More TV = Less Power in Children

A recent study published in the Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity suggests that more television watching in early childhood leads to less explosive leg strength (power) in middle childhood.  Over 1300 2nd grade children who took part in the study in Quebec performed a standing long jump or "broad jump" test to measure their power.  The results were compared to how much television they watched when they were several years younger  This is the same test used in the grades 3-6 Rocket Fitness Program.

The results of this study make sense. If you're spending too much time on the couch, your explosive leg muscles (gluteals, hip flexors/extensors, hamstrings, quadriceps) aren't doing much work, and therefore won't be as powerful as someone who is more active.  If you want to jump higher and run faster, shut the television off and get active! 



Reference:
Fitzpatrick et al. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 2012, 9:87
http://www.ijbnpa.org/content/9/1/87