Physical Activity, Motor Ability, and School Readiness of 6-Yr.-Old Children

2002 ◽  
Vol 95 (2) ◽  
pp. 407-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leila Oja ◽  
Toivo Jürimäe
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Preschool Children ◽  
School Readiness ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Motor Ability ◽  
Ability Tests ◽  
Mental Abilities ◽  
Run Test ◽  
Shuttle Run

The aim of this investigation was to study the relationships between physical activity, motor ability, and school readiness in 6-yr.-old children. In total, 294 healthy children from Tartu were studied (161 boys and 133 girls). The physical activity of children was reported by parents and teachers using the questionnaire of Harro. The motor ability of children was evaluated using various tests from the Eurofit test battery as well as the 3-min. endurance shuttle run test. The Controlled Drawing Observation test was used as a predictor of school readiness and development of mental abilities. Indoor physical activities predicted 19–25% of total variance in motor scores for these preschool children. Motor ability tests, which demand children's total attention and concentration, appear related to the chosen measures of school readiness.

scholarly journals Morphological characteristics and motor skills of young students with different levels of engagement in physical activities (Características morfológicas y habilidades motrices de estudiantes jóvenes con diferentes niveles de participación en actividad

Retos ◽  
2017 ◽  
pp. 58-62
Author(s):  
Maja Batez ◽  
Branko Krsmanović ◽  
Milena Mikalački ◽  
Nebojša Čokorilo ◽  
Marijana Simić ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Motor Skills ◽  
Physical Activity Level ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Research Problem ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
The Body ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Los Grupos ◽  
Shuttle Run

The overall orientation of the research problem is focused on the physical activity level of the participants from the aspect of different intensities of motor engagement and their impact on morphological characteristics and motor skills with an intention of determining whether there are statistically significant differences between groups. In a sample of 103 students, aged between 18 and 20 years (18.9 ± 0.4), the female students were divided into three subsamples according to the level of physical activity: highly active, active and inactive. The study which was conducted had a transversal character. The data obtained in the survey were analysed using the univariate (ANOVA) and multivariate (MANOVA) statistical methods. The motor skills mere monitored by the use of the Eurofit Test Battery (wide-angle seated forward bend, standing long jump, pull-up endurance, 10 x 5m shuttle run and endurance shuttle run- beep test). The following morphological characteristics were considered: height, weight, body mass index, percentage of muscular mass and fat mass, as well as waist circumference. The obtained results indicate the existence of statistically significant differences between the % body muscle mass´ groups (p < 0.05) and motor skills parameters (sit and reach, p<0.01; standing broad jump, bent arm hang, 10x5m shuttlerun, beep test, p<0.001) of participants according to physical activity level. In conclusion, participants with a high level of physical activities have higher average values than the participants with light level of physical activities when considering the variables for assessing pliability, strength and agility.Resumen. La orientación general del problema de investigación se centra en el nivel de actividad física de las participantes desde el aspecto de diferentes intensidades de compromiso motor y su impacto en las características morfológicas y habilidades motrices con la intención de determinar si existen diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos. En una muestra de 103 alumnas, con edades comprendidas entre los 18 y 20 años (18,9 ± 0,4), las estudiantes fueron divididas en tres grupos de acuerdo con el nivel de actividad física de cada uno: muy activas, activas e inactivas. El estudio llevado a cabo tuvo un carácter transversal. Los datos obtenidos mediante cuestionarios fueron analizados utilizando un análisis de la varianza (ANOVA) y un análisis multivariante de la varianza (MANOVA). Las habilidades fueron controladas mediante la batería Eurofit y para las características morfológicas, se midió la altura, peso, índice de masa corporal, porcentaje de masa muscular, masa grasa y la circunferencia de la cintura. Los resultados obtenidos indican la existencia de diferencias entre los grupos estudiados respecto al % de masa muscular (p <0.05) y las habilidades motrices (flexibilidad-inclinación hacia adelante, p<0.01; salto de longitud a pie, fuerza resistencia mediante flexión de brazos, 10 x 5 m carrera de ida y vuelta y Beep Test, p<0.001) de los participantes según el nivel de actividad física. En conclusión, las participantes con alto nivel de actividad física tienen mayores valores de habilidad motriz que las participantes que el resto en función de las variables flexibilidad, capacidad aeróbica, fuerza y agilidad.

scholarly journals Relationship between smartphone use management and physical activity in leisure time of children aged 4-6

2021 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 477-508
Author(s):  
Bojan Milošević ◽  
Branka Janković ◽  
Milenko Janković
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Preschool Children ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
Preschool Age ◽  
Sports Activity ◽  
Gender And Age ◽  
Smartphone Use

