Yahya al-Nakeeb - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Yahya al-Nakeeb

Research paper thumbnail of Body esteem in British children: differences due to weight status, ethnicity and gender

Body esteem is an important variable that has been linked to a range of negative health outcomes ... more Body esteem is an important variable that has been linked to a range of negative health outcomes including depression, negative affect, obesity and increased risk of suffering from eating disorders. However, little information is available regarding ethnic differences in body esteem in British children. Objective: To examine gender, ethnic and weight status differences in body esteem in a sample of British children. Methods: The study was cross sectional in design and assessed body esteem and weight status in 756 children (394 boys, 362 girls, mean age 11.4 ± 1.6 years).

Research paper thumbnail of Revisiting Zajonc's Social Facilitation the Ory and Bond's Self-Presentation Approach

Research paper thumbnail of Sex, Ethnic and Socio-economic Differences in Children’s Physical Activity

Pediatric exercise science

The present study examines the relationship of sex, ethnicity, and socio-economic status to physi... more The present study examines the relationship of sex, ethnicity, and socio-economic status to physical activity levels of young people. Participants were 301 males and females (12.9 – 0.81 years). Physical activity was measured using the four by one-day physical activity recall questionnaire. ANOVA revealed that high socio-economic status children reported greater average daily energy expenditure levels than low socio-economic status children (p < .01). The daily energy expenditure of white-Caucasian children was significantly higher than black or Asian children. White boys were significantly more active than white girls, but no such sex differences were observed among black and Asian children. Although activity was always greater at weekends, a decline in activity by school year was observed on Saturdays and Sundays but with no such decline observed on weekdays.

Research paper thumbnail of An examination of the self-presentation approach and the drive theory of social facilitation

Research paper thumbnail of An Investigation into the Lifestyle, Health Habits and Risk Factors of Young Adults

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2015

This project examined the lifestyle, health habits and risk factors of young adults at Qatar Univ... more This project examined the lifestyle, health habits and risk factors of young adults at Qatar University. It explored the clustering and differences in dietary habits, body mass index (BMI) and physical activity (PA) amongst male and female students, both Qatari and non-Qatari. Seven hundred thirty two students aged 18-25 years completed a self-reported questionnaire and an objective measure of BMI. Males and females had a high prevalence of being overweight and obesity and low levels of PA, according to well-established international standards. Three clusters were identified based on the students' lifestyle and dietary habits. Cluster 1 (high risk factors) included those who engaged the least in healthy dietary practices and consumed the most unhealthy foods, participated in less PA and had the highest BMI. Cluster 2 (moderate risk factors) included those with considerably more habits falling into the moderate category, engagement in the most PA, the least TV and computer viewing time and had the lowest BMI. Cluster 3 (low risk factors) included those who engaged the most with the four healthy dietary practices, the least with the four unhealthy dietary practices and participated in moderate PA per week. This project provides valuable data that could be used by policy makers to address issues concerning student's health.

Research paper thumbnail of Evidence of nationalistic bias in muaythai

Journal of sports science & medicine, 2006

MuayThai is a combat sport with a growing international profile but limited research conducted in... more MuayThai is a combat sport with a growing international profile but limited research conducted into judging practices and processes. Problems with judging of other subjectively judged combat sports have caused controversy at major international tournaments that have resulted in changes to scoring methods. Nationalistic bias has been central to these problems and has been identified across a range of sports. The aim of this study was to examine nationalistic bias in MuayThai. Data were collected from the International Federation of MuayThai Amateur (IFMA) World Championships held in Almaty, Kazakhstan September 2003 and comprised of tournament results from 70 A-class MuayThai bouts each judged by between five and nine judges. Bouts examined featured 62 competitors from 21 countries and 25 judges from 11 countries. Results suggested that nationalistic bias was evident. The bias observed equated to approximately one round difference between opposing judges over the course of a bout (a ...

Research paper thumbnail of The impact of moderate and high intensity total body fatigue on passing accuracy in expert and novice basketball players

Journal of sports science & medicine, 2006

Despite the acknowledged importance of fatigue on performance in sport, ecologically sound studie... more Despite the acknowledged importance of fatigue on performance in sport, ecologically sound studies investigating fatigue and its effects on sport-specific skills are surprisingly rare. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of moderate and high intensity total body fatigue on passing accuracy in expert and novice basketball players. Ten novice basketball players (age: 23.30 ± 1.05 yrs) and ten expert basketball players (age: 22.50 ± 0.41 yrs) volunteered to participate in the study. Both groups performed the modified AAHPERD Basketball Passing Test under three different testing conditions: rest, moderate intensity and high intensity total body fatigue. Fatigue intensity was established using a percentage of the maximal number of squat thrusts performed by the participant in one minute. ANOVA with repeated measures revealed a significant (F 2,36 = 5.252, p = 0.01) level of fatigue by level of skill interaction. On examination of the mean scores it is clear that following...

