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This article describes the results of a study that helped determine common barriers to active commuting to and from school, as well as the results of a Walking School Bus program that was implemented at two neighborhood elementary schools in Nebraska. While parental perceived barriers to active commuting may influence the travel choices of elementary school students, the results of the study indicate that children wanting to actively commute and their maturity may account for the greatest variance in the decision to actively commute. In addition, results indicate that perhaps only the availability of adult supervision may lessen the barriers associated with safety concerns that prevent parents from allowing their children to actively commute. On the other hand, the Walking School Bus program may overcome parental perceived barriers and provide enough social stimulus to increase children's desire to actively commute. The program offers a number of attractive benefits. Children who participated in the program demonstrated higher levels of physical activity as well as more enjoyment of walking to and from school. (Contains 3 tables and 2 figures.)

Brown, GA, Ray, MW, Abbey, BM, Shaw, BS, and Shaw, I. Oxygen consumption, heart rate, and blood lactate responses to an acute bout of plyometric depth jumps in college-aged men and women. J Strength Cond Res 24(9): 2475-2482, 2010--Although plyometrics are widely used in athletic conditioning, the acute physiologic responses to plyometrics have not been described. The purpose of this study was to investigate the oxygen consumption, heart rate, and blood lactate responses to a single session of plyometric depth jumps. Twenty recreationally trained college-aged subjects (10 men, 10 women) participated in a single session of 8 sets of 10 box depth jumps from a height of 0.8 m with 3 minutes of passive recovery between each set. Plyometric depth jumping elicited 82.5 [+ or -] 3.1% and 77.8 [+ or -] 3.1% of the measured maximal oxygen consumption ([[??]o.sub.2]max) for women and men, respectively, with no difference in oxygen consumption in ml/kg/min or percent [[??]o.sub.2]max between sexes or sets. Heart rate significantly increased (p < 0.05) from 68.1 [+ or -] 2.9 beats x [min.sup.-1] at rest to 169.6 [+ or -] 1.2 beats x [min.sup.-1] during depth jumping. Sets 5 to 8 elicited a higher (p < 0.05) heart rate (173.3 [+ or -] 1.3 beats x [min.sup.1]) than sets 1 to 4 (164.6 [+ or -] 1.8 beats x [min.sup.-1]). Women exhibited a higher heart rate (p < 0.05) during sets 1 and 2 (169.9 [+ or -] 2.8 beats x [min.sup.-1]) than men (150.7 [+ or -] 4.4 beats x [min.sup.-1]). The blood lactate concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) increased above resting throughout all sets (1.0 [+ or -] 0.2 mmol x [L.sup.-1] compared with 2.9 [+ or -] 0.1 mmol x [L.sup.1]), with no differences between sexes or sets. Plyometric depth jumping significantly increased oxygen consumption, heart rate, and blood lactate in both men and women, but no significant difference was found between the sexes. Plyometric depth jumping from a height of 0.8 m has similar energy system requirements to what Wilmore and Costill termed 'Aerobic Power' training, which should enhance [[??]o.sub.2]max, lactate tolerance, oxidative enzymes, and lactate threshold. KEY WORDS conditioning; jump training, oxygen consumption

The purpose of this preliminary investigation was to determine if an intervention program using pedal-less bicycles could improve stability scores among preschool aged children. Currently, there has not been literature demonstrating if this intervention will improve balance scores. Twenty healthy children, aged three to five years old were recruited to determine if pedal-less bicycles would improve balance scores after four weeks. This study used a two group experimental/control repeated measures design analyzed with mixed-effects repeated measures analysis of variances to determine if Center of Pressure (CoP) and Limit of Stability (LoS) scores changed during the four weeks. Significant differences in mean performance were detected in the experimental group for LoS in the anterior plane (p =.012), in the left sagittal (p = 0.010), and in the right sagittal plane (p < 0.001), especially during week three and four. There was evidence of significant associations with pedal-less bicycle riding and mean stability scores in three to five year old children within four weeks of training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The decline in active commuting to and from school in the United States is, in part, due to urban design standards and public policies that promote automobile travel and discourage pedestrian activity. Purpose: The current investigation examines active commuting at neighborhood schools and how it is altered by distance to school, student