scholarly journals Assessment of the influence of physical activity and screen time on somatic features and physical fitness in 6 to 7-year-old girls

2021 ◽  
Vol 84 (4) ◽  
pp. 467-485
Author(s):  
Elżbieta Cieśla ◽  
Magdalena Lelonek ◽  
Monika Zaręba ◽  
Edyta Suliga

Abstract Aim of the study is to assess the relationship between screen time, physical activity and physical fitness among girls 6–7 years-old. 21,528 girls aged 6 and 7 from Poland were assessed in terms of physical fitness. Arm strength, abdominal strength and explosive strength of the lower limbs were measured using the EUROFIT test. Basic somatic features were measured and BMI and WHtR indices were calculated. Spontaneous and organized physical activities as well screen time were assessed by the parents utilizing a questionnaire. The multiple logistic regression method was used to evaluate the influence of screen time and spontaneous physical activity on various components of physical fitness. Physically active (PA) girls (≥1h/day) and those who participated in additional physical activities (APA) during the week had significantly higher height, weight, and BMI (p<0.001), but not WHtR. They had a higher level of flexibility, explosive strength of the lower limbs and arm strength (p<0.001). With an increase in screen time, the BMI, WHtR increased significantly and explosive strength of the lower limbs, abdominal strength and arm strength were lower. Regression analysis showed that more frequent participation in extracurricular activities increased the values of BMI and WHtR in quartile 4 (Q4), and strength components: Q2–Q4 (p<0.05). Spontaneous physical activity was positively related to the values of BMI, WHtR (both: Q4; p<0.05), explosive force of lower limbs (Q3–Q4; p=0.001), and negatively related to arm strength (Q2; p=0.001). Screen time (≥2hrs/day) increased odds for higher BMI values (p<0.05). Each screen time category decreased the odds of achieving abdominal muscle strength related to the quartiles: Q2–Q4 (p<0.05), arm strength (Q4: p<0.05). ST (1 <2hrs/day) decreased arm strength (Q3; p= 0.045). Our research has shown that screen time-related sedentary behavior and physical activity affect overweight and obesity indices (especially BMI) and strength abilities. The observed associations more often affected girls with a higher level of fitness The results observed in girls aged 6-7 indicate a need for early intervention aimed at limiting time spent watching TV and computer use, as well as to encourage both spontaneous and organized physical activities.

Author(s):  
Shoo Thien Lee ◽  
Jyh Eiin Wong ◽  
Geraldine K. L. Chan ◽  
Bee Koon Poh

A daily balance of physical activities, sedentary behaviors and sleep are important for maintaining the health of young children. The aim of this study is to explore the association between 24-h movement behavior of Malaysian children aged 4 to 6 years with weight status. A total of 230 preschoolers were recruited from 22 kindergartens in Kuala Lumpur. Physical activity was assessed by Actical accelerometer while screen time and sleep duration were proxy-reported by parents. Children spent on average 5.5 ± 1.3 h on total physical activity (including 1.0 ± 0.4 h of moderate- vigorous physical activity), 3.0 ± 1.6 h on screen activities and 9.5 ± 1.3 h sleeping daily. The proportion of children who complied with physical activity and sleep guidelines were 48.7% and 55.2%, respectively. About 25.2% of children met screen time recommendation. Only 6.5% of children met all three age-specific physical activity, screen time and sleep guidelines. Children who met any two guidelines were less likely to be overweight or obesity compared to those who did not meet any of the guidelines (OR: 0.276; 95% CI: 0.080–0.950). In conclusion, Malaysian preschoolers have low compliance to movement behavior guidelines, especially in meeting screen time recommendations. Compliance to movement behavior guidelines was associated with lower odds of overweight and obesity.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 341
Author(s):  
Panagiotis Varagiannis ◽  
Emmanuella Magriplis ◽  
Grigoris Risvas ◽  
Katerina Vamvouka ◽  
Adamantia Nisianaki ◽  
...  

