Softball Throw Research Articles

Applying Snowball Throwing Technique in Improving Students’ Reading Comprehension at SMP Negeri 2 Tompaso

The purpose of this research is to improve students’ reading comprehension through snowball throwing techniques at SMP Negeri 2 Tompaso. The students in the sample were all in first grade, and there were 22 of them. This is a quantitative study that used a pre-experimental design with one group pre-testing and post-testing. The instrument used in collecting data is a multiple-choice test. The result shows that the mean score of the students’ pretest was 6.9 and the mean score of the posttest was 7.9. Thus, it can be concluded that the application of the softball throwing technique improved students’ reading comprehension.

Relationship between children's skills in school subject learning and athletic ability.

Japanese elementary school children are trained in arts and crafts, music, arithmetic, the Japanese language, life environment studies, physical education, and so on. Children must learn through doing as they develop physically, because the range of activities in their daily lives is still narrow. Subject learning is inseparable from daily life. Teachers should plan lessons with an awareness of the physicality of activities. Therefore, this study clarified the relationship between the ability for skillful and quick physical movement and subject learning among Japanese elementary school students. For the second to fourth grades of elementary school, the measurement results and subject evaluation (skill) were compared at the individual level. Students were divided into a group with high grades in subject learning and one with middle and lower grades, and a t-test was conducted to observe if there was a significant difference in the records of two physical activities: repeated side jump and softball throw. Significant difference was found for repeated side jumps depending on whether the arts and crafts grades were high for all children in grades 2-4. Additionally, there was a significant difference in softball throwing records between the second and third graders, depending on whether the children's performance in arts and crafts was high. Conversely, there was no significant difference between the second to fourth grade children's musical scores and repeated side jump records. There was a negative correlation between sophomore and senior year music performances and the softball throwing record. Thus, the development of children's dexterity is related to subject learning. Considering that elementary school teachers spend sufficient time with children on a daily basis teaching subjects such as physical education and music, it may be beneficial for them to be aware of dexterity's importance across multiple subjects. Furthermore, it allows for an approach that engages children in physical activities from early childhood which can help in preparing them for learning a variety of subjects in school.

Relation Analysis of Range of Motion and Motor Ability in Adult with Cerebral Palsy

Studies so far have not clarified the relationship with ROM by directly measuring the motor ability in adult with cerebral palsy, even though ROM is closely related to motor ability. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to reveal the relationship between AROM and motor ability based on the close relationship between ROM and motor ability of cerebral palsy.BR The subjects of this study were 101 adults with cerebral palsy (63 men and 38 women, 36.4±8.9 years old in average age, 162.8±9.6 cm in average height, 59.6±11.2 kg in weight, and 22.5±3.7 kg･m-2 in BMI) using three cerebral palsy welfare centers in Korea.BR The ROM measurement was performed by measuring the AROM (Active Range of Motion), and the items were 25 parts of 7 regions of the whole body. In addition, the motor ability measurements were a total of 10 items of motor ability (grip strength, shoulder strength, sit-up, left-back, and softball throwing) which mainly uses the upper extremities, and 5 items of motor ability (50 m running, side steps, single leg stance, standing long jump and 10 m shuttle run test).BR As a result of analyzing the correlation between AROM and motor ability, significant correlation with all exercise abilities was recognized in the ablation and under burst of foot joints in AROM (p.05). In particular, in the relationship between the bowing of the foot joint and standing long jump, the highest value of all correlation coefficients was shown (p.01). On the other hand, extra-shoulder joint rotation was not recognized to be correlated with all motor skills. In addition, there was less motor ability that showed a significant correlation with neck joint flexion and elongation, intra-shoulder joint rotation, and wrist joint extension. Most of the AROMs of the upper extremity were recognized to have a significant correlation with grip strength, shoulder muscle strength, and trunk forward flexion (p.05). In addition, most of the AROMs in the lower extremities were significantly correlated with sit-ups, convulsions, softball throwing, 50m running, side steps, single leg stance, long jump, and shuttle run test (p.05).BR Taken together, the development of foot and hip AROM among lower limb joints is considered the most important to obtain high motor skills in ambulatory cerebral palsy.

