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The purpose of the study was to examine the feasibility of translating the FunDoRoo[TM] mobile device application, a parental home-based physical activity (PA) intervention, for youth with disabilities in five special education classrooms (elementary through high school). A supervisor's fidelity checklist on the FunDo-Roo[TM] protocol, along with narrative comments, was completed after each session. The fidelity checklist was designed to assess the implementation and facilitation of the FunDoRoo[TM] sessions. FunDoRoo[TM] included Gef Ready exercises, Gef Strong exercises, and Games. Fidelity checklist data were not reported in this study. Qualitative analysis on implementation and facilitation was conducted on the narrative comment data from the fidelity checklists from 31 different FunDoRoo[TM] sessions across the five classrooms. Five themes were identified using an inductive approach: equipment modification, exercise/movement adaptation, location/space, challenges with group setting, and time constraints. Based on the thematic analysis, facilitators need to be cognizant of students' ability levels as these abilities will inform equipment modification and adaptations to the activities/exercises in the FunDoRoo[TM] application. Results from this study indicate that with these considerations, the FunDo-Roo[TM] application curriculum can feasibly be translated for use in special education classrooms, as a fun, interactive way to reach the educational goals of students with disabilities that may increase PA in the school setting. Keywords: Motor skills, adapted physical activity, therapeutic recreation, children, adolescents, disability, Physical activity (PA) is important for individuals with and without disabilities (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). Unfortunately, roughly 18% of youth in the United States experience limitations to [...]

BackgroundThis study sought to compare three sensor-based wear-time estimation methods to conventional diaries for ActiGraph wGT3X-BT accelerometers worn on the non-dominant wrist in early pregnancy.MethodsPregnant women (n= 108) wore ActiGraph wGT3X-BT accelerometers for 7 days and recorded their device on and off times in a diary (criterion). Average daily wear-time estimates from the Troiano and Choi algorithms and the wGT3X-BT accelerometer wear sensor were compared against the diary. The Hibbing 2-regression model was used to estimate time spent in activity (during periods of device wear) for each method. Wear-time and time spent in activity were compared with multiple repeated measures ANOVAs. Bland Altman plots assessed agreement between methods.ResultsCompared to the diary [825.5 minutes (795.1, 856.0)], the Choi [843.0 (95% CI 812.6, 873.5)] and Troiano [839.1 (808.7, 869.6)] algorithms slightly overestimated wear-time, whereas the sensor [774.4 (743.9, 804.9)] underestimated it, although only the sensor differed significantly from the diary (P < .0001). Upon adjustment for average daily wear-time, there were no statistically significant differences between the wear-time methods in regards to minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), vigorous PA, and moderate PA. Bland Altman plots indicated the Troiano and Choi algorithms were similar to the diary and within ≤ 0.5% of each other for wear-time and MVPA.ConclusionsThe Choi or Troiano algorithms offer a valid and efficient alternative to diaries for the estimation daily wear-time in larger-scale studies of MVPA during pregnancy, and reduce burden for study participants and research staff.

This study examined whether associations exist between PA intensity, self-regulation, and indicators of school readiness, a proxy for academic achievement, in young children. Thirty young children completed assessments of physical activity, school readiness indicators, and self-regulation. Physical activity intensity was classified as light, moderate or vigorous. School readiness indicators were assessed using expressive and receptive subtests. There were no associations between light and moderate physical activity, school readiness indicators, and self-regulation. Additionally, there was no association between vigorous activity and the receptive subtest of the school readiness indicators. Correlations were significant between vigorous activity, self-regulation, and expressive subtest. School indicator expressive scores and self-regulation were significantly predicted by the level of vigorous activity. Results suggest the existence of an intensity threshold influencing the PA, self-regulation, and school readiness association.