age and its potential impact on Body Mass Index. Methods: Demographic and transportation datasets were obtained for 5367 elementary students (K-5th grade) and middle school students (6th-8th grade) in 2 Midwestern communities. Results: 4379 (81.6%) students were successfully geocoded and 21.9% actively commute to school at least half of the time meeting the Healthy People 2010 objective 22-14. Of those students who could potentially actively commute to school (0.5 mile for grades K-5 and 1 mile for grades 6--8) 36.6% are passive commuters. No significant negative associations were found between BMI z-score or BMI percentile with accumulation of activity through active commuting (frequency x distance) for elementary (r = --0.04, P = .27) or middle school students (r = .027, P = .56). Conclusion: Many elementary students living within 0.3-0.4 miles are being driven to school. Promoting pedestrian-friendly communities and making healthy and sustainable transportation choices should be priorities for community leaders and school administrators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Walking to and from school has potential to increase daily physical activity among children. Methods: A Walking School Bus (WSB) intervention was implemented for 2 years in 2 schools with a third school as a control. The primary aim evaluated school-wide prevalence of walking to school by self-report 6 times (fall, winter, spring). The secondary aims compared objective physical activity levels among a subsample of research participants (intervention [INT] = 201, control [CON] = 123) and between frequency of walking to school groups. INT and CON participants wore an accelerometer during 4 time periods to assess daily physical activity and were measured for body mass index (BMI) and body fat each fall and spring. Results: School- wide prevalence of walking to school frequently (>50% of the time each week) was 27% higher in the WSB schools than in the control school. INT obtained significantly more daily physical activity than CON (78.0 [38.9] vs 60.6 [27.7] min/d, P < .05). In addition, across all schools, frequent walkers obtained 25% more physical activity (P < .05), gained 58% less body fat (P < .05), and attenuated BMI by 50% (P < .05) compared with passive commuters. Conclusion: This study suggests a WSB intervention may increase frequency of walking to school and establishes a link with increased daily physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The MTI accelerometer is highly regarded as a reliable means to measure physical activity in children (Trost et. al., 1998); however, it is not always a practical instrument to use. Pedometers offer an alternative method of activity measurement and are often more practical. PURPOSE: To validate Omron™ pedometer (steps/day) against MTI accelerometer (counts /day and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) min/day) for children. METHODS: 190 children (88 males, 102 females, 8.7±2.1 yrs, 76.9±27.5 BMI %tile) wore an MTI accelerometer and Omron™ pedometer attached to the same belt for 3.9±2.2 days. MVPA was defined as movement ≥4 METs (Troiano et al., 2008). A Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine validity coefficients between Omron™ steps/day and MTI accelerometer MVPA min/day and counts/day. A stepwise regression was used to predict MVPA using Omron steps/day, sex, and age with 488 days of data. Cross-validation and paired t-tests were used to determine differences from predicted MVPA and actual MVPA. RESULTS: The correlations between Omron™ steps/day with both MTI counts/day and MTI MVPA min/day were r=0.79, p<0.05 and r=0.74, p<0.05 respectively. The model generated from the multiple regression equation accounted for 67% of the variance (r2 = 0.6689, SEE = 24.5) in MVPA, MVPA = 67.99 + 0.0068(steps/day) + -7.531(age in years) + 5.559(sex). CONCLUSION: Our validation correlations between the Omron™ pedometer and MTI accelerometer were acceptable The results indicate that the Omron pedometer can be used to estimate MVPA minutes and could serve as a useful alternative to accelerometry for those with limited resources or in practical situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The MTI accelerometer is highly regarded as a reliable means to measure physical activity in children (Trost et. al., 1998); however, it is not always a practical instrument to use. Pedometers offer an alternative method of activity measurement and are often more practical. PURPOSE: To validate Omron™ pedometer (steps/day) against MTI accelerometer (counts /day and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) min/day) for children. METHODS: 190 children (88 males, 102 females, 8.7±2.1 yrs, 76.9±27.5 BMI %tile) wore an MTI accelerometer and Omron™ pedometer attached to the same belt for 3.9±2.2 days. MVPA was defined as movement ≥4 METs (Troiano et al., 