The development and validation of a self-report instrument to assess attitudes and self-efficacy of preservice teachers toward teaching linguistically and culturally diverse PE classes

This study aimed to develop and psychometrically evaluate a self-report instrument to assess attitudes and self-efficacy of Physical Education (PE) preservice teachers toward teaching linguistically and culturally diverse PE classes. An 18-item instrument was developed for the initial tests. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted on two independent samples of PE preservice teachers (n_efa = 254; n_cfa = 183). The EFA revealed a four-factor structure: attitudes toward multilingualism, attitudes toward linguistic simplification, language awareness in lesson planning, and self-efficacy to teach culturally diverse classes. The reliability scores for the four factors range from .61 to .76. CFA showed that the constructs demonstrated a good fit to the model (S-B Bχ²(48, 183) = 70.40, p = .02, robust RMSEA = .05, robust CFI = .94), confirming the construct validity with high-dimensional factor loadings (ranging from .54 to .94). Discriminant validity was revealed through correlational analysis.     

Initial Validation of the Physical Education Marginalization and Isolation Survey (PE-MAIS)

Qualitative research conducted through occupational socialization theory has documented that physical educators feel marginalized and isolated in schools. We sought to propose and provide initial evidence of validity and reliability for the Physical Education Marginalization and Isolation Survey (PE-MAIS). Physical educators (n = 420) completed an online survey including isolation and marginalization, perceived mattering, and burnout. Data analyses began with exploratory factor analysis, which identified a stable 10-item, 2-factor structure. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to affirm the structure and examine convergent, discriminant, and divergent validity. The model fit was good, χ²(34) = 71.12, p < .001, NNFI = .91, CFI = .94, SRMR = .05, RMSEA = .07 (90% CI [.052, .093], p = .03), and the new measure correlated positively with burnout and negatively with perceived mattering. Invariance analysis indicated that elementary and secondary physical educators interpreted the constructs similarly, and there were no significant differences between the groups.     

Factorial Validity and Reliability of the Curricular Goals in Physical Education Questionnaire

This study aimed to examine the validity and reliability of an instrument designed to measure student perceptions of curricular goals in physical education, the Curricular Goals in Physical Education Questionnaire. Participants were 879 Finnish students from grades 7 to 9 (412 girls, 467 boys; mean age 13.81). An exploratory factor analysis was performed on Sample 1 (n = 287), revealing a four-factor solution and suggesting that factor structure be cross-validated with confirmatory factor analysis in Sample 2 (n = 592). Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated an acceptable fit and supported the four-factor model. Tests for gender invariance supported configural, metric, and scalar invariance. Analyses of factor mean differences indicated that girls attributed more importance than boys to physical education’s health-related goals, social and emotional learning, and motor skill development. This study confirmed the validity of the Curricular Goals in Physical Education Questionnaire to assess student perspectives on curricular goals across gender. In order to improve factor structure the authors suggest the addition of an item measuring skill acquisition to future versions of the instrument.     

Valued learning experiences of early career and experienced high-performance coaches

Background and purpose: This paper attempts to move the discussion of high-performance coach development from an examination of coaches' volume of experiences towards a consideration of the contribution of the learning experiences that coaches have reported throughout their careers. Furthermore, a discussion of proximal and distal guidance in the development of coaches was investigated. We examined the kinds of learning experiences within the framework of workplace learning and specifically the situated nature of learning and the view that learning occurs through social participation.

Method: Nineteen high-performance coaches participated in this study, including 10 scholarship and 9 mentor coaches (MCs). Participants rated a list of 14 developmental activities derived from empirical research on a seven-point Likert scale (0?=?not used, 1?=?of little value, to 7?=?extremely valuable). Each participant coach rated the 14 (guided, unguided) activities in the first two years of their coaching career, middle two years, and final two years. To analyse the data and identify the key trends for both the scholarship and MCs we examined statistical differences between scores for each of the sources the non-parametric Friedman test was used (p?<?.01). Significant χ² results were followed up with the Wilcoxon (two-tailed) T-test (p?<?.05) to identify statistically significant differences between scores at different time intervals.

