scholarly journals Charting the physical activity patterns of contemporary children and adolescents

2000 ◽  
Vol 59 (4) ◽  
pp. 497-504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth R. Fox ◽  
Chris Riddoch
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Computer Games ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Service Community ◽  
The Impact

The impact of physical inactivity on health is well accepted throughout the medical and health service community. However, the case has largely been established through epidemiological studies with adults. Substantial attention has been paid to the activity levels of children and adolescents, largely because of changing lifestyles that have threatened the opportunity to be active and also introduced attractive sedentary alternatives such as playing computer games. The research evidence that children have become less active to the point where it is seriously damaging their current and future health has been difficult to establish. This situation is due to difficulties in establishing sensitive health risk markers, and also with the assessment of the different elements of physical activity which in children and adolescents is a complex profile of social behaviours. Self report of activity is unreliable with young children, and objective measures are required that are cheap and effective with large samples and that are capable of measuring levels, volume and patterns of physical activity. Accelerometry in combination with diaries offers the best current solution for most activity–health relationships, and for informing intervention need and design.

Epidemiological studies of physical activity and diabetes risk, and implications for diabetes preventionThis paper was originally part of the Symposium “Exercise, insulin sensitivity and diabetes—what’s new?”, which appeared in the June issue of Appl. Physiol. Nutr. Metab.

2007 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 778-782 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas J. Wareham
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Metabolic Risk ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Preventive Interventions ◽  
The Impact

The evidence linking physical inactivity to the future risk of type 2 diabetes is strong, and modification of behaviour is a critical and effective element of strategies aimed at the prevention of this increasingly prevalent disorder. Two key unresolved epidemiologic issues relate to the type of activity that is likely to be maximally effective in preventing diabetes and the amount of activity that is required. Resolution of both these issues is likely to require a change in the way activity is measured, with a move away from self-report instruments, toward objective assessment of activity and the pattern and overall level of energy expenditure. It is also unclear whether the impact of physical activity on metabolic risk is homogenous across the population. Subgroups that might respond differently could be defined on the basis of characteristics such as age, degree of obesity, family history, ethnicity, and genetic risk, but the literature on effect modification is limited by study design issues. The identification of such subgroups could aid in the targeting of preventive interventions. An appropriate balance between individually tailored approaches aimed at those at high risk and interventions aimed at trying to shift physical activity levels in entire populations remains to be determined.

scholarly journals Article Commentary: Improvements in the Measurement of Physical Activity in Childhood Obesity Research; Lessons from Large Studies of Accelerometers

2008 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. CMPed.S1127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Calum Mattocks ◽  
Kate Tilling ◽  
Andy Ness ◽  
Chris Riddoch
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease Risk ◽  
The United States ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Chronic Disease Risk

Advances in technology have improved our ability to measure physical activity in free-living humans. In the last few years, several large epidemiological studies in Europe and the United States have used accelerometers to assess physical activity in children and adolescents. The use of accelerometers to study physical activity has presented some challenges on how to summarise and interpret the data that they generate, however these studies are providing important information on the levels and patterns of physical activity among children and adolescents. Some studies have reported that few children and adolescents appear to meet the recommended minimum of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day. Accelerometers have also allowed examination of the relationships between physical activity and health outcomes like obesity and other chronic disease risk factors such as insulin resistance, aerobic fitness, blood lipids and blood pressure. Use of accelerometers allows such relationships to be estimated with a precision that was previously impossible with self-report measures of physical activity. Such information is already advancing our understanding of the role that physical activity plays in preventing childhood obesity and cardiovascular disease risk.

Girls on the Run: A Quasi-Experimental Evaluation of a Developmentally Focused Youth Sport Program

2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (s2) ◽  
pp. S285-S294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelley K. Pettee Gabriel ◽  
Rita DiGioacchino DeBate ◽  
Robin R. High ◽  
Elizabeth F. Racine
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Youth Sport ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Girls On The Run ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Physical Assets ◽  
The Impact ◽  
New Evidence ◽  
5Th Grade

