Academic achievement associated with motor performance and sex in different subcultures

Introduction: School and motor performances demonstrates achievements of children throughout childhood. Gender and the child's developmental context interfere with the differentiated trends of intensity and direction of school and motor performance.Objective: To analyze the association among school performance, motor performance, and the sex of children of different subculturesMethod: The study included 233 children aged 7 to 10 years, 127 boys (8.2 ± 0.92 years) and 106 girls (8.4 ± 0.85 years), from three different subcultures (semi-arid, mountainous, and coastal weather) of Northeast Brazil. Data were collected from the School Performance Test and the Test of Gross Motor Development-2. Descriptive statistics, comparisons, and multivariate multiple linear regressions were used for analysis.Results: It was found that school delays were prevalent in boys, and motor delays, specifically in object control skills, were prevalent in girls. Motor performance is positively associated with performance in writing, reading, and arithmetic, but this relationship is specific for each subculture.Conclusions: There was an association among school performance, motor performance, and the sex of children in different Northeastern subcultures, evidencing the influence of subcultures and gender on the children’s performance.Introduction: School and motor performances demonstrates achievements of children throughout childhood. Gender and the child's developmental context interfere with the differentiated trends of intensity and direction of school and motor performance.Objective: To analyze the association among school performance, motor performance, and the sex of children of different subculturesMethod: The study included 233 children aged 7 to 10 years, 127 boys (8.2 ± 0.92 years) and 106 girls (8.4 ± 0.85 years), from three different subcultures (semi-arid, mountainous, and coastal weather) of Northeast Brazil. Data were collected from the School Performance Test and the Test of Gross Motor Development-2. Descriptive statistics, comparisons, and multivariate multiple linear regressions were used for analysis.Results: It was found that school delays were prevalent in boys, and motor delays, specifically in object control skills, were prevalent in girls. Motor performance is positively associated with performance in writing, reading, and arithmetic, but this relationship is specific for each subculture.Conclusions: There was an association among school performance, motor performance, and the sex of children in different Northeastern subcultures, evidencing the influence of subcultures and gender on the children’s performance

Motor development in the hospitalized infant and its biological and environmental characteristics

Introduction: Hospitalization is a risk factor for delayed motor development, due to the lack of adequate stimulation; therefore, it is important to assess child development during hospital admission.Methods: In this study, motor development of previously healthy hospitalized infants was assessed and associated with biological and environmental characteristics, including length of hospital stay and physiotherapeutic treatment. The assessment was made before discharge, with questionnaires and a motor assessment scale.Results: The sample of 32 infants aged from zero to 18 months had an average length of hospital stay of 4.94±2.39 days. 50% of infants were girls (n = 16) and mostly belonged to socioeconomic class C (n = 16). Length of hospital stay explained only 3.3% of motor development variation, showing no significant impact. Infants from lower socioeconomic classes were nearly six times more susceptible to motor delays than those belonging to higher classes (p = 0.05). During hospitalization, 25% of the sample (n = 8) was treated with physiotherapy. All these patients were hospitalized for respiratory dysfunction and presented five times less chance of altered motor development when compared to those who did not undergo physiotherapy.Conclusion: These results should be interpreted with caution, since the type of physiotherapy care provided and infant’s degree of motor impairment were unknown. In this study, length of stay and hospital environment were not significant risk factors when analyzed individually, concluding that the greater the exposure and the amount of associated factors, the more susceptible the infant will be to present motor delays.Keywords: Child development; hospitalization; developmental disabilities Introduction: Hospitalization is a risk factor for delayed motor development, due to the lack of adequate stimulation; therefore, it is important to assess child development during hospital admission. Methods: In this study, motor development of previously healthy hospitalized infants was assessed and associated with biological and environmental characteristics, including length of hospital stay and physiotherapeutic treatment. The assessment was made before discharge, with questionnaires and a motor assessment scale. Results: The sample of 32 infants aged from zero to 18 months had an average length of hospital stay of 4.94 ± 2.39 days. 50% of infants were girls (n = 16) and mostly belonged to socioeconomic class C (n = 16). Length of hospital stay explained only 3.3% of motor development variation, showing no significant impact. Infants from lower socioeconomic classes were nearly six times more susceptible to motor delays than those belonging to higher classes (p = 0.05). During hospitalization, 25% of the sample (n = 8) was treated with physiotherapy. All these patients were hospitalized for respiratory dysfunction and presented five times less chance of altered motor development when compared to those who did not undergo physiotherapy. Conclusion: These results should be interpreted with caution, since the type of physiotherapy care provided and infant’s degree of motor impairment were unknown. In this study, length of stay and hospital environment were not significant risk factors when analyzed individually, concluding that the greater the exposure and the amount of associated factors, the more susceptible the infant will be to present motor delays.Keywords: Child development; hospitalization; developmental disabilities 

