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12 pages, 486 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of On-Sight and Flash Climbing Styles on Advanced Climbers’ Route Completion for Bouldering

by Jesús Morenas, Vicente Luis del Campo, Sergio López-García and Lucía Flores

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12594; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312594 - 29 Nov 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2081

Abstract

Route previewing has been established as a critical parameter in indoor climbing performance, as it could determine the success or failure in ascending the route. We addressed the effect of different types of previews on output climbing performance. Twenty-one advanced climbers (7b and [...] Read more.

Route previewing has been established as a critical parameter in indoor climbing performance, as it could determine the success or failure in ascending the route. We addressed the effect of different types of previews on output climbing performance. Twenty-one advanced climbers (7b and 7c+ climbing grade) were required to complete 18 routes, rated at 6c, according to the French Rating Scale of Difficulty. Each climber previewed the route under three conditions: “No-previewing”, “video-model previewing”, and “real-model previewing”. Output climbing performance was assessed in terms of route completion. The results showed differences on output climbing performance between types of preview. Specifically, the climbers achieved more successful attempts at climbing to the “Top” of the wall when inspecting the route with the “real-model previewing” condition, compared to the other conditions of preview. On the contrary, the climbers displayed more failed attempts in climbing the route with the “on-sight” condition, compared to the “flash” styles (“video-model” and “real-model”). The preview of the route, including performance of a real/video-projected model manipulating climbing holds, seems to increase the opportunities to climb the boulder successfully, attuning climbers to information specifying ascending actions. Climbing coaches should reinforce the design of representative training, using flash styles, to promote movement solutions for route completion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health Behaviors in Children and Adolescents)

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11 pages, 577 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Financial and Psychological Wellbeing on Children’s Physical Activity and Screen-Based Activities during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Louise C. Mâsse, Iyoma Y. Edache, Mark Pitblado and Sarah M. Hutchison

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(16), 8694; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168694 - 17 Aug 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3276

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, and the public health measures to combat it, have strained the finances of many families. While parents transitioned to working from home, children transitioned to learning virtually, limiting their organized social and physical activities. Families also reduced the frequency and [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic, and the public health measures to combat it, have strained the finances of many families. While parents transitioned to working from home, children transitioned to learning virtually, limiting their organized social and physical activities. Families also reduced the frequency and size of gatherings, impacting psychological wellbeing. This study sought to understand the influence of financial wellbeing on children’s physical activity and leisure screen-based activities via mothers’ and children’s psychological wellbeing. In May and June of 2020, 254 Grade 7 Canadian children and their mothers completed separate online surveys assessing family financial wellbeing, mothers’ and children’s psychological wellbeing, and children’s physical activity and leisure screen-based activities. Structural equation modelling was used to examine the indirect effects of mothers’ and children’s psychological wellbeing on the relationship between financial wellbeing and children’s physical activity and leisure screen-based activities. Final models were adjusted for potential confounders. Study results indicate a significant indirect association between financial wellbeing and children’s physical activity and leisure screen-based activities via mothers’ and children’s psychological wellbeing. These findings demonstrate that higher levels of financial wellbeing are associated with better mental and physical health benefits in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health Behaviors in Children and Adolescents)

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10 pages, 1007 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Relevant Factors in Adolescent Well-Being: Family and Parental Relationships

by Raquel M. Guevara, José E. Moral-García, José D. Urchaga and Sergio López-García

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(14), 7666; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147666 - 19 Jul 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4498

Abstract

Health-related quality of life, teachers’ opinion of academic performance and self-perceived health are indicators of well-being in the adolescent stage. Some variables, such as those related to the quality of family and parental relationships, may influence these indicators and thus condition well-being during [...] Read more.

