Children's Physical Activity Levels and Attitudes Towards Physical Activity

1997 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 144-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Hagger ◽  
Lorraine Cale ◽  
Len Almond
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Behaviour ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Activity Behaviour ◽  
Children’S Physical Activity

This study investigated the relationship between attitude towards physical activity and physical activity behaviour and the influence of gender and season on physical activity level in 45 primary school children, aged 9 to 11 years. Attitudes towards physical activity were assessed using two different theoretical approaches: the children's attitudes towards physical activity (CATPA) inventory and the theory of reasoned action (TRA) questionnaire. Physical activity behaviour was measured using Cale's (1994) self-report measure of physical activity. Approximately 50% of the children were categorised as 'inactive' based on cut-off points developed by Blair (1984). A 2 x 2 (gender x season) factorial analysis of variance showed that children partici pated in more moderate physical activity in the summer than in the winter (F(1,44) = 6.29, p<.05) but there were no gender differences in physical activity levels. Descriptive statistics for the CATPA inventory showed that children generally exhibited positive attitudes towards physical activity. Mann-Whitney U tests for two independent samples revealed significant differences between the high-active and low-active children for the catharsis, health and fitness, vertigo and aesthetic subdomains from the CATPA inventory (p<.05). None of the TRA variables showed any significant differences for activity level. Present results suggest that some attitude variables from the CATPA inventory differ according to children's physical activity levels and thereby emphasise the need for physical educators to foster positive attitudes towards physical activity in order to encourage children to adopt and maintain healthy and active lifestyles.

scholarly journals Barn og fysisk aktivitet i barnehagen: Hvordan kan aktivitetsnivået dokumenteres?

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Stokke ◽  
Andi Weydahl ◽  
Giovanna Calogiuri
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Physical Activity Level ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Heart Rate Monitoring ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Technical Measurements ◽  
Children’S Physical Activity

Abstract: We monitored the physical activity levels of 42 children during a regular day in kindergarten, using various instruments. This study will provide knowledge about children’s activity levels in kindergarten. It also discusses whether children’s activity levels can be adequately evaluated by the teachers or if there is a need for technical measurements. In addition, we compared the different instruments used to evaluate the children. The employees in the kindergarten were asked to answer a questionnaire about the children’s physical activity level during the day, and a student or a researcher observed and registered one child each. During the same day, activity levels were monitored using actigraphy (AC; Actigraf GT3X) and continuous heart rate monitoring (HR; Team2 Polar ®) in 14 children (six boys and eight girls, 38 and 47 months old, respectively). The researcher-observations defined the observed children as “moderately active”, and AC-data showed that all children had more than 60 minutes of moderate - or high - intensity activity. According to our comparisons, the use of HR to assess the activity in kindergartens is not recommended. On average, the questionnaires reported similar physical activity levels for the same child, although the evaluations varied between employees. When comparing one active and one inactive child, the different methods showed similar results. We conclude that professionals can see a child’s physical activity level when asked to reflect upon it.Sammendrag: Vi målte det fysiske aktivitetsnivået til 42 barn i løpet av en vanlig dag i barnehagen ved hjelp av ulike instrumenter. Denne studien vil gi kunnskap om barns fysiske aktivitet i barnehagen, og om barnas aktivitetsnivå kan bli tilstrekkelig evaluert av lærerne eller om det er behov for tekniske målinger. Videre har vi sammenlignet de ulike instrumentene brukt i observasjonen. De ansatte i barnehagen ble bedt om å svare på et spørreskjema om barns fysiske aktivitetsnivå i løpet av dagen, og en student eller forsker observerte og registrerte ett barn hver. I løpet av samme dag, ble aktivitetsnivået overvåkt ved hjelp av actigraphy (AC; Actigraf GT3X) og kontinuerlig pulsmåling (HR, Team2 Polar ®) blant 14 barn (seks gutter og åtte jenter, 38- og 47-måneder gamle, henholdsvis). Forsker-observasjonene definerte de observerte barna som "moderat aktiv", og AC-data viste at alle barna hadde mer enn 60 minutter aktivitet med moderat eller høy intensitet. Våre sammenligninger viser at bruk av HR for å vurdere aktiviteten i barnehager er ikke anbefalt. I gjennomsnitt rapporterte spørreskjemaene lignende aktivitetsverdier for det samme barnet, selv om evalueringene varierte mellom ansatte. Når man sammenlignet et aktivt og et inaktivt barn, viste de ulike metodene lignende resultater. Vi konkluderer derfor at ansattes faglige blikk kan se barns fysiske aktivitetsnivå når de blir bedt om å vurdere det.

