Youth Fitness Research Articles

Validity and Reliability of a Telehealth Physical Fitness and Functional Assessment Battery for Ambulatory Youth With and Without Mobility Disabilities: Observational Measurement Study.

Youth (age 15-24 years) with and without disability are not adequately represented enough in exercise research due to a lack of time and transportation. These barriers can be overcome by including accessible web-based assessments that eliminate the need for on-site visitations. There is no simple, low-cost, and psychometrically sound compilation of measures for physical fitness and function that can be applied to youth with and without mobility disabilities. The first purpose was to determine the statistical level of agreement of 4 web-modified clinical assessments with how they are typically conducted in person at a laboratory (convergent validity). The second purpose was to determine the level of agreement between a novice and an expert rater (interrater reliability). The third purpose was to explore the feasibility of implementing the assessments via 2 metrics: safety and duration. The study enrolled 19 ambulatory youth: 9 (47%) with cerebral palsy with various mobility disabilities from a children's hospital and 10 (53%) without disabilities from a university student population. Participants performed a battery of tests via videoconferencing and in person. The test condition (teleassessment and in person) order was randomized. The battery consisted of the hand grip strength test with a dynamometer, the five times sit-to-stand test (FTST), the timed up-and-go (TUG) test, and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) either around a standard circular track (in person) or around a smaller home-modified track (teleassessment version, home-modified 6-minute walk test [HM6MWT]). Statistical analyses included descriptive data, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), and Bland-Altman plots. The mean time to complete the in-person assessment was 16.9 (SD 4.8) minutes and the teleassessment was 21.1 (SD 5.9) minutes. No falls, injuries, or adverse events occurred. Excellent convergent validity was shown for telemeasured hand grip strength (right ICC=0.96, left ICC=0.98, P<.001) and the TUG test (ICC=0.92, P=.01). The FTST demonstrated good agreement (ICC=0.95, 95% CI 0.79-0.98; P=.01). The HM6MWT demonstrated poor absolute agreement with the 6MWT. However, further exploratory analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between the tests (r=0.83, P<.001). The interrater reliability was excellent for all tests (all ICCs>0.9, P<.05). This study suggests that videoconference assessments are convenient and useful measures of fitness and function among youth with and without disabilities. This paper presents operationalized teleassessment procedures that can be replicated by health professionals to produce valid and reliable measurements. This study is a first step toward developing teleassessments that can bypass the need for on-site data collection visitations for this age group. Further research is needed to identify psychometrically sound teleassessment procedures, particularly for measures of cardiorespiratory endurance or walking ability.

Developmental Trend of Talented Pupils' Performance in Orienteering - Longitudinal Research 1997-2020 in the East Bohemia Region of the Czech Republic

The paper presents the findings of a longitudinal testing of talented youth in orienteering in the Czech Republic. Young talented orienteers participate in the testing of motor skills by standardized tests. The results and conclusions of the 3 km and 5 km cross-country running measurements (according to age category) point to a regressive state of endurance abilities in young athletes between 1997 and 2020, describe possible reasons and suggest possible remedies. A total of 300 girls and 445 boys aged 12-14 years participated in the research investigation in the East Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic, who are divided into performance categories HD12 and HD14 in the context of organised Czech orienteering competition. The aim of the evaluation of the longitudinal testing was to determine the trends in performance in endurance cross-country running as a key performance parameter of talented orienteering athletes over the period 1997 to 2020. The resulting data indicate that performance in all the studied categories in the given field test has a consistently decreasing trend. The results are also related to the conclusions of foreign and domestic observations of the state of motor fitness of children and youth of the corresponding period and indicate that the level of aerobic ability of young talented runners generally follows the current state of the level of endurance ability found in the national testing of school youth under the auspices of the Czech School Inspectorate (CSI, 2023), and thus the alarming society-wide situation in the field of motor fitness of children and youth in the Czech Republic.