Health-related quality of life, teachers’ opinion of academic performance and self-perceived health are indicators of well-being in the adolescent stage. Some variables, such as those related to the quality of family and parental relationships, may influence these indicators and thus condition well-being during this stage of life and beyond. In this research, the aforementioned variables are analyzed jointly. It is a cross-sectional study in which 1375 adolescent schoolchildren between 11 and 18 years of age participated. Different instruments such as KIDSCREEN-10 and the questionnaire used in the international study Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children were used. The results obtained allow us to conclude that HRQoL, the teacher’s opinion of performance and the perception of health status improve as adolescents perceive a more favorable family climate, also helped by good relations between parents. Finally, it is proposed to continue with the efforts made in the school, family environment and other areas because of the enormous potential for generating quality of life in the adolescent stage and the consequent positive repercussions this has on adulthood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health Behaviors in Children and Adolescents)

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14 pages, 584 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of a Physical Education Program on Physical Activity and Emotional Well-Being among Primary School Children

by Irina Kliziene, Ginas Cizauskas, Saule Sipaviciene, Roma Aleksandraviciene and Kristina Zaicenkoviene

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(14), 7536; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147536 - 15 Jul 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 11832

Abstract

(1) Background: It has been identified that schools that adopt at least two hours a week of physical education and plan specific contents and activities can achieve development goals related to physical level, such as promoting health, well-being, and healthy lifestyles, on a [...] Read more.

(1) Background: It has been identified that schools that adopt at least two hours a week of physical education and plan specific contents and activities can achieve development goals related to physical level, such as promoting health, well-being, and healthy lifestyles, on a personal level, including bodily awareness and confidence in physical skills, as well as a general sense of well-being, greater security and self-esteem, sense of responsibility, patience, courage, and mental balance. The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of physical education programs on the physical activity and emotional well-being of primary school children. (2) Methods: The experimental group comprised 45 girls and 44 boys aged 6–7 years (First Grade) and 48 girls and 46 boys aged 8–9 years (Second Grade), while the control group comprised 43 girls and 46 boys aged 6–7 years (First Grade) and 47 girls and 45 boys aged 8–9 years (Second Grade). All children attended the same school. The Children’s Physical Activity Questionnaire was used, which is based on the Children’s Leisure Activities Study Survey questionnaire, which includes activities specific to young children (e.g., “playing in a playhouse”). Emotional well-being status was explored by estimating three main dimensions: somatic anxiety, personality anxiety, and social anxiety. The Revised Children’s Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS) was used. (3) Results: When analysing the pre-test results of physical activity of the 6–7- and 8–9-year-old children, it turned out that both the First Grade (92.15 MET, min/week) and Second Grade (97.50 MET, min/week) participants in the experimental group were physically active during physical education lessons. When exploring the results of somatic anxiety in EG (4.95 ± 1.10 points), both before and after the experiment, we established that somatic anxiety in EG was 4.55 ± 1.00 points after the intervention program, demonstrating lower levels of depression, seclusion, somatic complaints, aggression, and delinquent behaviours (F = 4.785, p < 0.05, P = 0.540). (4) Conclusions: We established that the properly constructed and purposefully applied eight-month physical education program had positive effects on the physical activity and emotional well-being of primary school children (6–7 and 8–9 years) in three main dimensions: somatic anxiety, personality anxiety, and social anxiety. Our findings suggest that the eight-month physical education program intervention was effective at increasing levels of physical activity. Changes in these activities may require more intensive behavioural interventions with children or upstream interventions at the family and societal levels, as well as at the school environment level. These findings have relevance for researchers, policy makers, public health practitioners, and doctors who are involved in health promotion, policy making, and commissioning services. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health Behaviors in Children and Adolescents)

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10 pages, 735 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Health-Related Physical Fitness and Respiratory Diseases in Adolescents: An Age- and Gender-Matched Study

by Jeong-Hui Park, Myong-Won Seo, Hyun Chul Jung, Jong-Kook Song and Jung-Min Lee

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6655; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126655 - 21 Jun 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2685

Abstract

The current study examined the differences in health-related physical fitness (HRPF), physical activity (PA), and sedentary behavior (SB) between adolescents with and without ongoing respiratory diseases (RD). This study’s participants were from 12 to 15 years old (7th–10th grade) in South Korea. Adolescents [...] Read more.

