Yngvar Ommundsen

• Vabø, Kristoffer Buene; Aadland, Eivind; Haugland, Elisabeth Straume; Johannessen, Kjersti; Tjomsland, Hege Eikeland & Glosvik, Øyvind [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2025). Effects of preschool staff professional development in physical activity on self-regulation, executive function and early academic learning in 3–5-year-old children: The active learning Norwegian preschool(er)s (ACTNOW) cluster-randomized controlled trial. Journal of Sports Sciences. ISSN 0264-0414. 43(4), p. 410–421. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2025.2460886. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  We aimed to investigate the effects of preschool staff physical activity (PA) professional development on self-regulation, executive function and early academic learning in 3–5-year-old children. A total of 1265 children from 46 preschools in Norway were randomized to a 7-month intervention or control. Main analyses included 816 3–4-year-olds who provided data at baseline, 7- and 18-month follow-ups. We measured children’s self-regulation (Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders task), inhibition, cognitive flexibility, working memory, early expressive vocabulary, early mathematical skills (Early Years Toolbox) and physical activity (accelerometry). Linear mixed models were used to analyze the data. Results showed no effect of the intervention on cognitive or learning outcomes in the primary analyses. We found small positive effects on sedentary time (standardized effect size (ES)=-0.17, p = 0.014) and moderate to vigorous-intensity PA (ES = 0.15, p = 0.048) at 7 months, and a negative effect on low-intensity PA at 18 months (EF = −0.15, p = 0.021). Boys had a small positive effect on vocabulary at 7 months (ES = 0.23, p = 0.006), and girls a small negative effect at 18 months (ES = −0.23, p = 0.004). This cluster RCT in preschoolers supports the notion that pragmatic trials within educational settings have difficulties in providing changes to the PA practice and to impact young children’s cognitive development and learning.

• Bugten, Jesper Barth; Haugen, Tommy; Ivarsson, Andreas; Knight, Camilla J.; Ommundsen, Yngvar & Spencer, Matthew [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2025). Daily measures of sport enjoyment, social interaction, and attendance among female adolescent handball players. Psychology of Sport And Exercise. ISSN 1469-0292. 79. doi: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.102852. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This study investigates how sport enjoyment and the immediate impact of social interactions with peers and coaches influence short-term sport participation among early adolescent female handball players. By using a diary study approach, data from 27 players over 10 practices in 4 weeks (270 measurement points) were collected. The findings revealed that coach controlling use of rewards during practice increased the risk of non-attendance at the subsequent practices, while peer relatedness support after practice increased attendance probability. Contrarily, peer intra-team conflict, coach negative conditional regard, and sport enjoyment did not predict attendance, suggesting that peer relatedness support and coach controlling use of rewards are more influential in short-term participation decisions for this group of players. Sport enjoyment during practice, as well as peer relatedness support during and after practice, predicted sport enjoyment the following practice. These results highlight the importance of feedback timing and interaction quality in youth sports. Further exploration is proposed on these dynamics across a wider range of demographics, and longer time periods to understand the impact of short- and long-term sport participation.

• Saarinen, Milla; Phipps, Daniel J.; Kuokkanen, Joni; Bjørndal, Christian Thue; Bentzen, Marte & Ommundsen, Yngvar [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2025). Burnout trajectories among adolescent student-athletes: The role of gender, success expectations, and parental affection. Psychology of Sport And Exercise. ISSN 1469-0292. 79. doi: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.102831. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  In this longitudinal study, we examined the trajectories of sport and school burnout symptoms (exhaustion, cynicism, inadequacy) during the transition to lower secondary sport school among Norwegian student-athletes aged 13–14 years (n = 265; 58,5% males, 41,5% females). We also investigated how student-athletes’ gender and individual success expectations, and their parents' reported levels of affection and success expectations, were associated with different burnout trajectories. Student-athletes completed associated questionnaires at the beginning and end of the first school year, while parents completed questionnaires at the end of the school year. Linear mixed models showed that sport and school burnout symptoms increased over the school year. Females reported higher baseline levels of sport burnout, and males lower baseline levels of school burnout. Low individual success expectations were associated with higher baseline levels of sport and school burnout, and increase in school burnout symptoms over time. High parental success expectations were associated with lower baseline levels of school-related exhaustion. Sport inadequacy increased for student-athletes whose parents reported either affection levels and success expectations that were either both high or both low. The results suggest that it is important that sport schools take the dual pressure student-athletes may experience into consideration, and provide them with adequate support during the transition to lower secondary education. In addition, interventions aimed at increasing parental knowledge of beneficial and harmful ways of involvement in student-athletes’ lives are needed to facilitate student-athlete wellbeing.

• Kristensen, Jan Åge; Kavussanu, Maria & Ommundsen, Yngvar (2025). Perceived motivational climate, doping attitudes, and doping temptation among elite adolescent athletes: The moderating role of perfectionism. European Journal of Sport Science (EJSS). ISSN 1746-1391. 25(3). doi: 10.1002/ejsc.12244. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  A sports culture that emphasizes normative success, as evident in a performance motivational climate, may encourage athletes to use prohibited performance-enhancing substances. Athletes with perfectionistic tendencies are believed to be particularly tempted to doping when finding themselves in such sporting environments. In this study, we examined whether perceived motivational climate was related to doping temptation directly and indirectly via doping attitudes and whether perfectionism moderated this indirect relationship. The sample comprised 420 adolescent athletes aged 16–18 years (mean age = 16.94 and standard deviation = 0.81) recruited from five Norwegian sport academy high schools. Regression analysis revealed that athletes' perceptions of a performance climate were positively related to their temptation to dope both directly and indirectly via doping attitudes, and that this indirect relationship was stronger among athletes who were moderate or high in their perfectionistic concerns. No direct or indirect relationships were found between mastery climate and doping temptation, nor did perfectionistic strivings moderate the indirect relationship between mastery climate and doping temptation via doping attitudes. Taken together, our findings suggest that athletes who perceive their sport environment as performance-oriented and believe that the benefits of using prohibited substances outweigh the drawbacks are more tempted to dope. Moreover, this tendency is particularly notable among athletes who are moderately or strongly concerned about making mistakes (i.e., have perfectionistic concerns).

• Ommundsen, Yngvar; Ivarsson, Andreas; Wold, Bente; Gjesdal, Siv & Solstad, Bård Erlend (2024). The relationship between young football players’ psychological health resources and the psychological quality of their football experiences: A cross-sectional study. PLOS ONE. 19(8). doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305978. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Studies taking a person-centred statistical approach when examining young peoples` psychological experiences in sport is scarce. The main aim of the present study was to examine the relationships between young football players’ psychological health resources and the psychological quality of their football-specific experiences. Data for this cross-sectional study was collected as part of the [BLINDED] arm of the larger Promoting Adolescence Physical Activity (PAPA) multi-centre project [1]. The sample consisted of young [BLINDED] male (n = 814), female (n = 576), grassroots football players between the ages of 10 and 15 years (M = 12.5 years, SD = 1.1 years). We performed a latent profile analysis using Mplus 8.4 using a robust maximum likelihood estimator (MLR). Players with the most resourceful psychological health profile experienced more coach social support (mean = 4.38) than did those with a less well-off resourceful profile (mean = 3.79) and those with the least well-off profile (mean = 3.28). Players with the most resourceful profile also felt a stronger sense of unity among their teammates and they enjoyed football more than those least well off (mean = 4.43 vrs. mean = 3.12 and mean = 4.74 vrs 3.50. respectively). Parallel between-profile differences were also found for the players’ general health resources including perceived life satisfaction, general health and family affluence as covariates. Findings suggest that variations in young players’ psychological health profiles and their general health resources play a role in the quality of their football-specific psychological experiences.

• Kristensen, Jan Åge; Haugen, Tommy & Ommundsen, Yngvar (2024). Supplement usage and doping attitudes in elite youth sports: The mediating role of dietary supplement acceptance. PLOS ONE. 19(2). doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297078. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This study investigated whether dietary supplement acceptance mediated the relationship between supplement use and doping attitudes in youth sports. To this end, we employed a two-wave half-longitudinal design during a sports season (time point one [T1] to time point two [T2]). The sample consisted of 217 elite youth athletes (47% male; mean age = 16.98 years, standard deviation = 0.88) who competed in team sports (43%; N = 93; basketball, floorball, handball, and ice hockey) and individual sports (57%; N = 124; alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, swimming, and tennis). The participants were recruited from eight Norwegian sports academy high schools that provide extracurricular, higher-level training and specialization for youth athletes. Results from structural equation modeling analysis indicated that dietary supplement acceptance (T2) mediated the positive relationship between supplement use (T1) and doping attitudes (T2) when accounting for prior levels of the mediator and the outcome variable. These findings suggest that when young athletes used dietary supplements at the start of the season to improve their performance, they were more likely to view the use of supplements as acceptable and to report more favorable attitudes toward doping at the end of the season six months later. For those seeking to prevent doping in youth sports, targeting athletes’ views on the acceptable use of dietary supplements may be important.

• Aadland, Katrine Nyvoll; Lervåg, Arne; Andersen, John Roger; Howard, Steven J.; Ommundsen, Yngvar & Aadland, Eivind (2024). Effects of a staff physical activity professional development intervention on preschoolers' mental health and self-regulation: The active learning Norwegian Preschool(er)s (ACTNOW) cluster randomised controlled trial. Psychology of Sport And Exercise. ISSN 1469-0292. 75. doi: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2024.102705. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background and aim: Physical activity may have positive effects on preschoolers' mental health and self-regulation. The preschool setting provides children with opportunities to meet physical activity guidelines and could improve with staff training in delivering physical activity. This study examined the effect of physical activity professional development for preschool staff on preschoolers' proxy-measured mental health and self-regulation. Methods: In total, 1265 children from 46 preschools were cluster randomised to either the intervention or the control group. The intervention was nested within two levels implemented concurrently: the preschool level, formed as a professional development where preschools conducted development work, and the child level, with whom the staff implemented physical activity with four core components. Data were analysed using an ANCOVA model through structural equation modelling with latent outcome factors of: emotional problems, peer problems, hyperactivity, and prosocial behaviour from the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire; and cognitive, emotional, and behavioural self-regulation from the Child Self-regulation and Behaviour Questionnaire. Results: No effects of the intervention (standardised effect sizes -0.195–0.145, p-values 0.118–0.893) were observed. Secondary analysis showed that children with initially high prosocial behaviour and behavioural self-regulation positively benefited from the intervention (p = 0.035 and p = 0.047, respectively). Conclusion: The ACTNOW intervention had no effects on preschoolers' mental health or self-regulation after 18 months, besides effects for children with initially the highest prosocial behaviour and behavioural self-regulation. Although the professional development was more extensive than previous studies it may have been insufficient to change the preschools physical activity practices.

• Appleton, Paul R; Viladrich, Carme; Quested, Eleanor; González-García, Lorena; Papaioannou, Athanasios & Hall, Howard [Show all 14 contributors for this article] (2023). Measurement invariance of the empowering and disempowering motivational climate questionnaire-coach in youth sport. Frontiers in Psychology. 13. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.958444. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The purpose of this study was to test the measurement invariance (across five languages, two time points, and two experimental conditions) of the empowering and disempowering motivational climate questionnairecoach (EDMCQ-C; Appleton et al., 2016) when completed by 9256 young sport participants (M age = 11.53 years, SD = 1.39 years; 13.5% female). Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling was used to test the validity of a 2-factor (empowering and disempowering) model running a multiple group analysis without any equality constraint (configural invariance) followed by measurement invariance of factor loadings and thresholds (scalar invariance). Findings provided support for partial invariance across languages and scalar invariance across time and experimental groups. The factors were interpretable across the analyses, and items loaded as intended by theory except for item 15. This study provides further evidence regarding the psychometric properties of the EDMCQ-C and suggests this scale (minus item 15) can be used to provide meaningful latent mean comparisons (Marsh et al., 2013) of empowering and disempowering coachcreated climates across athletes speaking the five targeted languages, across time, and across experimental groups.

• Kristensen, Jan Åge; Haugen, Tommy & Ommundsen, Yngvar (2023). Perceived social pressure and intention to play through injuries in junior ice hockey: The sporting environment matters. Journal of Sports Sciences. ISSN 0264-0414. 41(14). doi: 10.1080/02640414.2023.2273084. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Playing when injured is a risky yet common business among ice hockey players. Conceptualized within the framework of the theory of planned behaviour, the current cross-sectional study aimed to test a multiple-mediator model linking players’ perceived social pressure to their intention to play when injured. We tested whether social pressure is directly and indirectly (via attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control avoidance, and situational temptation) related to intention to play when injured. We recruited 186 junior players aged 16–20 years (mean age = 17.85; standard deviation = 1.35) from two Norwegian ice hockey leagues (under 18 and under 20 years of age). The data were analysed using a linear regression procedure and a bias-corrected bootstrapping technique to measure indirect effects. The results revealed a positive direct and indirect (via attitudes, subjective norms, and situational temptation) rela-tionship between players’ perceived social pressure and their intention to play when injured. In conclusion, players that perceived pressure to play despite being injured, who perceived positive consequences of doing so, who believed that people close or important to them approved of them doing so, and who perceived game-specific temptations, were more likely to report a stronger intent to play the game when injured.

• Kristensen, Jan Åge; Skilbred, Anette; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Ommundsen, Yngvar & Loland, Sigmund (2022). Performance-enhancing and health-compromising behaviors in youth sports: A systematic mixed-studies review. Performance Enhancement & Health. 10(4). doi: 10.1016/j.peh.2022.100237. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Success in sports entails striving toward greater achievement and outstanding performance. In their pursuit of these goals, adolescent athletes use various means and resort to behaviors that may cause adverse consequences for their health. As they are still in the developmental stage, they are particularly vulnerable to unwanted health consequences. This study aimed to systematically review previous studies on the contextual and personal factors associated with adolescent athletes’ performance-enhancing and health-compromising behaviors. The review was conducted and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. Several databases were searched, including SPORTDiscus, Pubmed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. The literature search and additional manual searches of sources yielded a total of 2,808 articles. These were screened against the inclusion criteria, and the remaining 15 were assessed for eligibility using Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool 2018. Convergent meta-integration with thematic analysis was performed by converting quantitative and qualitative data from young athletes aged 14–20 years into relevant codes and themes. Within these themes, the study's findings are presented through narratives that are perceived to influence young athletes’ use of doping and other behaviors that may lead to doping, such as the use of nutritional supplementation and non-prescription painkillers and playing despite being injured and having pain. Our findings indicate that athletes’ entourages (e.g., their coaches, peers, and parents) matter in a variety of ways in athletes’ socialization toward refraining from risking their health in pursuit of greater achievement and outstanding performance.

