Correlations between Success in Student Teaching and Success on the Job

Purpose: This exploratory study examined the notion of Seefeldt's (1980) hypothesized motor skill “proficiency barrier” related to composite levels of health-related physical fitness (HRF) in young adults. Method: A motor skill competence (MSC) index composed of maximum throwing and kicking speed and jumping distance in 187 young adults aged 18 to 25 years old was evaluated against a composite index of 5 health-related fitness (HRF) test scores. MSC (high, moderate, and low) and HRF indexes (good, fair, and poor) were categorized according to normative fitness percentile ranges. 2 separate 3-way chi-square analyses were conducted to determine the probabilities of skill predicting fitness and fitness predicting skill. Results: Most correlations among HRF and MSC variables by gender demonstrated low-to-moderate positive correlations in both men (12/15; r = .23–.58) and women (14/15; r = .21–.53). Chi-square analyses for the total sample, using composite indexes, demonstrated statistically significant predictive models, χ ² (1, N = 187) = 66.99, p < .001, Cramer's V = .42. Only 3.1% of low-skilled (2 of 65) individuals were classified as having a “good” HRF. Only 1 participant (out of 65) who demonstrated high MSC was classified as having “poor” HRF (1.5%). Conclusion: Although individual correlations among individual MSC and HRF measures were low to moderate, these data provide indirect evidence for the possibility of a motor skill “proficiency barrier” as indicated by low composite HRF levels. This study may generate future research to address the proficiency barrier hypothesis in youth as well as adults.     

田径速度力量项群运动员体能结构特征的研究

运用文献资料法、特尔菲法、问卷调查法、特征解析法和数理统计等方法,分别对田径速度力量项群运动员的身体形态、身体机能和身体素质结构特征进行研究,结果表明:髂宽/髋宽×100指数没有表现出专项和性别特征差异,但跳跃运动员表现出明显的跟腱长、踝围细特征,而投掷运动员则表现出明显的跟腱较短、踝围较粗高特征,虽然投掷运动员体内脂肪百分比和去脂体重的绝对值高于跳跃运动员,但跳跃运动员的体内肌肉相对含量却高于投掷运动员,而且速度力量项群尤其强调优先发展速度力量、绝对力量、最大速度和单个动作速率等身体素质。     

广西少数民族传统体育大众化项目的健身价值研究

目的：探索广西少数民族传统体育大众化项目抛绣球、抢花炮、板鞋舞、跳竹杠、打铜鼓的健身价值。方法：检测抛绣球、抢花炮、板鞋舞、跳竹杠、打铜鼓项目选手及对照组各10名对象的身体形态指标、身体素质指标、生理机能指标和免疫指标。结果：抛绣球、抢花炮、板鞋舞、跳竹杠、打铜鼓项目选手的身体形态指标、身体素质指标、生理机能指标和免疫指标在不程度上优于对照组。结论：抛绣球、抢花炮、板鞋舞、跳竹杠、打铜鼓练习能有效促进人体健康,广西少数民族传统体育项目值得进一步开发其健身价值。     

Deleterious effects of obesity on physical fitness in pre-pubertal children

The prevalence of obesity in children has increased dramatically during the past decades in Europe and understanding physical fitness and its components in children is critical to design and implement effective interventions. The objective of the present study was to analyse the association between physical fitness (aerobic, speed, agility, power, flexibility and balance) and body mass index (BMI) in pre-pubertal children. A total of 2411 healthy schoolchildren (7–11 years) participated in this study. Anthropometric characteristics and body composition were assessed by skinfold thickness. Physical fitness was measured by nine physical fitness tests: endurance running, 20 m running speed, agility, handgrip strength, standing long jump and squat jump, sit and reach, medicine ball forward throw and static balance. No relevant differences were observed between boys and girls regarding anthropometric characteristics, body composition and physical fitness. However, overweight and obese children showed significantly lower physical fitness levels in endurance running, speed and agility (mean: +18.8, +5.5 and +14.5% of time to complete tasks, respectively), lower limb power normalised to body mass (?23.3%) and balance tests (number of falls: +165.5%) than their normal weight counterparts. On the other hand, obesity did not affect handgrip, throwing and flexibility. In conclusion, increased BMI was associated with lower performance capabilities limiting proper motor skill development, which directly affects the ability of children to take on sports skills. Actions undertaken to promote children's wellness and fitness should be prioritised and introduced early in life with the aim of enhancing physical fitness as well as preventing overweight and obesity.     

