FunDoRoo for You: the Use of a Mobile Application to Facilitate Physical Education

Many grade teachers are not formally trained to teach physical education (PE), yet they provide PE for their courses and may struggle to lesson plan. Using a mobile application with a built-in PE curriculum may give teachers access to information on games and exercises organization to help them facilitate PE. PURPOSE: This study evaluated the use of the game-based FunDoRoo™© mobile application as a facilitator for teachers to plan and deliver PE sessions. METHODS: Participants included 8 K-8 grade teachers (5 females, 3 males; 5 Latino, 3 Caucasian) in Temple City, CA. Teacher’s experience ranged from 4 to 31 years. All teachers provided one planned hour of PE per week; 6 followed a structured program and none used a mobile application for PE. Teachers participated in a 4-week intervention using the application for their PE classes once a week. Teachers submitted lesson plans and surveys once a week.Teachers completed a post-intervention survey on their experience with FunDoRoo™©. RESULTS: One teacher was extremely uncomfortable, but others were comfortable using technology. Teachers submitted lesson plans and completed surveys, week 1 (n=8), week 2 (n=8), week 3 (n=8), and week 4 (n=3). The application was used by teachers in week 1 (n=2), week 2 (n=7), week 3 (n=7), and week 4 (n=3). The application was used in the following ways: week 1, premade lesson plans (n=2), and customized lesson plans (n=1).; week 2, premade lesson plans (n=1), and customized lesson plans (n=3); previewed lesson plans (n=4) week 3, premade lesson plans (n=5), and customized lesson plans (n=7); week 4, premade lesson plans [n=1], and customized lesson plans (n=3). Teachers choose these aspects of the application as helpful: premade lesson plans (n=6), activity illustrations (n=4), customizable lesson plans [n=3] and resources and tools [n=1]. Teachers indicated the activity videos (n=8) were most helpful and that they would continue to use FunDoRoo™© after the study. CONCLUSION: Over time, teachers increased their use of the mobile application, perhaps as they became familiar with its features. The application was used as expected (60%). Teachers found multiple features as helpful, suggesting its potential use for PE. Future studies should include a larger sample size and longer time frame

The Relationship Between Catecholamines and Lactate Concentration in Response to Exercise in Adolescents with Obesity

Epinephrine is a catabolic hormone that increases metabolism through glycolysis and glycogenolysis. During exercise, accelerated glycogen and glucose breakdown is associated with increased lactate production. Previous studies show obesity (OB) decreases the epinephrine response during exercise potentially affecting glucose metabolism and lactate production. PURPOSE: To compare the epinephrine and lactate responses in adolescents with OB and adolescents with normal weight (NW) and to determine if changes in epinephrine and lactate concentrations are associated. METHODS: 12 adolescents with OB (9.2 ± 1.2 y, 39.9 ± 6.8% body fat) and 12 adolescents with NW (17.5 ± 4.6% body fat) completed an intermittent cycling protocol (ten 2-min bouts with 1-min rest in between). Blood samples were obtained at rest pre-exercise (PRE) and immediately post-exercise (IP) and blood was measured for epinephrine and lactate using enzyme-linked and colorimetric assays. RESULTS: There was a blunted epinephrine response in adolescents with OB when compared to adolescents with NW (OB= 36.77 ± 4.65 vs 58.30 ± 35.87 pg/mL, p= 0.507; NW= 40.69 ± 4.65 vs. 147.23 ± 35.87 pg/mL, p= 0.003). Lactate increased in both groups (1.72 ± 0.42 vs. 4.14 ± 1.69 mmol/L, p\u3c0.001). Percent change of epinephrine was lower in adolescents with OB vs. those with NW (57.3 ± 10.6 vs. 204.8 ± 56.7 %, p=0.014). There was a trend towards statistically significance in a lower percent change for lactate in adolescents with OB vs. those with NW (112.3 ± 10.5 vs. 183.5 ± 42.7 %, p=0.066). Adolescents with OB showed no association between the change in epinephrine and the change in lactate. CONCLUSION: Increased epinephrine increases glycogenolysis and glycolytic rate, which produces more lactate as a biproduct of anaerobic metabolism. Because adolescents with obesity still had an increase in lactate with a blunted epinephrine response, there is likely another mechanism contributing to the increase in lactate

Development and Pilot Testing of Active Kids: A Park-Based Afterschool Physical Activity Program for Hispanic Youth

Purpose: Physical activity (PA) in children is associated with decreased obesity and risk for preventable diseases. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of a twice weekly, 15-week gamesbased afterschool PA intervention at a local park for Hispanic youth. Methods: Pedometers and heart rate (HR) monitors were used to assess PA duration and intensity. Pre- and posttest measures of body mass, waist circumference, skinfolds, cardiovascular fitness, and blood pressure were compared on 18 participants (11 girls, 7 boys, ages 8-11, 45% overweight) who attended the program at least 65% of the sessions. Results: The program provided a mean of 29 minutes of PA of moderate to vigorous intensity (HR > 130 beats/min) each session, averaging 2,043 - 3,370 steps per session. Participants displayed significantly improved cardiovascular fitness pretest to posttest. Over time, body mass index and body mass increased significantly; however, the proportion of overweight youth did not change. There were no significant changes in skinfold thickness, waist circumference, or blood pressure. Conclusion: A community PA intervention with a games-based curriculum meeting twice weekly has the potential to improve cardiovascular fitness, providing benefits of PA consistent with public health recommendations

