Is adherence to 24-Hour Movement Guidelines associated with a higher academic achievement among adolescent males and females?

ObjectivesThis study aims to examine the independent and combined associations of 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration with academic achievement in adolescent males and females.DesignCross-sectional study.Methods1290 Spanish adolescents (565 females), aged 11 to 16 years (13.06 ± 0.84), participated in this study. Self-reported physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration questionnaires were assessed. Academic achievement was calculated as an average score of the adolescents’' grades in first language (Spanish), first foreign language (English), and mathematics subjects. A multiple linear regression model was used to examine the association between meeting 24-Hour Movement Guidelines and academic achievement. Covariates included age, sex, socioeconomic status, body mass index, and cardiorespiratory fitness.ResultsNot meeting any of the three 24-Hour Movement Guidelines was associated with lower academic achievement in the whole sample (p < 0.001). Meeting physical activity and sleep duration guidelines, both independently and together, was associated with higher academic achievement in the whole sample (p < 0.001). Meeting at least two recommendations was associated with higher academic achievement in males (p < 0.01). However, trend analysis revealed that participants who met two or three recommendations had higher academic achievement compared to those who met one or none of these recommendations (p < 0.05). All these results were similar for males and females.ConclusionsOur findings suggest the importance of promoting more than one 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, mainly physical activity and sleep duration, which seems to contribute positively to increased academic performance in adolescents.     

Are children with higher self-reported wellbeing and perceived motor competence more physically active? A longitudinal study

ObjectivesSelf-perceptions such as perceived motor competence and psychosocial wellbeing have been identified as important to children’s physical activity. The study’s purpose was to explore whether perceived motor competence and psychosocial wellbeing were determinants of physical activity, one year after a baseline assessment.DesignLongitudinal study.MethodsA total of 134 children (65.7% boys, 34.3% girls) aged 6–7 years at baseline (2016), and 7–8 years at follow-up (2017) were included in this study. Pearson’s correlations assessed associations at baseline and follow-up between moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) (accelerometers) and (i) total perceived motor competence and subdomains (the pictorial scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence) and (ii) psychosocial wellbeing and sub-domains — KidKINDL KINDer Lebensqualitätsfragebogen: Children Quality of Life Questionnaire (KINDL^R). Variables identified as significant in Pearson’s correlations were included in mixed model analyses, adjusting for accelerometer wear time, sex and age.ResultsBaseline perceived object control skills was associated with MVPA at follow-up (r = 0.38, p < 0.001), but perceived locomotor skills were not. Self-esteem was the only subdomain of psychosocial wellbeing that demonstrated significant association with MVPA at baseline (r = 0.21, p < 0.05). Perceived object control (B = 1.36, p = 0.019, 95% CI [0.23, 2.50]) and self-esteem (B = 0.32, p = 0.001, 95% CI [0.13, 0.50]) positively predicted MVPA; albeit with small effects.ConclusionsFocusing on improving children’s perceived object control and self-reported self-esteem may contribute to children’s physical activity participation.     

Meeting 24-h movement guidelines and associations with health related quality of life of Australian adolescents

ObjectiveThis study determined the prevalence of adolescents meeting the individual and combinations of the Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, and their associations with the health related quality of life (HRQoL).MethodsThe participants were 3096 adolescents (mean age: 12.4 years; 49% female) from wave 7 of the birth-cohort of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. The outcome was parent-reported HRQoL. Meeting the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines was defined as: ≥60 min/day of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), ≤2 hour/day of recreational screen time, and 9-11 hour/night of sleep. Generalised estimating equations were used to examine the associations between meeting vs. not meeting recommendations and HRQoL outcomes.ResultsThe prevalence of adolescents meeting all three recommendations was 2.4%, with 23% meeting two, and 57% meeting one recommendation. Meeting all three recommendations was associated with higher overall HRQoL score (β = 4.96, 95% CI: 2.54–7.38) as well as physical (β = 5.22, 95% CI: 2.61–7.83) and psychosocial (β = 4.76, 95% CI: 1.77–7.75) scores. Meeting combinations of screen time with MVPA or sleep recommendations were associated with higher scores for all HRQoL outcomes, while meeting MVPA and sleep recommendations was associated with overall HRQoL score. Compared to meeting no recommendation, meeting more recommendations was significantly and incrementally associated with higher scores for all HRQoL outcomes (p_trend<0.001).ConclusionsOverall, meeting more recommendations within the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines was associated with better HRQoL outcomes. However, only a small percentage of adolescents met all the recommendations, which underscores the need for promoting and supporting adherence to these behaviours.     