scholarly journals A Qualitative Investigation on the Roles of Social Support on Physical Activity Behaviour among the Rural-Dwelling Older Women in Malaysia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (18) ◽  
pp. 9609
Author(s):  
Thaneswaran Marthammuthu ◽  
Farizah Mohd Hairi ◽  
Wan Yuen Choo ◽  
Nur Afiqah Mohd Salleh ◽  
Noran Naqiah Hairi
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Physical Activity Behaviour ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
The Social ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Activity Behaviour

Despite many health benefits of physical activities, both physically and mentally, the majority of the older women in the rural areas of Malaysia are showing a low prevalence of physical activities. Understanding the roles of social support to improve physical activities is imperative to promote active and healthy ageing among the rural-dwelling older women in Malaysia. Hence, this qualitative study adopted an inductive design using 17 in-depth interviews to understand the role of social support on physical activity behaviour among the rural community-dwelling older woman in Kuala Pilah District, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia from December 2019 to January 2020. Three categories of themes were identified in this study. Firstly, adaptive social support in terms of informational, companionship and emotional supports reported enhancing physical activity levels among older women. Secondly, the absence of help and assistance from the social network asserts independence and triggers the older women to perform the activities by themselves, thus engage in physically active lifestyles. Thirdly, lacking social support demotivate older women to be engaged in physical activities. In particular, loss of companionship support, poor acceptance or appraisal support, logistic issues to attend exercise programmes and neighbourhood safety and security issues were among the main barriers of physical activities reported by the older women. The main findings of this study shed some light on the exigency of strengthening social support from the social network to engage the older women in physical activities. The roles of social media, effective patient-doctor communication and interventions targeting the spouses and family members must be strengthened to create a supportive atmosphere to enhance physical activity levels among older women.

scholarly journals The Use of Cluster Analysis for Non-Continuous Variables in the Assessment of Dietary Behaviours and Physical Activities in Primary School Children

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-136
Author(s):  
Magdalena Zalewska ◽  
Agnieszka Genowska ◽  
Jacek Jamiołkowski ◽  
Rafał Nowak ◽  
Andrzej Szpak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Primary School ◽  
School Children ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

Abstract Physical activity, along with proper nutrition, is a very important element in child development. Lack of everyday, regular physical activity among young people is a public health problem. The aim of the study was to use cluster analysis to assess the relationship between nutrition and physical activity levels of primary school children. The study included 682 students from randomly selected elementary schools and was performed using a proprietary questionnaire during the 2013/2014 school year. The questionnaire contained questions about eating habits and physical activity, as well as the socio-economic conditions of families. Clusters of students of similar dietary habits were identified using cluster analysis and subsequently compared in terms of physical activity level. We identified four clusters, characterized by relative internal homogeneity and at the same time variability between one another in terms of number of meals throughout the day and time of their consumption. The most important characteristic of Cluster 1 was eating four meals a day including breakfast, which is the most important meal of the day. The diets of children in Cluster 2 abounded with raw vegetables and fruits. Students in Cluster 3 were characterized by a regular and varied diet. The least appropriate behaviour in the field of nutrition was observed among students belonging to Cluster 4. Cluster analysis in the studied population allowed relationships between dietary habits and physical activity to be described. By using the UIAF indicator (Moderate to Intense Physical Activity), a statistically significant association between the eating habits of the children and their physical activity levels was observed. A sufficient level of physical activity was observed in most students belonging to Cluster 3, and high levels of physical activity were observed in a small percentage of children belonging Cluster 4. An average level of physical activity was observed in a high percentage of children belonging to Cluster 4. Low levels of physical activity were most frequently observed in Clusters 4 and 1 and least frequently observed in Cluster 3. All of the identified active forms of free-time activity were most commonly acknowledged in Cluster 3. The study supports a beneficial relationship between students’ eating behaviours and physical activity.