The current study examined the differences in health-related physical fitness (HRPF), physical activity (PA), and sedentary behavior (SB) between adolescents with and without ongoing respiratory diseases (RD). This study’s participants were from 12 to 15 years old (7th–10th grade) in South Korea. Adolescents with RD were selected through RD-related questions (i.e., asthma, rhinitis, sinusitis, and bronchitis) (n = 139); in contrast, adolescents without RD, randomly selected from the general group, responded to any health problem-related questions as “No” (n = 139). HRPF was measured based on the FITNESSGRAM and EURO FIT test batteries and the measurements of HRPF included cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. All statistical analyses were conducted by SPSS 25.0, and the independent t-test was used to compare the HRPF and PA between the two groups. Moreover, the measured HRPF was compared with a series of analyses of three-way ANOVAs (age × gender × group). Adolescents with RD had a positive association with less participation in PA (p < 0.05; RD: 3081.81 ± 4793.37; general: 2073.64 ± 3123.47) and with more time spent on SB (above 12 h per week: RD group (38.85%) and general group (33.09%)). Furthermore, adolescents in the RD group showed significant effects on all components of HRPF (p < 0.05). Our study confirmed that HRPF is an essential predictor of adolescents’ health outcomes, especially for those with RD. We suggest that increased HRPF can be an effective treatment for respiratory diseases in adolescents, and health practitioners should pay more attention to helping adolescents with RD to gain or maintain high HRPF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health Behaviors in Children and Adolescents)

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12 pages, 555 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parental and Peer Support Matters: A Broad Umbrella of the Role of Perceived Social Support in the Association between Children’s Perceived Motor Competence and Physical Activity

by Cristina Menescardi and Isaac Estevan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6646; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126646 - 21 Jun 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2410

Abstract

(1) Background: This study aimed to examine the role of social support in the relationship between perceived motor competence (MC) and physical activity (PA), according to the conceptual model of Motor Development. (2) Methods: Participants were 518 students (46.5% girls), 8–12 years old. [...] Read more.

(1) Background: This study aimed to examine the role of social support in the relationship between perceived motor competence (MC) and physical activity (PA), according to the conceptual model of Motor Development. (2) Methods: Participants were 518 students (46.5% girls), 8–12 years old. By using a structural equation modeling approach, path analysis was used to test the actual-perceived MC relationship and the mediating influence of social support on the perceived MC–PA relationship. Analyses were done with age and sex as covariates. (3) Results: The results showed a good model fit (CFI = 0.98; RMSEA = 0.07; SRMR = 0.02), where actual MC was positively associated with perceived MC (ß = 0.26, p < 0.001), which in turn was positively related to social support (ß = 0.34, p < 0.001). The model showed the direct social support-PA path (ß = 0.42, p < 0.001) and the indirect path from perceived MC through social support to PA (ß = 0.14, p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: This study confirms that social support mediates the perceived MC–PA relationship. As such, it is not only important to build and develop children’s actual and perceived MC, but also to promote social support for PA engagement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health Behaviors in Children and Adolescents)

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11 pages, 665 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Preliminary Reliability of the Adolescents and Adults Coordination Questionnaire into European Spanish

by Laura Delgado-Lobete, Rebeca Montes-Montes, David Méndez-Alonso and José Antonio Prieto-Saborit

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6405; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126405 - 13 Jun 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2821

Abstract

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a developmental disorder affecting motor coordination skills, that frequently persists into adolescence and adulthood. Despite this, very few instruments exist to identify DCD in this population, and none of them are available for Spanish young adults. The purpose [...] Read more.

