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Physical Activity in Children's Health: Management for Leisure, Recreation and Sports

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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 "Children's Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2022) | Viewed by 33016

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Alberto Nuviala-Nuviala

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Chief Guest Editor

Department of Sports and Computer Science, Pablo de Olavide University, 41013 Seville, Spain
Interests: physical and sport education; sport management; service quality; sporting events and sport tourism; physical activity; recreation and leisure; quality of life and active life; sustainable and healthy urban environments

Dr. Raquel Pérez-Ordás

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Guest Editor

Departament Education, Faculty Human Science and Education, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
Interests: physical and sport education; sport management; physical activity; recreation and leisure; quality of life and active life; sustainable and healthy urban environments; wellness; psychology in physical education

Dr. Antonio Fernández-Martínez

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Guest Editor

Department of Sports and Computers, Sports Faculty, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
Interests: physical education; sports education

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Physical activity and sport are essential for the harmonious and healthy development of children. Scientific evidence has shown the benefits of physical activity on a physical, psychological and social level during the early stages of life. Currently, the lack of physical activity in children has become a major problem. Childhood obesity levels are and will continue to be a public health problem, especially in the near future.

It is essential that institutions address this situation from a multidisciplinary and cross-cutting perspective, developing strategies that increase the levels of AP. It is necessary to promote school physical education as a basis for instilling healthy habits, as well as developing and managing spaces, times and activities for recreation and active leisure in order to develop active and healthy children and adolescents.

Physical activity at this stage should be based on play, practice sports and recreational activities that encourage interaction with other children, whether at school, with the family or in community activities.

The purpose of this research collection is to add to the current knowledge on:

- Physical activity in children's health;

- Physical and sports education;

- Time management, physical sports and leisure activities for children, in relation to health;

- Children's recreation and leisure environments.

Dr. Alberto Nuviala-Nuviala
Dr. Raquel Pérez-Ordás
Dr. Antonio Fernández-Martínez
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

physical activity
physical exercise
physical and sports education
management physical activity
recreation and leisure activity

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 1191 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Physical Activity among Children and Adolescents: 3-Year Longitudinal Study in Brazil

by Diego Augusto Santos Silva, Eliane Cristina de Andrade Gonçalves, Emerson Filipino Coelho, Matheus Santos Cerqueira and Francisco Zacaron Werneck

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11431; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811431 - 11 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1400

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of physical activity (PA) levels over 36 months on the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) of children and adolescents. This was a longitudinal study carried out from 2016 to 2019 with 127 children and adolescents (82 males and 45 females) aged 13.5 ± 1.2 years at baseline. The 20 m shuttle run test (20 mSRT) was used to predict CRF. The questionnaires PAQ-C and PAQ-A were used to investigate PA. The 2 × 4 repeated measures ANCOVA was used, and the significance level was p ≤ 0.05. There was a linear trend in the interaction between level of PA and CRF throughout the 36-month study period in both sexes (males—distance covered: F1.78 = 4.567; p = 0.04; VO_2max: F1.78 = 5.323; p = 0.02; females—distance covered: F1.41 = 6.989; p = 0.01; VO_2max: F1.41 = 6.585; p = 0.01). Physically active males showed a gradual increase in CRF throughout the analyzed period. For females, CRF remained constant in the first 24 months, showing a slight increase only after 36 months in physically active ones. The findings of this study reinforce the importance of PA throughout childhood and adolescence to improve CRF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in Children's Health: Management for Leisure, Recreation and Sports)

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14 pages, 879 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Adolescent Physical Activity Levels and Their Relationship with Body Image and Nutritional Habits

by David Manzano-Sánchez, María Victoria Palop-Montoro, Milagros Arteaga-Checa and Alfonso Valero-Valenzuela

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 3064; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19053064 - 05 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2782

