scholarly journals Is Foundational Movement Skill Competency Important for Keeping Children Physically Active and at a Healthy Weight?

Author(s):  
Jonathan D. Foulkes ◽  
Zoe Knowles ◽  
Stuart J. Fairclough ◽  
Gareth Stratton ◽  
Mareesa V. O’Dwyer ◽  
...  

This longitudinal study examines the associations between foundational movement skills (FMS) competency, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and weight status among children (n = 75) attending preschools in deprived areas from early to late childhood. Twelve FMS were assessed using the Children’s Activity and Movement in Preschool Motor Skills Protocol and video analysis. Physical activity was measured via hip-mounted accelerometry. Data was collected over a five-year period, with Baseline Follow Up data collected between 2010 and 2015. There was an overall pattern of increase for total, object-control and locomotor scores between Baseline and Follow-Up. Conversely, there was an overall pattern of decline for MVPA among participants. There was a positive significant (p < 0.05) association between total and locomotor scores and MVPA at Baseline. However, these associations weakened over time and no significant associations were found at Follow-Up. Baseline competency failed to predict Follow-Up MVPA or weight status. Likewise, Baseline MVPA was not found to be a predictor of Follow-Up FMS competency. Further longitudinal research is required to explore these associations among children from highly deprived areas. Future interventions may require a more holistic approach to improving FMS competency and increasing PA in order to account for the number of variables that can affect these outcomes.

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 319-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa M. Barnett ◽  
Avigdor Zask ◽  
Lauren Rose ◽  
Denise Hughes ◽  
Jillian Adams

Background:Fundamental movement skills are a correlate of physical activity and weight status. Children who participated in a preschool intervention had greater movement skill proficiency and improved anthropometric measures (waist circumference and BMI z scores) post intervention. Three years later, intervention girls had retained their object control skill advantage. The study purpose was to assess whether at 3-year follow up a) intervention children were more physically active than controls and b) the intervention effect on anthropometrics was still present.Methods:Children were assessed at ages 4, 5, and 8 years for anthropometric measures and locomotor and object control proficiency (Test of Gross Motor Development-2). At age 8, children were also assessed for moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (using accelerometry). Several general linear models were run, the first with MVPA as the outcome, intervention/control, anthropometrics, object control and locomotor scores as predictors, and age and sex as covariates. The second and third models were similar, except baseline to follow-up anthropometric differences were the outcome.Results:Overall follow-up rate was 29% (163/560), with 111 children having complete data. There were no intervention control differences in either MVPA or anthropometrics.Conclusion:Increased skill competence did not translate to increased physical activity.


2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 340-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul D. Loprinzi

Purpose. Research demonstrates that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality. Few studies have examined the effects of light-intensity physical activity on mortality. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the association between objectively measured light-intensity physical activity and all-cause mortality risk. Design. Longitudinal. Setting. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2006 with follow-up through December 31, 2011. Subjects. Five thousand five hundred seventy-five U.S. adults. Measures. Participants wore an accelerometer for at least 4 days and completed questionnaires to assess sociodemographics and chronic disease information, with blood samples taken to assess biological markers. Follow-up mortality status was assessed via death certificate data from the National Death Index. Analysis. Cox proportional hazard model. Results. After adjusting for accelerometer-determined MVPA, age, gender, race-ethnicity, cotinine, weight status, poverty level, C-reactive protein, and comorbid illness, for every 60-minute increase in accelerometer-determined light-intensity physical activity, participants had a 16% reduced hazard of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio = .84; 95% confidence interval: .78–.91; p < .001). Conclusion. In this national sample of U.S. adults, light-intensity physical activity was inversely associated with all-cause mortality risk, independent of age, MVPA, and other potential confounders. In addition to MVPA, promotion of light-intensity physical activity is warranted.


Author(s):  
Slimane Mehdad ◽  
Saida Mansour ◽  
Hassan Aguenaou ◽  
Khalid Taghzouti

