Is the Provision of Physical Education to Senior-Years Students Associated With Greater Physical Activity Levels? Insight Into a Province-Wide Policy

Objectives:The purpose of this study was to determine if participation in physical education (PE) was associated with increased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels in adolescents.Methods:This was a cross sectional study comparing MVPA levels in senior-years students—grade 11 and 12—enrolled in high school PE during the semester data were collected compared with those not enrolled in PE in that same semester. The primary outcome measure was daily MVPA measured by accelerometry. The primary exposure was participation in PE.Results:Among the 508 adolescents (16.9 ± 0.8 yrs, 49% female, n = 338 exposed to PE) studied, no differences in MVPA (47.0 ± 25.8 vs. 43.9 ± 25.0 mins/day, P = .25) or sedentary time (540.2 ± 94.7 vs. 550.2 ± 79.4 mins/day, P = .79) were noted between students enrolled in PE compared with students not enrolled in PE. Participation in PE was associated with a greater odds of achieving >60 minutes of MVPA daily (OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.04−2.75). This association was stronger among boys (OR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.2−4.8) than girls (OR: 1.17; 95% CI: 5−2.7).Conclusion:Enrollment in PE in grade 11 or 12 is associated with modestly higher levels of MVPA and an increased likelihood of meeting PA guidelines among students in grades 11 and 12, particularly among boys.

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Impact of parents’ physical activity on preschool children’s physical activity: a cross-sectional study

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.4405 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 ◽

pp. e4405 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Chang Xu ◽

Minghui Quan ◽

Hanbin Zhang ◽

Chenglin Zhou ◽

PeiJie Chen

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Maternal Influence ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Physical Activity Levels ◽

Paternal Influence ◽

Children’S Physical Activity

Purpose This study examined the associations of physical activity levels between parents and their pre-school children based on gender and weekday/weekend. Method A total of 247 parent-preschool child triads from Shanghai, China were analyzed. The children had a mean age of 57.5 ± 5.2 months. Both sedentary behavior and physical activity were measured in all participants using an ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer over seven consecutive days from Monday through the following Sunday. A multivariate regression model was derived to identify significant relationships between parental and child physical activity according to gender and weekday/weekend. Results There was a significant correlation between mothers’ and girls’ moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and total physical activity (TPA) on weekdays. Fathers’ MPVA levels correlated significantly with those of boys and girls, with paternal influence appearing to be stronger than maternal influence. However, there was not a significant correlation between fathers’ and children’s TPA. TPA levels of both mothers and fathers correlated with those of girls, but not with those of boys. Parental sedentary levels on the weekend correlated significantly with girls’ levels, but not with boys’ levels. Children’s physical activity levels on weekends were influenced more by fathers’ activity levels than by mothers’, while the opposite was observed on weekdays. Conclusion Sedentary behavior and physical activity levels of parents can strongly influence those of their preschool children, with maternal influence stronger during the weekdays and paternal influence stronger on the weekends. Parents’ activity levels influence girls’ levels more strongly than they influence boys’ levels.

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Breakfast consumption and daily physical activity in 9–10-year-old British children

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980011002175 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 16 (7) ◽

pp. 1281-1290 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Pauline AJ Vissers ◽

Andy P Jones ◽

Kirsten Corder ◽

Amy Jennings ◽

Esther MF van Sluijs ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Dairy Product ◽

Eating Behaviour ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Poor Quality ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Breakfast Consumption ◽

Food Diaries

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the association between breakfast consumption and physical activity in a well-characterised sample of English children.DesignCross-sectional study using food diaries to record breakfast consumption and accelerometry to assess physical activity.SettingNorfolk county, England.SubjectsChildren (n 1697) aged 9–10 years from the SPEEDY (Sport, Physical Activity and Eating behaviour: Environmental Determinants in Young people) study.ResultsBoys who consumed a poor-quality breakfast based on dairy product, cereal and fruit intakes spent approximately 7 min more time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during weekday afternoons and evenings compared with those who did not consume breakfast (P < 0·05). On weekend days, boys who consumed a poor- or good-quality breakfast spent approximately 6 and 5 min less time respectively being sedentary during the mornings compared with breakfast non-consumers (P < 0·05). Boys who consumed a good-quality breakfast spent almost 3 min more in MVPA during the morning on weekend days compared with non-consumers, and boys who consumed a poor- or good-quality breakfast were 22 % and 16 % more active overall respectively than breakfast non-consumers (P < 0·05). During the rest of the day, boys who consumed a good-quality breakfast spent about 11 min less time being sedentary (P < 0·05) and 7 min more time in MVPA (P < 0·01).ConclusionsAlthough some associations between breakfast consumption and physical activity were detected for boys, the present study does not provide strong evidence that failing to consume breakfast, or having a low energy intake at breakfast time, is detrimental to children's physical activity levels.

