Quantifying and Characterizing Physical Activity among 5- to 6- and 10- to 12-Year-Old Children: The Children’s Leisure Activities Study (CLASS)

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 266-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Telford ◽  
Jo Salmon ◽  
Anna Timperio ◽  
David Crawford
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Intensity Physical Activity ◽  
Type Frequency ◽  
Vigorous Intensity ◽  
Promotion Strategies ◽  
Children’S Physical Activity

The aim of this study was to describe the type, frequency, duration, and intensity of children’s physical activity and to examine differences by sex, age, and SES. Participants consisted of 5- to 6-year-old (n = 291) and 10- to 12-year-old (n = 919) children and their parents taking part in the Children’s Leisure Activities Study (CLASS). Parents completed proxy questionnaires about their child’s activity, and all children wore an accelerometer for 8 days. Accelerometry data showed that younger children accumulated approximately 4 hrs of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) per day, and older children accumulated approximately 2 hrs per day. Fewer than three- quarters of 10- to 12-year-old boys and less than half of 10- to 12-year-old girls recorded 120 min of MVPA per day. Significant differences in the number of activities, as well as the type and frequency of activities performed, were observed by age and sex. The findings indicate that physical activities that appeal to older girls, such as lifestyle, noncompetitive activities, should be considered in the development of physical activity promotion strategies.

scholarly journals Moving in Sync: Hourly Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior are Synchronized in Couples

2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theresa Pauly ◽  
Jan Keller ◽  
Nina Knoll ◽  
Victoria I Michalowski ◽  
Diana Hilda Hohl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Accelerometer Data ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Intensity Physical Activity

Abstract Background Overall time spent in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior are both correlated in couples. Knowledge about the nature and psychosocial correlates of such dyadic covariation could inform important avenues for physical activity promotion. Purpose The present study investigates hour-by-hour covariation between partners (i.e., synchrony) in MVPA and sedentary behavior as partners engage in their daily lives and links it with person-level MVPA/sedentary behavior, temporal characteristics, and relationship variables. Methods We used 7-day accelerometer data from two couple studies (Study 1, n = 306 couples, aged 18–80 years; Study 2, n = 108 couples, aged 60–87 years) to estimate dyadic covariation in hourly MVPA and sedentary behavior between partners. Data were analyzed using coordinated multilevel modeling. Results In both studies, hourly MVPA and sedentary behavior exhibited similarly sized dyadic covariation between partners in the low-to-medium range of effects. Higher MVPA synchrony between partners was linked with higher individual weekly MVPA and higher individual weekly sedentary levels, whereas higher sedentary synchrony between partners was associated with higher individual weekly MVPA but lower individual weekly sedentary levels. MVPA and sedentary synchrony were higher in the morning and evening, more pronounced on weekends, and associated with more time spent together, longer relationship duration, and time-varying perceptions of higher partner closeness. Conclusions This study demonstrates that MVPA and sedentary behaviors do not occur in a social vacuum. Instead, they are linked with close others such as partners. Thus, capitalizing on social partners may increase the effectiveness of individual-level physical activity interventions.

Partnerships for active elementary schools: Physical education outcomes after 4 months of a 2-year pilot study

2017 ◽  
Vol 76 (7) ◽  
pp. 763-774 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Glenn Weaver ◽  
Collin Webster ◽  
Catherine Egan ◽  
Carolina Campos ◽  
Robert D Michael ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Elementary Schools ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Community Based Participatory Research ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Promotion Strategies ◽  
The Impact

Objective: This study assessed the impact of Partnerships for Active Children in Elementary Schools (PACES) on children’s moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during physical education (PE) and teachers’ incorporation of physical activity promotion strategies after one academic semester (i.e. 4 months) of the intervention. Design: Single group pre–post pilot study. Setting: Three elementary schools in one southeastern metropolitan city in the USA. Methods: Using principles of community-based participatory-research, researchers worked with teachers to identify contextually appropriate physical activity promotion strategies aligned with prevailing recommendations, principles and theories. Outcome measures included accelerometer-derived percent of time children ( N = 150) engaged in MVPA. The System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time+ assessed changes in teachers’ incorporation of physical activity promotion strategies. Multi-level mixed-effects linear regression estimated differences over time. Results: MVPA increased for girls (22.7%–26.6%) and boys (33.2%–39.0%). Small-sided games (1.0%–9.0%) and teachers’ verbal promotion of physical activity (6.4%–13.5%) increased while student’s off-task behaviour (6.0%–2.0%) decreased. Lines (20.2%–8.4%) and elimination games (21.6%–13.3%) decreased, but these changes were not statistically significant. Conclusion: PACES shows promise for increasing the percent of time children spend in MVPA during PE but requires further evaluation.

scholarly journals What the Physical Activity Community Can Do for Climate Action and Planetary Health?

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-2
Author(s):  
Rodrigo Reis ◽  
Ruth F. Hunter ◽  
Leandro Garcia ◽  
Deborah Salvo
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Global Warming ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Health Impacts ◽  
Climate Change Scenarios ◽  
Intergovernmental Panel ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Climate Action ◽  
Promotion Strategies

We are experiencing a planetary tipping point with global warming, environmental degradation, and losses in biodiversity. The burdens of these changes fall disproportionately on poor and marginalized populations. Physical activity promotion strategies need to be aligned with climate action commitments, incorporating the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scenarios in physical activity action plans. The promotion strategies must consider equity a core value and promote physical activity to the most vulnerable populations so that they are protected from the ill-health impacts of a changing climate.

scholarly journals Comparison of physical activity levels in Spanish adults with chronic conditions before and during COVID-19 quarantine

