The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences
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Negotiating adolescents' physically active life during the school day.
No full textINTRODUCTION: School contexts are addressed as important for encouraging adolescents' physically active lives, where whole-school approaches have emerged as globally recognized strategies. Recent research emphasizes the need to further understand the contexts relating to physical activity (PA) and strategies to enhance students' and staff's agency in relation to PA opportunities. In the current study, we explore early adolescent students' daily PA from an ecological perspective, examining the negotiated opportunities and barriers to PA within differing school contexts and how individual agency is expressed in relation to PA. METHODS: This ethnographic collective case study was conducted in four Swedish middle schools that varied in size, resource denseness, and whether they were independent or public providers. The main empirical material was collected through ∼720 h of fieldwork during a school year, along with 86 interviews involving 50 students and 52 staff members. A comparative reflexive thematic analytical approach was used. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The transition between educational stages brought changes that influenced students and staff's agency related to PA. Against this backdrop, the analytical findings were organized into four themes. Students' PA was negotiated against the logic associated with being a "good" middle school student and teacher. Realizing daily PA also stood in relation to an anything-is-possible spirit, which was pitted against the lack of an organizational structure and high hopes for PA outcomes-creating a tension between vision and practicality, where student voices were overlooked. While all four schools claimed a commitment to providing PA opportunities for all, students negotiated their agency based on gender, age, social status, and previous experiences with traditional sports, which dominated recess activities. Students' PA during and after school was closely interconnected, especially expressed in physical education and health classes. This connection often benefited already active students in resource-rich environments while marginalizing those who were less active, further creating an uneven playing field regarding PA opportunities. Various schools shared challenges connected to students' daily PA, but challenges differed between and within schools. Future school policies, practices, and research should aim at addressing cultural, structural, and material dimensions focusing on sustainability, equity, and pedagogical issues, enabling young people to develop autonomy and ability to shape their PA experiences in ways that are meaningful to them.This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.</p
Tonårsflickors motivation under idrottsundervisningen : En studie om autonomi, kompetens och tillhörighet utifrån självbestämmandeteorin (SDT)
No full textDenna studie undersöker hur tonårsflickors upplevelse av autonomi, kompetens och tillhörighet påverkar deras motivation under idrottsundervisningen, med utgångspunkt i självbestämmandeteorin (SDT). Studien genomfördes som en kvalitativ undersökning med fokusgruppsintervjuer där 22 flickor i åldern 13–16 år från en kommunal högstadieskola i Stockholm deltog. En tematisk analys användes för att identifiera mönster i flickornas upplevelser. Resultaten visar att känslan av autonomi, exempelvis genom valfrihet i aktiviteter och möjlighet till inflytande, hade en positiv effekt på motivationen. Brist på information och begränsat inflytande över undervisningens utformning bidrog till en minskad känsla av motivation. Vidare framkom att en hög upplevelse av kompetens ökade motivationen, medan negativ jämförelse och prestationsångest hade motsatt effekt. Slutligen identifierades social tillhörighet som en avgörande faktor – en stödjande gruppdynamik och lärarens engagemang gav en känsla av ökad motivation, medan upplevd exkludering och könsuppdelning i aktiviteter bidrog till en lägre känsla av motivation. En viktig slutsats är att en idrottsundervisning som främjar autonomi, kompetens och skapar tillhörighet sannolikt kan bidra till ökad motivation till och deltagande i fysisk aktivitet i idrottsundervisningen.
