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Physical Activity and Exercise Science for Children
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Physical Activity and Exercise Science for Children

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Global and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 November 2021) | Viewed by 41135

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Lesley Pritchard

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
Interests: physical activity; rehabilitation intervention and service delivery for children with cerebral palsy; goal-setting

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Knowledge on the adverse health outcomes associated with decreased physical activity in childhood is increasing. Evidence-based physical activity guidelines have provided useful benchmarks for studying the prevalence of childhood physical activity behaviors. We now understand that increased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in childhood is associated with improved health, social and cognitive outcomes; evidence regarding the health benefits of decreasing sedentary behavior in childhood is also beginning to emerge. Children with disabilities and various medical conditions are often at even higher risk of being less physically active and may benefit from targeted interventions to change or increase their physical activity.

The goal of this Special Issue of Children is to address some of the current gaps in the literature related to childhood physical activity. We invite reviews and original research related to childhood physical activity with a particular focus on: 1) the effects of physical activity on the health and development of preschool children with and without disability or medical conditions; 2) the effects of increasing light physical activity (decreasing sedentary behavior) on developmental, health, social and cognitive outcomes for children of all ages, with or without disability or medical conditions; 3) outcomes associated with targeted physical activity interventions for children with disability and medical conditions; 4) research highlighting the factors associated with long-term behavior change related to physical activity, including studies focused on implementation of public health initiatives or targeted interventions for clinical populations. We are particularly interested in research with clinical implications for pediatric health care providers.

Prof. Dr. Lesley Pritchard
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Children is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • physical activity
  • exercise
  • sedentary behavior

Published Papers (17 papers)

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17 pages, 1230 KiB  
Article
Development of Physical Activity Competence Test Battery and Evaluation Standards for Korean Children
by Yeon-Oh Han and Byung-Sun Lee
Children 2022, 9(1), 79; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children9010079 - 05 Jan 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1914
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to develop a comprehensive and systematic method and standard for evaluating children’s physical activity competency as a solution to the problem of increasing child obesity rates due to a decrease in physical activity among children. This study [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study is to develop a comprehensive and systematic method and standard for evaluating children’s physical activity competency as a solution to the problem of increasing child obesity rates due to a decrease in physical activity among children. This study was used a cross-sectional study design. A literature review and Delphi survey were conducted to develop children’s physical activity competency evaluation. The evaluation criteria were presented based on the measurement data of metropolitan area kindergarten students (228 subjects) on the 2016 winter vacation. Items in the evaluation of children’s physical activity competency test battery include health physical strength, basic movement skills, physical activity habits, and physical activity attitudes. Physical fitness for health consisted of muscle strength and endurance (sit-up), flexibility (sit and reach, trunk lift) and body composition (BMI). Fundamental movement skills consisted of mobility (run, hop, jump), stability (static balance, dynamic balance), and control (throw kick). Physical activity habits consisted of the amount of daily steps (steps), exercise time, screen time, and sleep time. Physical activity attitudes consisted of preference, enjoyment, and confidence. The evaluation criteria for child physical activity competency test battery were presented in five stages, divided by age and gender. With the developed evaluation of children’s physical activity competency, the overall level of physical fitness for health, fundamental movement skills, physical activity habits, and physical activity attitudes of kindergarteners in the metropolitan area could be confirmed, and standards were presented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise Science for Children)
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8 pages, 1086 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Distance and Angular Analysis for Measurement of Hamstring Flexibility in Preschoolers
by Anke Hua, Jingyuan Bai, Yong Fan and Jian Wang
Children 2022, 9(1), 39; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children9010039 - 02 Jan 2022
Viewed by 1292
Abstract
The study aimed to (1) investigate the reliability and usefulness of a proposed angular analysis during a modified sit-and-reach (MSR) test, and (2) compare the proposed MSR angular analysis and the commonly used MSR distance to verify the influence of the anthropometric characteristics [...] Read more.