Sleep quality is associated with walking under dual-task,but not single-task performance

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to assess the relationship between sleep behavior and gait performance under single-task (ST) and dual-task (DT) walking conditions in community- dwelling older adults.MethodsWalking under ST and DT conditions was evaluated in 34 community-dwelling older adults, 64.7% women, mean age 71.5 (SD ± 5.8). Gait-speed and gait-variability data were collected using the OPAL wearable sensors of the Mobility Lab. Sleep behavior (sleep efficiency [SE] and sleep latency [SL]) was assessed using actigraphy, over 5 consecutive nights.ResultsLower SE was associated with decreased gait speed and increased stride-length variability during DT (rs = 0.35; p = 0.04; rs = −0.36; p = 0.03, respectively), whereas longer SL was associated with increased stride-length variability during DT (rs = 0.38; p = .03). After controlling for age and cognition, SE accounted for 24% and 33% of the variability in stride length and stride time. No associations were found between sleep and gait measures under ST walking.ConclusionsLower SE is associated with decreased gait speed and increased gait variability under DT conditions that are indicative of an increased risk for falls in older adults. Our findings support clinical recommendations to incorporate the evaluation of sleep quality in the context of risk assessment for falls.     

The associations of early specialisation and sport volume with musculoskeletal injury in New Zealand children

ObjectiveTo investigate associations of early specialisation (highly specialised before age 13 years) and sport participation volume with injury history in New Zealand children.DesignCross-sectional survey study.MethodsChildren attending a national sports competition were invited to complete a questionnaire capturing specialisation level (high, moderate or low), participation volume and injury history. Multiple logistic regression was used to investigate associations between variables.ResultsNine hundred and fourteen children (538 female) completed the questionnaire. After adjusting for age, sex and hours of weekly sport participation, the odds of reporting an injury history were not significantly higher for early specialised children compared to children categorised as low specialisation (OR = 0.88; CI = 0.59–1.31; p = 0.53). Participating in more hours of sport per week than age in years (OR = 2.42; CI = 1.27–4.62; p = 0.02), playing one sport for more than 8 months of the year (OR = 1.60; CI = 1.07–2.36; p = 0.02), or exceeding a 2:1 weekly ratio of organised sport to recreational free-play hours (OR = 1.52; CI = 1.08–2.15; p = 0.02), increased the odds of reporting a ‘gradual onset injury’.ConclusionEarly specialisation in one sport did not increase the odds of reporting a history of injury. Exceeding currently recommended sport participation volumes was associated with increased odds of reporting a history of gradual onset injury.     

Nutrient intake,meal timing and sleep in elite male Australian football players

ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between dietary intake, meal timing and sleep in elite male Australian football players.DesignProspective cohort study.MethodsSleep and dietary intake were assessed in 36 elite male Australian Football League (AFL) players for 10 consecutive days in pre-season. Sleep was examined using wrist activity monitors and sleep diaries. Dietary intake was analysed using the smartphone application MealLogger and FoodWorks. Generalised linear mixed models examined the associations between diet [total daily and evening (>6 pm) energy, protein, carbohydrate, sugar and fat intake] and sleep [total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency (SE), wake after sleep onset (WASO) and sleep onset latency (SOL)].ResultsTotal daily energy intake (MJ) was associated with a longer WASO [β = 3, 95%CI: 0.2–5; p = 0.03] and SOL [β = 5, 95%CI: 1?9; p = 0.01]. Total daily protein intake (g kg^?1) was associated with longer WASO [β = 4, 95%CI: 0.8?7; p = 0.01] and reduced SE [β = ?0.7 CI: ?1.3 to ?0.2; p = 0.006], while evening protein intake (g kg^?1) was associated with shortened SOL [β = ?2, 95%CI: ?4 to ?0.4), p = 0.02]. Evening sugar intake (g kg^?1) was associated with shorter TST [β = ?5, 95%CI: ?10 to ?0.6; p = 0.03] and WASO [β = ?1, 95%CI: ?2 to ?0.3; p = 0.005]. A longer period between the evening meal consumption and bedtime was associated with a shorter TST [β = ?8, 95%CI: ?16 to ?0.3; p = 0.04].ConclusionsEvening dietary factors, including sugar and protein intake, had the greatest association with sleep in elite male AFL players. Future research manipulating these dietary variables to determine cause and effect relationships, could guide dietary recommendations to improve sleep in athletes.     

