Adolescents' Flexibility Can Affect Motor Competence: The Pathway from Health Related Physical Fitness to Motor Competence.

Motor competence has been shown to predict health-related physical fitness (HRPF) components in youth, but there is indeterminate evidence for the reverse path. Even less is known about the specific relationship between motor competence and flexibility. Our aims in this study were to analyze the relationship between flexibility and motor competence among adolescents; and, secondarily, to examine the relationships between motor competence and other HRPF components (body composition and musculoskeletal fitness). We conducted a longitudinal study (14-months follow-up) with two measurement points of 128 participants (55.5% girls; 45% boys) aged 12-13 years at baseline. We assessed HRPF components at the first time point and determined motor competence at the second time point. We assessed HRPF in terms of body composition (body fat percentage), musculoskeletal fitness (sit-up test), and flexibility (sit and reach). We determined motor competence using the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK). We employed multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVA) to examine the effect of HRPF on motor competence through three models, in which each HRPF component was considered an independent variable. Sex, age, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI) z-scores were considered confounders. In our crude models all HRPF components significantly affected motor competence. In adjusted models, flexibility (p = .002) and body composition (p < .001) significantly affected motor competence. Overall, these results supported the assumptions that HRPF components are related to motor competence in adolescence, and that flexibility can affect motor competence in young people.

Exploring the Importance of Motor Competence for Behavioral and Health Outcomes in Youth.

In this study, we investigated the relationship between motor competence (MC) and behavioral and health outcomes in youth through its relationship to physical activity (PA) and body composition (in terms of body fat). To date, it is unclear whether these variables reciprocally influence each other over time. We assessed whether and how MC, PA and body composition influence each other across adolescence. In a longitudinal study with 14 months of follow-up, we recruited 166 adolescents aged 12-13 years. We recorded participants' self-reported PA and body fat percentage and assessed their MC using the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK). We used linear mixed models and mediation analyses with crude and adjusted (age, sex, time point) models to examine associations among the selected variables across time. MC showed a bidirectional relationship with both PA (p < .001) and body fat (p < .001) in both crude and adjusted models. In addition, MC was a potential mediator (Sobel test = -3.18, p < .001) in the relation between body fat (as predictor) and PA (as outcome) in crude models, but no mediating effect was found in adjusted models. Thus, this study provided longitudinal evidence that MC and PA, as well as MC and body composition, can reciprocally influence each other across adolescence. We recommend the development of MC as a crucial strategy to increase PA engagement and to prevent obesity in youth.

How Important is Motor Competence for Healthy Weight Status across Adolescence?

Background: Although evidence supports that motor competence is negatively associated with adiposity levels in children, less is known about how motor competence and weight status relate in adolescence. Adolescence is a critical period to study this relationship because the associations between these elements are expected to strengthen over developmental time. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between motor competence and weight status across adolescence. Methods: A longitudinal study (2-year follow-up) was conducted with 122 participants (59.8% girls) aged 12-13 years at baseline. They were assessed annually at three time points. Body fatness, motor competence, physical activity, and musculoskeletal fitness levels were determined through skinfold thickness, Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK), Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C), and sit-up tests. Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) models were conducted adjusting for potential confounders (age, gender, anthropometry, physical activity, and fitness). Results: Motor competence and body fat showed moderate-to-high negative correlations (r = -0.65 to -0.69, p < 0.001) across time. Furthermore, motor competence significantly predicted body fat over time (B = -0.05, p = 0.05), even after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusions: There is a lot of emphasis in the literature on increasing physical activity to maintain a healthy weight status or to prevent unhealthy weight gain, but this study has highlighted the role of motor competence on these aspects across the critical period of adolescence. Therefore, it seems plausible to recommend initiatives that foster the development of motor competence in early adolescence with the aim to prevent obesity.

Interrelationships Among Motor Coordination, Body Fat, and Physical Activity in Adolescent Boys.

