Physical fitness and obesity levels during an academic year followed by summer holidays: an issue of insufficient time for physical activity

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
George Aphamis ◽  
Yiannakis Ioannou ◽  
Christoforos D. Giannaki
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Real Option ◽  
Handgrip Strength ◽  
School Year ◽  
Fitness Parameters ◽  
Fitness And Health ◽  
Obesity Indices ◽  
Academic Year

Abstract Today, available time for physical activity has been continuously decreasing, whilst, school-time physical education (PE) classes appear to be the only real option for many adolescents to engage in physical activity and exercise. The aim of the present study was to investigate fitness and health related parameters over one academic year, and after the summer holidays for adolescents who do not engage in out-of-school physical activities. Participants were 153 students (age: 15–17 years; boys n = 86) who exercised only during PE (2 × 45-min periods per week). Body fat, flexibility, handgrip strength, squat jump, 30 m sprint and cardiorespiratory fitness were examined at the beginning and end of a school year, and after the ensuing summer holidays. The boys improved handgrip and flexibility, but no other significant improvement was observed over the school year in any of the examined physical fitness parameters, or obesity indices. Instead, the girls’ cardiorespiratory fitness decreased over the summer holidays. It seems that exercising only twice a week during school PE classes is insufficient to induce significant improvements in physical fitness, body composition and health parameters.

scholarly journals Weight Status Is Related to Health-Related Physical Fitness and Physical Activity but Not to Sedentary Behaviour in Children

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (12) ◽  
pp. 4518 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Francisco López-Gil ◽  
Javier Brazo-Sayavera ◽  
Juan Luis Yuste Lucas ◽  
Fernando Renato Cavichiolli
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Sedentary Behaviour ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Muscular Strength ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Handgrip Strength ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Sport Activities

Purpose: The aim of this research was to describe, examine, and compare the level of physical fitness, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour in pupils aged 6–13 in the Region of Murcia, Spain, in accordance with weight status. Methods: A total of 370 children (166 girls and 204 boys) aged 6–13 (M = 8.7; DT = 1.8) from the Region of Murcia participated in this descriptive and cross-sectional study. Some anthropometric parameters such as body mass index, waist circumference, as well as skinfold measurements were determined. ALPHA-FIT Test Battery was used to evaluate physical fitness. Krece Plus Short Test was used to measure physical activity level and sedentary behaviour. Results: 52.4% of the children presented excess weight (according to the World Health Organization growth references). Regarding boys, statistically significant differences were found for cardiorespiratory fitness (p < 0.001), relative handgrip strength (p < 0.001), lower muscular strength (p < 0.001), speed-agility (p < 0.001), as well as sport activities hours (p = 0.001) among the three weight status groups (normal weight, overweight, and obesity). As for girls, statistically significant differences were found for cardiorespiratory fitness (p = 0.004), relative handgrip strength (p < 0.001), lower muscular strength (p < 0.001), sport activities hours (p = 0.005), as well as physical activity level (assessed by Krece Plus Test) (p = 0.017). A negative statistically significant correlation was found between body mass index and cardiorespiratory fitness (rho = −0.389), lower muscular strength, (rho = −0.340), and relative handgrip strength (rho = −0.547). At the same time, a positive statistically significant relationship between body mass index and the time spent in speed-agility (rho = 0.263) was shown. Regarding waist circumference and body fat percentage, similar relationships were identified. Moreover, a greater probability of having higher cardiorespiratory fitness (OR = 1.58; CI95% = 1.38–1.82), relative handgrip strength (OR = 1.25; CI95% = 1.19–1.31), more hours of sport activities (OR = 1.40; CI95% = 1.19–1.66), and physical activity level (assessed by Krece Plus Test) (OR = 1.23; CI95% = 1.07–1.42) was noted in the normal weight group. Conclusions: Children that presented normal weight achieved higher results for health-related physical fitness and physical activity than those with excess weight; this was, however, not found to be the case for sedentary behaviour. The authors emphasise the need for changes in public policies and school-based intervention programmes to develop higher levels of both PF and PA in overweight and obese children.

scholarly journals Relationship between Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Body Composition with Physical Fitness Parameters in a Young Active Population

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. 3337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Manzano-Carrasco ◽  
Jose Luis Felipe ◽  
Javier Sanchez-Sanchez ◽  
Antonio Hernandez-Martin ◽  
Ivan Clavel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Handgrip Strength ◽  
Vertical Jump ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Active Population ◽  
Fitness Parameters ◽  
The Mediterranean

The current study aimed at analyzing the relationship between body composition, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), and physical fitness (PF) in a young active population. A total of 1198 athletes (boys = 875; girls = 323) enrolled in different municipal sports schools participated in this study. Data on adherence to the MD (KIDMED questionnaire), anthropometric measurements, and PF (20 m shuttle run test, handgrip strength, vertical jump and forced spirometry) were collected. Results show that the pubertal boys had a higher score in the KIDMED test than the prepubertal ones (+0.38, p = 0.28). Moreover, boys with better adherence to the MD had significantly higher results in handgrip strength (+12.20 regarding low MD group and +9.13 regarding medium MD group, p < 0.05), as well as in forced vital capacity (FVC) (+0.66 regarding low MD group and 0.29 regarding medium MD group, p < 0.05). No differences were found in the girls. Finally, the result of the KIDMED test is a variable with a positive and significant relationship with cardiorespiratory fitness, along with the FVC, percentage of fat mass, and performance in the vertical jump (p < 0.05). It is concluded that adherence to the MD could show a relationship with various PF variables in boys and could be a predictor of cardiorespiratory fitness in both cases.

