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10 pages, 1715 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Adiposity on Physical Activity in Schoolchildren: The Moderator Role of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet

by José Francisco López-Gil, Antonio García-Hermoso, Rafael Gomes Sentone, Cristiano Israel Caetano, Fernando Renato Cavichiolli and Juan Luis Yuste Lucas

Sustainability 2020, 12(16), 6474; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12166474 - 11 Aug 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2302

Abstract

Background: Studies were performed in order to determine the existing relationship between body composition and both physical activity (PA) levels and food habits. Nevertheless, no study has yet examined if the association between adiposity and PA in children is moderated by adherence to [...] Read more.

Background: Studies were performed in order to determine the existing relationship between body composition and both physical activity (PA) levels and food habits. Nevertheless, no study has yet examined if the association between adiposity and PA in children is moderated by adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD). Methods: the cross-sectional and associative analysis involved a total of 370 children (55.1% boys) aged 6–13, from six different schools from the Murcia region of Spain. Results: The different values of moderator [adherence to the MD expressed as a Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) score] are shown by the slope and the different areas of significance. The first area was shown below ≤3.8, indicating that the unfavorable influence of excess of adiposity on PA could be intensified for children in this area. The second area was a significant positive area was shown above ≥9.3, expressing that the unfavorable influence of adiposity could be reduced for those who were above this estimation point. Conclusion: Our findings reveal that the adverse effects of excess adiposity on PA can be moderated by adherence to the MD among schoolchildren. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Education, Health Promotion, and Sustainability)

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7 pages, 444 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Activity Levels for Girls and Young Adult Women versus Boys and Young Adult Men in Spain: A Gender Gap Analysis

by Xian Mayo, Antonio Luque-Casado, Alfonso Jimenez and Fernando del Villar

Sustainability 2020, 12(15), 6265; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12156265 - 4 Aug 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2864

Abstract

Despite that the health benefits of physical activity (PA) are clear, during the last years, a noticeable plateau or slight increase in physical inactivity levels in Spanish adolescents and young adults has been reported. In addition, there seems to be a progressive reduction [...] Read more.

Despite that the health benefits of physical activity (PA) are clear, during the last years, a noticeable plateau or slight increase in physical inactivity levels in Spanish adolescents and young adults has been reported. In addition, there seems to be a progressive reduction of the total PA performed with age in both adolescent and young women as well as adult men. We aimed to analyze these changes with age in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in a sample of Spanish adolescents and young adults within the age range of 15–24 years old (n = 7827), considering the gender and using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. For that, we implemented a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) considering both the gender and the age group surveyed. Generally, our findings showed a reduction in the daily MVPA performed from adolescence to young adulthood in Spaniards. Within these reductions, girls reduce their PA levels at a different age and pace in adolescence and young adulthood in comparison to boys. Though girls were less active than boys in the 15–18 year age range, these differences were no longer significant at older ages. Our results point out the necessity of implementing different policy approaches based on gender (i.e., for girls and young women), since reductions in the MVPA performed occur at particular ages and paces in comparison to boys and young men. This difference indicates that the traditional approach during adolescence and young adulthood is inadequate for tackling physical inactivity without considering the population’s gender. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Education, Health Promotion, and Sustainability)

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14 pages, 761 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Scale Development and Validation for Psychological Reactance to Health Promotion Messages

by Hyo Jung Kim, Hyunmin Lee and Hyehyun Hong

Sustainability 2020, 12(14), 5816; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12145816 - 20 Jul 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3700

Abstract

According to the psychological reactance theory, psychological reactance is strongly associated with many adverse outcomes of health promotion messages. This is particularly pertinent when health messages are targeting young adults, as they resist freedom-threatening messages compared to other age groups. However, previous reactance [...] Read more.

