"11 for Health" in the Faroe Islands: Popularity in schoolchildren aged 10-12 and the effect on well-being and health knowledge.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the popularity of the "11 for Health program for Europe" for 10-12-year-old Faroese children and the effects on well-being and health knowledge. METHODS: We applied a cluster-randomized controlled trial, including a total of 19 school clusters, randomized into intervention schools (IG, n = 12) and control schools (CG, n = 7). A total of 261 children (137 boys and 124 girls) participated. IG completed the 11-week program, consisting of 2 × 45 min weekly sessions with football drills, small-sided games, and health education. CG continued their regular education. Pre- and post-intervention, the participants completed a shortened version of the multidimensional well-being questionnaire KIDSCREEN-27 and a 34-item multiple-choice health knowledge questionnaire. RESULTS: Between-group differences (p < 0.05) were observed in change scores for physical well-being and overall peers and social support in favor of IG compared with CG, as well as for physical well-being in IG girls compared with CG girls. Between-group differences in change score for overall health knowledge (11.8%, p < 0.001, ES: 0.82) were observed in favor of IG, as well as for playing football (8.9%, p = 0.039, ES: 0.24), be active (8.1%, p = 0.017, ES: 0.32), control your weight (18.5%, p < 0.001, ES: 0.52), wash your hands (19.5%, p < 0.001, ES: 0.59), eat a balanced diet (19.3%, p < 0.001, ES: 0.64), get fit (12.1%, p = 0.007, ES: 0.34), and think positive (5.5%, p = 0.039, ES: 0.22). The program was reported as enjoyable with equal moderate-to-high scores for girls (3.68 ± 1.23; ±SD) and boys (3.84 ± 1.17) on a 1-5 Likert Scale. CONCLUSION: The "11 for Health program for Europe" improved physical well-being, peers, and social support and broad-spectrum health knowledge in 10-12-year-old Faroese schoolchildren and was rated popular.

Motivational predictors of children's involvement in out-of-school activities: An application of a football program.

The "11 for Health in Denmark" in-school educational football program has shown to have numerous positive physiological and psychological effects in 10- to 12-year-old schoolchildren. A key part of the successful application of the program, however, has not yet been examined, namely the motivational processes underlying participation and behavioral changes. This study examined such motivational processes (i.e., autonomous motivation, beliefs, and intentions) using the trans-contextual model (TCM) and investigated if the 11 for Health in Denmark program increased intentions to participate in physical activity (PA) outside of school in 10- to 12-year-old schoolchildren. Using a web-based questionnaire, Danish-speaking schoolchildren (N = 276 [boys, 50.4%]; Mage  = 10.44, SD = 0.35) from three schools and seven classes completed TCM-based questionnaires at three time-points (weeks 0, 1, and 5) while participating in the 11 for Health in Denmark program. Single-indicator structural equation modeling was performed to examine goodness-of-fit and parameter estimates. A path analysis using maximum likelihood estimation was used to test the direct and indirect effects of the TCM model. The results partly supported a mediation sequence, as we found significant direct effects in eight of 13 motivational variables (ß = -0.25-0.83, p < 0.05), indirect effects in one of nine variables (ß = 0.15, p < 0.01), but no effects with regard to PA behavior. Findings provide evidence for a motivational link between Danish-speaking schoolchildren's autonomous and controlled motivation from in school to out of school, and may inform future interventions promoting motivation and participation in out of school PA.

