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This study has been performed on 44 volunteers all of whom are students in Yüzüncü Yil University and participating in the university's folk dances activities. A twelve week program was carried out. The data was obtained in a relaxed mood before the programme, on the first day after the exercise, and at the end of the programme it was obtained first in relaxed mood and then after the exercise. Before starting the program while The level of LDH was observed as being 321,818± in relaxed mood, it was found to be 265,136± (p<0.001) after the program in relaxed mood. The difference is considered to be meaningful. Before the program, in relaxed mood, while the level of CK was found to be 169.772± after the program, in relaxed mood again, it was found as being 113.227± (p<0.001) This difference has been considered to be important. The level of HDL, before the programme in relaxed mood, was observed to be 44,690± after the programme in relaxed mood it was observed having risen to 62,490± (p<0.001). The difference has been considered important. While LDL level, before the programme in relaxed mood, was observed to be 85,426±, after the programme in relaxed mood it was found to be 67,299± (p<0.001) The difference has been considered important.

The purpose of this study is to determine and compare some biomotoric properties and anthropometric measurements of Antalya Muratpasa High School Boys' Basketball Team and Football Team. Thirty volunteering players from Antalya Muratpasa High School Boys' Basketball and Football Teams participated in the study. Fifteen of the participants were from the Basketball Team and 15 were from Football Team. The mean age of the Football Team was 16,3 ± 0,9 years; mean body weight was 65,6 ± 9,4 kg, mean height was 170,3 ± 6,7 cm; and the mean age of the Basketball Team was 15,5 ± 0,74 years, mean body weight was 64,8 ± 11,7 kg, mean height was 178,6 ± 6,1 cm. As well as the height, weight, age values of the 15 Basketballer and 15 Footballer Boys', the right and left grip force, back force, sprint tests, leg force, free vertical jump, subcutaneous fat measurements from 8 different points, and circumference measurements from 7 different points were taken. As a result of the comparison between some biomotoric properties, a significant difference was found between the vertical jump test values of the Basketball Team and Football Team (p<0, 05). When the Basketball and Football teams participating in the study were compared, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between the calf area sub-cutaneous fat measurement values (p<0, 05). No statistically significant differences were found in the measurements of shoulder, chest inspiration, chest expiration, arm, forearm, thigh circumference, calf circumference, hip circumferences of the Boys' Basketball and Football players who participated in our study (p<0,05). A statistically significant difference was found in the 10-m speed run tests of the Boys' Basketball Team and Football Team Players (p<0,05). The data of the study were analyzed in Independent Samples T Test (p<0,05) according to statistical significance levels. Nobody should doubt that positive science is affecting all sports disciplines in the light of technological developments in our present age and it will continue even more in the future with more efficient and faster use to serve sports and sportsmen. In this context, it was aimed in the present study to determine how young sportsmen are suitable for their branches, and also to determine the missing and full aspects of their present biomotoric and physical statuses, supplement the missing aspects, and improve the full ones.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of two different types of core training applied during the season on the strength performance and football technical skills of young footballers. A total of 18 footballers average age was 15 ± 0.8years voluntarily participated in the study. Two different core trainings were applied in addition to football technical skills. Before and after the study, the sit-up, standing long jump, push-up, dribbling, passing and shooting performances of players were observed. Data were assessed with the SPSS. In the dynamic group there were statistically significant improvements in all variables apart from shooting and passing, while the static group had statistically significant development of all variables apart from shooting. The control group only had statistically significant development for sit-up performance. While development sufficient to form significant differences between the variables observed in the experimental groups was not observed, there were significant differences for all variables when compared with the control group apart from shooting performance. In conclusion, footballers with eight-week dynamic and static core training added to in-season football training had similar levels of development in terms of strength and football technical skills, with significant development of strength, dribbling and passing skills when compared to a group without core training. In light of this data, eight-week dynamic and static strength training applied to footballers in the development period may be said to be an effective method to develop abdominal muscle strength and explosive strength performance and to develop dribbling and passing skills unique to football.

This study was carried out in order to compare certain physical fitness parameters of young basketball and football players. Basketball players, who are playing in U16 league (n=12), and football players playing in U17 league (n=10) participated in the study voluntarily. Groups were separated into two as the basketball group (BG) and the football group (FG). BG has a body weight mean of 74.13±7.26 kg, a height mean of 187.50±7.03 cm, and an age mean of 16. FG has a body weight mean of 68.0±7.95 kg, a height mean of 178.4±5.31 cm, and an age mean of 17. Participants were applied performance tests, which are composed of sit and reach test, leg strength, hand grip strength, flexibility, 20 m sprint, and flamingo balance test among physical fitness parameters. Data obtained were analysed using SPSS 19.0 package program, and Mann Whitney U test was used to compare two groups. While there was no meaningful difference between strength and flexibility values (p>0.05), a meaningful difference occurred in favour of FG in 20 m speed test (p<0.05). As a result, the difference that occurred in speed only makes us think that height and body weight in basketball players can impact speed and agility negatively compared to football players.

Lateralization, which is also known as hand preference, and 2D:4D finger ratio is a sign of prenatal testosterone and known to be associated with strength. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between 2D:4D, lateralization and hand grip strength in relation to hand and forearm that are thought to be effective in handball in elite handball players. 67 female and 67 male elite players participated in this study. The height, weight, body-mass index and hand preference of these athletes have been identified and 2D:4D finger measurements and hand grip strength tests were performed. When identifying the preferences regarding lateralization, the hand distribution preference was determined by the Oldfield questionnaire and evaluated using the Geschwind score. After photocopy images of the two hands of the athletes were taken, their finger lengths were measured Hand grip strength was determined by a Jamar hydraulic dynamometer. Strong correlation was found especially between 2D:4D and dominant hand grip strength in male and female elite handball players. The ratio of left-handedness due to the positions of players during the game among male and female athletes has been found to be higher than that of the general population. With regard to gender, 2D:4D was found to be lower in males than females but hand grip was found to be higher in males than females. Besides, a significant correlation between height and BMI with 2D:4D, sport age, height, body weight and hand grip strength was found. This study emphasizes the importance of 2D:4D, handgrip strength and hand preference in handball.