• Solstad, Bård Erlend; Søvik, Margaret Ljosnes; Larsen, Torill Marie Bogsnes & Ommundsen, Yngvar (2022). A coach education initiative in the context of Norwegian grassroots football : implementation and lessons learned. In Leeder, Thomas M. (Eds.), Coach Education in Football : Contemporary Issues and Global Perspectives. Routledge. ISSN 9780367709792. p. 181–192. doi: 10.4324/9781003148784-20. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Rates of organised grassroots football participation in Norway exceed those of other European countries with 44% of all children registered in the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF). The guidelines found in Children's Rights in Sports – The Provisions on Children's Sports (NIF, Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports, 2015) help organise and implement principles for running sport clubs nationally. According to these guidelines, children's psychosocial functioning and equal opportunity to participate and compete have priority. NFF has recently placed great emphasis on the education of grassroots coaches, but the primary focus is often on football-specific technical and tactical skills. This seems troublesome given that young players are met with an increasing performance focus, resulting in low quality of motivation, psychological ill-being, and sport attrition. Hence, there is a need to re-focus education programmes for grassroots coaches. Building upon theoretical approaches to implementation research, the chapter describes and discusses empirical evidence dealing with implementation and evaluation of a coach education initiative among Norwegian grassroots coaches. The aim was to increase coaches’ ability to strengthen the quality of motivation and the psychosocial functioning among young football players. We end the chapter by describing the lessons learned from the implementation phase.

• Moser, Thomas & Ommundsen, Yngvar (2022). Motorikk og kognitiv læring. In Kvikstad, Ingvild (Eds.), Motorikk i et didaktisk perspektiv. Gyldendal Akademisk. ISSN 9788205563001. p. 124–147. Full text in Research Archive
• Aadland, Katrine Nyvoll; Lervåg, Arne; Ommundsen, Yngvar & Aadland, Eivind (2022). Structural validity of the Norwegian version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in children aged 3–6 years. Frontiers in Psychology. 13, p. 1–15. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1024918. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Introduction: This study examined the structural validity of the teacher-report Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in Norwegian preschoolers aged 3–6 years. We tested the original five-factor structure, the five-factor structure with two broader second-order factors, and a three-factor structure, all suggested in the literature. Since the positively worded items in SDQ have been shown to introduce noise, we also examined all three structures with a positive construal method factor for these items. Methods: Preschool teachers from 43 preschools completed the SDQ questionnaire for 1,142 children [48% girls, mean age 4.3 (SD 0.9) years]. Confirmatory factor analyses were used to estimate and compare the six models. Measurement invariance was tested across sex (multi-group approach) and age (multiple-indicator multiple-cause approach). Results: The original five-factor structure of SDQ was supported, where the model fit improved when including a method factor for positively worded items. Both models showed scalar invariance across sex and age. The second-order and the three-factor structures were not supported. Conclusion: We recommend using the original five-factor structure when using SDQ for both clinical and research purposes in young children and adding a method factor when using structural equation modeling.

• Ommundsen, Yngvar (2022). Danning i kroppsøving : motorisk læring som kjerne i faget. In Kvikstad, Ingvild (Eds.), Motorikk i et didaktisk perspektiv. Gyldendal Akademisk. ISSN 9788205563001. p. 148–178. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugen, Tommy; Peters, Derek Melville; Ommundsen, Yngvar; Martin, Luc J.; Stenling, Andreas & Høigaard, Rune (2021). Psychometric Evaluation of the Norwegian Versions of the Modified Group Environment Questionnaire and the Youth Sport Environment Questionnaire. Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science. ISSN 1091-367X. 25(4), p. 365–378. doi: 10.1080/1091367X.2021.1917414. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This study aimed to translate the modified Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ) and the Youth Sport Environment Questionnaire (YSEQ) into Norwegian, examine the factor structure and reliability of the scales through independent clusters model confirmatory factor analysis (ICM-CFA) and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM), and examine differential item functioning (DIF) as a function of sex. Three-hundred-and-thirty-three athletes (M(SD)age = 18.7(2.60) years; 33% females) completed the GEQ. Three-hundred-and-three athletes (M(SD)age = 15.0(1.48) years; 26% females) completed the YSEQ. Results indicated acceptable fit indices for a four-factor, a secondorder two-factor (task and social), and a second order one-factor ESEM model for the GEQ. Crossloadings and high latent factor correlations are issues in need of attention. The study supported the structural validity and reliability of the Norwegian YSEQ, with no major differences between the ICM-CFA and ESEM. No evidence of DIF as a function of sex was identified in either of the scales.

• Gebremariam, Mekdes Kebede; Nianogo, Roch A.; Lien, Nanna; Bjelland, Mona; Klepp, Knut Inge & Bergh, Ingunn Holden [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2021). The impact of hypothetical interventions on adiposity in adolescence. Scientific Reports. 11. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-90415-z. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  In order to develop effective public health initiatives aimed at promoting healthy weight development, identifying the interventions/combination of interventions with the highest beneficial effect on body weight is vital. The study aimed to estimate the mean BMI at age 13 under hypothetical interventions targeting dietary behavior, physical activity and screen time at age 11. We used data from a school-based cohort study of 530 participants followed between the ages of 11 and 13. We used g-computation, a causal modeling method, to estimate the impact of single and combined hypothetical behavioral interventions at age 11 on BMI at age 13. Of the hypothetical interventions, the one with the largest population mean difference in BMI was the one combining all interventions (dietary behavior, physical activity and screen time interventions) and assuming 100% intervention adherence, with a population mean differences of − 0.28 (95% CI − 0.59, 0.07). Isolated behavioral interventions had a limited impact on BMI. This study demonstrated that a combination of healthy dietary behavior and physical activity promotion, as well as screen time reduction interventions at age 11 could have the highest beneficial effect on the reduction of BMI at age 13, although the change in BMI was small. The findings highlight the importance of a systems approach to obesity prevention focusing on multicomponent interventions.

• Sollie, Ove; Holmsen, Kristian Erik; Steinbo, Christian Kay; Ommundsen, Yngvar & Losnegard, Thomas Johansen (2021). Observational vs coaching feedback on non-dominant whole-body motor skill performance — application to technique training. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. ISSN 0905-7188. doi: 10.1111/sms.14030. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  We studied the effect of peer- and self-observational feedback versus coaching feedback during technique training on performance in competitive adolescent cross-country skiers. Fifty-four skiers (14.3 ± 0.6 years) were divided into a control group and three intervention groups (dyad practice, video, or coaching feedback), which practiced in the asymmetrical uphill sub-technique G2 on one side (non-dominant side), but not the other (dominant side) for 6 × 30 min over a 5 weeks period, on roller skis outdoors. High-speed performance and skiing economy were assessed on a roller ski treadmill before and after the intervention, and a questionnaire was answered post-intervention. The video feedback (p = .025, d = .65) and coaching feedback (p = .007, d = .89) groups improved high-speed performance during the intervention and an ANCOVA showed a tendency for different change scores between interventions (F3,49 = 2.5, p = .068, urn:x-wiley:09057188:media:sms14030:sms14030-math-0001 = .134), with a difference between the coaching feedback and dyad practice (p = .05). No change was seen in skiing economy in any group. Coaching feedback ranked higher on enjoyment compared with dyad practice (p < .001) and led to higher self-perception of improved technique compared with the control group (p = .038). Overall, feedback from a competent coach seems better than observation for improving performance in young athletes, although self-observation through video with attentional cues seems a promising tool for increasing individual feedback when coaching large groups.

• Solstad, Bård Erlend; Stenling, Andreas; Ommundsen, Yngvar; Wold, Bente; Heuzé, Jean-Philippe & Sarrazin, Philippe [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2020). Initial psychometric testing of the coach-adapted version of the empowering and disempowering motivational climate questionnaire: A Bayesian approach. Journal of Sports Sciences. ISSN 0264-0414. 38(6), p. 626–643. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1722575. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The present study examined the psychometric properties of the coach-adapted version of the Empowering and Disempowering Motivational Climate Questionnaire (EDMCQ) using Bayesian structural equation modelling (BSEM). The sample included 780 (Mage = 36.4; SD = 10.8; males n = 698; females n = 54; 28 participants did not report sex) youth sport coaches representing five European countries (i.e., England, France, Greece, Norway, and Spain). The results did not support a 34-item five-factor, hierarchical, a two-factor BSEM, or a bifactor BSEM model across the participating countries. However, the results supported a reduced 19-item first-order, two-factor BSEM model that largely showed approximate metric invariance, but not approximate scalar invariance across the five countries. The pool of items constituting empowering and disempowering motivational climates should be refined to further enhance the empirical operationalisation of the coach-adapted version of the EDMCQ. Advancing the quality of translation-back-translation procedures across cultures and conducting multi-national pilot testing seems warranted as well. These recommendations may help to identify the distinctive aspects of each underlying sub-dimension of the EDMCQ, where coaches are the respondents, and pave the way for further examination of the proposed hierarchical multidimensional factor structure and the cross-cultural equivalence of the EDMCQ for this population.

• Aadland, Eivind; Tjomsland, Hege Eikeland; Johannessen, Kjersti; Nilsen, Ada Kristine Ofrim; Resaland, Geir Kåre & Glosvik, Øyvind [Show all 18 contributors for this article] (2020). Active Learning Norwegian Preschool(er)s (ACTNOW) – Design of a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of Staff Professional Development to Promote Physical Activity, Motor Skills, and Cognition in Preschoolers [Study protocol]. Frontiers in Psychology. 11. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01382. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Introduction: There is a dearth of high-quality evidence on effective, sustainable, and scalable interventions to increase physical activity (PA) and concomitant outcomes in preschoolers. Specifically, there is a need to better understand how the preschool context can be used to increase various types of physically active play to promote holistic child development. The implementation of such interventions requires highly competent preschool staffs, however, the competence in promoting PA is often low. The main aim of the ACTNOW study is therefore to investigate the effects of professional development for preschool staffs on child PA and developmental outcomes. Methods: The study will be conducted in Norway 2019–2022 and is designed as a two-arm (intervention, control) cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 7- and 18-months follow-ups. We aim to recruit 60 preschools and 1,200 3- to 5-years-old children to provide sufficient power to detect effect sizes (ESs) between 0.20 and 0.30. The intervention is nested within two levels: the preschool and the child. Central to the ACTNOW intervention are opportunities for children to engage in a variety of “enriched,” meaningful, and enjoyable physically active play that supports the development of the whole child. To this end, the main intervention is a 7-month professional development/education module for preschool staff, aimed to provide them with the necessary capacity to deliver four core PA components to the children (moderate-to-vigorous PA, motor-challenging PA, cognitively engaging play, and physically active learning). We will include a range of child-level outcomes, including PA, physical fitness, adiposity, motor skills, socioemotional health, self-regulation, executive function, and learning. At the preschool level, we will describe implementation and adaptation processes using quantitative and qualitative data. Discussion: Professional development of staff and a whole-child approach that integrates PA with cognitively engaging play and learning activities in the preschool setting may provide a feasible vehicle to enhance both physical and cognitive development in young children. ACTNOW is designed to test this hypothesis to provide a sustainable way to build human capital and provide an early solution to lifelong public health and developmental challenges.

• Gebremariam, Mekdes Kebede; Arah, Onyebuchi A.; Bergh, Ingunn Holden; Andersen, Lene Frost; Ommundsen, Yngvar & Totland, Torunn Holm [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2019). Gender-specific mediators of the association between parental education and adiposity among adolescents: the HEIA study. Scientific Reports. 9. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-43604-w. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Identifying the mechanisms behind socioeconomic inequalities in adiposity among youth is vital for efforts aimed at combating these inequalities. The study explored whether a broad range of behavioral and familial factors mediated the associations between parental education and indicators of adiposity among adolescents. Baseline data from a school-based intervention study conducted in 2007 among 11-year-old adolescents were used. Anthropometric outcomes, physical activity and sedentary time among adolescents were objectively measured. Other behavioral variables and parental waist circumference were self-reported. Mediation analyses were conducted. Among boys, maternal waist circumference (WC), paternal WC and TV viewing mediated 16%, 11.5% and 13% of the association between parental education and adolescent WC. The respective proportions when body fat percentage was used as the outcome variable were 22.5%, 16% and 21%. Among girls, maternal and paternal WC mediated 20% and 14% of the association between parental education and WC. The respective proportions when body fat percentage was used as the outcome variable were 14% and 10%. Other included variables did not play any mediating role. Parental WC was found to be a mediator of socioeconomic differences in adiposity in both genders; underlying mechanisms were however not investigated. Among boys, reducing TV time could contribute to the reduction of social inequalities in adiposity.

• Aadland, Katrine Nyvoll; Ommundsen, Yngvar; Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred; Brønnick, Kolbjørn Selvåg; Moe, Vegard Fusche & Resaland, Geir Kåre [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2019). Effects of the Active Smarter Kids (ASK) Physical Activity Schoolbased Intervention on Executive Functions: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial. Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research. ISSN 0031-3831. 63(2), p. 214–228. doi: 10.1080/00313831.2017.1336477. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a seven-month curriculum prescribed physical activity (PA) intervention (the Active Smarter Kids [ASK] intervention) on executive functions in 10-year-old Norwegian children. A linear mixed model was used to analyze data from 971–1,123 fifth grade children at 28 intervention schools and 29 control schools. The intervention constituted three PA elements: PA educational lessons, PA breaks, and PA homework, adding 165 minutes of PA to the mandatory 135 minutes of PA and physical education. There was no effect of the intervention on executive functions in the intention-to-treat analyses. Per protocol analyses (n = 776–850) revealed small effects of the intervention on the composite score of executive functions, cognitive flexibility, and motor skills. Cognitively engaging and coordinative demanding activities/games seem viable options to increase executive functions and possibly improve academic performance in children.

• Johansen, Bjørn Tore; Ommundsen, Yngvar & Haugen, Tommy (2018). Referee efficacy in the context of Norwegian soccer referees – A meaningful construct? Psychology of Sport And Exercise. ISSN 1469-0292. 38, p. 184–191. doi: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2018.06.013. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objectives: The purpose of this study was two-fold. Firstly, to examine the measurement/factorial validity and invariance of the Referee Self-Efficacy Scale (REFS) among Norwegian soccer referees. Secondly, extending scale validation, we also tested a structural model in which a second-order version of the REFS was modelled to mediate a set of theoretically informed antecedents and outcomes. Design: Cross-sectional. Method: One hundred and eleven Norwegian elite referees and 81 non-elite referees completed an electronic questionnaire measuring expected antecedents and outcomes of perceived self-efficacy in the role as referees. Results: Analyses provided support for the first – and second order versions of the REFS scale as well as for scale invariance. Further, a task goal and experience as referee related positively to referee positive affect, mediated by referee efficacy. Unexpectedly, physical preparation related directly to positive affect, whereas no mediation effects or direct effects for mental preparation and ego goal were observed. Conclusions: Measurement/factorial validity and invariance of the REFS were fully supported. Validity of the scale in mediation model by Guillén and Feltz (2011) was only partly supported.