According to the psychological reactance theory, psychological reactance is strongly associated with many adverse outcomes of health promotion messages. This is particularly pertinent when health messages are targeting young adults, as they resist freedom-threatening messages compared to other age groups. However, previous reactance measures either relied on the open-ended thought-listing procedure, or incorporated both antecedents as well as consequences of reactance and state reactance. This study aimed to develop and validate a comprehensive scale to measure the state of psychological reactance specifically toward health promotion messages. To this end, this study was situated in the context of an anti-binge drinking intervention targeting college students. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 203 Singaporean undergraduate students. The dataset was analyzed by exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and item analysis. The final 27 items were loaded on eight factors (anger, exaggeration, design derogation, authoritative tone, ineffectiveness, know-it-all attitude, jadedness, and source motive) that accounted for 78.53% of the variance. Each factor showed satisfactory reliability and validity (discriminant, convergent, and predictive). This study specified cognitive reactions by multiple dimensions and examined how they are intertwined with the affective dimension, which is represented by anger. The scale proposed herein will help researchers and practitioners develop sustainable health interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Education, Health Promotion, and Sustainability)

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14 pages, 708 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Secular Trends in the Achievement of Physical Activity Guidelines: Indicator of Sustainability of Healthy Lifestyle in Czech Adolescents

by Josef Mitáš, Karel Frömel, Petr Valach, Aleš Suchomel, Michal Vorlíček and Dorota Groffik

Sustainability 2020, 12(12), 5183; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12125183 - 25 Jun 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2851

Abstract

(1) Background: The increasing socio-economic and educational demands on adolescents should be reflected in their lifestyles accordingly. The aim of the study was therefore to identify the trends in the achievement of physical activity (PA) guidelines by Czech adolescents through objective and subjective [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The increasing socio-economic and educational demands on adolescents should be reflected in their lifestyles accordingly. The aim of the study was therefore to identify the trends in the achievement of physical activity (PA) guidelines by Czech adolescents through objective and subjective PA monitoring. (2) Methods: The research was carried out between 2010 and 2017 and involved 49 secondary schools, 2 higher vocational schools, and 8 universities in the Czech Republic. In total, the projects involved 1129 girls and 779 boys. PA monitoring was performed by Yamax SW-700 pedometers and IPAQ-long questionnaires. (3) Results: The results according to the average number of steps/day confirm a decrease in the amount of PA in boys and girls and in the achievement of the recommended 11,000 steps/day. However, the estimates of meeting the recommended weekly PA expressed as MET-min/week based on the IPAQ-long questionnaire are not so convincing about the decrease. (4) Conclusions: The combination of objective monitoring of weekly PA using wearables and subjective estimates of weekly PA using a questionnaire regarding the ease of application, appears to be a sufficient indicator of the status of and trend in PA and thus the sustainability of a healthy lifestyle in youths. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Education, Health Promotion, and Sustainability)

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13 pages, 393 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship between School Age Children’s Academic Performance and Innovative Physical Education Programs

by Irina Kliziene, Ginas Cizauskas, Aldona Augustiniene, Saule Sipaviciene and Roma Aleksandraviciene

Sustainability 2020, 12(12), 4922; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12124922 - 17 Jun 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3544

Abstract

Currently, there is great interest in the correlation between children’s physical activity and their academic performance. In this study, a pre-test/mid-test/post-test experimental strategy was used to avoid any disruption of educational activities, due to the random selection of children in each group. The [...] Read more.

Currently, there is great interest in the correlation between children’s physical activity and their academic performance. In this study, a pre-test/mid-test/post-test experimental strategy was used to avoid any disruption of educational activities, due to the random selection of children in each group. The experimental group was tested for eight months. We developed a methodology for innovative physical education classes and created a model of educational factors that encourage physical activity for children. The experimental group comprised 45 girls and 44 boys aged 6–7 years. The control group included 43 girls and 46 boys aged 6–7. Methods: Mathematical diagnostic progress tests were divided into two sections: tasks were allocated according to performance levels and the content as well as fields of activity and cognitive skills. The assessment of all areas of activity was based on student performance (unsatisfactory, satisfactory, basic, and advanced). Distribution of mathematical learning achievements by curriculum content: mathematical diagnosis was used to evaluate first-grade children’s mathematical knowledge and skills according to the five areas of the mathematics education curriculum: numbers and calculations; phenomena, equations, and inequalities; geometry, measures, and measurements; statistics and communication; and general problem-solving skills. The differences between the pre-test and mid-test results indicated that the number of children performing at a satisfactory level decreased (p = 0.035). The differences between the pre-test and post-test advanced (p = 0.038) and basic (p = 0.018) levels were found to be increased. Applying an innovative physical education program to first graders demonstrated a higher-level mathematics program in the areas of geometry, measures, and measurements; statistics; and communication and general problem-solving skills. Based on the interface between an innovative primary school physical education program and mathematics learning achievements, a research tool was developed that can be used in a quantitative research strategy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Education, Health Promotion, and Sustainability)

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13 pages, 882 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Innovation in Football Referee Training in Czech Republic

by Kun Ai, Racek Oldrich, Hai Tan and Peng Xu

Sustainability 2020, 12(7), 2821; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12072821 - 2 Apr 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3457

Abstract

Professional football has been recently characterized by an increase in game speed and complexity. From this, it follows that football referees also need to improve their skills to keep up with players and adequately respond in various disputed situations. The purpose of this [...] Read more.

