Changes in Physical Fitness, Physical Activity, and Sleep Among Adolescents During a Riflemen Summer Camp: A Pilot Study
Abstract
Background. Physical health of adolescents is increasingly challenged by sedentary lifestyles and insufficient physical activity in a technology-driven society. Structured, physically demanding summer camps may help improve youth physical fitness, activity levels, and sleep, but evidence on Lithuanian Riflemen summer camps is lacking.
Aim. To determine the effects of a Riflemen summer camp on adolescents’ physical fitness, physical activity, and sleep parameters.
Methods. Twelve adolescents (age 13.8 ± 1.2 years) attending their first Riflemen summer camp participated in the study. Physical activity (daily step count) and sleep duration were monitored with Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 6 bracelets for seven days before the camp, throughout the seven-day camp, and for seven days after the camp. Physical fitness (90–90 Test, Apley Scratch Test, Sit-To-Stand, Partial Curl-Up, and Single-Leg Stance Test – eyes closed) was assessed on the first and last day of the camp.
Results. After the camp, significant improvements were observed in abdominal and lower-limb muscle strength, static balance, and shoulder mobility (p < 0.05). Mean daily steps during the camp reached approximately 12,000, almost double the pre-camp level (~6,500; p < 0.05). Post-camp step counts significantly decreased (p < 0.05) and did not differ from baseline (p > 0.05). Sleep duration shortened during the camp (p < 0.05), whereas after the camp both total and deep sleep time were significantly longer than before the camp (p < 0.05).
Conclusions. A structured seven-day Riflemen summer camp may induce short-term changes in adolescents’ physical fitness, daily step counts, and subsequent sleep duration.
Keywords: Adolescents; summer camp; physical fitness; physical activity; sleep duration
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