The study aimed to (1) investigate the reliability and usefulness of a proposed angular analysis during a modified sit-and-reach (MSR) test, and (2) compare the proposed MSR angular analysis and the commonly used MSR distance to verify the influence of the anthropometric characteristics in preschoolers. 194 preschoolers participated in the study. Before testing, the anthropometric characteristics were collected. Each participant performed the MSR test twice. The MSR distance score was obtained from the starting point to the reaching point, while the MSR angle score was calculated according to the approximate hip flexion angle. Both the relative and absolute reliability were good for the angular analysis during an MSR test in preschoolers (ICC ranging from 0.82 to 0.91, CV% ranging from 8.21 to 9.40). The angular analysis demonstrated good usefulness, with a lower typical error than the smallest worthwhile change in 3- and 5-year-old groups. The MSR angle scores could eliminate the concern of the influence of anthropometric characteristics, while MSR distance and anthropometric characteristics (i.e., sitting height and arm length) were found to be weakly correlated. In conclusion, the angular analysis when performing the MSR test is reliable and appears to eliminate the concern regarding the limb length bias. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise Science for Children)
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11 pages, 511 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Incorporating an Exergame Application in a Multidisciplinary Weight Management Program on Physical Activity and Fitness Indices in Children with Overweight and Obesity
by Rotem Kahana, Shai Kremer, Merav Dekel Dahari and Einat Kodesh
Children 2022, 9(1), 18; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children9010018 - 29 Dec 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1768
Abstract
Children with overweight/obese (OW/OB) have low physical activity (PA) levels and excessive daily screen times. Although access to personal smartphones may complicate restricting sedentary screen time, these devices may be used to promote PA and improve fitness. Therefore, we aim to examine the [...] Read more.
Children with overweight/obese (OW/OB) have low physical activity (PA) levels and excessive daily screen times. Although access to personal smartphones may complicate restricting sedentary screen time, these devices may be used to promote PA and improve fitness. Therefore, we aim to examine the impact of incorporating an exergame application (APP) into an existing weight management program on BMI, physical activity, fitness levels, and attitude toward PA among OW/OB children. Seventy-nine children (51% girls), median age 10 years, completed an established 5-month weight management program. The intervention included structured PA sessions (2/week), nutritional, and behavioral counseling. An exergame app was installed on the smartphones of the intervention group (APP, n = 32). BMI, physical fitness, PA level, and attitudes toward PA were assessed before and after the intervention. BMI decreased (p < 0.0001) in both groups by 0.67 kg/m2 (Q1, Q3: −1.36–0.12). There were improvements in more fitness components in the APP group than controls, with significantly greater improvements in aerobic fitness (p = 0.038), speed and agility (p = 0.01), and leg strength endurance (p = 0.05) compared to controls. PA levels increased similarly in both groups during the intervention period. The incorporation of an exergame application leads to more significant improvements in fitness components. These findings support the use of exergame apps to improve fitness in OW/OB children. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise Science for Children)
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13 pages, 3016 KiB  
Article
The Effects Induced by a Specific Program on the Development of Segmental Flexibility in Athletes Aged 7–14 in Synchronized Swimming
by Adela Badau, Barna Szabo-Csifo, Laura Ciulea, Razvan Alexandrescu and Dana Badau
Children 2022, 9(1), 17; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children9010017 - 28 Dec 2021
Viewed by 1647
Abstract
This research aims to expand the knowledge on the level of development of segmental flexibility, to girls aged 7–14 years, who practice synchronized swimming. The study includes 112 girls aged between 7 and 14 years, divided into groups on age, every two years, [...] Read more.
