Emma L J Eyre
Biographic Data
| ID | 4638531 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Emma L J Eyre |
| GIVEN NAMES | Emma L J |
| FAMILY NAME | Eyre |
| SIGNATURE | EYRE E L J |
| AFFILIATIONS | Coventry University |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-4040-5921 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 28 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 9 |
| WORKS AS AUTHOR | 28 |
| WORKS AS EDITOR | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2012 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 2 |
Exploring factors that impact playground design decisions and the effect on children’s physical activity and health
The design and structure of public playgrounds can influence opportunities for children to be physically active. Playground design can impact children’s movement. Decisions regarding playground design are made by playground design stakeholders, a population that is rarely examined in research. Seven design professionals involved in the creation of a large playground in Rugby, UK, were interviewed to understand this gap. Findings showed six key fa…
How education policy actors interpret, portray and contest risk in children’s physically active play in schools
Children’s physical activity is low and play outdoors has been declining, coinciding with a greater preoccupation with risk in many countries. This study examines how policy actors frame the issue of risk in children’s active physical play in schools. Using a theory-informed, multi-method, qualitative case-study design, 30 participants from a range of sectors involved in policy relevant to children’s physical activity and play in schools particip…
Exploring Australian teachers’ perceptions of physical literacy
Background Physical literacy (PL) has generated substantial international interest across sport, health and education sectors. Teachers play a crucial role in supporting children’s PL growth. Despite PL featuring in several physical education curricular texts, research into teacher understanding and perception of the concept is scarce. This study aimed to explore the understanding and perception of PL among Australian teachers of health and physi…
Forces at play
This study investigated (i) the social and political factors driving risk averse decision making for children's physically active play in schools, and (ii) the policies shaping these decisions in Victoria, Australia. A theory-informed multi-method case study design combined policy document mapping, semi-structured interviews, and photo elicitation with 30 education policy actors. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings show…
Sharpening Your Mind, Strengthening Your Body” Parental Perceptions on the Use of Strength and Conditioning in Children and Youth
Although strength and conditioning is beneficial and safe for children to engage in there remain myths and misconceptions form parents regarding its use which prevent its widespread take up. This study explored parents' attitudes and beliefs about strength and conditioning in their children. Thirty-one parents (21 dads, 10 mums) took part in one of four focus groups exploring the topic. Thematic analysis was used resulting in themes and sub theme…
The Acute Effects of Cognitively Demanding Physical Activity on Inhibitory and Affective Responses in Children
This online study investigated the acute effects of a cognitively demanding physical activity (CDPA) vs a simple physical activity (SPA) bout on children’s inhibitory and affective responses. Using a counterbalanced within-subjects’ crossover design, thirty-nine participants aged 9−12 years old (29 boys; Mage = 11 ± 1 years) performed a CDPA and a SPA bout online (via ZOOM) for 15 min. Inhibition (Stroop test) was measured at the baseline, 1 and …
Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity and FMS in Children Living in Deprived Areas in the UK
Using the socio-ecological model, this qualitative study aimed to explore teachers' perspectives on the barriers and facilitators to Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) and physical activity engagement in children living in deprived areas in the UK. A purposive sample of 14 primary school teachers participated in semi-structured focus groups drawn from schools situated in lower SES wards and ethnically diverse areas in Central England. Thematic ana…
The Effect of 12-Weeks Recreational Football (Soccer) for Health Intervention on Functional Movement in Older Adults
There is growing evidence that recreational football offers health benefits for older adults and an important pathway for physical activity for older adult groups. Despite anecdotal evidence that recreational football is beneficial for older adults, no empirical data are available to support this assertion. This study addressed this issue and examined the effects of a 12-week recreational football intervention on the functional fitness of older a…
Football- It’s in Your Blood”—Lived Experiences of Undertaking Recreational Football for Health in Older Adults
Physical inactivity is prevalent in older adults and contributes to age-related decline in function, health, well-being, and quality of life. Recreational football for older adults has shown promise for promoting health benefits. This study explores the lived experiences of older adults engaging in a walking and recreational football intervention and identifies factors that affect behaviours and can encourage change in this population. A purposiv…
