Physical activity values in two-to-seven-year-old children measured by accelerometer over five consecutives 24-hour days

Introduction. Interpretation of accelerometer-derived physical activity in preschool children is confounded by differences in cut-off points.Aim. The purpose of this study was to analyze physical activity in 2-to-7-year-old children to establish reference values for daily activity. Methods. Observational study in children aged 2-7 years, without chronic diseases and whose parents provided informed consent. The main variable was physical activity, measured continuously over 120 hours (three workdays and two weekend days) by accelerometer. Secondary variables were weight status (BMI Z-score) and gender. The relationship between the main variable and secondary variables was determined through the t-test, ANOVA and the Pearson correlation coefficient. A multivariate model was used to obtain the standard deviation of all possible combinations of values, constructing percentiles of normality(x±s and x±2·s).Results. 136 children (35% of municipality children), 54.4% girls. Their weight status distribution was: 25 underweight(18.4%), 35 normal weight(25.7%), 40 overweight(29.4%) and 36 obese(26.5%). The median age was 5.7 years and the mean physical activity was 591.9 counts/minute. The boys undertook more physical activity(p=0.031) and the underweight and normal-weight children undertook more physical activity than the overweight and obese children(p=0.032). There were no significant differences according to age. The multivariate analysis showed significant differences(p<0.001) according to gender and weight status. In boys, physical activity decreased as weight status increased. In contrast, the girls in the extreme BMI groups obtained higher levels of physical activity.Conclusion. The reference values obtained, categorized by gender and weight status, provide clinicians with standardized daily physical activity levels of preschool-age children.

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The Feasibility of Using Instagram Data to Predict Exercise Identity and Physical Activity Levels: Cross-sectional Observational Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.20954 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Sam Liu ◽

Megan Perdew ◽

Alexander Lithopoulos ◽

Ryan E Rhodes

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Identity Development ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Lifestyle Behaviors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mediation Analyses ◽

Macro Modeling ◽

Exercise Identity ◽

The Relationship

BACKGROUND Exercise identity is an important predictor for regular physical activity (PA). There is a lack of research on the potential mechanisms or antecedents of identity development. Theories of exercise identity have proposed that investment, commitment and self-referential (eg, I am an exerciser) statements, and social activation (comparison, support) may be crucial to identity development. Social media may be a potential mechanism to shape identity. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were to (1) explore whether participants were willing to share their Instagram data with researchers to predict their lifestyle behaviors; (2) examine whether PA-related Instagram uses (ie, the percentage of PA-related Instagram posts, fitness-related followings, and the number of likes received on PA-related posts) were positively associated with exercise identity; and (3) evaluate whether exercise identity mediates the relationship between PA-related Instagram use and weekly PA minutes. METHODS Participants (18-30 years old) were asked to complete a questionnaire to evaluate their current levels of exercise identity and PA. Participants’ Instagram data for the past 12 months before the completion of the questionnaire were extracted and analyzed with their permission. Instagram posts related to PA in the 12 months before their assessment, the number of likes received for each PA-related post, and verified fitness- or PA-related followings by the participants were extracted and analyzed. Pearson correlation analyses were used to evaluate the relationship among exercise identity, PA, and Instagram uses. We conducted mediation analyses using the PROCESS macro modeling tool to examine whether exercise identity mediated the relationship between Instagram use variables and PA. Descriptive statistical analyses were used to compare the number of willing participants versus those who were not willing to share their Instagram data. RESULTS Of the 76 participants recruited to participate, 54% (n=41) shared their Instagram data. The percentage of PA-related Instagram posts (r=0.38; P=.01) and fitness-related Instagram followings (r=0.39; P=.01) were significantly associated with exercise identity. The average number of “likes” received (r=0.05, P=.75) was not significantly associated with exercise identity. Exercise identity significantly influenced the relationship between Instagram usage metrics (ie, the percentage of PA-related Instagram posts [P=.01] and verified fitness-related Instagram accounts [P=.01]) and PA level. Exercise identity did not significantly influence the relationship between the average number of “likes” received for the PA-related Instagram posts and PA level. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that an increase in PA-related Instagram posts and fitness-related followings were associated with a greater sense of exercise identity. Higher exercise identity led to higher PA levels. Exercise identity significantly influenced the relationship between PA-related Instagram posts (P=.01) and fitness-related followings on PA levels (P=.01). These results suggest that Instagram may influence a person’s exercise identity and PA levels. Future intervention studies are warranted.

