We developed plank test standards, based on trunk lean mass-to-fat mass (LM/FM) ratio, in a sample of healthy Portuguese 10--18 year olds (n = 474, 46.4% female). Height and weight were measured and muscular endurance was assessed using the prone plank test. Trunk LM/FM ratio was determined using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Plank standards…

We developed age- and sex-specific smoothed percentiles for vertical and long jump, as well as vertical jump power, in healthy 10-18 year olds (n = 529, 47.1% female). Jump height and distance were measured and vertical jump power was assessed via mechanography. LMS regression was used to create smoothed age-specific reference curves, separated by…

This study evaluated test-equating methods to enable comparisons and conversions between the vertical jump (VJ) and standing long jump (SLJ) tests. A total of 528 youth (280 males) performed VJ and SLJ, and their scores were randomly split as the calibration (C) sample (n = 478) and cross-validation (CV) sample (n = 50). SLJ scores of the C sample…

Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are at an increased risk for developing obesity when compared to their typically developing peers. Given higher prevalence of obesity in youth with ASD, understanding factors relating to success in obesity treatment provides insight into implementing efficacious treatments for youth. The current study…

Incorporation of the vertical jump (VJ) test in health-related fitness batteries is predicated on the availability of prediction equations to accurately estimate VJ power. The purpose was to develop and validate a generalizable equation to estimate VJ power from VJ height, body mass, age, and sex in 10- to 18-year-olds. The sample (N = 529)…

This study examined the predictive validity of musculoskeletal fitness tests for identifying sarcopenia in youth. The sample was 529 participants age 10 to 18 years. Indices included: total lean body mass (LBM) normalized for height (LBM index, LBMI, kg/m2), appendicular LBMI (aLBMI, kg/m[superscript 2]), and LBM to fat body mass (FBM) ratio…

The aim of this study was to determine what kind of performance characteristics distinguish between different skill levels at different development stages in field hockey using a multi-dimensional testing battery. A total of 100 players identified as "talented" (51.0% girls) and 105 recreational level players (41.0% girls) divided over…

Purpose: To develop models to estimate aerobic fitness (VO[subscript 2]max) from PACER performance in 10- to 18-year-old youth, with and without body mass index (BMI) as a predictor. Method: Youth (N = 280) completed the PACER and a maximal treadmill test to assess VO[subscript 2]max. Validation and cross-validation groups were randomly formed to…

In order to monitor training effects and physical developments in elite sports, it may be beneficial to perform anthropometric measurements and physical fitness tests regularly. In this study, the relationship between the anthropometric properties and physical fitness values of elite figure skating athletes were investigated. 21 elite athletes in…

Background: Despite evidence that social network members influence the eating behaviors of adults, no study to date has had the primary aim of examining children as support partners for parents in a weight loss intervention. Aim: To evaluate parent adherence with eating/exercise goals and weight loss in a 6-month study engaging children as support…

The aim of this study was to analyze the importance of some physical fitness and motor skills for children between 11-13 years at elementary school. A total of 114 primary school children participated as volunteers with a means age of 10.80 ± 0,40 for 5th grade and 12.83 ± 0,38 for 7th grade. In this study, some motor tests were used to detect…

Although Erikson (1968) originally conceptualized identity development as a process of becoming at home in one's body, little work has been done linking identity development and research on the body. This study examines how trajectories of the development of body esteem over time are related to young people's sense of identity and psychological…

Participation in sports may influence negative body image and Social Physique Anxiety (SPA) as there is pressure by significant others to have a certain body image. The aim of the present study was to examine possible differences in SPA and perceived pressure to be thin between female preadolescent and adolescent ballet dancers, rhythmic…

Objective: To examine the relationship of exercise with overweight and obesity among an ethnically diverse sample of U.S. children. Method: Data from the 2011-2012 National Survey of Children's Health were analyzed to examine the relationship of daily exercise with children's weight status. Propensity score covariate adjustment and multivariate…

Based on data from a three-year longitudinal study, we assess the effect, according to gender, of emotional psychopathology in preadolescence on anthropometric and body composition parameters in adolescence (N = 229). Psychopathology was assessed using the "Screen for Childhood Anxiety and Related Emotional Disorders, the Children's…