scholarly journals Use of Wearable Devices to Study Physical Activity in Early Childhood Education

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (24) ◽  
pp. 13998
Author(s):  
Gema Díaz-Quesada ◽  
Cecilia Bahamonde-Pérez ◽  
José María Giménez-Egido ◽  
Gema Torres-Luque
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Out Of School Time ◽  
School Time ◽  
Steps Per Day ◽  
Out Of School

Physical activity recommendations for early childhood are gradually being met to a lesser extent today. The objectives of the study were: (i) to assess the degree of compliance with physical activity (PA) recommendations by gender; and (ii) to analyze the level of PA and steps in different periods over a week. This study was an observational cross-sectional study. Sixty-three young children (33 boys and 30 girls) aged two years (2.15 ± 0.35) were recruited for this study. Participants wore a “Garmin vivofit® jr.” activity tracker for seven days, collecting minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and step volume (Out-of-School Time and School Time). The results show a 50% compliance of the 120 min/day MVPA and 13,000 steps per day. No gender differences were detected. The findings in the analysis indicated a trend towards higher PA and steps at the Weekend. Moreover, participants reached higher PA and steps values “Out-of-School Time” than “School Time” (MVPA) (min/day). This study can provide strategies and motivational PA guidelines at school to enhance well-being at an early age. These activity trackers could stimulate more sustainable forms of urban mobility, such as walking, as the environment would accompany the child to meet daily PA recommendations.

A Network Perspective on the Relationship Between Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity and Fundamental Motor Skills in Early Childhood

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Thaynã Alves Bezerra ◽  
Paulo Felipe Ribeiro Bandeira ◽  
Anastácio Neco de Souza Filho ◽  
Cain Craig Truman Clark ◽  
Jorge Augusto Pinto Silva Mota ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Activity Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nonlinear Characteristics ◽  
Main Variable ◽  
The Relationship

Background: The relationship between moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and fundamental motor skill (FMS) is inconsistent in early childhood, due to its complex and nonlinear characteristics. This study aimed to analyze the nonlinear relationships between MVPA, FMS, body mass index (BMI), sex, and age in preschoolers. Methods: This cross-sectional study with preschoolers (n = 204; 4.0 [0.8] y old; 99 boys), provided objective physical activity data, FMS assessments, and BMI. The associations between MVPA, FMS, BMI, sex, and age were explored using the network analysis (RStudio and qgraph). Results: Boys were more motor competent than girls in all FMS skills, while girls were more active than boys during the weekend. Older children were less active than their younger peers during these days. MVPA is weak and differently related to each FMS, and the leap skill emerged with the highest betweenness and strength values in the network. Conclusions: For the assessed preschoolers, when considering BMI, age, and sex, the relationships between MVPA and FMS are inconsistent, and leap emerged as the main variable. During early childhood, these variables are connected as part of a complex system in which each skill has a dynamic role within the emerging pattern.

scholarly journals Snacks, beverages, and physical activity during volunteer-led out-of-school-time programs: a cross-sectional analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina D. Economos ◽  
Stephanie Anzman-Frasca ◽  
Alyssa H. Koomas ◽  
Grace Chan ◽  
Sara C. Folta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Out Of School Time ◽  
Cross Sectional Analysis ◽  
School Time ◽  
Sectional Analysis ◽  
Out Of School

scholarly journals Within and between-day differences in adolescents’ objectively-measured physical activity and sedentary behavior

Kinesiology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 227-237
Author(s):  
Jesús Viciana ◽  
Daniel Mayorga-Vega ◽  
Maribel Parra-Saldías
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
School Students ◽  
Out Of School Time ◽  
School Time ◽  
School Recess ◽  
Objectively Measured ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Out Of School

A decline in adolescents’ moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and the increase in their sedentary behavior (SB) have been registered all over the world. In order to increase the MVPA and reduce the SB of adolescents, their day has been analyzed by segments of time, verifying the contribution of each to the daily recommendation of 60 minutes/day. Previous studies have been centered only in physical activity markers, but the SB variables were not compared nor the segments of the school-recess with the out-of-school period or with the weekend. This study aimed to examine the intra- and inter-days differences in the objectively measured levels of PA and SB in adolescents. A sample of 156 Chilean school students (87 boys and 69 girls; M age=13.41; SD=.67 years) participated in the present study. Participants’ PA and SB were objectively measured by a GT3X accelerometer. Overall results showed that only 14% and 9% of Chilean adolescents achieved the daily recommendation of 60 minutes of MVPA on weekdays and the weekend, respectively. School recess was found the best moment for developing MVPA, followed by out-of-school time, and ending with weekend days presenting the worst scenario. Regarding the SB, Chilean adolescents were involved in SB 69.39% of the time on weekdays, and over 70% during the weekend. Different strategies are discussed in order to increase the MVPA and to decrease SB in each segment of a day.

scholarly journals Physical activity in out of school hours care: an observational study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth K. Crowe ◽  
Yasmine C. Probst ◽  
Rebecca M. Stanley ◽  
Sarah T. Ryan ◽  
R. Glenn Weaver ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Service Level ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Free Play ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Out Of School

