Ng Yew CHEO
Assistant Secretary General
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
Singapore
Ng Yew Cheo is working full-time and concurrently running and training competitively under her supervisor and coach, Dr. Balasekaran. She also does research that focuses on human performance, health and in physical education. Cheo has published numerous papers in peer reviewed journals, proceedings and book chapters even though she had just completed her undergraduate degree. She is also an IAAF Youth level 1 certified coach and coaches voluntarily. She has also often gone beyond her time to help coach many young children and motivate their interest in running. She has also conducted workshops, developed videos and CDs on running tactics and prevention of injuries from running. She has also worked on the Brain Breaks study in Singapore and is helping local schools to make it the UNSGD lab of the future.
Comparison of Studies between Children and Adults Exercising at Ventilatory Breakpoint
Yew Cheo, G. Balasekaran
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Regular exercise and physical activity are essential for individuals to maintain or improve aerobic fitness. World Health Organization (WHO) and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommend 60 minutes of physical activity for children and adolescents daily, and 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly for adults. However, some individuals may not be able to achieve the recommended duration. This presentation will showcase two studies that have investigated the use of an inexpensive tool conducted in indoor and field settings among children and adults. Results have indicated that children and adults were able to exercise at their ventilatory breakpoint (Vpt) and were also able to discriminate their exercise intensity levels. The children’s study revealed significant cardiovascular improvements in comparison between their pre-and post-tests. Both children and adults were able to exercise approximately between 60 – 80% of their maximum heart rate, which correlates to their Vpt. Both studies may suggest that exercising at Vpt will allow individuals to reap cardiovascular adaptations over a period of time while exercising within a safe exercising zone. This may induce fun and enjoyment, especially among children, so that they will continue to make regular exercise and/or physical activity a lifelong habit till adulthood.