scholarly journals Una unidad didáctica intermitente de acondicionamiento físico solo mejora los niveles de capacidad cardiorrespiratoria de los estudiantes con un perfil no saludable de condición física (An intermittent physical fitness teaching unit only improves cardior

Retos ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 8-15
Author(s):  
Santiago Guijarro-Romero ◽  
Daniel Mayorga-Vega ◽  
Carolina Casado-Robles ◽  
Jesús Viciana
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Teaching Unit ◽  
Experimental Group

El objetivo del presente estudio fue comparar el efecto de una unidad didáctica intermitente de acondicionamiento físico en Educación Física sobre los niveles de actividad física y capacidad cardiorrespiratoria entre estudiantes con un perfil saludable/no saludable de capacidad cardiorrespiratoria. Ochenta estudiantes de 2º-3º curso de Educación Secundaria fueron asignados aleatoriamente al grupo control y grupo experimental. El grupo experimental, dividido en perfiles saludable/no saludable, realizó una unidad didáctica intermitente de acondicionamiento físico para mejorar la capacidad cardiorrespiratoria. El grupo control trabajó un contenido diferente durante el mismo tiempo y con la misma frecuencia, pero sin hacer hincapié en la mejora de la capacidad cardiorrespiratoria. Antes y después de la intervención, la capacidad cardiorrespiratoria se evaluó objetivamente mediante el test de ida y vuelta de 20 metros. Los niveles de actividad física fueron medidos objetivamente a través de un pulsómetro durante las clases de Educación Física. Ambos perfiles tuvieron mayores niveles de actividad física durante las clases de Educación Física que el grupo control (p < .001). Sin embargo, solo los estudiantes con un perfil no saludable mejoraron significativamente sus niveles de capacidad cardiorrespiratoria tras la unidad didáctica (p < .01). Aunque una unidad didáctica intermitente de acondicionamiento físico parece tener un efecto similar en los niveles de actividad física de todos los perfiles de capacidad cardiorrespiratoria de los estudiantes, solo mejora la capacidad cardiorrespiratoria de los estudiantes con un perfil no saludable. Abstract. The purpose of the present study was to compare the effect of a Physical Education-based physical fitness intermittent teaching unit on physical activity levels and cardiorespiratory fitness among students with healthy/unhealthy cardiorespiratory fitness profile. Eighty students from 2º-3º grades of Secondary Education were randomly assigned to the control group and experimental group. The experimental group, divided into healthy/unhealthy profiles, performed a physical fitness intermittent teaching unit to improve the cardiorespiratory fitness. The control group worked a different content during the same time and with the same frequency, but without emphasizing cardiorespiratory fitness improvement. Before and after the teaching unit, students’ cardiorespiratory fitness was objectively measured by the 20-meter shuttle run test. Participants’ physical activity levels were measured objectively using a heart rate monitor during Physical Education lessons. Students from both profiles had higher physical activity levels during Physical Education lessons than the control group (p < .001). However, only students with an unhealthy cardiorespiratory fitness profile statistically improved their cardiorespiratory fitness levels after the teaching unit (p < .01). Although an intermittent physical fitness teaching unit seems to have similar effect on physical activity levels of students from all cardiorespiratory fitness profiles, it only improves the cardiorespiratory fitness of those with an unhealthy one.

Perceived physical fitness mediates the relationship between parental support and physical activity enjoyment in overweight and obese adolescents

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 407-417
Author(s):  
Manuel J De la Torre-Cruz ◽  
Sara Suárez-Manzano ◽  
Sebastián López-Serrano ◽  
Alberto Ruiz-Ariza
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Parental Support ◽  
Parental Influence ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Obese Adolescents ◽  
Perceived Parental Support ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Activity Enjoyment

Abstract The relationship between parental support and physical activity enjoyment appears to be mediated by individual-level factors. The aim of this study was to examine whether the relationship between perceived parental support and physical activity enjoyment is mediated by overweight and obese adolescents’ physical fitness, both subjectively and objectively assessed. A total of 163 participants (mean age =14.30 years, 55.8% boys) with an average body mass index of 28.97 kg/m2 took part in this study. Participants completed a questionnaire of parental influence regarding physical activity, a questionnaire of physical self-perception and several fitness tests (cardiorespiratory fitness, lower limbs muscular strength and flexibility) using the ALPHA-fitness battery. The results showed that relationship between perceived parental support and physical activity enjoyment is mediated by the overweight and obese adolescents’ perceived cardiorespiratory fitness and flexibility. We suggest to create educational guidelines for parents to increase the support and improve overweight and obese students’ positive perceived physical competence, in order to achieve a greater adherence to physical activity and greater physical activity enjoyment.