We are witnesses to an ever faster and more "aggressive" influence of modern technologies, not only on lives of adults and adolescents, but also children of preschool age. This planetary trend has not bypassed contemporary Serbian society either. The subject of this paper is the analysis of the data collected through the original empirical research in relation to establishing a connection between (1) the dimension of smartphone control imposed by the parents and (2) the dimensions of physical activity of children of preschool age in their leisure time. The paper analyzes the physical activities of preschool children depending on the following variables: children's gender and age (4, 5 or 6 years old), whether the child owns a smartphone or not, whether the child is included in a programmed sports activity; all this in relation to the parents' statement on whether they limit the time of the child's smartphone use. The relationship between these variables is justified by applying the Parental Smartphone Use Management Scale (PSUMS), while Baecke questionnaire is used for the data on preschool children's physical activity in their leisure time. The empirical research was carried out in the first half of 2020 by conducting a survey among the parents of 943 preschool children aged from 4 to 6 attending preschool and daycare centres in the territory of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina (Serbia). Based on the analysis of the collected data, we have deduced the following: 1. a large percentage of children from 4 to 6 do not own their own smartphones (77.9%), but nonetheless they use smartphones on a daily basis (73.4%); 2. there are no differences in children's physical activities in relation to their gender and age; 3. children spend more time on physical activities in their leisure time if they do not have their own smartphones, if they are engaged in an organized sports activity ("recreational schools"), as well as if their parents limit their smartphone use, and 4. children participate more in physical activities in their leisure time if their parents are consistent regarding children's smartphone time management. Recommendations to parents based on our research are that children should be included in free physical activities at the earliest preschool age, and in the structured/programmed ones at a later preschool age, because that is the period most suitable for accepting adequate habits of physical exercise that are carried on into adulthood. In that manner, children will more easily "give up" their passive (sedentary) activities in leisure time, which is usually spent alongside use of smartphone, all with the aim of optimizing the quality of their growing up.

Associations Between Anthropometric Indicators in Early Life and Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Physical Activity, and Sedentary Time in Adolescence

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (12) ◽  
pp. 1213-1221
Author(s):  
José Oliveira-Santos ◽  
Rute Santos ◽  
Carla Moreira ◽  
Sandra Abreu ◽  
Luís Lopes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Sedentary Time ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Anthropometric Data ◽  
School Based ◽  
Run Test ◽  
Shuttle Run

Background: To explore the associations between birth weight and body mass index (BMI) from 6 months to 6 years of age, with cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), physical activity, and sedentary time in adolescence. Methods: Retrospective school-based study with 539 adolescents (292 girls), mean age of 13.94 (1.62) years. Anthropometric data from birth up to 6 years were extracted from individual child health booklets. CRF was estimated by 20-m shuttle run test. Physical activity and sedentary time were assessed with accelerometers. Results: Birth weight was not associated with any outcome measured in adolescence. From the age of 6 months onwards in girls, and from 3 years in boys, BMI associated inversely with CRF in adolescence. In girls, BMI (at 12 mo and at 3 y of age) associated positively with sedentary time in adolescence, but not with physical activity. In boys, positive associations between BMI at the ages of 3, 5, and 6 years old and time spent in some intensities of physical activity in adolescence were found. Conclusions: BMI during the early years was negatively associated with CRF in adolescence, in a consistent way, for both genders, but with physical activity and sedentary time the associations were scarce and inconsistent, depending on the gender.

scholarly journals NEIGHBOURHOOD SAFETY AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN SERBIA: MODERATING ROLE OF A CHILD'S GENDER AND PARENTS' AGE

TEME ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 309
Author(s):  
Stefan Ninković ◽  
Stanislava Marić Jurišin ◽  
Borka Malčić
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Preschool Children ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Neighborhood Safety ◽  
Female Children ◽  
Moderating Role ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Perceived Neighborhood Safety

The aim of study was to investigate the effects of parents' perceptions of neighborhood safety on outdoor physical activities of preschool children. This was investigated based on a moderating role of a child's gender and parents' age. The results showed that the association of parents’ perceptions of neighborhood safety on outdoor physical activities of children depended of the child’s sex and the parents’ age. Boys whose parents were younger and who positively assessed the neighborhood safety were more inclined to outdoor physical activities. Female children whose parents were below the average age the perceived neighborhood safety hindered frequent outdoor playing. The paper discusses practical implications of the obtained results and recommendations for future research.

