Health-related Physical Activity Research Articles

Associations among motor competence, health-related fitness, and physical activity in children: A comparison of gold standard and field-based measures

ABSTRACT This study compared the associations among motor competence, health-related fitness, and physical activity measured by gold standard and field-based methods in children. A total of 248 first-grade children (153 boys) aged 6–7 years participated in the study. Motor competence was assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development, Second Edition (TGMD −2). Gold standard measures were percent body fat using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, peak oxygen uptake per weight using a gas analyser, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity using accelerometers. Field-based measures were body mass index, maximum speed during progressive running on a treadmill, and a physical activity questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis adjusted for age and sex was used to examine the associations of motor competence with one of the health-related variables and compared differences by measurement method. The results indicated that field-based measures models showed lower associations (R2 = 0.02–0.17) than the gold standard (R2 = 0.21–0.27) and lower standardised regression coefficients for sex and motor competence, except for maximum speed. In conclusion, gold standard measures resulted in stronger associations between motor competence, and health-related fitness and physical activity in children. Examining the contribution of motor competence in children’s health using field-based tests can underestimate it.

Impact of retirement on health-related conditions, leisure, and physical activity in older adults

Impact of retirement on health-related conditions, leisure, and physical activity in older adults

Convenience behavior in German university students is associated with sociodemographic, study- and health-related factors.

The transition from school to university is often accompanied by a change in students' lifestyles. So far little is known whether convenience behavior is an essential factor affecting students' health and social interaction. In a heterogeneous population regard to sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics the Convenience Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ) showed a better relationship between convenience-related behavior with overweight and obesity than established questionnaires. Here we assessed convenience behavior in a large well characterized cohort of university students and its association with health-related (mainly sedentary behavior and physical activity), study-related and sociodemographic factors with the Convenience Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ). A total of 4,351 students participated in an online survey, of which 3,983 (23.6 ± 5.3 years old, 71.3% females) answered the questions concerning convenience behavior. A low value in the CBQ indicates more convenience behavior [Convenience Behavior Index (CBI) range: 3-15]. Differences with regard to sociodemographic (age, gender, body mass index), study-related (semester, degree, field of study) and health-related (physical activity, sedentary behavior) variables were examined with Mann-Whitney-U test or Kruskal-Wallis test and post-hoc tests (Bonferroni). The CBI of men and women differed significantly (z = -6.847, p < 0.001, r = 0.11). First-year students and students beyond their first year showed significant differences (z = -2.355, p ≤ 0.05, r = 0.04). Differences were also found in the field of study (Chi2 (6) = 147.830, p < 0.001) and the targeted degree (Chi2 (7) = 79.985, p < 0.001). Furthermore, differences were found in the body mass index (Chi2 (5) = 70.678, p < 0.001), physical activity (Chi2 (2) = 279.040, p < 0.001) and sedentary behavior (z = -4.660, p < 0.001, r = 0.07). The results showed risk groups of convenience behavior among students [men, first-year, students enrolled in "Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)," bachelor]. Our results confirm for the first time in a very homogeneous population a gender difference and an association between CBI and health-related factors. Further studies are needed to analyze the health behavior of students in more detail, especially their convenience behavior.

Abstract PO1-05-06: Health-related QOL and physical activity collected via wearable device in patients with HR+/HER2− advanced breast cancer in Japan treated with palbociclib+endocrine therapy (ET) or ET alone: 6-month longitudinal study (JBCRG-26)