Establishing fitness norms: A study on physical fitness assessment in female college students aged 18-25 using the AAHPERD youth fitness test

Establishing fitness norms: A study on physical fitness assessment in female college students aged 18-25 using the AAHPERD youth fitness test

Establishing norms for physical fitness assessment: A study on male collegiate students aged 18-25 using the AAHPERD youth fitness test

Establishing norms for physical fitness assessment: A study on male collegiate students aged 18-25 using the AAHPERD youth fitness test

Navigating Childhood Health: Unraveling the Tapestry of Anthropometric Indicators and Musculoskeletal Fitness in Elementary School Boys

Introduction: Childhood serves as the foundational bedrock shaping future health and well-being, with the musculoskeletal system playing a pivotal role in overall physical development. This study investigated the intricate relationship between anthropometric indicators and musculoskeletal fitness among boys aged 9-12 years, illuminating the nuances of this crucial developmental phase. Methods: A cohort of 100 boys from Wheaton International Schools underwent comprehensive anthropometric measurements, encompassing height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, body fat percentage, and skinfold assessments. Their musculoskeletal fitness was evaluated through diverse physical fitness tests, including Sit and Reach, Push-Up, Standing Long Jump, and Shuttle Run. Descriptive statistics were utilized to present the mean values and standard deviations of the collected anthropometric indicators, providing insights into the physical attributes and body composition of the boys. Subsequently, correlation analysis was performed between these anthropometric indicators and the physical fitness tests to understand their relationships. Results: Age showcased inverse relationships with flexibility and agility, while height emerged as a predominant influencer across all physical tests. BMI exhibited multifaceted impacts on various aspects of physical capabilities, shedding light on its potential implications for musculoskeletal health. The discussion extrapolates upon these correlations, elucidating age-related changes during adolescence, the profound influence of height on overall physical performance, and the intricate associations between body composition metrics and specific physical abilities. These insights foster a deeper understanding of childhood health and pave the way for targeted interventions in youth fitness programs. Conclusion: This study's revelations underscore the significance of anthropometric markers in assessing musculoskeletal fitness among elementary school boys, offering valuable insights into the interplay between physical attributes and functional capabilities. These findings lay the groundwork for informed strategies aimed at nurturing optimal musculoskeletal health in the formative years, thereby shaping healthier futures for the upcoming generation.

The impact of cardiorespiratory fitness and physical workload on disability pension–a cohort study of Swedish men

ObjectiveUnderstanding the impact of physical capacity in combination with high physical workload could be beneficial for the prevention of health-related exits from work. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the separate and combined effects of low cardiorespiratory fitness and high physical workload on disability pension (DP) due to any cause, musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), and cardiovascular diseases (CVD).MethodsA total of 279 353 men born between 1951 and 1961 were followed regarding DP between 2006 and 2020, ages 45–64. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed during military conscription, using an ergometer bicycle test. Physical workload was based on a job-exposure matrix (JEM) linked to occupational title in 2005. Cox regression models estimated separate and combined associations with DP.ResultsLow cardiorespiratory fitness and high physical workload were associated with increased risk of DP. For all cause DP, the fully adjusted hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval for those with low cardiorespiratory fitness was 1.38 (1.32–1.46) and for those with high physical workload 1.48 (1.39–1.57). For all cause and MSD DP, but not for CVD DP, the combination of low cardiorespiratory fitness and high physical workload resulted in higher risks than when adding the effect of the single exposures.ConclusionBoth low cardiorespiratory fitness in youth and later exposure to high physical workload were associated with an increased risk of DP, where workers with the combination of both low cardiorespiratory fitness and a high physical workload had the highest risks (all-cause and MSD DP).

