Exercise Science Commons^™

A212: Experimental Study On The Kdl Physical Education Curriculum Promoting Preschoolers’ Gross Motor Development, Zhen Li, Xiao Niu, Normah Binti Jusoh, Yong Liu, Zhongji Hao

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Early childhood is a critical stage for the development of fundamental motor skills, with gross motor skills being the primary focus. Effective development of gross motor skills lays a foundation for learning complex movements during adolescence. Research confirmed that gross motor skills also directly affect Preschoolers’ perceptual, cognitive, and social adaptability development. This study explores the effectiveness of the "KDL Physical Education and Health Curriculum" in promoting gross motor skills development in preschoolers, aiming to enhance their overall health. From September to December 2024, 167 Preschoolers from primary, middle, and senior classes at Yijing Road Kindergarten in Chongqing Liangjiang New …

A213: Somatosensory Interactive Technology On Postural Balance In Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Systematic Review, Changhui Peng, Lei Zhang, Xueping Wu, Xingyu Shi

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor coordination impairments and motor learning difficulties. Compared with typically developing children, children with DCD often exhibit deficits in postural control, strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness. This study used a systematic review method to review the relevant evidence of video-game interventions in children with DCD, aiming to explore the mechanisms of somatosensory interaction technology on balance ability of children with DCD, and provide evidence-based recommendations for parents, teachers, and rehabilitation therapists. A PICO framework was constructed to systematically search Chinese and English literature on the intervention of video games on balance …

A208: Application Of Artificial Intelligence In Posture Correction, Jiaqi Wu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

In the modern fast-paced life, poor postures are extremely common, leading to many health problems such as neck pain and back pain. Posture correction is of great significance for maintaining physical health, and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has opened a new path for posture correction. Posture correction means using specific means to restore and maintain the correct body posture. This study aims to systematically review the application of AI in the field of posture correction, clarify its advantages, limitations, and future development trends. A comprehensive search was carried out in domestic and foreign authoritative databases for research …

A220: Work Memory Of Adhd Children: A Network Meta-Analysis Of The Effects Of Different Exercise Modalities, Bingjian Dai, Xuewen Wang, Shuxin Chen, Dongfei Liu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Physical exercise, spanning from early childhood to adulthood, exerts positive influences on cognitive function. This study employed systematic review, network meta-analysis, and traditional meta-analysis to investigate the interventional effects of exercise on working memory in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Relevant literature was retrieved from multiple databases. After screening and data extraction, study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Meta-analysis, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias analysis were conducted using Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 18.0 to evaluate the impact of exercise on working memory in children with ADHD Among 1,296 screened studies, 49 met …

A218: Efficacy Of Kinesio Tape For Plantar Fasciitis: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Tingting Mo, Xinlong Zhang, Shilun Hou

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain in adults and is a very common musculoskeletal system disorder. The incidence of plantar fasciitis is relatively high among sports enthusiasts, especially those involved in high-intensity, high-impact sports. Kinesio tape has the functions of relieving pain, correcting muscle function, and increasing body sensation. Currently, kinesio tape has been gradually applied to the treatment of the disease, but its effectiveness is unclear. The aim of this review is to assess how kinesio tape interventions affect pain and ankle and foot function in patients with plantar fasciitis. PubMed, Scopus, Web …

A226: The Application And Exploration Of An Ai Agent In Physical Education Teaching, Yali Si, Sumei Yu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology, AI-Agent, as a new type of educational technology tool, has gradually attracted widespread attention. As a system based on generative large-scale intelligent models, AI-Agent possesses core capabilities such as environmental perception, autonomous decision-making, and complex task execution. In the field of physical education, this technology holds significant application potential, particularly in personalized teaching, multimodal data processing, and enhancing teaching efficiency. However, current research on the application of AI agents in physical education is relatively scarce. This study explores the application of AI-Agent in physical education, analyzes its advantages, and investigates methods for …

A227: Eliminate Or Evolve: Digital Transformation Of Paris 2024 Olympics Under Olympic Ai Agenda, Tong Zheng