Research paper thumbnail of Differences in physical activity levels between white and South Asian children in the United Kingdom

Pediatric exercise science, 2008

The purpose of this study was to compare physical activity levels between white and South Asian c... more The purpose of this study was to compare physical activity levels between white and South Asian children in the UK. The data were obtained from 606, 11-14 year old schoolchildren (397 white; 209 Asian). Physical activity was assessed using the 'four by one day' recall questionnaire from which the time spent in moderate and vigorous physical activity was calculated. Boys were significantly more active than girls (p = .0001), and white children reported significantly greater physical activity than south Asian children (p = .001). Mean +/- SD of time spent in moderate and vigorous activity was 90.2 +/- 65.4 mins and 68.2 +/- 49.3 mins for white and south Asian children and 103.5 +/- 63.4 mins and 65.6 +/- 53.5 mins for boys and girls respectively. These findings indicate that south Asian children are significantly less active than their white peers and there may be a need for specific interventions to target South Asian children particularly.

Research paper thumbnail of The relationship between pedometer-determined physical activity, body mass index and lean body mass index in children

International Journal of Pediatric Obesity, 2010

Objective . To cross-sectionally assess weekend to weekday variation of physical activity in Brit... more Objective . To cross-sectionally assess weekend to weekday variation of physical activity in British children and to consider the role of Body Mass Index (BMI, W/H 2 ) and Lean Body Mass Index (LBMI, H 2 /W) when examining this issue. Methods. A total of 496 children aged 8-14 years, were measured for height and weight and the activity levels were analysed using pedometers to measure mean step counts for 4 consecutive days (2 weekdays, 2 weekend days). Results. Boys had significantly lower BMI than girls. Higher values for average weekend steps were associated with lower BMI values. BMI values were; however, found to be positively skewed but when the analysis was repeated using LBMI, data was normally distributed and the conclusions remained the same. Conclusions. Weekday steps are higher than weekend steps for children irrespective of gender or weight status. Mean steps taken during weekend days are signifi cantly associated with reduced BMI in children. These fi ndings may be questioned because BMI is highly skewed and not normally distributed. However, LBMI provides a suitable alternative that is normally distributed and can be used to compare the relationship between weight status and physical activity.

Research paper thumbnail of Perceptions of the Built Environment in Relation to Physical Activity and Weight Status in British Adolescents from Central England

ISRN Obesity, 2012

The built environment may influence physical activity (PA) behaviour in young people. However, th... more The built environment may influence physical activity (PA) behaviour in young people. However, there is a dearth of data examining this issue in young people which considers weight status, physical activity, and environmental perceptions in the same analysis. Four hundred and five Year 10 pupils (223 boys, 182 girls, mean age ± S.D. = 14.8 ± 0.6 years), from central England, completed self-report measures of PA and perceptions of the built environment. Additionally, body mass index (BMI) was determined from height and weight. PA (MET/Min week −1 ) was positively related to environmental perceptions (P = 0.0001) and negatively related to BMI (P = 0.0001). PA was significantly greater in boys (P = 0.025) and normal weight children compared to girls and overweight/obese children, respectively (P = 0.01). Perception of the built environment was significant as a covariate (P = 0.0001) with a one-unit increase on this measure associated with a 141 MET/Min week −1 increase in PA. This study, therefore, supports claims that the built environment, and perceptions of it, can have an impact on health indices.

Research paper thumbnail of Body dissatisfaction, body fat and physical activity in British children

International journal of pediatric obesity : IJPO : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 2006

The present study examined the relationship among body dissatisfaction, body fat and physical act... more The present study examined the relationship among body dissatisfaction, body fat and physical activity in British children from different ethnic groups. Two hundred and seventy-six 11-14 year-old males and females (12.5 +0.8 years) took part in the study. Body dissatisfaction was assessed using a figure rating scale; percent body fat was determined by skinfold measures, and physical activity was assessed using a self-report measure. Significant, positive relationships were evident between body dissatisfaction and body fat for the whole sample (r = -0.65, p < 0.01). Similar relationships were evident between body dissatisfaction and body fat when split by gender and ethnicity (both p < 0.01). No significant relationships were evident between body dissatisfaction and physical activity (all p > 0.05). ANCOVA controlling for body fat and physical activity revealed that as the covariate of physical activity increased, so did body dissatisfaction (F(1,269) = 13.36, p < 0.01). ...

