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Schools are ideal settings to promote adolescent physical activity (PA), yet school-based interventions have shown limited long-term impact. This position paper presents key issues surrounding school-based PA interventions. Collaborative conceptual thinking drawing on multi-author expertise and available evidence advanced our understanding and opinion. Key arguments: 1) the adoption of a systems approach, which maximizes partnership action and leverages policy, is crucial for understanding the complexities of implementing whole-school programs; 2) a reorientation to an assets perspective optimizes existing strengths and resources allowing greater emphasis on the full range of physical, cognitive, emotional and social benefits that PA provides, and 3) a move beyond traditional positivist research designs to advance our knowledge of what works better, for whom and in what context is needed for greater progress We provide suggestions, specifically advocating for systems approaches, as a realistic way to improve how we support PA in schools in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time in which children is engaged in screen time such as TV viewing is a serious health problem and might reduce the use of the time for other potential activities such as play outside or being engaged in physical activity. In addition, it was suggested that children's screen time increases with age and patterns begin in preschool years. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to explore the association between obesity status and weight-related room environment (TV at room) and play outside in preschool girls. This study included 120 preschool girls (4–6 years old). Data were collected through parents' questionnaire about (yes/no) children have TV in bedroom and the perception of playing outside. Multivariate regression was used to determine the association between BMI and play outside with TV in the bedroom. Girls either classified as overweight (OR: 2.6; CI: 1.1–6.0; P ≤ 0.034) or obese (OR: 4.0; CI: 1.2–13.2; P ≤ 0.02) were more likely to have TV in room compared to their lean peers. Girls whose parents reported less outdoor play (

Objectives: School Physical Education (SPE) is an excellent way to improve moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA). To improve health and fitness, the guidelines recommend that at least 50% of class time should be spent in MVPA, though few studies on this assumption have been conducted. The objective of this study was to quantify the amount of MVPA undertaken during a SPE class, according to age and gender. Methods: This study was conducted in three randomly selected Portuguese public schools. A random sample of 191 teenage volunteers aged between 12 and 17 years, composed of 98 males (14.51 ± 1.75 years) and 93 females (14.59 ± 1.83 years) was recruited. An accelerometer was used by each subject to assess MVPA. Results: The mean time spent in MVPA during SPE class (MVPA/SPE) was 25.36 ± 15.69 minutes, which corresponds to 28.18% of the total time spent in SPE class. Males spend significantly more time in MVPA/SPE than females (28.95 vs. 21.58 minutes; p <0.05). As age increased, time spent in MVPA/SPE tended to decrease; the 12-year-old adolescents tended to spend more time in MVPA/SPE compared with the 17-year-olds (30.40 vs. 20.80 minutes). Conclusion: The proportion of MVPA during SPE class time fell short of the 50% recommended by guidelines to improve health. Males spend significantly more time in MVPA/SPE than females and, in both genders, as age increases, time spent in MVPA/SPE tends to decrease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim:The benefits of promoting physical activity (PA) in counteracting the high prevalence of childhood obesity have become increasingly important in the past decade. The aim of this study was to examine the association between compliance of daily PA recommendations and the risk of being overweight or obese in preschool-aged children.Methods:The sample comprised 607 children aged 4-6 years, recruited from kindergartens located in the metropolitan area of Porto, Portugal. Preschooler's body mass index was classified according to International Obesity Task Force. PA was assessed during 7 consecutive days by accelerometer. Children were classified as meeting or not meeting PA recommendations based on two guidelines: (i) at least 3 h per day of total PA (TPA); and (ii) at least 1 h per day of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA).Results:The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 23.5 and 10.6% in girls and 17.2 and 8.9% in boys. In all, 90.2 and 97.3% of girls met the 1 h MVPA and 3 h TPA recommendations, respectively. In all, 96.2 and 99.4% boys met the 1 h MVPA and 3 h TPA recommendations, respectively. Boys were significantly more likely to achieve the 1 h MVPA and 3 h TPA recommendations than girls (P0.001). Not meeting the 1 h MVPA guideline was associated with obesity status (OR: 3.8; IC: 1.3-10.4), in girls, but not boys. No other statistically significant associations were found.Discussion:These findings suggest that over 90% of children met the recommended guidelines. There is an association with low levels of MVPA and higher obesity status among preschool girls. Further, longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to verify whether or not adolescents' perception of physical activity (PA) facilities in their neighbourhood affects moderate-vigorous physical activity level (MVPA). Methods: The final sample comprised 320 Portuguese adolescents (59.7 % girls) aged 14-18 years and enrolled in 9th-12th school grade. The Neighbourhood Environment Walkability Scale-Youth survey was used to evaluate the distance perception from adolescents' homes to PA facilities. MVPA level was evaluated by accelerometers GT1M, and Evenson's cut-points were considered. Results: Boys were more active than girls, mean SD (57.86, 21.05 vs. 51.02, 20.42, p = 0.04). PA facilities type and proximity perception were not associated to MVPA level ( p > 0.05), after adjusting for gender, age, socio-economic status, body mass index, and waist-height ratio. Conclusion: Type and number of PA facilities perceived nearest to home were not related with MVPA level in this Portuguese adolescent sample. However, girls who perceived a school with recreation facilities near their home showed an association with MVPA intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The purpose of this study was to objectively assess pre-school children's total physical activity ( TPA) patterns and compliance with guidelines and to examine differences relative to parental education. Methods The sample consisted on 509 healthy pre-school children, aged 3-6 years recruited from kindergartens located in the metropolitan area of Porto, Portugal. The PA was assessed for 7 consecutive days by accelerometry. For TPA, we followed the guidelines of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education ( NASPE) (children who spent at least >120 min per day in active play). For TPA, we calculated the proportion of children who spent at least >120 min per day in active play and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), we calculated the proportion of children