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Background: The Global Matrix 4.0 on physical activity (PA) for children and adolescents was developed to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the global variation in children’s and adolescents’ (5–17 y) PA, related measures, and key sources of influence. The objectives of this article were (1) to summarize the findings from the Global Matrix 4.0 Report Cards, (2) to compare indicators across countries, and (3) to explore trends related to the Human Development Index and geo-cultural regions. Methods: A total of 57 Report Card teams followed a harmonized process to grade the 10 common PA indicators. An online survey was conducted to collect Report Card Leaders’ top 3 priorities for each PA indicator and their opinions on how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted child and adolescent PA indicators in their country. Results: Overall Physical Activity was the indicator with the lowest global average grade (D), while School and Community and Environment were the indicators with the highest global average grade (C+). An overview of the global situation in terms of surveillance and prevalence is provided for all 10 common PA indicators, followed by priorities and examples to support the development of strategies and policies internationally. Conclusions: The Global Matrix 4.0 represents the largest compilation of children’s and adolescents’ PA indicators to date. While variation in data sources informing the grades across countries was observed, this initiative highlighted low PA levels in children and adolescents globally. Measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, local/international conflicts, climate change, and economic change threaten to worsen this situation.

The influence of dehydration on strength after a competitive match of badminton players has been previously studied; however, no research has been done on the effect of milk on performance in badminton. This study therefore aimed to investigate the effects of ad libitum intake of low-fat lactose-free milk (LFM) on subsequent performance of badminton athletes. Eleven collegiate badminton athletes (Mean ± standard deviation for Age = 19.3 ± 1.2 years; Height= 165.4 ± 9.1 cm) participated in this study. A randomized crossover study design was used (with ≥7-day washout between trials) where subjects were assigned to one of the test beverages: lactose-free skim milk (LFM), carbohydrate-electrolyte sports drink (CE) or water (CON). Performance tests were measured before and after subsequent games. Other variables measured included hydration status, perceived recovery and selected subjective perceptions. Palatability and amount ingested was highest for CE and lowest for CON (Mean ± standard deviation for CE 2215.24 ± 690.19 ml >LFM 1530.8 ± 849.9 ml >CON 1341.2 ± 424.2 ml, p = .013) but all beverages affected hydration status and selected performance variables after subsequent games in badminton. Perceived exertion and recovery were similar for the beverages as well. Thirst and gastrointestinal discomfort were however significantly greater for LFM.

The purpose of this study is to determine the anthropometric profile of elite women’s volleyball players in the Philippines. Thirty-six (n=36) subjects with a mean age of 23.9 + 3 years participated in this study and were measured by ISAK-certified anthropometrics. Results showed that elite Filipino women’s volleyball players are relatively taller and heavier than average Filipino females but smaller and lighter than most internationally-successful women’s volleyball teams. They are in the athletic body fat percentage range with a somatotype of endomorph-mesomorph on average. Middle blockers are tall, thin and lean with a mean central somatotype with lengthy extremities. Outside hitters and opposite spikers are relatively tall, lengthy, and muscular with a mean endomorph-mesomorph somatotype. Liberos are shorter and lighter overall with low body fat and a generally endomorphic mesomorph somatotype. Setters are relatively shorter, heavier and larger with higher body fat and an endomorph-mesomorph somatotype on average. Various similarities and differences with related studies are also discussed.