The Danish "11 for Health" program raises health knowledge, well-being, and fitness in ethnic minority 10- to 12-year-olds.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effects of the health promotion intervention "11 for Health in Denmark" program on 10- to 12-year-old ethnic minority schoolchildren's enjoyment, health knowledge, well-being, and fitness. METHODS: 1122 Danish 5th grade schoolchildren with ethnic minority background from 154 schools were randomized (5:1) to an intervention group (IG, n = 944) or a control group (CG, n = 178). The IG and CG were also divided into subgroups of children active in a sports club (IGPA: n = 644; CGPA: n = 122) and not active in a sports club (IGPI: n = 300, CGPI: n = 56). IG participated in the "11 for Health in Denmark" 11-week program, consisting of 2 × 45 min per week of football drills, small-sided games, and health education, whereas CG continued their regular activities. Pre-post physical testing and questionnaires were applied (short version of the multidimensional well-being questionnaire KIDSCREEN-27, and a 34-item health knowledge questionnaire). RESULTS: The "11 for Health in Denmark" program was rated moderate-to-high on a 1-5 scale for enjoyment by girls (3.57) and boys (3.65). The intervention had positive between-group effect on health knowledge in relation to hygiene (IG vs GC: 10.6% points (CI95%: 6.9:14.3), p < 0.05), nutrition (9.6% point (CI95%: 7.4:11.8), p < 0.01) and physical activity 4.4% points (CI95%: 2.2:6.6) as well as overall health knowledge (5.7% points, (CI95%: 4.3;7.1), p < 0.05), with similar effects for girls and boys. The IGPI subgroup showed a positive effect on well-being (p = 0.04, school and learning) and also fitness effects on performance and VO2  max (p = 0.02: p = 0.01). The IGPA subgroup showed a positive effect on fitness scores (p = 0.02, BMI). CONCLUSION: The intervention program was enjoyable and had a positive impact on health knowledge of ethnic minority background schoolchildren. In addition, the intervention program had the strongest positive effects on well-being and fitness scores for the non-sports club-active children.

Implementation facilitation of the "11 for Health in Denmark": A case study in a Danish 5th grade class.

The "11 for Health in Denmark" concept aims to enhance 10-12-year-old schoolchildren's physical activity levels and health knowledge through an 11-week football intervention and has been shown to induce positive effects in numerous areas. However, little is known about the implementation facilitation of this concept in schools. This case study therefore aims to gain a deeper understanding of the implementation facilitation of "11 for Health" in a Danish 5th grade class comprising 22 schoolchildren (12 boys and 10 girls, Mage 11.86±) and one teacher. Data were derived from multiple school situations using photographs and videos, observations, and informal interviews. Five themes were identified: (1) environmental and organizational factors impacting on the implementation; (2) familiarization with the concept for the teacher and schoolchildren; (3) previous clique formation; (4) the central role of the teacher; and (5) the importance of how praise partners are allocated. We found high adherence to the "11 for Health" concept, in which the teacher played a key role by applying an autonomy-supportive style of teaching and using the praise partner concept in a suitable manner. A clique of football-playing boys was a resource, as their praising of classmates encouraged adherence. However, familiarization with the "11 for Health" concept was a challenge and the clique's competitive nature occasionally built barriers to other schoolchildren without football experience, potentially leading to a more controlled form of motivation. Based on the results, we encourage teachers to apply autonomy-supportive teaching when applying the "11 for Health" concept.

Physical performance and loading for six playing positions in elite female football: full-game, end-game, and peak periods.

The present study investigated the position-specific match demands and heart rate response of female elite footballers, with special focus on the full-game, end-game, and peak-intensity periods. In total, 217 match observations were performed in 94 players from all eight teams of the best Danish Women's League, that is, goalkeepers (GK, n = 10), central defenders (CD, n = 23), full-backs (FB, n = 18), central midfielders (CM, n = 28), external midfielders (EM, n = 18), and forwards (FW, n = 11). Positional data (GPS; 10 Hz Polar Team Pro) and HR responses were collected. HRmean and HRpeak were 87%-89% and 98%-99% of HRmax , for outfield players, with no positional differences. CM, EM, and FB covered 8%-14% greater (P < .001) match distances than CD. EM, FW, FB, and CM performed 40%-64% more (P < .05) high-speed running and 41%-95% more (P < .01) very-high-speed running (VHSR) than CD. From the first to the last 15-minute period, total distance, except for FW, number of VHSR, except FB, peak speed and sum of accelerations and sum of decelerations decreased (P < .05) for all outfield positions. In the most intense 5-minute period, EM, FB, and CM performed 25%-34% more (P < .01) HSR than CD, whereas EM, FW, and FB performed 36%-49% more (P < .01) VHSR than CD. In conclusion, competitive elite female matches impose high physical demands on all outfield playing positions, with high aerobic loading throughout matches and marked declines in high-speed running and intense accelerations and decelerations toward the end of games. Overall physical match demands are much lower for central defenders than for the other outfield playing positions, albeit this difference is minimized in peak-intensity periods.

An 11-week school-based 'health education through football programme' improves health knowledge related to hygiene, nutrition, physical activity and well-being-and it's fun! A scaled-up, cluster-RCT with over 3000 Danish school children aged 10-12 years old.