The impact of a swimming training season on anthropometrics, maturation, and kinematics in 12-year-old and under age-group swimmers: a network analysis

Understanding fluctuations and associations between swimming performance-related variables provide strategic insights into a swimmer’s preparation program. Through network analysis, we verified the relationships between anthropometrics, maturation, and kinematics changes (1) in 25-m breaststroke (BREAST) and butterfly (FLY) swimming performance, before and after a 47-week swimming training season. Twenty age-group swimmers (n =11 girls: 10.0 ± 1.3 years and n = 9 boys: 10.5 ± 0.9 years) performed a 25-m all-out swim test (T25) in BREAST and FLY techniques, before and after 47 weeks. Three measures of centrality, transformed into a z-score, were generated: betweenness, closeness, and strength. Data were compared (t-test) and effect sizes were identified with Hedges’ g. Large effect sizes were observed for swimming performance improvements in BREAST (32.0 ± 7.5 to 24.5 ± 3.8 s; g = 1.26; 1 = −21.9 %) and FLY (30.3 ± 7.0 to 21.8 ± 3.6 s; g = 1.52; 1 = −26.5 %). Small to moderate effect sizes were observed for anthropometric changes. Moderate effect size was observed for maturity offset changes (−2.0 ± 0.9 to −1.3 ± 1.0; g = 0.73; 1 = 50.9 ± 281 %). Changes in maturity offset, stroke rate (SR), and stroke length for both BREAST and FLY swimming speeds were highlighted by the weight matrix. For betweenness, closeness, and strength, changes in arm span (AS) (BREAST) and stroke length (FLY) were remarkable. The dynamic process of athletic development and the perception of complexity of fluctuations and associations between performance-related variables were underpinned, particularly for simultaneous swimming techniques in age-group swimmers

The subject-environment interplay between runners from different Brazilian macro-regions

PurposeOur purpose was to investigate the interplay between runners and their environment using a network approach.MethodsThis cross-sectional study sampled Brazilian runners of both sexes, from the five macro-regions of the country. An electronic questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding age, sex, training volume, socio-economic level, place of residence, and running pace. Environmental indicators (public illumination, pavement, sidewalk, and green areas) were collected from available public information. Descriptive statistics were presented in mean (SD), and frequency (%). A network analysis was performed to evaluate the association between individual and environmental characteristics. Statistical analyses were performed in the JASP, considering p < 0.05.ResultsAt North and Mid-West regions, public illumination presents the highest values for the expected influence (1.74 and 1.56), while in Northeast and Southeast, sidewalks present the highest values (2.13; 0.91). For betweenness centrality, in North, Northeast, and Mid-West regions, residency in the capital of a state presented a hub. In contrast, pavement, and training volume present higher values in the South and Southeast. Network topologies are different.ConclusionPublic illumination (North and Mid-West) and sidewalk (Northeast, Southeast) were the most important variables for runners. Continental size countries need specific approaches to improve physical activity levels and health outcomes that consider the cultural, historical, and environmental background

Validade e Fidedignidade da Escala com Figuras de Competência Percebida e Aceitação Social para crianças brasileiras

A Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance (PSPCSA) é uma escala utilizada para identificar as auto-percepções de competência (cognitiva e física) e aceitação social (pares e maternas) de crianças na educação infantil e primeiros anos do ensino fundamental I. O objetivo deste estudo foi traduzir e investigar a validade de conteúdo, critério, constructo e a fidedignidade da PSPCSA para crianças brasileiras. A tradução transcultural foi utilizada, e o processo de validação foi conduzido envolvendo 33 profissionais e 667 crianças (4 a 7 anos); 159 dessas crianças responderam a PSPCSA em dois momentos. Com base nos resultados pode-se inferir que houve clareza de linguagem e pertinência das questões, elevada consistência interna (valores > 96) e fidedignidade teste-reteste (valores  de r > 0,60). A PSPCSA apresentou ajustada adesão das questões com as correspondentes dimensões e sub-escalas e índices satisfatórios de validade fatorial confirmatória (Non-normed Fit Index, Comparative Fit Index e Tucker and Lewis´s Index of Fit com valores >0,81). As versões brasileiras da PSPCSA apresentam indicadores de validade para o uso com crianças brasileiras