• Gjesdal, Siv; Haug, Ellen & Ommundsen, Yngvar (2018). A Conditional Process Analysis of the Coach-Created Mastery Climate, Task Goal Orientation, and Competence Satisfaction in Youth Soccer: The Moderating Role of Controlling Coach Behavior. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology. ISSN 1041-3200. 31(2), p. 203–217. doi: 10.1080/10413200.2017.1413690. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The purpose of this study was to investigate controlling coach behavior as a boundary condition for the relationship between a mastery climate, task goal orientation, and competence satisfaction in youth soccer. Latent conditional process modeling was conducted with a sample of 1,119 female and male youth soccer players 10–15 years of age. Results indicated that the interaction between controlling coach behavior and coach-created mastery climate accounted for 4% variance in task goal orientation. Furthermore, the indirect link between coach-created mastery climate and competence, through task goal orientation, was significant at all levels of controlling coach behavior, yet decreased from low (–1 SD; B = .40, 95% confidence interval [CIBC] [.28, .52]), to moderate (M; B = .35, 95% CIBC [.26, .46]), to high levels (+1 SD; B = .31, 95% CIBC [.22, .41]). Findings are interpreted as supporting the idea that controlling coach behavior abates the internalization of mastery values, thereby undermining the relationship between the coach-created mastery climate and players’ competence satisfaction.

• Gjesdal, Siv; Wold, Bente & Ommundsen, Yngvar (2018). Promoting additional activity in youth soccer: a half-longitudinal study on the influence of autonomy-supportive coaching and basic psychological need satisfaction. Journal of Sports Sciences. ISSN 0264-0414. 37(3), p. 268–276. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2018.1495394. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This study investigated the relationships between perceptions of coach autonomy support, basic psychological need satisfaction and the frequency at which youth soccer players engage in additional soccer activity outside of team sessions. We employed structural equation modelling to test a two-wave (T1 and T2) half-longitudinal study to see if basic psychological need satisfaction mediated the relationship between coach autonomy support and additional soccer activity across a competitive season. The sample consisted of 527 youth soccer players, aged 10–15 years. Results revealed moderate to strong temporal stability for autonomy, competence, relatedness and frequency of additional soccer activity. Furthermore, no support is offered for mediation as T1 coach autonomy support was not related to any of the three basic needs at T2 when accounting for their T1 levels. However, a positive relationship between T1 autonomy and T2 additional soccer activity emerged. This suggests that those who experience high levels of autonomy in the team setting at the start of the season report an increased frequency of additional activity at the end of the season. Results are discussed in light of the Self-Determination Theory and the Trans-Contextual Model.

• Ommundsen, Yngvar; Solstad, Bård Erlend; Høigaard, Rune & Wold, Bente (2018). Mestrer jeg trenerrollen? : Validitet og reliabilitet i en skala til måling av mestringstro i et utvalg norske breddefotballtrenere. In Haugen, Tommy & Høigaard, Rune (Ed.), Trender i idrettspsykologisk forskning i Skandinavia. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202596903. p. 47–72. doi: 10.23865/noasp.39.ch3. Full text in Research Archive
• Solstad, Bård Erlend; Ivarsson, Andreas; Haug, Ellen & Ommundsen, Yngvar (2018). Youth Sport Coaches’ Well-Being Across the Season: The Psychological Costs and Benefits of Giving Empowering and Disempowering Sports Coaching to Athletes. International Sport Coaching Journal. ISSN 2328-918X. doi: 10.1123/iscj.2017-0026. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between giving empowering and disempowering sports coaching to young athletes and coaches’ well-being across the season. The sample comprised 169 Norwegian youth football (i.e., European soccer) coaches with a mean age of 41.99 (SD = 6.32). Moreover, we were interested in examining heterogeneous groups of coaches showing variability in their self-reporting of empowering and disempowering behaviors towards their athletes. Thus, a person-centered approach was used. The latent profile analysis revealed three distinct profiles and the association between these profiles and coaches’ well-being was in line with the outlined hypotheses. Specifically, coaches who gave higher levels of empowering and lower levels of disempowering sports coaching to their athletes at the beginning of the season also reported higher levels of well-being at the end of the season. The results indicate that there exists an intrinsic value as to why coaches should give empowering sports coaching, as opposed to disempowering sports coaching, to their athletes; namely, these actions may be advantageous in terms of improving their own well-being. In practical terms, future coach education may take advantage of these findings by providing coaches another reason for coaching in an empowering manner.

• Aadland, Katrine Nyvoll; Aadland, Eivind; Andersen, John Roger; Lervåg, Arne; Moe, Vegard Fusche & Resaland, Geir Kåre [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2018). Executive Function, Behavioral Self-Regulation, and School Related Well-Being Did Not Mediate the Effect of School-Based Physical Activity on Academic Performance in Numeracy in 10-Year-Old Children : The Active Smarter Kids (ASK) Study. Frontiers in Psychology. 9. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00245. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Inconsistent findings exist for the effect of school-based physical activity interventions on academic performance. The Active Smarter Kids (ASK) study revealed a favorable intervention effect of school-based physical activity on academic performance in numeracy in a subsample of 10-year-old elementary schoolchildren performing poorer at baseline in numeracy. Aiming to explain this finding, we investigated the mediating effects of executive function, behavioral self-regulation, and school related well-being in the relation between the physical activity intervention and child’s performance in numeracy. An ANCOVA model with latent variable structural equation modeling was estimated using data from 360 children (the lower third in academic performance in numeracy at baseline). The model consisted of the three latent factors as mediators; executive function, behavioral self-regulation, and school related well-being. We found no mediating effects of executive function, behavioral self-regulation or school related well-being in the relationship between the ASK intervention and academic performance in numeracy (p >- 0.256). Our results suggest that the effect of the intervention on performance in numeracy in the present sample is not explained by change in executive function, behavioral self-regulation, or school related well-being. We suggest this finding mainly could be explained by the lack of effect of the intervention on the mediators, which might be due to an insufficient dose of physical activity.

• Ommundsen, Yngvar (2018). Motion og bevægelses betydning for elevernes psykosociale sundhed, trivsel og velvære. In Jensen, Jens-Ole; Jørgensen, Henrik Taarsted & Volshøj, Esben (Ed.), Motion og bevægelse i skolen. Hans Reitzels Forlag. ISSN 9788741268835. p. 70–96. Full text in Research Archive
• Gjesdal, Siv; Stenling, Andreas; Solstad, Bård Erlend & Ommundsen, Yngvar (2018). A study of coach‐team perceptual distance concerning the coach‐created motivational climate in youth sport. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. ISSN 0905-7188. 29(1), p. 132–143. doi: 10.1111/sms.13306. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The purpose of this study was to examine whether coach‐team perceptual distance regarding the coach‐created motivational climate related to achievement goal orientations and affective responses. To this end, we used polynomial regression analysis with response surface methodology. The sample consisted of 1359 youth soccer players (57.8% male; Mage = 11.81 years, SD = 1.18), belonging to 87 different teams (Msize = 16.47), and 87 coaches (94.6% male, Mage = 42 years, SD = 5.67). Results showed that team perceptions of a coach‐created mastery climate were positively related to team‐rated task goal orientation and enjoyment, whereas team perceptions of a coach‐created performance climate were positively related to team‐rated ego goal orientation and anxiety, and negatively related to team‐rated enjoyment. These relationships were generally stronger with higher levels of perceptual agreement between the coach and the team. In situations of perceptual disagreement, the most negative effects were seen when the coach held a more favorable perception of the motivational climate compared to the team. The findings highlight the importance of perceptual agreement between the coach and his/her team, contributing to the literature focusing on the effects of the coach‐created motivational climate.

• Solstad, Bård Erlend; Larsen, Torill Marie Bogsnes; Holsen, Ingrid; Ivarsson, Andreas; Ronglan, Lars Tore & Ommundsen, Yngvar (2017). Pre- to post-season differences in empowering and disempowering behaviours among youth football coaches: a sequential mixed-methods study. Sports Coaching Review. ISSN 2164-0629. doi: 10.1080/21640629.2017.1361166. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The aim of this study was to investigate differences in selfreported behaviours among youth football (i.e. European soccer) coaches from pre- to post-season, and additionally, their evaluative reactions to participation in the Norwegian arm of the Empowering Coaching™ Training Programme (ECTP). A total of 193 coaches (174 males; 19 females; M = 41.99; SD = 6.32) completed a questionnaire concerning their use of empowering and disempowering behaviours at the beginning and end of the sport season. Moreover, 12 of these coaches (10 males; 2 females; M = 41.67; SD = 5.68) were interviewed at the end of the sport season using semistructured interviews. Whereas coaches’ empowering and disempowering behaviours did not differ from pre- to postseason, post-season interviews showed that participation in the ECTP led coaches to reflect on their coaching practises, facilitating an increased focus on enabling autonomy and involvement for the athletes and more attention paid to the athletes’ feelings of mastery.

• Gjesdal, Siv; Appleton, Paul R. & Ommundsen, Yngvar (2017). Both the “What” and “Why” of Youth Sports Participation Matter; a Conditional Process Analysis. Frontiers in Psychology. 8. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00659. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This study builds on previous research combining achievement goal orientation from Achievement Goal Theory and motivational regulation from Self-Determination Theory. The aim was to assess the combination of the “what” and “why” of youth sport activity, and how it relates to the need for competence and self-esteem. Achievement goal orientation, specifically task and ego, was employed to represent the “what”, whilst intrinsic and external regulation reflected the “why”. Based on a sample of 496 youth sports participants, structural equation modeling with a bootstrapping procedure was used to examine whether the indirect relationship between achievement goal orientation and self-esteem was conditional to motivational regulation. The results show partial support for the conditional process models. Specifically, task orientation was indirectly linked with self-esteem through competence need, and the relationship was stronger with higher levels of intrinsic regulation for sport. Furthermore, ego orientation was negatively associated with self-esteem through a positive relationship with competence frustration. However, this relationship emerged only for those higher in intrinsic regulation. External regulation did not emerge as a moderator, but presented a positive relationship with competence frustration. Findings are discussed in light of both Achievement Goal Theory and Self-Determination Theory, and underline the importance of considering both the “what” and “why” when attempting to understand motivation in youth sport.

• Gestsdottir, Sunna; Svansdottir, Erla; Sigurdsson, Hedinn; Arnarsson, Arsaell; Ommundsen, Yngvar & Arngrimsson, Sigurbjorn [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2017). Different factors associate with body image in adolescence than in emerging adulthood: A gender comparison in a follow-up study. Health Psychology Report. ISSN 2353-4184. 6(1). doi: 10.5114/hpr.2018.71201. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Body image dissatisfaction has been linked with a range of adverse psychosocial outcomes in both genders and has become an important public health issue. Across all ages, women have reported being more dissatisfied with their bodies than men. The aim of the current study was to examine if fitness and physical activity associate with body image satisfaction differently across gender and age, measured in the same participants. Participants and procedure: Participants were measured initially at age 15 years (N = 385) and again at age 23 years (N = 201). Structural equation modelling was used to examine the association between body image satisfaction, fitness, and physical activity. Covariates included skinfold thickness, body mass index, socioeconomic status, anxiety, and depression. Results: Fitness and physical activity declined during the study period, body mass index increased, but no changes were found in body image satisfaction, depression, anxiety, or skinfold thickness. For women at ages 15 and 23 years, self-reported fitness and depression were found to be related to body image satisfaction, including body mass index at the age of 23 years. For 15-year-old men, skinfold thickness and aerobic fitness related to body image satisfaction, whereas skinfold thickness, depression, body mass index, and self-reported fitness did so at age 23 years. Conclusions: Results suggest that different approaches are needed across gender to improve body image in adolescence whereas more similar ones can be used in emerging adulthood.

• Aadland, Katrine Nyvoll; Moe, Vegard Fusche; Aadland, Eivind; Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred; Resaland, Geir Kåre & Ommundsen, Yngvar (2017). Relationships between physical activity, sedentary time, aerobic fitness, motor skills and executive function and academic performance in children. Mental Health and Physical Activity. ISSN 1755-2966. 12, p. 10–18. doi: 10.1016/j.mhpa.2017.01.001. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: There is evidence for weak positive relationships between physical activity, aerobic fitness, and motor skills to executive functions and academic achievement. Studies assessing their relative importance to executive functions and academic performance are lacking. The purpose of this study was to examine the independent associations for moderate to vigorous physical activity and sedentary time, aerobic fitness, and motor skills with executive functions and academic performance in 10-year-old children. Method: A linear mixed model was used to analyze cross-sectional data from 697 children from 57 schools in Norway. Results: No relationships were observed between moderate to vigorous physical activity and executive functions or academic performance. The time spent sedentary was related to executive functions (standardized regression coefficient (b) 0.17e0.21, p < 0.05) and academic performance in English (b 0.22, p < 0.05) in boys. Aerobic fitness was associated with executive functions (b 0.16e0.21, p < 0.05) and academic performance (b 0.17e0.21, p < 0.05) in boys only. Motor skills were associated with most measures of executive functions in both girls (b 0.16e0.25, p < 0.01) and boys (b 0.13e0.22, p < 0.05) and academic performance in girls (b 0.13e0.16, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The strongest independent associations were observed for motor skills to executive functions. Sex-specific associations were observed for aerobic fitness and motor skills. Thus, comprehensive physical activity targeted to increase both aerobic fitness and motor skills may have the potential to positively affect executive functions and academic performance.

• Aadland, Katrine Nyvoll; Ommundsen, Yngvar; Aadland, Eivind; Brønnick, Kolbjørn Selvåg; Lervåg, Arne & Resaland, Geir Kåre [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2017). Executive functions do not mediate prospective relations between indices of physical activity and academic performance: The Active Smarter Kids (ASK) study. Frontiers in Psychology. 8. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01088. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Changes in cognitive function induced by physical activity have been proposed as a mechanism for the link between physical activity and academic performance. The aim of this study was to investigate if executive function mediated the prospective relations between indices of physical activity and academic performance in a sample of 10-year-old Norwegian children. The study included 1,129 children participating in the Active Smarter Kids (ASK) trial, followed over 7 months. Structural equation modeling (SEM) with a latent variable of executive function (measuring inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility) was used in the analyses. Predictors were objectively measured physical activity, time spent sedentary, aerobic fitness, and motor skills. Outcomes were performance on national tests of numeracy, reading, and English (as a second language). Generally, indices of physical activity did not predict executive function and academic performance. A modest mediation effect of executive function was observed for the relation between motor skills and academic performance.

