Age Is More Predictive of Safe Movement Patterns Than Are Physical Activity or Sports Specialization: A Prospective Motion Analysis Study of Young Athletes

2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652110085
Author(s):  
Madison R. Heath ◽  
Joseph J. Janosky ◽  
Angelo Pegno ◽  
Jonathan M. Schachne ◽  
Peter D. Fabricant

Background: Movement quality and neuromuscular balance are noted predictors of acute injury. Early sports specialization and extremely high activity levels have been linked to elevated risk of injury. Purpose: To investigate for any relationships among quality of physical movement, quantity of physical activity, and degree of sports specialization in a healthy cohort of active children and adolescents. Study Design: Cross-sectional study with prospectively collected data. Methods: Healthy children between the ages of 10 and 18 years were recruited and completed the Hospital for Special Surgery Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale to assess quantity of physical activity and the Jayanthi scale to assess degree of sports specialization (high, score of 2 or 3; low, score of 0 or 1). Movement quality was assessed using motion analysis sensors during 5 repetitions of 4 different jumping and squatting motions, with a maximum score of 100 per participant. Independent-samples t tests were used to compare participants with high versus low specialization on physical activity and movement quality. A Spearman correlation was used to determine the relationship between quantity of physical activity and movement quality, and linear regression was used to assess for the effect of participant age on relevant covariables. Results: Final analyses included 147 participants (72% male) with a mean ± SD age of 13.4 ± 2.2 years. Participants who were highly specialized displayed better movement quality than did participants with low sports specialization (27.6 ± 14.0 vs 19.8 ± 10.1; P < .01). Participants who were highly specialized had significantly higher activity levels (24.6 ± 5.9 vs 18.1 ± 6.9; P < .001). Movement quality was moderately correlated with physical activity level ( r = 0.335; P < .001). Physical activity; hours of organized sports activity; hours of free, unorganized physical activity; and specialization level were not significant predictors of movement quality when controlling for age. Age alone predicted 24.2% of the variance in the overall movement quality score ( R2 = 0.242; B = 3.0; P < .001). Conclusion: This study found that sports specialization and physical activity levels were not associated with movement quality when controlling for age, which was the most important variable predicting athletic movement quality. Although all participants displayed movement patterns that were associated with high risk for injury, overall movement quality improved with advancing chronological age. Clinical Relevance: All young athletes should ensure that neuromuscular training accompanies sport-specific training to reduce risk of injury.

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967121S0007
Author(s):  
Madison R. Heath ◽  
Joseph Janosky ◽  
Angelo Pegno ◽  
Jonathan M. Schachne ◽  
Peter D. Fabricant

Background: Quality of motion and neuromuscular balance are noted predictors of acute injury risk. Early sports specialization and extremely high activity levels have been linked to high risk of injury, especially overuse injury. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate for any relationships between quality of physical movement, quantity of physical activity, and degree of sports specialization in a healthy cohort of children and adolescents. Methods: Healthy children between the ages 10 and 18 completed the HSS Pedi-FABS to assess quantity of physical activity and the Jayanthi scale to assess degree of sports specialization. Quality of motion was assessed using motion analysis sensors (DorsaVi, Kew, Australia) during 5 repetitions of 4 different jumping and squatting motions (Table 1). For each repetition, one point was given for low risk of injury anterior or medial/lateral motion, for a maximum score of 2 per leg. Quality of motion scores were summed for a maximum score of 100 per participant. Specialization level was dichotomized as high specialization with a Jayanthi scale score of 2 or 3 and low specialization with a score of 1 or 2. Independent samples t-tests were used to compare high vs. low specialization participants on physical activity quantity and overall quality of motion. A Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship between quantity of physical activity and quality of motion. Results: Final analyses included 147 participants (72% male) with a mean age of 13.4 ± 2.2 years. For the entire cohort, the mean Pedi-FABS score was 22.9 ± 6.8, the mean quality score was 25.5 ± 13.5 and 73% were highly specialized. Participants that were highly specialized displayed low risk motion more frequently than participants with low sport specialization (27.6 ± 14.0 vs 19.8 ± 10.1, p < 0.01; Table 2). Highly specialized participants had significantly higher activity levels (24.6 ± 5.9 vs 18.1 ± 6.9, p < 0.001). Additionally, quality of motion was moderately correlated with physical activity level (r = 0.349, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Overall quality of motion as in jump-landing tasks in healthy children was better in highly specialized participants. Taken together with existing literature, although early specialization may put young athletes at risk for overuse injuries, highly sports specialized youth athletes may be at lower risk for acute injury. Future research should explore associations between sports specialization, physical activity, save movement patterns, and athletic injuries. [Table: see text][Table: see text]


2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 242-249
Author(s):  
Denine Ellis ◽  
Ervin Sejdic ◽  
Karl Zabjek ◽  
Tom Chau

