Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Physical fitness for children – Environmental aspects'

There is growing concern that many children in Britain do not take sufficient exercise to benefit cardiovascular health. This is supported by extensive evidence advocating the importance of regular physical activity for lifelong health and well-being, and is of particular relevance in Scotland given it's notorious record of adult coronary heart disease death. This study examined aspects of fitness and physical activity in groups of Edinburgh school children, aged between 13 and 14 years. A three stage investigation was adopted: Phase One: A repeated measures, same subject design was used to examine the reliability and validity of selected measures (20m shuttle run test, peak oxygen uptake (V02 Peak), and anthropometric measures). Thirty three children (15 boys, 18 girls) performed each test on 3 separate days. Anthropometric measures showed strong reliability (r > 0.94, n=33) whilst reliability for the treadmill test ofV02 peak and shuttle run performance was lower (r=0.89 and r=0.79 respectively). Multiple regression analysis yielded a new equation for predicting V02 peak for children. This age specific prediction equation incorporated shuttle run performance in conjunction with skinfold thickness measures (Boys, R2=0.64 SEE=3.46; Girls, R2=0.79, SEE=2.81). Repeat testing was also recommended. Phase Two: An evaluation of methods of heart rate data analysis to assess physical activity in children. Twenty eight children (14 boys, 14 girls) wore continuous heart rate monitors (polar Electro PE4000, Finland) over a period of 7 days (Monday to Sunday), mean duration 737 (+/-55) mins/day. A detailed 7 day self report activity diary was also completed. Variability of heart rate measures was high (R=0.10-0.30), and it was noted that using data for just 4 days or less resulted in considerable underestimation of total weekly activity levels (44-100% error). If activity levels are to be compared against current recommendations, researchers must endeavour to achieve weekly rather than daily estimates of activity. Evaluation of methods of heart rate data analysis showed good correlation between heart rate activity indices and reported seven day activity. For boys strongest correlation was achieved using the number of 5 minute periods with HR > 139 b.min"l and the number of 5 minute periods with HR > 50% heart rate reserve (r=0.80, n=14). Total activity time was similar for both males and females but girls engaged in fewer sustained bouts of activity (>5 minutes) and a better correlate with activity in females was achieved using the total number of elevated heart rates (total HR > 50% heart rate reserve, r=0.64, n=14). Phase Three: A cross sectional survey was conducted to investigate standards of aerobic fitness and patterns of physical activity in groups of Edinburgh school children. Height, weight, skinfold thickness, shuttle run performance and physical activity (assessed by heart rate monitoring and activity diary) were recorded in a sample of 91 children (44 Boys, 47 Girls). Overall, males performed significantly better on the shuttle run test (t=5.4, df=88, p < 0.05), had higher predicted peak oxygen uptake (t=5.6, df=87, p < 0.05), and engaged in more bouts of moderate to vigorous activity than females. Seventy percent of boys and 50% of girls fulfilled current physical activity guidelines. Most activities were school based (131 mins per week as compared to 85 mins per week of out of school activities). Activity tended to be sporadic with active days interspersed with inactive days (mean 3.2 +/·1.6 days per week). After school activities specifically targeting young girls should be promoted.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 10-week physical fitness program on the fitness profiles, levels of self-concept, and body-esteem in 3rd- and 4th-grade low-fit children. The participants were 17 children (9 boys/8 girls) who failed to meet the Physical Best fitness standards in at least 2 of 3 fitness profile components, including cardiovascular endurance (one-mile run/walk), muscular strength and endurance (situps/min), and flexibility (sit and reach). All participants were pre and posttested in each of the three fitness profile components. Self-concept and bodyesteem were also pre and posttested using a shortened version of Harter's Self-Perception profile for children (SPPC) and the Body-Esteem Scale for Children (B-ESC).The treatment group (n = 10) participated 3 days/week for 60 min/day in a vigorous physical activity program designed to maintain heart rates corresponding to 60-80% of each individual's V02 max. An Analysis of Covariance revealed that the treatment group scored significantly higher (p < .05) on the posttest than the control group in two of the four self-concept dimensions (athletic competence and global self-worth) and on two of the three fitness profile components (muscular strength and endurance and flexibility). In light of the problems associated with increasing children's physical activity levels, offering after school programs such as this one appears to be an effective strategy.<br>Institute for Wellness

<p>Physical inactivity together with overweight and obesity has emerged as a major health risk factor for chronic disease of lifestyle as coronary heart disease, diabetes type 2, and hypertension affecting adolescents with physical disabilities in developed countries. This has contributed to the increase of social and economic costs of healthcare and social services in these countries. Review of literature has revealed that little has been documented about the status of adolescents with physical disabilities in developing countries. This study, therefore, aimed at establishing the degree of physical inactivity among high school adolescents with physical disabilities in Kenya.</p>

