Evaluation of a Redesigned Outdoor Space on Preschool Children’s Physical Activity During Recess

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 507-518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Virginie Nicaise ◽  
David Kahan ◽  
Karen Reuben ◽  
James F. Sallis

This study investigated the impact of renovation and redesign of a university preschool’s outdoor space on children’s sedentary behavior, light activity, and moderate-to-vigorous-physical-activity (MVPA) during unstructured recess. Physical activity was measured by accelerometry and direct observation in two independent samples of 50 (baseline) and 57 (postintervention) children (Mage=4.4 yrs ± 0.5). Controlling for gender, age, BMI and recess length, observational data, but not accelerometry, revealed a significant decrease in intervals spent sedentary (-26.5%) and increases in light physical activity (+11.6%) and MVPA (+14.9%). Higher levels of MVPA were associated with specific environmental changes (new looping cycle path, OR = 2.18; increased playground open space, OR = 7.62; and new grass hill, OR = 3.27). Decreased sedentary behavior and increased light activity and MVPA may be realized with environmental changes that promote continuous and novel movement experiences in more expansive spaces.

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e4405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chang Xu ◽  
Minghui Quan ◽  
Hanbin Zhang ◽  
Chenglin Zhou ◽  
PeiJie Chen

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.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Amanda Claire Millard ◽  
Kate Tilling ◽  
Tom R Gaunt ◽  
David Carslake ◽  
Deborah A Lawlor

Background Spending more time active (and less time sedentary) is associated with many health benefits such as improved cardiovascular health and lower risk of all-cause mortality. However, it is unclear whether these associations differ depending on whether time spent sedentary or in moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is accumulated in long or short bouts. In this study we used a novel analytical approach, that accounts for substitution (i.e. more time in MVPA means spending less time sleeping, in light activity or being sedentary), to examine whether length of sedentary and MVPA bouts associates with all-cause mortality. Methods and findings We used data on 79,507 participants from UK Biobank. We derived the total time participants spent in activity categories - sleep, sedentary, light activity and MVPA - on average per day. We also derived the time spent in sedentary and MVPA bouts of short (1-15 minutes), medium (16-40 minutes) and long (41+ minutes) duration. We used Cox proportion hazards regression to estimate the association of spending 10 minutes more average daily time in one activity or bout length category, coupled with spending 10 minutes less time in another, with all-cause mortality. Those spending more time sedentary had higher mortality risk if this replaced time spent in light activity (hazard ratio 1.02 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01, 1.03]), and an even higher risk if this replaced time spent in MVPA (hazard ratio 1.08 [95% CI: 1.06, 1.10]). Those spending more time in MVPA had lower mortality risk, irrespective of whether this replaced time spent sleeping, sedentary or in light activity. We found little evidence to suggest that mortality risk differed depending on the length of sedentary or MVPA bouts. A limitation of our study is that we cannot assume that these results are causal, though we adjusted for key confounders. Conclusions Using our novel analytical approach, we uniquely show that time spent in MVPA is associated with reduced mortality, irrespective of whether it replaces time spent sleeping, sedentary or in light activity. This emphasizes the specific importance of MVPA. We found little evidence to suggest that the impact of MVPA differs depending on whether it is obtained from several short bouts or fewer longer bouts, supporting recent policy changes in some countries. Further studies are needed to investigate causality and explore health outcomes beyond mortality.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Costello ◽  
Guillaume Chevance ◽  
David Wing ◽  
Shadia J, Assi ◽  
Sydney Sharp ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic impacted multiple aspects of daily living, including behaviors associated with occupation, transportation, and health. It is unclear how these changes to daily living impacted physical activity and sedentary behavior. OBJECTIVE To examine the impact of the COVID-19 mitigation strategies on physical activity and sedentary behavior among young adults enrolled in an ongoing weight loss trial using longitudinal data acquired from wrist-worn activity monitors over the course of 1 year in San Diego, CA. METHODS Date were collected in 315 participants between 11/01/2019 and 10/30/2020 using the Fitbit Charge 3. After strict filtering for valid consistent wear (more than 10 hours per day for 250+ days), data from 97 participants were analyzed to detect multiple structural changes in time series of physical activity and sedentary behavior. RESULTS After initiation of the shelter-in-place order in CA on 03/19/2021, there were significant decreases in step counts (-2872 steps per day, 95% CI [-2734; -3010]), light physical activity (-41·9 minutes, 95% CI [39·5, 44·3]), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (-12·2 minutes, 95% CI [10·6, 13·8]), as well as significant increases in sedentary behavior (+52·8 minutes, 95% CI [47.0, 58.5]). Decreases were greater than expected declines observed during winter holidays, and as of 10/30/2020, they had not returned to levels observed prior to shelter-in-place orders. CONCLUSIONS In young adults, physical activity decreased and sedentary behavior increased concurrent with COVID-19 mitigation strategies. Health conditions associated with sedentary lifestyle may be additional unintended costs of the COVID-19 pandemic. CLINICALTRIAL NIH 5R01HL136769-03)


