scholarly journals Physical Fitness and Motor Competence in Chinese and German Elementary School Children in Relation to Different Physical Activity Settings

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 391
Author(s):  
Andreas Hohmann ◽  
Xinchi Yuan ◽  
Manfred Schmitt ◽  
Hui Zhang ◽  
Micha Pietzonka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Motor Competence ◽  
Activity Settings ◽  
School Sport ◽  
One Year ◽  
Club Sport

(1) Background: Children with greater physical activity (PA) may show a higher physical fitness (PF) and motor competence (MC) compared to peers with less PA. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), PF, and MC in 8- to 9-year old children in Germany and China. MVPA was differentiated into five PA settings: family sport, club training, school sport, leisure sport, and outside play. (2) Methods: This longitudinal study comprised N = 577 children (n = 311 girls, n = 266 boys) who were studied over a one-year period. Each child’s PF and MC was determined using sports motor tests. The children’s PAs were measured using a questionnaire. (3) Results: The children’s PA was positively associated with PF and MC. The MVPA-settings: family sport, leisure sport, outside play, school, and club sport, explained between 18 and 23 percent of the variance in selected PF and MC characteristics in a multivariate linear regression analysis. (4) Conclusions: An increase in the children’s MVPA might be an appropriate aim in the school sport in Germany as well as in the club sport system in China. Furthermore, family sport should be enhanced in Germany and outside play activities in China, respectively.

Do Physically Literate Adolescents Have Better Academic Performance?

2019 ◽  
Vol 126 (4) ◽  
pp. 585-602 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiangli Gu ◽  
Tao Zhang ◽  
Tsz Lun (Alan) Chu ◽  
Xiaoxia Zhang ◽  
Katherine Thomas Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Academic Success ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Standardized Test ◽  
School Attendance ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Literacy ◽  
Motor Competence

This study examined the relationship between physical literacy (i.e., motor competence, physical activity, and health-related fitness) and academic performance (i.e., executive function, class attendance, and standardized test scores) among adolescents. Second, we investigated whether these relationships differ between boys and girls using a structural invariable test. Using a prospective research design, we recruited 330 adolescents (154 boys and 176 girls; Mage = 12.52 years, SD = 0.86) in Texas and conducted correlational analyses, finding that physical literacy variables were significantly related to executive function (while the rs range was from −.16 to −.30, the high scores on the instrument we used, the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, indicate higher risks for executive dysfunction; p < .01) and positively associated with school attendance ( rs range from .19 to .34; p < .05). Structural equation models supported the significant direct and indirect effects of motor competence on executive function and school attendance for boys and girls through physical fitness (all three components) and school-based moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, respectively. The structural invarince test indicated noninvariant models (based on path coefficients) between girls and boys ( p < .01). Embracing psychomotor associations with physical literacy may be a promising way to elicit behavioral change in physical fitness and create a behavioral channel to academic success for adolescents.

scholarly journals Long-Term and Transfer Effects of an Action Control Intervention in Overweight Couples: A Randomized Controlled Trial Using Text Messages

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corina Berli ◽  
Urte Scholz
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Action Control ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Transfer Effects ◽  
Control Intervention

Keeping a physically active lifestyle requires consistent self-regulatory effort such as action control (e.g., continuously monitoring and evaluating a behavior in terms of one’s goals). Involving the romantic partner in interventions might be particularly effective in the long run. The present study examined the long-term and transfer effects of an action control intervention in couples using text messaging for promoting target persons’ and partners’ physical activity, anthropometric measures and physical fitness 6 months post baseline. A total of 121 overweight and obese romantic couples, randomly allocated to an intervention (n = 60; information + action control text messages) or a control group (n = 61; information only) and to participating as target person or partner, completed baseline assessments (T1). 100 couples (82.6%) completed the 6-month follow-up (T3) assessment. Primary outcomes included self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and objective MVPA and MVPA adherence using triaxial accelerometers across a diary period of 14 days after T3. Secondary outcomes included BMI, waist-to-hip circumference and physical fitness (target persons only) using a submaximal aerobic cycle test. At T3, there were no significant between-group differences between target persons and partners with regard to their objective MVPA, self-reported MVPA, BMI, waist-hip ratio or physical fitness. No significant changes in outcomes were observed from T1 to T3; however, changes in BMI from T1 to T3 between target persons and partners in the intervention group were associated. Overall, the brief 14-days action control intervention was not effective in improving target person’s physical activity, body measures and physical fitness in the long-term. Moreover, no long-term benefits for partners emerged. While brief ecological momentary interventions might be a promising tool for short-term effects, future studies are needed to test features enhancing long-term effectiveness. Associations in romantic partners’ changes suggest that dyadic interventions can be a promising approach, as changes induced in one partner may then transfer over to the other (controlled-trials.com ISRCTN15705531).

