Extracurricular Sport Participation Research Articles

Evolution of screen use among youth between 2012 and 2020 in Switzerland

AimTo compare the evolution of screen and Internet use by youths between 2012 and 2020 in Switzerland. MethodsCross-sectional studies of 10th-graders (age 13–14) were performed in Switzerland in 2012 and 2020, and compared in bivariate and multivariate analyses on sociodemographic, schooling, physical activity, emotional well-being, and screen use variables. ResultsWe found that screen use had shifted to smartphones with 71.7 % of youths primarily using this device in 2020 compared to 23.2 % in 2012. In association with this change, young people's screen time had increased dramatically with an odds ratio (OR) of 11.90 for adolescents spending more than 4 h in front of screens in 2020 compared to 2012. No changes were found in the score on the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) to detect problematic screen use and for adolescents’ emotional well-being. Furthermore, youths in 2020 engaged in less physical activity lasting 60 min daily, but the frequency of their extracurricular sport participation remained unchanged. ConclusionsYoung people spend more time on screens, especially because of an increase in smartphone use in 2020. However, youths do not seem to show more problematic behaviors regarding screen use, nor has this development affected their emotional well-being. The daily and continuous use of new devices is now an integral part of young people's lives. This process seems to be part of the growth of the digital world. However, Internet and screen addiction scales should be adapted to ensure that adolescents in need of help and counseling are identified.

Portuguese Students’ Perceptions About the Motivational Climate in Physical Education

Purpose: To validate the English version of the L’Echelle de Perception du Climat Motivational within a Portuguese context and analyze students’ perceptions of the motivational climate in physical education and its relationship to demographic variables, participation in extracurricular sports, and students’ grades. Methods: A total of 476 Portuguese students participated in the study and completed the L’Echelle de Perception du Climat Motivational (249 men = 52.3%; 227 women = 47.7%). Statistical analysis was used to evaluate the importance of motivational climate in physical education classes. Results: Our results suggest that the Portuguese version of the L’Echelle de Perception du Climat Motivational is valid and reliable. Furthermore, motivational climate is a predictor of both extracurricular sports participation and grades. Discussion and Conclusion: The finding that motivational climate is a predictor for extracurricular sports participation and grades supports the relevance of the climate fostered by physical education teachers and its influence on learning. This study discusses implications for research and practice.

Healthy physical education curriculum model and students’ extracurricular sports participation ——test based on the trans-contextual model of motivation

BackgroundIn recent years, the mental health level and physical activity level of Chinese teenagers are not ideal, and all sectors of society are actively reversing this bad situation. The purpose of this study is to test the influence of healthy physical education curriculum model on middle school students’ extracurricular sports participation based on the trans-contextual model of motivation (TCM).MethodsThe trial adopts quasi-experimental design comparing equivalent groups. The experimental group adopted the healthy physical education curriculum model in physical education (PE), and the control group adopted the technical-traditional teaching. During the 12 weeks intervention, 327 junior school freshmen completed the test of TCM variables four times as the pre-test, test 2, test 3 and post-test of this experimental study.ResultsAfter the intervention, students’ perceived need support in PE, autonomous motivation in PE, autonomous motivation in leisure time (LT)and the amount of extracurricular sports activities in the experimental group have increased significantly. The perceived need support of experimental group students can predict autonomous motivation in PE positively (β = 0.385, P<.001); Autonomous motivation in PE can predict autonomous motivation in LT positively (β = 0.462, P<.001); Autonomous motivation in LT can predict the intention of extracurricular sports participation positively, and the direct effect was significant (β = 0.172, P<.01), the total indirect effect was significant (β = 0.382, P<.001), the indirect effect of subjective norms was not significant (P>.05); Extracurricular sports participation intention can predict the amount of extracurricular sports activities positively (β = 0.327, P<.001).ConclusionsThe structural characteristics of healthy physical education curriculum model provide need support for students’ learning, improve students’ autonomous motivation in and out of PE, and finally promote students’ participation in extracurricular sports.

Prevalence of School-Based Extracurricular Sport and Physical Activity Participation among Children with Disabilities

ABSTRACT This study aimed to examine the prevalence and types of school-based extracurricular sports and physical activity participation among children with disabilities. This study utilised the 2013–2016 National Health and Examination Surveys (N = 4416). A total of 509 children who received special education services were identified as children with disabilities in this study. Descriptive statistics, Rao-Scott chi-square tests, binary logistic regression, and multivariate logistic regression model were used to answer the research questions. The results suggested a discrepancy in school-based extracurricular sport and physical activity participation between children with and without disabilities. Furthermore, there were significant disparities in participation in school-based extracurricular sports and physical activities among girls with disabilities. It is recommended that sufficient resources and training opportunities be provided for policy implementation to promote school-based extracurricular sport and physical activity participation of children with disabilities. Offering more favourable and suitable extracurricular sport and physical activity programs can also ensure children with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in sport and physical activity after school hours.

