Examining body mass index and health-related fitness marker progression of incarcerated minority youth engaged in a sport-leadership program.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a sport-leadership program on minority incarcerated young adults' health-related fitness markers. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: This study occurred at an all-male juvenile detention center. A total of 41 participants in this study were obtained from a sample of 103 incarcerated young adults. Data collection entailed body mass index (BMI) evaluation, cardiovascular endurance tests and 1-min pushups and situps at two different time periods (before and after three months). A 2 × 2 mixed factorial analysis of variances was used to test for differences among the within subjects' factors (time [pre × post]) and between subjects' factors (groups [flex × control]) for the above-mentioned dependent variables. FINDINGS: Over the course of three consecutive months of engagement, preliminary indications demonstrated participants had a slight reduction in BMI and significant increases in cardiovascular endurance and muscle strength. Contrarily, during this same time period, non-participating young adults exhibited significant increases in BMI and decreases in cardiovascular endurance and muscle strength. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Integration of sport-leadership programs is generally not free but can be a low-cost alternative for combatting many issues surrounding physical activity, weight gain and recreational time for those incarcerated.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Behavior Modification Strategies on Physical Activity Levels Among Incarcerated Youth.

This study examined the impact of prompting only and prompting combined with independent group-oriented contingency on incarcerated adolescent males' physical activity level during a sport-leadership program. An alternating treatment design was employed to allow for the evaluation among multiple treatment conditions. The study occurred during 35 consecutive sport programming lessons at a juvenile correctional facility. Participants were 16 adolescent males (Mage = 18.79). Two behavior modification strategies, prompting only and prompting combined with independent group-oriented contingency, were employed. Data were plotted graphically so visual analysis could be determined in order to explore any functional associations between the treatment conditions (e.g., interventions) and target behavior (e.g., step count). Prompting only slightly increased physical activity, whereas prompting in conjunction with independent group-oriented contingency elevated activity levels by 36%, with a smaller standard deviation indicating that all participants were equivalently physically active. The results of this study underpin the expansive benefits of sport-leadership programming, not just in similar programs' ability to develop life skill integration, positively impact life during incarceration, improve attitudes, and promote physical activity, but also to provide elevated opportunities for youth to be physically active.

Physical Activity and Social Behaviors of Incarcerated Youth Participating in a Sport-Leadership Program.

Research illustrates that participation in physical activity is advantageous to overall health. Incarcerated populations are one subset that would benefit most from consistent engagement in physical activity, yet little is known about programs created to fulfill this need. The purpose of this study was to determine activity levels and social behaviors of incarcerated adolescent males during a structured sport-leadership program. Participants were 23 incarcerated males. The System for Observing Children's Activity and Relationships during Play was employed to evaluate activity and social behaviors. A major finding of this study demonstrated that incarcerated youth engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity for a large portion of the sport-leadership programming time (50.6%). In this study, prosocial (11.7%) and antisocial (7.1%) interactions mirrored those observed in residential summer camps, on playgrounds, and during recess.

Exploring physical activity trends and lesson context of incarcerated youth in a sport-leadership program.

Incarcerated youth are one subset of the population in dire need of physical activity interventions. As inactivity within incarcerated populations has become a mounting public health concern, several sport-based physical activity and fitness programs within prisons have emerged. The purpose of this study is to explore physical activity levels and lesson context of a sport-leadership program in one juvenile detention center. Participants in this study were 27 incarcerated males (Mage = 19.3), imprisoned in one juvenile detention center. Participants participated in 20, 40-min sport-leadership lessons over the course of 3 months. Each lesson was live coded using the System for Observing Instructional Time (SOFIT) to examine physical activity levels and lesson context. Over the course of 20 lessons, participants engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for 61% of lesson time (24.5 min). Further, over 23% of lesson time was spent vigorously (9.5 min). Specific to lesson context, 18% of total lesson time (7.5 min) was spent in management whereas 7.96% (3.1 min) was consumed by knowledge acquisition. Furthermore, a vast majority of each session (70%) was spent in gameplay (28.04 min). This study is the first to adopt the SOFIT systematic observation instrument to evaluate and quantify MVPA and lesson context during a sport-leadership program within a juvenile detention center. Results from this study indicate incarcerated youth who participated in this program engaged in MVPA for more than 60% of lesson time. It was reported that overall MVPA of participants within programming slightly decreased across the 20 total lessons.

Research Brief: Physical Activity Trends Among Incarcerated Youth During a Sport Leadership Program.

Research indicates that engagement in physical activity is advantageous to adolescents' overall health. One subset of the population that is not provided with ample opportunities to be physically active includes incarcerated youth. To date, sport leadership programs have been designed to target this population; yet, little is known about physical activity opportunities for participants. The purpose of this study was to explore physical activity during a sport leadership program within a juvenile detention center. The participants were 27 incarcerated male youth (Mage = 18.7 years), all of whom participated in a sport leadership program. Physical activity was assessed during 32 sessions using Yamax DigiWalker SW 701 pedometers. Youth who participated in the sport leadership program accumulated an average of 3232 steps per session, with average standard deviation of 1245.5. As youth attended more sessions, overall physical activity levels during programming increased with a drastic reduction in variance among participants. This study is the first to closely examine and provide insights into youths' physical activity trends across programming and demonstrates a noticeable uptrend in activity and deceleration of variability among participants. Findings suggest that participation in a structured sport leadership program within juvenile detention centers can provide participants a critical opportunity to engage in physical activity.

