Efficacy of physical activity shared between parents and children to improve sports initiation in the M.A.M.I.deporte® program.

Objective: To determine if the active methodology for improving sports initiation (M.A.M.I.deporte®) shared between children and parents successfully promotes children in sports activities, maintains their activity and improves long-term adherence. Participants: The study involved 118 participants aged between 2 and 11 years (6.3 ± 2.3). In the first season, 34 participated (16 girls; 18 boys); in the second season, 46 participated (22 girls; 24 boys) and in the third season, 38 participated (19 girls; 19 boys). Methodology: It was carried out from October to June over three academic years for two hours a week. Every 4 sessions a different sporting activity was carried out, planned so that parents and children could practise them, simultaneously. Analysis: At the beginning and end of each period, a survey was carried out on the sports activities in which the participants had started. If participants remained in the activity, the survey was face-to-face and if participants no longer attended the activity, they were contacted by telephone. Descriptive values were obtained for the variables in absolute and percentage form and a repeated measures anova was performed. Results: Vigorous physical activity performed was 3.82 ± 1.16 h/week in the first year, 3.38 ± 1.59 in the second year and 2.99 ± 1.46 in the third year with no significant differences between any of the years. 32.20% joined other sporting activities and only 6.78% gave up vigorous physical activity. Conclusion: Joint activity of parents and children contributed to maintaining vigorous physical activity at the recommended levels in the child population with only 6.78% (n = 8) of the participants dropping out.

Differences between U23 and older semi-professional soccer players in perfectionism and passion: exploring determinant relationship between variables.

Aim: Abundant studies have pointed out that perfectionism and passion are interrelated and that they both can influence performance in a variety of contexts, including sports, however, research on how these variables interact and might affect performance in team sports, such as soccer, is still scarce. The aim of this study is to analyze differences in perfectionism and passion between under-23 years-old (U23) and older semi-professional soccer players, as well as to study the possible relationship between these two psychological variables. Methods: Participants (N = 130 healthy semi-professional Spanish soccer players) were divided into two equivalent groups according to the participants age, U23 (N = 65; 21.58 ± 1.91 years) and older than 24 years (N = 65; 30.03 ± 3.72 years) and completed self-reports on perfectionism and passion. Results: Independent samples t-test determined significant differences between the U23 Group and the >24 Group in perfectionism global score and concern over mistakes (maladaptive perfectionism), and in time, value, and passion. Multiple regression analyses revealed that obsessive passion predicted maladaptive subdimensions of perfectionism, while harmonious passion predicted adaptive perfectionism. Discussion: U23 soccer players show higher levels of maladaptive perfectionism, time, value, and passion in relation with soccer than older players, probably because at this stage pressure to become professionals and to develop their technical, tactical, and physical skills is higher than in later stages. Conclusion: Identifying differences between different age groups can help professionals in tailoring their interventions and strategies to address the specific needs of athletes at different stages of development more effectively, and to optimize mental focus, reduce stress, to promote a healthy mindset for optimal performance in soccer players, furthermore, the study of moderating effects of factors such as team dynamics or coaching styles on these constructs is advised.

The association of trait emotional intelligence with the levels of anxiety, stress and physical activity engagement of adolescents / La asociación entre la inteligencia emocional rasgo con los niveles de ansiedad, el estrés y la práctica de actividad física de los adolescentes

Abstract Introduction: Emotional intelligence is considered a protective and facilitating factor for physical and mental health. The aims of the present study are to define and compare an explanatory model of trait emotional intelligence, anxiety, stress and physical activity engagement, as well as to analyse existing relationships between the aforementioned variables as a function of gender. Method: The present study was descriptive and cross-sectional in nature, employing a sample of 2452 Spanish adolescents (age range = 13-16 years of age). A multi-group model of structural equations was developed which presented an excellent fit. Results: For both genders, a negative association was detected between emotional intelligence and anxiety levels. A direct positive association emerged between trait emotional intelligence and physical activity engagement, in addition to a positive association between anxiety and stress. In boys, a negative association existed between trait emotional intelligence and stress levels, as well as an indirect negative association between physical activity engagement and trait anxiety. In girls, an indirect negative association was observed between physical activity engagement and stress levels. Conclusions: Trait emotional intelligence is positively associated with physical activity engagement. Further, both variables are negatively associated with levels of anxiety and stress, with some differences emerging as a function of gender.