Results: Three key findings emerged from these data: (i) reported increased valuing of a range of developmental experiences over time; (ii) temporal variance in the value of different learning sources at different stages of their careers; and (iii) an acknowledgement of the shift away from an emphasis on proximal learning sources for the MC and the shift towards proximal sources for the scholarship coach.     

Factor Structure and Measurement Invariance of the Intragroup Conflict Scale: Validation in Athletic Trainer and Coach Populations

ABSTRACT

The purposes of this study were to examine the factorial validity of the six-item Intragroup Conflict Scale (ICS) in athletic trainer (AT) and coach populations and to examine measurement invariance by gender and profession. A total of 195 ATs and 615 head or assistant coaches working at secondary schools or National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) institutions completed the ICS. Data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis procedures in LISREL 10 (Student Edition). Results supported the reliability and validity of the two-factor ICS model among ATs and coaches. Strict measurement invariance was observed when comparing male to female AT responses. Strong measurement invariance was observed when comparing male to female coach responses, as well as AT to coach responses. These data not only support the reliability and validity of the ICS for use in AT and coach populations but also support direct comparisons of mean scores across gender or profession.     

The Importance of Adolescents’ Participation in Organized Sport According to VO2peak: A Longitudinal Study

Research from several countries has documented a decline in physical activity (PA) levels and in participation in organized sport with increasing age, indicating that organized sport may be of importance to adolescents’ cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine how regular participation in organized and unorganized PA affected the development of adolescents’ CRF (peak oxygen consumption [VO₂peak]), when controlled for sex interaction. Method: Data on direct measures of VO₂peak and participation in organized PA among adolescents organized into 3 groups (participation in organized sport, participation in unorganized PA, and no weekly PA) were collected from 76 students (39 boys and 37 girls), when they were aged 14 and 19 years old. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between VO₂peak values in the 3 groups at both 14 years of age, F(2, 73) = 7.16, p < .05, ?² = .170, and 19 years of age, F(2, 73) = 14.00, p < .05, ?² = .300, independent of sex at both 14 and 19 years of age, F(2, 73) = 0.05, p > .05, ?² = .02, and F(2, 73) = 0.05, p > .05, ?² = .00. Adolescents participating in organized sport also had statistically significantly higher VO₂peak values than adolescents participating in unorganized PA and those with no weekly PA, at both 14 and 19 years of age. Conclusion: From a health perspective, in terms of CRF, the findings highlight the importance of encouraging adolescents to participate in organized sport and to refrain from dropping out of organized sport programs.     

Assessment of decision-making performance and in-game physical exertion of Australian football umpires

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of in-game physical exertion on decision-making performance of Australian football umpires. Fifteen Australian football umpires (M_age = 36, s = 13.5 years; M_{games umpired} = 235.2, s = 151.3) volunteered to participate in the study. During five competitive Australian football pre-season games, measures of in-game physical exertion (blood lactate levels, global positioning system [GPS]) and decision-making performance (video-based test) were obtained. There were no significant correlations between physical exertion in a particular quarter and decision-making performance in either the same quarter or any other quarter. Video-based decision-making performance was effected by time in game χ²(3) = 24.24, P = 0.001, with Quarter 4 performance significantly better than both Quarter 2 and Quarter 3. In-game physical exertion (blood lactate) significantly decreased over the course of the game χ²(3) = 11.58, P = 0.009. Results indicate no definable link between in-game physical exertion and decision-making performance. It is, however, presumed that decision-making performance may be affected by the time or context of the game. Future research is warranted to explore the relationship between physical exertion and decision-making performance to potentially inform Australian football umpire training programmes that replicate in-game physical and decision-making demands.     