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a developmental disorder affecting motor coordination skills, that frequently persists into adolescence and adulthood. Despite this, very few instruments exist to identify DCD in this population, and none of them are available for Spanish young adults. The purpose of this study was to cross-culturally adapt and preliminarily validate the Adolescents and Adults Coordination Questionnaire (AAC-Q) into European Spanish. The AAC-Q was translated and adapted following international recommendations, including: (a) two independent forward translations; (b) synthesis and reconciliation; (c) expert committee review; and (d) a comprehensibility test. In addition, the internal consistency and homogeneity were examined using a sample of 100 Spanish higher education students. Cultural equivalence and idiomatic differences were addressed to produce the AAC-Q-ES. Findings show that the AAC-Q-ES is a cross-culturally adapted instrument with good preliminary reliability indicators in Spanish young adults (Cronbach’s α = 0.74; corrected item-total correlations = 0.217–0.504). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health Behaviors in Children and Adolescents)

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12 pages, 357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gender Influences on Physical Activity Awareness of Adolescents and Their Parents

by Joaquín Lago-Ballesteros, Marcos García-Pascual, Miguel Ángel González-Valeiro and María Á. Fernández-Villarino

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5707; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115707 - 26 May 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2932

Abstract

The imbalances between the actual physical activity (PA) of adolescents and the subjective perception both they and their parents have in this regard can play an important role in perpetuating inactive lifestyles. The aim of this study is to analyse these discrepancies by [...] Read more.

The imbalances between the actual physical activity (PA) of adolescents and the subjective perception both they and their parents have in this regard can play an important role in perpetuating inactive lifestyles. The aim of this study is to analyse these discrepancies by considering gender as a conditioning factor. The participants in the study were 1697 adolescents, 1244 mothers and 1052 fathers in the educational communities of 26 secondary schools located in urban environments of the Autonomous Community of Galicia (Spain). With regard to actual physical activity, a high prevalence of sedentarism (82.1%) was revealed, this being even more acute in girls (87.8%). However, the perceived levels of activity differed significantly from the actual ones with a clear general overestimation both by the adolescents and their parents. When further exploring the data, gender influences were also detected both in adolescent and parental perceptions, since the high rates of overestimation in sedentary individuals were lower in girls and, on the contrary, the low rates of underestimation in active individuals were higher in girls. Moreover, although the level of agreement between actual and perceived physical activity was low overall, with Cohen’s kappa values ranging from 0.006 to 0.047, the lowest values were observed in the case of girls. In conclusion, both the adolescents and their parents were incapable of correctly assessing the actual physical activity of the former, so it seems that the general population lacks knowledge about the amount of physical activity that adolescents need to do to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Consequently, it would be advisable to implement health education campaigns and awareness-raising interventions directed to young people as well as to their parents and, in doing so, gender must be considered by establishing distinct program designs in terms of this variable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health Behaviors in Children and Adolescents)

11 pages, 1944 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cardiorespiratory Fitness as Mediator of the Relationship of Recreational Screen Time on Mediterranean Diet Score in Schoolchildren

by José Francisco López-Gil, Antonio García-Hermoso, Javier Brazo-Sayavera, Pedro Juan Tárraga López and Juan Luis Yuste Lucas

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4490; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094490 - 23 Apr 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2660

Abstract

Background: Studies have reported the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet as well as lower recreational screen time. Similarly, higher screen time has been negatively linked to a lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet. However, the mediator effect [...] Read more.

Background: Studies have reported the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet as well as lower recreational screen time. Similarly, higher screen time has been negatively linked to a lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet. However, the mediator effect of cardiorespiratory fitness on the influence of screen time on adherence to the Mediterranean diet is still unknown. The aim of this study was two-fold: first, to assess the combined association of recreational screen time and cardiorespiratory fitness with adherence to Mediterranean diet among Spanish schoolchildren, and second, to elucidate whether the association between recreational screen time and adherence to the Mediterranean diet is mediated by cardiorespiratory fitness. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 370 schoolchildren aged 6–13 years from six schools in the Region of Murcia (Spain) were included. Results: The mediation analysis showed that once screen time and cardiorespiratory fitness were included together in the model, cardiorespiratory fitness was positively linked to adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p = 0.020) and although screen time remained negatively related to adherence to the Mediterranean diet, this association was slightly attenuated (indirect effect = −0.027; 95% CI = (−0.080, −0.002)). Conclusions: This research supports that cardiorespiratory fitness may reduce the negative association between screen time and Mediterranean dietary patterns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health Behaviors in Children and Adolescents)

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16 pages, 363 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Eating Habits and Their Impact on Health among Adolescents and Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Sylwia Mizia, Anna Felińczak, Dariusz Włodarek and Magdalena Syrkiewicz-Świtała

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(8), 3996; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18083996 - 10 Apr 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 10798

Abstract

According to the health field concept, the most important factor affecting health is a lifestyle. The current upward trend in overweight and obesity among younger populations is a consequence of inadequate lifestyle habits. The study aimed to characterise youth nutrition behaviour and knowledge [...] Read more.

