Skill-related Fitness Research Articles

Exercise Modality Is Differentially Associated with Neurocognition in Older Adults.

This study explored the effects of exercise modality and type of fitness index on cognitive function in the older adults as assessed via behavioral and neuroelectrical approaches. Sixty older adults were assigned to an aerobic exercise, a coordination exercise, or a control group based on their previous exercise experience. The participants completed congruent and incongruent trials of a modified Stroop Test, during which, event-related potentials were recorded. The participants also completed multiple physical tests that assessed health- and skill-related fitness. Our findings suggest that, in general, both aerobic and coordination exercise, as well as higher scores on health- and skill-related fitness indices, are positively associated with better performance of various cognitive functions in the elderly population. The mechanisms underlying these relationships may be differentially related to specific neuroelectrical processes involved in neurocognitive control.

Validity and Reliability of Skill-Related Fitness Tests for Wheelchair-Using Youth With Spina Bifida

ObjectivesTo determine content validity of the Muscle Power Sprint Test (MPST), and construct validity and reliability of the MPST, 10×5 Meter Sprint Test (10×5MST), slalom test, and One Stroke Push Test (1SPT) in wheelchair-using youth with spina bifida (SB). DesignClinimetric study. SettingRehabilitation centers, SB outpatient services, and private practices. ParticipantsA convenience sample of children and adolescents (N=53; 32 boys, 21 girls; age range, 5–19y) with SB who use a manual wheelchair. Participants were recruited through rehabilitation centers, SB outpatient services, pediatric physical therapists, and the BOSK (Association of Physically Disabled Persons and their Parents). InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresConstruct validity of the MPST was determined by comparing results with the arm-cranking Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) using paired t tests and Pearson correlation coefficients, while content validity was assessed using time-based criteria for anaerobic testing. Construct validity of the 10×5MST, slalom test, and 1SPT was analyzed by hypothesis testing using Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple regression. For reliability, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and smallest detectable changes (SDCs) were calculated. ResultsFor the MPST, the mean ± SD exercise time of 4 sprints was 28.1±6.6 seconds. Correlations between the MPST and arm-cranking WAnT were high (r>.72, P<.01). Excellent correlations were found between the 10×5MST and slalom test (r=.93, P<.01), while correlations between the 10×5MST or slalom test and MPST and 1SPT were moderate (r=−.56 to −.70; r=.56, P<.01). The variation of the 1SPT was explained for 38% by wheelchair mass (β=−.489) and total upper muscle strength (β=.420). All ICCs were excellent (ICCs>.95), but the SDCs varied widely. ConclusionsThe MPST is a valid and reliable test in wheelchair-using youth with SB for measuring anaerobic performance. The 10×5MST and slalom test are valid and reliable for measuring agility. For the 1SPT, both validity and reliability are questionable.

Effects of methylphenidate on body index and physical fitness in Korean children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The side effects of methylphenidate (MPH) on growth remain a controversial concern. This study aimed to investigate the effect of MPH on clinical symptoms, growth, and physical fitness in Korean children. Fifty male children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treated with methylphenidate (MPH-ADHD), 69 MPH-naïve male children with ADHD (Naïve-ADHD), and 60 age-matched and sex-matched healthy control subjects were recruited. Intelligence quotient (IQ), clinical symptoms of ADHD, body index (height, weight, and body mass index [BMI]), and physical fitness (muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, agility, speed, and balance) were assessed. Total IQ and performance IQ scores were significantly different among the three groups, as were mean Korean Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (K-ARS)-total, K-ARS-inattention, and K-ARS-hyperactivity scores. There was no significant difference in height, weight, or BMI among the three groups. There were significant differences in skill-related fitness scores for balance (healthy controls > MPH-ADHD > Naïve-ADHD) and agility shuttle test time (healthy controls < MPH-ADHD < Naïve-ADHD). Our findings support the effectiveness of MPH treatment for improving IQ, attention, and balance and agility measures of skill-related fitness in Korean children with ADHD. MPH was not associated with growth delays in height, weight, and BMI.

융복합적인 웰니스를 위한 교양체육 수업의 효과 - 체력, 비만 및 대사증후군 지표 중심으로-

The purpose of this study was to develop and manage fitness management class by experimenting effects of fitness management class on obese indices, metabolic syndrome risk factors and health and skill-related fitness in university students. Progress of fitness management class by exercise prescription program according to level of students health and fitness. Comparison of obesity indices, metabolic syndrome risk factors and health and skill-related fitness between fitness management class group and control(physical education class) group in before- and after-16week exercise prescription program. Decision of class contents and establishment of fitness management class. The effects of fitness management class appeared to higher than control group on obese indices, metabolic syndrome risk factors and health and skill-related fitness. In conclusions, we suggest that fitness management class for wellness convergence is effective for health promotion of students.

