High-fat diet effects on contractile performance of isolated mouse soleus and extensor digitorum longus when supplemented with high dose vitamin D.

Evidence suggests vitamin D3 (VD) supplementation can reduce accumulation of adipose tissue and inflammation and promote myogenesis in obese individuals, and thus could mitigate obesity-induced reductions in skeletal muscle (SkM) contractility. However, this is yet to be directly investigated. This study, using the work-loop technique, examined effects of VD (cholecalciferol) supplementation on isolated SkM contractility. Female mice (n = 37) consumed standard low-fat diet (SLD) or high-fat diet (HFD), with or without VD (20,000 IU/kg-1 ) for 12 weeks. Soleus and EDL (n = 8-10 per muscle per group) were isolated and absolute and normalized (to muscle size and body mass) isometric force and power output (PO) were measured, and fatigue resistance determined. Absolute and normalized isometric force and PO of soleus were unaffected by diet (P > 0.087). However, PO normalized to body mass was reduced in HFD groups (P < 0.001). Isometric force of extensor digitorum longus (EDL) was unaffected by diet (P > 0.588). HFD reduced EDL isometric stress (P = 0.048) and absolute and normalized PO (P < 0.031), but there was no effect of VD (P > 0.493). Cumulative work during fatiguing contractions was lower in HFD groups (P < 0.043), but rate of fatigue was unaffected (P > 0.060). This study uniquely demonstrated that high-dose VD had limited effects on SkM contractility and did not offset demonstrated adverse effects of HFD. However, small and moderate effect sizes suggest improvement in EDL muscle performance and animal morphology in HFD VD groups. Given effect sizes observed, coupled with proposed inverted U-shaped dose-effect curve, future investigations are needed to determine dose/duration specific responses to VD, which may culminate in improved function of HFD SkM.

Effect of high-fat diet on isometric, concentric and eccentric contractile performance of skeletal muscle isolated from female CD-1 mice.

Despite evidence inferring muscle and contractile mode-specific effects of high-fat diet (HFD), no study has yet considered the impact of HFD directly on eccentric muscle function. The present work uniquely examined the effect of 20-week HFD on the isometric, concentric and eccentric muscle function of isolated mouse soleus (SOL) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles. CD-1 female mice were randomly split into a control (n = 16) or HFD (n = 17) group and for 20 weeks consumed standard lab chow or HFD. Following this period, SOL and EDL muscles were isolated and assessments of maximal isometric force and concentric work loop (WL) power were performed. Each muscle was then subjected to either multiple concentric or eccentric WL activations. Post-fatigue recovery, as an indicator of incurred damage, was measured via assessment of concentric WL power. In the EDL, absolute concentric power and concentric power normalised to muscle mass were reduced in the HFD group (P < 0.038). HFD resulted in faster concentric fatigue and reduced eccentric activity-induced muscle damage (P < 0.05). For the SOL, maximal isometric force was increased, and maximal eccentric power normalised to muscle mass and concentric fatigue were reduced in the HFD group (P < 0.05). HFD effects on eccentric muscle function are muscle-specific and have little relationship with changes in isometric or concentric function. HFD has the potential to negatively affect the intrinsic concentric and eccentric power-producing capacity of skeletal muscle, but a lack of a within-muscle uniform response indicates disparate mechanisms of action which require further investigation.