Professional football has been recently characterized by an increase in game speed and complexity. From this, it follows that football referees also need to improve their skills to keep up with players and adequately respond in various disputed situations. The purpose of this work is to increase the performance indicators of physical fitness and activity of referees during the annual cycle. Most referees prefer the game method. For a football referee or referee’s assistant during a game, physical activity is similar to that of runners/athletes. Football referees are engaged in performance that is more intense, as compared to their assistants, at the international level especially. Such conditions are close to extreme and are characterized by an intense physical load dictated by game duration. This study suggested using athletics in comprehensive sustainable training of football referees. As it turned out, athletics-based training significantly improved the motor activity of football referees. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Education, Health Promotion, and Sustainability)

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15 pages, 293 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Motivational Variables to Predict Autotelic Experience and Enjoyment of Students. Analysis in Function of Environment and Sports Practice

by Marta Leyton-Román, Marta Guíu-Carrera, Asier Coto-Cañamero and Ruth Jiménez-Castuera

Sustainability 2020, 12(6), 2352; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062352 - 18 Mar 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2521

Abstract

The aim of this study was to find out how self-determined motivation, Basic Psychological Needs (BPN) and the perception of support influence autonomy-predicted autotelic experience and enjoyment, and to analyse the differences depending on the geographical location of the centre and whether they [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to find out how self-determined motivation, Basic Psychological Needs (BPN) and the perception of support influence autonomy-predicted autotelic experience and enjoyment, and to analyse the differences depending on the geographical location of the centre and whether they lead to the practice of physical activity, extracurricular or not, of 271 learners in physical education from 10 to 12 years (M = 10.94, SD = 0.73). The theoretical framework used was the Self-Determination Theory. The results showed that more self-determined motivation, the perception of support for autonomy and BPN positively predict both autotelic experience and enjoyment. Moreover, learners from urban areas have higher values in less self-determined forms of motivation and lower levels of perceived support for autonomy and BPN than learners from rural areas. Furthermore, students who carry out extracurricular physical activity had higher values in all variables compared to those who did not. It is essential to promote sport to students with more self-determined forms of motivation through the satisfaction of BPN, especially in students who do not do extracurricular physical activity and students in urban areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Education, Health Promotion, and Sustainability)

14 pages, 941 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Children’s Physical Self-Concept and Body Image According to Weight Status and Physical Fitness

by Pedro Antonio Sánchez-Miguel, Francisco Miguel Leo, Diana Amado Alonso, David Hortigüela-Alcalá, Miguel Angel Tapia-Serrano and Ernesto De La Cruz-Sánchez

Sustainability 2020, 12(3), 782; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12030782 - 21 Jan 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5375

Abstract

Previous researchers have found that low body satisfaction may be a barrier to engaging in physical activity. Therefore, this research examines the association between self-concept, body dissatisfaction, fitness, and weight status in adolescents. The sample was formed by 303 students from primary schools, [...] Read more.

Previous researchers have found that low body satisfaction may be a barrier to engaging in physical activity. Therefore, this research examines the association between self-concept, body dissatisfaction, fitness, and weight status in adolescents. The sample was formed by 303 students from primary schools, (males (n = 150) and female (n = 153)) aged 10 to 13 years (M = 11.74; SD = 0.86). Initially, participants’ BMIs, as well as waist-to-hip ratio were assessed. Later, all individuals answered a questionnaire about their perception of self-concept and body image perception. Moreover, agility run test and 6-min walking test were developed to assess children’s physical fitness. Results showed self-concept differences according to different fitness level. Moreover, some factors from self-concept emerged as relevant to explain body dissatisfaction. Finally, outcomes suggest the importance of physical fitness and the perception of competence and self-esteem in adolescent boys and girls, so these two issues might be promoted in primary school classes to improve body satisfaction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Education, Health Promotion, and Sustainability)

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10 pages, 287 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Activity and Commuting to School in Spanish Nine-Year-Old Children: Differences by Gender and by Geographical Environment

by Jesús Martínez-Martínez, Susana Aznar, Sixto González-Víllora and Guillermo F. López-Sánchez

Sustainability 2019, 11(24), 7104; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11247104 - 11 Dec 2019

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2432

Abstract

Children’s health status is related to their physical activity levels. Active commuting is associated with higher physical activity and reduced risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease incidence, and diabetes. The objective of this research was to study the levels of physical activity and [...] Read more.

