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In rugby union, physical characteristics may partially contribute to long-term career progression, especially during adolescence. Therefore, the primary purpose of the study was to evaluate Italian regional rugby union academy players' (i.e., under-18) anthropometric and physical characteristics during a competitive season. Body mass, height, upper- and lower-body maximal strength, sprint, and high-intensity running ability were assessed in 29 elite players (backs, n = 13, forwards, n = 16). A mixed-design analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures showed that backs were shorter (ES = 0.59), lighter (ES = 0.94), stronger relative to body mass (bench press; ES = 0.60; deadlift; ES = 0.63; clean ES = 0.63; rowing ES = 0.67), and fitter (shuttle run max; ES = 0.38; shuttle run tot; ES = 0.79) than forwards. However, the forwards achieved greater sprint momentum (initial sprint momentum; ES = 0.97; maximal sprint momentum; ES = 0.98). During the season, players changed in stature, upper-body maximal strength, jumping, and high intensity running (p < 0.05), but not in body weight or lower-body maximal strength (p > 0.05). Maximal strength improved in the first part of the season, whereas jumping and sprinting performances increased in the last part of the season. Therefore, these findings highlight the importance of regularly monitoring the physical development in a long-term perspective, even suggesting that physiological adaptations are heterochronic between positional roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ACSM/CESP push-up test exemplifies the limiting nature of the gender binary in fitness. Males perform the standard push-up (from toes) while females perform the modified push-up (from knees), even if capable of multiple standard push-ups. Differences in upper body strength are used to justify the test protocol. Though the load difference between modified and standard positions is substantially less than the gender strength gap. Additionally, current fitness ratings are over 30 years old. The purpose of this study was to develop a new standard push-up rating scale for college-age females. Cis-female college students (n = 72) were recruited to perform maximal repetitions in the modified and standard positions. Health history and physical activity information was gathered prior to the test. Trained research assistants provided standardized warm-up, modelled correct form, and administered the tests. Order of the tests was randomized and there was at least 48 hours between test days. Mean push-ups in the standard position was 9 (8.87) and 17.5 (11.76) in the modified position. Participants who resistance train did significantly more repetitions of each. Linear regression was used to develop an equation to predict standard pushup repetitions from modified repetitions. The equation was applied to the current repetition ranges for each fitness category, and a new standard scale was developed. The new scale ratings are similar to the Revised Push-up but lower than the Fitnessgram® Healthy Zone. The modified or "girl" push-up contributes to gender stereotypes about muscular fitness. Providing females with the option to be graded on the standard push-up is a step to reducing gender bias in fitness. Future research is needed to validate this scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firefighters are required to perform a wide array of physically demanding job tasks, such as forcible entry, charged hose advances and victim extractions. An adequate level of muscular strength and power are required to successfully perform these tasks. The purpose of this study is to investigate the differences in stronger and weaker firefighters in measures of power. Archived data for twenty-seven (age = 34.3 ± 7.9 yr, body height = 176.3 ± 7.2 cm, body mass = 89.4 ± 15.7 kg) full-time firefighters were analyzed. Participants were placed into one of two groups [i.e., stronger (HIGH) (n = 13) and weaker (LOW) (n = 14)], based on their relative isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTPr) performance. Power measures included counter-movement jump (CMJ) height, and peak anaerobic power in watts (PAPW). Significant mean score differences were not discovered between HIGH and LOW IMTPr groups on any measures of lower-body power. Moderate positive correlations were observed between IMTP and CMJ (r = .519; p = .01). This study identified significant differences in absolute and relative strength between firefighters who were able to lift at least 2.0x their bodyweight versus those who were not. Additionally, absolute strength (as assessed by the IMTP) was significantly and positively correlated to CMJ height when compared to their weaker counterparts. These findings may provide insight into approaches for improving occupational performance and durability through the physical development of firefighters via strength and conditioning programs which focus on developing absolute strength, relative strength, and power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Identify how modified Lower-Quarter Y-Balance Test (mYBT-LQ) and Upper-Quarter Balance Test (mYBT-UQ) scores relate to injury risk and measures of physical performance in elite adolescent Australian Football (AF) athletes.Design: Prospective cohort study.Methods: Pre-season mYBT-LQ, mYBT-UQ, and