Effects of Soy Protein Bar Supplement Combined with Resistance Training on Strength and Exercise Performance

Resistance training has been widely used for increasing muscle strength, muscle hypertrophy, rate of force development (RFD), and muscular endurance. Protein supplements are frequently consumed by athletes and recreationally active adults to achieve greater gains in muscle mass and strength and improve exercise performance. PURPOSE: This study was to investigate the effects of soy protein bar consumption on body composition, strength, skill-related fitness and exercise performance when given following 2 weeks of resistance training in student athletes. METHODS: 20 college-aged, health males (age 20.6 ± 1.4 yr) were recruited for this study. Subjects were randomly and equally divided into two groups, either consuming soy protein bar (SOY protein group, 20 g protein/day) or maintaining their daily food intake (Control group) on training days. Subjects trained 3 days per week for 2 weeks on a resistance-training program (including squat, biceps curl, triceps extension, leg extension, leg curl). The soy protein bars were consumed immediately following exercise. Body composition, upper and lower body strength, skill-related fitness, and exercise performance were measured before and after study. RESULTS: Compared to control group, the changes of 1-RM leg curl (+7.78 ± 6.2 vs. +1.25 ± 5.2 kg, p=0.023) and arm curl (+3.50 ± 2.1 vs. +0.94 ± 2.7 kg, p=0.033), power (standing long jump: +12.5 ± 9.4 vs. +3.80 ± 5.5 cm, p=0.021) and push up: +4.4 ± 4.3 vs. +0.6 ± 3.0 times, p=0.036), agility (side step: +1.78 ± 1.0 vs. +0.50 ± 0.8 times, p=0.007), and time to exhaustion (+61.8 ± 31.3 vs. +14.2 ± 59.5 seconds, p=0.050) were significantly improved in SOY protein group. However, no detectable differences were present in body composition. CONCLUSION: Findings from this study showed that the post-exercise consumption of soy protein bar consumption could improve muscle strength, skill-related fitness, and exercise performance in student athletes.

Benefits of Strength and Skill-based Training During Primary School Physical Education.

Physical education (PE) programs are evolving from a traditional skill-centered model to a health-centered model that focuses on time engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). However, improvements in muscular fitness and fundamental movement skills are prerequisites for continuous participation in MVPA. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of integrative strength and skill-based training on measures of physical fitness in children during primary school PE. Children from two fourth grade PE classes were cluster randomized into either a fundamental integrative training (FIT) group (n = 20) or a control (CON) group (n = 21). The 8-week FIT program was performed twice per week during the first ∼ 1 5 minutes of each PE class and consisted of a circuit of strength and skill-based exercises. All participants were assessed for health- and skill-related fitness before and after the intervention. The outcome variables were analyzed via 2 × 2 repeated measures analysis of variance with post hoc analysis. A significant (p ≤ 0.05) interaction of group by time was observed in FIT participants with improvements in aerobic capacity, push-ups, sit and reach flexibility, and single-leg hop. There were no groups by time effects for the sit-up and long jump tests. No injuries were reported. These findings highlight the potential benefits of integrating both health- and skill-related fitness components into primary school PE as evidenced by improvements in measures of aerobic capacity and muscular fitness in children.

The exercise effects on skill-related fitness in adolescents with intellectual disability: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The exercise effects on skill-related fitness in adolescents with intellectual disability: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Benefits of Strength and Skill-Based Training During Primary School Physical Education

