Physical fitness during childhood and adolescence has been identified as an important determinant of current and future health status. While research has traditionally focused on the association ...between cardio-respiratory fitness and health outcomes, the association between muscular fitness (MF) and health status has recently received increased attention.
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the potential physiological and psychological benefits associated with MF among children and adolescents.
A systematic search of six electronic databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, EMBASE, PsycINFO and OVID MEDLINE) was performed on the 20th May, 2013. Cross-sectional, longitudinal and experimental studies that quantitatively examined the association between MF and potential health benefits among children and adolescents were included. The search yielded 110 eligible studies, encompassing six health outcomes (i.e., adiposity, bone health, cardiovascular disease CVD and metabolic risk factors, musculoskeletal pain, psychological health and cognitive ability). The percentage of studies reporting statistically significant associations between MF and the outcome of interest was used to determine the strength of the evidence for an association and additional coding was conducted to account for risk of bias. Meta-analyses were also performed to determine the pooled effect size if there were at least three studies providing standardised coefficients.
Strong evidence was found for an inverse association between MF and total and central adiposity, and CVD and metabolic risk factors. The pooled effect size for the relationship between MF and adiposity was r = -0.25 (95% CI -0.41 to -0.08). Strong evidence was also found for a positive association between MF and bone health and self-esteem. The pooled effect size for the relationship between MF and perceived sports competence was r = 0.39 (95% CI 0.34-0.45). The evidence for an association between MF and musculoskeletal pain and cognitive ability was inconsistent/uncertain. Where evidence of an association was found, the associations were generally low to moderate.
The findings of this review highlight the importance of developing MF in youth for a number of health-related benefits.
Emerging literature suggests that physical activity and fitness may have a positive effect on cognitive and mental health in adolescents. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy ...of two high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols for improving cognitive and mental health outcomes (executive function, psychological well-being, psychological distress, and physical self-concept) in adolescents.
Participants (n = 65; mean age = 15.8 ± 0.6 yr) were randomized to three conditions: aerobic exercise program (AEP; n = 21), resistance and aerobic program (RAP; n = 22), and control (n = 22). HIIT sessions (8-10 min per session) were delivered during physical education lessons or at lunchtime three times per week for 8 wk. Assessments were conducted at baseline and immediately postintervention to detect changes in executive function (trail making test), psychological well-being, psychological distress, and physical self-description by researchers blinded to treatment allocation. Intervention effects were examined using linear mixed models. Cohen's d effect sizes and clinical inference were also calculated.
While results were not significant, small improvements in executive function (mean change (95% CI) -6.69 (-22.03, 8.64), d = -0.32) and psychological well-being (mean change (95% CI) 2.81 (-2.06, 7.68), d = 0.34) were evident in the AEP group; and moderate improvements in executive function (mean change (95% CI) -10.73 (-26.22, 4.76), d = -0.51), and small improvements in well-being (mean change (95% CI) 2.96 (-1.82, 7.75), d = 0.36) and perceived appearance (mean change (95% CI) 0.32 (-0.25, 0.86), d = 0.35), were observed for the RAP group. Mean feeling state scores improved from preworkout to postworkout in both HIIT conditions, with significant results for the AEP (P = 0.001).
This study highlights the potential of embedding HIIT within the school day for improving cognitive and mental health among adolescents.
Fundamental movement skill (FMS) competence is positively associated with physical activity (PA). However, levels of both FMS and PA are lower than expected. Current reviews of interventions to ...improve FMS and PA have shown that many school-based programs have achieved positive outcomes, yet the maintenance of these interventions is variable. Teachers play a central role in the success and longevity of school-based interventions. Despite the importance of teacher engagement, research into the nature and quality of teacher training in school-based PA and FMS interventions has received little attention.
The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the type and quantity of teacher training in school-based physical education PA and/or FMS interventions, and to identify what role teacher training had on the intervention outcome.
A systematic search of eight electronic databases was conducted. Publication date restrictions were not implemented in any database, and the last search was performed on 1 March 2015. School physical education-based interventions facilitated by a school teacher, and that included a quantitative assessment of FMS competence and/or PA levels were included in the review.