In this study, it was aimed to assess the effects of core training on the vertical jump strength and some motor characteristics of 14-16 aged female volleyball players. Thirty-four female athletes playing volleyball in Van province participated in the study voluntarily. The average age of volleyball players is 15.47, the weight average is 53.66 kg and the average height is 164.29 cm. The athletes participating in the study were randomly divided into two groups as control groups (n = 17) and experimental groups (n = 17). Control group joined only the volleyball training. Experimental group participated in the 10-week, 3-days-a-week core training in addition to the volleyball training. Measurements were taken before and after the study. Intra-group and inter-group, pre-test, post-test values were calculated using SPSS package program. The students' t-test was used to compare pre-training and post-training tests of control group and experimental groups. The paired sample (dependent sample) t-test was used to compare the first and last tests of both groups. Vertical jumping, upper extremity strength, lower extremity strength, strength of the trunk muscles were found to be improved and body fat percentages were found to be decreased in the experimental group. As a result, it can be said that a 10 week core training improved jumping strength and core strength.

The purpose of this study is to analyse the effects of aerobic and anaerobic training programs applied to elite wrestlers on body mass index (BMI) and blood lipids. 20 elite wrestlers, whose average age is (experimental group; 15.20 ± 4.61, n = 10), control group; 15.90 ± 2.08, n = 10), participated in the study and they were randomly divided into two groups. Strength and endurance training programme based on "one day aerobic, one day anaerobic" principles was applied to the experimental group six days a week for eight weeks. The control group went on doing normal routine wrestling technical training. Before and after eight-week training program, BMI, Triglyceride, HDL-C, VLDL, Cholesterol, LDL blood values were taken from the experimental and the control group by body analyser. According to the results of the study, none of the blood lipid indicators of the control group did significantly changed from pretest to posttest. (p>0.05). However, HDL-C, cholesterol and LDL values from blood lipids indicators of the experimental group changed significantly from pretest to posttest. (p<0.05). There were no significant changes in body mass index (BMI), Triglyceride and VLDL. As a result, this study revealed that there was no significant difference in the control group which did exercise routinely, while the training programme with changeable type and volume made significant differences in the experimental group.In statistical analyses, paired- samples t test was used for intra-group comparisons, and independent sample t test was used for inter-group comparisons. The significance level was determined as p<0.05. For all the values, mean and standard deviation were used.

The index finger and the 4th finger ratio (2D:4D) is the indicator of the prenatal testosterone. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between 2D:4D, hand preference and hand grip strength in swimmers. A total of 80 elite swimmers, participated in the study. Height, body weight, body mass index (BMI), hand 2D:4D finger measurements and hand grip strength tests were performed for athletes. The hand preference was determined by the Oldfield questionnaire and it was evaluated according to the Geschwind score. The data were recorded in the SPSS 20 program and p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. It was found that in both men and women, a negative correlation was found between right and left hand 2D:4D and both dominant (DHGS) and non-dominant hand grip strength (NDHGS) values. It was found that men had lower 2D:4D ratio than women. For both right and left handed, there was a statistically significant difference between the right and left hand 2D:4D ratios in both men and women (p<0.05) and the dominant hand (DH) 2D:4D ratios were found to be lower than non-dominant hand (NDH) 2D:4D ratios in both men and women (p<0.05) It can be said that the 2D:4D ratios may be the effect of determining the hand preference, the grip strength and therefore the strength.

The main purpose of this study was prediction of elite male trampolines performance based on the selected physical capabilities in different age categories. To this aim, 45 male athletes (age 14.17 ± 2.86 yrs, athletic experience 7.22 ± 3.64 yrs and competitive experience 3.31 ± 2.44 yrs), who participated in the national trampoline team's preparation camps for participation at the 2014 Asian Games in four age categories included children (ages 11 and 12 yrs), juniors (ages 13 and 14 yrs), adolescents (ages 15 to 17 yrs), and seniors (ages 18 yrs <), were selected using targeted sampling. Variables of study included 20 physical fitness factors which were measured using standard procedures and instruments. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression models at the 0.05 significance level. Results of study showed that only the relationships of the shoulder belt muscle strength (r = 0.294), aerobic power (r = 0.351), relative minimum anaerobic power (r = 0.256), with performance are statistically significant and in other cases, observed relationships were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Findings of this study suggest that, in the high competitive level of trampoline, physical factors have predictive role in preparation programs of elite male trampolines.

Main purpose of this study was Prediction of the performance of elite male trampolines based on body composition indices. To this aim, 45 male athletes (age 14.17 ± 2.86 yrs, athletic experience 7.22 ± 3.64 yrs and competitive experience 3.31 ± 2.44 yrs), who participated in the national trampoline team's preparation camps for participation at the 2014 Asian Games in four age categories included Children (ages 11 and 12 yrs), Juniors (ages 13 and 14 yrs), Adolescents (ages 15 to 17 yrs) and Seniors (ages 18 yrs <) were selected using targeted sampling. Variables of study included 24 body composition indices which were measured using standard procedures and instruments. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression models at the 0.05 significance level. Results of study showed that, among all relationships between variables, only the relationships of the shoulder belt muscle strength (r = 0.294) with performance are statistically significant and in other cases, observed relationships were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Findings of this study suggest that, in the high competitive level of trampoline body composition indices have not predictive role in preparation programs of elite male trampolines.

The main purpose of this study was the effect of body composition and physical fitness factors on performance prediction of elite male trampolines. So, 45 male athletes, who participated in the national trampoline team's preparation camps for participation at the 2014 Asian Games in four age categories included Children, Juniors, Adolescents and Seniors were selected using targeted sampling as subjects. Variables of study included 24 body composition indices and 20 physical fitness factors which were measured using standard procedures and instruments. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression models at the 0.05 significance level. Results of study showed that, the relationships of the shoulder belt muscle strength (r = 0.294) with performance are statistically significant and in other cases, there was no significant relationships (p>0.05). Results of study showed the relationships of the shoulder belt muscle strength (r = 0.294), aerobic power (r = 0.351), relative minimum anaerobic power (r = 0.256), with performance are statistically significant.and in other cases, observed relationships were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Findings of this study suggest that, in the high competitive level of trampoline body composition indices do not have predictive role in preparation programs of elite male trampolines, but physical factors have predictive role in preparation programs of elite male trampolines.