physical performance measures (speed, jump height, and agility) were obtained in 257 elite adolescent male AF athletes. Injury status was tracked across the 18-game season to determine the relationship between mYBT scores and injury risk based on time-to-event analysis. Cross-sectional analysis of mYBT-LQ scores and performance measures determined the relationships between these variables.Results: There were no significant associations between injury risk and any single mYBT parameter. However, athletes with high posteromedial asymmetry and good agility performance (top 25% of the cohort) had moderately increased injury risk with and tended to without a previous injury history (Hazard Ratio = 3.26 [95% Confidence Interval: 1.01, 10.54; p = 0.048] and 2.69 [95% Confidence Interval = 0.92, 7.82; p = 0.069], respectively). There were significant correlations between faster agility times and higher composite limb-length normalised mYBT-LQ (r = -0.210; CI = -0.324, -0.090), limb-length normalised average posteromedial reach score (r = -0.227; CI = -0.340, -0.108), and limb-length normalised average posterolateral reach score (r = -0.250: CI = -0.361, -0.132).Conclusion: In isolation, the mYBT is not useful for identifying injury risk in junior AF athletes, and only small correlations between mYBT-LQ and physical performance variables were identified. However, high mYBT-LQ posteromedial asymmetry is associated with increased injury risk for athletes with good agility performance. This should be considered within athlete preparation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte is the property of Redprint Editora Ltda. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte is the property of Redprint Editora Ltda. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Muscular strength is a critical component of physical health. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine age- and sex-based differences in functional strength and rates of referral for education in a large international sample of Special Olympics athletes. A total of 30,358 (male = 19,661) adult (20-69 years old) athlete functional strength records were utilized from the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes database. Descriptive statistics were computed for the following tests: timed sit to stand, partial sit-up, grip strength, and seated push-up. Analyses of variance with Fisher-Hayter pairwise comparisons generally supported age-related decreases in strength among both males and females in this study. Overall, male participants were stronger than the female participants. However, significantly fewer women were referred for education based on their grip strength scores. The rates of referral for education are a concern regarding core- and leg strength for more than one-third of athletes over the age of 30. These findings suggest that a substantial proportion of Special Olympics athletes would benefit from additional strength and conditioning training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of RICYDE. Revista Internacional de Ciencias del Deporte is the property of Revista Internacional de Ciencias del Deporte and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Several studies have reported the application of inappropriate assessment protocols to assess physical fitness in police officers (PO) unvalidated cut-off points for this specific group were used. The aim is to propose specific normative values obtained from the application of a battery of physical tests. In addition, the contribution of age, body mass index, and waist perimeter on the results was also evaluated. We performed a descriptive-analytical study in male PO 20 to 39 years of age who participated in a promotion process. Physical fitness was evaluated with handgrip strength, agility test, the Abalakov vertical jump, and a 1000- meter run. The sample included 828 PO with a mean age of 29.90 ± 4.69 years. A percentile classification of the physical tests evaluated is presented as a proposal of normative values for this group. The mean of handgrip strength was 43.97 kg (SD = 5.64); the agility test was performed in 12.11 seconds (SD = 1.11); lower body power was 32.07 cm (SD = 4.74) and the maximum respiratory capacity estimated was 45.34 ml/kg/min (SD = 3.47). Age, body mass index and waist circumference explained 28% of the variance of the maximum respiratory capacity (p < .01). The data can be used as a reference for specific decision-making during PO assessmen [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this investigation was to design and examine the reliability of a 7×15m repeated on-ice skating sprint test for female ice hockey players. Seventeen women (X ± SD age, height and body mass = 21 ± 2 years, 166.2 ± 6.4 cm and 61.9 ± 7.7 kg, respectively) completed 7 consecutive on-ice sprints of 15m repeated every 15s. Two trials of the test were performed on the same day and then repeated on a different day approximately 1 week later for a total of 4 trials. The fastest 15m time, mean time for 7 sprints and total sprint time collapsed across all 4 trials was 2.96 ± 0.12s, 3.05 ± 0.13s and 21.35 ± 0.89s, respectively. There were no significant differences between trials for any variable. Typical error (TE), coefficient of variation (%CV) and intra-class coefficients (ICC) for the fastest 15m time, mean of 7 sprints, and total time