The Relationship between Postural Control and Motor Proficiency in Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome and with Obesity

Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare neurodevelopmental genetic disorder that can lead to obesity. Children with PWS exhibit poor motor skills and poor postural control. Postural control is defined as the ability to regulate sensory information to maintain a controlled, upright posture. Underdeveloped vestibular and proprioceptive systems, shown in PWS, may interfere with maintaining posture and performing fundamental skills that require effective sensorimotor integration. Obesity (OB) can also be negative to postural control and motor skill development. PURPOSE: This study determined the relationship between postural control and motor proficiency in children with PWS and those with OB but without PWS. METHODS: Participants were 18 children with PWS (male=10, female=8; 9.9 ± 1.1 years old) and 51 children with OB (male= 25, female= 26; 9.11 ± 1.13 years old). Postural control was determined through the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and motor proficiency was determined using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Second Edition (BOT2). Three subtests from the BOT2 were used for the analysis (bilateral coordination, balance and running speed & agility) as it was speculated performance in these skills is related to postural control. Independent T-tests were used to compare postural control and motor proficiency between the groups. Pearson product correlations evaluated the associations between postural control and motor proficiency skills with a pRESULTS: Children with PWS showed lower postural control, bilateral coordination, static balance and running speed & agility than those with OB (p\u3c .001 for all). In children with PWS postural control was positively associated with bilateral coordination (r=.704), static balance (r=.665), and running speed and agility (r=.633). In those with OB postural control was associated only with running speed & agility (r=.305). CONCLUSION: In PWS postural control was positively associated with better performance in motor skills requiring static and or dynamic balance. In children with OB but without diagnosed neurodevelopmental issues only a weak association was shown. In PWS, targeting sensory motor integration skills affecting postural control may improve overall motor proficiency in this population

Physical Activity Among Newly Immigrated Latino Adults

Latinos are disproportionately represented among overweight, obese, and unfit adults, putting them at higher risk for compromised health. This study examined weight status and usage of an aerobics program established within a residential complex among a sample of low-income, recently immigrated Latino adults (94 women/53 men). Results demonstrated that most participants were overweight or obese (79%) and physically inactive (59.1%). Results also indicated that while walking was the most common type of physical activity for both men and women, there are significant gender differences in other types of physical activities, in that housework was a more prevalent type of activity for women than men and yard work is a more prevalent activity for men. Furthermore, more women reported going to the exercise class than men while men reported to be more engaged in sports. The finding of this study provided valuable insights on the risk perception of being overweight and its connection to health, as well as useful information about the barriers to the physical activity and preferences for specific physical activities for this population

Implementation of a pilot parent-focused physical activity program with Latino families in a Head Start program

Introduction and Background. Physical activity (PA), even at young age, is associated with physical and psychological health. This study determined the feasibility of implementing a parent-led PA intervention and evaluated potential outcomes. Methods. Parent-child pairs from a Head Start center were randomized into intervention (N=20) and control (N=18) groups. All families received a bag of play equipment. Parents completed questionnaires assessing their own and their children’s PA, as well as self-efficacy, social control (SC), and social support (SS) regarding their provision of PA to their children. Parents in the intervention were trained in self-regulatory skills, facilitation of PA, and attended two playdates. Parents rated the playdates, activity sheet and equipment on a 5-point Likert scale. Results. Parents rated the playdates (M=4.9, SD=0.3), the activity sheet (M=4.7, SD=0.7) and the equipment bag (M=5, SD=0.0) highly. Child’s PA, parent’s moderate-to-vigorous PA, total PA, parental efficacy, SC, and SS showed no significant intervention effects. Overall, child and parent PA increased significantly over time (p=.02 for both). Conclusions. The intervention was positively received, with 90% completion rate and high ratings of the intervention materials. Longer interventions with more contact may be needed to influence potential outcomes