Inter-test reliability in 1RM and barbell velocity during submaximal and maximal tests in the back squat : A study on elite Swedish Power- and Olympic weightlifters
No full textPurpose: This study aimed to investigate the inter-test reliability of mean velocity (MV) at various loads, ranging from submaximal to maximal, and one-repetition maximum (1RM) for weight (KG) in the free-weight back squat among an elite population of weightlifters and powerlifters Method: Six male and five female elite athletes specializing in Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting participated in the study. Data collection consisted of two sessions separated by a minimum of 72 hours. During the 1RM sessions, participants completed a load-velocity profile (LVP), during which mean velocity (MV) was measured at different loads (30-100% of 1RM). Inter-test reliability was evaluated using Bland-Altman analysis, coefficients of variation (CV), and Pearson's r. MV was measured using a linear encoder (Model 220, Madrid, Spain) attached to the barbell. Results: The Bland-Altman analysis revealed no systematic differences in mean velocity (MV) at submaximal loads 40% up to 90% of 1RM (0.05 ± 0.02 m/s, CV: 4.82%). However, variations in 30% of 1RM (CV: 6.83%) and MV at 1RM loads (V1RM) were observed (CV: 16.47%). Pearson´s correlation coefficient showed a practically perfect relationship between the 1RM tests (r² = 0.9953) exhibiting excellent reliability (CV: 1.22%) measuring differences in absolute weight. The strength assessment showed a higher subject relative strength ratio (RSR) (2.28 ± 0.16 kg·bm⁻¹ and 2.12 ± 0.30 kg·bm⁻¹, respectively) compared to test subjects used in previous studies. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that, for elite powerlifters and weightlifters, mean velocity (MV) between 40% and 90% of 1RM displays high levels of reliability between sessions, while test retest-reliability for 1RM (KG) values was high. The less precise MV measurements observed at loads outside this range suggest potential limitations for velocity-based training at very low or maximal intensities. This observation has important implications for velocity-based training approaches, emphasizing the use of individualized velocity-load profiles to ensure appropriate training stimuli across the loading spectrum. Syfte: Denna studie syftade till att undersöka inter-test reliabiliteten för medelhastighet (MV) vid olika belastningar, från submaximala till maximala, samt maxstyrka vid 1 repetition max (1RM) i frivikts knäböj med skivstång hos en elitpopulation av tyngdlyftare och styrkelyftare. Metod: Sex manliga och fem kvinnliga elitidrottare inom olympisk tyngdlyftning och styrkelyft deltog i studien. Datainsamlingen skedde via två sessioner åtskilda av minst 72 timmar. Under testningen följde deltagarna ett stegrande viktschema under vilken medelhastighet (MV) mättes vid olika belastningar (30-100% av 1RM). Utifrån detta skapades en vikt-hastighetsprofil (LVP). Inter-test reliabiliteten utvärderades med hjälp av Bland-Altman analys, koefficienter av variation (CV) och Pearsons r. MV mättes med hjälp av en linjär enkoder (Model 220, Madrid, Spanien) fäst vid skivstången. Resultat: Bland-Altman analysen visade inga systematiska skillnader i medelhastighet (MV) vid submaximala belastningar från 40% upp till 90% av 1RM (0.05 ± 0.02 m/s, CV: 4.82%). Dock observerades variationer i 30% av 1RM (CV: 6.83%) och MV vid 1RM belastningar (V1RM) (CV: 16.47%). Pearsons korrelation visade en nästan perfekt relation för resultaten mellan 1RM-testerna (r² = 0.9953) med god reliabilitet (CV: 1.22%) vid mätning av absolut vikt. Styrkeutvärderingen visade en högre relativ styrke-ratio (RSR) (2.28 ± 0.16 kg·bm⁻¹ och 2.12 ± 0.30 kg·bm⁻¹, respektive) jämfört med testpersoner som använts i tidigare studier. Slutsats: Våra resultat indikerar att, för elitstyrkelyftare och tyngdlyftare, medelhastigheten (MV) mellan 40% och 90% av 1RM uppvisar hög reliabilitet mellan sessioner, medan test-retest reliabilitet för 1RM (KG) var hög. De mindre precisa mätningarna av medelhastigheten som observerades vid belastningar utanför detta intervall tyder på potentiella begränsningar för hastighetsbaserad träning vid mycket låga eller maximala intensiteter. Denna observation har viktiga implikationer för hastighetsbaserade träningsmetoder, vilket betonar användningen av individualiserade vikt/hastighets-profiler för att säkerställa önskat träningsstimuli över hela viktspektrumet
Agile policies for antimicrobial resistance : A contextual approach to sustainable health challenges.
