Evaluating the extent of implementation and variation of typical school provision of physical education, physical activity and sports in the Republic of Ireland is a public health priority. Therefore, a national audit into the different levels of typical school provision of physical education, physical activity and sports was conducted. To date, this has not been evaluated. A cross-sectional, nationally representative sample of 112 secondary schools were included. A school provision of physical education, physical activity and sports evaluation index, validated via a concept mapping methodology, was utilized to measure variation of provision in the context of school personnel, curriculum, facilities and equipment, budget, partnerships, ethos and prioritization. A proposed grade for each indicator of provision was established using an internationally standardized grading system. Overall, physical education was the indicator with the highest national average grade (B−); physical activity was the indicator with the lowest national average grade (D+); while the indicator for sports received a C− grade. An overview of the national averages in terms of provision, paralleled with national and international comparisons and recommendations to support provision, is illuminated for each indicator. Future country comparison and benchmarking on key components of provision is envisaged.

A National Audit of Typical Secondary School Provision of Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sports in the Republic of Ireland

Background. Physical activity is essential to diabetic patients to improve insulin sensitivity so that diabetes can be well controlled. Objectives. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of physical activity on glucose transporter-4 (GLUT-4), fasting blood glucose level (FBGL) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Medan. Material and methods. The study design was analytic with a cross-sectional approach. The study population was T2DM patients, and the number of samples was 83 people who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study protocol was approved by the research ethics committee at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, and all participants willing to participate in the study signed written informed consent. The physical activity of T2DM patients was assessed by using a global physical activity questionnaire (GPAQ). The GLUT-4 level was assessed by using the Human GLUT-4 kit, which is ELISA method based. FBGL and HbA1C levels were determined by using the Doronad affinity + Modified HPLC method. Data was analyzed by the one-way ANOVA statistic test and processed by using SpSS. Results. The results showed that physical activity affected the level of GLUT-4, FBGL and HbA1C among T2DM patients. Conclusions. Medications and diet were not the main determinants of controlled BGL in diabetic patients. However, physical activity is one of the four-element points (education, dietary, physical activity, medicine) in diabetes management that must be implemented to achieve a better quality of life in diabetic patients.

The role of physical activity on glucose transporter-4, fasting blood glucose level and glycate hemoglobin in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Medan, Indonesia

Demographic and psychosocial factors concerning dietary assessment error have been explored, but few studies have investigated the perceived problems experienced when completing dietary recalls. The aim of this research was to (i) compare the perceived problems encountered in two commonly used self-administered 24-hour dietary recall (24HR) programs (INTAKE24© and ASA24®) and (ii) explore whether mindful and habitual eating are associated with perceived problems during dietary recall. A randomised quantitative crossover design and think-aloud methodology were employed. Undergraduate university students (N = 55, Mage = 25.5, SD = 8.2, 75% female) completed a food habits and mindfulness questions pre-program, one 24HR (whilst thinking aloud), and a systems usability scale post-program. A week later, they completed the other 24HR (whilst thinking aloud). During a pilot, a coding frame of perceived problems was devised to quantify participants’ perceived problems. INTAKE24© generated significantly fewer perceived problems across all categories compared to ASA24® (17.2 vs. 33.1, p < 0.001). Of the participants, 68% reported a preference for INTAKE24© over ASA24®. Hierarchical multiple regression showed that habits and systems usability were significant predictors of perceived problems for INTAKE24© only. No significant predictors were found for ASA24®. The results provide insight into perceived problems people may encounter when using 24HR tools. 

/pdf/predicting-perceived-problems-in-self-administered-24-hour-2kwev3lt.pdf

Predicting Perceived Problems in Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Recalls: A Quantitative Think-Aloud Study Comparing Automated Self-Assisted 24-Hour Dietary Assessment Tool (ASA24®) and INTAKE24© in University Students

Abstract Typical school provision of physical education, physical activity and sports may impact adolescent physical health. However, systematic literature reviews and meta-analysis have not yet considered this impact. The Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, PsychINFO, ERIC and MEDLINE databases were searched for relevant literature (2000–2023) pertaining to adolescents aged 12–18 years in secondary schools. Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria, including twenty-three interventions, four cross-sectional and two longitudinal studies. Included studies contributed 268 reported effects on indicators of adolescent obesity, physical fitness, blood pressure and bone health. Fifteen studies were included in the meta-analysis and reported significantly positive effects on indicators of adiposity in experimental groups with minor modifications to typical school provision ( g = − 0.11 [95% CI − 0.22, − 0.01], p &lt; 0.04, I 2 = 32.49%), in boys and girls. Subgroup analysis found significantly positive effects for body fat percentage ( g = − 0.28 [95% CI − 0.49, − 0.06], p &lt; 0.01). Robust examples of best practice in schools include extended days dedicated to physical education weekly (≥ 4 days), integration of theoretical components to physical education, sports field/gymnasium availability and a range of training modalities. Studies without the integration of a minor modification to typical school provision were deemed to have a limited impact on adolescent physical health. Further research that examines the additive impact of school physical activity and sports to supplement physical education is warranted. 