Resumen Introducción: La inteligencia emocional se considera un factor protector y facilitador de la salud física y mental. Por ello, los objetivos de este artículo son definir y contrastar un modelo explicativo sobre la inteligencia emocional rasgo, los niveles de ansiedad, el estrés y la práctica de actividad física, así como analizar las relaciones existentes entre dichas variables en función del género. Método: Se trata de un estudio de tipo descriptivo y corte transversal con una muestra de 2452 adolescentes españoles de ambos géneros (rango de edad = 13 a 16 años). Se realizó un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales multigrupo que se ajustó de forma excelente. Resultados: En ambos géneros, se encuentra una asociación negativa entre inteligencia emocional rasgo y niveles de ansiedad; una asociación positiva y directa entre inteligencia emocional rasgo y práctica de actividad física, así como una asociación positiva entre la ansiedad y estrés. En hombres existe una asociación negativa entre inteligencia emocional rasgo y niveles de estrés, así como una asociación negativa e indirecta entre la práctica de actividad física y la ansiedad rasgo. En mujeres se observa una asociación negativa e indirecta entre práctica de actividad física y los niveles de estrés. Conclusiones: La inteligencia emocional rasgo se asocia positivamente con la práctica de actividad física, ambas variables se asocian de forma negativa con los niveles de ansiedad y estrés y se encuentran algunas diferencias en función del género.

Relationships among Physical Self-Concept, Physical Activity and Mediterranean Diet in Adolescents from the Province of Granada.

The aim of the present research was to analyse the relationships among physical self-concept, physical activity engagement and Mediterranean diet adherence in a sample of 1650 secondary school students from the province of Granada. The study design was descriptive-exploratory, cross-sectional and ex post facto. Measurements were taken from a single group. The PSQ, PAQ-A and KIDMED questionnaires were used to measure diet quality. Results showed the presence of a positive relationship among all dimensions of physical self-concept and physical activity engagement, with better outcomes being achieved in this self-perception with increasing engagement in sport. With regard to diet quality and its repercussions on physical self-concept, it was highlighted that the dimensions of the general self-concept, physical attractiveness and strength tended to be more positive as quality improved. In contrast, worse outcomes were produced in those with a low-quality diet. In this way, it was deemed necessary to continue investigating psychosocial factors with the aim of clarifying the relationships with psychological factors and health indicators. This would enable the development of prevention and intervention programs focused on promoting wellbeing in adolescents.

Step-Based Metrics and Overall Physical Activity in Children With Overweight or Obesity: Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Best-practice early interventions to increase physical activity (PA) in children with overweight and obesity should be both feasible and evidence based. Walking is a basic human movement pattern that is practical, cost-effective, and does not require complex movement skills. However, there is still a need to investigate how much walking-as a proportion of total PA level-is performed by children who are overweight and obese in order to determine its utility as a public health strategy. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to (1) investigate the proportion of overall PA indicators that are explained by step-based metrics and (2) study step accumulation patterns relative to achievement of public health recommendations in children who are overweight and obese. METHODS: A total of 105 overweight and obese children (mean 10.1 years of age [SD 1.1]; 43 girls) wore hip-worn accelerometers for 7 days. PA volumes were derived using the daily average of counts per 15 seconds, categorized using standard cut points for light-moderate-vigorous PA (LMVPA) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). Derived step-based metrics included volume (steps/day), time in cadence bands, and peak 1-minute, 30-minute, and 60-minute cadences. RESULTS: Steps per day explained 66%, 40%, and 74% of variance for counts per 15 seconds, LMVPA, and MVPA, respectively. The variance explained was increased up to 80%, 92%, and 77% by including specific cadence bands and peak cadences. Children meeting the World Health Organization recommendation of 60 minutes per day of MVPA spent less time at zero cadence and more time in cadence bands representing sporadic movement to brisk walking (ie, 20-119 steps/min) than their less-active peers. CONCLUSIONS: Step-based metrics, including steps per day and various cadence-based metrics, seem to capture a large proportion of PA for children who are overweight and obese. Given the availability of pedometers, step-based metrics could be useful in discriminating between those children who do or do not achieve MVPA recommendations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02295072; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02295072.

Motivational Climate Is Associated with Use of Video Games and Violence in Schoolchildren: A Structural Equation Model According to Healthy Behaviors.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to develop an explanatory model of motivational climate, problematic use of videogames, violent behaviour and victimisation in schoolchildren. The sample included 734 children aged between 10 and 12 years of age from the province of Granada (Spain). A multi-group structural equation model was used, with an excellent fit (CFI = 0.964; NFI = 0.954; IFI = 0.964; RMSEA = 0.048). The results showed a positive relationship between the problematic use of video games, victimisation and violent behaviors, associating negatively with the task climate. Likewise, the task-oriented motivational climate was indirectly related to victimisation situations and violent behavior, while the ego climate did so positively with special emphasis on children who did not perform physical activity. As a main conclusion it is shown that adherence to the practice of physical activity, and particularly within a task-oriented motivational climate, can act as a protective factor against the problematic use of video games.

Motivational Climate in Sport Is Associated with Life Stress Levels, Academic Performance and Physical Activity Engagement of Adolescents.