ObjectivesOur large-scale cluster randomised controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects on health knowledge and enjoyment of an 11 week 'health education through football' programme for children aged 10-12 years old. Methods 3127 Danish school children (49% girls) aged 10-12 years from a total of 154 schools located in 63% of the Danish municipalities (69 of 98) took part in the analysis. A 5:1 cluster randomisation was performed at school level for the intervention group (IG) or the control group (CG). The twice-weekly 45 min intervention was the '11 for Health in Denmark' programme, which includes health education, football drills and small-sided games. The health education element focused on hygiene, nutrition, physical activity and well-being. Outcomes: The participants completed a 34-item multiple-choice computer-based health knowledge questionnaire preintervention and postintervention. IG also evaluated whether the programme was enjoyable. Results Between-group differences (p<0.05) were observed in overall health knowledge in favour of IG (+7.2% points, 95% CI 6.1% to 8.4%, effect size, ES:0.59), with similar effects for girls (+7.4% points, 95% CI 5.9% to 9.0%, ES:0.57) and for boys (+7.0% points, 95% CI 5.3% to 8.7%, p<0.05, ES:0.51). Marked between-group differences were observed in favour of IG, for health knowledge related to hygiene (IG vs CG:+13.9% points, 95% CI 11.1% to 16.7%, ES:0.53), nutrition (+10.3% points, 95% CI 8.5% to 12.1%, ES:0.53), physical activity (+5.9% points, 95% CI 4.1% to 7.7%, ES:0.36) and well-being (+4.4% points, 95% CI 2.7% to 6.1%, ES:0.28). Both girls and boys gave the programme moderate to high scores for enjoyment (3.6±1.0 and 3.7±1.1, respectively). Conclusion Health education through sport, using the '11 for Health' model, was enjoyable for girls and boys aged 10-12 years old, and improved health knowledge related to hygiene, nutrition, physical activity and well-being.

The "11 for Health in Denmark" intervention in 10- to 12-year-old Danish girls and boys and its effects on well-being-A large-scale cluster RCT.

BACKGROUND: The present study investigates the well-being effects for 10- to 12-year-old children  who participated in the school-based intervention "11 for Health in Denmark," which comprises physical activity (PA) and health education. Subgroup analyses were carried out for boys and girls. METHOD: Three thousand sixty-one children were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG) or a control group (CG) by 5:1 cluster randomization by school. 2533 children (mean age 11.5 ± 0.4; 49.7% boys) were assigned to IG and 528 children (mean age 11.4 ± 0.5; 50.8% boys) were assigned to CG. IG participated in the "11 for Health in Denmark" 11-week program, consisting of 2 × 45 min per week of football drills, small-sided games, and health education. CG did not participate in any intervention and continued with their regular education. Before and after the intervention period, both groups answered a shortened version of the multidimensional well-being questionnaire KIDSCREEN-27. RESULTS: The "11 for Health in Denmark" intervention program had a positive effect on physical well-being in girls (IG: 48.6 ± 8.5 to 50.2 ± 9.3), whereas the improvement was not significant in boys. The program also had a positive impact on well-being scores for peers and social support (IG: 50.2 ± 10.2 to 50.8 ± 10.1), though when analyzed separately in the subgroups of boys and girls the changes were not significant. No between-group differences were found for psychological well-being or school environment. CONCLUSION: The intervention program had a positive between-group effect on physical well-being in girls, whereas the change was not significant in boys. The overall scores for peers and social support improved during the intervention period, but no subgroup differences were found.

The UEFA Heading Study: Heading incidence in children's and youth' football (soccer) in eight European countries.

To assess the real-life magnitude of the heading incidence in children's and youth' football in eight European countries with different "football cultures," a cross-sectional observational design, in which one match per team in 480 different teams from eight European countries (2017/18-2018/19), was recorded by video. One training session was recorded in 312 teams. Clubs with Under-10, Under-12 (female/male/mixed), and Under-16 female and male teams were eligible to participate. Heading frequencies and types were analyzed. Results are presented as headers per match/training and per team. Incidence rates (IR) per 1000 match/training hours were calculated. Under-10 teams carried out the lowest average number of headers per match (8.8), followed by Under-16 female (17.7), Under-12 (18.4), and Under-16 male (35.5). Total number of headers per match and team varied between countries. 80% of the total number of headers were single intentional headers, 12% heading duels, 3% unintentional headers by getting hit, and 5% others (trends apparent in all age groups). Three head injuries occurred during match play corresponding to an IR of 0.70 (95% CI, 0.23-2.16). The lowest number of headers per training and team was found in Under-10 (21.3), followed by Under-16 females (34.1), Under-12 (35.8), and Under-16 males (45.0). In conclusion, this large-scale study presents novel data about the number and type of headers in youth' football throughout Europe. A more precise understanding of the heading incidence, specifically in young players, is mandatory for the debate of restrictions on heading in youth football.