Psychometric evidence of the coping inventory for Brazilian paralympic athletes in competition situations

Los deportistas paralímpicos se enfrentan a diario a situaciones estresantes en competición, y es importante evaluar cómo las afrontan. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las propiedades psicométricas del Inventario de Afrontamiento para Atletas Paralímpicos Brasileños en Situación de Competición. El estudio incluyó a 531 atletas paralímpicos brasileños, mayores de 18 años, de ambos os sexos, residentes en diferentes regiones de Brasil. Competían a nivel nacional e internacional y presentaban deficiencias físicas y visuales. Respondieron un cuestionario de datos y el inventario de afrontamiento. Se excluyeron los deportistas con parálisis cerebral. El análisis factorial confirmó la estructura de 12 dimensiones teóricas, siendo seis adaptativas (Autosuficiencia, Búsqueda de apoyo, Resolución de problemas, Búsqueda de información, Acomodación, Negociación) y seis desadaptativas (Delegación, Aislamiento social, Desamparo, Escape, Sumisión y Oposición). La confiabilidad varió entre 0,60 y 0,94. Se concluye que el instrumento es confiable para evaluar estrategias de afrontamiento en atletas paralímpicos brasileños.Atletas paralímpicos lidam diariamente com situações estressantes na competição, sendo importante avaliar como as enfrentam. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as propriedades psicométricas do Inventário de Coping para Atletas Paralímpicos Brasileiros em Situação de Competição. Participaram 531 atletas paralímpicos brasileiros, a partir de 18 anos de idade, de ambos os sexos, residentes em diferentes regiões do Brasil. Competiam em nível nacional e internacional e apresentavam deficiência física e visual. Foram excluídos atletas com paralisia cerebral. Participantes responderam a um questionário de dados e ao inventário de coping. A análise fatorial confirmou a estrutura de 12 dimensões teóricas, sendo seis adaptativas (Autoconfiança, Busca de Suporte, Resolução de Problemas, Busca de Informações, Acomodação, Negociação) e seis mal-adaptativas (Delegação, Isolamento, Desamparo, Fuga, Submissão e Oposição). Os índices de fidedignidade para as dimensões variaram entre 0,60 e 0,94. Conclui-se que o instrumento é confiável para avaliar as estratégias de coping de atletas paralímpicos brasileiros.Paralympic athletes face stressful situations in sports competitions daily, and assessing how they cope with these situations is important. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Coping Inventory for Brazilian Paralympic Athletes in Competition Situations. This study included 531 Brazilian Paralympic athletes aged 18 years or older, of both sexes, living in different Brazilian regions. They competed nationally or internationally and had physical or visual disabilities. Athletes with cerebral palsy were excluded. The participants answered a data questionnaire and the coping inventory. A confirmatory factor analysis confirmed a 12-theoretical dimension structure: six adaptive (Self-Reliance, Support-Seeking, Problem-Solving, Information-Seeking, Accommodation, Negotiation) and six maladaptive dimensions (Delegation, Social Isolation, Helplessness, Escape, Submission, and Opposition). Reliability indexes ranged between 0.60 and 0.94. The conclusion is that the instrument is reliable for assessing coping strategies among Brazilian Paralympic athletes

The subject-environment interplay between runners from different Brazilian macro-regions

PURPOSE Our purpose was to investigate the interplay between runners and their environment using a network approach. METHODS This cross-sectional study sampled Brazilian runners of both sexes, from the five macro-regions of the country. An electronic questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding age, sex, training volume, socio-economic level, place of residence, and running pace. Environmental indicators (public illumination, pavement, sidewalk, and green areas) were collected from available public information. Descriptive statistics were presented in mean (SD), and frequency (%). A network analysis was performed to evaluate the association between individual and environmental characteristics. Statistical analyses were performed in the JASP, considering p < 0.05. RESULTS At North and Mid-West regions, public illumination presents the highest values for the expected influence (1.74 and 1.56), while in Northeast and Southeast, sidewalks present the highest values (2.13; 0.91). For betweenness centrality, in North, Northeast, and Mid-West regions, residency in the capital of a state presented a hub. In contrast, pavement, and training volume present higher values in the South and Southeast. Network topologies are different. CONCLUSION Public illumination (North and Mid-West) and sidewalk (Northeast, Southeast) were the most important variables for runners. Continental size countries need specific approaches to improve physical activity levels and health outcomes that consider the cultural, historical, and environmental background