Shuttle Time for Seniors: The Impact of 8-Week Structured Badminton Training on Markers of Healthy Aging and Evaluation of Lived Experiences-A Quasi-Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Engagement in sport offers the potential for improved physical and psychological well-being and has been shown to be beneficial for promoting healthy aging. Opportunities for older adults to (re)engage with sport are limited by a paucity of age-appropriate introductory sports intervention programs. As such, the study evaluated the efficacy of a newly designed 8-week badminton training program (Shuttle Time for Seniors) on markers of healthy aging and the lived experiences of participation. METHODS: Forty-three older adults assigned to a control (N = 20) or intervention group (N = 23) completed pre-post assessment of physical and cognitive function, self-efficacy for exercise, and well-being. Focus groups were conducted for program evaluation and to understand barriers and enablers to sustained participation. RESULTS: Those in the intervention group increased upper body strength, aerobic fitness, coincidence anticipation time, and self-efficacy for exercise. Objectively improved physical and cognitive functions were corroborated by perceived benefits indicated in thematic analysis. Shuttle Time for Seniors was perceived as appropriate for the population, where the age-appropriate opportunity to participate with likeminded people of similar ability was a primary motivator to engagement. Despite willingness to continue playing, lack of badminton infrastructure was a primary barrier to continued engagement. CONCLUSION: Shuttle Time for Seniors offered an important opportunity for older adults to (re)engage with badminton, where the physical and psychosocial benefits of group-based badminton improved facets important to healthy aging. Significance/Implications: Age-appropriate introductory intervention programs provide opportunity for older adults to (re)engage with sport. However, important barriers to long-term engagement need to be addressed from a whole systems perspective.

High-fat diet affects measures of skeletal muscle contractile performance in a temperature-specific manner but does not influence regional thermal sensitivity.

The present study examined whether high-fat diet (HFD) consumption for 20 weeks had a temperature-specific effect on the contractile performance and regional thermal sensitivity of isolated mouse soleus and diaphragm muscle. Four-week-old female CD-1 mice were randomly selected to consume either a standard laboratory diet or a standard laboratory diet in conjunction with a HFD for 20 weeks. Peripheral soleus and core diaphragm were isolated from each animal and maximal isometric force and work loop power were assessed at 20, 28, 35 and 40°C. Increasing temperature to 35°C resulted in greater isometric stress, lower activation and relaxation time, and higher work loop power in both muscles. A further increase in temperature to 40°C did not affect isometric force but increased work loop power output of the soleus. Conversely, isometric force of the diaphragm was reduced and work loop power maintained when temperature was increased to 40°C. HFD consumption resulted in greater isometric force and absolute work loop power of the soleus and reduced isometric stress of the diaphragm, effects that were less apparent at lower temperatures. When the relationship between temperature and each measure of contractile function was examined by linear regression, there was no difference in slope between the control or HFD groups for either the soleus or diaphragm. These results indicate that whilst contractile function initially increases with temperature, the temperature to elicit maximal performance is muscle and contractile mode specific. Furthermore, HFD effects on contractile function are temperature specific, but HFD does not influence the relationship between temperature and performance.

"All the fun stuff, the teachers say, 'that's dangerous!'" Hearing from children on safety and risk in active play in schools: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Active play is vital for healthy child development, and schools are a valuable setting to promote this behaviour. Understanding the determinants of children's physical activity behaviour during recess, particularly the role of risk-taking and the influence safety concerns have on active play, is required. This systematic review aimed to 1) synthesise qualitative research with children that explored their perceptions of safety and risk in active play during recess in elementary and/or middle school, and 2) develop a model from the findings to guide efforts in schools to optimise children's active play opportunities during recess. METHODS: Six online databases were systematically searched for articles published between January 2000 and March 2021. Following PRISMA guidelines, records were screened against eligibility criteria using Covidence software, and data extraction and synthesis was conducted using customised forms in Excel and NVivo software. Framework synthesis methodology was employed, conceptually guided by Bronfenbrenner's socio-ecological model and Gibson's affordance theory. RESULTS: Of 9664 records, 31 studies met inclusion criteria, representing 1408 children across 140 schools from 11 countries. An emergent conceptual framework was developed encompassing 23 risk and safety themes and 10 risky play types that children desired in schools. Individual characteristics (age, gender, physical literacy) influenced children's engagement with risk and how they kept themselves safe. Across outer SEM levels, factors interacted to constrain or afford children's active play. Socio-cultural factors (supervision practices, rules, equipment restrictions) constrained active play, which children perceived were driven by adults' concern with physical safety. These factors contributed to a cycle of risk-averse decision making and diminished play affordances, which could inadvertently exacerbate safety issues. A model for risk tolerance in children's active play has been proposed. CONCLUSIONS: The findings show a disparity between the active play children want in schools and what they are able to do. Future work should balance the concerns of adults against the active play children want, involve children in decisions about playground policy, and foster a risk-tolerant culture in schools.

