Forces at play: A qualitative study of risk aversion, policy and decision making for children's physically active play in schools.

This study investigated (i) the social and political factors driving risk averse decision making for children's physically active play in schools, and (ii) the policies shaping these decisions in Victoria, Australia. A theory-informed multi-method case study design combined policy document mapping, semi-structured interviews, and photo elicitation with 30 education policy actors. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Effect of high-fat diet on isometric, concentric and eccentric contractile performance of skeletal muscle isolated from female CD-1 mice.

Despite evidence inferring muscle and contractile mode-specific effects of high-fat diet (HFD), no study has yet considered the impact of HFD directly on eccentric muscle function. The present work uniquely examined the effect of 20-week HFD on the isometric, concentric and eccentric muscle function of isolated mouse soleus (SOL) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles. CD-1 female mice were randomly split into a control (n = 16) or HFD (n = 17) group and for 20 weeks consumed standard lab chow or HFD.

Shuttle Time for Seniors: The Impact of 8-Week Structured Badminton Training on Markers of Healthy Aging and Evaluation of Lived Experiences-A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Background/objectives: Engagement in sport offers the potential for improved physical and psychological well-being and has been shown to be beneficial for promoting healthy aging. Opportunities for older adults to (re)engage with sport are limited by a paucity of age-appropriate introductory sports intervention programs. As such, the study evaluated the efficacy of a newly designed 8-week badminton training program (Shuttle Time for Seniors) on markers of healthy aging and the lived experiences of participation.

High-fat diet effects on contractile performance of isolated mouse soleus and extensor digitorum longus when supplemented with high dose vitamin D.

Evidence suggests vitamin D (VD) supplementation can reduce accumulation of adipose tissue and inflammation and promote myogenesis in obese individuals, and thus could mitigate obesity-induced reductions in skeletal muscle (SkM) contractility. However, this is yet to be directly investigated. This study, using the work-loop technique, examined effects of VD (cholecalciferol) supplementation on isolated SkM contractility.

Playing it safe: The relationship between parent attitudes to risk and injury, and children's adventurous play and physical activity.

Background: Children naturally seek risk in play and adventurous play outdoors confers many benefits, including the potential to increase moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between parent attitudes to risk and injury, and their elementary school-aged child's daily adventurous play and MVPA.

Methods: A panel sample of 645 Australian parents/guardians completed an online survey consisting of several validated measures of risk and injury attitudes, and physical activity and play behaviour.

Agreement between Force Platform and Smartphone Application-Derived Measures of Vertical Jump Height in Youth Grassroots Soccer Players.

Given the importance of vertical jump assessments as a performance benchmarking tool, the assessment of neuromuscular function and indicator of health status, accurate assessment is essential. This study compared countermovement jump (CMJ) height assessed using MyJump2 (JH) to force-platform-derived jump height calculated from time in the air (JH) and take-off velocity (JH) in youth grassroots soccer players. Thirty participants (Age: 8.

The Acute Effects of Cognitively Demanding Physical Activity on Inhibitory and Affective Responses in Children: An Online-Based Mixed Methods Approach.

This online study investigated the acute effects of a cognitively demanding physical activity (CDPA) vs a simple physical activity (SPA) bout on children’s inhibitory and affective responses. Using a counterbalanced within-subjects’ crossover design, thirty-nine participants aged 9−12 years old (29 boys; Mage = 11 ± 1 years) performed a CDPA and a SPA bout online (via ZOOM) for 15 min. Inhibition (Stroop test) was measured at the baseline, 1 and 30 min following the physical activity (PA) bouts, and self-report measures of affect, mental and physical exertion were taken prior, during and post-PA.

"" Parental Perceptions on the Use of Strength and Conditioning in Children and Youth.

Although strength and conditioning is beneficial and safe for children to engage in there remain myths and misconceptions form parents regarding its use which prevent its widespread take up. This study explored parents' attitudes and beliefs about strength and conditioning in their children. Thirty-one parents (21 dads, 10 mums) took part in one of four focus groups exploring the topic.

Exploring the Acute Effects of the Daily Mile™ vs. Shuttle Runs on Children's Cognitive and Affective Responses.

Background: This study investigated the acute effects of two physical activity (PA) bouts on children's cognitive and affective responses.

Methods: Twenty-nine participants (16 boys and 13 girls; M = 9.34 years, SD = 0.

The Influence of Easing COVID-19 Restrictions on the Physical Activity Intentions and Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity in UK Older Adults.

COVID-19 has had profound effects on physical activity behaviours of older adults, and understanding this impact is essential to driving public health policies to promote healthy ageing. The present study aimed to determine; (1) intended physical activity behaviours of older adults following the easing of UK COVID-19 restrictions; (2) the relationship between self-reported physical activity and intended physical activity behaviour; (3) perceived barriers to achieving the intended physical activity goal. Ninety-six participants (74.

"Children are precious cargo; we don't let them take any risks!": Hearing from adults on safety and risk in children's active play in schools: a systematic review.

Background: Understanding determinants of children's outdoor play is important for improving low physical activity levels, and schools are a key setting for both. Safety concerns shape children's opportunity to play actively outdoors, therefore, this qualitative evidence synthesis aimed to i) examine adult (e.g.

Perception of Affordances for Dribbling in Soccer: Exploring Children as Architects of Skill Development Opportunity.

This study examined affordance perception for soccer dribbling using a mixed-methods approach in male grassroots soccer players. We examined how children construct and perceive skills practices for dribbling in soccer. Fourteen boys aged 10-11 years (Mean ± SD = 10.