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been promoting sports digitalization since the early 2000s, with the Olympic Agenda 2020 and the Olympic AI Agenda in 2024 providing strategic frameworks for this transformation. This paper examines how digital and AI technologies were applied at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the first Games guided by the exploration of impact on the Olympic movement and global sports landscape. Method: Using literature reviews and case studies from academic platforms like CNKI, WanFang, and Web of Science, this study analyzes digital transformation examples at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. AI empowering the Olympics under the "Agenda" …

A228: Preservation And Dissemination Of Taijiquan Culture In Digital Perspective, Songqi Wang, Bin Yan

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

One of China’s most iconic cultural traditions has increasingly gained: Taijiquned global recognition: Taijiquned. However, rapid digitalization has significantly changed young people's cultural preferences and participation habits, posing challenges to traditional methods of cultural preservation, which often fail to resonate with youth, creating a noticeable disconnect. This study examines the potential of digital communication—especially short videos, livestreaming, and social media—to preserve and disseminate Taijiquan culture through interactive, youth-oriented methods. Specifically, it empirically explores whether digital media strategies effectively improve younger generations’ cultural awareness, participation motivation, and cultural identity, aiming to provide practical insights for digital heritage protection. A randomized controlled …

A224: 15–17-Year-Old Student Swimmers Undergoing High-Altitude Training On Water Load Characteristics, Jiayi Lyu, Yuqi Wang, Xinyi Li

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

With the continuous improvement of swimming competition level, high-altitude training, as a scientific and effective training method, has received attention from swimmers. Both professional teams and amateur sports schools give widespread attention to high-altitude training. The purpose of this study is to explore the characteristics of the three-week high-altitude training load of 15-17 male student swimmers and analyze whether it is effective for competition results. Ten male student swimmers (national level one or above) aged 15-17 years old were selected as the subjects and underwent a three-week high-altitude training at an altitude of 1900 meters. Method: The research method uses …

A207: Ai Era And Sports Equity: A Sociological Perspective, Jieqi Shi

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

This study explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on sports equity and inclusion, focusing on its use in training, officiating, and talent selection. AI includes technologies like AI-driven training tools and systems, such as VAR. While AI can enhance access to sports resources, it may also worsen existing inequalities. The goal is to examine how AI influences fairness in sports and promotes inclusion, particularly in university sports, while considering its effects on athlete development, decision-making, and fan engagement across social groups. A qualitative approach was used to examine AI in university sports. Participants include sports students, faculty, coaches, and …

A225: Applications Of Digitalization, Ai, And Big Data In Sports Science Research And Practice, Yixiao Zhang, Yue Xu, Zhihua Yin

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The rapid advancement of digitization, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data has revolutionized various industries. In the field of sports and exercise science, these technologies provide comprehensive insights into athlete performance, injury prevention, and personalized training (Smith & Johnson, 2022; Lee, 2021). However, the benefits and applications of these technologies in sports and exercise science remain understudied. Therefore, this study provides a systematic literature review of the impact and applications of digitization, AI, and big data in sports and exercise science. The search strategy followed the PEO framework and the PRESS checklist. Five databases were used for searching: ACM Digital …

A232: The Voice-Inclusive Physical Education Class: Primary School Physical Education Teaching Mode Under New Curriculum Standards, Qing Luan

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Current physical education classes in primary schools face a lot of challenges, such as the low student participation, a dull class environment, and a lack of students’ voice, which has a negative impact on teaching effect and students’ physical and mental health. This study employed the action research method to organize the physical education classes in primary school based on the New Curriculum Standards. The study encouraged primary school students to actively express their understanding and feelings about physical education activities and guided them to enthusiastically participate in the design of teaching content and activities to construct the “voice-inclusive” physical …

A234: The Challenge Of Physical Education Teachers In Primary And Secondary Schools, Ning Li, Jialin Liu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Physical health in primary and secondary schools is the foundation for students' comprehensive development, and school sports are an important way to promote students' physical health. The implementation effect of school physical education largely depends on the professional competence and educational ability of physical education teachers. The problems faced by physical education teachers in the new era: the number and structure of physical education teachers; Challenges in teaching philosophy and abilities; The conflict between teaching pressure and the system; the disconnect between professional competence and training needs. Countermeasure: Optimize the construction of the physical education teacher team; Promote the reform …