"Children are precious cargo; we don't let them take any risks!": Hearing from adults on safety and risk in children's active play in schools: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Understanding determinants of children's outdoor play is important for improving low physical activity levels, and schools are a key setting for both. Safety concerns shape children's opportunity to play actively outdoors, therefore, this qualitative evidence synthesis aimed to i) examine adult (e.g., parent, teacher, yard supervisor, principal) perspectives on safety and risk in children's active play during recess in elementary and/or middle schools, and ii) identify how safety and risk influence playground supervision and decision making in this setting. METHODS: Six electronic databases were systematically searched in March 2021, with an updated search in June 2022. Records were screened against eligibility criteria using Covidence software, and data extraction and synthesis were performed using predesigned coding forms in Microsoft Excel and NVivo. Framework synthesis methodology was employed, guided by a conceptual framework structured on the socio-ecological model (SEM) and affordance theory. RESULTS: From 10,370 records, 25 studies were included that represented 608 adults across 89 schools from nine countries. The synthesis identified 10 constraining and four affording factors that influenced whether school staff were risk-averse or risk tolerant during recess, and, in turn, the degree to which children's play was managed. Constraining factors stemmed from fears for children's physical safety, and fear of blame and liability in the event of playground injury, which shaped parent, school staff and institutional responses to risk. Interrelated factors across SEM levels combined to drive risk-averse decision making and constraining supervision. Emerging evidence suggests children's active play in schools can be promoted by fostering a risk tolerant and play friendly culture in schools through play facilitation training (e.g., risk-reframing, conflict resolution) and engaging stakeholders in the development of school policies and rules that balance benefits of play against potential risks. CONCLUSIONS: Findings show several socio-cultural factors limited the ability of school staff to genuinely promote active play. Future work should seek to foster risk tolerance in schools, challenge the cultural norms that shape parent attitudes and institutional responses to risk in children's play, and explore novel methods for overcoming policy barriers and fear of liability in schools. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration: CRD42021238719.

Identifying actual and perceived motor competence based profiles among children.

This study aimed to develop motor competence (MC) profiles in children based on their actual and perceived MC, and to investigate differences in physical activity (PA) behaviour and motivation towards PA between profiles. Two hundred and sixteen British children (7-10 years) took part in this study. Perceived motor competence (PMC) was assessed using the pictorial scale of movement competence. MC was assessed using process-oriented and product-oriented measures. A validated questionnaire assessed motivation towards PA and an objective measure of PA was employed. K-means cluster analysis was used to create profiles. Differences in PA and motivation towards PA were examined using ANCOVAs. Four groups of divergent and convergent levels were identified based on the contribution of either product or process MC with PMC. Motivation towards PA differed by profiles that included actual-process and PMC. Children with high actual process and high PMC had significantly higher levels of autonomous motivation than children with high actual process but low PMC. No significant differences were found between PA levels and profiles. Developing the quality and execution of actual motor competence (AMC) and PMC is key to stimulate motivation towards PA. Furthermore, maintaining AMC and PMC simultaneously may be imperative to children's future PA behaviour.

Enhancing the implementation and sustainability of fundamental movement skill interventions in the UK and Ireland: lessons from collective intelligence engagement with stakeholders.

