Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald Kjær

• Fasting, Merete Lund; Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald & Bjørke, Ann Christin Helgesen (2025). ‘It’s kind of giving them that space […] it’s about freedom’—facilitating and supporting children’s play in nature. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning. ISSN 1472-9679. doi: 10.1080/14729679.2025.2601845. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Children’s play in nature is highly valued, has an impact on children’s joy and well-being and is essential for healthy child development. However, some previous studies have found that early childhood education and care (ECEC) educators do not feel competent in influencing, facilitating and supporting children’s play in nature. This study aimed to assess the characteristics of ECEC educators’ role in children’s play in nature through focus group discussions among 22 Norwegian ECEC educators. The collective thematic analysis (CTA) identified the following three clusters of themes that emerged through those discussions: ‘places in nature’, ‘facilitate’ and ‘presence and commitment’. From the perspectives of ‘participation’, ‘safety and trust’ and ‘dynamic leadership’, the findings indicated that the educator’s pedagogical, bodily and communicative knowledge together with flexibility and pedagogical tact are essential characteristics that support their meaningful interactions with children in their play in nature.

• Solstad, Bård Erlend; Sersland, Andreas; Torstveit, Monica Klungland; Knight, Camilla J.; Ivarsson, Andreas & Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2025). The Association Between Psychosocial Factors and Reported Injuries Among Youth Grassroot Soccer Players. European Journal of Sport Science (EJSS). ISSN 1746-1391. 25(6). doi: 10.1002/ejsc.12314. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Regular participation in grassroot sports may benefit adolescents by developing movement skills, fostering peer relationships, and cultivating positive attitudes and behaviors. However, increased volume and intensity of sport participation raise the risk of injuries, which may lead adolescents to quit sport. Hence, sport injuries are a public health concern, yet knowledge about injury prevalence in grassroot settings remains limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate: (a) the prevalence of injury in youth grassroot football players and (b) the relationships between prevalence of injury and potential risk factors; namely, sex, age group, social support, coach and peer autonomy support, and training load. Adolescents (n = 568; M age = 15.7 years; and SD = 1.4) playing for U14–U19 teams in Agder County in Norway provided information pertaining to their participation in grassroot football. Although no differences in the prevalence of injuries or substantial injuries were found between sex and age groups, the results indicated differences in injury anatomical areas based on sex and age. Moreover, the results revealed that a higher injury prevalence was associated with a combination of lower levels of peer autonomy support, higher weekly accumulated total football activity, and being female. For substantial injuries, the combination of higher amounts of match time or being a player who perceived lower levels of coach autonomy support in the group accumulating least match time was associated with a higher injury prevalence. Our results showed a surprisingly high prevalence of injury in youth grassroot football, highlighting the need for future intervention studies.

• Olsen, Anne Karin Vikstøl; Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald & Spieler, Kristin Severinsen (2024). Predictors of Professional Identity among Early Childhood Teacher Students. Education Sciences. 14(6). doi: 10.3390/educsci14060589. Full text in Research Archive
• Tomkinson, Grant R.; Lang, Justin J.; Rubín, Lukáš; McGrath, Ryan; Gower, Bethany & Boyle, Terry [Show all 50 contributors for this article] (2024). International norms for adult handgrip strength: A systematic review of data on 2.4 million adults aged 20 to 100+ years from 69 countries and regions. Journal of Sport and Health Science. ISSN 2095-2546. 14, p. 1–17. doi: 10.1016/j.jshs.2024.101014. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Muscular strength is a powerful marker of current health status and robust predictor of age-related disease and disability. Handgrip strength (HGS) using isometric dynamometry is a convenient, feasible, and widely used method of assessing muscular strength among people of all ages. While adult HGS norms have been published for many countries, no study has yet synthesized available data to produce international norms. The objective of this study was to generate international sex- and age-specific norms for absolute and body size-normalized HGS across the adult lifespan. Methods Systematic searches were conducted in 6 databases/web search engines (MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Google Scholar) up to December 1, 2023. We included full-text peer-reviewed observational studies that reported normative HGS data for adults aged ≥20 years by sex and age. Pseudo data were generated using Monte Carlo simulation following harmonization for methodological variation. Population-weighted Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale, and Shape were used to develop sex- and age-specific norms for absolute HGS (kg) and HGS normalized by height (Ht, m) squared (i.e., HGS/Ht2 in kg/m2). Norms were tabulated as percentile values (5th to 95th) and visualized as smoothed percentile curves. Results We included data from 100 unique observational studies representing 2,405,863 adults (51.9% female) aged 20 to 100+ years from 69 countries and regions tested from the year 2000 onward. On average, absolute and normalized HGS values negligibly improved throughout early adulthood, peaked from age 30–39 years (at 49.7 kg (males) and 29.7 kg (females) for absolute HGS or 16.3 kg/m2 (males) and 11.3 kg/m2 (females) for HGS/Ht2), and declined afterwards. The age-related decline in HGS accelerated from middle to late adulthood and was slightly larger for males than for females during middle adulthood. Conclusion This study provides the world's largest and most geographically comprehensive international norms for adult HGS by sex and age. These norms have utility for global peer-comparisons, health screening, and surveillance.