A021: Analysis Of The Impact Of Ski Diagonal Stride Technique On Rehabilitation Treatment Effects, Xinming Tang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The ski diagonal stride technique is a crucial component in cross-country skiing, engaging complex muscle coordination, enhancing cardiopulmonary function, and improving balance. In the realm of rehabilitation, traditional methods often face limitations. This study is dedicated to exploring how the physiological factors associated with this technique affect the rehabilitation treatment outcomes. By doing so, it aims to optimize rehabilitation strategies and ultimately enhance patients' physical capabilities and quality of life. Method: Eighty patients between the ages of 30 and 60, all in need of lower-limb rehabilitation, were evenly distributed into an experimental group and a control group. The experiment was …

A036: “The Champion Gene” Actn3 And Cold Adaptation: An Environmental Regression Model And Systematic Review, Mingrui Wang, Mi Zhou, Jianchun Weng, Longtianjiao Liu, Xiaoyu Jiang, Lijun Shi

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The ACTN3 R577X (rs1815739) genetic polymorphism is a significant research topic in sports genetics, with the XX genotype exhibiting a marked geographical gradient in different populations worldwide. The frequency of the XX genotype is notably higher in cold, high-latitude regions compared to tropical areas (e.g., Sweden 25%, Russia 14.2%, while Kenya 1%). These phenomena suggest that the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism may be closely related to cold adaptation. This study aims to analyze the evolutionary mechanisms, molecular regulation, and potential application of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism in winter sports talent selection. Using the genomic database Ensemble and the WWF terrestrial ecoregion …

A053: Research On Adolescent Obesity Experience, Zhenfei Zhu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The alarming prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents has emerged as a significant public health challenge. Since the World Health Organization (WHO) identified obesity as a global health priority in 2018, it has evolved from an individual concern to a medical condition requiring intervention, with profound implications for both individuals and society. Adolescent obesity is intricately linked to various aspects of health, including social, emotional, behavioral, and cultural dimensions. There is a notable lack of qualitative research on obesity experiences in China. Conducting qualitative studies to explore the life experiences, motivations, and physical activity patterns of students can deepen …

From Intention To Enactment: Action Planning And Habit Automaticity Distinguish Successful From Unsuccessful Intenders To Engage In Regular Leisure-Time Moderate-To-Vigorous Physical Activity, Yaogang Han, Yubing Wang, Pan Li, Binn Zhang

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

University students often intend to exercise regularly but fail to translate intention into action. The present study tested which post-intentional processes distinguish successful from unsuccessful intenders in self-reported regular leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) enactment. Chinese undergraduates from 10 universities completed a three-wave survey administered at roughly two-week intervals. Habit automaticity was assessed at Wave 1, intention together with action planning and coping planning at Wave 2, and self-reported regular-exercise status at Wave 3. Because the dependent variable was assessed using a single stage-based self-report item, the findings should be interpreted as explaining self-reported regular-exercise status rather than objectively measured …

The Relationship Between Physical Activity, Sleep, And Hallucinations In Adults With Charles Bonnet Syndrome, Jarrod Hollis, Rohit Narayan, Eldre W. Beukes, Rosie Lindsay, Aliyah Bharwani, Umair Mughal, Ikra Yaqoob, Justin A. Haegele, Scott Muriden, Peter M. Allen

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Physical activity levels, hallucination experiences, sleep quality, and perceived stress were assessed using a survey administered to 57 adults with a confirmed diagnosis of Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS). Physical activity demonstrated a significant negative correlation with hallucination severity (r = –0.335, p = 0.011, two-tailed). A significant negative correlation was also observed between physical activity and perceived stress (r = –0.497, p < 0.001, two-tailed). In contrast, no significant association was identified between hallucination frequency and sleep disruption or insomnia. These findings suggest that engaging in appropriate levels of physical activity may help reduce the severity of hallucinations and mitigate stress among individuals with CBS. The observation that higher levels of physical activity are associated with reduced hallucination burden may help the development of evidence-based management strategies for CBS. Additionally, the finding that physical activity was significantly related to hallucination severity, whereas sleep disruption was not, merits deeper exploration in future research.