The purpose of this paper was to monitor the heart rates of-first, third, and fifth grade students during physical education classes to determine if the classes contribute to improvement in cardiovascular fitness levels. The study determined the average heart rate of students in physical education classes and determined the percent of time the heart rate remained in, above, and below a predetermined heart rate range of 140 to 180 beats per minute.Students from seven schools were involved in this study which included: 338 first graders, 236 third graders, and 217 fifth graders. Each school was visited three times.The measurement of heart rates was accomplished by placing a heart rate monitor on each student during their regular physical education class. The results indicated that the average heart rate for all first graders was 142.28 beats per minute (bpm), for all third graders was 141.68 bpm, and for all fifth graders was 142.85 bpm. The percentage of time spent in the pre-determined heart rate range for first grade students was 39.98%, third grade was 37.78%, and 40.64% for fifth grade. The percentage of time spent above the pre-determined heart rate range for first grade was 15.59%, 15.76% for third grade, and 13.91% for fifth grade. The percentage of time spent below the predetermined heart rate range for first grade was 43.99%, for third grade 46.32%, and 47.00% for fifth grade. The above findings revealed that the average heart rates did increase, although when further examining the percentage IN, ABOVE, and BELOW the pre-determined heart rate range the figures indicated that heart rates were not maintained at an appropriate level of intensity for the adequate time needed to increase cardiovascular fitness levels. If cardiovascular fitness is a goal in these classes, changes in class drills and games will be required to accomplish this goal.<br>School of Physical Education

The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between increased physical fitness and learning disabled student's self-concept, anxiety level. and academic achievement. 34 learning disabled students in seventh arr. eighth grade (X age = 14 years, 7 months) were divided equally into comparison and treatment groups. For six weeks, the comparison and treatment groups maintained similiar class schedules with the exception that the treatment group was assigned to a physical education class where the students would partake in an aerobic exercise program (i.e. running and aerobics) and the comparison group remained in study hall. All 34 LD students were pretested and posttested using the 12 Minute Walk/Run Test. Piers-Harris Self- Concept Scale for_ Children, Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale, and Wide Ranae Achievement Test-Revised.Four null hypotheses were tested using multivariate any, univariate analysis. The .05 level of significance was Mary Beth Hulecki Ed.D Ball State University, 1988 established as the critical probability level for the non acceptance of the statistical hypotheses.FindingsResults of multivariate analyses indicate: that no significant differences existed between the comparison and treatment groups on measures of IQ. self-concept. and anxiety. Results of multivariate analyses of pre-and posttest measures of the independent variable under study indicated that no significant differences existed between the comparison and treatment groups on measures of IQ. self-concept.and anxiety. Results of univariate analyses found no significant differences between the treatment and comparison groups after the physical fitness program on the independent measures of self-concept and anxiety level. Significant differences (p < .05) between the treatment and comparison groups were noted after intervention on measures of achievement and fitness. These results were observe: to be significant in the area of reading (p <.001).ConclusionsThe results of this study did not support theories that Suggested an increase in physical fitness Produced higher Self-concepts and decreased the anxiety level of learning disabled children. Although the LD students significantly raised their achievement scores, their anxiety level did not lessen and their self-concept scores were no higher after the running program. Several possible explanations are offered for consideration:1. Although achievement scores were higher after Intervention, they were still 2 or more standard deviations below the mean. These LD students were still functioning like mildly mentally handicapped students and were still far below the functioning level of their normal achieving peers. 2. As cited by other authors, LD students often try to portray themselves in a better light and do not accurately report their feelings.3. Underachievers were thought to respond unreliably on measures of self-concept.<br>Department of Special Education

Numerous studies focusing on cardiovascular disease risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus, elevated serum lipids, inactivity and lack of physical fitness prevalent in children highlight the importance of the early diagnosis and prevention of conditions that are associated in adulthood with cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of accumulative physical activity on the fitness profile, blood pressure and body composition in 14-16 year old school children in the Western Cape of South Africa.

