Are Gross Motor Skill Interventions an Equitable Replacement for Outdoor Free Play Regarding Children’s Physical Activity?

2022 ◽  
pp. 089011712110632
Author(s):  
Kara K. Palmer ◽  
Jacquelyn M. Farquhar ◽  
Katherine M. Chinn ◽  
Leah E. Robinson

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine if children engaged in equal amounts of physical activity during an established gross motor skill intervention (the Children’s Health Activity Motor Program (CHAMP)) and outdoor free play. Design Cross-sectional study; sample: Ninety-nine children (Mage = 4.21, 51% boys) were randomly divided into two movement environments: CHAMP (n = 55) or control/outdoor free play (n = 44). Measures Physical activity was assessed using GT3X+ Actigraph accelerometers worn on the waist across four mornings. Average physical activity across the four days during either CHAMP or outdoor free play was extracted and categorized as light, moderate, vigorous, or MVPA. Physical activity data were reduced in the Actilife software using the cutpoints from Evenson et al. Analysis A 2 (treatment) x 2 (sex) mixed measures ANOVA was used to compare the amount of time children spent in light, moderate, vigorous, and MVPA. Results There was a significant main effect for treatment for light PA (F(3,95) =13.60, P<.001, partial η2=.125), and post hoc t-tests support that children in the control/outdoor free play group engaged in more light PA compared with children in CHAMP (t95 = −3.75, P<.001). Conclusions Results show that children in CHAMP engaged in less light PA but equal amounts of all other physical activity behaviors than their peers in outdoor free play.

2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 443-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia E. Longmuir ◽  
Laura Banks ◽  
Brian W. McCrindle

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the gross motor skills of school-aged children after the Fontan procedure and compare the locomotor and object control skills with normative data.Study designThis study followed a cross-sectional design.SettingThis study was based on hospital outpatient visit, with accelerometry conducted at home.PatientsThis study included 55 patients, including 22 girls in the age group of 6–10 years, 5.1 years after Fontan.Main outcome measuresTest of Gross Motor Development – Version 2, daily activity by accelerometer, medical history review, child and parent perceptions of activity.ResultsBeing involved in active team sports increased locomotor percentile score by 10.3 points (CI: 4.4, 16.1). Preference for weekend outdoor activities (6.9, CI: 2.0, 11.8), performing at least 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily (24.5, CI: 7.3, 41.8), and reporting that parents seldom criticise the child's physical activity (21.8, CI: 8.9, 34.8) were also associated with higher locomotor percentile scores (p < 0.01). Object control percentile scores were higher (p < 0.03) with involvement in formal instruction (5.9, CI: 1.1, 10.6) and being restricted to “activities within comfortable limits” (27.6, CI: 7.7, 47.5). Older chronological age (r = 0.28), a more complicated medical history (r = 0.36), and older age at Fontan (r = 0.28) were associated with greater skill delay (p < 0.04).ConclusionsChildren after Fontan attain basic motor skills at a later age than their peers, and deficits continue for more complex skills as age increases, suggesting a need for longitudinal monitoring of gross motor skill development through the elementary school years. Future research might investigate whether a gross motor skill rehabilitation programme can provide these children with the motor skills needed to successfully participate in a physically active lifestyle with peers.


2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-89
Author(s):  
Cecília Bertuol ◽  
Kelly Samara da Silva ◽  
Rafael Miranda Tassitano ◽  
Adair da Silva Lopes ◽  
Markus Vinicius Nahas

ABSTRACT Introduction Although the benefits of regular physical activity (PA) for adolescents are well-described in the literature, there is little evidence of the role of psychosocial aspects on levels of PA in this population. Objective To investigate the prevalence and sociodemographic factors associated with enjoyment of PA and preference for leisure-time activities in boys and girls. Methods A cross-sectional study, with 6529 adolescents (aged 15 to 19 years) enrolled in secondary education in public schools in the South of Brazil. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between sociodemographic factors and the variables of interest, with data collection using a standardized questionnaire. Results Boys enjoyed (87.1%) and preferred (44.4%) PA more than girls (enjoyment: 79.2%; preference: 29.5%). Among the boys, enjoyment was associated with family income(OR3-5 wages=1.53; OR≥6 wages=1.62) and, among the girls, it was associated with age (OR19 years=0.28), occupational status (ORworkers=1.45), and income (OR3-5 wages=1.35). Preference was associated with age (OR19 years=2.48) and income (OR≥6 wages=0.70) among the boys and, among girls, it was associated with area of residence (ORrural=1.47) and occupation (ORworkers=1.31). Conclusion Boys (enjoyment: 87.1%; preference: 44.4%) had more positive attitudes toward PA than girls (enjoyment: 79.2%; preference: 29.5%), and some sociodemographic variables appear to be more closely associated with these attitudes than others. Enjoyment was associated with family income for boys, and with age, occupation and income for girls. Preference, in turn, was associated with age and family income for boys, and area of residence and occupational status for girls. Level of evidence II, Diagnostic studies - Investigation of a diagnostic test.