The strength of time-dependent correlations known as stride interval (SI) dynamics has been proposed as an indicator of neurologically healthy gait. Most recently, it has been hypothesized that these dynamics may be necessary for gait efficiency although the supporting evidence to date is scant. The current study examines over-ground SI dynamics, and their relationship with the cost of walking and physical activity levels in neurologically healthy children aged nine to 15 years. Twenty participants completed a single experimental session consisting of three phases: 10 min resting, 15 min walking and 10 min recovery. The scaling exponent (α) was used to characterize SI dynamics while net energy cost was measured using a portable metabolic cart, and physical activity levels were determined based on a 7-day recall questionnaire. No significant linear relationships were found between a and the net energy cost measures (r < .07; p > .25) or between α and physical activity levels (r = .01, p = .62). However, there was a marked reduction in the variance of α as activity levels increased. Over-ground stride dynamics do not appear to directly reflect energy conservation of gait in neurologically healthy youth. However, the reduction in the variance of α with increasing physical activity suggests a potential exercise-moderated convergence toward a level of stride interval persistence for able-bodied youth reported in the literature. This latter finding warrants further investigation.


2013 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 345-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizaveta Limenis ◽  
Haddas A. Grosbein ◽  
Brian M. Feldman

Objective.Pain and reduced physical activity levels are common in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Currently, there is no consensus about the role of physical activity in managing pain in JIA. The purpose of our study was to assess the relationship between physical activity level and pain in children ages 11 to 18 years with JIA.Methods.A random sample of 50 patients with JIA were approached by mailed questionnaires. Physical activity was determined using the Physical Activity Questionnaire (PAQ). Pain measures included the Numerical Rating Scale (pain severity), SUPER-KIDZ body diagram (number of painful areas), and the Child Activities Limitations Inventory-21 (pain interference). Generalized linear models were used to assess the relationship between physical activity and pain, as well as the roles of sex and age.Results.The response rate was 84%. Thirty-four respondents completed the questionnaire package. The median age was 15 years. The mean PAQ score was 2.16/5. Physical activity declines with increasing age in youth with JIA (r = 0.53, p = 0.0014). Lower physical activity is associated with greater pain interference (r = 0.39, p = 0.0217) and more severe pain (r = 0.35, p = 0.0422).Conclusion.Children with JIA report significantly less activity than healthy children based on PAQ scores, with physical activity declining throughout adolescence. Physical activity is inversely related to pain interference and severity in children with JIA. Our findings suggest that physical activity interventions may play an important role in the management of pain in JIA.


Author(s):  
Jennette P. Moreno ◽  
Javad Razjouyan ◽  
Houston Lester ◽  
Hafza Dadabhoy ◽  
Mona Amirmazaheri ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives and background Social demands of the school-year and summer environment may affect children’s sleep patterns and circadian rhythms during these periods. The current study examined differences in children’s sleep and circadian-related behaviors during the school-year and summer and explored the association between sleep and circadian parameters and change in body mass index (BMI) during these time periods. Methods This was a prospective observational study with 119 children ages 5 to 8 years with three sequential BMI assessments: early school-year (fall), late school-year (spring), and beginning of the following school-year in Houston, Texas, USA. Sleep midpoint, sleep duration, variability of sleep midpoint, physical activity, and light exposure were estimated using wrist-worn accelerometry during the school-year (fall) and summer. To examine the effect of sleep parameters, physical activity level, and light exposure on change in BMI, growth curve modeling was conducted controlling for age, race, sex, and chronotype. Results Children’s sleep midpoint shifted later by an average of 1.5 h during summer compared to the school-year. After controlling for covariates, later sleep midpoints predicted larger increases in BMI during summer, (γ = .0004, p = .03), but not during the school-year. Sleep duration, sleep midpoint variability, physical activity levels, and sedentary behavior were not associated with change in BMI during the school-year or summer. Females tended to increase their BMI at a faster rate during summer compared to males, γ = .06, p = .049. Greater amounts of outdoor light exposure (γ = −.01, p = .02) predicted smaller increases in school-year BMI. Conclusions Obesity prevention interventions may need to target different behaviors depending on whether children are in or out of school. Promotion of outdoor time during the school-year and earlier sleep times during the summer may be effective obesity prevention strategies during these respective times.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gema Insa-Sánchez ◽  
Lorena Fuentes-Broto ◽  
Alberto Cobos ◽  
Elvira Orduna Hospital ◽  
Francisco Segura ◽  
...  

