Research

16 pages, 2301 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects on Children’s Physical and Mental Well-Being of a Physical-Activity-Based School Intervention Program: A Randomized Study

by Santo Marsigliante, Manuel Gómez-López and Antonella Muscella

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 1927; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20031927 - 20 Jan 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3135

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of physically active breaks of a total duration of 10 min a day, introduced during curricular lessons, together with a 10 min physical activity intervention during the daily school recess period on obesity prevention, fitness, cognitive [...] Read more.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of physically active breaks of a total duration of 10 min a day, introduced during curricular lessons, together with a 10 min physical activity intervention during the daily school recess period on obesity prevention, fitness, cognitive function, and psychological well-being in school-aged children. A sample of 310 children (139 boys vs. 171 girls), aged between 8 and 10 years (9.82 ± 0.51), was selected. Our strategy was implemented over a 6-month period and the participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 157) or the non-intervention (control) group (n =153). In the intervention group, a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in body mass index, waist circumference, waist–height ratio, and relative body fat mass was achieved after the intervention (T1) compared to the values measured before intervention (T0); in the control group, no differences emerged between T0 and T1 for any of the parameters considered. We found a significant increase in the intervention group in standing long jump, Ruffier, and sit and reach test scores (p < 0.001 for all). At T0, cognitive test scores did not differ between the girls and boys or between the intervention and control groups; instead at T1, significant differences were observed in the two groups regarding the total number of responses and the concentration performance scores (p < 0.001). Consistently, in the intervention group, well-being levels significantly increased between T0 and T1 (p < 0.001). Finally, the intervention had significant effects on the children regardless of gender. We may therefore conclude that schools should create more opportunities for teachers and students to introduce intervention strategies to promote regular PA during school recess. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychomotricity and Physical Education in School Health)

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17 pages, 411 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Age and Sex Differences in the State and Relationships between Process and Product Assessments of Fundamental-Motor Skills in Five to Eight-Year-Olds: The ExAMIN Youth SA Study

by Anita E. Pienaar, Makama A. Monyeki, Dané Coetzee, Barry Gerber, Wilmarié du Plessis, Aletta M. du Plessis and Ruan Kruger

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9565; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19159565 - 03 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1367

Abstract

Adequate development of Fundamental Motor Skills (FMS) at a young age benefit holistic development and positive health outcomes. This study determined age and sex developmental differences in the state and the relationships between process and product assessments of four fundamental-motor skills (FMS) in [...] Read more.

Adequate development of Fundamental Motor Skills (FMS) at a young age benefit holistic development and positive health outcomes. This study determined age and sex developmental differences in the state and the relationships between process and product assessments of four fundamental-motor skills (FMS) in five to eight-year-olds. An availability sample of 636 children; 291 boys, 345 girls, mean age of 6.8 ± 0.97 years in the North West Province of South Africa participated in the study. Spearman rank order correlations analyzed relationships between assessments, while sex and age differences were examined using independent t-testing and one-way ANOVA. Age showed significant developmental trajectories in all FMS. Older children were found to be more at risk for not learning FMS to mastery, while unique developmental patterns were also established compared to international trends. Strong to moderate significant practical associations (p < 0.05) emerged between process and product assessments in catching (r = 0.79), jumping (r = 0.40) running (r = −0.33) and kicking (r = 0.20), while also confirming that the strength of the associations varies depending upon the skill type. Associations strengthened with increasing age, were higher in girls in all FMS, while associations between behavioral criteria in all FMS also differed between FMS and sexes. These strong associations, need to be taken into consideration during the development of FMS towards obtaining full mastery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychomotricity and Physical Education in School Health)

9 pages, 359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship between Parents’ Physical Activity Level and the Motor Development Level and BMI of Their Children

by Jacqueline Paez, Juan Hurtado, Tomas Reyes, Rosita Abusleme, Patricio Arroyo and Cristian Oñate

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9145; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19159145 - 27 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1752

Abstract

All the variables that arise in family dynamics can have significant effects on the lives of children concerning their nutritional status and motor development. The objective of this study was to relate the PAL of parents to the level of motor development and [...] Read more.