Extracurricular Sports Participation and Sedentary Behavior in Association with Dietary Habits and Obesity Risk in Children and Adolescents and the Role of Family Structure: a Literature Review.

Childhood obesity is considered a major problem in the modern world, associated with many health issues in youth. This review aimed the association between extracurricular sports participation, sedentary time/screen time, and "obesogenic" and "non-obesogenic" dietary habits among youth and to explore the role of family structure on the adoption of sedentary behaviors by children. Increased participation in extracurricular sports was associated with a healthier dietary pattern, containing more "non-obesogenic" food choices. Opposite results were indicated by sedentary activities. Increased time in watching TV, computer/electronic games, and other screen devices was positively associated with unhealthy dietary patterns. Overall, extracurricular activities influence the quality of food choices, which may prevent or promote childhood obesity; thus, sport-related activities should be promoted through public health policies. The role of the family structure is contradictory.

Sex differences in the trajectories of and factors related to extracurricular sport participation and exercise: a cohort study spanning 13\u2009years

BackgroundExtracurricular sport participation and exercise (ESPE) refers to regular exercise/sport participation in addition to the physical education in school among a school-aged population. Rather than general physical activity, ESPE is typically deliberately initiated and presents an efficient target for interventions. However, compared to physical activity, relatively few studies have investigated sex differences in the development of and factors associated with ESPE using a person-centered approach. This study aimed to examine the latent trajectories of ESPE from childhood to emerging adulthood across sexes, and to identify the associated sex-specific individual (i.e., body mass index, body dissatisfaction, stress, and screen behavior) and parental (i.e., parental exercise and parental screen behavior) factors.MethodsThis study used data from part of the Child and Adolescent Behavior in Long-term Evolution (CABLE) project, which comprised 2072 fourth graders (aged 9 years) in Northern Taiwan followed annually from 2001 to 2013 (13 waves). Repeated-measures latent class analysis was used to identify the trajectories of ESPE for males and females, respectively. Multinomial logistic regression was further used to identify sex-specific factors related to ESPE.ResultsFour trajectories of ESPE were identified for males and females. For males, these trajectories were Rarely-to-Never (20%), Often-to-Rarely (32%), Always-to-Never (21%), and Always (27%). For females, these trajectories were Rarely-to-Never (34%), Rarely (23%), Always-to-Rarely (33%), and Always (10%). We observed that the developmental patterns of ESPE varied by sex such that there was an earlier decline in the trajectories of ESPE in females than in males and that, compared with males, fewer females maintained exercise habits in young adulthood. Furthermore, we found several sex-specific factors related to ESPE, namely, stress, BMI, and parental exercise. Body dissatisfaction and individual screen behavior were associated with trajectories of ESPE for both sexes.ConclusionsWe found distinct trajectories of ESPE from childhood to emerging adulthood for both sexes. The trajectories of ESPE for males and females, however, differ in terms of patterns and associated factors. Our findings suggest that efforts to increase ESPE should be initiated early, and may be made more effective by considering sex differences.

Prevention of Overweight and Hypertension through Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Extracurricular Sport Participation among South African Schoolchildren

Hypertension and overweight are growing public health concerns in school-aged children. We examined whether cardiorespiratory fitness and sport participation contribute to the prevention of hypertension and overweight. We conducted a cluster-randomized controlled trial with 853 children aged 8–13 years in eight primary schools in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Cardiorespiratory fitness, sport participation, body mass index, and blood pressure were assessed at baseline and after a physical activity intervention, which took place at two time-points (July–September 2015 and February–April 2016) for 10 weeks each. Mixed logistic regressions were employed to analyze the data. At baseline, 18.8% of the children were classified as overweight/obese and 13.5% as hypertensive. High cardiorespiratory fitness and high sport participation were negatively associated with overweight/obesity, while high sport participation was associated with lower risk for hypertension. Longitudinally, normal weight children who initially had higher cardiorespiratory fitness showed less decrease in this variable, while those who participated in the physical activity intervention were less likely to become overweight/obese. High cardiorespiratory fitness and sport participation are linked with children’s weight status. Children who are fit and participate regularly in sport outside school hours are less likely to be hypertensive. Our findings highlight the importance of regular extracurricular physical activity and maintaining cardiorespiratory fitness levels.