scholarly journals The association between the health-related physical fitness and inhibitory control in preschool children

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiyan Li ◽  
Tang Zhou ◽  
Menghao Sang ◽  
Yanhua Lu ◽  
Jiajia Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preschool Children ◽  
Reaction Time ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Inhibitory Control ◽  
Flanker Task ◽  
Handgrip Strength ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Run Test ◽  
Shuttle Run

Abstract Background Inhibitory control develops rapidly during the preschool stage, and development of inhibitory control in this period is significant for the healthy growth of the future. However, most studies paid more attention to children and adolescents in recent years, but less focus on preschool children. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the association between the health-related physical fitness and inhibitory control in preschool children. Methods This study was a cross-sectional study, 128 preschool children in Yangpu District of Shanghai were recruited by convenient sampling. The health-related physical fitness T-score (HPFT) was obtained by adding standard scores of six indicators: body mass index, handgrip strength, standing long jump, one-leg balance, 2×10m shuttle run test, and 20m shuttle run test. Inhibitory control was assessed using the flanker task and reflected by reaction time and accuracy. Results A total of 120 preschoolers were included in the final statistical analysis. After adjusting the confounders, HPFT was associated with reaction time (β=-2.49ms, 95%CI: -4.22, -0.75). Similarly, a negative association was observed between one-leg balance and reaction time (β=-12.04ms, 95%CI: -18.94, -5.15), and between 20m shuttle run and reaction time (β=-23.28ms, 95%CI: -37.00, -9.56). Compared with the participants in the lowest tertile, HPFT (β=-158.74, 95%CI: -309.63, -7.84), one-leg balance(β=-267.25ms, 95%CI: -420.71, -113.79) and 20m shuttle run (β=-215.58ms, 95%CI: -374.67, -56.49) were all negatively associated with reaction time of those in the highest tertile. Conclusion In addition, there was a non-linear relationship between HPFT and reaction time (β=-3.46ms,95%CI: -5.39, -1.53) when HPFT > 249. In conclusion, in order to improve the inhibitory control, it’s suggested that HPFT of preschoolers should be at least 249.

scholarly journals Exploring the utility of cardiorespiratory fitness as a population health surveillance indicator for children and youth: An international analysis of results from the 20-m shuttle run test

2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin J. Lang
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Population Health ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Health Surveillance ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Run Test ◽  
Shuttle Run

Emerging evidence has demonstrated the strong link between cardiorespiratory fitness and multiple aspects of health (i.e., physiological, physical, psychosocial, cognitive), independent of physical activity, among school-aged children and youth. Cardiorespiratory fitness is a trait that does not vary substantially from day-to-day, and provides an indication of recent physical activity levels, making it an important possible indicator of population health. Thus, the objective of this dissertation was to investigate the utility of cardiorespiratory fitness, measured using the 20-m shuttle run test, as a broad, holistic health indicator for population health surveillance among children and youth. To achieve this objective we completed 7 manuscripts, all prepared for submission to peer-reviewed, scientific journals: (1) Systematic review of the relationship between 20-m shuttle run performance and health indicators among children and youth. (2) Review of criterion-referenced standards for cardiorespiratory fitness: what percentage of 1 142 026 international children and youth are apparently healthy? (3) Cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with physical literacy in a large sample of Canadian children aged 8 to 12 years. (4) International variability in 20-m shuttle run performance in children and youth: Who are the fittest from a 50-country comparison? A systematic review with pooling of aggregate results. (5) Making a case for cardiorespiratory fitness surveillance among children and youth. (6) International normative 20-m shuttle run values from 1 142 026 children and youth representing 50 countries. (7) Temporal trends in the cardiorespiratory fitness of children and adolescents representing 19 high-income and upper middle-income countries between 1981 and 2014. Combined, this dissertation provides support for the importance of cardiorespiratory fitness for health surveillance among school-aged children and youth. Results from the international analysis highlighted the variability across countries, with countries in north-central Europe and Africa having the highest cardiorespiratory fitness, and countries in South America having the lowest cardiorespiratory fitness. The results indicated that declines in cardiorespiratory fitness may have stabilized in recent years in some high- and middle-income countries. This dissertation also identified 2 methods (criterion- and normative-referenced standards) to interpret cardiorespiratory fitness levels among children and youth, methods that could be used to inform future consensus, surveillance, and cardiorespiratory fitness guidelines.

scholarly journals Recreo organizado como estrategia para mejorar los niveles actividad física y condición física en adolescentes escolares (Organized recess as a strategy to improve physical activity levels and physical condition in adolescents)