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Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior: A Cross-Sectional Study of Brazilian Older Adults

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2017-0456 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 15 (11) ◽

pp. 811-818 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Carla Elane Silva dos Santos ◽

Sofia Wolker Manta ◽

Guilherme Pereira Maximiano ◽

Susana Cararo Confortin ◽

Tânia Rosane Bertoldo Benedetti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Aging Study ◽

Low Levels ◽

Adjusted Model

Background: To examine the level of physical activity and sedentary behavior (SB), measured with accelerometers, in older adults from a city in southern Brazil according to sociodemographic and health characteristics.Methods: The sample consisted of 425 older adults (≥63 y) from the EpiFloripa Aging Study. Light physical activity (LPA), moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and SB were measured with accelerometers over a period of 7 days.Results: The older adults spent two-thirds of the time of use in SB, one-third in LPA, and only 2.1% (95% confidence interval, 1.8–2.2) in MVPA. In the final adjusted model, lower levels of MVPA were observed for women, as well as higher SB and lower LPA and MVPA for those with higher age. There were also trends toward prolonged SB and lower LPA when participants had a higher educational level and toward lower MVPA with higher body mass index.Conclusions: Constant monitoring of physical activity levels and SB using objective measures is recommended and interventions should be directed at the groups most exposed to excessive SB and low levels of MVPA.

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Objectively Measured Physical Activity During Physical Education and School Recess and Their Associations With Academic Performance in Youth: The UP&DOWN Study

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2016-0192 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 14 (4) ◽

pp. 275-282 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Irene Esteban-Cornejo ◽

David Martinez-Gomez ◽

Laura Garcia-Cervantes ◽

Francisco B. Ortega ◽

Alvaro Delgado-Alfonso ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Academic Performance ◽

Physical Education ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

School Recess ◽

Objectively Measured ◽

School Records ◽

Objectively Measured Physical Activity

Background:This study examined the associations of objectively measured physical activity in Physical Education and recess with academic performance in youth.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,780 participants aged 6 to 18 years (863 girls). Physical activity was objectively measured by accelerometry and was also classified according to sex- and agespecific quartiles of physical activity intensities. Academic performance was assessed through school records.Results:Physical activity in physical education (PE) and recess was not associated with academic performance (β ranging from –0.038 to –0.003; all P > .05). Youth in the lowest quartile of physical activity in PE engaged in an average of 1.40 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and those in the highest quartile engaged in 21.60 min (for recess: lowest quartile, 2.20 min; highest quartile, 11.15 min). There were no differences in academic performance between quartiles of physical activity in Physical Education and recess.Conclusions:Time spent at different physical activity intensities during PE and recess does not impair academic performance in youth.

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The relationship between sleep habits, lifestyle factors, and achieving guideline-recommended physical activity levels in ten-to-fourteen-year-old Japanese children: A cross-sectional study

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0242517 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (11) ◽

pp. e0242517

Author(s):

Takumi Aoki ◽

Kazuhiko Fukuda ◽

Chiaki Tanaka ◽

Yasuko Kamikawa ◽

Nobuhiro Tsuji ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Eighth Grade ◽

Physical Activity Guideline ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Sleep Habits ◽

Japanese Children ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Physical Activity Guidelines

The current focus of meeting the physical activity guidelines for children and young people include preventing conditions such as high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, obesity, low bone density, depression, and injuries. However, the relationship between sleep habits and meeting physical activity guidelines is still unclear. This study aimed to assess this relationship among fifth- to eighth-grade (ages 10–14) Japanese children. This cross-sectional study included 3,123 children (boys: 1,558, girls: 1,565, mean age: 12.5 ± 1.2 years). Questionnaires were used to assess parameters such as moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day, school and weekend night sleep durations, social jetlag, daytime sleepiness, napping, screen time, and breakfast intake. Participants were divided into an achievement and a non-achievement group depending on their physical activity guideline achievement status (i.e., whether they met the children’s physical activity guideline of 60 min or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day). Then, to determine the sleep habits in relation to the children’s achievement of guideline-recommended physical activity levels, multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted. In fifth- and sixth-grade (ages 10–12) boys, an inverse association was observed between physical activity guideline achievement and daytime sleepiness. In seventh- and eighth-grade (ages 12–14) boys, physical activity guideline achievement was inversely associated with social jetlag and skipping breakfast. Additionally, in seventh- and eighth-grade girls, physical activity guideline achievement was inversely associated with inappropriate sleep duration on weekends and screen time. These results suggest that meeting the physical activity guideline is related to favorable sleep habits in Japanese children. However, their relevance may differ by school type and gender.