• Johansen, Bjørn Tore; Kaarstein, Erik & Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald (2024). Begrepsavklaringer i LK20. In Røynesdal, Øystein & Thorjussen, Ingfrid M. (Ed.), Kroppsøving i praksis: læreplanbegreper, klasseledelse og undervisningsmetode. Universitetsforlaget. ISSN 9788215063744. p. 43–58. Full text in Research Archive
• Johansen, Bjørn Tore; Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald; Hordvik, Mats Melvold & Solstad, Bård Erlend (2023). “Fake it or hide it till you make it”: A thematic analysis of hiding techniques in physical education among students in secondary school. European Physical Education Review. ISSN 1356-336X. doi: 10.1177/1356336X231198824. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Some students find engaging in physical education (PE) problematic or undesirable to the extent that it makes them adopt strategies to avoid taking part, also known as hiding techniques. There is a need to get a deeper understanding of hiding techniques as a behavioral strategy in PE, especially the underlying causes as to why students choose to engage in them. Hence, the purpose of the current study was two-fold: (a) to investigate the situations and activities in which students engage in hiding techniques in PE and (b) to elucidate students’ motives for engaging in these hiding techniques. 10 Norwegian ninth-grade students (six girls and four boys, all aged 14 years) participated in in-depth interviews using vignettes. Reflexive thematic analysis of the data revealed that hiding techniques can be characterized into active and passive hiding techniques. Active hiding techniques were divided into: “avoiding the ball,” “reducing effort,” and “social dizziness.” Passive hiding techniques were divided into: “forgetting gym clothing,” “faking soreness,” and “warming the bench.” Furthermore, the use of different hiding techniques was found to be situationally related and activity specific. The findings also revealed the following motives for using hiding techniques: low perceived competence, fear of failure, too high expectations, and exposure of perceived low athletic skills. The findings of the current study allow us to reflect on possible ways to organize PE to prevent the use of hiding techniques.

• Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald; Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred & Torstveit, Monica Klungland (2018). A tailored telephone and email based exercise intervention induced reductions in various measures of body composition in physically inactive adults: A randomized controlled trial. Preventive Medicine Reports. 11, p. 160–168. doi: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2018.06.011. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Obesity prevalence has increased the past decades and has become a serious public health problem. The aim of this six-month assessor-blinded, parallel-group randomized controlled trial was to assess the effect of a tailored telephone and email-based exercise intervention on various measures of body composition in a sample of apparently healthy and physically inactive adults. A total of 111 volunteering adults (40–55 yr) in Southern Norway were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG; n = 39) or a no-information control group (CG; n = 50), by random allocation numbering. The IG received feedback on their health-related physical fitness, information on guidelines and recommendations for physical activity, a leaflet on national dietary recommendations, prompts and reminders in addition to three tailored exercise programs, one every two months, and fortnightly motivational counselling by email or telephone, alternately. The CG received no follow-up during the intervention period. The main outcome measures: weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and fat percentage by skinfolds (FPskf) were assessed objectively at baseline and posttest. A one-way ANCOVA analysis, adjusted for baseline scores, gender, age, and educational level, revealed a larger reduction on all body compositional measures in the IG compared to the CG (p ≤ 0.043), except for BMI when adjusted for baseline scores. Additionally, a significantly higher percentage of the IG (64.1%) achieved a clinically significant reduction in FPskf compared to the CG (36.2%, p = 0.018). This six-month tailored telephone and email-based exercise intervention induced significant reductions on several measures of body composition in physically inactive adults.

• Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald; Torstveit, Monica Klungland; Kolle, Elin; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred (2016). Normative values for musculoskeletal- and neuromotor fitness in apparently healthy Norwegian adults and the association with obesity: a cross-sectional study. BMC sports science, medicine and rehabilitation. 8. doi: 10.1186/s13102-016-0059-4. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Up-to-date research on musculoskeletal- and neuromotor fitness (MSMF) is lacking. The aims of the present paper were to a) establish normative values of MSMF by gender and age, and b) to assess how much of the variance in MSMF can be explained by obesity in adults. Methods: A random selection of 726 Norwegians (20–65 years) participated in a national cross-sectional study. Muscular endurance, muscular strength, explosive power, flexibility and balance were assessed in addition to waist circumference (WC). Results: Females displayed significantly higher scores compared to males on muscular endurance of the back extensors and on the flexibility tests (p < 0.001). Males displayed significantly higher scores than females (p < 0.001) on handgrip strength, modified push-ups, and explosive power. An inverse association was found between age and all MSMF scores for females (Beta:−0.06–(−0.92), p ≤ 0.044) and males (Beta:−0.15–(0.91), p ≤ 0.006), where younger participants displayed higher test scores on all MSMF tests, compared to older participants. Furthermore, participants showing higher scores on WC displayed lower scores on the following MSMF tests for both females and males: muscular endurance of the back extensors, balance, flexibility of the shoulder, and explosive power (p < 0.001). Additionally, male participants with higher WC scores showed lower scores on muscular endurance of the upper body and flexibility of the hamstrings compared to males with lower WC scores (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The data provide normative values of MSMF for adults based on age and gender, and support an inverse relationship of MSMF to age and WC.

• Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald; Kolle, Elin; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred & Torstveit, Monica Klungland (2015). Obesity prevalence in Norwegian adults assessed by body mass index, waist circumference and fat mass percentage. Clinical Obesity. ISSN 1758-8103. 5(4), p. 211–218. doi: 10.1111/cob.12100. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The prevalence of obesity presents serious public health challenges worldwide and is most commonly estimated by the categorization of body mass index (BMI). The purpose of this study was (i) to describe the sensitivity of BMI, waist circumference (WC) and fat mass percentage in the classification of overweight and obesity and (ii) to describe the prevalence of overweight and obesity using different measurement methods in a national sample of Norwegians. A total of 904 Norwegians (20–85 years) were randomly enrolled. Body weight, height, WC and skinfold thickness were measured; BMI and fat mass percentage (FPskf) were calculated. The sensitivity and specificity varied from 77.0% to 86.9% and from 60.6% to 82.3%, respectively. Area under the curve was 0.837 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.801–0.872) for the ability of BMI to predict obesity by FPskf and 0.811 (95% CI: 0.770–0.852) for WC. A total of 12.7% (male: 12.1%, female: 13.4%) were obese based on BMI classifications, 29.1% (male: 36.5%, female: 20.0%) of the sample were obese based on FPskf and 24.3% of men and 37.8% of women were abdominally obese by WC. The agreement between selected measuring methods was fair to good, although the variation in obesity prevalence rates between the different assessments methods varied markedly.

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• Mestad, Kristin; Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald & Solstad, Bård Erlend (2025). Trening er ikke luksus – det er likestilling - fvn.no. doi: https:/www.fvn.no/sport/i/yEa5EJ/trening-er-ikke-luksus-det-er-likestilling. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Likestilling handler ikke bare om lønn og lederstillinger. Det handler også om søvn, helse og tid til å puste. Når kvinner får rom til trening og restitusjon, vinner ikke bare hun, men hele samfunnet.