Impact of COVID-19 on School-Aged Male and Female Health-Related Fitness Markers.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the Coronavirus disease 2019 on male and female anthropometric variables and physical performance. METHODS: This study utilized a mixed (time [PRE vs POST], gender [male vs female]) methods design to examine changes in the body mass index and physical fitness performance measures prior to and following closures. Data were collected from 264 third through eighth graders. This sample consisted of 131 males and 133 females. The data was collected through anthropometric (body mass index) and physical performance measures and was analyzed with separate 2 × 2 mixed-factorial analyses of variance (time [PRE, POST] × gender [male, female]). RESULTS: The findings indicated both males and females exhibited mean increases in the body mass index (+10.6%; 18.8-20.8 kg·m-2, P < .001, partial η2 = .627) and decreases in push-ups (-35.6%; 7.3-4.7 repetitions, P < .001, partial η2 = .371), sit-ups (-19.4%; 22.7-18.3 repetitions, P < .001, partial η2 = .420), and the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run test (-26.7%; 31.4-22.4 laps, P < .001, partial η2 = .644) scores from PRE to POST. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate that both males and females exhibited significant anthropometric and physical performance losses during the Coronavirus disease 2019 shutdown.

Accuracy of the Tuning Fork Test for Determination of Presence and Location of Tibial Stress Fractures in a Military Training Population.

INTRODUCTION: Stress fractures or bone stress injuries arise from trauma or overuse, often as a result of rapid increase in training. This rapid increase in training occurs frequently as military recruits begin their entry-level training, as many individuals are not accustomed to the level of activity required during boot camp. Tibial stress fractures are the most common bone stress injuries in the military setting. MRI is the gold standard test for identification of stress fractures, but MRI may not be available in field settings. Although limited evidence has suggested that a vibrating tuning fork may be beneficial in determining the presence of a stress fracture, the tuning fork has become a frequent tool used to detect or diagnose stress fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Military personnel with suspected unilateral tibial stress fractures were asked to participate in evaluation of tuning forks as a diagnostic tool, in addition to receiving standard diagnostics and treatment. Points of maximal shin tenderness to palpation and vibration, followed by the application of a tuning fork, were evaluated. Each service member also underwent an abbreviated MRI evaluation with a 1.5T magnet consisting of coronal and sagittal STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery) and T1 (weighted longitudinal relaxation time) sequences. The results of tuning fork testing were compared to the MRI findings, considering grade 1 changes on MRI to represent a true stress fracture. A two-by-two table was used to determine the performance of tuning fork testing, relative to MRI findings, applying conventional definitions of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. RESULTS: Among 63 male active duty members with suspected tibial stress fractures, 39 had MRI-confirmed stress fractures. Tuning fork testing, relative to MRI, demonstrated overall sensitivity of 61.5%, specificity of 25.0%, positive predictive value of 57.1%, and negative predictive value of 28.6%. A sub-analysis restricting to grade 3 and grade 4 MRI findings did not improve the diagnostic performance of tuning forks. CONCLUSIONS: The tuning fork is an ineffective tool for diagnosing tibial stress fractures.

An Observational Assessment of Physical Activity Levels and Social Behavior During Residential Summer Camp Unstructured Time.

PURPOSE: To evaluate children's physical activity (PA) levels, social play behavior, activity time, and social interactions during unstructured time. APPROACH: Systematic observation tool to record child's PA level, social group size, activity type, and social interaction during play. SETTING: Northeast US residential summer camp, pseudonym Forest Hills Camp. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-nine third-grade campers (27 males and 32 females). METHOD: Observational data were obtained using the System for Observing Children's Activity and Relationships during Play (SOCARP). Data were analyzed using independent samples t tests (with Bonferroni adjustment) to assess statistical differences between boys and girls SOCARP categories. RESULTS: Both boys and girls spend over 50% of their time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Statistically significant differences between genders were observed: activity level-(a) girls sat more than boys, and (2) boys engaged in more vigorous activity; activity type-(1) boys engaged in more sport activity, girls engaged in more locomotion activity, and girls were more sedentary; and social interactions-(1) boys had more physical conflict, and (2) boys had more verbal conflict. CONCLUSION: Contrary to previous research suggesting that summer campers have increased sedentary behavior during unstructured time, our results indicate that third-grade campers engaged in MVPA over 50% of their unstructured time. This suggests that unstructured time in outdoor camp settings may provide valuable opportunities for adolescent children to choose PA.

Comparing Campers' Physical Activity Levels Between Sport Education And Traditional Instruction in a Residential Summer Camp.

BACKGROUND: To date, studies examining physical activity (PA) levels have largely been dedicated to the school setting, while there is little known about the activity levels of children who participate in traditional or summer day camps. METHODS: Participants were 83 11- to 12-year-old campers who partook in either Sport Education or traditional instruction at a large residential summer camp. All lessons were video recorded and coded using the System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT), which categorizes PA levels as well as contextual characteristics. RESULTS: Results indicated that campers who participated in Sport Education spent a higher percentage of time (61.6%) engaged in moderate to vigorous activity than campers in the traditional activity unit (42.2%). In addition, campers spent less time idly within Sport Education (27.9%), than its counterpart (39.5%). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that utilizing the Sport Education model may provide campers with higher levels of PA within this context.

Iterated function system models in data analysis: detection and separation.

We investigate the use of iterated function system (IFS) models for data analysis. An IFS is a discrete-time dynamical system in which each time step corresponds to the application of one of the finite collection of maps. The maps, which represent distinct dynamical regimes, may be selected deterministically or stochastically. Given a time series from an IFS, our algorithm detects the sequence of regime switches under the assumption that each map is continuous. This method is tested on a simple example and an experimental computer performance data set. This methodology has a wide range of potential uses: from change-point detection in time-series data to the field of digital communications.