A Qualitative Analysis Of Fitness Wearable Use And Embodiment, Lucas Brandt

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Wearable fitness technologies have become increasingly integrated into contemporary health and wellness culture, providing users with continuous access to physiological and behavioral data related to movement, sleep, stress, recovery, and overall health. Research has demonstrated that wearable devices can increase physical activity and support health behavior change (Ferguson et al., 2022; Koivisto & Hamari, 2019). Although less is known about how these technologies influence individuals’ lived experiences of their bodies. Understanding this relationship is particularly important given growing concerns regarding embodiment, self-surveillance, and the psychological effects of health-tracking technologies (Bergsland, 2017; Rapp, 2021). Drawing on theories of mind-body connection and …

Neighborhood Socioeconomic Deprivation And Physical Activity Associate With Extracellular Vesicle Size And Cargo In A Community-Based Cohort Of Women, Yvonne Baumer, Elizabeth M. Aquino Peterson, Matthew R. Bavuso, Noel Miller, Cristhian A. Gutierrez-Huerta, Nithya P. Vijayakumar, Sam J. Neally, Kaveri Curlin, Valerie M. Mitchell, Billy S. Collins, Neelam R. Redekar, Subrata Paul, Anca D. Dobrian, Tiffany M. Powell-Wiley

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

African American (AA) women face disproportionate cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk due to adverse social determinants of health (SDoH), including lower socioeconomic status (SES). Physical activity (PA) and plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) modulate CVD risk, but their relationships with SDoH remain unclear. This study examines associations between SDoH, PA, and plasma EVs in a Washington, DC-based cohort of at-risk AA women. Participants (N = 24, Age: 57 ± 12, BMI: 35 ± 6, ASCVD: 9 ± 5) joined the Step It Up Community-Engaged, Digital Health Physical Activity Intervention pilot study. EVs were isolated from fasting plasma samples. Multivariable regression, adjusted for …

Impact Of Tactical Breathing On Marksmanship And Cognitive Function After Anaerobic Fatigue In Law Enforcement Personnel, Jackson D. Gilleland

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Background: Tactical breathing is commonly used in law enforcement training to regulate stress, yet limited evidence exists regarding its acute effectiveness following physical fatigue. Purpose: To examine whether a brief tactical breathing intervention improves shooting performance and heart rate variability (HRV) following anaerobic fatigue in law enforcement officers. Methods: Thirty-eight officers completed baseline HR/HRV and a shoot/no-shoot scenario, followed by a maximal 500-m row and post-fatigue shooting. Participants were assigned to either a control group or a tactical breathing group, which received brief instruction and coaching before post-testing. Results: No significant between-group differences were observed for A-zone accuracy, shot time, …

Joint Associations Of Meditation And Physical Activity With Depression And Anxiety Symptoms In Us Adults: Nhis 2022, Yubing Wang

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Objectives

Physical activity and meditation may each relate to mental health, but their joint associations in U.S. adults are unclear. We examined the separate and joint associations of any past-year meditation and meeting physical activity (PA) guidelines with depression and anxiety symptoms.

Method

We analyzed data from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey Sample Adult file (n = 24,927). Exposures were meeting PA guidelines, any past-year meditation, and their four-level combination (Neither, PA only, Meditation only, Both). Outcomes were moderate-to-severe depressive and anxiety symptoms (PHQ-8/GAD-7 >= 10). Survey-weighted modified Poisson models estimated prevalence ratios (PRs), with interaction, sensitivity, and post …

Organized Sports-Based Interventions And Motor Outcomes In Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review, Kailash Ram, Maeren Hill, Caitlyn Stewart, Kaitlin P. Hardy Md, Sonia Khurana

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of organized sports-based interventions on motor outcomes in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Method

Four databases were searched from inception to November 2025 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized controlled trials (NRCTs) reporting motor outcomes of organized sports-based interventions in children with ASD. Risk of bias was evaluated using ROB-2 (Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, Version Two) for RCTs and ROBINS-I (Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions) for NRCTs.