The Influence of Exercise Intensity on Postexercise Baroreflex Sensitivity

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of exercise intensity on postexercise supine and tilt baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). Method: Nine healthy, active men performed 2 conditions of interval cycling of 40% maximal work rate (WR_max) and 75% WR_max of matched work done and a control condition of no exercise in a counterbalanced order. BRS outcome measures were determined at preexercise and postexercise up to +24 hr in supine and tilt positions. R-R interval and blood pressure data were collected over consecutive 10-min periods and were analyzed by Fast Fourier transformation analysis. Results: A fully repeated analysis of variance revealed a significant interaction (p < .05) between time and condition in supine for BRS_αLF, F(3, 134) = 5.19, p < .05, ES = .39, and BRS_TFTG, F(3, 134) = 5.65, p < .05, ES = .41, and in tilt for BRS_UpUp, F(3, 134) = 3.54, p < .05, ES = .31, BRS_DownDown, F(3, 134) = 5.94, p < .05, ES = .43, BRS_αLF, F(4, 134) = 6.23, p < .05, ES = .44, and BRS_TFTG, F(4, 134) = 9.22, p < .05, ES = .54. There were significant differences (p < .05) between condition comparisons at +15 min and between control and 75% WR_max and between the 40% WR_max and 75% WR_max conditions at +60 min. At +15 min, BRS was lower in the 75% WR_max condition compared with the 40% WR_max condition and the control condition, and it was lower in the 40% WR_max condition than in the control condition. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate an intensity-dependent relationship in the BRS response following exercise.     

Physiological Alterations in 7- to 9-Year-Old Boys following a Season of Competitive Wrestling

Abstract

Muscular and aerobic capacity changes resulting from three months of wrestling training were examined in a group of normally active 7- to 9-year-old boys (N = 23) who competed in an intramural league tournament. A nontraining group of twenty-two boys of similar age, height, and weight served as control subjects, and were studied during the same period of time. The subjects were measured for body dimensions and skinfolds, and were given measures of back lift, leg press, and arm endurance (dips and chins). They were also measured for [Vdot]E max, [Vdot]O ₂ max, and HR max employing a progressive treadmill protocol. Results of ANCOVA analyses indicated that (1) the mean improvements in [Vdot]E max (2.93 1·min ^?1 ) and in [Vdot]O ₂ max (+ 6.6 ml·kg ^?1 ·min ^?1 ) were not significantly greater than control (p > .05), nor was HR max; (2) arm endurance improved significantly over control (p < .05), as did the leg press, but the back lift was not improved significantly (p > .05); (3) no significant change occurred in height, weight, or in some of skinfolds (p > .05), but the wrestlers were less endomorphic and more ectomorphic than their control counterparts, and were judged essentially equivalent in mesomorphy. It is concluded that wrestling training in young boys improves strength, but does not improve aerobic capacity more than one would expect to see in normal children of similar age and size.     

Effects of Experience and Opponents on Pacing Behavior and 2-km Cycling Performance of Novice Youths

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To study the pacing behavior and performance of novice youth exercisers in a controlled laboratory setting. Method: Ten healthy participants (seven male, three female, 15.8 ± 1.0 years) completed four, 2-km trials on a Velotron cycling ergometer. Visit 1 was a familiarization trial. Visits 2 to 4 involved the following conditions, in randomized order: no opponent (NO), a virtual opponent (starting slow and finishing fast) (OP-SLOWFAST), and a virtual opponent (starting fast and finishing slow) (OP-FASTSLOW). Repeated measurement ANOVAs (p < .05) were used to examine differences in both pacing behavior and also performance related to power output, finishing- and split times, and RPE between the four successive visits and the three conditions. Expected performance outcome was measured using a questionnaire. Results: Power output increased (F_3,27 = 5.651, p = .004, η²_p = .386) and finishing time decreased (F_3,27 = 9.972, p < .001, η²_p = .526) between visit 1 and visits 2, 3 and 4. In comparison of the first and second visit, the difference between expected finish time and actual finishing time decreased by 66.2%, regardless of condition. The only significant difference observed in RPE score was reported at the 500 m point, where RPE was higher during visit 1 compared to visits 3 and 4, and during visit 2 compared to visit 4 (p < .05). No differences in pacing behavior, performance, or RPE were found between conditions (p > .05). Conclusion: Performance was improved by an increase in experience after one visit, parallel with the ability to anticipate future workload.     