BACKGROUND: To have population-level impact, physical activity (PA) interventions must be effectively implemented and sustained under real-world conditions. Adequate Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) is integral to children being able to actively participate in play, games, and sports. Yet, few FMS interventions have been implemented at scale, nor sustained in routine practice, and thus it is important to understand the influences on sustained implementation. The study's aim was to use Collective Intelligence (CI)-an applied systems science approach-with stakeholder groups to understand barriers to the implementation of FMS interventions, interdependencies between these barriers, and options to overcome the system of barriers identified. METHODS: Three CI sessions were conducted with three separate groups of experienced FMS intervention researchers/practitioners (N = 22) in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Participants generated and ranked barriers they perceive most critical in implementing FMS interventions. Each group developed a structural model describing how highly ranked barriers are interrelated in a system. Participants then conducted action mapping to solve the problem based on the logical relations between barriers reflected in the model. RESULTS: The top ranked barriers (of 76) are those related to policy, physical education curriculum, and stakeholders' knowledge and appreciation. As reflected in the structural model, these barriers have influences over stakeholders' efficacy in delivering and evaluating interventions. According to this logical structure, 38 solutions were created as a roadmap to inform policy, practice, and research. Collectively, solutions suggest that efforts in implementation and sustainability need to be coordinated (i.e., building interrelationship with multiple stakeholders), and a policy or local infrastructure that supports these efforts is needed. CONCLUSIONS: The current study is the first to describe the complexity of barriers to implementing and sustaining FMS interventions and provide a roadmap of actions that help navigate through the complexity. By directing attention to the ecological context of FMS intervention research and participation, the study provides researchers, policy makers, and practitioners with a framework of critical components and players that need to be considered when designing and operationalising future projects in more systemic and relational terms.

A systematic review of tools designed for teacher proxy-report of children's physical literacy or constituting elements.

BACKGROUND: Physical literacy (PL) in childhood is essential for a healthy active lifestyle, with teachers playing a critical role in guiding its development. Teachers can assist children to acquire the skills, confidence, and creativity required to perform diverse movements and physical activities. However, to detect and directly intervene on the aspects of children's PL that are suboptimal, teachers require valid and reliable measures. This systematic review critically evaluates the psychometric properties of teacher proxy-report instruments for assessing one or more of the 30 elements within the four domains (physical, psychological, cognitive, social) of the Australian Physical Literacy Framework (APLF), in children aged 5-12 years. Secondary aims were to: examine alignment of each measure (and relevant items) with the APLF and provide recommendations for teachers in assessing PL. METHODS: Seven electronic databases (Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Complete, Education Source, Global Health, MEDLINE Complete, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus) were systematically searched originally in October 2019, with an updated search in April 2021. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed English language publications that sampled a population of children with mean age between 5 and 12 years and focused on developing and evaluating at least one psychometric property of a teacher proxy-report instrument for assessing one or more of the 30 APLF elements. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidance was followed for the conduct and reporting of this review. The methodological quality of included studies and quality of psychometric properties of identified tools were evaluated using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidance. Alignment of each measure (and relevant items) with the APLF domains and 30 elements was appraised. RESULTS: Database searches generated 61,412 citations; reduced to 41 studies that evaluated the psychometric properties of 24 teacher proxy-report tools. Six tools were classified as single domain measures (i.e. assessing a single domain of the APLF), eleven as dual-domain measures, and seven as tri-domain measures. No single tool captured all four domains and 30 elements of the APLF. Tools contained items that aligned with all physical, psychological, and social elements; however, four cognitive elements were not addressed by any measure. No tool was assessed for all nine psychometric properties outlined by COSMIN. Included studies reported a median of 3 out of nine psychometric properties. Most reported psychometric properties were construct validity (n = 32; 78% of studies), structural validity (n = 26; 63% of studies), and internal consistency (n = 25; 61% of studies). There was underreporting of content validity, cross-cultural validity, measurement error, and responsiveness. Psychometric data across tools were mostly indeterminate for construct validity, structural validity, and internal consistency. CONCLUSIONS: There is limited evidence to fully support the use of a specific teacher proxy-report tool in practice. Further psychometric testing and detailed reporting of methodological aspects in future validity and reliability studies is needed. Tools have been designed to assess some elements of the framework. However, no comprehensive teacher proxy-report tool exists to assess all 30 elements of the APLF, demonstrating the need for a new tool. It is our recommendation that such tools be developed and psychometrically tested. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This systematic review was registered in the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews, with registration number CRD42019130936 .