The purpose of this project was to explore parent perceptions about their children's weight and the perceived barriers to implementing healthy eating habits and patterns of physical activity for their children.

<p>Regular physical activity is linked to enhanced health and to reduced risk for mortality and the development of many chronic diseases in adults. However, many adults are either sedentary of less physically active. Children and adolescents are more physically active than adults, but participation in physical activity declines with age during adolescence. Girls are less active than boys, older children and adolescents are less active than younger children, and among girls, blacks are less active than whites. This study aimed to examine physical activity in female learners attending Kagiso Township high schools in Gauteng Province.</p>

Incidence of childhood obesity has increased dramatically within the last 30 years. Childhood obesity is of concern because of the associated health problems, and because childhood obesity often tracks into adulthood. There is a clear association between activity-level and obesity. Therefore, it is important to consider physical activity patterns in the treatment and prevention of childhood obesity. Childhood is a key time period to intervene in the formation of habits and patterns associated with physical activity that may reduce obesity. To date, few studies have focused on the level of examining obese children individually. This case study focused on the physical activity patterns of 4 obese 6-10 year olds (two boys, two girls). All of the participants were above the 99th percentile for weight and had a body fat percentage exceeding 45%. Lipid profiles of the participants revealed that three of the four had high total cholesterol, indicating an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. All of the participants were close to or exceeded the waist to hip ratio value that indicates very high risk for cardiovascular and related diseases (>0.82 for boys, >0.94 for girls). Use of the Caltrac accelerometer, KIHD 24-Hour Total Physical Activity Record and System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time revealed that the obese 6-10 year old participants averaged 1.85 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per lunch recess time. When extrapolated, the data revealed that the participants spend less than 20 minutes a day in MVP A. This is less than MVP A norms of children in the same age group. The obese participants were not meeting the current recommendations for 60 minutes or more a day for MVPA. Furthermore, the activity patterns of the participants differ from those of normal weight children. Although children in general and the participant's tend to choose low level activity over MVP A, the participants spent more than 16.5 hours per day in sedentary physical activity, which is more than their normal weight counterparts (10.4 +/- 0.8).

The Monterey School Diabetes Prevention Project's (MSDPP) ENERGY Club is a pilot project for school-based health prevention curriculum targeting students with risk factors for diabetes. ENERGY is an acronym for Exercise 'n Eating Right is Good for You.

本論文之研究目的為：一，發展適用於香港兒童之體力活動相關社區環境調查問卷；二，以此問卷作為測量工具之一，研究社區環境與香港兒童體力活動之關係。本論文之研究共分三個部份。<br>研究一(第2章)選取居住於不同社會經濟地位和住宅密度的四類社區的34名10-11歲香港兒童，採用名義群組法（Nominal Group Technique, NGT)調查了他們認為會影響其參加體力活動的社區環境因素。參試兒童針對問題“有哪些社區環境因素會增加或減少你參與體力活動的意願？提出自己的觀點，並依據其重要性進行排序。共計十六項被參試兒童認為重要的環境因素被最終確定。其中，“充足的照明、“天橋或隧道、“馬路上車較少、“方便的交通、“地鐵站、“康樂場所、“有空調的商場、“空氣新鮮、“有趣的動物和“香水店被認為會增加做體力活動的意願。而“讓我覺得不安全的人、“附近有罪案發生、“夜晚害怕被帶走或傷害、“商場中很難找到廁所、“很多噪音和“康樂場所內人太多被認為會減少做體力活動的意願。上述與體力活動有關的環境因素貼合香港之環境及兒童之年齡。本研究之結果可被用於發展或補充適用於香港兒童的社區環境調查問卷。<br>研究二（第3章）發展了適用於香港兒童的全面的社區環境調查問卷，即兒童體力活動相關社區環境調查問卷（The Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale forChinese Children, NEWS-CC ) ° 該問卷改編自其英文版（ T h e Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale for Youth, NEWS-Y)，並加入了研究一所確定的部f分環境因素。該問卷之重測信度（test-retest reliability)及因素效度（factorial validity)分別以組內相關係數（intraclass correlation coefficients, ICCs)及驗證性因素分析 (confirmatory factor analysis)檢測。