Hubungan Intensitas Bermain Game Mobile Online dengan Kemampuan Motorik Siswa Sekolah Menegah Atas Negeri 1 Berastagi

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the intensity of playing mobile online games with the motor skills of class XI students at SMA Negeri 1 Berastagi, Karo Regency. This research is a correlational study. The population used were students of class X and XI. The samples used were students of class X and XI of SMA Negeri 1 Berastagi, Karo Regency, amounting to 75 students who were taken by using the census technique. The intensity instrument for playing mobile online games is a questionnaire, and motor skills are Barrow motor ability test which includes tests (1) standing board jump, (2) zig-zag run, (3) medicine ballput, (4) softball throw, (5) wall pass, and (6) a 60 yard dush or 55 meter run. Data analysis using product moment correlation test. The results showed that there was a strong relationship between the intensity of playing mobile online games with the motor skills of class X and XI students at SMA Negeri 1 Berastagi, with rx.y = -0.531 > r(0.05)(75) = 0.224 and a significance value of 0.000. < 0.05. It can be concluded that the relationship between the intensity of playing mobile online games and students' motor skills is negative, implying that the greater the intensity of playing mobile online games, the worse the students' motor skills.

Fundamental movement skills in preschoolers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan: a serial cross-sectional study.

BackgroundPhysical inactivity during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have hindered the development of fundamental movement skills in preschoolers. This serial cross-sectional study compared fundamental movement skills by age group before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2019–2020), among Japanese preschoolers aged 3–5 years.MethodsOf the 22 preschools within Unnan City, Shimane Prefecture, Japan, 21 (95.5%) and 17 (77.3%) participated in the 2019 and 2020 surveys, respectively. We analyzed 608 and 517 preschoolers in both surveys. Fundamental movement skills were objectively assessed with a 25 m run, standing long jump, and softball throw, based on the Japanese physical activity guidelines for preschoolers. Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compare the fundamental movement skills data between periods.ResultsFor the 25 m run, participants aged 5 years were faster before than during the pandemic (p = 0.018), while participants aged 3 and 4 years showed no significant differences. Participants aged 3–5 years showed no significant differences before and during the pandemic for the standing long jump (p ≥ 0.072). For the softball throw, all grades scored higher before than during the pandemic (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic impeded the development of fundamental motor skills, especially for object control skills. This highlights the need for interventions aimed at developing fundamental motor skills in preschoolers during and after the pandemic.Supplementary informationThe online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1265/ehpm.22-00049.

Softball Catching Learning Model Development for High School Students

The study aims to create a softball throw and catch learning model for high school students. Based on the findings of observations and interviews, it is possible to conclude that students struggle with throwing and catching techniques on softball material. Physical education teachers face a challenge in providing appropriate learning methods due to a lack of variety in applying the learning model. The research and development (R D) method was used in this study, with six stages of development. The following data analysis techniques were used in this study: This study employs both quantitative and qualitative descriptive data analysis. Based on the findings of this study, ten throwing and catching learning models with various variations have been developed. The effectiveness test was performed with the T-test to determine the effectiveness of the developed product. The t-test value, tcount = 31,647, was then obtained. The value of ttable obtained with confidence level = 0.05, dk = (n-1) = 30 – 1 = 30 was 2.1098. As a result, tcount exceeds ttable (tcount = 31,647 ttable = 2,093). Based on the test criteria of tcount ttable at =0.05 dk = 17, the developed model is very effective for use, particularly at the high school level.

Improvements in Physical Fitness are Associated with Favorable Changes in Blood Lipid Concentrations in Children.

