Does the Spatial Layout of a Playground Affect the Play Activities in Young Children? A Pilot Study

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to describe, through measurement of physical activity and observation of free outdoor play, the relation between children’s free play and the spatial layout of the playground. To accomplish this, we altered the spatial layout of the same playground to see how the layout affects the play activity and the physical activity levels in the same children.MethodsParticipants were six young children (four girls and two boys; mean age = 5 years and 1 month, SD = 2.59 months). Participants’ physical activity level and the duration of different types of action that occurred in each area and their transitions were compared before and after the alteration of the play-equipment layout using the data from accelerometers and video recordings.ResultsA significant increase in physical activity occurred after the spatial layout alteration, which was related to action differences. Before the alteration, children tended to play in a similar manner for a given play area; however, after the alteration, pronounced interindividual variation in play activity across children was observed.ConclusionThe present pilot study found that in free play situations in the outdoor playground, the spatial layout of playground affects the pattern of play activity and the physical activity levels of young children.

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

Ophthalmic Research ◽

10.1159/000511201 ◽

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

Introduction: Our aim was to evaluate the changes in choroidal thickness (CT) and volume (CV) following aerobic physical exercise in healthy young adults. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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.

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The Effects of the BAILAMOSTM Dance Program on Physical Activity Levels and Cognition of Older Latino Adults: A Pilot Study

Journal of Aging and Health ◽

10.1177/08982643211020996 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 089826432110209

Author(s):

Guilherme M. Balbim ◽

Susan Aguiñaga ◽

Olusola A. Ajilore ◽

Eduardo E. Bustamante ◽

Kirk I. Erickson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Health Education ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Cognitive Health ◽

Physical Activity Levels ◽

Global Cognition ◽

Latino Adults ◽

And Performance

Objective: To investigate the effects of the BAILAMOSTM dance program on physical activity (PA), cardiorespiratory, and cognitive health. Methods: A parallel, two-armed pilot study was conducted with 57 older Latinos randomized to the BAILAMOSTM dance program ( n = 28) or health education (HE) ( n = 29). We conducted two- and three-way repeated-measures ANOVAs. Results: BAILAMOSTM participants increased participation in leisure moderate-to-vigorous PA (LMVPA) ( F[1,53] = 3.17, p = .048, η2 G = .01) and performance in global cognition relative to HE participants ( F[1,52] = 4.19, p = .045, η2 G = .01). Attendance moderated increases in moderate PA, MVPA, LMVPA, and total PA ( p < .05). Participants of both groups with ≥75% attendance increased participation in PA. Among participants with <75% attendance, BAILAMOSTM participants increased PA relative to HE. Discussion: BAILAMOSTM positively impacted self-reported PA and global cognition in older Latinos. Even smaller doses of dance appear to impact self-reported PA levels.

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

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10470-z ◽

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.

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Objectively-measured sedentary time and physical activity in a bi-ethnic sample of young children: variation by socio-demographic, temporal and perinatal factors

10.21203/rs.2.18426/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Paul Collings ◽

Sufyan A Dogra ◽

Silvia Costa ◽

Daniel D Bingham ◽

Sally E. Barber

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Young Children ◽

South Asian ◽

Sedentary Time ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Light Physical Activity ◽

Asian Children ◽

Physical Activity Levels ◽

Vector Magnitude ◽

British Children

Abstract Background: Evidence suggests that South Asian school-aged children and adults are less active compared to the white British population. It is unknown if this generalises to young children. We aimed to describe variability in levels of physical activity and sedentary time in a bi-ethnic sample of young children from a deprived location. Methods: This observational study included 202 South Asian and 140 white British children aged 1.5 to 5y, who provided 3,181 valid days of triaxial accelerometry (Actigraph GT3X+). Variability in sedentary time and physical activity levels were analysed by linear multilevel modelling. Logistic multilevel regression was used to identify factors associated with physical inactivity (failing to perform ≥180 minutes of total physical activity including ≥60 minutes moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day). Results: There were no significant ethnic differences in the overall levels of behaviours; South Asian and white British children spent half of daily time sedentary, just over 40% in light physical activity, and the remaining 7.5 to 8% of time in MVPA. Sedentary time was lower and physical activity levels were higher in older children, and levels of MVPA and vector magnitude counts per minute (CPM) were higher on weekends compared to weekdays. In South Asian children, sedentary time was lower on weekends. Sedentary time was lower and physical activity levels were higher in spring compared to winter in white British children, and in all seasons compared to winter in South Asian children. South Asian children born at high birth weight performed more MVPA, and in both ethnicities there was some evidence that children with older mothers were more sedentary and less active. Sedentary time was higher and light physical activity was lower in South Asian children in the highest compared to the lowest income families. South Asian girls performed less MVPA, registered fewer vector magnitude CPM, and were 3.5 times more likely to be physically inactive than South Asian boys. Conclusions: Sedentary time and physical activity levels vary by socio-demographic, temporal and perinatal characteristics in young children from a deprived location. South Asian girls have the most to gain from efforts to increase physical activity levels.