2008). A Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine validity coefficients between Omron™ steps/day and MTI accelerometer MVPA min/day and counts/day. A stepwise regression was used to predict MVPA using Omron steps/day, sex, and age with 488 days of data. Cross-validation and paired t-tests were used to determine differences from predicted MVPA and actual MVPA. RESULTS: The correlations between Omron™ steps/day with both MTI counts/day and MTI MVPA min/day were r=0.79, p<0.05 and r=0.74, p<0.05 respectively. The model generated from the multiple regression equation accounted for 67% of the variance (r2 = 0.6689, SEE = 24.5) in MVPA, MVPA = 67.99 + 0.0068(steps/day) + -7.531(age in years) + 5.559(sex). CONCLUSION: Our validation correlations between the Omron™ pedometer and MTI accelerometer were acceptable The results indicate that the Omron pedometer can be used to estimate MVPA minutes and could serve as a useful alternative to accelerometry for those with limited resources or in practical situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

American soft drink consumption (SDC) has increased since the 1960's surpassing all other kinds of beverage consumption. In recent years, the scientific literature has suggested that SDC has been linked to the rising epidemic of obesity in children and adolescents. However, there is lack of information in scientific literature on the effects of SDC on body fat (BF%) in young females. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between SDC and BF% in young women, ages 16-24 years. Sixty-six females were asked to complete a 3-day food record, food frequency questionnaire, and an assessment BF% by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Overall, participants consumed 29.44 ± 44.68 fl oz/day of soft drinks. There were significant positive associations between SDC and BF% (r = 0.24, p < 0.05). Due to the large standard deviation in SDC, secondary analysis compared moderate SDC (MSDC: < 32 fl oz/day) to high SDC (HSDC: ≥ 32 fl oz/day). Results suggested HSCD had significantly greater BF% than MSDC. Therefore, limiting the consumption of soft drinks is suggested in order to maintain a healthy BF%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research Objectives: Federal guidelines require schools participating in school meal programs to complete food production records. Production records demonstrate how meals contribute to the requirements of food components, food items or menu items. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how student involvement in the design of fruit and vegetable (F&V) promotional materials in schools influences production of F&V on school salad bars. Methods: Four elementary schools participated, including one control school (CON). Students at an Involvement and Marketing (I&M) school and Involvement Only (IO) school designed materials to promote F&V. Materials from the I&M school were subsequently posted in the I&M and a Marketing Only (MO) school. F&V production was determined by the number of servings prepared on salad bars during lunch periods. Production records data were recorded by school cafeteria staff on a standardized template and were collected four times throughout the year. Production records were compared between schools and time periods to determine changes in production and production waste during the student participatory marketing of F&V. Results: Data on servings prepared per person served showed an increase in all intervention schools during the intervention period compared to baseline and a decrease in the control school (CON = -5.0%, IO = 3.6%, MO = 0.3% and I&M = 4.5%). During a follow-up period, all schools had an increase in production (CON = 12.0%, IO = 12.2%, MO = 20.5% and I&M = 6.0%). Application of Results: A focus on F&V marketing in schools shows an increase in provided amounts of F&V, which may lead to more opportunities for F&V consumption by students. Production records are used by school districts and states to analyze the nutritional content of meals served and to plan for future purchases. However, the lack of accurate production waste data may make the data unusable to examine changes in F&V served and possibly consumed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on a study that determines barriers to active commuting to and from school, as well as the results of the Walking School Bus program at elementary schools in Nebraska. It mentions that barriers for active commuting to and from school include distance from school, traffic-related dangers, weather, time and convenience. It also develops the Walking School Bus program wherein college students escorted neighborhood children to and from school in the morning and afternoon. It also finds out from parents that their children enjoyed participating in the Walking School Bus program and that the program increased child physical activity levels.