All the variables that arise in family dynamics can have significant effects on the lives of children concerning their nutritional status and motor development. The objective of this study was to relate the PAL of parents to the level of motor development and the BMI of their children. A total of 198 subjects participated, with the age of the students ranging between 8 and 10 years. To measure the BMI, the norms for the nutritional evaluation of children and teenagers from 5 to 19 years were used; to identify the motor behaviors, the TGMD-2 Test was used; and to identify the level of physical activity of parents, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used. For the analysis, the independent samples t-test and the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test (Wilcoxon) were used, and for the correlational analysis, Spearman’s rho test was applied. This study found no significant correlation between the activity level of parents and nutritional status variables (p = 0.162), or between the PAL variables of parents and the motor development of their children (p = 0.738). A parent’s level of physical activity does not have a direct relationship with the nutritional status or the motor development of their children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychomotricity and Physical Education in School Health)

11 pages, 348 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Participation in Sports Clubs during College Is an Important Factor Associated with School Counselors’ Participation in Leisure Time Activities

by Pei-Fung Wu and Ya-Ping Ke

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5632; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19095632 - 05 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1520

Abstract

This study explored the physical activity participation, barriers to physical activity, attitudes toward physical activity, and physical activity levels of full-time school counselors at junior high schools in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. The survey was conducted by means of a questionnaire. A total of [...] Read more.

This study explored the physical activity participation, barriers to physical activity, attitudes toward physical activity, and physical activity levels of full-time school counselors at junior high schools in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. The survey was conducted by means of a questionnaire. A total of 156 questionnaires were distributed, 137 were returned, and 130 were valid. The reliability and constructed validity of the questionnaire were analyzed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and factor analysis, respectively. The participants’ International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) scores were estimated to assess their physical activity levels. Simple and multiple regression analyses were performed to analyze the effects of independent variables on the respondents’ physical activity levels and attitude toward physical activity. Of the respondents surveyed, 44.6%, 36.9%, and 18.5% had low, moderate, and high levels of physical activity according to their IPAQ scores, respectively. In total, 55.4% of the school counselors met the World Health Organization criteria for physical activity. Moreover, the results of the Kruskal–Wallis test showed that respondents with high levels of physical activity, aged ≥41, and who perceived themselves to be healthy were more likely to have participated in sports clubs during their college years. Furthermore, participation in sports clubs during college years and self-perceived health were significant predictors of attitude toward physical activity. In conclusion, participation in sports clubs during college was an important factor related to school counselors’ physical activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychomotricity and Physical Education in School Health)

15 pages, 1411 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Quantity and Quality of Anxiety Are Mediating Variables between Motivation, Burnout and Fear of Failing in Sport

by Elisa I. Sánchez-Romero, Francisco J. Ponseti Verdaguer, Jaume Cantallops Ramón and Alejandro García-Mas

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12343; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182312343 - 24 Nov 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2285

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect mediated by self-determined motivation on an athlete’s burnout, anxiety and fear of failure. To this end, the sample group consisting of 235 semi-professional yachtsmen and women was asked to answer four questionnaires which [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect mediated by self-determined motivation on an athlete’s burnout, anxiety and fear of failure. To this end, the sample group consisting of 235 semi-professional yachtsmen and women was asked to answer four questionnaires which set out to assess each of the study’s variables: Behavioural Regulation in Sport Questionnaire, Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory, Sport Anxiety Scale-2 and Athlete Burnout Questionnaire. The ex-post facto research was designed to analyse a single group based on structural equation modelling (SEM) between the constructs under analysis. The results illustrate that behavioural regulation could be used to positively predict burnout and fear of failure mediated by sport anxiety. Moreover, behavioural regulation has a significant, positive and moderate bearing on burnout and is wholly mediated by sport anxiety. It concludes by underscoring the point that there is no relationship either between behavioural regulation and burnout or between behavioural regulation and fear of failure, unless the athlete in question experiences anxiety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychomotricity and Physical Education in School Health)

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10 pages, 359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sports, Executive Functions and Academic Performance: A Comparison between Martial Arts, Team Sports, and Sedentary Children

by Giulia Giordano, Manuel Gómez-López and Marianna Alesi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(22), 11745; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182211745 - 09 Nov 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4957

Abstract

It is well known that curricular physical activity benefits children’s executive functions and academic performance. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether there is an influence of extracurricular sports on executive functions and academic performance. However, it is less known which specific types [...] Read more.