Cardiovascular adaptations after 10 months of intense school-based physical training for 8- to 10-year-old children.

This study examined cardiovascular adaptations in 8- to 10-year-old schoolchildren after 10 months (a full school year) of 3 × 40 minute per week of small-sided ball games (SSG, including football, basketball, and/or floorball) or circuit strength training (CST). The study involved 291 Danish schoolchildren, 8-10 years old, cluster-randomized to SSG (n = 93, 4 schools, 5 classes), CST (n = 83, 4 schools, 4 classes), or a control group (CON, n = 115, 2 schools, 5 classes). Before and after the 10-month intervention, resting heart rate and blood pressure measurements were performed as well as comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography and peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT). Analysis of baseline-to-10-months changes showed between-group differences (P < 0.05) after both training interventions in diastolic blood pressure (delta scores: SSG -2.1 ± 6.0 mm Hg; CST -3.0 ± 7.1 mm Hg; CON 0.2 ± 5.3 mm Hg). Moreover, there were between-group differences in delta scores (P < 0.05) in interventricular septum thickness (SSG 0.17 ± 0.87 mm; CST 0.30 ± 0.94 mm; CON -0.15 ± 0.68 mm), left-atrial volume index (SSG 0.32 ± 5.13 mL/m2 ; CON 2.60 ± 5.94 mL/m2 ), and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (SSG -0.4 ± 3.3 mm; CON: 0.1 ± 3.6 mm). No significant between-group differences were observed for the PAT-derived reactive hyperemia index. In conclusion, 10 months of 3 × 40 minutes per week of SSG and CST in 8- to 10-year-old children decreased diastolic blood pressure and elicited discrete cardiac adaptations, suggesting that intense physical exercise in school classes can have effects on cardiovascular health in children.

Positive effects on bone mineralisation and muscular fitness after 10†months of intense school-based physical training for children aged 8-10†years: the FIT FIRST randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether musculoskeletal fitness of school children aged 8-10 years was affected by frequent intense PE sessions. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: 295 Danish school children aged 8-10 years were cluster randomised to a small-sided ball game group (SSG) (n=96, four schools, five classes), a circuit strength training group (CST) (n=83, four schools, four classes) or a control group (CON, n=116, two schools, five classes). INTERVENTION: SSG or CST was performed 3×40 min/week over 10 months. Whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans were used to determine areal bone mineral density (aBMD), bone mineral content (BMC) and lean body mass (LBM). Flamingo balance, standing long jump and 20-m sprint tests were used to determine muscular fitness. RESULTS: Analysis of baseline-to-10 months change scores showed between-group differences in favour of the interventions in whole-body aBMD (SSG vs CON: 8 mg/cm2, 95% CI 3 to 13; CST vs CON: 7 mg/cm2, 95% CI 2 to 13, p<0.05) and leg BMC (SSG vs CON: 11 g, 95% CI 4 to 18; CST vs CON: 11 g, 95% CI 3 to 18, p<0.05). SSG had higher change scores in leg aBMD compared with CON and CST (SSG vs CON: 19 mg/cm2, 95% CI 11 to 39, p<0.05; SSG vs CST: 12 mg/cm2, 95% CI 3 to 21, p<0.05), and CST had higher change scores in whole-body BMC compared with CON (CST vs CON: 25 g, 95% CI 10 to 39, p<0.05). Both training types resulted in higher change scores in postural balance (SSG vs CON: 2.4 fewer falls/min, 95% CI 0.3 to 4.5, CST vs CON: 3.6 fewer falls/min, 95% CI 1.3 to 5.9, p<0.05) and jump length (SSG vs CON: 10%, 95% CI 5 to 16%; CST vs CON: 9%, 95% CI 3 to 15%, p<0.05). No between-group differences were observed for sprint performance or LBM (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, 3×40 min/week with SSG or CST over a full school year improves bone mineralisation and several aspects of muscular fitness of children aged 8-10 years, suggesting that well-organised intense physical education classes can contribute positively to develop musculoskeletal health in young children. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02000492, post results.