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

10.1101/2021.09.30.21264372 ◽

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.

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Body fatness and physical activity levels of young children

Annals of Human Biology ◽

10.1080/03014460601079886 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 34 (1) ◽

pp. 1-12 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Yahya Al-Nakeeb ◽

Michael J. Duncan ◽

Mark Lyons ◽

Lorayne Woodfield

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Young Children ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Body Fatness ◽

Physical Activity Levels

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Do physical activity levels differ by number of children at home in women aged 25–44 in the general population?

Women s Health ◽

10.1177/1745506519871186 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 15 ◽

pp. 174550651987118 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Laura P Abell ◽

Kelly A Tanase ◽

Madison L Gilmore ◽

Anna E Winnicki ◽

Victor L Holmes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽

Activity Level ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Related Factors ◽

Number Of Children ◽

Physical Activity Levels ◽

At Home

Objectives: While physical activity is important for health, many women do not meet recommended levels, particularly mothers. The purpose of this study was to assess whether physical activity levels differ by number of children at home in women aged 25–44 in the general US population. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis used 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data for females aged 25–44 (N = 6266) from California, Colorado, New York, Texas, and Utah. Ordered logistic regression analysis assessed the relationship between physical activity levels and number of children at home while controlling for state and demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related factors. Results: About half of participants reported “inactive” or “insufficiently active” physical activity levels and about two-thirds reported having one or more children at home. The results of adjusted analysis indicated that physical activity level was significantly related to having one child (adjusted odds ratio = 0.75, 95% confidence interval = 0.63, 0.89), two children (adjusted odds ratio = 0.79; 95% confidence interval = 0.67, 0.93), and three or more children (adjusted odds ratio = 0.80, 95% confidence interval = 0.67, 0.94) at home. Conclusion: Overall, physical activity levels were significantly related to presence of children at home for women aged 25–44, but increasing number of children at home did not impact effect size. For women aged 25–44 in a primary care setting, a moderate prevalence of inactive or insufficiently active physical activity may be expected. Providers should address physical activity with all patients in this target population during well-visits, but particularly for women with children at home; educate patients about the health benefits of regular physical activity; and provide resources that will help them integrate physical activity into their daily lifestyles.

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Pedometer-determined physical activity among primary schoolchildren in Kuala Lumpur

Proceedings of Singapore Healthcare ◽

10.1177/2010105818823784 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

pp. 115-123

Author(s):

Bee Suan Wee ◽

Awang Bulgiba ◽

Abd. Talib Ruzita ◽

Mohd. Noor Ismail ◽

Bee Koon Poh

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Primary School ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Activity Level ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Kuala Lumpur ◽

Daily Step ◽

Step Counts ◽

Primary Schoolchildren ◽

Physical Activity Levels

Objective: The aim of this study was to objectively measure physical activity and its association with sociodemographic factors among Malaysian primary school-age children. Methods: A total of 111 primary school children in Kuala Lumpur were selected through random sampling. Activity pattern was determined using pedometers and differences by sex, ethnicity and body mass index categories were analysed. The relationship between pedometer-determined physical activity and sociodemographic factors were also studied. Results: Overall, boys attained significantly higher daily step counts than girls (9573 ± 4145 vs 7313 ± 2697). Significant difference in daily step counts between boys and girls were observed during weekdays ( p<0.01), weekends ( p<0.05) and total mean step counts ( p<0.01). Malay ethnicity showed higher daily step counts during weekdays than weekends ( p<0.05). Compared with boys, girls had higher odds (OR=5.58; 95% CI 1.12, 27.77) of not meeting the recommended daily step counts. Those who had low physical activity levels had higher odds (OR=15.75; 95% CI 1.78, 139.33) of not meeting recommended daily step counts than children who had moderate physical activity level. Conclusion: Boys were significantly more active than girls and physical activity was greater during weekdays than on weekends. The primary schoolchildren in Kuala Lumpur were sedentary, with minimum physical activity being observed. Differences in sexes and physical activity levels influenced pedometer step counts in children.

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