Background: Cancer is a multifactorial disease involving individual, behavioral and environmental factors that can contribute to its onset. More than 40% of cancers are estimated to be attributable to avoidable risk factors, particularly diet, physical activity, weight status, and alcohol consumption. Aim: To provide insight into the role of weight status, diet, and physical activity in cancer causation and prevention, and to highlight evidence-based recommendations. Material and methods: A literature review of published studies, particularly recent systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and large prospective studies was conducted using PubMed/Medline, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases. Results: There is evidence that diets high in red and processed meats, fat and refined carbohydrates, and low in plant foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, high consumption of alcohol, overweight/obesity, and physical inactivity are associated with increased risk of tumor development and progression. Therefore, the current recommendations for cancer prevention are based on: (1) eating at least five portions (400g) of vegetables (3 portions) and fruits (2 portions); (2) limiting the consumption of alcohol and unhealthy foods such as red and processed meats, energy-dense foods, and trans-fatty acids; (3) maintaining a healthy weight status; and (4) being at least moderately physically active. Conclusion: While a balanced diet, as defined by the recommendations, can help reduce the risk of certain cancers, no single food can prevent the development of this pathology. The term "anticancer" associated with diet is therefore misleading. Several nutritional factors are associated with an increase or a decrease in the risk of certain cancers. Adopting a healthy and plant-based diets, avoiding overweight/obesity, and being physically active are considered as cornerstones of preventive strategies against cancer. Further studies are needed to elucidate the associations between dietary and lifestyle patterns and cancer. Keywords: Cancer, Diet, Weight status, Overweight, Obesity, Physical activity.


Author(s):  
Slimane Mehdad ◽  
Saida Mansour ◽  
Hassan Aguenaou ◽  
Khalid Taghzouti

Background: Cancer is a multifactorial disease involving individual, behavioral and environmental factors that can contribute to its onset. More than 40% of cancers are estimated to be attributable to avoidable risk factors, particularly diet, physical activity, weight status, and alcohol consumption. Aim: To provide insight into the role of weight status, diet, and physical activity in cancer causation and prevention, and to highlight evidence-based recommendations. Material and methods: A literature review of published studies, particularly recent systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and large prospective studies was conducted using PubMed/Medline, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases. Results: There is evidence that diets high in red and processed meats, fat and refined carbohydrates, and low in plant foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, high consumption of alcohol, overweight/obesity, and physical inactivity are associated with increased risk of tumor development and progression. Therefore, the current recommendations for cancer prevention are based on: (1) eating at least five portions (400g) of vegetables (3 portions) and fruits (2 portions); (2) limiting the consumption of alcohol and unhealthy foods such as red and processed meats, energy-dense foods, and trans-fatty acids; (3) maintaining a healthy weight status; and (4) being at least moderately physically active. Conclusion: While a balanced diet, as defined by the recommendations, can help reduce the risk of certain cancers, no single food can prevent the development of this pathology. The term "anticancer" associated with diet is therefore misleading. Several nutritional factors are associated with an increase or a decrease in the risk of certain cancers. Adopting a healthy and plant-based diets, avoiding overweight/obesity, and being physically active are considered as cornerstones of preventive strategies against cancer. Further studies are needed to elucidate the associations between dietary and lifestyle patterns and cancer. ​Keywords: Cancer, Diet, Weight status, Overweight, Obesity, Physical activity.


2020 ◽  
Vol 68 (11) ◽  
pp. 513-518
Author(s):  
Hannah Kling ◽  
Katerina Santiago ◽  
Leonor Benitez ◽  
Natasha Schaefer Solle ◽  
Alberto J. Caban-Martinez

Background: Firefighters suffer from a disproportionally high burden of chronic diseases that could be prevented from regular bouts of physical activity (PA). The goal(s) of this pilot study were to (a) describe typical PA levels in professional paid firefighters, and (b) assess their ability to estimate their own levels of PA. Methods: A repeated measures study design was used to assess self-reported and objectively measured levels of PA from a non-probabilistic sample of firefighters ( n = 18) over 1 week. Objective measures of PA, measured by accelerometry were defined as the number of minutes spent in sedentary, light, moderate, and vigorous PA. Firefighters completed a follow-up questionnaire recording their self-reported levels of PA. Results: Obese (body mass index [BMI] > 30 kg/m2) firefighters spent 8,033 ± 2,543 minutes/week in sedentary activity, overweight (BMI = 25–29 kg/m2) firefighters 6,533 ± 1,587 minutes/week, and healthy weight (BMI = 18.5–24.9 kg/m2) firefighters 5,846 ± 1,160 minutes/week. The difference in self-reported weekly minutes spent in light, moderate, and vigorous activity and objectively measured minutes in activity was calculated. Healthy weight firefighters reported the least difference (1,924 minutes/week), followed by the overweight (3,884 minutes/week) and obese (5,749 minutes/week). Conclusion/Application to Practice: Firefighters poorly estimated their true level of PA compared with their objectively measured PA and obese firefighters reported the greatest inconsistency. Occupational health nurses should aim to support firefighters in achieving PA levels that assist firefighters to achieve a healthy weight and educate them about what it means to be engaged in each level of PA.


