Research
Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play
There is global concern over the progressive trend towards lifestyles that are conducive to the promotion of non-communicable diseases [1,2]. Childhood obesity and inactivity are prominently featured in this challenge, requiring solutions that take a life-course approach, emphasizing the importance of cumulative physical, social and cultural exposures [1–5]. The prevalence of childhood obesity worldwide is at an all-time high and increasing [6]. The proportion of children around the world meeting physical activity guidelines is very low and likely declining [7,8]. This is troubling as physical activity and sedentary behaviour habits formed during childhood tend to track over time into adulthood [9,10]. The decreased opportunity for, and prioritization of, childhood healthy active living and active outdoor play has been positioned as a child rights concern [11].
Read the entire statement at https://research-management.mq.edu.au/ws/portalfiles/portal/81673865/6695537.pdf
There is global concern over the progressive trend towards lifestyles that are conducive to the promotion of non-communicable diseases [1,2]. Childhood obesity and inactivity are prominently featured in this challenge, requiring solutions that take a life-course approach, emphasizing the importance of cumulative physical, social and cultural exposures [1–5]. The prevalence of childhood obesity worldwide is at an all-time high and increasing [6]. The proportion of children around the world meeting physical activity guidelines is very low and likely declining [7,8]. This is troubling as physical activity and sedentary behaviour habits formed during childhood tend to track over time into adulthood [9,10]. The decreased opportunity for, and prioritization of, childhood healthy active living and active outdoor play has been positioned as a child rights concern [11].
Read the entire statement at https://research-management.mq.edu.au/ws/portalfiles/portal/81673865/6695537.pdf
Physical Activity May Reduce Age-Related Movement Problems
Age-related brain lesions known as white matter hyperintensities have been linked to movement problems and disabilities later in life. These lesions, which appear as bright spots on MRI images, can be used as a proxy measure of brain white matter disease. They are thought to reflect small blood vessel disease, and have also have been associated with dementia and other health issues in older people..... read more by clicking here
Age-related brain lesions known as white matter hyperintensities have been linked to movement problems and disabilities later in life. These lesions, which appear as bright spots on MRI images, can be used as a proxy measure of brain white matter disease. They are thought to reflect small blood vessel disease, and have also have been associated with dementia and other health issues in older people..... read more by clicking here
ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth 2015
ParticipACTION is pleased to present the ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. The ParticipACTION Report Card provides a comprehensive assessment of the current status of physical activity for children and youth in Canada.
For the first time, the Report Card takes a stand on play in nature and the outdoors—with its risks—and includes a Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play. The statement was developed by the Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (HALO-CHEO), ParticipACTION and a group of 12 other organizations, and was supported by over 1,600 stakeholders from across Canada and around the world.
ParticipACTION is pleased to present the ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. The ParticipACTION Report Card provides a comprehensive assessment of the current status of physical activity for children and youth in Canada.
For the first time, the Report Card takes a stand on play in nature and the outdoors—with its risks—and includes a Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play. The statement was developed by the Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (HALO-CHEO), ParticipACTION and a group of 12 other organizations, and was supported by over 1,600 stakeholders from across Canada and around the world.
Operational Definition of Walkable Neighborhood: Theoretical and Empirical Insights
The concept of walkable neighborhoods is increasingly important in physical activity research and intervention. However, limited theoretical understanding and measurable definitions remain a challenge. Methods: This paper reviews theories defining neighborhoods and offers an empirical approach to identify measurable attributes and thresholds of walkable neighborhoods.
The concept of walkable neighborhoods is increasingly important in physical activity research and intervention. However, limited theoretical understanding and measurable definitions remain a challenge. Methods: This paper reviews theories defining neighborhoods and offers an empirical approach to identify measurable attributes and thresholds of walkable neighborhoods.
Physical Education - Education Week
Physically active boys perform better in early reading in lower primary school than more sedentary boys, according to a Finnish study published in the journal PLOS-One.
Physically active boys perform better in early reading in lower primary school than more sedentary boys, according to a Finnish study published in the journal PLOS-One.
Where does Physical Education belong in our schools?
Physical education (PE) is at the intersection of at least three major academic thoroughfares. PE has roots in exercise and sports science and represents a primary means of applying the science. PE is itself a pedagogical field and is practiced within educational systems. The public health field claims PE as a health intervention that is of increasing value due to the childhood obesity epidemic. Major intersections are often centers of culture and commerce, but the turf surrounding PE is often contested.