This research aims to expand the knowledge on the level of development of segmental flexibility, to girls aged 7–14 years, who practice synchronized swimming. The study includes 112 girls aged between 7 and 14 years, divided into groups on age, every two years, and on the period of synchronized swimming between 6 months and 42 months. The study focused on three body segments, namely: torso, hip, and shoulder. Segmental flexibility was assessed using 5 tests: standing trunk flexion, shoulder flexibility, Hip-split legs sideways, Hip-split antero-posterior with the right foot forward, and Hip-split antero-posterior with the left foot forward, performed in the gym. The statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS-24 software aiming at the following parameters: arithmetic means (X), standard deviation (SD), minimum (Min), maximum (Max), CI–95% Confidence Interval for Mean with the two lower and upper marks, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for testing the normality of data distribution and a multifactor ANOVA analysis, using the F test. The most significant improvements highlighted by the differences between initial and final were for: the shoulder flexibility test in the 13–14 years’ groups; flexibility of the spine registered the biggest difference between the 9–10 years’ group; for hip-split legs sideways the biggest difference was between 9–10 years’ group and 13–14 years and 9–10 years, too. The hip-split antero-posterior tests with the left and also, for right foot forward, showed the biggest differences between tests for 13–14 age groups. The development of joint flexibility has an upward evolution, being conditioned by the age of the practitioners and by the operating methodology specific to synchronized swimming. The longer the training period, the greater the premises for the development of segmental flexibility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise Science for Children)
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9 pages, 283 KiB  
Article
There Is an Inverse Correlation between Basic Motor Skills and Overweight in Schoolchildren Aged 8 to 12
by Lilyan Vega-Ramirez, Rosa M. Pérez-Cañaveras and Joaquín De Juan Herrero
Children 2021, 8(12), 1198; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children8121198 - 18 Dec 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2113
Abstract
In the last three decades, childhood obesity has become a 21st century epidemic, a product of social development. The purpose of this study was to analyze the repercussions that overweight and obesity have for the basic motor skills of a group of children [...] Read more.
In the last three decades, childhood obesity has become a 21st century epidemic, a product of social development. The purpose of this study was to analyze the repercussions that overweight and obesity have for the basic motor skills of a group of children in primary school, as well as their interrelations. We analyzed a sample of 287 students from Spain, aged between 8 and 12 years. Anthropometric data were taken to determine their Body Mass Index (BMI). A scale of assessment of basic motor skills was used to evaluate their motor skills. The BMI data revealed that 11% of this sample was considered obese, and 26% was overweight. Children showed higher competence in locomotor skills than in object control and turn and rolling skills, for which motor competence levels were lower. Likewise, there was an inverse relationship between BMI and basic motor skills; children with obesity had the lowest levels of motor skills, and there was a significant difference regarding non-obese children (p ≤ 0.05). These results showed that overweight and obese children have lower basic motor skills, which can lead to the abandonment of physical activity and the preference for other activities that reinforce a sedentary lifestyle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise Science for Children)
11 pages, 631 KiB  
Article
A Ten-Week Motor Skills Training Program Increases Motor Competence in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder
by Orifjon Saidmamatov, Quvondiq Raximov, Paula Rodrigues and Olga Vasconcelos
Children 2021, 8(12), 1147; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children8121147 - 06 Dec 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3279
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the effect of a motor skills training program in children with DCD considering their gender. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC-2) classified the children and assessed their skill changes over time. The study was implemented at [...] Read more.
The present study aimed to investigate the effect of a motor skills training program in children with DCD considering their gender. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC-2) classified the children and assessed their skill changes over time. The study was implemented at four kindergartens in the Khorezm region of Uzbekistan. In the study, all the children suffered from DCD (5.17 ± 0.70 years; 10 girls), and all the indicators of MABC-2 were less than 16%. The participants were divided into an experimental group (n = 17), receiving ten weeks of motor skills training program for 45 min twice per week; and a control group (n = 7), which proceeded with exercises of everyday living. The ANCOVA showed differences between the groups in the post-test concerning each domain: manual dexterity (F (1, 20) = 18.703, p < 0.001; η2 = 0.471); aiming and catching (F (1, 20) = 9.734, p = 0.005; η2 = 0.317); balance (F (1, 20) = 35.140, p = 0.000; η2 = 0.626); and total MABC-2 test score (F (1, 20) = 66.093, p < 0.001; η2 = 0.759), with all the children in the EG exhibiting better results. The Wilcoxon test revealed statistically significant differences for the EG between moments for all the variables (p < 0.001) but not for the CG (p > 0.050). The effectiveness of the intervention program was similar across both genders. The study suggests that a 10 week motor skills training program can increase the quality of children’s motor competence and represent a valuable procedure for physical education specialists to enhance motor competence for children with DCD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise Science for Children)