The direct and indirect effects of motor competence on adolescents’ mental health through health-related physical fitness

ABSTRACT

Mental health is an important public health issue and up to one in five youth experience mental health problems. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the relationship among motor competence, health-related physical fitness and mental health outcomes in adolescents. A secondary goal was to test the direct and indirect effects of motor competence on adolescents’ mental health through health-related physical fitness. Participants were 279 adolescents (M_age = 12.49, SD = 0.89) recruited in the south-west region of the US Motor competence including volleyball, soccer, and ultimate Frisbee, were assessed using PE Metrics?. FITNESSGRAM® test battery was used to assess health-related physical fitness components. Students completed a survey measuring their depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life. Motor competence was significantly associated with components of health-related physical fitness (r ranged from ?0.15 to 0.38). The robust fit of the model supports the significant indirect effect of motor competence on mental health outcomes through health-related physical fitness (χ²/df = 39.92/25; CFI = 0.97; RMSEA = 0.046; 90% CI [0.02, 0.07]). The hypothesized conceptual model tested in this study provides insights into the potential interaction of motor competence and health-related physical fitness with adolescents’ mental health.     

Conceptualising and testing the relationship between actual and perceived motor performance: A cross-cultural comparison in children from Australia and Germany

ABSTRACT

Previous studies investigating the relationship between motor skill, physical activity and fitness in children have not thoroughly considered the role of self-perception. Therefore, the study aim was to test a theoretical framework, which considered both actual and perceived motor skill as well as actual and perceived fitness. Potential moderating effects of sex and country were considered. Data on motor skill, fitness, as well as self-perception of motor skill and fitness were collected from 145 Australian children and 214 German children (age range 7 to 10 years). For actual motor skill and fitness, mean differences for sex, age and country were found. For perceived motor performance (perceived motor skill and perceived fitness) no mean differences were found for age. Path analyses were performed. The final model showed significant relations between actual performance (object control skill, fitness) and perceived performance (object control skill, fitness). All model paths had low to moderate regression weights with the lowest relationship reported between actual and perceived fitness. Sex and country showed no effects. This integrated approach has led to a better understanding of the relationship between children’s perceived and objective performance, and cultural differences within them.     

Association between gross motor competence and health-related quality of life in (pre)schoolchildren: the mediating role of cardiorespiratory fitness

ABSTRACT

Background: Motor competence, defined as a person’s ability to execute different motor skills, is directly associated with children’s physical, mental, and social development and may be essential in encouraging an active lifestyle in childhood. Although health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children has been described as an individual’s subjective perception of the impact of health status on physical, psychological and social functioning, in very young children, a HRQoL parent-proxy report is needed since (pre)schoolchildren have problems expressing their feelings and understanding items on HRQoL instruments. In addition, the influence of motor competence on fitness levels has strong empirical support, so it seems reasonable to hypothesize that cardiorespiratory fitness might play a crucial role in the association between motor competence and HRQoL in children.

Objectives: This study examined the association between gross motor competence (G-MC) and HRQoL in typically developing children, and whether this association between G-MC and HRQoL was mediated by cardiorespiratory fitness.

Methods: An observational cross-sectional study with 1088 (pre)schoolchildren (51.84% boys, 48.16% girls) aged between 4 and 7 years (5.32?±?0.60) belonging to 21 schools in the Spanish provinces of Cuenca and Ciudad Real were included. G-MC was evaluated using the MABC-2 battery, HRQoL was assessed using the KINDL-R questionnaire and cardiorespiratory fitness using the 20m-shuttle-run-test. Partial correlations, covariance models and mediation analyses were conducted.

Results: The mean scores of HRQoL (physical well-being, self-esteem, friends, school and global score index) were significantly higher (p?<?0.05) in children with higher G-MC. When cardiorespiratory fitness was added as a covariate, all the results remained unchanged (p?<?0.05), except for physical well-being for the total sample as well as emotional well-being and the global score index for girls. Simple mediation analyses showed that cardiorespiratory fitness acted as a mediator between G-MC and physical well-being (Indirect Effect?=?0.04 [95% CI?=?0.01; 0.07]) for the total sample. For boys, it acted as a mediator between G-MC and physical well-being (Indirect Effect?=?0.04 [95% CI?=?0.00; 0.08]) and school (Indirect Effect?=?0.05 [95% CI?=?0.01; 0.09]), and, for girls, between G-MC and emotional well-being (Indirect Effect?=?0.04 [95% CI?=?0.01; 0.08]) and the global score index (Indirect Effect?=?0.02 [95% CI?=?0.00; 0.05]).

Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that good G-MC levels are associated with better HRQoL, mainly in global score index of HRQoL and self-esteem, friends, and school dimensions in typically developing children. Further, cardiorespiratory fitness mediates the association between G-MC and the physical dimension of HRQoL in (pre)schoolchildren. Additionally, physical and academic dimensions are mediated by cardiorespiratory fitness for boys and the emotional and global score indices of HRQoL are mediated by cardiorespiratory fitness for girls. These findings provide scientific evidence that improving motor competence and cardiorespiratory fitness might be a practical strategy to increase HRQoL in children. Thus, families and the educational community should promote effective interventions and incorporate opportunities inside and outside school that aim to jointly improve motor competence and cardiorespiratory fitness.     

体育锻炼对香港大学生身体自我概念的影响

以“身体自我描述问卷”为研究工具，研究体育锻炼对香港大学生身体自我概念的影响，被试为香港某大学的56名学生。研究结果表明，经过6周的体育锻炼之后，男性被试在身体活动、运动能力以及整体身体自我三方面的自我概念较锻炼前有显著性提高，女性被试在协调性、身体活动、运动能力、整体身体自我、外貌、力量、耐力（体能）以及整体自尊等方面的自我概念较锻炼前有显著性提高。     

Construct validity of the resistance training skills battery in children aged 7-10 years

The current study sought to examine the construct validity of the Resistance Training Skills Battery for Children (RTSBc), a movement screen purported to assess resistance training skill in children. Children aged 7–10 years (n = 27, 21 males, 6 females) undertook measures of resistance training skill via the RTSBc, motor competence and muscular fitness. Using a median split for RTSBc scores, children were categorised as high or low resistance training competence. Univariate ANCOVAs, controlling for maturation, were used to examine whether measures of muscular fitness and motor competence scores differed as a function of RTSBc competence. Children who were classified as high for resistance training competence had significantly better motor competence (P = .001) and significantly faster 10 m sprint speed (P = .001). However, medicine ball throw and standing long jump scores as well as peak and average isokinetic muscle strength did not differ as a function of RTSBc (P > 0.05). In all cases maturation was significant as a covariate. This study is the first to demonstrate construct validity of the RTSBc as a measure of general motor competence and sprint speed, but not strength, in children aged 7–10 years.     

A multidimensional approach to talent identification and selection in high-level youth Australian Football players

There is limited research in talent identification in youth Australian Football (AF), especially the factors that underpin selection into higher-level development programs. Therefore, this study explored age-related differences in high-level youth AF players and investigated characteristics influencing selection into a high-level development program. Anthropometry (stature, sitting height, body mass), maturity (estimated age at peak height velocity), motor competence (Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder), fitness (change of direction speed, lower body power and upper body muscular endurance) and coach skill ratings (kicking, marking and handballing) of 277 state academy players (U13-U15) were assessed. MANOVAs identified significant age-related differences for anthropometry, fitness, and coach skill ratings. Furthermore, 90.9 and 90.0% of U15 selected and deselected players were classified correctly. Selected players were more mature, taller, heavier, more explosive, faster at changing directions, and had superior kick technique and marking results. These results demonstrate considerable age-group performance outcome differences, highlighting that high-level academies should aim to select or deselect after 15 years of age. Additionally, it appears earlier maturing players are favoured for selection into a high-level academy. While practitioners must consider the confounding effect of maturation, early maturing players may be favoured for their ability to withstand increasing demands in higher-level youth AF.     

Differences in associations of product- and process-oriented motor competence assessments with physical activity in children

ABSTRACT

There is a positive association between motor competence and physical activity in child populations. Little is known about the relative variance explained in physical activity when process- versus product-oriented approaches are used for evaluating motor competence. This study aimed to examine associations between product- and process-oriented motor competence assessments and their capability to explain variance in physical activity. Participants included 167 children between the ages of 6–9 years. The run, jump, throw and kick were assessed using process-oriented (Test of Gross Motor Development-2^nd edition) and product-oriented (run time, jump distance, throw and kick speed) assessments. Physical activity was assessed via Yamax Digi-walker NL2000 pedometers. Weak to strong correlations between process and product assessments were found (range: r = ± 0.01 to ±0.81). Statistically significant correlations between process and product scores were more frequent for the kick and throw. Both product- and process-oriented assessments were poor at explaining variance in pedometer assessed physical activity. No more than 4% of variance in physical activity could be explained by a single skill, regardless of whether product or process scores were used. Continued examination of associations between process- and product-oriented assessments may provide a more holistic understanding of motor competence across developmental time.     

