Pedro Ángel Latorre Román

TEST-RETEST RELIABILITY OF A FIELD-BASED PHYSICAL FITNESS ASSESSMENT FOR CHILDREN AGED 3-6 YEARS.

OBJECTIVE the present study aims to determine the test-retest reliability of the Fitness Test Battery in children aged 3-6 years. METHODS a total of 553 children voluntarily participated in the current study; all children were aged 3 to 6 years. Demographic characteristics reveal that 274 children were male (age: 4.63 ± 0.94 years old, Body max index [BMI] = 16.30 ± 2.07 kg/m2), and 279 were female (age 4.70 ± 0.97 years old, BMI = 16.28 ± 2.09 kg/m2), and they were selected from 8 schools in southern Spain. All selected tests for the Fitness Test Battery, except the 10 x 20 metres (m) test that was designed ad hoc for this study, have been used in previous studies and are focused on testing basic components of physical condition and motor development such as endurance, strength, speed, reaction time and balance (10 x 20 m, Standing Broad Jump, 20 m running speed, Ruler drop test and Balance). RESULTS the results obtained in this study indicate that the Fitness Test Battery has obtained adequate reliability parameters, and is able to discriminate with age among the different tests in healthy children between 3 and 6 years old. The tests used were safe, easy to perform, very acceptable and understandable by children. CONCLUSION the Fitness Test Battery is a valid, reliable and easy to assess the physical fitness of pre-schoolers children.

Validity and reliability of Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale questionnaire (PACES) in children with asthma

AbstractObjective: The aim of this study is to test the psychometric properties of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) in children with asthma. Method: Participants included 185 children (age = 11.38 ± 1.12 years; body mass index = 20.66 ± 4.13 kg/m2): 107 children with asthma and 78 healthy children. To test the enjoyment of physical activity, PACES of Motl et al. was used in its Spanish version. In addition, the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ–C), Paediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ) and Physical Self-Concept Questionnaire (CAF) have been used. Results: The results have shown a two-factor structure corresponding to the model whose settings have been good. PACES internal consistency was very high (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.906). The PACES test–retest reliability indicates a good temporal concordance (Spearman rho = 0.868, p < 0.001). This presents an adequate concurrent validity with the total PAQLQ, the PAQ-C as well as with ability, fitness, attractiveness, str...Abstract Objective: The aim of this study is to test the psychometric properties of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) in children with asthma. Method: Participants included 185 children (age = 11.38 ± 1.12 years; body mass index = 20.66 ± 4.13 kg/m2): 107 children with asthma and 78 healthy children. To test the enjoyment of physical activity, PACES of Motl et al. was used in its Spanish version. In addition, the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ–C), Paediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ) and Physical Self-Concept Questionnaire (CAF) have been used. Results: The results have shown a two-factor structure corresponding to the model whose settings have been good. PACES internal consistency was very high (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.906). The PACES test–retest reliability indicates a good temporal concordance (Spearman rho = 0.868, p < 0.001). This presents an adequate concurrent validity with the total PAQLQ, the PAQ-C as well as with ability, fitness, attractiveness, strength and general physical self-concept. Conclusions: The findings confirm that PACES is a valid and reliable measure of physical activity enjoyment in children with asthma.

Effects of functional training on pain, leg strength, and balance in women with fibromyalgia

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of 18-week functional training (FT) program consisting in two sessions a week of in-water exercise and one of on-land exercise on pain, strength, and balance in women with fibromyalgia. Methods: A sample consisting of 36 fibromyalgia patients was included in the study. The patients were allocated randomly into the experimental group (EG, n = 20), and control group (CG, n = 16). Standardized field-based fitness tests were used to assess muscle strength (30-s chair stand and handgrip strength) and agility/dynamic balance and static balance. Fibromyalgia impact and pain were analyzed by Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), tender points (TPs), visual analog scale (VAS). Results: We observed a significant reduction in the FIQ (p = 0.042), the algometer scale of TP (p = 0.008), TP (p < 0.001), and VAS (p < 0.001) in the EG. The EG shows better results in leg strength (p < 0.001), handgrip strength (p = 0.025), agility/dynamic balance (p = 0.032) and balance (p = 0.006). Conclusions: An 18-week intervention consisting in two sessions of in-water exercise and one session of on-land exercise of FT reduces pain and improves functional capacity in FM patients. These results suggested that FT could play an important role in maintaining an independent lifestyle in patients with FM.