• Solstad, Bård Erlend; Torstveit, Monica Klungland; Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald & Johansen, Bjørn Tore (2025). Mange skader blant unge fotballspillere i Agder. doi: https:/www.fvn.no/sport/i/PpK0l7/mange-skader-blant-unge-fotballspillere-i-agder. Full text in Research Archive
• Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald & Laxdal, Aron Gauti (2024). Idrett på barnas premisser. Full text in Research Archive
• Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald (2024). Robuste barn vokser på (og i) trær. Full text in Research Archive
• Johansen, Bjørn Tore & Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald (2024). Hvordan kan lærere hjelpe elevers psykiske helse? Fædrelandsvennen. ISSN 0805-3790. Full text in Research Archive
• Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald (2024). Robuste barn vokser på (og i) trær. Full text in Research Archive
• Torstveit, Monica Klungland; Ausland, Ådne; Augustsson, Sofia Ryman; Ivarsson, Andreas; Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald & Laxdal, Aron Gauti [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2024). Perceived Importance and Self-Evaluations of Female-Specific Knowledge: Current Insights into Coaching of Female Athletes. Full text in Research Archive
• Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald (2023). Klarer vi å knekke aktivitetskoden? Fædrelandsvennen. ISSN 0805-3790. Full text in Research Archive
• Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald & Laxdal, Aron Gauti (2023). Hvor ble det av leken? Sunnmørsposten. ISSN 1503-9056. Full text in Research Archive
• Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald & Laxdal, Aron Gauti (2023). Hvor ble det av leken? lokalavisen fedrelandsvennen. Full text in Research Archive
• Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald & Laxdal, Aron Gauti (2023). Hvor ble det av leken? Stavanger Aftenblad. ISSN 0804-8991. Full text in Research Archive
• Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald & Laxdal, Aron Gauti (2023). Hvor ble det av leken? iTromsø. Full text in Research Archive
• Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald & Laxdal, Aron Gauti (2023). Hvor ble det av leken? Romsdals Budstikke.. ISSN 0806-5160. Full text in Research Archive
• Stavnsbo, Mette & Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald (2023). Klarer vi å knekke aktivitetskoden? [Journal]. Fædrelandsvennen. Full text in Research Archive
• Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald; Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred & Torstveit, Monica Klungland (2022). A SIX- MONTH TAILORED TELEPHONE AND EMAIL-BASED EXERCISE INTERVENTION INCREASED PHYSICAL FITNESS IN PHYSICALLY INACTIVE ADULT:A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL. Full text in Research Archive
• Lindhardt, Eva Mila; Engtrø, Randi; Lyngvi, Marianne S & Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald (2022). Diversity and sustainability. Full text in Research Archive
• Fasting, Merete Lund; Bjørke, Ann Christin Helgesen & Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald (2022). «Hvorfor er leken så viktig for barnas livsmestring?». Full text in Research Archive
• Engtrø, Randi; Lyngvi, Marianne S; Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald & Lindhardt, Eva Mila (2022). Bærekraft og mangfold i barnehagelærerutdanning. Full text in Research Archive
• Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald & Solstad, Bård Erlend (2022). Voksne hemmer barns utviklingsmuligheter. lokalavisen fedrelandsvennen. Full text in Research Archive
• Johansen, Bjørn Tore & Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald (2022). «Fake it till you make it» – bruk av skjuleteknikker i kroppsøvingsfaget. lokalavisen fedrelandsvennen. Full text in Research Archive
• Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald; Fasting, Merete Lund & Bjørke, Ann Christin Helgesen (2022). Derfor er leken så viktig for barnas livsmestring. lokalavisen fedrelandsvennen. Full text in Research Archive
• Spieler, Kristin Severinsen; Olsen, Anne Karin Vikstøl & Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald (2022). Professional Identity in Early Childhood Studies - the predictive value of influencing factors. Full text in Research Archive
• Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald; Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Torstveit, Monica Klungland (2020). A six- month tailored telephone- and email-based exercise intervention increased physical activity levels among inactive adults: A randomized controlled trial. Full text in Research Archive
• Olsen, Anne Karin Vikstøl; Spieler, Kristin; Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald; Høigaard, Rune & Haugen, Tommy (2020). The Role of Learning Climate, Teacher Help and Support, and Academic Self-efficacy in the Prediction of Professional Identity. Full text in Research Archive
• Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald (2019). Kom i form over telefon. [Internet]. https://www.nih.no/om-nih/aktuelt/nyheter/2019/januar/kom-i-. Full text in Research Archive
• Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald (2019). Helserelatert fysisk from - et utdrag av resultater fra Kjærs doktorgradsarbeid. Full text in Research Archive
• Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald (2017). Hvordan måle fettprosent? Kan et aktivitetsarmbånd måle fettprosenten din? [Internet]. http://www.dinside.no/fritid/kan-et-aktivitetsarmband-male-f. Full text in Research Archive
• Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald & Revdal, Anders (2015). Oppdaget fedme hos mange uten høy BMI. [Internet]. http://unikard.org. Full text in Research Archive
• Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald (2015). Kondis har ikke alltid sammenheng med vekt. [Internet]. http://www.kk.no/livsstil/kondis-har-ikke-alltid-sammenheng-. Full text in Research Archive
• Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald (2011). Musculoskeletal and motor fitness in Norwegian adults and elderly. Status and the development of reference values (KAN 1). Full text in Research Archive
• Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald; Seiler, Hilde Lohne; Kolle, Elin; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Pedersen, Freddy & Steene-Johannessen, Jostein [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2011). Musculoskeletal and motor fitness in Norwegian adults and elderly; Status and the development of reference values. KAN 1. Full text in Research Archive
• Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald (2011). Fysisk form og aldring - betydningen av fysisk aktivitet blant voksne og eldre. Full text in Research Archive
• Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald (2011). Tar grep om sofagrisene. [TV]. https://www.nrk.no/sorlandet/tar-grep-om-sofagrisene-1.75435. Full text in Research Archive
• Stangeland, Ingirid; Stangeland, Ingirid; Torstveit, Monica Klungland; Torstveit, Monica Klungland; Lohne-Seiler, Hilde & Lohne-Seiler, Hilde [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2010). Overvekt og fedme blant voksne og eldre nordmenn (KAN1). Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  INNLEDNING Overvekt og fedme representerer en alvorlig folkehelseutfordring for Verdens Helseorganisasjons (WHO) Europeiske region. WHO har klart gitt uttrykk for et økende behov for kartlegging for å illustrere dimensjonen av denne fedmeepidemien. Formålet med denne studien var å kartlegge forekomsten av overvekt og fedme uttrykt som kroppsmasseindeks (KMI), midjeomkrets og hudfoldsmålinger. METODER Totalt 904 (441 kvinner og 463 menn) nordmenn (20 ? 85 år, gjennomsnitt; 51,3 år, SD; ±14,8 år) ble tilfeldig utvalgt for å delta i det nasjonale KAN1prosjektets fase II. Kroppsvekt, høyde, midjeomkrets, hudfoldsmål og KMI ble målt. RESULTATER Gjennomsnittlig KMI var 25,8 ±3,9 kg/m2. Totalt 39,9 % (29,9 % kvinner og 49,5 % menn) ble karakterisert som overvektige i tillegg til 12,7 % som ble klassifisert som fete (13,4 % kvinner og 12,1 % menn). Mennene hadde en høyere gjennomsnittlig midjeomkrets (94,7 ± 10,3 cm) sammenliknet med kvinnene (85,2 ± 11,9 cm) (p=0,001). Totalt 66,3 % av kvinnene og 51,3 % av mennene hadde en økt risiko for vektrelaterte metabolske komplikasjoner (WRMC) basert på WHO sine grenseverdier for midjeomkrets. Av disse hadde 37,6 % av kvinnene og 24,3 % av mennene en kraftig økt risiko for WRMC. DISKUSJON Resultatene indikerer at den norske befolkningen har en høyere andel overvektige og fete enn tidligere antatt og at mer enn halvparten av den norske befolkningen har en økt risiko for WRMC. Flere menn enn kvinner er karakterisert som overvektige, mens flere kvinner har en økt og kraftig økt risiko for WRMC sammenliknet med menn.

