The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences
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Exercise-induced plasma mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor elevation in children, adolescents and adults : influence of age, maturity and physical activity.
No full textBrain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that plays a central role in neuronal health. BDNF exists in two primary isoforms, the mature form (mBDNF) and its precursor (proBDNF), with opposing downstream effects on neuronal function. The positive effect of exercise on plasma levels of the BDNF isoforms has been extensively studied in adults. However, equivalent investigations are lacking in children and adolescents. Twenty healthy children (9-12 years old), 19 adolescents (13-17 years old) and 39 adults (23-49 years old) donated venous blood before and after a 45-minute run. Platelet-poor plasma was analysed for pro- and mBDNF using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Maximal oxygen uptake and anthropometric data were assessed in all participants, while Tanner stage, circulating sex hormones and accelerometry-based activity level were assessed in children and adolescents only. We found that children, adolescents and adults have similar circulating levels of plasma pro- and mBDNF at rest. For children and adolescents, resting levels of mBDNF correlated with average time spent in vigorous activity. In response to the acute endurance exercise intervention, mBDNF increased in all age groups, but the greatest rise in mBDNF was seen in adults. The acute endurance exercise did not affect proBDNF levels. Our results demonstrate that plasma mBDNF levels, but not proBDNF, increase following endurance exercise in all age groups, with a greater effect in adults. We also show that high-intensity physical activity, but not underlying fitness, is contributing to sustained elevated mBDNF levels. KEY POINTS: We show that in children and adolescents, regular vigorous physical activity is key to increased basal levels of plasma mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF), a factor linked to neuroplasticity and brain health. The ability to elevate mBDNF through exercise is present across all age groups, with the greatest increase in adults. The mBDNF response to physical exercise seems to be independent of underlying physical fitness. Our findings suggest that basal plasma mBDNF levels may reflect the cumulative effects of repeated exercise rather than an individual's overall physical fitness.This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License, whichpermits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non-commercial and nomodifications or adaptations are made.</p
Ledarrekrytering är lätt - och svårt
No full textI kapitlet riktar vi blicken mot barn- och ungdomsidrotten för att belysa de möjligheter och utmaningar arbetet med att rekrytera ledare innebär för föreningar. Inledningsvis presenterar vi en översikt av vad som framkommit i tidigare studier om rekrytering, idealitet och ledares drivkrafter. Därefter ger vi en nulägesbeskrivning, baserad på intervjusamtal med 15 föreningsrepresentanter Centrala frågor är: Hur går det till att rekrytera ledare i dag? Är det svårt? Finns det ideella engagemanget verkligen kvar, eller får alla någon form av ersättning? Och, slutligen, hur ser föreningar på framtiden
The anatomy of body shaming in sports coaching
No full textStories of body shaming in sports coaching are becoming widespread, and can intentionally, unintentionally, or inadvertently be used in different sports coaching practices. These practices do not necessarily intend to harm athletes. The aim of this paper is to explore body critical and body sensitive sport coaching practices that have the potential to be shaming, or as we call it in the title, the ‘anatomy’ of body shaming. The study used photo elicitation interviews including vignettes for data generation with 12 coaches from nine different sports. The results demonstrate that body criticality and body sensitivity function in different subtle ways and that coaches were well-aware of the potentially damaging influence that they can have on athletes. The article concludes with recommendations for further research exploring how athletes experience the most subtle and invisible ways of body critical and body sensitive practices, and how they internalize this well-intended but still potentially shaming advice
Associations Between Physical Activity and Symptoms of Mental Health Disorders in Adolescence : Evidence From the Longitudinal Swedish Twin Register.
