Browsing by Subject "Physical activity"
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Item Access to Public Transit and Its Infuence on Ridership for Older Adults in Two U.S. Cities(Journal of Transport and Land Use, 2009) Hess, Daniel BaldwinGrowth in the population of older adults (age 60 and above) in coming years will challenge urban planners and transportation managers to provide travel options that support autonomy. To investigate barriers that older adults experience in using public transit, this research explores associations between older adults who do and do not ride fixed-route public transit and their neighborhood walking access to buses and trains. The research tests whether or not the distance between a trip origin or destination and a transit stop or station is a significant factor in predicting frequency of transit ridership. Data from a survey of older adults in California and New York is used to regress older adults’ frequency of riding public transit against explanatory variables, including demographic and socioeconomic variables, access and mobility measures, and neighborhood characteristics. Findings suggest that self-reported walking distance to transit has a statistically significant influence—in San José, California, but not in Buffalo, New York—in predicting transit ridership frequency. Drivers are more sensitive to walking distance than nondrivers. Models estimate that in San José, each additional five minutes in perceived walking time to transit decreases transit ridership frequency by five percent for nondrivers and by 25 percent for drivers. Older adults are likely to ride transit more often if they are male, nonwhite, and low income.Item Application of Network Meta-Analysis in The Field of Physical Activity and Health Promotion: A Case Study(2020-08) Su, XiwenContinued advancement in the field of kinesiology and health promotion relies heavily on the synthesis of rigorous quantitative scientific evidence. As such, meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials have led to a better understanding of what intervention strategies are superior (i.e., produce the greatest effects) in physical activity-based health behavior change interventions. Indeed, standard meta-analytic approaches have allowed researchers in the field to synthesize relevant experimental evidence using pairwise procedures which produce reliable estimates of the homogeneity, magnitude, and potential biases in the observed effects. However, pairwise meta-analytic procedures are only capable to discerning differences in effects between a select intervention strategy and a select comparison condition or control condition. In order to maximize the impact of physical activity interventions on health-related outcomes, it is necessary to establish evidence concerning the comparative efficacy of all relevant physical activity intervention strategies. The development of network meta-analysis (NMA)—most commonly used in medical-based clinical trials—has allowed for the quantification of indirect comparisons, even in the absence of direct, head-to-head trials. Thus, it stands to reason that NMA can be applied in the physical activity and health promotion research to identify the best intervention strategies. Given this analysis technique is novel and largely unexplored in the field of kinesiology and health promotion, care must be taken in its application to ensure reliable estimates and discernment of the effect sizes between interventions. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to first comment on the potential application and importance of NMA in the field of kinesiology and health promotion, then describe how to properly and effectively apply this technique using a specific case study evaluating the effects of different lifestyle interventions on children’s body composition, and lastly suggest important considerations for its appropriate application in this field. In this paper, overviews of the foundations of NMA and commonly used approaches for conducting NMA are provided, followed by assumptions of NMA, opportunities and challenges in NMA, and a case study example of the development and conduct of an NMA, as well as the interpretation of the analysis results. The case study collect original data from published randomized controlled studies investigating on some type of intervention on variables including body mass index (BMI), BMI z-score (BMIz), and body fat percentage, divided the used intervention into ten categories in total, from simple single intervention to multiple components mixed intervention (more than three), and used pre-processed data to carry out network meta-analysis. Results of analysis using mean difference (SD) between baseline and immediate post-intervention data showed that PA intervention ranked top two of the most effective approaches among other types of lifestyle interventions in all three variables, suggesting that promoting PA participation is crucial in children’s health status and childhood obesity control. While based on the analysis using combined original pre-and-post data (SE), multiple component interventions were predicted to be the best ranked intervention approach among all ten types of intervention, indicating that taking care of more aspects in children’s lifestyle may also result in an important impact for children to keep healthy and fit.Item Beneficial effects of estradiol on murine skeletal muscle function.