Reliability and validity of the German language version of Girls' Disinclination for Physical Activity Scale

Abstract

The high prevalence of insufficient physical activity (PA) among adolescents is an important public health issue. Studying reasons for disliking PA might help researchers better understand its underlying mechanisms, yet this psychological construct has been understudied. This study established the psychometric properties of the German language version of the Girls' Disinclination for Physical Activity Scale (G-DAS-Ger). Data were collected on a sample of 257 adolescent girls in Austria (mean age: 13.0 ± 0.7 years) using the G-DAS-Ger and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale. One week after the first assessment, the questionnaires were re-administered to 78 girls. Between two administrations, PA of 215 girls was monitored for seven consecutive days using the ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers. Confirmatory factor analysis of G-DAS-Ger showed good fit for a three-factor model (χ²/df = 2.025; Bollen–Stine (B-S) p = 0.159; root mean square error of approximation = 0.063; standardised root mean square residual = 0.054; comparative fit index = 0.950). Cronbach's alphas for G-DAS-Ger factors/subscales ranged 0.64–0.76. The test–retest reliability assessed by Spearman's rank correlation ranged 0.62–0.75. Only one subscale correlated significantly with vigorous-intensity PA (Spearman's rho = ?0.16) and none with moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA, which indicated poor predictive validity of the G-DAS-Ger. Correlations between G-DAS-Ger subscales and enjoyment of PA ranged from ?0.29 to ?0.41, indicating satisfactory convergent validity. The G-DAS-Ger may be used in its present form to assess disinclination for PA among adolescent girls in German-speaking countries. However, our results put into question the stability of the originally proposed factor structure of the questionnaire and its predictive validity among German-speaking adolescent girls. Methodological refinements to the G-DAS-Ger may be required to improve its psychometric properties in this population.     

Teacher and school outcomes of the Physical Education and Physical Literacy (PEPL) approach: a pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial of a multicomponent intervention to improve physical literacy in primary schools

ABSTRACT

Background: Physical education (PE) can be considered the centrepiece of school physical literacy (PL) programs, but ineffective lessons or an absence of PE across the public primary school system has raised concern. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation, acceptability and impact of teacher delivery of PE as part of a multicomponent Physical Education Physical Literacy (PEPL) approach, designed to improve classroom teachers’ provision of PE and PL opportunities within a cluster of suburban primary schools.

Method: Within a pragmatic randomised cluster-based trial with mixed methods, a PEPL coach was appointed to seven schools for one school year, with another seven schools continuing their usual practice as the control group. The coach’s role was to support and professionally develop classroom teachers to teach PE and to create opportunities that develop PL inside and outside the school environment. Focusing on Grade 5 teachers, the implementation, acceptability and teacher impact were assessed using direct observations of PE teaching style, a daily log kept by the coach and interviews with principals and teachers.

Results: The PEPL coach visited each school on average once a week for the 33 available weeks of the school year. There were several positive effects for teachers and schools. With no classroom teacher initially taking PE or classroom physical activity breaks, all seven teachers regularly introduced a PE lesson and activity breaks into their weekly schedule. PE class instructional time increased (intervention; +4.8 vs. control; ?3.5 min/lesson; β?=?1.69; SE?=?0.76; p?=?.05), with lessons of greater duration (intervention; +8.6 vs. control +1.9 min/lesson; β?=?1.14, SE?=?0.58, p?=?.05) and moderate and vigorous physical activity increased 5.7 min in intervention classes (p?<?.05). The PEPL coach introduced regular physical activities before and after school and linked the schools with a national sports coaching scheme. Interviews indicated that the PEPL approach was both valued and well-accepted by staff, that classroom teacher confidence to teach PE increased and that principals perceived a shift toward a school ‘culture’ of physical activity.

Conclusions: Well-received by classroom teachers and principals, the PEPL approach resulted in classroom teachers introducing both PE and activity breaks into their weekly teaching program and schools were linked to external sport coaching programs. These effects suggest that the PEPL approach enhanced opportunities for the development of physical literacy in this suburban primary school setting.

Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry identifier: ACTRN12615000066583.     

Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of the Parents’ Proxy MPAQ-C in Chinese Population

We examined psychometric properties of a Modified Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (MPAQ-C). Thirty-two parents (Study 1), 40 students (6–9 years) and one of each student’s parents (Study 2), and 625 parents (Study 3) completed the MPAQ-C. The MPAQ-C (six items) measured children’s physical activity (PA) after school, and during evenings and weekends for 7 days. Test–retest reliability (Study 1) and convergent validity (Study 2) were measured. Factor validity of the MPAQ-C (Study 3) was examined using confirmatory factor analysis. A single-factor model of the MPAQ-C fit the data well (χ² (9) = 42.78, p < .001; comparative fit index[CFI] = .977; non-normed fit index [NNFI] = .962; root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = .079 [90% confidence interval {CI} = .057 to .11]), with good test–retest reliability, composite reliability (.80) and convergent validity. The factor loadings of MPAQ-C were invariant across fathers/mothers (Δχ² (6) = 3.44, p > .05). The MPAQ-C is a suitable parent proxy for measuring young Chinese children’s PA.     