As part of the Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program, we investigated how early morning physical activity affects elementary school students' physical fitness and sociality. Seventy-five boys in 6th grade of one elementary school located in G Metropolitan City, Korea comprised the experimental group that participated in early morning physical activity for 6 months. The control group did not perform said activities. Experimental design for this study adopted pre- and post-measurement and comparison methods between groups. Collected data were analyzed with analyses of covariance and Bonferroni post-hoc tests. The experimental group showed significant differences in the improvement of cardiorespiratory endurance and muscle strength among the sub-elements of physical fitness compared to controls. They also showed significant differences in the development of sociability, activity, autonomy, stability, and dominance among the sub-factors of sociality compared to controls. We elucidated the importance of early morning physical activity performed before school, which has implications for schools' physical education programs.

The aim of this study is to determine the differences between the somatotype profiles and inter-disciplinary somatotype profiles of the Turkish Bocce National Team players. In this study, the mean age of the Turkish Men's Bocce National Team (n-32) was determined as 21,75±2,35 (years), mean height was 177,62 ± 1,03 (cm), mean body weight was 70,75 ± 0,70 (kg), mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 22,31 ± 1,06 kg/m[superscript 2] , mean body fat percentage was 16,05 ± 1%. The mean age of the Turkish Women's Bocce National Team (n-21) was 21,76 ± 2,12 (years), mean height was 165,33 ± 4,24 (cm), mean body weight 55,14 ± 6,36 (kg), mean BMI was 23,22 ± 1,06 kg/m2 mean body fat percentage was 16,05 ± 1%. The Heath-Carter method was used in determining the somatotype profiles of the players. the The statistical analyses in the study were made by using the SPSS 20.0 package program. Somatotype profile in men was determined endomorphic 3,21 ± 0,33; mesomorph 5,04 ± 1,11; ectomorphic 2,20 ± 0,18 as mesomorphic-endomorphic; in women, endomorphic 3,33 ± 1,42; mesomorph 5,08 ± 0,26; ectomorphic 2,07 ± 0,09 as mesomorphic-endomorphic. In this study, the somatotype profiles of the Turkish Bocce National Team players were determined, and a statistically significant difference was detected between the volo and petanque-raffa disciplines in men and women (p<0,05). It is believed that this difference stems from the physical performance requiring more muscular force in volo discipline than the petanque and raffa disciplines. In this study, the somatotype components are similar in tennis players in volo men group and the archers, judo players and Water polo players of the other groups (Men-women petanque and raffa group, Women volo group).

This study aimed to assess intra- and inter-visit reliability of a novel EasyForce dynamometer for assessment of maximal strength in knee extension and flexion, and hip abduction and adduction tasks. Young healthy participants (n = 50; 25 males, 25 females; age: 23.4 ± 2.1 years) were measured for maximal joint torque with EasyForce dynamometer and rigid isometric dynamometers with external fixation, in two-sessions (5-10 days apart). The intra-visit reliability was high (ICC) = 0.84-0.95 knee; 0.90-0.94 hip), with absolute reliability sometimes exceeding the acceptable threshold (CV = 6.9-10.6% knee; 7.8-11.8% hip). Inter-visit reliability was excellent for all tasks (ICC = 0.95-0.97 knee; 0.95-0.96 hip). Although the EasyForce values were different compared to rigid dynamometers, the correlations between the devices were high (r = 0.64-0.75 knee; 0.70-0.75 hip). In conclusion, the EasyForce dynamometer provides reliable means of assessing knee (extension and flexion) and hip (abduction and adduction) muscle strength.

The purpose of this article is to highlight how a community partnership between a Northeastern U.S. university and a racially/socioeconomically diverse local elementary school (58.3% students on free/reduced lunch) impacted learners in both physical education programs. Based on the Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program model, community partnership can help support students to be physically active. This community partnership focused on achieving the National Physical Education Standards.

The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to examine the effect of an adapted physical education (APE) program on physical fitness of adolescents with intellectual disabilities, and (2) to investigate the associations between the changes of physical fitness tests over the course of a three-year period. A secondary data analysis design was used to evaluate the long-term effects of an adapted physical education program on physical fitness components of the participants. Forty-four students (age, 15.9 ± 0.4 years) with intellectual disabilities were included in this study. A series of repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant positive outcomes over time in body composition, muscular endurance, explosive strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. The findings were mixed, as the participants performed better in muscular strength/endurance and cardiovascular fitness by Year Three. However, participants had lower scores in body composition and flexibility. Additional research is needed to explore the factors affecting physical fitness of students with intellectual disabilities by APE programs.

Background: The Department of Defense (DOD) annually spends billions in medical care for military beneficiaries. Overweight and obesity are top concerns for dependents. Only 44% of military spouses (86% female, ages 25 to 34) meet Healthy People 2020 weight/BMI goals. Physical activity (PA) is an important modifiable behavior for preventing and treating obesity. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is a behavior change model that has been used in predicting PA behaviors. Purpose: The purpose was to evaluate theory-based determinants of aerobic and muscle-strengthening PA among female military spouses. Methods: Participants were recruited via social media to complete a modified version of an online survey measuring TPB constructs for aerobic and muscle strengthening PA. Results: Regression models showed TPB constructs predicted significant variance of intentions to engage in PA (44.9% to 52.1%) for normal weight and obese/overweight military spouses. Discussion: Results indicate interventions should differ by normal weight and overweight/obese due to differences in predictors of PA. Translation to Health Education Practice: Future research should test these findings in experimental studies evaluating the effectiveness of intervention to create PA adherence based on weight status of military spouses and at multiple levels of the ecological to understand how the environment influences. A AJHE Self-Study quiz is online for this article via the SHAPE America Online Institute (SAOI) http://portal.shapeamerica.org/trn-Webinars http://portal.shapeamerica.org/trn-Webinars

