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Promoting Health: Physical Education, Physical Activity and Well-Being in Children and Adolescents

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Adolescents".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2022) | Viewed by 25670

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Dr. Damián Iglesias Gallego

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Physical Education and Exercise Lab. Teacher Training College, University of Extremadura, Avd. de la Universidad S/N, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
Interests: physical education; exercise; sport; physical activity; applied psychology; well-being; health education
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Dear Colleagues,

There is a growing interest in research into the determinants of health-related quality of life. Studies highlighting the importance of regular physical activity as a healthy practice and numerous other investigations have shown that the practice of physical activity contributes positively to psychosocial wellbeing in the population. Physical education within the school context is presented as a suitable environment to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles, and it is agreed that physical activity carried out at an early age helps to establish healthy living habits that can last a lifetime.

In this Special Issue, we are inviting researchers from different academic disciplines (physical education, psychology, sociology, medicine, etc.) to address the study of physical activity as a central variable in achieving a healthier population from a multiple or biopsychosocial point of view. We are looking for studies that analyze the subject within the school context through physical education lessons, in free time outside school, or indeed studies with adult and elderly populations. The proposal is open to cross-sectional, longitudinal, and intervention studies that apply quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methodologies. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and proposals for new measuring instruments are also welcomed.

Dr. Damián Iglesias Gallego
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Health promotion
Physical activity
Physical education
Sport
Wellbeing
Applied psychology
Medicine
Children
Adolescents
Adults
Elderly

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Promoting Health: Physical Activity and Well-Being in Children and Adolescents in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (22 articles)

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Research

9 pages, 614 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Running Marathons in High School: A 5-Year Review of Injury in a Structured Training Program

by Mary A. Kennedy, Lauren V. Fortington, Matt Penney, Nicolas H. Hart, Pierre A. d’Hemecourt and Dai Sugimoto

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 4426; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20054426 - 1 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1963

Abstract

Objective: The aim in this study was to quantify the number, nature, and severity of injuries sustained by male and female high school students who took part in a running training program that culminated in the completion of a half or full marathon. Design: This study is a retrospective clinical audit. Methods: Injury reports from high school students (grades 9–12) who participated in a half or full marathon 30-week progressive training program comprising four training days per week (three running days and one cross-training day) were reviewed. The number of runners completing a marathon, together with the number, nature, severity of injuries, and treatment types, as reported to the program physiotherapist, were the main outcome measures. Results: Program completion was 96% (n = 448/469). Of all participants, 186 (39.6%) were injured, with 14 withdrawing from the program due to injury. For those who completed a marathon, 172 (38%) reported 205 musculoskeletal injuries (age of injured runners: 16.3 ± 1.1 years; 88 girls (51.2%) and 84 boys (48.8%)). More than half (n = 113, 55.1%) of the reported injuries were soft tissue injuries. Most injuries were localized to the lower leg (n = 88, 42.9%) and were of a minor nature (n = 181, 90%), requiring only 1–2 treatments. Conclusions: There was a low number of relatively minor injuries for high school participants taking part in a graduated and supervised marathon training program. The injury definition was conservative (i.e., any attendance to physiotherapist) and the relative severity of injuries was minor (i.e., requiring 1–2 treatment sessions). Overall, these results do not support a need to restrict high school students from taking part in marathon running, though continued emphasis on graduated program development and close supervision of young participants is recommended. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Health: Physical Education, Physical Activity and Well-Being in Children and Adolescents)

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12 pages, 860 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Activity, Sleep Patterns and Diet Habits as Well as the Prevalence of Obesity among Adolescents: A Cross Sectional Study from Ha’il City in Saudi Arabia

by Salma Abedelmalek, Halima Adam, Sultan Alardan, Sami Yassin, Hamdi Chtourou and Nizar Souissi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 16174; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192316174 - 2 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2518

Abstract

Obesity is expected to increase in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the physical activity, sleep patterns and diet habits as well as the prevalence of obesity among adolescents from Ha’il City. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1598 adolescent students (663 males and 935 females) aged 12–15 years who were randomly selected from different schools in Ha’il. Body mass index (BMI) was used to classify participants as underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese (class and class II). Moreover, physical activity, sleep patterns and diet habits were recorded. The prevalence of obesity was 52.1%. Obesity is significantly more prevalent in females compared to males (62.9% vs. 36.59%, p < 0.001). Moreover, students in the third grade are the most obese in comparison with the first and the second educational level (p < 0.001). Additionally, students aged 15 years old are the most obese compared to 12 years, 13 years and 14 years (p < 0.001). Additionally, the results showed that students who suffer from obesity eat food when they feel higher stress and tension scores and that they do not eat their meals regularly. Additionally, 79% of those who eat fried food daily are obese. It was reported that 61.1% of students in this study were physically inactive. Furthermore, 58.4% of students have a higher proportion of insufficient sleeping duration (>7 h per night) (p < 0.001). This increased rate of obesity is higher in females compared to males and it was related to inactivity as well as perturbed sleep and eating habits. Therefore, we recommend an obesity prevention program including health education in Ha’il City, KSA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Health: Physical Education, Physical Activity and Well-Being in Children and Adolescents)