The Influence of Easing Covid-19 Restrictions on the Physical Activity Intentions and Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity in UK Older Adults
COVID-19 has had profound effects on physical activity behaviours of older adults, and understanding this impact is essential to driving public health policies to promote healthy ageing. The present study aimed to determine; (1) intended physical activity behaviours of older adults following the easing of UK COVID-19 restrictions; (2) the relationship between self-reported physical activity and intended physical activity behaviour; (3) perceived …
Rationalizing teacher roles in developing and assessing physical literacy in children
The acute effects of continuous and intermittent cycling on executive function in children
This study assessed the effect of acute continuous and intermittent physical activity (PA) on children's executive function (EF). Twenty-four participants (14 boys M = 10.32 ± 0.48 years), using a within-subjects design, performed a continuous (70% HRmax) and an intermittent (≥85%HRmax; 12 bouts: 30 s work, 45 s rest) PA bout of cycling, both lasting 15 min. Executive function was assessed using the Stroop task, Digit Span and Corsi Blocks tests …
Cross-cultural comparison of fundamental movement skills in 9- to 10-year-old children from England and China
The present study aimed to examine cross-cultural differences in fundamental movement skills (FMS) proficiency levels in children aged 9–10 years old in England and China, using a process-oriented FMS measurement. Four FMS (run, jump, throw, catch) were measured using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2). The sample consisted of 272 (58.3% boys, 41.7% girls) Chinese children and 273 (48.7% boys, 51.3% girls) English children. ANCOVA ana…
The Effects of Combined Movement and Storytelling Intervention on Motor Skills in South Asian and White Children Aged 5–6 Years Living in the United Kingdom
Early motor development has an important role in promoting physical activity (PA) during childhood and across the lifespan. Children from South Asian backgrounds are less active and have poorer motor skills, thus identifying the need for early motor skill instruction. This study examines the effect of a movement and storytelling intervention on South Asian children's motor skills. Following ethics approval and consent, 39 children (46% South Asia…
Run, jump, throw and catch
This study examined proficiency levels in fundamental motor skills (FMS) in children within Key Stage 1 and 2 of the English school system. Four hundred and ninety-two children aged 6–9 Years old (245 boys, 247 girls) from school Years Two ( n = 130), Three ( n = 154) and Four ( n = 208) participated in this study. FMS for the run, jump, throw and catch were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development – 2. The proportion of children who ac…
Fundamental Motor Skills of Children in Deprived Areas of England
This study compared the mastery of fundamental motor skills (FMS) of males and females in early-childhood (four to five years, n = 170) and in middle-childhood (nine to ten years, n = 109) who attend schools in deprived and ethnically diverse areas of England. Process FMS (object control and locomotor skills) were observed using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2. Sprint speed over 10 meters and jump distance assessments were conducted using l…
South Asian Children Have Increased Body Fat in Comparison to White Children at the Same Body Mass Index
The ability of body mass index (BMI) to predict excess fat in South Asian children is unknown. This cross-sectional study examines the influence of ethnicity on body fatness in children. Weight status and body fat were determined using BMI, waist circumference (WC), two skinfold sites (SF; triceps and subscapula) and leg-to-leg bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA; Tanita BF350, Tanita, Tokyo, Japan) in 194 children aged 8.47 ± 0.50 years from C…
A combined movement and story-telling intervention enhances motor competence and language ability in pre-schoolers to a greater extent than movement or story-telling alone
This study examined the effect of a six week combined movement and story-telling intervention on motor competence and naming vocabulary in British pre-schoolers. Using a cluster randomised design, three pre-school classes were allocated to one of a combined movement and story-telling intervention ( n = 22), or a movement only ( n = 25) or story-telling only ( n = 27) intervention. Motor competence and language ability were assessed pre, post and …
Autonomous motivation mediates the relation between goals for physical activity and physical activity behavior in adolescents
Overall, 544 children (mean age ± standard deviation = 14.2 ± .94 years) completed self-report measures of physical activity goal content, behavioral regulations, and physical activity behavior. Body mass index was determined from height and mass. The indirect effect of intrinsic goal content on physical activity was statistically significant via autonomous ( b = 162.27; 95% confidence interval [89.73, 244.70]), but not controlled motivation ( b …
Parental perspectives on the influence of obesogenic environments on physical activity in children from deprived areas