Extended Validation of the Korean Version of the Quality of Life Survey

In this study, we examined the factor structure and reliability of the Korean Quality of Life (KQoL) survey and compared the KQoL survey to both the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). We also assessed associations between KQoL scores and physical activity (PA) participation. Participants were 557 (male = 281, female = 276) healthy Korean adults with ages between 18 and 71 years (M = 33.2, SD = 14.2). Results of confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the 7-subscale model and indicated acceptable values supporting convergent validity (χ² = 1,678.758, df = 443, p < .001, RMSR = .045, RMSEA = .071, TLI = .880, CFI = .892). Correlations of KQoL subscales with similar subscales of WHOQOL-BREF and with SWLS supported concurrent validity. Results confirm that the KQoL survey can assess multidimensional aspects of quality of life (QoL), including spiritual, physical, social, and psychological. KQoL scores were positively related to PA participation, in line with previous research supporting the positive association of PA with QoL.     

Does self-determined motivation interact with environmental contexts to influence moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during a girls’ youth sport camp?

ABSTRACT

Objective: To explore whether basketball player’s self-determined motivation interacts with environmental contexts and coach training to influence percentage time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (%MVPA). Methods: A secondary analysis of data from 76 girls (mean ± SD, 10.5 ± 1.0 years) was conducted. Players were classified as high self-determined motivation (HSDM) or low self-determined motivation (LSDM) and randomised to trained (intervention) or untrained (control) coaches. Training included 2 workshops on strategies for activity-promoting practices. Girls were exposed to environmental contexts (practices and games) led by a trained/untrained coach (depending on arm) and one without coaches (free time) daily. Girls wore accelerometers each day. Using mixed random-effects models, the influence of motivation, context and training on %MVPA was analysed. Results: Trained coaches’ practices were associated with the greatest %MVPA with no difference between HSDM and LSDM players (38.28 ± 1.77%; 37.64 ± 1.80%; p = 0.66). HSDM players had significantly greater %MVPA versus LSDM players during untrained coaches’ practices (23.58 ± 1.77%; 20.51 ± 1.78%; p = 0.03). During games with trained coaches, HSDM players had greater %MVPA compared to LSDM players (23.79 ± 1.76%; 18.56 ± 1.74%; p < 0.001). No between-group difference in %MVPA during free time was found (12.85 ± 0.82%; 13.39 ± 0.84%; p = 0.64). Conclusion: The impact of individual differences in self-determined motivation on %MVPA during practices was attenuated when coaches were trained to implement activity-promoting practices.     

Average acceleration and intensity gradient of primary school children and associations with indicators of health and well-being

ABSTRACT

Average acceleration (AvAcc) and intensity gradient (IG) have been proposed as standardised metrics describing physical activity (PA) volume and intensity, respectively. We examined hypothesised between-group PA differences in AvAcc and IG, and their associations with health and well-being indicators in children. ActiGraph GT9X wrist accelerometers were worn for 24-h·d^?1 over 7days by 145 children aged 9–10. Raw accelerations were averaged per 5-s epoch to represent AvAcc over 24-h. IG represented the relationship between log values for intensity and time. Moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was estimated using youth cutpoints. BMI z-scores, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), peak oxygen uptake (VO₂peak), Metabolic Syndrome risk (MetS score), and well-being were assessed cross-sectionally, and 8-weeks later. Hypothesised between-group differences were consistently observed for IG only (p < .001). AvAcc was strongly correlated with MVPA (r = 0.96), while moderate correlations were observed between IG and MVPA (r = 0.50) and AvAcc (r = 0.54). IG was significantly associated with health indicators, independent of AvAcc (p < .001). AvAcc was associated with well-being, independent of IG (p < .05). IG was significantly associated with WHtR (p < .01) and MetS score (p < .05) at 8-weeks follow-up. IG is sensitive as a gauge of PA intensity that is independent of total PA volume, and which relates to important health indicators in children.     

