UPPER BODY SEGMENT LENGTHS AS A PROPORTION OF HEIGHT IN CHILDREN

Most research studies in biomechanics directly measure body segment lengths via anthropometry or digitization of joint markers. There are circumstances in which estimating segment lengths in relation to height is desirable, such as in biomechanical modelling or in the classroom. One commonly used model for this purpose is that by Drillis and Contini (1966; cited in Winter, 2005). One problem with this model is that the initial data was derived from adults, and thus has potentially limited applicability to the study of biomechanics in children. The purpose of the present study was to compare actual selected upper body segment lengths measured via anthropometry to those predicted by Drillis and Contini and also to derive regression equations for those segment lengths based on height and age (separately for males and females)

Rapid toxicity testing based on yeast respiratory activity

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/47991/1/128_2005_Article_BF01701786.pd

Expert recommendations for the design of a children’s movement competence assessment tool for use by primary school teachers

A child’s early school years provide a crucial platform for them to develop fundamental movement skills (FMS), yet it has been acknowledged that there is a shortage of suitable FMS assessment tools for teachers to use within schools. To begin to address this shortfall, the purpose of this study was to elicit expert recommendations for the design of a FMS assessment tool for use by primary school teachers. A multi-phase research design was used, involving two scenario-guided focus groups with movement experts (n = 8; five academics and three practitioners). Data captured in both focus groups were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Three dichotomous dilemmas emerged from the data in relation to assessing children’s movement competence: (a) Why? For research purposes or to enhance teaching and learning?; (b) How? Should the assessment setting be engineered or natural?; and (c) What? Should the detail of the assessment be complex or simple and should the nature of the tasks be static or dynamic? These findings suggest that any future development of movement competence assessment protocols for use by primary school teachers needs to consider the specific purpose and context of the assessment

Rapid toxicity testing based on mitochondrial respiratory activity

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/47992/1/128_2005_Article_BF01701787.pd

Tracking of Physical Fitness Components from Childhood to Adolescence: A Longitudinal Study

Childhood physical fitness relative to adult health outcomes coupled with scant longitudinal research indicates that tracking of fitness components throughout childhood/adolescence is imperative. The study examined the stability/tracking of 9 measures of fitness for boys and girls at 5 points throughout childhood/adolescence. Tracking coefficients between individual fitness measures at various age comparisons were calculated. Using a sample with recorded data at 4 time-points, tertiles (high, moderate, low) were calculated for each fitness measure for boys and girls. Stability of fitness measures was calculated. Boys outperformed girls on fitness measures at most time points. Significantly low to moderately high tracking coefficients for each fitness measure at all time points for boys (r = .21-.79) and girls (r = .23-.89) were found. Tertile ratings remained stable across the 4 time-points. Findings highlight the importance of developing healthy fitness behaviors early in life and the significance of intervention during adolescence in low-fit youth