Fitness, fatness, and academic attainment in male schoolchildren from a soccer academy

This investigation explored the association between anthropometric measures, fitness, and academic attainment (mathematics and science grade point average [GPA]) in male schoolchildren from a soccer academy. Thirty-one males (age: 10.3 ± 1.19 years; body mass: 41.7 ± 6.5 kg; height: 1.43 ± 0.07 m; body mass index (BMI): 20.2 ± 2.8 kg/m(2)) participated. Body mass, body fat percentage (%BF), and BMI were used as measures of anthropometry. The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (level 1), squat and counter-movement jumps (SJ and CMJ), static balance, 10 and 15 m sprint, and a T-half test for change-of-direction (CoD) performance were used to measure fitness parameters. The GPA of mathematics and science determined academic attainment. All physical performance tests showed excellent relative reliability. ICC was between 0.87 (10 m sprint) and 1.00 (15 m sprint, CMJ). Regarding correlations between fatness and academic attainment, we found three correlations of practical value (r > 0.5), but only for mathematics (BMI: r = 0.540, subscapular skinfold: r = 0.589, body fat: r = 0.560). Mathematics was relevantly correlated with 15 m sprint (r = 0.574) and Yo-Yo IR1 test (r = 0.770). Only static balance (r = 0.428) did not reach the relevance criteria (r > 0.5). Science only showed large correlations with static balance (r = 0.620) and Yo-Yo IR1 test (r = 0.730). In conclusion, fatness and fitness are related to academic attainment in schoolchildren. In addition, except for static balance, all physical performance parameters were relevantly (r > 0.5) correlated with mathematics

Differences in health-related physical fitness and academic school performance in male middle school students in Qatar:a preliminary study

This study examined the differences in the level of physical fitness and academic performance among male middle-school children based on different body status categories. A total of 69 male children [age: 12.4 ± 0.7 years; body mass: 58.5 ± 7.2 kg; height: 1.62 ± 0.09 m; and body mass index (BMI): 22.4 ± 3.3 kg/m 2 ] participated and were divided into BMI age-adjusted groups (i.e., lowest, middle, and highest BMI). Height, mass, BMI, stork test of static balance, 10 and 15 m sprint as an indicator for speed, hand-grip strength test, agility T-half test, medicine ball throw (MBT), and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) were assessed. School records were retrieved for grade point averages (GPA) of mathematics, science, and Arabic. We found significant group differences regarding anthropometric (height: η p 2 = 0.24, mass: η p 2 = 0.33, and BMI: η p 2 = 0.66), physical (sprint 10 m: η p 2 = 0.26), and academic (mathematics: η p 2 = 0.19 and science: η p 2 = 0.15) performance parameters. The largest difference (p 0.5) correlation between parameters of different dimensions (e.g., anthropometric vs. physical performance parameters) was found. In conclusion, the highest BMI group exhibited similar physical and academic performances than the lowest group. Thus, these data emphasize the importance and appropriateness to engage young Qatari schoolchildren in physical activity as it associates with superior academic performance

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Physical Activity Profile and Glycemic Control Among Qatari Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: Effect of Vaccination Status

Objective: To investigate the impact of COVID-19, as an influent barrier on physical activity (PA) patterns and glycemic control in Qatari adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D). As the COVID-19 vaccine may have a potential impact on an individual's lifestyle, we also considered this parameter. Methods: Physical activity level, the exercise barriers (BAPAD1), anthropometric characteristics, the method of insulin administration, and the last glycated hemoglobin in % were completed by 102 Qatari adults with T1D. Moreover, all patients were asked whether they had “been vaccinated” or had a “fear of being infected by COVID-19”. Results: For the unvaccinated group, weight, BMI and HbA1c (%) were significantly higher than those of vaccinated group (p < 0.01) and engaged in less moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) (p < 0.01) per week and had less time in vigorous PA (VPA) (p < 0.01). A significant association between VPA levels and BMI (β = −0.36, p = 0.02) and HbA1C (%) (β = −0.22; p = 0.03) was reported, and “being vaccinated” was significantly associated with MVPA (β = 0.15; p = 0.021) and VPA (β = 0.28; p = 0.032). A higher “Fear of being infected by COVID-19” score was negatively correlated with reduced PA profiles (R2 = −0.71 for MVPA; R2 = −0.69 for VPA, p < 0.01, respectively). Conclusion: Practicing VPA during the COVID-19 pandemic confer many health benefits for Qatari individual with T1D. As the “Fear of being affected by COVID-19” appeared as a potential barrier to PA practices this latter e.g. PA, could likely not be achieved without the participants being vaccinated

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AGILITY T-TEST AND PHYSICAL FITNESS MEASURES AS INDICATORS OF PERFORMANCE IN ELITE ADOLESCENT HANDBALL PLAYERS

The purpose of this research was to determine the relationships between performance of agility T-test and selected physical fitness measures as indicators of performance in elite adolescent handball players. These measures included, explosive power of the lower limbs (PPLL) force-velocity test, jumping, sprinting abilities (velocities of the first step VS and the first 5 m V5). Performance of agility T-test was closely related to with the force-velocity test to PPLL. Significant relationships were observed between total time of agility T-test and (SJ) and (CMJ). Agility T-test is also positively related to (VS) and (V5). In conclusion, the agility T-test is much correlated with the majority of specific qualities determining the activity of handball, and could be used to evaluate the familiar potential athletic performances in adolescent handball players

