Executive functions (EF) play a fundamental role in the acquisition of learning, especially in mathematics. The literature seems to indicate that fitness and physical activity (PA) have an important impact on cognition, including EF. Although the relationship between these variables seems evident, few studies have investigated the mediation role…

Physicality has been, and still is, an important part of the embodied identity of many physical education (PE) teachers. PE teachers' understanding and representation of their bodies influence both their teaching and act as role models for their students. PE is therefore an important site for exploring how ideals of the body shape both…

Sustained motivation for Daily Mile participation at higher physical activity intensities may contribute to the attainment of children's daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) targets and long-term health benefits. However, individual variability exists in the amount of MVPA accumulated by children during the Daily Mile. The current…

This study investigated the objectivity, reliability, and the validity of the Basketball Throw Test (BTT) as an upper-body muscular strength measure. Participants (33 boys and 32 girls; mean age = 8.75 ± 1.47) performed the BTT on 2 occasions (1-week apart), and the hand-grip test as criterion measure. The objectivity and reliability were…

The shift in emphasis from the motor sphere to the mental, psycho-emotional sphere leads to a decrease in the natural motor activity of the younger schoolchild, which actualizes the development of the functional and body adaptive capabilities by means of motor activity. In this regard, the formation of independence for physical education is one of…

Fitness testing and awards have been used in physical education classrooms for over 50 years. While their initial intention was to promote physical activity engagement, analyses show they are not achieving their goal. This article highlights fitness testing awards and the need to re-evaluate how they can help meet the physical activity guidelines…

This study aims the evaluation of the level, dynamics and direction of changes in the development of motor skills among early-school aged girls under the influence of a regularly practiced dance. The study involved 357 girls aged 7-10. The experimental group consisted of 192 girls attending dance classes at schools and children's dance groups. The…

Purpose: Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs aim to maximize the application of skills learned in physical education (PE) in other settings. We investigated students' generalization of participation in fitness activities from PE to organized fitness programs during lunch recess. Method: Voluntary participation of 153 (74 girls, age…

Background: Fitness testing is frequently conducted in school-based physical education. However, researchers dispute if fitness testing should be discontinued or, when appropriately implemented, has value. In Singapore, the National Physical Fitness Award test develops students' knowledge and skills to assess, maintain, and improve their fitness…

We aimed to assess the test-retest reliability of five muscle strength and physical function tests in healthy children. Forty-one children (6--9 years) were tested three times 4-10 days apart. The test protocol included maximal isometric leg press, hand grip strength, squat jump, long jump, and a 30-sec sit-to-stand test (STST). When comparing…

Recent evidence suggests that cardiovascular fitness and gross motor skill performance are related to neurocognitive functioning by influencing brain structure and functioning. This study investigates the role of resting-state networks (RSNs) in the relation of cardiovascular fitness and gross motor skills with neurocognitive functioning in…

Engagement in physical activity plays a central role in the prevention and treatment of childhood overweight/obesity. However, some children may lack the skills and confidence to be physically active. This 3-year follow-up study aimed to form profiles based on cardiorespiratory fitness, actual motor competence, perceived motor competence, physical…

Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) plays a significant role in health and academic performance in youth. The purpose of this study was to examine the longitudinal relationship between CRF and academic performance from fifth to eighth grade among a large, diverse, and state-wide cohort of students, and to determine the extent to which the…

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic imposed social isolation measures, which impacted the child population, especially regarding physical and mental health aspects. Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sedentary behavior, cardiorespiratory fitness, immunoglobulin -A secretion, and anxiety symptoms in 267 children…

The purpose of this article is to discuss how fitness trackers enhance the physical education curriculum of fifth and sixth grade students by highlighting the role of fitness trackers in monitoring fitness variables and outlining ways in which physical educators can incorporate their use to assist students in meeting specific National Physical…