Jacob E. Barkley

Motivation and Physiologic Responses of Playing a Physically Interactive Video Game Relative to a Sedentary Alternative in Children

BackgroundWhile there is emerging research outlining the physiologic cost of the physically interactive Nintendo Wii, there are no evaluations of the relative reinforcing value (RRV) of the Wii versus a sedentary alternative.PurposeThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the physiologic cost, RRV, and liking of playing Wii Sports Boxing (Wii) versus a traditional sedentary video game (SVG) in 11 lean and 13 overweight/obese 8- to 12-year-old children.MethodsHeart rate (HR) and VO2 were assessed during rest, treadmill walking, and playing an SVG and Wii using a counterbalance design. Liking was assessed during treadmill walking and video game play. RRV was assessed for Wii versus SVG.ResultsAverage HR, VO2, and liking were significantly greater for Nintendo Wii (p ≤ 0.001 for all) than all other conditions. Lean children displayed a greater (p < 0.001) peak responding for access to Wii relative to the SVG while overweight/obese children did not (p ≥ 0.16).ConclusionWii was a well-liked activity of greater physiologic intensity than both the SVG and treadmill walking. Lean children were more motivated while overweight/obese children were equally as motivated to play Wii relative to the SVG.

The relationship between cell phone use, physical and sedentary activity, and cardiorespiratory fitness in a sample of U.S. college students

BackgroundToday’s cell phones increase opportunities for activities traditionally defined as sedentary behaviors (e.g., surfing the internet, playing video games). People who participate in large amounts of sedentary behaviors, relative to those who do not, tend to be less physically active, less physically fit, and at greater risk for health problems. However, cell phone use does not have to be a sedentary behavior as these devices are portable. It can occur while standing or during mild-to-moderate intensity physical activity. Thus, the relationship between cell phone use, physical and sedentary activity, and physical fitness is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate these relationships among a sample of healthy college students.MethodsParticipants were first interviewed about their physical activity behavior and cell phone use. Then body composition was assessed and the validated self-efficacy survey for exercise behaviors completed. This was followed by a progressive exercise test on a treadmill to exhaustion. Peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak) during exercise was used to measure cardiorespiratory fitness. Hierarchical regression was used to assess the relationship between cell phone use and cardiorespiratory fitness after controlling for sex, self-efficacy, and percent body fat. Interview data was transcribed, coded, and Chi-square analysis was used to compare the responses of low and high frequency cell phone users.ResultsCell phone use was significantly (p = 0.047) and negatively (β = −0.25) related to cardio respiratory fitness independent of sex, self-efficacy, and percent fat which were also significant predictors (p < 0.05). Interview data offered several possible explanations for this relationship. First, high frequency users were more likely than low frequency users to report forgoing opportunities for physical activity in order to use their cell phones for sedentary behaviors. Second, low frequency users were more likely to report being connected to active peer groups through their cell phones and to cite this as a motivation for physical activity. Third, high levels of cell phone use indicated a broader pattern of sedentary behaviors apart from cell phone use, such as watching television.ConclusionCell phone use, like traditional sedentary behaviors, may disrupt physical activity and reduce cardiorespiratory fitness.

Increases in Overweight After Adenotonsillectomy in Overweight Children With Obstructive Sleep-Disordered Breathing Are Associated With Decreases in Motor Activity and Hyperactivity

Objective. To examine the effect of adenotonsillectomy (T&A) in children with obstructive sleep-disordered breathing on growth, hyperactivity, and sleep and waking motor activity. Methods. We studied 54 children who were aged 6 to 12 years and had adenotonsillar hypertrophy and an obstructive apnea-hypopnea index of ≥1 before and 12 months after they all received adenotonsillectomy (T&A). We measured their height, weight, percentage overweight (patient BMI − BMI at 50th percentile)/BMI at 50th percentile * 100) and obtained a hyperactivity score from parent report on a standardized behavior questionnaire scale. A subset of 21 of these children were also studied for motor activity by wrist actigraphy for 7 consecutive days and nights before and 12 months after T&A. Results. After T&A, mean obstructive apnea-hypopnea index decreased from 7.6 to 0.6. Height percentile did not change, but weight percentile increased; as a consequence, percentage overweight increased from 32.0% to 36.3%. Hyperactivity scores and total daily motor activity were reduced after T&A. From linear regression, the reduction in hyperactivity scores predicted an increase in percentage overweight. Reduced motor activity was correlated with increased percentage overweight. Conclusions. An increase in percentage overweight after T&A in children with obstructive sleep-disordered breathing is correlated to decreased child hyperactivity scores and to decreased measured motor activity in the subset studied. These associations suggest that the increase in overweight may be attributable to reductions in physical activity and fidgeting energy expenditure.

