The study examined the sensitivity to change of field assessments of handgrip strength and vertical jump following programmatic interventions in physical education settings. Using a naturalistic experimental design, classes of 6th grade students (N = 158) were randomized to receive either an 8-week musculoskeletal strength or plyometric power…

We developed plank test standards, based on trunk lean mass-to-fat mass (LM/FM) ratio, in a sample of healthy Portuguese 10--18 year olds (n = 474, 46.4% female). Height and weight were measured and muscular endurance was assessed using the prone plank test. Trunk LM/FM ratio was determined using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Plank standards…

Background: The Department of Defense (DOD) annually spends billions in medical care for military beneficiaries. Overweight and obesity are top concerns for dependents. Only 44% of military spouses (86% female, ages 25 to 34) meet Healthy People 2020 weight/BMI goals. Physical activity (PA) is an important modifiable behavior for preventing and…

Introduction: The aims of this study were to examine cross-sectional, and longitudinal association of different measures of obesity and physical fitness with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in adolescents with Down syndrome. Methods: Longitudinal analysis included 90 adolescents with Down syndrome. Obesity and physical fitness were…

The purpose of this article is to provide recommendations as to how teacher content knowledge can be improved to enhance the efficacy of RT programs for secondary PE students. We offer four recommendations including 1) Embed RT for adolescents content knowledge within physical education teacher education (PETE) programs, 2) Professional…

The Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) aims to foster learning productively under optimal cognitive loads. Students across all ages and stages of learning have limited capacity due to the human brain's functionality. Therefore, an effective learning design allows for knowledge acquisition that will minimize the loading effect on the working memory and…

Maximal strength, muscular endurance, maximal aerobic power, and anaerobic capabilities, power are needed to have victory for wrestlers in a wrestling competition.The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of acute muscular fatigue on static and dynamic balance performances in elite wrestlers. Ten elite male wrestlers (25 ± 2.3 years, 181 ±…

Background: Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities tend to engage in low levels of physical activity, which puts them at risk for chronic health conditions, poor balance and gait difficulties. Nordic walking could improve gait, balance, strength, endurance and respiratory function while enjoying nature. Method: Thirty-four…

Purpose: To estimate temporal trends in broad jump performance for United States youth, a marker of muscular fitness and health. Method: Electronic databases, topical systematic reviews, and personal libraries were systematically searched for studies reporting descriptive standing broad jump data for apparently healthy United States youth (age…

Sport coaches can agree that various levels of practice and play contribute significantly to the overall development of a young athlete. Coaches of young athletes need to also address issues related to strength and conditioning as part of the developmental cycle. Unfortunately, many sport coaches are not well trained in the science related to…

Purpose: The aim of this study was to propose field-based tests to estimate the anaerobic power of wheelchair basketball athletes. Methods: Eleven lower class wheelchair basketball players performed the Wingate test (WT) and two field-based tests (repeated sprints) of 15 (S-15) and 20 (S-20) meters. The WT provides data in Watts (W). The S-15 and…

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact on health-related fitness resulting from COVID-19 lockdowns on male high school students in Melbourne, Australia. Method: A total of 146 students completed fitness testing in February and retesting in November following 7 months of remote learning. Fitness tests conducted were 20-m…

Background: The "Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition" ("PAGA2") is an evidence-based policy for physical activity. The PAGA2 addresses sedentary behavior, promotes physical activity, and elaborates on improved health outcomes associated with physical activity. The Promoting Physical Activity for Americans…

We designed grip strength standards for youth by back-extrapolating cutpoints based on weakness at age 65. Existing standards, based on insufficient bone mineral content (BMC), were also compared in a nationally representative sample. Altogether, 6837 participants (n = 2199 [less than or equal to] 18.9 years of age) from the National Health and…

This study evaluated test-equating methods to enable comparisons and conversions between the vertical jump (VJ) and standing long jump (SLJ) tests. A total of 528 youth (280 males) performed VJ and SLJ, and their scores were randomly split as the calibration (C) sample (n = 478) and cross-validation (CV) sample (n = 50). SLJ scores of the C sample…