11 pages, 327 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Extracurricular Pulse Activities in School: Students’ Attitudes and Experiences

by Veronica Jägerbrink, Joakim Glaser and Anna Hafsteinsson Östenberg

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 15051; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192215051 - 16 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2187

Abstract

Background: Few children and adolescents reach the recommended levels of daily physical activity, which is something that affects their health and wellbeing. Research shows that physical activities could be one factor for improving health and achieving academic goals in children and adolescents. Methods: Eight focus group interviews with students 10–15 years old were conducted at two schools with extracurricular pulse activities (ECPAs) during the school day. Results: In general, the interviewed students at both schools expressed positive attitudes toward ECPAs, emphasizing a felt correlation with physical activities out of school. Phenomena such as motivation, concentration and social relations also seem to profit from ECPAs. However, some students display a critical approach to ECPAs. From a gender perspective, girls embrace ECPAs with more enthusiasm than boys. Conclusions: In order to make the best use of positive attitudes and health promotion, schools need to improve structural conditions such as facilities, time pressure, unhygienic conditions, blurry boundaries between ECPAs and Physical Education (PE), uncomprehending teachers, contents and, very importantly, the inclusion of students in the process of planning and implementing ECPAs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Health: Physical Education, Physical Activity and Well-Being in Children and Adolescents)

14 pages, 397 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors in Primary School Children in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Association with Parents’ Behaviors

by Osama Aljuhani, Rola Alsuwailem, Abdulelah Al-Salawi and Gavin Sandercock

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13304; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013304 - 15 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2218

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a few studies used accelerometers to assess physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior in the family context. This study aimed to assess children and parents’ moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time, as well as their relationship in MVPA and sedentary time. Data were collected from 30 parent–child dyads during the COVID-pandemic for seven days, using a hip-worn accelerometer. Children and parents engaged in 65.6 and 34.6 min/day in MVPA and 442.2 and 427.9 min/day sedentary, respectively. There was no evidence of gender difference in MVPA and sedentary between boys and girls. Male parent spent more time in MVPA than female parents. A total of 50% of children and 53.3% of parents met the recommended PA. Children’s MVPA and sedentary time were both correlated with that of their parents. Adjusted linear regression showed that only child MVPA was negatively associated with their parents’ MVPA. There is evidence that multi-level interventions involving parents and children are more effective than interventions focusing on a single group. This study also provides evidence to support the link between MVPA and sedentary time between parents and children. Generalization of the findings is difficult due to the bias of self-selection sample. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Health: Physical Education, Physical Activity and Well-Being in Children and Adolescents)

19 pages, 1234 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Uncovering the Role of Mindfulness in Autonomous Motivation across Physical Education and Leisure Time: Extending the Trans-Contextual Model

by Djenna Hutmacher, Melanie Eckelt, Andreas Bund, André Melzer and Georges Steffgen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 12999; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192012999 - 11 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1825

Abstract

Mindfulness is assumed to foster the ability to consistently act in line with one’s authentic self; a skill which has been found to enhance students’ autonomous motivated behavior in the educational context. However, evidence regarding how mindfulness can be integrated into existing conceptual frameworks such as the trans-contextual model is scarce. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the role of mindfulness in students’ autonomous motivation in the school and leisure time contexts. Overall, N = 1877 students (M = 14.74 years, SD = 2.63) indicated their self-reported mindfulness, their perceived need for support in physical education, their autonomous motivation during physical education and leisure time, as well as their perceived behavioral control, attitude, subjective norm, and intention toward physical activity. Physical activity was additionally measured physiologically for n = 240 students using accelerometers. Path model analyses revealed that the inclusion of mindfulness substantially improved the trans-contextual model fit. Perceived autonomy support positively predicted mindfulness, which, in turn, predicted autonomous motivation in physical education and leisure time, attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control. Furthermore, mediation analyses revealed the significant indirect effects of mindfulness on physiological and self-reported physical activity. Based on these results, mindfulness can be considered a key factor in fostering students’ motivation to become physically active. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Health: Physical Education, Physical Activity and Well-Being in Children and Adolescents)