Childhood overweight and obesity prevalence has risen dramatically in the past decades, and family-based interventions may be an effective method to improve children’s eating behaviors. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of three different family-based interventions: group-based, individual-based, or by website approach. Parents and school aged overweight or obese children, 8–12 years of age, were eligible for the study. A total of 115 children were randomly allocated in one of the three interventions, and 91 completed the study (79% compliance); Group 1 (n = 36) received group-based interventions by various experts; Group 2 (n = 30) had interpersonal family meetings with a dietitian; and Group 3 (n = 25) received training through a specifically developed website. Anthropometric, dietary, physical activity, and screen time outcomes were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. Within-group comparisons indicated significant improvement in body weight, body mass index (BMI)-z-score, physical activity, and screen time from baseline in all three study groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, total body fat percentage (%TBF) was also decreased in Groups 2 and 3. Between-group differences varied with body weight and %TBF change, being larger in Group 3 compared to Groups 1 and 2, in contrast to BMI-z-score, screen time, and health behaviors, which were significantly larger in Group 2 than the other two groups. In conclusion, personalized family-based interventions are recommended to successfully improve children’s lifestyle and body weight status.


Author(s):  
Aslihan Buksur ◽  
Umut Canli ◽  
Cüneyt Taskin

This study was conducted to examine the effect of participation in physical activity on physical fitness parameters in children aged 5-9 years. A total of 83 children, 44 girls, and 39 boys, studying in a private primary school participated in the study voluntarily. The Eurofit Test Battery was used to evaluate the physical fitness levels of children. Within the scope of the Eurofit test battery; the body weight and height values of the children were measured. In the determination of motoric performances, flamingo balance, disc touch, sit-reach, standing long jump, sit-up, bent-arm hanging, and 5x10 meter sit-up tests were used. A personal information form prepared by the researchers was used to determine demographic characteristics. Whether the data is normally distributed or not was checked with kurtosis and skewness values. In the statistical analysis dimension; descriptive analysis (mean, standard deviation, median, min-max value, ratio, frequency), independent samples t test (Independent Samples t test) were used. In terms of children having an athlete license, a significant difference was found in their height, standing long jump test, sit-up test, bent-arm hanging test, 5x10 meter sit-up run test scores (p>0.05). A significant difference was found in the findings of height, body weight, standing long jump test, sit-up test, bent arm hanging test, 5x10 meter sit-up run test in terms of children's participation in traditional children's games (p>0.05). As a result, it has been determined that children's having an athlete's license increases their height, explosive strength, core strength endurance, upper extremity strength endurance, agility, and again, the students' participation in traditional children's games has positive effect on height, body weight, explosive strength, core strength endurance, upper extremity strength endurance and agility. <p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0891/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>


Physiotherapy ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Olszewska ◽  
Anna Jackowiak ◽  
Agnieszka Chwałczyńska ◽  
Krzysztof A. Sobiech

AbstractThe aim of the study was to determine how physical activity affected the physical fitness and body composition of the blind and visually impaired.The study included 28 male students from the Lower Silesia Special Educational Centre No. 13 for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Wroclaw, aged 18–22 years, with disability degree certificates. The subjects were divided into two groups: physically active men (TR,Men engaging in additional forms of physical activity presented significant (Additional physical activity undertaken by the visually impaired has a positive effect on their physical fitness, namely and primarily on their flexibility, functional strength, speed, arm movement speed, jumping ability, and the strength of the abdominal muscles. Moreover, additional physical activity significantly affects the overall and segmental body composition in the lower limbs and the right upper limb.


2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 407-417
Author(s):  
Manuel J De la Torre-Cruz ◽  
Sara Suárez-Manzano ◽  
Sebastián López-Serrano ◽  
Alberto Ruiz-Ariza