Abstract Background: Palbociclib (PAL) is a first-in-class cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor (CDK4/6i) for the treatment of HR+/HER2− advanced breast cancer (ABC). In phase 3 clinical trials, PAL+ET prolonged progression-free survival and maintained health-related quality of life (HRQOL) compared with placebo+ET. However, few studies have evaluated the day-to-day effects of PAL+ET treatment on patients’ HRQOL and daily activities in a real-world setting. Here, we report the daily life of the patients treated with PAL+ET or ET alone evaluated with a mobile application and wearable device. Methods: This is a prospective, observational, multicenter study conducted in Japanese women with HR+/HER2- ABC initiating PAL+ET (Group 1) or ET alone (Group 2) in first- or second-line setting. HRQOL was assessed with the EORTC-QLQ-C30 at baseline and Day 15 of each cycle via a smartphone-based application for 6 treatment cycles (24 weeks). Physical activity (PA) data were collected via wearable device (CentrePoint Insight Watch®, ActiGraph LLC, the USA). Patients were instructed to wear the device at all-times, except of while bathing and sleeping, during the baseline period (at least 4 days prior to treatment initiation was recommended) and 6 cycles. PA metrics were averaged on a weekly basis. Patient data, including baseline characteristics, treatment, and adverse events, were collected via electronic case report forms. As primary endpoints, change in Global health status (GHS) of EORTC-QLQ-C30 and “sedentary time” from baseline were evaluated at each time point. No formal hypothesis testing or comparisons between groups was planned. Results: Ninety-nine patients were enrolled (Group 1: 78 patients, Group 2: 21 patients). Patients had a median age of 56/52 years (Group 1/Group 2); 51%/33% had visceral metastases; 86%/86% had ECOG performance status of 0; 76%/91% initiated first-line treatment; 36%/33% were fully employed. Seventy-four of 78 patients (95%) in Group 1 and 20 of 21 patients (95%) in Group 2 completed the 6-cycle observation period. Baseline mean GHS score was 60.9 and 64.3 in Group 1 and 2, respectively. The change from baseline to Cycle 6 in GHS score was 4.6 and 1.2 in Group 1 and 2, respectively, not reaching the deterioration-threshold of 8 points in either treatment group. Results for each functional subscale are summarized in Table 1. Baseline mean “sedentary time” was 580.7 and 565.1 min/day in Group 1 and 2, respectively. The change from baseline to Cycle 6 in “sedentary time” was —67.2 and —139.4 min/day in Group 1 and 2, respectively. Results of other PA metrics are summarized in Table. No new safety signals were identified. Conclusion: In this study, PAL+ET or ET alone did not have any significant adverse impact on HRQOL and PA measured by wearable devices in patients with HR+/HER2- ABC. (NCT04736576) Citation Format: Hiroko Bando, Mari Oba, Aya Ueda, Kaori Terata, Mihoko Doi, Shigenori Nagai, Masaya Hattori, Ken-Ichi Watanabe, Nobuko Tamura, Manabu Futamura, Kei Koizumi, Naoki Niikura, Tempei Miyaji, Yasuaki Muramatsu, Linghua Xu, Norikazu Masuda, Shigehira Saji. Health-related QOL and physical activity collected via wearable device in patients with HR+/HER2− advanced breast cancer in Japan treated with palbociclib+endocrine therapy (ET) or ET alone: 6-month longitudinal study (JBCRG-26) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO1-05-06.

Impact of ankylosing spondylitis on foot health and quality of life: an observational case-control study.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, inflammatory, and autoimmune disease. This condition primarily affects the axial skeleton and presents direct foot involvement, such as Achilles enthesitis or plantar fascia involvement. This study aimed to investigate the impact of foot health on the quality of life of individuals with AS compared to a control group without AS. A sample of 112 subjects was recruited, with a mean age of 46.80 ± 10.49 years, divided into two groups: 56 individuals with AS (cases) and 56 individuals without AS (controls). Demographic data were collected, and the scores obtained in the Foot Health Status Questionnaire domains were recorded. Of the participants, 27.79% (N = 30) were men and 73.21% (N = 82) were women. The mean age in the group was 46.80 ± 10.49. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in the domains of foot function, foot pain, footwear, overall foot health, general health-related physical activity, and social capacity between the AS group and the control group. Individuals with AS exhibited a decreased quality of life, as indicated by their Foot Health Status Questionnaire scores.