It is well known that curricular physical activity benefits children’s executive functions and academic performance. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether there is an influence of extracurricular sports on executive functions and academic performance. However, it is less known which specific types of the sport better enhance executive functions in children; to investigate this issue, this study compared the performance on executive functions tasks and academic performance in one hundred and two boys and girls with an average age of 11.84 years recruited from Italian schools and gyms (N = 102), who participated in martial arts or team sports or were sedentary children. Executive functions were measured with the tests: Attenzione e Concentrazione, Digit Span test, Tower of London, IOWA Gambling task BVN 5-11, and BVN 12-18. Results demonstrated that children practicing martial arts showed better executive functioning and higher school marks than those involved in team sports or not involved in any sports. Furthermore, participants aged 12 to 15 years old outperformed in cool and hot executive functions tasks and had a better academic performance. Thus, the present findings supported the view that regular practice of extracurricular sports enhances executive functions development and consequently influences academic performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychomotricity and Physical Education in School Health)

13 pages, 743 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Influence of Proprioceptive Control versus Visual Control on Reaction Speed, Hand Coordination, and Lower Limb Balance in Young Students 14–15 Years Old

by Dan Alexandru Szabo, Nicolae Neagu, Silvia Teodorescu, Ciprian Marius Panait and Ioan Sabin Sopa

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10356; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph181910356 - 01 Oct 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3180

Abstract

Currently, sports activities require a high reaction speed, coordination, and balance, highlighting the relationship between proprioceptive control, visual control, and hand–eye coordination in youth. The present research assessed the proprioceptive control, reaction speed, and lower limb balance of youth from five different schools [...] Read more.

Currently, sports activities require a high reaction speed, coordination, and balance, highlighting the relationship between proprioceptive control, visual control, and hand–eye coordination in youth. The present research assessed the proprioceptive control, reaction speed, and lower limb balance of youth from five different schools to identify the level of physical preparation of children in this direction. This prospective study was conducted between 1 January 2020 and 29 February 2020. A total of 107 healthy children (33 females and 74 males) with appropriate medical conditions, aged between 14 and 15 years, from five Romanian schools were included in the experiment. All children were assessed for visual control and reaction speed with the ruler drop test, and for lower limb balance, the standing stork test was used. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, data series distribution, and comparison of means and medians using specific statistical programs. Comparison of medians highlighted significant statistical differences in the standing stork test with eyes closed and the dominant leg compared with the nondominant leg (p = 0.0057). Males were compared to females at the nondominant leg (p = 0.0179); closed eyes were compared with opened eyes for the nondominant leg (p = 0.0175 and 0.0006) for the ruler drop test comparing the dominant hand with the nondominant hand (p = 0.0212). Children who engage in sports activities better integrated sensory information in motor action execution based on reaction speed and coordination with the nondominant hand. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychomotricity and Physical Education in School Health)

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15 pages, 2814 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Finger Grips and Arm Positions on the Performance of Manipulating the Chinese Brush in Chinese Adolescents

by Ching-Hung Lee and Yu-Chi Lee

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10291; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph181910291 - 29 Sep 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4773

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of finger grip and wrist position on Chinese calligraphy handwriting (CCH). Thirty participants were recruited in the study and asked to manipulate the Chinese brush using two finger grip methods (three-finger grip and five-finger grip) and [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of finger grip and wrist position on Chinese calligraphy handwriting (CCH). Thirty participants were recruited in the study and asked to manipulate the Chinese brush using two finger grip methods (three-finger grip and five-finger grip) and two wrist positions (suspended wrist and raised wrist). Three experimental writing tasks were applied to investigate writing stability, agility, and hand–eye coordination, and to evaluate the completion time (s), area of error (cm²), and error times. Subjective responses (arm aching level, ease of grip, exertion level, and comfort) regarding the four combinations of Chinese brush manipulation were measured. The results indicated significantly better performance with the three-finger grip for the stability and agility tests, and with the five-finger grip for the hand–eye coordination task. Using the suspended wrist position for CCH allowed better agility and hand–eye coordination than the raised wrist position. In consideration of the results of the four operational combinations, the three-finger grip with a suspended wrist position demonstrated the best performance in both objective and subjective measurements. It is recommended for application in the early learning stage. These findings can be considered when teaching Chinese brushes for beginners of CCH in schools. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychomotricity and Physical Education in School Health)

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