Using Collective Intelligence to identify barriers to implementing and sustaining effective Fundamental Movement Skill interventions: A rationale and application example.

To have population-level impact, interventions must be effectively implemented and sustained under real-world conditions. Few Fundamental Movement Skill (FMS) interventions are implemented at scale, and even fewer are sustained in a way that allows for ongoing evaluation. There has been increasing recognition of applying systems thinking to investigate the multitude of influences on interventions. To improve research-practice translations, investigations need to incorporate synthesised perspective and collective input from intervention stakeholders. This study trials Collective Intelligence (CI) - an applied systems science approach - to understand barriers to the adoption, implementation and institutionalisation of effective FMS interventions for children and adolescents. A total of 58 barriers were generated and organised into 13 barrier categories. Participants voted to select 10 critical barriers and generated a structural map among the barriers to guide future action mapping. Barriers related to Government and Institutional factors and Curricular Conflicts were structured as fundamental drivers of the system of barriers. By presenting this application example, we aim to underline the considerations and alleviate barriers to conducting much needed implementation and sustainability studies in FMS interventions. CI also adds to the "tool box" to understand the complexity and functioning of public health interventions, such as those targeting physical activity behaviours.

Cross-validation of Actigraph derived accelerometer cut-points for assessment of sedentary behaviour and physical activity in children aged 8-11 years.

AIM: To cross-validate previously calibrated Actigraph cut-points in children. METHODS: Twenty-eight children (50% boys) aged between 8 and 11 years of age (9.4 ± 1.4 years) performed a series of 5 minute bouts of activity reflective of different levels of PA from sedentary behaviour (SB) to moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA); V˙ O2 was assessed using breath-by-breath indirect calorimetry, and activity was assessed using Actigraph accelerometers worn on the hip and non-dominant wrist. The V˙ O2 values were then converted into age-specific METs (measured METs) and coded as SB, light PA and MVPA. Accelerometer data were analysed using previously calibrated cut-points at different epochs, that is 5, 15, 30 and 60 seconds. RESULTS: Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that there was excellent discrimination of SB using the Evenson et al (15 seconds), Romanzini (15 seconds), Treuth et al (30 seconds), Freedson et al (60 seconds), Treuth et al (60 seconds) and Troiano et al (60 seconds) cut-points. ROC analysis indicated poor discrimination for LPA irrespective of the cut-points used. Good discrimination of MVPA was evident for all existing cut-points using a 60-second epoch. CONCLUSION: There is considerable variation in the performance of existing cut-points for assessment of SB, LPA and MPA in children.

Profiling movement behaviours in pre-school children: A self-organised map approach.

Application of machine learning techniques has the potential to yield unseen insights into movement and permits visualisation of complex behaviours and tangible profiles. The aim of this study was to identify profiles of relative motor competence (MC) and movement behaviours in pre-school children using novel analytics. One-hundred and twenty-five children (4.3 ± 0.5y, 1.04 ± 0.05 m, 17.8 ± 3.2 kg, BMI: 16.2 ± 1.9 kg.m2) took part in this study. Measures included accelerometer-derived 24-h activity, MC (Movement Assessment Battery for Children second edition), height, weight and waist circumference, from which zBMI were derived. Self-Organised Map (SOM) analysis was used to classify participants' profiles and a k-means cluster analysis was used to classify the neurons into larger groups according to the input variables. These clusters were used to describe the individuals' characteristics according to their MC and PA compositions. The SOM analysis indicated five profiles according to MC and PA. One cluster was identified as having both the lowest MC and MVPA (profile 2), whilst profiles 4 and 5 show moderate-high values of PA and MC. We present a novel pathway to profiling complex tenets of human movement and behaviour, which has never previously been implemented in pre-school children, highlighting that the focus should change from obesity monitoring, to "moving well".Abbreviations: MC: Motor competence; PA: Physical activity; MVPA: Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity; SOM: Self-organized map; BMI: Body mass index; MABC2: Movement assessment battery for children 2nd edition; MANOVA: Multiple analysis of variance.