• Stangeland, Ingirid; Stangeland, Ingirid; Lohne-Seiler, Hilde; Lohne-Seiler, Hilde; Hansen, Bjørge Herman & Hansen, Bjørge Herman [Show all 14 contributors for this article] (2010). OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY IN NORWEGIAN ADULTS AND ELDERLY. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Introduction Overweight and obesity are one of the most serious public health challenges for the World Health Organization?s (WHO) European region today. The WHO clearly state that health assessment is needed in order to illustrate the dimensions of the obesity epidemic. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in a representative sample of adult and elderly Norwegians. Methods A total of 901 (441 female and 460 male) adult and elderly Norwegians (20 ? 85yr, mean; 51,3 yr, SD; ±14,8yr) were randomly enrolled as part of the Norwegian KAN project phase II; health related physical fitness assessment. Body weight, height, waist circumference (WC) and skinfold measurements from 3 sites were measured, and body mass index (BMI) values were calculated. Results Mean BMI was 25,8 kg/m2 (SD; ±3,9 kg/m2), where females displayed significantly lower BMI (25,3 kg/m2) values than males (26,3 kg/m2). A total of 40,1% (29,9% females and 49,8% males) were classified as overweight and 12,7% as obese (13,4% females, 12,0% males). A significant increase was found in mean BMI values with increasing 10 year age range groups (p=0,037 females, p=0,001 males). Mean WC was 90,1 cm (SD; ±12,1 cm,), where males had a significantly higher mean value (94,7 cm) compared to females (85,2 cm) (p=0,001). In both males and females a significant increase in WC was detected with increased age (p=0.001 and p= 0.003, respectively). A total of 66,1% of the females and 51,4% of the males were categorized as having an increased risk of weight related metabolic complications (WRMC) according to the WHO cut-off values for WC values, where 37,5% of the females and 24,3% of the males were at highly increased risk of WRMC. Females displayed a mean sum of skinfolds of 81,8 mm (SD; ±24,4 mm), and the males a mean of 70,5 mm (SD; ±25,5 mm). No significant change in skinfold measures was detected across age groups. Discussion As many as 61,8% and 43,3% of Norwegian males and females, respectively, are either overweight or obese. Both the average male and female WC are above the WHO cut-off values for increased risk of weight related metabolic complications (WRMC); ?94 cm for men and ?80 cm for women. As expected, the BMI and WC increase with increased age in both genders. Gender differences are also found, as males display higher values for both BMI and WC. Governmental measures should be initiated in order to address the situation.

• Stangeland, Ingirid; Stangeland, Ingirid; Torstveit, Monica Klungland; Torstveit, Monica Klungland; Lohne-Seiler, Hilde & Lohne-Seiler, Hilde [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2010). HEALTH RELATED PHYSICAL FITNESS ? BODY COMPOSITION, PHYSICAL FITNESS AND EFFECTS OF A TAILORED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INTERVENTION ON PHYSICAL FITNESS AND BODY COMPOSITION RATIONALE AND BACKGROUND FOR A PLANNED DOCTORAL THESIS. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Overweight and obesity have become some of the most serious public health challenges for the WHO European region today. The WHO clearly state that this public health challenge has been underestimated, poorly assessed and not fully accepted as a strategic governmental problem with substantial economic implications. Aim: Based on the background, the general aim of this work is to investigate the status of body composition and physical fitness, and to investigate the effect of a tailored telephone and mail based physical activity intervention on lifestyle changes in a sample adult Norwegian population. Four papers are planned to be published, based on this doctoral work. Methods: Two different studies will be the base for this PhD work. The fist study is part of phase II of the National project; ?Kartlegging Aktivitet Norge? (KAN), and will be the base for papers 1 and 2. The second study is a planned randomized controlled trial (RCT), of the effects of a tailored physical activity intervention on physical fitness and body composition, which will be the base for papers 3 and 4.