Author(s):  
Thaynã Alves Bezerra ◽  
Paulo Felipe Ribeiro Bandeira ◽  
Anastácio Neco de Souza Filho ◽  
Cain Craig Truman Clark ◽  
Jorge Augusto Pinto Silva Mota ◽  
...  

Background: The relationship between moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and fundamental motor skill (FMS) is inconsistent in early childhood, due to its complex and nonlinear characteristics. This study aimed to analyze the nonlinear relationships between MVPA, FMS, body mass index (BMI), sex, and age in preschoolers. Methods: This cross-sectional study with preschoolers (n = 204; 4.0 [0.8] y old; 99 boys), provided objective physical activity data, FMS assessments, and BMI. The associations between MVPA, FMS, BMI, sex, and age were explored using the network analysis (RStudio and qgraph). Results: Boys were more motor competent than girls in all FMS skills, while girls were more active than boys during the weekend. Older children were less active than their younger peers during these days. MVPA is weak and differently related to each FMS, and the leap skill emerged with the highest betweenness and strength values in the network. Conclusions: For the assessed preschoolers, when considering BMI, age, and sex, the relationships between MVPA and FMS are inconsistent, and leap emerged as the main variable. During early childhood, these variables are connected as part of a complex system in which each skill has a dynamic role within the emerging pattern.


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 205520761988098
Author(s):  
Renae L Smith-Ray ◽  
Nima Nikzad ◽  
Tanya Singh ◽  
Jenny Z Jiang ◽  
Michael S Taitel ◽  
...  

Objective Many American adults are insufficiently active. Digital health programs are designed to motivate this population to engage in regular physical activity and often rely on wearable devices and apps to objectively measure physical activity for a large number of participants. The purpose of this epidemiological study was to analyze the rates of physical activity among participants in a digital health program. Method We conducted a cross-sectional study of participants enrolled in a digital health program between January 2014 and December 2016. All activity data were objectively collected through wearable devices. Results Participants ( n =  241,013) were on average 39.7 years old and 65.7% were female. Participants walked on average 3.72 miles per day. Overall, 5.3% and 21.8% of participants were being treated with diabetes and cardiovascular medications respectively, but these rates varied across young, middle and older adults. Participants of all ages being treated with cardiovascular and/or diabetes medications walked significantly less than those not being treated for these conditions. Conclusion The feasibility of using a large database containing data from consumer-grade activity trackers was demonstrated through this epidemiological study of physical activity rates across age and condition status of participants. The approach and findings described may inform future research as the information age brings about new opportunities to manage and study massive amounts of data generated by connected devices.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine E. Draper ◽  
Simone A. Tomaz ◽  
Matthew Stone ◽  
Trina Hinkley ◽  
Rachel A. Jones ◽  
...  

Purpose. The purpose of this research was to collect data to inform intervention strategies to optimise body composition in South African preschool children.Methods. Data were collected in urban and rural settings. Weight status, physical activity, and gross motor skill assessments were conducted with 341 3–6-year-old children, and 55 teachers and parents/caregivers participated in focus groups.Results. Overweight and obesity were a concern in low-income urban settings (14%), but levels of physical activity and gross motor skills were adequate across all settings. Focus group findings from urban and rural settings indicated that teachers would welcome input on leading activities to promote physical activity and gross motor skill development. Teachers and parents/caregivers were also positive about young children being physically active. Recommendations for potential intervention strategies include a teacher-training component, parent/child activity mornings, and a home-based component for parents/caregivers.Conclusion. The findings suggest that an intervention focussed on increasing physical activity and improving gross motor skills per se is largely not required but that contextually relevant physical activity and gross motor skills may still be useful for promoting healthy weight and a vehicle for engaging with teachers and parents/caregivers for promoting other child outcomes, such as cognitive development.


Author(s):  
Russell R. Pate ◽  
Marsha Dowda ◽  
Ruth P. Saunders ◽  
Natalie Colabianchi ◽  
Morgan N. Clennin ◽  
...  

