The physical activity, fitness and health of children

It is clear that, despite their natural tendencies, children have become less physically active in recent decades, with children today expending approximately 600 kcal days' less than their counterparts 50 years ago. Although the health consequences of a reduced energy expenditure in adults is well documented, there is little direct evidence linking sedentariness with health in children. However, three main benefits arising from adequate childhood physical activity have been postulated. The first is direct improvements in childhood health status; evidence is accumulating that more active children generally display healthier cardiovascular profiles, are leaner and develop higher peak bone masses than their less active counterparts. Secondly, there is a biological carry-over effect into adulthood, whereby improved adult health status results from childhood physical activity. In particular, childhood obesity may be a precursor for a range of adverse health effects in adulthood, while higher bone masses in young people reduce the risk of osteoporosis in old age. Finally, there may be a behavioural carry-over into adulthood, whereby active children are more likely to become more active (healthy) adults. However, supporting evidence for this assertion is weak. Given this background, recent health guidelines suggesting that children should accumulate 60 min of moderate-intensity physical activity every day--supplemented by regular activities that promote strength flexibility and bone strength--appear to be justified. Future developments should include the implementation of large-scale, longitudinal studies spanning childhood and young adulthood, the further refinement of tools for measuring physical activity accurately in young people, and research into the relative strength of association between fitness--as well as activity--and health in children.     

Promoting active lifestyles in schools

ABSTRACT

Effective and sustainable strategies for physical activity promotion during childhood are of considerable importance to physical education, sport, and health organisations. Multi-component physical activity intervention approaches for children and young people are firmly rooted within the literature; however, there is a dearth of research evidence pertaining to healthy lifestyle promotion within and beyond the school environment. ‘Promoting active lifestyles in schools’ represents a valuable resource for teachers seeking to integrate health-related learning and encourage physically active students. The essential ingredients within this book are the active pedagogies and the health-related learning strategies for children from the ages of 5 to 16 years. Through a consistent formula, this book positions the longitudinal process of health-related learning at the centre of its practice, by providing age-appropriate learning outcomes, activities and assessment strategies within and beyond the school environment. This review seeks to examine the focus of the book and consider its contribution to the existing empirical evidence base within the fields of physical education, health education and physical activity promotion.     

The Validity and Reliability of the Back Saver Sit-and-Reach Test in Middle School Girls and Boys

The purpose of this article was to highlight important research needs related to physical activity in 3- to 5-year-old children. We identified research needs in 3 major categories: health effects, patterns of physical activity, and interventions and policies. The top research needs include identifying the health effects of physical activity, the effects of physical activity on the development of healthy weight, the effects of physical activity on learning and behavior, and the health implications of sedentary behavior. Research questions concerning patterns of physical activity include determining the prevalence of 3- to 5-year-olds meeting the current physical activity guidelines; the social and environmental factors that influence physical activity in home, preschool, and community settings; and how physical activity tracks into later childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Research questions about interventions and policies include identifying the most effective strategies to promote physical activity in home, child care, and community settings and to reach diverse populations of young children, identifying effective intervention implementation and dissemination strategies, and determining the effectiveness of national, state, local, and institutional policies for increasing physical activity. In conclusion, research is needed to establish a full understanding of the health implications of physical activity in 3- to 5-year-old children, to better understand the nature of physical activity behavior in this group, and to learn how to promote physical activity in young children.     

Health-enhancing physical activity and sedentary behaviour in children and adolescents