who spent at least >60 min per day in active play. Parental education was analysed according to the Portuguese education system. Results Children with parents in the highest education level were less active than children from low and middle education level ( P ≤ 0.001) in all patterns of PA (week and weekend). Regarding TPA during the week we found that the majority of children from low and middle parental education meet the NASPE guidelines. On the other hand, more than half the children from high parental education did not meet these recommendations ( P ≤ 0.001) and MVPA recommendations ( P ≤ 0.05). In both recommendations, children from low parental education were twice more likely to meet the recommendations compared with children belonging to high parental education. Conclusion Parent education was negatively associated with children's daily physical activity patterns and compliance with guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the associations between muscular fitness and inflammatory biomarkers and to investigate the relationship between muscular fitness and selected clustered inflammatory biomarkers in adolescents. This is a cross-sectional analysis with 529 adolescents (267 girls) aged 12-18 years. Handgrip strength and standing long jump tests assessed MF. Continuous scores of clustered inflammatory biomarkers (sum of Z-scores of C-reactive protein [ CRP], C3, C4, fibrinogen, and leptin); metabolic risk factor ( MRF) score (sum of Z-scores of SBP, triglycerides, ratio total cholesterol [ TC]/ HDL, HOMA- IR, and waist circumference [ WC]) were computed. Regression analyses showed an inverse association between muscular fitness score (β=−.204; P<.021) and clustered score of inflammatory biomarkers, adjusted for age, sex, pubertal stage, socioeconomic status, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, cardiorespiratory fitness ( CRF), MRF score, and body fat. Analysis of covariance showed that adolescents with an adverse inflammatory profile with low levels of muscular fitness exhibit the poorest MRF score ( F3,525=6.461; P<.001), adjusted for age, sex, pubertal stage, socioeconomic status, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, CRF, and body fatness. The inflammatory state seems to explain a significant part of the highest MRF score and in adolescents with high inflammatory status and low muscular strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is already known about this subject Diet and physical activity ( PA) are recognized as important factors to prevent abdominal obesity ( AO)., Studies have found an inverse relationship between milk intake or milk products and body weight and/or body fat in children and adolescents., Evidence suggests that low levels of PA are associated with AO in youth., What this study adds Our study explored the combined association of milk intake and PA on AO in adolescents, which are most often studied in isolation., Our findings suggested that adolescents with high milk intakes, regardless of whether they were active or low active, were less likely to have AO., Our findings could have a great epidemiological interest and bring important evidence in the field of AO management among adolescents., Background Diet and physical activity ( PA) are recognized as important factors to prevent abdominal obesity ( AO), which is strongly associated with chronic diseases. Some studies have reported an inverse association between milk consumption and AO. Objective This study examined the association between milk intake, PA and AO in adolescents. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1209 adolescents, aged 15-18 from the Azorean Archipelago, Portugal in 2008. AO was defined by a waist circumference at or above the 90th percentile. Adolescent food intake was measured using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and milk intake was categorized as 'low milk intake' (<2 servings per day) or 'high milk intake' (≥2 servings per day). PA was assessed via a self-report questionnaire, and participants were divided into active (>10 points) and low-active groups (≤10 points) on the basis of their reported PA. They were then divided into four smaller groups, according to milk intake and PA: (i) low milk intake/low active; (ii) low milk intake/active; (iii) high milk intake/low active and (iv) high milk intake/active. The association between milk intake, PA and AO was evaluated using logistic regression analysis, and the results were adjusted for demographic, body mass index, pubertal stage and dietary confounders. Results In this study, the majority of adolescents consumed semi-skimmed or skimmed milk (92.3%). The group of adolescents with high level of milk intake and active had a lower proportion of AO than did other groups (low milk intake/low active: 34.2%; low milk intake/active: 26.9%; high milk intake/low active: 25.7%; high milk intake/active: 21.9%, P = 0.008). After adjusting for confounders, low-active and active adolescents with high levels of milk intake were less likely to have AO, compared with low-active adolescents with low milk intake (high milk intake/low active, odds ratio [ OR] = 0.412, 95% confidence intervals [ CI]: 0.201-0.845; high milk intake/active adolescents, OR = 0.445, 95% CI: 0.235-0.845). Conclusion High milk intake seems to have a protective effect on AO, regardless of PA level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze longitudinal associations between cardiorespiratory fi tness, physical activity and body mass index in a 4-year longitudinal study. 170 students (97 girls and 73 boys) aged at baseline from 11 to 17 years were followed. Students performed 20-m-SR; physical activity patterns and parents' education were evaluated using a standard questionnaire. Body mass index was categorized according to established cut points. In a multilevel analysis using MLwIN, 2 level structures were defi ned: fi rst for individuals and second for time observations. In a longitudinal 2 level analysis, cardiorespiratory fi tness was negatively associated with body mass index for girls and boys, respectively (p < 0.05; R 2 = 0.63; 0.62), especially with obesity category (p < 0.01; R 2 = 0.58; 0.60). In girls, independent associations were observed between CRF and PA categories regarding participation "almost every day" in organized (p < 0.05; R 2 = 0.50) and non-organized sports outside school (p < 0.05; R 2 = 0.52) and participation in sports competitions (p < 0.05; R 2 = 0.51). In boys, associations were found only with participation in sports competitions (p < 0.05; R 2 = 0.50). The results highlight the importance of youth participation in organized activities and competitive sports over time to achieve health-related fi tness benefi ts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimates of daily energy expenditure are important to studies of physical activity and energy balance. Objective measures are not always feasible and further research is needed to validate survey instruments and diaries. The study validates estimated activity energy expenditure (AEE) based on a 3-day diary protocol relative to AEE derived from uniaxial accelerometry in adolescents, 265 girls and 227 boys (12.5-16.4 years). Participants completed the diary and wore a GT1M Actigraph accelerometer on the same