Research paper thumbnail of A Cluster Analysis of Lifestyle and Health Habits of Youth from Two Geographically and Culturally Diverse Countries

Open Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2014

Objectives: Obesity is a leading risk factor for global mortality, promoted by poor dietary habit... more Objectives: Obesity is a leading risk factor for global mortality, promoted by poor dietary habits and sedentary behaviour. This study explores the clustering and differences in dietary habits, body mass index (BMI) and physical activity (PA) amongst youth from United Kingdom (UK) and Saudi Arabia (SA). Methods: 2290 males and females aged 15 -17 years completed a self-report questionnaire and an objective measure of BMI. Results: Youth from SA had a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity and lower levels of PA than youth from the UK. Males were more physically active than females across both countries. Three clusters were identified: a "high risk" cluster with least healthy dietary habits, low PA and high BMI; a "moderate cluster" with moderate healthy dietary habits, PA and BMI; a "low risk" cluster with healthiest dietary habits, greatest PA and the lowest BMI compared to the other clusters. There were more SA youth in the high and moderate risk clusters compared to UK youth. Conclusions: Exploring cross-cultural and demographic characteristics of youth enables the identification of similarities and differences that might lead to the development of universal intervention strategies.

Research paper thumbnail of Anthropometric and lifestyle characteristics of active and inactive saudi and british adolescents

American Journal of Human Biology, 2014

To compare the anthropometric and lifestyle characteristics of active and inactive adolescents in... more To compare the anthropometric and lifestyle characteristics of active and inactive adolescents in Saudi Arabia and Britain. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted at four cities in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh and Al-Khobar; N = 1,648) and Britain (Birmingham and Coventry; N = 1,158). The participants (14- to 18-year-olds) were randomly selected using a multistage stratified cluster sampling. Measurements included anthropometric [BMI, Waist circumference (WC), Waist to height ratio], screen time, validated physical activity questionnaire and dietary habits. British males were lighter (P = 0.04, 64.4 vs. 68.2 kg), and had lower values for WC (P = 0.003, 77.1 vs. 78.7 cm) than Saudi males. Males (P = 0.0001) were significantly more active than females but the difference between inactive Saudi and British females was greater than that between inactive Saudi and British males. Being female was significantly (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001) associated with lower activity levels in both the Saudi and British adolescents. Having lower frequency of fruit intake was significantly (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001) associated with lower activity levels, whereas increased frequency of consumption of French fries/potato chips was significantly (P = 0.008) associated with increased activity levels in Saudi adolescents. Among British adolescents, lower frequency of breakfast was (P = 0.045) associated with lower activity levels, increased frequency of consumption of sweetened beverages was significantly (P = 0.005) associated with higher activity levels. Higher energy drinks intake frequency was significantly (P = 0.007) associated with higher activity levels. The present study identifies crosscultural differences and similarities in lifestyle habits in adolescents from Britain and Saudi Arabia. Activity status (active vs. inactive) appears to play an important role in other lifestyle related behaviors, with active adolescent more likely to engage in healthy dietary behavior than their inactive peers, irrespective of country of origin.

Research paper thumbnail of Techniques Used by Elite Thai and UK Muay Thai Fighters: An Analysis and Simulation

Advances in Physical Education, 2013

Background: Muay Thai is a combat sport growing in international popularity. Previous research ha... more Background: Muay Thai is a combat sport growing in international popularity. Previous research has highlighted marked jurisdictional differences in the judging systems employed, but no studies have compared techniques used by fighters across geographic regions or have been on how these might be a function of the different judging systems employed. This paper aimed to address this issue by examining differences in technique selection and application between Thai and UK Muay Thai fighters using notational analysis. Method: The winners of thirty-two fights involving 16 Thai and 16 UK fighters were analysed. Three multilevel Poisson regression models were used to estimate differences in technique frequency and key performance indicators between Thai and UK fighters. Results: Thai fighters used more attacking and defensive techniques than UK fighters, particularly knees (p < 0.001), roundkicks to the body (p < 0.001), and push kicks (p < 0.001). Thai fighters also tended to catch an opponent's leg significantly more often than UK fighters (p < 0.001), but UK fighters were significantly more likely to use other defensive techniques. There were also statistically significant interactions between nationality and a range of quality indicators, including delivering techniques at an appropriate distance (p < 0.001), the effectiveness of techniques used (p < 0.001), and returning to a balanced stance (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results suggested that Thai fighters using better distancing, were more effective and more balanced. The practical implications of findings and their implications for the sport and future research are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Influence of Familiarization on a Backward, Overhead Medicine Ball Explosive Power Test