were ICC = 0.77, TE = 0.06s and %CV = 2.1; ICC = 0.91; TE = 0.04s and %CV = 1.4; and, ICC = 0.91; TE = 0.29 and %CV = 1.4 for all 4 trials, respectively. Players in the forward position had a faster mean 15m time and lower total time compared to those in the defensive position (p < 0.05). These findings show that a 7×15m repeated on-ice sprint test for varsity women ice hockey players was reliable. It was also found that forwards had a better mean of 7 sprint time and faster total time compared to players in the defensive position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• There has been a steady, moderate improvement in mean 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) for older Japanese adults (aged 65–79 years) between 1998 and 2017. • Gender- and age-related temporal differences in mean 6MWD were negligible. • Variability in 6MWD declined substantially, indicating that the improvement in mean 6MWD was not uniform across the distribution. • There were corresponding increases in mean standing height, mean body mass, and the percentage of older adults who participated in exercise/sport at least 3 days per week and at least 30 min per session. The 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) is an excellent measure of both functional endurance and health. The primary aim of this study was to estimate temporal trends in 6MWD for older Japanese adults between 1998 and 2017; the secondary aim was to estimate concurrent trends in body size (i.e., height and mass) and self-reported participation in exercise/sport. Adults aged 65–79 years were included. Annual nationally representative 6MWD data (n = 103,505) for the entire period were obtained from the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Temporal trends in means (and relative frequencies) were estimated at the gender–age level by best-fitting sample-weighted linear/polynomial regression models, with national trends estimated by a post-stratified population-weighting procedure. Temporal trends in distributional variability were estimated as the ratio of coefficients of variation. Between 1998 and 2017 there was a steady, moderate improvement in mean 6MWD (absolute = 45 m (95% confidence interval (95%CI): 43–47); percent = 8.0% (95%CI: 7.6%–8.4%); effect size = 0.51 (95%CI: 0.48–0.54)). Gender- and age-related temporal differences in means were negligible. Variability in 6MWD declined substantially (ratio of coefficients of variation = 0.89, 95%CI: 0.87–0.92), with declines larger for women compared to men, and for 75–79-year-olds compared to 65–74-year-olds. Correspondingly, there were moderate and negligible increases in mean height and mass, respectively, and negligible increases in the percentage who participated in exercise/sport at least 3 days per week and at least 30 min per session. There has been a steady, moderate improvement in mean 6MWD for older Japanese adults since 1998, which is suggestive of corresponding improvements in both functional endurance and health. The substantial decline in variability indicates that the temporal improvement in mean 6MWD was not uniform across the distribution. Trends in 6MWD are probably influenced by corresponding trends in body size and/or participation in exercise/sport. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Physical therapists have been called upon to conduct annual screens focused on optimizing movement and slowing the progression of impairments in body functions. Screens are thought to be important, especially in an aging population, but there are limited data on participants' impression of screening and their implementation into practice. The first objective of this study was to examine aging adults' perception of a physical therapist–led physical fitness screening tool, the Adult Functional Independence Test (A-Fit). The A-Fit is a comprehensive screen that includes tests of posture, flexibility, balance, mobility, endurance, and strength for those aged 50 years and older. The second objective was to examine the practicality and implementation of the A-Fit, taking into consideration time requirements and the ability of the test components to identify deficits. Methods: This was a cohort study using a convenience sample of 37 participants (26/11 females/males, mean age = 59.6 years). A physical therapist performed the A-Fit to assess participants' physical fitness and then developed a physical activity plan to address the participants' deficits and goals. Performance on the A-Fit, the relationship between the components of the A-Fit, and time to complete the A-Fit were examined. One week after the session, participants' perceptions of the A-Fit and the overall session were assessed by survey. Results and Discussion: Participants strongly agreed that the screen was beneficial, useful, and worth their time. Fifty-eight percent of participants would repeat the A-Fit annually and 42% would pay for this service. Seventy-four percent reported that they would pay between $1 and $100. The average session length was 75 (SD = 13.4) minutes. On average, participants had 5.2 (SD = 3) deficits in physical fitness. Deficits in upper body strength and balance were the most frequent areas of deficits. Only single leg stance balance and ankle strength were highly correlated indicating that most of the A-Fit components were measuring different aspects of fitness. Conclusion: The