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Associations of Body Mass Index, Motor Performance, and Perceived Athletic Competence with Physical Activity in Normal Weight and Overweight Children

Journal of Obesity ◽

10.1155/2018/3598321 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Kyle M. Morrison ◽

John Cairney ◽

Joe Eisenmann ◽

Karin Pfeiffer ◽

Dan Gould

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Mass Index ◽

Body Mass ◽

Motor Skill ◽

Motor Performance ◽

Weight Status ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Athletic Competence ◽

Skill Performance

Children who are overweight and obese display lower physical activity levels than normal weight peers. Measures of weight status, perceived motor competence, and motor skill performance have been identified as potential correlates explaining this discrepancy. 1881 children (955 males; 926 females; 9.9 years) were assessed as part of the Physical Health Activity Study Team project. The age, habitual physical activity participation (PAP), body mass index (BMI), socioeconomic status (SES), motor performance (MP), and perceived athletic competence (PAC) of each child included were assessed. Gender-specific linear regression analyses (main effects model) were conducted to identify the percent variance in PAP explained by the following variables: BMI, MP, and PAC. For males, 18.3% of the variance in PAP was explained by BMI, MP, and PAC. PAC explained 17% of the variance, while MP, BMI, and SES only accounted for 0.6%, 0.7%, and 0.5%, respectively. PAC explained 17.5% of PAP variance in females; MP explained 0.8%. BMI, SES, and chronological age were not significant correlates of PAP in girls. An established repertoire of motor skill performance has been seen as a vehicle to PAP in children; however, this study indicates that PAC should not be overlooked in intervention strategies to promote increased PAP.

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The Influence of Friends and Psychosocial Factors on Physical Activity and Screen Time in Normal and Overweight Adolescents: A Mixed-Methods Analysis

American Journal of Health Promotion ◽

10.1177/0890117118771313 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 33 (1) ◽

pp. 97-106 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Jeanette M. Garcia ◽

John R. Sirard ◽

Diane E. Whaley ◽

David J. Rice ◽

Kayla Baker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Psychosocial Factors ◽

Screen Time ◽

Weight Status ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Health Related ◽

And Gender

Background: Understanding factors that influence physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior is crucial to develop interventions to improve adolescents’ health-related behaviors. Purpose: To compare the influence of friends and psychosocial factors on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and screen time (ST) between normal weight (NW) and overweight (OW) adolescents. Methods: In all, 21 OW and 21 NW adolescents wore accelerometers and completed questionnaires assessing MVPA, ST, and psychosocial variables. The MVPA and ST were assessed in nominated friends. Adolescents participated in focus groups assessing influence on activity behaviors. Results: There were no differences in MVPA; however, NW adolescents reported less ST than OW adolescents (8.9 vs 13.1 h/wk, P = .04). For OW adolescents, friends’ ST ( P = .002) and psychosocial factors ( P = .05) were associated with ST, while only PA self-efficacy was associated with MVPA. For NW adolescents, only friends’ MVPA ( P = .04) was associated with self-reported PA. Exploratory analyses revealed differences among weight status and gender. Focus group discussions revealed that friends influenced both OW and NW adolescents’ MVPA; however, this appeared to be more apparent for NW males, while psychosocial factors played a role in both OW and NW females. The OW adolescents reported that friends were more of an influence on their ST levels, while NW adolescents indicated that their ST was not affected by their friends’ behaviors. Conclusions: Interventions to increase MVPA and/or decrease ST may need to be tailored for NW and OW adolescents.

