Measuring Physical Activity in Children: A Comparison of Four Different Methods

2003 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 202-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janice O’Connor ◽  
Elizabeth J. Ball ◽  
Kate S. Steinbeck ◽  
Peter S.W. Davies ◽  
Connie Wishart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Population Studies ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
After School ◽  
Activity Measures ◽  
Average Activity ◽  
School Period ◽  
Future Population ◽  
Activity Questionnaire

The aim of this study of 56 children aged 6-9 years was to identify measures of physical activity that could be used in either clinical or population studies. Comparisons were made between four measures of physical activity: a three day parent-reported activity diary, a parent-reported physical activity questionnaire, the Tritrac-R3D™ accelerometer (worn three days) and physical activity energy expenditure calculated over 10 days by the doubly labeled water (DLW) technique. The strongest correlation between methods was for the diary and Tritrac-R3D™ during the two hour after-school period (1530-1730 hours) (r = 0.75, P < 0.0001). Activity level in this after-school period was positively correlated with average activity level over three days for both Tritrac-R3D™ (r = 0.53, P < 0.01) and diary (r = 0.54, P < 0.0001). No associations were found between measures of activity from DLW and activity measures from the Tritrac-R3D™, diary or questionnaire. These results suggest that the two hour after-school period is of high interest for future population studies of physical activity in school-age children.

An Exploratory Study of Seasonality and Preschoolers’ Physical Activity Engagement

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 993-999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo Shen ◽  
Gwen Alexander ◽  
Sharon Milberger ◽  
Kai-Lin C. Jen
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Preschool Age ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Habitual Physical Activity ◽  
After School ◽  
School Time ◽  
Preschool Age Children ◽  
Activity Measures

Background:While there is an emerging body of literature showing variations in physical activity between seasons, further investigation is needed to better understand this association in preschool-age children. This study was designed to examine seasonal variation from fall to winter in physical activity among preschoolers.Methods:Forty-six preschool children from 2 preschools in a large Midwestern Metropolitan area completed weekly habitual physical activity measures in both fall and following winter. The habitual physical activity was quantified with the GT1M Actigraph uniaxial accelerometer. To determine seasonal differences in physical activity, a series of paired sample t tests were conducted.Results:Although overall physical activity level declined in winter, the magnitude of seasonality effects seem varied in terms of contexts. Compared with the decline during after-school time and during weekends, the differences in physical activity across the 2 seasons were much less evident during the time attending preschool and during weekdays.Conclusion:Seasonality in physical activity can be moderated by other contextual factors, such as preschool policies and curriculum. Preschools may serve as a major battlefield for fighting against physical inactivity and obesity during childhood due to their practical controllability.

Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire in medical practice and health promotion

Physiotherapy ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika Barabasz ◽  
Felicja Lwow ◽  
Emilian Zadarko
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Medical Practice ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Population Studies ◽  
Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Physical Activity Questionnaire ◽  
Activity Questionnaire

AbstractThe prevention of chronic diseases, especially metabolic disorders, is based on modification of behavioural risk factors, in particular eating habits and physical activity. Numerous population studies have demonstrated a relationship between regular physical activity and decreased levels of risk factors for CVD (cardiovascular disease), type 2 diabetes and some cancers. Increasing the level of physical activity as part of the programs implemented for disease prevention or health promotion for selected populations requires a behavioural diagnosis, whereby an essential element is the preferred leisure-time activity in terms of the structure of negative health indicators. Evaluation of physical activity under population studies requires a simple, validated and inexpensive tool to be used in medical practice or health promotion. The Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (MLTPAQ) is a tool currently often used and validated with laboratory methods. Standard MLTPAQ allows for assessment of the level of physical activity undertaken in leisure time. The authors present an algorithm for assessing leisure-time physical activity level based on MLTPAQ. The paper also reviews the practical application of the MLTPAQ questionnaire on healthy and patient populations in Poland and other countries by specialists in public health, health promotion and in medical practice.