According to the health field concept, the most important factor affecting health is a lifestyle. The current upward trend in overweight and obesity among younger populations is a consequence of inadequate lifestyle habits. The study aimed to characterise youth nutrition behaviour and knowledge in the context of the risk of developing overweight or obesity. The study group consisted of 307 high school students, 59% females and 41% males, aged between 15 and 19. Nutrition behaviours were studied using the standardised Questionnaire of Eating Behaviour. Body weight and body height were measured with a body composition analyser and a body height meter, respectively. It was observed that the average body mass index was 21.7 ± 3.4 kg/m² for the females and 22.3 ± 3.1 kg/m² for the males (p = 0.036). Disturbed weight-to-height ratios (i.e., overweight and obesity) were found in 15.6% of the females and 16.5% of the males. The diets of approximately 90% of these youth were characterised by excessively low pro-health product content. The males showed a significantly higher intensity of adverse health traits compared to the females (8.1% vs. 0.7%, p = 0.002). More than half of the males presented insufficient knowledge about food and nutrition (53.5% vs. 30.8%, p < 0.001). Regardless of gender, the study showed a positive correlation between adolescents’ level of knowledge and the pro-health diet index (gamma coefficient: 0.42, p < 0.001) and a negative correlation between their level of knowledge and the unhealthy diet index (gamma coefficient: −0.66, p < 0.001). The level of knowledge was closely related to the indicators of the intensities and adverse health characteristics of their diets. These results indicate the need for educational programs to raise awareness among youth in civilisation backgrounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health Behaviors in Children and Adolescents)

14 pages, 375 KiB

Open AccessArticle

24-h Movement Guidelines and Substance Use among Adolescents: A School-Based Cross-Sectional Study

by Hugues Sampasa-Kanyinga, Ian Colman, Gary S. Goldfield, Ian Janssen, JianLi Wang, Hayley A. Hamilton and Jean-Philippe Chaput

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 3309; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18063309 - 23 Mar 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3815

Abstract

Children and youth are recommended to achieve at least 60 min/day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, no more than 2 h/day of recreational screen time, and a sleep duration of 9–11 h/night for 11–13-year-olds or 8–10 h/night for 14–17-year-olds. Meeting the physical activity, screen [...] Read more.

Children and youth are recommended to achieve at least 60 min/day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, no more than 2 h/day of recreational screen time, and a sleep duration of 9–11 h/night for 11–13-year-olds or 8–10 h/night for 14–17-year-olds. Meeting the physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration recommendations have previously been associated with substance use among adolescents. However, previous research has mainly examined these factors individually rather than looking at how these indicators could concurrently relate to substance use in this age group. Therefore, this study examined the associations between meeting the 24-h movement guidelines for screen time, sleep duration, and physical activity (independent variables) with substance use outcomes including alcohol consumption, cannabis use, and cigarette smoking (dependent variables) among adolescents. Self-reported data from a cross-sectional and representative sample of 10,236 students (mean age = 15.1 years) in Ontario, Canada were analyzed. Logistic regression models stratified by gender were adjusted for potential confounders. Combinations of 24-h movement guidelines was differentially associated with substance use in boys and girls. Overall, findings showed that meeting 24-h movement guidelines is associated with lower odds of alcohol consumption, cannabis use, and cigarette smoking differentially with type of recommendation met and gender. Given that the associations between 24-h movement guidelines and substance use differ between boys and girls, future efforts should take this into consideration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health Behaviors in Children and Adolescents)