The Impact of Typical School Provision of Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sports on Adolescent Physical Health: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of different levels of typical school provision of physical education, physical activity and sports on the physical activity behaviors, health and wellbeing of Irish adolescents (13–14 years). Methods: A cross-sectional sample (n = 795) of adolescents (age: 14.28 ± 0.45), enrolled at schools that are representative of higher (n = 7), moderate (n = 6) and lower (n = 7) levels of a typical school provision of physical education, physical activity and sports was included. A physical activity behaviors, health and wellbeing questionnaire with established test–retest reliability was utilized to measure the variation in physical activity behaviors, health and wellbeing. Results: Data analysis indicated a significant variation in the levels of physical activity behaviors and health across different levels of typical school provision of physical education, physical activity and sports. The evidence was reported both as unadjusted group level analysis and adjusted covariate analysis. Favorable outcomes for higher levels of typical school provision were found for physical activity participation, body mass index, social support from peers to participate in physical activity and enjoyment of physical education for girls and somatic health complaints and enjoyment of physical education for boys. Conclusions: The findings stemming from this inquiry enable schools to optimize their environments for health promotion and, thus, further enhance their contribution to public health policy.

The Impact of Different Levels of Typical School Provision of Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sports on Adolescent Physical Activity Behaviors, Health and Wellbeing

Background/Aim. Numerous studies have indicated that university students
 exhibit a variety of risky health behaviors, such as the lack of regular
 physical activity and unhealthy eating habits. Due to lack of information
 about students‟ lifestyle in Serbia, we have designed a study with aims: (1)
 to investigate physical activity and eating habits variations by gender,
 year of study and attended faculty; and (2) relationship between physical
 activity and eating habits. Methods. The Survey research method was used.
 Data were collected in school year 2016/2017 during spring semester. Sample
 was randomly stratified (4019 students of the University of Belgrade - 2284
 males), that corresponded about 5% of the whole student population of the
 University of Belgrade. For data collection, two standardized questionnaires
 were used: International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and
 Youth/Adolescent Food Questionnaire (YAQ). Results. Male students were
 significantly more high and moderate active than female students (3.15 vs
 2.80 days, respectively; p = 0.003, ES = 0.651). Correspondingly, female
 students were sedentary inactive during the day (326 vs 305 min; p = 0.044,
 ES = 0.232). The interaction between factors revealed that the most high
 active on weakly basis were fourth year male students of
 natural-mathematical sciences (4.20 days), while on daily basis were first
 year female students (161 min). The most sedentary ones were third year
 female students of medical sciences (475 min of sitting per day).
 Significant correlations were found between the time being high active and
 consuming water, vegetables, citrus fruits, integral bread, and cereals.
 Conclusion. Female students were more likely declined to sedentary behavior,
 older students were more active and aware of importance of physical
 activity, while nature of studies can influence the lifestyle. Female and
 older students were more concerned about diets. Additionally, students who
 were more physically active had healthier eating habits.

/pdf/physical-activity-and-eating-habits-of-students-of-the-10ul0haqxx.pdf

Physical activity and eating habits of students of the University of Belgrade: An epidemiological study

Although unstable strength training has gained popularity among athletes and the recreational population, there is scarce data regarding the applicability of this type of exercise program in school settings. The aim of the study was to investigate whether the implementation of an unstable surface strength exercise program in physical education would contribute to the improvement of physical fitness in 14-years students. A sample of 220 adolescents (112 girls) was randomly assigned to either the EXP (calisthenics exercise under unstable conditions) or the CON group (prescribed physical education strength exercise program). Before and after the 12- week period, upper-body isometric and repetitive strength were accessed using 4 motor tests. In addition, skinfold thickness (ST) was determined in subscapular, pectoral, and abdominal areas. Both groups improved strength performance (p < 0.01), with greater increase in EXP compared to CON for all motor tests (p < 0.01, ES = 0.21 – 0.45). Both groups decreased total, subscapular and abdominal ST (p < 0.05), with no significant effect of group. Unstable surface strength exercises are effective in improving physical abilities and should be included in the regular physical education curriculum.