Electrically evoked torque at rest (i.e., the torque produced from supramaximal stimuli applied to a resting muscle) has been shown to be related to muscle size in healthy adults, but this relationship has not been evaluated in pathological populations where atrophy is present. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the electrically evoked torque at rest and vastus lateralis cross-sectional area (CSA) in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Eighteen individuals with ACL reconstruction participated. Quadriceps electrically evoked torque at rest was elicited bilaterally via sex-specific, standardized supramaximal triplet stimulations. Vastus lateralis CSA was measured at 50% of thigh length using ultrasound. Pearson's r and partial correlations were used to evaluate associations between outcomes. Evoked torque at rest was positively associated with vastus lateralis CSA in the ACL reconstructed limb (r = 0.865, partial r = 0.816, P < 0.01), non-reconstructed limb (r = 0.628, partial r = 0.575, P < 0.05), and side-to-side ratios (r = 0.670, partial r = 0.659, P < 0.01). These results indicate that electrically evoked torque at rest may indirectly assess side-to-side differences in quadriceps muscle size after ACL reconstruction.

The purpose of this study was to examine exercise preferences of college students (CS), and explore potential gender differences to inform interventions. Participants (N = 187, 18-25 years) completed an online survey. Descriptive statistics were conducted to characterize preferences for exercise type and mode of delivery, followed by X[superscript 2] tests to assess potential gender differences. CS preferred a combination of moderate intensity cardio and strength training. Most CS preferred exercising on their own with guidance from a program. Men preferred intense strength training at higher rates than women (p < 0.001). Findings can inform tailored recruitment messaging and lifestyle interventions for this high-risk population.

This study aimed to analyze whether judo experience, somatic maturation, growth, and physical capacities discriminate young judo athletes from different competitive levels (state and national). Sixty-six young male judo athletes (36 from state and 30 from national level) participated in this study, divided from the annual competitive season. The assessments were performed in two stages separated by 48 hours: anthropometric measurements and physical tests (standing long jump -- SLJ, medicine ball throw test-MBT, handgrip strength test -- HGS, Special Judo Fitness Test -- SJFT and Judogi Grip Isometric Strength Test--JGST). Judo athletes were asked for their date of birth and judo experience. T-test and discriminant analysis were used to compare and discriminate the variables between young judo athletes from state and national groups with the level of significance set at 5%. The main results showed that stature, judo experience, JGST, and SLJ performance were higher in the national group (p < 0.05) and could adequately discriminate competitive levels (structural coefficient >30, p < 0.001). It was concluded that young male judo athletes who compete at the national level are taller, more experienced, and present superior physical performance in tests related to strength and power than athletes from the state group of the same age.

This study evaluated test-equating methods to enable comparisons and conversions between the vertical jump (VJ) and standing long jump (SLJ) tests. A total of 528 youth (280 males) performed VJ and SLJ, and their scores were randomly split as the calibration (C) sample (n = 478) and cross-validation (CV) sample (n = 50). SLJ scores of the C sample were equated to the scale of VJ using linear and equipercentile equating, and established conversion between the tests was applied to SLJ scores of the CV sample. Overall, the correlations between VJ and equated VJ were moderately high to high and the absolute differences were small in both C and CV samples. There was little difference between the equating methods, but the results of the equipercentile method were used because it could provide a more robust conversion in theory. The conversion should be further crossly validated with large, more diverse samples.

The FitnessGram program has prioritized the use of evidence-based, criterion-referenced standards to advance health-related fitness assessments in physical education. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) highlighted the importance of strength and power for youth fitness assessment and surveillance. The report specifically recommended the use of handgrip and long-jump, but a barrier to adoption was the lack of criterion-referenced standards to categorize and evaluate performance. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of a multi-faceted research initiative focused on advancing research on musculoskeletal fitness assessments in youth. The report chronicles the concepts, approaches, and considerations that shaped the plans for this large-scale research effort aimed at developing robust criterion-referenced fitness standards for these assessments.

Incorporation of the vertical jump (VJ) test in health-related fitness batteries is predicated on the availability of prediction equations to accurately estimate VJ power. The purpose was to develop and validate a generalizable equation to estimate VJ power from VJ height, body mass, age, and sex in 10- to 18-year-olds. The sample (N = 529) performed a VJ test and had VJ power assessed via mechanography. Validation and cross-validation groups were randomly formed to assess accuracy. Results indicated that estimates of VJ power from VJ height and body mass were accurate (R = 0.93, SEE = 275 Watts). Age and sex did not add substantially to the model. Upon cross-validation, accuracy was maintained. The newly developed model was more accurate than previously published equations. The following equation provides accurate and feasible estimates of VJ power (Watts) = -1354.820 + (35.455*VJ[cm]) + (43.942*body mass[kg]). This equation provides a feasible way to estimate power in field-based settings.

We designed grip strength standards for youth by back-extrapolating cutpoints based on weakness at age 65. Existing standards, based on insufficient bone mineral content (BMC), were also compared in a nationally representative sample. Altogether, 6837 participants (n = 2199 [less than or equal to] 18.9 years of age) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey had dominant hand, grip strength assessed. Lambda Mu Sigma regression was used to create percentiles of strength and identify thresholds linked with clinically relevant weakness (CRW) in older adults. Approximately 93% and 75% of young people met standards based on CRW and BMC, respectively. Non-Hispanic white and black youth were more likely to meet grip strength cutpoints. Underweight children were less likely (odds ratios = 0.20 to 0.26), while overweight/obese youth were more likely (1.38 to 2.71), to meet strength standards compared to normal weight. The standards can be used with, or in place of, normative standards when evaluating grip strength.

We developed plank test standards, based on trunk lean mass-to-fat mass (LM/FM) ratio, in a sample of healthy Portuguese 10--18 year olds (n = 474, 46.4% female). Height and weight were measured and muscular endurance was assessed using the prone plank test. Trunk LM/FM ratio was determined using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Plank standards were derived using receiver operator characteristic curves. Approximately 90% of youth with sufficient trunk LM/FM ratio were categorized into the desirable zone of plank time. Roughly two-thirds of those with trunk LM/FM ratio [less than or equal to] 5th percentile were identified within the undesirable zone. The odds of low trunk LM/FM were 6.5 times greater for those in the undesirable zone of plank compared those scoring above the cutpoint (independent of age, sex, or weight status). The standards provided here can be used to identify low trunk LM/FM ratio, which may have implications for balance and spinal health in youth.