No full textPURPOSE: The transition phase between childhood and adolescence is critical, given the observation of increased mental health issues during this period, coupled with the absence of efficient intervention tools. This study aims to examine a possible effect of physical activity on mental health symptoms in adolescents during this transitional age. METHODS: We used data from a large-scale population-based Swedish twin sample of 14,083 individuals to investigate cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between physical activity and mental health problems during childhood and adolescence. We examine different aspects of mental health symptoms, including internalizing and externalizing symptoms. We applied generalized estimating equations to investigate the associations and explored potential familial confounding using within-twin pair analysis. RESULTS: We found high physical activity intensity and frequency to be associated with better mental health throughout childhood and adolescence, cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Compared to those who reported low, those reporting high physical activity intensity and frequency in both childhood and/or adolescence had significantly lower symptoms of mental health at age 15. This association was statistically significant for both internalizing and externalizing symptoms. The within-twin pair analysis showed that familial confounding factors can largely explain the association with the externalizing scale, but not the internalizing scale. DISCUSSION: Physical activity in childhood and adolescence may play an essential role in reducing the risk of developing mental health problems, especially internalizing symptoms. Implementing acceptable, low-risk, and cost-effective interventions to promote physical activity could effectively safeguard young individuals from these symptoms
Small penises and embarrassing periods : A study of children's experiences of physical education in Kamratposten 2011 - 2023
No full textSyftet med studien är att kartlägga och undersöka vad barn och unga skriver om idrottsundervisningen och hela situationen med ombyte, dusch och omklädningsrum för att förbättra undervisningens och situationens kvalitet och relevans. Genom en textanalys av Kamratpostens samtliga tidningar från 2011 till 2023. Med frågeställningarna: - Skriver barn och ungdomar om skolidrott, och i så fall kopplat till vilka sammanhang? - Uttrycker barn och ungdomar åsikter om skolidrotten, och i så fall vilka? - Delar barn med sig av upplevelser av skolidrotten, och i så fall av vilka? - Har barns och ungdomars beskrivningar sett till sammanhang, åsikter och upplevelser förändrats över tid? Efter att ha igen läst det valda materialet utkristalliserade vi teman, vi lät materialet bestämma teman. Kategorierna är empiriskt baserade: stora temana vi såg var dusch och ombyte och sen såg vi teman som puberteten (mens, snoppar, bröst och kroppsbehåring) svett och miljön. Andra teman vi utkristalliserade var lektion och betyg samt jämställdhet. Vi har använt oss utav Civilisationsteorin av Norbert Elias. Resultaten visar en stor otrygghet i omklädningsrummet i koppling till ombyte och att visa sig naken. Puberteten med alla sina kroppsförändringar, normer och ideal har en stor påverkan på barns upplevelser av hela situationen med idrott. Ett fåtal barn skriver om val av aktiviteter samt betygsättning och krav. Barn och ungdomar skriver om skolidrott, särskilt i relation till omklädningsrum och dusch, där frågor om pubertet är centrala. Åsikterna om skolidrotten varierar mellan positivt och negativt. Barn delar upplevelser av skolidrotten, där många känner sig utsatta för negativa kommentarer om sina kroppar eller för att inte passa in. Generellt är känslan av otrygghet genomgående i upplevelserna. Beskrivningar och upplevelser har inte förändrats märkbart över tid. The purpose of the study is to map and investigate what children and young people write about physical education and the entire situation involving changing, showering, and locker rooms, in order to improve the quality and relevance of the education and the situation. This is done through a text analysis of all Kamratposten magazines from 2011 to 2023. With the following research questions: · Do children and young people write about physical education, and in what contexts are these writings connected? · Do children and young people express opinions about physical education, and if so, which ones? · Do children share experiences of physical education, and if so, what are they? · Have the descriptions of children and young people regarding contexts, opinions, and experiences changed over time? After re-reading the selected material, we identified themes that were determined by the material itself. The categories are empirically based: the major themes we identified were showering and changing, and then we saw themes related to puberty (menstruation, penises, breasts, and body hair), sweating, and the environment. Other themes we identified were lessons and grading, as well as equality. We have used Norbert Elias' Civilization Theory. The results show a great deal of insecurity in the locker room in connection with changing and showing one's body. Puberty, with all its bodily changes, norms, and ideals, has a significant impact on children’s experiences of the whole situation involving physical education. A few children write about the choice of activities as well as grading and requirements. Children and young people write about physical education, particularly in relation to locker rooms and showering, where issues of puberty are central. Opinions about physical education vary between positive and negative. Children share experiences of physical education, where many feel targeted by negative comments about their bodies or for not fitting in. Overall, the feeling of insecurity is pervasive in the experiences. Descriptions and experiences have not significantly changed over time