Abstract The relationship between parental support and physical activity enjoyment appears to be mediated by individual-level factors. The aim of this study was to examine whether the relationship between perceived parental support and physical activity enjoyment is mediated by overweight and obese adolescents’ physical fitness, both subjectively and objectively assessed. A total of 163 participants (mean age =14.30 years, 55.8% boys) with an average body mass index of 28.97 kg/m2 took part in this study. Participants completed a questionnaire of parental influence regarding physical activity, a questionnaire of physical self-perception and several fitness tests (cardiorespiratory fitness, lower limbs muscular strength and flexibility) using the ALPHA-fitness battery. The results showed that relationship between perceived parental support and physical activity enjoyment is mediated by the overweight and obese adolescents’ perceived cardiorespiratory fitness and flexibility. We suggest to create educational guidelines for parents to increase the support and improve overweight and obese students’ positive perceived physical competence, in order to achieve a greater adherence to physical activity and greater physical activity enjoyment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Isobel Bandurek ◽  
Emily Almond ◽  
Susannah Brown ◽  
Giota Mitrou ◽  
Ifigeneia Bourgiezi ◽  
...  

AbstractIntroductionGlobally, over 1.97 billion adults and 338 million children and adolescents are living with overweight and obesity, increasing the risk of numerous co-morbidities, including at least 12 cancers(1). WCRF/AICR conducted a literature review of diet and physical activity as determinants of weight gain, overweight and obesity in adults and children. We also introduce a novel evidence-based policy framework for promoting physical activity, and linked database, currently in development as part of the EU-funded CO-CREATE project on child and adolescent obesity prevention.Materials and MethodsEvidence on diet and physical activity as determinants and risk of weight gain, overweight and obesity was systematically extracted from existing reviews and a systematic search for recent meta-analyses, then collated and analysed. The WCRF Continuous Update Project Expert Panel drew conclusions about which exposures influence risk of weight gain, overweight and obesity, using pre-defined criteria that included evidence of biological plausibility.ResultsThe Panel identified strong evidence that several diet and physical activity related exposures influence the risk of weight gain, overweight and obesity in adults and children (see table 1). Separate conclusions were drawn for adults and children in relation to screen time, considered a marker of sedentary time.However, the Panel noted that as exposures tend to cluster, physiologically interact and share common biological mechanisms, they should not be regarded as absolutely ‘singular'but an integrated concept of interrelated exposures within a pattern of lifestyle. Table 1.Risk of weight gain, overweight and obesitySTRONG EVIDENCEDECREASES RISKINCREASES RISKCONVINCINGWalkingScreen time (children)Sugar sweetened drinksPROBABLEAerobic physical activityFoods containing dietary fibre‘Mediterranean type’ dietary patternHaving been breastfedScreen time (adults)‘Fast foods’‘Western type’ dietFor full list of footnotes, see Energy Balance and Body Fatness report(1).DiscussionHealthy dietary patterns help prevent excess weight gain. Achieving such patterns requires attention to the broader economic, environmental and social factors that influence and constrain people's behaviour. The findings of this report support the need for evidence-based public health policy to help create health-enabling environments, particularly for children and adolescents. The WCRF International MOVING framework(2) presents a package of policies to promote physical activity, which alongside wider public health policy can help address the multiple drivers of overweight and obesity.


1996 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 259-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lennart Raudsepp ◽  
Toivo Jürimäe

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between physical activity and physical fitness and adiposity in a sample of 77 girls, aged 10–11 years. Physical activity was assessed by 7-day physical activity recall by which children reported how much time they spent on low and moderate-to-vigorous physical activities. Physical fitness was measured by EUROFIT test battery. Adiposity was estimated by sum of five skinfolds. The main finding of the study was that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and adiposity were significant predictors (with 16–34% accounted variance) of physical fitness tests where the body mass affects performance. Indicators of physical activity and adiposity were not significantly related with fitness items requiring muscular strength, balance, flexibility, and speed of limb movement. Furthermore, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and aerobic fitness predicted 22% of variance in adiposity in girls.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Panchali Moitra ◽  
Jagmeet Madan ◽  
Preeti Verma