Application of immersive virtual reality in the training of wheelchair boxers: evaluation of exercise intensity and users experience additional load– a pilot exploratory study

BackgroundOver the last few years, there has been a growing interest in workout apps and active virtual reality video games (AVRGs), which provide entertainment and enable users to undertake various forms of physical activity (PA) at home. Presumably, these types of exercises can be particularly useful for people with physical disabilities, who experience problems with access to sports and leisure facilities due to architectural and communication barriers. However, it is interesting whether the intensity of PA in VR is high enough to provide users with health benefits, as it is mainly based on arm movements.ObjectiveThe main aim of the study was to evaluate the intensity of physical exercise of wheelchair boxers during a boxing training session using the FitXR app in immersive VR in light of health-related PA recommendations. The effect of Velcro-fastened hand-held weights (HHWs) on the intensity of PA undertaken by people in VR was also examined, and the attractiveness of virtual exercise were assessed in the opinion of users.MethodsPA intensity was evaluated using a heart rate monitor based on the percentage of maximal heart rate (% HRmax) and the Borg’s rating of perceived exertion (RPE 6–20). The attractiveness perceived during exercise by users were evaluated using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES 1–7 scale).ResultsThe study shows that the exercise intensity of the athletes during wheelchair boxing training in VR is at a beneficial moderate level for health (HRave=68.98% HRmax). The use of HHWs (0.5 kg) does not significantly increase the PA intensity of the individuals during virtual exercise. Users with disabilities highly rated the attractiveness (6.32 ± 0.79 points) of PA during virtual boxing training.ConclusionsBoxing exercises in VR can be an attractive and health-related form of PA for wheelchair boxers and a supplement to their conventional training.

"Fit-India-Movement" Promoting Physical Activity: A Perspective for Clinicians and Epidemiologists

Objective: Whereas the Fit-India-Movement (FIM) is not a health program, per se, it attempts to meet the sustainable development goals of the World Health Organization for the control of non-communicable diseases by promoting health-related physical activity (PA) behavior in the Indian population under the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs. We aimed to find out how the government of India is operationalizing the PA guideline without a national PA plan. Methods: We reviewed the FIM website. Results: It contains the PA guidelines and recommendations for the Indian population. Conclusion: This article compiles our findings, revealing the paradigm for promoting PA in India. It describes what the FIM offers from a clinician’s perspective, utilizing resources at the individual level and an epidemiologist’s outlook for PA promotion.

Physical activity interventions in workplace health promotion: objectives, related outcomes, and consideration of the setting-a scoping review of reviews.

The workplace is a recognized setting for promoting health among adults, and physical activity (PA) interventions are an integral part of workplace health promotion (WHP). The present review of reviews aims to provide an overview of the main objectives and related outcomes addressed in WHP-related PA interventions, as well as the setting-specific aspects considered in the research field. A scoping review of reviews was conducted. Reviews were included if they were peer-reviewed, written in English, and focused on PA interventions conducted in the context of WHP. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. Reviews were included if they had been published after the year 2000. Information on the following dimensions was extracted: author, region, number of primary studies included, target group(s), PA interventions included, main objective(s), related outcomes, and setting-specific aspects. A total of 17 reviews were included. Six reviews aimed at solely identifying the effectiveness of promoting daily PA and reducing sedentary behavior. Eleven reviews showed a combined approach considering physical activity behavior and/or health and job-related outcomes. Outcomes in the primary studies were heterogeneous. None of the reviews had an explicit definition of WHP and setting-specific information was very general and sparse. The reported setting-specific information was referred to the general importance of the workplace setting, the specific importance as an access route to target groups, and implementation aspects. Regarding the additional characteristics of the reviews, the selection of primary studies was restricted to a specific region in 2 of the 17 reviews in advance. Three reviews restricted the target group (sedentary workers, women, desk-based workers), while eleven reviews included working adults in general and, three reviews gave no information about the target group. Eleven intervention approaches of the reviews were behaviorally oriented, two focused solely on environmental interventions, and four reviews can be attributed to a combined approach considering behavioral and environmental interventions. For sustainable future developments, the present results indicate a strong need for conceptual consolidation of WHP in the research field of PA interventions. Therefore, both WHP and health-related PA interventions need to take a comprehensive approach comprising behavioral and environmental interventions.

Physical Exercise and Health, 6: Sedentary Time, Independent of Health-Related Physical Activity, as a Risk Factor for Dementia in Older Adults.

