Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2025

Using a Virtual Reality Walking Simulator to Investigate Pedestrian Behavior
Published on: June 9, 2020
Temporal Trends of Linear Speed and Change of Direction Performance in Italian Children
Matteo Vandoni1, Alessandro Gatti1,2, Vittoria Carnevale Pellino1
1Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
Abstract:
Children tend to enjoy high-intensity activities that involve both linear speed (LS) and change of direction (COD), essential for sports performance. However, the results of trends in LS and COD have not been consistent over time. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the temporal trends in LS and COD performance among 11-13 year old Italian children/preadolescents over 25 years, while minimizing the effect of anthropometric characteristics. A total of 3884 students were recruited between 1990 and 2010 and performed 4 x 5-m shuttle run, 30-m sprint, and 60-m speed tests. A weighted linear regression was performed to analyze the overall temporal trends in BMI-adjusted speed tests. The results showed an increase in mean 4 x 5-m shuttle run time, indicating a decrease in COD ability, while LS performance remained relatively stable over time. These trends were consistent across genders and ages. Our study concludes that LS test performance remained steady over decades, while COD ability declined with sex-based variations despite participants' early age. Our results offer crucial data for interventions to improve children's physical fitness: in particular for COD performance. PE teachers and coaches should prioritize improving COD over LS to improve these abilities and prevent physical fitness decline.
Related Concept Videos
Relating Angular And Linear Quantities - I
When comparing the linear and rotational variables individually, the linear variable of position has physical units of meters, whereas the angular position variable has dimensionless units of radians, as it is the ratio of two lengths. The linear velocity...
Relative Motion Analysis - Velocity
When an external force is exerted, it sets the crank into a rotational movement. This, in turn, instigates the motion of the connecting rod, leading to what is referred to as a general plane motion. This process involves two key points - point A on the connecting rod...
Relative Motion Analysis - Acceleration
Relative Motion Analysis using Rotating Axes - Acceleration
Time differentiation is...
Relative Velocity in One Dimension
Relative Velocity in Two Dimensions