Physical education (PE) is at the intersection of at least three major academic thoroughfares. PE has roots in exercise and sports science and represents a primary means of applying the science. PE is itself a pedagogical field and is practiced within educational systems. The public health field claims PE as a health intervention that is of increasing value due to the childhood obesity epidemic. Major intersections are often centers of culture and commerce, but the turf surrounding PE is often contested.
New activity plan seeks to put PE back in school
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. schools and childcare programs could be required to include daily exercise as part of a new National Physical Activity Plan.
Most research shows that adults and children alike need at least one hour of moderate physical activity a day to stay healthy and keep from gaining weight. Regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke and other chronic illnesses.
"Unfortunately, nearly a quarter of the U.S. population does not participate in any physical activities," Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown said in a statement.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. schools and childcare programs could be required to include daily exercise as part of a new National Physical Activity Plan.
Most research shows that adults and children alike need at least one hour of moderate physical activity a day to stay healthy and keep from gaining weight. Regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke and other chronic illnesses.
"Unfortunately, nearly a quarter of the U.S. population does not participate in any physical activities," Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown said in a statement.
WHO blames games for obesity
by Ben Parfitt |
Leading medical body says "gaming" is a major contributor to global childhood obesity.
A study by the (WHO) World Health Organization has named video games as one of the major drivers behind the growing global challenge that is childhood obesity.
The report says that one third of kids across the world are now classified as obese, blaming what is describes as a sedentary lifestyle. Only 25 per cent of boys and just 15 per cent of girls are said to get the required amount of exercise.
Examples cited for the reasons by the trend include “spending three hours or more per day watching TV, playing computer games, or chatting with friends online”.
Click here to read entire article.
by Ben Parfitt |
Leading medical body says "gaming" is a major contributor to global childhood obesity.
A study by the (WHO) World Health Organization has named video games as one of the major drivers behind the growing global challenge that is childhood obesity.
The report says that one third of kids across the world are now classified as obese, blaming what is describes as a sedentary lifestyle. Only 25 per cent of boys and just 15 per cent of girls are said to get the required amount of exercise.
Examples cited for the reasons by the trend include “spending three hours or more per day watching TV, playing computer games, or chatting with friends online”.
Click here to read entire article.
Hula hoops and skipping ropes key to tackling obesity in schools
Traditional playground equipment such as hula hoops, skipping ropes and frisbees are the key to tackling childhood obesity, according to a study from the UK.
Researchers at the University of Essex also found introducing children to orienteering in green spaces around school grounds boosted self-esteem and mental well-being.
The study gave an urban and a rural school in Colchester, Essex, a selection of play equipment and found children's activity levels increased ''significantly'' in both locations.
Traditional playground equipment such as hula hoops, skipping ropes and frisbees are the key to tackling childhood obesity, according to a study from the UK.
Researchers at the University of Essex also found introducing children to orienteering in green spaces around school grounds boosted self-esteem and mental well-being.
The study gave an urban and a rural school in Colchester, Essex, a selection of play equipment and found children's activity levels increased ''significantly'' in both locations.
Brain Gain
Can exercise help people learn? It’s an exciting idea, and one that’s being tested in the U.S. and Canada. One pilot program took place in the spring of 2008, when Saskatoon teacher Allison Cameron put her Grade 8 students on treadmills during class. She tracked their results, not just in behavior, but in academics, and the results were astonishing. Find out about her experiment, and much more on this subject, here.
Research and pilot fitness programs in schools are showing positive results that exercise helps the human brain learn. Joan Leishman reports...
View the entire article here.
Can exercise help people learn? It’s an exciting idea, and one that’s being tested in the U.S. and Canada. One pilot program took place in the spring of 2008, when Saskatoon teacher Allison Cameron put her Grade 8 students on treadmills during class. She tracked their results, not just in behavior, but in academics, and the results were astonishing. Find out about her experiment, and much more on this subject, here.
Research and pilot fitness programs in schools are showing positive results that exercise helps the human brain learn. Joan Leishman reports...
View the entire article here.
Hyperspecialization Is Ruining Youth Sports And the Kids Who Play Them
The national furor over concussions misses the primary scourge that is harming kids and damaging youth sports in America.
The heightened pressure on child athletes to be, essentially, adult athletes has fostered an epidemic of hyperspecialization that is both dangerous and counterproductive.
Click here for the full article.
The national furor over concussions misses the primary scourge that is harming kids and damaging youth sports in America.
The heightened pressure on child athletes to be, essentially, adult athletes has fostered an epidemic of hyperspecialization that is both dangerous and counterproductive.
Click here for the full article.