Extracurricular sports participation increases life satisfaction among Chinese adolescents: A moderated mediation model

We investigated whether participation in extracurricular sports promotes the life satisfaction of Chinese adolescents and tested the mediating effect of academic stress and the moderating effect of extraversion in this relationship. We conducted a survey with 1,608 Chinese adolescents to assess their participation in extracurricular sports and their levels of extraversion, academic stress, and life satisfaction. The regression analysis results indicate that extracurricular sports participation positively influenced life satisfaction through the mediator of academic stress. The moderated regression analysis results reveal that high extraversion strengthened not only the direct effects of extracurricular sports participation and academic stress but also the indirect effects of extracurricular sports participation and life satisfaction. These findings indicate that participation in extracurricular sports chiefly promoted life satisfaction in Chinese adolescents indirectly by reducing their academic stress, subject to the moderating effect of having an extraverted personality. Thus, increasing the time students spend on participating in extracurricular sports can help to enhance their life satisfaction.

A qualitative investigation of the factors perceived to influence student motivation for school-based extracurricular sports participation in Japan

ABSTRACT Lack of sufficient physical activity in youth is a worldwide concern. School-based extracurricular sports activities (SBECSA) are considered a central opportunity to increase youth physical activity. However, the factors that influence students’ participation in SBECSA are not well established. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to clarify the factors perceived to influence the motivation of Japanese students to participate in SBECSA. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 junior high and high school students who participated in SBECSA. The KJ method was used to qualitatively analyse the transcribed interview data. Internal/intrapersonal factors included: attraction of sports; sense of responsibility and continuity; spirit of challenge; sense of advancement and physical condition. External factors included: team climate; encouragement and support; attributes of peers; policy and content of coaching; content of practice; events in school life and weather.

Associations of extracurricular physical activity patterns and body composition components in a multi-ethnic population of UK children (the Size and Lung Function in Children study): a multilevel modelling analysis

BackgroundBody Mass Index (BMI) is a common outcome when assessing associations between childhood overweight and obesity and physical activity patterns. However, the fat and fat-free components of BMI, measured by the Fat Mass Index (FMI) and Fat-Free Mass Index (FFMI), may show contrasting associations with physical activity, while ethnic groups may vary in both physical activity patterns and body composition. Body composition must therefore be evaluated when assessing the associations between childhood overweight and obesity and physical activity in multi-ethnic populations.MethodsThis cross-sectional study investigated associations of BMI, FMI and FFMI z-scores with extracurricular physical activity for 2171 London primary schoolchildren (aged 5–11 years) of black, South Asian and white/other ethnicity. Multilevel mixed-effects ordered logistic modelling was used, adjusting for age, sex and family and neighbourhood socioeconomic status as potential confounders.ResultsControlling for ethnicity and individual, family and neighbourhood socioeconomic confounders, actively commuting children had significantly lower Odds Ratios for being in high BMI (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.678; 95 % Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.531 − 0.865; p − value = 0.002) and FMI z-score groups (OR = 0.679; 95 % CI = 0.499 − 0.922; p = 0.013), but not FFMI z-score groups, than passive commuters. Children doing sports less than once a week had lower Odds Ratios for being in high BMI (OR = 0.435; 95 % CI = 0.236 − 0.802; p = 0.008) and FFMI (OR = 0.455; 95 % CI = 0.214 − 0.969; p = .041) z-score categories compared to daily active children. Differences in FMI between groups did not reach the significance threshold. A trend towards statistical significance was obtained whereby children’s complete inactivity was associated with higher odds for being in higher BMI (OR = 2.222 : 95 % CI = 0.977 − 5.052; p = .057) and FMI z-score groups (OR = 2.485 : 95 % CI = 0.961 − 6.429; p = .060). FFMI z-scores did not show a similar trend with complete inactivity.ConclusionsActive commuting was objectively associated with lower adiposity, while more frequent extracurricular sports participation was correlated with greater fat-free mass accretion. These relationships were independent of ethnicity and individual, family or neighbourhood socioeconomic confounding factors.

Physical activity and concussion risk in youth ice hockey players: pooled prospective injury surveillance cohorts from Canada

ObjectiveTo examine the association between meeting physical activity (PA) volume recommendations and concussion rates in male ice hockey players aged 11–17 years.DesignPooled prospective injury surveillance cohort data from the 2011–2012,...