days. Height and weight were measured. Correlations between protocols were significant ( P<0.001) but moderate, r=0.65 in males and r=0.69 in females. The highest correlation occurred among males on Friday, r=0.74 ( P<0.01). Controlling for body mass, partial correlations between protocols decreased to 0.44 and 0.35 in males and females, respectively. About 97% of the cases fell within the limits of agreement in a Bland-Altman plot. The criterion of inclusion for the accelerometer excluded 18% of the initial sample. In summary, the 3-day diary was completed without any major problems and provided a reasonably valid alternative for assessing AEE. Concordance between methods was slightly lower for individuals with higher values of AEE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between cardiac autonomic control derived from heart rate variability (HRV), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and physical activity (PA) levels measured using accelerometers. A total of 80 healthy university students volunteered to participate in this study (20.56 ± 0.82 years, 1.36 ± 1.5 mg/L of hs-CRP). The participants were divided into groups based on tertiles of hs-CRP. Analysis of covariance adjusted to PA was used to assess group differences in HRV. Associations between hs-CRP, HRV indices and PA were analyzed using Pearson's correlation. The participants at the highest tertile of hs-CRP (tertile 3) had lower cardiac vagal modulation (SDNN, tertile 1=78.05 ± 5.9,tertile 2=82.43 ± 5.9,tertile 3=56.03 ± 6.1; SD1, tertile 1=61.27 ± 5.3, tertile 2=62.93 ± 5.4, tertile 3=40.03 ± 5.5). In addition, vagal indices were inversely correlated with hs-CRP but positively correlated with PA (SDNN r=−0.320, SD1 r=−0.377; SDNN r=0.304, SD1 r=0.299; P<0.05). Furthermore, the most physically active subjects had lower levels of hs-CRP and the highest levels of vagal modulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To analyse whether changes in physical activity index (PAI), screen time (ST: television, computer) and body mass index (BMI) made a contribution to longitudinal changes in fitness of children and adolescents. Additionally, we analysed the interaction between baseline fitness level and changes in fitness. Methods: This is a 3-year longitudinal study of 345 high school students aged 11–19 years. Students performed curl-ups, push-ups and 20-m shuttle run tests from Fitnessgram. PA and ST were evaluated using a standard questionnaire. Standardized scores of fitness tests were summed. Changes over time were calculated as Δ1 (2007 minus 2006), Δ2 (2008 minus 2007) and Δ3 (2008 minus 2006). Results: Changes in PAI were positively and independently associated with changes in fitness in Δ1, Δ2 and Δ3. Changes in BMI were negatively associated with changes in fitness in Δ3. Participants highly fit at baseline were those who showed positive changes in PAI over Δ3, decreased changes in ST and had the lowest increase in BMI over 3 years compared with those low-fit at baseline. Conclusions: Changes in BMI were associated with changes in fitness over 3 years. However, changes in PAI were the best predictor for changes in fitness in each year and over the 3 years of evaluation in youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the independent and combined association of physical activity (PA) and sitting time (ST) with allcause mortality in older adults with diabetes. A total of 611 individuals representative of the Spanish diabetic population aged ≥ 60 years. Participants were selected in 2000/2001 and were prospectively followed-up through 2011. PA and ST were self-reported at baseline. Study associations were summarized as hazard ratios (HR) and their 95 % confidence interval (CI). During a mean follow-up of 8.3 years, 282 deaths occurred. The HR (95 % CI) of mortality for very/moderately active individuals compared to those who were inactive/less active was 0.59 (0.45, 0.78). The association between ST and mortality was nonlinear (P < 0.001 in spline analysis), and mortality was increased only among individuals who reported a ST > 8 h/day (HR = 1.77, 95 % CI 1.25, 2.52). The HR (95 % CI) of mortality was 0.50 (0.32, 0.77) in participants who either were very/ moderately active or had ST ≤ 8 h/day, and 0.32 (0.20, 0.50) in those with both health behaviors, compared to those with none of these behaviors. In conclusion, among older adults with diabetes, high PA and less ST are independently and jointly associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lack of physical activity (PA) in children is an important health risk factor. Previous studies have shown that some environmental features may be associated with PA levels. Objectives: Find and comprehend which environmental features were mostly positively associated with children's physical activity. Methods: Twenty-eight studies were systematically reviewed. This research was used to assess the association between environmental features and physical activity among children (ages 3 to 12) who fulfilled the selection criteria. Results: Results across the various studies showed that facilities and parks/playgrounds are mostly positively associated with children's PA. Sidewalks and bike lanes were positively associated to PA in all studies. Safety, traffic and weather showed inconsistent associations with children's PA. Conclusions: Beginning to understand which environmental features contribute more to PA in children can lead to increased levels of PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to identify ageist content concerning older adults within local government physical activity policy. Policies are not passive texts; they can comprise hidden or disputed connotations. To identify ageism, the study utilizes a critical discourse analysis approach to analyze physical activity policy documents (n = 61) from 16 local government areas in Victoria, Australia, and the perceptions of local government employees trusted with developing these policies, which were gathered during semistructured interviews (n = 11). Results from the critical discourse analysis indicate that local government policies are imbued with ageism, leading to the construction and perpetuation of various stereotypes of older adults. The discourse analysis points to potentially ageist descriptions including older adults being vulnerable, incapable, and a financial burden. Nonetheless, older adults were also revealed to be significant contributors to the community including in paid employment, caregiving roles, and volunteering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A significant portion of youth sustain a concussion every year, with around 30% experiencing persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). Research has shown exercising just below the exertion level that provokes symptoms can lead to more rapid recovery. However, youth often struggle to adhere to exercise recommendations following concussion. Methods: We conducted structured qualitative interviews (n = 32) with concussed youth and their parents to examine factors influencing motivation to engage in exercise post-concussion. Questions were framed through the lens of Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Thematic Analysis was used to code and analyze transcripts. Results: Four primary factors