The present study sought to define and contrast an explanatory model incorporating motivational climate towards sport, life stress, academic performance, and engagement in physical activity, and to analyze the existing relationships between these variables as a function of sex. A total of 2452 adolescents of both sexes (42.7% males and 57.3% females) participated in the present study, with self-reported ages between 13 and 16 years (M = 14.43; SD = 1.15). Participants were from Granada (Spain) and perceived motivational climate towards sport (PMCSQ-2), life stress (PSS), academic performance, and engagement in physical activity (PAQ-A) were analyzed. A multi-group structural equation model was constructed, which demonstrated excellent fit to the observed data (χ² = 309.402; DF = 40; p < 0.001; CFI = 0.973; NFI = 0.970; IFI = 0.973; and RMSEA = 0.052). A negative and direct association exists between ego climate and task climate. A positive association was found between motivational climate, task climate (males r = 0.336/females r = 0.238), and ego climate (males r = 0.198/ females r = 0.089) and engagement in physical activity. A task climate was associated with better academic performance and lower levels of life stress. The main conclusions of this study highlight that a task-involving climate and engagement in physical activity are both associated with lower levels of life stress and higher levels of academic performance.

Еffects of fortified milk on cognitive abilities in school-aged children: results from a randomized-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals and long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential for children's brain development and cognitive functions. The current study investigated whether milk fortified with micronutrients and PUFA can result in improved cognitive function in mainstream school children. METHODS: One-hundred-and-nineteen children (age 8-14, 58 boys) were randomly allocated to a fortified milk group or a regular full milk control group. Participants consumed 0.6L/day of the milk for 5 months. We recorded relevant biochemical, anthropometric, and cognitive measures (working memory and processing speed) at the start of the study and at follow-up after 5 months. RESULTS: The fortified milk significantly increased docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (change from baseline of 28% [95% CI 17-39%] vs. -6% [95% CI - 13 to 0%] in the control group) and serum 25OH-vitamin D concentrations (41% [95% CI 30-52%] vs. 21% [95% CI 11-30%] in the control group). The fortified milk improved working memory on one of two tests (32% [95% CI 17-47%] vs. 13% [95% CI 6-19%] in the control group). The fortified milk also indirectly increased processing speed on one of two tests; this effect was small and completely mediated by increases in 25OH-vitamin D concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that fortifying milk with micronutrients and PUFA could be an effective and practical way to aid children's cognitive development.

Comparability of published cut-points for the assessment of physical activity: Implications for data harmonization.

This study aimed to compare estimations of sedentary time (SED) and time spent in physical activity (PA) intensities in children with overweight/obesity across different age-appropriate cut-points based on different body-worn attachment sites and acceleration metrics. A total of 104 overweight/obese children (10.1 ± 1.1 years old, 43 girls) concurrently wore ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers on their right hip and non-dominant wrist for 7 days (24 hours). Euclidean norm -1 g (ENMO) and activity counts from both vertical axis (VACounts) and vector magnitude (VMCounts) were derived. We calculated estimates of SED and light, moderate, vigorous, and moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA) intensity PA using different published cut-points for children. The prevalence of children meeting the recommended 60 min/d of MVPA was calculated. The time spent in SED and the different PA intensities largely differed across cut-points based on different attachment sites and acceleration metrics (ie, SED = 11-252 min/d; light PA = 10-217 min/d; moderate PA = 1-48 min/d; vigorous PA = 1-35 min/d; MVPA = 4-66 min/d). Consequently, the prevalence of children meeting the recommended 60 min/d of MVPA varied from 8% to 96% of the study sample. The present study provides a comprehensive comparison between available cut-points for different attachment and acceleration metrics in children. Furthermore, our data clearly show that it is not possible (and probably will never be) to know the prevalence of meeting the PA guidelines based on accelerometer data since apparent differences range from almost zero to nearly everyone meeting the guidelines.

Meet OLAF, a good friend of the IAPS! The Open Library of Affective Foods: a tool to investigate the emotional impact of food in adolescents.

In the last decades, food pictures have been repeatedly employed to investigate the emotional impact of food on healthy participants as well as individuals who suffer from eating disorders and obesity. However, despite their widespread use, food pictures are typically selected according to each researcher's personal criteria, which make it difficult to reliably select food images and to compare results across different studies and laboratories. Therefore, to study affective reactions to food, it becomes pivotal to identify the emotional impact of specific food images based on wider samples of individuals. In the present paper we introduce the Open Library of Affective Foods (OLAF), which is a set of original food pictures created to reliably select food pictures based on the emotions they prompt, as indicated by affective ratings of valence, arousal, and dominance and by an additional food craving scale. OLAF images were designed to allow simultaneous use with affective images from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS), which is a well-known instrument to investigate emotional reactions in the laboratory. The ultimate goal of the OLAF is to contribute to understanding how food is emotionally processed in healthy individuals and in patients who suffer from eating and weight-related disorders. The present normative data, which was based on a large sample of an adolescent population, indicate that when viewing affective non-food IAPS images, valence, arousal, and dominance ratings were in line with expected patterns based on previous emotion research. Moreover, when viewing food pictures, affective and food craving ratings were consistent with research on food cue processing. As a whole, the data supported the methodological and theoretical reliability of the OLAF ratings, therefore providing researchers with a standardized tool to reliably investigate the emotional and motivational significance of food. The OLAF database is publicly available at zenodo.org.