scholarly journals Choroidal Thickness and Volume Modifications Induced by Aerobic Exercise in Healthy Young Adults

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gema Insa-Sánchez ◽  
Lorena Fuentes-Broto ◽  
Alberto Cobos ◽  
Elvira Orduna Hospital ◽  
Francisco Segura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Choroidal Thickness ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Enhanced Depth Imaging ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Imaging Protocol ◽  
Post Exercise ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Our aim was to evaluate the changes in choroidal thickness (CT) and volume (CV) following aerobic physical exercise in healthy young adults. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This study included 72 eyes from healthy volunteers between 22 and 37 years old. Using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, total physical activity was computed. Measurements using an autorefractometer, ocular biometry, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography using the Enhanced Depth Imaging protocol were taken. OCT was performed as a baseline measurement and after performing 10 min of dynamic physical exercise (3 and 10 min post-exercise). The choroidal layer was manually segmented, and the CT and CV in different areas from the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study grid were obtained. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In healthy adults, at 3 min post-exercise, CT was higher in the subfoveal, the 3-mm nasal, and the 6-mm superior areas. Between 3 and 10 min post-exercise, the CT was reduced in all areas, and in some areas, the values were even smaller than the baseline measurements. The CV values showed changes after exercise similar to those of thickness. The total CV recovery after exercise was related to sex and physical activity level. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Individuals with higher physical activity habits had greater CV at rest than those with lower physical activity levels. During exercise, healthy young people adjust CT and CV. At 3 min post-exercise, CT and CV increase. Women and individuals with greater physical activity levels reduce their total CV more than others during recovery.

scholarly journals Reduced level of physical activity during COVID-19 pandemic is associated with depression and anxiety levels: an internet-based survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo José Puccinelli ◽  
Taline Santos da Costa ◽  
Aldo Seffrin ◽  
Claudio Andre Barbosa de Lira ◽  
Rodrigo Luiz Vancini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mood Disorders ◽  
Physical Activity Level ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Mood State ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a strong negative impact on economic and social life worldwide. It has also negatively influenced people’s general health and quality of life. The aim of the present study was to study the impact of social distancing on physical activity level, and the association between mood state (depression and anxiety level) or sex with actual physical activity levels, the change in physical activity caused by social distancing period, the adhesion level to social distancing, the adoption time of social distancing, family income and age. Methods A self-administered questionnaire with personal, quarantine, physical activity, and mood state disorders information’s was answered by 2140 Brazilians of both sex who were recruited through online advertising. Results The physical activity level adopted during the period of social distancing (3.5 ± 0.8) was lower than that the adopted prior to the pandemic period (2.9 ± 1.1, p < 0.001). Thirty percent of the participants presented symptoms of moderate/severe depression and 23.3% displayed moderate/severe anxiety symptoms. A greater presence of symptoms related to anxiety and depression were associated with low physical activity levels, low family monthly income, and younger age. A higher percentage of men who had no mood disorders was observed among those who were very active than among those less active. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has a negative impact on physical activity. Those who reduced their level of physical activity had the highest levels of mood disorders. Therefore, physical activity programs should be encouraged, while respecting the necessary social distancing to prevent the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.

scholarly journals Objectively assessed moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels among primary school children in Norway: The Health Oriented Pedagogical Project (HOPP)

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (21_suppl) ◽  
pp. 38-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Hai Deng ◽  
Per Morten Fredriksen
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Primary School ◽  
School Children ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

