherar
- University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Canada
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