Identification of cardiometabolic risk (CMR) in U.S. younger population by assessing muscular strength via handgrip (HG) dynamometry may aid in prevention efforts. Currently, no nationally representative HG cut-points are available for identifying increased CMR in U.S. adolescents or young adults. In this study, we propose normalized grip strength…

Background: The impact of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (N-DPP) for Latinos "post-program" participation is uncertain. Purpose: We examine the experiences of Latinos who participated in the N-DPP in continuing the dietary and physical activity changes learned in the program. Methods: This is a qualitative descriptive interview…

Changes in physical activity levels and increases in screen time across different cohorts may affect young children's motor skill development (MSD). This study examined cohort differences in MSD in China. Four-year-olds living in Shanghai and in Guizhou province were assessed, in individual sessions, in 2013 (n = 230) and in 2017 (n = 446).…

The purpose of this study was to examine the validity of a novel technique determining parent-child proximity using Bluetooth-enabled accelerometers. Nineteen parents and children (18-60 months; 38.4 ± 13.2 months) wore an ActiGraph wGT3X-BT accelerometer for 7 days. Parental accelerometers continuously emitted a Bluetooth signal, while children's…

Research has demonstrated that a majority of college students gain weight during their college years. However, research has not agreed on the multifaceted causes of weight gain among this population. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine college students' perceived environmental, personal and behavioral factors influencing college…

The parents of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder have a vital and proactive role in encouraging healthy physical activity habits, and they possess important knowledge about the adolescents' needs when it comes to enhancing participation in physical activity. But promoting healthy physical activity habits in adolescents can be difficult.…

Background: Teachers can help students meet physical activity (PA) recommendations by integrating PA into the classroom. Few studies have evaluated student PA after teacher-received professional development. Purpose: This study measured student PA outcomes from an online, 16-week course for teachers on classroom PA integration. Course-enrolled…

In the United States, childhood obesity continues to increase at unprecedented rates. School-based occupational therapists can play a more significant role in health promotion and obesity prevention efforts in the school setting. Since this is a relatively new role for occupational therapists, there is still a tremendous gap in the literature…

Background: In this study, we examined moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of children in a school district serving children from low-income and minority households. Methods: This observational study was conducted in 8 rural elementary schools in South Carolina. Children (N = 719, age = 7.7 years, 48.0% girls, 88.0% African American)…

One primary goal of physical education (PE) is to promote students' lifelong physical activity (PA). This goal implies that PE should not only improve students' PA in PE classes but also promote their PA outside of the school known as the "PE effect." Purpose: In this study, we proposed a two-pathway model of the "PE effect"…

Purpose: The System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) is a valid, reliable method for understanding how people engage in physical activity (PA) in various permanent settings (e.g., parks) and contexts. However, its utility, reliability, and validity in temporary spaces has not been examined. Temporary spaces can provide PA…

Schools around the nation are attempting to increase the amount of physical activity (PA) students receive through a variety of creative means. Recently, organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) have sounded an alarm about the lack of time children spend in PA participation. The purpose…

The purpose of this research was to examine the extent to which preschools satisfy the natural need for physical activity of a young child in the summer holidays and during the school year. The measurement of physical activity of children and its level was performed with the use of Actigraph accelerometers and the Steps per Minute test. The sample…

The purpose of this article is to propose ways in which to increase PA levels in students from elementary and secondary schools, based on the implications of research findings examining adults' attitudes, beliefs, outlooks and preferences on PA and exercise. In other words, can the information that we have learned from adults in their relationship…

Background: Leisure activity has been linked to optimal ageing outcomes, yet little is known about the type and level of leisure activity adults with Down syndrome currently engage in, and the factors that promote and hinder their leisure activities. Materials and Methods: A daily diary was utilized to provide an in-depth description of the…