Background:Evidence supporting the effectiveness of a developmental-focused youth sport (DYS) program designed exclusively for elementary school aged girls is mounting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of on the Girls on the Run program on psychological and physical assets among 3rd- to 5th-grade girls.Methods:A longitudinal quasi-experimental study was conducted to evaluate intervention effects among 877 participants categorized into 1 of 3 groups (never, newly, and previously exposed). A 64-item self-report survey measured developmental assets at 3 time-points. Nested random effects ANOVA models were used to compare demographic factors and psychological and physical assets between exposure groups and to compare longitudinal differences in these assets.Results:After adjustment for multiple comparisons, previous program participants had significantly higher physical activity commitment (P = .006) and physical activity levels (P = .047) at preintervention than never exposed. From pre- to postintervention body image improved in newly exposed participants (P = .03). Physical activity increased from preintervention to follow-up among never and newly exposed participants (all P < .05).Conclusions:Although we were unable to fully confirm the study hypotheses, the results of the current study provide new evidence to support future long-term studies examining the effectiveness of an innovative DYS program for 3rd- to 5th-grade girls.

scholarly journals Physical Activity, Mental Health and Wellbeing of Irish Adolescents during Covid-19 Restrictions. A Re-Issue of the Physical Activity and Wellbeing Study (PAWS)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Murphy ◽  
Bronagh McGrane ◽  
Mary Rose Sweeney
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Physical Activity Guidelines ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
The Republic ◽  
The Impact

Covid-19 restrictions impacted many people&rsquo;s daily lives through infection, fear of infection and the implementation of restrictions on movement. Restrictions and fear of contamination impacted physical activity patterns activity and increased mental health issues globally across a variety of ages. This re-issue of a questionnaire sought to examine the impact of Covid-19 restrictions on frequency of physical activity, participation in sports, wellbeing and symptoms of anxiety and depression in Irish adolescents. 3,021 adolescents from 61 post-primary schools in the Republic of Ireland completed questionnaires. Consistent with a previous issue of the questionnaire, a minority of adolescents were found to meet the WHO&rsquo;s physical activity guidelines (11.6% of males and 5.2% of females) although there were large decreases in 1st year males and females. Adolescents reporting elevated symptoms of depression increased from 39% to 46% with almost 3 in 5 females reporting symptoms of depression ranging from mild to extreme. Highest levels of wellbeing were found in adolescents who participated in 3 or more sports, although there was an 8% reduction in the amount of adolescents who participated in 3 or more sports. There were no changes in physical activity levels overall, despite changes within sub-groups and patterns of physical activity. There was a clear increase in symptoms of depression, with females impacted more than males. Previously active individuals were more likely to increase activity and therefore report higher levels of mental health while those who were less active were more likely to decrease activity and report lower mental health.

scholarly journals Participants’ physical activity levels and evaluations of a school sport programme in Papua New Guinea

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Hanrahan ◽  
Steven Rynne ◽  
Emma Beckman ◽  
Tony Rossi
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Papua New Guinea ◽  
New Guinea ◽  
After School ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Sport For Development ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
School Period ◽  
The Impact

In its contemporary form, sport for development has been positioned as an important part of strategic policy for a variety of governmental and sporting organisations. One area that has been targeted by governments and a variety of sporting partners has been the impact of sport on non-communicable diseases (NCDs, sometimes colloquially referred to as ‘lifestyle diseases’ such as obesity). However, relatively little evidence exists for the impact of sport programmes on the reduction of NCDs and future health burden. This study sought to examine the physical activity levels of school-aged children in Papua New Guinea (PNG) during their participation in a targeted sport programme operating during school hours. Data collection methods employed were physical activity recall and pedometer counts, as well as perceptions, intentions, and knowledge of participants. Children in this study were found to have lower physical activity levels during the after-school period than has been reported in the literature for children in other countries. Overall, children were active during the sport programme, completing 1179 steps on average (which constitutes 10% of the suggested daily values for children of a similar age). No profound differences were observed in either the qualitative or quantitative data across different schools, regions, or genders. The responses from children regarding the sport programme were notably positive.

scholarly journals Physical activity patterns among children and adolescents with mild-to-moderate chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. e000425 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Solomon-Moore ◽  
Russell Jago ◽  
Lucy Beasant ◽  
Amberly Brigden ◽  
Esther Crawley
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Latent Profile Analysis ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physical Activity Patterns

