Is a Cup Enough? Levels of Energy Expenditure During Speed Stacking

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Pediatric Physical Activity
• Sports Science

Background:

• Youth physical activity is crucial for health.
• Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) guidelines are important for development.
• Speed Stacking is a popular youth activity with unknown intensity levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if Speed Stacking meets MVPA intensity thresholds in youth.
• To compare physiological responses during Speed Stacking, Running, and a combined condition.
• To assess agreement between indirect calorimetry and accelerometry for intensity classification.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-four youth participated in randomized Rest, Speed Stacking, Running, and Speed Stack+Run conditions.
• Measures included portable indirect calorimetry (METs), accelerometry, and heart rate.
• Data analyzed using ANOVAs and Cohen's Kappa for method agreement.

Main Results:

• Speed Stacking alone did not meet MVPA intensity thresholds for either prepubescent or pubescent groups.
• The Speed Stack+Run condition significantly increased energy expenditure (METs).
• Poor agreement was found between MET-based and accelerometer-based intensity classifications.

Conclusions:

• Speed Stacking alone is insufficient for meeting MVPA criteria in physical education.
• Integrating Speed Stacking with higher-intensity activities can enhance physiological responses.
• Adaptations are necessary to optimize Speed Stacking for physical and educational benefits in PE settings.