The impact of a school-based gardening intervention on intentions and behaviour related to fruit and vegetable consumption in children
A total of 77 children (34 boys, 43 girls, mean age ± standard deviation = 9 ± 1 years) participated in this study; 46 children (intervention) undertook a 12-week school gardening programme and 31 children acted as controls. Measures of the Theory of Planned Behaviour and fruit and vegetable consumption were taken pre- and post-intervention. Repeated measures analysis of variance and hierarchical regression analysis indicated that the interventio…
The Effect of Green Exercise on Blood Pressure, Heart Rate and Mood State in Primary School Children
The aim of this study was exploratory and sought to examine the effect on blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and mood state responses in primary school children of moderate intensity cycling whilst viewing a green environment compared to exercise alone. Following ethics approval and parental informed consent, 14 children (seven boys, seven girls, Mean age ± SD = 10 ± 1 years) undertook two, 15 min bouts of cycling at a moderate exercise intensi…
Comparisons in ambulatory physical activity in children from the United Kingdom and Belgium
These results suggest there are differences in the ambulatory physical activity patterns of children in the UK and Belgium
Cross-validation of pedometer-determined cut-points for healthy weight in British children from White and South Asian backgrounds
Previously published steps/day cut-points for healthy weight may not account for known ethnic variation in physical activity between White and South Asian children in the UK. Alternative, ethnic-specific, cut-points may be better placed to distinguish British children based on pedometer-determined physical activity
The effect of ‘green exercise’ on post exercise hypotension in children. An exploratory study
The impact of a school-based gardening intervention on intentions and behaviour related to fruit and vegetable consumption in children
A total of 77 children (34 boys, 43 girls, mean age ± standard deviation = 9 ± 1 years) participated in this study; 46 children (intervention) undertook a 12-week school gardening programme and 31 children acted as controls. Measures of the Theory of Planned Behaviour and fruit and vegetable consumption were taken pre- and post-intervention. Repeated measures analysis of variance and hierarchical regression analysis indicated that the interventio…
Cross-cultural comparison of fundamental movement skills in 9- to 10-year-old children from England and China
The present study aimed to examine cross-cultural differences in fundamental movement skills (FMS) proficiency levels in children aged 9–10 years old in England and China, using a process-oriented FMS measurement. Four FMS (run, jump, throw, catch) were measured using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2). The sample consisted of 272 (58.3% boys, 41.7% girls) Chinese children and 273 (48.7% boys, 51.3% girls) English children. ANCOVA ana…
Run, jump, throw and catch
This study examined proficiency levels in fundamental motor skills (FMS) in children within Key Stage 1 and 2 of the English school system. Four hundred and ninety-two children aged 6–9 Years old (245 boys, 247 girls) from school Years Two ( n = 130), Three ( n = 154) and Four ( n = 208) participated in this study. FMS for the run, jump, throw and catch were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development – 2. The proportion of children who ac…
A combined movement and story-telling intervention enhances motor competence and language ability in pre-schoolers to a greater extent than movement or story-telling alone
This study examined the effect of a six week combined movement and story-telling intervention on motor competence and naming vocabulary in British pre-schoolers. Using a cluster randomised design, three pre-school classes were allocated to one of a combined movement and story-telling intervention ( n = 22), or a movement only ( n = 25) or story-telling only ( n = 27) intervention. Motor competence and language ability were assessed pre, post and …
Autonomous motivation mediates the relation between goals for physical activity and physical activity behavior in adolescents
Overall, 544 children (mean age ± standard deviation = 14.2 ± .94 years) completed self-report measures of physical activity goal content, behavioral regulations, and physical activity behavior. Body mass index was determined from height and mass. The indirect effect of intrinsic goal content on physical activity was statistically significant via autonomous ( b = 162.27; 95% confidence interval [89.73, 244.70]), but not controlled motivation ( b …
Patterns of physical activity in primary-school children
but also improved as children got older (F (1, 226) 5 4?43, P 5 0?03, t 0 5 21?847)
South Asian children spend more time in light activities and less time in moderate and vigorous PA on weekdays
but also improved as children got older (F (1, 226) 5 4?43, P 5 0?03, t 0 5 21?847)
The Effect of Green Exercise on Blood Pressure, Heart Rate and Mood State in Primary School Children