• Westergren, Thomas; Berntsen, Sveinung; Ludvigsen, Mette Spliid; Aagaard, Hanne; Hall, Elisabeth O. C. & Uhrenfeldt, Lisbeth [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2017). Relationships between physical activity level and psychosocial and socioeconomic factors and issues in children and adolescents with asthma: A scoping review protocol. The JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports. 15(2), p. 269–275. doi: 10.11124/JBISRIR-2016-002945. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The first objective of this scoping review is to identify and map information about instruments used to measure psychosocial and socioeconomic factors associated with level of physical activity (PA) in children and adolescents with asthma that have been reported in quantitative literature, and to report on the construction and validation of these instruments. The second objective is to identify and map psychosocial and socioeconomic issues related to PA level reported in qualitative literature and gaps in the evidence on the relationship between psychosocial and socioeconomic factors and PA level in children and adolescents with asthma. Specifically the review questions are as follows: Which instruments have been used to assess the association between psychosocial and socioeconomic factors and PA level in children and adolescents with asthma in quantitative primary studies, and how has information about the construction, validity and reliability of these instruments been reported? Which psychosocial and socioeconomic issues related to PA level in children and adolescents with asthma have been explored in qualitative primary studies?

• Westergren, Thomas; Berntsen, Sveinung; Ludvigsen, Mette Spliid; Aagaard, Hanne; Hall, Elisabeth O.C. & Ommundsen, Yngvar [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2017). Relationships between physical activity level and psychosocial and socioeconomic factors and issues in children and adolescents with asthma: a scoping review. The JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports. 15(8), p. 2183–2222. doi: 10.11124/JBISRIR-2016-003308. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Asthma is a heterogeneous chronic airway disease which may reduce capability for physical activity. In healthy peers, physical activity is influenced by psychosocial and socioeconomic factors. Knowledge about the role of these factors has not been mapped in children and adolescents with asthma. Objective: The main objective of this scoping review was to identify psychosocial and socioeconomic factors associated with physical activity level in children and adolescents with asthma in the literature. The specific objectives were to map the instruments used to measure these factors, report on the construction and validation of these instruments, map psychosocial and socioeconomic issues related to physical activity level reported in qualitative studies, and identify gaps in knowledge about the relationship between psychosocial and socioeconomic factors and physical activity level in children and adolescents with asthma. Inclusion criteria: Types of participants: Children and adolescents with asthma aged six to 18 years. Concept: Psychosocial and socioeconomic factors related to physical activity level and participation. Context: All physical activity contexts. Types of sources: Quantitative and qualitative primary studies in English, with no date limit. Search strategy: The databases searched included nine major databases for health and sports science, and five databases for unpublished studies. After screening and identification of studies, the reference lists of all identified reports were searched, and forward citation searches were conducted using four databases. Extraction of the results: The following data were extracted: (a) relevant study characteristics and assessment of physical activity level, (b) instruments used to assess psychosocial and socioeconomic factors, (c) association between physical activity level and these factors, (d) construction and validation of instruments, and (e) psychosocial and socioeconomic issues related to physical activity participation. Presentation of the results: Twenty-one quantitative and 13 qualitative studies were included. In cross-sectional studies, enjoyment, physical self-concept, self-efficacy, attitudes and beliefs about physical activity and health, psychological distress, healthrelated quality of life, and social support were more often reported as being correlated with physical activity level. In three studies, the construct validity was assessed by factor analysis and construct reliability tests for the study population. Qualitative studies reported 10 issues related to physical activity participation, and capability and being like peers were most commonly reported. There was no direct evidence that qualitative research informed the development or adjustment of instruments in quantitative studies. Conclusions: Seven psychosocial factors correlated with physical activity level; capability and being like peers were the most commonly reported issues. Reports of the construction and validation of instruments were sparse.

• Ommundsen, Yngvar (2016). Danning i kroppsøving: Motorisk læring som kjerne i faget. In Kvikstad, Ingvild (Eds.), Motorikk i et didaktisk perspektiv. Gyldendal Akademisk. ISSN 9788205491786. p. 139–166. Full text in Research Archive
• Moser, Thomas & Ommundsen, Yngvar (2016). Motorikk og kognitiv læring. In Kvikstad, Ingvild (Eds.), Motorikk i et didaktisk perspektiv. Gyldendal Akademisk. ISSN 9788205491786. p. 116–138. Full text in Research Archive
• Resaland, Geir Kåre; Aadland, Eivind; Moe, Vegard Fusche; Aadland, Katrine Nyvoll; Skrede, Turid & Stavnsbo, Mette [Show all 20 contributors for this article] (2016). Effects of physical activity on schoolchildren's academic performance: The Active Smarter Kids (ASK) cluster-randomized controlled trial. Preventive Medicine. ISSN 0091-7435. 91, p. 322–328. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.09.005. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objective: To investigate the effect of a seven-month, school-based cluster-randomized controlled trial on academic performance in 10-year-old children. Methods: In total, 1129 fifth-grade children from 57 elementary schools in Sogn og Fjordane County, Norway, were cluster-randomized by school either to the intervention group or to the control group. The children in the 28 intervention schools participated in a physical activity intervention between November 2014 and June 2015 consisting of three components: 1) 90 min/week of physically active educational lessons mainly carried out in the school playground; 2) 5 min/day of physical activity breaks during classroom lessons; 3) 10 min/day physical activity homework. Academic performance in numeracy, reading and English was measured using standardized Norwegian national tests. Physical activity was measured objectively by accelerometry. Results: We found no effect of the intervention on academic performance in primary analyses (standardized difference 0.01–0.06, p > 0.358). Subgroup analyses, however, revealed a favorable intervention effect for those who performed the poorest at baseline (lowest tertile) for numeracy (p = 0.005 for the subgroup ∗ group interaction), compared to controls (standardized difference 0.62, 95% CI 0.19–1.07). Conclusions: This large, rigorously conducted cluster RCT in 10-year-old children supports the notion that there is still inadequate evidence to conclude that increased physical activity in school enhances academic achievement in all children. Still, combining physical activity and learning seems a viable model to stimulate learning in those academically weakest schoolchildren.

• Richardsen, Kåre Rønn; Falk, Ragnhild Sørum; Jenum, Anne Karen; Mørkrid, Kjersti; Martinsen, Egil Wilhelm & Ommundsen, Yngvar [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2016). Predicting who fails to meet the physical activity guideline in pregnancy: a prospective study of objectively recorded physical activity in a population-based multi-ethnic cohort. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 16. doi: 10.1186/s12884-016-0985-x. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: A low physical activity (PA) level in pregnancy is associated with several adverse health outcomes. Early identification of pregnant women at risk of physical inactivity could inform strategies to promote PA, but no studies so far have presented attempts to develop prognostic models for low PA in pregnancy. Based on moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) objectively recorded in mid/late pregnancy, our objectives were to describe MVPA levels and compliance with the PA guideline (≥150 MVPA minutes/week), and to develop a prognostic model for non-compliance with the PA guideline. Methods: From a multi-ethnic population-based cohort, we analysed data from 555 women with MVPA recorded in gestational week (GW) 28 with the monitor SenseWear™ Pro3 Armband. Predictor variables were collected in early pregnancy (GW 15). We organized the predictors within the domains health, culture, socioeconomic position, pregnancy, lifestyle, psychosocial factors, perceived preventive effect of PA and physical neighbourhood. The development of the prognostic model followed several steps, including univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses. Results: Overall, 25 % complied with the PA guideline, but the proportion was lower in South Asians (14 %) and Middle Easterners (16 %) compared with Westerners (35 %). Among South Asians and Middle Easterners, 35 and 28 %, respectively, did not accumulate any MVPA minutes/week compared with 18 % among Westerners. The predictors retained in the prognostic model for PA guideline non-compliance were ethnic minority background, multiparity, high body fat percentage, and perception of few physically active friends. The prognostic model provided fair discrimination between women who did vs. did not comply with the PA guideline. Conclusion: Overall, the proportion who complied with the PA guideline in GW 28 was low, and women with ethnic minority background, multiparity, high body fat percentage and few physically active friends had increased probability of non-compliance. The prognostic model showed fair performance in discriminating between women who did comply and those who did not comply with the PA guideline.

• Gestsdottir, Sunna; Svansdottir, Erla; Ommundsen, Yngvar; Arnarsson, Arsaell; Arngrimsson, Sigurbjorn & Sveinsson, Thorarinn [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2016). Do aerobic fitness and self-reported fitness in adolescence differently predict body image in young adulthood? An eight year follow-up study. Mental Health and Physical Activity. ISSN 1755-2966. 10, p. 40–47. doi: 10.1016/j.mhpa.2015.12.001. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Aim: To study whether fitness level in adolescence predicts body image in young adulthood. Methods: Longitudinal study in which n = 385 participants were measured at age 15 and n = 201 at age 23. Fitness was assessed both objectively and subjectively. Body image was evaluated with the Offer Self- Image Questionnaire. Cross-lagged structural equation model was used to study whether fitness at age 15 predicted body image at age 23, covariates included sex, body mass index, physical activity, and socioeconomic status. Results: Aerobic fitness at age 15 was the strongest predictor (β = 0.372; p < 0.05) of body image at age 23. Baseline body image (β = 0.214; p < 0.05) had also a significant effect, but self-reported fitness and covariates did not relate to body image at follow-up. The structural model explained 22.1% of variability in body image at follow-up. During the eight-year study period both aerobic and self-reported fitness decreased but body image remained the same. Conclusion: Objectively measured fitness in adolescence is an independent predictor of body image in young adulthood, whereas self-reported fitness is not. Strong fitness in adolescence is important for a healthy body image later in life.

• Richardsen, Kåre Rønn; Mdala, Ibrahimu; Berntsen, Sveinung; Ommundsen, Yngvar; Martinsen, Egil Wilhelm & Sletner, Line [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2016). Objectively recorded physical activity in pregnancy and postpartum in a multi-ethnic cohort: association with access to recreational areas in the neighbourhood. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. 13. doi: 10.1186/s12966-016-0401-y. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Physical activity may reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes; however, compared to non-pregnant women, a lower proportion of pregnant women meet the physical activity guidelines. Our objectives were to explore overall changes and ethnic differences in objectively recorded moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) during pregnancy and postpartum and to investigate the associations with objective and perceived access to recreational areas. Methods: We analysed 1,467 person-observations from 709 women in a multi-ethnic population-based cohort, with MVPA data recorded with the SenseWear™ Pro3 Armband in early pregnancy (mean gestational week (GW) 15), mid-pregnancy (mean GW 28) and postpartum (mean postpartum week 14). MVPA was limited to bouts ≥10 min. Women were nested within 56 neighbourhoods defined by postal code area. We derived neighbourhood-level objective access to recreational areas (good vs limited) by geographic information systems. We collected information about perceived access (high vs low perception) to recreational areas in early pregnancy. We treated ethnicity, objective and perceived access as explanatory variables in separate models based on linear mixed effects regression analyses. Results: Overall, MVPA dropped between early and mid-pregnancy, followed by an increase postpartum. Western women performed more MVPA than women in other ethnic groups across time points, but the differences increased postpartum. Women residing in neighbourhoods with good objective access to recreational areas accumulated on average nine additional MVPA minutes/day (p < 0.01) compared with women in neighbourhoods with limited access. Women with perceptions of high access to recreational areas accumulated on average five additional MVPA minutes/day (p < 0.01) compared with women with perceptions of low access. After mutual adjustments, perceived and objective access to recreational areas remained significantly associated with MVPA. The association between MVPA and access to recreational areas did not differ by time point, ethnic group or socio-economic position. Conclusions: In all ethnic groups, we observed a decline in MVPA between early and mid-pregnancy. However, at both time points during pregnancy, and especially three months postpartum, Western women were more physically active than ethnic minority women. In all ethnic groups, and at all three time points, both objective and perceived access to recreational areas were positively associated with MVPA levels.

• Gebremariam, Mekdes; Andersen, Lene Frost; Bjelland, Mona; Bergh, Ingunn Holden; Totland, Torunn Holm & Ommundsen, Yngvar [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2015). Are weight-related attitudes and behaviours associated with the accuracy of BMI derived from self-reported weight and height among 13-year-olds? Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. ISSN 1403-4948. 43(2), p. 130–137. doi: 10.1177/1403494814563370. Full text in Research Archive
• Solstad, Bård Erlend; Hoye, Aurelie van & Ommundsen, Yngvar (2015). Social-contextual and intrapersonal antecedents of coaches' basic need satisfaction: The intervening variable effect of providing autonomy-supportive coaching. Psychology of Sport And Exercise. ISSN 1469-0292. 20, p. 84–93. doi: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2015.05.001. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objectives: Based on Self-Determination Theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 2012) and in line with Mageau and Vallerand's (2003) motivational model of the coach-athlete relationship, a new model involving antecedents associated with coaches' self-report measure of total need satisfaction (TNS) was tested. This model hypothesized that: (1) coaches' perceptions of a socially united group of athletes and their self-determined motivation for coaching would relate positively to coaches' provision of autonomy-supportive coaching (ASC), whereas perception of parental pressure in the youth sport context would relate negatively to coaches' provision of ASC; (2) coaches' provision of ASC towards their athletes would, in turn, relate positively to their self-report measure of TNS; and (3) the relation between coaches' perceptions of the sport context, along with their self-determined motivation for coaching, and coaches' self-report measure of TNS would be mediated by coaches' own provision of ASC. Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: Participants were 222 (Mage = 42.3, SD = 6.1) youth soccer coaches. Results: SEM analyses supported the hypothesized model in which coaches' perceptions of a socially united group of athletes and their self-determined motivation for coaching related positively to coaches' self-report measure of TNS through coaches' provision of ASC. In contrast, coaches' perceptions of parental pressure in the youth sport context was unrelated to coaches' self-report measure of TNS via coaches' provision of ASC. Conclusions: Findings support previous research by demonstrating the psychological benefit of providing autonomy support to others.

• Westergren, Thomas; Ommundsen, Yngvar; Carlsen, Karin C. Lødrup; Carlsen, Kai-Håkon; Mowinckel, Petter & Fegran, Liv [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2015). A nested case-control study: Personal, social and environmental correlates of vigorous physical activity in adolescents with asthma. Journal of Asthma. ISSN 0277-0903. 52(2), p. 155–161. doi: 10.3109/02770903.2014.955190. Full text in Research Archive
• Hoye, Aurelie van; Larsen, Torill Marie Bogsnes; Søvik, Margaret; Wold, Bente; Heuzé, Jean-Philippe & Samdal, Oddrun [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2015). Evaluation of the Coaches Educators training implementation of the PAPA project: A comparison between Norway and France. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. ISSN 0905-7188. 25(5), p. e539–e546. doi: 10.1111/sms.12352. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This study cross-culturally compares the implementation process of the Empowering Coaching™ training program to grassroots coaches (GCs) by trained Coach Educators (CEs) from the Promoting Adolescent Physical Activity project in Norway and France. This program targets children’s health through coach training to create a more positive environment. Using the RE-AIM framework, indicators of implementation processes at staff level were defined for adoption, implementation, and maintenance. CEs (n = 18) were interviewed about their professional use of the training, and video-filmed delivering the intervention trial workshops. GCs (n = 185) responded to a questionnaire after the workshops. Results showed that CEs were keen to participate in this project (16/18; 89%), to stay involved (12/16; 75%), and to diffuse the principles after the research project (12/12; 100%). CE training seemed effective as results indicated that CEs applied the principles of the program during the workshops and covered a high degree of the content (78%). Crosscultural differences were found as the French Football Federation CE dropped out of the program, as Norwegian CEs delivered the content with higher fidelity and had higher enjoyment and pace scores than French CEs. More indicators are needed to use the RE-AIM framework for cross-cultural comparison.