The study examined the sensitivity to change of field assessments of handgrip strength and vertical jump following programmatic interventions in physical education settings. Using a naturalistic experimental design, classes of 6th grade students (N = 158) were randomized to receive either an 8-week musculoskeletal strength or plyometric power program in physical education. Two-way repeated measures (program*time) ANOVAs were used to examine pre-post changes in handgrip and vertical jump tests. Results of the two-way ANOVA examining changes in vertical jump scores revealed a statistically significant program*time interaction effect (p < 0.001) with larger gains in the plyometric power group. The parallel analysis on handgrip was not statistically significant, but percent changes in handgrip scores were larger in the musculoskeletal strength group. The results are consistent with the specificity principle and demonstrate that field-based musculoskeletal fitness assessments are sensitive to change if students receive appropriately designed musculoskeletal programming in physical education classes.

Using a sample of healthy youth (n = 466, 10 to 18 yr), we report the predictive utility of vertical jump power (VJ Power, W) for predicting bone strength. We measured VJ Power using mechanography and an indicator of bone strength, i.e., height-adjusted total bone mineral content less head (TBLH BMC, g), using DXA. Growth curve models were used to convert VJ Power to age- and sex-specific percentiles/Z-scores. Associations were examined using receiver operator characteristic curve analysis, i.e., area-under-the-curve (AUC), as well as sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) for Desirable, Marginal, and Low groups based on VJ Power percentiles. The AUC was 0.84 for TBLH BMC [less than or equal to] -2.0 Z-score from VJ Power percentiles. Se for Marginal and Low groups were 71.4% and 42.9%, respectively. Sp for Marginal and Low groups were 85.2% and 95.1%, respectively. The results suggest the utility of using VJ Power percentiles for assessing bone strength.

This study summarized protocols in the "Lisbon Study for the Development and Evaluation of Musculoskeletal Fitness Standards in Youth" and assessed associations between fitness assessments and health outcomes. The sample was 529 children and adolescents (10 to 18 yr). The fitness assessments included handgrip, vertical jump, long jump, plank, and lower body power. The health outcomes were total body and hip bone mineral content, hip bone mineral density, and total body lean tissue mass. Correlation analyses examined associations unadjusted and adjusted for size and maturity. After adjustment, in females, vertical jump, long jump, and lower body power were associated with all health outcomes (r = 0.22 to 0.55, p < 0.05). In males, all fitness assessments were associated with all health outcomes (r = 0.17 to 0.64, p < 0.05). Musculoskeletal fitness assessments including non-invasive and easy-to-measure field assessments are associated with important muscle and bone health outcomes in youth.

This study examined the predictive validity of musculoskeletal fitness tests for identifying sarcopenia in youth. The sample was 529 participants age 10 to 18 years. Indices included: total lean body mass (LBM) normalized for height (LBM index, LBMI, kg/m2), appendicular LBMI (aLBMI, kg/m[superscript 2]), and LBM to fat body mass (FBM) ratio (LBM/FBM). Lean and fat tissue were measured via DXA. The cutoff value for sarcopenia was -- 2.0 standard deviations [less than or equal to] mean for age and sex. Fitness was assessed using handgrip, plank, and vertical jump tests. Variables were standardized using the lambda-mu-sigma (LMS) method. By sex, analysis included the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity (Se), and specificity (Sp). The ROC curves for aLBMI was highly accurate (AUCs [greater than or equal to] 0.90, Se and Sp = 86-88%) for vertical jump and moderately accurate for handgrip (AUCs = 0.87-0.88, Se and Sp = 71-75%). Fitness tests can be used to identify pediatric sarcopenia.

Research indicates that resistance training provides many health and fitness benefits to children and adolescents as long as proper guidelines and training provided such as increased, muscle strength, muscle power-endurance, bone mineral density, improved motor skill performance and reduced sport injuries. As a result, resistance bands training could be an affordable and appropriate training at home for children with proper training and supervision during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to provide guidelines about how to train children using resistance bands.

Working and learning from home as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a national decline in physical activity. This, coupled with excessive sitting from remote learning, can lead to postural complications with negative consequences. This article offers physical educators the tools to educate students on how to assess their posture, strengthen or lengthen key muscle groups, and perform appropriate exercises to avoid headaches, back pain, and spinal degeneration. A workout routine along with supporting photos and illustrations are included.

Purpose: To examine the associations between muscular fitness (MF) and body composition. Method: MF was assessed with three tests of FitnessGram test battery. Total body fat percentage (BF%), abdominal fat percentage (AF%) and fat-free mass (FFM) were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The IOTF body mass index (BMI) cut-offs were used to define healthy weight, overweight, and obesity. Results: MF was inversely associated with BF% and AF%. The children in the moderate and high MF groups had significantly lower BF% and AF% compared with the children in the low MF group within the same BMI category. After adjusting for cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), BMI and sex, the differences between the MF groups were significant for BF% but not for AF%. Conclusion: There were significant inverse associations between MF and DXA--measured adiposity. Within the same BMI category, total and abdominal adiposity were lower in children with moderate or high MF than in children with low MF.

Background: The "Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition" ("PAGA2") is an evidence-based policy for physical activity. The PAGA2 addresses sedentary behavior, promotes physical activity, and elaborates on improved health outcomes associated with physical activity. The Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act is a bill passed by the Senate but not yet enacted. The Move Your Way campaign is a promotional campaign for the PAGA2. Purpose: The study promoted physical activity in American adults at a Midwestern church after implementation of a PowerPoint presentation entailing the Move Your Way campaign. Methods: The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) was completed by participants prior to implementation of the Move Your Way campaign. Follow-up GPAQ assessments retrieved via telephone calls occurred at two, four, and eight weeks post intervention. Results: The Move Your Way campaign produced a statistically significant increase in physical activity and reduction in sedentary behavior. The Move Your Way campaign successfully influenced adults to increase their physical activity and reduce their sedentary behavior. Translation to Health Education Practice: This study provides evidence-based practice that promotes and easily assesses physical activity. The results can be used to advocate for the enactment of the Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act.