Research in Sports Medicine: An International Journal, 2005

This study examined the influence of familiarization with the backward, overhead medicine ball th... more This study examined the influence of familiarization with the backward, overhead medicine ball throw test of explosive power. Male rugby players (N = 28) aged 15 to 16 (M +/- SD = 15.1 +/- 0.5) years completed the medicine ball throw six times. Repeated measures ANOVA indicated that the distance thrown differed across trials (F5,135 = 12.83, p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.01). Least significant differences post hoc multiple comparisons revealed significant differences between a number of trials; however, no significant difference was evident between the fifth and sixth trials (Mdiff = .005, p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 0.05). Typical error of measurement became less as trials progressed, with the typical error of measurement being 0.10 m between the fifth and sixth trials indicating little within subject variation between medicine ball throws following a familiarization period. The backward, overhead medicine ball throw may be a practical, reliable method to assess total body, explosive power of male teen-aged rugby players; however, completion of at least 5 to 6 practice trials is suggested for participants to obtain a stable score.

Research paper thumbnail of Perceived Exertion is Related to Muscle Activity During Leg Extension Exercise

Research in Sports Medicine, 2006

This study examined the relationship between ratings of perceived exertion and muscle activity du... more This study examined the relationship between ratings of perceived exertion and muscle activity during dynamic leg extension exercise using a resistance exercise specific OMNI-RPE scale. Twenty volunteers (10 males, 10 females, age 22.2 +/- 3.1 yr) performed one set of leg extension exercise at 30%, 60%, and 90% of their one-repetition maximum (1-RM). OMNI-RPE responses were assessed for both the active muscle (OMNI-AM) and the overall body (OMNI-O) following each intensity. Electromyography (EMG) data were collected from the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis muscles. A two-factor repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant OMNI-RPE (region) X intensity interaction (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.01). Both OMNI-AM and OMNI-O increased with exercise intensity, and RPE-AM was higher than RPE-O at all intensities. EMG activity increased with exercise intensity in all muscle groups (all p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.01). Muscle activity was significantly and positively related to OMNI-RPE in both the active muscle and overall body (all p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.01). The OMNI-Res RPE scale may be a promising technique for regulating resistance training intensity.

Research paper thumbnail of Pedometer determined physical activity levels in primary school children from central England

Preventive Medicine, 2007

Objective. To assess ambulatory physical activity in school children from central England, to exa... more Objective. To assess ambulatory physical activity in school children from central England, to examine any variation in activity between weekdays and weekends and to determine the percentage of children meeting recently identified cut-off steps/day for health.

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of Socio-Economic Status on the Physical Activity Levels of British Secondary School Children

Physical Education & Sport Pedagogy, 2002

... However, mean values reported for children in year 9, females and low socio-economic statusch... more ... However, mean values reported for children in year 9, females and low socio-economic statuschildren might be ... Family variables and children&amp;#39;s physical activity: Influence of parental exercise and socio-economic status. ... Physical activity and stroke in British middle aged men. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Relationship Between Body Image and Percent Body Fat Among British School Children

Perceptual and Motor Skills, 2002

The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between body image and percent body fat in B... more The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between body image and percent body fat in British school children. A total of 223 11- to 14-yr.-old children from central England took part in the study. Body image was measured using a self-report questionnaire, and percent body fat was measured using skinfold indices. Analysis indicated that body image and adiposity were significantly (p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;.01) related for the whole sample, for boys and girls and for White children, Black children, and Asian children. An analysis of variance further indicated significant differences in body image and adiposity between boys and girls, with boys having a more positive body image and a lower percent body fat. Differences (p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;.05) were also evident between Black and Asian children, with Black children having a more positive body image and lower percent body fat. No differences were evident between Black and White children or Asian and White children.

Research paper thumbnail of Test-Retest Stability of Body-Image Scores in a Sample of 12- to 14-YR.-OLDS

Perceptual and Motor Skills, 2002

The present study investigated test-retest variation in Body Image Questionnaire scores among a s... more The present study investigated test-retest variation in Body Image Questionnaire scores among a sample of British school children. 112 participants from three different school years (aged 12 to 14 years) completed the Body Image Questionnaire on two occasions separated by a 6-wk. period. No intervention designed to change perceptions of body shape took place, hence, tesr-retest scores should be stable. Analysis indicated a significantly greater variation among 12- and 13-yr-olds upon retest, but not for 14-yr.-olds. Research is needed investigating factorial and test-retest stability of the measure for use with children aged 12 or under.

