Children’s Higher Physical Activity Levels Associated with Decreased Depression

Pediatrics published a meta-analysis on the association of children’s physical activity levels in childhood and adolescence with depression.  Fifty studies (89,894 participants) were included from 2005-2015 that measured physical activity in childhood or adolescence and examined its association with depression  The results indicated that stronger effect sizes were seen in studies with:

• cross-sectional versus longitudinal designs
• using depression self-report versus interview
• using validated versus nonvalidated physical activity measures
• using measures of frequency and intensity of physical activity versus intensity alone

The researchers concluded that children’s higher physical activity levels are associated with decreased concurrent depressive symptoms although the association with future depressive symptoms is weak.

Reference:  Korczak, D. J., Madigan, S., & Colasanto, M. (2017). Children’s Physical Activity and Depression: A Meta-analysis. Pediatrics, e20162266.

Classroom Activity Posters: is a digital download collection of 16 exercise activities, 4 large posters and a brief, simple video demonstration of each exercise.The posters are divided into four groups: posture, alerting, ready to work and focus/balance. All of the exercises are performed in standing. Try these activities prior to starting fine motor activities, for posture breaks, to refocus students attention and for vestibular/ proprioceptive input in the classroom.
These activities encourage: proper posture, vestibular input, proprioceptive input, coordination skills, attention span, balance and physical activity. FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION.

 

The post Children’s Higher Physical Activity Levels Associated with Decreased Depression appeared first on Your Therapy Source.

3 Free Animal Printables to Get Moving and Learning

Visual Discrimination with Physical Activity

Here is a unique way to practice visual discrimination skills while adding in some physical activity.  You can download the freebies from Your Therapy Source.

Extra Physical Activity and Academic Achievement

Research on the impact of physical activity intervention program on academic achievement was published in the Journal of School Health. The study provided 408 twelve year olds with an additional two hours per week of extra play and motion activities. The control groups were three different schools (matched for male/female ratio, average level of income, education and unemployment of parents) who did not receive the extra two hours of physical activity per week.

Academic achievement was tested four years prior to the study and five years later. The results indicated the following:

1. Higher proportions of students in the intervention school achieved the national goals in all 3 subjects compared with the reference schools after initiation of the intervention program.

2. The odds for achieving the national learning goals in the intervention school doubled.

3. The odds for achieving the national learning goals did not change or decreased in the control schools.

The researchers concluded that promoting physical activity in school by means of a curriculum-based intervention program may improve children's educational outcome.

Reference: Lina B. Käll PhD, Michael Nilsson MD, PhD, andThomas Lindén MD, PhD. The Impact of a Physical Activity Intervention Program on Academic Achievement in a Swedish Elementary School Setting. Journal of School Health Volume 84, Issue 8, pages 473–480, August 2014. DOI: 10.1111/josh.12179



Need some easy ideas to squeeze in physical activity and play time?  Check out Roll Some Fun at http://yourtherapysource.com/rollsomefun.html

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Freebie from the Summer Fitness Challenge

Download this freebie from the Summer Fitness Challenge to get kids moving this summer!  You can download it at http://yourtherapysource.com/summerfitnessfreebie.html

Higher Aerobic Fitness and Improved Language Processing

Brain and Cognition published research on event-related brain potentials (ERPs) in children to determine the relationship between aerobic fitness and language processing.  ERPs were recorded while children read normal sentences and those containing semantic or syntactic violations.The following results were found:

1.  higher aerobically fit children exhibited greater amplitude when processing semantic information and shorter latency across all sentence types.

2.  higher fit children exhibited a larger effect for syntactic violations.

The researchers concluded that higher fitness may be associated with a richer network of words and their meanings, and a greater ability to detect and/or repair syntactic errors.

Reference:  Scudder, M et al. The association between aerobic fitness and language processing in children: Implications for academic achievement. Brain and Cognition. Volume 87, May 2014, Pages 140–152. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bandc.2014.03.016

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Get Moving Flashcards

By: Your Therapy Source

Summary: Powerpoint presentation and PDF of flashcards with physical
activity breaks

Find out more information at http://yourtherapysource.com/getmovingflashcards.html

Sprint Interval Training for Young Adults with Intellectual Disability

Clinical Rehabilitation published a randomized control research trial on the influence of sprint interval training on body composition, physical and metabolic fitness in adolescents and young adults with intellectual disability.  The 54 participants with intellectual disabilities  (average age 17 years) in the study were randomly assigned to one of three groups: sprint interval training, continuous aerobic training or control group (did not participate in any exercise).  Sprint interval training consisted of three blocks of 10 minutes at ventilatory threshold (blocks 1 and 3: 10 sprint bouts of 15 seconds, followed by 45 seconds relative rest; block 2: continuous training) twice a week for 15 weeks. Continuous aerobic training consisted of three blocks of 10 minutes continuous training. Following eight weeks, intensity was increased to 110% of ventilatory threshold.  Prior to the training period and after the training period, body composition, physical and metabolic fitness were evaluated.  

