Showing papers by "Patty S. Freedson published in 1994"

Comparison of activity levels using the Caltrac® accelerometer and five questionnaires

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare the physical activity levels of physical therapists using five activity questionnaires and one electronic motion sensor (Caltrac). Thirty-three physical therapists (26 female, seven male) were monitored for seven consecutive days. The Caltrac data were compared with five questionnaires, including the Baecke (Baecke); Godin and Shephard (Godin); Ross and Jackson (NASA); 3-d record (3-d); and 7-d recall (7-d). A significant (P < 0.01) Spearman rank order correlation coefficient was observed between the Caltrac reading and the 7-d recall (r = 0.79). A significant correlation was also observed between the Caltrac and the Godin (r = 0.45, P < 0.01). Three of the questionnaires were also significantly (P < 0.01) correlated with each other, including the NASA with the Baecke (r = 0.52), the NASA with the Godin (r = 0.54), and the Godin with the Baecke (r = 0.61). The 3-d record was not significantly correlated with any of the other measures. The strong, significant correlation observed between the Caltrac data and the 7-d recall suggests adequate validity for the 7-d recall. The 7-d recall questionnaire would be quicker, easier, and less expensive to use in a large population study than the Caltrac.

Relationship Between Habitual Physical Activity and Aerobic Fitness in Adolescents

Abstract: This review summarizes the research relating physical activity to aerobic fitness among adolescents. A brief description of commonly used physical activity and aerobic fitness measures is presented, followed by an interpretation of the literature that suggests a small to moderate relationship between physical activity and aerobic fitness in this population (typical correlation of .16-17). Dose-response data are lacking, which makes it difficult to offer definitive conclusions concerning the amount of physical activity necessary to elicit change in aerobic capacity. Nevertheless, recommendations about the type, amount, and quality of physical activity for adolescents are presented. Recommendations are based on a summary of the research data on daily physical activity and aerobic fitness in adolescents. Further research is needed to investigate the association between habitual physical activity and aerobic fitness in adolescents where the a priori goal is to identify a threshold of daily physical activity n...

Effects of chromium picolinate supplementation on body composition, strength, and urinary chromium loss in football players

Abstract: The effects of 9 weeks of daily chromium supplementation (200 microgram Cr as picolinate) were investigated in a double-blind design in football players during spring training. Testing was done pre-, mid-, and postsupplementation on the following criterion measures: urinary chromium excretion, girth and skinfold measures, percent body fat and lean body mass, and isometric and dynamic strength. With the exception of 2 variables (of 65 variables analyzed), no significant group by trials interactions were found (based on a repeated measures ANOVA). The two exceptions were unrelated and inconsequential. For 27 of the 38 subjects, average urinary chromium loss at pre was 0.36 microgram/24 hr, whereas it was undetectable (<0.1 microgram/24 hr) for 10 subjects and excessive in 1 subject (2.4 micrograms/24 hr). Subjects receiving chromium supplements demonstrated urinary chromium losses five times greater than those in the placebo group at mid and post. Chromium picolinate supplementation was ineffective in bringing about changes in body composition or strength during a program of intensive weight-lifting training.

Physical activity, fitness, and health in children : a close look

Abstract: The available research information suggests, then, that the best primary strategy for improving the longterm health of children and adolescents through exercise may be creating a lifestyle pattern of regular physical activity that will carry over to the adult years rather than promoting childhood physical fitness.26 This implies that it is of primary importance to discover behavioral approaches that will be effective in increasing activity levels of children. It is an approach that raises critical questions in future research efforts: What are the factors that make exercise enjoyable for children? What settings (family, school physical education, physicians, community programs) are most effective in "turning children on" to physical activity? How can interest in exercise be sustained as children grow into adulthood? Furthermore, this conclusion bears implications for the design of physical education curricula, the role of families in the early molding of exercise habits, and the important function of physicians in identifying sedentary patients and introducing them to the fun of physical activity. This viewpoint does not assume the importance for children of a critical threshold of activity or fitness. Instead, it emphasizes the significance of establishing a physically active lifestyle during the pediatric years; this is best achieved by exposing children to the enjoyment of physical exercise early. This strategy is based on the concept that health outcomes may relate more to the persistence of exercise throughout life rather than its quantity during the pediatric years.

Weight Loss in Adolescent Wrestlers

Abstract: The sport of wrestling often encourages participants to engage in extreme weight loss practices in order to compete in a weight class one to three weight categories below normal weight. This review discusses the prevalence of the problem, methods wrestlers use to accomplish weight loss, and the health and performance consequences of rapid weight loss, with particular emphasis on weight cycling and minimal safe wrestling weight assessment. Some useful and practical recommendations for minimizing extreme weight loss practices are presented. Several state wrestling associations have adjusted their rules and regulations based on recommendations by organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine to reduce the prevalence of the problem. Nevertheless, extreme weight loss continues to be a concern among health professionals, particularly with regard to health and performance.