The Effect of Physical Activity Levels on Cognitive Performance: Research in Portuguese Adolescents.

The literature unequivocally acknowledges the numerous health benefits that physical activity (PA) provides. However, in other variables, such as cognitive performance (CP), the PA characteristics required to elicit favorable benefits remain controversial, particularly among adolescents. The aim was to investigate the evolution of CP in adolescents over the school year, as well as the role of regular PA levels. The study included 366 adolescents (boys n = 154), between 12 and 20 years old (15.46 ± 1.63), from middle school (n = 123) and high school (n = 243). CP was assessed through a face-to-face interview employing the Cognitive Telephone Screening Instrument. The variation in CP (∆CP) was determined by the difference between the value of the final assessment (end of the school year) and the initial assessment (start of the school year). PA was assessed using accelerometry (ActiGraph GT3X+). The CP score improved from the initial to the final assessment (37.80 ± 9.26 vs. 40.45 ± 10.05) (t = -6.135; p < 0.001; Glass's Delta = 0.37. Multiple linear regression revealed that age (ß = -0.332; t = -4.255; p < 0.001) and high-intensity PA (ß = 0.283; t = 3.627; p < 0.001) accounted for 17.2% of the variation in ∆CP. CP improved significantly over the school year, emphasizing the significance of age and vigorous PA in ∆CP in adolescents.

The Effect of Motivation on Physical Activity among Middle and High School Students.

The study addressed two main objectives: (i) to investigate disparities in motivation dimensions regarding extracurricular physical activity and (ii) to identify the influence of motivation on time spent in formal and informal physical activity. A sample of 704 adolescents (56% girls) from middle (46%) and high school (54%), with an average age of 14.88 ± 2.52, was assessed for different motivation dimensions using the Questionnaire of Motivation for Sports Activities (QMSA). Additionally, participants were categorized based on extracurricular physical activity practice. Multivariate analyses and multiple linear regressions were conducted to examine the effect of physical activity type on motivation dimensions and identify predictors of time spent in formal and informal physical activities, respectively. Results indicated that motivation varied significantly with extracurricular physical activity practice (p < 0.05), with students involved in extracurricular activities being more motivated. Sex and age differences were observed, with boys showing higher motivation in certain dimensions (achievement status (p < 0.001); group activity (p = 0.027); contextual (p = 0.004); technical improvement (p = 0.012) and older participants having lower scores in all dimensions. The influence of family and friends was a significant predictor only for boys in formal physical activity (p = 0.039). In terms of time spent in physical activity, group activity was a predictor for informal activities (p < 0.001), while technical improvement was a predictor for formal activities (p < 0.001), with notable sex differences. These findings underscore the importance of considering sex- and age-specific motivations when promoting physical activity among adolescents.

Association between the Duration of the Active Commuting to and from School, and Cognitive Performance in Urban Portuguese Adolescents.

This study aimed to analyze the differences between active commuting to school (ACS) and non-ACS in cognitive performance (CP), and the association of ACS duration with CP. This cross-sectional study included 370 adolescents (males n = 170), with a mean age of 15.28 ± 2.25 years. CP was assessed through an interview, and ACS, extracurricular physical activity, and socioeconomic status was assessed by self-report. Body composition was assessed using the FitnessGram test battery. One in two adolescents did ACS (51.6%). ACS was associated with boys (53.9%), younger adolescents (14.91 ± 2.15 vs. 15.69 ± 2.29), those having school social support (55.0%), and those doing one or more extracurricular physical activities (53.6%), compared to non-ACS participants (p < 0.05). The analysis of covariance, after controlling for age, sex, school social support, and participation in extracurricular physical activity, showed an effect of ACS on the total cognitive score (F(2,362) = 3.304, p < 0.05). The CP was higher in adolescents with more than 30 min of ACS than non-ACS (p < 0.05). The influence of ACS duration can be seen in the dimensions of inductive reasoning (ß = 0.134, t = 2.587, p < 0.05) and working memory (ß = 0.130, t = 2.525, p < 0.05). The role of ACS for CP, as well as guidelines for future research, are discussed.

The Impact of Different Pedagogical Models on Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity in Physical Education Classes.

The aims of this study were twofold: (i) to examine differences in physical activity (PA) variables regarding the length of Physical Education (PE) lessons (45 vs. 90 min) and teaching methodology (Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) or hybrid TGfU-sports education (SE)); and (ii) to estimate the percentage of time spent in moderate-to-vigorous (MV) PA assessed via an accelerometer based on total step count, BMI, age, and sex, considering the pedagogical models and the class length. This study was carried out in three classes of invasion games in PE. Two classes were taught based on TGfU (44 students, 18 males, 12.6 ± 0.55), and one was taught based on a hybrid TGfU-SE (17 students, 9 males, 13.7 ± 0.90). The same students were assessed twice, first in a 45 min class and then in a 90 min class. The students' MVPA was assessed using the Actigraph GT3X Activity Monitor. The results revealed significant differences in PA intensity regarding the length of the PE lesson (45 vs. 90 min) and the teaching methodology. The 45 min classes using TGfU were more intense and had less sedentary time than the 90 min classes. When using a hybrid TGfU-SE, the 90 min classes had higher intensities than the 45 min classes. Generally, when comparing the two types of pedagogical intervention, the TGfU model provided more active lessons and less sedentary time in class than a hybrid TGfU-SE. The TGfU model is more profitable for increasing MVPA in class. Due to the issues related to the organization and management of sports practice in class, several recommendations for maximizing MVPA in a hybrid TGfU-SE class must be considered.