Implementation of an unstable surface exercise program in physical education curriculum: effects on strength and morphological features

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between morphological characteristics (body composition and anthropometric data) and gross motor coordination in preschool children (42 boys and 40 girls, aged 6.22 ± 0.43 years, height: 1.22 ± 0.48 m, body mass index: 20.22 ± 2.34 kg/m2, muscle mass: 11.50 ± 2.08 kg, and fat mass: 5.43 ± 4.02 kg). Motor coordination was determined by the obstacle course backward test (OCB), while body composition was measured using the bioelectrical impedance (BIA) method. Sex differences in the OCB test and body morphology were determined by an independent t-test. Multiple linear regression was used to examine whether morphological characteristics could predict OCB scores. Boys were significantly taller, with greater muscle mass, protein mass, and total body water compared to girls (t = 2.01–3.73, p < 0.05). Inversely, mineral mass was greater in girls than in boys (t = 2.98, p = 0.01). No significant sex differences were observed in the results obtained for the OCB test (t = 0.74, p = 0.46). All morphological variables showed trivial-to-weak (r = 0.01–0.15) associations with the OCB results, without reaching statistical significance (p ≤ 0.16). The model of predictor variables did not have a statistically significant effect on the OCB scores in boys and girls (R2 = 0.09, p = 0.91 and R2 = 0.012, p = 0.92, respectively). These results indicate that sex dimorphism in body composition is present at an early age before puberty, while morphological characteristics have a negligible influence on motor coordination in 6-year-old children.

/pdf/relationship-between-body-composition-and-gross-motor-bweemr24.pdf

Relationship between Body Composition and Gross Motor Coordination in Six-Year-Old Boys and Girls

The aim was to investigate the impact of a specific structured movement activities (SMA) program compared to free play activity (FRP) on the strength, speed, agility, coordination, and balance of motor fitness (MF) in 6-year-old boys and girls. A total of 53 children (24 boys, 29 girls) were randomly allocated to either the SMA group or the FRP group. Both group activities were administered three times a week over a 6-month period. MF variables were assessed before (pre-) and after (post-) using tests: the flamingo balance (FLA), the standing long jump (SLJ), plate tapping (PTT), the obstacle course backwards (OCB), and the shuttle run 4 × 5 m (SRT). At the post-test, the SMA program resulted in significant (p < 0.05) improvements in OCB, PTT, SLJ, and SRT tasks. For FRP, a noteworthy improvement was observed only in OCB (ES = 0.45, p < 0.05). An ANCOVA revealed a significant group × time interaction (F = 21.71–52.41, η2 = 0.258–0.512, p < 0.01) for OCB, PTT, and SRT, favoring SMA over FRP. The present findings suggest that SMA may be more effective than FRP when aiming to develop motor coordination, agility, and speed of movement in children.

Effects of Structured Physical Activity on Motor Fitness in Preschool Children

The present study investigated effects of squat resistance training on intermuscular hypertrophy of quadriceps femoris muscles (i.e., rectus femoris, RF; vastus intermedius, VI; vastus medialis, VM; and vastus lateralis, VL). Eighteen university students (age: 24.1 ± 1.7 years, 9 females) underwent 7 weeks of parallel squat training (2 days/week) preceded by a 2-week familiarization period. Squat strength (1RM) and cross-sectional area (CSA) of four quadriceps muscles were assessed at baseline and at the end of the study. At posttest, 1RM and CSA of quadriceps muscles significantly increased (p < 0.01), with moderate-to-large effect (ES = 1.25–2.11) for 1RM (8.33 ± 6.64 kg), VM CSA (0.12 ± 0.08 cm2), and VL CSA (0.19 ± 0.09 cm2) and small effect (ES = 0.89–1.13) for RF CSA (0.17 ± 0.15 cm2) and VI CSA (0.16 ± 0.18 cm2). No significant differences were found in the changes of CSA between muscles (F = 0.638, p = 0.593). However, the squat 1RM gain was significantly associated only with the changes in CSA of the VL muscle (r = 0.717, p < 0.001). The parallel squat resulted in significant growth of all quadriceps muscles. However, the novelty of this study is that the increase in strength is associated only with hypertrophy of the VL muscle.

/pdf/does-back-squat-exercise-lead-to-regional-hypertrophy-among-2ncdxcdj.pdf

Does Back Squat Exercise Lead to Regional Hypertrophy among Quadriceps Femoris Muscles?

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