Sedentary behaviors are leisurely behaviors that occur during waking hours performed while lying down or seated; examples are relaxing, conversing, using a smartphone, watching television, traveling in private or public transport, and thinking or working at a desk. Sedentary behaviors are common in everyday life; the average person spends 9-10 h/d sedentary. Findings from meta-analyses show that higher levels of physical activity are associated with a reduced risk of dementia and that near-absence of moderate to vigorous physical activity is associated with an increased risk of dementia. Sedentariness is a clearly defined construct that is more than just low levels of physical activity. Sedentariness, therefore, merits independent study. In this context, a recent cohort study, conducted in elderly subjects (mean age, 67 years) who were followed for a mean of 6.7 years, found that sedentariness, independent of current levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity, was associated in a dose-dependent fashion with the risk of incident dementia; the finding held true when reverse causation was addressed through the exclusion of subjects who developed dementia within 4 years of follow-up. The adjusted 10-year risk of dementia rose from about 8% with sedentariness at 10 h/d to about 23% with sedentariness at 15 h/d; the difference is clinically meaningful. Limitations of studies in the field are that residual confounding cannot be excluded, and that no randomized controlled trials exist upon which guidance may be based. Nevertheless, it could be prudent to decrease sedentary behaviors if only because these have also been associated with other adverse physical and mental health outcomes. Additional subjects explained in this article include reverse causation and how it may be dealt with during research design and data analysis, individual participant data meta-analysis, and making sense of results that are reported in terms of "per 1,000 person-years."

A Study of the Effects of a Structured Daily Physical Activity Intervention in Schools in Malta

The measurement of daily step counts is a widely adopted and efficacious approach for assessing children’s physical activity levels. With the aim of finding out the effect of daily PA sessions in schools on the total PA levels in terms of steps taken, two (treatment and control) Year Four classrooms (with students aged from eight to nine years old) in three participating schools in Malta participated in this study. A random sample of 45 children across all the treatment and control groups wore pedometers for five continuous school days. Additional data were logged to facilitate data analysis. Statistical analysis was conducted on data from 18 participants, as incomplete data were eliminated. The findings show that a daily physical activity programme was sufficient to make a significant difference in the number of steps taken at school. It also made the difference between Maltese schools being either under par (if not engaged in daily PA at school) or among high-performing nations (if engaged in daily PA at school) in terms of the proportional contribution of steps taken at school to children’s total PA. However, the capacity for school-based activity to exert wider effects on total steps taken throughout the entire day appears to be limited. Reported engagement in additional formal sports activities outside school also had limited effects on steps overall. Finally, a statistical model incorporating sex, daily PA, sports participation, and BMI as exogenous variables accounted only for around a quarter of the variation in average daily pedometer-measured PA, leaving approximately 75% of the variation unexplained. Implications of the findings are discussed, including recommendations for alternative ways of conceptualising and promoting health-related physical activity and exercise.

Health-related fitness knowledge, physical activity attitude and physical activity in secondary school students: A mediation analysis

Abstract Study aim: The aim of this study was to examine the mediating role of secondary school students’ physical activity attitudes between health-related fitness knowledge (HRFK) and physical activity (PA). Materials and methods: The research employed a quantitative research method, using the relational survey model. The participants of the study consisted of a total of 603 (female = 295, male = 308) secondary school students from six different secondary schools in Isparta and Burdur provinces in the fall semester of the 2023–2024 academic year. The data of the study were collected with a personal information form, the Turkish HRFK Test, the Physical Activity Attitude Scale for Secondary School Students and the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C). The analysis of the data was made using the Process Macro v3.3 plug-in with model 4 and 5000 resampling methods with a 95% confidence interval. Results: It was found that students’ HRFK had significant positive effect on their physical activity attitudes and physical activities. It was observed that physical activity attitudes also positively affected physical activity. Additionally, physical activity attitudes were found to have a mediating role between HRFK and physical activity. Conclusions: To conclude, it was found that secondary school students’ HRKF affected their participation in physical activity. However, our research showed that the effect of HRFK on physical activity of secondary school students may occur indirectly through physical activity attitudes. It can be concluded that the HRFK level of secondary school students is important for participation in physical activity.