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12 pages, 494 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of the Portuguese Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2 Edition: A Study with Children Aged 12 to 48 Months
by Miguel Rebelo, João Serrano, Pedro Duarte-Mendes, Diogo Monteiro, Rui Paulo and Daniel Almeida Marinho
Children 2021, 8(11), 1049; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children8111049 - 13 Nov 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2384
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of Peabody Developmental Motor Scales II (PDMS-2-Folio and Fewell, 2000) using a Portuguese sample. The validation of the Portuguese version of the PDMS-2 was applied according to the manual, for 392 children, [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of Peabody Developmental Motor Scales II (PDMS-2-Folio and Fewell, 2000) using a Portuguese sample. The validation of the Portuguese version of the PDMS-2 was applied according to the manual, for 392 children, from two institutions, from 12 to 48 months, with an analysis of the internal consistency (α Cronbach), of test–retest reliability (ICC) and construct validity (confirmatory factor analysis). The results of the confirmatory factorial analysis (χ2 = 55.614; df = 4; p = 0.06; χ2/df =13.904; SRMR (Standardized Root Mean Square Residual) = 0.065; CFI (Comparative Fit Index) = 0.99, TLI = 0.99, RMSEA (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation) = 0.068) of two factors (Gross Motor and Fine Motor) as the original version but correlated. Most of the subtests had good internal consistency (α = 0.85) and good test–retest stability (ICC = 0.98 to 0.99). The results indicated that the Portuguese version of the PDMS-2 is adequate and valid for assessing global and fine motor skills in children aged 12 to 48 months, and can be used as a reference tool by health and education professionals to assess motor skills and, thus, allowing to detect maladjustments, deficiencies or precocity, so that children can later receive appropriate intervention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise Science for Children)
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16 pages, 730 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Scholastic Factors on Physical Activity Levels during the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Prospective Study on Adolescents from Bosnia and Herzegovina
by Damir Sekulic, Daria Ostojic, Andrew Decelis, José Castro-Piñero, Tatjana Jezdimirovic, Patrik Drid, Ljerka Ostojic and Barbara Gilic
Children 2021, 8(10), 877; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children8100877 - 01 Oct 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2532
Abstract
Scholastic factors (academic achievement) are hypothesized to be important determinants of health-related behaviors in adolescents, but there is a lack of knowledge on their influence on physical activity levels (PAL), especially considering the COVID-19 pandemic and the imposed lockdown. This study aimed to [...] Read more.
Scholastic factors (academic achievement) are hypothesized to be important determinants of health-related behaviors in adolescents, but there is a lack of knowledge on their influence on physical activity levels (PAL), especially considering the COVID-19 pandemic and the imposed lockdown. This study aimed to investigate the associations between scholastic factors and PAL before and during the pandemic lockdown. The participants were adolescents form Bosnia and Herzegovina (n = 525, 46% females), who were observed prospectively at the baseline (before the pandemic lockdown) and during the lockdown in 2020 (follow-up). The scholastic factors (grade point average, behavioral grade, school absences, unexcused absences) were evidenced at the baseline (predictors). The outcome (PAL) was evaluated using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents at the baseline and the follow-up. Gender, age, parental/familial conflict, and sport participation were observed as confounders. No significant influence of the predictors on PAL were evidenced at the baseline or at the follow-up. The scholastic variables were significantly associated with the changes of PAL which occurred due to pandemic lockdown, with a lower risk for negative changes in PAL among adolescents who were better in school (OR = 0.56, 95%CI: 0.34–0.81, and OR = 0.66, 95%CI: 0.34–0.97, for the grade point average and behavioral grade, respectively). Students who do well in school are probably more aware of the health benefits of proper PAL, and therefore are devoted to the maintenance of their PAL even during the home-confinement of lockdown. Public health authorities should focus more on helping adolescents to understand the importance and benefits of proper PAL throughout the school system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise Science for Children)
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14 pages, 314 KiB  
Article
Children with Poor Motor Skills Have Lower Health-Related Fitness Compared to Typically Developing Children
by Marisja Denysschen, Dané Coetzee and Bouwien C. M. Smits-Engelsman
Children 2021, 8(10), 867; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children8100867 - 29 Sep 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1998
Abstract
Most of the current empirical evidence regarding the relationship between health-related fitness and level of motor performance is based on children from high-income countries. Yet, children from low-resource areas may have fewer opportunities to develop their fitness skills. The aim of the study [...] Read more.