Although accumulating evidence suggests the benefits of cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular fitness, little knowledge exists on how other physical fitness (PF) components are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk markers in children. Additionally, much of the relevant evidence is from longitudinal studies with CVD risk markers at a single time point (i.e., baseline) rather than changes in PF. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether initial 1-year changes in different performance measures of PF (i.e., endurance performance, muscular strength/endurance, flexibility, agility, and speed) can predict the subsequent changes (2-year change) in blood lipid concentrations in children. This 2-year longitudinal study included a total of 251 Japanese children (mean age 9.2 ± 0.4). PF tests were performed to comprehensively evaluate the participant's fitness levels (handgrip strength [upper body muscular strength], bent-leg sit-ups [muscular endurance], sit-and-reach [flexibility], side-step [agility], 20-meter shuttle run [endurance performance], 50-meter sprint [speed], standing long jump [lower body muscular strength], and softball throw [explosive arm strength and throwing ability]). Fasting lipid profile was assayed for triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and non-HDL-C concentration. Multilevel linear regressions were used to examine the associations between the preceding changes (over 1-year) in PF and subsequent changes (over 2-years) in blood lipid concentrations. We also examined the simultaneous associations between 2-year changes in PF and 2-year changes in blood lipid concentrations. For boys, preceding improvement in handgrip strength was negatively associated with TG concentration (β = -0.260, p = 0.030); improvements in bent-leg sit-ups were negatively associated with clustered lipid scores (β = -0.301, p = 0.038) and non-HDL-C (β = -0.310, p = 0.044); and improvements in 50m sprinting were associated with subsequent changes in non-HDL-C (β = 0.348, p = 0.006) and LDL-C (β = 0.408, p = 0.001). For girls, improvements in handgrip strength was negatively associated with TG concentration (β = -0.306, p = 0.017); and improvements in standing long jump were negatively associated with non-HDL-C (β = -0.269, p = 0.021) and LDL-C (β = -0.275, p = 0.019). For boys and girls, there were no significant simultaneous associations between 2-year changes in PF and 2-year changes in blood lipid concentrations. In conclusion, preceding change in physical fitness in relation to change in blood lipid concentration likely reflect a physiological adaptation to growth and maturation since these associations diminished in the subsequent year.

Effect Of Exercise Intervention On Physical Fitness Factors In Elementary School Children

Sports have been very popular after-school activities for children. It is quite likely that sports have a positive effect on child growth in many ways. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, and Technology of Japan has reported that the total scores of physical fitness tests differ greatly between those who exercise regularly and those who do not. However, it is not clear how exercise habits affect physical fitness factors during childhood. Such detailed knowledge would be useful in promoting long-term athlete development and improving physical fitness throughout life. PURPOSE: To explore the effect of exercise intervention on physical fitness factors in elementary school children. METHODS: The subjects of this study were 1,079 1st- to 6th-grade male elementary school students. A questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the exercise and lifestyle habits and the results of physical fitness tests conducted at Japanese elementary schools. The existence or not of exercise habits after-school activities and the results of physical fitness tests were used for the analysis. The physical fitness test includes measurements of grip strength, sit-ups, sitting front stretches, side steps, twenty-meter shuttle run, fifty-meter run, standing long jump, softball throw, height, and weight. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between grades in the existence or not of exercise habits about height and weight. After the 3rd grade, children with exercise habits showed higher performance on sit-ups, side steps, the twenty-meter shuttle run, the fifty-meter run, and softball throw than children with no exercise habits. There was little difference in grip strength, sitting front stretches, and long jump between children with exercise habits and those without. CONCLUSION: Endurance, speed, and agility develop greatly in elementary school children who exercise regularly. However, exercise habits have little effect on single strength and power. In addition, differences between children with and without exercise habits are observed after the 3rd grade.

Appraisal of Motor Skills in a Sample of Students within the Moldavian Area.

The selection of children for training in a certain sports branch should be based on the assessment of their physical development and their motor skills. The aim of the study: the evaluation of the students’ motor skills in relation to Body Mass Index (BMI) in order to orient them towards certain sports branches. Methods: The research study was conducted on a sample of 220 fifth grade students within the Moldavian Area. We have calculated the BMI and we have assessed the motor skills according to the national standards established for each school grade. Results: The BMI values are mainly normal (75.45%), yet there are significant differences in development between students in the three counties under analysis, with the most significant values recorded in the county of Suceava (18.48 ± 0.45 for boys and 18.06 ± 0.48 for girls). As far as the push-ups test grading is concerned, 8.63% of the students achieved below 5; there are also significant differences from one region to another (the highest values were recorded in Iasi 11.05 ± 1.00 for boys, 9.93 ± 0.97 for girls, in Suceava 7.98 ± 0.89 for boys and 4.18 ± 0.46 for girls and in Vrancea 9.97 ± 0.48 for boys and 7.70 ± 0.33 for girls). Softball throw was perfectly executed and graded with 10 by 59.09% of the students. Standing long jump was graded with 10 for only 30.45% of the students. The differences obtained according to p-value indicated considerable differences for all motor skills tests and for all study groups. Conclusions: there are substantial differences in children’s physical development and motor skills from one county to another and this aspect is essential in the selection of young people who will practice high performance sports.