A-Fit could be a feasible screening tool for physical therapists to implement in the clinical setting and have value in identifying aging adults with declines in physical fitness and those who would benefit from further interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soccer involves explosive physical actions requiring strength, power, and agility for optimal performance. Such attributes may be trained several ways, of which power-band resistance training has received limited attention regarding the potential for performance improvement in soccer players. This study serves to determine the effect of power-band resistance training on 1-repetition maximal (1RM) strength, speed, standing vertical jump (SVJ) height, and agility of collegiate soccer players. Seventeen male players (age: 20.47 ± 1.85 years, height: 1.77 ± 0.08 m, mass: 70.49 ± 4.15 kg) were matched and randomly allocated into either a conventional resistance group (CON, n = 8), or a power-band resistance training group (EXP, n = 9). Following a 6-week intervention, participants were re-assessed relative to their baseline values, showing improvements in 1RM squat mass (CON: +31.57%; EXP: +34.61%), 1RM deadlift mass (CON: +15.44%; EXP: +13.72%), and SVJ height (CON: +4.15%; EXP: +6.35%). Power-band resistance training produced greater results compared to conventional training in 1RM squat mass, even when between-group baseline values were controlled for (ANCOVA, F(1,14)=5.32, p = 0.037, ηp²=.28). No other between-group differences were evident, showing no clear methodological superiority. Power-band resistance training shows potential as an effective training methodology compared to conventional resistance training to improve performance variables in university soccer players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a functional resistance training design has similar effects on measures related to movement, upper body endurance, core endurance, and flexibility in young adults compared to a traditional resistance training design. Twenty-four healthy volunteers (19 to 24 yrs) were randomly placed into a Traditional Training Group (TT) (n = 12) and a Functional Training Group (FT) (n = 12). The subjects were tested prior to and after completing the 12-wk training program. Performance testing battery included: flexibility, timed flexion and back extension endurance, timed right and left side bridge endurance, push-ups, and the Functional Movement Screen (FMS). A composite score was calculated across FMS tasks and reported for each subject. Dependent samples t-tests and ANCOVA were used to evaluate within and between group differences. The FT group improved significantly in push-ups (P=0.000), extension endurance (P=0.006), left side bridge (P=0.001), right side bridge (P=0.001), flexibility (P=0.005), and FMS score (P=0.000). The TT group improved significantly in push-ups (P=0.000) only. There was a group effect, indicating significantly greater improvements in timed flexion (P=0.046), extension (P=0.033), right side bridge (P=0.000), and FMS (P=0.001) in the FT group compared to TT group. These results suggest that FT methods may be beneficial for improving core endurance and measures of functional movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(a) to analyse the effect of age on physical fitness (PF) and on-duty task (ODT) performance of male police officers (PO); (b) to analyse the relationship between PF and ODT performance of male PO; and (c) to identify the set of PF attributes which better predicts the ODT performance of male PO. A total of 97 Portuguese male non-elite PO (Public Security Police) took part in this cross-sectional study. Participants were allocated to four age categories (20-29, 30-39, 40-49, and >49 years old), and performed fourteen PF evaluations and one on-duty task simulation test (ODT-ST). MANOVA, partial correlations and multiple linear regression analysis were used. We observed (a) a significant decrease of performance with aging (PF attributes, partial eta-squared=0.763; total time on ODT-ST, partial eta-squared=0.498); (b) significant positive associations between body mass index and fat mass with total time on ODT-ST; (c) a significant negative association between standing broad jump (SBJ), sit-up, push-up, bench-press ratio and aerobic capacity with total time on ODT-ST; and (d) that SBJ, abdominal muscular endurance and aerobic capacity were significant predictors of total time on ODT-ST (R²=0.983). PF attributes and ODT performance of Portuguese male non-elite PO decrease significantly with aging. To prevent the observed decrease of performance it seems advisable to implement regular strength and conditioning programmes, which should include muscular power, core strength and aerobic fitness development, to maintain physical capacity and occupational duties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attitude is an elusive construct and yet has a profound impact on human behavior via behavioral intentions. Attitudes formed during childhood can impact the choices we make in our daily lives to be active or to remain sedentary. These attitudes are shaped by evaluative responses, yet the impact of attitudes does not get the recognition it deserves in physical education. This paper explores how attitudes develop, what we know about attitude research, and why attitudes matter in physical education. The "attitudes matter approach" should be deliberately planned to foster the development of positive attitudes in the learning environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical educators are often held to a higher standard of physical fitness. The ability to effectively convey the importance of physical fitness may depend upon the ability to appear physically fit. The ability to perform at a minimal level of proficiency on fitness tests was deemed important by the faculty of one physical education teacher education program (PETE). In an action research evaluation, the faculty examined standards presented in the literature, as well as questionnaire responses by students, to develop reasonable passing scores for physical education majors. Results indicated the students are receptive to minimal standards and the initial standards are achievable by most students in the PETE program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine perceptions of physical educators toward state-mandated use of FITNESSGRAM®. Two validated instruments were employed to collect data regarding teacher (n=174) perceptions and use. Mean (M) and standard deviations (SD) were calculated for all scale scores with t-tests and ANOVAs testing for differences by selected demographics. Overall attitudes toward FITNESSGRAM® were slightly positive (M = 4.52, SD = 1.06) on a 7-point Likert scale. The demographic variable gender (p = 0.017) was found to be statistically significant. In regards to the application of FITNESSGRAM® results, teachers more than frequently used the results (M = 5.51, SD = 1.12) on a 7-point Likert Scale. Class size (p = 0.015) was found to influence their use. Teachers reported a positive attitude toward FITNESSGRAM® and indicated that the test administration was enjoyable. Most recommendations for use of results were adhered to except parental reporting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seated medicine ball throw (SMBT) is a field test intended to assess upper-body muscular power by measuring the maximal distance an individual can throw a medicine ball from an isolated, seated position (25). The SMBT has been used to assess upper-body power in various populations and to establish concurrent validity for other measures of upper-body power such as the bench press power test and the plyometric push-up. The SMBT is less costly and simpler to incorporate into a field test battery than other upper body power assessments. While the SMBT is a valid, reliable field test for upper-body power, normative reference standards for most populations, including adolescent (12-15 years old) physical education students, do not exist. Purpose: This study reports distances thrown in the SMBT to establish normative reference values in male and female physical education students, ages 12-15 years old. Methods: One hundred thirteen untrained male and female physical education students aged 12-15 years performed the SMBT field test three times on a single testing day. Participants threw a 2 kg medicine ball with a 19.5 cm diameter while seated on the floor with the upper torso against the wall (legs extended, trunk angle 90°). Likewise, age, height, and body mass were assessed. Results: Participant data was separated by age gender for analysis. Mean and standard deviation for the SMBT for males was 4.3 ± 0.7 m and 5.2 ± 0.8 m for ages 12-13 and 14-15, respectively, and for females was 3.4 ± 0.5 m and 3.7 ± 0.5 m for ages 12-13 and 14-15, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficients (i.e. PCCS or r) were calculated for trial pairs (i.e. T1 vs T2, T2 vs T3, T3 vs T1) for both female and males at age groupings of 12-13 and 14-15. The aforementioned PCCs ranged from r = 0.85-0.97. Normative reference values as percentile ranks for the SMBT scores for age groups 12-13 and 14-15 among males and females, respectively, were also established. Conclusion: The data presented provides an initial set of normative reference standards for coaches and students to determine upper-body muscular power using the SMBT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most studies comparing objective measurements of physical activity are carried out on a treadmill or in free living activities and generally at low/moderate intensities. Purpose: To compare energy expenditure, correlation and exercise intensity measured by accelerometer and heart rate (HR) monitor during different exercises. Methods: This is a comparison study testing convergent validity between accelerometer and HR-monitor. A total of 26 participants (15 women) with a mean age of 21.8 2.4 years were included. The ActiGraph GT3x with 60 s epoch length was used to measure the participants' accelerometer counts. HR was measured using Polar team 2 HR belts during 4x4 min running (four intervals lasting four minutes), 4×4 min spinning and Zumba. Results: Pearson correlation coefficient between mean % HR max and accelerometer counts was 0.69 in Zumba, 0.14 in 4x4 spinning and -0.42 in 4x4 running. Estimated energy expenditure from accelerometer was 2.25±1.69 kcal/min lower, i.e. 18.6 %, than energy expenditure estimated from HR monitor during 4×4 running. The corresponding numbers for 4×4 spinning and Zumba were 6.27+2.18 kcal/min lower, i.e. 55.7% and 2.64+1.78 kcal/min lower, i.e. 23.6%, respectively. A Bland-Altman plot shows that this difference increases with