appeared to motivate youth to exercise after receiving a concussion: 1) social support, 2) accountability, 3) goal setting, and 4) structure. Utilizing the lens of SDT, one could theorize that including social support and accountability helped fulfill the need of relatedness, setting goals helped fulfill the need of autonomy, and providing program structure helped fulfill the need for competence. Conclusions: Our results suggest that Self-Determination Theory may be a useful frame for examining exercise adherence post-concussion. Incorporating social support, accountability, goal setting and structure could increase the effectiveness of exercise prescription post-concussion and should be the focus of further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe chronic pain patients' perception of their physical function and treatment factors for improving or maintaining physical function long-term after the completion of an Interdisciplinary Pain Rehabilitation Program (IPRP) and to compare physical function before, directly after and at long-term follow-up (16–20 months after treatment). Materials and methods: Patients with severe nonmalignant chronic pain, participating in an IPRP at a specialist clinic, were eligible for inclusion in a convergent mixed methods study. Quantitative data included aerobic capacity, level of physical activity (PA) and self-efficacy for exercise. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Results: The qualitative analysis resulted in one theme: Orientation change and two categories: Permission to feel self-worth and Reclaiming life, which illuminated factors that enabled a sustained increase in PA. The quantitative data (n = 11) showed a significantly increased maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) from 2.46 l/min (SD = 0.9) at baseline to 2.63 l/min (SD = 0.9, p =.03) on completion of the program. VO2max was sustained at long-term follow-up (2.56 l/min (SD = 1.0, p =.24). Conclusion: This study indicates that an orientation change process through an IPRP can lead to increased physical function and a sustainable level of PA. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of a person-centered approach to enable sustainable change in patients with chronic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since children's daily activities are mostly anaerobic, it is important to assess anaerobic performance as part of the physical assessment. Therefore, running speed, power, and heart rate during repetitive sprints were investigated. Method: A total of 118 children participated (mean age:11.5 range 9-14y; 48% boys, 52% girls) and performed the children's repetitive and intermittent sprinting performance (CRISP) test, which consists of six sprint runs performed at maximal speed over 30-meter with short recovery periods (10 s) between each run. GLM Repeated Measures were used to examine the effect of runs (within-subject factor) and age and sex (between-subject factor) and as well as possible interactions for running time, power, and heart rate. Results: Running times increased significantly across runs (p < 0.001, large effect size), showing a non-linear slowdown (p = 0.013). Also, a main effect of age, [p < 0.033] and sex [p < 0.011, medium effect size] emerged. However, interaction effects showed that girls fatigued more in the second half of the test, which led to larger differences with the boys in the later runs of the CRISP. Moreover, the interaction effect of age-by-run-by-sex was found. Eleven-year-old children had the longest running times. At the same time, young children, predominantly boys, showed less fatigue, as their last runs were comparable in time to the first ones. Analysis of the power showed a main effect of age, indicating more power in older children [p < 0.001, large effect size], especially after 11 years. No differences between sexes were found for power. Heart rate increased significantly during the repetitive sprinting [p < 0.001, large effect size]. No differences for age or sex were found for mean or peak heart rate. Conclusion: The CRISP test is sensitive to running fatigue [large effect size] and distinguishes between the performance characteristics of children according to age and sex. Running speed and power go up between 12 and 14 years. Girls run slower but generate comparable power over the runs. Yet they fatigue more in the second half of the test than boys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Movement behaviors, including physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep, are fundamental to early childhood development. These behaviors interact dynamically within a 24-hour period, creating a complex balance that influences not only physical health but also cognitive and emotional well-being in young children. While the physical health benefits of movement behaviors are well-documented, systematic evaluations of how interventions targeting these behaviors affect cognitive development in preschool-aged children remain limited. Methods: This review was guided through PRISMA 2020 guidelines. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the impact of interventions targeting PA, SB, and sleep on cognitive outcomes in preschool-aged children. A comprehensive search was performed across five databases: PubMed, PsycInfo, Web of Science, Embase, and CINAHL, covering studies published between January 2000 and December 2023. Eligible studies were those that focused on at least one movement behavior, had a minimum intervention duration of four weeks, and assessed cognitive development as a primary outcome. The cognitive outcomes evaluated included executive function, attention, memory, and other key domains critical to early childhood development, such as language, processing speed, and social cognition. Results: Twenty-two RCTs (14 individual, 8 cluster) met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 21 studies focused on PA, while only one targeted SB, and none specifically addressed sleep or combined movement behaviors. PA interventions, particularly those involving cognitively engaging activities, significantly improved cognitive domains such as executive function, inhibition, and attention, with effect sizes ranging from moderate to large (Cohen's d > 0.5). The SB-focused study did not report significant cognitive improvements. A clear gap exists in understanding the effects of sleep and multi-behavior interventions on cognitive outcomes. Conclusions: Cognitively engaging PA interventions demonstrated the largest effects, while motor skill-focused and general PA programs produced moderate to smaller gains. Evidence on SB and sleep interventions remains limited, with no studies exploring the combined effects of these three movement behaviors. Future research should focus on integrated interventions that address PA, SB, and sleep to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of their collective impact on cognitive development in early childhood. Trial registration: This study was registered with PROSPERO under the registration number CRD42023479156. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aims to investigate the effects of a multimodal program using augmented reality on the functional fitness and physical activity of older adults living in the community. Method: Seventy-eight older adults living in the community participated in this study. Participants were divided into three groups: a control group that maintained their usual activities, and two experimental groups, one with multimodal training (EG1) and the other with multimodal training combined with augmented reality (EG2). Participants were assessed at baseline and post-intervention, after 12 weeks. Functional fitness was assessed using the Rikli and Jones Senior Fitness Test, handgrip strength, the functional reach test, and the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale. Physical activity was measured using accelerometry. Results: In EG1, lower limb flexibility, agility, cardiorespiratory fitness, and balance improved significantly between baseline and the 12-week outcome (p ≤ 0.001 for all). In EG2, improvements were observed in upper and lower limb strength, lower limb flexibility, agility, cardiorespiratory fitness, handgrip strength, and balance (p < 0.05 for all). Sedentary behavior increased in EG1 after the intervention. The clinical effect sizes of the interventions were large for balance (ES = 1.19) in EG1 and for upper limb strength (ES = 1.24) in EG2, and medium for cardiorespiratory fitness (ES = 0.74), agility (ES = 0.50), and lower limb flexibility (ES = 0.65) in EG1, and lower limb strength (ES = 0.61) and cardiorespiratory fitness (ES = 0.79) in EG2. Conclusion: Both intervention programs led to improvements in several functional domains. However, the multimodal training combined with augmented reality program showed improvements across more domains, resulting in greater changes. Physical activity did not show significant improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates factors influencing physical activity based on the Transtheoretical model (TTM) among adolescents. This study was conducted on 745 individuals between the ages of 12 and 16 years and was analyzed using a generalized linear model (GLM) approach with appropriate link functions using both classical and Bayesian frameworks. The results show that in model 1, the probit link function is a more appropriate approach to determine the risk factors for physical activity. In model 2, the logit link function is a more appropriate approach to determine the risk factors for physical activity. In addition, this study highlights a positive association between theatrical relief (OR = 1.08; 95% CI 1.02,1.14) and self-efficacy (OR = 1.06; 95% CI 1.02,1.09) for physical activity, and a negative association between self-relief (OR = 0.82; 95% CI 0.74,0.90), counter-conditioning (OR = 0.85; 95% CI 0.79,0.92), stimulus control (OR = 0.87; 95% CI 0.81,0.93) and helping relationships (OR = 0.94; 95% CI 0.88,0.99) with physical activity among female students. Self-efficacy is crucial for predicting activity levels, suggesting beneficial interventions that combine physical activity with self-efficacy enhancement. Positive thinking and a structured behavior change process are essential for physical activity engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to develop a questionnaire to describe and diagnose the physical activity and sport (PAS) habits of 8–12-year-old schoolchildren, assessing its content, ecological validity and reliability, from a multidimensional perspective aligned with Global Matrix 4.0 indicators. Methods: The questionnaire design phase involved seven individuals from the university sector and sport managers from the Gipuzkoa Provincial Council. Seventeen experts later evaluated the questionnaire's content and ecological validity. For reliability testing, 276 schoolchildren aged 8 to 12 completed the questionnaire twice, with a time interval of two weeks to two months. Statistical analyses included the Wilcoxon test to compare expert ratings, effect size and percentage change calculations for magnitude assessment, and McNemar, McN-Bowker or Wilcoxon tests to compare differences between initial and repeat responses. Cohen's Kappa was used to assess agreement. Results: The initial battery of items, submitted to the validation process, comprised 31 items across 10 dimensions, derived from validated questionnaires and published works. Following content and ecological validity evaluations, modifications were made and nine items were removed due to improved wording, clarification of concepts, redundancy or lack of relevance. Expert quantitative analyses indicated improved overall questionnaire values. Reliability analysis revealed significant differences in five of the twenty-two items, though substantial agreement (from slight to almost perfect) was observed in twenty items. Conclusions: The study confirmed the questionnaire's validity and reliability as a suitable tool for assessing PAS practices among 8–12-year-old schoolchildren in Gipuzkoa, Spain, in both Basque and Spanish languages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preschool settings play a significant role in promoting physical activity for children under five years. Most of the time, however, is sedentary (50–94%) with only a small percentage devoted to light (5–27%) or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (1–17%). While the experiences children have during childcare hours can impact theirphysical activity, educators are not the only movement influencers in preschoolers lives. Aside from school, children spend time with family members who develop lifestyle habits and serve as role models for physical activity. However, caretakers hold limited knowledge regarding physical activity recommendations for young children, creating a need for greater teacher-parent collaboration. SHAPE America's Active Start Guidelines were developed to provide educators, parents, and caretakers guidance for increasing physical activity among the preschool population. Recommendations for how, when, and in what manner parents encourage and participate with their children to be physically active has great potential to positively influence the percentage of preschoolers who meet these guidelines. This article is grounded in the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child framework which states that caregivers, parents, and preschools should work together in a home, school and community approach that supports the health and well-being of young children. The purpose of this article is to address a call for improved physical activity implementation by outlining ways educators can facilitate physical activity within the preschool setting, bridge the knowledge gap with parents, and provide specific ideas to engage family-based physical activity to assist children in meeting Active Start Guidelines 1 and 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic may have had long-lasting detrimental effects on children's physical health. Previous studies have shown that children's participation in physical activity (PA) declined during the pandemic. This study examined the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on PA type selection and the influence of gender, number of siblings, residence type, and caregiver education level on PA. Methods: Parents of Saudi children (ages 6–9 years) were recruited through convenience sampling and completed an online survey between July and August 2020. The parent-reported survey included