Most of the current empirical evidence regarding the relationship between health-related fitness and level of motor performance is based on children from high-income countries. Yet, children from low-resource areas may have fewer opportunities to develop their fitness skills. The aim of the study was to determine if South African children from both low- and middle-income areas scoring below the 16th percentile on the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (probable-Developmental Coordination Disorder (p-DCD)) have lower health-related fitness levels than typically developing (TD) children. We hypothesized that children with p-DCD would have lower overall health-related fitness than TD children. A sample of 146 participants aged 10 to 11 (10.05 years (SD = 0.41)) was collected from schools in the North West Province of South Africa, on the basis of their poverty classification. Children were tested for anaerobic capacity and strength using the Bruininks–Oseretsky test of motor proficiency second edition (BOT-2) and aerobic capacity using the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER). Body composition was evaluated using body mass index corrected for age and sex (BMI-z), body fat (BF), and waist circumference. The data was analyzed using Spearman correlations and chi-squared tests. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between groups for running and agility, strength, and aerobic capacity. No significant differences were found between p-DCD and TD groups in terms of body mass (36.1 kg vs. 33.3 kg), waist circumference (62.2 cm vs. 59.8 cm), BMI-z (19.7 vs. 17.6), and fat percentage (20.2 vs. 18.1%). Overweight and obesity prevalence was 15% in those with low socio-economic status (SES) and 27% in high SES. In conclusion, children with p-DCD had lower muscular strength, aerobic capacity, and endurance than TD children. Although it has been reported that children with p-DCD have a higher risk for overweight/obesity than TD children, this is not (yet) the case in 10–11-year-old children living in rural areas in South Africa (North West Province). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise Science for Children)
12 pages, 287 KiB  
Article
The 24-h Movement Compositions in Weekday, Weekend Day or Four-Day Periods Differentially Associate with Fundamental Movement Skills
by Clare M. P. Roscoe, Michael J. Duncan and Cain C. T. Clark
Children 2021, 8(10), 828; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children8100828 - 22 Sep 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2210
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between weekday, weekend day and four-day physical activity (PA) behaviours and fundamental movement skills (FMS) in British preschool children from a low socio-economic status background using compositional data analysis (CoDA). One hundred and [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between weekday, weekend day and four-day physical activity (PA) behaviours and fundamental movement skills (FMS) in British preschool children from a low socio-economic status background using compositional data analysis (CoDA). One hundred and eighty-five preschool children aged 3–4 years provided objectively assessed PA and sedentary behaviour (SB) data (GENEActiv accelerometer) and FMS (TGMD-2). The association of 24-h movement behaviours with FMS was explored using CoDA and isotemporal substitution (R Core Team, 3.6.1). When data were considered compositionally (SB, light PA (LPA), moderate and vigorous PA (MVPA)) and adjusted for age, BMI and sex, the weekday-derived composition predicted total motor competence (r2 = 0.07), locomotor (r2 = 0.08) and object control skills (r2 = 0.09); the weekend day-derived composition predicted total motor competence (r2 = 0.03) and object control skills (r2 = 0.03), the 4-day-derived composition predicted total motor competence (r2 = 0.07), locomotor (r2 = 0.07) and object control skills (r2 = 0.06) (all p < 0.05). Reallocation of 5 min of LPA at the expense of any behaviour was associated with significant improvements in total motor competence, locomotor and object control skills; for weekend-derived behaviours, MVPA was preferential. Considering movement behaviours over different time periods is required to better understand the effect of the 24-h movement composition on FMS in preschool children. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise Science for Children)
10 pages, 542 KiB  
Article
Parents’ Perspectives on Adaptive Sports in Children with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities
by Marion C. Neyroud and Christopher J. Newman
Children 2021, 8(9), 815; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children8090815 - 16 Sep 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2949
Abstract
Children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) need adaptations to participate in sports and it is more difficult for them to access these activities. We investigated the effects of adaptive sports in children with PIMD as perceived by their parents. The parents [...] Read more.