HUBUNGAN REACTION TIME DAN POWER LENGAN DENGAN KECEPATAN BOLA HASIL SMASH PADA PERMAINAN TENIS MEJA

This research is motivated by the importance of physical components to the results of the speed of the smash on table tennis including reaction time and arm power. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between reaction time and arm power with the speed of a smash ball in a table tennis game. This study uses a correlational research method. The sample in this study were active members of the Jabung Garut club. A total of 20 samples were taken using purposive sampling technique. The instruments used in this study are the ruler drop test to measure the speed of reaction time and the softball throw test to measure arm power. Data analysis used Statistical Product for Social Science (SPSS) version 22. The results of data analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between reaction time and the smash ball speed, which was p = 0.000 &lt;0.05 with a value of r = -0.719, while the relationship between arm power and ball speed smash results p = 0.001 &lt;0.05 which means there is a significant relationship, and the relationship between reaction time and arm power together with the ball speed smash results produce a significant relationship with the significance of 0.001 &lt;0.05 and r = 0.547. From these results it can be concluded that there is a significant relationship between reaction time and arm power with the speed of the ball smash in table tennis.&#x0D; Keywords: Table Tennis, Smash Ball, Reaction Time, Arm Power

Physical Performance of Participants of Sports Education Camps for Children with Visual Impairments

Introduction: Youths with visual impairments (i.e., those who are blind or have low vision) often demonstrate reduced involvement in sports and related negative effects. This study looked at data from sports education camps to see whether involvement in this short-term intervention positively affected the performance of component sports skills such as running, throwing, and catching. Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of interview and performance data taken at sports education camps in one of 12 U.S. states in the years 1989, 1996, and 2000–2010. Data included questions about students’ attitudes toward and involvement in physical activities and sports. Skill performance measured before and after each camp included standing long jump, overarm softball throw, underarm softball throw, and goalball throw. Results: First-time attendees at the sports education camps demonstrated significant improvement in overarm throw, underarm throw, and standing long jump. Boys had slightly greater increases in standing long jump and overarm throw, and girls had a larger increase in underarm throw. Participants who initially felt safe running improved more in overarm throw and those who initially felt unsafe running improved more in underarm throw and standing long jump. Girls and those who initially felt unsafe running had a significant increase in goalball throwing speed. Discussion: The sports education camp model of short-term intervention for basic sports skill instruction is highly effective in improving physical performance for students who are visually impaired. Implications for practitioners: Students with visual impairments who are demonstrating negative effects from not being active or involved in sports might positively benefit from involvement in a sports education camp.

Physical fitness of non-disabled school-aged children born with extremely low birth weights

BackgroundThe assessment of long-term outcomes in survivors born with extremely low birth weights (ELBWs) has become increasingly important. However, little has been reported on the physical fitness of non-disabled school-aged children born with ELBWs. AimsTo assess the physical fitness of non-disabled school-aged children born with ELBWs. Study designRetrospective cohort study. SubjectsWe analyzed 169 ELBW infants without cerebral palsy or intellectual disability (based on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Third Edition (WISC-III) Full Scale intelligence quotient (IQ) test < 70). Outcome measuresPhysical fitness was assessed using the grip strength, sit-up repetitions, sit & reach, side steps, standing long jump, and softball throw tests. T-scores were calculated using national survey data. ResultsThe T-scores for the grip strength, sit-up repetitions, sit & reach, side steps, standing long jump, softball throw tests, and the overall T-score were 43.7 ± 7.5, 44.2 ± 10.5, 46.0 ± 9.7, 40.9 ± 8.0, 40.0 ± 9.8, 42.4 ± 8.1, and 42.9 ± 5.5, respectively. After adjusting for other age-related factors, the height (SD score), WISC-III Performance IQ score, and percent predicted forced vital capacity (FVC) independently predicted the overall T-scores. Their standardized partial regression coefficients (β) were 0.334 (p = 0.009), 0.190 (p = 0.022), and 0.187 (p = 0.032), respectively. ConclusionsOur cohort's physical fitness at approximately 8 years of age was significantly impaired compared to average Japanese children of the same age. Height, FVC, and Performance IQ independently predicted physical fitness, with height being the strongest predictor.

