Mike Sleap

The effect of a complex training and detraining programme on selected strength and power variables in early pubertal boys

Abstract Complex training, a combination of resistance training and plyometrics is growing in popularity, despite limited support for its efficacy. In pre- and early pubertal children, the study of complex training has been limited, and to our knowledge an examination of its effect on anaerobic performance characteristics of the upper and lower body has not been undertaken. Furthermore, the effect of detraining after complex training requires clarification. The physical characteristics (mean±s) of the 54 male participants in the present study were as follows: age 12.3 ± 0.3 years, height 1.57 ± 0.07 m, body mass 50.3 ± 11.0 kg. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental (n = 33) or control group (n = 21). The training, which was performed three times a week for 12 weeks, included a combination of dynamic constant external resistance and plyometrics. After training, participants completed 12 weeks of detraining. At baseline, after training and after detraining, peak and mean anaerobic power, dynamic strength and athletic performance were assessed. Twenty-six participants completed the training and none reported any training-related injury. Complex training was associated with small increases (≤5.5%) in peak and mean power during training, followed by decreases of a similar magnitude (≤ −5.9%) during detraining (P < 0.05). No changes or minor, progressive increases (≤1.5%) were evident in the control group (P > 0.05). In the experimental group, dynamic strength was increased by 24.3 – 71.4% (dependent on muscle group; P < 0.01), whereas growth-related changes in the control group varied from 0 to 4.4% (P > 0.05). For 40-m sprint running, basketball chest pass and vertical jump test performance, the experimental group saw a small improvement (≤4.0%) after training followed by a decline (≤ −4.4%) towards baseline during detraining (P < 0.05), whereas the control group experienced no change (P > 0.05). In conclusion, in pre- and early pubertal boys, upper and lower body complex training is a time-effective and safe training modality that confers small improvements in anaerobic power and jumping, throwing and sprinting performance, and marked improvements in dynamic strength. However, after detraining, the benefits of complex training are lost at similar rates to other training modalities.

Physical Activity Levels of 5–11-Year-Old Children in England as Determined by Continuous Observation

Continuous observation of the physical activity of 56 preadolescent children was conducted in four regions of England from October 1988 to July 1989. Observations were undertaken during school break times, lunch times, and physical education lessons, as well as during the childrens free time. Of total time observed, the children spent 32.4% of it engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Children were shown to be most active during school breaks and least active during free time at home. However, it is thought that cardiorespiratory benefits are best achieved by participation in sustained periods of MVPA. Only 8 (14%) of the 56 children were observed to participate in MVPA for sustained periods of 20 min or longer. A random sample of 55 physical education lessons was observed. Only 6 children engaged in MVPA for sustained periods of 5 min or more, and no children participated in MVPA for 10 min or longer. The implications of these results are that, although the children engaged in a reasonable amount of MVPA, it may not have been sustained for periods of sufficient length to produce a cardiovascular training response. Consideration is given to ways of promoting lifelong involvement in physical activity.

Do 9- to 12 yr-old children meet existing physical activity recommendations for health?

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a sample of 9- to 12-yr-old children fulfilled existing U.S. and UK physical activity recommendations for health. METHODS Habitual physical activity levels of 79 pre- and early pubertal children were assessed using continuous heart rate monitoring over a period of 4 d. Mean, daily, cumulative physical activity levels spent above heart rate thresholds were compared with U.S. and UK recommended values. RESULTS In this study, when cumulative amounts of physical activity were considered, at intensities greater than 120 beats x min(-1) and 75% above resting heart rate, pre- and early pubertal British children appear to engage in sufficient physical activity to meet U.S. and UK minimum daily recommendations. CONCLUSIONS Interpretations of childrens physical activity levels depend on thresholds set for intensity of physical activity and whether cumulative or continuous bouts of activity are included in the analysis.

Views of sport science graduates regarding work skills developed at university

There has been recent interest in how higher education might improve the employability of students, although there is little feedback from graduates about the value of university experiences to their working life. The aim of the study therefore was to investigate the views of graduates regarding the extent to which work skills had been developed while at university. A survey of 57 physical education and sport science graduates found that they felt university experiences had helped to develop many work skills. Personal and interactive skills had been developed to a greater extent than business skills. However, this study produced more questions than answers. Skills acquired depend on the ethos of the institution, content of the programme and the quality of the teaching and learning experiences. In addition, students arrive at university at varying stages of maturity, react differently to particular experiences and need diverse qualities in future jobs.

