The beneficial associations of physical activity (PA) and sports with motor competence have been well documented. Similarly, high media time has been associated with poor motor competence. Limited information, however, is available on the combined effects of sport participation and media consumption on motor competence.The present study followed 213 Austrian middle-school students (57% male; age at baseline: 10.4 ± 0.6 years) over a 4-year period. Annual assessments included the German Motor Test 6-18, along with self-reported participation in club sports, time spent watching TV and using the computer. There were no interaction effects between sports participation and media time on motor competence. Club sports participation, however, was associated with higher motor competence, while there was an inverse association between media time and motor competence. Further, motor competence affected future participation in club sports while club sports had limited effects on subsequent motor development. High media time, on the other hand, impaired subsequent motor development, while effects of motor competence on media time were limited. Taken together, these results emphasize the importance of motor competence in the facilitation of sports participation during adolescence. Accordingly, a wide variety of movement experiences should be provided at young ages to promote motor development. In addition, the detrimental effects of media time on motor competence warrant that sedentary behaviors are targeted separately, particularly in youth not participating in sports.

ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of ski geometry data and standing height ratio on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk of male and female recreational skiers.MethodsA retrospective questionnaire-based, case–control study of ACL-injured and uninjured recreational skiers was conducted during six consecutive winter seasons. Ski geometry data (ski length, side-cut radius, widths of the tip, waist and tail) were recorded from each participant’s skis. Standing heights at the front and rear components of the ski binding were measured with a digital sliding calliper, and the standing height ratio between the front and rear was calculated.ResultsA total of 1817 recreational skiers participated in this study, of whom 392 (21.6%) sustained an ACL injury. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicates a higher age, a lower skill level and riskier behaviour as independent individual risk factors associated with an ACL injury. An increase in ski length, tip width of the ski, standing height at the rear ski binding component, and in standing height ratio were found to be independent equipment-related risk factors for an ACL injury.ConclusionReduced ski length, narrower ski tip width, lower rear standing height and a lower standing height ratio (ie, rear component of the ski binding is more elevated compared with the front component) were associated with a reduced likelihood for ACL injury. When buying or renting skis, these parameters could be considered to reduce the likelihood of ACL injury in recreational skiers.

Media use is an important determinant of juvenile sports activity and motor performance, being part of a complex juvenile leisure behavior.

There is a bidirectional, synergistic association between body weight and motor skills. Facilitating the development of motor skills in children and adolescents may therefore be a viable intervention strategy targeting weight management and physical activity in youth.

Regarding modifiable factors, motor performance among overweight and nonoverweight children is strongly associated with a higher number of weekly lessons in physical education. Therefore, daily lessons in physical education are strongly recommended to improve motor performance especially among overweight primary school children.

Changes in social and built environments most likely contribute to a decline in physical activity (PA) and physical fitness in children and adolescents. Organized sports may be an important component in ensuring adequate fitness, which is an important aspect in general health and well-being. The present study examines differences by club sports participation in cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, power, speed, agility, flexibility and balance in 3293 (55.1% male) Austrian children and adolescents between 6 and 14 years of age. Anthropometric measurements (height and weight) were taken and participants completed the German motor test during regular class time. Even though there was no significant difference in body weight between club sports participants and non-club sports participants, club sports participation was associated with higher physical fitness, particularly regarding endurance, strength, power, and agility. Differences by club sports participation, however, declined during the elementary school years (6–10 years of age), while they became more pronounced during middle school years (10–14 years of age). Club sports participation, therefore, may be a viable option in the promotion of physical fitness, particularly during adolescence. At younger ages, other sources of PA, such as physical education and free play, however, should be considered to ensure sufficient fitness levels that contribute to a healthy and active lifestyle.

Overweight or obesity did not increase the risk of post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage in either children or adults.

Background: Physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors have been associated with various health outcomes in youth, including overweight/obesity and physical fitness. Limited information, however, is available on the independent association between TV time and physical fitness in children and adolescents.Methods: A total of 3,293 (55.1% male) youth between 6 and 14 years of age were randomly selected from 29 Austrian schools. Body weight and height were measured according to standard procedures and BMI percentiles were determined based on German reference values. Physical fitness was assessed with the German Motor test (DMT6-18), which evaluates cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, power, strength endurance, agility, speed and flexibility. Information on daily TV time and participation in club sports was obtained via standardized questionnaires.Results: Participants were 9.8±2.3 years of age and almost half of them (48.5%) reported a TV time >2 hours/d. TV time increased significantly with age. High TV consumption was associated with significantly lower physical fitness and these results remained after adjusting for body weight. Youth exceeding current TV time recommendations had a 60% higher risk of having poor or very poor fitness compared to those with a TV time <2 hours/day. Conclusions: High TV time is associated with poor physical fitness in youth. Accordingly, intervention strategies need to target a meaningful utilization of TV and other screen-based activities in addition to the promotion of PA in order to ensure sufficient physical fitness in youth.