Biceps Tendon Changes in Youth Softball Pitchers Following an Acute Bout of Pitching.

Because pitch counts do not exist for softball, pitchers may throw between 1200 and 1500 pitches over 3-day tournaments. With this workload, a common symptom among softball pitchers is anterior shoulder pain. The purpose of this study was to examine long-head biceps tendon (LHBT) changes in youth softball pitchers following an acute bout of pitching. Nineteen softball pitchers (11.89±1.2 years; 158.23±9.71 cm; 61.59±14.76 kg) participated. Images of the LHBT were obtained prior to and immediately following a simulated game protocol. Repeated-measures MANOVA was used to determine if there was a difference in LHBT size before and after the simulated game protocol. There were significant increases in both transverse thickness (t 18=-2.76, p=0.013, 95% confidence interval=-0.050 to -0.007) and longitudinal thickness (t 18=-2.64, p=0.016, 95% confidence interval=-0.060 to -0.007) of the LHBT following an acute bout of pitching. Longitudinal and transverse thickness of the biceps tendon significantly increases following an acute bout of softball throwing. These changes may indicate an inflammation response of the biceps tendon and the biceps pulley.

The Role of Lumbopelvic-Hip Complex Stability in Softball Throwing Mechanics.

Studies have found that a 20% reduction in energy generation from the lumbopelvic-hip complex during overhead throws leads to a 34% increase in load on the shoulder. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of lumbopelvic-hip complex stability, via the single leg squat assessment, on throwing mechanics of softball athletes. Prospective cohort study. Laboratory setting. A total of 50 softball athletes (164.0 [104.0]cm, 65.6 [11.3]kg, 16.3 [3.8]y, 8.61 [3.62]y of experience) performed 3 overhead throws and a single leg squat on each leg. Four stability groups were derived: (1)stable on both legs (bilateral stability), (2)unstable on the throwing side leg (TS instability) and stable on the nonthrowing side leg, (3)unstable on the nonthrowing side leg (NTS instability) and stable on the throwing side leg, and (4)unstable on both legs (bilateral instability). All throws were analyzed across 4 throwing events: foot contact (FC), maximum external shoulder rotation (MER), ball release (BR), and maximum internal shoulder rotation (MIR). Mann-Whitney U tests revealed significant differences between the bilateral stability and the TS instability groups in trunk flexion at BR; the bilateral stability and the NTS instability groups in trunk flexion at BR, shoulder horizontal abduction at FC, shoulder rotation at FC, and pelvis flexion at MIR; the TS instability and the bilateral instability groups in trunk rotation at FC; and the NTS instability and the bilateral instability groups in trunk flexion at MER and shoulder rotation at FC. These findings demonstrate the different mechanisms in which energy can be lost through lumbopelvic-hip complex instability as evident in throwing mechanics. The findings from this study suggest that the current methods used for classification could act as a tool for coaches, physicians, and athletic trainers when assessing their athletes' injury susceptibility.

