Welcome to Seminar: Unit 3

Exercise and Children and Youth

Agenda/Topics

Response to exerciseSpecial considerationsTestingRecommendationsCase StudiesQ & A

Children are not little people

Their responses to exercise—both acute and chronic—are different

from adults.

Children are not little people

What does ‘acute’ mean?What does ‘chronic’ mean?

Strong evidence supports regular PA and exercise in children and youth (see pg 273 in Howley & Franks)

How do children respond differently to exercise?

How do children respond differently to exercise?Are lower in their ability to generate

ATP Do not dissipate heat as well as adultsAre not as economical in their

movementsAchieve steady state better than adultsAre very well suited to intermittent

activities

How are adults and children similar?

How are adults and children similar?Both perform endurance tasks well

(VO2max)Both perform very short, intense exercise

Special Considerations

What are some considerations that we need to account for in children and youth?VarietyFunGamesNot overemphasizing sportsProper form, fundamentals, Downplay competition

What changes have occurred in the last 50 years or so, and what affect has this had on our children of today being active on a regular basis?

What changes have occurred in the last 50 years or so, and what affect has this had on our children of today being active on a regular basis?To sum it up:

IN CREASES in SEDENTARY BEHAVIORS

Testing

Presidents Council on Physical Fitness and Sport

Fitness gram

Both very popular in the school setting

Testing

1950’s—PCYF est. Pres. EisenhowerAmerican Association for Health PE and

Recreation (AAPHER)—Youth Fitness TestPullup, situp, shuttle run, standing broad

jump, 50yd dash, softball throw, 600 yard run/walk

80’s AAPHERD—Health Related Phys. Fitness Test1mi run, BC, sit and reach, sit ups

PCPFS—health and fitness tests/Fitnessgram

PA Guidelines for Children

For adolescents (post pubescent) use adult recommendations

Children age 5-12 (pg 276 Howley & Franks)Avoid extended Inactivity (>2hours)Accumulate >60min of PA most daysIntermittently include mod to vigorous PA of

>15min (with rest or lighter PA)Variety!!

Physical Activity Recommendations

Motor skillsOpportunities to playReward both the behavior and the

outcome

Strength Training and Children

At what age can children begin strength training?

Strength Training and Children

At what age can children begin strength training?No minimum age BUT…need to be matureStudies regarding skeletal concerns not well

conductedCurrent studies suggest many benefits to ST in

childrenFocus on form and technique—NOT on weightMay be MORE enjoyable for many overweight

youth

Strength Training and Children

What precautions or guidelines should we follow when strength training in children?Parent complete HSQProper supervision,Adapt equipment to children,Teach proper form and technique1-2 sets, 8-10 exercises, 8-15 reps/set

of major muscle groups, 2-3 sessions on non-consecutive days

Encourage other activities

Case Study #1

Based on our discussions tonight regarding the importance of physical activity in children and youth, how would you respond to finding out that recess and PE are going to be shortened and/or cut in your child’s school?

Case Study #2

How would you respond to a parent who wants his/her child to strength train using very heavy weights for few repetitions in efforts to gain strength and power so that they can excel in their pop warner football league?

Q & A