The longitudinal association between asthma severity and physical fitness by neighborhood factors among New York City public school youth

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the association between asthma severity and one-year lagged fitness in New York City Public school youth by neighborhood opportunity. MethodsUsing the Child Opportunity Index 2.0 and individual-level repeated measures NYC Office of School Health (OSH) fitness surveillance data (2010–2018), we ran multilevel mixed models stratified by neighborhood opportunity, adjusting for sex, race/ethnicity, grade level, poverty status, and time. Asthma severity was based on a physician-completed Asthma Medication Administration Form (MAF) from each school year and drawn from the Automated Student Health Record (ASHR). ResultsAcross all youth in grades 4–12 (n = 939,598; 51.7 % male; 29.9 % non-Hispanic Black, 39.3 % Hispanic; 70.0 % high poverty), lower neighborhood opportunity was associated with lower subsequent fitness. Youth with severe asthma and very low and low neighborhood opportunity had the lowest 1-year lagged fitness z-scores − 0.24 (95 % CI, −0.34 to −0.14) and − 0.26 (95 % CI, −0.32 to −0.20), respectively, relative to youth with no asthma and very high opportunity. ConclusionsAn inverse longitudinal relationship between asthma severity and subsequent fitness was observed. Study findings have implications for public health practitioners to promote physical activity and improved health equity for youth with asthma, taking neighborhood factors into account.

The association of adolescent fitness with cardiometabolic diseases in late adulthood: A 45-year longitudinal study.

The aim of this study was to examine the associations of adolescent cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular fitness (MF), and speed-agility fitness (SA) with middle-aged cardiometabolic disease risk and explore sex differences. This 45-year prospective cohort study examined the associations between objectively measured fitness at adolescence (12-19 years) and physician-ascertained diabetes mellitus, elevated blood pressure (BP), and coronary heart disease reported either in early (37-44 years) or late (57-64 years) middle age, and self-measurement of waist circumference (WC) in late middle age. Fitness measurements for healthy adolescents in baseline included CRF (1.5 km [girls] and 2 km [boys] run), MF (standing broad jump, sit-ups, pull-ups [boys], and flexed-arm hang [girls]), and SA (50 m dash and 4 × 10 m shuttle run). Logistic regression and general linear models were adjusted for baseline age, sex, and body mass index (BMI), involving data from baseline and at least one follow-up measurement (N up to 1358, 47% males). Adolescent CRF was inversely, and regardless of adiposity, associated with middle age accumulated burden of cardiometabolic conditions in the whole sample (N = 562, ß = -0.10, 95% confidence intervals [CI] [-0.18, -0.03], p = 0.006), and elevated BP in females (N = 256, OR = 0.71, 95% CI [0.51, 0.91]). Overall, we observed stronger associations in females than in males. An inverse association of adolescent MF and SA with middle-aged WC was observed, but it did not show as consistent associations as with CRF. In this study, adolescent fitness, particularly CRF, was inversely associated with the burden of cardiometabolic conditions up to 45 years. Promotion of fitness in youth may be beneficial in preventing adulthood cardiometabolic diseases.

Improving Youth Fitness

Fitness is an important component for humans in carrying out daily activities such as working productively and efficiently, walking, studying more enthusiastically, not being susceptible to disease, and being able to excel academically. The fitness level of teenagers is still experiencing a decline due to the impact of the pandemic. This PkM activity aims to increase teenagers' knowledge in improving fitness. The PkM method consists of situation analysis, implementation, using the lecture method, and PkM evaluation. The results of this PkM show an increase in students' knowledge about fitness by 93.84%. Meanwhile, based on the knowledge aspect of teenagers, there was the highest increase in the aspect of how to measure fitness levels with an increase of 113.80%, while based on the personal aspect of the questionnaire, the highest increase was found in question no. 8 regarding how to measure fitness levels with an average increase in score of 314.33%. Based on the results of this PkM, teenagers are advised to carry out regular exercise to improve fitness.

Associations Between Neighborhood Opportunity and Indicators of Physical Fitness for New York City Public School Youth.