Author(s):  
S. M. Martinez ◽  
E. Blanco ◽  
J. M. Tschann ◽  
N. F. Butte ◽  
M. A. Grandner ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Obesity is a serious issue, spanning all ages, and, in the U.S., disproportionately affects Latinos and African Americans. Understanding sleep, physical activity and dietary behaviors that may predict childhood obesity can help identify behavioral intervention targets. Methods Data were drawn from a U.S. cohort study of 323 Mexican American 8–10-year-old children and their mothers, who participated in a longitudinal study over a 2-year period. Measures were collected at baseline (BL; child mean age = 8.87, SD = 0.83), year 1 (FU1) and year 2 (FU2). Mothers reported on household income and acculturation at BL. Child height and weight were collected and BMI z-scores (BMIz) were calculated for weight status at BL, FU1, and FU2. Accelerometer-estimated sleep duration (hours) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA; minutes) were collected across 3 days at BL, FU1, and FU2. Two 24-h dietary recalls were performed at each time point; from these, average energy intake (EI, kcals/day) was estimated. Cross-lagged panel analysis was used to examine behavioral predictors on BMIz at each time point and across time. Results At BL and FU1, longer sleep duration (β = − 0.22, p < 0.001; β = − 0.17, p < 0.05, respectively) and greater MVPA (β = − 0.13, p < 0.05; β = − 0.20, p < 0.01, respectively) were concurrently related to lower BMIz. At FU2, longer sleep duration (β = − 0.18, p < 0.01) was concurrently related to lower BMIz, whereas greater EI (β = 0.16, p < 0.01) was related to higher BMIz. Longer sleep duration at BL predicted lower BMIz at FU1 (β = − 0.05, p < 0.01). Conclusions Longer sleep duration was concurrently related to lower weight status at each time point from ages 8–10 to 10–12. Higher MVPA was concurrently related to lower weight status in earlier childhood (ages 8–10 and 9–11) and higher EI was concurrently related to higher weight status toward the end of childhood (ages 10–12 years). Furthermore, longer sleep in earlier childhood was protective of children’s lower weight status 1 year later. These findings suggest that sleep duration plays a consistent and protective role against childhood obesity; in addition, MVPA and healthy EI remain important independent factors for obtaining a healthy weight.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Huang ◽  
Xiangrong Shi ◽  
Yujie Wang ◽  
Xiaoling Li ◽  
Pengpeng Gao ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Physical activity has many health benefits for children and adolescents. However, the prevalence of physical inactivity in school-aged children and adolescents remains high in China. Many factors impact student’s moderate- and vigorous- physical activity (MVPA). This study investigated the factors associated with student's MVPA level, and the determinants of the change of student’s MVPA behavior.Methods This is a longitudinal study with a 12-month follow-up. The study samples came from 2016 and 2017 Physical Activity and Fitness in China—The Youth Study, 1597 students (aged 9-18 years) from 31 primary, junior high, and high schools, in Ningxia province, were included. Factors about the individual and external environment were measured by questionnaire at baseline and after 12 months. Multiple logistic regression was analyzed to examine the factors that impact student’s MVPA level and the determinants of the change of student’s MVPA behavior.Results There is no difference in students MVPA level between 2016 and 2017. Boys were more physically active than girls at baseline(RR 1.55, 95%CI 1.10, 2.20), as well as children than adolescents but not significant(RR 1.33, 95%CI 0.93, 1.90). Neighborhood factors associated students MVPA level significant, but all of these factors were removed from the longitudinal model(neighborhood sport event, organization, facility, et al). Individual and school factors were important for students MVPA maintaining and positively development(i.e. gender, attitude, school PE class and PA time, et al).Conclusions In conclusion, both neighborhood and school factors affect students MVPA behavior, but school play a more meaningful role in maintaining and promoting students MVPA level. In addition, the internal motivation may be more important than external environment for students MVPA level. Our research provide some evidences for future intervention program for promoting MVPA behavior, but more large samples and objective-assessed researches should be conduct to explore the determinants of MVPA.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qianli Sun ◽  
Hong Ren