higher activity level in Zumba. For 4×4 min running the HR-monitor and accelerometer classified 76% and 60%, respectively, of the participants' activity as vigorous intensity. Conclusion: A large instrumental variation in energy estimation across activities was found. Energy expenditure estimated by accelerometer was around 20% lower for 4×4 running and Zumba, and around 50% lower for 4×4 spinning, compared to energy expenditure estimated from HR monitor. The large variation in the correlation coefficients reflects the methodical differences explained in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite extensive critique, the teaching of Health and Physical Education (HPE) continues to be characterised by individualised and performative ideologies which are reflected in part by a continued focus upon fitness testing. There has been little attempt, however, to explore Australian HPE teachers' thoughts and reasoning for its privileged inclusion in their programmes. This paper draws on findings from a broader two-phase, mixed-method research project carried out in the state of Victoria which explored HPE teachers' perspectives on the Health Education-Physical Education (PE) nexus. Here we focus specifically on the data related to teachers' perspectives on fitness testing as a context for learning. The findings suggest that, firstly, many teachers felt unsure about why they used fitness testing, and that they needed more professional development (PD) to support the integration of Health Education and PE in HPE. Secondly, while teachers offered a range of justifications for their use, others were critical of fitness tests as an educational practice. Although based on a small sample, this study is the one of first that we are aware of to probe the beliefs, logics and ambivalences that HPE teachers feel towards fitness testing. These data suggest that rather than monolithically conservative or fixed, some HPE teachers' views are beginning to reflect the dangers and shortcomings of fitness testing as a context for learning. There are, at the very least, 'cracks' in the way HPE teachers think about fitness testing. These cracks represent opportunities for shifting HPE practice, most obviously through PD and less formal kinds of collegial dialogue. Perhaps most interesting of all, these data exemplify an instance where the theory/practice divide may not be so wide after all, and that what some teachers need most may simply be to be validated and encouraged in their already critically reflective thinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Collegium Antropologicum is the property of Croatian Anthropological Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of this study was to examine the current health status of a sample of Scottish youth in relation to physical fitness. A sample of 76 children aged 10.2 ± 0.56 years had indices of fatness, physical activity, cardio-respiratory fitness and muscular fitness assessed. A high percentage of participants were found to have unhealthy levels of cardio-respiratory fitness and explosive strength (82.9% and 81.6%, respectively). A positive (β = 0.242) although weak (R2 = 0.39) overall relationship was observed between physical activity and cardio-respiratory fitness, though was stronger in the boys than the girls (R2 = 0.725 vs. R2 = 0.347). The data suggests that interventions improving physical activity participation, weight status and physical fitness are essential prior to adolescence in order to improve health and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Texas Senate Bill 530 (2007) mandated fitness assessment as part of the annual K-8 Physical Education (PE) curricula, yet no studies have reported interventions designed to improve and quantify individual student passing rates or individual school performance. Students (Total 2008-2010 N=1484; 729 females, 755 males; mean age = 11.85 y; mean BMI = 22.69 or > 90%-tile, overweight) were evaluated on individual FITNESSGRAM® performances in a cross-sectional analysis of 6th graders comparing baseline scores (year 1) with outcomes of a physical activity intervention in years 2 and 3. Students participated in regular PE classes (including campus wellness center activities) with a once a week focus (FITNESSGRAM® Friday) on improving mile run scores and other assessment scores. Students significantly improved FITNESSGRAM® scores following the PE intervention to levels similar to state reported averages. On average, boys improved their pushups by 32.7%, trunk lift by 17.4% and mile run times by 29.5%. Averages for girls improved by 15.4% for pushups, 6.7% for truck lift, and by 38.6% for the mile run. The percentage of boys in our study achieving all six FITNESSGRAM® tests in the HFZ was 3% at baseline and 22% following intervention. The percentage of girls meeting the criteria for the HFZ on all six FITNESSGRAM® tests was 4.5% at baseline and 20% following intervention. This study provides a potential model for fitness success in other middle school PE interventions, in Texas and the nation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at evaluating motor abilities and anthropometric parameters in children aged 6-12 years and their interrelationships. One hundred fifty-two children underwent standard anthropometry (BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, sum of five skinfolds) and motor fitness