O.4.6-10 Move! – A national monitoring system for health-related fitness and motor competence of Finnish school-aged children and adolescents

Abstract Purpose The Move! system was launched in 2016 and it aims to provide systematic feedback to students on their physical performance, and to collect annual nationwide data on physical performance from 5th and 8th grade students (11–15 years old). The physical performance in the Move! system has been operationalized to include components of health-related fitness and motor competence, which are ideally needed during adolescence and later in life. Project description The Move! is included in the national core curriculum for physical education (PE) and is therefore targeted for all students. Move! measurements include 20m shuttle run (endurance), 5-leaps (strength of the lower body, locomotor skills, stability skills), throwing-catching combination (object control skills), curl-up (endurance of abdominal muscles), push-up (endurance of upper body muscles), and flexibility tests. The Move! results are used extensively. In schools, PE teachers give immediate feedback to students during and after test sessions. In addition, teachers can utilize Move! data when designing PE programs and lessons. Students’ results are sent home, and parents are encouraged to discuss the results and their implications with their children. Students and their parents are directed to the Move! web pages, where they are provided with more information about the tests along with guidance on how to develop different elements of physical performance. The results are also utilized in healthcare as school nurses and doctors consider students’ physical performance information along with other health data. Through a database, it is possible to follow students’ physical performance development. The data can also be used in informed decision-making at national and local levels. Conclusions The Move! system annually reaches a vast majority of Finnish grade 5 and 8 students (&amp;gt;100 000), schools (&amp;gt;2000), and municipalities (&amp;gt;95 %). The system ties together school PE, health care, and data-informed decision-making, and can be seen as a pedagogical innovation enhancing Finnish students’ health-related fitness, physical activity, and overall well-being.

Public health education: the status of health and health-related physical activity courses in Texas community colleges.

There is an inverse relationship between disease and both health literacy and physical literacy. Courses taken during the completion of degrees at community colleges help to prepare students to be productive members of society by teaching knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for employment and good citizenship. Coursework in public health education and health-related behaviors should be included in the overall community college curriculum. The purpose of this study was to determine the status of Health/Wellness/Physical Fitness Lecture (HWPFL) and Health-Related Physical Activity (HRPA) courses in Texas community colleges. A review of the institutional websites of Texas community colleges (N = 50) was performed to access information regarding HWPFL and HRPA courses and graduation requirements. Information regarding the Texas Core Curriculum was reviewed for any local additions to the state mandated requirements that students are required to complete prior to the attainment of Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Science (AS) degrees. Individual colleges were grouped into those with <5,000 students (N = 21), those having 5,000-10,000 students (N = 16), and those with >10,000 students (N = 13). Three (6%) institutions require a HWPFL course for AA and AS degrees and 49 (98%) had such courses available for elective credit. Two (4%) colleges require an HRPA course for AA and AS degrees whereas 47 (94%) offer such courses for elective credit. There was one college that only offers a HWPFL course. One college did not offer either HWPFL or HRPA courses. There were many identical courses offered by various colleges for required and elective credit. Requiring health, wellness, and health-related physical activity requirements in Texas community colleges can be a policy solution for improving health and physical literacy in students. This research study demonstrated the prevalence of health, wellness, and health-related physical activity requirements in the 50 public community colleges in the state of Texas. Offering courses in health, wellness, and health-related physical activity as required or elective courses for graduation from Texas community colleges is a means through which to develop health literacy and physical literacy in students resulting in a positive influence on public health.

Technology-Based Intervention for Building Healthy Campus: Health Promoting Lifestyle in the Universities

In the last few decades, "Health Promoting Universities" have become attractive and have their place in various education sectors, especially universities. Therefore, higher education institutions must be concerned about promoting health for their academic community. A health promotion-based approach has the potential to enhance a university's contribution to improving health and to deliver meaningful values to populations by protecting the health and enhancing the well-being of students, staff, and the broader community through university policies; enhancing health promotion through teaching and research; developing health promotion by doing community service. This study aims to promote a healthy lifestyle by conducting a cross-sectional study to assess the relationship between the learner use of technology with health-related behavior and physical activity of the community at the University, which consists of students, lecturers, and education staff with technology-based interventions for building healthy campus: health-promoting lifestyle in the universities. The data analysis shows a significant correlation between the use of digital and information technology and health-related behavior (In addition, the data also shows a significant correlation between the use of digital and information technology and physical activity. This study concludes that using digital and information technology as a medium for interventions for building a healthy campus has a high correlation with health-related behavior and physical activity. Thus, technology-based intervention for building a healthy campus will improve university health-promoting lifestyles.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF MOTIVATION IN THE FIELD OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS

Introduction: Learning the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of motivation provides important information for understanding the behavior in physical education and sports in young people. Sage (1977) describes motivation as one's effort towards certain activities and its intensity. Motivation is deeply rooted in the individual based on Vallerand's (1987) hierarchical model, and its type (intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation) can change during the activity, as well as sometimes remains hidden. Method: Four hundred and nine students took part in our research, whose average age was 15.0 years. In addition to the questionnaire based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), research participants filled out the Behavior Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-2) regarding to the Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Respondents also reported the support they received from their social environment for physical activity, as well as what their future intentions were and how their past behavior and current behavior have developed. Data analysis was performed by employing IBM SPSS v. 25 and AMOS v. 24 software packages. Results and conclusions: In our study social support influenced young people’s intention to perform physical activity as a current behavior. According to the Trans-Contextual Model (TCM) results revealed how autonomous motivation transfers across contexts (e.g., from school/education to free living) and therefore explained how leisure time behavior is reinforced. Our data confirmed the strongest positive relationship between students’ past behavior and current behavior followed by a moderate relationship in students’ past behavior and intention. Thus, the relationship between past behavior and current behavior was also moderate. Results have implications beyond physical activity, and can help understanding of why young people make a range of choices related to health. Results can also aid the development of educational materials and practical methods to motivate young people to choose a healthy, physically active lifestyle. In conclusion, from a school context to leisure time can help educational and health practitioners to understand what influences health-related physical activity behaviors in young people. Physical education classes are supposed to instil behaviors and attitudes that promote physical activity in free-time and promote healthy lifestyle. Nevertheless, according to our findings, the expected function of physical education in schools fails to meet the criteria that lead to developing self-determined or autonomous motivation to young students’ leisure time intention, and especially physical activity.

Reference values for wrist-worn accelerometer physical activity metrics in England children and adolescents

BackgroundOver the last decade use of raw acceleration metrics to assess physical activity has increased. Metrics such as Euclidean Norm Minus One (ENMO), and Mean Amplitude Deviation (MAD) can be used to generate metrics which describe physical activity volume (average acceleration), intensity distribution (intensity gradient), and intensity of the most active periods (MX metrics) of the day. Presently, relatively little comparative data for these metrics exists in youth. To address this need, this study presents age- and sex-specific reference percentile values in England youth and compares physical activity volume and intensity profiles by age and sex.MethodsWrist-worn accelerometer data from 10 studies involving youth aged 5 to 15 y were pooled. Weekday and weekend waking hours were first calculated for youth in school Years (Y) 1&2, Y4&5, Y6&7, and Y8&9 to determine waking hours durations by age-groups and day types. A valid waking hours day was defined as accelerometer wear for ≥ 600 min·d−1 and participants with ≥ 3 valid weekdays and ≥ 1 valid weekend day were included. Mean ENMO- and MAD-generated average acceleration, intensity gradient, and MX metrics were calculated and summarised as weighted week averages. Sex-specific smoothed percentile curves were generated for each metric using Generalized Additive Models for Location Scale and Shape. Linear mixed models examined age and sex differences.ResultsThe analytical sample included 1250 participants. Physical activity peaked between ages 6.5–10.5 y, depending on metric. For all metrics the highest activity levels occurred in less active participants (3rd-50th percentile) and girls, 0.5 to 1.5 y earlier than more active peers, and boys, respectively. Irrespective of metric, boys were more active than girls (p < .001) and physical activity was lowest in the Y8&9 group, particularly when compared to the Y1&2 group (p < .001).ConclusionsPercentile reference values for average acceleration, intensity gradient, and MX metrics have utility in describing age- and sex-specific values for physical activity volume and intensity in youth. There is a need to generate nationally-representative wrist-acceleration population-referenced norms for these metrics to further facilitate health-related physical activity research and promotion.