樣本為來自香港七所小學的953名4-6年級學生。最終的NEWS-CC問卷由67個題目構成，測量10個方面的社區環境，即土地利用多樣性、交通安全、治安安全、美觀性、行人設施、街道連接性、土地利用通達性、居住密度、康樂場地和污染。結果題示NEWS-CC問卷具有良好的因素效度(滿足模型吻合度標準）和重測信度（分量表之ICCs=0.47-0.86)。<br>研究三（第4章）以1279名來自九所香港小學的4-6年級的學生為樣本，研究了以主觀及客觀方法測量的社區環境與兒童體力活動的關係。社區環境分別以NEWS-CC 問卷及地理信息系統（Geographic Information Systems, GIS)測量 ° 兒童總體體力活動及校外體力活動以自我報告法測量。此外，加速度計被應用於其中361 名兒童測量其在返學日（weekday overall MVPA )、返學日校外時段 weekday non-school MVPA)及週末日的中高強度體力活動（weekend overall MVPA)。環境因 素與兒童體力活動之關係以線性混合模型（linear mixed models)分析，同時控制社會人口統計指標。結果發現，環境美觀性與男生報告的總體及校外體力活動正相關；距離康樂場地較近或距離返學之學校較遠的男生加速度計測量的返學日及返學日校外體力活動均較高，而感知的行人設施與男生加速度計測量的週末日體力活動負相關。對女生而言，距離公園/花園較近及居住在較高收入社區者自我報告的校外體力活動較高；距離康樂場地的距離與女生加速度計測量的返學日體力活動負相關；而距離返學學校的距離、距離公園/花園的距離分別與加速度計測量的返學日校外體力活動和週末體力活動正相關。<br>綜上所述，本論文的研究發展了適用於香港兒童的全面的社區環境調查問卷，並且發現了一些與兒童體力活動相關的環境因素，包括環境美觀性、感知的行人設施、距公園/花園距離、距康樂場地距離、距返學學校距離以及社區家庭收入。上述環境因素與兒童體力活動的關係因體力活動的發生場景、體力活動的測量方式及兒童性別而不同。本論文的發現將有助於今後發展以研究場景及性別特異性的兒童體力活動環境相關因素為目標的追蹤及干預研究。<br>The purposes of this thesis were to, first, develop a useful instrument for measurement of perceived neighborhood environment in Hong Kong children, and second, to examine the relationship between the neighborhood built environment and physical activity (PA) behaviors of children in Hong Kong. Three stepwise studies were conducted to address these purposes.<br>In the first study (Chapter 2), five nominal group technique (NGT) groups were conducted among 34 children aged 10-11 years from four types of neighborhoods varying in socio-economic status and household density in Hong Kong. In each NGT group, environmental items were generated by children in response to the question "What neighborhood environment do you think would increase or decrease your willingness to do PA?’’ Items were prioritized based on the number of votes that they received from children, which served as an indicator of their importance to PA. Sixteen unique environmental items, which were perceived by children as the most important factors influencing their PA, were identified. Items perceived as facilitators of children's PA included "Sufficient lighting"，“Bridge or tunnel"，“Few cars on roads"，“Convenient transportation"，"Subway station"，“Recreation grounds"，“Shopping malls with air conditioning"，"Fresh air"，“Interesting animals"，and “Perfume shop". Conversely, items perceived as barriers included “People who make me feel unsafe"，“Crimes nearby"，“Afraid of being taken or hurt at night’’，"Hard to find toilet in shopping mall", “Too much noise"，and “Too many people in recreation grounds". These PA-related environmental attributes were believed to be relevant to both the Hong Kong context and the children. The findings of this study could be used to develop or complement instruments that measure children's perceived neighborhood environment in Hong Kong.<br>The second study (Chapter 3) developed a comprehensive questionnaire assessing perceived neighborhood environment for Chinese children in Hong Kong, namely, the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale for Chinese Children (NEWS-CC). The development of the NEWS-CC was based on the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale for Youth (NEWS-Y) with incorporation of selected items identified in the first study. The test-retest reliability and factorial validity of the NEWS-CC were examined by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and confirmatory factor analysis, respectively, in a sample of 953 children in the 4th to 6th grades from seven local primary schools. The final NEWS-CC consists of 67 items, which measure 10 aspects of the perceived neighborhood environment including land use mix-diversity, traffic safety, crime safety, aesthetics, walking facilities, street connectivity, land use mix-access, residential density, recreation facilities, and pollution. The results indicated that the NEWS-CC possesses adequate factorial validity according to the recommended criteria of model fit and acceptable test-retest reliability with ICCs of subscales ranging from 0.47 to 0.86.