Using a dual-task protocol to investigate motor and cognitive performance in healthy children and youth

ObjectivesMild traumatic brain injury (or concussion) is a prevalent yet understudied health concern in children and youth. This injury can cause dysfunction in both motor and cognitive domains; however, most literature focuses on single-task neuropsychological tests which only assess cognition. Although dual-task research on concussed children and youth is needed as many daily activities require both motor and cognitive domains, we must first investigate whether performing simultaneous motor and cognitive tasks of varied complexity impact these domains in healthy children and youth.Participants and designData collected from 106 healthy children and youth (5–18 years) created a normative dataset. Participants performed motor (postural stability) and cognitive (visual attention) tasks under single- and dual-task conditions. The cognitive task difficulty remained constant while the motor task had four conditions of increasing difficulty. The relationship between the number of correct responses (cognitive performance) and sway index (motor performance) was determined using two repeated measures ANOVAs (p < 0.05).ResultsDual-task conditions resulted in reduced postural stability, with greater differences on the foam surface (F_2,206 = 16.070, p < 0.0005). No statistically significant differences were observed in attention (F_4,101 = 0.713, p = 0.584).ConclusionsPostural stability decreased under dual-task conditions, but attention was maintained or improved. Consequently, attention took precedence over postural control when performing tasks concurrently, demonstrating the ability for dual-task methodology to isolate specific processes. This study provides a normative dataset to be used during clinical management to identify functional deficits following concussion and acts as a starting point to explore dual-task protocols in children and youth following concussion.     

Fitness,waist circumference and their association with future blood pressure in youth: The UP&DOWN Longitudinal Study

ObjectivesThe aim was to determine the independent associations of muscular fitness (MF), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and waist circumference (WC) with blood pressure (BP) levels over 2 years in children and adolescents.Methods1089 children (517 females) and 787 adolescents (378 females) with complete data on fitness, WC and BP (systolic [SBP] and diastolic [DBP]) were included. Upper MF was assessed through the handgrip strength test, and lower MF using the standing long jump test. The 20-m shuttle run test was used to assess CRF. WC was obtained following standardized methods. Different regression models were fitted by introducing fitness and WC at baseline and their changes as exposures and BP at follow-up and their changes as outcomes.ResultsWC at baseline was positively and independently associated with each BP variable at follow-up in children and adolescents (β = 0.094–0.260; p ≤ 0.05), and CRF was negatively associated with DBP in adolescents (β = ?0.096; p = 0.034). WC changes were associated with BP variables 2 years later in children (β = 0.121–0.142; p < 0.01). In adolescents, changes in upper MF (β = ?0.116; p = 0.001) and WC (β = 0.080–0.098; p < 0.05) were associated with SBP at follow-up. WC changes were independently associated with changes in each BP variable in children (β = 0.111–0.145; all p < 0.05) and SBP changes in adolescents (β = 0.103 to 0.117; all p < 0.01).ConclusionsWC, but neither MF nor CRF, is independently associated with BP and its changes over 2 years. The attainment or maintenance of optimal fatness levels in the pediatric population should be highly encouraged for the prevention of future hypertension.     