Objective Regular physical activity in children has many benefits,including reducing the occurrence of obesity and lower levels of cardiovascular disease risk factors, promote bone mass deposition, improve health. Our research in order to using accelerometer survey children daily PA status in our country, and analyzes its characteristic. Methods Our research assessed the PA of the same group of children in Beijing yuxin Primary school for three consecutive years using ActiGraph accelerometers. The total available valid data are 183 children (male 94, female 89). Results (1)The average total PA is 627.2±134.5 counts/min(boy accrued 665.6 ± 139.1 counts/min and girl 579.8 ± 112.2 counts/min ), among them boy accrued 59.0min/d and girl 48.1min/d of MVPA. 35% of participants could meet the WHO PA guideline (boys =49%, girls = 18%). (2) MVPA increased significantly from 8 to 9 years of age(MVPA of 8year-old children:53.2min/d,9year-old children:56.1min/d)and MVPA decline slightly from 9 to 10 (10 year-old children:55.8min/d).And both boys and girls meet this regular. (3) Both in weekdays and weekend, the MVPA time of boys (60.2min/d,57.8min/d) are outstandingly higher than girls ( 49.7min/d ,46.5min/d). (4) TWO-way (gender *BMI category) ANOVA revealed that girls were less active than boys. (5) The moderate and vigorous physical activity time of obese children in weekends are 42.3 min/d while those of normal children are 49.7 min/d, (p<0.05). (6) The total PA level, VPA, MVPA are negatively correlated with body fat percentage while LPA is positively correlated with BMI. Conclusions Objective data indicated that Chinese youth are generally not physically active enough, and lower levels of PA were observed in girls, and during weekend days. The findings of this study will better inform the development of PA-related policies in schools, the design of PA intervention programs.  


2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (8) ◽  
pp. 557-566
Author(s):  
Mark Stevens ◽  
Tegan Cruwys

Abstract Background Physical activity tends to decline in older age, despite being key to health and longevity. Previous investigations have focused on demographic and individual factors that predict sustained physical activity. Purpose To examine whether engaging in physical activity in the context of sport or exercise group membership can protect against age-related physical activity decline. Methods Drawn from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, participants were members of sport or exercise groups aged 50 and over (N = 2015) as well as nonmember controls, who were matched at baseline for age, sex, and physical activity levels (N = 1881). Longitudinal mixed effects models were used to assess the effect of sport or exercise group membership on physical activity and longevity across a 14-year follow-up. Results Members of sport or exercise groups experienced an attenuated decline in both moderate and vigorous physical activity over a 14-year follow-up compared to physically active matched controls. Sport or exercise group members were also less likely to have died at follow-up, an effect that was mediated through sustained physical activity. Conclusions Promoting membership in sport and exercise groups may be a beneficial strategy for supporting sustained physical activity and health among older people.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (15) ◽  
pp. 1479-1486 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian D Elliott ◽  
Dominik Linz ◽  
Ricardo Mishima ◽  
Kadhim Kadhim ◽  
Celine Gallagher ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims Physical activity reduces cardiovascular disease burden and mortality, although its relationship with cardiac arrhythmias is less certain. The aim of this study was to assess the association between self-reported physical activity and atrial fibrillation (AF), ventricular arrhythmias and bradyarrhythmias, across the UK Biobank cohort. Methods and results We included 402 406 individuals (52.5% female), aged 40–69 years, with over 2.8 million person-years of follow-up who underwent self-reported physical activity assessment computed in metabolic equivalent-minutes per week (MET-min/wk) at baseline, detailed physical assessment and medical history evaluation. Arrhythmia episodes were diagnosed through hospital admissions and death reports. Incident AF risk was lower amongst physically active participants, with a more pronounced reduction amongst female participants [hazard ratio (HR) for 1500 vs. 0 MET-min/wk: 0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.74–0.98] than males (HR for 1500 vs. 0 MET-min/wk: 0.90, 95% CI 0.82–1.0). Similarly, we observed a significantly lower risk of ventricular arrhythmias amongst physically active participants (HR for 1500 MET-min/wk 0.78, 95% CI 0.64–0.96) that remained relatively stable over a broad range of physical activity levels between 0 and 2500 MET-min/wk. A lower AF risk amongst female participants who engaged in moderate levels of vigorous physical activity was observed (up to 2500 MET-min/wk). Vigorous physical activity was also associated with reduced ventricular arrhythmia risk. Total or vigorous physical activity was not associated with bradyarrhythmias. Conclusion The risk of AF and ventricular arrhythmias is lower amongst physically active individuals. These findings provide observational support that physical activity is associated with reduced risk of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias.


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