<br>The third study (Chapter 4) examined how perceived and objective neighborhood environment were related to children's PA behaviors among 1279 children in the 4th to 6th grades from nine local primary schools. The neighborhood built environment was measured by the NEWS-CC questionnaire and the geographic information systems (GIS). The children's overall and non-school PA were assessed by self-report. In addition to the self-report measure of PA, the accelerometry was used in a sub-sample of 361 children to objectively measure their moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) during weekdays (weekday overall MVPA), non-school periods on weekdays (weekday non-school MVPA), and weekend days (weekend overall MVPA). A series of linear mixed models were performed to determine the associations between environmental factors and children's PA, with adjustments for certain sociodemographic factors. For the self-reported PA of boys, perceived aesthetics was positively related to overall and non-school PA. For the objective PA of boys, shorter distance to nearest recreation ground and longer distance to attended school were related to more weekday overall MVPA and more weekday non-school MVPA; meanwhile, perceived walking facilities was negatively related to weekend overall MVPA. For the self-reported PA of girls, shorter distance to nearest park/garden and living in neighborhoods with higher household income were related to increased non-school PA. For the objective PA of girls, distance to nearest recreation ground was negatively associated with weekday overall MVPA; by contrast, distance to attended school had a positive association with weekday non-school MVPA, and distance to nearest park/garden was positively related to weekend overall MVPA.<br>In conclusion, the studies in this thesis have developed a useful instrument that provides comprehensive measures of perceived neighborhood environment for children in Hong Kong. Moreover, certain environmental correlates of PA have been identified for Hong Kong children, including perceived aesthetics, perceived walking facilities, distance to nearest park/garden, distance to nearest recreation ground, distance to attended school, and neighborhood household income. Such environmental correlates were shown to relate differentially to children's PA, based on activity context, activity measurement mode, and gender The findings in this thesis would inform future longitudinal and intervention studies by targeting the context- and gender-specific environmental correlates of children's PA.<br>Detailed summary in vernacular field only.<br>Detailed summary in vernacular field only.<br>Detailed summary in vernacular field only.<br>Detailed summary in vernacular field only.<br>Detailed summary in vernacular field only.<br>He, Gang.<br>Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2013.<br>Includes bibliographical references (leaves 148-172).<br>Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web.<br>Abstract and appendixes also in Chinese.<br>ABSTRACT --- p.i<br>ACKNOWLEGEMENTS --- p.vi<br>PUBLICATIONS --- p.vii<br>CONTENTS --- p.viii<br>LIST OF TABLES --- p.xi<br>LIST OF FIGURES --- p.xiii<br>ABBREVIATIONS --- p.xiv<br>Chapter CHAPTER 1 --- Introduction --- p.1<br>Chapter 1.1 --- PA and health in children --- p.3<br>Chapter 1.2 --- PA levels of children --- p.8<br>Chapter 1.3 --- Neighborhood built environment and children's PA --- p.11<br>Chapter 1.3.1 --- Measures of the built environment in large-scale studies --- p.13<br>Chapter 1.3.1.1 --- GIS-based measures of the built environment --- p.15<br>Chapter 1.3.1.1.1 --- Data sources --- p.15<br>Chapter 1.3.1.1.2 --- Key terminology --- p.17<br>Chapter 1.3.1.1.3 --- GIS-based measures --- p.19<br>Chapter 1.3.1.2 --- Perceived measures of the built environment --- p.25<br>Chapter 1.3.2 --- Neighborhood environmental correlates of children's PA --- p.33<br>Chapter 1.3.2.1 --- Neighborhood built environment and children's overall PA --- p.33<br>Chapter 1.3.2.2 --- Neighborhood built environment and children's active travel --- p.35<br>Chapter 1.3.2.3 --- Neighborhood built environment and