Reliability of Submaximal Yo-Yo Tests in 9- to 16-Year-Old Untrained Schoolchildren.

PURPOSE: To examine the reliability of age-adapted submaximal Yo-Yo (Yo-Yosubmax) intermittent tests in untrained schoolchildren aged 9-16 years (n = 139; 72 boys and 67 girls) and within children with high and low percentage of body fat (%BF). METHODS: Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 children's (YYIR1C), Yo-Yo intermittent endurance level 1 (YYIE1), and Yo-Yo intermittent endurance level 2 (YYIE2) tests were performed 7 days apart by 9- to 11-, 12- to 13-, and 14- to 16-year-old children, respectively. Reliability was tested for Yo-Yosubmax heart rate (HRsubmax), peak HR, and maximal distance. RESULTS: HRsubmax typical errors of measurement (TEM) in YYIR1C, YYIE1, and YYIE2 were 2.2% (1.7%-2.9%), 2.4% (1.9%-3.3%), 1.9% (1.6%-2.5%) and 2.4% (1.9%-3.3%), 2.4% (1.9%-3.2%), 1.9% (1.5%-2.4%) for girls and boys, respectively. HRsubmax intraclass correlation coefficient values were good to excellent (.62-.87) in all age groups and in schoolchildren of different %BF. TEM for HRsubmax ranged from 2.1% to 2.3% in high and low %BF groups. Maximal distance intraclass correlation coefficients were excellent and TEM values ranged from 11% to 12% in both %BF groups. HRsubmax was moderately to largely associated (r = -.46 to -.64; P < .002) with Yo-Yo maximal distance across the age groups. CONCLUSION: Yo-Yosubmax tests are a reliable tool providing useful and sustainable aerobic performance testing in physical education, irrespective of individual %BF.

Long-term progressive motor skill training enhances corticospinal excitability for the ipsilateral hemisphere and motor performance of the untrained hand.

It is well established that unilateral motor practice can lead to increased performance in the opposite non-trained hand. Here, we test the hypothesis that progressively increasing task difficulty during long-term skill training with the dominant right hand increase performance and corticomotor excitability of the left non-trained hand. Subjects practiced a visuomotor tracking task engaging right digit V for 6 weeks with either progressively increasing task difficulty (PT) or no progression (NPT). Corticospinal excitability (CSE) was evaluated from the resting motor threshold (rMT) and recruitment curve parameters following application of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to the ipsilateral primary motor cortex (iM1) hotspot of the left abductor digiti minimi muscle (ADM). PT led to significant improvements in left-hand motor performance immediately after 6 weeks of training (63 ± 18%, P < 0.001) and 8 days later (76 ± 14%, P < 0.001). In addition, PT led to better task performance compared to NPT (19 ± 15%, P = 0.024 and 27 ± 15%, P = 0.016). Following the initial training session, CSE increased across all subjects. After 6 weeks of training and 8 days later, only PT was accompanied by increased CSE demonstrated by a left and upwards shift in the recruitment curves, e.g. indicated by increased MEPmax (P = 0.012). Eight days after training similar effects were observed, but 14 months later motor performance and CSE were similar between groups. We suggest that progressively adjusting demands for timing and accuracy to individual proficiency promotes motor skill learning and drives the iM1-CSE resulting in enhanced performance of the non-trained hand. The results underline the importance of increasing task difficulty progressively and individually in skill learning and rehabilitation training.

'FIFA 11 for Health' for Europe. 1: effect on health knowledge and well-being of 10- to 12-year-old Danish school children.

AIM: To modify the 'FIFA 11 for Health' programme to the European situation, and to assess its effects on health knowledge and well-being in Danish school children. METHOD: A two-cohort study with seven intervention and two control schools. Of the 546 Danish children (boys 269; girls 277) of mean age 11.1 (±0.4) years from five city and four country-side schools, 402 undertook the 'FIFA 11 for Health' programme and 144 acted as controls. As part of each school's PE curriculum, seven intervention schools received a 45 min Play Football period (football skills and 3 vs 3 games) and a 45 min Play Fair period (health issues and football drills) on a weekly-basis for 11 weeks. Control participants continued with their regular school PE activities. Participants completed preintervention and postintervention health knowledge and well-being questionnaires. RESULTS: Overall, health knowledge increase was significantly (p<0.05) greater for the intervention group (11.9%) than the control group (2.6%). Significant (p<0.05) between-group differences were obtained for 8 of 10 health topics (6.1-20.2%) related to physical activity, nutrition, hygiene and well-being. The social dimension of the well-being questionnaire was significantly (p<0.05) improved in the intervention group compared to the control group, but there were no significant between-group effects for the physical, emotional and school dimensions. Positive reporting about the programme was given by 72.4% of the children and only 4.8% reported negatively. CONCLUSIONS: The 'FIFA 11 for Health' programme modified for Europe demonstrated positive effects on children's health knowledge and social dimension of well-being, thereby providing evidence that the football-based health education programme can be used effectively within a European school's curriculum to increase physical activity, well-being and health knowledge.