Background: The prevalence of childhood obesity is higher in economically and socially deprived areas. Higher levels of physical activity reduce the risk of excessive weight gain in youth, and research has focused on environmental factors associated with children’s physical activity, though the term “physical activity desert” has not come into wide use. Methods: This exploratory study operationalized the term “physical activity desert” and tested the hypothesis that children living in physical activity deserts would be less physically active than children who do not. A cross-sectional study design was applied with 992 fifth-grade students who had provided objectively measured physical activity data. Five of 12 possible elements of the built environment were selected as descriptors of physical activity deserts, including no commercial facilities, no parks, low play spaces, no cohesion, and the presence of incivilities. Results: Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that only the absence of parks was associated with less physical activity in children. Conclusion: Children living in a “no park” zone were less active than their counterparts who lived near a park. This study contributes preliminary conceptual and operational definitions of “physical activity desert.” Future studies of physical activity deserts should be undertaken in larger and more diverse samples.


2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-86
Author(s):  
Zaid W. AL-Shahwanii

Background: Osteoarthritis OA is the most common joint disorder in the world. Injection of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid intra-articular with steroid is a one of the used therapeutic option for patients with (OA)knee. Objectives: Objective of this study was the evaluation the efficacy, safety, pluse duration of action of viscosupplementation of the  HMWHA( high molecular weight hyluranic acid ). Type of the study: Cross-sectional study. Methods: From 81 patients with sever knee pain due to OA (grades 3–4) were recruited from Al-Yarmouk teaching hospital  & a private clinic during the period from January 2014 till July 2016. The patients were  (24 males - 57 females) with mean age 57.14 years( range from 45y -64 y). Visual Analog Scale (VAS) questionnaire for pain, morning stiffness calculated by minuets and physical function were used to assess treatment efficacy after intra-articular HMWHA injection. Results: The study included 81 patients who gave the examination data and complete the vital baseline and follow-up data necessary  to check for the safety and efficacy .Major improvement was seen after 6 months  from injection, as pain, stiffness and physical activity data  decreased to 20.32, 1.42 and 4.44 respectively. Such achievement continue for  9 months after injection, as the pain marks was 28.3, the stiffness marks was 3.15,while the physical activity marks  was 5. Conclusions:  injection of HMWHA with steroid intr articular is effective, safe for the period of  9 months for those patients who complain from  moderate and severe OA  knee joint.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 417
Author(s):  
Tutfah Razzak Fitriari ◽  
Ahmad Suryawan ◽  
Sulistiawati Sulistiawati

Background and Purpose : Nutritional status is one aspect that influences children’s development. Children whose nutritional needs are not being met are at risk of experiencing developmental disorders, where one aspect of development that is affected is their gross motor skills. Indonesia has a number of malnutrition up to 17.7% with a motor disorder rate of 13-18%. This study aims to analyze the relationship between nutritional status and gross motor skill status of children aged 60-72 months in Islam Al karomah Surabaya Kindergarten. Methods : This study use obervational analytic method with cross sectional design study design. The sample in this study were children who attend Islamic Al Karomah kindergarten in Surabaya. The number of samples was 40 respondents in the Islam Al Karomah Surabaya Kindergarten. The sampling technique of this study was total sampling with nutritional status as independent variable and gross motor skill status as dependent variable. The instuments of this study are Z-Scores (Body Mass Index for age) and Developmental Pre Screening Questionnaire for collecting data and was analyzed by Fisher’s Exact test (a=0.05). Results : Almost all of the children with normal gross motor skills (78.1%) have a normal nutritional status with the results of Fisher’s Exact analysis shown p value = 0.007 (p<0.05). Conclusion : there is a relationship between the nutritional status and gross motor skill status of children aged 60-72 months in Islam Al karomah Surabaya Kindergarten.


Author(s):  
Damiano Pizzol ◽  
Lee Smith ◽  
Ai Koyanagi ◽  
Brendon Stubbs ◽  
Igor Grabovac ◽  
...  

Appropriate management of diabetes mellitus (DM) includes following a healthy lifestyle, in which reaching physical activity (PA) recommendations is an important factor. Despite this, it remains unclear whether people with DM meet the recommended PA targets. We therefore aimed to investigate the proportion of older adults with DM (type 1 and 2) engaging in the recommended amount of PA per week in a cross-sectional study. PA levels were objectively measured using the GT1M ActiGraph accelerometer for seven consecutive days, and the cut-off of 150 min of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was used. To assess the relationship between not meeting the recommendation for, and the significant factors associated with PA level (MVPA < 150 min/week), a multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied. 197 diabetic participants (mean age = 66.8 years; 46.7% males) spent only 74.5 ± 94.4 min/weekly in MVPA, and only 39 (=19.8%) reached the cut-off for sufficient PA levels. Significant correlates of not meeting the recommendation for PA levels were female sex, depressive symptoms, and age. In conclusion, only one-fifth of diabetic people reached the recommended amount of PA, suggesting that more intervention is needed to increase PA levels in this population.


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