Abstract

The main objective of this research article was to make a cluster analysis in Compulsory Secondary Education students with regard to their physical activity levels, their relationship with nutritional habits and body perception. In this study, a total of 1089 students participated, to whom a battery of tests was given in order to assess three aspects: levels of physical activity, food consumption habits and perception of body image. The main results indicated that the adolescent sample presented high levels of physical activity in comparison with other studies. In addition, a profile analysis was carried out, showing that there were no differences in physical activity, in nutritional habits or in body-image index. Taking into account gender, women who practice light physical activity had better nutritional habits. On the other hand, boys dominated in the group of moderate-to-high physical activity, while the girls were mainly included in the profile of low physical activity. Finally, body-image index was greater in men than women. It was concluded that is necessary to promote the importance of adequate nutritional habits in addition to physical activity, and it is necessary to promote body image, particularly among adolescent girls, given their low values of physical activity and worse body-image perception in relation to boys. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in Children's Health: Management for Leisure, Recreation and Sports)

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12 pages, 358 KiB

Open AccessArticle

‘Ref! Could You Help Me?’—Building a Positive Climate by Referees during Floorball Competitions in Youth Sport

by Wiesław Firek, Katarzyna Płoszaj, Paweł Gąsior and Ewa Malchrowicz-Mośko

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(2), 979; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19020979 - 16 Jan 2022

Viewed by 1696

Abstract

In creating a positive climate in sport for children and youth, the role of adults is of key importance as their behavior and attitudes determine the experiences and multilateral development of young players. Relatively recently, the importance of the referee in creating a supportive sporting environment has begun to be emphasized. This concerns, in particular, team sports in which the referees interact with players many times and influence the course of the game. The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of the referee–players’ interactions during youth floorball matches in terms of building a positive climate and responsiveness to the players’ needs. Another aim of the study was to examine whether the referee’s qualifications and players’ gender affect the quality of their interactions with the players. The study was conducted among 21 referees officiating matches for girls and boys aged 12–18. Naturalistic and structured observation methods were used in the study. The observation was conducted using a wireless intercom that allows listening to verbal messages directed to the players. Furthermore, the referee’s work was recorded using a camera. The results of the statistical tests did not show any significant differences in the assessment of referees between the groups distinguished in terms of the referees’ license and players’ gender in both examined dimensions. The observations showed that the average rating of building a positive climate by referees during a sporting event measured on a seven-point scale was ‘poor’ (2.81 pts). The referees were assessed significantly higher on the second dimension (responsiveness to the players’ needs), although an overall rating of 3.81 pts means a medium level of interaction quality. The results indicate areas in which referees can improve. They lead to the following conclusions: (i) the contents of training for floorball referees should include problems of pedagogy and developmental psychology; (ii) referees should be equipped with appropriate competencies for building a positive climate during matches and monitoring the players’ needs; (iii) referees appointed to officiate children and youth games should be characterized by appropriate predispositions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in Children's Health: Management for Leisure, Recreation and Sports)

12 pages, 661 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anthropometric Characterization and Physical Performance by Age and Biological Maturation in Young Tennis Players

by Pablo Luna-Villouta, Marcelo Paredes-Arias, Carol Flores-Rivera, Claudio Hernández-Mosqueira, Ricardo Souza de Carvalho, César Faúndez-Casanova, Jaime Vásquez-Gómez and Rodrigo Vargas-Vitoria

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(20), 10893; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182010893 - 17 Oct 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2728