The following results were recorded:

• sprint interval training showed a significant positive evolution for waist circumference, fat%, systolic blood pressure, lipid profile, fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, peak VO2, peak Watt, ventilatory threshold, 6-minute walk distance and muscle fatigue resistance when compared to the control group with no training.


• sprint interval training group demonstrated significant improvements for fat%, systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein, fasting insulin, peak VO2 and peak power and ventilatory threshold when compared with continuous aerobic training. 

The researchers concluded that sprint interval training has stronger beneficial effects on body composition, physical fitness and metabolic fitness than no exercise or continuous aerobic training.

Reference:  Pieter-Henk Boer et al.  The influence of sprint interval training on body composition, physical and metabolic fitness in adolescents and young adults with intellectual disability: a randomized controlled trial Clin Rehabil March 2014 28: 221-231, first published on August 20, 2013 doi:10.1177/0269215513498609

Check out Locomotor Games at http://yourtherapysource.com/locomotor.html for activities to get kids moving!

Tips on Exercise Participation for Children with Asthma

Asthma is a common chronic disease is the pediatric population. Having this condition, does not indicate that children should avoid exercise or sports participation. Although exercise and emotions can trigger bronchospasm with mild inflammation. Statistics show that almost 90% of asthmatics and 40% of people with allergic rhinitis suffer from exercise induced bronchospasm (EIB). This bronchocontriction typically occurs after 8-15 minutes of physical activity and clears up with 60 minutes. The usual triggers for EIB are running and other cardiovascular activities excluding swimming.

Some of the benefits of exercising for asthmatics are the following:
1. improves aerobic capacity (although does not change pulmonary function tests)
2. swimming can decrease asthma morbidity
3. potential for decrease in EIB severity (exercise may increase the threshold for triggering bronchospasm

There are possible risks to asthmatics with exercise such as:
1. high intensity exercise can trigger EIB
2. bronchial changes with endurance athletes
3. any sports or recreational activities that expose the athlete to dry, cool air, allergens or pollutants could trigger asthma (winter sports exacerbate symptoms more)
4. scuba diving may be dangerous

When children with asthma exercise the following tips are recommended:
1. asthmatic children can participate is any physical activity if symptoms are controlled. A lower risk activity to trigger symptoms is swimming.
2. keep a log of physical activity, triggers and symptoms
3. should be followed by a medical doctor to diagnosis EIB, prescribe proper medications and when to take the medications prior to exercise
4. avoid scuba diving if asthma symptoms are present or abnormal pulmonary function tests
5. for major competitions you may need documentation from physician to use certain medications.

Reference: Philpott, John F MD, Dip Sport Med; Houghton, Kristin MD, Dip Sport Med; Luke, Anthony MD, MPH, Dip Sport Med Physical Activity Recommendations for Children With Specific Chronic Health Conditions: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Hemophilia, Asthma, and Cystic Fibrosis Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine: May 2010 - Volume 20 - Issue 3 - pp 167-172 doi: 10.1097/JSM.0b013e3181d2eddd

Exercise Participation: Cerebral Palsy

When recommending exercise and sports participation for children with cerebral palsy, there are many factors to consider. Research is constantly being collected and analyzed on the benefits of physical activity for people with cerebral palsy. One topic is the use of muscle strengthening exercises. Some current research states that progressive resistance exercises has been shown to improve muscle strength and function. Some research has concluded that muscle strengthening does not increase muscle spasticity.

Regarding cardiovascular health, children with cerebral palsy:
1. have 2-3 times higher energy expenditure rates while walking
2. may have poor cardiovascular health
3. take many less steps per day than their typically developing peers

With these statistics in mind, aerobic exercise can be beneficial for children with cerebral palsy. Some examples of research studies indicating this are the following:
1. lower limb cycling (3x/week, 20 min sessions for 1.5 - 16 months) resulted in improved aerobic fitness
2. a community fitness program of aerobics, strength training, and stretching (3x/week for 10 weeks) resulted in increased muscle strength and improved perception of physical appearance
3. a systemic review of research indicated that short-term cardiorespiratory training (i.e. 2–4 months) increased aerobic fitness by 18–22% and long-term training (i.e. 8–9 months) by 26–41%. Short-term training (i.e. 2–4 months) increased activity by 0–13%, and long-term training (i.e. 8–9 months) by 2–9%. Aerobic activity provided little carry over into activity.

