Participation In Sports Programs Research Articles

Do Sports Programs Prevent Crime and Reduce Reoffending? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effectiveness of Sports Programs

ObjectivesSports programs are widely implemented as measures of crime prevention. In contrast to their popularity, there is little systematic knowledge about their effectiveness. This systematic review and meta-analysis have been carried out to fill this gap. In a systematic review, we gathered data on evaluated prevention programs specifically designed to prevent crime and delinquency. We then conducted a meta-analytic integration with studies using at least roughly equivalent control groups for the program evaluation.MethodTo retrieve relevant literature, we conducted a comprehensive international literature search until June 2021 drawing on scientific databases. We also applied snow-balling searches and contacted practitioners in the field. Studies were eligible if they evaluated sports programs designed to prevent delinquency on primary, secondary, and/or tertiary level. We focused on crime-related outcomes and potentially underlying psycho-social factors. We made no restrictions regarding characteristics of the participants or other aspects such as duration of the program.Results24 studies were eligible for our systematic review, from which only thirteen were included into our meta-analytic integration. We found a moderate effect of participation in sports programs on crime-related outcomes (d = 0.36, p < .001). Participants showed a significant decrease in outcomes such as aggressiveness or anti-social behavior. We also analyzed psychological outcomes such as self-esteem or mental well-being, which also significantly improved when participating in sports programs (d = 0.87, p < ..05).ConclusionsSports programs seem to be an effective measure of crime prevention. However, future research needs more sound evaluation designs and moderator analyses to better understand the functioning and improve the implementation of sports programs.

Profiles of Physical Fitness and Fitness Enjoyment Among Children: Associations With Sports Participation

ABSTRACT Purpose: The present study examined whether groups of children with different physical fitness and fitness enjoyment profiles could be identified and, if so, whether the different groups varied from one another in terms of organized sports participation. Method: Five hundred and fifty-eight 8–11-year-olds (56.99% boys) participated in this cross-sectional study. Physical fitness and fitness enjoyment were assessed with seven items from a standardized test battery and a pictorial scale containing pictures referring to the enjoyment in those seven physical fitness tests, respectively. To examine whether groups with different fitness and enjoyment profiles could be identified, we conducted cluster analyses based on children’s standardized physical fitness and fitness enjoyment scores. A two-way ANCOVA (sex*cluster) was conducted to investigate differences in weekly organized sports participation among each of the identified groups while controlling for age. Results: Cluster analyses revealed two groups with aligned levels of physical fitness and fitness enjoyment (i.e., relatively low-low and relatively high-high) and two groups with unaligned levels (i.e., relatively low-moderate and relatively high-moderate), respectively. Both groups with relatively high fitness scores were found to spend significantly more time in organized sports (M = 2.01 h and 2.29 h, respectively) than the two groups with relatively low fitness scores (M = 1.08 h and 0.98 h, respectively), irrespective of their enjoyment levels. Conclusion: Increasing physical fitness levels (especially among those children with suboptimal enjoyment levels) may lead to increased organized sports participation, while increased organized sports participation in its turn may lead to higher fitness levels. As such, participation in sports programs should be promoted in children of all age groups.

Karakteristike nastavnika kao činioci kvaliteta školskog sporta u Republici Srbiji

Within the system of school sports, insufficient attention in the literature is paid to those who lead and carry out this process - physical education teachers. The aim of this paper is to examine the effects of teacher characteristics on the quality of school sports in the Republic of Serbia, as well as the importance and satisfaction of teachers with various organizational and management tools as agents of intrinsic motivation and their connection with the quality of school sports. For the purposes of the research, a questionnaire was constructed from which the variables of the general characteristics of teachers and the variables of the school sports quality were selected, as well as 12 variables which evaluated their satisfaction with certain aspects of motivation for the good quality work and commitment in school sports. It was observed that in 80% of cases the participation of students in sports competitions does not exceed 25%, while the principle of "all or no one" (25% or 100%) was observed among teachers. On the other hand, significant correlations were identified between the majority of the examined quality variables and the aspects of motivation, above all with the factors of teamwork, work autonomy, and school affirmation. In addition, our comparative analyses determined the influence of teachers' age and work experience on participation in sports programs. Based on all the above said, it can be concluded that the means of motivation of teachers, as well as their work experience, can be the basis for maintaining positive trends in the quality of school sports in Serbia.

A Scoping Review of Recreational Sport Programs for Disabled Emerging Adults

ABSTRACTPurpose: Recreational sport programs are a critical but overlooked pathway for enhancing social participation of emerging adults with disabilities. Specifically, the experiences of recreational sport program members are important for continued community engagement among emerging adults. To address this gap, this scoping review examined the published studies on recreational sport programs for emerging adults with disabilities with the aim of providing future directions for practice (e.g., program instruction) and research (e.g., measurement). Method: Using the PRISMA-SR guidelines, six electronic databases were searched using key terms of disability, age, and recreational sport; findings were extracted and summarized according to the quality parasport participation framework (autonomy, belonging, challenge, engagement, mastery, meaning) and other outcome measures of the included studies. An online 26-item survey was sent to the included studies’ authors to further explore the programs’ conditions. Results: There were 16,818 records screened with seven articles included. Studies indicate positive outcomes for emerging adults with disabilities immediately following participation in sport programs (e.g., improved self-esteem, autonomy, friendship skills, and balance). No longitudinal studies have been conducted on sustained participation in sport programs or transfer effects of participation. Conclusion: Despite the limited literature, this scoping review provides the foundation for the development of evidence-informed, participant-driven sport programs for emerging adults with disabilities. This study highlights areas for further development for both researches (e.g., evaluating and reporting quality) and practice (e.g., program evaluation).