• Riiser, Kirsti; Løndal, Knut; Ommundsen, Yngvar; Misvær, Nina & Helseth, Sølvi (2015). Targeting and tailoring an intervention for adolescents who are overweight: Some ethical concerns. Nursing Ethics. ISSN 0969-7330. 22(2), p. 237–247. doi: 10.1177/0969733014524761. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  There are important ethical issues to be examined before launching any public health intervention, particularly when targeting vulnerable groups. The aim of this article is to identify and discuss ethical concerns that may arise when intervening for health behavior change among adolescents identified as overweight. These concerns originate from an intervention designed to capacitate adolescents to increase self-determined physical activity. Utilizing an ethical framework for prevention of overweight and obesity, we identified three ethical aspects as particularly significant: the attribution of responsibility for health behavior, liberty to choose, and the effect on the participants’ psychosocial well-being. It is discussed whether and how measures can be taken to deal with these aspects. It seems evident that the ethical aspects are mainly concerned with the vulnerability of adolescents identified as overweight. However, we claim that when individual feedback and counseling is provided, tailored interventions have a unique potential to empower adolescents to make ethically anchored decisions about their own health behavior.

• Riiser, Kirsti; Løndal, Knut; Ommundsen, Yngvar; Småstuen, Milada; Misvær, Nina & Helseth, Sølvi (2014). The outcomes of a 12-week internet intervention aimed at improving fitness and health-related quality of life in overweight adolescents: The young & active controlled trial. PLOS ONE. 9(12). doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114732. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Overweight and obesity among adolescents may have consequences, with potentially lasting effects on health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Excess weight is also associated with decreases in physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness. The aim of the current study was to investigate the short-term effects of a 12-week Internet intervention in a primary care setting intended to increase cardiorespiratory fitness and HRQoL among overweight and obese adolescents. Methods: In this controlled trial, participants (13–15 years) were non-randomly allocated to an intervention- or a control group. The intervention group received 12- weeks access to an online program providing tailored physical activity counseling based on principles from Self-determination Theory and Motivational Interviewing. The control group received standard follow-up by the school nurses. The primary outcome measure of cardiorespiratory fitness was determined using a shuttle run test. The secondary outcomes: HRQoL, leisure time exercise, body image and self- determined motivation for physical activity and exercise, were assessed by self- report measures. Age- and gender-adjusted body mass index (BMI) was calculated based on measurements of height and weight. To compare pre-to post intervention differences within groups, a paired samples t-test was used while crude differences between groups were analyzed with an independent samples t-test. Results: Of the 120 participants, 108 completed the study, 75 in the intervention group and 33 in the control group. Exposure to the intervention had a small effect on cardiorespiratory fitness (0.14; 95% CI [0.01;0.28]; P 5 0.04), and a moderate effect on HRQoL (5.22; 95% CI [0.90; 9.53]; P 5 0.02). Moreover, the control group increased significantly in BMI, yielding a moderate preventive effect on BMI ( 2 0.39; 95% CI [ 2 0.74; 2 0.03]; P 5 0.03) for the intervention group. Conclusion: The results suggest that the Internet intervention with tailored physical activity counseling can have beneficial short-term effect on cardiorespiratory fitness, HRQoL and BMI among adolescents with overweight and obesity.

• Ommundsen, Yngvar; Løndal, Knut & Loland, Sigmund (2014). Sport, children, and well-being. In Ben-Arieh, Asher; Casas, Ferran; Frønes, Ivar & Korbin, Jill E. (Ed.), Handbook of child well-being : theories, methods and policies in global perspective. Springer. ISSN 9789048190621. p. 911–940. doi: 10.1007/978-90-481-9063-8_148. Full text in Research Archive
• Grydeland, May; Bjelland, Mona; Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred; Klepp, Knut Inge; Bergh, Ingunn Holden & Andersen, Lene Frost [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2014). Effects of a 20-month cluster randomised controlled school-based intervention trial on BMI of school-aged boys and girls: The HEIA study. British Journal of Sports Medicine. ISSN 0306-3674. 48(9), p. 768–773. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2013-092284. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: School-based interventions that target prevention of overweight and obesity in children have been tested with mixed results. Thus, successful interventions are still called for. The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of a multicomponent school-based intervention programme targeting physical activity, sedentary and dietary behaviours on anthropometric outcomes. Methods: A 20-month intervention was evaluated in a cluster randomised, controlled study of 1324 11-year-olds. Outcome variables were body mass index (BMI), BMI-for-age z-score (BMIz), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WTHR) and weight status (International Obesity Task Force's cut-offs). Weight, height and WC were measured objectively; pubertal status was self-reported and parental education was self-reported by the parents. Intervention effects were determined by one-way analysis of covariance and logistic regression, after checking for clustering effects of school, and moderating effects of gender, pubertal status and parental education. Results: Beneficial effects were found for BMI (p=0.02) and BMIz (p=0.003) in girls, but not in boys. While a beneficial effect was found for BMI (p=0.03) in participants of parents reporting a high level of education, a negative effect was found for WTHR in participants with parents reporting a low level of education (p=0.003). There were no intervention effects for WC and weight status. Conclusions: A multicomponent 20-month school-based intervention had a beneficial effect on BMI and BMIz in adolescent girls, but not in boys. Furthermore, children of higher educated parents seemed to benefit more from the intervention, and this needs attention in future interventions to avoid further increase in social inequalities in overweight and obesity.

• Bergh, Ingunn Holden; Stralen, Maartje M. van; Bjelland, Mona; Grydeland, May; Lien, Nanna & Klepp, Knut Inge [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2014). Post-intervention effects on screen behaviours and mediating effect of parental regulation : the HEalth In Adolescents study – a multi-component school-based randomized controlled trial. BMC Public Health. 14(1). doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-200. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: To improve effectiveness of future screen behaviour interventions, one needs to know whether an intervention works via the proposed mediating mechanisms and whether the intervention is equally effective among subgroups. Parental regulation is identified as a consistent correlate of screen behaviours, but prospective evidence as well as the mediation role of parental regulation is largely lacking. This study investigated postintervention main effects on screen behaviours in the HEIA-intervention – a Norwegian school-based multiplebehaviour study, as well as mediation effects of parental regulation by adolescents’ and parents’ report. In addition, moderating effects of gender and weight status on the intervention and mediating effects were explored. Methods: Participating schools were randomized to control (n = 25) or intervention (n = 12) condition. Adolescents (n = 908 Control; 510 Intervention) self-reported their weekday and weekend TV-viewing and computer/game-use. Change in adolescents’ behaviours was targeted through school and parents. Adolescents, mothers (n = 591 Control; 244 Interventions) and fathers (n = 469 Control; 199 Intervention) reported parental regulation of the screen behaviours post-intervention (at 20 month). The product-of-coefficient test using linear regression analysis was conducted to examine main and mediating effects. Results: There was no intervention effect on the screen behaviours in the total sample. Gender moderated effect on weekend computer/game-use, while weight status moderated the effect on weekday TV-viewing and computer/game-use. Stratified analyses showed a small favourable intervention effect on weekday TV-viewing among the normal weight. Parental regulation did not mediate change in the screen behaviours. However, stronger parental regulation was associated with less TV-viewing and computer/game-use with effects being conditional on adolescents’ versus parental reports. Parental regulation of the screen behaviours, primarily by the parental report, was associated with change in the respective behaviours. Conclusion: Multiple behaviour intervention may not affect all equally well, and the effect may differ by weight status and gender. In future interventions parents should be encouraged to regulate their adolescents’ TV-viewing and computer/game-use on both weekdays and weekends as parental regulation was identified as a determinant of these screen behaviours. However, future intervention studies may need to search for more effective intervention strategies targeting parental regulation.

• Hansen, Bjørge Herman; Ommundsen, Yngvar; Holme, Ingar Morten K; Kolle, Elin & Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred (2014). Correlates of objectively measured physical activity in adults and older people: a cross-sectional study of population-based sample of adults and older people living in Norway. International Journal of Public Health. ISSN 1661-8556. 59(2), p. 221–230. doi: 10.1007/s00038-013-0472-3. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objectives: The aims of the study were to identify correlates of objectively measured physical activity and to determine whether the explanatory power of the correlates differed with sex, weight status or level of education. Methods: Physical activity was assessed objectively in 3,867 participants, aged 20–85 years, for a consecutive 7 days using the ActiGraph GT1M activity monitor. Demographic and biological variables and levels of psychological, social environmental and physical environmental correlates were selfreported. Results: The complete set of correlates explained 18.6 % (p\0.001) of the variance in overall physical activity. Age and physical activity identity were the most important factors, explaining 4.8 and 3.2 % of the variance, respectively, whereas social environmental and physical environmental correlates did not significantly increase the amount of explained variance. Small interaction effects between demographic and biological variables and the correlates were observed. Conclusions: Self-efficacy, perceived behavioural control and physical activity identity might be important targets for intervention. Intervention efforts aimed at influencing psychological correlates of physical activity may prove equally effective regardless of sex, weight status and level of education.

• Ommundsen, Yngvar (2014). Fysisk aktiv læring og kroppsøvingsfaget. In Vingdal, Inger Marie (Eds.), Fysisk aktiv læring. Gyldendal Akademisk. ISSN 9788205462823. p. 96–113. Full text in Research Archive
• Solberg, Paul Andre; Halvari, Hallgeir; Ommundsen, Yngvar & Hopkins, Will G. (2014). A 1-year follow-up on effects of exercise programs on well-being in older adults. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. ISSN 1063-8652. 22(1), p. 52–64. doi: 10.1123/JAPA.2012-0181. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term effects of three types of training on wellbeing and frequency of physical activity and to determine whether preintervention motivation moderates the effects. Methods: Sixty-two older adults (M = 75 years old, SD = 5; 61% women) completed 4-mo programs of endurance, functional or strength training, with reassessment of well-being (life satisfaction, positive affect, negative affect, vitality) and physical activity 12 mo later. Results: All groups showed small improvements in most measures of well-being at 4 mo. At follow-up, endurance training still had small beneficial effects, while changes with functional and strength training were generally trivial or harmful. Analysis for moderators indicated that autonomously motivated individuals better maintained gains in well-being and had higher frequencies of physical activity at follow-up compared with controlled individuals. Conclusion: Endurance training is recommended for older adults, but the long-term outcomes depend on the individual’s motivational regulation at commencement.

• Haugen, Tommy; Johansen, Bjørn Tore & Ommundsen, Yngvar (2014). The role of gender in the relationship between physical activity, appearance evaluation and psychological distress. Child and Adolescent Mental Health. ISSN 1475-357X. 19(1), p. 24–30. doi: 10.1111/j.1475-3588.2012.00671.x. Full text in Research Archive
• Riiser, Kirsti; Ommundsen, Yngvar; Småstuen, Milada C; Løndal, Knut; Misvær, Nina & Helseth, Sølvi (2014). The relationship between fitness and health-related quality of life and the mediating role of self-determined motivation in overweight adolescents. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. ISSN 1403-4948. 42(8), p. 766–772. doi: 10.1177/1403494814550517. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Aim: To examine the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among overweight adolescents and to test whether this relationship is mediated by body image (BI) and self-determined motivation for physical activity (PA) and exercise. Methods: One hundred and twenty adolescents identified as overweight or obese were recruited through the school health service. The participants completed self-report instruments measuring HRQoL, BI and self-determined motivation for physical activity and exercise in addition to a 20 m shuttle-run test, and body mass index was calculated. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to evaluate the hypothesised five-dimensional structure of the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 (BREQ-2) used to measure self-determined motivation. Associations between the study variables were explored using univariate linear regression. Mediation was tested by a multistage regression approach. Results: The five-dimensional model of BREQ-2 showed acceptable fit for the data. We revealed a statistically significant association between cardiorespiratory fitness and HRQoL (4.16 [0.3–8.02]; p < .05). CRF failed to affect BI in the first mediation equation. Hence, body image was excluded from further analyses. However, self-determined motivation proved to mediate the relationship between CRF and HRQoL. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the motivational mechanisms related to fitness can contribute to explain the association between CRF and HRQoL in overweight adolescents. The findings are important from a public health point of view and should be taken into account in the development of PA interventions for overweight and obese adolescents for the potential enhancement of their physical and psychosocial well-being.

• Grydeland, May; Bergh, Ingunn Holden; Bjelland, Mona; Lien, Nanna; Andersen, Lene Frost & Ommundsen, Yngvar [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2013). Intervention effects on physical activity: the HEIA study - a cluster randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. 10. doi: 10.1186/1479-5868-10-17. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Although school-based interventions to promote physical activity in adolescents have been suggested in several recent reviews, questions have been raised regarding the effects of the strategies and the methodology applied and for whom the interventions are effective. The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of a school-based intervention program: the HEalth in Adolescents (HEIA) study, on change in physical activity, and furthermore, to explore whether potential effects varied by gender, weight status, initial physical activity level and parental education level. Methods: This was a cluster randomized controlled 20 month intervention study which included 700 11-year-olds. Main outcome-variable was mean count per minute (cpm) derived from ActiGraph accelerometers (Model 7164/GT1M). Weight and height were measured objectively. Adolescents reported their pubertal status in a questionnaire and parents reported their education level on the consent form. Linear mixed models were used to test intervention effects and to account for the clustering effect of sampling by school. Results: The present study showed an intervention effect on overall physical activity at the level of p = 0.05 with a net effect of 50 cpm increase from baseline to post intervention in favour of the intervention group (95% CI -0.4, 100). Subgroup analyses showed that the effect appeared to be more profound among girls (Est 65 cpm, CI 5, 124, p = 0.03) and among participants in the low-activity group (Est 92 cpm, CI 41, 142, p < 0.001), as compared to boys and participants in the high-activity group, respectively. Furthermore, the intervention affected physical activity among the normal weight group more positively than among the overweight, and participants with parents having 13--16 years of education more positively than participants with parents having either a lower or higher number of years of education. The intervention seemed to succeed in reducing time spent sedentary among girls but not among boys. Conclusions: A comprehensive but feasible, multi-component school-based intervention can affect physical activity patterns in adolescents by increasing overall physical activity. This intervention effect seemed to be more profound in girls than boys, low-active adolescents compared to high-active adolescents, participants with normal weight compared to the overweight, and for participants with parents of middle education level as opposed to those with high and low education levels, respectively. An implementation of the HEIA intervention components in the school system may have a beneficial effect on public health by increasing overall physical activity among adolescents and possibly among girls and low-active adolescents in particular.