"All the fun stuff, the teachers say, 'that's dangerous!'" Hearing from children on safety and risk in active play in schools: a systematic review.

Background: Active play is vital for healthy child development, and schools are a valuable setting to promote this behaviour. Understanding the determinants of children's physical activity behaviour during recess, particularly the role of risk-taking and the influence safety concerns have on active play, is required. This systematic review aimed to 1) synthesise qualitative research with children that explored their perceptions of safety and risk in active play during recess in elementary and/or middle school, and 2) develop a model from the findings to guide efforts in schools to optimise children's active play opportunities during recess.

Fundamental movement skills and perceived competence, but not fitness, are the key factors associated with technical skill performance in boys who play grassroots soccer.

Objective: This study examined the association between fitness, fundamental movement skills (FMS) and perceived competence on technical skills in boys engaged in grassroots soccer. Methods: Sixty boys (8-12 years of age, Mean ± SD = 10 ± 1 years) undertook assessment of FMS, perceived competence, physical fitness (15m sprint speed, standing long jump distance and seated 1kg medicine ball throw as a composite z-score) and technical skills (dribbling, passing and shooting as a composite z-score).

Results: Multiple backwards linear regression was used to determine to amount of variance in technical skill explained by FMS, perceived competence and fitness.

High-fat diet affects measures of skeletal muscle contractile performance in a temperature-specific manner but does not influence regional thermal sensitivity.

The present study examined whether high-fat diet (HFD) consumption for 20 weeks had a temperature-specific effect on the contractile performance and regional thermal sensitivity of isolated mouse soleus and diaphragm muscle. Four-week-old female CD-1 mice were randomly selected to consume either a standard laboratory diet or a standard laboratory diet in conjunction with a HFD for 20 weeks. Peripheral soleus and core diaphragm were isolated from each animal and maximal isometric force and work loop power were assessed at 20, 28, 35 and 40°C.

Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity and FMS in Children Living in Deprived Areas in the UK: Qualitative Study.

Using the socio-ecological model, this qualitative study aimed to explore teachers' perspectives on the barriers and facilitators to Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) and physical activity engagement in children living in deprived areas in the UK. A purposive sample of 14 primary school teachers participated in semi-structured focus groups drawn from schools situated in lower SES wards and ethnically diverse areas in Central England. Thematic analysis of transcripts identified multiple and interrelated factors across all levels of the socio-ecological model for barriers to FMS and PA (i.

The effect of fatigue on first stance phase kinetics during acceleration sprint running in professional football players.

Nineteen professional football players (Age: 26±5 years; Height: 1.84±0.08 m; Mass: 83.

Identifying actual and perceived motor competence based profiles among children.

This study aimed to develop motor competence (MC) profiles in children based on their actual and perceived MC, and to investigate differences in physical activity (PA) behaviour and motivation towards PA between profiles. Two hundred and sixteen British children (7-10 years) took part in this study. Perceived motor competence (PMC) was assessed using the pictorial scale of movement competence.

Enhancing the implementation and sustainability of fundamental movement skill interventions in the UK and Ireland: lessons from collective intelligence engagement with stakeholders.

Background: To have population-level impact, physical activity (PA) interventions must be effectively implemented and sustained under real-world conditions. Adequate Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) is integral to children being able to actively participate in play, games, and sports. Yet, few FMS interventions have been implemented at scale, nor sustained in routine practice, and thus it is important to understand the influences on sustained implementation.

A systematic review of tools designed for teacher proxy-report of children's physical literacy or constituting elements.

Background: Physical literacy (PL) in childhood is essential for a healthy active lifestyle, with teachers playing a critical role in guiding its development. Teachers can assist children to acquire the skills, confidence, and creativity required to perform diverse movements and physical activities. However, to detect and directly intervene on the aspects of children's PL that are suboptimal, teachers require valid and reliable measures.

It's Not Just What You Do but the Way You Do It: A Systematic Review of Process Evaluation of Interventions to Improve Gross Motor Competence.

Background: Motor competence is an important predictor of health behaviours. However, levels of motor competence are low in children and adolescents. Many interventions have improved motor competence, yet intervention effects were highly variable.

The acute effects of continuous and intermittent cycling on executive function in children.

This study assessed the effect of acute continuous and intermittent physical activity (PA) on children's executive function (EF). Twenty-four participants (14 boys M = 10.32 ± 0.

Actual and perceived motor competence mediate the relationship between physical fitness and technical skill performance in young soccer players.

This study examined the role of fundamental movement skills (FMS) and perceived competence in the relationship between physical fitness and technical soccer skills in children. Seventy boys aged 7-12 years of age (Mean ± SD = 9 ± 2 years) who were regularly engaged in grassroots soccer participated in the present study. The Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (Ulrich, 2001.

Fundamental Movement Skill Proficiency Among British Primary School Children: Analysis at a Behavioral Component Level.

Fundamental Movement Skill (FMS) proficiency is an important antecedent of physical activity for children and adolescents. Many studies report children's overall FMS proficiency to be low. However, in order to develop effective intervention strategies, it is critical to understand FMS proficiency at a behavioral component level.

Using Collective Intelligence to identify barriers to implementing and sustaining effective Fundamental Movement Skill interventions: A rationale and application example.

To have population-level impact, interventions must be effectively implemented and sustained under real-world conditions. Few Fundamental Movement Skill (FMS) interventions are implemented at scale, and even fewer are sustained in a way that allows for ongoing evaluation. There has been increasing recognition of applying systems thinking to investigate the multitude of influences on interventions.