Factors associated with the goal commitment of radiography departments' staff in organizational change

PurposeThe aim of the study is to examine factors associated with the goal commitment of radiography departments' staff. The associations studied are (1) organizational change, (2) work-related factors, (3) psychosocial work environment, and (4) intention to leave.MethodThe follow-up study was performed between 2005 and 2007 in co-operation with 10 radiography departments of two Finnish municipalities. In 2005 the response rate was 60% (n = 97/163) and in 2007 it was 49% (n = 73/150).ResultsThe goal commitment had dropped during the organizational change from 3.96 in 2005 to 3.60 in 2007 (scale 1–5) (p = 0.001). Best predictors for the goal commitment of radiography departments' staff were having children (OR 4.4) and perceiving functional environment clearly (OR 2.6). Correlation between the goal commitment and intention to leave of the staff was ?0.32 (p = 0.01).ConclusionFrom the viewpoint of the commitment of the radiography departments' staff, the trend of uniting quite independent health care units into larger entities seems not to be beneficial. This study reveals that commitment to one's work unit is most of all a question of stability and job security. This is a fact the leadership of the radiography departments should take into account, appreciate and support to assure the tenure and productivity of their workforce.     

The association between multiple sclerosis-related fatigue and balance as a function of central sensory integration

BackgroundFatigue and impaired upright postural control (balance) are the two most common complaints in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), with limited evidence on how they are related.ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between symptomatic fatigue and balance as a function of central sensory integration in persons with multiple sclerosis.Materials and methodsSeventeen persons with relapsing-remitting MS were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Primary measurements included fatigue (modified fatigue impact scale – MFIS); balance (dynamic posturography, sensory organization testing – SOT); and walking capacity (six-minute walk test – 6MWT).ResultsFatigue scores were significantly associated with balance: MFIS total (r = ?0.78; p < 0.001), physical subscale (r = ?0.77; p < 0.001), cognitive subscale (r = ?0.75; p = 0.001) and psychosocial subscale (r = ?0.53; p = 0.030) scores. MFIS total score was a significant predictor of balance (p ≤ 0.001), accounting for 62% of the variability in SOT composite scores. Significant differences in fatigue (d = 1.75; p = 0.005) and balance (d = 1.74; p = 0.005) were found for participants who had cerebellar and brainstem involvement compared to those without.ConclusionsSymptomatic fatigue is significantly related to balance and is a significant predictor of balance as a function of central sensory integration in persons with MS. Fatigue and balance are associated with cerebellar and brainstem involvement. This study provides early evidence supporting the theory that for those persons with MS who struggle to maintain steady balance during tasks that stimulate the central sensory integration process, complaints of significant levels of fatigue are probable.     

Analysis of the relationships that body composition and muscular strength have with oxygen cost of walking in children with cerebral palsy

ObjectiveTo investigate whether body composition and lower extremity strength relate to oxygen cost of walking in children with cerebral palsy (CP), and to evaluate the relative contributions of these measures to explain variation in oxygen cost seen in this population.MethodsA total of 116 children with spastic diplegic CP, Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I–III, aged 8–18 participated. Strength, body composition (body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat) and oxygen cost were recorded. Pearson correlations assessed relationships between variables of body composition and strength to oxygen cost. Forward stepwise linear regression analyzed variance explained by strength and body composition measures. Oxygen data were analyzed by weight status classifications using one-way analysis of variance with significance set at p < 0.05.ResultsTotal strength (r = −0.27) and total extensor strength (r = −0.27) had fair inverse relationships with oxygen cost. Total extensor strength explained 7.5% (r² = 0.075, beta = −0.274, p < 0.01) of the variance in oxygen cost. Body composition did not explain significant variance in oxygen cost, however significant differences were found in oxygen consumption (p = 0.003) and walking velocity (p = 0.042) based on BMI weight classifications.ConclusionsFor ambulatory children with CP, oxygen cost during walking can be partially explained by total extensor strength and not body composition. However, those categorized as obese may adjust to a slower walking speed to keep their oxygen cost sustainable, which may further affect their ability to keep up with typically developing peers and possibly lead to greater fatigue.     

Impaired postural control in children with developmental coordination disorder is related to less efficient central as well as peripheral control

BackgroundDevelopmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental impairment that affects approximately 6% of children in primary school age. Children with DCD are characterized by impaired postural control. It has yet to be determined what effect peripheral and central neuromuscular control has on their balance control.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the underlying mechanisms to impaired postural control in children with DCD using the rambling-trembling decomposition of the center of pressure (CoP).MethodNine children with DCD (9.0 ± 0.5 years, 7 boys, 2 girls) and 10 age- and gender-matched typically developing children (TD) with normal motor proficiency (9.1 ± 0.4 years, 7 boys and 3 girls) performed 3 × 30 s bipedal standing on a force plate in six sensory conditions following the sensory organization procedure. Sway length was measured and rambling-trembling decomposition of CoP was calculated in medio-lateral (ML) and anterior-posterior (AP) direction.ResultsBoth rambling and trembling were larger for the children with DCD in AP (p = 0.031; p = 0.050) and ML direction (p = 0.025; p = 0.007), respectively.ML rambling trajectories did not differ in any conditions with fixed support surface. In ML direction children with DCD had a lower relative contribution of rambling to total sway (p = 0.013).ConclusionThis study showed that impaired postural control in children with DCD is associated with less efficient supraspinal control represented by increased rambling, but also by reduced spinal feedback control or peripheral control manifested as increased trembling.     

Analysis of the relationships that body composition and muscular strength have with oxygen cost of walking in children with cerebral palsy

ObjectiveTo investigate whether body composition and lower extremity strength relate to oxygen cost of walking in children with cerebral palsy (CP), and to evaluate the relative contributions of these measures to explain variation in oxygen cost seen in this population.MethodsA total of 116 children with spastic diplegic CP, Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I–III, aged 8–18 participated. Strength, body composition (body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat) and oxygen cost were recorded. Pearson correlations assessed relationships between variables of body composition and strength to oxygen cost. Forward stepwise linear regression analyzed variance explained by strength and body composition measures. Oxygen data were analyzed by weight status classifications using one-way analysis of variance with significance set at p < 0.05.ResultsTotal strength (r = −0.27) and total extensor strength (r = −0.27) had fair inverse relationships with oxygen cost. Total extensor strength explained 7.5% (r² = 0.075, beta = −0.274, p < 0.01) of the variance in oxygen cost. Body composition did not explain significant variance in oxygen cost, however significant differences were found in oxygen consumption (p = 0.003) and walking velocity (p = 0.042) based on BMI weight classifications.ConclusionsFor ambulatory children with CP, oxygen cost during walking can be partially explained by total extensor strength and not body composition. However, those categorized as obese may adjust to a slower walking speed to keep their oxygen cost sustainable, which may further affect their ability to keep up with typically developing peers and possibly lead to greater fatigue.     

Cognitive motor interference during dual-task gait in essential tremor

BackgroundFunctional ambulation requires concurrent performance of motor and cognitive tasks, which may create interference (degraded performance) in either or both tasks. People with essential tremor (ET) demonstrate impairments in gait and cognitive function. In this study we examined the extent of interference between gait and cognition in people with ET and controls during dual-task gait.MethodsWe tested 62 controls and 151 ET participants (age range: 72–102). ET participants were divided into two groups based on median score on the modified Mini Mental State Examination. Participants walked at their preferred speed, and performed a verbal fluency task while walking. We analyzed gait velocity, cadence, stride length, double support time, stride time, step width, step time difference, coefficient of variation (CV) of stride time and stride length.ResultsVerbal fluency performance during gait was similar across groups (p = 0.68). Velocity, cadence and stride length were lowest whereas step time difference (p = 0.003), double support time (p = 0.009), stride time (p = 0.002) and stride time CV (p = 0.007) were highest for ET participants with lower cognitive scores (ETp-LCS), compared with ET participants with higher cognitive scores (ETp-HCS) and controls. ETp-LCS demonstrated greatest interference for double support time (p = 0.005), step time difference (p = 0.013) and stride time coefficient of variation (p = 0.03).ConclusionsETp-LCS demonstrated high levels of cognitive motor interference. Gait impairments during complex tasks may increase risk for falls for this subgroup and underscore the importance of clinical assessment of gait under simple and dual-task conditions.     

Is the gut microbiota bacterial abundance and composition associated with intestinal epithelial injury,systemic inflammatory profile,and gastrointestinal symptoms in response to exertional-heat stress?