Once the COVID-19 pandemic occurred in the United States, social distancing measures that included closing sport facilities, recreational facilities, schools, restaurants, entertainment venues, and so on were put in place to decrease the spread of the virus. This posed a unique challenge for physical education (PE) instructors as they were left to determine possibilities to continue to teach through an online platform. While the Department of Physical Education (DPE) at the United States Military Academy at West Point (USMA) was in a similar position, the determination by school officials was that the mission of the school was not achievable via distance. Therefore, the school returned to West Point and held online academic classes that students attended from their own rooms, except for PE classes, which were conducted in person. This choice was made because it was determined that the mission of the department would not be able to be achieved in an online platform. The aim of this article is to demonstrate how USMA was able to design and implement a successful, in-person physical education curriculum during the COVID-19 pandemic that could relate to a public high school, a boarding school, or a higher education institution.

Aim: Sport activities can increase the number of motor tasks performed by children with disabilities, helping to motivate these children to sustain life-long exercise. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of virtual and traditional golf training on balance, muscle strength, lower extremity flexibility and aerobic endurance in children with cerebral palsy. Methods: 19 children with unilateral cerebral palsy were divided into two groups, each of them received either virtual (n = 9) or traditional (n = 10) golf training, for over 12 weeks with three days of a 60-minute session/day. The effect of golf training was assessed with the Gross Motor Function Measure-88, the Modified Ashworth Scale and Lateral Step Up, Curl Up, Six-Minute Walk, Sit and Reach, Modified Thomas, and balance tests. Results: Both training methods were associated with improved lower extremity flexibility and muscle strength, aerobic endurance and Gross Motor Function Measure-88 compared with the pre-training baseline values (p < 0.05). There was no difference found between virtual and traditional golf training groups except for balance and lateral step up tests (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Both virtual and traditional golf training applied for 12 weeks on children with unilateral cerebral palsy improved lower extremity functions and physical performance. The use of virtual and traditional training as a complementary application to reduce motor problems in children with cerebral palsy could enhance the sustainability of this type of training because of its edutainment features. Virtual golf has an important advantage over traditional golf in that (a) the latter can be expensive and inaccessible for people with disabilities, and (b) making virtual golf a safer activity.

Many physical education teacher education (PETE) programs have adopted FITNESSGRAM® as the preferred method to assess teacher candidate fitness levels. The rationale, however, is unclear. This article presents fitness testing results of PETE candidates using FITNESSGRAM® with the aim to evaluate its appropriateness. 86 PETE students participated in the FITNESSGRAM® assessment tool as part of the University program course requirement. Participants engaged in the Progressive Aerobic Capacity Endurance Run (PACER), push-ups, curl-ups, the sit and reach, and body composition was determined via body mass index (BMI). Data were analyzed separately by sex. Compared to FITNESSGRAM® Healthy Fitness Zones, most participants met or exceeded the muscular and cardiovascular fitness testing components; however, many were also calculated as overweight or obese. Despite the wide use of FITNESSGRAM® in PETE programs, there are concerns with the psychometric properties of some FITNESSGRAM® scales relative to the PETE candidate population. The authors recommend age-appropriate fitness testing measures to ensure that pre-service physical education teachers are engaged in fitness producing activities that adequately assess and promote health-related fitness.

Postsecondary dance technique teachers negotiate extensive physical demands throughout their careers. As they rise through the academic ranks, their bodies age, and with age sometimes comes limited mobility, decreasing strength, and injuries. Further, mental and emotional processes and self-perceptions sometimes change in response to diminishing physical abilities. The potential impact of this research is wide-ranging; it may assist both dance practitioners and pedagogues to approach their dancing from an equipped, empowered position as they age. This article offers strategies and best practices cited by 33 surveyed working and retired dance educators to expand career options and extend active participation in the dance field. Participants discuss challenges related to the aging process, and they also model creative problem solving and illustrate grit, resilience, and positive momentum. Their narratives expand notions about the meanings and methods of teaching technique throughout academic dance careers.

The application of strength and conditioning principles and concepts are built into the national standards and grade-level outcomes; however, the prevailing FITT formula does not meet the needs of students today. Instead of one standard workout program for all, students need to learn about a nonlinear, or undulating, program that provides options for training different ways. Many students are exposed to fitness activities off campus when attending gyms, seeing infomercials on tv, and lifting with their sport coach but may need a quality physical education program to ensure adequate learning of up-to-date research into strength and conditioning.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who have problems such as inactivity and the lack of communication need interventions that enable them to participate in society just like their peers. The purpose of this study was to investigate 'I can have physical literacy' programme (ICPL) on physical literacy (PL) in children with ASD. This study was a quasi-experimental study with the pre-test, post-test design, and control group. The intervention programme was based on ICPL and the Canadian assessment of physical literacy (CAPL). The results showed that physical competence (p=0.005), daily behaviour (p=0.003), motivation and confidence (p=0.005), knowledge (p=0.001), and PL (p=0.005). The intervention is based on the PL effect on physical competence to engage in physical activity (PA), and also embraces more than the body and development of physical skills which includes other factors.

Objectives: Using Theory of Planned Behavior, the objective of this study was to determine how attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavior control related to intent to strength training by college-aged women. Participants: Participants were college-aged females (N = 162) from a mid-sized private university in the Midwestern United States who were divided into three groups: non-exercisers, cardiovascular-only exercisers, and strength or strength and cardiovascular exercisers. Methods: Participants completed a questionnaire assessing attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavior control in relation to strength training behavior. MANOVA was utilized to examine the differences between groups. Results: The MANOVA was significant at p<0.01. Post hoc analysis indicated strength training participation was significantly higher for non-exercisers and cardiovascular-only exercisers for the attitude and perceived behavior control constructs (p<0.05) but not for subjective norm. Conclusions: Perceived behavior control and direct attitude factors may be strong contributors to college-aged women's participation in strength training.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by deficits in social communication, interaction, and stereotypical behaviours. Children with ASD have not enough opportunities to participate in physical activity (PA), which lead to increase fitness and health problem. The aim of this study was to compare two programs on motor skills. In the current investigation, 30 high functioning autistic children were diagnosed by a psychiatrist and randomly divided into control and experimental groups. The evaluation tools included the Brininx-Oresetsky Test (BOT) and a program named "I can have physical literacy" (ICPL) and Sport, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids (SPARK). The experimental intervention groups received sixteen sessions of 60 min, while the control group did not receive any treatment. Analysis of covariance was used to determine the difference between the groups. Post-hoc test was used to compare pairs of groups. Results showed that the experimental ICPL and Spark groups had increased motor skills (MS). There were significant differences between groups on gross motor skills. There were significant differences between the control and experimental ICPL groups, and between the experimental Spark and experimental ICPL groups. Both of these programs increased MS. ICPL program that address the characteristics of children with ASD, have a positive effect on their MS.