Validation of Using Fitness Center Attendance Electronic Records to Assess the Frequency of Moderate/Vigorous Leisure-Time Physical Activity Among Adults

The purpose of this study was to provide three construct validity evidence for using fitness center attendance electronic records to objectively assess the frequency of leisure-time physical activity among adults. One hundred members of a fitness center (45 women and 55 men; aged 18 to 64 years) completed a self-report leisure-time physical activity questionnaire. The theory of planned behavior constructs (e.g., intention and perceived behavioral control), VO₂max, and % BF were assessed. Fitness center attendance electronic records were expressed as the weekly mean number of mandatory check-in records retrieved from the fitness center's electronic database over a 12-week period prior to participant's physical fitness evaluation. A continuous (frequency) and categorical (“adherent” versus “non-adherent”) scores were computed. Results indicated that perceived behavioral control was associated with fitness center attendance electronic records and mediated the fitness center attendance electronic records–intention relationship. Fitness center attendance electronic records were associated with VO₂max and self-report leisure-time physical activity. Therefore, results provide three evidence of construct validity of using fitness center attendance electronic records scores to assess leisure-time physical activity behavior.     

Improvements in fundamental movement skill competency mediate the effect of the SCORES intervention on physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in children

Numerous studies have identified a positive association between fundamental movement skill (FMS) competency and physical activity in children; however, the causal pathways have not been established. The aim of this study is to determine if changes in FMS competency mediated the effect of the Supporting Children’s Outcomes using Rewards, Exercise and Skills (SCORES) intervention on physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in children. Eight primary schools (25 classes) and 460 children (aged 8.5 ± 0.6, 54% girls) were randomised to the SCORES intervention or control group for the 12-month study. The outcomes were accelerometer-determined moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and cardiorespiratory fitness. The hypothesised mediators were actual FMS competency and perceived sport competence. Mediation analyses were conducted using multilevel linear analysis in MPlus. From the original sample, 138 (30.0%) and 370 (80.4%) children provided useable physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness data at post-test assessments. There were significant treatment effects for locomotor skills and overall FMSs. Changes in MVPA were associated with changes in object-control skills, overall FMSs and perceived competence. The overall FMSs had a significant mediating effect on MVPA (AB = 2.09, CI = 0.01–4.55). Overall FMSs (AB = 1.19, CI = 0.002–2.79) and locomotor skills (AB = 0.74, CI = 0.01–1.69) had a significant mediating effect on cardiorespiratory fitness. The results of this study conclude that actual but not perceived movement skill competency mediated the effect of the SCORES intervention on physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness.     

试析力量训练对链球运动员运动成绩的重要性

掷是田径运动中的投掷项目之一,在田径项目中它要求的技术含量非常高,身体素质水平要求也相当全面,尤其对力量素质要求极高,在高速度的旋转中维持身体平衡的能力也相当关键。其影响大小依次为：专项投掷力量,速度力量,基础力量。     

2010年四川省幼儿体质水平现状调查

目的:通过对2010年四川省国民体质监测幼儿人群数据的系统分析,并与2005年监测结果进行比较,探讨四川省幼儿的体质现状及变化趋势,为全民健身发展提供参考依据。方法:以2010年四川省国民体质监测幼儿研究人群,选取形态、机能、素质指标等作为分析指标,对不同性别、不同年龄段等人群体质状况进行分析,并与2005年监测结果进行分析比较。结果与结论:四川省幼儿体质合格率达86.1%,总体呈现性别无差异、城镇明显优于乡村的趋势,综合评价状况属于中上水平;比较2005年监测结果,其总体合格率下降1.3%。四川省幼儿身体形态指标呈现出随年龄增大而增加的变化趋势,城镇大于乡村,男性大于女性。幼儿身体指数指标表现为城镇幼儿的身体充实度大于乡村幼儿。四川省幼儿素质指标呈现出随年龄增长而提高的变化趋势,男性在力量、速度、弹跳力、协调与平衡能力方面好于女性,女性的柔韧性好于男性。城镇幼儿的柔韧、速度、弹跳力、力量、协调能力与乡村幼儿无差异,而平衡能力低于乡村幼儿。与2005年监测结果对比10m折返跑略有下降。     

Development,content validity and test-retest reliability of the Lifelong Physical Activity Skills Battery in adolescents