The Relationship Between Cell Phone Use and Academic Performance in a Sample of U.S. College Students

The cell phone is ever-present on college campuses and is frequently used in settings where learning occurs. This study assessed the relationship between cell phone use and actual college grade point average (GPA) after controlling for known predictors. As such, 536 undergraduate students from 82 self-reported majors at a large, public university were sampled. A hierarchical regression (R2 = .449) demonstrated that cell phone use was significantly (p < .001) and negatively (β = −.164) related to actual college GPA after controlling for demographic variables, self-efficacy for self-regulated learning, self-efficacy for academic achievement, and actual high school GPA, which were all significant predictors (p < .05). Thus, after controlling for other established predictors, increased cell phone use was associated with decreased academic performance. Although more research is needed to identify the underlying mechanisms, findings suggest a need to sensitize students and educators about the potential academic risks associated with high-frequency cell phone use.

The effect of simulated ostracism on physical activity behavior in children.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of simulated ostracism on children’s physical activity behavior, time allocated to sedentary behavior, and liking of physical activity. METHODS: Nineteen children (11 boys, 8 girls; age 11.7 ± 1.3 years) completed 2 experimental sessions. During each session, children played a virtual ball-toss computer game (Cyberball). In one session, children played Cyberball and experienced ostracism; in the other session, they were exposed to the inclusion/control condition. The order of conditions was randomized. After playing Cyberball, children were taken to a gymnasium where they had free-choice access to physical and sedentary activities for 30 minutes. Children could participate in the activities, in any pattern they chose, for the entire period. Physical activity during the free-choice period was assessed via accelerometery and sedentary time via observation. Finally, children reported their liking for the activity session via a visual analog scale. RESULTS: Children accumulated 22% fewer (P < .01) accelerometer counts and 41% more (P < .04) minutes of sedentary activity in the ostracized condition (8.9e+4 ± 4.5e+4 counts, 11.1 ± 9.3 minutes) relative to the included condition (10.8e+4 ± 4.7e+4 counts, 7.9 ± 7.9 minutes). Liking (8.8 ± 1.5 cm included, 8.1 ± 1.9 cm ostracized) of the activity sessions was not significantly different (P > .10) between conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Simulated ostracism elicits decreased subsequent physical activity participation in children. Ostracism may contribute to children’s lack of physical activity.

Validity of the CALER and OMNI-Bike Ratings of Perceived Exertion

PURPOSE To test the validity of the Cart and Load Effort Rating (CALER) and OMNI bike RPE scales. METHODS Children (16 boys aged 9.5 +/- 0.7 and 16 girls aged 9.4 +/- 0.8) performed a progressive exercise test on a cycle ergometer to exhaustion. Random effects models and correlation analysis were used to determine the association of the undifferentiated perceived exertion from the CALER and OMNI bike scales with heart rate and V O2 for concurrent validity and the association of the CALER scale with the validated OMNI bike scale for construct validity. Tests of proportions were performed to compare the proportion of maximal RPE scale (CALER, OMNI bike) with the proportion of maximal heart rate achieved during the final stage of the exercise test. RESULTS Concurrent validity of the CALER and OMNI bike scales was established, as increases in scores of both scales were associated with (P < or = 0.001 regression) increases in heart rate (r = 0.88 and 0.89) and V O2 (r = 0.92 and 0.93). Construct validity of the CALER scale was established through a significant (P < or = 0.001 regression) relationship with the OMNI bike scale (r = 0.93). The proportion of maximal CALER (75 +/- 20%) and OMNI bike (74 +/- 19%) scales were less (P < or = 0.001) than the peak percentage of the predicted maximal heart rate (94.5 +/- 3%). CONCLUSIONS Validity for both the CALER and OMNI bike RPE scales was established for a progressively increasing exercise paradigm. However, the proportion of maximal perceived exertion scores from both scales was lower than the proportion of predicted maximal heart rate achieved during the final stage of the exercise test.

The Acute Effects of Local Vibration Therapy on Ankle Sprain and Hamstring Strain Injuries

Abstract Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine if biomechanical muscle stimulation (BMS) applied directly to different segments of the body using the Swisswing® device results in acute improvements in range of motion and perceived stiffness in physically active adults with acute or subacute ankle sprain and hamstring strain injuries. Methods: Two separate groups of individuals with grade I or II ankle sprain (n = 5; 21.2 ± 1.9 years) or hamstring strain (Nn= 5; 20.6 ± 1.8 year) underwent 20 minutes of a controlled therapy consisting of ice, compression, and elevation, and 10 minutes of segmental BMS using the Swisswing® at 20 Hz. Ankle (dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, inversion, eversion), hamstring flexibility, and subjective ratings of stiffness were assessed prior to control treatment (baseline), post-control treatment, and post-Swisswing® treatment. Results: Relative to the post-control condition, Swisswing® treatment significantly (P < 0.03 for all) increased ankle dorsiflexion and eversion and hamstring flexibility, and significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased perceived ankle and hamstring stiffness. Conclusion: Segmental BMS therapy using the Swisswing® device appears to have significant acute benefits for improving flexibility and reducing perceived stiffness in healthy adults with ankle or hamstring injury. Future research is needed to determine the duration of these effects and if repeated periods of segmental BMS therapy aid in long-term injury recovery.