Purpose: To analyze the interrelationships among motor coordination, body fat, and physical activity in adolescent boys. Methods: A total of 69 boys aged 12-14 years were recruited. Motor coordination was assessed using the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder. Correlations (bivariate and partial) and mediation analysis were used to examine the interrelationships among the selected variables. Results: Body fat was significantly correlated with global motor coordination, walking backward (Motor Quotient 1), and one-legged hopping (Motor Quotient 2) scores with and without controlling for physical activity level. On the other hand, physical activity level was significantly correlated with global motor coordination and Motor Quotient 2 scores only in bivariate analyses (without controlling for body fat). Mediation analysis revealed that body fat percentage was not significantly related to physical activity. Conclusions: Correlations between motor coordination and physical activity can be influenced by body fat in adolescent boys. However, both body fat and physical activity were not mediator variables. Perhaps there are other complementary mechanisms that mediate the interrelationships among motor coordination, body fat, and physical activity in adolescent boys.

Robotic Gait Training for Individuals With Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the effects of robotic gait training practices in individuals with cerebral palsy. DATA SOURCES: The search was performed in the following electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, Medline (OvidSP), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Web of Science, Scopus, Compendex, IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, Academic Search Premier, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database. STUDY SELECTION: Studies were included if they fulfilled the following criteria: (1) they investigated the effects of robotic gait training, (2) they involved patients with cerebral palsy, and (3) they enrolled patients classified between levels I and IV using the Gross Motor Function Classification System. DATA EXTRACTION: The information was extracted from the selected articles using the descriptive-analytical method. The Critical Review Form for Quantitative Studies was used to quantitate the presence of critical components in the articles. To perform the meta-analysis, the effects of the intervention were quantified by effect size (Cohen d). DATA SYNTHESIS: Of the 133 identified studies, 10 met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis showed positive effects on gait speed (.21 [-.09, .51]), endurance (.21 [-.06, .49]), and gross motor function in dimension D (.18 [-.10, .45]) and dimension E (0.12 [-.15, .40]). CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained suggest that this training benefits people with cerebral palsy, specifically by increasing walking speed and endurance and improving gross motor function. For future studies, we suggest investigating device configuration parameters and conducting a large number of randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes and individuals with homogeneous impairment.

Kinematic analysis of subtalar eversion during gait in women with fibromyalgia.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the subtalar eversion range of motion during walking in women with fibromyalgia. METHOD: Twenty women diagnosed with fibromyalgia were directed to walk barefoot at comfortable and self-paced speed on a 7m walkway. Subtalar eversion range of motion was measured using the difference between the maximum and minimum values of subtalar eversion in stance phase. A range of motion between 4°-6° was considered as reference values for subtalar eversion during gait. Descriptive statistics were performed. RESULTS: In both right and left lower limb analysis of subtalar eversion range of motion, five women showed joint hypomobility, and twelve showed hypermobility. Only one patient performed unaltered subtalar eversion range of motion in both lower limbs. Both joints expressed high variability, and there were no significant differences between the right and left sides. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that biomechanical function of the subtalar joint eversion during the loading response phase of gait in women with fibromyalgia, by excessive rigidity or complacency joint, tends to be impaired. This finding suggests that the indication of walking as an auxiliary strategy in the treatment of women with fibromyalgia should be preceded by thorough examination of the mechanical conditions of the subtalar joint of the patient.

Análise da relação entre níveis de coordenação motora, aptidão física e desempenho acad~emico em crianças: implicações para a educação física na escola / Analysis of the relationship among levels of motor coordination, physical fitness, and academic achievement in children: implications for physical education in the school / Análisis de la relación entre los niveles de coordinación motora, habilidad física y rendimiento académico en niños: implicaciones para la educación física en la escuela

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a relação entre os níveis de coordenação motora, força/resistência muscular e desempenho acadêmico em crianças. A amostra foi composta por 119 escolares com idade entre 12 e 14 anos sem registros de distúrbios de aprendizagem. Os níveis de coordenação, força/resistência muscular e desempenho acadêmico foram estimados utilizando-se, respectivamente, os testes KTK, sit-up e exames governamentais. Os resultados indicaram que os níveis de força/resistência muscular podem influenciar as associações entre coordenação e desempenho acadêmico, assim como os níveis de coordenação podem influenciar as associações entre força/resistência e desempenho acadêmico. As tendências de associações positivas entre as variáveis analisadas sugerem que a prática de atividades físicas nas escolas não deve ser preterida em detrimento do alcance de metas no desempenho acadêmico.