Physical education (PE) programs are evolving from a traditional skill-centered model to a health-centered model that focuses on time engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). However, improvements in muscular fitness and fundamental movement skills have been found to be prerequisites for continuous participation in MVPA. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of age-related strength and skill-based training on measures of physical fitness in children during primary school PE. METHODS: Children from two fourth grade PE classes were cluster randomized into either a fundamental integrative training (FIT) group (n=20; age 9.5± 0.3 yr) or a control (CON) group (n=21; age 9.6± 0.3 yr). The FIT program was performed twice per week for 8 weeks during the first 15 min of each PE class and consisted of a circuit of strength and skill-based exercises using body weight, medicine balls, fitness ropes and other equipment. Participants in CON did not perform FIT but attended regular PE class twice per week during the study period. All participants were assessed for health- and skill-related fitness components before and after the intervention. The outcome variables were analyzed via 2x2 repeated measures ANOVA for interactions and main effects for time (pre- vs. post-test) and group (FIT vs. CON) on the dependent fitness variables. RESULTS: After FIT, there was a significant (p≤0.05) improvement (within-groups) in the progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run (PACER), push-up score, single leg hop distance, and sit and reach flexibility test with no improvements in sit-up and long jump performance. CON only made significant improvements in the sit-up and flexibility tests after 8 weeks of regular PE. Compared to the CON group after the training period, the FIT group made significant improvements in the PACER test, long jump distance, single leg hop distance, and push-up score. No injuries were reported and there was 99% voluntary participation in FIT during the study period. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the potential benefits of integrating strength and skill-based training into primary school PE as evidenced by improvements in measures of aerobic capacity and muscular fitness in children.

Effects of two physical education programmes on health- and skill-related physical fitness of Albanian children

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of two school-based physical education (PE) programmes (exercise-based and games-based) compared with traditional PE, on health- and skill-related physical fitness components in children in Tirana, Albania.Participants were 378 first-grade (6.8 years) and 389 fourth-grade (9.8 years) children attending four randomly selected schools in Tirana. Twenty-four school classes within these schools were randomly selected (stratified by school and school grade) to participate as exercise group (EG), games group (GG) and control group (CG). Both EG and GG intervention programmes were taught by professional PE teachers using station/circuit teaching framework while CG referred to traditional PE school lessons by a general teacher. All programmes ran in parallel and lasted 5 months, having the same frequency (twice weekly) and duration (45 min). Heart rate (HR) monitoring showed that intensity during PE lessons was significantly higher in the intervention groups compared with control (P < 0.001). Both PE exercise- and games programmes significantly improved several health- and skill-related fitness indicators compared with traditional PE lessons (e.g. gross motor skill summary score: 9.4 (95% CI 7.9; 10.9) for exercise vs. control and 6.5 (95% CI 5.1; 8.1) for games vs. control, cardiorespiratory fitness: 2.0 ml O2 · min−1 · kg−1 (95% CI 1.5; 2.4) for exercise vs. control and 1.4 ml O2 · min−1 · kg−1 (95% CI 1.0; 1.8) for games vs. control). Furthermore, compared to games-based PE, exercise-based PE showed more positive changes in some gross motor coordination skills outcomes, coordination skills outcomes and cardiorespiratory fitness. The results from this study show that exercise- and games-based PE represents a useful strategy for improving health- and skill-related physical fitness in Albanian elementary school children. In addition, the study shows that exercise-based PE was more effective than games-based PE in improving gross motor function and cardiorespiratory fitness.

Fitness Profile Of Malaysian Adolescent Squash Players

Squash is an indoor game that is the second fastest racket sports if compared to badminton and tennis. Squash game puts a high demand on physical fitness of elite players which requires a quick development of high force, rapid changes of direction and fast reaction. The objective of this study was to develop the physical fitness profile of Malaysian junior state squash players. Sixty five 10 to 18 years old male Kelantan state squash players were tested with seven skill-related fitness tests. SPSS version 20.0 was used to analyze the data collected from the tests. A one-way ANOVA was used to detect statistical differences between groups. A posthoc test (LSD) was performed to determine differences in in the variables between groups. The data was collected for flexibility, speed, muscular endurance, power of upper and lower extremities, agility and cardiovascular endurance. There were significant differences in the mean speed, muscular endurance, agility, power of lower extremities, power of upper extremities, flexibility and predicted VO 2 max between 13-15 and 16-18 years of age groups when compared to 10-12 years old players (p<0.05). Similarly, there were significant differences in speed, muscular endurance, agility, power of lower extremities, power of upper extremities, flexibility and VO 2 max between 16-18 and 13-15 year old players (p<0.05).