This study evaluated a 4-week program to increase the time families spent engaging in outdoor activity. Parents were provided strategies to increase family outdoor activity and locations to be active. Sixteen families completed the program. Duration and number of family outdoor activity bouts per week, type of activities, locations, and family member attendance were measured using logs. Pre/post surveys were conducted to determine the usefulness of providing educational resources and maps. Compared to baseline (216.1±127.3 min/week), family outdoor activity for weeks 1 (316.1±180.2 min/week), 2 (351.1±209.1 min/week), and 4 (317.5±186.8 min/week) were significantly greater at follow-up. At follow-up, parents reported increased regular exercise and encouragement for their child to be active. Children reported adults engaged in physical activity with them and increased transportation to places to be active. This novel program increased family outdoor activity levels and contributes to limited research on strategies to increase outdoor activity in youth.

Background: This study examined the association between physical fitness and academic achievement and determined the influence of socioeconomic status (SES) on the association between fitness and academic achievement in school-aged youth. Methods: Overall, 1,701 third-, sixth-, and ninth-grade students from 5 school districts participated in the assessments. Fitness was assessed using FITNESSGRAM (aerobic fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition). Results were used to determine individual fitness scores. Academic achievement was measured by standardized tests for Math (all grades), English (all grades), and Social Studies (sixth and ninth grades only). The SES was determined using eligibility for free and reduced lunch program. Results: There were no significant differences between fitness groups for Math and English in third-grade students. Sixth- and ninth-grade students with high fitness scored significantly better on Math and Social Studies tests compared with less fit students. Lower SES students scored significantly worse on all tests. Muscular strength and muscular endurance were significantly associated with academic achievement in all grades. Conclusions: Compared with all other variables, SES appears to have the strongest association with academic achievement. However, it also appears that high fitness levels are positively associated with academic achievement in school-aged youth. (Contains 4 tables and 1 figure.)

Clear criteria for maximal oxygen consumption (VO[subscript 2]max) determination in youth are not available, and no studies have examined this issue in girls. Our purpose was to determine whether different peak heart rate (HRpeak) and peak respiratory exchange ratio (RERpeak) cut points affect girls' (N = 453; M age = 13.3 years, SD = 0.1) VO[subscript 2]max during a maximal treadmill test. A multivariate analysis of variance revealed VO[subscript 2]max (ml[middle dot]kg[superscript -1]{middle dot]min[superscript -1]) differed significantly among HRpeak, 180-189 b[middle dot]min[superscript -1] = 34 (SD = 0.8), 190-194 b[middle dot]min[superscript -1] = 35 (SD = 0.9), 195-199 b[middle dot]min[superscript -1] = 38 (SD = 0.8), 200-204 b[middle dot]min[superscript -1] = 40 ml[middle dot]kg[superscript -1][middle dot]min[superscript]-1 (SD = 0.8), and [greater than or equal to 205 b[middle dot]min[superscript -1] = 42 ml[middle dot]kg[superscript -1][middle dot]min[superscript -1] (SD = 0.7) but not RERpeak. In studies where evidence of a VO[subscript 2] plateau was examined, peak oxygen consumption (VO[subscript 2]peak) did not differ between plateau and no-plateau groups. Although our results suggest the association between lower VO[subscript 2]peak and lower peak heart rate is a true cardiovascular limit to aerobic energy production, we cannot rule out participant effort. (Contains 5 tables.)

Previous progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run (PACER) equations were developed to estimate peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) from data collected during treadmill running. No equation has been developed using VO2peak assessed during the PACER. Purpose: To develop and validate a prediction equation to estimate VO2peak from the PACER in 10- to 15-year-olds. Methods: A sample of 163 youth were recruited to develop (n = 101) and validate (n = 62) a prediction equation. VO2peak was measured using a portable metabolic unit. Regression analysis yielded a prediction equation that included laps, body mass index, and interaction between sex and age. Correlations and repeated-measures analysis of variances were used to compare the measured and estimated VO2peak from the new Scott et al equation and 2 commonly used FitnessGram™ (Mahar et al 2011 and Mahar et al 2018) equations, and the impact of sex on predicted VO2peak. Results: Predicted VO2peak from the Mahar et al 2011 and 2018 equations was significantly lower compared with measured values, and the Scott et al prediction was not different. The Mahar et al 2018 equation tended to overestimate VO2peak in males but worked well for females. The Mahar et al 2011 and Scott et al equations revealed no sex differences. Conclusions: The Scott et al equation resulted in a more accurate estimate of VO2peak, performing equally well for both sexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]