scholarly journals Association of Perceived Built Environment Attributes with Objectively Measured Physical Activity in Community-Dwelling Ambulatory Patients with Stroke

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (20) ◽  
pp. 3908
Author(s):  
Masashi Kanai ◽  
Kazuhiro P. Izawa ◽  
Hiroki Kubo ◽  
Masafumi Nozoe ◽  
Kyoshi Mase ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Built Environment ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ambulatory Patients ◽  
Objectively Measured ◽  
Objectively Measured Physical Activity

There is little evidence on how perceptions of the built environment may influence physical activity among post-stroke patients. This study aimed to explore the associations between perceived built environment attributes and objectively measured physical activity outcomes in community-dwelling ambulatory patients with stroke. This cross-sectional study recruited patients who could walk outside without assistance. We assessed both objectively measured physical activity outcomes such as number of steps and duration of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with an accelerometer and the patients’ perceived surrounding built environment with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Environmental Module. Sixty-one patients (67.0 years old) were included. The multiple linear regression analysis showed significant associations of the presence of sidewalks (β = 0.274, p = 0.016) and access to recreational facilities (β = 0.284, p = 0.010) with the number of steps taken (adjusted R2 = 0.33). In contrast, no significant associations were found between perceived built environment attributes and MVPA. These findings may help to suggest an approach to promote appropriate physical activity in patients with stroke depending on their surrounding built environment.

Association Between Moderate and Vigorous Physical Activity and Gross Motor Coordination in Preschool Children

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 273-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Silva-Santos ◽  
Amanda Santos ◽  
Michael Duncan ◽  
Susana Vale ◽  
Jorge Mota
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Motor Coordination ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Gross Motor ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Movement Assessment

Introduction: Adequate gross motor coordination is essential for children participating in age-related physical activities and has an important role in maintaining sufficient physical activity levels during the life course. Aim: To examine the association between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and gross motor coordination during sedentary behavior in early childhood (ages 3–6 y). Methods: The sample comprised 209 children aged 3–6 y. Gross motor coordination was assessed according to the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC-2). The battery to assess gross motor coordination comprised the aiming and catching, and balance components. MVPA was measured by accelerometry worn for 7 consecutive days (Monday to Sunday). Results: Our data indicated that 31.5% of the sample had low, 32.5% medium, and 36.0% high gross motor coordination. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that MVPA was positively associated with gross motor coordination, adjusted for gender and sedentary behavior. Conclusions: Preschoolers with high gross motor coordination spend more time in MVPA. Gross motor coordination development should therefore be a key strategy in childhood interventions aiming to promote physical activity.

Young Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Children’s Fundamental Motor Competence and Physical Activity Behaviors

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 180-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiangli Gu ◽  
Senlin Chen ◽  
Xiaoxia Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Hispanic Children ◽  
Motor Competence ◽  
Object Control ◽  
School Based ◽  
Activity Promotion

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between fundamental motor skills (FMS; including locomotor and object-control skills), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and sedentary behavior among young Hispanic and non-Hispanic children. Using the prospective research design spanning one academic school year, we recruited 671 children (6.96 ± 1.6 years, 46% girls) from four primary schools in North Texas, 300 of whom were Hispanic and 371 non-Hispanic children, with 90% of the Hispanic and 74% of the non-Hispanic children from low-income families. All participants completed the PE Metrics™ FMS assessment and wore Actical accelerometers. Hispanic children demonstrated a lower level of MVPA on school days than their non-Hispanic peers. After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, both locomotor and object-control skills significantly predicted school-based MVPA for the non-Hispanic groups, while only object-control skills significantly predicted MVPA for the Hispanic group. For both ethnic groups, locomotor skills significantly predicted school-based sedentary behavior. The findings shed light on future motor competence–based interventions for physical activity promotion and obesity prevention among young Hispanic as well as non-Hispanic children.