Physical education and gender differences in physical activity, sedentary behavior related to academic success of science-related courses for children in the State of Qatar

Background: This cross-sectional study examined gender differences in physical activity (PA), body mass index, sedentary behavior (SB), and academic performance (AP) in school-aged children in Qatar. Methods: Fifty-two schoolchildren (age: 11.9 ± 0.6 years) were assigned to gender-adjusted groups (female; n = 29). AP was calculated using the grade point averages (GPA) in Mathematics, Science, and Arabic. Additionally, the Short Form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was utilized. Results: Four parameters (peak height velocity [PHV], science, Arabic, vigorous PA) showed relevant gender effects (p &lt; 0.05 and ηp2 &gt; 0.10). The largest gender effect was calculated for PHV (p &lt; 0.001, ηp2 = 0.45). PHV was markedly higher for males (1.65 ± 0.90) than for females (0.36 ± 0.37). Females showed a higher performance level in science (82.9 ± 8.61 vs. 77.0 ± 8.76) and Arabic (80.9 ± 8.25 vs. 73.0 ± 8.22). A significant gender difference (p = 0.002, ηp2 = 0.18) was evident for vigorous MET-minutes/week (males: 1318 ± 932 vs. females: 646 ± 525). In conclusion, males exhibited the greatest amount of moderate and vigorous PA. Females spent the greatest time sitting. Arabic was different by gender, and science AP was dependent upon gender. Conclusions: These data suggest subjects in middle school are sensitive to gender, but not necessarily influenced by PA or SB at this age. Encouraging a school-based program and an after-school health club characterized by gender sensitive strategies consisting of a health class and physical education curriculum support the unique needs, interests of academic performance, and motor skills to improving health related fitness for girls compared to boys

Physical Fitness and Academic Performance in Normal Weight, Overweight, and Obese Schoolchildren in Qatar: A Pilot Study for Physical Education Perspective

Childhood obesity and loss of physical fitness are rising problems internationally. Although research concerning mitigation strategies has been enforced, empirical results until now fail to address problems and needs of the Gulf region, which has unique geographical and cultural features. Therefore, this study investigated academic performance and physical fitness in normal, overweight, and obese child handball athletes in Qatar. Measurements included anthropometric data (BMI and body fat percentage (%BF)), and physical performance tests: agility T-half test; squat jump (SJ), and countermovement jump (CMJ), 10 and 15 m sprint; medicine ball throw. Aerobic capacity was evaluated using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1. Academic achievement was assessed through school records of grades point average (GPA) of Mathematics, Science and Arabic. With the exception of medicine ball throw (obese: 4.08 ± 1.05 m) and sprinting parameters (overweight: 10 m: 2.43 ± 0.35 s, 15 m: 3.60 ± 0.46 s), athletes from the normal weight group showed the highest performance level in all parameters. Between group differences existed for the T-Half Test (p = 0.035, ηp2 = 0.190), CMJ (p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.363) and SJ (p = 0.007, ηp2 = 0.269). For CMJ and SJ, the comparison between overweight and normal weight also yielded a difference (CMJ: p = 0.005; SJ: p = 0.009). The academic parameters generated the largest difference between groups for science (p = 0.057; ηp2 = 0.164). For all parameters studied, the normal weight group had the highest performance level. In contrast, the overweight group showed the lowest level of academic performance. These findings suggest being overweight or obese are related to science academic performance among schoolchildren in Qatar. Physical education teachers should be cognizant that health promotion interventions improving composition may have the additional potential to improve dimensions of academic performance

The associations between physical performance and anthropometric characteristics in obese and non-obese schoolchild handball players

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Effect of coronavirus-19 restrictions in male handball players:physical activity, sedentary behavior, and satisfaction with life

This experiment examined physical activity (PA), sitting time, and satisfaction with life (SL) in European (45%) and Middle Eastern and North African (MENA; 55%) handball players (n = 418; age: 25.6 &plusmn; 6.8 years; body mass: 88.1 &plusmn; 11.7 kg; height: 1.83 &plusmn; 0.08 m) during the coronavirus (COVID)-19 pandemic. The International Physical Activity (IPAQ) and Satisfaction of Life (LS) Questionnaires were administered. All PA variables (vigorous, moderate, walking, total PA) were negatively influenced, but no interaction effects (IE; region x time) were observed. Sitting time increased from 2.5 to 4.9 h&#8729;weekday&minus;1 (&eta;p2 = 0.80) and walking time decreased from 66.8 to 33.5 min&#8729;day&minus;1 (&eta;p2 = 0.83). Based on effect sizes (d), pre- to during-confinement reductions were similar between regions (MENA: d = 3.29; Europe: d = 3.41; IE: &eta;p2 = 0.01). The largest regional difference was in moderate PA (MENA: d = 1.88; Europe: d = 2.99; IE: &eta;p2 = 0.09). SL in the total sample reduced from 30.6 &plusmn; 2.02 to 13.9 &plusmn; 2.20 arbitrary units (AU). SL reduction was similar in both regions (dMENA = 8.44; dEUROPE = 8.06; IE: &eta;p2 = 0.01). To conclude, PA decreased during COVID-19 confinement, sitting time increased, and SL decreased irrespective of geographical region. These preliminary findings highlight risk of SL and physical inactivity during COVID-19 restrictions in 2021