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Purpose: This study examined differences in measures of health-related physical fitness in adolescents before and after extended school closures due to COVID-19. Method: The sample consisted of 298 students (135 males and 163 females) from a laboratory high school. Data were collected through FITNESSGRAM assessments. A repeated-measures multivariate analysis of covariance was calculated to analyze differences in fitness before and after COVID-19 closures, including McNemar–Bowker and McNemar tests. Results: Statistically significant differences were identified for Progressive Aerobic Capacity Endurance Run (−4.2%; 1.8 ml·kg−1·min−1) and curl-up (−12.5%; 7.9 repetitions). In addition, 18.8% fewer students were classified within the Healthy Fitness Zone for Progressive Aerobic Capacity Endurance Run, 4% for curl-up, 10.8% for push-up, and 6.4% for sit and reach. Conclusion: Results of this study demonstrate that there was a significant decline in physical fitness for secondary students during extended school closures and social isolation as a result of COVID-19.

This study examined the associations between socioeconomic status (SES) and musculoskeletal (MSF) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in youth. The sample consisted of boys and girls between 3-15 years. SES was categorized utilizing family-income-to-poverty ratio (FIPR). All analyses were standardized for age and sex. For each test of physical fitness, SES was used to estimate mean fitness test percentile and 95% confidence intervals, controlling for race/ethnicity and physical activity. Odds ratios were calculated for the likelihood of having low fitness by SES category. In general, the high SES group had a better composite MSF, body composition, and CRF profiles than low and moderate SES groups. Statistically significant differences were identified for relative grip strength, plank, body mass index, and cardiovascular endurance time (all

Background Firefighting is a dangerous occupation that requires adequate functional movement patterns to help reduce injury risk. Structured programs for improving movement quality have not been studied in firefighters. Objective To examine the effects of an 8-week individualized corrective exercise training program on Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores in active duty firefighters. Methods Fifty-six male firefighters volunteered to participate in the study. All subjects completed baseline FMS testing and scores were entered into the FMS Pro360 system, subscription-based software which generates an individualized corrective exercise workout based on each independent test score. Two, 4-week corrective exercise programs were generated for each participant based on baseline testing. Following the 8-weeks, participants completed follow-up FMS testing. Results A significant increase in total FMS score (pre = 12.09±2.75, post = 13.66±2.28) was found after the program. A significant increase in stability (pre = 4.13±1.21, post = 4.55±0.83) and advanced movements (pre = 4.45±1.28, post = 5.36±1.29) were also found, however, no difference was observed in mobility tests (3.52±1.09, post = 3.75±0.90). Conclusions The results suggest an 8-week individualized corrective exercise program was effective at improving scores on the FMS. Providing corrective exercise programs specific to improving levels of dysfunction or maintaining/enhancing function, may increase firefighter preparedness and attempt to minimize injury risk.