Calibration and Cross-Validation of Accelerometery for Estimating Movement Skills in Children Aged 8-12 Years.

(1) Background: This study sought to calibrate triaxial accelerometery, worn on both wrists, waist and both ankles, during children's physical activity (PA), with particular attention to object control motor skills performed at a fast and slow cadence, and to cross-validate the accelerometer cut-points derived from the calibration using an independent dataset. (2) Methods: Twenty boys (10.1 ±1.5 years) undertook seven, five-minute bouts of activity lying supine, standing, running (4.5kmph-1) instep passing a football (fast and slow cadence), dribbling a football (fast and slow cadence), whilst wearing five GENEActiv accelerometers on their non-dominant and dominant wrists and ankles and waist. VO2 was assessed concurrently using indirect calorimetry. ROC curve analysis was used to generate cut-points representing sedentary, light and moderate PA. The cut-points were then cross-validated using independent data from 30 children (9.4 ± 1.4 years), who had undertaken similar activities whilst wearing accelerometers and being assessed for VO2. (3) Results: GENEActiv monitors were able to discriminate sedentary activity to an excellent level irrespective of wear location. For moderate PA, discrimination of activity was considered good for monitors placed on the dominant wrist, waist, non-dominant and dominant ankles but fair for the non-dominant wrist. Applying the cut-points to the cross-validation sample indicated that cut-points validated in the calibration were able to successfully discriminate sedentary behaviour and moderate PA to an excellent standard and light PA to a fair standard. (4) Conclusions: Cut-points derived from this calibration demonstrate an excellent ability to discriminate children's sedentary behaviour and moderate intensity PA comprising motor skill activity.

Examining accelerometer validity for estimating physical activity in pre-schoolers during free-living activity.

The present study examined the efficacy of accelerometers for the assessment of free play physical activity (PA) in pre-school-aged children with consideration of epoch length and wear location. Following ethics approval, parental informed consent, and child assent, 66 pre-schoolers aged 3-4 years (30 females and 36 males) wore an accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X; sampling at 100 Hz) on their non-dominant wrist and their right hip during 1 hour of free play. Concurrently, direct observation, using the OSRAC-P, was used to determine sedentary behavior (SB), light (LPA), or moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA) intensity PA. For the ActiGraph, vertical axis counts and summed vector magnitude (VM) for hip, and VM for wrist, were downloaded using 5-, 10-, 15-, and 30-second epoch lengths. Accelerometer counts were averaged over each 30 seconds to match the observation periods. Receiver operating curve analysis was used to evaluate the ability of the ActiGraph to predict SB, LPA, and MVPA. SB and MVPA obtained from wrist- and hip-worn accelerometers demonstrated fair agreement with direct observation (AUC => 0.7). LPA determined by accelerometer had poor agreement with observed LPA, for both the hip and wrist placement (AUC = 0.53-0.56), with weak levels of specificity (0.34-0.43), although sensitivity was fair (0.74-0.84). This study is the first to examine accelerometer validity, considering wear location and epoch in pre-schoolers during free play, and suggests that the ActiGraph is a fair measure for SB and MVPA in pre-school children. Neither placement performed predominantly better irrespective of epochs or used count data (vertical axis, VM).

Sequencing Effects of Object Control and Locomotor Skill During Integrated Neuromuscular Training in 6- to 7-Year-Old Children.