Effects of Florida's Personal Fitness Course on Cognitive, Attitudinal and Physical Fitness Measures of Secondary Students: A Pilot Study

1986 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 548-550 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A. Rider ◽  
Charles H. Imwold ◽  
Dewayne Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Secondary Students ◽  
Cognitive Achievement ◽  
Fitness Parameters ◽  
Fitness Measures ◽  
Personal Fitness

The effects of Florida's Personal Fitness Course were studied on 60 secondary students' cognitive achievement, physical fitness, and attitude toward physical activity. Significant improvement in knowledge of fitness concepts, selected physical fitness parameters, and over-all attitude toward participation in physical activity suggests the course was effective.

scholarly journals Physical Activity and Physical Fitness of School-Aged Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kiley Tyler ◽  
Megan MacDonald ◽  
Kristi Menear
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Handgrip Strength ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Group Effects

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairments in social communication deficits and the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors, interests, or activities. Literature comparing the physical activity and fitness of children with ASD to typically developing peers is in need of attention. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the physical activity and fitness of school-aged children with ASD (N=17) in comparison to typically developing peers (N=12). Participants with ASD completed diagnostic and developmental assessments and a series of physical fitness assessments: 20-meter multistage shuttle, sit-and-reach test, handgrip strength, and body mass index. Physical activity was measured using accelerometry and preestablished cut-points of physical activity (Freedson et al., 2005). MANCOVA revealed significant between-group effects in strength (P=.03), while ANCOVA revealed significant between-group effects in sedentary (P=.00), light (P=.00), moderate (P=.00), and total moderate-to-vigorous (P=.01) physical activity. Children with ASD are less physically active and fit than typically developing peers. Adapted physical activity programs are one avenue with intervention potential to combat these lower levels of physical activity and fitness found in children with ASD.

The Effectiveness of Worksite Physical Activity Programs on Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Health

2003 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin I. Proper ◽  
Marjan Koning ◽  
Allard J. van der Beek ◽  
Vincent H. Hildebrandt ◽  
Ruud J. Bosscher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Physical Activity Programs ◽  
Fitness And Health

scholarly journals Effects of an Educational Hybrid Physical Education Program on Physical Fitness, Body Composition and Sedentary and Physical Activity Times in Adolescents: The Seneb’s Enigma

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Melero-Cañas ◽  
Vicente Morales-Baños ◽  
David Manzano-Sánchez ◽  
Dani Navarro-Ardoy ◽  
Alfonso Valero-Valenzuela
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Sedentary Time ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Personal And Social Responsibility

Physical activity (PA), body composition and sedentary behavior may affect the health of children. Therefore, this study examined the effect of an educational hybrid physical education (PE) program on physical fitness (PF), body composition and sedentary and PA times in adolescents. A 9-month group-randomized controlled trial was conducted in 150 participants (age: 14.63 ± 1.38 years) allocated into the control group (CG, n = 37) and experimental group (EG, n = 113). Cardiorespiratory fitness, speed, strength, agility, flexibility and body mass index (BMI) were assessed through previously validated field tests. Sedentary time, PA at school and afterschool were evaluated with the Youth Activity Profile-Spain questionnaire. Significant differences were observed concerning to the CG in APA-weekend (p = 0.044), speed-agility (p = 0.005) and agility (p = 0.008). Regarding the intervention, cardiorespiratory fitness (p = 0.000), speed-agility (p = 0.000), strength (p = 0.000), flexibility (p = 0.000), agility (p = 0.000), PA in school (p = 0.011), APA-weekday (p = 0.001), APA-weekend (p = 0.000), APA-week (p = 0.000), and sedentary time (p = 0.000) increased significantly in the EG. The use of a hybrid program based on teaching personal and social responsibility and gamification strategies produced enhancements in cardiorespiratory fitness, agility, speed, APA-weekdays and APA-weekends, reducing the sedentary time.

scholarly journals Considering Physical Well-Being, Self-perceptions, and Support Variables in Understanding Youth Academic Achievement

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 134-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin E. Centeio ◽  
Cheryl L. Somers ◽  
E. Whitney G. Moore ◽  
Alex Garn ◽  
Noel Kulik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Academic Achievement ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Female Students ◽  
Male Students ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
School Year ◽  
Cardiovascular Endurance

The purpose of this study was to examine the relation between measures of students’ physical well-being and self-perception and their academic achievement. Specifically, we look at students’ social support for physical activity, physical activity perceptions, self-concept, self-efficacy, health behaviors, and cardiorespiratory fitness (as measured by the progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run [PACER] test). Students ( n = 697 fifth graders) were surveyed at the beginning of the school year. A two-group path analysis revealed notable relationships between the predictor variables and proximal and distal outcomes, with some paths moderated by sex. One relationship that was significant for both sexes was cardiorespiratory fitness, as it was the only significant predictor of achievement. This effect was moderate to large for the female students ([Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]) and small to large for the male students ([Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]). These findings can be used to guide future research and educational prevention and intervention efforts.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document