No full textThis paper examines contextual conditions for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) policy implementation in Zimbabwe. As an emerging global sustainability challenge, AMR constitutes risks for human, animal and environmental health as well as the long-term viability of livestock and farming with implications for communities' economic stability and food security. The study uses participatory research workshops as a data generation method, engaging with interdisciplinary groups of students and lecturers at two universities in Zimbabwe. Utilising a combination of One Health approaches and theories of policy integration and coherence as our analytical framework, we outline the concept of agile policies, adapting policy content to contextual conditions. Results illustrate the interplay between social, economic and institutional contexts for AMR policy implementation and how especially economic pressures and social tensions represent obstacles to contextually relevant implementation. Limited resources and infrastructural support as part of monitoring and enforcement efforts related to antimicrobial use pose further challenges. This paper calls for AMR policy to be aligned with economic, agricultural and educational policies. Through such policy coherence and integration, One Health cross-sector collaborations could be developed, resulting in more policies while lessening the compliance costs for communities in implementing AMR policy in their practices.This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. The terms on which this article has been published allow the posting of the Accepted Manuscript in a repository by the author(s) or with their consent.</p
Independent and joint associations of sedentary behaviour and physical activity with risk of recurrent cardiovascular events in 40,156 Australian adults with coronary heart disease
No full textObjective: Explore the independent and joint associations between sedentary behaviour and physical activity with cardiovascular events, among individuals with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods: Cohort study including Australians >= 45 years with CHD (2006-2020). Time in sedentary behaviour, walking, moderate-, and vigorous- physical activity were self-reported. Cardiovascular events were identified using health registers (2006-2022). Cox proportional hazard regressions explored the association. Restricted cubic splines explored the shape of the association. Results: There were 40,156 individuals included, with a mean age of 70 (SD=10) years old, 62 % men. During a median of 8.3 (IQR = 10.03) years, 3260 non-fatal-, 5161 total cardiac events, and 14,383 major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were recorded. Sedentary behaviour of 7-10.4 h/day was associated with a 15 % lower risk of total cardiac events and MACE compared to >= 10.5 h/day. A higher level of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events, with 14-21 % lower risk for 1-149 min/week compared to 0 min/week. A similar pattern was seen for walking and activities at a moderate- or vigorous intensity. The joint association of >= 150 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and <7 h/ day in sedentary behaviour had the lowest risk (29-48 % lower) for cardiovascular events compared to the reference group. However, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity seems to be of greater importance and partly modifies the risk of sedentary behaviour in the joint association. Sedentary behaviour hours were linearly associated with risks of non-fatal and total cardiac events. Meanwhile time in physical activity had a curvilinear association with cardiovascular events, with the greatest benefits at the beginning of the curve. Conclusion: More time in physical activity and less time in sedentary behaviour are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events. This emphasizes the importance of providing recommendations for both physical activity and sedentary behaviour to people with CHD.This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)</p
Effects of live-remote exercise on quality of life and other health-related outcomes in cancer survivors : a randomised controlled trial