Búsqueda de sensaciones y hábitos de tabaquismo, consumo de alcohol y práctica deportiva en estudiantes de Educación Secundaria

SUMMARY Objective The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between sensation seeking activity, consumption of alcohol and/or tobacco, and sport practice in teenagers. Methodology In this study, there were 272 participants, all currently attending high school (age=14.14±1.35 years): 130 boys and 142 girls; 93 first year students and 179 second year students. The Sensation Seeking Scale (EBS-J) of Perez et al. (1987) was used as well as an adaptation of the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (Currie, 1998), which analyzed lifestyle. Results 76% of the boys and 75.4% of the girls are reported to have consumed alcoholic beverages (p=0.906); 36.2% of the boys and 42.3% of the girls are reported to have consumed tobacco (p=0.304); and 92.3% of the boys and 57.7% of the girls (p<0.001) are reported to have been athletes, a practice which is reduced with age (p=0.009). Age is a risk factor for tobacco and alcohol consumption; however, sex is not indicative of this consumption. Sensation seeking leads to the consumption of alcohol and tobacco because it creates a necessity for excitement and inhibition. No dimension of the EBS-J scale predicted a sedentary lifestyle. Conclusions BS is a personality factor related to the early consumption of substances such as alcohol and tobacco and whose traits were revealed as good indicators of the propensity in teenagers to consume these substances.

Foot strike pattern in children during shod-unshod running

The purpose of this study was to determine the foot strike patterns (FSPs) and neutral support (no INV/EVE and no foot rotation) in children, as well as to determine the influence of shod/unshod conditions and sex. A total of 713 children, aged 6 to 16 years, participated in this study (Age=10.28±2.71years, body mass index [BMI]=19.70±3.91kg/m2, 302 girls and 411 boys). A sagittal and frontal-plane video (240Hz) was recorded using a high-speed camcorder, to record the following variables: rearfoot strike (RFS), midfoot strike (MFS), forefoot strike (FFS), inversion/eversion (INV/EVE) and foot rotation on initial contact. RFS prevalence was similar between boys and girls in both shod and unshod conditions. In the unshod condition there was a significant reduction (p<0.001) of RFS prevalence both in boys (shod condition=83.95% vs. 62.65% unshod condition) and in girls (shod condition=87.85% vs. 62.70% unshod condition). No significant differences were found in INV/EVE and foot rotation between sex groups. In the unshod condition there was a significant increase (p<0.001) of neutral support (no INV/EVE) both in boys (shod condition=12.55% vs. 22.22% unshod condition) and in girls (shod condition=17.9% vs. 28.15% unshod condition). In addition, in the unshod condition there is a significant reduction (p<0.001) of neutral support (no foot rotation) both in boys (shod condition=21.55% vs. 11.10% unshod condition) and in girls (shod condition=21.05% vs. 11.95% unshod condition). In children, RFS prevalence is lower than adults population. Additionally, barefoot running reduced the prevalence of RFS and INV/EVE, however increased foot rotation.