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillermo F López-Sánchez ◽  
Rubén López-Bueno ◽  
Alejandro Gil-Salmerón ◽  
Roksana Zauder ◽  
Maria Skalska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Chronic Condition ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Intensity Physical Activity ◽  
Vigorous Intensity

Abstract Background This is the first study analyzing levels of physical activity in a sample of quarantined adults with chronic conditions. The aim of this study was to compare moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity levels in Spanish adults with chronic conditions before and during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) quarantine. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was administered during the COVID-19 quarantine in Spain. A total of 163 participants with chronic conditions (113 females and 47 males; age range 18–64 years) completed the survey. A total of 26 chronic conditions were included. Participants self-reported average minutes/day of moderate and vigorous physical activity before and during quarantine. Differences in moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity levels before and during COVID-19 quarantine (overall, by gender, by age, by number of chronic conditions and by each chronic condition) were assessed by Wilcoxon-signed rank test. Results During COVID-19 quarantine, there was a significant decrease of moderate-intensity physical activity in Spanish people with chronic conditions (in both males and females, in those aged 18–24, 25–34, 35–44 and 55–64 years, in those with multimorbidity, in those with one/two chronic condition/s, and in those diagnosed with asthma/hypercholesterolaemia/chronic skin disease/haemorrhoids). Also, there was a significant decrease of vigorous-intensity physical activity in Spanish males with chronic conditions and in those with multimorbidity. Conclusions These results should be considered to develop effective strategies of physical activity promotion targeting these specific groups when new quarantine or restriction measures are implemented, in order to avoid new significant decreases of physical activity in these vulnerable populations.

Reliability and Validity of Physical Activity Questionnaires for Children: The Children’s Leisure Activities Study Survey (CLASS)

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Telford ◽  
Jo Salmon ◽  
Damien Jolley ◽  
David Crawford
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Accurate Estimate ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Children And Parents ◽  
Type Frequency ◽  
Activity Questionnaires ◽  
Test Retest Reliability ◽  
Children’S Physical Activity

This study aimed to develop a reliable, valid, and feasible method for assessing physical activity among children ages 5–6 and 10–12 years. Test–retest reliability of a parental proxy questionnaire and a children’s self-report questionnaire was assessed in 280 children and parents. The criterion validity of the questionnaires was assessed using accelerometry. The proxy questionnaire provided a reliable measure of the type, frequency, and duration of children’s physical activity. Neither version of the questionnaire provided an accurate estimate of individual children’s physical activity. To assess the type, frequency, intensity, and duration of children’s activity, a combination of questionnaire and objective measures should be employed.

scholarly journals Physical Activity Promotion and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Building Synergies to Maximize Impact

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Deborah Salvo ◽  
Leandro Garcia ◽  
Rodrigo S. Reis ◽  
Ivana Stankov ◽  
Rahul Goel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
United Nations ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Promotion Strategies ◽  
The United Nations

Background: Many of the known solutions to the physical inactivity pandemic operate across sectors relevant to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Methods: The authors examined the contribution of physical activity promotion strategies toward achieving the SDGs through a conceptual linkage exercise, a scoping review, and an agent-based model. Results: Possible benefits of physical activity promotion were identified for 15 of the 17 SDGs, with more robust evidence supporting benefits for SDGs 3 (good health and well-being), 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure), 11 (sustainable cities and communities), 13 (climate action), and 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions). Current evidence supports prioritizing at-scale physical activity-promoting transport and urban design strategies and community-based programs. Expected physical activity gains are greater for low-and middle-income countries. In high-income countries with high car dependency, physical activity promotion strategies may help reduce air pollution and traffic-related deaths, but shifts toward more active forms of travel and recreation, and climate change mitigation, may require complementary policies that disincentivize driving. Conclusions: The authors call for a synergistic approach to physical activity promotion and SDG achievement, involving multiple sectors beyond health around their goals and values, using physical activity promotion as a lever for a healthier planet.

scholarly journals Teachers' Perspectives on the Acceptability and Feasibility of Wearable Technology to Inform School-Based Physical Activity Practices

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgina K. Wort ◽  
Gareth Wiltshire ◽  
Oliver Peacock ◽  
Simon Sebire ◽  
Andy Daly-Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Wearable Technology ◽  
School Teachers ◽  
Primary School Teachers ◽  
Wearable Technologies ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Teachers Perspectives ◽  
Children’S Physical Activity

Background: Many children are not engaging in sufficient physical activity and there are substantial between-children physical activity inequalities. In addition to their primary role as educators, teachers are often regarded as being well-placed to make vital contributions to inclusive visions of physical activity promotion. With the dramatic increase in popularity of wearable technologies for physical activity promotion in recent years, there is a need to better understand teachers' perspectives about using such devices, and the data they produce, to support physical activity promotion in schools.Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 UK-based primary school teachers, exploring their responses to children's physical activity data and their views about using wearable technologies during the school day. Interview discussions were facilitated by an elicitation technique whereby participants were presented with graphs illustrating children's in-school physical activity obtained from secondary wearable technology data. Interview transcripts were thematically analyzed.Results: Most teachers spoke positively about the use of wearable technologies specifically designed for school use, highlighting potential benefits and considerations. Many teachers were able to understand and critically interpret data showing unequal physical activity patterns both within-and between-schools. Being presented with the data prompted teachers to provide explanations about observable patterns, emotional reactions—particularly about inequalities—and express motivations to change the current situations in schools.Conclusion: These findings suggest that primary school teachers in the UK are open to integrating wearable technology for measuring children's physical activity into their practices and can interpret the data produced by such devices. Visual representations of physical activity elicited strong responses and thus could be used when working with teachers as an effective trigger to inform school practices and policies seeking to address in-school physical inactivity and inequalities.

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