This study aimed to analyze the relationships among motor coordination, physical fitness, and academic achievement among children. The sample consisted of 119 students aged between 12 and 14 years old without medical certificate of learning disabilities. Motor coordination, physical fitness, and academic achievement were estimated through KTK, sit-up, and governmental tests respectively. Results suggest that muscular strength/endurance may influence the associations between coordination and academic achievement, as well as the coordination levels may influence the associations between muscular strength/endurance and academic achievement. The trends of positive associations among these variables suggest that engagement in physical activity should not be discouraged due to goals in academic achievement.

El objetivo de estudio fue analizar la relación entre los niveles de coordinación motora, fuerza/resistencia muscular y rendimiento académico en niños. La muestra se estuvo compuesta por 119 alumnos con edades comprendidas entre 12 y 14 años y sin registros de trastornos de aprendizaje. Los niveles de coordinación, fuerza/resistencia muscular y rendimiento académico fueron estimados usándose, respectivamente, KTK, sit-up, y las pruebas gubernamentales. Los resultados sugieren que los resultados de fuerza/resistencia muscular pueden influenciar las asociaciones entre coordinación y rendimiento académico, así como los niveles de la coordinación y desempeño pueden influenciar las asociaciones entre fuerza/resistencia y rendimiento académico. Las tendencias de las asociaciones positivas entre las variables sugieren que la práctica de actividades físicas en las escuelas no debe ser restringida en detrimiento del logro de los objetivos en el rendimiento académico.

Associations between motor coordination and BMI in normal weight and overweight/obese adolescents

INTRODUCTION: While evidence suggests that the levels of motor coordination and body mass index (BMI) are negatively correlated, little is known about the influence of levels of physical activity on associations between these variables among adolescents OBJECTIVE: To analyse the relationships between levels of motor coordination and BMI in normal weight and overweight/obese adolescents, controlling for physical activity levels METHODS: Fifty-six students (50% overweight/obese adolescents), aged 12-14 years old, participated in this study. The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children and the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder were used in order to assess the levels of physical activity and motor coordination, respectively. Bivariate and partial correlations were used to analyse the interrelationships among motor coordination, BMI and physical activity. The analysis of covariance test was used in order to compare the levels of motor coordination between normal weight and overweight/obeses adolescents, considering the physical activity level as a covariate RESULTS: Weak to moderate negative correlations (p < 0.05) were found between motor coordination and BMI in the sample as a whole, normal weight and overweight/obese groups. However, when controlled for physical activity levels. no significant correlation was observed in the normal weight group. Further, overweight/obese adolescents showed lower levels of motor coordination than their normal weight peers CONCLUSION: Physical activity levels influence the association between levels of motor coordination and BMI in normal weight adolescents, but not in their overweight/obese peers

INTRODUÇÃO: Enquanto evidências sugerem que níveis de coordenação motora e de índice de massa corporal (IMC) estão negativamente correlacionados, pouco se sabe sobre a influência dos níveis de atividade física na associação entre essas variáveis em adolescentes OBJETIVO: Analisar as associações entre os níveis de coordenação motora e o IMC em adolescentes com peso saudável e com sobrepeso/obesos, controlando pelos níveis de atividade física MÉTODO: Cinquenta e seis escolares (50% adolescentes com sobrepeso/obesos), entre 12 e 14 anos, participaram do estudo. Os instrumentos Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children e o Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder foram usados para avaliar os níveis de atividade física e de coordenação motora, respectivamente. Correlações bivariadas e parciais foram usadas para analisar o inter-relacionamento entre os níveis de coordenação motora, IMC e atividade física. O teste de Análise de Covariância foi utilizado para comparar os níveis de coordenação entre adolescentes com peso saudável e com sobrepeso/obesos, considerando o nível de atividade física como covariável RESULTADOS: Foram encontradas correlações significativamente negativas (p < 0,05), de fraca a moderada, entre IMC e níveis de coordenação no grupo como um todo, nos grupos com peso saudável e com sobrepeso/obesos. No entanto, quando controladas pelos níveis de atividade física, não foram observadas correlações significativas no grupo com peso saudável. Ademais, adolescentes com sobrepeso/obesos apresentaram menores níveis de coordenação motora que adolescentes com peso saudável CONCLUSÃO: Os níveis de atividade física influenciam a associação entre os níveis de coordenação motora e IMC em adolescentes com peso saudável, mas não em adolescentes com sobrepeso/obesos