Author(s):  
Genevieve F. Dunton ◽  
Daniel Chu ◽  
Christine H. Naya ◽  
Britni R. Belcher ◽  
Tyler B. Mason

Background: Psychological stress has adverse effects on health-related behaviors, yet longitudinal research is lacking. Research examined how children’s and mothers’ perceived stress are associated with children’s physical activity and sedentary behavior trajectories across 3 years. Methods: Mothers and their children (N = 186 dyads; 8–12 y at baseline, 57% Hispanic) completed 6 assessments across 3 years. Children and mothers self-reported perceived stress using the Stress in Children Scale and Perceived Stress Scale, respectively. Children’s moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior were assessed using accelerometers. Mixed models examined interactions of mothers’ and children’s perceived stress by time elapsed in the study on children’s MVPA and sedentary behavior. Results: The perceived stress × time elapsed interactions were significant for children’s MVPA and sedentary behavior (Ps < .05). Higher average perceived stress in mothers was associated with greater decreases in children’s MVPA and increases in children’s sedentary behavior. The child stress × time elapsed interactions was significant for children’s MVPA (P < .05) but not sedentary behavior. Higher average perceived stress in children was associated with smaller decreases in children’s MVPA. Conclusion: Interventions to promote physical activity and reduce screen time in children should mitigate the effects of psychological stress, especially among mothers, on these behaviors.


2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1198-1204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Knox ◽  
Stuart Biddle ◽  
Dale W. Esliger ◽  
Joe Piggin ◽  
Lauren Sherar

Background:Mass media campaigns are an important tool for promoting health-related physical activity. The relevance of sedentary behavior to public health has propelled it to feature prominently in health campaigns across the world. This study explored the use of messages regarding sedentary behavior in health campaigns within the context of current debates surrounding the association between sedentary behavior and health, and messaging strategies to promote moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).Methods:A web-based search of major campaigns in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia was performed to identify the main campaign from each country. A directed content analysis was then conducted to analyze the inclusion of messages regarding sedentary behavior in health campaigns and to elucidate key themes. Important areas for future research were illustrated.Results:Four key themes from the campaigns emerged: clinging to sedentary behavior guidelines, advocating reducing sedentary behavior as a first step on the activity continuum and the importance of light activity, confusing the promotion of MVPA, and the demonization of sedentary behavior.Conclusions:Strategies for managing sedentary behavior as an additional complicating factor in health promotion are urgently required. Lessons learned from previous health communication campaigns should stimulate research to inform future messaging strategies.


Medwave ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (08) ◽  
pp. e8456-e8456
Author(s):  
Paola Andrea Rivera ◽  
Bojan Luc Nys ◽  
Fabián Fiestas

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has entailed a significant socio-economic impact on various layers of the population. In many countries, attempts to control viral dissemination involved lockdown measures that limited citizens' overall mobility and professional and leisure activities. Objective This systematic review investigates the impact of COVID-19-induced lockdowns on university student physical activity and sedentary behav-ior, as these relate to physical and mental well-being. Methods Data was collected through PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, SCOPUS, and APA PsycInfo databases until January 2021. Results Seven studies conducted in five different countries (United States, Spain, Italy, China, and United Kingdom) were included in the final review. Overall, most studies reported a significant decrease in mild physical activity (i.e., walking) among undergraduate students but not among graduate students. Consistently, most studies reported a significant increase in sedentary time (i.e., sitting time on weekdays) in undergraduate students but not in graduate students. We observed that students who were more sedentary previous to lockdown, increased or did not change their moderate and/or vigorous physical activity. In contrast, those who were less sedentary previous to lockdown decreased their moderate and/or vigorous physical activity. Conclusions COVID 19 induced lockdowns appear to have negatively affected walking and sedentary behavior among undergraduate students but not among graduate students. Our results highlight the importance of promoting the World Health Organization recommendations for physical activity and sedentary behavior among university students to improve health outcomes.


Author(s):  
Felipe Schuch ◽  
Rugero Bulzing ◽  
Jacob Meyer ◽  
Guillermo Lopez-Sanchez ◽  
Igor Grabovac ◽  
...  