Background: Fewer than 1/4th of US children and adolescents meet physical activity (PA) guidelines, leading to health disparities that track into adulthood. Neighborhood opportunity may serve as a critical modifiable factor to improve fitness attainment and reduce these disparities. We drew data from the Child Opportunity Index to examine associations between neighborhood indicators of opportunity for PA and multiple fitness indicators among New York City public school youth. Methods: Multilevel generalized linear mixed models were used to estimate the overall and sex-stratified associations between neighborhood indicators (green space, healthy food, walkability, commute time) and indicators for physical fitness [curl-ups, push-ups, Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER), sit-and-reach] using the New York City FITNESSGRAM data set. Results: The analytic sample [n = 299,839; median (interquartile range) age = 16 (12-17)] was 50.1% female, 37.5% Hispanic, 26.2% non-Hispanic Black, and most (69.5%) qualified for free/reduced price school meals. Neighborhood indicators were positively associated with higher values of indicators for physical fitness. The strongest associations were observed between walkability and both BMI and PACER, and commute time with BMI, push-ups, and PACER. For example, walkability had the greatest magnitude of effects for BMI and muscular strength and endurance (BMI: β: -0.75, 95% confidence interval, CI: -1.01 to -0.49; PACER: β: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.59 to 2.37), and particularly for girls compared with boys (BMI, girls: β: -0.91, 95% CI: -1.22 to -0.66); BMI, boys: β: -0.56, 95% CI: -0.86 to -0.25); PACER, girls: β: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.68 to 2.54; push-ups, boys: β: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.31 to 2.12). Conclusion: Neighborhood indicators were associated with multiple measures of youth fitness. Continued research on neighborhood opportunity and youth fitness may better inform place-based public health interventions to reduce disparities.

Have the Fundamental Movement Skills of U.S. Children Changed?

ABSTRACT Purpose: By using four national data sets, this study aimed to examine the changes in U.S. children’s fundamental movement skills (FMS) from 1985 to 2019. Method: Three Tests Gross of Motor Development (TGMD) normative studies, i.e. TGMD-1 (N = 909, male% = 50), TGMD-2 (N = 1143, male% = 50) and TGMD-3 (N = 864, male% = 51), and the TGMD-2 data of the 2012 NHANES National Youth Fitness Survey (NNYFS-2012; raw N = 352, national represented population = 12,509,706, male% = 51) were used for analyses. Each item in TGMD-2/NNYFS and TGMD-3 was carefully examined, and these that did not match to TGMD-1 were deleted. Cohen’s D effect size (ES) was utilized for the difference among year-to-year comparisons. Result: From 1985 to 2000, FMS in US children of 3–7 years old (90% increase & 10% no change) increased temporarily, but remained stable (17% increase & 83% no change) among 8–10 years old. Between 2000 and 2019, however, U.S. children began to demonstrate a slight/stable drop in FMS among 3–5 years old (22% decrease & 78% no change), and a distinct decline among 6–10 years old (80% decrease & 20% no change). While children with normal BMI showed the highest FMS score, the direct cause of reduction in FMS is still unknown. Conclusion: An overall up-and-down change was observed in U.S. children’s FMS between 1985 and 2019, and more longitudinal studies with FMS-related variables are needed.

Differences between barefoot and shod performance in selected fitness tests in adolescents

Physical fitness is an important health indicator and component of physical literacy. Therefore, monitoring youth fitness performance is crucial for identifying potential health risks and tracking physical literacy development. Over the years, many fitness test batteries have been developed while different protocols for footwear have been used in fitness testing. The comparison of fitness results performed in different footwear could therefore be questioned. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the differences between barefoot and shod performance of selected motor tests in adolescents. Eighty-six adolescents aged between 14 and 16 years performed standing long jump, 20-m shuttle run, and polygon backwards in both footwear conditions. A strong correlation (r=0.83-0.95) was noted between both performances. No significant differences between barefoot and shod performance in the standing long jump and the backward obstacle course test were found, while significant differences were noted in the 20-m shuttle run. In this test, both, boys and girls performed better in shod conditions. Interestingly, there were no significant differences in performance of all tests among those who are habitually barefoot and others. From practical perspective, this study demonstrated that researchers could compare scores of samples in barefoot and shod performance of standing long jump and backward obstacle course tests. However, when physical teachers compare individual scores over the years, this should be made under the same footwear conditions, as differences in test conditions can provide a distorted picture of motor development.

Cardiorespiratory fitness and BMI measured in youth and 5-year mortality after site-specific cancer diagnoses in men-A population-based cohort study with register linkage.