Retos ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 403-401
Author(s):  
Fernando Rodríguez-Rodríguez ◽  
Sebastián Molina Roblero ◽  
Gerson Luis De Moraes Ferrari
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Condition ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Run Test ◽  
Shuttle Run ◽  
Lunch Time

  El propósito del estudio fue identificar los efectos de una intervención durante recreos escolares sobre la condición física y actividad física en una muestra de adolescentes chilenos. Participaron 50 escolares voluntarios (27 chicas), con un promedio de 14,2 ± 1,3 años. Grupo control (n=21) y grupo intervención (n=29). Se realizaron actividades dirigidas en el patio del colegio durante los dos recreos de las mañanas por 12 semanas. Se evaluó el test de 20m ida-vuelta, dinamometría manual, composición corporal, cuestionario PAQ-A y acelerometría. El grupo intervención (GI), tuvo mejor nivel de actividad física que el grupo control (GC), durante los recreos, clase de Educación Física, hora de almuerzo y más pasos/día (p<0,05). En conclusión, la participación activa durante los recreos puede aumentar los minutos de actividad física moderada-vigorosa y mejorar la condición física cardiorrespiratoria. Abstract. The purpose of this project was to identify the effects of an intervention during school recesses on physical condition and physical activity in Chilean adolescents. Fifty volunteer students (27 girls) participated, with an average of 14.2 ± 1.3 years. Control group (n=21) and intervention group (n=29). Targeted activities were carried out in the schoolyard during the two recesses in the morning, for 12 weeks. Pre and post test, the 20m shuttle run test, manual dynamometry, body composition, PAQ-A questionnaire and accelerometry were evaluated. The intervention group (GI), had better levels of physical activity than the control group (GC), during recess, physical education class, lunch time and steps/day (p <0.05). In conclusion, the active participation during recesses can increase minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity and improve cardiorespiratory fitness.

Move Your Brain!

2021 ◽  
pp. 228-241
Author(s):  
María Pilar León ◽  
Alejandro Prieto-Ayuso
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
Preschool Children ◽  
Cognitive Engagement ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
Preschool Age ◽  
Cognitive Demands ◽  
Classroom Routines ◽  
Active Breaks

Active breaks have received great attention both among teachers and researchers and are used by those who pursuit to take advantage of all its benefits. Because of these benefits, many teachers or schools have incorporated active breaks into their daily classroom routines. However, to the authors' knowledge, there is not any program aimed entirely at preschool age. Also, the type of activities proposed in these programs are mostly mechanic with low cognitive engagement while some authors argue that cognitively engaging physical activity is more beneficial for cognitive and academic performance than mechanic activities. For these reasons, this chapter proposes a new active break program aimed at preschool children. This program, entitled “Move Your Brain,” will be composed of physical activities with inherent cognitive demands to challenge the children's brains.

Predicted Equation for VO2 Based on a 20-Meter Multistage Shuttle Run Test for Children

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (14) ◽  
pp. 1049-1054 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gisela Arsa ◽  
Fernanda Lanza ◽  
Lucieli Cambri ◽  
Ednei Antonio ◽  
Neif Murad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Prediction Equation ◽  
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test ◽  
Fat Free Mass ◽  
Maximum Speed ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Predictive Equation ◽  
Maximum Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Run Test ◽  
Shuttle Run

AbstractThis study compared maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) on a 20-meter multistage shuttle run test (20-Srt) with a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) to determine a VO2max prediction equation for a 20-Srt in children aged 6–10 years. Eighty healthy children performed the CPET on a treadmill, while the 20-Srt took place on a sports court. Heart rate (HR) was measured and the expired gases were continuously measured breath-by-breath using a portable gas analyzer. The VO2max was lower (p<0.05) in CPET than 20-Srt for all, female, and male participants, respectively (46.3±7.9 vs. 48.7±4.6; 42.7±7.8 vs. 46.7±4.8; 49.3±6.8 vs. 50.4±3.9, mL·kg-1·min-1). The standard error estimates were between 3.0 and 3.6 and considered as not clinically relevant if less than 5 mL·kg-1·min-1. The intraclass correlation coefficient between the VO2 in CPET and in 20-Srt was 0.74 (CI95% 0.55–0.84) and considered moderately reliable. The linear multiple regression excluded sex, body mass index and fat-free mass and retained the maximum speed and age in the predictive equation. The 20-Srt estimates the VO2max with moderate reliability and the predictive equation was VO2maxpred=4.302+(maximum speed*5.613)–(age*1.523) for children aged 6–10 years.

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