Effect of Stride Length Variation on Oxygen Uptake during Level and Positive Grade Treadmill Running

Abstract

Sixteen men were studied during 6-min bouts of motorized treadmill running at 230 m · min^–1 and 0% and 4% grade to compare [Vdot]O₂ while using freely chosen stride lengths (CSL) and stride lengths approximately 8% shorter (SSL) and longer (LSL) than CSL. The study also attempted to determine whether stride length variations of these proportions altered [Vdot]O₂ differently at the two grades. CSL were greater (p<.05) at 0% than 4% with mean values of 133.5 and 131.5 cm, respectively. Two-way ANOVA (Stride x Grade) with repeated measures yielded significant F values (p<.05) for the main effects of both stride length and grade but not for interaction between the two factors. Mean [Vdot]O₂ values were 44.95 and 56.80 ml · kg¹ · min^–1 at 0% and 4% grade, respectively. The Tukey w procedure was used for comparing the main effect means across both grades for the three stride lengths. These means were 50.94, 49.88, and 51.80 ml · kg¹ · min^–1 for SSL, CSL, and LSL, respectively, with the CSL mean significantly less than the SSL and LSL means (p<.05). Stride length variations of approximately ±8% did not alter [Vdot]O₂ differently at the two grades, and although [Vdot]O₂ for SSL and LSL was not different, [Vdot]O₂ was significantly (p<.05) increased by 2.1% for SSL and 3.8% for LSL. Not all individual patterns followed the group norm, however, in that three subjects were more economical with short stride lengths and two were more economical with longer strides.     

Measuring athlete imagery ability: the sport imagery ability questionnaire

This research aimed to develop and provide initial validation of the Sport Imagery Ability Questionnaire (SIAQ). The SIAQ assesses athletes' ease of imaging different types of imagery content. Following an extensive pilot study, 375 athletes completed a 20-item SIAQ in Study 1. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 4-factor model assessing skill, strategy, goal, and affect imagery ability. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) established this 4-factor structure in Study 2 (N = 363 athletes). In Study 3 (N = 438 athletes), additional items were added to create a fifth mastery imagery subscale that was confirmed through CFA. Study 4 (N = 220 athletes) compared the SIAQ to the Movement Imagery Questionnaire-3. Significant bivariate correlations (p < .05) confirmed the SIAQ's concurrent validity but demonstrated differences in imagery ability of different content. Overall, the SIAQ demonstrates good factorial validity, internal and temporal reliability, invariance across gender, and an ability to distinguish among athletes of different competitive levels. Findings highlight the importance of separately assessing imagery ability of different content.     

Reliability and Validity of the Zephyr™ BioHarness™ to Measure Respiratory Responses to Exercise

The Zephyr? BioHarness? (Zephyr Technology, Auckland, New Zealand) is a wireless physiological monitoring system that has the ability to measure respiratory rate unobtrusively. However, the ability of the BioHarness? to accurately and reproducibly determine respiratory rate across a range of intensities is currently unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of the BioHarness? to measure respiratory rate. Twelve physically active participants attended the laboratory on two separate occasions to perform an incremental treadmill test to volitional exhaustion. Respiratory rate (br.min^?1) was measured continuously and simultaneously during both trials using both a Metamax 3b online gas-analysis system (Cortex, Leipzig, Germany) and the BioHarness?. The mean respiratory rate measured by the Metamax 3b and BioHarness? did not differ statistically (p < .05) for most speeds, except for 70% of peak treadmill speed (p = .039). Mean absolute differences were small (2 to 3 br.min^?1; typical error = 4.4%–8.7%). The typical errors for the test 1 versus the test 2 comparisons for respiratory rate ranged from 1.4 to 2.8 br.min^?1 (typical error % = 4.3–7.3) for the BioHarness?. There were no significant differences between devices for the absolute respiratory rate, speed, and percent of respiratory rate maximum at the respiratory breakpoint (p > .05). The BioHarness? is a valid and reliable device for determining respiratory rate and the respiratory breakpoint during exercise of varying intensity.