The Relationship Between Israeli Youth Participation in Physical Activity Programs and Antisocial Behavior

Many intervention programs, including physical activity programs, have been developed to deal with youth involvement in delinquency. The current study explored whether youth participation in sport and physical activity programs reduces their involvement in delinquent behaviors. It examined the interaction effects of the features of the sports program with participation in the sports program. The sample consisted of 126 Israeli adolescents aged 13–18 (M = 15.68, SD = 1.32) who completed questionnaires about involvement in delinquency at the beginning of their sports program and again 6 months later. We found significant reductions in adolescents’ involvement in all the delinquent acts explored: crimes against a person; crimes against property, and public disorder crimes. However, no interaction effects were found between program features (sport type; program intensity; training and supervision in the program; and interaction with community services) and participation in the sports program. The findings highlight the importance of including sports programs in the interventions provided for at-risk youth and call for further investigation of the factors that may increase the benefits provided by participation in physical activity programs.

Effects of Participation in Sports Programs on Walking Ability and Endurance Over Time in Children With Cerebral Palsy.

Children with cerebral palsy may benefit from maintaining a high level of physical fitness similar to typically developing children especially in terms of long-term physical performance, although in practice this is often difficult. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of participation in sports programs on walking ability and endurance over time. A retrospective cohort study included participants with cerebral palsy, aged 6 to 20 yrs, who attended a summer sports program from 2004 to 2012. There were 256 participant sessions with pre/post data recorded. The participants consisted of a total of 97 children (mean age [SD] = 11.4 [3.1] yrs), many of whom attended multiple programs throughout the years. Programs were held 6 hrs/d, 5 d/wk for up to 4 wks. Outcome measures included the Timed Up and Go, modified 6-min walk, and 25-ft walk/run. The results showed significant improvements in the Timed Up and Go, modified 6-min walk distance and 25-ft walk/run over time. Children in Gross Motor Classification System level III made the largest gains. Walking ability and endurance seem to improve after participation in an intensive summer sports programs. Higher frequency of program attendance resulted in significant improvements in the Timed Up and Go. Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME CME OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Discuss the importance of physical activity at the participation level (sports programs) for children with cerebral palsy; (2) Contrast the changes in walking ability and endurance for children in Gross Motor Function Classification System level I, II, and III after sports programs; and (3) Identify the impact of higher frequency of sports program attendance over time on walking ability. Advanced ACCREDITATION: The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Особливості реалізаціі державних програм залучення батьків до формування здорового способу життя у школах США.

Статтю присвячено дослідженню особливостей реалізації державних програм залучення батьків до формування здорового способу життя учнів американських шкіл. З’ясовано, що головними засобами реалізації цих програм є: спілкування колективу школи з батьками учня, підтримка навчання учнів у сім’ї, підтримка виховного впливу батьків, участь батьків у прийняття рішень у школі, надання різноманітних волонтерських можливостей батькам, співпраця школи та батьків з місцевою громадою. Виявлено, що програм та заходів з покращення здоров’я учнів позитивно впливало на дотримання дітьми (та їхніми батьками) здорового способу життя, а також налагодження партнерських стосунків між школою, сім’єю та громадою. Обґрунтовано перспективи подальших розвідок у цьому напряму. Статья посвячена сравнению особенностей, характерных для скаутского образовательно-воспитательного идеала и идеала демократического лидера в США. На основании проведенного анализа на матеріалах опроса 100 респондентов сделан вывод о том, что качества демократического лидера не являются прирожденными, они приобретаются в процес се воспитания и социализации. Подчеркивается мысль о том, что приобретение качеств демократического лидера начинается не в процессе трудовой деятельности и карьерного роста, а в детско-юношеский период. Качества демократического лидера формируются в процессе совместной деятельности в атмосфере ответственности и доверия. Неполитические неформальные организации являются мощным инструментом формирования качеств демократического лидера у детей и молодежи школьного возраста. The article is devoted to the research of the features of realization of the National Standards for Parent Involvement Program in school health promotion in American schools. The analysis and generalization of special literature are conducted. The National Standards for Parent/Family Involvement Program consists of the following elements: Communicating, Parenting, Learning at home, Volunteering, Decision making, Collaboration with Community. The National Standards for Parent Involvement Program were developed in 1997 by experts of the National Parent Teacher Association and the National Network on Partnership Schools. The first Standard, Communicating, combines the traditional and innovative forms and methods of socialization with parents, such as: school conferences; personal teacher-parents meetings; providing printed and electronic information on the realization of the school health programs. Parenting provides opportunities of pedagogical education for parents in relation to the importance of healthy lifestyles and helps in creation of family atmosphere that would support the student's potential and health. Learning at home is realized through provision of home work that combines interactive work of students with family members. Volunteering consists of parent involvement in school life such as assistance of the group of children during breaks on fresh air, playing games with kids on the school territory at weekends, participation in sport programs (dances, aerobics), work in a school garden (vegetable garden). Decision making is understood as participation of parents or any other family members in school health councils that focus on obesity and depression prevention, bullying issues, etc. Collaboration with community is implemented during the collaborative work of school, family and community in cultural, social, entertaining, health promotion public programs and events. The implementation of the above mentioned elements positively influenced the students’ health as well as healthy lifestyles of family members and built the partnership between school, family and community. The necessity of prospects of the future research in this direction is proved.