We provide a wide-ranging review of health-related physical activity in children and adolescents using a behavioural epidemiology framework. In contrast to many other reviews, we highlight issues associated with true sedentary behaviours alongside physically active behaviours. Specifically, we review the evidence concerning the links between physical activity and cardiovascular disease, overweight and obesity, psychosocial measures, type II diabetes, and skeletal health. Although the evidence is unconvincing at times, several factors lead to the conclusion that promoting physical activity in youth is desirable. A review of the prevalence of physical activity and sedentary behaviours shows that many young people are active, but this declines with age. A substantial number are not adequately active for health benefits and current trends in juvenile obesity are a cause for concern. Prevalence data on sedentary behaviours are less extensive but suggest that total media use by young people has not changed greatly in recent years. Most children and adolescents do not exceed recommended daily hours of TV viewing. Physical activity is unrelated to TV viewing. We also identified the key determinants of physical activity in this age group, highlighting demographic, biological, psychological, behavioural, social and environmental determinants. Interventions were considered for school, family and community environments. Finally, policy recommendations are offered for the education, governmental, sport and recreation, health, and mass media sectors.     

Health-enhancing physical activity and sedentary behaviour in children and adolescents

We provide a wide-ranging review of health-related physical activity in children and adolescents using a behavioural epidemiology framework. In contrast to many other reviews, we highlight issues associated with true sedentary behaviours alongside physically active behaviours. Specifically, we review the evidence concerning the links between physical activity and cardiovascular disease, overweight and obesity, psychosocial measures, type II diabetes, and skeletal health. Although the evidence is unconvincing at times, several factors lead to the conclusion that promoting physical activity in youth is desirable. A review of the prevalence of physical activity and sedentary behaviours shows that many young people are active, but this declines with age. A substantial number are not adequately active for health benefits and current trends in juvenile obesity are a cause for concern. Prevalence data on sedentary behaviours are less extensive but suggest that total media use by young people has not changed greatly in recent years. Most children and adolescents do not exceed recommended daily hours of TV viewing. Physical activity is unrelated to TV viewing. We also identified the key determinants of physical activity in this age group, highlighting demographic, biological, psychological, behavioural, social and environmental determinants. Interventions were considered for school, family and community environments. Finally, policy recommendations are offered for the education, governmental, sport and recreation, health, and mass media sectors.     

Children and Fitness: A Public Health Perspective

Abstract

The promotion of cardiorespiratory fitness through increased physical activity has become a national public health objective for both adults and children. Based on numerous small-scale studies it appears that children are highly fit but the population distribution is unknown due to the lack of rigorous population studies. Very little is known about the extent of children's physical activity; the available evidence does not support the hypothesis that children obtain sufficient activity to explain their generally high levels of fitness. Due to the lack of evidence of substantial carry-over effects of youth fitness to adult health and the likelihood of children's resistance to vigorous fitness routines, there is little reason to recommend an aerobic training focus in physical education. A focus on enjoyable moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with carry-over value to adulthood is recommended. Physical education is an important vehicle for promoting physical activity by children; it appears, however, that children may obtain little MVPA during physical education class.     

幼儿体育教学的设计方案与开发研究

幼儿时期是人类成长的奠基时期,通过科学的幼儿体育教学将对会幼儿的身体健康、人格塑造与品质培养起到积极促进作用。文章采用文献资料法等,对幼儿体育教学的设计方案与开发展开研究。研究认为:根据幼儿的身心特点与身体发育特征,设计具有支持性、训练性与养成行动体育教学内容和方式,把体育文化、体育意识、体育技能融入到幼儿的体育活动和成长中,以有效提高幼儿各方面的素质。     

The child and exercise: an overview

In this paper the complex topic of 'the child and exercise' is approached from a multidisciplinary angle. Research concerned with effects of exercise on growth and development is reviewed. In spite of traditional beliefs, there is not enough evidence to support the view that regular and intense physical training promotes an increase in body size, nor is there any physiological evidence that severe training has any harmful effect on the body. Exercise capacity and aerobic power increase gradually throughout childhood. Investigations have shown that children aged 10 years or younger do not react with an increased VO2 max as one would expect from endurance activities. The trainability of endurance seems to depend on the biological maturity level of growing children. After puberty the effects of endurance training are similar to those reported for adults. Just how much physical activity is necessary or optimal during the growing years is not known because individual variation is great. Even fewer results are available on the trainability of anaerobic capacity. The trainability of other factors such as strength, speed, flexibility and coordination is amply discussed. Finally some thoughts are given to young female athletes, both early and late maturers, with respect to their sport performance and expectancies.     