Children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) need adaptations to participate in sports and it is more difficult for them to access these activities. We investigated the effects of adaptive sports in children with PIMD as perceived by their parents. The parents answered a postal questionnaire exploring the effects of adaptive sports during the 3 days following an activity. The questionnaire explored twelve domains of children’s daily lives, such as sleep and appetite. We calculated a composite score, including all of these domains, to assess whether the children globally benefited from adaptive sports. Of the families, 27/63 responded (participation 42.9%). Four domains improved after the sports activity in an important proportion of children (improvement in 64.0% of children for wellbeing, 57.6% for mood, 56.0% for comfort and 48.1% for sleep). Among the majority of children, the other eight domains remained mostly stable. Three quarters of parents reported a globally positive effect of adapted physical activities on their child. These findings support the further development and provision of adaptive sports for children with severe neurological impairments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise Science for Children)
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10 pages, 520 KiB  
Article
Does Perceived Competence Mediate between Ball Skills and Children’s Physical Activity and Enjoyment?
by Tao Zhang, Joonyoung Lee, Lisa M. Barnett and Xiangli Gu
Children 2021, 8(7), 575; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children8070575 - 04 Jul 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2348
Abstract
The major purpose of this study was to examine the potential mediating role of perceived motor skill competence on relationships between actual ball skills and children’s physical activity (PA) and PA enjoyment. A total of 294 students (Mage = 10.96 ± [...] Read more.
The major purpose of this study was to examine the potential mediating role of perceived motor skill competence on relationships between actual ball skills and children’s physical activity (PA) and PA enjoyment. A total of 294 students (Mage = 10.96 ± 0.76; 51.7% boys) from three elementary schools completed validated questionnaires assessing their perceived competence, self-reported PA, and PA enjoyment. Students’ actual ball skills (i.e., basketball, overhand throwing, striking) were measured by PE MetricsTM. Correlation analyses showed positive relationships among the study variables (rs ranging from 0.12 to 0.56). The structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses demonstrated that the mediation model produces a goodness-of-fit to the data: χ2/df = 52.03/32; CFI = 0.96; NFI = 0.90; IFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.05, SRMR = 0.04. Path coefficients suggested that actual ball skill competence was strongly associated with perceived competence (β = 0.36, p < 0.01), which in turn significantly predicted PA (β = 0.29, p < 0.01) and PA enjoyment (β = 0.35, p < 0.01). The findings highlight that ball skills significantly impact students’ perceived competence, positively and indirectly affecting their PA and PA enjoyment. This study provides empirical evidence that recommends intervention strategies aimed at fostering elementary school students’ PA and PA enjoyment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise Science for Children)
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10 pages, 241 KiB  
Article
Impact of Bilateral Coordinated Movement on Manipulative Skill Competency in Elementary School Students
by Jun Chen, Xiaozan Wang and Weiyun Chen
Children 2021, 8(6), 517; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children8060517 - 18 Jun 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2092
Abstract
Background: Researchers have found that manipulative skill competency in childhood not only helps to improve physical activity participation but also helps adolescents learn specialized sports skills. This study aimed to examine the effects of an eight-week bilateral coordinated movement (BCM) intervention on manipulative [...] Read more.
Background: Researchers have found that manipulative skill competency in childhood not only helps to improve physical activity participation but also helps adolescents learn specialized sports skills. This study aimed to examine the effects of an eight-week bilateral coordinated movement (BCM) intervention on manipulative skill competency in school-aged children. Methods: The participants were 314 fourth-grade students from two elementary schools in China. This study used a two-arm quasi-experimental research design. For one elementary school, two fourth-grade classes were assigned to the BCM group and another two fourth-grade classes were assigned to the control group. For the other elementary school, one fourth-grade class was assigned to the BCM group and another fourth-grade class to the control group. The students in the BCM group received an eight-week, two 40 min BCM lessons in soccer, and another eight-week, two 40-min BCM lessons in basketball. The control group received an eight-week two regular 40 min PE lessons in soccer and basketball, respectively. The students’ manipulative skill competency in soccer and basketball skills were pre- and post-tested using the two PE metric assessment rubrics. Data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, and ANCOVA and ANOVA repeated measures. Results: The results showed a significant main effect of time (pre-test vs. post-test) in soccer skills (F = 273.095, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.468) and in basketball skills (F = 74.619, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.193). Additionally, the results revealed a significant main effect of the group (BCM group vs. control group) in soccer skills (F = 37.532, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.108) and a marginal significant main effect of the groups in basketball skills (F = 3.619, p = 0.058, η2 = 0.011). Furthermore, there was a significant interaction effect between the time and the group in soccer skills (F = 37.532, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.108) and in basketball skills (F = 18.380, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.056). Conclusions: It was concluded that after participation in the eight-week, 16 40 min lessons of BCM, the fourth-grade students showed greater improvement in soccer and basketball dribbling, passing and receiving skills, compared to the control group. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise Science for Children)
10 pages, 266 KiB  
Article
Is It Possible to Reduce the Relative Age Effect through an Intervention on Motor Competence in Preschool Children?