• Haugen, Tommy; Säfvenbom, Reidar & Ommundsen, Yngvar (2013). Sport Participation and Loneliness in Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Perceived Social Competence. Current Psychology. ISSN 1046-1310. 32(2), p. 203–216. doi: 10.1007/s12144-013-9174-5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Young people perceive loneliness as a distressing emotional experience associated with sadness and boredom. Also, feelings of loneliness may be associated with psychosocial and emotional problems during adolescence. The aim of this study was to investigate whether perceived social competence mediated the cross-sectional relationship between sport participation and loneliness in young people when controlling for age, sex, shyness, and non-organized physical activity. This cross-sectional study consisted of 2,055 pupils (995 boys and 1,060 girls) from 38 schools in Norway, with a mean age of 15.3 years. In addition to normal theory regression procedures, bootstrapping techniques were used to test the hypothesized indirect effect. Findings revealed that sport participation was inversely associated with loneliness mediated by perceived social competence. This indirect effect was evident when controlling for age, sex, non-organized physical activity and shyness. Findings suggest that sport participation during adolescence is indirectly associated with lower level of loneliness through higher level of perceived social competence. One may argue that sport participation during adolescence can contain important social components that help meet young peoples’ social needs and expectations, which in turn may prevent feelings of loneliness.

• Solberg, Paul Andre; Kvamme, Nils Helge; Raastad, Truls; Ommundsen, Yngvar; Tomten, Sissel Erland & Halvari, Hallgeir [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2013). Effects of different types of exercise on muscle mass, strength, function and well-being in elderly. European Journal of Sport Science (EJSS). ISSN 1746-1391. 13(1), p. 112–125. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2011.617391. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Poor muscle strength and physical function have been associated with higher risk of hospitalisation and lower well-being among the elderly. Physical training increases muscle strength, endurance and physical function as well as psychological outcomes. Exercise among older adults is often used to improve these variables, but few have compared the effects of different types of training in parallel independent groups. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of three different types of training on body composition, muscle strength, physical function and well-being in the elderly. A total of 118 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 74.3, s=4.6 years, 68% women) completed a 13-week randomised controlled exercise-trial involving four groups: traditional strength training (STG), functional strength training (FTG), endurance training (ETG) and control (CON). Stair climb with load improved more in FTG than CON (P<0.05), and the two strength groups performed better in the functional upper body test (P<0.05). STG increased strength more than CON in all exercises (P<0.001), while FTG increased strength more than CON in the chest press, shoulder press and knee extension (P<0.05). Lean body mass (LBM) increased in all training groups, which differed significantly from CON (P<0.05). ETG decreased their fat mass compared to CON (P<0.001). The only significant effect on well-being indices was improved life satisfaction in FTG at week 5 (P<0.05). We also observed significant correlations between change in some of the functional tests and change in positive affect. All three types of training can enhance physical capacity. Functional strength training can be a cost effective form of training in terms of less demand for instructors and equipment and could be an effective way to improve physical function, strength and indices of well-being in the elderly.

• Riiser, Kirsti; Løndal, Knut; Ommundsen, Yngvar; Sundar, Turid K B & Helseth, Sølvi (2013). Development and Usability Testing of an Internet Intervention to Increase Physical Activity in Overweight Adolescents. JMIR Research Protocols. 2(1). doi: 10.2196/resprot.2410. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Internet interventions may provide opportunities for low threshold counseling using feedback to guide and support health behavior, including increased physical activity. Research shows that overweight and obese adolescents are less physically active than their peers of normal weight. There are good reasons to believe that Internet-based interventions may be particularly suitable for motivating adolescents to increase physical activity, but we need to gain further knowledge of what features are effective and how to design such interventions. Objective: To describe the process of development and evaluation of usability of a Web-based program for increasing physical activity in overweight adolescents. Methods: Informed by the self-determination theory, motivational interviewing, and perspectives on self-regulation, this intervention was developed in a stepwise process by an interdisciplinary team of researchers, designers, developers, and representatives from the target group. An iterative qualitative usability testing approach (observation, survey, and interview) was applied in 2 sequences, first in the lab and second in the field, to assess how adolescents (aged 12-16 years) used and experienced the program and to make adjustments to the program based on evaluation of their response. Results: The following components were included in the program: self-monitoring through planning and registration of physical activity and graphical response on progress, autonomy supportive individual Web-based counseling, forum for social support, and relevant age-adjusted information about physical activity. The first usability test resulted in adjustments related mainly to making the content and aim of the different features more visible and explicit. The second test evaluated the program with adjustments from the first test, revealing that the program was well accepted by the participants and only small aesthetic adjustments had to be made to complete the final version of the Internet program, Young & Active. Conclusions: Thorough preparation, with clear theory foundation and close monitoring in the developmental phase, as well as contribution and iterative evaluation from the target group, is essential to create a user-friendly and engaging program. The efficacy of the program will be evaluated in a controlled trial.

• Haugen, Tommy; Ommundsen, Yngvar & Seiler, Stephen (2013). The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Physical Self-Esteem in Adolescents: The Role of Physical Fitness Indices. Pediatric Exercise Science. ISSN 0899-8493. 25(1), p. 138–153. doi: 10.1123/pes.25.1.138. Full text in Research Archive
• Viladrich, Carme; Appleton, Paul R.; Quested, Eleanor; Duda, Joan L.; Alcaraz, Saül & Heuzé, Jean-Philippe [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2013). Measurement invariance of the Behavioural Regulation in Sport Questionnaire when completed by young athletes across five European countries. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology. ISSN 1612-197X. doi: 10.1080/1612197X.2013.830434. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The purpose of this study was (1) to examine the factorial validity of the Behavioural Regulation Sport in Questionnaire (BRSQ) when completed by young soccer players in the Promoting Adolescent Physical Activity (PAPA) project (9-15 years old) in 5 European countries (France: n = 1248, Greece: n = 1507, Norway: n = 1397, Spain: n = 2245, and England: n = 1372) and (2) test the measurement invariance of its latent factors across these 5 countries. First, we tested the exploratory structural equation model (ESEM) factor analyses, allowing cross-loadings between factors, against the traditional independent clusters confirmatory factor analysis model (ICM-CFA), with all cross-loadings constrained to zero. The ESEM showed very Good Fit Indices, whereas the ICM-CFA was not tenable across countries. Second, the ESEM was used as the baseline model for the tests of factor loading (metric) invariance and factor loading plus thresholds (scalar) invariance. The five factors obtained from the analysis were scalar invariant and interpretable across the five countries (languages) as intrinsic motivation, identified, introjected and external regulations, and amotivation, in line with the tenets of self-determination theory). This study contributes to methodological advances in sport psychology, as it is the first time an adaptation of the BRSQ for young participants has been factor analysed comparing the more flexible ESEM to the usual ICM-CFA. Our data clearly favour using the more flexible weak dimensionality model (ESEM) and suggest a fresh interpretation of previous results may be required.

• Wold, Bente; Duda, Joan L.; Balaguer, Isabel; Smith, Otto Robert Frans; Ommundsen, Yngvar & Hall, Howard [Show all 14 contributors for this article] (2013). Comparing self-reported leisure-time physical activity, subjective health, and life satisfaction among youth soccer players and adolescents in a reference sample. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology. ISSN 1612-197X. doi: 10.1080/1612197X.2013.830433. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The aim of the study was to examine to what extent young people who play organised soccer rate their leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, life satisfaction, and health more positively and higher than a same-aged population-based reference group (including some adolescents who also played organised soccer). Data from two samples of five countries (England, France, Greece, Norway, and Spain) were included: a sample of soccer players aged 10-14 years who participated in the Promoting Adolescent Physical Activity project [Duda, J. L., Quested, E., Haug, E., Samdal, O., Wold, B., Balaguer, I.,… Cruz, J. (2013). Promoting Adolescent health through an intervention aimed at improving the quality of their participation in Physical Activity (“PAPA”): background to the project and main trial protocol. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology] and a nationally representative reference sample of 11- and 13-year olds from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study. Results from multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the participants in the soccer sample, in particular girls, reported a higher level of moderate-to-vigorous leisure-time physical activity than those in the reference sample. They also rated their life satisfaction and subjective health more favourably than the reference sample. The associations did not differ according to age or socio-economic status. The results suggest that playing soccer is a positive activity for youth and seems to be a very potent way of increasing regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among girls. Thus, efforts aimed at increasing participation in organised youth soccer may potentially be beneficial to young people’s psychosocial health and hold the potential to increase physical activity, particularly among girls.

• Totland, Torunn Holm; Bjelland, Mona; Lien, Nanna; Bergh, Ingunn Holden; Gebremariam, Mekdes & Grydeland, May [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2013). Adolescents' prospective screen time by gender and parental education, the mediation of parental influences. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. 10. doi: 10.1186/1479-5868-10-89. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: The present study investigated associations in gender dyads of parents’ and adolescents’ time spent on television and video viewing (TV/DVD), and computer and electronic game use (PC/games) at the ages of 11 and 13 years. Possible mediating effects of parental modelling and parental regulation in the relationship between parental education and adolescents’ prospective TV/DVD and PC/game time were further examined. Methods: A total of 908 adolescents, participating at both ages 11 and 13 years in the Norwegian HEalth In Adolescents (HEIA) cohort study (2007–2009), were included in the analyses. Data on adolescents’, mothers’ and fathers’ self reported time spent on TV/DVD and PC/games were measured at both time points by questionnaires. Correlation coefficients were used to examine gender dyads of parents’ and adolescents’ reports. Mediation analyses using linear regression investigated possible mediation effects of parental modelling and parental regulation in the prospective relationship between parental education and adolescents’ time spent on TV/DVD and PC/games between the ages of 11 and 13 years. Results: Correlations of screen time behaviours in gender dyads of parents and adolescents showed significant associations in time spent on TV/DVD at the age of 11 and 13 years. Associations between mothers and sons and between fathers and daughters were also observed in time spent on PC/games at the age of 11 years. Maternal and paternal modelling was further found to mediate the relationship between parental education and adolescents’ prospective TV/DVD time between the ages of 11 and 13 years. No mediation effect was observed for parental regulation, however a decrease in both maternal and paternal regulation at the age of 11 years significantly predicted more TV/DVD time among adolescents at the age of 13 years. Conclusion: Cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships were observed in gender dyads of parents’ and adolescents’ screen time behaviours at the ages of 11 and 13 years, and further studies including both parents and their children should be emphasized. Moreover, maternal and paternal modelling were found to be important target variables in interventions aiming to reduce social differences by parental education in adolescents’ prospective time spent on TV/DVD.

• Gebremariam, Mekdes; Bergh, Ingunn Holden; Andersen, Lene Frost; Ommundsen, Yngvar; Totland, Torunn Holm & Bjelland, Mona [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2013). Are screen-based sedentary behaviors longitudinally associated with dietary behaviors and leisure-time physical activity in the transition into adolescence? International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. 10. doi: 10.1186/1479-5868-10-9. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: There is a need for more longitudinal studies investigating the associations between screen-based sedentary behaviors (SB), dietary behaviors and leisure-time physical activity (PA). Methods: In the HEIA cohort study, 908 children were followed from age 11 to age 13 (September 2007 – May 2009). The children self-reported their intake of fruits, vegetables, soft drinks with sugar and snacks. TV/DVD use, computer/game use and leisure-time PA were also self-reported. Multilevel generalized linear mixed model analysis was used to assess longitudinal associations between the screen-based SB and each of the two other behaviors. Results: Twenty-month changes in TV/DVD use and computer/game use were positively associated with changes in the consumption of soft drinks with sugar and unhealthy snacks in the same period; and inversely associated with change in vegetable consumption. Change in computer/game use was also inversely related to change in fruit consumption. An inverse but non-substantive association was found between change in TV/DVD use and change in leisure-time PA. Change in computer/game use was not significantly associated with change in leisure-time PA. Conclusions: Changes in screen-based SB were associated with multiple unfavorable changes in dietary habits, although the associations were weak. These associations need to be further investigated in intervention/experimental studies, to assess whether changing screen-based SB will result in clinically relevant changes in dietary behaviors. However, the findings of this study suggest that screen-based SB and leisure-time PA are largely independent behaviors which should be addressed separately in health promotion activities.

• Ommundsen, Yngvar; Lemyre, Nicolas; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik & Roberts, Glyn (2013). The role of motivational climate for sense of vitality in organized youth grassroots football players : Do harmonious and obsessive types of passion play a mediating role? International Journal of Applied Sports Sciences. ISSN 1598-2939. 25(2), p. 102–117. doi: 10.24985/ijass.2013.25.2.102. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The mediating role of types of passion in the relationships between motivational climates and subjective vitality was examined among 283 experienced young Norwegian grassroots football players (aged 12-16 years). A Structural Equation Model (SEM) based path model revealed that mastery climate predicted subjective vitality directly as well as mediated by harmonious passion and through a chain in which harmonious passion fuelled obsessive passion, in turn facilitating vitality. The former was the stronger mediation path of the two. A performance climate was unrelated to obsessive passion. The pattern of results generally supports the proposed motivational climate–passion–vitality link. However, the observed mediation chain involving also a positive mastery climate–obsessive passion–vitality link invites further examinations to better understand both young football players’ subjective meaning making of harmonious and obsessive passion.

• Quested, Eleanor; Ntoumanis, Nikos; Viladrich, Carme; Haug, Ellen; Ommundsen, Yngvar & Hoye, Aurelie van [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2013). Intentions to drop-out of youth soccer: A test of the basic needs theory among European youth from five countries. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology. ISSN 1612-197X. doi: 10.1080/1612197X.2013.830431. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Research arising from self-determination theory (SDT; Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227–268) indicates that the quality of the social interactions between athletes and coaches, and athletes’ ensuing psychological responses, are critical determinants of intentions to drop out of youth sport. Little is known regarding whether these processes hold across countries. Grounded in SDT, this study tested the invariance of a model predicting youth sport dropout across five European countries. Seven thousand seven hundred and sixty-nine grassroots players (6641 males, 1020 females (M age = 11.56, SD = 1.40) from youth soccer teams in five countries (England, France, Greece, Norway, and Spain) completed a questionnaire tapping perceptions of coach-provided autonomy support, basic psychological need satisfaction (i.e. autonomy, competence and relatedness), soccer enjoyment, and intentions to drop out of soccer in the next season. Data were analysed using structural equation modelling. The hypothesised model (autonomy support → basic needs → enjoyment → intentions to drop out of soccer) showed an acceptable fit to the data and provided evidence of configural factor loading and structural path invariance across the five countries. This study supports the applicability of the basic needs theory model as a framework to understand the determinants of drop out intentions in sport among European youth across national boundaries. Findings highlight a potential avenue for intervention that could impact children’s enjoyment of, and intentions to continue, playing soccer; namely, interventions that specifically target autonomy supportive coaching.