When deciding what sports or recreational activities are suitable for children with cerebral palsy, each child would have to be evaluated individually. Basically, once a child is thoroughly evaluated, a pediatric therapist can help to suggest recreational activities such as boccie ball, fishing, horseback riding and more. For formal sports such as swimming, wheelchair basketball, soccer or baseball, the therapist can help to suggest which sport would make a good fit for a particular child based on functional levels. In addition, any adaptations or modifications to the sports or recreational activity should be considered. 

References:
Darrah, Johanna PhD, PT; Wessel, Jean PhD, PT; Nearingburg, Patricia PhD, PE; O'Connor, Marjorie BEd, PE Evaluation of a Community Fitness Program for Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy Pediatric Physical Therapy Spring 1999 - Volume 11 - Issue 1
Butler, Jane M.; Scianni, Aline; Ada, Louise Effect of cardiorespiratory training on aerobic fitness and carryover to activity in children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review International Journal of Rehabilitation Research:
June 2010 - Volume 33 - Issue 2 - pp 97-103 doi: 10.1097/MRR.0b013e328331c555

5 Reasons Why Recess is Important for Child Development

No matter what the weather, schools need to encourage recess time.  Whether it be free play time outdoors on playground equipment, using loose parts (ie balls, jump ropes, etc) or indoor time on rainy, cold days, students benefit from the break for some of the following reasons:

1.  Children learn self regulation and the ability to follow rules during recess.

2.  Sensory motor skills are being developed during recess time.

3.  Cognitive skills, such as mathematical concepts (counting, shapes, spatial awareness) and science skills (problem solving), are reinforced on the playground.

4.   Children's behaviors in the classroom have been shown to improve if they experience at least one period of recess per day lasting a minimum of 15 minutes.

5.   Physical activity in children is important to control weight, reduce blood pressure, raise good cholesterol, reduce the risk of diabetes and improve psychological well being. Physical activity also affects concentration, elevates mood, enhances creativity and facilitates memory.
Need ideas for recess?  Check out 50 Sensory Motor Activities for Kids at http://yourtherapysource.com/50book.html or Roll Some Fun for indoor recess ideas at http://yourtherapysource.com/rollsomefun.html

References:
National Association of Early Childhood Specialists in State Departments of Education (2001) Recess and the Importance of Play - A Position Statement on Young Children and Recess. Retrieved from the web on 3/7/10 at http://w4.nkcsd.k12.mo.us/~rbeckett/RECESS%20AND%20THE%20IMPORTANCE%20OF%20PLAY.htm. 

Barros, Romina M., Silver, Ellen J., Stein, Ruth E. K. School Recess and Group Classroom Behavior Pediatrics 2009 123: 431-436 American Heart Association Scientific Position on Physical Activity (Exercise) and Children. Retrieved from the web on 3/10/10 at http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=459 

Rice, M. Bulk Up the Brain. Retreived from the web on 3/10/10 at http://physical-therapy.advanceweb.com/Editorial/Content/Editorial.aspx?CC=120347 

Parker-Pope, T. (2010) Play, Then Eat: Shift May Bring Gains at School. New York Times Retrieved from the web on 3/7/10 at http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/25/play-then-eat-shift-may-bring-gains-at-school/?8dpc 

Egger JR, Bartley KF, Benson L, Bellino D, Kerker B. Childhood Obesity is a Serious Concern in New York City: Higher Levels of Fitness Associated with Better Academic Performance. NYC Vital Signs 2009, 8(1): 1-4.

Children Need 60-80 Minutes of Exercise Per Day

BMC Medicine published research on exercise in younger children (less than 10 years old) and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.  The researchers found that there was gender differences therefore it was recommended that:

• boys under 6 years old need 70 minutes of exercise per day
• older boys need at least 80 minutes per day
• girls of all ages needed around 60 minutes of exercise per day. 

Need ideas for physical activity for children?  Check out 50 Sensory Motor Activities for Kids!
Sneak in physical activity during small breaks or transitions with Mini Movement Breaks.

Reference:  Jiménez-Pavón D, Konstabel K et al.  Physical activity and clustered cardiovascular disease risk factors in young children: a cross-sectional study (The IDEFICS study).  BMC Medicine 2013; 11: 172. DOI: 10.1186/1741-7015-11-172.

10 Activities to do with a Jump Rope Besides Jumping Rope

Watch the video with 10 activities to do with a jump rope besides jumping rope at YourTherapySource.com. 

July 4th Game

Need an activity idea for July 4th that will test reaction time, visual perceptual skills and physical activity?  Download this free activity, Red, White, Blue, Flag from the July 4th Games ebook.