(2011-01) Greising, Sarah MarieAging is a multidimensional physiological process that affects all people. Biological systems age at various rates with declines in structure and function of up to 3% per year due to a number of different mechanism (90). Many systems have well defined pathologies related to aging; cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and dementia. The age-related pathology of skeletal muscle is sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is primarily characterized by muscle atrophy and weakness and is highly associated with functional impairment and immobility of the elderly (45). With age, both absolute force production and that normalized to the size of the muscle, or specific force, have noted decrements compared to younger individuals. It is likely that numerous mechanisms with various contributions of each account for the pathology of sarcopenia; such as physical (in)activity, hormonal changes, nutrition, oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. The main focus in this dissertation is on hormonal changes in females and secondary changes in physical (in)activity.Item Do children walk where they bike? Exploring built environment correlates of children's walking and bicycling(Journal of Transport and Land Use, 2016) Moran, Mike; Plaut, Pnina; Baron-Epel, OrnaPrevious studies examined environmental correlates of children's physical activity. While most of these studies used aggregated physical activity measures (i.e., overall physical activity, active travel), little is known about the contribution of specific environmental attributes to specific types of physical activity. This study examined associations between GIS-based environmental measures and children’s self-reported walking and bicycling. The study area included “traditional neighborhoods” (N=4), characterized by high-density, land-use mix and grid-street network, and "suburban neighborhoods" (N=3), characterized by low-density, land-use segregation, and cul-de-sac streets. Data on children’s physical activity and psychosocial and socio-demographic factors were obtained through a school survey (of fifth and sixth graders) (N=573). Urban-form measures (intersection density, residential density, and built coverage) were significantly positively associated with walking and negatively associated with bicycling. These associations remained significant after controlling for social, intra- and inter-personal factors. These findings suggest that certain environments may encourage children’s walking and hinder their bicycling at the same time (and vice versa) and therefore raise the need for a more clear distinction between child-related walkability and bikeablilty.Item The effects of physical activity, body composition, muscle cross-sectional area and sex steroids on bone volumetric density, strength and geometry in older men.(2011-08) Cousins, Julie MarieOsteoporosis and related fractures are significant public health and economic burdens. Studies show that factors such as mechanical loading and sex steroids influence the bones of older women. In order to reduce the risk of osteoporosis in older men, it is important to understand what factors affect the strength of the bones of older men. The primary aim of this study was to identify modifiable factors that influence bone volumetric density, bone geometry and estimates of bone strength in old men. This cross-sectional study used data from the MrOS (n=1171) and Tobago Bone Health (n=500) studies. Dual Energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to assess areal bone mineral density, lean mass and fat mass. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography assessed volumetric bone mineral density, bone geometry, estimates of bone strength and muscle cross-sectional area. After adjusting for age, clinic site, body weight, race and limb length, estimates of bone strength at the 4% and 66% site of the tibia were greater in the quartile of men with the greatest leg power compared to the least leg power and in the quartile of men that were the most physically active compared to the least active. Similar results were found at both the distal and midshaft of the radius when looking at physical activity and grip strength. After adjusting for age, clinic site, limb length, and race, estimates of bone strength at the proximal and distal tibia and radius were positively associated with total body weight, BMI, lean mass and fat mass. After adjusting for age, site, and tibia length, bone strength was positively associated with muscle cross-sectional area. Bioavailable testosterone and estradiol were positively associated with cortical vBMD while bioavailable estradiol was also positively associated with total and trabecular vBMD, bone compressive strength, cortical area and section modulus. These finding suggest that greater physical activity, muscle strength, muscle power, lean mass, and muscle cross-sectional area (all surrogates of mechanical load) are important for bone strength. It may be important to utilize the role of muscle to prevent the natural loss of bone that occurs with aging. These findings are congruent with finding from previous studies conducted on older females.Item Enablers and barriers to factors contributing to bone health among early adolescent Somali girls living in Minnesota.