by Marcos Mecías-Calvo, Víctor Arufe-Giráldez, Miguel Cons-Ferreiro and Rubén Navarro-Patón
Children 2021, 8(5), 386; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children8050386 - 13 May 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2537
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to find out whether a short 6-week intervention on motor competence can reduce the Relative Age Effect (RAE) of preschool children born in the first quarter, compared to those born in the fourth quarter of the same [...] Read more.
The purpose of the study was to find out whether a short 6-week intervention on motor competence can reduce the Relative Age Effect (RAE) of preschool children born in the first quarter, compared to those born in the fourth quarter of the same year. Seventy-six preschool children (5.20 ± 0.54 years) from Lugo (Spain) participated. A quasi-experimental pre-post-test design was used with an intervention group (n = 32) and a control group (n = 44). The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) was used to collect data before and after the intervention. The data show that, before the intervention, there are significant differences between the control and the intervention group in favor of the former (born in the first quarter of the year) in manual dexterity (p = 0.011), balance (p = 0.002), total test score (p = 0.008), and total percentile score (p = 0.010). After the application of the specific intervention, statistically significant differences were found in aiming and catching (p < 0.001), balance (p = 0.022), total test score (p = 0.001), and total percentile score (p < 0.001) in favor of the intervention group (born in the last quarter of the year). The results obtained suggest that the application of a specific intervention on MC could positively influence the improvement of MC in preschool children (boys and girls) and reduce the differences produced by the RAE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise Science for Children)

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15 pages, 3165 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Effects of Different Exercise Modalities in the Treatment of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Obese Adolescents with Sedentary Behavior—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
by Daxin Li and Ping Chen
Children 2021, 8(11), 1062; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children8111062 - 18 Nov 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2701
Abstract
Purpose: Obesity has become increasingly prevalent in adolescents due to unhealthy diet habits, sedentary behavior and a lack of physical activities. This study aims to assess the effects of different exercise modalities in the treatment of cardiometabolic risk factors (CRF) in obese adolescents [...] Read more.
Purpose: Obesity has become increasingly prevalent in adolescents due to unhealthy diet habits, sedentary behavior and a lack of physical activities. This study aims to assess the effects of different exercise modalities in the treatment of cardiometabolic risk factors (CRF) in obese adolescents with sedentary behavior. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, Web of Science, CNKI and VIP database) from the earliest available date to August 2021. Nineteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 704 participants were included. The included studies were evaluated for methodological quality by the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool, and a statistical analysis was performed by the Review Manage 5.3 and Stata 15.1 software. Results: The results of the meta-analysis showed that exercise could significantly improve obese adolescents’ body mass index (BMI) (MD = −1.99, 95% CI: −2.81 to −1.17, p < 0.00001), low density liptein cholesterol (LDL-C) (SMD = −0.98, 95% CI: −1.58 to −0.37, p = 0.002), triglyceride (TG) (SMD = −0.93, 95% CI: −1.72 to −0.14, p = 0.02), total cholesterol (TC) (SMD = −1.00, 95% CI: −1.73 to −0.26, p = 0.008), peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) (MD = 3.27, 95% CI: 1.52 to 5.02, p = 0.0003) and homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (SMD = −2.07, 95% CI: −3.3 to −0.84, p = 0.001). However, there was no statistically significant difference in high-density liptein cholesterol (HDL-C) (SMD = 0.40, 95% CI: −0.28 to 1.08, p = 0.25). Conclusion: Exercise can effectively improve cardiometabolic risk factors in obese adolescents with sedentary behavior. For obese adolescents who want to lose weight and improve cardiorespiratory fitness, combined aerobic and resistance training and high-intensity interval training are optimal choices. For obese adolescents with high blood lipids, aerobic training can be regarded as a primary exercise modality to reduce the high risk of cardiovascular diseases; For obese adolescents with insulin resistance, combined aerobic and resistance training can be considered to reduce the high risk of diabetes. It is hoped that more high-quality studies will further expand the meta-analysis results and demonstrate the optimal exercise frequency and treatment intensity of cardiometabolic risk factors in obese adolescents with sedentary behavior in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise Science for Children)