Estudo de associação entre os níveis de coordenação motora, adiposidade e atividade física de crianças em idade escolar / Associations among motor coordination, body fatness, and physical activity levels in middle school children

Há um crescente conjunto de evidências que têm indicado associações significativas entre os níveis de coordenação motora e outros atributos relacionados à saúde, tais como os níveis de adiposidade corporal e atividade física. Entretanto, as associações entre os níveis de coordenação motora, adiposidade e atividade física têm sido analisadas de forma bivariada, sem considerar a influência recíproca que essas variáveis exercem entre si, o que pode ser a causa da produção de dados enviesados. Assim sendo, o objetivo geral do presente estudo foi analisar o inter-relacionamento entre os níveis de coordenação motora, adiposidade e atividade física de crianças entre 12 e 14 anos de idade. Cento e dezenove participantes (51 meninos e 68 meninas) foram recrutados. O questionário Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children, o teste de coordenação motora Kõrperkoordinationstest für Kinder e um plicômetro clínico foram utilizados para estimar, respectivamente, os níveis de atividade física, coordenação motora e adiposidade corporal dos participantes. Coeficientes de Correlação de Pearson foram usados para examinar as associações bivariadas entre níveis de atividade física e coordenação motora e entre níveis de adiposidade corporal e coordenação motora. Correlações parciais foram usadas para analisar as associações entre os níveis de atividade física e coordenação motora, controlando pelos níveis de adiposidade corporal, e entre os níveis de adiposidade corporal e coordenação motora, controlando pelos níveis de atividade física. O teste de Análise de Covariância Multivariada (MANCOVA) foi utilizado para testar diferenças entre os grupos formados de acordo com o status de adiposidade e atividade física com o intuito de examinar a influência combinada dessas variáveis sobre os níveis de coordenação motora...

There is a growing scope of evidences which has indicated significant associations between motor coordination scores and some health-related attributes, such as levels of adiposity and physical activity. However, the inter-relationships among motor coordination, body fat percentage, and physical activity levels have been examined through bivariate analyses, without considering reciprocal influences these variables exert themselves, which might be the cause of biased results. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to analyze the inter-relationships among motor coordination, body fat percentage, and physical activity levels in children between 12 and 14 years old. One hundred and nineteen children (51 boys and 68 girls) were recruited. The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children, the Kõrperkoordinationstest für Kinder, and an clinical caliper were used in order to asses, respectively, levels of physical activity, motor coordination, and body fatness. Pearson correlations were used in order to assess the bivariate associations between levels of physical activity and motor coordination as well between body fat percentage and motor coordination. Partial correlations were used to analyze the associations between levels of physical activity and motor coordination, controlling for body fat percentage, as well between body fat percentage and motor coordination, controlling for physical activity levels. Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) was used to test differences among groups formed in according to status of body fatness and physical activity in order to examine the combined influence these variables on motor coordination scores. In general, our results indicated that associations of motor coordination scores with bodt fat percentage and physical activity levels can be altered in according to covariates included into analyses in boys, but not in girls...

Influence of hip external rotation on hip adductor and rectus femoris myoelectric activity during a dynamic parallel squat.

This study sought to compare the myoelectric activity of the hip adductors (HAs) and rectus femoris (RF) when the hip was in a neutral position or externally rotated by 30° or 50° (H0, H30, and H50, respectively) during a parallel squat. Ten healthy subjects performed 10 repetitions of squats in each of the 3 hip positions and the myoelectric activities of the HAs and RF were recorded. The signal was then divided into categories representing concentric (C) and eccentric (E) contractions in the following ranges of motion: 0-30° (C1 and E1), 30-60° (C2 and E2), and 60-90° (C3 and E3) of knee flexion. From those signals, an root mean square (RMS) value for each range of motion in each hip position was obtained. All values were normalized to those obtained during maximum voluntary isometric contraction. We found that HAs showed a significant increase in myoelectric activity during C3 and E3 in the H30 and H50 positions, as compared with H0. Meanwhile, RF activity did not significantly differ between hip positions. Both muscles showed higher activation during 60-90° (C3 and E3) of knee flexion, as compared with 0-30° (C1 and E1) and 30-60° (C2 and E2). The results suggest that if the aim is to increase HA activity despite the low percentage of muscle activation, squats should be performed with 30° of external rotation and at least 90° of knee flexion.