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The Relationship between Physical Activity Variety and Objectively Measured Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity Levels in Weight Loss Maintainers and Normal-Weight Individuals

Journal of Obesity ◽

10.1155/2012/812414 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2012 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Dale S. Bond ◽

Hollie A. Raynor ◽

Suzanne Phelan ◽

Jeremy Steeves ◽

Richard Daniello ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Weight Loss ◽

Weight Control ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Weight Maintenance ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Objectively Measured ◽

The Relationship

Given the importance of physical activity (PA) for weight control, identifying strategies to achieve higher PA levels is imperative. We hypothesized that performing a greater variety of self-reported moderate-to-vigorous activities (MVPAs) would relate to higher objectively measured MVPA minutes in two groups who were successfully maintaining their body weight: weight loss maintainers (WLM/n=226) and normal-weight individuals (NW/n=169). The Paffenbarger Questionnaire and RT3 accelerometer were used to determine variety/number of different MVPAs performed and MVPA minutes, respectively. The variety/number of different activities performed by WLM and NW was similar (1.8 ± 1.2 versus 1.7 ± 1.2,P=0.52). Regression analyses showed that greater variety (P<0.01) and WLM status (P<0.05) were each positively related to greater MVPA minutes/day and meeting the ≥250 MVPA minutes/week guideline for long-term weight maintenance. The association between greater variety and higher MVPA was similar in NW and WLM. Future studies should test whether variety can facilitate engagement in higher MVPA levels for more effective weight control.

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Dietary Intake and Physical Activity of Normal Weight and Overweight/Obese Adolescents

International Journal of Pediatrics ◽

10.1155/2010/785649 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 2010 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Dina D'Addesa ◽

Laura D'Addezio ◽

Deborah Martone ◽

Laura Censi ◽

Alessandra Scanu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Lifestyle Factors ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

After School ◽

Tv Viewing ◽

Lifestyle Behaviour ◽

And Gender ◽

The Relationship

Purpose. To evaluate the relationship between overweight/obesity and dietary/lifestyle factors among Italian adolescents.Methods. On a total of 756 adolescents with mean age , body mass index, food consumption, and time dedicated to after school physical activities and to TV viewing were determined. The data were analysed according to age, nutritional status, and gender. The analysis of variance and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed to investigate the association between dietary/lifestyle factors and overweight/obesity.Results. The percentages of overweight and obesity were, respectively, 28% and 9% among boys, 24% and 7% among girls. The overweight/obesity condition in both genders was associated with parental overweight/obesity ( for mother), less time devoted to physical activity ( for boys and for girls) and being on a diet (). Direct associations were also observed between BMI and skipping breakfast and the lower number of meals a day (boys only).Conclusions. This pilot study reveals some important dietary and lifestyle behaviour trends among adolescents that assist with identification of specific preventive health actions.

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The Feasibility of Using Instagram Data to Predict Exercise Identity and Physical Activity Levels: Cross-sectional Observational Study

Journal of Medical Internet Research ◽

10.2196/20954 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (4) ◽

pp. e20954

Author(s):

Sam Liu ◽

Megan Perdew ◽

Alexander Lithopoulos ◽

Ryan E Rhodes

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Identity Development ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Lifestyle Behaviors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mediation Analyses ◽

Macro Modeling ◽

Exercise Identity ◽

The Relationship

Background Exercise identity is an important predictor for regular physical activity (PA). There is a lack of research on the potential mechanisms or antecedents of identity development. Theories of exercise identity have proposed that investment, commitment and self-referential (eg, I am an exerciser) statements, and social activation (comparison, support) may be crucial to identity development. Social media may be a potential mechanism to shape identity. Objective The objectives of this study were to (1) explore whether participants were willing to share their Instagram data with researchers to predict their lifestyle behaviors; (2) examine whether PA-related Instagram uses (ie, the percentage of PA-related Instagram posts, fitness-related followings, and the number of likes received on PA-related posts) were positively associated with exercise identity; and (3) evaluate whether exercise identity mediates the relationship between PA-related Instagram use and weekly PA minutes. Methods Participants (18-30 years old) were asked to complete a questionnaire to evaluate their current levels of exercise identity and PA. Participants’ Instagram data for the past 12 months before the completion of the questionnaire were extracted and analyzed with their permission. Instagram posts related to PA in the 12 months before their assessment, the number of likes received for each PA-related post, and verified fitness- or PA-related followings by the participants were extracted and analyzed. Pearson correlation analyses were used to evaluate the relationship among exercise identity, PA, and Instagram uses. We conducted mediation analyses using the PROCESS macro modeling tool to examine whether exercise identity mediated the relationship between Instagram use variables and PA. Descriptive statistical analyses were used to compare the number of willing participants versus those who were not willing to share their Instagram data. Results Of the 76 participants recruited to participate, 54% (n=41) shared their Instagram data. The percentage of PA-related Instagram posts (r=0.38; P=.01) and fitness-related Instagram followings (r=0.39; P=.01) were significantly associated with exercise identity. The average number of “likes” received (r=0.05, P=.75) was not significantly associated with exercise identity. Exercise identity significantly influenced the relationship between Instagram usage metrics (ie, the percentage of PA-related Instagram posts [P=.01] and verified fitness-related Instagram accounts [P=.01]) and PA level. Exercise identity did not significantly influence the relationship between the average number of “likes” received for the PA-related Instagram posts and PA level. Conclusions Our results suggest that an increase in PA-related Instagram posts and fitness-related followings were associated with a greater sense of exercise identity. Higher exercise identity led to higher PA levels. Exercise identity significantly influenced the relationship between PA-related Instagram posts (P=.01) and fitness-related followings on PA levels (P=.01). These results suggest that Instagram may influence a person’s exercise identity and PA levels. Future intervention studies are warranted.