demographics and PA types across three time periods (pre-, during, and post-lockdown). Chi-squared tests and logistic regression with pairwise comparisons were used to analyze the differences. Results: Parents reported that children (n = 361, mean age 7.7 ± 1.1 years) selected different PA types pre-COVID-19 pandemic more often than during the COVID-19 lockdown, such as swimming (16.9% vs. 12.8%), high-intensity jumping (9.8% vs. 6.6%), cycling (12.8% vs. 9.6%), football (14.3% vs. 6.1%), running (9.3% vs. 5.5%), virtual gaming exercise (5% vs. 3.2%), and playground activity (11.3% vs. 5.8%) (p < 0.05). Additionally, PA type was shown to be influenced by gender and residence type, with girls being 55% more likely to be physically active during COVID-19 compared to boys, and participants living in houses without private yards being less physically active compared to those who lived in houses with private yards. Conclusions: Children's gender (boy vs. girl) and residence type (with private yards vs. without private yards) affected their PA level during the COVID-19 lockdown. These findings suggest that more effort should be directed toward understanding the influence of gender and house types in the selection of PA types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the relationship between Walk Score index with walking to commuting, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and screen time in older adults. Georeferenced addresses were entered into the Walk Score platform. Walking to commute and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and categorized according to the World Health Organization recommendations. Screen time was analyzed through self-reported time watching television/being on the computer. We used binary logistic regression to estimate the association between variables. Older adults who lived in places with higher Walk Score had a higher prevalence of walking to commuting (odds ratio = 1.73; 95% confidence interval [1.18, 2.55]) and engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (odds ratio = 1.76; 95% confidence interval [1.05, 2.98]). A relationship also was observed between higher Walk Score and more time in screen time (odds ratio = 1.67; 95% confidence interval [1.19, 2.34]). The results showed that residing in a more walkable neighborhood increased the chances of the older adults spending 3 hr or more in front of a screen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the association between physical activity (PA) domains and chronic low back pain (LBP) in older adults. A cross-sectional study where sociodemographic, behavioral, and health variables; PA; and presence of chronic LBP were collected. Higher scores of PA defined the "more active" participants. Binary logistic regression was used to test the association between PA domains and chronic LBP. A total of 516 participants were included. The mean age was 71.8 (95% confidence interval, CI, [71.1, 72.5]) years, and 29%, 27%, 25%, and 31% were identified as "more active" in the household, sports, leisure-time, and total PA domains, respectively. "More active" participants in sports (odds ratio = 0.62, 95% CI [0.40, 0.97]), leisure-time (odds ratio = 0.54, 95% CI [0.35, 0.85]) and total (odds ratio = 0.60, 95% CI [0.39, 0.92]) PA domains were less likely to report chronic LBP. High levels of sports, leisure-time, and total PA were inversely associated with chronic LBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study adds to the current literature by using a novel device-based method to explore where preschool children are physically active outside of home and childcare settings. This study combined accelerometry with geospatial data to explore the influence of the environment on preschool children's physical activity by objectively identifying the locations where preschool children engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) within and outside of their neighborhood. Methods: Accelerometry, Global Positioning System, and Geographic Information Systems data from 168 preschool children aged 2–5 years were processed in ArcGIS Pro to identify locations (per 25 × 25-m fishnet cell) with high MVPA counts. Locations with high MVPA counts were defined as those with the top 20% of MVPA counts per fishnet cell. The land use for high MVPA count location was determined for 3 domains: <500 m from home, 500 to 1600 m from home, and >1600 m from home. Results: Locations with high MVPA counts <500 m from home were playgrounds (66.6%), schools (16.7%), and parks (16.7%). Locations with high MVPA counts 500 to 1600 m from home included playgrounds (33.3%), nonhome residential (29.6%), childcare centers (11.1%), and parks (3.7%). Locations with high MVPA counts >1600 m from home included nonhome residential (54.7%), sports and recreation centers (11.1%), playgrounds (6.8%), and parks (5.3%). Conclusions: Our findings highlight that local parks and playgrounds provide physical activity opportunities for preschool children, yet beyond the local neighborhood, the homes of others are important locations for preschool children to accumulate MVPA. These findings can be used to inform the design of current and future neighborhood places to better accommodate preschool children's MVPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parents play an important role in shaping youth's lifestyle behaviors. This study aimed to investigate physical activity parenting practices (PAPP) for Chinese early adolescents and compare reporting discrepancies between parents and adolescent boys and girls. Methods: Fifty-five adolescent–parent dyads participated in 16 paired focus group interviews, and an additional 122 dyads completed questionnaire surveys with open-ended questions. Participants were recruited from 3 public middle schools in Suzhou, China. Qualitative data were analyzed inductively using an open-coding scheme. Frequencies of codes were compared by parent–child role and adolescent gender using chi-square tests. Results: Eighteen types of PAPP were identified and grouped into 6 categories: goals/control, structure, parental physical activity participation, communication, support, and discipline. These PAPP were viewed as promotive, preventive, or ineffective. Participants had mixed opinions on the effects of 11 PAPP and identified parental, adolescent, and environmental barriers for parents to promote youth physical activity. Compared with parents, adolescents were more likely to value the effects of setting expectation, scheduling, and coparticipation as well as dislike pressuring, restriction, and punishment. Girls were more likely to favor coparticipation and were more sensitive about negative communication than boys. Parents paid more attention to environmental barriers, whereas adolescents, especially girls, focused more on personal issues. Conclusions: Future studies need to address both positive and negative PAPP as well as perception discrepancies by child–parent role and adolescent gender to generate more evidence to promote parents as favorable socialization agents of youth physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica 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 Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica 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.)

