scholarly journals Physical Activity Habits and Well-Being among 6-Year-Old Children: The “Improving Umbrian Kids’ Healthy Lifestyle”, an Uncontrolled Pilot Study Project

Author(s):  
Roberto Pippi ◽  
Livia Buratta ◽  
Alessandro Germani ◽  
Carmine Giuseppe Fanelli ◽  
Claudia Mazzeschi

There is evidence that promoting physical activity programs and decreasing sedentary behavior is a potential strategy for improving health-outcomes, peer relationships and social/emotional well-being in at-risk youth. The World Health Organization recommends enhancing physical education and school-based programs with multi-component and evidence-based assessment methodology. In Umbria (Italy) an uncontrolled pilot study project referred to as “Improving Umbrian kids’ healthy lifestyle” was implemented as a systemic school-based intervention directed at 6-year-old primary school children. The intervention applied a consolidated assessment methodology developed by the C.U.R.I.A.Mo. and Eurobis projects that inserted two hours per week of physical education activity into the school curriculum, structured and supervised by specialists with Exercise and Sport Science degrees, for eight months (from October to June) of the school year. We measured anthropometric values (BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio index) with objective tools. Moreover, we evaluated physical performance variables (speed, strength, and flexibility) using standard tests. Additionally, self-report measures (measured physical activity during the week, sedentary habits, and psychological well-being) were assessed using validated questionnaires. We observed a significant decrease in waist to height ratio, and improvements in physical performance values and self-report questionnaire measures. Our study suggests that the promotion of physical activity in the school setting is likely to result in physically, mentally, and psycho-socially healthier primary-school-age children.

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Vilhjalmsson

Abstract Background Participation in physical education classes can positively affect mental and physical well-being in children and adolescets. The current study focused on the relationship between participation in gym and swimming classes and psychological distress symptoms in Icelandic adolescents. Methods The analysis is based on a national school-based study, conducted in Iceland every fourth year, as part of the WHO collaborative cross-national survey titled Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC). Data collection took place between November 2013 and February 2014. Students filled out an anonymous study questionnaire in the classroom. The data is based on responses from 15 year old (10. grade) students attending the final year of compulsory school (N = 3618; response rate 81%). Results Positive associations were observed between participation in curriculum-based gym and swimming classes and lower psychological distress symptoms. A closer multivariate path analysis suggested that beneficial effects of PE classes were direct, and also indirect because participation in such classes were positively related to leisure time physical activity. Conclusions The study suggests that school-based physical activity enhances psychological well-being in adolescence. The benefits may be both direct and indirect through increased leisure time physical activity. Key messages School-based physical activity enhances psychological well-being in adolescence. The benefits may be both direct and indirect through increased leisure time physical activity.


2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 699-704 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Hind ◽  
David Torgerson ◽  
Jim McKenna ◽  
Rebecca Ashby ◽  
Andy Daly-Smith ◽  
...  

Background:Developing Interventions for Children’s Exercise (DICE) is an initiative aimed at determining effective schoolbased exercise programs. To assess feasibility, we conducted a pilot study of exercise sessions which varied in duration and frequency.Methods:Exercise interventions were delivered to Year 3 pupils (age 7–8 years; n = 73) in primary schools within Yorkshire, UK. Evaluations were conducted using focus group sessions, questionnaires and observations.Results:The study revealed positive aspects of all interventions, including favorable effects on children’s concentration during lessons and identified the value of incorporation of the DICE concept into curriculum lessons. Children appeared enthused and reported well-being and enjoyment. Areas requiring attention were the need for appropriate timetabling of sessions and ensuring the availability of space.Conclusion:The concept and sessions were well-accepted by teachers who confirmed their full support of any future implementation There appears to be potential for the encouragement and empowerment of teachers to support physical activity and healthy school environments, and to take an interest in the health of their pupils. Ultimately, these findings should assist in the design of successful exercise interventions in the school setting.


2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toni A. Hilland ◽  
Nicola D. Ridgers ◽  
Gareth Stratton ◽  
Stuart J. Fairclough

The study investigated associations between selected physical activity correlates among 299 adolescents (90 boys, age 12–14 years) from 3 English schools. Physical activity was assessed by self-report and accelerometry. Correlates represented biological, predisposing, and demographic factors as described in the Youth Physical Activity Promotion Model. Boys engaged in more self-reported (p < .01) and accelerometer assessed physical activity than girls (p = .02). Positive associations between sex (male), BMI, Perceived PE Ability, Perceived PE Worth, number of enrolled students, and physical activity outcomes were evident (p < .05). School-based physical activity promotion should emphasize sex-specific enhancement of students’ perceived PE competence and enjoyment.


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 267-269
Author(s):  
Evgeny Teplukhin ◽  
Natalia Lymareva

This article discusses on the current topic of healthy lifestyle and sports among young people. The importance of granting the right to choose elective classes in physical education and sports, as well as the impact of physical activity on students' well-being, is described.


2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katya M. Herman ◽  
Jean-Philippe Chaput ◽  
Catherine M. Sabiston ◽  
Marie-Eve Mathieu ◽  
Angelo Tremblay ◽  
...  