The aim of this study was exploratory and sought to examine the effect on blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and mood state responses in primary school children of moderate intensity cycling whilst viewing a green environment compared to exercise alone. Following ethics approval and parental informed consent, 14 children (seven boys, seven girls, Mean age ± SD = 10 ± 1 years) undertook two, 15 min bouts of cycling at a moderate exercise intensi…
Comparisons in ambulatory physical activity in children from the United Kingdom and Belgium
These results suggest there are differences in the ambulatory physical activity patterns of children in the UK and Belgium
Cross-validation of pedometer-determined cut-points for healthy weight in British children from White and South Asian backgrounds
Previously published steps/day cut-points for healthy weight may not account for known ethnic variation in physical activity between White and South Asian children in the UK. Alternative, ethnic-specific, cut-points may be better placed to distinguish British children based on pedometer-determined physical activity
The effect of ‘green exercise’ on post exercise hypotension in children. An exploratory study
Understanding fruit and vegetable eating behaviour in British primary school children. An application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour
Parental perspectives on the influence of obesogenic environments on physical activity in children from deprived areas
The impact of a school-based gardening intervention on intentions and behaviour related to fruit and vegetable consumption in children
A total of 77 children (34 boys, 43 girls, mean age ± standard deviation = 9 ± 1 years) participated in this study; 46 children (intervention) undertook a 12-week school gardening programme and 31 children acted as controls. Measures of the Theory of Planned Behaviour and fruit and vegetable consumption were taken pre- and post-intervention. Repeated measures analysis of variance and hierarchical regression analysis indicated that the interventio…
South Asian Children Have Increased Body Fat in Comparison to White Children at the Same Body Mass Index
The ability of body mass index (BMI) to predict excess fat in South Asian children is unknown. This cross-sectional study examines the influence of ethnicity on body fatness in children. Weight status and body fat were determined using BMI, waist circumference (WC), two skinfold sites (SF; triceps and subscapula) and leg-to-leg bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA; Tanita BF350, Tanita, Tokyo, Japan) in 194 children aged 8.47 ± 0.50 years from C…
A combined movement and story-telling intervention enhances motor competence and language ability in pre-schoolers to a greater extent than movement or story-telling alone
This study examined the effect of a six week combined movement and story-telling intervention on motor competence and naming vocabulary in British pre-schoolers. Using a cluster randomised design, three pre-school classes were allocated to one of a combined movement and story-telling intervention ( n = 22), or a movement only ( n = 25) or story-telling only ( n = 27) intervention. Motor competence and language ability were assessed pre, post and …
Autonomous motivation mediates the relation between goals for physical activity and physical activity behavior in adolescents
Overall, 544 children (mean age ± standard deviation = 14.2 ± .94 years) completed self-report measures of physical activity goal content, behavioral regulations, and physical activity behavior. Body mass index was determined from height and mass. The indirect effect of intrinsic goal content on physical activity was statistically significant via autonomous ( b = 162.27; 95% confidence interval [89.73, 244.70]), but not controlled motivation ( b …
Fundamental Motor Skills of Children in Deprived Areas of England
This study compared the mastery of fundamental motor skills (FMS) of males and females in early-childhood (four to five years, n = 170) and in middle-childhood (nine to ten years, n = 109) who attend schools in deprived and ethnically diverse areas of England. Process FMS (object control and locomotor skills) were observed using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2. Sprint speed over 10 meters and jump distance assessments were conducted using l…
Run, jump, throw and catch
This study examined proficiency levels in fundamental motor skills (FMS) in children within Key Stage 1 and 2 of the English school system. Four hundred and ninety-two children aged 6–9 Years old (245 boys, 247 girls) from school Years Two ( n = 130), Three ( n = 154) and Four ( n = 208) participated in this study. FMS for the run, jump, throw and catch were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development – 2. The proportion of children who ac…
The Effects of Combined Movement and Storytelling Intervention on Motor Skills in South Asian and White Children Aged 5–6 Years Living in the United Kingdom
Early motor development has an important role in promoting physical activity (PA) during childhood and across the lifespan. Children from South Asian backgrounds are less active and have poorer motor skills, thus identifying the need for early motor skill instruction. This study examines the effect of a movement and storytelling intervention on South Asian children's motor skills. Following ethics approval and consent, 39 children (46% South Asia…
Rationalizing teacher roles in developing and assessing physical literacy in children
The acute effects of continuous and intermittent cycling on executive function in children