The search identified 39 articles. Eleven of the studies measured FMS, 25 studies measured PA and three measured both FMS and PA. Nine of the studies did not report on any aspect of the teacher training conducted. Of the 30 studies that reported on teacher training, 25 reported statistically significant intervention results for FMS and/or PA. It appears that teacher training programs: are ≥ 1 day; provide comprehensive subject and pedagogy content; are framed by a theory or model; provide follow-up or ongoing support; and measure teacher satisfaction of the training, are more effective at improving student outcomes in FMS and/or PA. However, the provision of information regarding the characteristics of the teacher training was largely inadequate. Therefore, it was difficult to ascertain which teacher training characteristics were most important in relation to intervention effectiveness.
It is clear that whilst teachers are capable of making substantial improvements in student outcomes in PA and FMS, the findings of this review suggest the teacher training component of school-based PA and/or FMS interventions is not only under-reported but is under-studied, and, perhaps as a result, the value of teacher training is not widely understood. What remains unclear, due to poor reporting, is what role teacher training is having on these outcomes.
Sport is a subset of physical activity that can be particularly beneficial for short-and-long-term physical and mental health, and social outcomes in adults. This study presents the results of an ...updated systematic review of the mental health and social outcomes of community and elite-level sport participation for adults. The findings have informed the development of the 'Mental Health through Sport' conceptual model for adults.
Nine electronic databases were searched, with studies published between 2012 and March 2020 screened for inclusion. Eligible qualitative and quantitative studies reported on the relationship between sport participation and mental health and/or social outcomes in adult populations. Risk of bias (ROB) was determined using the Quality Assessment Tool (quantitative studies) or Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (qualitative studies).
The search strategy located 8528 articles, of which, 29 involving adults 18-84 years were included for analysis. Data was extracted for demographics, methodology, and study outcomes, and results presented according to study design. The evidence indicates that participation in sport (community and elite) is related to better mental health, including improved psychological well-being (for example, higher self-esteem and life satisfaction) and lower psychological ill-being (for example, reduced levels of depression, anxiety, and stress), and improved social outcomes (for example, improved self-control, pro-social behavior, interpersonal communication, and fostering a sense of belonging). Overall, adults participating in team sport had more favorable health outcomes than those participating in individual sport, and those participating in sports more often generally report the greatest benefits; however, some evidence suggests that adults in elite sport may experience higher levels of psychological distress. Low ROB was observed for qualitative studies, but quantitative studies demonstrated inconsistencies in methodological quality.
The findings of this review confirm that participation in sport of any form (team or individual) is beneficial for improving mental health and social outcomes amongst adults. Team sports, however, may provide more potent and additional benefits for mental and social outcomes across adulthood. This review also provides preliminary evidence for the Mental Health through Sport model, though further experimental and longitudinal evidence is needed to establish the mechanisms responsible for sports effect on mental health and moderators of intervention effects. Additional qualitative work is also required to gain a better understanding of the relationship between specific elements of the sporting environment and mental health and social outcomes in adult participants.
Muscular fitness (MF) is considered a powerful marker of health, but the extent to which common health behaviors are associated with MF during childhood and adolescence is currently unclear.
We ...conducted a systematic review of studies investigating associations between MF (i.e., strength/power, local muscular endurance) and physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and sleep in children and adolescents.
A systematic search of six electronic databases was performed on 8 March, 2017. Search results were screened for relevance and studies conducted with children and adolescents (3-18 years) that explored associations between MF and physical activity, sedentary behavior, or sleep were considered eligible. Data were extracted and checked by a second author. The proportion of studies reporting a statistically significant association between each MF component and behavioral variables was calculated, and additional coding was conducted to account for risk of bias.
There was consistent evidence for a positive association between MF and physical activity. For both MF components, there was support for objectively measured physical activity, particularly for activity of vigorous intensity. Sports participation was also consistently linked with both MF components, whereas the association with active transport was inconsistent. For both MF components, associations with sedentary behaviors were inconsistent irrespective of measurement method, and the association between MF and sleep was considered uncertain.
