Physical activity outside of organised sports is associated with functional performance. (26th February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tocci, Noah; Howell, David R.; Sugimoto, Dai; Stracciolini, Andrea; Morse, Jen; Meehan, William P.
• Is Part Of: Acta pædiatrica. Volume 106:Number 5(2017)
• Page Start: 825
• Page End: 830
• Publication Date: 2017-02-26
• Subjects: Physical ability -- Physical exercise -- Physical performance -- Youth athletes -- Youth sports; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pediatrics; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/apa.13776
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0803-5253

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine whether high levels of strenuous physical activity outside of organised sports are associated with better functional test performance. Methods: Youth athletes (n = 445, mean = 14.2 ± 2.5 years) reported their frequency of strenuous physical activity outside of organised sports. The functional performance tests: vertical jump height, pro agility test time, estimated maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), front plank time and postural stability were measured and compared between groups. Results: Athletes in the five or more times a week group demonstrated faster pro agility times (5.37 ± 0.43 seconds) than the never group (5.59 ± 0.56 seconds; p = 0.002) and the 1–4 times a week group (5.52 ± 0.47 seconds; p = 0.005). The five or more times a week group demonstrated higher mean vertical jump height (42.9 ± 13.3 vs. 40.3 ± 10.8 cm; p = 0.009) and higher estimated VO2 max (48.1 vs. 45.6 mL/kg/minute; p = 0.001) than the 1–4 times a week group. Conclusion: Youth athletes who engaged in strenuous physical activity outside of organised sports five or more times a week performed best on functional performance tests. Abstract :