Top 10 Benefits of Physical Activity for Children

Here are 10 benefits of physical activity for children:

10.  Improves children's overall physical fitness

9.  Practice motor skills

8.  Healthy competition when active in sports

7.  Improves self confidence

6.  Encourages socialization when physically active with friends

5.  Reduces obesity

4.  Improves the mood

3.  Helps with self regulation

2.  Encourages setting and acheiving goals

1.  BRAIN BOOSTER!!!!!!!  The positive benefits of physical activity include cognitive skills (executive functioning, attention span, memory and verbal comprehension), higher academic test scores, motor planning and impulse control.

Need ideas to get kids moving? 

Check out the following:

freebie page for gross motor activities -  http://yourtherapysource.com/freestuff.html

50 Sensory Motor Activities for Kids -  http://yourtherapysource.com/50book.html

Mini Movement Breaks - http://yourtherapysource.com/minimove.html

Play Move Develop - http://yourtherapysource.com/playmove.html

6000 Step Count for Preschoolers

McMaster University published a resource on physical activity for preschoolers.  A recent study indicated that preschool children should take at least 6000 steps every day participating in at least 180 minutes of physical activity per day of any intensity.  By age 5, children should participate in 60 minutes of energetic play (ie biking, running, playing tag, etc.).    

This information is helpful for goal setting for young children at risk for motor delays, decreased endurance and/or obesity.  

Reference:  McMaster University. Step Counts and Physical Activity.  Retrieved from the web on 5/31/13 at http://canchild.ca/en/childrenfamilies/resources/chemp_newsletter_issue_10.pdf.

Lucky Egg Exercise Game

Here is a simple game.  Gather some plastic Easter eggs.  Hide a few plastic bunnies or any trinket inside a few eggs to make lucky eggs.  Place the eggs in a basket.

Choose any exercise or activity or let the child choose to demonstrate an exercise or stretch.  Once completed, the child reaches into the basket to pull out an egg.  If a lucky egg is selected, the child gets a reward.  It could be a sticker, small treat or a quick, free choice game. 

The children I work with were very motivated to complete the exercises to see if they could find a lucky egg.  For rewards they got to pick a free choice game on the iPad (ie Tap the Frog, Fruit Ninja, Perry?)  These games are less than 30 seconds to participate in so it was easy to incorporate and move on to the next exercise. 

This was a simple, cheap game using leftover plastic eggs that was highly motivating for older children. 

Helping Children with Healthy Resolutions

Here are some ideas to help children create some healthy new year resolutions:

1.  Help children identify a habit or routine that they would like to change.  Only pick one habit or action to focus on that they would like to change.  Perhaps it is to reduce the number of times they participate in a bad habit.  For example, instead of watching television for 2 hours straight without moving, reduce the amount of time to one hour of television.

2.  Encourage children to define a new, healthy goal to achieve during the new year.  Offer some suggestions such as: participating in 30 extra minutes of physical activity per day, eating an additional serving of vegetables per day, exercise during commercials, etc.

3.  Try a new leisure activity that will increase their physical activity time weekly.  Try to think of an activity they can complete on their own without adult.  Use the local library or school library as a resource to teach themselves a new skill.  Rent a video or watch You Tube to learn a new skill such as yoga, tai chi or Zumba.  If available at your school, suggest joining intramurals to test out a new sport.

4.  Create a collaborative poster of healthy resolution ideas.  Print and add to the poster at YourTherapySource.com pictured above.  Children can add their own resolutions or write their names next to ones that are already on the paper.  Save it and see how everyone does when next year rolls around.

  

Activity Blocks Brain Break

Check out the latest video on creating some physical activity blocks.  This makes a great brain break for the classroom - just shake the box to determine what activities to complete.  Watch the video at YourTherapySource.com.

I'm Bored Activities

Another tip of the day for therapists... provide classrooms with folders that have activities to do when students are bored.  If the students have completed their assignments or they have some free time, then they could independently go access a folder or list of activity ideas to keep them busy. 

For children who need visual perceptual practice you could give the teacher a folder with mazes, dot to dots or visual motor exercises (ie Follow the Path, Visual Discrimination Puzzles, or Patterns, Patterns, Patterns.)   

For students who need fine motor practice leave a fine motor activity box that includes items such as lacing cards, small peg boards, marbles or hand strengthening putty would be beneficial.

Students who need gross motor practice may benefit from active play boxes, mini trampoline breaks or other motor activities (ie Mini Movement Breaks or Classroom Activity Posters). How about create a list of gross motor activities (especially outdoor if available), then when anyone hears the words "I'm bored" you can reach for the list of suggestions.

Does anyone have more suggestions for students when free time is available during the school day or at home? 

Bringing Movement into the Classroom

Here is a free hand out from the What? Why? and How? Series 1 download - Movement in the Classroom.  This is great hand out to give to teachers to explain why bringing movement into the classroom is important and tips on how to do it.   Download it at YourTherapySource.