Duncan, MJ, Hames, T, and Eyre, ELJ. Sequencing effects of object control and locomotor skill during integrated neuromuscular training in 6- to 7-year-old children. J Strength Cond Res 33(8): 2262-2274, 2019-This study examined whether scheduling of object control (e.g., throwing, catching) and locomotor skills (e.g., running, jumping), within an integrated neuromuscular training program, result in different responses in motor competence, muscular fitness, and perceived motor competence in 6- to 7-year-old children. Seventy-seven boys and 63 girls (N = 140) from 3 primary schools were randomized into 3, 10-week interventions: Loco First (n = 50) where locomotor skills were performed first followed by object control skills, Object First (n = 48) where object control skills were performed first followed by locomotor skills, and a control group (CON) (n = 42) who undertook school physical education. Results indicated greater total motor competence in Loco First and Object First vs. CON (p = 0.001) with the increases in motor competence being greater for Object First vs. Loco First (p = 0.001). Sprint speed (10 m) was lower for object first vs. CON (p = 0.024). Standing long jump distance was greater in Loco First vs. CON (p = 0.0001) and Object First (p = 0.0001). Seated medicine ball throw distance was greater for Loco First and Object First vs. CON (both p = 0.001). Perceived motor competence was also higher for Object First vs. Loco First (p = 0.005) and CON (p = 0.001). This study suggests that scheduling object control skills before locomotor skills within school-based strength and conditioning has a greater effect on motor competence, muscular fitness, and perceived motor competence in 6- to 7-year-old children.

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.

The Effects of 10-week Integrated Neuromuscular Training on Fundamental Movement Skills and Physical Self-efficacy in 6-7-Year-Old Children.

Duncan, MJ, Eyre, ELJ, and Oxford, SW. The effects of 10-week integrated neuromuscular training on fundamental movement skills and physical self-efficacy in 6-7-year-old children. J Strength Cond Res 32(12): 3348-3356, 2018-Integrated neuromuscular training (INT) has been suggested as an effective means to enhance athletic potential in children. However, few studies have reported the effects of school-based INT programs. This study examined the effect of INT on process and product fundamental movement skill measures and physical self-efficacy in 6-7-year-old children. Ninety-four children from 2 primary schools were randomized into either a 10-week INT program or a control group (CON) (n = 41). Results indicated significantly greater increases in process fundamental movement skill (FMS) scores in INT vs. CON (p = 0.001). For product measures of FMS, 10-m sprint time, counter movement jump, seated medicine ball throw and standing long jump (all p = 0.001), all significantly increased to a greater extent in the INT group vs. CON. A significant group (INT vs. CON) × time (pre vs. post) × gender interaction for physical self-efficacy revealed increased physical self-efficacy pre to post INT, compared with CON but only for boys (p = 0.001). For girls, physical self-efficacy was not significantly different before to after the 10-week period for INT and CON groups. The results of this study suggest that replacing 1 of the 2 weekly statutory physical education (PE) lessons with an INT program over a 10-week period results in positive improvements in fundamental movement skill quality and outcomes in 6-7-year-old children. Integrated neuromuscular training also appears to increase physical self-esteem to a greater extent than statutory PE but only in boys.

The effect of acute caffeine ingestion on coincidence anticipation timing in younger and older adults.

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the effect of acute caffeine ingestion on coincidence timing accuracy in younger and older adults. METHODS: Thirteen young (aged 18-25 years, age: 20 ± 2 years, 7 females, 5 males) and 13 older (aged 61-77 years, age: 68 ± 6 years, 9 females, 3 males) adults, all who were habitual moderate caffeine consumers undertook measures of coincident anticipation timing performance pre- and post-acute caffeine (3 mg/kg) or placebo ingestion administered in a double blind, randomized fashion. RESULTS: Results indicated significant pre-to-post X substance (caffeine vs. placebo) interactions for absolute (P = 0.02, Pη(2) = 0.204) and variable error (P = 0.015, Pη(2) = 0.221). In both cases, error (absolute or variable) improved pre-to-post ingestion in the caffeine condition but not in the placebo condition. There were no significant differences due to age (younger vs. older adults, P > 0.05) in any of the analyses. DISCUSSION: The results of this study suggest that acute caffeine ingestion positively influence coincidence anticipation timing performance in both younger and older adults, who are moderate habitual caffeine consumers. Such effects might therefore be useful for older adults in enhancing ability to undertake cognitive-perceptual tasks which involve interceptive actions.