• Ommundsen, Yngvar (2013). Fysisk-motorisk ferdighet gjennom kroppsøving – et viktig bidrag til elevenes allmenndanning og læring i skolen. Norsk pedagogisk tidsskrift. ISSN 0029-2052. 97(2), p. 155–166. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Elevenes personlighetsutvikling og allmenndannelse er viktige mål for skolen. Kognitive, sosiale, moralske, emosjonelle og fysisk-motoriske sider ved danning og utvikling er nedfelt i overordnede mål og læreplaner. Dette til tross, har den kognitive siden ved de unges utvikling og dannelse utvilsomt fått størst plass. Dette reflekteres i de fem nåværende grunnleggende ferdighetene som er nedfelt i planene for alle fagene i skolen. I denne artikkelen settes det fokus på kroppsøvingsfaget og betydningen av fysisk-motorisk ferdighetslæring for elevenes personlighetsutvikling, allmenndannelse og varige bevegelseslyst.

• Solberg, Paul Andre; Halvari, Hallgeir & Ommundsen, Yngvar (2013). Linking exercise and causality orientations to change in well-being among older adults: does change in motivational variables play a role? Journal of Applied Social Psychology. ISSN 0021-9029. 43(6), p. 1259–1272. doi: 10.1111/jasp.12088. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  A self-determination theory process model of change in well-being was tested among older adults in a 16-week randomized exercise-trial (n = 118,M = 74.3 years, SD = 4.6, 68% females). The exercise intervention increased participants’ autonomous motivation and perceived competence over the first 7 weeks. Moreover, autonomous orientation gave rise to perceived competence, while impersonal orientation was related to increased controlled motivation. Changes in motivational variables were positively related to changes in vitality over the trial, while change in controlled motivation was negatively related to changes in vitality and subjective well-being. Bootstrapping analyses supported an indirect exercise–vitality path through autonomous motivation and perceived competence, and an indirect autonomous orientation–vitality path through perceived competence.

• Gebremariam, Mekdes; Bergh, Ingunn Holden; Andersen, Lene Frost; Ommundsen, Yngvar; Bjelland, Mona & Lien, Nanna (2012). Stability and change in potential correlates of physical activity and association with pubertal status among Norwegian children in the transition between childhood and adolescence. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. 9. doi: 10.1186/1479-5868-9-56. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Whereas tracking and change in physical activity (PA) in children and adolescents have been well documented, studies investigating these patterns in its correlates are lacking. The present study aims to address this gap and in addition explore the impact of pubertal status on PA and its potential psychological and social-environmental correlates in a sample of Norwegian children over a 20-month period. Methods: A total of 885 students from 25 control schools of an intervention study, the HEalth In Adolescents (HEIA) study were included (mean age at baseline 11.2 (0.3)). The baseline took place in September 2007, the first follow-up in May 2008 and the second follow-up in May 2009. PA and its potential correlates (enjoyment of PA, self-efficacy related to barriers to PA, perceived support for PA from parents, friends and teachers, perceived social inclusion and perceived environmental opportunities for PA) were self-reported. Pubertal status was assessed using the Pubertal Development Scale. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to explore changes. Tracking was assessed using Spearman’s rank order correlation. Pubertal groups were compared using ANOVA or ANCOVA (controlling for BMI). Multiple regression analyses were used to investigate whether pubertal stage at age 11 would predict levels of correlates and PA at age 13. Results: Potential correlates of PA and the behaviour itself were found to track moderately in the transition between childhood and adolescence. Small but significant changes in enjoyment of PA and teachers’ support for PA in both genders and in friends’ support for PA and perceived environmental opportunities for PA in females in a direction unfavourable to PA were detected. A few weak positive associations between pubertal stage and correlates of PA at age 11 were noted among boys. Conclusions: Enjoyment of PA, self-efficacy related to barriers to PA, perceived social support for PA, perceived social inclusion, perceived environmental opportunities for PA and the behaviour itself were found to be moderately stable in the transition between childhood and adolescence. Health promotion efforts in childhood targeting PA and its psychosocial and social-environmental correlates might have favourable effects in later years.

• Bergh, Ingunn Holden; Bjelland, Mona; Grydeland, May; Lien, Nanna; Andersen, Lene Frost & Klepp, Knut Inge [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2012). Mid-way and post-intervention effects on potential determinants of physical activity and sedentary behavior, results of the HEIA study - a multi-component school-based randomized trial. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. 9. doi: 10.1186/1479-5868-9-63. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: There is limited knowledge as to whether obesity prevention interventions are able to produce change in the determinants hypothesized to precede change in energy balance-related behaviors in young people. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multi-component intervention on a wide range of theoretically informed determinants of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB). Moderation effects of gender, weight status and parental education level and whether the perceived intervention dose received influenced the effects were also explored. Methods: The HEIA study was a 20-month school-based, randomized controlled trial to promote healthy weight development. In total, 1418 11-year-olds participated at baseline and post-intervention assessment. Enjoyment, self-efficacy, perceived social support from parents, teachers and friends related to PA, perceived parental regulation of TV-viewing and computer/game-use and perceived social inclusion at schools were examined by covariance analyses to assess overall effects and moderation by gender, weight status and parental education, mid-way and post-intervention. Covariance analyses were also used to examine the role of intervention dose received on change in the determinants. Results: At mid-way enjoyment (p = .03), perceived social support from teachers (p = .003) and self-efficacy (p = .05) were higher in the intervention group. Weight status moderated the effect on self-efficacy, with a positive effect observed among the normal weight only. At post-intervention results were sustained for social support from teachers (p = .001), while a negative effect was found for self-efficacy (p = .02). Weight status moderated the effect on enjoyment, with reduced enjoyment observed among the overweight. Moderation effects for parental education level were detected for perceived social support from parents and teachers. Finally, positive effects on several determinants were observed among those receiving a high as opposed to a low intervention dose. Conclusion: The intervention affected both psychological and social-environmental determinants. Results indicate that social support from teachers might be a potential mediator of PA change, and that overweight adolescents might be in need of specially targeted interventions to avoid reducing their enjoyment of PA. Further studies should continue to assess how intervention effectiveness is influenced by the participants’ self-reported dose of intervention received.

• Grydeland, May; Bergh, Ingunn Holden; Bjelland, Mona; Lien, Nanna; Andersen, Lene Frost & Ommundsen, Yngvar [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2012). Correlates of weight status among Norwegian 11-year-olds: The HEIA study. BMC Public Health. 12. doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-12-1053. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: The underlying mechanisms of overweight and obesity in adolescents are still not fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate modifiable and non-modifiable correlates of weight status among 1103 Norwegian 11-year-old adolescents in the HEalth in Adolescents (HEIA) study, including demographic factors such as gender and parental education, and behavioral factors such as intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, snacks and breakfast consumption, watching TV and playing computer games, physical activity and sedentary time. Methods: Weight and height were measured objectively, body mass index (BMI) was calculated and International Obesity Task Force cut-offs were used to define weight status. Physical activity and sedentary time were measured by accelerometers. Other behavioral correlates and pubertal status were self-reported by questionnaires. Parental education was reported by the parents on the consent form for their child. Associations were investigated using logistic regressions. Results: There were gender differences in behavioral correlates of weight status but not for weight status itself. Adolescents with parents in the highest education category had a 46% reduced odds of being overweight compared to adolescents with parents in the lowest education category. Adolescents with parents with medium education had 42% lower odds of being overweight than adolescents with parents with the lowest education category. Level of parental education, breakfast consumption and moderate to vigorous physical activity were positively associated with being normal weight, and time watching TV was positively associated with being overweight for the total sample. Gender differences were detected; boys had a doubled risk of being overweight for every additional hour of watching TV per week, while for girls there was no association. Conclusions: The present study showed a social gradient in weight status in 11-year-olds. Both breakfast consumption and moderate to vigorous physical activity were inversely associated with weight status. No associations were found between intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and snacks, playing computer games and weight status. Watching TV was positively associated with weight status for boys but not for girls. Interventions are needed to gain more insight into the correlates of change in weight status.

• Bergh, Ingunn Holden; Stralen, Maartje M. van; Grydeland, May; Bjelland, Mona; Lien, Nanna & Andersen, Lene Frost [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2012). Exploring mediators of accelerometer assessed physical activity in young adolescents in the Health in adolescents study - a group randomized controlled trial. BMC Public Health. 12. doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-12-814. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: There is a shortage of information about the factors that mediate physical activity intervention effects which involve youth. The purpose of this study was to examine whether personal, social and physical-environmental factors mediated the intervention effect on physical activity and whether gender and weight status moderated mediated effects in the Health In Adolescents Study – a school-based intervention to promote healthy weight development among young adolescents. Methods: Participating schools were randomized to Control (n = 25) and Intervention (n = 12). The intervention components to enhance physical activity targeted change through theoretically informed mediators embedded in a social-ecological framework. Accelerometer assessed physical activity (mean count per minute) and self-efficacy, enjoyment, perceived social support from parents, teachers and friends and perceived environmental opportunities were measured by questionnaires at baseline and post-intervention after 20 months among 700 11–13 year-old adolescents (Intervention = 485; Control = 215). The product-of-coefficient test was used to examine mediation. Results: No mediating effect of any of the hypothesized mediators was identified and gender and weight status did not moderate any mediated effects with the exception of weight status that moderated the mediated effect of enjoyment. Few intervention effects were seen on the mediators, except for a positive change in social support from teachers among girls and the normal weight, and a negative effect on enjoyment and self-efficacy among the overweight. However, change in enjoyment, self-efficacy, perceived social support from friends and environmental opportunities were associated with change in mean count per minute with some variation across the investigated subgroups, and thus show evidence of being potential mediators of physical activity change in adolescents. Conclusions: While no mediation effects were observed, change in both personal and social-environmental factors predicted change in physical activity behavior. Hence, a social- ecological approach targeting a wide range of determinants to promote change in physical activity holds promise. Overweight and normal weight adolescents may not respond in the same way to school-based physical activity interventions. Therefore, strategies to better reach the overweight seem needed. Future studies should continue to identify mediating and moderation mechanisms in physical activity change in adolescents.

• Gebremariam, Mekdes; Totland, Torunn Holm; Andersen, Lene Frost; Bergh, Ingunn Holden; Bjelland, Mona & Grydeland, May [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2012). Stability and change in screen-based sedentary behaviours and associated factors among Norwegian children in the transition between childhood and adolescence. BMC Public Health. 12. doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-12-104. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background In order to inform interventions to prevent sedentariness, more longitudinal studies are needed focusing on stability and change over time in multiple sedentary behaviours. This paper investigates patterns of stability and change in TV/DVD use, computer/electronic game use and total screen time (TST) and factors associated with these patterns among Norwegian children in the transition between childhood and adolescence. Methods The baseline of this longitudinal study took place in September 2007 and included 975 students from 25 control schools of an intervention study, the HEalth In Adolescents (HEIA) study. The first follow-up took place in May 2008 and the second follow-up in May 2009, with 885 students participating at all time points (average age at baseline = 11.2, standard deviation ± 0.3). Time used for/spent on TV/DVD and computer/electronic games was self-reported, and a TST variable (hours/week) was computed. Tracking analyses based on absolute and rank measures, as well as regression analyses to assess factors associated with change in TST and with tracking high TST were conducted. Results Time spent on all sedentary behaviours investigated increased in both genders. Findings based on absolute and rank measures revealed a fair to moderate level of tracking over the 2 year period. High parental education was inversely related to an increase in TST among females. In males, self-efficacy related to barriers to physical activity and living with married or cohabitating parents were inversely related to an increase in TST. Factors associated with tracking high vs. low TST in the multinomial regression analyses were low self-efficacy and being of an ethnic minority background among females, and low self-efficacy, being overweight/obese and not living with married or cohabitating parents among males. Conclusions Use of TV/DVD and computer/electronic games increased with age and tracked over time in this group of 11-13 year old Norwegian children. Interventions targeting these sedentary behaviours should thus be introduced early. The identified modifiable and non-modifiable factors associated with change in TST and tracking of high TST should be taken into consideration when planning such interventions.

• Solberg, Paul Andre; Hopkins, Will; Ommundsen, Yngvar & Halvari, Hallgeir (2012). Effects of three training types on vitality among older adults: A self-determination theory perspective. Psychology of Sport And Exercise. ISSN 1469-0292. 13(4), p. 407–417. doi: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2012.01.006. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objectives To investigate effects of endurance, functional and strength training on subjective vitality in older adults. Using the self-determination theory (SDT) framework we tested the moderating effects of autonomy support and mediating effects of need satisfaction on participants’ changes in vitality. Design Parallel-groups randomized controlled trial. Methods 138 older adults (M = 74.2 years, SD = 4.5) were randomized to a training group or wait-list control, with assessments at baseline, at 7 weeks (short term), and 16 weeks (long term). Mixed models provided estimates of treatment effects, with covariates for moderating effects of autonomy support and mediating effects of need satisfaction (autonomy, competence, relatedness). Inferences were based on uncertainty in standardized effect-sizes (ES) in relation to a smallest important ES of 0.20. Results At short term, effects on vitality were moderate for endurance training (ES = .70, ±.44), and small for functional (ES = .54, ±.36) and strength training (ES = .21, ±.47). At long term only endurance training had a clear effect on vitality (ES = .27, ±.38). Perceived autonomy support moderated the effect of endurance training at short term (ES = .66, ±.66), and functional training at long term (ES = .23, ±.40). Change in competence mediated the effect of functional and strength training at long term, while in endurance training high perceptions of autonomy support moderated the mediation effect of competence on vitality. Conclusions Endurance training is recommended for increasing subjective vitality in older adults. Moderating effects of autonomy support and mediating effects of need satisfaction are partially consistent with self-determination theory.

• Bjelland, Mona; Lien, Nanna; Grydeland, May; Bergh, Ingunn Holden; Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred & Ommundsen, Yngvar [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2011). Intakes and perceived home availability of sugar-sweetened beverages, fruit and vegetables as reported by mothers, fathers and adolescents in the HEIA (HEalth In Adolescents) study. Public Health Nutrition (PHN). ISSN 1368-9800. 14(12), p. 2156–2165. doi: 10.1017/S1368980011000917. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objective: To investigate the intakes of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), fruit and vegetables (FV) among adolescents and their parents and to explore differences in the perceived availability by gender and parental education. Design: Baseline data from the HEIA (HEalth In Adolescents) study. Setting: Data on intake of SSB were collected assessing frequency and amounts, whereas consumption of FV was assessed on the basis of frequency. Further, perceived availability at home and at school (taken from home) was reported. Subjects: Participants were 1528 Norwegian adolescents aged 11 years, as well as 1200 mothers and 1057 fathers. Results The adolescents’ intake of SSB was low on weekdays but doubled during weekend days. This pattern was observed among parents as well. There were significant differences in intake between boys, girls, mothers and fathers, except for vegetables. Fathers reported the lowest frequency of FV intake. Compared with adolescents, mothers reported lower availability of SSB and higher availability of FV. Compared with their sons, fathers reported higher availability of vegetables and lower availability of sugar-sweetened fruit drinks at school. Significant differences in adolescents’ intake of SSB and in the perceived availability of both SSB and FV by parental education were found. Conclusions: The intake of SSB was higher during weekend days than during weekdays, whereas the frequency of FV intake was low. Differences in adolescents’ perceived availability of both SSB and FV on the basis of parental education were found, whereas the differences in intake were significant only for SSB. Increasing parental awareness of availability and their potential as role models across parental gender and educational level could improve adolescents’ dietary habits.