children's location- or time-specific PA --- p.36<br>Chapter 1.3.2.4 --- Studies examining neighborhood environmental correlates of children's PA in Hong Kong --- p.40<br>Chapter 1.4 --- Summary --- p.42<br>Chapter CHAPTER 2 --- Neighborhood Environment Attributes Related to Hong Kong Children's Physical Activity Determined by Nominal Group Technique --- p.45<br>Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.45<br>Chapter 2.2 --- Methods --- p.47<br>Chapter 2.2.1 --- Participants --- p.47<br>Chapter 2.2.2 --- Procedure --- p.49<br>Chapter 2.3 --- Results --- p.52<br>Chapter 2.3.1 --- Characteristics of NGT groups --- p.52<br>Chapter 2.3.2 --- PA-related neighborhood environmental factors identified by NGT --- p.groups..…53<br>Chapter 2.4 --- Discussion --- p.57<br>Chapter 2.5 --- Conclusion --- p.64<br>Chapter CHAPTER 3 --- Reliability and Validity of the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale for Chinese Children (NEWS-CC) --- p.65<br>Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.65<br>Chapter 3.2 --- Methods --- p.68<br>Chapter 3.2.1 --- Measures --- p.68<br>Chapter 3.2.2 --- Participants and procedures --- p.69<br>Chapter 3.2.2.1 --- Translation of the NEWS-Y --- p.69<br>Chapter 3.2.2.2 --- Identification of environmental items specific for Hong Kong children. --- p.72<br>Chapter 3.2.2.3 --- Pilot testing of the NEWS-CC --- p.73<br>Chapter 3.2.2.4 --- Reliability and factorial validity testing of the NEWS-CC --- p.74<br>Chapter 3.2.3 --- Data analysis --- p.75<br>Chapter 3.2.3.1 --- Confirmatory factor analysis of the original NEWS-CC --- p.75<br>Chapter 3.2.3.2 --- Test-retest reliability of the respecified NEWS-CC --- p.76<br>Chapter 3.2.3.3 --- Re-working of unreliable items/subscales in the respecified NEWS-CC --- p.76<br>Chapter 3.3 --- Results --- p.77<br>Chapter 3.3.1 --- Confirmatory factor analysis of the original NEWS-CC --- p.77<br>Chapter 3.3.2 --- Test-retest reliability of the respecified NEWS-CC --- p.79<br>Chapter 3.3.3 --- Re-working of unreliable items/subscales in the respecified NEWS-CC --- p.82<br>Chapter 3.3.4 --- Confirmatory factor analysis of the final NEWS-CC --- p.84<br>Chapter 3.4 --- Discussion --- p.86<br>Chapter 3.4.1 --- Development of the NEWS-CC --- p.86<br>Chapter 3.4.2 --- Factorial validity of the NEWS-CC --- p.87<br>Chapter 3.4.2.1 --- Factorial structure of the NEWS-CC --- p.88<br>Chapter 3.4.2.2 --- Items excluded from the NEWS-CC --- p.89<br>Chapter 3.4.3 --- Test-retest reliability of the NEWS-CC --- p.92<br>Chapter 3.5 --- Conclusion --- p.95<br>Chapter CHAPTER 4 --- Neighborhood Built Environment and Physical Activity in Primary Schoolchildren in Hong Kong --- p.96<br>Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.96<br>Chapter 4.2 --- Methods --- p.99<br>Chapter 4.2.1 --- Participants --- p.99<br>Chapter 4.2.2 --- Measurements --- p.100<br>Chapter 4.2.2.1 --- Dependent variables --- p.100<br>Chapter 4.2.2.2 --- Environmental variables --- p.101<br>Chapter 4.2.2.3 --- Sociodemographic variables --- p.104<br>Chapter 4.2.3 --- Data analysis --- p.105<br>Chapter 4.3 --- Results --- p.107<br>Chapter 4.3.1 --- Descriptive statistics --- p.107<br>Chapter 4.3.2 --- Bivariate correlations between PA variables and independent variables --- p.109<br>Chapter 4.3.3 --- Association between environmental variables and PA behaviors --- p.117<br>Chapter 4.3.3.1 --- Association between environmental variables and PA behaviors in boys --- p.117<br>Chapter 4.3.3.2 --- Association between environmental variables and PA behaviors in girls --- p.120<br>Chapter 4.4 --- Discussion --- p.123<br>Chapter 4.4.1 --- Characteristics of children's PA --- p.123<br>Chapter 4.4.2 --- Patterns of PA-environment associations between children's overall and non-school PA --- p.124<br>Chapter 4.4.3 --- Environmental correlates of children's PA in Hong Kong --- p.126<br>Chapter 4.5 --- Conclusion --- p.134<br>Chapter CHAPTER 5 --- Summary and Conclusions --- p.135<br>Chapter 5.1 --- Measures of perceived neighborhood built environment --- p.137<br>Chapter 5.2 --- Neighborhood environmental correlates of children's PA behaviors --- p.142<br>REFERENCES --- p.148<br>APPENDICES --- p.A1<br>Chapter Appendix A --- Letter to Principal --- p.A1<br>Chapter Appendix B --- Consent Form --- p.A3<br>Chapter Appendix C --- 兒童體力活動相關社區環境調查問卷 --- p.A5<br>Chapter Appendix D --- The Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale for Chinese Children<br>(NEWS-CC) --- p.A14