ObjectiveChronic fatigue syndromemyalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is relatively common among children and adolescents; however, little is known about the physical activity levels and patterns of this population. The aim of this study was to examine the underlying patterns of physical activity among youth with mild-to-moderate CFS/ME. Cross-sectional associations between physical activity patterns with self-reported physical function, pain, fatigue, anxiety and depression were also examined.DesignBaseline cross-sectional data from the Managed Activity Graded Exercise iN Teenagers and pre-Adolescents randomised controlled trial.PatientsChildren and adolescents (aged 8–17 years) diagnosed with mild-to-moderate CFS/ME who wore an accelerometer for at least three valid weekdays.AnalysesLatent profile analysis was used to identify physical activity patterns. Linear regression models examined associations between physical activity classes and self-reported physical function, pain, fatigue, anxiety and depression.Results138 children and adolescents (72.5% females) had valid data. Overall, participants did less than half the government recommended level of physical activity for children and adolescents, but not all were inactive: three (2.2%) did more than 1 hour of physical activity every day, and 13 (9.4%) achieved an average of 60 min a day. Adolescents (≥12 years) were less active than younger children, but activity levels were similar between genders. Three latent classes emerged from the data: ‘active’, ‘light’ and ‘inactive’. Compared with being ‘inactive’, being in the ‘light’ class was associated with greater self-reported physical function (10.35, 95% CI 2.32 to 18.38) and lower fatigue (−1.60, 95% CI −3.13 to −0.06), while being ‘active’ was associated with greater physical function (15.26, 95% CI 0.12 to 30.40), but also greater anxiety (13.79, 95% CI 1.73 to 25.85).ConclusionsPaediatricians need to be aware that physical activity patterns vary widely before recommending treatment.Clinical trial registrationISRCTN registry: 23 962 803

scholarly journals The impact of isolation measures due to COVID-19 on energy intake and physical activity levels in Australian university students

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda A Gallo ◽  
Tania F Gallo ◽  
Sophia L Young ◽  
Karen M Moritz ◽  
Lisa K Akison
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Energy Intake ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Level Of Activity ◽  
Walking Activity ◽  
Reduced Physical Activity ◽  
The Impact

Background: The pandemic inflicted by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resulted in physical isolation measures in many parts of the world. In Australia, nationwide restrictions included staying at home, unless seeking medical care, providing care, purchasing food, undertaking exercise, or attending work in an essential service. All undergraduate university classes transitioned to online, mostly home-based learning. This disruption to daily life may have consequences for eating and physical activity patterns. Methods: In this observational study, we examined the effect of isolation measures, during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia (March/April), on diet (24-hour diet recall, ASA-24) and physical activity (Active Australia Survey) patterns among third-year biomedical students in Brisbane, Australia. Findings were compared to students enrolled in the same course in the previous two years. Results: In females, energy intake was ~20% greater in 2020 compared with 2018 and 2019, and the frequency of snacking and energy density of consumed snacks were also increased. In males, there was no difference in energy intake or snacking behaviour. Physical activity was impacted for both sexes, whereby fewer students undertook any walking activity and, of those that did, time spent doing so was less compared with 2018 and 2019. The proportion of students reporting any vigorous activity was not different for males or females but, among males who participated in this level of activity, the duration was less in 2020 compared with previous years. The proportion of male and female students achieving sufficient levels of activity, defined by at least 150 mins over at least 5 sessions, was ~30% less in 2020. Indeed, the majority of students reported as having undertaken less physical activity than usual. Conclusions: Increased energy intake for females and reduced physical activity for males and females demonstrate impacts of isolation measures that may have deleterious consequences for physical and mental wellbeing, with the potential to affect long-term nutrition and activity patterns.

scholarly journals The Impact of Isolation Due to COVID-19 on Physical Activity Levels in Adult Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 446
Author(s):  
Anna Rutkowska ◽  
Katarzyna Kacperak ◽  
Sebastian Rutkowski ◽  
Luisa Cacciante ◽  
Pawel Kiper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Adult Students ◽  
International Physical Activity Questionnaire ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Metabolic Equivalent ◽  
Free Mobility ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Sport And Recreation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Activity Questionnaire

The lockdown with a prohibition of free mobility introduced in many countries has affected restrictions in physical activity (PA). The purpose of the study was to compare PA during restrictions and the “unfreezing” stage. The study group consisted of 89 healthy adult students. To assess the level of PA, a long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used. The first evaluation was carried out in the period from 16 to 20 April 2020 at the time of the lockdown and the second in the period from 11 to 14 May 2020 during the so-called “unfreezing”. The average total PA rate during the first measurement was 8640 metabolic equivalent (MET)-min/week and in the second, 10,560 MET-min/week. The analysis of total energy expenditure showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.029). The establishment of “unfreezing” laws for sport and recreation and the reduction of restrictions have significantly contributed to an increase in the overall level of PA. Based on our outcomes, we recommend students follow the scientific guidelines for undertaking PA (i.e., WHO) during the pandemic in order to maintain an appropriate pro-healthy dose of exercise.

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