Improving Physical And Skill-related Fitness By Playing Xbox Kinect In Sedentary College Students

Improving Physical And Skill-related Fitness By Playing Xbox Kinect In Sedentary College Students

Integrative Neuromuscular Training and Sex-Specific Fitness Performance in 7-Year-Old Children: An Exploratory Investigation

Integrative neuromuscular training (INT) has successfully enhanced physical fitness and reduced abnormal biomechanics, which appear to decrease injury rates in adolescent female athletes. If not addressed at the proper time, low levels of physical fitness and abnormal mechanics may predispose female athletes to an increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries. To evaluate sex-specific effects of INT on selected measures of health- and skill-related fitness in children during physical education (PE). Cohort study. Public primary school. Forty children (16 boys, 24 girls; age = 7.6 ± 0.3 years, height = 124.5 ± 6.4 cm, mass = 29.5 ± 7.6 kg) from 2 second-grade PE classes. The classes were randomized into the PE-plus-INT group (10 boys, 11 girls) or the control group (6 boys, 13 girls) that participated in traditional PE. The INT was performed 2 times per week during the first approximately 15 minutes of each PE class and consisted of body weight exercises. Push-up, curl-up, standing long jump, single-legged hop, single-legged balance, sit-and-reach flexibility test, shuttle run, and 0.8-km run. At baseline, the boys demonstrated higher levels of performance in most of the fitness measurements as evidenced by greater performance on the push-up, standing long jump, single-legged hop, shuttle run, and 0.8-km run (P < .05). In the evaluation of the training effects, we found intervention effects in the girls for enhanced INT-induced gains in performance relative to the control group on the curl-up, long jump, single-legged hop, and 0.8-km run (P < .05) after controlling for baseline. Boys did not demonstrate similar adaptations from the INT program (P ≥ .05). These data indicate that INT is an effective and time-efficient addition to PE for enhancing motor skills and promoting physical activity in children. Seven-year-old girls appeared to be more sensitive to the effects of INT than 7-year-old boys. Future research is warranted to confirm these effects in larger cohorts of children.

Minute to Win It: A Fun Alternative to Improve Skill-Related Fitness

It is essential that physical education teachers provide a curriculum that promotes a positive atmosphere, do away with unneeded comparisons between students by concentrating on individual developm...

Reliability of a field based 2D:4D measurement technique in children

BackgroundThere is limited literature on the relationship between second to fourth finger digit ratio (2D:4D) and health- and skill-related fitness in children. To examine this relationship it is important to establish a reliable method of assessing 2D:4D for use with large groups of children. AimThe aim of the study was to examine the reliability of a field-based 2D:4D measure in children. Methods/research designFifty 8–11year olds had 2D:4D of the right hand measured using a Perspex table top, a digital camera, and Adobe Photoshop software. Second to fourth finger digit ratio (and 2D and 4D) intra-observer and inter-observer reliabilities were assessed on the same day and intraobserver reliability was measured between days. Limits of agreement (LoA), coefficient of variation (CV) and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. ResultsHigh correlation coefficients (r=0.95–0.99) and low CV's (0.4–1.2%) were reported for intra- and inter-observer reliabilities on the same day and between days. LoA revealed negligible systematic bias with random error ranging from 0.02 to 0.12. ConclusionThese findings suggest that 2D:4D (and 2D and 4D) assessment in children using digital photography provides a reliable measure of 2D:4D that can be used during field-based testing.

Effects of Detraining on Fitness Performance in 7-Year-Old Children

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of detraining on fitness performance in 7-year-old children after 8 weeks of muscular fitness training, which took place during the first 15 minutes of regularly scheduled physical education (PE) class. Children from 2 PE classes were cluster randomized into either an exercise group (n = 20) or a standard PE control group (n = 19). Performance on the long jump, single-leg hop, curl-up, and balance test was assessed at baseline, after training, and after an 8-week detraining period. A significant interaction of group by time after training was observed in the exercise group with improvements noted in abdominal curl-up and single-leg hop performance (p < 0.05). After detraining, the exercise group maintained training-induced gains on the curl-up (group mean [95% confidence interval] posttraining of 27.9 [21.2-34.5] to detraining 27.3 [21.1-33.6] repetitions; p < 0.05) and single-leg hop (posttraining 79.8 [73.2-86.4] to detraining 79.7 [73.0-86.5] cm; p < 0.05). Conversely, long jump (posttraining 113.8 [108.2-119.5] to detraining 110 [102.6-117.5] cm; p < 0.05) regressed toward baseline values in both groups. After detraining, balance performance (1.5 [1.3-1.7] seconds) regressed relative to baseline (2.0 [1.7-2.4] seconds) and posttraining (2.0 [1.8-2.4] seconds; p < 0.05). These findings indicate that the phenomenon of detraining in children is complex and characterized by different adaptations and regressions in strength, power, and balance. Regular participation in fitness activities during PE may be needed to enhance and maintain performance in all measures of muscular fitness in 7-year-old children.