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Are neighbourhood characteristics associated with physical activity levels in schoolchildren?

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckz187.189 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽

Author(s):

Gulin Kaya ◽

Pinar Ay ◽

Seyhan Hidiroglu

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Education ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Traffic Density ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sports Teams ◽

Physical Activity Levels ◽

Neighbourhood Characteristics

Abstract Background Moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is an essential determinant of health for children. However 82% of children aged 11-17 years in Turkey are physically inactive. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of physical inactivity (PI) and sociodemographic and neighbourhood characteristics associated with PI among children aged 9-13 years. Methods The population of this cross-sectional study was 5-7th grade students attending schools in a district of Istanbul. Two schools from urban and two from semi-urban localities were selected in order to capture different neighbourhood characteristics. Sample size was calculated as 344 assuming a difference of PI prevalence of 15% between neighbourhoods, an alpha error of 0.05, a power of 80%. Data were collected by child and parent questionnaires. PI was defined as < 60 minutes MVPA per day within the previous week. Neighbourhood characteristics were evaluated as physical (walkability levels, structure of sidewalks, presence of yards/parks, traffic density) and social (characteristics of social networks, trust among neighbours). Factors associated with PI were analysed by logistic regression. Results A total of 334 students participated with a response rate 96%. The median age was 11 years and 52.9% were girls. The prevalence of PI was 79.3% (95%CI: 75.0-83.7%). Neighbourhood characteristics were not associated with PI (p > 0.05). PI was associated with ownership of mobile phones (OR: 1.96, 95%CI: 1.01-3.78), not being a member of a sports team (OR: 2.83, 95%CI: 1.21-6.58) and having ≤1 day of physical education classes at school (OR: 2.10, 95%CI: 1.08-4.09). Conclusions The prevalence of PI is very high among schoolchildren. School-based interventions as motivating children to participate in sports teams and having physical education classes >1 times per week could be achievable strategies to combat PI. There is a need to adapt objective methods for assessment of neighbourhood characteristics. Key messages PI is a prevalent public health problem among school children in urban and semi-urban environments. The effectiveness of increasing structured physical activity levels at schools by utilizing sports teams and physical education classes should be evaluated in future studies.

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Quantifying Physical Activity and the Associated Barriers for Women With Ovarian Cancer

International Journal of Gynecological Cancer ◽

10.1097/igc.0000000000000349 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 25 (4) ◽

pp. 577-583 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

David Mizrahi ◽

Fiona Naumann ◽

Carolyn Broderick ◽

Juliane Samara ◽

Mary Ryan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Ovarian Cancer ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Behavioral Strategies ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Physical Activity Guidelines ◽

Physical Activity Adherence ◽

Barriers To Physical Activity

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to quantify physical activity levels and determine the barriers to physical activity for women with ovarian cancer.Materials and MethodsWomen with ovarian cancer from 3 oncology clinics enrolled in the cross-sectional study. Physical activity and barriers to physical activity were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and Perceived Physical Activity Barriers scale, respectively. Demographic, medical, and anthropometric data were obtained from medical records.ResultsNinety-five women (response rate, 41%), with a mean (SD) age of 61 (10.6) years, a body mass index of 26.5 (6.8) kg/m2, and 36.6 (28.2) months since diagnosis, participated in the study. The majority of the participants had stage III (32%) or IV (32%) ovarian cancer, were undergoing chemotherapy (41%), and had a history of chemotherapy (93%). The majority of the participants reduced their physical activity after diagnosis, with 19% meeting recommended physical activity guidelines. The participants undergoing treatment reported lower moderate-vigorous physical activity compared with those not undergoing active treatment (mean [SD], 42 [57] vs 104 [119] min/wk; P < 0.001) and less total physical activity barriers (mean [SD], 49 vs 47; P > 0.4). The greatest barriers to physical activity included fatigue (37.8%), exercise not in routine (34.7%), lack of self-discipline (32.6%), and procrastination (27.4%).ConclusionsWomen with ovarian cancer have low levels of physical activity. There are disease-specific general barriers to physical activity participation. The majority of the participants reduced their physical activity after diagnosis, with these patients reporting a higher number of total barriers. Behavioral strategies are required to increase physical activity adherence in this population to ensure that recommended guidelines are met to achieve the emerging known benefits of exercise oncology.