• Bergh, Ingunn Holden; Grydeland, May; Bjelland, Mona; Lien, Nanna; Andersen, Lene Frost & Klepp, Knut Inge [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2011). Personal and social-environmental correlates of objectively measured physical activity in Norwegian pre-adolescent children. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. ISSN 0905-7188. 21(6), p. E315–E324. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2011.01295.x. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The aim of this study was to examine modifiable biological, psychological, behavioral and social-environmental correlates of physical activity among 1129 Norwegian 11-year-old children within a cross-sectional sample from the HEalth In Adolescents study. Physical activity was assessed by accelerometer, and weight and height were measured objectively. Age- and gender-specific cut-off points proposed by the International Obesity Task Force were used to define body mass index. Social-environmental variables were self-reported by questionnaire. Hierarchical regression (linear mixed models) revealed that normal weight children scored higher on percentage daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [% daily moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA)] than overweight/obese children (P<0.001). Self-efficacy (P<0.01) and perceived social support from friends (P<0.01) were positively associated with children's % daily MVPA, and a negative association was found for computer/game-use on weekends (P<0.01). A moderator effect of weight category (normal vs overweight/obese) in the relationship between computer/game-use on weekends and % daily MVPA was detected (P<0.05), reflecting that higher computer/game-use on weekends was associated with lower % MVPA among the overweight/obese, but not among the normal weight. Modifiable correlates from multiple domains accounted for 14% of the variance in % daily MVPA. Prospective and intervention studies are needed to examine whether these factors act as mediators for physical activity change in pre-adolescent children.

• Ommundsen, Yngvar (2011). Spesialisere tidlig og plukke talenter - er det så lurt? In Hanstad, Dag Vidar; Breivik, Gunnar; Sisjord, Mari Kristin & Skaset, Hans B. (Ed.), Norsk Idrett - Indre spenning og ytre press. Akilles forlag. ISSN 9788272862281. p. 53–68. Full text in Research Archive
• Bjelland, Mona; Bergh, Ingunn Holden; Grydeland, May; Klepp, Knut Inge; Andersen, Lene Frost & Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2011). Changes in adolescents' intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and sedentary behaviour: Results at 8 month mid-way assessment of the HEIA study - a comprehensive, multi-component school-based randomized trial. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. 8. doi: 10.1186/1479-5868-8-63. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Inconsistent effects of school-based obesity prevention interventions may be related to how different subgroups receive them. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an intervention program, including fact sheets to parents and classroom components, on intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and screen time. Further, to explore whether potential effects and parental involvement varied by adolescents’ gender, weight status (WS) and parental educational level. Methods: In total, 1465 11-year-olds participated at the pre-test and the 8 month mid-way assessment of the HEIA study. Parents (n = 349) contributed with process evaluation data. Self-reported intake of SSB was collected from the 11-year-olds assessing frequency and amount, while time used on watching TV/DVD and computer/game-use (weekday and weekend day) were assed by frequency measures. Data on awareness of the intervention and dose received were collected from parents. Covariance analyses (ANCOVA) were conducted testing for effects by gender and for moderation by WS and parental education. Results: Time spent on TV/DVD (week p = 0.001, weekend p = 0.03) and computer/game-use (week p = 0.004, weekend p <.001), and the intake of SSB during weekend days (p = 0.04), were significantly lower among girls in the intervention group compared to the control group girls after 8 months. Girls’ WS did not moderate these findings. However, no significant effects of the intervention were found for boys, but moderation effects were found for WS (week days: TV/DVD, p = 0.03 and computer/games, p = 0.02). There were no moderating effects of parental education for neither boys nor girls with respect to intake of SSB, time used for watching TV/DVD and computer/game-use. Parental awareness of the intervention was significantly higher among the parents of girls, while the parents of boys were more satisfied with the fact sheets. Conclusions: The preventive initiatives appeared to change behaviour in girls only. This study suggests that exploration of potential beneficial or negative effects of intervention in subgroups is important. In formative evaluation of obesity prevention studies it seems warranted to include issues related to gender, WS and parental involvement in order to enhance the effectiveness of preventive initiatives.

• Ommundsen, Yngvar (2011). Er det så enkelt å få folk mer fysisk aktive? In Øverby, Nina Cecilie; Torstveit, Monica Klungland & Høigaard, Rune (Ed.), Folkehelsearbeid. Cappelen Damm Høyskoleforlaget. ISSN 9788276348934. p. 257–274. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Boken er kategorisert som Fagbok i tråd med avgjørelse i tvisteutvalget.

• Haugen, Tommy; Säfvenbom, Reidar & Ommundsen, Yngvar (2011). Physical activity and global self-worth: The role of physical self-esteem indices and gender. Mental Health and Physical Activity. ISSN 1755-2966. 4(2), p. 49–56. doi: 10.1016/j.mhpa.2011.07.001. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose The aim of this study was: a) to investigate mediating influences of body areas satisfaction, appearance evaluation and perceived athletic competence in the relationship between physical activity and global self-worth, controlling for contextual variations in physical activity; b) to investigate the relative magnitude of the specific indirect effects; c) to investigate whether gender moderates the mediating influences of body areas satisfaction, appearance evaluation and perceived athletic competence. Methods This is a cross-sectional study consisting of 2055 adolescents (995 boys and 1060 girls) from ages 13 to 18 (mean age 15.3 years) from 38 different Norwegian schools, stratified according to school-level and geographical area. In addition to normal theory linear regression procedures, a bias-corrected and accelerated bootstrapping technique was used to measure both indirect and conditional indirect effects. Results Results revealed that body areas satisfaction, appearance evaluation and athletic competence operated as three unique mediators, thus supporting a hypothesized model of the positive effect of physical activity on global self-worth through physical self-esteem indices. Inspection of moderation effect by gender revealed that the effect of physical activity level on global self-worth through physical appearance was stronger in female adolescents than in males. Conclusions According to the investigated model, increased levels of physical activity may be beneficial for global self-worth in male and female adolescents by enhancing their perceptions of physical self-esteem. Additionally, the influence of physical appearance on global self-worth is stronger for females than for males.

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• Gjerset, Asbjørn; Nilsson, Johnny Erik; Helge, Jørn Wulff; Enoksen, Eystein; Raastad, Truls & Meen, Helge Dyre [Show all 17 contributors for this article] (2015). Idrettens Treningslære. Gyldendal Undervisning. ISBN 9788205391949. 638 p. Full text in Research Archive

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• Vabø, Kristoffer Buene; Aadland, Eivind; Haugland, Elisabeth Straume; Johannessen, Kjersti; Tjomsland, Hege Eikeland & Glosvik, Øyvind [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2025). Kompetanseutvikling for mer fysisk aktivitet i barnehagen: ACTNOW-studien. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2025.2460886. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Bakgrunn: Fysisk aktivitet er viktig for å fremme barns helse og utvikling, men det er økende bekymring knyttet til lavt fysisk aktivitetsnivå hos barnehagebarn. Samtidig er gevinsten av fysisk aktivitet på kognisjon og akademiske ferdigheter uklar i denne aldersgruppen. Tidligere tiltak med fysisk aktivitet i barnehagen har hatt liten eller ingen effekt når personalet i barnehagen er ansvarlige for gjennomføringen. Dette kan skyldes manglende kompetanse, opplæring og støtte. Mål: The Active Learning Norwegian Preschool(er)s (ACTNOW) studien ønsket å undersøke effekten av et kompetanseutviklingstiltak for å integrere mer fysisk aktivitet med høyere kvalitet i barnehagehverdagen på blant annet barns fysiske aktivitet, kognisjon og akademiske ferdigheter. En slik potensielt bærekraftig modell for kompetanseutvikling kan fremme fysisk aktivitet i samfunnet, bedre barns helse og utvikling, samt bidra til å redusere sosial ulikhet i helse gjennom tidlig innsats. Metode: Studien var randomisert kontrollert og inkluderte 816 barn (3 og 4 år) fra 46 barnehager (klyngerandomisert til intervensjon eller kontrollbarnehage). Tiltaket ble gjennomført på to nivå; 1) Barnehagenivået: der barnehageansatte (n=77) fra tiltaksbarnehagene (n=23) deltok i kompetanseutviklingstiltaket over 7 måneder og gjennomførte et utviklingsarbeid om fysisk aktivitet i egen barnehage over totalt 18 måneder, og 2) Barnenivået: der barna fikk muligheter til å delta i ulike typer fysisk aktivitet med fokus på intensitet, motoriske utfordringer, kognitivt engasjerende leker og fysisk aktiv læring. Fysisk aktivitet, selvregulering, eksekutiv funksjon, vokabular og matematiske ferdigheter ble målt etter 7 og 18 måneder. Resultater: Vi fant små kortsiktige positive effekter på fysisk aktivitet i barnehagetiden, men ingen effekter på selvregulering, eksekutiv funksjon eller akademiske ferdigheter. Vi fant større effekter på fysisk aktivitet og små effekter på akademiske ferdigheter hos barn i barnehager som rapporterte om større grad av vellykket integrering av intervensjonen enn øvrige barnehager. Implikasjoner for forebygging og helsefremmende arbeid: Kompetanseutvikling for fysisk aktivitet i barnehagen kan fremme barns fysiske aktivitet, helse og utvikling, men begrenset tid og kapasitet kan gjøre det krevende for de ansatte å endre praksis.

• Vabø, Kristoffer Buene; Aadland, Katrine Nyvoll; Aadland, Eivind; Haugland, Elisabeth Straume; Johannessen, Kjersti & Tjomsland, Hege Eikeland [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2023). Effekten av et kompetanseutviklingstiltak for tilrettelegging av fysisk aktivitet på kognisjon og læring hos 3 og 4 åringer: Active Learning Norwegian Preschool(er)s (ACTNOW). Full text in Research Archive
• Ommundsen, Yngvar (2022). Slik kan idrettstrenere og kroppsøvingslærere lykkes. lokalavisen fedrelandsvennen. Full text in Research Archive
• Mathisen, Therese Fostervold; Andersen, Yngvar; Ommundsen, Yngvar & Gaarder, Jorun (2020). Metoden som gir varig treningsmotivasjon. [Journal]. Dagbladet. Full text in Research Archive
• Aadland, Katrine Nyvoll; Aadland, Eivind; Tjomsland, Hege Eikeland; Johannessen, Kjersti; Nilsen, Ada Kristine Ofrim & Resaland, Geir Kåre [Show all 18 contributors for this article] (2020). Visste du at barnehagelærarar i Sogn og Fjordane utviklar modellar for fysisk aktivitet i barnehagen? Full text in Research Archive
• Ommundsen, Yngvar & Haugen, Tommy (2018). Hva påvirker barn, ungdom og voksnes fysiske aktivitet? In Torstveit, Monica Klungland; Lohne-Seiler, Hilde; Berntsen, Sveinung & Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred (Ed.), Fysisk aktivitet og helse: Fra begrepsforståelse til implementering av kunnskap. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202568313. p. 321–349. Full text in Research Archive
• Aadland, Katrine Nyvoll; Aadland, Eivind; Andersen, John Roger; Lervåg, Arne; Moe, Vegard Fusche & Resaland, Geir Kåre [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2018). Did executive function, behavioral self-regulation, and school related well-being mediate the effect of school-based physical activity on academic performance in numeracy in ten-year-old children? The Active Smarter Kids (ASK) study. Full text in Research Archive
• Richardsen, Kåre Rønn; Berntsen, Sveinung; Ommundsen, Yngvar; Martinsen, Egil Wilhelm; Shakeel, Nilam & Jenum, Anne Karen (2016). Associations between psychosocial factors and physical activity during pregnancy across different ethnic groups. Full text in Research Archive
• Ommundsen, Yngvar (2016). Er ungdomstreneren på galt eller riktig spor? In Wallinus-Rinne, Antero (Eds.), Ungdomstreneren. Akilles forlag. ISSN 9788272862571. p. 47–83. Full text in Research Archive
• Westergren, Thomas; Berntsen, Sveinung; Ommundsen, Yngvar; Ludvigsen, Mette Spliid; Aagaard, Hanne & Hall, Elisabeth O.C. [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2016). Advancing nursing science through multidisciplinary collaboration: experiences from the field of physical activity in children with asthma. Full text in Research Archive
• Aadland, Katrine Nyvoll; Moe, Vegard Fusche; Aadland, Eivind; Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred; Resaland, Geir Kåre & Ommundsen, Yngvar (2016). Associations for physical activity, aerobic fitness and motor skills to cognition in children: The ASK-study. Full text in Research Archive
• Aadland, Katrine Nyvoll; Moe, Vegard Fusche; Aadland, Eivind; Resaland, Geir Kåre; Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred & Ommundsen, Yngvar (2015). Baseline Associations of physical Activity, cardiorespiratory Fitness and motor skill to executive function: the Active Smarter Kids Study. Full text in Research Archive
• Aadland, Katrine Nyvoll; Moe, Vegard Fusche; Aadland, Eivind; Resaland, Geir Kåre; Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred & Ommundsen, Yngvar (2015). Associations of physical Activity, cardiorespiratory Fitness and motor skill to executive function: The Active Smarter Kids study. Full text in Research Archive
• Riiser, Kirsti; Ommundsen, Yngvar; Småstuen, Milada Cvancarova; Løndal, Knut; Misvær, Nina & Helseth, Sølvi (2014). Fitness and health-related quality of life. Full text in Research Archive
• Grydeland, May; Bjelland, Mona; Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred; Klepp, Knut Inge; Bergh, Ingunn Holden & Andersen, Lene Frost [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2013). Intervention effect on BMI in adolescent girls: The HEalth in Adolescents (HEIA) Study – A school-­based two-­year cluster randomized trial. Full text in Research Archive
• Riiser, Kirsti; Løndal, Knut; Ommundsen, Yngvar; Sundar, Turid K B & Helseth, Sølvi (2012). Development and usability testing of an Internet intervention to increase physical activity in overweight adolescents. Full text in Research Archive
• Ommundsen, Yngvar (2011). Veien mot gode fotballprestasjoner : er tidlig spesialisering løsningen? Fotballtreneren. ISSN 0802-0906. 25(1), p. 32–34. Full text in Research Archive
• Riiser, Kirsti; Helseth, Sølvi; Løndal, Knut & Ommundsen, Yngvar (2015). Young & Active: development and evaluation of an internet intervention to increase fitness and health-related quality of life in adolescents with overweight and obesity. Norges idrettshøgskole. ISSN 9788250205123. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Paper IV: Riiser K, Løndal K, Ommundsen Y, Småstuen MC, Misvær N, Helseth S (2014) The outcomes of a 12-week Internet intervention aimed at improving fitness and health-related quality of life in overweight adolescents: The Young & Active controlled trial. PLoS ONE (Accepted).

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