Study of Specificity of Professional Skill-Related Fitness by Type of Sports in Elite Disability Sports

Study of Specificity of Professional Skill-Related Fitness by Type of Sports in Elite Disability Sports

Locomotive and Non-Locomotive Activity as Determined by Triaxial Accelerometry and Physical Fitness in Japanese Preschool Children

This study examined the potential relationship between participation in physical activity (PA) assessed by triaxial accelerometry and physical fitness testing, including health-related and skill-related parameters of fitness, in 136 Japanese preschoolers (65 girls and 71 boys, 5.5 ± 0.6 years). In partial correlation analyses, grip strength and 20m shuttle run test were positively correlated with time spent in physical activity ratio (PAR) ≥ 4. Better scores on standing long jump distance and jump over and crawl under tests were associated with lower sedentary time and greater moderate-to-vigorous PA time and PAR ≥ 4 time, and increased physical activity level. Moreover, 25m run speed was positively correlated with time spent in PAR ≥ 4 and locomotive activity. These findings suggest that development of both health-related (muscle strength and aerobic fitness) and skill-related fitness (power, agility and speed) may make engagement in PA easier for preschool children, although further research on the cause-effect relationship is needed.

Effects of Integrative Neuromuscular Training on Fitness Performance in Children

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of integrative neuromuscular training (INT) during physical education (PE) class on selected measures of health- and skill-related fitness in children. Forty children from two 2nd grade PE classes were cluster randomized into either an INT group (n = 21) or a control (CON) group (n = 19). INT was performed 2×/wk during the first ~15 min of each PE class and consisted of body weight exercises. INT and CON participants were assessed for health- and skill-related fitness before and after 8 wks of PE with or without INT, respectively. A significant interaction of group by time was observed in INT participants with improvements noted in push-ups, curl-ups, long jump, single leg hop, and 0.5 mile (0.8 km) run performance (p < .05). These data indicate that INT is an effective and time-efficient addition to PE as evidenced by improvements in health- and skill-related fitness measures in children.

Non-traditional Strength Training Effects on Sport Performance in Collegiate Soccer Players versus College Females

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of traditional (TG) versus non-traditional (NTG) strength training on hamstring: quadriceps (H/Q) functional ratio, power, anaerobic capacity and agility in collegiate female soccer players versus college females. Second, to identify which program best demonstrated sport specific benefits for female soccer players as indicated by performance in H/Q functional ratios at velocities 60°·s-1 and 120°·s-1, 300-m shuttle-run (SH), vertical jump (VJ), and T-test. METHODS: Division II collegiate female soccer players (n=12) and physically active college age females (n=15) were randomly assigned to either the TG (athlete n=6, non-athlete n=5) or NTG (athlete n=6, non-athlete n=9). Participants underwent baseline assessments, eight weeks of strength training, and post-training assessments identical to those completed at baseline. RESULTS: Statistical analyses revealed that non-athlete NTG right and left leg H/Q increased (.18±.15, p=.009 and 06±.09, p=.079) at 60°·s-1, with right leg H/Q reaching statistical significance. At 120°·s-1, the TG showed decreases in left leg H/Q (.24±.42, p=.086) with athlete TG reaching significance (.24±.21, p=.04). The NTG showed non-significant decreases in 300-m SH (s) (4.79±9.21, p=.072) while exhibiting a large effect size (.27). The TG and NTG both significantly increased VJ (cm) (4.45±5.15, p=.017, 2.37±3.90, p=.034). Lastly, at post-test the non-athlete NTG decreased their T-test run time (s) significantly (.92±1.1, p=.03). CONCLUSIONS: It appears that eight weeks of dynamic strength training, including plyometric and body weight exercises, elicited greater performance enhancements than the traditional machine-based strength program as indicated by significance value of p<.10. These findings are supported by the favorable changes observed post- training in both left and right H/Q functional ratios at 60°·s-1, anaerobic capacity, measured by performance in 300-m SH run (s), and in skill-related fitness components power and agility, measured by VJ (cm) and T-test time (s), respectively. Further investigation is warranted to determine the effects of non-traditional strength training methods in a similar population when implemented over a longer training period and with larger sample sizes.

Skill-Related Fitness of Undergraduate Kinesiology Students

Skill-Related Fitness of Undergraduate Kinesiology Students