小学校児童における身体組成指標としての体脂肪量／除脂肪量比の意義と健康体力との関連性について

Physical constitution consists of biologically different components, such as fat mass (FM) associated with various risks and fat-free mass (FFM) associated with physical fitness. Given a hypothesis that body composition to provide the best physical fitness is the healthiest, we estimated the relationship between fat-to-lean ratio (FLR= FM/FFM) and physical fitness outcomes in school children. Five hundred and three 4th grade school children aged at 10 years were recruited and their body composition were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. They underwent physical fitness test including grip strength, sit-up, sit & reach, side step, 20m shuttle run, 50m dash, standing broad jump, softball throw. According to the sexes, the subjects were classified into 5 ranks (quintile) based on their heights, and subsequently stratified into 4 groups (quartile) in each height-rank (quintile) groups based on their FLR. By grouping the same FLR quartile group in 5 height-ranks (quintile groups), quartile groups (FLR-1 to FLR-4) were compared among their outcome of physical fitness test. Without relation to heights and FFM, 20m shuttle run as an index of cardiorespiratory fitness, 50m dash and standing broad jump showed significant difference among groups in stepwise manner in both boys and girls, where the most lean group had highest capacity. FM and FFM have to be discriminated each other, because of their characteristic biological significance. FLR, strongly correlated to aerobic power, is a useful index to estimate body composition associated with physical fitness.

The Effects of Pre-Season Resistance Training Program on Fitness Profile of Female University Softball Players

The game of softball is essentially skill related and needs perfection in throwing, catching, hitting and bases running skills. In addition to technical and tactical skills, muscular strength and power are important factors that give clear advantage for successful participation and performance during tournaments. Strength and conditioning programs for collegiate female athletes are important in helping to prepare them for the sport season, and being incorporated into training schedule can facilitate subsequent improvements in skills and technique. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of resistance training program on fitness profile of female university softball players. A total of 20 healthy female university players were involved in this study. All subjects completed pre-test assessments followed by 6 weeks of intervention training for experimental group (n=10), similar duration of the standard training for control group (n=10) and post-test assessments. Fitness tests included 30m run, sit ups, modified push-ups, standing broad jump, 6x10m agility shuttle run and softball throw. Independent and dependent t-test analyses were administered to compare the effects of administered training within and between the groups. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements at post-test assessment, most parameters in experimental group however showed superior improvements as compared to the control group at the time of the post- testing.

Self-talk and softball performance: The role of self-talk nature, motor task characteristics, and self-efficacy in novice softball players

ObjectivesTo determine the effect of self-talk on softball throwing performance. Additionally, two moderators, nature of self-talk and type of motor task, as well as a potential mediator of self-efficacy were examined. DeignAn experimental, within-subjects, and counterbalanced design. MethodsForty-two senior high students (mean age = 17.48 ± 0.55) were instructed to use instructional, motivational, and unrelated self-talk with counterbalanced order prior to softball throwing for accuracy and distance tasks. ResultsBoth instructional and motivational self-talk conditions had better performance than unrelated self-talk on softball throwing accuracy, whereas motivational self-talk had better performance than both instructional and unrelated self-talk in softball throwing for distance. Results for self-efficacy were similar, with self-efficacy for accuracy performance higher in both instructional and motivational self-talk conditions than with unrelated self-talk, while self-efficacy was highest in the motivational self-talk condition and lowest with unrelated self-talk. Significant correlations between self-efficacy and motor performance were also found with both tasks. ConclusionThese findings partially support the task-matching hypothesis, confirm the moderator role of type of self-talk and task type, suggest that self-efficacy has a mediator role, and provide direction for self-talk effectiveness.

The Characteristics Of Development And Criterion Of Physical Fitness Among Young Children During A Year -based On Three-year Follow-up Data

Child care workers and guardians often ask. "What is the ideal degree of physical development in young children?" However, the report concerning the degree of development and a criterion index for the young children is rather limited. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of the degree of development for a year throughout the years during which the physical fitness of the children was observed on the basis of follow-up data (three-years observation period; children between ages three to five). Additionally, a criterion based on the degree of development was prepared. METHODS: The subjects of this study were 613 young children (boys: 308; girls: 305) with standard physiques. We administered physical tests comprising seven types of exercises in order to understand the characteristics of the children's physical fitness; the tests were conducted every November for three years for children between ages three to five. The degree of development for a year, that is, from age three to four (D3-4) and age four to five (D4-5) was used for the analysis. To conduct a statistical analysis of the data, Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient, a two-way ANOVA and multiple comparisons were employed. RESULTS: The analysis revealed that D3-4 and D4-5 were not highly relative in all tests (boys:-0.400∼-0.002; girls:-0.410∼-0.092). Additionally, all had negative correlation coefficients. This suggests that there was no guarantee that more development was observed in D4-5 even when a high degree of development was observed in D3-4. The physical activity custom of promoting development is necessary in any age level. The consequence of ANOVA indicated that D3-4 is larger than D4-5 in significance with regard to the 25-meter run, side-step, and standing long jump. On the other hand, D4-5 is larger than D3-4 in grip strength, softball throw, and upright hand standing time. These results were identical for both the boys and girls. A significant difference was not admitted in sitting trunk flexion. CONCLUSIONS: The neurological function and running ability improve greatly from age 3 to 4. On the other hand, muscle function and throwing ability develop greatly from age 4 to 5 in young children. This study was supported by Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C) (No.22500627) from MEXT in Japan.