Active parents, active children: The importance of parental organized physical activity in children's extracurricular sport participation.

This study investigated whether parental participation in organized and unorganized physical activity (PA) was associated with children's participation in extracurricular sport. The sample comprised 834 parents and their children (aged 6-10 years), living in central Portugal. Questionnaires assessed parental PA (organized and unorganized) and extracurricular sport participation in children (number of sports and frequency of participation). Multinomial logistic regression was applied to assess associations between parental and child physical behaviors. Having both parents active was significantly associated with frequent participation in more sports both in girls and boys but a strong relation according to gender was found. The odds of boys practicing more than one sport and more times per week were higher if they had an active father. Girls with physically active mothers, particularly with mothers practicing organized PA in a regular way, were engaged in more sports and practiced sport more times per week. The type of PA practiced by the parents was not related to boys' participation in sport. Future interventions should be family-based and focus on the promotion of higher levels of parental PA, including organized, in order to improve their children's active behaviors.

Developmental Benefits of Extracurricular Sports Participation Among Brazilian Youth.

Youth sporting activities have been explored as a way to impact positive personal transformation and development, glaringly demonstrated by world-wide investments in public policies, programs, and projects. We studied positive effects of participation in sports on the developmental assets of 614 adolescents (13.1 ± 1.7 years) actively engaged in extracurricular sport programs targeted at socially disadvantaged youths, from five municipalities across five states of the southern, south-eastern and north-eastern regions of Brazil. Participants responded to a developmental assets questionnaire designed to capture sociodemographic and human development data. Multilevel logistic regression was used to explore associations between years of participation in sport and human development indicators, controlling for age and sex. Our results showed that the quality of the young people's support network and duration of program participation positively influenced sport participation, which, in turn, was associated with willingness to learn. A strong association was also observed between sport participation and developmental assets. Thus, we offer new evidence of a relationship between positive development and environmental factors in which individual and contextual forces can be aligned, and we provide new reference data for developing countries.

Using a Co-Creational Approach to Develop, Implement and Evaluate an Intervention to Promote Physical Activity in Adolescent Girls from Vocational and Technical Schools: A Case Control Study.

Background: As physical inactivity is particularly prevalent amongst lower-educated adolescent girls, interventions are needed. Using a co-creational approach increases their engagement and might be effective. This study aimed to: (1) describe the co-creation process, (2) evaluate how girls experienced co-creation, and (3) evaluate the effect of the co-creational interventions on physical activity, individual, sociocultural and school-based factors. Methods: Three intervention schools (n = 91) and three control schools (n = 105) across Flanders participated. A questionnaire was completed pre (September–October 2014) and post (April–May 2015). In between, sessions with a co-creation group were organised to develop and implement the intervention in each intervention school. Focus groups were conducted to evaluate the co-creational process. Results: School 1 organised sport sessions for girls, school 2 organised a fitness activity and set up a Facebook page, school 3 organised a lunch walk. Girls were positive about having a voice in developing an intervention. No significant effects were found, except for small effects on extracurricular sports participation and self-efficacy. Conclusions: Using a co-creational approach amongst adolescent girls might be a feasible approach. However, as interventions were minimal, effects were limited or undetectable. Future co-creation projects could consider the most optimal co-creation process, evaluation design and intensively test this approach.

Physical activity and concussion risk in male youth ice hockey players

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between self-reported physical activity (PA) and concussion incidence in male youth ice hockey players.Designpooled data from three prospective cohort studies.SettingCommunity ice hockey rinks and sport medicine clinics.ParticipantsPeeWee (ages 11–12), Bantam (ages 13–14), and Midget (ages 15–17) male youth ice hockey players (n=1208).Assesment of risk factorsParticipants reported six-week physical education and extra-curricular sport participation history upon study entry. Concussion incidence rate ratios [IRRs (95% CI)] associated with 1). total six-week PA volume, and 2). meeting the Canadian PA recommendations of one hour of daily PA (≥42 hours/six weeks) were calculated using multivariable Poisson regression (covariates: age, competition level, concussion history). Models were adjusted for hockey exposure, and cluster by team, study year and city (α&lt;0.05).Outcome measureMedically-diagnosed concussions during the study period.Main resultsTotal PA volume did not affect concussion incidence in male youth ice hockey players [IRR: 0.996 (95% CI: 0.990–1.003]. Concussion incidence was higher in male ice hockey players who did not meet the PA recommendations versus those who met the PA recommendations amongst PeeWee [IRR: 2.94 (95% CI: 1.29–6.66)] and Bantam [IRR: 2.18 (95% CI: 1.12–3.94)] participants, but not amongst Midget participants [IRR: 1.37 (95% CI: 0.72–2.59)]. There was no evidence of confounding or modification by competition level or concussion history.ConclusionsWhile total PA volume was not associated with concussion risk, PeeWee and Bantam male youth ice hockey players whose six-week PA history was below the PA recommendations were at greater risk of concussion. This research will inform future studies examining the mechanism of this association.Competing interestsNone.