(2010-12) Benbenek, Mary MescherPurpose: This descriptive qualitative study aimed to (a) gain a better understanding of the socio-cultural and environmental factors that shape lifestyle practices contributing to bone health including the dietary intake of foods high in calcium and vitamin D, sunlight exposure, and physical activity, and (b) to identify enablers and barriers to these lifestyle practices among early adolescent Somali girls who live in urban and more rural areas of Minnesota. Theoretical/Conceptual Framework: Urie Bronfenbrenner's socio-ecological theory informed the framework used to guide this study. This theory recognizes the complex relationships between the individuals and their numerous environments and considers the individual's development within and across different levels of these environments. This theory was chosen because it acknowledges the social, cultural, historical, and environmental influences on development and behaviors over time. Subjects: Four cohorts of 6 to 12 girls of Somali ethnicity, ages 11 -14 years, were recruited from two Minnesota communities, Minneapolis and Owatonna. Thirty-nine girls participated. Of the 39 participants, 26 participated in all 3 sessions; 10 participated in only 2 sessions, and 3 girls participated in the first session only. Methods: A series of three focus groups was conducted with each cohort of girls, a younger cohort and an older cohort from each community, to gather information about enablers and barriers related to diet, dress, activity, and sunlight exposure relative to bone health. The focus groups were conducted according to guidelines published by Krueger and Casey (2000). Results: Descriptive content analysis was utilized to summarize information derived from the within and across cohort analysis of the focus group data and to identify enablers and barriers to factors contributing to bone health. Cultural tradition, age/developmental stage, acculturation, and environment emerged as key concepts that shaped lifestyle practices and contributed to enablers and barriers to bone health among study participants. Conclusion: Cultural tradition, developmental stage, acculturation and environment emerged as major contributors to factors shaping, enabling, and acting as barriers to bone health among Somali girls, ages 11 to 14 years, living in Minnesota. These findings must be considered when designing and implementing bone health promotion strategies within these communities.Item Examining the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a six-week at-home strength training intervention for Black women(2024-06) Swinney, KaitlynRoutine physical activity (PA) is protective against many health conditions such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity, and all-cause mortality. Black women have the lowest rates of PA across gender and racial groups, and some of the highest rates of non-communicable diseases. The current pilot study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of an at-home physical activity intervention that focused on strength training. Additionally, the current study examined the effect of the intervention on physical activity and psychosocial variables, compared to the wait-list-control group. Low-active women (< 90 minutes MVPA per week; n = 36; mean age = 44.0, + / 12.6) who identified as Black were randomized to either the six-week physical activity group or the wait-list control group. The physical activity group were sent workouts weekly via email with accompanying videos, engaged in one Zoom counseling and exercise session per week, and were in a social media group that discussed motivational constructs weekly. The physical activity group engaged in a one-hour focus group at the conclusion of the program to assess acceptability and potential improvements. The overall program had a high satisfaction rate (all components of the program had over 75% favorability, with the exception of the motivational messages. Attendance of the Zoom counseling sessions was low at 48%, although 46% attended at least four sessions. The physical activity group significantly increased their self-reported physical activity from baseline to post-test, p < .05. No other significant effects were observed for any other variable. Future research should focus on building community partnerships and finding a way to build more authentic connections between participants. This was one of the first studies to explore a physical activity program for Black women that emphasized strength training and utilized home-based methodology.Item An Exploration of Rural Youths' Perceptions and Experiences of Physical Activity(2018-04) Johnson, Jimmie LThe purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how rural youth perceive, experience and make meaning of physical activity in their daily lives. This phenomenological study was guided by Sallis' (2008) social ecological model that served as the framework to conceptualize youth physical activity. Five rural youth ages 11-16 were