12 pages, 7304 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intra-Rater (Live vs. Video Assessment) and Inter-Rater (Expert vs. Novice) Reliability of the Test of Gross Motor Development—Third Edition

by Aida Carballo-Fazanes, Ezequiel Rey, Nadia C. Valentini, José E. Rodríguez-Fernández, Cristina Varela-Casal, Javier Rico-Díaz, Roberto Barcala-Furelos and Cristian Abelairas-Gómez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1652; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041652 - 9 Feb 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4285

Abstract

The Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD) is one of the most common tools for assessing the fundamental movement skills (FMS) in children between 3 and 10 years. This study aimed to examine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the TGMD—3rd Edition (TGMD-3) [...] Read more.

The Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD) is one of the most common tools for assessing the fundamental movement skills (FMS) in children between 3 and 10 years. This study aimed to examine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the TGMD—3rd Edition (TGMD-3) between expert and novice raters using live and video assessment. Five raters [2 experts and 3 novices (one of them BSc in Physical Education and Sport Science)] assessed and scored the performance of the TGMD-3 of 25 healthy children [Female: 60%; mean (standard deviation) age 9.16 (1.31)]. Schoolchildren were attending at one public elementary school during the academic year 2019–2020 from Santiago de Compostela (Spain). Raters scored each children performance through two viewing moods (live and slow-motion). The ICC (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient) was used to determine the agreement between raters. Our results showed moderate-to-excellent intra-rater reliability for overall score and locomotor and ball skills subscales; moderate-to-good inter-rater reliability for overall and ball skills; and poor-to-good for locomotor subscale. Higher intra-rater reliability was achieved by the expert raters and novice rater with physical education background compared to novice raters. However, the inter-rater reliability was more variable in all the raters regardless of their experience or background. No significant differences in reliability were found when comparing live and video assessments. For clinical practice, it would be recommended that raters reach an agreement before the assessment to avoid subjective interpretations that might distort the results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health Behaviors in Children and Adolescents)

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17 pages, 1343 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Levels and Patterns in Female Sixth Graders: The CReActivity Project

by Joachim Bachner, David J. Sturm and Yolanda Demetriou

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18010032 - 23 Dec 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3077

Abstract

Regular physical activity (PA) and low levels of sedentary behavior (SB) have positive health effects on young people. Adolescent girls of low socioeconomic background represent a high-risk group with regard to physical inactivity and SB. In this study, accelerometer-measured levels of PA and [...] Read more.

Regular physical activity (PA) and low levels of sedentary behavior (SB) have positive health effects on young people. Adolescent girls of low socioeconomic background represent a high-risk group with regard to physical inactivity and SB. In this study, accelerometer-measured levels of PA and SB of female sixth graders attending lower secondary schools in Germany are presented, patterns of PA and SB throughout the day are described and differences between weekdays and weekend days are analyzed. Data of 425 students of the CReActivity project were analyzed. Sampling and processing of accelerometer data followed recent recommendations, which had not been applied to data of a German-speaking sample before. The WHO recommendation of daily 60 min moderate-to-vigorous PA was fulfilled by 90.4% of the girls on weekdays and by 57.4% on weekend days. The significant weekday–weekend differences were mainly associated with active commuting to and from school. Students engaged in SB for more than 8 h on weekdays and for over 7 h on weekend days. The results suggest a strong need for interventions increasing PA and reducing SB, especially during school hours and on weekends. Furthermore, a comparison with methods and results of previous studies highlights the need to follow recent criteria in accelerometer data sampling and processing to ensure an accurate and valid differentiation between PA-related risk groups and non-risk groups. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health Behaviors in Children and Adolescents)

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16 pages, 1179 KiB

Open AccessArticle

by María Rivera-Ochoa, Javier Brazo-Sayavera, Barbara Vizmanos-Lamotte, Asier Mañas, Juan Ricardo López-Taylor, Marcela González-Gross and Amelia Guadalupe-Grau

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(23), 8959; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17238959 - 2 Dec 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3415

Abstract

Mexico shows a high prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents. Geographical location and cultural environment could play a role in the promotion of healthy lifestyles in terms of physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB) and nutrition. The purpose of this study was [...] Read more.