Effects of Youth Participation in Extra-Curricular Sport Programs on Perceived Self-Efficacy: A Multilevel Analysis.

The present study examined extracurricular sport participation variables and developmental context in relationship to perceived self-efficacy among underserved adolescents. Participants ( n = 821, 13.6 ± 1.5 years) completed the Youth Experience in Sport questionnaire and General Self-Efficacy Scale. We used the Human Development Index (HDI) to characterize developmental contexts. Multilevel regression models were used to explore the relative contributions of age, sex, years of participation in extracurricular sport, HDI, and perceived positive experience in sport. Our results highlight that positive experience alone and in interaction with length of participation in the program fostered perceived self-efficacy. Participants from higher HDI contexts remained longer in the program. An implication of our research is that variables linked to positive sport experiences and perceived self-efficacy can be used as markers to evaluate the outcomes and impact of sport participation programs aimed at promoting positive youth development.

Relación entre el desarrollo psicomotor y la práctica de deporte extraescolar en niños/as de tres a seis años

La práctica de actividad física se relaciona con un mejor estado de salud y desarrollo integral en los niños/as. Sin embargo, los estudios sobre deporte extraescolar y desarrollo psicomotor en niños/as de tres a seis años son escasos, especialmente en España. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar el desarrollo psicomotor entre niños/as preescolares que participan regularmente en deporte extraescolar (DE), y niños/as preescolares que no participan (NDE). Para ello se realizó un estudio cuantitativo de diseño transversal, que incluyó a 85 niños/as entre 3 y 6 años (media de edad=4,09 años; 42,3% niñas). Las variables sociodemográficas y de deporte extraescolar se recogieron con un cuestionario ad-hoc. El desarrollo psicomotor se evaluó mediante la Escala Observacional del Desarrollo en su versión breve (EOD-B). Los resultados muestran que la participación en DE fue de 69,4%, sin encontrar diferencias significativas en función del género. El desarrollo psicomotor de los niños/as que participaban regularmente en DE fue significativamente superior al de sus compañeros (p&lt;0,001), tanto en niños (p&lt;0,001), como en niñas (p&lt;0,05). Además, la participación en DE fue significativamente inferior en los niños/as con un desarrollo psicomotor menor del 60% esperado para su edad (p&lt;0,001). Este estudio aporta datos novedosos sobre el desarrollo psicomotor y su relación con la práctica de deporte extraescolar en niños/as españoles entre 3 y 6 años. La actividad física y deportiva se relaciona con un mejor desarrollo psicomotor desde edades tempranas, tanto en niños como en niñas, por lo que su práctica debe promoverse desde las primeras etapas educativas.

Longitudinal Assessment of Muscle Peak Power Generated in Vertical Jump During Middle Childhood

Physical activity in children consist mostly of high intensity short burst requiring muscle power. However, the factors influencing the production of peak power (PP) in middle childhood are still unclear. PURPOSE: To assess the production of PP generated in a vertical jump during middle childhood and to identify potential limiting factors. METHODS: Forty-two participants (24 boys and 18 girls; 6.3 + .48 years of age), were assessed in 1st grade and for the next two consecutive years. Counter-movement vertical jump height was determined using an electronic platform and converted to PP (W) using the following equation: (65.1 x jump height (cm)) + (25.8 x weight (kg)) x 21,413.1 (Canavan & Vescovi, 2004). Participation in extracurricular sports was determined in a questionnaire. Height, weight and skinfolds (triceps and calf) were also measured. Repeated measures ANOVA were performed to determine differences by year of study and Pearson correlations to evaluate relationships between peak power and body composition variables. Independent sample t-test was used to detect differences between gender and extracurricular sports participation. RESULTS: Jump height and PP (W) increased with age (PP = 1080 ± 329, 1196± 261, 1411 ± 316 W for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year respectively, p<.05). No differences were found in PP between boys and girls per year (1069 + 383 vs 1093 + 250, 1191+ 292 vs 1201 + 221 and 1441 + 343 vs 1371 + 282 W, respectively). A negative correlation was found between sum of skinfolds (SSF) and jump height (r= -.41, -47, -.58, for years 1 to 3 respectively p<.0001), as well as between sum of skinfolds and relative PP (W/kg) (r = -.54, -.65, -.73, for years 1 to 3 respectively, p<.0001). No significant differences were found in PP between extracurricular sports participants vs. non participants for the 2nd and 3rd year (1214 ± 296 vs 1165 ± 196 W, p=.56; and 1468 ± 348 vs 1297± 208 W, p=.10, respectively). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that during middle childhood jump height and PP increase with age, are negatively influenced by body fat accumulation and are not affected by gender or extracurricular sports participation. Further studies addressing potential limiting factors of muscle peak power production during middle childhood are needed. Funded by the University of PR - FIPI Institutional Grant