Breakfast,glycaemic index and health in young people

The often cited phrase “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” may have been largely anecdotal and lacking empirical evidence originally, particularly where children and adolescents (young people) are concerned. However, there is now a large body of evidence demonstrating that regular breakfast consumption is associated with a variety of nutritional and lifestyle-related health outcomes in large diverse samples of young people, which may prevent weight gain, nutrient deficiency and reduce risk factors for chronic disease. This evidence has been reviewed previously, but the link between breakfast composition and health has received less attention. There is emerging evidence in young people that suggests certain breakfasts are particularly beneficial for health, with much of this evidence focusing on ready-to-eat cereals and breakfast glycaemic index (GI). Substituting a high GI (HGI) breakfast for a low GI (LGI) breakfast may be particularly beneficial for overweight young people through increased glycaemic control and satiety. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to extend previous reviews on breakfast consumption and health to provide a greater understanding of the role of breakfast composition, particularly breakfast GI. Unlike the evidence on breakfast consumption, which has often been based on large cross-sectional studies, the evidence on breakfast GI is based primarily on controlled experimental studies, often with relatively small samples. At times, it was necessary to refer to the adult-based literature in this review to support findings from young people or to highlight areas that are particularly lacking in empirical evidence in this population. Since breakfast consumption has declined in young people and also decreases from childhood to adolescence, strategies to promote regular consumption of a healthy breakfast in young people are warranted. Future research in young people should place greater emphasis on breakfast composition, consider the mechanisms controlling relationships between breakfast consumption and health, and investigate the benefits of habitual consumption of LGI compared with HGI breakfasts.     

The child and exercise: An overview

In this paper the complex topic of ‘the child and exercise’ is approached from a multidisciplinary angle. Research concerned with effects of exercise on growth and development is reviewed. In spite of traditional beliefs, there is not enough evidence to support the view that regular and intense physical training promotes an increase in body size, nor is there any physiological evidence that severe training has any harmful effect on the body.

Exercise capacity and aerobic power increase gradually throughout childhood. Investigations have shown that children aged 10 years or younger do not react with an increased VO₂ max as one would expect from endurance activities. The trainability of endurance seems to depend on the biological maturity level of growing children. After puberty the effects of endurance training are similar to those reported for adults. Just how much physical activity is necessary or optimal during the growing years is not known because individual variation is great. Even fewer results are available on the trainability of anaerobic capacity. The trainability of other factors such as strength, speed, flexibility and coordination is amply discussed. Finally some thoughts are given to young female athletes, both early and late maturers, with respect to their sport performance and expectancies.     

Young people’s knowledge and understanding of health,fitness and physical activity: issues,divides and dilemmas

Critical discourse analysis was used to explore and discuss data on young people’s knowledge and understanding of health, fitness and physical activity, selected from a wider study which focused on the role of secondary schools in effectively promoting physical activity. A mixed methods approach was utilised, involving an online survey to teachers in all state secondary schools in the UK (n?=?603 responding schools) and case studies centred on eight randomly selected state secondary schools from nine Government regions across England. Within each case study school, teacher interviews and pupil focus groups were conducted involving 17 teachers and 132 children aged 12–15 years, respectively. The healthism discourse was evident in the way young people talked about health, fitness and physical activity and two key themes emerged, these being: (i) issues with young people’s knowledge and understanding of health, fitness and physical activity in the form of reductive, limited and limiting conceptions; conceptual confusion; a preoccupation with appearance, weight, fat, shape and size; limited progression in learning; and complexities in understandings; and (ii) divides between young people’s health knowledge and health behaviour, and dilemmas underpinning these divides. Improved understanding of issues with young people’s knowledge and understanding of health, fitness and physical activity and of divides and dilemmas regarding associated behaviours should assist in developing critical pedagogies which challenge the dominance and stability of the healthism discourse and more effectively promote healthy, active lifestyles amongst young people.     

