The results suggest that configuring the key principles of sport education within a unit of fitness is an efficient model for providing students with the opportunity to improve fitness skill and HRF knowledge while attaining recommended levels of MVPA.

The purpose of this project was to determine the effect of diet, physical activity, and access to fruits, vegetables on weight status of children who reside in a low-income rural area. 153 3rd-6th graders were assessed for physical activity, sedentary behavior, fruit and vegetable consumption and access to physical activity, fruits and vegetables. Physical activity and sedentary behavior was objectively assessed via accelerometery. Fruit and vegetable consumption was assessed by direct observation and a recall questionnaire. Access was assessed by a questionnaire. Regression analysis was used to determine relationships with weight status as measured by BMI. On average children met physical activity requirements (71 min of MVPA) per day which significantly related to children's weight status (p = .016). Sedentary behavior was also related to weight status (p = < 0.001). Participants' access to physical activity opportunities near the home was not significantly related to their physical activity levels or weight status. Fruit and vegetable consumption was not related to BMI or access to fruits and vegetables. The results of this study suggested that children's physical activity and sedentary behavior impacts weight status of children residing in a rural environment.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of high-intensity concurrent exercise training (CET) consisting of sprint intervals (SIT) and resistance exercise (RET) protocols on aerobic capacity in recreationally active, adult females. Fifty-three participants were pair-matched according to preliminary maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) Bruce protocol assessment into level-grade (SIT0) or 6% incline (SIT6) groups. This 12-week intervention consisted of three CET sessions per week. SIT protocol consisted of 2 (weeks 1-6) then 3 (weeks 7-12) sets of three 40s sprints at specific intensities to evoke responses equivalent to 95% of age-predicted maximal heart rate (HR) interspersed with 20s of rest; with 1-minute of passive recovery between sets. An undulating periodization model consisting of lifts such as the Back Squat and Bench Press constituted the RET component. Protocol order alternated each session. Post-training revealed significant improvements in both SIT0 and SIT6 (p < 0.05) for VO2max (2.11 ± 0.390 to 2.29 ± 0.382 L•min-1; 2.03 ± 0.382 to 2.09 ± 0.561 L•min-1), Tmax (490.5 ± 102.3s to 542.7 ± 81.5s; 503.2 ± 75.4s to 541.8 ± 77.0s) and Vmax (5.1 ± 0.92MPH to 5.9 ± 0.90MPH; 4.3 ± 0.68MPH to 4.9 ± 0.64MPH) respectively. No significant between-group interactions were detected for any of the variables. Our SIT based CET intervention represents an effective strategy to induce significant cardiovascular adaptations in older women as evident by aerobic capacity improvements, beneficial to overall health and critical for functionality into old age; an important concern for aging women.

Institutions of higher education have a responsibility to prioritize the needs of society and local communities. One essential need prevalent in all communities is to address the rise of obesity and health risks due to lack of participation in physical activity. In the United States, children spend a small percentage of time engaged in physical activity, and engagement decreases further in adolescence and adulthood. Collaborative partnerships between kinesiology faculty at universities and community organizations are one avenue for engaging children in physical activity. Partnerships must be multilevel and community wide to evoke change and have long-term impact and sustainability. Within the context of community-based research, we propose a three-step framework for establishing collaborative partnerships: (1) determining the needs of partners; (2) discussing expertise, services, and philosophy; and (3) providing a quality product. In addition, we outline and illustrate our experiences when collaborating with community partners to promote physical activity.

Physical fitness is associated with decreased weight in children, which helps improve youth obesity rates. Family programs can provide practical approaches to improving physical fitness for children. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of a family-based fitness intervention on changes in body composition, fitness status, and perceptions of obese children. Families attended exercise and education sessions for 60–90 min once per week for 10 weeks. Participants consisted of 10 children who participated in semi-structured interviews, body composition, and fitness assessments at pre- and posttest. Following the intervention, results showed that children had a significant increase in sit-ups (p = .03, effect size = 0.79), lean mass (p < .001, Cohen’s d = 1.95), and bone mineral content (p < .001, Cohen’s d = 0.46). Using thematic analysis, four main themes emerged from the pre- and postintervention interviews: an increase in after-school and weekend intentional physical fitness, rules regarding sedentary behavior and screen time, more prevalent physical fitness reinforcements, and a shift in perception of exercise. Results from this study indicate a family-based intervention had an influence on children’s appreciation for and engagement in physical fitness, as well as healthy body composition and fitness outcomes.