Polyaminergic agents modulate the reconsolidation of conditioned fear

AbstractWhen consolidated memories are reactivated, they become labile and, to persist, must undergo a new stabilization process called reconsolidation. During reactivation, memory is susceptible to pharmacological interventions that may improve or impair it. Spermidine (SPD) is an endogenous polyamine that physiologically modulates the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in mammals by binding on the polyamine-binding site at the NMDA receptor. While polyamine agonists and antagonists of the polyamine binding site on the NMDA receptor respectively improve and impair early consolidation, it has not been defined whether these agents alter memory reconsolidation. Male Wistar rats were trained in a fear conditioning apparatus using a 0.4mA footshock as unconditioned stimulus. Twenty four hours after training, animals were re-exposed to the apparatus in the absence of shock (reactivation session). Immediately after the reactivation session, SPD (1–30mg/kg, i.p.) or the antagonist of the polyamine-binding site at the NMDA receptor, arcaine (0.1–10mg/kg, i.p.), were injected, and the animals were tested in the same apparatus 24h later. Freezing scores at testing were considered a measure of memory. While SPD (3 and 10mg/kg) improved, arcaine (1 and 10mg/kg) impaired memory reconsolidation. These drugs had no effect on memory if they were administered in the absence of reactivation, or 6h after reactivation session. Arcaine (0.1mg/kg, i.p.) prevented SPD (3mg/kg)-induced improvement of memory reconsolidation. Accordingly, SPD (1mg/kg) prevented arcaine (10mg/kg)-induced impairment of memory reconsolidation. The amnesic effect of arcaine was not reversed by arcaine administration prior to test, ruling out state dependence in this effect. These results suggest that systemic administration of polyamine binding site ligands modulate memory reconsolidation

Physical Activity in Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome: A Parents’ Perspective

Background. Physical activity (PA) is vital for the management of weight among those with Prader Willi Syndrome (PWS). However, little is known about characteristics of PA in individuals with PWS. Objective/Hypothesis. To assess from the parent’s perspective, PA levels among individuals with PWS, their preferences for specific activities, and perceived benefits, barriers, and resources needed to participate in PA. Methods. Participants were 90 parents and caregivers of a child with PWS, predominantly in California. Survey questions included their child’s participation in different PAs, perceived benefits and barriers to enrolling their child in a PA program, and perceived needs to facilitate their child being physically active. Results. Walking was the predominant PA, representing 66% of the activity time across all age groups. Children 10-17 years old engaged in more moderate intensity PA per week than children 5-10 years old. Children 5-10 years old engaged in more vigorous PA than those 18+ years old. Parents reported that they would be encouraged to enroll their child in a PA program if it would improve their children’s motor skills and balance (78.2%) as well as stamina and strength (74.4%). Time commitment and travel were most common barriers. Less financial constraints (70.1%) and having more time (54.7%) were listed as needs. Conclusions. Similar to individuals without PWS, vigorous PA declines with age. It is recommended that caregivers and health care providers emphasize the role of vigorous and bone-strengthening PA as children with PWS approach adolescence

Weight Stigmatization Among Hispanic American Children

This study was designed to examine weight stigmatization among Hispanic American children. Fifty-five fifth grade students from a large, urban school district in Southern California were asked to rank six samesex drawings of children with various physical characteristics (related to weight or disability) in order of friend preference (1 = the most preferred, and 6 = the least preferred friend). Positive and negative adjectives were then assigned to the average-weight and obese drawings using the Adjective Checklist (ACL). The majority of the participants (60%) chose the average-weight child as the most preferred and 46% identified the obese child as the least preferred friend. In addition, the average-weight child was assigned more positive and fewer negative adjectives compared to the obese child. Significant differences in ACL composite scores between normal weight and overweight drawings were also found (p = 0.00). It appears that weight stigmatization is present in the current sample, which suggests that Hispanic children living in the U.S. may adopt negative attitudes about weight that are similar to American culture

At Home Progressive Resistance Training for Adults with Down Syndrome - Study Materials Development

Down syndrome (DS) presents secondary characteristics including hypotonia, obesity and poor physical fitness that increase barriers to participation in physical activity. PURPOSE: This project developed tailored exercise videos for adults with DS with the aim of reducing the barrier of access to physical activity. METHODS: In a 2020 pilot study, adults with DS (n=5) consented to a 4-week at home intervention following three separate pre-recorded exercise videos (a warm-up video, an exercise routine video to be replayed 2-3 times, and a cool-down video) hosted online, (n=2) dropped before baseline testing. Videos contained a progressive resistance training (PRT) routine demonstrated by a person with neurotypical development. RESULTS: Participants (n=3) showed variable upper body (modified push-ups: 7-22 reps) and lower body (30 seconds sit-to-stand: 8-11 reps) muscular strength at baseline. Three participants completed the intervention with 100% indicating the need for continuous flowing videos. Based on these results a 10-week PRT program for adults with DS was developed, with volume increasing every 2 weeks following linear periodization. The program contained 30 instructional videos (15 beginner & 15 intermediate). Each 2-week interval included three videos for each week. Videos were 1-hour-to-1.3 hours long and consisted of a warm-up (~10 min), a main exercise routine (~40-50 min), and a cool-down (~10 min). The warm-up included a brief aerobic component and full body muscle priming. Exercise routines depicted 2-3 sets of 7-8 exercises with 6-14 repetitions targeting all major muscle groups using body weight and a backpack for load. The cool down had static stretching. Demonstrations, scripted verbal and breathing cues were provided for all exercises. Regressions were provided for difficult exercises. Exercises went from large to small muscle groups and spaced by one minute of rest time. Males and females, neurotypical and with DS were demonstrators in each video. CONCLUSION: Pilot study results informed future study PRT workload, the need for beginner and intermediate levels, and continuous flowing videos. Access to tailored exercises for adults with DS can be potentially increased by an on-line PRT program. Future studies should evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of this intervention strategy