The ABC of Physical Activity for Health: A consensus statement from the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences

Absract

Our understanding of the relationship between physical activity and health is constantly evolving. Therefore, the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences convened a panel of experts to review the literature and produce guidelines that health professionals might use. In the ABC of Physical Activity for Health, A is for All healthy adults, B is for Beginners, and C is for Conditioned individuals. All healthy adults aged 18–65 years should aim to take part in at least 150 min of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, or at least 75 min of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, or equivalent combinations of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activities. Moderate-intensity activities are those in which heart rate and breathing are raised, but it is possible to speak comfortably. Vigorous-intensity activities are those in which heart rate is higher, breathing is heavier, and conversation is harder. Aerobic activities should be undertaken in bouts of at least 10 min and, ideally, should be performed on five or more days a week. All healthy adults should also perform muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week. Weight training, circuit classes, yoga, and other muscle-strengthening activities offer additional health benefits and may help older adults to maintain physical independence. Beginners should work steadily towards meeting the physical activity levels recommended for all healthy adults. Even small increases in activity will bring some health benefits in the early stages and it is important to set achievable goals that provide success, build confidence, and increase motivation. For example, a beginner might be asked to walk an extra 10 min every other day for several weeks to slowly reach the recommended levels of activity for all healthy adults. It is also critical that beginners find activities they enjoy and gain support in becoming more active from family and friends. Conditioned individuals who have met the physical activity levels recommended for all healthy adults for at least 6 months may obtain additional health benefits by engaging in 300 min or more of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, or 150 min or more of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week, or equivalent combinations of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activities. Adults who find it difficult to maintain a normal weight and adults with increased risk of cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes may in particular benefit from going beyond the levels of activity recommended for all healthy adults and gradually progressing towards meeting the recommendations for conditioned individuals. Physical activity is beneficial to health with or without weight loss, but adults who find it difficult to maintain a normal weight should probably be encouraged to reduce energy intake and minimize time spent in sedentary behaviours to prevent further weight gain. Children and young people aged 5–16 years should accumulate at least 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per day, including vigorous-intensity aerobic activities that improve bone density and muscle strength.     

Response to “A Racquetball Skills Test”

Walking is a popular and easily accessible form of physical activity. However, walking instruction for older adults is based on the evidence gathered from younger populations. This study evaluated walking conditions, strength, balance, and subjective health status after a 12-week walking-training program in community-dwelling adults > 65 years old. Participants walked 1,921 m (3,158.88 steps) in 26.69 min with a heart rate of 114 beats/min. An analysis of covariance to adjust for previous exercise habits, pretest strength, and subjective health status revealed significant differences in strength and in subjective physical and mental health status between experimental and control groups. This study identified the effects of the walking-training program on community-dwelling elderly adults without changing their previous physical activities.     

‘Every child (of every size) matters’ in physical education! Physical education's role in childhood obesity

The role of schools and physical education in promoting health, producing a ‘healthy nation’ and in tackling obesity has been increasingly recognised in recent years. In England this is evidenced by various policies, strategies and responses from government that have highlighted schools to be instrumental in addressing health broadly and obesity specifically. In addition, individual schools and teachers at the local level appear to be responding to the obesity issue in varied and different ways. However, we and other researchers feel that the discourse surrounding obesity and some of the reports, messages, policies and measures being taken to tackle it are misleading, misguided and could do more harm than good. At the same time, as physical educators committed to the health and development of young people, we feel unable to ignore the issue and compelled to act. We contend that ‘every child of every size matters’ and can benefit from regular engagement in physical education and physical activity and furthermore that, as a profession, we have a responsibility to provide all young people, of all sizes, with meaningful, relevant and positive physical education and physical activity experiences. Given this, we consider what role physical education can and should realistically, sensibly and safely play in addressing childhood overweight and obesity. Firstly, some of the key ‘facts’, issues and debates concerning obesity are explored and the way in which the issue appears to be being addressed in many schools is critiqued. We then briefly summarise some of the formal guidance and recommendations available to schools on obesity, before concluding with some practical recommendations to support physical education teachers in effectively engaging all children in physical activity both within and beyond physical education.     