ObjectivesThe study aimed to examine if the α-diversity and relative abundance of the gastrointestinal bacterial taxa is associated with the response magnitude of markers characteristic of exercise-induced gastrointestinal syndrome in response to exertional-heat stress.DesignCross-sectional.MethodsTwenty-two endurance-trained athletes completed 2 h running at 60% $\stackrel{.}{V}$O_2max in hot ambient conditions (35.2 °C, 25% relative humidity). Faecal samples were collected pre-exercise to determine bacterial taxonomy by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing (Illumina MiSeq platform). Data were processed using the QIIME2 pipeline (v2019.1) establishing taxonomic classification with >95% confidence using SILVA. Pre- and post-exercise blood samples were used to determine plasma I-FABP and cortisol concentrations, and systemic inflammatory response profile. Markers of physiological and thermoregulatory strain, and gastrointestinal symptoms were measured every 10 min during exercise. Associations were determined by partial correlation controlled for body mass variables.ResultsPositive associations between Tenericutes (r₍₁₈₎ = 0.446, p = 0.049) and Verrucomicrobia (r₍₁₈₎ = 0.450, p = 0.046) phylum, Akkermansiaceae (r₍₁₈₎ = 0.486, p = 0.030) and Ruminococcaceae (r₍₁₈₎ = 0.449, p = 0.047) family and aligned genus groups with I-FABP were observed. Whilst, associations between Faecalibacterium (r₍₁₂₎ = 0.668, p = 0.009) and Ruminoclostridium-9 (r₍₁₂₎ = −0.577, p = 0.031) genus with systemic inflammatory profile were observed. Association between bacterial phyla, family, and genus groups were also observed for gastrointestinal symptoms and markers of thermoregulatory strain (r₍₁₈₎ >0.400, p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe relative abundance of several commensal bacterial groups showed modest favourable (i.e., low perturbations) or detrimental associations with the magnitude of gastrointestinal integrity perturbations and symptoms, and potentially influences body temperature change, in response to exertional-heat stress.     

General health complaints and sleep associated with new injury within an endurance sporting population: A prospective study

ObjectivesTo examine the association between subjective health complaints, sleep quantity and new injury within an endurance sport population.DesignProspective cohort study.MethodsNinety-five endurance sporting participants were recruited from running, triathlon, swimming, cycling and rowing disciplines. Over 52-week period participants submitted weekly data regarding subjective health complaints (SHCs) (cardiorespiratory, gastrointestinal and psychological/lifestyle), sleep quantity, training load and new injury episodes. Applying a 7- and 14-day lag period, a shared frailty model was used to explore new injury risk associations with total SHCs and sleep quantity.Results92.6% of 95 participants completed all 52 weeks of data submission and the remainder of the participants completed ≥30 weeks. Seven-day lag psychological/lifestyle SHCs were significantly associated with new injury risk (Hazard ratio (HR) = 1.32; CI 95% = 1.01–1.72, p < 0.04). In contrast, cardiorespiratory (HR = 1.15; CI 95% = 0.99–1.36, p = 0.07) and gastrointestinal (HR = 0.77; CI 95% = 0.56–1.05, p = 0.09) SHCs were not significantly associated with new injury risk. New injury risk had a significant increased association with 14-day lag <7 h/day sleep quantity (HR = 1.51; CI 95% = 2.02–1.13, p < 0.01) and a significant decreased association with >7 h/day sleep quantity (HR = 0.63, CI 95% = 0.45–0.87, p < 0.01. A secondary regression analysis demonstrated no significant association with total SHCs and training load factors (Relative Risk (RR) = 0.08, CI 95% = 0.04–0.21, p = 0.20).ConclusionsTo minimise an increased risk of new injuries within an endurance sporting population, this study demonstrates that psychological/lifestyle subjective health complaints and sleep quantity should be considered. The study also highlights a lag period between low sleep quantity and its subsequent impact on new injury risk. No association was demonstrated between subjective health complaints, sleep quantity and training load factors.     