interviewed to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences. The analysis of the data revealed four emergent themes that described how the participants perceived, experienced, and made meaning of physical activity in their daily lives: positive physical education experiences; self-efficacy; sedentary behaviors; and family support. Positive physical education experiences played a key role as a way for youth to develop the necessary motor skills that enable them to lead a life-long physically active lifestyle. Self-efficacy was perceived as feeling secure and resourceful in the ability to successfully engage in various forms of physically activity independently or with others. Sedentary behaviors for the participants in this study played a role in their everyday lives, but were not perceived as a barrier to being physically active, perhaps due to high levels of self-efficacy. Family support was perceived as being important, but not always necessary for participants to be physically active. Together, their experiences served as pertinent reminders to those with a vested interest in children's well-being to acknowledge their voices in all aspects of devising interventions.Item Exploring intersectionality in physical activity spaces among Somali adolescent girls: implications for programming(2012-10) Thul, Chelsey MarieThul and LaVoi (2011) conducted a study in 2008, titled "Reducing Physical Inactivity and Promoting Active Living: From the Voices of East African Immigrant Adolescent Girls," to learn about barriers facing this underserved population. The purpose of the study was to explore East African (n= 12 Somali, and n= 7 Ethiopian) adolescent females' experiences with and beliefs about physical activity, and their suggestions for promoting active living. Based on the data, the girls faced barriers on multiple levels which impeded their physical activity participation. To overcome barriers the girls suggested a culturally relevant, female-only physical activity program be developed. Based on the girls' wishes, in 2008 the Girls Initiative in Recreation and Leisurely Sports (G.I.R.L.S.) program was created for primarily East African adolescent and young adult females, and implemented in a gym at the Brian Coyle Center in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Thul--a participant-volunteer-consultant to the program--noticed the gym and other physical activity spaces in the neighborhood appeared to be contested spaces wherein "real and symbolic boundaries have been drawn to limit access" (Cooky, 2009, p. 260) for the participants. Specifically, Thul observed several physical activity spaces and the female participants who used them were affected by the intersection of gender, race, ethnicity, class, religion, and cultural markers of identity. Thul, in conjunction with G.I.R.L.S. program leaders, decided conducting a spatial needs assessment and extending Thul and LaVoi's (2011) study by listening to girls' voices was imperative for understanding their experiences with, and perceptions of, the identity markers and physical activity space, as well as the impact such experiences have on future physical activity programming. Thus, the purpose of this dissertation study was two-fold: 1) to employ Henri Lefebvre's (1991) Conceptual Model of Social Space and aspects of a feminist participatory action research (FPAR) approach to explore Somali adolescent girls' experiences with, and perceptions of, the intersection of gender, race, ethnicity, class, religion, and culture in perceived, conceived, and lived physical activity spaces in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, and 2) to understand the implications of the Lefebvre's model for locating and implementing future physical activity programming. Data collection included mixed methods--a quantitative participatory mapping activity (n = 30) to assess perceived space, and focus groups (n= 27) to explore the intersection of the identity constructs within conceived and lived spaces. Numerical trending of the participatory maps, and deductive and inductive content analysis of the focus groups, revealed many complex findings. The overarching finding was that physical activity spaces for Somali females are contested terrain. Perceived space mapping trends indicated males had more access to physical activity spaces than females, indoor physical activity spaces were perceived as more relevant than outdoor ones, and females have low accessibility to physical spaces. Participants' perceived space definitions and behaviors of physical activity revealed a wide ranging definition and performances of physical activity. Conceived space themes suggested an intersection of identity markers influenced a variety of gender ideologies and expectations of females, social constructions of femininity, cultural and religious beliefs and tensions, and ethnic Somali cultural norms. Together the perceived space, conceived space, and identity markers impacted an array of lived space perceptions and experiences regarding a lack of freedom, gender spatial inequality, surveillance tensions, familiarity tensions, inclusivity tensions, accessibility, and strategies for change. These findings indicate future physical activity programming should maintain its