Purpose: Physically active adults have experienced training benefits from fish oil--derived omega-3 fatty acid (FO n3), which may also be of benefit to singers. The purpose of this research study was to determine if self-reported vocal adaptations and body composition changes occur in singers following FO n3 supplementation in conjunction with a singer's normal training regimen. Method: Twenty college students, currently enrolled in vocal lessons at a university, were randomized to receive either 3.0 g of FO n3 or placebo, which they took during a 10-week study period. Participants were blinded to group assignment. Participants completed the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), Singing Voice Handicap Index-10 (SVHI-10), and the Evaluation of Ability to Sing Easily (EASE) and submitted to body composition measures (weight, skeletal mass, and body fat mass) before and after the study period. Results: Sixteen participants completed all parts of the study protocol. Mean compliance for the placebo group (83.9%) and the supplement group (75.2%) was similar. There were no significant differences in body composition measures, RSI scores, and EASE scores between groups. Scores on the SVHI-10 decreased significantly over time for all participants. Conclusions: Improvements seen in the SVHI-10 were not meaningfully different between the supplement and placebo group, pointing to the benefit of weekly lessons. The lack of changes in the questionnaire scores in the supplement group are partially attributed to the low compliance rate and low sample size, which is supported by the lack of change in the body composition measures.

Background: The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize what is known about health-related physical fitness (cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition) and physical activity among homeschool youth. Findings from this study have implications for all American youth as they return to public school from mandated schooling at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Database engines identified over 22,000 articles with 82 abstracts screened for further review. Of these, 18 full-text articles were additionally screened with 10 cross-sectional articles included in the final review. Articles were condensed into a standard review template and findings were summarized by topic. Results: Cardiovascular endurance findings were inconsistent. Abdominal, but not upper body, muscular strength and endurance were significantly lower in homeschool students. There were no reports on flexibility. Body composition was generally healthy in homeschool students and no differences in physical activity were seen. Conclusions: Research on health-related physical fitness in homeschool youth is limited and descriptive. Further testing and potential remediation may be needed for cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility in homeschool youth and their public school counterparts as they return to campus. However, existing literature supports healthy body composition and physical activity in this population.

Purpose: To facilitate precise diagnosis and provide tailored treatment of postural anomalies in the pediatric population, appropriate assessments are essential. In light of the multicomponent structure of postural control, understanding underlying constructs of an assessment is valuable in selecting and interpreting assessments. This study investigates the construct validity of the Gaits and Stations variables in the Revised Physical and Neurological Examination of Subtle Signs, a measure used to evaluate standing postural control in youth with mild neurological deficits. Methods: Data were included from 350 healthy participants ages 10-19 years old. An exploratory factor analysis with varimax rotation was performed. Individual loadings of [greater than or equal to]0.4 were used for factor designation. Results: Three latent factors were identified and labeled, based on evidence, as dynamic stability, movement strategies/coordination, and underlying motor systems--musculoskeletal strength. Conclusions: These brief, easily administered Gaits and Stations measures of the Physical and Neurological Examination of Subtle Signs facilitate evaluation of three constructs of standing postural control relevant to youth with mild neuromotor impairments. This information will potentially assist in clinical practice to identify youth with postural control deficits and establish developmentally appropriate interventions and in research to refine understanding of pathology and the impact on components of postural control.

The purpose of this study is to examine the amount of fat stored around the hips and thighs (waist-to-hip ratio) of college students in Ikere Ekiti, Nigeria, after a 12-week circuit strength training programme. The study adopted randomised pre-test post-test control group research design. Simple random sampling technique and fish bowl method with replacement were used. Anthropometric tape was the instrument used for the pre-test post-test data collection on the waist, girth and gluteal (hip girth) of participants. The two hypotheses formulated were tested with analysis of covariance statistics at a significant level of 0.05. It was observed that the intervention programme prevented the storage of fat around the hips and thighs of the experimental group from increasing to the level of high disease risk = 1.00 for men and = 0.85 for women. The study identified circuit strength training programme as a recipe to ameliorate hypokinetic conditions.

The purpose of this study was to compare some motoric characteristics as a result of participating in physical activity education of hearing impaired individuals aged 12-14 doing athletics and gymnastics. The study consists of 30 athletes and 30 gymnastics students at the Hearing Impairments in Malatya Province. In the pre-test and post-test measures of the participants, flamingo balance test, flexibility, lower extremity reaction time test, quadriceps muscle strength, abdominal and back muscle strength, height, body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI) measurements were performed. Each participant was given physical activity training 3 days per week for 14 weeks. The flamingo balance test score of the both groups showed a decrease and reaction time of right and left side of athletes showed a decrease (p<0.05). When both groups were compared in terms of muscle strength, quadriceps femoris muscle strength was increased in athletic group (p <0.05), but not statistically significant differences were observed in gymnastic group regarding quadriceps femoris muscle strength (p>0.05). As a result of the study, athletics is superior to gymnastic because it has been observed that athletics is more effective than gymnastics on balance, reaction time and muscle strength in individuals with hearing impaired.