Abstract

The objective was to analyze anthropometric and physical performance variables as a function of chronological age and biological maturity in young Chilean tennis players. The study was observational, cross-sectional, with descriptive and analytical characteristics. Eighty-seven tennis players were evaluated (58 men 15.1 ± 0.8 years and 29 women, 15.3 ± 0.8 years). The measured anthropometric variables were a sprint test of 20m; a modified agility test; a sit-and-reach test and shoulder flexibility; manual grip strength; horizontal jump in feet; a medicine ball throw; a countermovement vertical jump; an abalakov vertical jump and a 20-m shuttle-run test. The growth velocity acceleration peak (APHV), skeletal muscle mass and fat mass were calculated, R² and standard error of estimate (SEE) were examined. The results show that chronological age explained the anthropometric variables between 1 and 23% in men and 1 and 29% in women; by biological age, variables were explained between 3 and 53% in men and 2 and 42% in women. Of the physical performance variables, chronological age described between 2 and 24% of them in men and 1 and 29% in women; the same were explained by biological age between 1 and 19% in men and 1 and 26% in women. We conclude that anthropometric variables showed a better relationship with biological age, except for volume of fat tissue, while physical performance variables showed low association with both biological and chronological age. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in Children's Health: Management for Leisure, Recreation and Sports)

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15 pages, 566 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Consolidation, Stages of Change, and Loyalty among Users of Public Sports and Health Services Aged 12–16

by Antonio Fernández-Martínez, Luis Alberto Dueñas-Dorado, María Rosario Teva-Villén and Alberto Nuviala

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10113; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910113 - 26 Sep 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2403

Abstract

There are two main lines of inquiry in the literature on adherence and/or loyalty to the practice of physical activity and to health services: one focuses on the impact of perceived quality of sports and health services and satisfaction with these services on user loyalty, while the other concludes that users with more self-determined motivation at more advanced stages of physical activity display higher levels of physical activity and greater intentions to continue this activity. The objective of this study is to ascertain the impact of different dimensions of sports service quality on satisfaction and loyalty among users aged 12 to 16 years old and to identify any differences between adolescent users at more and less consolidated stages of physical activity. A total of 1717 minors with a mean age of 13.83 ± 1.32 years who practise organised physical activity at public sports centres in Nuevo León (Mexico), 51.5% of whom were boys, participated in the study. The model of structural equations linking quality, satisfaction, and loyalty displayed adequate indices. The results showed that the staff, specific activity, and user satisfaction are predictors of loyalty. Significant differences were only found between minors at consolidated and non-consolidated stages of physical activity in the relationship between service personnel and loyalty. In conclusion, human resources and their deployment are predictive of loyalty towards sports and health services among adolescents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in Children's Health: Management for Leisure, Recreation and Sports)

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13 pages, 966 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of the Coach’s Autonomy Support and Controlling Behaviours on Motivation and Sport Commitment of Youth Soccer Players

by Javier Sevil-Serrano, Ángel Abós, Sergio Diloy-Peña, Pedro L. Egea and Luis García-González

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(16), 8699; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168699 - 17 Aug 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3624

Abstract

The coach is one of the most influential agents in the sport commitment of youth players. Grounded in self-determination theory (SDT), numerous studies have examined the influence of the coach’s autonomy-supportive behaviours on athletes’ motivation. However, fewer studies have examined the influence of the coach’s controlling behaviours. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to analyse the influence of young soccer players’ perception of their coach’s autonomy-supportive and controlling behaviours on the satisfaction and frustration of their basic psychological needs (BPN) and sport commitment. A total of 203 soccer players (86% boys), aged 10–19 years (M = 14.88; SD = 1.54) participated. Coach autonomy support positively predicted BPN satisfaction which, in turn, positively explained sport commitment. Coach intimidation behaviours positively predicted BPN frustration, which, in turn, negatively explained sport commitment. In cross-relationships, autonomy support negatively explained BPN frustration, while intimidation behaviours and the controlling use of rewards negatively predicted BPN satisfaction. To conclude, these results suggest that it is important for the coach not only to support autonomy, but also to avoid the use of controlling behaviours, especially intimidation and controlling use of rewards, because of their influence on the motivational processes and sport commitment of youth soccer players. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in Children's Health: Management for Leisure, Recreation and Sports)