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13 pages, 393 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Physical Fitness, Physical Activity Level and Sense of Coherence in Swedish Adolescents; An Analysis of Age and Sex Differences

by Anna Hafsteinsson Östenberg, Anton Enberg, Haris Pojskic, Barbara Gilic, Damir Sekulic and Marie Alricsson

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12841; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912841 - 7 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2363

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical fitness, physical activity, and sense of coherence (SOC) in Swedish adolescents (n = 2028 males, n = 1287 females) aged 14 to 18 using a cross-sectional design. Methods: Using the Swedish Physical power Mental harmony and Social capacity (FMS) student profile, participants performed physical tests measuring their cardiovascular ability (CV) and muscular strength. Questionnaires were used to measure physical activity levels (PA), the participation in organized physical training, sedentary behavior (SB), screen time, and SOC value. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to analyze the association between SOC and independent variables. Results: The regression analyses explained a small, shared variance between SOC and the independent variables in boys (4.3%) and girls (3.3%). SB showed a positive association with SOC both in girls (β = 0.114, p = 0.002) and boys (β = 0.109, p = 0.013). Abdominal strength was positively associated, while VO₂max was inversely associated, with SOC (β = 0.113, p = 0.022; β = −0.109, p = 0.026, respectively) in boys. Girls had poorer fitness than boys did across all age groups except at age 18. PA levels decreased from age 14 to 18 in girls and boys, but without differences between sexes. Abdominal strength decreased from age 14 to 18 in girls and boys. In general, girls had lower SOC than boys across all age groups. Conclusions: Poor sedentary behavior was significantly associated with weaker SOC for both genders, indicating overall physical activity as the most important factor for stronger SOC. However, emotional support in vulnerable environments may have a bigger impact than physical activity or sedentary behavior on the SOC value for adolescents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Health: Physical Education, Physical Activity and Well-Being in Children and Adolescents)

10 pages, 327 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of an After-School Physical Activity Program on Children’s Physical Activity and Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation Study

by Hilary A. T. Caldwell, Matthew B. Miller, Constance Tweedie, Jeffery B. L. Zahavich, Ella Cockett and Laurene Rehman

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5640; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095640 - 5 May 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2860

Abstract

Introduction: This study evaluated the impact of the Build Our Kids’ Success (BOKS) after-school program on children’s physical activity (PA) and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Program leaders, children, and their parents were recruited from after-school programs in Nova Scotia, Canada, that delivered BOKS programming in Fall 2020. After participating, Grade 4–6 children (n = 14) completed the Physical Literacy Assessment for Youth Self (PLAYself), Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C), the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES), and 5 National Institutes of Health (NIH) Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures Information System (PROMIS) scales. Children (n = 7), parents (n = 5), and program leaders (n = 3) completed interviews, which were analyzed for themes inductively. Results: The average PAQ-C score was 2.70 ± 0.48, PLAYself was 68.23 ± 13.12, and PACES was 4.22 ± 0.59 (mean ± SD). NIH PROMIS scores were below standard means (cognitive function, family relationships) or within normal limits (peer relationships, positive affect, and life satisfaction). A thematic analysis of interviews revealed that children’s PA levels were impacted by the pandemic and that BOKS positively impacted children’s physical well-being and integrated well with school-based activities. Conclusions: Participation in BOKS provided an overall positive experience and may have mitigated COVID-19-related declines in PA in well-being. The results of this evaluation can inform future physically-active after-school programming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Health: Physical Education, Physical Activity and Well-Being in Children and Adolescents)

8 pages, 467 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of an After-School Physical Activity Program on Children’s Cognitive, Social, and Emotional Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nova Scotia

by Hilary A. T. Caldwell, Matthew B. Miller, Constance Tweedie, Jeffery B. L. Zahavich, Ella Cockett and Laurene Rehman

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 2401; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042401 - 19 Feb 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3740