Mexico shows a high prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents. Geographical location and cultural environment could play a role in the promotion of healthy lifestyles in terms of physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB) and nutrition. The purpose of this study was to assess rural and urban differences in body composition (BC), physical fitness (PF), PA and nutritional status of adolescents from the state of Jalisco (Mexico). The study involved 469 students aged 13–17 years (55.0% girls) from eight high schools. BC was analyzed by bioimpedance and PF by standardized field tests. Objective measurements of PA and SB were taken in a subsample (n = 240). Energy intake (EI) was calculated from two 24h recalls. Rural residents presented a higher prevalence of overweight, waist circumference, trunk fat mass, regional fat free mass and muscle handgrip strength (all p < 0.05, η2p < 0.06). Cardiorespiratory fitness was similar among participants, whereas urban adolescents showed higher muscle power, speed-agility and flexibility scores (all p < 0.05, η2p < 0.07). Overall lifestyle behavior in urban adolescents was more sedentary (p < 0.05, η2p = 0.11). EI was similar in both locations. In conclusion, rural Mexican adolescents presented a generally lower sedentary behavior and a lower fitness and fatness profile than their urban peers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health Behaviors in Children and Adolescents)

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12 pages, 303 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Voluntary Kids’ Meal Beverage Standards: Are They Sufficient to Ensure Healthier Restaurant Practices and Consumer Choices?

by Phoebe Harpainter, Sridharshi C. Hewawitharana, Danielle L. Lee, Anna C. Martin, Wendi Gosliner, Lorrene D. Ritchie and Gail Woodward-Lopez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(15), 5275; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17155275 - 22 Jul 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3092

Abstract

Many quick-service restaurants (QSRs) instituted voluntary kids’ meal default beverage standards (standards) between 2013 to 2017. Little is known about impacts of standards on QSR drive-through practices and on customer choices. This study assessed differences in restaurant practices including kids’ meal beverages shown [...] Read more.

Many quick-service restaurants (QSRs) instituted voluntary kids’ meal default beverage standards (standards) between 2013 to 2017. Little is known about impacts of standards on QSR drive-through practices and on customer choices. This study assessed differences in restaurant practices including kids’ meal beverages shown on menu boards, offered by cashiers, and selected by customers in QSRs with and without voluntary standards. Observations (n = 111) and customer surveys (n = 84) were conducted in 2018 at QSRs with standards (n = 70) and without (n = 41) in low-income California, U.S. neighborhoods. Kids’ meal beverages on menu boards (n = 149) and offered by cashiers (n = 185) at QSRs with and without standards were analyzed using multilevel logistic regression. Significantly more menu boards at QSRs with standards (n = 103) vs. without (n = 46) featured only milk, water or unsweetened juice (65.1% vs. 4.4%; p < 0.001). Most cashiers at QSRs with standards and QSRs without (53.1%, 62.5%) asked what drink the data collector wanted rather than first offering default beverages. A small sample of customer interviews found that customers at QSRs with standards most commonly ordered juice (37.0%); at QSRs without standards, soda (45.5%). Although menu boards showed healthier kids’ meal beverages at QSRs with standards than without, cashier behavior was inconsistent. Results suggest additional measures (legislation, implementation support, enforcement) may be needed to ensure optimal implementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health Behaviors in Children and Adolescents)

15 pages, 731 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Combined Theory-Based Intervention on Psychological Effects and Physical Activity among Chinese Adolescents

by Yao Zhang, Yi Yin, Jianxiu Liu, Ming Yang, Zeshi Liu and Xindong Ma

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(9), 3026; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17093026 - 27 Apr 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3265

Abstract

Purpose: The current study was intended to assess the effect of a facilitated behavioral intervention based on the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) on psychological constructs and physical activity among adolescents over a period of eight weeks. Methods: Students (n = [...] Read more.