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13 pages, 1091 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of the Tertile of Birth on Anthropometric Variables, Anaerobic Parameters and Quantitative Muscle Ultrasound in School Children

by Juan Carlos Giraldo García and Elena Hernández-Hernández

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 7083; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18137083 - 02 Jul 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1787

Abstract

The relative age effect (RAE) has been studied and demonstrated in the literature. Our study evaluated the influence of birth tertile on anthropometric variables, anaerobic parameters, and quantitative muscle ultrasound in school children. A transversal, comparative, non-randomized study was conducted with 159 participants (9.36 ± 0.84 years) recruited by purposive sampling, of whom 70 were girls (9.50 ± 0.77 years) and 89 were boys (9.25 ± 0.88 years). The sample was divided into groups based on the year of birth, and each group was divided into tertiles. The anthropometric parameters of body weight, height, and fat percentage were measured, and then a right quadriceps ultrasound was performed, followed by the evaluation of CMJ and continuous jumps. Comparison of tertile subgroups showed significant differences in the vertical jump, in girls (CMJ, PCMJ, PCMJR, PCMJDE, PCMJDER, and PP15) and in boys (PCMJ, PCMJR, PCMJDE, and PP15). The results indicate that being born in the first months of the year may have a positive influence on performance in anaerobic tests, such as vertical jump, and on the quantitative ultrasound results of the quadriceps. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in Children's Health: Management for Leisure, Recreation and Sports)

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Review

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14 pages, 2332 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nutrition, Physical Activity, and New Technology Programs on Obesity Prevention in Primary Education: A Systematic Review

by Lorenzo Navidad, Rosario Padial-Ruz and Mar Cepero González

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10187; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910187 - 28 Sep 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4009

Abstract

Early acquisition of healthy lifestyle habits is crucial for good adult health. For this reason, the primary stage of education is a critical period to implement educational policies in this regard. The aim of this review is to compile the published evidence regarding school interventions at the primary stage aimed at preventing obesity, and which integrate as part of their action plan two features: an improvement in knowledge or nutrition habits and the promotion of physical activity (PA), and the use of new information and communications technologies (ICT) to do this. The method used for this review is the searching of different databases for publications that include these criteria. The results show beneficial effects of such interventions in improved eating habits and increased PA. The effect on BMI is limited, and the use of ICT can be of help at a motivational level for the maintenance and fulfilment of the health objectives. However, studies of this type in elementary school are very limited, so it would be necessary to continue researching on this line. In conclusion, this review demonstrates the suitability of carrying out mixed interventions (improved nutrition and PA) together with the use of new technologies to improve health and prevent obesity at an early age. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in Children's Health: Management for Leisure, Recreation and Sports)

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16 pages, 569 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Psychological Wellbeing in Physical Education and School Sports: A Systematic Review

by Javier Piñeiro-Cossio, Antonio Fernández-Martínez, Alberto Nuviala and Raquel Pérez-Ordás

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(3), 864; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18030864 - 20 Jan 2021

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 11118

Abstract

Mental health in children and adolescents has become an increasingly important topic in recent years. It is against this backdrop that physical education and school sports play an important role in promoting psychological wellbeing. The aim of this review was to analyse interventions for improving psychological wellbeing in this area. To this end, a literature review was conducted using four databases (WOS, SPORTDiscus, SCOPUS and ERIC) and the following keywords: psychological wellbeing, physical education, and school sports. Twenty-one articles met the inclusion criteria. The results showed that interventions varied greatly in terms of duration and used a wide range of strategies (conventional and non-conventional sports, physical activity, games, etc.) for promoting psychological wellbeing, primarily among secondary school students. There was a lack of consensus as to the conceptualisation of the construct of psychological wellbeing, resulting in a variety of tools and methods for assessing it. Some studies also suggested a link between psychological wellbeing and other variables, such as basic psychological needs and self-determination. Finally, this study provides a definition of psychological wellbeing through physical activity based on our findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in Children's Health: Management for Leisure, Recreation and Sports)

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