Child,family and environmental correlates of children's motor skill proficiency

ObjectivesTo identify factors associated with children's motor skills.DesignCross-sectional.MethodsAustralian preschool-aged children were recruited in 2009 as part of a larger study. Parent proxy-report of child factors (age, sex, parent perception of child skill, participation in unstructured and structured activity), self-report of parent factors (confidence in their own skills to support child's activity, parent–child physical activity interaction, parent physical activity) and perceived environmental factors (play space visits, equipment at home) were collected. Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (ActiGraph GT1M accelerometer) and motor skills (Test of Gross Motor Development-2) were also assessed. After age adjustment, variables were checked for association with raw object control and locomotor scores. Variables with associations of p < 0.20 were entered into two multiple regression models with locomotor/object control as respective outcome variables.ResultsMotor skills were assessed for 76 children (42 female), mean [SD] age = 4.1 [0.68]; 71 completed parent proxy-report and 53 had valid MVPA data. Child age, swimming lessons, and home equipment were positively associated explaining 20% of locomotor skill variance, but only age was significant (β = 0.36, p = 0.002). Child age and sex, unstructured activity participation, MVPA%, parent confidence, home equipment (all positively associated), and dance participation (inversely associated) explained 32% object control variance. But only age (β = 0.67, p < 0.0001), MVPA% (β = 0.37, p = 0.038) and no dance (β = ?0.34, p = 0.028) were significant.ConclusionMotor skill correlates differ according to skill category and are context specific with child level correlates appearing more important.     

Foot-related pain and disability and spatiotemporal parameters of gait during self-selected and fast walking speeds in people with gout: A two-arm cross sectional study

ObjectivesTo examine gait parameters in people with gout during different walking speeds while adjusting for body mass index (BMI) and foot-pain, and to determine the relationship between gait parameters and foot-pain and disability.MethodGait parameters were measured using the GAITRite™ walkway in 20 gout participants and 20 age- and sex-matched controls during self-selected and fast walking speeds. Foot-pain and disability was measured using the Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index (MFPDI) which contains four domains relating to function, physical appearance, pain and work/leisure.ResultsAt the self-selected speed, gout participants demonstrated increased step time (p = 0.017), and stance time (p = 0.012), and reduced velocity (p = 0.031) and cadence (p = 0.013). At the fast speed, gout participants demonstrated increased step time (p = 0.007), swing time (p = 0.005) and stance time (p = 0.019) and reduced velocity (p = 0.036) and cadence (p = 0.009). For participants with gout, step length was correlated with total MFPDI (r = −0.62, p = 0.008), function (r = −0.65, p = 0.005) and physical appearance (r = −0.50, p = 0.041); stride length was correlated with total MFPDI (r = −0.62, p = 0.008), function (r = −0.65, p = 0.005) and physical appearance (r = −0.50, p = 0.041); and velocity was correlated with total MFPDI (r = −0.60, p = 0.011), function (r = −0.63, p = 0.007) and work/leisure (r = −0.53, p = 0.030).ConclusionGait patterns exhibited by people with gout are different from controls during both self-selected and fast walking speeds, even after adjusting for BMI and foot-pain. Additionally, gait parameters were strongly correlated with patient-reported functional limitation, physical appearance and work/leisure difficulties, while pain did not significantly influence gait in people with gout.     

Obstructive sleep apnea in professional rugby league athletes: An exploratory study

ObjectivesTo explore the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) within a professional rugby league team and determine associations of OSA with ethnicity, positional group, and physical characteristics.DesignObservational prospective cohort study.MethodsTwenty-two professional rugby league athletes underwent one night of home-based polysomnography with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), rapid eye movement (REM)_AHI, non-REM_AHI and supine_AHI determined to indicate OSA. Linear models were used to assess if playing position (back or forward) or ethnicity (European-Australian or Polynesian) influenced AHI, REM_AHI, non-REM_AHI and supine_AHI. Models were also built to determine differences according to body composition.ResultsSeven athletes were classified with mild OSA (6 forwards and 1 back, 3 European-Australians, and 4 Polynesians) and three with moderate OSA (2 forwards and 1 back, 3 Polynesians). When considering ethnicity, differences were observed between Polynesians and European-Australians for REM_AHI (ES = 0.90, p = 0.02). Increased body mass index (BMI) was associated with a moderate increase in AHI (r = 0.38, p = 0.04) and non-REM_AHI (r = 0.36, p = 0.05), while higher skinfold thickness moderately related to a higher AHI (r = 0.40, p = 0.05) non-REM_AHI (r = 0.47, p = 0.02), and supine_AHI (r = 0.41, p = 0.04).ConclusionsThis exploratory study found 10 cases of OSA. Polynesian athletes and athletes classified as forwards constituted the majority of reported cases, suggesting their susceptibility to OSA. Furthermore, the data suggests that athletes with greater BMI and skinfold thickness may be predisposed to OSA.