Projects for curricular enrichment of physical and sports activities in public schools of Portugal / Proyectos de enriquecimiento curricular de actividades físicas y deportivas en las escuelas públicas de Portugal / Projetos de enriquecimento curricular de atividades físicas e desportivas em escolas públicas de Portugal

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the genesis of curriculum enrichment projects related to physical and sports activity at public schools in Portugal and to understand their results for the educational community. An interview was conducted with four project coordinators. The projects were oriented into three categories: physical exercise and health; socio-affective development; and sports activity offer through the school club. The diversity and specificity of the projects adjusted to each context as well as the competences and commitment of the person in charge of them were considered decisive elements. Success factors and evaluation parameters of project results are explained by quantitative indicators of students' participation rather than their impact on their education or their physical and sports skills. No connection was found between the purposes of curriculum enrichment projects and the indicators used to evaluate the results.

Resumen: Este estudio tuvo por objetivo determinar la génesis de los proyectos de enriquecimiento curricular relacionados con la actividad física y deportiva de las escuelas públicas en Portugal y comprender los resultados y factores de éxito de los mismos junto a la comunidad educativa. Se realizó una entrevista a cuatro coordinadores responsables por los proyectos. Los proyectos orientaban sus actividades hacia tres categorías de misión: ejercicio físico y salud; desarrollo socio afectivo; y oferta deportiva a través del club escolar. La diversidad y especificidad de los proyectos ajustados a cada contexto, así como las competencias y el compromiso del profesor responsable, fueron considerados como elementos determinantes. Los factores de éxito y los parámetros de evaluación de los resultados de los proyectos se explican por indicadores cuantitativos de participación de los jóvenes y no por los impactos que causan en la educación, en la aptitud física y deportiva de los jóvenes. No se encontró una conexión coherente entre los objetivos de los proyectos y los indicadores utilizados en la evaluación de los resultados.

Resumo: Este estudo teve por objetivo determinar a gênese dos projetos de enriquecimento curricular ligados à atividade física e desportiva de escolas públicas de Portugal e compreender os seus resultados e fatores de sucesso junto à comunidade educativa. Realizou-se uma entrevista com quatro coordenadores responsáveis pelos projetos. Os projetos orientavam-se para três categorias de missão: exercício físico e saúde; desenvolvimento socioafetivo e oferta desportiva através do clube escolar. A diversidade e a especificidade dos projetos ajustados a cada contexto, bem como as competências e o compromisso do professor responsável, foram consideradas elementos determinantes. Os fatores de sucesso e os parâmetros de avaliação dos resultados dos projetos são explicados por indicadores quantitativos de participação dos jovens e não pelos impactos que causam na educação, na aptidão física e desportiva dos jovens. Não foi encontrada uma ligação coerente entre os objetivos dos projetos e os indicadores utilizados na avaliação dos resultados.

O interesse público do desporto das organizações desportivas sem fins lucrativos que são apoiadas pela administração pública / The public interest of sports at non-profit sports organizations that are supported by the government

Resumo O artigo analisa o conceito de interesse público do desporto e os critérios que devem ser tidos em conta na relação de apoio entre a administração pública, os clubes e as associações desportivas. Metodologicamente, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas a nove dirigentes desportivos com responsabilidades diretivas: sete de clubes e associações desportivas e dois da administração pública. Os dirigentes consideraram que o desporto é de interesse publico quando: a) é desenvolvido na perspectiva da generalização da prática da atividade fisica e desportiva; b) proporciona beneficios para a saúde; c) serve como ferramenta de educação e de desenvolvimento social. No que respeita às vantagens utilizadas com o estatuto de utilidade publica, os beneficios fiscais e as parcerias com organizações do sistema desportivo, foram as mais apontadas. Os entrevistados consideram que o Governo deveria ter uma estratégia focada na definição de prioridades e de seriação de critérios de financiamento, no sentido de um melhor aproveitamento do papel dos clubes e da obtenção de resultados desportivos. Sugerem ainda um maior cuidado e rigor, por parte da administração pública regional, na avaliação do papel social e desportivo dos clubes e associações, tendo em conta o desenvolvimento do interesse público e social do desporto. Como conclusão o desporto e a atividade fisica devem ser considerados como atividades de interesse público desde que assegurem efeitos positivos nos planos da saúde e do bem-estar da população, proporcionem o desenvolvimento qualitativo e sustentado da prática desportiva e potenciem o desenvolvimento econômico-social.(AU)