The available evidence supports a link between MF and physical activity, particularly for vigorous intensity activity and organized sports participation. Conversely, there is limited support for an association with sedentary behaviors, and more research exploring MF and sleep is required.
Despite their important influence on child health, it is assumed that fathers are less likely than mothers to participate in pediatric obesity treatment and prevention research.
This review ...investigated the involvement of fathers in obesity treatment and prevention programs targeting children and adolescents (0-18 years).
A systematic review of English, peer-reviewed articles across 7 databases. Retrieved records included at least 1 search term from 2 groups: "participants" (eg, child*, parent*) and "outcomes": (eg, obes*, diet*).
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing behavioral interventions to prevent or treat obesity in pediatric samples were eligible. Parents must have "actively participated" in the study.
Two authors independently extracted data using a predefined template.
The search retrieved 213 eligible RCTs. Of the RCTs that limited participation to 1 parent only (n = 80), fathers represented only 6% of parents. In RCTs in which participation was open to both parents (n = 133), 92% did not report objective data on father involvement. No study characteristics moderated the level of father involvement, with fathers underrepresented across all study types. Only 4 studies (2%) suggested that a lack of fathers was a possible limitation. Two studies (1%) reported explicit attempts to increase father involvement.
The review was limited to RCTs published in English peer-reviewed journals over a 10-year period.
Existing pediatric obesity treatment or prevention programs with parent involvement have not engaged fathers. Innovative strategies are needed to make participation more accessible and engaging for fathers.
Fathers and daughters participating in an 8-week physical activity program demonstrated post-intervention improvements in physical activity, screen time, sport skill competence and parenting ...practices, which were maintained at 9-month follow-up.
Abstract
Background
Existing strategies to increase girls’ physical activity levels have seen limited success. Fathers may influence their children’s physical activity, but often spend more time with their sons and rarely participate in family-based programs.
Purpose
To test a novel program designed to increase the physical activity levels of fathers and their daughters.
Methods
In a two-arm RCT, 115 fathers (29–53 years) and 153 daughters (4–12 years) were randomized to (i) the “Dads And Daughters Exercising and Empowered” (DADEE) program, or (ii) a wait-list control. The 8-week program included weekly educational and practical sessions plus home tasks. Assessments were at baseline, 2 months (postintervention), and 9 months. The primary outcomes were father–daughter physical activity levels (pedometry). Secondary outcomes included screen-time, daughters’ fundamental movement skill proficiency (FMS: perceived and objective), and fathers’ physical activity parenting practices.
Results
Primary outcome data were obtained from 88% of daughters and 90% of fathers at 9 months. Intention-to-treat analyses revealed favorable group-by-time effects for physical activity in daughters (p = .02, d = 0.4) and fathers (p < .001, d = 0.7) at postintervention, which were maintained at 9 months. At postintervention and follow-up, significant effects (p < .05) were also identified for daughters’ FMS competence (objective: d = 1.1–1.2; perceived: d = 0.4–0.6), a range of fathers’ physical activity parenting practices (d = 0.3–0.8), and screen-time for daughters (d = 0.5–0.8) and fathers (d = 0.4–0.6, postintervention only). Program satisfaction and attendance were very high.
Conclusions
This study provided the first experimental evidence that efforts to increase physical activity behavior in preadolescent girls would benefit from a meaningful engagement of fathers.