Research paper thumbnail of Body esteem in British children: differences due to weight status, ethnicity and gender

Body esteem is an important variable that has been linked to a range of negative health outcomes ... more Body esteem is an important variable that has been linked to a range of negative health outcomes including depression, negative affect, obesity and increased risk of suffering from eating disorders. However, little information is available regarding ethnic differences in body esteem in British children. Objective: To examine gender, ethnic and weight status differences in body esteem in a sample of British children. Methods: The study was cross sectional in design and assessed body esteem and weight status in 756 children (394 boys, 362 girls, mean age 11.4 ± 1.6 years).

Research paper thumbnail of Revisiting Zajonc's Social Facilitation the Ory and Bond's Self-Presentation Approach

Research paper thumbnail of Sex, Ethnic and Socio-economic Differences in Children’s Physical Activity

Pediatric exercise science

The present study examines the relationship of sex, ethnicity, and socio-economic status to physi... more The present study examines the relationship of sex, ethnicity, and socio-economic status to physical activity levels of young people. Participants were 301 males and females (12.9 – 0.81 years). Physical activity was measured using the four by one-day physical activity recall questionnaire. ANOVA revealed that high socio-economic status children reported greater average daily energy expenditure levels than low socio-economic status children (p < .01). The daily energy expenditure of white-Caucasian children was significantly higher than black or Asian children. White boys were significantly more active than white girls, but no such sex differences were observed among black and Asian children. Although activity was always greater at weekends, a decline in activity by school year was observed on Saturdays and Sundays but with no such decline observed on weekdays.

Research paper thumbnail of An examination of the self-presentation approach and the drive theory of social facilitation

Research paper thumbnail of An Investigation into the Lifestyle, Health Habits and Risk Factors of Young Adults

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2015

This project examined the lifestyle, health habits and risk factors of young adults at Qatar Univ... more This project examined the lifestyle, health habits and risk factors of young adults at Qatar University. It explored the clustering and differences in dietary habits, body mass index (BMI) and physical activity (PA) amongst male and female students, both Qatari and non-Qatari. Seven hundred thirty two students aged 18-25 years completed a self-reported questionnaire and an objective measure of BMI. Males and females had a high prevalence of being overweight and obesity and low levels of PA, according to well-established international standards. Three clusters were identified based on the students' lifestyle and dietary habits. Cluster 1 (high risk factors) included those who engaged the least in healthy dietary practices and consumed the most unhealthy foods, participated in less PA and had the highest BMI. Cluster 2 (moderate risk factors) included those with considerably more habits falling into the moderate category, engagement in the most PA, the least TV and computer viewing time and had the lowest BMI. Cluster 3 (low risk factors) included those who engaged the most with the four healthy dietary practices, the least with the four unhealthy dietary practices and participated in moderate PA per week. This project provides valuable data that could be used by policy makers to address issues concerning student's health.

Research paper thumbnail of Evidence of nationalistic bias in muaythai

Journal of sports science & medicine, 2006

MuayThai is a combat sport with a growing international profile but limited research conducted in... more MuayThai is a combat sport with a growing international profile but limited research conducted into judging practices and processes. Problems with judging of other subjectively judged combat sports have caused controversy at major international tournaments that have resulted in changes to scoring methods. Nationalistic bias has been central to these problems and has been identified across a range of sports. The aim of this study was to examine nationalistic bias in MuayThai. Data were collected from the International Federation of MuayThai Amateur (IFMA) World Championships held in Almaty, Kazakhstan September 2003 and comprised of tournament results from 70 A-class MuayThai bouts each judged by between five and nine judges. Bouts examined featured 62 competitors from 21 countries and 25 judges from 11 countries. Results suggested that nationalistic bias was evident. The bias observed equated to approximately one round difference between opposing judges over the course of a bout (a ...

Research paper thumbnail of The impact of moderate and high intensity total body fatigue on passing accuracy in expert and novice basketball players

Journal of sports science & medicine, 2006

Despite the acknowledged importance of fatigue on performance in sport, ecologically sound studie... more Despite the acknowledged importance of fatigue on performance in sport, ecologically sound studies investigating fatigue and its effects on sport-specific skills are surprisingly rare. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of moderate and high intensity total body fatigue on passing accuracy in expert and novice basketball players. Ten novice basketball players (age: 23.30 ± 1.05 yrs) and ten expert basketball players (age: 22.50 ± 0.41 yrs) volunteered to participate in the study. Both groups performed the modified AAHPERD Basketball Passing Test under three different testing conditions: rest, moderate intensity and high intensity total body fatigue. Fatigue intensity was established using a percentage of the maximal number of squat thrusts performed by the participant in one minute. ANOVA with repeated measures revealed a significant (F 2,36 = 5.252, p = 0.01) level of fatigue by level of skill interaction. On examination of the mean scores it is clear that following...