Numerous skill batteries assess fundamental motor skill (e.g., kick, hop) competence. Few skill batteries examine lifelong physical activity skill competence (e.g., resistance training). This study aimed to develop and assess the content validity, test-retest and inter-rater reliability of the “Lifelong Physical Activity Skills Battery”. Development of the skill battery occurred in three stages: i) systematic reviews of lifelong physical activity participation rates and existing motor skill assessment tools, ii) practitioner consultation and iii) research expert consultation. The final battery included eight skills: grapevine, golf swing, jog, push-up, squat, tennis forehand, upward dog and warrior I. Adolescents (28 boys, 29 girls; M = 15.8 years, SD = 0.4 years) completed the Lifelong Physical Activity Skills Battery on two occasions two weeks apart. The skill battery was highly reliable (ICC = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.72–0.90) with individual skill reliability scores ranging from moderate (warrior I; ICC = 0.56) to high (tennis forehand; ICC = 0.82). Typical error (4.0; 95% CI 3.4–5.0) and proportional bias (r = ?0.21, p = .323) were low. This study has provided preliminary evidence for the content validity and reliability of the Lifelong Physical Activity Skills Battery in an adolescent population.     

自我谈话对精细与粗放类动作技能表现的影响——基于功能类型与显隐性维度

自我谈话对动作表现的影响是体育运动领域中自我谈话研究的主流方向。以往围绕自我谈话与动作表现关系的研究主要考察自我谈话功能类型与动作技能类型之间的匹配关系，较少关注自我谈话表述形式对动作技能表现的影响。因此，本研究在任务匹配假说的基础上，引入自我谈话显隐性（表述形式）这一维度，探讨自我谈话功能类型和表述形式与动作技能类型之间的匹配关系。基于此，本研究设计了2个实验，实验1考察自我谈话功能类型与表述形式对精细类动作技能（飞镖投掷）表现的影响，实验2考察自我谈话功能类型与表述形式对粗放类动作技能（握力）表现的影响。2个实验均为2因素混合设计，实验对象为80名男性本科生。实验结果表明，不发声指导型自我谈话有利于飞镖投掷任务表现，而发声指导型自我谈话有利于握力测试任务表现。本研究表明，指导型自我谈话有利于精细类动作技能表现，尤其是新手；发声自我谈话有利于粗放类动作技能表现，不发声自我谈话有利于精细类动作技能表现。     

Cross-sectional and longitudinal relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement in Japanese adolescents

Abstract

Although cross-sectional studies regarding the relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement among Japanese children have been previously reported, no longitudinal study has yet been reported for Japanese children. The purpose of this study was to examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between physical fitness and academic achievement among Japanese adolescents. This cohort study included 1,189 seventh- and ninth-grade students from two schools. The follow-up period was 2 years. A physical fitness test involving eight test items (hand grip, sit-ups, sit and reach, side-to-side jump, 20-m shuttle run, 50-m dash, standing broad jump and handball throwing) was conducted to evaluate the fitness of the participants. Academic achievement in Japanese, mathematics and a foreign language (English) was assessed at baseline and follow-up using cumulative guidance records. Participants were classified into low–low, high–low, low–high, and high–high groups based on physical fitness test results at baseline and follow-up. Compared with the groups showing low fitness levels, those showing high fitness levels for all items of the physical fitness test expect handball throwing had increased odds of showing high academic achievement levels in all three subjects at baseline and/or follow-up compared with the low-fitness groups. Sit-ups and 20-m shuttle run in the high–high and low–high groups were related to higher academic achievement levels at follow-up compared with those in the low–low group for both boys and girls. Therefore, this study suggests that various physical fitness outcomes are positively associated with high academic achievement levels for Japanese children.     

Prevalence and correlates of resistance training skill competence in adolescents

The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence and correlates of adolescents’ resistance training (RT) skill competence. Participants were 548 adolescents (14.1 ± 0.5 years) from 16 schools in New South Wales, Australia. RT skills were assessed using the Resistance Training Skills Battery. Demographics, BMI, muscular fitness, perceived strength, RT self-efficacy, and motivation for RT were also assessed. The proportion demonstrating “competence” and “near competence” in each of the six RT skills were calculated and sex differences explored. Associations between the combined RT skill score and potential correlates were examined using multi-level linear mixed models. Overall, the prevalence of competence was low (range = 3.3% to 27.9%). Females outperformed males on the squat, lunge and overhead press, whereas males performed better on the push-up (p < .05). Significant associations were seen for a number of correlates, which largely differed by sex. Muscular fitness was moderately and positively associated with RT skills among both males (β = 0.34, 95%CIs = 0.23 to 0.46) and females (β = 0.36, 95%CIs = 0.23 to 0.48). Our findings support a link between RT skills and muscular fitness. Other associations were statistically significant but small in magnitude, and should therefore be interpreted cautiously.