This study assessed the effect of acute continuous and intermittent physical activity (PA) on children's executive function (EF). Twenty-four participants (14 boys M = 10.32 ± 0.48 years), using a within-subjects design, performed a continuous (70% HRmax) and an intermittent (≥85%HRmax; 12 bouts: 30 s work, 45 s rest) PA bout of cycling, both lasting 15 min. Executive function was assessed using the Stroop task, Digit Span and Corsi Blocks tests …
Cross-cultural comparison of fundamental movement skills in 9- to 10-year-old children from England and China
The present study aimed to examine cross-cultural differences in fundamental movement skills (FMS) proficiency levels in children aged 9–10 years old in England and China, using a process-oriented FMS measurement. Four FMS (run, jump, throw, catch) were measured using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2). The sample consisted of 272 (58.3% boys, 41.7% girls) Chinese children and 273 (48.7% boys, 51.3% girls) English children. ANCOVA ana…
Sharpening Your Mind, Strengthening Your Body” Parental Perceptions on the Use of Strength and Conditioning in Children and Youth
Although strength and conditioning is beneficial and safe for children to engage in there remain myths and misconceptions form parents regarding its use which prevent its widespread take up. This study explored parents' attitudes and beliefs about strength and conditioning in their children. Thirty-one parents (21 dads, 10 mums) took part in one of four focus groups exploring the topic. Thematic analysis was used resulting in themes and sub theme…
The Acute Effects of Cognitively Demanding Physical Activity on Inhibitory and Affective Responses in Children
This online study investigated the acute effects of a cognitively demanding physical activity (CDPA) vs a simple physical activity (SPA) bout on children’s inhibitory and affective responses. Using a counterbalanced within-subjects’ crossover design, thirty-nine participants aged 9−12 years old (29 boys; Mage = 11 ± 1 years) performed a CDPA and a SPA bout online (via ZOOM) for 15 min. Inhibition (Stroop test) was measured at the baseline, 1 and …
Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity and FMS in Children Living in Deprived Areas in the UK
Using the socio-ecological model, this qualitative study aimed to explore teachers' perspectives on the barriers and facilitators to Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) and physical activity engagement in children living in deprived areas in the UK. A purposive sample of 14 primary school teachers participated in semi-structured focus groups drawn from schools situated in lower SES wards and ethnically diverse areas in Central England. Thematic ana…
The Effect of 12-Weeks Recreational Football (Soccer) for Health Intervention on Functional Movement in Older Adults
There is growing evidence that recreational football offers health benefits for older adults and an important pathway for physical activity for older adult groups. Despite anecdotal evidence that recreational football is beneficial for older adults, no empirical data are available to support this assertion. This study addressed this issue and examined the effects of a 12-week recreational football intervention on the functional fitness of older a…
Football- It’s in Your Blood”—Lived Experiences of Undertaking Recreational Football for Health in Older Adults
Physical inactivity is prevalent in older adults and contributes to age-related decline in function, health, well-being, and quality of life. Recreational football for older adults has shown promise for promoting health benefits. This study explores the lived experiences of older adults engaging in a walking and recreational football intervention and identifies factors that affect behaviours and can encourage change in this population. A purposiv…
The Influence of Easing Covid-19 Restrictions on the Physical Activity Intentions and Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity in UK Older Adults
COVID-19 has had profound effects on physical activity behaviours of older adults, and understanding this impact is essential to driving public health policies to promote healthy ageing. The present study aimed to determine; (1) intended physical activity behaviours of older adults following the easing of UK COVID-19 restrictions; (2) the relationship between self-reported physical activity and intended physical activity behaviour; (3) perceived …
Exploring Australian teachers’ perceptions of physical literacy
Background Physical literacy (PL) has generated substantial international interest across sport, health and education sectors. Teachers play a crucial role in supporting children’s PL growth. Despite PL featuring in several physical education curricular texts, research into teacher understanding and perception of the concept is scarce. This study aimed to explore the understanding and perception of PL among Australian teachers of health and physi…
Psychology (22 works) · Medicine (19 works) · Developmental psychology (11 works) · Children's Physical and Motor Development (10 works) · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet (10 works) · Physical therapy (10 works) · Physical activity (9 works) · Inclusion and Disability in Education and Sport (8 works) · Ethnic group (6 works) · Physical Activity and Health (6 works)