Time Of Polarization At The Physical Fitness Level In Children

The physical fitness levels of Japanese children show a tendency to polarize. Many researchers have pointed out that this tendency appears in early childhood. The age at which the polarization in fitness levels occurs is unclear. PURPOSE: This study aims to examine the timing of polarization in the physical fitness levels of young children. METHODS: The subjects were 396 young children with standard physiques. We administered physical tests comprising seven types of exercises to understand the children's physical fitness characteristics; the tests were conducted every November for three years from ages three to five. Finally, at the age of five, the subjects were divided into the upper-ranking group (25%) and the lower-ranking group (25%) on the basis of the results of the physical tests. To conduct a statistical analysis of the data, a two-way ANOVA and multiple comparisons were employed. RESULTS: The analysis revealed a significant difference between the two groups for all the exercises. A significant interaction was found for all the exercises, excluding the 25-m run in the case of boys. The difference between the upper-ranking and lower-ranking groups was already apparent in all the exercises when the children were three years old. With the exception of the 25-m run, the differences between the groups were more significant between ages four and five. The upper-ranking group showed rapid improvement between ages four and five in the following exercises: standing long jump, upright hand standing time, softball throw, and grip strength. Over the course of three years, the lower-ranking group did not display any improvement in the sitting trunk flexion exercise. Although the upper-ranking group showed a consistent improvement in the side step exercise for three years, in the lower-ranking group, there was a decrease from ages four to five. During the three years, there was no major difference in the children's ability to perform the 25-m run. CONCLUSIONS: The polarization tendency of the physical fitness levels appears to be in its infancy. A lot of items become clear from the age of four to five about the difference between the upper-ranking and lower-ranking groups. The physical fitness level during the time before the children enter kindergarten might influence the situation later.

Relationship Between Two Upper Extremity Functional Performance Tests And Shoulder And Trunk Muscle Strength

In contrast to the lower extremity, data concerning upper extremity (UE) functional performance tests (FPT) are more limited. PURPOSE: To determine the relationship of two UEFPT with shoulder and trunk flexion peak torque (PT) and anthropometric characteristics. METHODS: In a random order, 26 healthy, physically active men (1.80±.07m, 80.9±10.1kg 24.9±2.7yrs) completed two UE FPT and concentric isokinetic assessments for shoulder internal rotation (IR) and trunk flexion during a single session. All testing was performed using the dominant arm. The UE FPT consisted of the Underkofler Softball Throw for Distance (USTD) and a one-arm seated shot put throw (SPT). Following two submaximal and one maximal effort warm-up trials, the average of three maximum effort trials of each UE FPT were used for data analysis. Shoulder IR PT (60°/s, 180°/s, 300°/s) and trunk flexion PT (60°/s, 120°/s) were calculated across five trials at each speed. Height, mass and body mass index (BMI) were also measured. Correlational analyses were conducted between UE FPT performance, shoulder PT and trunk flexion PT, and anthropometric characteristics. RESULTS: No significant relationships were revealed with the anthropometric characteristics or trunk flexion PT; however shoulder IR PT at all speeds were moderately related to both UE FPT.TABLECONCLUSION: Normalization to body mass, height and BMI do not appear to be necessary for either UE FPT. The USTD and SPT tests appear to moderately reflect shoulder IR force production capabilities. The lack of significant relationships with trunk flexion PT may be a function of the UE FPT requiring coupled trunk flexion and rotation simultaneously. These data support using the USTD and SPT tests as indicators of shoulder function.