肇庆市健身俱乐部中健美操运动的开展现状

当今社会，健美操运动已作为一种大众健身运动普遍存在于我国社会当中，它具备强大的活动能力，减缓肌肉与附着组织的退化和衰老过程，使锻炼者具有良好的心肺耐力、肌肉力量、平衡性、灵敏性、柔韧性和协调性等身体素质，是目前发展身体全面素质的较为理想的运动之一。当前对健身俱乐部的研究很多，尤其对健身俱乐部的运行管理的研究比较集中，对健身俱乐部中健美操的发展的研究相对较少，对于在一个国家著名的旅游城市如何更好地开展健美操健身运动，本论文进行了地方性分析，从而可以填补该领域的学术真空，并为打算了解研究该方面内容的有关人士提供理论参考。     

Health discourses,slimness ideals,and attitudes to physical activities

Studies conducted in Denmark reveal that many young women drop out of sport and exercise in their teenage years even though they possess good knowledge about health recommendations and the benefits of physical activity. This raises the question as to how they interpret and make use of the current messages about a healthy and active lifestyle. Based on five focus-group interviews and a survey among 784 female students aged 16-20, we explored their attitudes and practices with regard to physical activity and health. The analysis of the material is theoretically informed by the work of Foucauldian scholars who have used the concepts of governmentality and disciplinary power to explore current public health policies and young people’s health-related attitudes and practices. We found that for the participants in our study ‘health’ was inextricably intertwined with slimness and fitness, to which they ascribed great importance. The internalization of current ideals of the slim and fit body fueled aspirations but did not necessarily lead to the adoption and maintenance of an active lifestyle. We conclude that health messages and body ideals often cause anxieties and guilt among young women, which may even prevent engagement in sport and exercise.     

Population physical activity behaviour change: A review for the European College of Sport Science

Abstract

The academic study of sport and exercise science has expanded greatly into the arena of public health over the past 20 years or more and Europe has played a significant role in this. It is opportune to review evidence concerning ways to change population levels of physical activity for health. This paper summarises such evidence by using a lifespan approach with physical activity behaviour change for children and adolescents, adults and older adults. Correlates of physical activity are identified and the outcome of interventions is discussed. Intervention success has been variable often due to weak fidelity and short-term implementation, and process evaluation is missing from many such studies. Nevertheless, evidence points to possible behaviour change across all age groups and through multiple settings, including schools, worksites and the community.     

体力活动与青少年健康

通过分析大量的观察和实验研究结果,本文综述了体力活动对儿童青少年身体健康的影响。结果表明：儿童青少年的体力活动水平越高．其心肺功能、代谢功能、肌肉力量、骨骼以及心理等方面的健康水平也越高．但具体的运动类型、运动强度和持续时间等因素应根据运动目的的不同而异.     

探究小学儿童体力活动与身体素质及骨密度的相关性

目的探讨小学儿童体力活动与身体素质、骨密度的关联,为促进小学儿童体质健康干预策略提供理论基础。方法通过ActiGraph GT3X+型加速度计与CM-200超声骨密度仪分别对扬州市某小学313名六年级学生进行体力活动水平与骨密度的测量,最后对小学儿童身体素质指标进行测试。结果与结论男孩的MVPA与50m跑、1min仰卧起坐、1min跳绳都具有弱效应的相关性(p<0.05),女孩的MVPA与50m跑、握力、1min跳绳都具有弱效应的相关性(p<0.05),男孩与女孩的MVPA都与立定跳远具有中度效应的相关性(r=0.32,r=0.394,p<0.001);女孩的MVPA与骨密度Z值、SOS都具有弱效应的相关性(p<0.05)。小学儿童中高强度体力活动与身体素质、骨密度具有关联性。