Children’s health status is related to their physical activity levels. Active commuting is associated with higher physical activity and reduced risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease incidence, and diabetes. The objective of this research was to study the levels of physical activity and the commuting to school (active vs. passive) in Spanish nine-year-old children, analyzing the differences by gender and by the geographical environment where they live (rural or urban environment). Accelerometry was used for the measurement of physical activity: Sedentary time (min/day), vigorous physical activity (min/day), moderate to vigorous physical activity (min/day), intensity (counts/min), steps (number). The questionnaire of the European Youth Heart Study (EYHS) was used to determine the geographical environment (city/urban, residential area/outside city, rural/village) and the modes of transport (active: Walking and bicycle, passive: Car, motorcycle, public transport). A total of 455 Spanish nine-year-old children (247 girls and 208 boys) belonging to the EYHS participated in this study. The results showed that boys were significantly more physically active than girls (p ≤ 0.001). Results also showed that active commuting to school was positively correlated with the levels of physical activity (r = 0.324, p ≤ 0.001). The geographical environment influenced the way in which children went to school, being active commuting to school significantly (p ≤ 0.001) less frequent in those children who lived in a rural environment (22.4%) than in those who lived in the city (57.1%) or in a residential area (62.7%). As active commuting to school means increasing levels of physical activity in both sexes, strategies should be implemented in order to encourage active commuting to schools, contributing at the same time to better health and sustainability of future generations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Education, Health Promotion, and Sustainability)

11 pages, 257 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cooperative Learning and Students’ Motivation, Social Interactions and Attitudes: Perspectives from Two Different Educational Stages

by David Hortigüela Alcalá, Alejandra Hernando Garijo, Ángel Pérez-Pueyo and Javier Fernández-Río

Sustainability 2019, 11(24), 7005; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11247005 - 8 Dec 2019

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 7248

Abstract

The goal of the study was to contrast the effects that a Cooperative Learning implementation in Physical Education can produce in two different Educational stages: Primary and Secondary Education. A total of 179 students agreed to participate: 96 (44 boys, 52 girls) were [...] Read more.

The goal of the study was to contrast the effects that a Cooperative Learning implementation in Physical Education can produce in two different Educational stages: Primary and Secondary Education. A total of 179 students agreed to participate: 96 (44 boys, 52 girls) were enrolled in four Year 7 Primary Education groups (11.37 ± 0.89 years) and 83 students (38 boys, 45 girls) were enrolled in three Year 11 Secondary Education groups (15.42 ± 1.12 years). Convenience sampling was used. All groups experienced three consecutive learning units (23 sessions). At post-test, motivation increased significantly in the two groups (p = 0.031, p = 0.029), while social interaction only in the Secondary Education group (p = 0.024), and a significant difference between groups was also obtained in the post-test (p = 0.034). All effect sizes exceed the value of 0.87, which is considered large. Qualitative data showed that the teacher highlighted the importance of cooperation in Physical Education in order to promote respect for others and joint thinking in Primary Education. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Education, Health Promotion, and Sustainability)

13 pages, 260 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Activity and Health Habits of 17- to 25-Year-Old Young People during Their Free Time

by Pedro Gil-Madrona, Miguel Ángel Aguilar-Jurado, Cristina Honrubia-Montesinos and Guillermo F. López-Sánchez

Sustainability 2019, 11(23), 6577; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11236577 - 21 Nov 2019

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2816

Abstract

The objective was to examine daily health-related habits and physical activity during free time in a group of young people, with the aim of analysing what types of habits are developed and the associations existing between these habits. A cross-sectional and observational study [...] Read more.