inclusivity of all females regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, and culture, as well as take place in accessible, high-quality, private community locations. The findings also support the need to incorporate a wide variety of physical activities and occasionally new venues, ensure trusted, adult-female surveillance, and maintain accessibility. Above all, however, the findings suggest multi-systemic efforts must be undertaken to achieve spatial equality for physical activity among Somali adolescent girls.Item The impact of physical activities in a short-term study abroad program: a case study of Dive Belize(2013-05) Terry, Kathryn AnneThe purpose of this case study research is to investigate the impact of physical activities on student experience on a short-term study abroad program. While there is plentiful research on the benefits and student experience of study abroad (both long and short-term), there is limited research focusing on the impact of physical activity as an integral component of a study abroad program. In order to observe and investigate the impact of physical activity in a short-term study abroad program, I accompanied a two-week study abroad program to Belize in January 2013 with undergraduate and graduate students from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. Along with participant observations, in-depth interviews with participants were also conducted to assess the impact that the physical components of the program had on the students. I found that the physical activities in the program impacted the students connection to the course content, forced the students to overcome obstacles and face fears, made the students seek out other similar study abroad programs for the future, and proved to be the favorite feature of the program. However, I found that the physical activities of the program had little impact on the student's connection and learning of the local culture, and were not reported to be the most meaningful components of the program. Data collected from this study can contribute to the literature on the diverse field of study abroad, and possibly influence future programming of short-term study abroad.Item Influence of Spatial Layout on Physical Activity and Face-to-Face Interactions in the Work Environment(2015-05) Bae, SuyeonLack of enough activity during the day in the workplace has become a serious issue resulting in obesity and health problems. This research explores how interior layout of workspace can affect employees' number of steps and face-to-face- interactions and also investigates whether face-to-face interactions relate to job satisfaction. Twenty one participants were recruited and the data was collected through completing self-report forms to report the number of steps and interactions the participants had daily for ten business days. The data was analyzed using the linear mixed effect models, correlations, ANOVA, and t-tests. The findings support both social ecological model and space syntax theory with positive relationships among distance, depth, the number of steps and interaction, and moderate variables (personal, organizational, and environmental factors). However, there is no significant correlation between interactions and job satisfaction. Since limited studies have been conducted to examine a correlation between movement and interaction in work environments, this research fills the gap of findings from previous literature and makes recommendations for future research.Item Physical activity and muscle function in females: Impact of ovarian hormones, bazedoxifene, and estrogen receptor alpha(2018-12) Cabelka, ChristineOverall, my dissertation work had three main objectives: 1) critically evaluate the literature to determine if hormone therapy increases physical activity in postmenopausal women, 2) determine the effects of estradiol and progesterone on physical activity and skeletal muscle function in female mice, and 3) determine the effects of bazedoxifene on the musculoskeletal system. First, I performed a systematic review and meta-analysis (Chapter 3), which determined that there is a lack of evidence to conclude that hormone therapy does not affect physical activity in postmenopausal women. Although there is not a clear link between ovarian hormones and physical activity in women, there is a clear link in rodent models. I then identified that a combined treatment of estradiol+progesterone after ovariectomy increased physical activity in the form of wheel running distance and blunted susceptibility to fatigue in the soleus muscles of female mice (Chapter 4). Additionally, I determined that estrogen receptor is likely the predominant receptor through which estradiol functions to elicit its effects on skeletal muscle fatigue (Chapter 4). Finally, due to declines in the clinical use of estrogen-based hormone therapy in postmenopausal women, I investigated the effects of bazedoxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, on the musculoskeletal system. This investigation showed that bazedoxifene has tissue selective effects on adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and bone (Chapter 5). The work contained in my dissertation highlights a number of hormones or hormone analogues that impact physical