In many sports like volleyball, jumping, balance and explosive strength which are biomotor abilities have become more important day by day to succeed. Athletes focus on games at game period so the time that they spend for improving their biomotor abilities can be less. Therefore, performance that obtained in preparation period and sustaining that performance in whole season affect significantly team rank at the end of the season. In the lights of these informations, the affect of amount of jumps with respect to different positions was investigated in major league of Turkey in 2013-2014. There were 149 female volleyball players between the ages 17-27 (age 24.19 ± 2.42) in this study. 12 teams competed with each other and 125 games that is 455 sets were evaluated. Moreover; videos were analyzed three times by experts. Number of jumps in serve, block, spike and setting were recorded. Spearman Brown Order Differential Correlation Coefficient was used for determining the relations between dependent and independent variables and descriptive statistics in analyzing datum. In addition to this, Multiple Linear Regression Analysis was used for investigating regression level between independent and dependent variables. As a result of this, middle blockers jumped the most (M=155.86, SD=39.77) while opposites jumped the least (M=73.31, SD=23.49). The amount of jumps of wing spikers (r= -0.130, p<0.05) and middle blockers (r= -0.185, p<0.01) was negatively related with team success at the end of the season in low level. The total amount of jumps in different positions was negatively related with team success at the end of the season in low level too (r= -0.156, p<0.01). Setters, wing spikers, middle blockers and opposites were listed with respect to regression factor (ß) and their importance level for team success at the end of the league. In conclusion, number of jumps in different positions at game time affects team success positively.

Introduction: Youths with visual impairments (that is, those who are blind or have low vision), as well as those who are visually impaired and have autism spectrum disorder (hereafter, autism), tend to be physically inactive and have low health-related fitness. However, little is known about individuals with dual disabilities, such as those with autism and visual impairments. Thus, the aim of this study was to perform an initial exploration of physical activity and health-related fitness for these students in comparison to students with visual impairments alone. Methods: Twelve participants (six with visual impairments, six with autism and visual impairments) aged 8-16 years (M[subscript age] = 12.4) who came from a school for students with visual impairments were participants. Participants wore tri-axial accelerometers on their right hips for four consecutive weekdays, during waking hours, to measure weekday physical activity. Following that task, they completed four health-related fitness tests, including a half-mile walk or run to measure aerobic endurance, a push-up test to measure upper-body muscular endurance, a modified curl-up test to measure abdominal muscular endurance, and a sit-and-reach test to determine flexibility. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent sample t-tests to identify differences between groups. Results: On average, the participants accrued 650.17 ± 141.44 minutes of sedentary time, 129.80 ± 66.78 minutes of light physical activity, and 19.78 ± 3.35 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per weekday. No participants met the 60-minute recommendations of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Participants with autism and visual impairments were significantly less physically active (p = 0.02) and less likely to pass fitness tests (p = 0.01) than were their peers with visual impairments alone. Discussion: This study provides the first empirical exploration of health-related variables for youths with autism and visual impairments. It is clear that developing and implementing interventions to help enhance physical activity and health-related fitness for those youths are needed. Implications for practitioners: Additional training and resources to understand the unique needs of these youths are essential in providing opportunities to participate in physical activities and enhancing health-related physical fitness.

The aim of this study is to evaluate physical and physiological characteristics of the Olympic Champion Turkish Deaf Men's National Handball Team. A total of 20 athletes participated in the study with age average of 27 ± 6.26 years, sports age average of 11.45±5.35 years, average height of 180.3±6.70 cm and an average body weight of 82.49±10.38 kg. In the evaluation of the data SPSS 19.0 program was used, frequency and distribution is observed, average standard deviation, maximum, and minimum values were taken. The average Body Mass Index (BMI) of the athletes were determined as 25.01±1.48 kg/m2, average Baseline Metabolic Rate (BMD) were 8643±924.06 (kJ), average Body Fat Percentage (%) were 12.86± .79%, average Fat Free Weight (FFM) were 71.59±7.37 kg, Visceral Fat Rating was 2.75±1.39, average right-left handgrip strength were 47.5±7.38-46.6±7.14 kg, average double foot jump with fixed-free hand values were 30.1±3.62 - 36.5±4.45 cm, average right-left hand visual reaction rate were 258.9±17.77 - 261.8±23.04 msec, average pro-agility agility test were 5.22±0.18 sec, and the average flexibility were 11.9±5.22 cm. As a result, physical and physiological characteristics of the Olympic Champion Turkish Deaf Men's National Handball Team is compared to the evaluated literature; While the height, body weight, BMI, reaction speed, agility and body fat ratio values is parallel to other handball players, the flexibility and jumping values were found to be lower than other hearing-impaired athletes and handball players. In particular, grip strength values are higher than other hearing-impaired athletes, and parallel to the values of handball players.

The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between body composition and physical fitness parameters in children. 286 male and 311 female students have voluntarily participated in the study. Data on body composition have been obtained through the measurements of the students' height, body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, length (sitting height, arm length, forearm length, leg length, thigh lengths), circumference (elbow, shoulder, biceps (flexion), buttock, knee, waist, calf, ankle). For somatotype characteristics, the Heat-Carter somatotype grading method has been used. The Sit-Reach Flexibility Test (cm) has been used to determine the characteristic of flexibility; the 20 m. Speed Test (seconds) to determine speed; the 20 m. Sit-up test to determine endurance; Takkei hand dynamometer to determine right-left hand grip strength; Takkei back and lift dynamometer for leg strength and the Flamingo Balance Test for balance have been used. In the analysis of data, the SPSS 16 software has been used and T test and Pearson correlation test have been carried out (p<0.05). Between the body composition and physical fitness parameters of female and male students, a statistically significant relationship has Gender been found with the exception of age, arm and waist measurements (p<0.05). In both genders, positive or negative relationships have been found between height, circumference measurements and somatotype characteristics and performance tests (p<0.05). It was found that there is a negative or positive relationship between the heights, circumference measurements and somatotype characteristics and their strength, endurance, speed, flexibility and balance characteristics of female and male children aged 10-12. As a result, it has been seen that the body composition of children aged 10-12 affects the physical fitness parameters. Children in this age group which is both a period of growth and development and skills selection period for numerous sports branches should regularly be followed by their physical education teachers, anthropometric measurements and performance tests should be carried out and the children should be directed towards suitable sports branches.