Research paper thumbnail of Differences in physical activity levels between white and South Asian children in the United Kingdom

Pediatric exercise science, 2008

The purpose of this study was to compare physical activity levels between white and South Asian c... more The purpose of this study was to compare physical activity levels between white and South Asian children in the UK. The data were obtained from 606, 11-14 year old schoolchildren (397 white; 209 Asian). Physical activity was assessed using the 'four by one day' recall questionnaire from which the time spent in moderate and vigorous physical activity was calculated. Boys were significantly more active than girls (p = .0001), and white children reported significantly greater physical activity than south Asian children (p = .001). Mean +/- SD of time spent in moderate and vigorous activity was 90.2 +/- 65.4 mins and 68.2 +/- 49.3 mins for white and south Asian children and 103.5 +/- 63.4 mins and 65.6 +/- 53.5 mins for boys and girls respectively. These findings indicate that south Asian children are significantly less active than their white peers and there may be a need for specific interventions to target South Asian children particularly.

Research paper thumbnail of The relationship between pedometer-determined physical activity, body mass index and lean body mass index in children

International Journal of Pediatric Obesity, 2010

Objective . To cross-sectionally assess weekend to weekday variation of physical activity in Brit... more Objective . To cross-sectionally assess weekend to weekday variation of physical activity in British children and to consider the role of Body Mass Index (BMI, W/H 2 ) and Lean Body Mass Index (LBMI, H 2 /W) when examining this issue. Methods. A total of 496 children aged 8-14 years, were measured for height and weight and the activity levels were analysed using pedometers to measure mean step counts for 4 consecutive days (2 weekdays, 2 weekend days). Results. Boys had significantly lower BMI than girls. Higher values for average weekend steps were associated with lower BMI values. BMI values were; however, found to be positively skewed but when the analysis was repeated using LBMI, data was normally distributed and the conclusions remained the same. Conclusions. Weekday steps are higher than weekend steps for children irrespective of gender or weight status. Mean steps taken during weekend days are signifi cantly associated with reduced BMI in children. These fi ndings may be questioned because BMI is highly skewed and not normally distributed. However, LBMI provides a suitable alternative that is normally distributed and can be used to compare the relationship between weight status and physical activity.

Research paper thumbnail of Perceptions of the Built Environment in Relation to Physical Activity and Weight Status in British Adolescents from Central England

ISRN Obesity, 2012

The built environment may influence physical activity (PA) behaviour in young people. However, th... more The built environment may influence physical activity (PA) behaviour in young people. However, there is a dearth of data examining this issue in young people which considers weight status, physical activity, and environmental perceptions in the same analysis. Four hundred and five Year 10 pupils (223 boys, 182 girls, mean age ± S.D. = 14.8 ± 0.6 years), from central England, completed self-report measures of PA and perceptions of the built environment. Additionally, body mass index (BMI) was determined from height and weight. PA (MET/Min week −1 ) was positively related to environmental perceptions (P = 0.0001) and negatively related to BMI (P = 0.0001). PA was significantly greater in boys (P = 0.025) and normal weight children compared to girls and overweight/obese children, respectively (P = 0.01). Perception of the built environment was significant as a covariate (P = 0.0001) with a one-unit increase on this measure associated with a 141 MET/Min week −1 increase in PA. This study, therefore, supports claims that the built environment, and perceptions of it, can have an impact on health indices.

Research paper thumbnail of Body dissatisfaction, body fat and physical activity in British children

International journal of pediatric obesity : IJPO : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 2006

The present study examined the relationship among body dissatisfaction, body fat and physical act... more The present study examined the relationship among body dissatisfaction, body fat and physical activity in British children from different ethnic groups. Two hundred and seventy-six 11-14 year-old males and females (12.5 +0.8 years) took part in the study. Body dissatisfaction was assessed using a figure rating scale; percent body fat was determined by skinfold measures, and physical activity was assessed using a self-report measure. Significant, positive relationships were evident between body dissatisfaction and body fat for the whole sample (r = -0.65, p < 0.01). Similar relationships were evident between body dissatisfaction and body fat when split by gender and ethnicity (both p < 0.01). No significant relationships were evident between body dissatisfaction and physical activity (all p > 0.05). ANCOVA controlling for body fat and physical activity revealed that as the covariate of physical activity increased, so did body dissatisfaction (F(1,269) = 13.36, p < 0.01). ...