The association between childhood motor performance and developmental trajectories of sport participation over 5 years in Danish students aged 6–16-year-old

Sports participation has potential to promote physical activity in youth. Unfortunately, sports participation and physical activity may decline from childhood to adolescence and into adulthood. Globally, only 20% of 13–15-year-olds meet the World Health Organisation recommendations for physical activity. This study aimed to investigate the 5-year trajectories of sports participation and their association with baseline motor performance in Danish school children as part of the Childhood Health Activity and Motor Performance School Study-Denmark (CHAMPS-DK), a school-based physical activity intervention study which investigated the health benefits of increased physical education lessons. Five distinct trajectories were identified, with group 1 maintained a stable trajectory of little to no sports participation, and group 2 showing a low decreasing trend. Group 3–5, the most sports active, demonstrated increasing sport participation at different rates. Baseline motor performance score was associated with the two most active sports participation groups. Students who were more physically active during school hours participated less in organised leisure time sports. This suggest focusing on improving motor performance in youth may support future sports participation and thus health-related physical activity. But also, that it might be necessary to engage and maintain children and adolescents in leisure time sports while implementing physical activity promotion interventions.

A Place for Attachment Theory in Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology

ABSTRACTGlobally physical inactivity is a leading, independent, and significant risk factor for disease and mortality. Exercise scientists and clinical exercise physiologists have a key role in supporting client participation in physical activity. However, with the rates of physical activity continuing to be low, we argue for a paradigm shift in the way practitioners engage with clients. Attachment theory, a theory which focuses on social relationships and bonds, has received increased attention within physical activity and broader health literature. Awareness of attachment theory provides insight into individual health-related responses and physical activity motivation and guides key professional practices and processes relevant to both exercise scientists and clinical exercise physiologists. However, there remains no research specific to the application of attachment theory by these 2 professions. This narrative review provides an overview of the literature on attachment theory applicable to exercise science and exercise physiology and highlights the potential for attachment theory to inform future practice, education, and research, concluding with 3 recommendations for future research priorities.

Restructuring a University Health-Related Physical Activity Course with Technology: A Design-Based Research

The purpose of this study was to investigate the restructuring process of a university health-related physical activity course with technology and its impact on teaching &amp; learning practices. Using a design-based research approach, data were collected in five semesters by applying the technology integration strategies iteratively. Beginning with the needs assessment, the longitudinal study continued with the first and second pilots, and the process ended with improvements in the design and implementation phases. Data were collected through class observations, field notes, and interviews with the students and the instructor. Thematic content analyses were carried out with Nvivo software. Data and researcher triangulation were done for reliability and validity. Findings indicated that technology enhancement would contribute to the quality of health-related physical activity courses and the impact of technology integration was documented in detail. Implications and recommendations were given to stakeholders of the education environment; researchers, practitioners, administrators, technology coaches, and policymakers.

Research on the Relationship between Physical Literacy, Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior.

This study was based on a cross-sectional survey of Chinese college students. The Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument Scale (PPLI-SC) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF) were used to investigate the PL, MVPA, LPA, and SB. There were 2996 valid questionnaires with 829 boys and 2167 girls. The MVPA, LPA, and PL of boys were significantly higher than girls, while the SB values were significantly lower in girls (p&nbsp;< 0.01). The correlation analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between the two indexes except for SB and LPA. Path analysis shows that PL directly, significantly, and positively affects MVPA. PL reduces SB (β = -0.085, p < 0.001) and increases LPA (β = 0.097, p < 0.001). The total mediation effect accounted for 14.014%, and the mediation effects of SB and LPA accounted for 4.417% and 9.597%, respectively. LPA and SB partially mediated the relation between PL and MVPA. SB and LPA partially explain the impact of PL on MVPA. The findings suggest that managing SB and improving LPA could play a significant indirect role in increasing the positive effect of PL on MVPA and that increasing the opportunities for LPA increased the MVPA for Chinese college students.