Clinical Trial information: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12615000022561
Despite well-established benefits, the majority of young people around the globe are not sufficiently active. In many countries, including Australia, physical activity (i.e. physical education and ...school sport) is not mandatory in the final two years of high school (i.e. senior school years). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a time-efficient physical activity intervention on senior school students’ on-task behaviour and subjective vitality. This was a sub-study of the Burn 2 Learn (B2L) cluster randomised controlled trial, which included two cohorts. Participants for this sub-study (
N
= 221) were from 10 secondary schools (23 classes) located in New South Wales, Australia (Cohort 2). Teachers allocated to the B2L intervention group were provided with training, resources and support to facilitate the delivery of two high-intensity activity breaks per week during lesson time for five weeks. A wait-list control was used as comparison group. On-task behaviour was assessed at baseline and post-test, using a momentary time sampling procedure and expressed as a percentage of lesson time. At post-test, subjective vitality was assessed at the start and end of the lesson using a validated questionnaire. Significant group-by-time effects were observed for students’ on-task behaviour in favour of the B2L group adjusted mean difference = 19.3% of lesson time (95% CI, 0.8 to 37.8),
p
= 0.042,
d
= 0.43. At post-test, significant group-by-time effects were observed for students’ subjective vitality favouring the B2L group adjusted mean difference = 0.67 units (95% CI, 0.3 to 1.0),
p
< 0.001,
d
= 0.36. The B2L intervention was successful in improving senior school students’ on-task behaviour and their subjective vitality. These findings highlight the potential academic benefits of re-allocating curriculum time to physical activity during the senior school years.
The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the preliminary efficacy and feasibility of an 8-week high-intensity interval training program (Uni-HIIT) for young adult students in a university ...setting.
Randomised controlled trial.
Uni-HIIT was conducted at the University of Newcastle, Australia (February-June, 2017). Participants were university students 18-25yrs (n=53; 20.38±1.88yrs) randomized into the Uni HIIT program (n=26) or wait-list control (n=27) condition. Participants were required to attend up to three HIIT sessions/week for 8-weeks which included a variety of aerobic and muscular fitness exercise combinations lasting 8–12minutes (using 30:30sec rest:work intervals). The primary outcome was cardio-respiratory fitness (CRF) (20mSRT), and secondary outcomes included muscular fitness (standing jump, push-ups), body composition (InBody), executive function (Trail Making Test), anxiety levels (State Trait Anxiety Inventory) and perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale). Linear mixed models were used to analyse outcomes and Cohen’s d effect sizes were calculated. Process evaluation measures of recruitment, retention, attendance and satisfaction were conducted.
A large significant group-by-time effect resulted for CRF 8.4 shuttles (95% CI(2.9-13.9), P=0.004,d=1.08 and muscular fitness 4.0 repetitions (95% CI(1.2-6.8), P=0.006,d=0.99, and moderate effect size was observed for Trail B -5.9seconds (95% CI(-11.8-0.1.0), P=0.052, d=0.63. No significant intervention effects were found for body composition, standing jump, anxiety or perceived stress (P >0.05). High ratings of participant satisfaction (4.73), enjoyment (4.54) and perceived value (4.54) were observed.
This study demonstrates the efficacy and feasibility of delivering a novel HIIT program in the university setting.
Most family-based physical activity interventions have been modestly successful and failed to engage fathers. Also, program impact on family functioning and psychosocial outcomes are rarely measured. ...We explored the impact of an innovative father–daughter physical activity program on family functioning and psychosocial outcomes for girls using qualitative methods. Of the 115 fathers who participated in the ‘Dads And Daughters Exercising and Empowered’ (DADEE) pilot study, a random sample (stratified by baseline physical activity status) of 23 fathers (mean (
SD
) age: 41.4 (4.8) years) participated in semi-structured telephone interviews. Audio recordings were transcribed and analyzed by an independent researcher using a mixed inductive and deductive thematic approach. Seven themes were identified highlighting improvements in: (i) daughters’ social-emotional well-being, (ii) father involvement and engagement with their daughter, (iii) fathers’ parenting skills, (iv) the father–daughter relationship, (v) co-parenting, (vi) family relationship dynamics, and (vii) knowledge and understanding of gender stereotypes and gender bias. A number of strategies were also identified as to how the program improved these outcomes. Engaging fathers and daughters in physical activity programs may have substantive benefits for daughters’ mental health as well as broader outcomes for fathers and families. Enhancing fathers’ and daughters’ knowledge and skills through evidence-based strategies may be a useful approach to optimize the well-being of families.
Highlights
First qualitative study to explore the impact of a father–daughter exercise program.
Fathers identified positive effects on their daughters’ social-emotional well-being.
Fathers improved their parenting and strengthened family relationships.
A father–daughter physical activity program can optimize family well-being.
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