Our aim was to assess associations between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and body mass index (BMI) in youth and 5-year mortality after site-specific cancer diagnoses in men. Men with cancer from a population who underwent military conscription at ages 16-25 during 1968-2005 in Sweden were included. CRF was assessed as maximal aerobic workload on a cycle ergometer test and was classified as low, moderate, or high. BMI (kg/m2 ) was classified as underweight (<18.5), normal weight (18.5-24.9), overweight (25-29.9), or obesity (>30). Conscription data were linked with register data on cancer diagnosis and mortality. Analyses included CRF, BMI, date of diagnosis, and age, year, and center for conscription. A total of 84,621 cancer cases were included. Mean age at diagnosis was 52 years. Follow-up data were available during a mean of 6.5 years. There were linear protective associations between CRF and mortality after any cancer diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR] for high vs. low CRF 0.70), malignant skin cancer (HR 0.80), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (HR 0.78), and cancer in the lungs (HR 0.80), head and neck (HR 0.68), pancreas (HR 0.83), stomach (HR 0.78), liver (HR 0.84), rectum (HR 0.79), and bladder (HR 0.71). Overweight and/or obesity were associated with increased mortality after any cancer (HR for obesity vs. normal weight 1.89), malignant skin cancer (HR 2.03), Hodgkin lymphoma (HR 2.86) and cancer in the head and neck (HR 1.38), thyroid (HR 3.04), rectum (HR 1.53), kidney (HR 1.90), bladder (HR 2.10), and prostate (HR 2.44). We report dose-dependent associations between CRF and BMI in youth and mortality after site-specific cancer diagnoses in men. The associations with mortality could be due to both cancer inhibition and an improved tolerance to withstand cancer treatment. These results strengthen the incentive for public health efforts aimed at establishing a high CRF and normal weight in youth.

Usability evaluation of the international FitBack web portal for monitoring youth fitness

BackgroundFitBack is an international network established to support the creation of physical fitness monitoring and surveillance systems for children and adolescents across Europe.AimsAs a part of the greater scope of the FitBack European project, the FitBack web portal was designed and tailored for various target groups, such as teachers, health professionals, policy makers, parents, and youths, with the aim to promote their physical and health literacy.MethodsThe FitBack web portal is a free and multilingual online resource, and two of its webpages were evaluated: “Make interactive report” was evaluated by 78 secondary school students and 27 physical education teachers, and “10 steps to design a physical fitness monitoring system” by 14 physical activity promotion policy makers. Validated scales and open-ended questions were used to collect both quantitative and qualitative responses.Results‘Good’-to-‘excellent’ scores emerged for user experience (5.43–6.36 out of 7) and webpage usability (3.70–4.27 out of 5). Qualitative feedback highlighted positive comments and cues on how to improve website features.ConclusionsResults indicate that the current FitBack web portal is a clear and user-friendly mobile health tool, which includes relevant information on how to use and implement youth physical fitness monitoring and surveillance systems.

Using FitnessGram to Measure the Impact of ‘Lost’ Physical Education During the COVID Years

Physical education can play a critical role in helping children establish a foundation for an active lifestyle. There is reason to believe the impact of COVID-19 eliminating compulsory physical education in the K-12 setting only exasperated the problem of increasingly physically unhealthy children in the United States. Much of what kinesiology and public-health scholars know about the fitness level of American youths are based on dated or retrospective data; FitnessGram has emerged as a viable option for revealing the present-day physical health of youth populations. There is clear potential for FitnessGram data to contribute to advancing knowledge about current levels of health-related fitness in youth. In this study, researchers using FitnessGram data from an independent K-12 school district in Texas, USA (ISD) investigated K-12 students’ fitness levels and patterns after the COVID-19 pandemic. Results indicate students suffered diminished cardiovascular fitness levels during COVID years (2020-2021), but not diminished strength and endurance or range of motion. Findings from FitnessGram data advocate for quality and compulsory physical education and movement/physical activity in school settings, as well as the adoption of Comprehensive School Physical Activity Promotion (CSPAP).