A Cross-Sectional Description of Age and Gender Differences in Exercise Patterns in Adults Living With HIV

&NA; People living with HIV (PLWH) are living longer and are at greater risk for chronic comorbidities (e.g., cardiovascular disease, cancer) compared to those not living with HIV. Regular, sustained exercise can prevent and/or mitigate the severity of these comorbidities. Our purpose was to describe patterns of planned exercise implemented in the home setting (i.e., free‐living exercise) in PLWH by gender and age. PLWH (n = 102) completed a sociodemographic survey and a 7‐day exercise diary documenting daily exercise duration, frequency, and intensity. Women exercised an average of 2.4 (interquartile range [IQR] 0.5–6.0) hours per week compared to men, who exercised 3.5 (IQR 0.5–7.5) hours per week (p = .18). This relationship was particularly evident during middle adulthood for women versus for men (p = .05). PLWH exercised regularly but at less than recommended levels. This is among the first evidence describing free‐living exercise patterns of PLWH.

The Effect of Variety on Physical Activity: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Juvancic-Heltzel, JA, Glickman, EL, and Barkley, JE. The effect of variety on physical activity: A cross-sectional study. J Strength Cond Res 27(1): 244–251, 2013—It has been repeatedly demonstrated that increasing the variety of available food and purchasing options reliably increases eating and consumer spending behavior, respectively. However, the potential probehavioral effect of increasing the variety of exercise equipment options on the amount of exercise individuals perform is very limited. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the amount, enjoyment (liking), and effort perception of resistance training exercise vs. sedentary alternatives during a high-variety (HV) resistance-exercise equipment condition (10 choices) vs. a low-variety (LV) equipment condition (2 choices). During each condition (HV) and (LV), children (8–12 years), young adults (18–26 years), and older adults (≥60 years) had free-choice access to both resistance-exercise equipment and sedentary activities for a total of 20 minutes. The amount of time allocated to resistance exercise, the total number of repetitions performed, and session liking were measured during each condition. The participants significantly (p ⩽ 0.05 for all) increased: repetitions performed (126.4 ± 71.7 vs. 88.0 ± 48.8), the amount of time allocated for exercise (14.3 ± 6.3 vs. 12.1 ± 6.5 minutes) and liking (8.1 ± 1.5 vs. 7.1 ± 2.1 cm) during the HV condition relative to the LV condition. The rating of perceived exertion was not significantly (p = 0.13) different from HV (4.2 ± 2.4) to LV (3.8 ± 2.3). Increasing the variety of exercise equipment available to children, young and older adults increased their exercise participation and enjoyment of that exercise without altering their perceived exertion. The practical application from this research is that increasing the variety of exercise equipment available to ones clients may increase their exercise adherence.

THE EFFECTS OF COMBINED ELASTIC- AND FREE-WEIGHT TENSION VS. FREE-WEIGHT TENSION ON ONE-REPETITION MAXIMUM STRENGTH IN THE BENCH PRESS

Bellar, DM, Muller, MD, Barkley, JE, Kim, C-H, Ida, K, Ryan, EJ, Bliss, MV, and Glickman, EL. The effects of combined elastic- and free-weight tension vs. free-weight tension on one-repetition maximum strength in the bench press J Strength Cond Res 25(2): 459-463, 2011-The present study investigated the effects of training combining elastic tension, free weights, and the bench press. Eleven college-aged men (untrained) in the bench press participated in the 13-week study. The participants were first given instructions and then practiced the bench press, followed by a one-repetition maximum (1RM) test of baseline strength. Subjects were then trained in the bench press for 3 weeks to allow for the beginning of neural adaptation. After another 1RM test, participants were assigned to 1 of 2 conditions for the next 3 weeks of training: 85% Free-Weight Tension, 15% Elastic Tension (BAND), or 100% Free-Weight Tension (STAND). After 3 weeks of training and a third 1RM max test, participants switched treatments, under which they completed the final 3 weeks of training and the fourth 1RM test. Analysis via analysis of covariance revealed a significant (p ≤ 0.05) main effect for time and interaction effect for Treatment (BAND vs. STAND). Subsequent analysis via paired-samples t-test revealed the BAND condition was significantly better (p = 0.05) at producing raw gains in 1RM strength. (BAND 9.95 ± 3.7 kg vs. STAND 7.56 ± 2.8 kg). These results suggest that the addition of elastic tension to the bench press may be an effective method of increasing strength.