Physical Activity, Fitness, and Adiposity of Prepubertal Girls

1996 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 259-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lennart Raudsepp ◽  
Toivo Jürimäe
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Muscular Strength ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
The Body ◽  
Fitness Tests ◽  
Physical Activity Recall ◽  
Prepubertal Girls

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between physical activity and physical fitness and adiposity in a sample of 77 girls, aged 10–11 years. Physical activity was assessed by 7-day physical activity recall by which children reported how much time they spent on low and moderate-to-vigorous physical activities. Physical fitness was measured by EUROFIT test battery. Adiposity was estimated by sum of five skinfolds. The main finding of the study was that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and adiposity were significant predictors (with 16–34% accounted variance) of physical fitness tests where the body mass affects performance. Indicators of physical activity and adiposity were not significantly related with fitness items requiring muscular strength, balance, flexibility, and speed of limb movement. Furthermore, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and aerobic fitness predicted 22% of variance in adiposity in girls.

A comparison of physical activity, physical fitness levels, BMI and blood pressure of adults with intellectual disability, who do and do not take part in Special Olympics Ireland programmes: Results from the SOPHIE study

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 154-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise Walsh ◽  
Sarahjane Belton ◽  
Sarah Meegan ◽  
Kirsty Bowers ◽  
Deidre Corby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Special Olympics ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Fitness Levels

People with an intellectual disability are less physically active, live more sedentary lives, have lower fitness levels and are more likely to be overweight or obese than the general population. No evidence exists on the impact of participation in Special Olympics Ireland (SOI) on physical activity and physical fitness levels. Adults with intellectual disabilities (16–64 years) were recruited from services and SOI clubs. Physical measures included waist circumference, height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate and 6-min walking test. Self-report questionnaires gathered data on physical activity levels. Actigraph (GT3X) accelerometers were used to gain an objective measure of physical activity. SOI participants accumulated more moderate to vigorous physical activity per day, had higher fitness levels and more positive health profile scores than those not taking part in SOI. SOI has the potential to make a positive difference to people’s physical health and subsequently their overall health and well-being.

scholarly journals Development of smartphone application for personalized physical fitness education for university students in COVID-19 pandemic era

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adang Suherman ◽  
◽  
Kuston Sultoni ◽  
Jajat Jajat ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Physical Fitness Test ◽  
Test Items ◽  
Fitness Education ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Online Distance Learning ◽  
Online Distance

Online distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic can impact decreasing physical activity and increasing sedentary behaviour, leading to the reduced physical fitness of students. The research aims to develop an android application (app) to assist students in developing physical fitness independently. Four stages of development have been carried out to create the Mahasiswa Bugar application. The advantages of the Mahasiswa Bugar app are as a guide to measuring physical fitness that can be done by students themselves and based on existing literature. Physical fitness test items guided through this application are health-related fitness, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength and endurance, and flexibility, including features for feedback, history or recording of test results and training program. The results of the quasi-experiment show that the percentage of student involvement in vigorous physical activity has increased. Although the fit student android application's socialization did not significantly impact increasing the intensity of physical activity and motivation to train, this application could be a solution for students in fostering physical fitness independently during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Relationships between Depression, Daily Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Daytime Sleepiness among Japanese University Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 8036
Author(s):  
Hideki Shimamoto ◽  
Masataka Suwa ◽  
Koh Mizuno
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
University Students ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Daytime Sleepiness ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Part Time

In Japan and other developed countries, the lifestyles of many—particularly the younger generation—have been disrupted in recent years. This disruption may manifest as a decrease in physical activity and deterioration in the quality and quantity of sleep. Depressive tendencies are also increasing among university students. This study examined the relationship between mental health, physical activity, physical fitness, and daytime sleepiness. Eighty-five undergraduate students participated in this study (52 men and 33 women, aged 18.9 (±1.4) years). Physical activity levels were measured using an accelerometer (Lifecorder, Kenz, Nagoya, Japan) for two weeks. To evaluate their level of physical fitness, maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max) was calculated by an indirect method using a cycle ergometer. Depressive tendencies and daytime sleepiness were evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The PHQ-9 score was positively correlated with sleepiness (r = 0.35, p = 0.001) and total steps per day (r = 0.39, p < 0.001). Moreover, the PHQ-9 score was positively correlated with V˙O2max (r = 0.25, p = 0.019). The PHQ-9 score was higher in students with good exercise habits or part-time jobs. An important finding was the positive correlation between depression and variables related to physical activity levels. These results suggest that vigorous physical activity, such as exercise and part-time jobs, might be positively associated with depressive tendencies among university students.

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