'FIFA 11 for Health' for Europe. II: effect on health markers and physical fitness in Danish schoolchildren aged 10-12†years.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether a modified 'FIFA 11 for Health' programme for non-communicable diseases had effects on body composition, blood pressure and physical fitness of Danish schoolchildren aged 10-12 years. DESIGN: A cluster-randomised controlled study with 7 intervention and 2 control schools. PARTICIPANTS: 546 Danish 5th grade municipal schoolchildren allocated to an intervention group (IG; n=402: 11.1±0.4 (±SD) years, 150.1±7.0 cm, 41.3±8.4 kg) and a control group (CG; n=144: 11.0±0.5 years, 151.2±7.8 cm, 41.3±9.0 kg). INTERVENTION: As part of the physical education (PE) curriculum, IG carried out 2 weekly 45 min 'FIFA 11 for Health' sessions focusing on health issues, football skills and 3v3 games. CG continued regular school PE activities. Measurements of body composition, blood pressure at rest, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 children's test (YYIR1C), balance, jump and sprint performance were performed before and after the 11-week study period. RESULTS: During the 11-week study period, systolic blood pressure (-3.5 vs 0.9 mm Hg), mean arterial blood pressure (-1.9 vs 0.4 mm Hg), body mass index (-0.02 vs 0.13 kg/m2) and body fat percentage (-0.83% vs -0.04%) decreased more (p<0.05) in IG than in CG. Within-group improvements (p<0.05) were observed in IG for 20 m sprint (4.09±0.29 to 4.06±0.28 s) and YYIR1C performance (852±464 to 896±517 m), but these changes were not significantly different from CG, and balance or jump performance remained unchanged in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The modified 'FIFA 11 for Health' programme has beneficial effects on body composition and blood pressure for Danish schoolchildren aged 10-12 years, thereby providing evidence that this football-based health education programme can directly impact participants' cardiovascular health profile.

A 10-week implementation of the FIT FIRST FOR ALL school-based physical activity concept effectively improves cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition in 7-16-year-old schoolchildren.

Introduction: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the impact of the FIT FIRST FOR ALL school-based physical activity program on health-related physical fitness in Faroese schoolchildren. The program aimed to add three weekly sessions of organized high-intensity physical activity to the standard weekly physical education sessions for all pupils across the entire school. Methods: A non-randomized controlled design was used to evaluate the effects of the program. Two schools participated, including one intervention school (INT; n =179) and one control school (CON; n =181), with pupils aged 7-16 years (grades 1-9). The FIT FIRST FOR ALL program consisted of three weekly 40-minute sessions of age-adjusted high-intensity physical activity over 10 weeks for the INT school, while the CON school continued their normal school program. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included cardiorespiratory fitness (Yo-Yo IR1C test), agility (Arrowhead Agility test), postural balance (Stork Stand), standing long jump performance, body composition, blood pressure, and resting heart rate. Results: A significant time × group effect (p < 0.001) was observed for cardiorespiratory fitness, which increased by 31% [23;39] in INT (p < 0.001) and remained unaltered in CON (7% [-2;16], p = 0.13). In addition, a time × group effect (p < 0.001) was observed for agility, which improved by 2.1% [1.0;3.2] in INT (p < 0.001) and regressed by 3.3% [2.3;4.4] in CON (p < 0.001). No significant between-group effects were found for standing long jump and balance. A time × group effect (p < 0.001) was observed for changes in total muscle mass, which increased by 1.4 kg [1.2;1.5] in INT (p < 0.001) and by 0.4 kg [0.3;0.6] in CON (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a time × group effect (p < 0.001) was observed for total fat percentage, which decreased by -2.3% [-2.8;-1.9] in INT (p < 0.001) and remained unchanged in CON (-0.3% [-0.7;0.1], p = 0.16). No significant time × group effects were found for blood pressure and resting heart rate. Discussion: The FIT FIRST FOR ALL program significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness and agility, and it led to favorable changes in body composition in the intervention school. These findings suggest that the program is highly effective in enhancing physical fitness and health status across all investigated age groups when implemented at a school-wide level.