Research paper thumbnail of A Cluster Analysis of Lifestyle and Health Habits of Youth from Two Geographically and Culturally Diverse Countries

Open Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2014

Objectives: Obesity is a leading risk factor for global mortality, promoted by poor dietary habit... more Objectives: Obesity is a leading risk factor for global mortality, promoted by poor dietary habits and sedentary behaviour. This study explores the clustering and differences in dietary habits, body mass index (BMI) and physical activity (PA) amongst youth from United Kingdom (UK) and Saudi Arabia (SA). Methods: 2290 males and females aged 15 -17 years completed a self-report questionnaire and an objective measure of BMI. Results: Youth from SA had a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity and lower levels of PA than youth from the UK. Males were more physically active than females across both countries. Three clusters were identified: a "high risk" cluster with least healthy dietary habits, low PA and high BMI; a "moderate cluster" with moderate healthy dietary habits, PA and BMI; a "low risk" cluster with healthiest dietary habits, greatest PA and the lowest BMI compared to the other clusters. There were more SA youth in the high and moderate risk clusters compared to UK youth. Conclusions: Exploring cross-cultural and demographic characteristics of youth enables the identification of similarities and differences that might lead to the development of universal intervention strategies.

Research paper thumbnail of Anthropometric and lifestyle characteristics of active and inactive saudi and british adolescents

American Journal of Human Biology, 2014

To compare the anthropometric and lifestyle characteristics of active and inactive adolescents in... more To compare the anthropometric and lifestyle characteristics of active and inactive adolescents in Saudi Arabia and Britain. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted at four cities in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh and Al-Khobar; N = 1,648) and Britain (Birmingham and Coventry; N = 1,158). The participants (14- to 18-year-olds) were randomly selected using a multistage stratified cluster sampling. Measurements included anthropometric [BMI, Waist circumference (WC), Waist to height ratio], screen time, validated physical activity questionnaire and dietary habits. British males were lighter (P = 0.04, 64.4 vs. 68.2 kg), and had lower values for WC (P = 0.003, 77.1 vs. 78.7 cm) than Saudi males. Males (P = 0.0001) were significantly more active than females but the difference between inactive Saudi and British females was greater than that between inactive Saudi and British males. Being female was significantly (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001) associated with lower activity levels in both the Saudi and British adolescents. Having lower frequency of fruit intake was significantly (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001) associated with lower activity levels, whereas increased frequency of consumption of French fries/potato chips was significantly (P = 0.008) associated with increased activity levels in Saudi adolescents. Among British adolescents, lower frequency of breakfast was (P = 0.045) associated with lower activity levels, increased frequency of consumption of sweetened beverages was significantly (P = 0.005) associated with higher activity levels. Higher energy drinks intake frequency was significantly (P = 0.007) associated with higher activity levels. The present study identifies crosscultural differences and similarities in lifestyle habits in adolescents from Britain and Saudi Arabia. Activity status (active vs. inactive) appears to play an important role in other lifestyle related behaviors, with active adolescent more likely to engage in healthy dietary behavior than their inactive peers, irrespective of country of origin.

Research paper thumbnail of Techniques Used by Elite Thai and UK Muay Thai Fighters: An Analysis and Simulation

Advances in Physical Education, 2013

Background: Muay Thai is a combat sport growing in international popularity. Previous research ha... more Background: Muay Thai is a combat sport growing in international popularity. Previous research has highlighted marked jurisdictional differences in the judging systems employed, but no studies have compared techniques used by fighters across geographic regions or have been on how these might be a function of the different judging systems employed. This paper aimed to address this issue by examining differences in technique selection and application between Thai and UK Muay Thai fighters using notational analysis. Method: The winners of thirty-two fights involving 16 Thai and 16 UK fighters were analysed. Three multilevel Poisson regression models were used to estimate differences in technique frequency and key performance indicators between Thai and UK fighters. Results: Thai fighters used more attacking and defensive techniques than UK fighters, particularly knees (p < 0.001), roundkicks to the body (p < 0.001), and push kicks (p < 0.001). Thai fighters also tended to catch an opponent's leg significantly more often than UK fighters (p < 0.001), but UK fighters were significantly more likely to use other defensive techniques. There were also statistically significant interactions between nationality and a range of quality indicators, including delivering techniques at an appropriate distance (p < 0.001), the effectiveness of techniques used (p < 0.001), and returning to a balanced stance (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results suggested that Thai fighters using better distancing, were more effective and more balanced. The practical implications of findings and their implications for the sport and future research are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Influence of Familiarization on a Backward, Overhead Medicine Ball Explosive Power Test