scholarly journals Intrapersonal, Behavioral and Environmental Factors Associated With Meeting Recommended Physical Activity Among Rural Latino Youth

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 521-536 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia K. Perry ◽  
Brian E. Saelens ◽  
Beti Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Physical Activity Level ◽  
Latino Youth ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
After School ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Middle School Youth ◽  
Recommended Physical Activity ◽  
School Youth

This study aimed to identify intrapersonal, behavioral, and environmental factors associated with engaging in recommended levels of physical activity among rural Latino middle school youth. Data were from an anonymous survey of 773 Latino youth (51% female) about level of and barriers and motivators to physical activity, risk behaviors, and park use. Logistic regression models identified factors correlated with meeting recommended levels of physical activity (5 days or more 360 min/day). Thirty-four percent of girls and 41% of boys reported meeting this physical activity recommendation. Participation in an organized after school activity (p < .001) and in physical education (PE) classes 5 days a week (p < .001) were strongly associated with meeting recommended physical activity level. Making PE available 5 days a week and creating opportunities for organized after school physical activity programs may increase the number of rural Latino middle school youth who meet recommended physical activity level.

scholarly journals A Qualitative Exploration of the “Critical Window”: Factors Affecting Australian Children’s After-School Physical Activity

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Megan Stanley ◽  
Kobie Boshoff ◽  
James Dollman
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Peer Influence ◽  
Ecological Model ◽  
After School ◽  
Critical Window ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Children's Perceptions ◽  
Children’S Perceptions ◽  
Children’S Voices ◽  
School Period

Background:The after-school period is potentially a “critical window” for promoting physical activity in children. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore children’s perceptions of the factors influencing their engagement in physical activity during the after-school period as the first phase in the development of a questionnaire.Methods:Fifty-four South Australian children age 10−13 years participated in same gender focus groups. Transcripts, field notes, and activity documents were analyzed using content analysis. Through an inductive thematic approach, data were coded and categorized into perceived barriers and facilitators according to a social ecological model.Results:Children identified a number of factors, including safety in the neighborhood and home settings, distance to and from places, weather, availability of time, perceived competence, enjoyment of physical activity, peer influence, and parent influence. New insights into bullying and teasing by peers and fear of dangerous animals and objects were revealed by the children.Conclusions:In this study, hearing children’s voices allowed the emergence of factors which may not be exposed using existing surveys. These findings are grounded in children’s perceptions and therefore serve as a valuable contribution to the existing literature, potentially leading to improved intervention and questionnaire design.

scholarly journals Guidelines for physical activity and screen-time in the outside school hours childcare setting: a scoping review.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosa Virgara ◽  
Lucy K Lewis ◽  
Anna Phillips ◽  
Mandy Richardson ◽  
Carol A Maher
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Guideline Development ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
After School ◽  
Physical Activity Recommendations ◽  
Other World ◽  
Before School ◽  
School Period ◽  
School Care

Abstract Background: Globally millions of children attend outside school hours care. Children’s activity in this setting is critical to meeting daily physical activity recommendations. Guidelines are evidence-based statements intended to optimise practice. This study aimed to identify guidelines for physical activity and screen time for use in outside school hours care. Methods: Guidelines were identified by systematically searching Medline, Emcare, Embase, Scopus, ERIC, Sportsdiscus, TROVE, ProQuest, UpToDate, NICE, SIGN and Google in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Results were screened independently by two reviewers and data synthesized narratively. Results: Nine guideline documents were identified from grey literature only (n = 8 USA, n = 1 Canada). The guidelines focused predominantly on the after school care period (n = 9 vs n = 1 for the before-school period). All had recommendations for physical activity, whilst 7 also had screen time recommendations. The guidelines varied considerably in their physical activity and screen time recommendations, though taken together, they recommended > 30–60 minutes of MVPA and < 60 minutes of recreational screen time per session. All guidelines were developed by expert/stakeholder panels, but none followed rigorous guideline development methods. Conclusions: Limited published guidelines for physical activity and screen-time in outside school care exist. Guidelines designed with rigorous tools and for other world regions are warranted.