An 11-week school-based "health education through football" programme improves musculoskeletal variables in 10-12-yr-old Danish school children.

Purpose: To investigate the effects of the "11 for Health" programme on musculoskeletal fitness. Methods: A total of 108 Danish children aged 10-12 years participated in the study, with 61 children in the intervention group (IG, 25 girls and 36 boys) and 47 children in the control group (CG, 21 girls and 26 boys). Measurements were conducted before and after an 11-week intervention consisting of twice-weekly 45-min football training sessions for IG or continuation of normal Physical Education program for CG. Whole-body dual X-ray absorptiometry was conducted for evaluation of leg and total bone mineral density as well as bone, muscle and fat mass. Standing Long Jump and Stork balance tests were employed to assess musculoskeletal fitness and postural balance. Results: During the 11-week study period, leg bone mineral density as well as leg lean body mass increased more (p < 0.05) in the intervention group (IG) compared to the control group (CG) (0.021 ± 0.019 vs 0.014 ± 0.018 g/cm2 and 0.51 ± 0.46 vs 0.32 ± 0.35 kg, respectively). Moreover, body fat percentage decreased more in IG than in CG (-0.6 ± 0.1 vs 0.1 ± 0.1 %-points, p < 0.05). No significant between-group differences were found in bone mineral content. Stork balance test performance increased more in IG than in CG (0.5 ± 2.6 vs -1.5 ± 4.4 s, p < 0.05), whereas no between-group differences were found in jump performance. Conclusions: The school-based football programme, 11 for Health, with twice-weekly 45-min training sessions over 11 weeks improves various, but not all evaluated parameters related to musculoskeletal fitness in 10-12-yr-old Danish school children.

Bone Health, Body Composition and Physiological Demands in 70-85-Year-Old Lifelong Male Football Players.

The effects of lifelong football training on bone health, body composition and physiological demands were evaluated. A total of 20 veteran football players (VPG; 73.4 ± 3.7 years) and 18 untrained age-matched men (CG; 75.6 ± 4.2 years) were enrolled. Whole-body and regional dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans of arms, legs, proximal femur and lower spine (L1-L4) were recorded in all participants. We observerd higher bone mineral density (BMD) in the whole-body, arms and femoral regions and higher bone mineral content (BMC) in the legs and lower spine compared to the CG (p < 0.05), also higher total lean body mass (p < 0.05) and lower total body fat percentage (p < 0.05), were found. No differences in food habits were evidenced between the VPG and the CG, as evaluated using 3-day food records. Resting heart rate (RHR), blood pressure (BP) and activity profile during a football match were recorded using a global positioning system only in the VPG. The mean heart rate (HR)of theoretical maximal HR (ThHRmax), and peak of ThHRmax were 83.9 ± 8.6% and 98.6 ± 10.2%, respectively; the mean of total distance covered was 3666 ± 721 m, and the means of accelerations and decelerations were 419 ± 61 and 428 ± 65, respectively. Lifelong participation in football training improves regional BMD and BMC in legs, femur and lumbar spine compared to the CG. A high number of intense actions in term of HR and accelerations and decelerations suggests an elevated energy expenditure that in turn correlates to the healthier body composition observed in the VPG compared to the CG.

The Faroe Islands COVID-19 Recreational Football Study: Player-to-Player Distance, Body-to-Body Contact, Body-to-Ball Contact and Exercise Intensity during Various Types of Football Training for Both Genders and Various Age Groups.