No full textPurposeExercise following cancer treatment has been shown to improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and other important health outcomes, yet barriers to participation prevent many cancer survivors from exercising according to recommendations. Live-remote exercise methods could improve accessibility; however, evidence on their efficacy is limited. The EX-MED Cancer Sweden randomised controlled trial compared the effects of a 12-week live-remote online exercise intervention to usual care in adult cancer survivors.MethodsTwo hundred adults who had completed curative treatment for breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer were randomised to a 12-week live-remote online exercise intervention or a usual care control group. Intervention effects on the primary outcome overall HRQoL (EORTC-QLQ-C30) and secondary outcomes cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscle strength, physical function, body composition, and other patient-reported outcomes were determined by comparing changes from baseline to 3 (primary timepoint) and 6 months between groups.ResultsNo significant effect was observed on overall HRQoL. However, live-remote exercise resulted in significant improvements at 3 months on the physical functioning domain of HRQoL (p <= 0.001), five-times sit-to-stand (p = 0.003), and moderate-vigorous physical activity levels (p <= 0.001) as well as estimated VO2 max (p = 0.045), and upper body strength (p = 0.010) at 3 and 6 months. No significant differences were observed between the groups on lower body strength, handgrip strength, fatigue, or the other functional domains or symptoms of the EORTC-QLQ-C30.ConclusionsA 12-week live-remote exercise intervention did not lead to improvements in overall HRQoL; however, it did result in significant benefits in physical function, CRF, and upper body strength in adults treated for breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer. These findings add to the limited evidence on the effects of virtually supervised exercise for cancer survivors.Implications for Cancer SurvivorsEX-MED Cancer Sweden addresses common exercise barriers for cancer survivors while providing the benefits of supervised exercise.Trial registrationNCT05064670, Trial registered on October 1, 2021, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05064670Open Access: This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made.</p
Associations between antioxidant vitamin intake and mental health in Swedish adolescents : a cross-sectional study.
No full textPURPOSE: Mental health problems are increasingly prevalent during adolescence. Nutritional factors, particularly antioxidants, are of interest due to their potential to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation linked to mental health issues. However, the relationship between dietary antioxidants and adolescent mental health remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate this association in Swedish adolescents and explore potential gender differences. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were gathered among Swedish boys and girls aged 13-14 years (n = 1139). Participants reported their dietary intake using a detailed web-based method and mental health outcomes, including anxiety, psychosomatic symptoms, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using self-report scales. Multiple linear regression analysis, adjusted for confounders, was used to investigate the associations between mental health outcomes and tertiles of dietary intake of vitamin C, E and β-carotene. RESULTS: Adolescents in the highest tertile of β-carotene intake reported lower anxiety (β=-1.23, 95% CI=-2.34, -0.12), fewer psychosomatic symptoms (β=-0.91, 95% CI=-1.69, -0.13), and better HRQoL (β = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.11, 1.68). Similarly, higher vitamin C intake was associated with fewer psychosomatic problems (β=-1.00, 95% CI=-1.79, -0.21). Vitamin E intake showed no associations. Significant gender interactions were observed on the multiplicative scale analysis and limited to the middle tertiles of β-carotene and vitamin C for anxiety and psychosomatic symptoms, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our findings underscore the potential role of dietary antioxidants, particularly β-carotene and vitamin C, in adolescent mental health. Further research including diverse populations and employing prospective designs could deepen the understanding and inform public health interventions.This article is licensed under a Creative CommonsAttribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing,adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format,as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and thesource, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicateif changes were made.</p
” ’But you’re a girl’ . . . ‘You should find it more fun to play with dolls and do sewing crafts’ . . .” : An analysis of gender norms within the context of sports in children’s literature