scholarly journals Padrões alimentares e nível de atividade física em adolescentes escolares / Dietary patterns and physical activity level in school adolescents

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseane Pazzini Eckhardt ◽  
Ligia Beatriz Bento Franz ◽  
Maristela Borin Busnello ◽  
Iara Denise Endruweir Battisti ◽  
Eva Teresinha de Oliveira Boff
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Dietary Patterns ◽  
Physical Activity Level ◽  
International Physical Activity Questionnaire ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Physical Activity Questionnaire ◽  
Activity Questionnaire

Estudo transversal e analítico que identificou estado nutricional, padrões alimentares e nível de atividade física em 276 adolescentes, com idade de 14 a 17 anos. O estado nutricional foi avaliado pelo Índice de Massa Corporal e a medida da Circunferência da Cintura. Para avaliar o consumo e as práticas alimentares, foi aplicado um questionário adaptado da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar, de 2009. O nível de atividade física foi classificado de acordo com o International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Encontravam-se eutróficos 89,9% desta população e 27,2% apresentavam risco para doenças cardiovasculares. Foram identificados quatro padrões alimentares: saudável; ultraprocessado; cafeteria; ambiente escolar. Pertenciam ao padrão saudável 62,5% dos adolescentes com excesso de massa corporal e 56,2% dos adolescentes com risco cardiovascular. A maioria encontrava-se no nível de atividade física, que oferece menor risco para doenças cardiovasculares, independente dos padrões alimentares. Contudo, dados fornecidos na construção dos padrões alimentares e de inatividade reforçam a percepção de que esta população pode estar suscetível a doenças cardiovasculares na idade adulta, se mantiver as práticas atuais.

Relation of Adolescents’ Physical Activity to After-School Recreation Environment

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 382-388 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina M. Thornton ◽  
Kelli L. Cain ◽  
Terry L. Conway ◽  
Jacqueline Kerr ◽  
Brian E. Saelens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
School Environment ◽  
Daily Physical Activity ◽  
After School ◽  
Sports Facilities ◽  
Adolescent Physical Activity ◽  
Mixed Regression ◽  
Physical Activity Recommendations ◽  
Policies And Programs ◽  
School Period

Background:The after-school period provides an opportune context for adolescent physical activity. This study examined how characteristics of after-school recreation environments related to adolescent physical activity.Methods:Participants were 889 adolescents aged 12 to 17 (mean = 14.1, SD = 1.4) from 2 US regions. Adolescents reported on whether their school offered after-school supervised physical activity, access to play areas/fields, and presence of sports facilities. Outcomes were accelerometer-measured after-school physical activity, reported physical activity on school grounds during nonschool hours, attainment of 60 minutes of daily physical activity excluding school physical education, and BMI-for-age z-score. Mixed regression models adjusted for study design, region, sex, age, ethnicity, vehicles/licensed drivers in household, and distance to school.Results:School environment variables were all significantly associated with self-reported physical activity on school grounds during non-school hours (P < .001) and attainment of 60 minutes of daily physical activity (P < .05). Adolescents’ accelerometer-measured after-school physical activity was most strongly associated with access to supervised physical activity (P = .008).Conclusions:Policies and programs that provide supervised after-school physical activity and access to play areas, fields, and sports facilities may help adolescents achieve daily physical activity recommendations.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL OF FIRSTYEAR STUDENTS FROM JOZEF PILSUDSKI UNIVERSITY OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN WARSAW