Abstract

Children’s physical activity participation declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, and these negative changes could lead to longer-term impacts on children’s cognitive, social, and emotional health. Purpose: To determine parent/caregivers’ perceptions of their children’s cognitive function, peer and family relationships, life satisfaction, physical activity, sleep, positive affect, and global health, before and after participating in the Build Our Kids’ Success (BOKS) programming at after-school programs in Fall 2020. Methods: Parents of children participating in the BOKS programming at after-school programs in Nova Scotia, Canada, were recruited. At baseline, 159 parents completed the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures Information System (PROMIS) parent-proxy questionnaire, and 75 parents completed the measures at follow-up. Independent t-tests were used to determine if there were differences between baseline and follow-up Parent Proxy Questionnaire data. Results: All NIH PROMIS outcome variables at baseline and follow-up were within normal limits (Adjusted T-Scores: 46.67 ± 7.15 to 50.04 ± 7.13). There were no significant differences in life satisfaction (t(188) = −1.05, p = 0.30), family relationships (t(189) = 0.31, p = 0.76), cognitive function (t(199) = −1.16, p = 0.25), peer relationships (t(192) = −1.86, p = 0.06), positive affect (t(195) = 0.25, p = 0.81), global health (t(216) = −0.43, p = 0.67), physical activity (t(202) = 0.787, p = 0.732), sleep disturbance (t(193) = 1.72, p = 0.087), or psychological stress (t(196) = 1.896, p = 0.059), from baseline to follow-up. Conclusions: Parent-proxy questionnaires suggested that the BOKS programming had a protective effect on children’s health behaviours and cognitive, social, and emotional health as values remained within normal limits and were not impacted by the public health restrictions during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nova Scotia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Health: Physical Education, Physical Activity and Well-Being in Children and Adolescents)

12 pages, 1023 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Association between Alcohol Drinking and Physical Activity in Adolescence; Two-Year Prospective Study in Younger Adolescents from Bosnia and Herzegovina

by Natasa Zenic, Małgorzata Lipowska, Dora Maric, Sime Versic, Hrvoje Vlahovic and Barbara Gilic

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(22), 11899; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182211899 - 12 Nov 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2252

Abstract

Insufficient physical activity and alcohol consumption (AC) are important health-threatening behaviors in adolescence, but there are controversial findings regarding the association that may exist between AC and physical activity levels (PALs) at this age. This study aimed to prospectively examine the relationship that may exist between AC and PAL in younger adolescence, considering the potential confounding effect of sports participation. The participants (n = 669, 337 females) were adolescents from Bosnia and Herzegovina who were tested on two occasions, at baseline (14 years of age) and again at follow-up (16 years of age). The variables included AC (as indicated by the AUDIT questionnaire), sports participation, age, gender (predictors), and PAL (obtained by the PAQ-A questionnaire) criterion. The results indicated that PAL at baseline was higher in those adolescents (boys) with a higher AUDIT score, but this association was partially confounded by sports participation. Multinomial regression indicated a higher risk of a decline in PAL over the study course in adolescents with a higher AUDIT score at baseline (OR = 1.32, 95%CI: 1.11–1.54 for being in the high-risk group for a decline in PAL). The most probable explanation is likely found in the high drop-out from sports in the studied period and earlier initiation of AC in adolescents involved in sports. Public health and sports authorities should urgently act preventively and develop educational programs against alcohol drinking in youth athletes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Health: Physical Education, Physical Activity and Well-Being in Children and Adolescents)

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11 pages, 506 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coach’s Perception of Parent’s Attitudes in School-Age Sports

by Santos Villafaina, Eugenio Merellano-Navarro and Juan M. García-Ceberino

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(20), 10701; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182010701 - 12 Oct 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2513

Abstract

The coach-parent relationship can significantly influence the sport participation, personal development, and sports performance of young athletes. This study aimed to investigate the coach’s perception of parent’s attitudes regarding competition attitude, the communication with the coach, and the environment during training sessions, taking into account the coaches’ sex, type of institution, or sport modality grouped into individual and collective sports. For this, a total of 159 coaches (22 females and 137 males) responded to the Questionnaire for Sports Coaches about their Opinion on the Attitudes of Fathers and Mothers in Sports (CTPMD). It analyses three factors: (1) competition attitude, (2) communication, and (3) environment. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was necessary to assess the model’s goodness of fit on each factor and to calculate the Cronbach’s Alpha, the average variance extracted, and the composite reliability to analyze the instrument reliability. Descriptive and inferential analysis was performed through the Mann-Whitney U and Rosenthal r statistical tests. The results showed significant differences in the competition attitude factor regarding type of institution (U = 1964.500; p-value < 0.001; r = 0.31), in favour of public institutions. There were also significant differences in the communication factor according to the coaches’ sex (U = 1112.000; p-value = 0.04; r = 0.16), with females’ coaches perceiving worse communication with parents than male coaches. This could be relevant because it negatively influences adherence to physical activity in children and adolescents, and therefore, their health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Health: Physical Education, Physical Activity and Well-Being in Children and Adolescents)

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