Youth Fitness In Relation To Academic Outcomes In Hawaii Public Schools

Youth Fitness In Relation To Academic Outcomes In Hawaii Public Schools

STUDY ON PHYSICAL FITNESS STATUS OF BACHELOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION STUDENTS WITH AND WITHOUT SPORTS BACKGROUND

The main aim of this study is to find the physical fitness level of with and without sports background male B.P.Ed. students of West Bengal state. 70 with sports background and 70 without sports background male students of B.P.Ed. studying in different universities of West Bengal were selected as subject for this study. The AAPHER youth fitness test was selected for testing the physical fitness ability of students include Muscular strength of shoulders, Muscular strength and endurance (Trunk), Agility, Leg explosive strength, Speed and Endurance. The data collected was analyzed statistically to find out the mean differences scores of the with and without sports background subjects. The mean, standard deviation and t-test were use for analyze the data. The difference test was at the 0.05 level of significance. The result of the study shows that there is significance difference between with sports background and without sports background male B.P.Ed. students in Muscular strength of shoulder, Leg explosive strength, speed and no significance difference between with sports background and without sports background male B.P.Ed. students in Muscular strength and endurance (Trunk), Agility and Endurance. Key Words: Physical Fitness, B.P.Ed, Profile

Associations between cardiorespiratory fitness in youth and the incidence of site-specific cancer in men: a cohort study with register linkage

ObjectivesTo assess the associations between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in young men and the incidence of site-specific cancer.MethodsA Swedish population-based cohort study with register linkage of men who underwent military conscription...

Associations of Monitor-Independent Movement Summary and Health-Related Fitness With Gross Motor Skills in Young Children

The purpose of this study was to determine the associations of device-based assessments of physical activity (PA) and health-related fitness (HRF) with gross motor skills (GMS) in preschool-aged children. Participants were 3- to 5-year-old children (N = 316; 49.6% female) who participated in the 2012 National Youth Fitness Survey. GMS was assessed using the gross motor quotient calculated from the Test for Gross Motor Development—Second Edition. PA was assessed using wrist-worn ActiGraph GT3X accelerometers with raw triaxial acceleration data summarized using monitor-independent movement summary units (MIMS). Analyzed metrics included average MIMS per day and peak 30-min MIMS. HRF assessment consisted of a plank score and a sum of skinfold assessment. Weighted hierarchical regressions tested the associations between PA, HRF, and GMS variables with a secondary weighted mediation analysis that examined whether HRF mediated the association between PA and GMS. Peak 30-min MIMS significantly correlated with GMS (b = 0.17, p = .005). Plank scores had the strongest correlation with GMS (b = 0.23, p = .004), and weighted mediation analyses revealed that plank scores partially mediated the association between peak 30-min MIMS and GMS (indirect effect = 0.03, p = .01, 23.1% mediation). Peak 30-min MIMS significantly associated with GMS in preschool children, an association partially mediated by core muscular endurance.

Development of a Fitness Surveillance System to Track and Evaluate Obesity in North Idaho.

Internationally 18% of youth are obese. Fitness testing can be used to establish fitness surveillance, which can inform policy and targeted interventions aimed at addressing obesity. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and low fitness in Idaho school-aged youth through a pilot study. A convenience sample of 13 teachers from 11 north Idaho rural schools collected FitnessGram fitness data: body composition (body mass index [BMI]), aerobic capacity (Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run [PACER] test), muscular endurance (curl up), strength (pushup), and flexibility (sit and reach). A total of 761 students (aged 9-18 years) from grades 3&5, 7, and 9 to 12 participated in the study. Approximately 24% of 3&5 and 22% of 7th, and 12% of 9 to 12th-grade students were categorized as Needs Improvement/Health Risk by FitnessGram standards for BMI. Similarly, approximately 25% of 3&5, and 22% of 7 and 9 to 12th-grade students were considered Needs Improvement/Health Risk for PACER. Results from fitness testing can provide school and public health representatives with a "needs assessment" of student health that can be used to help develop policies and practices to improve student health and wellbeing. This study provides a model for statewide annual fitness testing surveillance and reporting within K-12 public school physical education classrooms.