There is growing evidence on the association between meeting the recommendations of isolated movement behaviors (physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep) with anxiety and depressive symptoms. However, the joint association of meeting the 24 h movement guidelines with anxiety and depressive symptoms is still unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the association of meeting 24-hour movement guidelines with symptoms of anxiety and of depression in adults. The sample included 212 participants. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), while physical activity and sedentary time were evaluated by accelerometry, and daily slept hours were self-reported. Age, sex, socioeconomic status, accelerometer wear time, and waist circumference were covariates. Poisson regression models (crude and adjusted by covariates) were used to analyze association between variables. Meeting isolate recommendations of 24-hour movement guidelines were not associated with symptoms of anxiety or depression. However, meeting two or three recommendations was inversely associated with symptoms of anxiety (β= -0.235; 95%CI= -0.447; -0.024); (β= -0.569; 95%CI= -0.853; -0.285) and of depression (β= -0.275; 95%CI= -0.509; -0.040); (β= -0.551; 95%CI= -0.877; -0.224), respectively. Intervention strategies for reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms should target the meeting of more than one movement guidelines, such as increasing physical activity, reducing sedentary time, and promoting adequate sleep time for adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Investment in scale-up and sustainment of effective health-promoting programs is often hampered by competing demands on scarce health dollars. Thus, optimizing programs to reduce resource use (e.g., delivery costs) while maintaining effectiveness is necessary to promote health at scale. Using a phased approach (2015–2024), we adapted and scaled-up an evidence-based, health-promoting program for older adults (Choose to Move; CTM). For CTM Phase 4 we undertook a systematic, data-driven adaptation process to reduce resource use. In this paper we: 1) describe the CTM Phase 4 program ('CTM Phase 4') and assess its 2) implementation and 3) effectiveness. Methods: For CTM Phase 4 (30-min one-on-one consultation and 8, 60-min group meetings with an activity coach), we reduced activity coach hours by 40% compared to Phase 3. To evaluate effectiveness of CTM Phase 4 we conducted a type 2 hybrid effectiveness-implementation study involving 137 programs (1126 older adults; 59–74 years, 75 + years) delivered by 29 activity coaches. We assessed implementation indicators (e.g., dose, fidelity, adaptation, participant responsiveness, self-efficacy) via survey in activity coaches and older adults. We assessed older adults' physical activity (PA), mobility, social isolation, and loneliness before and after (0, 3 months) the program. Results: Implementation indicators demonstrated that CTM Phase 4 was delivered successfully. Post-intervention, PA (+ 1.4 days/week; 95% CI 1.3, 1.6), mobility limitations (-6.4%), and scores for mobility (+ 0.7; 95% CI: 0.4, 1.3), social isolation (+ 0.9; 95% CI: 0.67, 1.17), and loneliness (-0.23; 95% CI: -0.34, -0.13) were improved in those < 75 years. Among those ≥ 75 years, PA (+ 1.0 days/week; 95% CI, 0.7, 1.2), mobility score (+ 1.1; 95% CI: 0.4, 1.8), and social isolation score (+ 0.5; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.86) were improved post-intervention. Participant-level benefits were comparable to, or greater (PA and social isolation in those < 75) than, those observed in Phase 3. Conclusions: CTM was co-designed as a flexible program, adapted over time based on user group needs and preferences. This flexibility enabled us to reduce activity coach delivery hours without compromising implementation or benefits to older adults' health. Optimizing effective health-promoting programs to enhance their scalability and sustainability provides an important pathway to improved population health. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05678985. Registered 10 January 2023 – Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05678985. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica 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.)

Currently, physical and sports activities in natural environments are viewed as valuable resources for combatting sedentary lifestyles, with water sports and related activities offering significant educational potential. However, these activities are not fully integrated into physical education programs, largely due to a lack of training in methodological approaches. This qualitative study interviewed ten stakeholders (including instructors, managers, and teachers from three countries) to analyze key methodological aspects necessary for effective implementation. The results revealed three main findings: (1) direct instruction emerged as the primary teaching approach, incorporating demonstrations and level-appropriate activities; (2) optimal learning occurs in small groups of 8–12 students per instructor; and (3) technical skill development should focus on sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. This study identified weather conditions as a key challenge, necessitating flexible planning. Based on these findings, this study provides practical guidelines for implementing water sports in educational settings, emphasizing the importance of structured teaching approaches, appropriate group sizing, and environmental considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica 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.)

Cognitive ability plays a crucial role in adolescents' academic performance and subsequent career development. Although previous studies have demonstrated that physical activity, self-education expectations, and learning behaviors positively affect the cognitive development of adolescents, the extent of their influence and their mediating roles require further elucidation. This study is based on tracking survey data from 2,688 adolescents in Chinese households collected in 2018. Multiple linear regression, Propensity Score Matching, and Quantile regression were employed to analyze the impact and heterogeneity of physical activity on adolescents' cognitive ability. Furthermore, the Bootstrap mediation test was used to explore the mediating roles of self-education expectations and learning behaviors in this process. The results indicate the following: Physical activity significantly promotes adolescents' cognitive ability; for those with poorer cognitive ability, it exerts a greater impact. Moreover, in addition to its direct effects, physical activity indirectly enhances adolescents' cognitive ability through the mediation of three factors (self-education expectations, learning behaviors, self-education expectations and learning behaviors). These discoveries offer significant insights into diverse strategies for developing cognitive ability in adolescents, contributing to both theoretical research and practical interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: The associations between low birth weight (LBW) and the aggregation of metabolic risk factors (MRF) in youth remain ambiguous. Thus, this study analysed the interrelationship among MRF, LBW, and behavioural factors in adolescents. Methods: The sample of the present cross-sectional study comprised 491 youth (229 males, 262 females) aged 14–17 years. Height, weight, and BMI were assessed. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was measured using the PACER test. Physical activity (PA) was evaluated using a 3-day diary. A MRF risk score was calculated using the Z-scores of the five MRF criteria (HDL-C, triglycerides, BP, insulin, and blood glucose). Results: The average values for height, weight, and systolic and diastolic BP were significantly higher in males (p < 0.01); in contrast, females exhibited higher HDL cholesterol and insulin levels (p < 0.01). Boys revealed higher levels of PA (p < 0.01), and they achieved better CRF scores than girls (p < 0.01). BMI emerged as a significant predictor of clustered metabolic risk for both males (β = 0.26; 95% CI, 0.16–0.36) and females (β = 0.02; 95% CI, 0.14–0.30); additionally, the results indicated that more physically active girls had a notably lower metabolic risk (β = −0.01; 95% CI, −0.10–−0.01) than their male peers. Conclusions: LBW was found to be independently correlated with the aggregated MRF (β = −0.01; 95% CI, −0.01–0.00) among boys aged 14–17 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Children are encouraged to spend 60 min each day performing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. In this study, we assessed the impact of an intervention throughout the school year on physical activity, sports performance, and school climate in fifth–sixth-grade children from schools in a disadvantaged neighborhood. Methods: The intervention group (n = 44) participated in six weekly 45 min physical education classes; an athletic subgroup of these students participated in two additional weekly athletic classes. The control group (n = 73) participated in two standard weekly physical education classes. Pre- and post-intervention Eurofit Physical Fitness Tests were conducted. Results: Significant improvements were seen in the stand-and-reach test among girls in the intervention group [M = −0.47(7.71)–1.26(8.02) cm] compared to the control group [F(1,54) = 14.86, p < 0.01, η2 = 0.22]. No differences were seen between the groups in their daily physical activity, screen time, or school climate (p = 0.13, p = 0.17, and p = 0.35, respectively). Improvements were seen in the shuttle-run beep test, yet only in the athletic subgroup [F(1,93) = 60.38, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.39]. A trend towards significance for the largest improvement was seen in the athletic subgroup, who participated in eight weekly physical activity classes [F(2,93) = 3.75, p = 0.027, η2 = 0.07). Conclusions: Physical education curricula should enhance their focus on athletic performance, while increasing the number of weekly physical education classes in schools, to include daily lessons throughout the school week, each lasting at least 45 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women's pregnancy increases the odds of developing anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Physical activity can reduce the severity of maternal mental disorders and postpartum symptoms. The aim was to evaluate self-esteem, anxiety, and physical activity patterns among healthy pregnant women during three gestational trimesters (GTs). A longitudinal prospective study involving 248 Portuguese pregnant women, monitored for a year during all GTs, was conducted. Self-reported questionnaires were used to collect personal and obstetric data, and Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale, Zung Anxiety Scale, and a Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire were applied. A total of 152 women presented valid follow-up data considered for analysis. All test scores do not present normality (p < 0.001). Over the gestational trimesters, the Zung anxiety scores did not show a significant change between GTs. However, the self-esteem values reduced significantly from 1st to 2nd GT: (1st GT = 43.94 (±9.94) [95%CI: 42.37 to 45.53]; 2nd GT = 27.27 (±9.64) [95%CI: 25.74 to 28.81]; 3rd GT = 25.71 (±10.52) [95%CI: 24.04 to 27.39]; p < 0.001), remaining stable in the last GT. Moderate to vigorous (2nd GT = 73.43 (±88.69) [95%CI: 59.34 to 87.54]; 3rd GT = 65.05 (±82.65) [95%CI: 51.92 to 78.19]; p = 0.008), vigorous (1st GT = 0.45 (±3.95) [95%CI: 0.83 to 2.08]; 2nd GT = 1.63 (±3.52) [95%CI: 1.07 to 2.19]; 3rd GT = 0.81 (±2.16) [95%CI: 0.46 to 1.15]; p = 0.0475), and light (2nd GT = 101.68 (±48.77) [95%CI: 93.93 to 109.44]; 3rd GT = 98.42 (±49.05) [95%CI: 90.62 to 106.22]; p < 0.001) physical activity levels were significantly reduced throughout the GTs, but the time spent in sedentary activities did not change. In this follow-up study, it was possible to identify a critical point in the 2nd GT, when the drastic reduction in physical activity levels coincided with periods of lower self-esteem scores. However, anxiety levels do not seem to change over GTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica 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 Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica 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.)

Introduction: Adolescence represents a pivotal stage in the development of healthy behaviors, where establishing positive physical activity habits can have enduring effects on an individual's overall wellbeing. The ecological model highlights the influence of environmental factors on human behavior, with the family environment playing a significant role in shaping the physical activity habits of adolescents. Methods: The aim of this scale is to develop a reliable and effective tool, customized for the unique societal context of China, to assess how family factors influence the physical activity habits of Chinese adolescents. Participants were recruited through stratified cluster sampling from 24 secondary schools in six Chinese provinces between October and November 2021, resulting in 1,061 participants. Analysis was conducted on 1,004 valid questionnaires, divided into two samples. Sample 1, consisting of 502 students (248 males and 254 females; Mage = 15.5), underwent item analysis and exploratory factor analysis. Sample 2, comprising 502 students (267 males and 235 females; Mage = 16.5), underwent confirmatory factor analysis and internal consistency reliability analysis. Results: Through exploratory factor analysis, we extracted three factors comprising 15 items: "Family Environment Construction" (4 items), "Family Action Support" (6 items), and "Family Health Awareness" (5 items). The Cronbach's alpha values for these factors ranged from 0.890 to 0.894. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed a satisfactory model fit (CMIN/DF = 1.45, SRMR = 0.027, GFI = 0.991, TLI = 0.989, RMSEA = 0.03). Discussion: The scale demonstrated strong internal consistency and test-retest reliability, confirming its effectiveness in empirical research. This study holds significant implications for enhancing the physical activity levels of adolescents, promoting their physical and mental wellbeing, enriching their developmental experiences, and contributing to their overall sense of happiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an 8-week physical activity program (PAP) on health-related fitness (HRF) components of seventh graders in Bhutan. Its emphasis areas included assessing the program's effects on cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. Materials and methods. Sixty-two students were allocated into two groups using simple random sampling: a control group (n = 31) following the standard physical education curriculum and an experimental group (n = 31) participating in the PAP utilizing the FITT (frequency, intensity, time, and type) principle. Fitness Gram assessments were used to measure HRF before implementing the intervention. Independent t-tests were used to compare results between groups, whereas paired t-tests were used to compare pre-test and post-test scores within groups. Results. All HRF components demonstrated notable improvements in the experimental group. Cardiorespiratory endurance increased from a mean of 23.23 to 30.57 (p < 0.05), muscular strength - from 7.47 to 12.37 (p < 0.05), muscular endurance - from a mean of 10.10 to 16.40 (p < 0.05), and flexibility - from 27.98 to 29.85 (p < 0.05). It was additionally observed an improvement in body composition, with a notable decline in BMI. Conversely, the control group showed a less significant decrease in flexibility and BMI, while demonstrating marked enhancements in cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, and muscular endurance. Conclusions. The study indicates that the organized PAP was more effective than the standard physical education curriculum in improving HRF components. These findings suggest that the implementation of structured PA programs using the FITT principles can lead to enhanced physical fitness and health-related outcomes among children and young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]