Abstract Background Inadequate physical activity (PA), excess screen time (ST), and sub-optimal sleep quality tend to co-occur during adolescence. Yet, little is known about the associations of these behaviors as a cluster with adiposity indicators in Indian adolescents. This study aimed to evaluate the independent and combined influences of PA, ST, and sleep quality on body mass index (BMI) and waist to height ratio (WHtR) in 10–15 years old adolescents in Mumbai, India. A secondary aim was to explore if these influences vary between sexes. Methods Cross-sectional study. Adolescents (n = 772, mean age 13.2 (1.4) years) reported frequency and duration of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) and time spent using screens on a previously validated instrument. Sleep quality was estimated using the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Weight, height, and waist circumference were measured. Mixed effect logistic regression analyses were performed to explore associations between adiposity indicators (BMI z scores > +1SD and WHtR > 0.5) and unhealthy behaviors (PA < 60 min/d, ST > 120 min/d and PSQI scores > 5), stratified by sex. Results The combined prevalence of overweight and obesity was 38.3%. Overall, 62.0 and 85.0% reported MVPA< 60 min/d and ST > 120 min/d respectively. Girls reported higher ST (218.21 (69.01) min/d) as compared to boys (165.3 (101.22) min/d, p < 0.001). Clustering of low PA and excess ST was observed in 69.2% and of all three unhealthy behaviors in 18.8%. Among girls, MVPA < 60 min/d (OR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.54–1.92, p < 0.001) and PSQI scores > 5 (OR = 2.01, 95% CI 1.78–2.25, p < 0.001) predicted increased BMI. The odds of overweight/obesity were 2.10 times higher in boys reporting low PA and 4.13 times higher in those with low PA+ ST > 120 min/d. Clustering of all three unhealthy behaviors increased prevalence of obesity in both sexes. Conclusions The results indicated a co-existence of multiple unhealthy lifestyle factors of obesity and that clustering of these behaviors can further aggravate obesity risk as compared to their independent effects. Integrated interventions that leverage the cumulative benefits of being active, less sedentary and sufficient sleep are warranted to facilitate greater improvements in obesity risk behaviors.


Author(s):  
Paweł Lisowski ◽  
Adam Kantanista ◽  
Michał Bronikowski

The transition from kindergarten to school is associated with a variety of negative changes. After entry to elementary school physical activity level decreases. Moreover, physical fitness level of children over the past decades have rapidly declined. Children are spending an increasing amount of time in the environments that require constant sitting. We evaluated the differences between boys and girls in physical fitness, frequency of undertaking of different forms of physical activity, prevalence of underweight and overweight, and time spent on sedentary behavior. A total of 212 first grade pupils (mean age 6.95 ± 0.43) from two standard urban schools in Poznań participated in the study. Compared to girls, boys obtained better results in 20-meter run (4.9 s and 5.0 s, p < 0.01), sit-ups (16.8 and 15.3, p < 0.05), six-minute run (829.7 m and 766.4 m, p < 0.001), and standing broad jump (106.8 cm and 99.7 cm, p < 0.01). In the sit-and-reach test girls achieved higher results than boys (17.0 cm and 14.4 cm, p < 0.001). There were no gender differences in prevalence of underweight and overweight. In conclusions, difference between genders should be taken into consideration during designing physical activity programs in the aspects of intensity and forms of physical activities.


2020 ◽  
Vol 65 (8) ◽  
pp. 1309-1317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik Sigmund ◽  
Dagmar Sigmundová ◽  
Petr Badura

Abstract Objectives The main aim of this study was to bridge the research gap in the countries of Central Europe using the family dyad approach to examine the associations of parents’ overweight/obesity, physical activity (PA), and screen time (ST) with excessive body weight in their offspring. Methods The cross-sectional study included 1101 parent–child dyads (648/453 mother/father–child aged 4–16) selected by two-stage stratified random sampling with complete data on body weight categories, weekly PA (Yamax pedometer), ST (family logbook) collected over a regular school/working week during the spring and autumn seasons between 2013 and 2019. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify which of parents’ lifestyle indicators were associated with the overweight/obesity of their offspring. Results The mother’s overweight/obesity significantly increases her children’s odds of overweight/obesity. Concerning fathers, active participation in organized leisure-time PA and reaching 10,000 steps per day significantly reduce the odds of overweight/obesity in their children and adolescent offspring. Conclusions The cumulative effect of parental participation in organized leisure-time PA with their own family-related PA can be a natural means of preventing the development of overweight/obesity in their offspring.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document