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21 pages, 1682 KiB  
Systematic Review
Health-Related Motor Testing of Children in Primary School: A Systematic Review of Criterion-Referenced Standards
by Paulina Köster, Andreas Hohmann, Claudia Niessner and Maximilian Siener
Children 2021, 8(11), 1046; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children8111046 - 12 Nov 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2228
Abstract
Being physically fit in younger years prevents several diseases in the presence as well as in the life course. Therefore, monitoring physical fitness and motor competence through motor testing is essential for determining developmental status and identifying health-related risks. The main objectives of [...] Read more.
Being physically fit in younger years prevents several diseases in the presence as well as in the life course. Therefore, monitoring physical fitness and motor competence through motor testing is essential for determining developmental status and identifying health-related risks. The main objectives of this systematic review were (1) to identify currently available health-related criterion-referenced standards and cut-off points for physical fitness and motor competence test items, (2) to frame the methodological background on setting health-related criterion-referenced standards and (3) to give implications for a health-related evaluation system for physical fitness and motor competence tests. The electronic data base search (PubMed, Web of Science and SURF) yielded 2062 records in total and identified six empirical studies reporting cut-off points of motor test items for children (7–10 years), as well as 30 methodological papers discussing determination approaches to health-related criterion-referenced standards. Data collection, selection and analyses followed the PRISMA guidelines. Health-related motor test standards need to be gender- and age-specific but should refer to an absolute cut-off point rather than to relative performance in the reference group. Due to the lack of data on health-related criterion referenced standards, receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curves provide a tool for the determination of cut-off points and criterion referenced standards for physical fitness and motor competence tests. A standardized approach forms the fundamental base for a globally applicable evaluation of health-related fitness tests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise Science for Children)
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6 pages, 647 KiB  
Commentary
Current and Future Implications of COVID-19 among Youth Wheelchair Users: 24-Hour Activity Behavior
by Ryan T. Conners, Lauren C. Bates, Patricia Pagan Lassalle, Gabriel Zieff, Paul N. Whitehead, Sandra Stevens, Lauren Killen, Robert Cochrum, Kathryn L. Rodebaugh, Mark Faghy and Lee Stoner
Children 2021, 8(8), 690; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children8080690 - 11 Aug 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2488
Abstract
Preventative measures taken worldwide to decrease the transmission of COVID-19 have had a tremendous impact on youth. Following social restrictions, youth with and without physical disabilities are engaging in less physical activity, more increased sedentary behavior, and poor sleep habits. Specifically, youth wheelchair [...] Read more.
Preventative measures taken worldwide to decrease the transmission of COVID-19 have had a tremendous impact on youth. Following social restrictions, youth with and without physical disabilities are engaging in less physical activity, more increased sedentary behavior, and poor sleep habits. Specifically, youth wheelchair users (YWU) are likely disproportionately affected by COVID- 19 and have a higher risk of contraction due to underlying comorbidities. While we cannot control all of the negative long-term implications of COVID-19 for YWU, participation in positive 24-h activity behaviors can decrease chronic disease risk and the likelihood of long-term complications resulting from infection. This commentary is to extend the discourse on the importance of 24-h activity behaviors by focusing on YWU. Specifically, we discuss the importance of chronic disease prevention, provide a brief overview of 24-h activity behaviors, and outline some of the lessons that can be learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise Science for Children)
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