Anne Farrell

EFFECTS OF DETRAINING ON FITNESS PERFORMANCE IN 7-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN

Abstract Faigenbaum, AD, Farrell, AC, Fabiano, M, Radler, TA, Naclerio, F, Ratamess, NA, Kang, J, and Myer, GD. Effects of detraining on fitness performance in 7-year-old children. J Strength Cond Res 27(2): 323–330, 2013—The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of detraining on fitness performance in 7-year-old children after 8 weeks of muscular fitness training, which took place during the first 15 minutes of regularly scheduled physical education (PE) class. Children from 2 PE classes were cluster randomized into either an exercise group (n = 20) or a standard PE control group (n = 19). Performance on the long jump, single-leg hop, curl-up, and balance test was assessed at baseline, after training, and after an 8-week detraining period. A significant interaction of group by time after training was observed in the exercise group with improvements noted in abdominal curl-up and single-leg hop performance (p < 0.05). After detraining, the exercise group maintained training-induced gains on the curl-up (group mean [95% confidence interval] posttraining of 27.9 [21.2–34.5] to detraining 27.3 [21.1–33.6] repetitions; p < 0.05) and single-leg hop (posttraining 79.8 [73.2–86.4] to detraining 79.7 [73.0–86.5] cm; p < 0.05). Conversely, long jump (posttraining 113.8 [108.2–119.5] to detraining 110 [102.6–117.5] cm; p < 0.05) regressed toward baseline values in both groups. After detraining, balance performance (1.5 [1.3–1.7] seconds) regressed relative to baseline (2.0 [1.7–2.4] seconds) and posttraining (2.0 [1.8–2.4] seconds; p < 0.05). These findings indicate that the phenomenon of detraining in children is complex and characterized by different adaptations and regressions in strength, power, and balance. Regular participation in fitness activities during PE may be needed to enhance and maintain performance in all measures of muscular fitness in 7-year-old children.

Integrative neuromuscular training and sex-specific fitness performance in 7-year-old children: an exploratory investigation.

CONTEXT Integrative neuromuscular training (INT) has successfully enhanced physical fitness and reduced abnormal biomechanics, which appear to decrease injury rates in adolescent female athletes. If not addressed at the proper time, low levels of physical fitness and abnormal mechanics may predispose female athletes to an increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries. OBJECTIVES To evaluate sex-specific effects of INT on selected measures of health- and skill-related fitness in children during physical education (PE). DESIGN Cohort study. SETTING Public primary school. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Forty children (16 boys, 24 girls; age = 7.6 ± 0.3 years, height = 124.5 ± 6.4 cm, mass = 29.5 ± 7.6 kg) from 2 second-grade PE classes. INTERVENTION(S) The classes were randomized into the PE-plus-INT group (10 boys, 11 girls) or the control group (6 boys, 13 girls) that participated in traditional PE. The INT was performed 2 times per week during the first approximately 15 minutes of each PE class and consisted of body weight exercises. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Push-up, curl-up, standing long jump, single-legged hop, single-legged balance, sit-and-reach flexibility test, shuttle run, and 0.8-km run. RESULTS At baseline, the boys demonstrated higher levels of performance in most of the fitness measurements as evidenced by greater performance on the push-up, standing long jump, single-legged hop, shuttle run, and 0.8-km run (P < .05). In the evaluation of the training effects, we found intervention effects in the girls for enhanced INT-induced gains in performance relative to the control group on the curl-up, long jump, single-legged hop, and 0.8-km run (P < .05) after controlling for baseline. Boys did not demonstrate similar adaptations from the INT program (P ≥ .05). CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that INT is an effective and time-efficient addition to PE for enhancing motor skills and promoting physical activity in children. Seven-year-old girls appeared to be more sensitive to the effects of INT than 7-year-old boys. Future research is warranted to confirm these effects in larger cohorts of children.

Benefits of strength and skill-based training during primary school physical education

Abstract Faigenbaum, AD, Bush, JA, McLoone, RP, Kreckel, MC, Farrell, A, Ratamess, NA, and Kang, J. Benefits of strength and skill-based training during primary school physical education. J Strength Cond Res 29(5): 1255–1262, 2015—Physical education (PE) programs are evolving from a traditional skill-centered model to a health-centered model that focuses on time engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). However, improvements in muscular fitness and fundamental movement skills are prerequisites for continuous participation in MVPA. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of integrative strength and skill-based training on measures of physical fitness in children during primary school PE. Children from two fourth grade PE classes were cluster randomized into either a fundamental integrative training (FIT) group (n = 20) or a control (CON) group (n = 21). The 8-week FIT program was performed twice per week during the first ∼15 minutes of each PE class and consisted of a circuit of strength and skill-based exercises. All participants were assessed for health- and skill-related fitness before and after the intervention. The outcome variables were analyzed via 2 × 2 repeated measures analysis of variance with post hoc analysis. A significant (p ⩽ 0.05) interaction of group by time was observed in FIT participants with improvements in aerobic capacity, push-ups, sit and reach flexibility, and single-leg hop. There were no groups by time effects for the sit-up and long jump tests. No injuries were reported. These findings highlight the potential benefits of integrating both health- and skill-related fitness components into primary school PE as evidenced by improvements in measures of aerobic capacity and muscular fitness in children.

Fun & Fitness with Balloons

The urgency to improve fitness levels and decrease the rate of childhood obesity has been at the forefront of physical education philosophy and praxis. Few would dispute that school-age youth need to participate regularly in physical activities that enhance and maintain both skilland health-related physical fitness . Regular physical activity during childhood and adolescence is associated with numerous physiological and psychosocial benefits and has the potential to improve the quality of life for boys and girls as they move to adulthood and beyond (Strong, Malina, Blimkie, Daniels, Dishman, Gutin, Hergenroeder, Must, Nixon, Pivarnik, Rowland, Trost & Trudeau, 2005). Despite these potential benefits, numerous studies show that children and adolescents are not just far less active than their predecessors, but often completely physically inactive (Pate, Davis, Robinson, Stone, McKenzie, & Young, 2006). Because of the current health state of children, the National Task Force on Community Prevention Services recommends modifying school physical education in order to enhance physical activity behaviors and improve physical fitness (CDC, 2001). This recommendation has prompted the development of new and creative approaches that provide an opportunity for children and adolescents to participate in regular, healthy physical activities. Currently, a trend yielding positive results in terms of fitness has been medicine ball (med-ball) training. One concern with med-ball training is that the actual med-balls were expensive and too heavy (primarily with K-2 students), which made it unsafe and too physically challenging for some elementary children to use. Although the med-ball activities and concepts were still applicable to elementary students, a simple modification is used to make it safe and fun for all students.

PE Ninja Warrior: Designing an American Ninja Warrior Unit for Physical Education

Regular participation in physical activity during childhood and adolescence is critical to the development of healthy habits that will continue into adulthood. Research suggests that children who lead sedentary lives are more likely to continue those habits later in life. A key goal of physical education (PE) is to educate students on the importance of being physically active, as well as improve fitness levels. Recent literature suggests that school PE classes do more on this front. This has prompted the need for creative approaches in the PE classroom. PE Ninja Warrior is an example of a creative method that aims to meet the needs of todays youth. Based on the popular television show and trend, American Ninja Warrior, this article will highlight the implementation of such a program in PE, as well as identify and explain challenge course ideas.