• Stangeland, Ingirid (2010). Helserelatert Fysisk Form. Full text in Research Archive
• Stangeland, Ingirid (2010). Body composition and health related physical fitness among Norwegian adults and elderly Rationale and background for a planned doctoral thesis. Full text in Research Archive
• Stangeland, Ingirid; Stangeland, Ingirid; Torstveit, Monica Klungland; Torstveit, Monica Klungland; Seiler, Hilde Lohne & Hansen, Bjørge Herman [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2010). Overweight and obesety in Norwegian adults an elderly. ?. Full text in Research Archive
• Stangeland, Ingirid (2010). Over halve befolkningen veier for mye. Full text in Research Archive
• Stangeland, Ingirid; Seiler, Hilde Lohne & Seiler, Stephen (2009). Adolescents trying to lose weight: prevalence, physical activity, and weight loss strategies in 13 to 15 yr old Norwegians. ?. p. 388–388. Full text in Research Archive
• Stangeland, Ingirid; Seiler, Hilde Lohne & Seiler, Stephen (2009). Adolescents trying to lose weight. Prevalence, physical activity, and weight loss strategies in 13 to 15 yr old Norwegians. ?. p. 669–669. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose The purpose of this study was to quantify the prevalence of weight loss behaviour in Norwegian teenagers from age 13 to 15 and compare weight loss behaviour with anthropometrics, body image, and physical activity characteristics Methods Norwegian adolescents from 12 public schools (n= 1059), initially 13.4±0.4 years (8th grade) were tested during the fall of their 8th, 9th and 10th grade years. Height, weight and BMI were recorded. Physical activity (PA), body image and body change strategies were measured by questionnaire. Current and desired body shapes were quantified using a 9-silhouette scale. A normally distributed physical activity index was derived from 6 different questions related to sports activity, transport to school, school physical education participation, and frequency of intense PA. Results Physical activity index (0-25 pt scale) decreased modestly in both genders from 8th to 10th grade (F: 10.9±3.5 to 10.1±4.1; M: 13.1±4.2 to 12.2±4.6, p<0.05). Males were more physically active than females at all 3 time points (p<0.05). Cole standards based overweight prevalence was 11.4% and 13.2% in females and 13.4% and 13.5% in males at age 13 and 15 respectively. Females reported a significant discordance between present and desired body shape that increased from age 13 to 15 (13 yrs: 4.7±1.3 vs. 4.2±0.9; 15 yrs: 5.1±1.2 vs. 4.3±1.0, p<0.05), and more females than males were trying to lose weight (13 yrs: F: 24%, M: 10%; 15 yrs: F: 35%, M: 10%, p<0.05). Males reported no discordance between present and desired body shapes. By age 15, males more frequently reported trying to gain weight (13yrs: F: 7 %, M: 9%; 10th: F: 5%, M: 17%, p<0.05). 15 yr olds trying to lose weight had significantly higher mean BMI values but also greater variation in BMI (F: 24.0± 3.6, M: 25.2±4.5), and 15 yr olds trying to gain weight had significantly lower BMI values (F: 18.0±1.8, M: 18.4±1.7) compared to those not trying to change their weight (F: 20.7±2.4, M: 20.0±2.0) or stay the same weight (F: 21.3±2.2, M: 21.4±2.4) (p<0.05). However, PA index was not significantly different among the 4 weight strategy groups. Among the 35% of 15 yr old females in the sample who reported trying to lose weight, 84 % reported using exercise, and 72% reported trying to reduce caloric/fat intake. Conclusions Norwegian female adolescents report discordance between desired and present body shape and a prevalence of weight reduction behavior clearly exceeding the prevalence of objectively identified overweight. In contrast, male adolescents show no body shape discordance and low prevalence of weight reduction efforts despite similar objectively measured overweight incidence.

• Stangeland, Ingirid; Seiler, Hilde Lohne & Seiler, Stephen (2008). Growth, physical activity, body image, and body change strategies in 13 to 15 year olds. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. ISSN 0195-9131. p. 508–508. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose: To quantify changes in and relationships among BMI, physical activity level, body image and body change strategies from 8th to 10th grade. Methods: Norwegian adolescents from 12 public schools (n= 1059), initially 13.4±0.4 years (8th grade) were tested during the fall of their 8th, 9th and 10th grade years. Height, weight and BMI were recorded. Physical activity, body image and body change strategies were measured by questionnaire. Current and desired body shape, were quantified using a 9-silhouette scale. A normally distributed physical activity index was derived from 6 different questions. Results: Physical activity index (0-25 pt scale) decreased modestly in both genders from 8th to 10th grade (F: 10.9±3.5 ? 10.1±4.1; M: 13.1±4.2 ? 12.2±4.6, p<0.05). Males were more physically active than females (p<0.05). Cole standards based overweight prevalence was 11.4% and 13.2% in females and 13.4% and 13.5% in males at age 13 and 15. Females reported a significant discordance between present and desired body shape that increased from age 13 to 15 (8th: 4.7±1.3 vs. 4.2±0.9; 10th: 5.1±1.2 vs. 4.3±1.0, p<0.05), and more females than males were trying to lose weight (8th: F: 24%, M: 10%; 10th: F: 35%, M: 10%, p<0.05). Males reported no discordance between present and desired body shapes. Males more frequently attempted to gain weight (8th: F: 7.1%, M: 9.1%; 10th: F: 5.4%, M: 17.3, p<0.05). 15 yr olds trying to lose weight had significantly larger BMI values (F: 24.0± 3.6, M: 25.2±4.5), and those trying to gain weight had significantly lower BMI values (F: 18.0±1.8, M: 18.4±1.7) compared to those not trying to change their weight (F: 20.7±2.4, M: 20.0±2.0) or stay the same weight (F: 21.3±2.2, M: 21.4±2.4) (p<0.05). Conclusion: Norwegian female adolescents report discordance between desired and present body shape and a prevalence of weight reduction behavior exceeding the prevalence of objectively identified overweight. In contrast, male adolescents show no body shape discordance and low prevalence of weight reduction efforts despite similar objectively measured overweight incidence.