Purpose: The current study was intended to assess the effect of a facilitated behavioral intervention based on the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) on psychological constructs and physical activity among adolescents over a period of eight weeks. Methods: Students (n = 51, 12 ± 0.3 years of age) in the seventh grade at a junior middle school in China were randomly assigned to two groups: the intervention group (n = 24) and the control group (n = 27). Both groups were pre- and post-tested with the related psychological constructs of the extended TPB, along with behavioral measures of the Physical Activity Scale and ActiGraph accelerometer (model wGT3X-BT). The intervention group took part in 45 min classes once per week for 8 weeks, including five indoor theoretical courses and three outdoor basketball matches. The control group was not required to make any change to their normal school day. Also, 2 × 2 repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to compare the differences between the two groups, and then t-test was employed to compare the independent and paired differences. Results: Significant increases in pre–post subjective norms (SN) (p = 0.041, Cohen’s d = 0.62), perceived behavior control (PBC) (p = 0.023, Cohen’s d = 0.72), exercise intention (EI) (p = 0.043, Cohen’s d = 0.61), and self-efficacy (SE) (p = 0.035, Cohen’s d = 1.36) were observed in the intervention group. In addition, participants in the intervention group increased their exercise frequency (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.25) and intensity (p = 0.028, Cohen’s d = 0.68), especially their time spent on light intensity physical activity (light-PA%; p = 0.031, Cohen’s d = 0.68), and their percentage of sedentary time (SB%) was also reduced (from 68% ± 10% to 58% ± 7%, p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.17). Furthermore, the intervention group showed significantly better performance in PBC (p = 0.032, Cohen’s d = 0.62), EI (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.32), SE (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.15), SB% (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.22), light-PA% (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.12), and total physical activity (TPA) (p = 0.015, Cohen’s d = 0.72) compared to the control group at the post-test. No significant pre post differences were observed for any psychological or behavioral variables in the control group, except for exercise frequency, but the values were still lower than those in the intervention group after the 8-week intervention (3.70 ± 0.72 versus 3.92 ± 0.83). Conclusion: The combined theory-based intervention was effective at improving psychological constructs and physical activity among seventh-grade adolescents in 8 weeks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health Behaviors in Children and Adolescents)

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12 pages, 1111 KiB

Open AccessStudy Protocol

Koshu GRoup Activity, Active Play and Exercise (GRAPE) Study: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial Protocol of a School-Based Intervention among Japanese Children

by Mitsuya Yamakita, Daisuke Ando, Hayato Sugita, Yuka Akiyama, Miri Sato, Hiroshi Yokomichi, Kaori Yamaguchi and Zentaro Yamagata

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(7), 3351; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073351 - 24 Mar 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2737

Abstract

School-based programmes need to be effective, easy for all, easy to perform within a short duration, and inexpensive. However, no studies have reported whether voluntarily and very short-time active play programmes contribute to improved health outcomes. This study aims to describe the GRoup [...] Read more.

School-based programmes need to be effective, easy for all, easy to perform within a short duration, and inexpensive. However, no studies have reported whether voluntarily and very short-time active play programmes contribute to improved health outcomes. This study aims to describe the GRoup activity, Active Play and Exercise (GRAPE) cluster randomised controlled trial that examined whether active play interventions of very short durations contribute to increasing physical activity (PA) and bone mass among school-aged children. The trial was conducted in 2018 from January to June, and the activity comprised ≥2 children jumping together for approximately 10 s per session, at least five times a day (approximately 1 min/day). School clusters, pair-matched as per school size (total number of children) and region, were randomly allocated to either intervention or wait-list control groups. The primary outcomes comprised objectively measured changes in PA levels (moderate-to-vigorous PA) evaluated using wrist-worn activity trackers from baseline to the one-year follow-up (six-month post-intervention follow-up) and changes in bone mass evaluated using calcaneus quantitative ultrasound parameters. This study could describe the problems and challenges in school-based PA intervention studies and present findings that could make a potentially important contribution to health education and PA promotion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health Behaviors in Children and Adolescents)

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