The role of physical activity in the association between ADHD and emotional dysregulation
No full textBackground Emotional dysregulation (ED) represents a burden for individuals with ADHD. Physical activity (PA) is associated with improvements in emotion regulation, but knowledge is limited regarding its role in ED in the context of ADHD. This study aimed to increase understanding of the association between ADHD and ED and to explore the role of PA. Identifying modifiable risk factors could aid the design of future interventions. Results 12,094 children (52 % girls) were included. A positive association between ADHD symptoms and ED remained significant after adjusting for mental comorbidities and unmeasured family-shared confounders (β = 0.07, 95% CI 0.02–0.12 in boys; β = 0.09, 95% CI 0.02–0.16 in girls). The association was driven by inattention in boys but combined symptoms in girls. The association remained in all strata of PA. A significant interaction between PA frequency and ADHD symptoms was observed among boys (p = 0.02). Limitations Results were based on parent-reported PA; findings might differ with sensor-based measurements. Conclusion Higher ADHD symptoms in childhood were associated with greater ED in adolescence in all PA levels. Low PA frequency intensified the association among boys. Highlights Higher ADHD symptoms in childhood are associated with greater ED in adolescence. The association is driven by inattention in boys but by combined symptoms in girls. Low PA frequency in childhood intensifies the association between ADHD and ED in boys. Shared genetics and environmental factors do not account for these associations
Psychological responses to acute exercise in patients with stress-induced exhaustion disorder : a cross-over randomized trial.
No full textBACKGROUND: Understanding psychological responses to acute exercise, defined as a single bout of physical exercise, in clinical populations is essential for developing tailored interventions that account for the psychological benefits and challenges of exercise. Given its effectiveness in reducing symptoms in various psychological disorders, exercise should be further explored in Exhaustion Disorder ICD-10-SE: F43.8A (ED), characterized by persistent exhaustion following long-term psychosocial stress. Currently, no studies address the psychological responses to acute exercise in ED patients. AIMS: This study aims to (1) compare the psychological responses to acute exercise between ED patients and healthy controls and (2) assess response differences between low and moderate exercise intensities. METHODS: We conducted a two-armed cross-over trial comparing ED patients (n = 30) and healthy controls (n = 30). Participants completed a 22-min exercise at low or moderate intensity on a cycle ergometer, on separate occasions, in randomized order. The primary outcome was perceived fatigue (POMS); secondary outcomes included feelings of energy, anxiety, stress, exertion, and psychological discomfort, measured before, during, and up to 24 h post-exercise. Exercise effects were assessed using repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: ED patients reported higher levels of exertion, psychological discomfort, fatigue, anxiety, and stress but lower energy throughout the trial compared to controls. Unlike controls, the ED group showed significant fatigue and stress reductions post-exercise (p < 0.05). Additionally, ED patients showed a more elevated energy after moderate-intensity exercise compared to controls (p < 0.05). Both groups experienced anxiety reductions post-exercise, with no group interactions over time. No differences were observed between pre- and 6 or 24 h post-exercise in any variables. The only intensity effect (p < 0.05) in the ED patients was a more pronounced energy decline 30 min after moderate-intensity exercise. CONCLUSIONS: A 22-min exercise session was perceived as more strenuous by patients with exhaustion disorder (ED) and generated greater improvements in feelings of fatigue, energy, and stress compared to healthy individuals without delayed negative effects. These findings highlight the specific psychological responses in ED to exercise and can inform intervention design tailored specifically to this population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was retrospectively registered on 05/30/2024 at Clinical Trials.gov, with trial registration number 2022-04943-01
Navigating complexity: teaching sustainability through wicked problems in higher education