Reference Values of Static Balance in Spanish Preschool Children

The purpose of this study was to examine age and sex differences in static balance (SB) and to determine norm-referenced values for Spanish preschool children. A total of 3,575 children, aged 3–6 years (age = 56.08 ± 11.11 months; body mass index = 15.94 ± 1.91 kg/m2; 1,759 girls and 1,816 boys) were selected from 51 schools in southern Spain. To measure SB, we used the Stork Balance Stand Test, averaging both right and left foot data for determining SB normative values, expressed in percentiles. Girls exhibited a better performance than boys at four years of age (p = .010, Cohen’s d = −0.165), but a poorer performance at six years (p = .002, Cohen’s d = 0.247). SB performance of the entire sample was higher with increased age, except for 5–6 years.The purpose of this study was to examine age and sex differences in static balance (SB) and to determine norm-referenced values for Spanish preschool children. A total of 3,575 children, aged 3–6 years (age = 56.08 ± 11.11 months; body mass index = 15.94 ± 1.91 kg/m2; 1,759 girls and 1,816 boys) were selected from 51 schools in southern Spain. To measure SB, we used the Stork Balance Stand Test, averaging both right and left foot data for determining SB normative values, expressed in percentiles. Girls exhibited a better performance than boys at four years of age (p = .010, Cohen’s d = −0.165), but a poorer performance at six years (p = .002, Cohen’s d = 0.247). SB performance of the entire sample was higher with increased age, except for 5–6 years.

Association between creativity and physical fitness in primary school‐aged children

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between creativity and physical fitness in elementary school children.

Association between intellectual maturity with physical fitness in preschool children

There is an important connection between body growth, physical fitness and cognition. The association between physical fitness and cognitive function has been investigated in some studies, but little is known about the relationship between physical and motor performance and intellectual maturity in preschool children. The aim of this study was therefore to analyze the association between intellectual maturity and physical and motor fitness in preschool children.

Is there any relationship between functional movement and weight status?: A study in Spanish school-age children

BACKGROUND to examine relations between functional movement patterns and weight status in Spanish primary school children and to determine the differences between sexes. METHODS three hundred and thirty-three, 6-13 years old children (164 boys and 169 girls), participated in this study. The main outcome measures were the body mass index (BMI) and the Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS). Children were classified as normal weight (NW), overweight (OV) or obese (OB) according to international cut-offs. RESULTS total FMS score was negatively correlated with BMI (p < 0.001). FMS score was different between children from NW, OV and OB groups (p = 0.001), lower with the increased BMI (p < 0.001 between all groups). Significant differences (p < 0.05) between NW, OV and OB were found in deep squat, hurdle step, in-line lunge, shoulder mobility, straight leg-raise and push-up tests. As for the sex differences, girls obtained higher scores (p < 0.05) in in-line lunge, shoulder mobility and straight leg-raise, whereas boys did it in push-up (p = 0.044) test. CONCLUSIONS these results confirm that total FMS score significantly and inversely correlates with BMI in a group of 333 school-age children. As for the sex differences, girls outperform boys in movements requiring flexibility and balance, whilst boys outperform girls in tests where muscular strength is required.

Effects of different percentages of body weight support on spatiotemporal step characteristics during running

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the effect of different percentages of body weight support (BWS) on spatiotemporal step characteristics during running. 26 endurance runners (age: 37 ± 9 years) completed a running treadmill protocol consisting of 6 different conditions (BWS combinations: 0–50%), with velocity maintained at 12 km/h. Each condition lasted 1 minute. Step angle, ground contact time (CT), flight time (FT), step length (SL) and frequency (SF), and duration of phases during stance time (phase1: initial contact; phase2: midstance; phase3: propulsion) were measured for every step during the test using a photoelectric cell system. Compared with the baseline condition (100% BW), FT was longer, CT was shorter, SL was longer, SF was lower, and the step angle was higher with each increase in BWS (p < 0.05). Also, some changes were observed in the duration of phases during stance time: phase1 did not experience changes across experimental conditions (p = 0.096), phase2 decreased and phase3 increased as BW was supported (p < 0.05). These results indicate that as BW was supported, runners showed longer FT and SL, shorter CT, lower SF, and greater step angle as well as some changes in the phases during the ground contact. Therefore, this study highlights the effect of different percentages of BWS on spatiotemporal parameters.