Results

Eleven studies (six RCTs, five NRCTs) were included and categorized as martial arts (n = 5), aquatic training (n = …

Does Motor Skill Competence Influence Physical Activity Behavior? Focusing On Sport-Specific Skills, Yubing Wang, Yaogang Han, Pan Li, Bin Zhang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The purpose of this study was to investigate the widely held belief that motor skill competence positively affects physical activity behavior (PA), considering the task-specific nature of motor skill competence and the context-specific nature of PA. Specifically, we examined the effects of students’ jump rope (JR) and basketball (BB) competence on their PA in six contexts. A total of 134 sixth grade students participated in this study. All variables were assessed using appropriate tools. A series of hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to address the research questions. Students’ JR competence did not significantly influence their PA in either JR-related or …

Managing User Conflicts In A Water Aerobics Program On Behalf Of A Veteran’S Group: A Short Case Study, Hadley Blankenship, Steven N. Waller Ph.D., Jason L. Scott

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

This article captures an experience in conflict management that happened during the summer of 2024 as a recreational therapy intern with an adaptive sport and recreation organization located in the Southeastern United States. The backdrop to the case is that a recreational therapy intern worked with various special needs populations – mainly with paraplegic (adult and youth) athletes and veterans. In many organizations, user conflicts and poor communication regarding service provision and scheduling hinder the implementation of programs for special populations, such as veteran groups. In this case, a problem occurred with the scheduling of a water aerobics program for …

Curbing Fatal And Non-Fatal Drowning Deaths: An Effort To Reach Under-Resourced Children In Baltimore, Maryland, Ashton P. Christo, William D. Ramos

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Drowning remains a significant public health problem in the United States, with The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting approximately 4,000 drowning deaths annually. Children aged 1-4 face the highest risk, and African American children are disproportionately affected–7.6 times more likely to drown than white children (CDC, 2024). In a city on the East Coast that is predominantly African American, limited access to swimming lessons heightens the risk. To reduce drowning rates, a collaborative swimming program was established between a city high school and a public school enrichment program. The initiative provided essential water safety and swimming skills …

Diversity In Aquatics:4th Special Issue, Tiffany M. Quash Ph.D., Angela K. Beale-Tawfeeq, Steven N. Waller Ph.D.

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The theme of this special issue is “Building a Community of Champions.” The purpose of this theme is to highlight and promote a civic engagement perspective that engages, advocates, and supports communities of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) in addressing the national, regional, and local evolving health-related issue of drowning. Aquatic Settings have been a pivotal focal point of social justice, water safety, and public health, not only in the past but also in our present day (Beale-Tawfeeq, Quash, et al, 2023 and Waller and Bemiller, 2023). Diversity In Aquatics (DIA) strives to positively impact the field of aquatics …

Teaching Swimming To Children With Disabilities: A Qualitative Analysis Of Swim Instructorstea, Stephanie S. Garcia-Hidalgo, Martin E. Block

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

When teaching children with disabilities, swim instructors need to be able to assess the unique strengths and needs of each child to determine modifications needed to instruction, equipment, and the setting and then be flexible enough to make changes in real-time to ensure success for the child. Unfortunately, many swim instructors only work seasonally and have the occasional child with a disability, and as a result are likely to have limited training and experiences with children with disabilities. The purpose of this pilot qualitative study is to examine backgrounds, training, and experiences of six swim instructors who work with children …

Promising Practices For Increasing The Number Of Equity-Owed Lifeguards In Canada And The United States Of America, Sofia Pantano, Audrey R. Giles

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Currently a shortage of lifeguards exists in Canada and the United States (US) (Frommer, 2023; Santucci, 2024), and those who are working as lifeguards often do not reflect the diversity of the communities they serve (Martinez, 2020). Increasing the number of lifeguards from equity-owed groups is a potential way of increasing the lifeguard workforce and decreasing the shortage of workers in these important roles, as well as a moral imperative. In this paper I explore challenges to and promising practices aimed at increasing the representation of members equity-owed groups in lifeguarding. I begin with an overview of lifeguarding in Canada …

Adopting Stuart Hall’S “Race, The Floating Signifier” As A Conceptual Framework Within Aquatic Research And Education, Kurt J. Cordice

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

During his 1997 lecture at Goldsmiths College in London, Stuart Hall, renowned for his contributions to sociology and cultural studies, offered his argument that the concept of race functions as a Floating Signifier. In this essay, Stuart Hall’s Race, the Floating Signifier is presented as a strong conceptual framework to support more accurate and effective positioning of race as an important consideration within aquatic research and education. Evidence from a range of disciplines, including historical research, is presented to establish both the importance and challenge of race within aquatic research and education. This evidence is also used to demonstrate …