No full textThis article aims to explore the integration of wicked problems into sustainability education, within the context of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Zimbabwe. As a complex health challenge, increased microbial resistance disproportionately impacts Southern Africa, including Zimbabwe. Engaging AMR in higher education institutions (HEI) requires a relational One Health approach, which integrates human, animal and environmental health through interdisciplinary collaborations. Using a participatory research workshop method, operationalising case vignettes, this study analysed discussions among participants on AMR education exploring how aspects of Biesta’s educational functions were expressed. Results showcase how holistic education can be developed through interdisciplinary collaborations using real-world cases, offering students broader perspectives and connections. Holistic education can enhance AMR awareness across HEI by including the complexities of wicked problems. This would support students developing key competencies of critical engagement, interdisciplinary collaborations and ethical reasoning, equipping them with expertise as future practitioners to address AMR. The article contributes by highlighting the need for contextual relevant engagements with wicked problems within HEI sustainability education, requiring interdisciplinary collaboration to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to wicked problems. The article’s approach aligns with holistic and post-normal education, expanding educational purposes beyond knowledge acquisition to critical engagement with sustainability challenges such as AMR
The struggle for health! Health as text, discursive and social practice in PETE in Norway
No full textThis study contributes to knowledge on how health as educational content is construed in the new Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) in Norway. Moving between Fairclough’s three-dimensional model of text, discursive and social practice, we describe, interpret and explain discourses of health. In our analytical approach, we use intertextuality as a tool to explore how health is construed by being redefined and reconsidered from national policy to the newly formulated PETE study plans in Norway. Our findings describe a struggle for health playing out in the content of PETE through seven discourses, figuring through various exertions of power. Interpreting the struggle, we reveal a productive power figuring within discourse leading to the creation and the change of health. Finally, in explaining the struggle, we see traces of a democratic power figuring behind discourse, producing PETE professionals as autonomous actors in the policy implementation process in PETE in Norway
Stakeholders’ perspectives on barriers and facilitators to implementing extra physical activity in secondary schools to improve adolescents' health and academic performance
No full textIntroduction: There is an association between physical activity and both health and academic performance. However, there is still a lack of consensus on how to engage adolescents in physical activity interventions in secondary schools. One approach to better understand the activities and strategies supporting effective implementation is to involve school staff and adolescents in the early stages of planning and preparing for interventions. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore how multiple stakeholders, including school staff, students, and experts, perceive the barriers and facilitators for implementing a school-based intervention that extends the school day with additional physical activity in Sweden. Material and methods: This inductive explorative qualitative study involved 16 participants. Three focus groups with school staff, including principals (n = 3), teachers (n = 6), and students (n = 4), and three interviews with experts were conducted. The planned intervention and its components were presented to the participants in the focus group and interviews to discuss them based on their previous experiences and thoughts of implementing physical activities or health promotion programmes in their schools or with adolescents. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Three categories emerged: (1) “types of activities offered”, highlighting the importance of designing activities that are fun, inclusive and unusual; (2) “integration of the activities into school curriculum” to promote sustainability of the intervention and incorporate physical activity throughout the school day and across school subjects, and (3) “Management support and funding” referring to the funded time and facilities that teachers leading the activities need to facilitate implementation. Conclusions: Before implementing extra physical activity in a school setting, it is important to understand what activities enhance students' motivation and the type of support teachers need from the school principal and administration. This includes funding for teachers' time, appropriate scheduling of the activities, and access to facilities.Partners är: Skandia, Kronprinsessparets stiftelse/Generation Pep, Storytel, SATS, Permobil</p