activity, as well as identifies estrogen receptor as a mechanism through which these compounds elicit their effects on skeletal muscle.Item Physical activity in childhood cancer survivors(2014-08) Slater, Megan ElizabethBackground: Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at high risk of developing treatment-related late effects, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which can be exacerbated by inadequate physical activity (PA). Relationships between PA, physical fitness, and cardiometabolic risk factors in CCS have not been well described. Furthermore, active transportation, a specific domain of PA, has not been previously studied in CCS. The primary aims of this dissertation were to examine associations between PA/fitness and cardiometabolic risk factors and to identify active transportation behaviors and barriers in CCS.Methods: In Project 1, associations between PA and cardiometabolic risk factors were examined in 319 CCS and 208 sibling controls aged 9-18 years. In Project 2, associations between PA/fitness and cardiometabolic risk factors were examined in 119 adult CCS with a history of hematopoietic cell transplantation and 66 adult sibling controls. In Project 3, we recruited 158 adult CCS and 153 controls matched on age, sex, and location to complete a survey regarding active transportation behaviors and perceptions. Linear and logistic regression models accounting for correlation among siblings or matched participants were used to address research questions.Results: Higher levels of PA in CCS aged 9-18 (Project 1) and higher levels of endurance in adult CCS (Project 2) were associated with a favorable cardiometabolic profile. In Project 3, adult CCS engaged in similar levels of active transportation as controls despite perceiving greater health-related barriers. Marital/relationship status, planning/psychosocial barriers, and perceived neighborhood walkability were the strongest correlates of active transportation among CCS, while objective neighborhood walkability was the strongest correlate among controls.Conclusions: Findings suggest that efforts to increase PA and endurance in CCS may reduce the risk of future cardiovascular disease. Interventions might consider promoting active transportation as a moderate intensity PA option, since it appears to be as well accepted in CCS as in healthy adults. Such interventions will not be successful, however, without existing or improved pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, safety, and access to local amenities. Additional research is needed to confirm results and explore the feasibility and efficacy of active transportation interventions in this population.Item Physical activity, self-weighing, and absenteeism in a worksite weight physical activity, self-weighing, and absenteeism in a worksite weight gain prevention intervention: the healthWorks trial.(2011-01) VanWormer, Jeffrey J.INTRODUCTION: Rising obesity rates are a threat to the American public's health. To date, however, few studies have used an environment focused weight gain prevention intervention approach, which is arguably more appropriate than individual weight loss counseling interventions. The HealthWorks trial recently implemented a worksite environment intervention (e.g., modifications to cafeterias/vending, activity social environment) aimed at reducing weight gain over two years among adults. METHODS: This dissertation includes three secondary data analyses from the broader HealthWorks trial in order to: (1) determine if baseline physical activity level is associated with enrollment in worksite walking club events, (2) assess if self-weighing frequency is associated with weight maintenance, and (3) assess if weight change is associated with workplace absenteeism. Physical activity and self-weighing were two of the key lifestyle changes targeted in the HealthWorks trial and reduced workplace absenteeism was one of the economic outcomes believed to result from a successful intervention. Six worksites (N=1,747 individuals) were randomized to either a treatment or control arm. Multivariate regression models were used for all analyses. RESULTS: In paper #1, baseline physical activity level was not a significant predictor of worksite walking club participation, but several covariates (i.e., age, sex, social support, worksite) remained in the final models as significant predictors. In paper #2, there was a significant interaction between follow-up self-weighing frequency and baseline BMI category. Specifically, adjusted weight change ranged from a mean±SE -4.5±0.8 kg among obese daily self-weighers to 2.2±0.4 kg for participants at a healthy BMI who reported self-weighing monthly or less. In paper #3, weight change was not a significant predictor of workplace absenteeism, but several covariates (i.e., sex, depression, smoking, BMI) remained in the final models as significant predictors of workplace absenteeism. CONCLUSIONS: The collective findings suggest that over two years: (1) worksite walking clubs are generally appealing across varying levels of physical activity, (2) self-weighing may be most beneficial for obese individuals who increase their self-weighing frequency over time, and (3) weight loss may not meaningfully decrease