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The Positive Relationship between Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity and Bone Mineral Content Is Not Mediated by Free Leptin Index in Prepubertal Children: The PANIC Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18105365 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (10) ◽

pp. 5365

Author(s):

Annie M. Constable ◽

Josie E. Porter ◽

Danielle Benger ◽

Dimitris Vlachopoulos ◽

Alan R. Barker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Bone Mineral Content ◽

Bone Mineral ◽

Mineral Content ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Prepubertal Children ◽

Total Body ◽

The Relationship

Purpose: Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) positively influences bone mineral content (BMC) in prepubertal children, but it is unknown whether this relationship is partially mediated by free leptin index. The aim of this study was to examine whether the relationship between MVPA and total body less head (TBLH) BMC is mediated or moderated by free leptin index in prepubertal children. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis on 401 children (194 girls) from baseline examinations of the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Childhood Study. We applied the four-way decomposition mediation analysis method to assess whether free leptin index, measured from fasted blood samples, mediated the relationship between accelerometer-measured MVPA and TBLH BMC measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: MVPA had a positive controlled direct effect on TBLH BMC in girls and boys (β = 0.010 to 0.011, p < 0.05). There was no mediation or interaction between MVPA, free leptin index and TBLH BMC in girls or boys (β = −0.000 to 0.001, p > 0.05). Conclusion: Our study indicates that MVPA positively influences TBLH BMC through pathways not related to free leptin index in predominantly normal-weight prepubertal children, likely primarily through mechanical loading. The relationships between MVPA, free leptin index and TBLH BMC may be influenced by other factors such as pubertal status and adiposity, so it is unknown whether these observations extend to overweight and obese children at different stages of puberty.

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Children’s moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on weekdays versus weekend days: a multi-country analysis

International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity ◽

10.1186/s12966-021-01095-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Keith Brazendale ◽

◽

Michael W. Beets ◽

Bridget Armstrong ◽

R. Glenn Weaver ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Weight Status ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Analytical Models ◽

Accelerometer Data ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Total Wear ◽

Valid Data ◽

Country Analysis

Abstract Purpose The Structured Days Hypothesis (SDH) posits that children’s behaviors associated with obesity – such as physical activity – are more favorable on days that contain more ‘structure’ (i.e., a pre-planned, segmented, and adult-supervised environment) such as school weekdays, compared to days with less structure, such as weekend days. The purpose of this study was to compare children’s moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels on weekdays versus weekend days using a large, multi-country, accelerometer-measured physical activity dataset. Methods Data were received from the International Children’s Accelerometer Database (ICAD) July 2019. The ICAD inclusion criteria for a valid day of wear, only non-intervention data (e.g., baseline intervention data), children with at least 1 weekday and 1 weekend day, and ICAD studies with data collected exclusively during school months, were included for analyses. Mixed effects models accounting for the nested nature of the data (i.e., days within children) assessed MVPA minutes per day (min/day MVPA) differences between weekdays and weekend days by region/country, adjusted for age, sex, and total wear time. Separate meta-analytical models explored differences by age and country/region for sex and child weight-status. Results/findings Valid data from 15 studies representing 5794 children (61% female, 10.7 ± 2.1 yrs., 24% with overweight/obesity) and 35,263 days of valid accelerometer data from 5 distinct countries/regions were used. Boys and girls accumulated 12.6 min/day (95% CI: 9.0, 16.2) and 9.4 min/day (95% CI: 7.2, 11.6) more MVPA on weekdays versus weekend days, respectively. Children from mainland Europe had the largest differences (17.1 min/day more MVPA on weekdays versus weekend days, 95% CI: 15.3, 19.0) compared to the other countries/regions. Children who were classified as overweight/obese or normal weight/underweight accumulated 9.5 min/day (95% CI: 6.9, 12.2) and 10.9 min/day (95% CI: 8.3, 13.5) of additional MVPA on weekdays versus weekend days, respectively. Conclusions Children from multiple countries/regions accumulated significantly more MVPA on weekdays versus weekend days during school months. This finding aligns with the SDH and warrants future intervention studies to prioritize less-structured days, such as weekend days, and to consider providing opportunities for all children to access additional opportunities to be active.