Why Are Girls Less Physically Active than Boys? Findings from the LOOK Longitudinal Study.

BackgroundA gender-based disparity in physical activity (PA) among youth, whereby girls are less active than boys is a persistent finding in the literature. A greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying this difference has potential to guide PA intervention strategies.MethodsData were collected at age 8 and 12 years (276 boys, 279 girls) from 29 schools as part of the LOOK study. Multilevel linear models were fitted separately for boys and girls to examine effects of individual, family and environmental level correlates on pedometer measured PA. Cardio-respiratory fitness (multi-stage run), percent fat (DEXA), eye-hand coordination (throw and catch test) and perceived competence in physical education (questionnaire) were used as individual level correlates. At the family level, parent’s support and education (questionnaire) were used. School attended and extracurricular sport participation were included as environmental level correlates.ResultsGirls were 19% less active than boys (9420 vs 11360 steps/day, p<0.001, 95%CI [1844, 2626]). Lower PA among girls was associated with weaker influences at the school and family levels and through lower participation in extracurricular sport. School attended explained some of the variation in boys PA (8.4%) but not girls. Girls compared to boys had less favourable individual attributes associated with PA at age 8 years, including 18% lower cardio-respiratory fitness (3.5 vs 4.2, p<0.001, CI [0.5,0.9]), 44% lower eye-hand coordination (11.0 vs 17.3, p<0.001, CI [5.1,9.0]), higher percent body fat (28% vs 23%, p<0.001, CI [3.5,5.7]) and 9% lower perceived competence in physical education (7.7 vs 8.4, p<0.001, CI [0.2,0.9]). Participation in extracurricular sport at either age 8 or 12 years was protective against declines in PA over time among boys but not girls.ConclusionGirls PA was less favourably influenced by socio-ecological factors at the individual, family, school and environmental levels. These factors are potentially modifiable suggesting the gap in PA between boys and girls can be reduced. Strategies aiming to increase PA should be multicomponent and take into consideration that pathways to increasing PA are likely to differ among boys and girls.

Test-Retest Reliability of the Star Excursion Balance Test in Primary School Children

Background: Dynamic balance has been considered a fundamental skill at all ages and is required for normal daily tasks, such as walking, running, or other sports activities. The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) has been widely used in recent years to identify dynamic balance deficits and improvements and to predict the risk of lower extremity injury. However, no study has demonstrated the reliability of the SEBT in children while they are performing the test in a physical education session. Reliability is needed in all measurement tools in order to provide repeatable and consistent data. Objective: To evaluate the reliability of the SEBT in primary school students in the school setting. Methods: Twenty-four healthy children with typical development were tested twice, 2 weeks apart. The tests were conducted by the same single rater and were performed during the physical education class. The test was performed under standardized conditions during the 2 testing sessions and was performed by each subject with both limbs in the 3 directions (anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral). Four practice trials were performed in each direction before selecting 3 additional distances reached. The best value of these 3 additional measured trials was selected. The paired t test was used to ensure the absence of any systematic bias. Intraclass correlation coefficient, standard error of measurement, 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and minimal change values were calculated to assess reliability and measurement error. Results: The paired t tests revealed no significant differences between test–rest scores. Test–retest reliability for all distances reached was moderate to good. Conclusions: Reliability values suggest that the SEBT is suitable for primary school students. However, it may be more practical and feasible during extracurricular sports participation due to the time constraints and difficulties in using the test in the school setting.