Research in Sports Medicine: An International Journal, 2005

This study examined the influence of familiarization with the backward, overhead medicine ball th... more This study examined the influence of familiarization with the backward, overhead medicine ball throw test of explosive power. Male rugby players (N = 28) aged 15 to 16 (M +/- SD = 15.1 +/- 0.5) years completed the medicine ball throw six times. Repeated measures ANOVA indicated that the distance thrown differed across trials (F5,135 = 12.83, p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.01). Least significant differences post hoc multiple comparisons revealed significant differences between a number of trials; however, no significant difference was evident between the fifth and sixth trials (Mdiff = .005, p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 0.05). Typical error of measurement became less as trials progressed, with the typical error of measurement being 0.10 m between the fifth and sixth trials indicating little within subject variation between medicine ball throws following a familiarization period. The backward, overhead medicine ball throw may be a practical, reliable method to assess total body, explosive power of male teen-aged rugby players; however, completion of at least 5 to 6 practice trials is suggested for participants to obtain a stable score.

Research paper thumbnail of Perceived Exertion is Related to Muscle Activity During Leg Extension Exercise

Research in Sports Medicine, 2006

This study examined the relationship between ratings of perceived exertion and muscle activity du... more This study examined the relationship between ratings of perceived exertion and muscle activity during dynamic leg extension exercise using a resistance exercise specific OMNI-RPE scale. Twenty volunteers (10 males, 10 females, age 22.2 +/- 3.1 yr) performed one set of leg extension exercise at 30%, 60%, and 90% of their one-repetition maximum (1-RM). OMNI-RPE responses were assessed for both the active muscle (OMNI-AM) and the overall body (OMNI-O) following each intensity. Electromyography (EMG) data were collected from the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis muscles. A two-factor repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant OMNI-RPE (region) X intensity interaction (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.01). Both OMNI-AM and OMNI-O increased with exercise intensity, and RPE-AM was higher than RPE-O at all intensities. EMG activity increased with exercise intensity in all muscle groups (all p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.01). Muscle activity was significantly and positively related to OMNI-RPE in both the active muscle and overall body (all p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.01). The OMNI-Res RPE scale may be a promising technique for regulating resistance training intensity.

Research paper thumbnail of Pedometer determined physical activity levels in primary school children from central England

Preventive Medicine, 2007

Objective. To assess ambulatory physical activity in school children from central England, to exa... more Objective. To assess ambulatory physical activity in school children from central England, to examine any variation in activity between weekdays and weekends and to determine the percentage of children meeting recently identified cut-off steps/day for health.

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of Socio-Economic Status on the Physical Activity Levels of British Secondary School Children

Physical Education & Sport Pedagogy, 2002

... However, mean values reported for children in year 9, females and low socio-economic statusch... more ... However, mean values reported for children in year 9, females and low socio-economic statuschildren might be ... Family variables and children&amp;#39;s physical activity: Influence of parental exercise and socio-economic status. ... Physical activity and stroke in British middle aged men. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Relationship Between Body Image and Percent Body Fat Among British School Children

Perceptual and Motor Skills, 2002

The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between body image and percent body fat in B... more The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between body image and percent body fat in British school children. A total of 223 11- to 14-yr.-old children from central England took part in the study. Body image was measured using a self-report questionnaire, and percent body fat was measured using skinfold indices. Analysis indicated that body image and adiposity were significantly (p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;.01) related for the whole sample, for boys and girls and for White children, Black children, and Asian children. An analysis of variance further indicated significant differences in body image and adiposity between boys and girls, with boys having a more positive body image and a lower percent body fat. Differences (p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;.05) were also evident between Black and Asian children, with Black children having a more positive body image and lower percent body fat. No differences were evident between Black and White children or Asian and White children.

Research paper thumbnail of Test-Retest Stability of Body-Image Scores in a Sample of 12- to 14-YR.-OLDS

Perceptual and Motor Skills, 2002

The present study investigated test-retest variation in Body Image Questionnaire scores among a s... more The present study investigated test-retest variation in Body Image Questionnaire scores among a sample of British school children. 112 participants from three different school years (aged 12 to 14 years) completed the Body Image Questionnaire on two occasions separated by a 6-wk. period. No intervention designed to change perceptions of body shape took place, hence, tesr-retest scores should be stable. Analysis indicated a significantly greater variation among 12- and 13-yr-olds upon retest, but not for 14-yr.-olds. Research is needed investigating factorial and test-retest stability of the measure for use with children aged 12 or under.