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Daily Sitting for Long Periods Increases the Odds for Subclinical Atheroma Plaques

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10061229 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. 1229

Author(s):

Jose Luis Perez-Lasierra ◽

Martin Laclaustra ◽

Pilar Guallar-Castillón ◽

Jose Antonio Casasnovas ◽

Jose Antonio Casajús ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Subclinical Atherosclerosis ◽

Sitting Time ◽

Health Study ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Trained Personnel ◽

Atherosclerosis Development ◽

Sectional Analysis ◽

The Relationship

Sedentarism is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), but currently it is not clear how a sedentary behavior such as long sitting time can affect atherosclerosis development. This study examined the relationship between sitting time and the prevalence of carotid and femoral subclinical atherosclerosis. A cross-sectional analysis based on a subsample of 2082 participants belonging to the Aragon Workers’ Health Study was carried out. Ultrasonography was used to assess the presence of plaques in carotid and femoral territories; the validated Spanish version of the questionnaire on the frequency of engaging in physical activity used in the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals’ was used to assess physical activity and sitting time; and demographic, anthropometric, and clinical data were obtained by trained personnel during the annual medical examination. Participants were categorized into <9 h/day and ≥9 h/day sitting time groups. After adjusting for several confounders, compared with participants that remain seated <9 h/day, those participants who remain seated ≥9 h/day had, respectively, OR = 1.25 (95%CI: 1.01, 1.55, p < 0.05) and OR = 1.38 (95%CI: 1.09, 1.74, p < 0.05) for carotid and any-territory plaque presence. Remaining seated ≥9 h/day is associated with higher odds for carotid and any-territory plaque presence independently of physical activity levels and other cardiovascular risk factors.

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Menu Engineering and Dietary Behavior Impact on Young Adults’ Kilocalorie Choice

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13072329 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (7) ◽

pp. 2329

Author(s):

Christine Bergman ◽

Yuan Tian ◽

Andrew Moreo ◽

Carola Raab

Keyword(s):

Young Adults ◽

Weight Status ◽

Food Choices ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Design Stage ◽

Calorie Intake ◽

Independent Variables ◽

Menu Design ◽

The Relationship ◽

Overweight Subjects

The obesity pandemic is associated with increased consumption of restaurant food. Labeling of menus is an intervention used to provide consumers with kilocalorie (calorie) information in hopes of them making healthier food choices. This study evaluated the relationship between young adults’ calorie choices on restaurant menus and menu design, dietary behaviors, and demographic characteristics. A 3 (fast-casual restaurants) × 4 (menu-designs based on menu engineering theories) between-subjects (n = 480, 18–24-year olds) experimental design was used. The relationship between the participants’ calorie choices (high versus low) and menu design, stage of change, gender, race, educational level and weight status was evaluated using logistic regression. All independent variables had at least one category that had greater odds (CI 95% ± 5%) of subjects choosing a lower calorie entree, except education level and race/ethnic group. Normal weight and overweight subjects had greater odds of choosing lower calorie entrees than those that were obese. In addition, subjects that had started to control their calorie intake for less than six months or had sustained this change for at least six months, had greater odds of choosing lower calorie entrees compared to others. Including a green symbol and calories on fast casual restaurant menus may influence some young adults to choose lower calorie entrees.

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