Background: The self-distancing measures imposed major changes in daily life routine. This study aimed to (i) evaluate the changes (pre-versus during pandemic) in time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior (SB) in selfisolating Brazilians during the COVID-19 pandemic, and (ii) to explore correlates of MVPA and SB. Methods: A cross-sectional self-report online survey, evaluating the time spent in MVPA and SB pre and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sociodemographic, behavioral, clinical, variables, and time in self-isolation were also obtained. Changes in MVPA and SB and their correlates were explored using generalized estimating equations (GEE). Results: A total of 877 participants (72.7% women, 53.7% young adults [18-34 years]) were included. Overall, participants reported a 59.7% reduction (95%CI:35.6 to 82.2) in time spent on MVPA during the pandemic. Time spent in SB increased 42.0% (95%CI:31.7 to 52.5). Greater reductions in MVPA and/or increases in SB were seen in younger adults, those not married, those employed and those with a self-reported previous diagnosis of a mental disorder. Conclusions: People in self-isolation significantly reduced MVPA levels and increased SB. Public health strategies should be implemented during epidemic times to mitigate the impact of self-isolation on MVPA and SB, particularly in vulnerable groups.


2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Godin ◽  
Joanna M. Blodgett ◽  
Kenneth Rockwood ◽  
Olga Theou

The authors sought to examine how much sedentary time needs to be replaced by light or moderate–vigorous physical activity in order to reduce frailty and protect against mortality. The authors built isotemporal substitution models to assess the theoretical effect of replacing sedentary behavior with an equal amount of light or moderate–vigorous activity on frailty and mortality in community-based adults aged 50 years and older. Controlling for age, sex, body mass index, marital status, race, education, employment status, and National Health and Nutrition Examination Study cycle, replacing 1 hr of sedentary time with moderate–vigorous or light physical activity daily was associated with a lower frailty index. For mortality, results varied based on frailty level. Replacing sedentary behavior with moderate–vigorous exercise was associated with lower mortality risk in vulnerable individuals; however, replacing sedentary behavior with light activity was associated with lower mortality risk in frailer individuals.


Author(s):  
Johan Y. Y. Ng ◽  
Qing He ◽  
Kar Hau Chong ◽  
Anthony D. Okely ◽  
Cecilia H. S. Chan ◽  
...  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many preschool-aged children were forced to remain indoors due to social distancing measures and school closures. In this study, we examined how children’s movement behaviors (sedentary behaviors, physical activity, and sleep) were affected by the pandemic. Children’s (N = 25, age = 4.4 years, SD = 0.3) movement behaviors were measured before and after the COVID outbreak, respectively. Data collected using accelerometers were analyzed using compositional data analyses. A significant change in the overall time-use composition (F = 5.89, p = 0.002) was found. Results suggested that children spent more time sleeping (8% increase) and in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (16% increase), with less time spent in sedentary behaviors (9% decrease). However, parent reports suggested that children were less active and had more screen time. In conclusion, the current evidence suggests that children’s physical activity is not negatively impacted by the pandemic. However, the continuous surveillance of movement behaviors of young children during the pandemic is needed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Dalton de Lima-Junior ◽  
Petrus Gantois ◽  
Gustavo César Vasconcelos ◽  
Reginaldo Gonçalves ◽  
Joel Alves Lamounier ◽  
...  

The objective of this study was to analyze the level of physical activity and sedentary behavior (SB) in students from Minas Gerais, Brazil. It is a cross-sectional study with 153 participants of both sexes and had to be between 10 and 12 old. We carried out measurements of socioeconomic and anthropometric variables. Also, physical activity and sedentary behavior were measured using an accelerometer (MiniMitter, Actiheart®). The accelerometer was fixed on the chest and the participants should remain with it for three days (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday). We categorized the data as SB - < 1.6 METs (< 0.39 kcal.kg-1.15min-1); light physical activity - 1.6 to 2.9 METs (0.42 to 0.76 kcal.kg-1.15min-1). In the study, both sexes showed a low time of moderate and vigorous (~ 0.85 hours/day) activities. Higher times were recorded for light activity (~ 2.6 hours/day) and SB (~ 12.5 hours/day) in both sexes. Also, boys spent greater time on a vigorous physical activity and lower time of SB in the three evaluated days (~ 1.3 hours/day boys vs ~ 0.4 hours/day girls) (p = 0.001; np2 = 0.42). However, the physical activity behavior was similar during weekdays and weekends (p = 0.14; np2 = 0.078). We conclude that boys are more engaged than girls in physical activities in public schools of Minas Gerais, Brazil. However, SB is similar between them.


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