workplace illness absence days. More intense efforts on the primary prevention of weight gain that decreases the proportion of newly obese employees, perhaps via broad-based physical activity programs and stronger emphases on frequent self-weighing, may be necessary to achieve long-term weight change and economic benefits for employers.Item School travel route measurement and built environment effects in models of children's school travel behavior(Journal of Transport and Land Use, 2016) Larsen, Kristian; Buliung, Ron N.; Faulkner, GuyThe most common form of physical activity for people of all ages is walking, thus the use of active travel modes, such as walking or cycling for school trips, can increase daily physical activity levels. School travel is one way to encourage walking and cycling on a daily basis. Much of the recent literature reports inconsistent results pertaining to how the built environment may relate to active school travel. To date, there is no consistent approach toward conceptualizing the "environment" for its measurement, and this may be partially to blame for the inconsistent results. The purpose of this paper is twofold: to examine how characteristics of the built environment might relate to mode of school travel, while testing how measurement of the environment may influence the results in terms of the shortest path or respondent reported route mapping. The results indicate that model parameter estimates vary when using these two route measurement methods. Differences in the conceptualization and measurement of the school travel environment could carry forward into misguided planning or policy interventions targeting environmental features that may actually have no influence on school travel decisions.Item Small sided games: physical activity, heart rate, and skill outcomes in club-level, adolescent girls soccer(2015-01) Statt, Eric H.The United States is in the midst of a physical activity (PA) crisis. Children across the country struggle to achieve the recommended dosage of daily PA. Sport is one mechanism for the accrual of PA in children. Soccer is one sport that has demonstrated efficacy in generating PA at a level commensurate with increases in health. With soccer, the use of small sided game training (SSG) has become an effective method for the development of match related performance outcomes in soccer players, the same outcomes associated with improved health. Much of the research has focused on elite male performers. However, there is minimal research investigating the effects of SSG training on youth, specifically club-level youth. In addition, the preponderance of research is focused on this mode of training for males, creating a gap in the literature detailing outcomes experienced by females. Previous research exploring the physiologic, time and motion, and skill outcomes associated with SSG training have been generally positive in both performance measures and health outcomes. There are questions as to the effectiveness of generalizing results to individuals who come from geographic regions where soccer is not a leading professional sport (e.g. United States). The potential for a difference in outcomes could exist with less cultural demand for performance in the sport. When this is juxtaposed against the poor results of children to receive the recommended dose of physical activity, there is a call for increased knowledge centered on SSG training, a popular training method. This research attempts to address the void in the literature using observational approaches. The results in indicate that SSG training produces greater time in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) than at intensities below this threshold (p = .05). This effect was moderated by competition level (CL), with Premier (P) players generating greater values than Classic 1 (C1) players and Classic 3 (C3) players. Classic 1 players in turn generated greater values than Classic 3 players. Heart rate response, indicates that when measuring two unique heart rate thresholds, 70% HRmax and 85% HRmax, SSG training is efficacious in producing exercise intensities above these commonly used intensities (p value). With the use of a performance metric, positive possession (PosP), to delineate between CL in SSG training, significant results were found when stratifying PosP by CL (p = .05). This investigation adds to the existing body of knowledge describing the utility of this training modality. The effect of CL on these outcomes, along with descriptions of the moderating effect of time and player position, is described in this underrepresented population, club-level adolescent females. This works aligns previous research while laying the foundation for larger more comprehensive trials.Item Tucker Center Talks: S2E2 - Physical Activity for Adolescent Girls(2020-01-13) LaVoi, Nicole M.; Thul, ChelseyThis week’s guest is Tucker Center Affiliated Scholar and Lecturer in the School of Kinesiology at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Chelsey Thul. They discuss her groundbreaking research pertaining to the development, implementation, and evaluation of culturally relevant physical activity programming for underserved adolescent girls which was designed with girls, using the voices of girls.