tests (standing long jump and 30m dash). Data were stratified by age (6-7, 8-9, 10-12 years) and sex (M/F), and the Spearman correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between BMI and the other anthropometric measurements in each class as well as the correlation between anthropometric parameters and fitness tests. The effect of age, sex, and individual anthropometric measurement on velocity or jump length was evaluated by ANOVA. BMI positively correlated with waist circumference and subcutaneous fat, and negatively correlated with body density. Motor fitness was not significantly affected by BMI, while sum of five skinfolds negatively associated with velocity in males aged 6-7 years and with jump length in females aged 8-12 years. Motor fitness significantly correlated with age, and performance was higher in males. Moreover, motor fitness tests positively correlated with each other, especially in females. In the 6- 12 years period motor performance improves with age and improvement is partially sex-related; this correlation is higher in boys, possibly because of their lesser amount of fat. Subcutaneous fat is a better predictor of physical fitness than BMI or waist circumference. Results also suggest that explosive strength and velocity are related the 6-12 years age span, possibly because both are power events, which involve horizontal movement of the centre of mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to pilot a 5-week community-based intervention on improving measures of health-related fitness in overweight children. Data were obtained from 8 overweight and obese 8- to 14-year-old children. Measurements included muscular fitness (curl-ups and modified pull-ups), aerobic capacity (20 meter progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run [PACER] test), body composition (triceps and calf skinfolds), body mass index (BMI), and flexibility (back saver sit-and-reach). A significant reduction in BMI was observed at post-test compared to baseline (P=0.03). There was a significant decrease in body fat at post-test for boys (P=0.013). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Summary: Many overweight and obese individuals have difficulty in performing aerobic fitness tests that require maximal exertion. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability of the Aerobic Power Index (API) submaximal aerobic exercise test, as well as associated variables consisting of oxygen uptake (mlkg−1 min−1) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) in an obese population. Twenty-two obese subjects (3 males and 19 females) aged between 36 and 68 years (mean=45.7±9.8 years), with BMI''s ranging between 30.45 and 39.18kgm−2 (mean=33.63±2.6), participated in two trials that was performed on the same weekday at the same time, but 1 week apart. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) scores for power output (Wkg−1) and oxygen uptake O2 (mlkg−1 min−1) were highly reliable (R 1 =0.95 and 0.96, respectively), while the ICC score for RPE was moderately reliable (R 1 =0.88). Technical error of measurement results for power output (Wkg−1), O2 (mlkg−1 min−1), and RPE were 0.07Wkg−1, 0.71mlkg−1 min−1, and 0.92, respectively. Additionally, a Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient demonstrated a strong relationship between power output (Wkg−1) and O2 (mlkg−1 min−1) for trial 1 (r =0.90) and for trial 2 (r =0.89). Results from this study demonstrated that the API submaximal aerobic exercise test is a highly reliable protocol for use in an obese population, and can be considered as an alternative exercise test to other submaximal cycle tests. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: To evaluate the utility of fitness assessment and trends in drafting of players in the Australian Football League, we analysed height, mass, skinfolds, 20-m sprint, vertical jump, agility run and endurance assessed in the 495 players attending the annual national draft camps between 1999 and 2004. Effects of player position and assessment year were expressed as standardised mean differences (Cohen effect sizes) and interpreted qualitatively. Effect of birth month on chance of being drafted, which may be important in team sports, was also analysed. Compared with midfield players, ruckmen, tall forwards and tall defenders were decisively taller (effect-size range 1.33–1.95, large) and heavier (1.30–1.63, large), but had poorer sprint speed (0.23–0.57, small), aerobic ability (0.66–1.18, moderate) and agility (0.64–1.11, moderate). The only substantial changes in fitness scores over the 5-year period were an increase in height (0.76, moderate) and an increase in 20-m sprint time (0.39, small). A majority (65%) of players attending the camps were born in the first half of a given year, but their chance of being drafted (70%) was similar to that of players born in the second half (64%). We conclude that fitness assessment is useful for differentiating between player positions and identifying some annual trends in recruitment in Australian football, and that players with a second half birth month have been disadvantaged with lower representation at the national draft camp. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Asian Journal of Physical Education & Recreation is the property of Hong Kong Baptist University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)