The objective was to examine daily health-related habits and physical activity during free time in a group of young people, with the aim of analysing what types of habits are developed and the associations existing between these habits. A cross-sectional and observational study was carried out. The sample was composed of 1132 young people from Castilla-La Mancha (Spain), 53.4% women and 46.6% men, between 17 and 25 years old (M = 20.63; DT = 2.01). The instrument used in this study was the questionnaire of assessment of health-related habits (QAHH). Different ranges of age and gender were taken into account in the analyses. The results showed low rates of physical activity, with only 25% of the participants practicing physical activity in their free time. Regarding gender, no differences were observed between boys and girls in terms of the level of physical activity practice. The inferential analyses revealed several significant relationships between the habits of leisure time and the practice of physical activity. The analyses also revealed that alcohol consumption, tobacco consumption and Internet were used as means to escape from everyday life. The most frequent free-time activities of the participants during the week were the use of new technologies and the consumption of harmful substances. During the weekends the most frequent ones were physical activity and consumption of harmful substances. While the relationship between physical activity, health-related habits and leisure time in young people is complex, these results indicate that physical activity should be promoted in young people, especially during the week and as a healthy alternative to the consumption of harmful substances. To do this, professionals of different fields (education, psychology, sports sciences, nutrition and medicine, among others) should work together. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Education, Health Promotion, and Sustainability)

14 pages, 427 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Sport: Cardio-Differentiated Planning of Fitness Programs for High School Boys Engaged in Speed Skiing

by Roman Evgenyevich Petrov

Sustainability 2019, 11(21), 6077; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11216077 - 1 Nov 2019

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2432

Abstract

In speed skiing, an athlete’s functional readiness is tested by means of a bicycle ergometer (EGM). The purpose of this research is to make various mesocycle plans for high school boys, engaged in speed skiing, with due account for their cardio-functional indicators obtained [...] Read more.

In speed skiing, an athlete’s functional readiness is tested by means of a bicycle ergometer (EGM). The purpose of this research is to make various mesocycle plans for high school boys, engaged in speed skiing, with due account for their cardio-functional indicators obtained by means of the EGM. The study was attended by the 16–17 years old, first-category and sub-master racing skiers, included in the junior regional teams of the Russian Federation (Republic of Tatarstan and Udmurtia). The total number of subjects included eight men. In training young racing skiers, a differentiated approach combined with leg muscle testing will allow an improvement in sports results more effectively at different stages, as well as monitoring the young athlete’s response to the cardiovascular load. Low cardiac capacity indices have a negative impact on the racing skier’s performance. EGM testing allows determining the maximum cardiac capacity by measuring the amount of oxygen delivered to the working muscles at the HR of 190 beats per minute. Therefore, case-specific aerobic load was planned for each mesocycle according to these data. Based on the cardiac capacity growth, such means of physical training as interval, high-speed, and tempo training were planned. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Education, Health Promotion, and Sustainability)

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18 pages, 573 KiB

Open AccessProtocol

Promoting Healthy Lifestyle through Basic Psychological Needs in Inactive Adolescents: A Protocol Study from Self-Determination Approach

by Pedro Antonio Sánchez-Miguel, Mikel Vaquero-Solís, David Sánchez-Oliva, Juan J. Pulido, Miguel A. López-Gajardo and Miguel Angel Tapia-Serrano

Sustainability 2020, 12(15), 5893; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12155893 - 22 Jul 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2913

Abstract

Prevalence of overweight and obesity is an important health problem worldwide. It was shown that physical activity and sedentary behaviour are associated with prevalence of overweight and obesity in youth individuals. However, few children and adolescents meet the World Health Organization recommendations about [...] Read more.

Prevalence of overweight and obesity is an important health problem worldwide. It was shown that physical activity and sedentary behaviour are associated with prevalence of overweight and obesity in youth individuals. However, few children and adolescents meet the World Health Organization recommendations about physical activity levels. The need to start promoting regular physical activity from an early age is crucial to avoid these problems. Therefore, the aim of the current research is to show a school-based motivational program for the promotion of healthy lifestyle in inactive adolescents grounded on Self-Determination Theory aimed at promoting physical activity adherence. The study is a quasi-experimental study (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03974607) aimed for adolescents from the 1st and 2nd high school level aged between 12 and 14 years old. The program will be based on the promotion of the three basics psychological needs: autonomy, competence and relatedness. The satisfaction of these needs is essential to fulfill the self-determined motivation and psychological well-being. The length of the sessions are 60 min, 3 times per week, during 5 months. The sessions will be based on the participants’ interests. Finally, this protocol will intend to change the perception of physical activity programs in order to focus the strategies on the motivational aspects, rather than physical activity itself as was usually conducted by previous programs Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Education, Health Promotion, and Sustainability)

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