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Our aim was to evaluate the changes in choroidal thickness (CT) and volume (CV) following aerobic physical exercise in healthy young adults. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This study included 72 eyes from healthy volunteers between 22 and 37 years old. Using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, total physical activity was computed. Measurements using an autorefractometer, ocular biometry, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography using the Enhanced Depth Imaging protocol were taken. OCT was performed as a baseline measurement and after performing 10 min of dynamic physical exercise (3 and 10 min post-exercise). The choroidal layer was manually segmented, and the CT and CV in different areas from the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study grid were obtained. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In healthy adults, at 3 min post-exercise, CT was higher in the subfoveal, the 3-mm nasal, and the 6-mm superior areas. Between 3 and 10 min post-exercise, the CT was reduced in all areas, and in some areas, the values were even smaller than the baseline measurements. The CV values showed changes after exercise similar to those of thickness. The total CV recovery after exercise was related to sex and physical activity level. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Individuals with higher physical activity habits had greater CV at rest than those with lower physical activity levels. During exercise, healthy young people adjust CT and CV. At 3 min post-exercise, CT and CV increase. Women and individuals with greater physical activity levels reduce their total CV more than others during recovery.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo José Puccinelli ◽  
Taline Santos da Costa ◽  
Aldo Seffrin ◽  
Claudio Andre Barbosa de Lira ◽  
Rodrigo Luiz Vancini ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a strong negative impact on economic and social life worldwide. It has also negatively influenced people’s general health and quality of life. The aim of the present study was to study the impact of social distancing on physical activity level, and the association between mood state (depression and anxiety level) or sex with actual physical activity levels, the change in physical activity caused by social distancing period, the adhesion level to social distancing, the adoption time of social distancing, family income and age. Methods A self-administered questionnaire with personal, quarantine, physical activity, and mood state disorders information’s was answered by 2140 Brazilians of both sex who were recruited through online advertising. Results The physical activity level adopted during the period of social distancing (3.5 ± 0.8) was lower than that the adopted prior to the pandemic period (2.9 ± 1.1, p < 0.001). Thirty percent of the participants presented symptoms of moderate/severe depression and 23.3% displayed moderate/severe anxiety symptoms. A greater presence of symptoms related to anxiety and depression were associated with low physical activity levels, low family monthly income, and younger age. A higher percentage of men who had no mood disorders was observed among those who were very active than among those less active. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has a negative impact on physical activity. Those who reduced their level of physical activity had the highest levels of mood disorders. Therefore, physical activity programs should be encouraged, while respecting the necessary social distancing to prevent the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.


2011 ◽  
Vol 106 (S1) ◽  
pp. S166-S169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ping Deng ◽  
Ryan W. Grant ◽  
Kelly S. Swanson

The prevalence of feline obesity is influenced by numerous factors, including inactivity and overconsumption of food. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of feeding frequency on physical activity in adult cats. A total of twelve healthy adult cats were used in a cross-over study consisting of 32 d. In each of the two periods, six cats were fed either two meals or four meals daily. Throughout the study, cats were fed the same diet at amounts to maintain body weight and body condition score. Cats were individually housed 4 h/d at each scheduled feeding time, while for the other 20 h, cats were group-housed to allow for voluntary physical activity in the room with a 16 h light–8 h dark cycle. Voluntary activity levels were evaluated using Actical activity collars for seven consecutive days in each period. Daily average activity level for two-meal-fed cats (20·04 (sem 2·19), activity counts/epoch (15 s)) was not different from four-meal-fed cats (20·14 (sem 2·15), activity counts/epoch (15 s); P>0·05). In conclusion, when group-housed cats are fed to maintain their body weight and body condition score, varied feeding frequency between twice and four times daily may not affect activity levels.


2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 1117-1123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah A. Cohen ◽  
Claude Setodji ◽  
Kelly R. Evenson ◽  
Phillip Ward ◽  
Sandra Lapham ◽  
...  

Background:The Systematic Observation of Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) was designed to estimate the number and characteristics of people using neighborhood parks by assessing them 4 times/day, 7 days/week. We tested whether this schedule was adequate and determined the minimum number of observations necessary to provide a robust estimate of park user characteristics and their physical activity levels.Methods:We conducted observations every hour for 14 hours per day during 1 summer and 1 autumn week in 10 urban neighborhood parks: 2 each in Los Angeles, CA; Albuquerque, NM; Columbus, OH; Durham, NC; and Philadelphia, PA. We counted park users by gender, age group, apparent race/ethnicity, and activity level. We used a standardized Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficients to test the reliability of using fewer observations.Results:We observed 76,632 individuals, an average of 547/park/day (range 155−786). Interobserver reliability ranged from 0.80 to 0.99. Obtaining a robust estimate of park user characteristics and their physical activity required a schedule of 4 days/week, 4 times/day.Conclusion:An abbreviated schedule of SOPARC was sufficient for estimating park use, park user characteristics, and physical activity. Applying these observation methods can augment physical activity surveillance.


1993 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 357-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hazzaa M. Al-Hazzaa ◽  
Mohammed A. Sulaiman

The present study examined the relationship between maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) and daily physical activity in a group of 7- to 12-year-old boys. V̇O2max was assessed through the incremental treadmill test using an open circuit system. Physical activity level was obtained from heart rate telemetry outside of school time for 8 hrs during weekdays and during 40 min of physical education classes. The findings indicated that the absolute value of V̇O2max increased with age, while relative to body weight it remained almost the same across age, with a mean of 48.4 ml · kg−1 · min−1. Moreover, heart rate telemetry showed that the boys spent a limited amount of time on activities that raise the heart rate to a level above 160 bpm (an average of 1.9%). In addition, V̇O2max was found to be significantly related to the percentage of time spent at activity levels at or above a heart rate of 140 bpm, but not with activity levels at or above a heart rate of 160 bpm.


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