Motor development in the hospitalized infant and its biological and environmental characteristics

Introduction: Hospitalization is a risk factor for delayed motor development, due to the lack of adequate stimulation; therefore, it is important to assess child development during hospital admission. Methods: In this study, motor development of previously healthy hospitalized infants was assessed and associated with biological and environmental characteristics, including length of hospital stay and physiotherapeutic treatment. The assessment was made before discharge, with questionnaires and a motor assessment scale. Results: The sample of 32 infants aged from zero to 18 months had an average length of hospital stay of 4.94 ± 2.39 days. 50% of infants were girls (n = 16) and mostly belonged to socioeconomic class C (n = 16). Length of hospital stay explained only 3.3% of motor development variation, showing no significant impact. Infants from lower socioeconomic classes were nearly six times more susceptible to motor delays than those belonging to higher classes (p = 0.05). During hospitalization, 25% of the sample (n = 8) was treated with physiotherapy. All these patients were hospitalized for respiratory dysfunction and presented five times less chance of altered motor development when compared to those who did not undergo physiotherapy. Conclusion: These results should be interpreted with caution, since the type of physiotherapy care provided and infant’s degree of motor impairment were unknown. In this study, length of stay and hospital environment were not significant risk factors when analyzed individually, concluding that the greater the exposure and the amount of associated factors, the more susceptible the infant will be to present motor delays. Keywords: Child development; hospitalization; developmental disabilitie

Motor development in the hospitalized infant and its biological and environmental characteristics

Introduction: Hospitalization is a risk factor for delayed motor development, due to the lack of adequate stimulation; therefore, it is important to assess child development during hospital admission. Methods: In this study, motor development of previously healthy hospitalized infants was assessed and associated with biological and environmental characteristics, including length of hospital stay and physiotherapeutic treatment. The assessment was made before discharge, with questionnaires and a motor assessment scale. Results: The sample of 32 infants aged from zero to 18 months had an average length of hospital stay of 4.94 ± 2.39 days. 50% of infants were girls (n = 16) and mostly belonged to socioeconomic class C (n = 16). Length of hospital stay explained only 3.3% of motor development variation, showing no significant impact. Infants from lower socioeconomic classes were nearly six times more susceptible to motor delays than those belonging to higher classes (p = 0.05). During hospitalization, 25% of the sample (n = 8) was treated with physiotherapy. All these patients were hospitalized for respiratory dysfunction and presented five times less chance of altered motor development when compared to those who did not undergo physiotherapy. Conclusion: These results should be interpreted with caution, since the type of physiotherapy care provided and infant’s degree of motor impairment were unknown. In this study, length of stay and hospital environment were not significant risk factors when analyzed individually, concluding that the greater the exposure and the amount of associated factors, the more susceptible the infant will be to present motor delays. Keywords: Child development; hospitalization; developmental disabilitie

SELF-PERCEPTION OF COMPETENCE IN CHILDREN FROM SOCIALLY VULNERABLE CONTEXTS, ASSISTED AND UNASSISTED BY SOCIAL SPORTS PROJECTS

ntroduction: practising sport contributes tothe reinforcement of important psychological features such as self-perception of competence, especially when participants are children from socially vulnerable contexts. Objective: to compare the socially vulnerablechildren’s self-perception of competence, assisted and unassisted by social sports projects. Method: a total of 235 children (male and female), aged between seven and tenyears, participated in this comparative study. They were divided into two groups: onegroup was formed by 106 children participating in social sports projects;the other was 129 children who did not participate in socialsports projects. The self-perception of competence was assessed by the Brazilian version of the Self-Perception Profile for Children. We used a three-way ANOVA to assess the possible interaction effect between gender, age and group (children assisted and unassisted) in the different dimensions of perceived competence. Results: The children attending sports projects reported higher overall self-worth (F(1.234)) = 6.132, p = 0.014, η2 = 0.026). It was observed that there was an effect of interaction between the variable age x group (F(1.234)) = 6.673, p = 0.010, η2 = 0.029) on the self-perception of social acceptance. There were no significant effects of group on the other dimensions of self-perception of competence. Conclusion: the children participatingin social sports projects showed more self-perception in terms of social acceptance and self-concept compared tonon-participatory children. This project does not help in other dimensions of self-perception