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (76) ◽  
pp. 61-70
Author(s):  
Karol Gryko ◽  
Krzysztof Perkowski ◽  
Anna Kopiczko ◽  
Damian Włoch
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
International Physical Activity Questionnaire ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
First Year ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Physical Activity Questionnaire ◽  
Intensity Physical Activity ◽  
Vigorous Intensity ◽  
Activity Questionnaire

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of declared physical activity of first-year students from Jozef Pilsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw by using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The paper presents physical activity according to the students’ chosen degree course and sex. The study also analyzes physical activity in relation to the BMI index according to the classification by the World Health Organization (WHO). Basic procedures: The group of participants comprised 190 Physical Education (n = 115) and Sports (n = 75) students. The study was conducted in November 2015 and used the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Main findings: The results of the present study showed that the physical education students were characterized by a higher level of physical activity in each discussed type of physical activity than their peers studying sports. The study also revealed that the women showed greater physical activity than the men. It was only in vigorous-intensity physical activity that the men obtained higher results than the women. Conclusions: The male first-year students of the University of Physical Education in Warsaw prefer vigorous-intensity physical activity, and the female students prefer both moderate-intensity activities and walking. With the development of sports infrastructure and the growing number of sports services, women have become more physically active and achieve results rivaling, or at times, surpassing the results obtained by men.

scholarly journals Temperamental Traits Versus Individual Physical Fitness Components and a Physical Activity Level

2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 211-217
Author(s):  
Dominik Bernatowicz ◽  
Paweł Izdebski ◽  
Tomasz Boraczyński ◽  
Michał Boraczyński
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Reaction Time ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Aerobic Capacity ◽  
Emotional Reactivity ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Fitness Components ◽  
Activity Questionnaire

AbstractThe main aim of the study was to examine whether relationships exist between particular temperamental traits within the concept of Regulative Theory of Temperament and components of physical fitness, that are most crucial for success in sport. The research involved 108 individuals including 63 men (age 21.1 ± 1.6 yrs) and 45 women (age 20.7 ± 1.3 yrs). None of the respondents were professionally engaged in sport. Components of physical fitness included: aerobic capacity, strength, agility, static-dynamic balance and reaction time. The respondents also completed two questionnaires: the Formal Characteristics of Behaviour – Temperament Inventory and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The results indicate that the temperamental traits had average to poor correlations with the components of physical fitness, whereas more statistically significant correlations were observed in women. Negative correlations were obtained between emotional reactivity and agility, which was a result confirmed by previous research. All temperamental traits related with the energetic aspects of behaviour correlated with simple reaction time in women. Physical activity and aerobic capacity did not correlate with any of the studied traits. The results do not allow for any general conclusions to be drawn, but can serve as a reference point for future research on temperamental traits as delineated by Regulative Theory of Temperament and their relationship with the components of physical fitness.

Variables Associated With Active and Inactive Behavior During the After-School Period

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 288-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Wickel
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Time Use ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Peer Groups ◽  
Fourth Grade ◽  
After School ◽  
Light Physical Activity ◽  
Children's Behavior ◽  
School Period

This study analyzed time-use interviews to report levels of active and inactive behavior during the after-school period (3–6 pm). Interviews were conducted on random days from three separate seasons during third and fourth grade. Youth with at least two interviews during third (356 completed 2 interviews; 506 completed 3 interviews [9 yrs; 50% boys]) and fourth (186 completed 2 interviews; 768 completed 3 interviews [10 yrs; 50% boys]) grade were included to report levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity, inactive screen time, inactive nonscreen time, and travel by location and who the activity was undertaken with. Reporting time outside the home and with peers (single or group) was related to higher levels of MVPA. While inside the home, screen and nonscreen proportions were comparable (38% and 40%, respectively), despite unique patterns (screen: boys > girls; nonscreen: girls > boys). Reporting time with both parents was associated with more nonscreen time; whereas reporting time with peer groups was associated with lower screen time. Understanding active and inactive patterns of children’s behavior outside of school hours can be very important in contributing toward the development of innovative interventions for increasing physical activity.

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