Participation in physical activity and exercise in Greece: a systematic literature review

SummaryObjective:To review the evidence from research relevant to participation in physical activity and exercise in Greece.Method:Systematic search of peer-reviewed literature.Results:No such previous review was found for Greece. Thus, its originality should provide valuable information. Selected publications included 36 papers, published between 1993 and 2006, concerning 15 studies. Most studies investigated exercise, sports and leisure-time physical activity but total and occupational physical activity was also studied.Conclusion:Prevalence of physical activity and exercise in Greece was found to be low in the 1990s and 2000s, both in absolute and comparable terms. However, recent data reveal the development of a more active profile. The main reasons for participation were health, weight control, fitness and stress management, while lack of time was the main perceived barrier. Influencing factors were age, gender, income, type of work, marital status, residence and educational background. Recommendations include specific policies, strategies and campaigns to be addressed to the general public aiming at increasing participation rates. Future researchers should focus more on longitudinal and intervention studies.

Perceptions of Physical Activity Among Young Women aged 16 and 17 Years

The health implications of young womens inactive lifestyles continue to be viewed with concern. Although there is a considerable body of literature related to women and sport, very little is known about the views of young women in relation to the broader area of physical activity. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of physical activity among young women aged 16 and 17 years. Fifty‐two young women took part in focus group discussions that addressed various issues concerned with physical activity. Most young women in the study acknowledged the value of a physically active lifestyle, but many expressed negative views about physical education experiences at school. There was a perception that, to achieve health benefits, strenuous effort, exertion and sweat was necessary. The main perceived barriers to participation in physical activity included lack of time, lack of self‐confidence and practical difficulties. It was concluded that the physical activity behaviour of many young women seems to be determined by a complex interplay of gender issues and environmental constraints.

Drug Abuse in Sport

This chapter initially provides background information about drugs and how they have been used in sport. A short description is then given of the evolution of doping control and the testing procedures which have been adopted by sporting authorities. The remainder of the chapter explores various issues that have arisen in relation to doping in sport. For example, the many pressures that are placed on elite performers are examined, along with arguments put forward to legalise drug taking in sport.

Older adults’ lifelong embodied experiences of leisure time aquatic physical activity in the United Kingdom

Aquatic physical activity has considerable benefits for older adults. However, participation rates remain low in the United Kingdom (UK). Recognition of the importance of embodied and narrative elements of ageing has increased in recent times. Old age is considered a life stage interdependent with other, earlier life stages, rather than as a distinct period. This study uses a figurational perspective to investigate older adults’ changing perceptions and embodied experiences of aquatic activity throughout their life courses. Selective memories of perceptions were contextualised by completion of a literature review relating to the development of recreational aquatic activity in the UK. Participants were cognizant of changes in provision and envisaged purpose of aquatic activity during their lifetimes. Previous embodied experiences of aquatic activity contoured present perceptions and helped participants rationalise their experiences in the present context. Descriptions of positive early experiences emphasised the social and spatial context of aquatic activity. Also, negative experiences were recounted in which the olfactory and haptic elements of embodiment were described. Participants were able to recount detailed experiences of poor pool hygiene and threatening experiences of learning to swim during early experiences. The importance of support from family members in the pool environment was also outlined. The significance of lifelong experiences is discussed in relation to figurational principles, including the interweaving of long-term socialisation and short-term, magnified moments and their effects on habitus development. The implications for physical activity provision are discussed in relation to the development of older adults’ perceptions.

Education for leisure: a suggested approach for schools

This paper examines the notion of education for leisure in schools. The present move towards a liberalization of school curricula affords an opportunity for leisure education to occupy a significant role in schools. Although evidence is sparse, it would seem that most schools spurn this opportunity and simply offer pupils simulated ‘taster’ experiences. Thus, it is argued that schools might focus more upon ‘education’ with regard to leisure and a framework is suggested within which such an education could take place.

Sport and Health

This chapter is concerned with the role played by sport in the maintenance of health. Initially, consideration is given to research which has investigated the connection between physical activity and various parameters of health. The main part of the chapter then reviews surveys that have examined the health benefits of sports participation. Finally, the harmful effects of sports participation are discussed. It should be emphasised that, where possible, the focus will be on the role of ‘sport’ rather than exercise, or other physical activities undertaken during work and everyday chores.