We determined player-to-player distance, body-to-ball contact, and exercise intensity during three training modalities in various football populations. 213 participants were recruited, ranging from 9-year-old boys to young men and 11-year-old girls to middle-aged women. All groups were analysed with video-filming and GPS-based Polar Pro monitors during three types of football training for 20 min, i.e., COVID-19-modified training (CMT) with >2-metre player-to-player distance, small-sided games (SSG), and simulated match-play with normal rules (SMP), in randomised order. Time spent in a danger zone (1.5 m) per-percent-infected-player (DZ PPIP) ranged from 0.015 to 0.279% of playing time. DZ PPIP for SSG was higher (P < 0.05) than CMT and SMP. The average number of contacts (within 1.5 m) with a potentially infected player ranged from 12 to 73 contacts/hour. SSG had more (P < 0.05) contacts than CMT and SMP, with SMP having a higher (P < 0.05) number of contacts than CMT. Time/contact ranged from 0.87 to 3.00 seconds for the groups. No player-to-player and body-to-ball touches were registered for CMT. Total player-to-player contacts were 264% higher (P < 0.05) in SSG than SMP, ranging from 80 to 170 and 25 to 56 touches, respectively. In all groups, a greater total distance was covered during SMP compared to CMT (38-114%; P < 0.05). All groups performed more high-intensity running (33-54%; P < 0.05) and had higher heart rates during SMP compared to CMT. Different types of football training all appear to exert a minor COVID-19 infection risk; however, COVID-19-modified training may be safer than small-sided game training, but also match-play. In contrast, exercise intensity is lower during COVID-19-modified training than match-play.

Accuracy and reliability of the InBody 270 multi-frequency body composition analyser in 10-12-year-old children.

The aim of this study was at examining the validity and reliability of a marketed bioimpedance (BIA) scale for body composition assessment, in children engaged in an educational football project (FIFA 11 for Health). One-hundred and twenty-seven children (70 boys and 57 girls; age 10.7±0.5 years, body mass 41.2±9.0 kg, Body mass index 18.5±3.3 kg·m-2 and stature 149±7 cm) were evaluated for total body mass, lean body mass, muscle mass, using BIA (InBody 270, Biospace, California, USA) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA, Lunar Prodigy, GE Medical Systems, Madison, Wisconsin, USA), at baseline conditions. Data analyses were carried out separately for girls and boys. Nearly perfect associations (r = 0.97-0.99) and excellent absolute (TEM = 0.04-1.9%) and relative (ICC = 0.98-1.00) inter-device reliability were found between DEXA and BIA variables. Fat and lean body mass bias (p < .0001) were practically relevant both for the boys (2.56 and 11.22 kg, respectively) and the girls (2.33 and 10.49 kg, respectively). Muscle mass and body fat were underestimated and overestimated, respectively, for the boys and girls. InBody 270 is a valid BIA system for estimating body composition with an excellent inter-device relative and absolute reliability. However, the remarkable measurements bias of BIA fat and muscle mass values discourage its use for clinical prescription. The BIA body composition biases were sex dependent.

Well-being, physical fitness and health profile of 10-12 years old boys in relation to leisure-time sports club activities: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the correlation between sports club activities and well-being and physical health parameters in 10-12 years old boys. DESIGN: Cross sectional. SETTING: Danish schools. PARTICIPANTS: 2293 boys took part in the study. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Questionnaires on participation in sports clubs and well-being and testing of physical health profile through measurement of body composition, resting heart rate (RHR), blood pressure and postural balance, jump and Yo-Yo IR1C performance. Data were analysed by participation in sport and according to the five most frequently reported sports. RESULTS: Boys enrolled in sports clubs had higher physical well-being (51.7±9.7 vs 45.9±8.7) and psychological well-being (53.3±9.6 vs 51.4±10.0), experienced more peers and social support (50.9±9.9 vs 48.0±11.6), and had a more positive perception of the school environment (48.6±7.5 vs 45.9±8.1) than boys not involved in sports clubs. In addition, they showed better Yo-Yo IR1C (+46%), long jump (9%) and balance test performance (+20%). The boys active in sports clubs had higher relative muscle mass (+6%) and lower fat percentage (-3%), body mass index (-6%) and RHR (-5%) compared with boys not involved in sports clubs (p<0.05). Boys enrolled in football clubs had higher aerobic fitness compared with boys not active in clubs (+11%), handball players (+5%), swimmers (+8%) and badminton players (+7%). Moreover, the boys enrolled in football clubs had lower fat percentage (-17%) and higher relative muscle mass (+4%) than swimmers. CONCLUSION: Boys participating in club-based sports showed markedly higher levels of well-being and better physical health profiles than boys not involved in sports club activities. Footballers had superior aerobic fitness and body composition compared with those active in other sports. Results suggest that sports club activities seem to be beneficial for young boys' well-being, fitness and physical health profile, with the greatest benefits achieved by boys involved in football.