Which kind and how much physical activity?

Physical fitness is important for the optimal development both in children and adolescents. Fitness programs for youth should be recommended and encouraged. Prior to participation in sport program a detailed medical examination should be performed including an ECG at rest. It’s important that children should be exposed to a wide variety of sporting activities to discover which is the best for them to find out what they like most and to figure out which is best suited to their auxological condition. The rules and duration of physical activities should be appropriate to the age of the participant and excessively long distance (competitive) running events are not recommended for children prior to maturation. Important is the difference between competitive sport and not competitive, both in terms of efforts as hours per week as involvement in physical stress. Sports activities are necessary also to prevent chronic diseases like obesity, arterial hypertension, cardiovascular disease, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes and anxiety. Good health or good physical condition is guaranteed by a healthy lifestyle rather than a genetic inheritance. Few but very important are the factors that contribute to a good aging, including physical movement.

Interscholastic Sports Participation and School Based Delinquency: Does Participation in Sport Foster a Positive High School Environment?

This article uses social control and cultural spillover theories to frame how sports programs might impact the school environment. Using a nationally representative sample of roughly 1,200 public high schools, the relationship between school sports participation rates and in-school delinquent behaviors are examined. Results indicate that schools with higher proportions of sports participants report significantly fewer serious crimes (i.e., violent crimes) and suspensions occurring on school grounds. However, the incidence of minor crimes is unrelated to the proportion of students engaging in school sports. The results of this study support social control theory and suggest that one way to reduce violence and delinquency in schools is through encouraging participation in sports programs.

Availability of High School Extracurricular Sports Programs and High‐Risk Behaviors

The Surgeon General has called for an expansion of school-based extracurricular sports programs to address the obesity epidemic. However, little is known about the availability of and participation in high school extracurricular sports and how participation in these sports is related to high-risk behaviors. We surveyed Los Angeles County public high schools in 2002 to determine the number of extracurricular sports programs offered and the percentage of students participating in those programs. We used community data on rates of arrests, births, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among youth to examine associations between risk behaviors and participation in sports programs. The average school offered 14 sports programs, and the average participation rate was 39% for boys and 30% for girls. Smaller schools and schools with higher percentages of disadvantaged students offered fewer programs. The average school offering 13 or fewer programs had 14% of its students participating, while the average school offering 16 or more programs had 31% of its students participating in sports. Controlling for area-level demographics, juvenile arrest rates and teen birth rates, but not STD rates, were lower in areas where schools offered more extracurricular sports. Opportunities for participation in high school extracurricular sports are limited. Future studies should test whether increased opportunities will increase physical activity and impact the increasing overweight problem in youths.

EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS AND INVOLVEMENT IN COMPETITIVE SPORTS IN ADOLESCENT FEMALES

It has been demonstrated that participation in community sports programs is associated with high levels of overall physical activity for children (Trost et al., 1997). However, it is not known whether involvement in sports programs is associated with higher overall levels of physical activity in adolescents. PURPOSE To determine whether involvement in competitive sports would also be associated with higher levels of overall physical activity in adolescent females. METHODS Participants for this study were 222 adolescent females (12–18 years of age) who attended schools in a mid-size Canadian city. During one class period, participants completed questionnaires that assessed their typical level of physical activity and their involvement in competitive sport programs. The Modified Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (MAQ-A; Aaron et al., 1995) was used to assess physical activity levels. To assess participation in competitive sports participants were asked, “During the past 12 months, how many team or individual sports did you participate in on a competitive level?” Responses could range from none to 4 or more activities. RESULTS Using ANOVA, results revealed level of physical activity differed significantly across the different levels of involvement in competitive sport, F (4,217)=7.30, P < .001. Post hoc tests revealed that those engaging in 4 or more competitive activities per year reported significantly higher levels of overall physical activity than those reporting no involvement in competitive activities over a similar period. It is worth noting that those engaging in 4 or more competitive activities (M=9.4 METS) were obtaining enough physical activity to receive health benefits; those not participating in any competitive activities (M=3.2 METS) were not active enough to obtain health benefits. CONCLUSION The results extend previous research in children showing that participation in sports programs is associated with higher overall levels of physical activity in adolescents. Supported by CIHR