Aims: The objective was to investigate moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels (MVPA) of primary school children at baseline of the Health Oriented Pedagogical Project (HOPP), Norway. Methods: Data on 2123 children aged 6–12 years were included for analysis (75% participation rate). Average minutes per day in MVPA was objectively measured using accelerometry based on seven-day averages. The sample was analysed for age-, sex-, socioeconomic-, and season-related patterns. A linear regression investigated the moderating effect of these factors as well as body mass index and waist circumference. Results: Some 86.5% of the sample had at least 60 min/day MVPA, averaging 90.7 min/day. The main differences in daily averages were between age groups 6½–9 and 10–12 ( p < .05). Boys (95.8 min/day, 95% CI: 94.1–97.5) were more active than girls (85.6 min/day, 95% CI: 83.9–87.2) in all age groups ( p < .0001). MVPA was lower by 3.5 min ( p < .0001) per additional year of age in the linear regression (R2 = 0.176) and was reduced by 20 min less per day in MVPA in the winter months compared with the summer months ( p < .0001). Conclusions: Physical activity levels are already in decline from 6–7 years old and are likely to continue to decline into adolescence. Interventions must therefore focus on primary school children.

scholarly journals Is the impact of adiposity on taste perceptions moderated by chronic physical activity? An overview of the data from NHANES 2013-2014.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre-Charles Gauthier ◽  
Marie-Eve Mathieu
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Body Fat Percentage ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Active Lifestyle ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Tip Test ◽  
The Impact

Introduction Taste is a key sensory modulator of eating behaviour and thus energy intake. The effects of acute exercise has recently been confirmed especially regarding sweet and salty tastes. Physical activity is a safe and effective countermeasure to certain types of chemosensory losses, especially in older populations. Knowing that taste can be impaired with increased adiposity, it is unknown if the adoption of an active lifestyle on a regular basis can mitigate such impairments. Methods Data were extracted from NHANES 2013-2014 database. Perception of salt and bitter tastes for Tongue Tip Test and Whole Mouth Test, physical activity levels over an 8-9-day period and adiposity were analyzed. Moderation analyses were used to study the impact of adiposity on taste perceptions, with physical activity level as the moderator. Results The 197 participants (130 males) included in this project had a mean+/-standard deviation age of 49.1+/-5.2 years, a mean body fat percentage of 31.7+/-7.6% and mean daily physical activity levels of 11 084+/-3531 Monitor-Independent Movement Summary unit (MIMS). The positive association between adiposity and both bitter Tongue Tip Test and overall result (salt+bitter) of Tongue Tip Test were moderated by the adoption of an active lifestyle, with better taste scores observed in individuals achieving higher physical activity levels. When moderation analysis were stratified by gender, the effect of physical activity was no longer significant. Perspectives This study is the first to evaluate the influence of an active lifestyle on the preservation of some taste perceptions across a wide range of adiposity levels. While differences in taste can be observed regarding body fat percentage, physical activity moderates that relation only when men and women are analysed together.

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

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e4405 ◽  
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.

Physical activity levels in hospitalised adults with burn injuries

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Plaza ◽  
Julie Adsett ◽  
Angela Byrnes ◽  
Prue McRae
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Total Body Surface Area ◽  
Physical Activity Behaviour ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Hospital Length ◽  
Burn Injuries ◽  
Hospital Length Of Stay ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Activity Behaviour

Abstract Physical activity behaviour has not been previously described in hospitalised adults with burn injuries. This prospective, cross-sectional study used a standardised behavioural mapping protocol to observe patient behaviour related to physical activity over a 12-hour period on one weekday in a quaternary referral specialist burn centre. Structured observations were recorded for each of four domains: 1) patient location, 2) position, 3) activity performed and 4) the presence of others. Observations were summarised across all participants as median (IQR) proportion of time. Participants (n=17) were predominantly male (82%) with a mean age of 44.3 (SD 15.2) years, a mean burn size of 34.9% (SD 26.7) total body surface area and a median hospital length of stay of 18 (IQR 6-49) days at time of observation. Participants spent a median of 83% (IQR 73-93) of time in their bedroom, 92% (IQR 68-97) of time in or on their bed and a median of 5% (IQR 3-13) of time mobilising. Exercise accounted for 10% (IQR 8-17) of activity related observations. A median of 68% (IQR 39-83) of time was spent alone. Results suggest time spent engaging in physical activity is low. Further studies are required to investigate motivators and barriers to performing physical activity in this population. This will consequently inform the development and implementation of appropriate strategies to improve physical activity behaviour in this cohort.

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