Abstract This paper analyses the concept of public interest in sport and the criteria that must be taken into consideration in terms of Government support to clubs and sports associations. The data was collected through semi structured interviews that were applied to nine sports directors with board responsibilities: seven of them from sport clubs and sport associations, and two of them from public administration. The directors pointed out that sport is considered to be of public interest when: it is developed in the concept of “sport for all”, provides health benefits and serves as a means of education and social development. Regarding advantages used with public utility status, tax benefits and partnerships with the sports system organizations were the most mentioned aspects. Given a better use of financial resources provided by public administration to clubs and associations, sport directors believe that the Government should have a strategy focused on setting priorities and ranking financing criteria for sport. If the government had that strategy, the development of sports results would be much better. The participants also suggest that the Government should conduct an assessment of the social role of sport clubs and associations, according to the public and social interest of sport. In conclusion, sport and physical activity should be considered as public interest activities, provided that: are able to ensure positive effects on health plans and wellness, provide a qualitative and sustainable sport development, improve economic and social development of a population.(AU)

Prática desportiva e sucesso escolar de moças e rapazes no ensino secundário / Sport practice and academic success of girls and boys in secondary education / Deporte y éxito académico de niños y niñas en la educación secundaria

O objetivo do estudo foi verificar a relação entre a prática desportiva e o sucesso escolar de jovens que frequentavam o ensino secundário. Foram inquiridos por meio de um questionário anônimo 490 moças (59%) e 341 rapazes (41%) da Madeira, Portugal, isto é, 9,5% do universo. Os resultados revelam que as moças têm maior sucesso escolar do que os rapazes e as que praticam desporto têm taxas de retenção significativamente inferiores às dos rapazes, particularmente no setor federado. O sucesso escolar dos jovens que praticam desporto na escola não é diferente daqueles que praticam no setor federado. As modalidades mais praticadas pelos alunos foram o futebol, o basquetebol e o voleibol, porém não se verificou que a modalidade estivesse associada ao sucesso escolar.

The objective of the study was to identify the relationship between sport and academic success of young attending secondary school. A sample of 831 (9.5%) students were surveyed through a questionnaire, 490 girls (59%) and 341 boys (41%) of Madeira, Portugal. In general, the results show that girls have a higher academic achievement than boys. Female athletes have school failure rates significantly lower than boys, particularly at the federated sector. The academic success of young that play sports in school sector is no different from students who play sports in federated sector. The sports most practiced by young students were football, basketball and volleyball. However, the sport was not a variable that was associated with the change in rates of academic success of students.

El objetivo del estudio fue investigar la relación entre el deporte y el éxito académico de los jóvenes que asisten a la escuela secundaria. Fueron encuestados a través deun cuestionario 490 niñas (59%) y 341 niños (41%) de Madeira, Portugal, 9,5% del universo. Losresultados revelaron que las niñas tienen mejor rendimiento académico que los y las que prac-tican deportes tienen tasas de fracaso escolar significativamente más bajos que de los niños,particularmente en el sector federado. El éxito académico de los jóvenes que practican deportes en la escuela no es diferente de los que practican en el sector federado. Las modalidadespracticados por los estudiantes eran de fútbol, baloncesto y voleibol, pero no verificaron quela modalidad se asocia con el éxito académico.

Avaliação de desempenho dos treinadores desportivos: da inexistência de um instrumento estruturado à valorização dos resultados desportivos / Performance appraisal of sports coaches: from the lack of a structured instrument to the enhancement of sports results

Este estudo procurou compreender o processo e os critérios considerados na avaliação de desempenho dos treinadores pertencentes a nove clubes desportivos da Região Autônoma da Madeira, Portugal. Foi utilizada uma metodologia de carácter qualitativo, com recurso à análise documental da estrutura, dos recursos humanos dos clubes e a uma entrevista semiestruturada realizada aos diretores com responsabilidades na avaliação dos treinadores. Os resultados ilustram um processo de avaliação não estruturado, baseado em informações pouco sistematizadas e rigorosas. Os critérios de avaliação mais relevantes foram os resultados desportivos dos atletas, seguidos das competências de liderança e competências pessoais e sociais do treinador.

This study aims to understand the process and the criteria evolved in the performance appraisal of coaches of nine sport clubs in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, Portugal. The methodology used was based on a documentary analysis of the human resources of the institution and it was carried out a semi-structured interview done to the directors responsible for the performance appraisal of the coaches. The results show a less structured evaluation process, based on poor and inaccurate organization data. The most relevant criteria in the evaluation process were the sports scores of athletes, followed by the leadership skills and personal and social skills of the coach.