No full textSyftet med denna studie är att undersöka hur genusnormer framställs inom barnlitteraturen inom kategorin sport och idrott. Vidare ämnar studien analysera huruvida nämnd litteratur förstärker eller utmanar dagens genusnormer i den idrottsliga kontexten. För att besvara detta syfte, användes följande frågeställningar: Vilka karaktärsdrag eller egenskaper lyfts fram för flickor respektive pojkar? Vilka könsstereotypa eller könsöverskridande mönster förekommer? Hur framställs flickors och pojkars idrottsutövande i barnböcker? Vilka typer av idrotter lyfts fram? Vilka andra faktorer (exempelvis förebilder, vuxnas inverkan, känslor och attityder) synliggörs i relation till karaktärernas idrottsutövande i barnböcker? Studien genomfördes i form av en kvalitativ innehållsanalys med utgångspunkt i Judith Butlers genusteori (Butler, 1990, s. 33; Butler, 2008 s. 13). I studien analyserades 14 skönlitterära böcker (lära läsa-böcker samt kapitelböcker) riktade mot barn i åldrarna 6–9 år. Resultatet av studien visar att könsstereotyper ofta reproduceras inom barnlitteratur, där pojkar framställs som tävlingsinriktade, hårda och aggressiva, medan flickor är emotionella, sårbara och omsorgsfulla. Samtidigt finns inslag på normbrytande egenskaper, där flickor exempelvis visar tävlingsinstinkt medan pojkar uttrycker sårbarhet. Framställningen av idrott speglar också genusnormer där fotboll domineras av pojkar, medan ridning och cheerleading framställs som kvinnligt kodade. Karaktärernas prestationer grundas i stöd eller press från vuxna, men präglas också av förebilders inflytande. Resultatet visar även på att litteraturen utmanar traditionella genusnormer genom reflektion över exkludering. Studien belyser hur barnlitteratur både speglar och formar normer kring genus och idrott, vilket understryker behovet av att kritiskt granska dess roll i att förmedla värderingar i relation till idrott.The purpose of this study is to investigate how gender norms are portrayed in children's literature in the category of sport and physical education. Furthermore, the study aims to analyze whether the mentioned literature reinforces or challenges current gender norms in the sporting context. To address this purpose, the following research questions were used: What traits or characteristics are highlighted for girls and boys? What gender stereotypes or cross-gender patterns are present? How are girls' and boys' sports activities portrayed in children's books? What types of sports are highlighted? What other factors (for example, role models, adult influence, feelings and attitudes) are highlighted in relation to the sport activities of characters in children's books? The study was conducted in the form of a qualitative content analysis based on Judith Butler's gender theory (Butler, 1990, s. 33; Butler, 2008 s. 13). The study analyzed 14 fiction books (learning to read books and chapter books) aimed for children aged 6-9 years. The results of the study show that gender stereotypes are often reproduced in children's literature, where boys are portrayed as competitive, tough and aggressive, while girls are emotional, vulnerable and caring. At the same time, there are elements of non-normative characteristics, with girls, for example, showing competitiveness while boys express vulnerability. The portrayal of sport also reflects gender norms, with football dominated by boys, while horseback riding and cheerleading are portrayed as female-coded. Characters' achievements are based on adult support or pressure, but are also shaped by the influence of role models. The results also show that literature challenges traditional gender norms through reflection on exclusion. The study highlights how children's literature both reflects and shapes norms around gender and sport, emphasizing the need to critically examine its role in conveying values in relation to sport.
No detectable loss of myonuclei from human muscle fibers after 6 wk of immobilization following an Achilles tendon rupture
No full textMuscle disuse has rapid and debilitating effects on muscle mass and overall health, making it an important issue from both scientific and clinical perspectives. However, the myocellular adaptations to muscle disuse are not yet fully understood, particularly those related to the myonuclear permanence hypothesis. Therefore, in this study, we assessed fiber size, number of myonuclei, satellite cells, and capillaries in human gastrocnemius muscle after a period of immobilization following an Achilles tendon rupture. Six physically active patients (5M/1F, 43 {plus minus} 15 years) were recruited to participate after sustaining an acute unilateral Achilles tendon rupture. Muscle biopsies were obtained from the lateral part of the gastrocnemius before and after six weeks of immobilization using a plaster cast and orthosis. Muscle fiber characteristics were analyzed in tissue cross-sections and isolated single fibers using immunofluorescence and high-resolution microscopy. Immobilization did not change muscle fiber type composition nor cross-sectional area of type I or type II fibers, but muscle fiber volume tended to decline by 13% (p=0.077). After immobilization, the volume per myonucleus was significantly reduced by 20% (p=0.008). Myonuclei were not lost in response to immobilization but tended to increase in single fibers and type II fibers. No significant changes were observed for satellite cells or capillaries. Myonuclei were not lost in the gastrocnemius muscle after a prolonged period of immobilization, which may provide support to the myonuclear permanence hypothesis in human muscle. Capillaries remained stable throughout the immobilization period, whereas the response was variable for satellite cells, particularly in type II fibers