Cross-validation of pedometer-determined cut-points for healthy weight in British children from White and South Asian backgrounds.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based pedometer cut-points for health have not been sufficiently examined in the context of ethnicity. OBJECTIVE: To (1) evaluate previously described steps/day cut-points in a sample of White and South Asian British primary school children and (2) use ROC analysis to generate alternative, ethnic specific, steps/day cut-offs for children. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Height, body mass and pedometer determined physical activity were assessed in 763 British children (357 boys and 406 girls) from White (n = 593) and South Asian (n = 170) ethnic groups, aged 8-11 years. RESULTS: The Vincent and Pangrazi cut-points significantly predicted BMI in white (p = 0.006, Adjusted R(2 )= 0.08) and South Asian children (p = 0.039, Adjusted R(2 )= 0.078). The Tudor-Locke et al. cut-points significantly predicted BMI in White children (p = 0.0001, Adjusted R(2 )= 0.079) but not South Asian children (p < 0.05). ROC analysis indicated significant alternative cut-points in White and South Asian boys and girls (all p = 0.04 or better, Adjusted R(2 )= 0.091 for White and 0.09 for South Asian children). Subsequent cut-points associated with healthy weight, when translated to steps/day were 13,625 for White boys, 13,135 for White girls, 10,897 for South Asian boys and 10,161 for South Asian girls. CONCLUSIONS: Previously published steps/day cut-points for healthy weight may not account for known ethnic variation in physical activity between White and South Asian children in the UK. Alternative, ethnic-specific, cut-points may be better placed to distinguish British children based on pedometer-determined physical activity.

Playing it safe: The relationship between parent attitudes to risk and injury, and children's adventurous play and physical activity.

BACKGROUND: Children naturally seek risk in play and adventurous play outdoors confers many benefits, including the potential to increase moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between parent attitudes to risk and injury, and their elementary school-aged child's daily adventurous play and MVPA. METHODS: A panel sample of 645 Australian parents/guardians completed an online survey consisting of several validated measures of risk and injury attitudes, and physical activity and play behaviour. Data were analysed via descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariable regressions using Stata 17. A series of exploratory univariate logistic regressions were conducted, followed by a series of multivariable logistic regressions fitted to test the association between parent risk and injury attitudes and (i) children's MVPA, (ii) active play and (iii) adventurous play, while adjusting for socio-demographic factors. RESULTS: Most adult participants (81%) were female. The mean age of the child participants (53% male) was 8.6 years (SD = 2.4). On average, parents were positive about children's engagement with risk, however, 78% of parents had low tolerance of risk when presented with specific play scenarios, and attitudes towards injuries varied, with mothers more concerned than fathers. After adjusting for confounders, children with parents who were tolerant of risk in play were more likely to meet the MVPA guideline of ≥60 min daily (OR 2.86, CI: 1.41, 5.82, p < 0.004) and spend more time playing adventurously (OR 3.03, CI: 1.82, 5.06, p < 0.001). Positive associations for MVPA and adventurous play were observed across all models examining parent attitudes to risk and injury. Younger children engaged in more play and physical activity, however, more positive parent attitudes appeared to moderate the age-related influences. CONCLUSIONS: We found a divergence between the outcomes parents desire for their children through engagement with risk and the play activities they are comfortable with in practice. Parent attitudes to risk and injury are potentially modifiable factors that may increase children's affordances for adventurous play and physical activity. Interventions that provide parents with practical approaches to address injury concerns and support children's risk-taking in play outdoors are recommended.