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Health benefits of physical activity in children are well known. However, a drawback is the risk of physical activity-related injuries. Children are at particular risk for these injuries, because of a high level of exposure. Because of the high prevalence of physical activity injuries and the negative short- and long-term consequences, prevention of these injuries in children is important. This article describes how we systematically developed a school-based physical activity injury prevention programme using the intervention mapping (IM) protocol. IM describes a process for developing theory- and evidence-based health promotion programmes. The development can be described in six steps: (i) perform a needs assessment; (ii) identify programme and performance objectives; (iii) select methods and strategies; (iv) develop programme; (v) adopt and implement; and (vi) evaluate. First, the results of the needs assessment showed the injury problem in children and the different risk factors for physical activity injuries. Based on the results of the needs assessment the main focus of the injury prevention programme was described. Second, the overall programme objective of the injury prevention programme was defined as reducing the incidence of lower extremity physical activity injuries. Third, theoretical methods and practical strategies were selected to accomplish a decrease in injury incidence. The theoretical methods used were active learning, providing cues and scenario-based risk information, and active processing of information. The practical strategy of the injury prevention programme was an 8-month course about injury prevention to be used in physical education classes in primary schools. Fourth, programme materials that were used in the injury prevention programme were developed, including newsletters for children and parents, posters, exercises to improve motor fitness, and an information website. Fifth, an implementation plan was designed in order to ensure that the prevention programme would be implemented, adopted and sustained over time. Finally, an evaluation plan was designed. The injury prevention programme is being evaluated in a cluster randomized controlled trial with more than 2200 children from 40 primary schools throughout the Netherlands. The IM process is a useful process for developing an injury prevention programme. Based on the steps of the IM we developed an 8-month injury prevention programme to be used in physical education classes of primary schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Awareness of physical activity (PA) constraints in patients with primary hypothyroidism on thyroid hormone replacement therapy (THR) is important. Hence, this cross-sectional matched case-control study aimed to determine PA and sports participation (SP) in patients with hypothyroidism on THR in comparison to control subjects. Accordingly, survey questions were selected from the National Survey on Injuries and Physical Activity in the Netherlands (IPAN), supplemented with questions related to self-reported clinical characteristics and exercise-related constraints (ERC) of patients. In total, 1,724 female patients (mean age 53.0 years ±11.6) and 1,802 controls (mean age 52.6 ± 13.2) were included. Compared to controls, patients were less likely to comply with the moderate-intensity PA guideline (OR 0.70; 95% CI: 0.611-0.803), although patients were more actively participating in sports (OR 1.40; 95% CI: 1.156-1.706). Two-thirds of patients reported that hypothyroidism was limiting their PA performance. These limitations were more pronounced in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) than in patients with hypothyroidism from other aetiology (OR 1.93; 95% CI: 1.518-2.457), representing disease-specific exercise intolerance. In order to establish effective intervention programmes to encourage regular PA in hypothyroid patients on THR with exercise intolerance, further research is warranted to better understand PA barriers.

Children with a low level of neuromotor fitness are less skilled to participate in sports activities. Moreover, lower levels of neuromotor fitness are related to adiposity, lower cardiovascular health, and poor self-esteem in children. The aim of this paper was to determine neuromotor fitness in 10-12-year-old Dutch children over a 10-year period. Test scores measured in 2015/2017 ( N = 533 in 2015, N = 941 in 2017) were compared with scores of same-aged children measured in 2006 ( N = 1986). Neuromotor fitness was assessed using the MOPER fitness test battery, including speed and agility, strength, flexibility, and coordination and upper-limb speed. Data were analyzed using multilevel linear regression models and tobit regression analyses in case of skewed distributions with an excess of zeros. Analyses were stratified by age and gender, and adjusted for level of urbanization. Children in 2015/2017 performed significantly worse on speed and agility (β = 0.8 to 1.1 s), significantly better on coordination/upper-limb speed (β = -1.0 to -0.6 s), and-except for 12-year-old girls-significantly worse on flexibility vs. children in 2006 (β = -3.4 to -1.8 cm). Additionally, upper-body strength was significantly worse among 10-year olds (β = -3.2 to -2.5 s) while leg strength was significantly worse among 11-year-olds in 2015/2017 vs. 2006 (β = -1.8 to -1.7 cm). Trunk strength was worse among 11- and 12-year old boys (β = 1.1 to 1.2 s). In line with a previously observed downward trend in neuromotor fitness among children (1980-2006), we found worse scores on speed and agility, and flexibility in 2015/2017 vs. 2006, stressing the need for interventions aimed at improving neuromotor fitness in order to promote physical activity and future health., (Copyright © 2020 Anselma, Collard, van Berkum, Twisk, Chinapaw and Altenburg.)

Background: Tackling childhood obesity is complex and requires a community-based approach implemented in multiple environments. It is known from literature that knowledgeable and skilled professionals are essential to implement such an approach successfully. The aim of the present study was to assess the need for training and support among a global network of programme directors implementing a Community-Based Childhood Obesity Intervention (CBCOI) based on the EPODE approach, in order to assist them in optimising the implementation process., Methods: An online survey was sent to 40 programme directors representing programmes implementing a CBCOI based on the EPODE approach. The survey consisted of statements on a 5-point Likert scale and multiple-choice questions about attitude towards and usefulness of training and support, and preferences for some predefined training types and training topics. In total, 22 programme directors responded to the survey (55% response rate). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics to describe the need for support in order to improve successful implementation., Results: Respondents strongly agreed that continually updating skills and learning how to make their programmes more effective and sustainable at the start and during the implementation was important. On-site training was preferred most at the commencement of a programme, while a 2-day training course was most valued during implementation. Monitoring, measuring and programme evaluation was identified as the most valuable training topic., Conclusions: The results indicate a continuing and significant need for support and training among programme directors implementing a CBCOI. The findings give directions regarding topics and types of training and support in order to improve the implementation process.