Objective:Individuals may achieve high physical activity (PA) yet also be highly sedentary (SED). This study assessed adiposity in children classified by PA/SED groups.Methods:Participants were 520 8- to 10-year-old children with ≥ 1 obese parent. Moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and SED were measured by accelerometer, and screen-time was measured by self-report. Height, weight, waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage (BF%), and VO2peak were objectively measured; energy intake was measured by dietary recall. Elevated adiposity was defined as BMI ≥ 85th percentile, WC ≥ 90th percentile, BF% ≥ 85th percentile, or waist-to-height ratio (WHR) ≥ 0.5.Results:Up to 27% of boys and 15% of girls were active/SED. Adiposity was lowest for active/non-SED, highest for inactive/SED, and intermediate and similar for active/SED and inactive/non-SED. Using 60 min/d MVPA and 2 h/d screen-time cut-offs, prevalence ranges for elevated adiposity in the active/non-SED, active/SED, inactive/non-SED, and inactive/SED groups were 0% to 14%, 15% to 44%, 16% to 40%, and 32% to 51%, respectively. Corresponding odds and 95% confidence intervals of being overweight/obese for the latter groups were 3.8 (95% CI, 1.7−8.4), 3.8 (1.8−8.2), and 4.9 (2.3−10.3) versus active/non-SED. PA/SED-adiposity associations were mediated by fitness but not energy intake.Conclusions:Combined PA/SED levels are strongly associated with adiposity in children, but associations are mediated by fitness. Active children who accumulate >2 h/d of screen time and inactive children are equally likely to be overweight/obese.


Author(s):  
Karel Frömel ◽  
Jana Vašíčková ◽  
Krzysztof Skalik ◽  
Zbyněk Svozil ◽  
Dorota Groffik ◽  
...  

The current social, health, and educational changes in society require an adequate response in school-based physical activity (PA), including physical education (PE) lessons. The objective of this study was to identify the real average step counts of Czech and Polish adolescents during PE lessons, and propose recommendations for improving PE programs. This research was carried out in 143 Czech and 99 Polish schools. In the research, a total of 4911 adolescents aged 12–18 years were analyzed as part of teaching practice and 1827 in the context of habitual school practice. Steps were monitored using pedometers. The average step count per PE lesson was 2390 in Czech and Polish boys, while girls achieved 1851 steps. In both countries, boys were subject to greater physical strain in PE lessons compared to girls, both in teaching practice (F(4088,3) = 154.49, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.102) and school practice (F(1552,3) = 70.66, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.103). Therefore, the priority in PE lessons is to increase the amount of PA for girls, achieve the objectives of PE during PA, and use wearables to improve awareness of PA and improve physical literacy, as well as to support hybrid and online PE as a complement to traditional PE.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1958
Author(s):  
Idoia Imaz-Aramburu ◽  
Ana-Belén Fraile-Bermúdez ◽  
Batirtze San Martín-Gamboa ◽  
Silvia Cepeda-Miguel ◽  
Borja Doncel-García ◽  
...  

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted daily activities worldwide. University students may have experienced substantial changes in daily living as a result of restrictions on university attendance. The return to normalcy may take a long time, and understanding the influence that shifts in daily routines have had on the lifestyles of university students may inform approaches to support overall well-being. We analyzed changes in the lifestyles of students enrolled at a health sciences university during the COVID-19 pandemic. This longitudinal study took place at the Faculty of Medicine and Nursing in the University of the Basque Country in Spain, and the final sample consisted of 113 nursing students, 109 medical students, and 45 physiotherapy students. Our results demonstrate changes in lifestyles of university students during the pandemic. MedDiet adherence scores and the percentage of students with high adherence increased during the pandemic. This increase was due to the increased consumption of vegetables and nuts. In terms of physical activity, the practice of moderate and intense physical activity was maintained. These results provide important information for both public health authorities and educational institutions to guide strategies to maintain the well-being of students and enhance opportunities for young adults to lead a healthy lifestyle.


2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 132-138
Author(s):  
Anastasiya A. Khablova ◽  
Galina N. Bondar’ ◽  
Pavel F. Kiku ◽  
Natal’ya S. Tumanova ◽  
Valentina N. Rasskazova ◽  
...  

Human health, in addition to social and spiritual well-being, is determined by its physical condition, which reflects the functional capabilities of the body, features of physical development and ensures working capacity in any activity, including academic workload, which is extremely important for students in higher educational institutions. The purpose of the study is to assess the health status of students at the School of Biomedicine of the Far Eastern Federal University. Material and methods. The health status of 184 medical students (147 young women and 37 young men) was assessed using a sociological survey (questionnaire) and a study of the component composition of the body using bioimpedancemetry. Results. The low physical activity, detected in 68% of students and bad habits (smoking tobacco) have been established to negatively affect students’ health. Among smokers, 75% of students live in dormitories on the university campus. According to the results of bioimpedancemetry, significant deviations from the age norm were noted in terms of body mass index (BMI) (50% of cases) and fat mass (FM) (71% of cases). Significant gender differences in the individual components of the body were not identified. Discussion. The most aggressive factors that significantly affect the health of students are unbalanced nutrition, lack of compliance with the regime of study and rest, lack of sleep and stay in the fresh air, lack of physical activity, lack of motivation for a healthy lifestyle. Significant deviations in BMI and FM, identified by bioimpedancemetry, indicate the risks of developing arterial hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and nutritional status disorders. Medical students need to give recommendations for increasing motor activity and changing diet. Conclusion. The results of the study can be used in the future to determine the functional state of students and develop preventive measures to preserve the health of medical students.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 71-79
Author(s):  
Victoria А. Dmitrieva ◽  
◽  
Kristina S. Kharlova ◽  

Substantiates the effectiveness of using the «Melodance» technique as a means of physical activity that increases well-being, activity and mood, improves physical condition and the desire for a healthy lifestyle. The results of our own research have shown that the Melodance technique has a wide potential as a means of physical activity and strengthening the physical and psychological health of a person, as well as forming an attitude towards a healthy lifestyle. The prospects for the application of this technique are shown.


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