• Stangeland, Ingirid; Seiler, Hilde Lohne & Seiler, Stephen (2008). "Growth, Physical Activity, Body Image, and Body Change Strategies in 13 to 15 Year Olds". ?. p. 412–412. Full text in Research Archive
• Stangeland, Ingirid; Seiler, Hilde Lohne & Seiler, Stephen (2008). Growth, Physical Activity, Body Image, and Body Change Strategies in 13 to 15 Year Olds. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. ISSN 0195-9131. p. 412–412. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose: To quantify changes in and relationships among BMI, physical activity level, body image and body change strategies from 8th to 10th grade. Methods: Norwegian adolescents from 12 public schools (n= 1059), initially 13.4±0.4 years (8th grade) were tested during the Fall of their 8th, 9th and 10th grade years. Height, weight and BMI were recorded. Physical activity, body image and body change strategies were measured by questionnaire. Current and desired body shape were quantified using a 9-silhouette scale. A normally distributed physical activity index was derived from 6 different questions. Results: Physical activity index (0-25 pt scale) decreased modestly in both genders from 8th to 10th grade (F: 10.9±3.5 ¿ 10.1±4.1; M: 13.1±4.2 ¿ 12.2±4.6, p<0.05). Males were more physically active than females (p<0.05). Cole standards based overweight prevalence was 11.4% and 13.2% in females and 13.4% and 13.5% in males at age 13 and 15. Females reported a significant discordance between present and desired body shape that increased from age 13 to 15 (8th: 4.7±1.3 vs. 4.2±0.9; 10th: 5.1±1.2 vs. 4.3±1.0, p<0.05), and more females than males were trying to lose weight (8th: F: 24%, M: 10%; 10th: F: 35%, M: 10%, p<0.05). Males reported no discordance between present and desired body shapes. Males more frequently attempted to gain weight (8th: F: 7.1%, M: 9.1%; 10th: F: 5.4%, M: 17.3, p<0.05). 15 yr olds trying to lose weight had significantly larger BMI values (F: 24.0± 3.6, M: 25.2±4.5), and those trying to gain weight had significantly lower BMI values (F: 18.0±1.8, M: 18.4±1.7) compared to those not trying to change their weight (F: 20.7±2.4, M: 20.0±2.0) or stay the same weight (F: 21.3±2.2, M: 21.4±2.4) (p<0.05). Conclusion: Norwegian female adolescents report discordance between desired and present body shape and a prevalence of weight reduction behavior exceeding the prevalence of objectively identified overweight. In contrast, male adolescents show no body shape discordance and low prevalence of weight reduction efforts despite similar objectively measured overweight incidence.

• Møll, Øyvind; Stangeland, Ingirid; Pedersen, Jørg Inge S.; Breidablikk, Bodil F. & Seiler, Stephen (2008). Physical Fitness Changes in Adolescent Norwegians from Age 13 to 15. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. ISSN 0195-9131. p. 420–420. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose: To describe changes in multiple components of physical fitness in Norwegian adolescents over a 2 year period corresponding with the male pubertal growth spurt. Methods: 1059 adolescents (529 male, 530 females) from 12 public schools were invited to testing at age 13, 14, and 15 (8th-10th grade). Test participation was 75-80%. The participants performed the following tests each test period: Physical fitness: Standard or modified Push-ups to failure (upper body strength), standing broad jump (strength legs), Sit & Reach (flexibility), Flamingo balance test (static balance), side to side hop (coordination), Multi Stage Fitness Test (aerobic capacity). Anthropometrical measures; height, weight and BMI. Results: At 13 yrs, there was no significant gender difference in bodyweight (females 51.5 + 9.4 kg, males 51 + 10 kg) or height (females 162 + 7 cm, males 163 + 8 cm). At 15 yrs males were both significantly heavier (females 59 + 9 kg, males 65 + 11 kg, p<0.001) and taller (females 167 + 6 cm, males 176 + 7,9 cm, p< 0.001). Means±SD for fitness tests are presented below: F 13yrs F 15 yrs M 13 yrs M 15 yrs Broad jump (cm) 160±24 172±24 176±23 204±24 Push-ups 22±12* 31±15* 18±10 30±13 Side-side hop ( 2 x 15s) 76±12 90±14 75±12 92±15 Balance test (errors) 10±6 8±5 10±6 8±5 Sit and Reach (cm) 19±8 23±8 14±8 17±9 MSFT (ml/kg/min) 44±5 44±6 49±6 52±6 * Modified pushup from knees Conclusion: As expected, gender differences in fitness expand during puberty. Strength and power relative to bodyweight increases more in males than females. Aerobic capacity increases slightly in males while remaining stable or tending to decline in females. However, balance and gross motor coordination improve identically in males and females from age 13 to 15 yrs. Correlations among fitness components were modest (Pearson¿s r = 0.2-0.5), supporting the need for a multi-component index of fitness. Summation of test results as a combined Z score, with equal test weighting yields a normal distribution for fitness index in both males and females.

• Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald; Torstveit, Monica Klungland & Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred (2019). Health-related physical fitness: Status of body composition, musculoskeletal- and neuromotor fitness, and the e ect of a tailored, telephone and email based exercise intervention on body composition and physical fitness. Norges idrettshøgskole. ISSN 9788250205666. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: The increasing obesity prevalence rates in addition to the increasing physical inactivity rates present serious public health challenges worldwide. The effect of these trends on aspects of health-related physical fitness is unclear as these trends are most commonly assessed by selfreport or simpler objective measures. Up-to-date research on obesity prevalence rates and musculoskeletal- and neuromotor fitness by various well established and objectively measures is lacking. Additionally, the need interventions aiming at reducing both the prevalence of physical inactivity in addition to the prevalence of obesity has been highlighted. Tailored physical activity interventions delivered in alternative technological modes have proven effective in enhancing physical activity levels in adults, however the effect of such interventions on objetively measured aspects of health-related physical fitness among physically inactive adults is lacking. Purpose: The overall purpose of this thesis was to investigate the status of various aspects of healthrelated physical fitness and to assess the effect of a six-month tailored telephone- and email based exercise intervention on various aspects of health-related physical fitness. Methods: The results presented in this thesis are based on two separate studies; a national cross-sectional study of Norwegian adults (20-65 years) (PAPERS I and II) and elderly (65-85 years) (PAPER I) in addition to a randomized controlled trial of a six-month tailored exercise intervention in physically inactive adults (40-55 years) (Papers III and IV). Main results: The main results from PAPER I revealed that obesity prevalence rates ranging from 12.7% based on BMI measures to 30.9% based on waist circumference. The sensitivity and specificity of the different measuring methods for estimating overweight and obesity, varied from 77.0% to 86.9% and from 60.6% to 82.3%, respectively. The main results from PAPER II were the normative data on musculoskeletal- and neuromotor fitness, displaying clear gender (p<0.001) and age related (p≤0.044) differences. Females displayed significantly higher scores on muscular endurance of the back extensors and on the flexibility tests (p < 0.001), while males displayed significantly higher scores on muscular strength, muscular dynamic endurance and ability to stabilize the upper body, as well as explosive power (p < 0.001). Additionally, younger participants displayed higher test scores on all musculoskeletal- and neuromotor fitness tests, compared to older participants (Females; Beta:−0.06–(−0.92), p ≤ 0.044, Males; Beta:−0.15–(0.91), p ≤ 0.006). Furthermore, waist circumference was inversely related to many aspects of musculoskeletal- and neuromotor fitness (p < 0.001).The main findings from PAPER III and PAPER IV revealed significant improvements in test scores on maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max, ml/kg/min) (ES:0.12, p=0.002), muscular endurance of the back extensors (ES:0.21, p<0.001), flexibility of the hamstrings muscles (ES:0.12, p=0.006) and explosive power (ES:0.09, p=0.022)from baseline to posttest in the intervention group, compared to the control group, when adjusting for baseline test scores. Furthermore, the intervention induced a larger reduction on all body compositional measures in the intervention group compared to the control group (p≤0.043) when controlling for baseline test scores, except for BMI. Additionally, a significantly higher percentage of the participants in the intervention group (64.1%) accomplished a clinically significant reduction in fat percentage by skinfolds compared to participants in the control group (36.2%, p=0.018). Conclusion: The agreement between various objective measures of obesity was fair to good, however, the variation in obesity prevalence rates between the different assessments methods was striking. Additionally, the status of musculoskeletal- and neuromotor fitness reveal clear gender differences and an inverse relationship between musculoskeletal- and neuromotor fitness and age and waist circumference. The six-month tailored telephone- and email based exercise intervention aiming at increasing cardiorespiratory fitness and musculoskeletal- and neuromotor fitness, in addition to reducing various body compositional measures, revealed promising results. Thus, this type of intervention should be further investigated as to elaborate on whether or not any of the components of the intervention are more effective than others, whether or not further elements should be implemented to enhance the effect size of- and adherence to similar interventions, and to assess the long term follow-up of interventions promoting aspects of health-related physical fitness in physically inactive adults.

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