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Medical Students Show Lower Physical Activity Levels and Higher Anxiety Than Physical Education Students: A Cross-Sectional Study During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.804967 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Karla Cardoso de Souza ◽

Tassia Barcelos Mendes ◽

Tabatah Hellen Santos Gomes ◽

Ariana Aline da Silva ◽

Luiz Henrique da Silva Nali ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Education ◽

Sleep Quality ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Anxiety Depression

Objective: This study aimed to compare the time in physical activity (PA) [light (LPA), moderate and vigorous (MVPA)] and sedentary behavior (SB) (weekdays, weekends, or both) between Medical (MED) and Physical Education (PE) students who underwent remote classes imposed by the COVID-19. In addition, we compared symptoms of depression and anxiety and sleep quality.Methods: A cross-sectional study (272 MED and 95 PE students). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Beck Inventory (Anxiety, Depression), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality were used to assess PA and SB, anxiety and depression symptoms, and quality of sleep, respectively. The data are presented as median and interquartile intervals 25–75.Results: We observed statistically significant differences between MED and PE students for MVPA [MED: 165 min per week (0–360) vs. PE: 420 min per week (180–670), p < 0.001], SB Total [MED: 10 h per day (8–12) vs. PE: 7 h per day (5–10), p < 0.001)], and anxiety symptoms [MED: 13 points (5–23) vs. PE: six points (2–16), p < 0.001)].Conclusion: Together, our findings indicate that MED students spent less time in MVPA and more time in SB than PE students. MED students also presented worse mental health in the pandemic situation imposed by the COVID-19.

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The Environment Can Explain Differences in Adolescents’ Daily Physical Activity Levels Living in a Deprived Urban Area: Cross-Sectional Study Using Accelerometry, GPS, and Focus Groups

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2012-0420 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 1517-1524 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Helen J. Moore ◽

Catherine A. Nixon ◽

Amelia A. Lake ◽

Wayne Douthwaite ◽

Claire L. O’Malley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

School Setting ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Urban Environments ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Urban Green Spaces

Background:Evidence suggests that many contemporary urban environments do not support healthy lifestyle choices and are implicated in the obesity pandemic. Middlesbrough, in the northeast of England is one such environment and a prime target for investigation.Methods:To measure physical activity (PA) levels in a sample of 28 adolescents (aged 11 to 14 years) and describe the environmental context of their activity and explore where they are most and least active over a 7-day period, accelerometry and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology were used. Twenty-five of these participants also took part in focus groups about their experiences and perceptions of PA engagement.Results:Findings indicated that all participants were relatively inactive throughout the observed period although bouts of moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were identified in 4 contexts: school, home, street, and rural/urban green spaces, with MVPA levels highest in the school setting. Providing access to local facilities and services (such as leisure centers) is not in itself sufficient to engage adolescents in MVPA.Conclusion:Factors influencing engagement in MVPA were identified within and across contexts, including ‘time’ as both a facilitator and barrier, perceptions of ‘gendered’ PA, and the social influences of peer groups and family members.

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Exercise and Physical Activity eHealth in COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study of Effects on Motivations, Behavior Change Mechanisms, and Behavior

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.618362 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Gonzalo Marchant ◽

Flavia Bonaiuto ◽

Marino Bonaiuto ◽

Emma Guillet Descas

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Cognitive Theory ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Psychological Constructs ◽

Physical Activity Levels

ObjectivesThe aims of this research were (1) to compare the levels of physical activity of eHealth users and non-users, (2) to determine the effects of these technologies on motivations, and (3) to establish the relationship that could exist between psychological constructs and physical activity behaviors.MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved 569 adults who responded to an online questionnaire during confinement in France. The questions assessed demographics, usage of eHealth for exercise and physical activity, and behavioral levels. The questionnaire also measured the constructs of Social Cognitive Theory, the Theory of Planned Behavior, and automaticity facets toward eHealth for exercise and physical activity.ResultsParticipants who were users of eHealth for exercise and physical activity presented significantly higher levels of vigorous physical activity and total physical activity per week than non-users (p < 0.001). The chi-square test showed significant interactions between psychological constructs toward eHealth (i.e., self-efficacy, behavioral attitudes, intentions, and automaticity) and physical activity levels (all interactions were p < 0.05). Self-efficacy was significantly and negatively correlated with walking time per week. Concerning the automaticity facets, efficiency was positive and significantly correlated with vigorous physical activity levels per week (p < 0.05). Then, regressions analyses showed that self-efficacy and automaticity efficiency explained 5% of the variance of walking minutes per week (ß = −0.27, p < 0.01) and vigorous physical activity per week (ß = 0.20, p < 0.05), respectively.ConclusionThis study has shown that people during confinement looked for ways to stay active through eHealth. However, we must put any technological solution into perspective. The eHealth offers possibilities to stay active, however its benefits and the psychological mechanisms affected by it remains to be demonstrated: eHealth could be adapted to each person and context.

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