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an aerobic training program on the aerobic fitness and blood lipid profiles of 24 premenarcheal (PREM) and 41 postmenarcheal (POSTM) volunteers. A second intent was to test for differences in the responsiveness of the two maturity groups to the program. Subjects in each maturity level were assigned to a control (C) or training (T) group. Training consisted of 30 min continous cycling at 75% max heart rate, three times per week for 12 weeks. All subjects were tested before the training, at week 6 and at the end of week 12. Anthropometric measurements, ventilatory threshold (VT), VO2 max and anaerobic capacity (AC), measured as total work performed during a 30 s Wingate test, were determined for all subjects at each test period. Serum total triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density (LDL-C), very low density (VLDL-C), and high density (HDL-C) lipoprotein cholesterols as well as subfractions HDL2 and HDL3 were measured pre and post training. Analysis of variance with repeated measures revealed that both PREM groups increased their VO2 max (p $<$.001), however the increase in PREM-T exceeded that of PREM-C (p $<$.01). A training effect for VO$\sb2$ max was also observed in the POSTM-T compared to POSTM-C subjects (p $<$.001) and this increase was similar to that of PREM-T. No changes in serum TG, TC, LDL, VLDL, or HDL were reported for any group. HDL2 values decreased in all groups (p $<$.001), with larger change occurring in the PREM subjects (p $<$.001). Although an increase in HDL3 was observed for all groups (p $<$.001), the increase in PREM was greater than in POSTM (p $<$.01). No training effect was found in either HDL subfraction. It was concluded that VO2 max was equally sensitive to the endurance training in both PREM and POSTM subjects. It was also suggested that, in young females, VT and AC may not be as responsive to endurance training as VO2 max. The lack of a training effect on the blood lipids and lipoproteins may be attributed to the normal concentrations in the subjects prior to the study. It is also possible that 12 weeks were insufficient to produce changes in the blood lipid profiles of the subjects.<br>Graduate

Lee Chi Kin.<br>"Architecture Department, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Master of Architecture Programme 2001-2002, design report."<br>Includes bibliographical references (p. 66).<br>Chapter 1.0 --- Synopsis --- p.1<br>Chapter 1.1 --- Architectural Question<br>Chapter 1.2 --- Statement<br>Chapter 1.3 --- Approach<br>Chapter 2.0 --- Research on ideas of nature --- p.7<br>Chapter 2.1 --- Perception of Nature<br>Chapter 2.2 --- Precedent Study<br>Shonandai Cultural Center<br>Expo 2000 Dutch Pavilion<br>Chapter 3.0 --- Programming --- p.15<br>Chapter 3.1 --- Programme Brief<br>Chapter 3.2 --- Subject Study<br>Chapter 3.3 --- Present Situation of Fitness Centre<br>Chapter 3.4 --- Views on Recreational Exercise (Interview)<br>Chapter 3.5 --- Schematic programme of Walking Journey<br>Chapter 3.6 --- Programme Requirement<br>Chapter 4.0 --- Site --- p.27<br>Chapter 4.1 --- Site Selection<br>Chapter 4.2 --- Site Analysis<br>Chapter 5.0 --- Design Process --- p.41<br>Chapter 5.1 --- Establishment of Concepts<br>Chapter 5.2 --- Design Process<br>Chapter 5.3 --- Topic Research<br>Structure and ideas of nature<br>Chapter 5.4 --- Special Study<br>Water in Architectural design<br>Chapter 5.5 --- Final Design<br>Chapter 6.0 --- Bibliography --- p.66<br>Chapter 7.0 --- Appendices --- p.67<br>Chapter 7.1 --- Schedule of Accommodation<br>Chapter 7.2 --- Essay -Architaiture and Ideas of Nature<br>Chapter 7.3 --- Reference Materials<br>Acknowledgement