"Conflicts are inevitable, but chaos is optional" : An interview study with physical education teachers on causes and management of conflicts
No full textSyfte och frågeställningar Syftet med den föreliggande studien är att undersöka konfliktsituationer i ämnet idrott och hälsa, med fokus på förekomst, orsaker och hur de hanteras. Följande frågeställningar behandlas i studien: - Vilka konflikter identifierar lärare i idrott och hälsa - Vilka faktorer kan bidra till att konflikter uppstår i undervisningen? - På vilka sätt arbetar lärare i idrott och hälsa med förebyggandet och hanteringen av konfliktsituationer? Metod Studien har en kvalitativ metodologisk ansats som bygger på semistrukturerade intervjuer med fem idrottslärare. Urvalet gjordes genom ett bekvämlighetsurval. Intervjuerna genomfördes individuellt via både fysiska intervjuer och videosamtal. All data spelades in och transkriberades manuellt. Analysen genomfördes med en empiristyrd tematisk metod baserad på Cohens konflikthanteringsmodell. Resultat Studien visar att konflikter i undervisningen främst uppstår mellan elever. Vanliga orsaker tillkonflikter är otydliga regler, rättviseuppfattningar och gruppdynamik. Tidpunkt på dagen ochbristande utrymme bidrar också till konflikter. Förebyggande arbete som tydliga regler, välstrukturerad planering och relationsskapande nämns som framgångsfaktorer. Att anpassa sig efter elevernas behov och hantera konflikter tidigt är viktigt för tryggheten. Vid konflikthantering betonas tydliga konsekvenser och lågaffektivt arbete. I allvarligare konflikter kan elever behöva avlägsnas eller få stöd från annan personal för att ha en fortsatt trygg miljö. Slutsats Konflikter förekommer i och utanför undervisningen. Tävlingsmoment, relationer och missförstånd är vanliga orsaker till förekomsten av konflikt. Lärare i idrott och hälsa lägger vikt i förebyggande insatser genom att forma regler och strukturer som bidrar till positivt klimat. Vid allvarligare händelser behöver lärare få stöd genom personal och andra insatser.Purpose and Research Questions The purpose of this study is to examine conflict situations inthe subject of Physical Education and Health, focusing on their occurrence, causes, and how they are managed. Furthermore, the study aims to contribute knowledge about effective strategies teachers use to promote a positive learning environment. The study addresses the following research questions: - What types of conflicts do teachers identify in Physical Education and Health? - What factors may contribute to the emergence of conflicts in teaching? - In what ways do teachers in Physical Education and Health work on preventing and managing conflict situations? Method The study employs a qualitative methodological approach based on semi-structured interviews with five Physical Education teachers. The participants were selected through a convenience sampling method. The interviews were conducted individually, using both in person meetings and video calls. All data was recorded and manually transcribed. Thea nalysis was carried out using a data-driven thematic method based on Cohen’s conflictmanagement model. Results The study shows that conflicts in teaching primarily occur between students. Common causesof conflicts include unclear rules, perceptions of fairness, and group dynamics. Factors suchas the time of day and limited space also contribute to conflicts. Preventive measures such asclear rules, well-structured planning, and relationship-building are highlighted as successfactors. Adapting to students’ needs and addressing conflicts early are essential for ensuring safety. In conflict management, clear consequences and low-arousal approaches areemphasized. In more severe conflicts, students may need to be removed or supported by additional staff to maintain a safe environment. Conclusions Conflicts occur both inside and outside the classroom. Competitive elements, behaviors,relationships, and misunderstandings are common causes of conflict. Physical educationteachers emphasize preventive measures by establishing rules and structures that foster apositive climate. In more serious situations, teachers need support from staff and other resources