Abstract Background Opportunities for physical activity within out of school hours care (OSHC) are not well documented in Australia. This study explored factors associated with children (5–12 years) meeting 30 min of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) while attending OSHC in the afternoon period. Methods A cross-sectional study, conducted in 89 OSHC services in New South Wales, Australia, serving 4,408 children. Each service was visited twice between 2018–2019. Physical activity promotion practices were captured via short interviews and System for Observing Staff Promotion of Physical Activity and Nutrition (SOSPAN). Physical activity spaces was measured (m2) and physical activity of 3,614 child days (42% girls), were collected using Acti-Graph accelerometers. Association between program practices and children accumulation of MVPA was tested using mixed effects logistic regression, adjusted by OSHC service and child. Results Twenty-six percent of children (n = 925) accumulated 30 min or more of MVPA. Factors associated with children reaching MVPA recommendations included: services scheduling greater amounts of child-led free play, both 30–59 min (OR 2.6, 95%CI 1.70, 3.98) and ≥ 60 min (OR 6.4, 95%CI 3.90, 10.49); opportunities for staff-led organised play of ≥ 30 min (OR 2.3, 95%CI 1.47, 3.83); and active games that engaged the majority of children (OR 1.7, 95%CI 1.11, 2.61). Children were less likely to meet MVPA recommendations if services played games with elimination components (OR 0.56, 95%CI 0.37, 0.86). Conclusion Improvements to service-level physical activity promotion practices, specifically the type of physical activity scheduled and the structure of games, may be an effective strategy to increase MVPA of children attending OSHC afterschool in NSW, Australia.

Effect modification of cardiorespiratory fitness, obesity, and physical activity in adults

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria do Socorro Simoes ◽  
Fernando Wehrmeister ◽  
Marcello Romiti ◽  
Antonio de Toledo Gagliardi ◽  
Rodolfo Arantes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Effect Modification ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Arterial Blood

We investigated if cardiorespiratory fitness modifies the association between obesity and the level of physical activity. In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed data from 746 adults, free of diagnosed cardiorespiratory or locomotor diseases. We analyzed sociodemographic and clinical information, cardiovascular risk factors, cardiorespiratory fitness, anthropometry, and level of physical activity (time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity). Those that spent more time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were younger, male, with lower body mass index, without self-reported arterial blood hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia, non-smokers, and presented with better cardiorespiratory fitness. The linear regression coefficients showed that cardiorespiratory fitness changes according to the level of physical activity and body mass index (obesity in low cardiorespiratory fitness: β 6.0, p = 0.213, 95%CI -3.5 to 15.6; in intermediate cardiorespiratory fitness: β 6.3, p = 0.114, 95%CI -1.5 to 14.2; in high cardiorespiratory fitness: β -6.3, p = 0.304, 95%CI -18.4 to 5.8). This effect modification trend was present after adjusting the model by covariates. Cardiorespiratory fitness potentially modifies the association between body mass index and the level of physical activity. It should be routinely assessed to identify persons with overweight/ obesity with low/ intermediate cardiorespiratory fitness to prescribe individualized training.

scholarly journals Physical Activity Participation and Nutrition and Physical Activity Knowledge in University Dance Students

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Hanna ◽  
Anne Hanley ◽  
Avril Huddy ◽  
Michael McDonald ◽  
Fiona Willer
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Nutrition Knowledge ◽  
Physical Activity Participation ◽  
Activity Participation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dance Performance ◽  
Nutrition And Physical Activity

OBJECTIVE: To assess participation in physical activity and knowledge of general nutrition and current public health messages about the health benefits of physical activity in university dance students, and to investigate differences between first-year and later-year students and between students in dance and dance performance course groups. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited 67 participants from dance undergraduate degrees in a university in Australia. Nutrition knowledge was assessed using the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire. Physical activity participation and awareness of its benefits were assessed using the Active Australia Survey. RESULTS: Results indicate low nutrition knowledge among dance students, with 47% and 52% of responses correct in dance and dance performance students, respectively. Nutrition knowledge did not vary between students in first or later years. Self-reported participation in moderate and vigorous physical activity varied substantially and met or exceeded recommendations based upon duration and frequency for 98% of participants. However, awareness of physical activity messages varied, with dance students more likely to disagree about the level of activity needed for health benefits. CONCLUSIONS: Dance students report varying levels of physical activity that usually met or exceeded recommendations; however, knowledge of general nutrition and physical activity benefits was low. Improved knowledge could contribute to changes in behavior that improve health status in this population.

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.

scholarly journals The Impact of COVID-19 on Eating Environments and Activity in Early Childhood Education and Care in Alberta, Canada: A Cross-Sectional Study

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 4247
Author(s):  
Lynne M. Z. Lafave ◽  
Alexis D. Webster ◽  
Ceilidh McConnell ◽  
Nadine Van Wyk ◽  
Mark R. Lafave
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Early Childhood Education ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Childhood Education ◽  
Education And Care ◽  
The Impact

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) environments influence children’s early development and habits that track across a lifespan. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of COVID-19 government-mandated guidelines on physical activity (PA) and eating environments in ECEC settings. This cross-sectional study involved the recruitment of 19 ECEC centers pre-COVID (2019) and 15 ECEC centers during COVID (2020) in Alberta, Canada (n = 34 ECEC centers; n = 83 educators; n = 361 preschoolers). Educators completed the CHEERS (Creating Healthy Eating and activity Environments Survey) and MEQ (Mindful Eating Questionnaire) self-audit tools while GT3X+ ActiGraph accelerometers measured preschooler PA. The CHEERS healthy eating environment subscale was greater during COVID-19 (5.97 ± 0.52; 5.80 ± 0.62; p = 0.02) and the overall score positively correlated with the MEQ score (r = 0.20; p = 0.002). Preschoolers exhibited greater hourly step counts (800 ± 189; 649 ± 185), moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) (9.3 ± 3.0 min/h; 7.9 ± 3.2 min/h) and lower sedentary times (42.4 ± 3.9 min/h; 44.1 ± 4.9 min/h) during COVID-19 compared to pre-COVID, respectively (p < 0.05). These findings suggest the eating environment and indices of child physical activity were better in 2020, which could possibly be attributed to a change in government-mandated COVID-19 guideline policy.

Abstract 15499: Children After Fontan have the Strength, Body Composition, and Daily Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity Required for Successful Participation with Peers

Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia E Longmuir ◽  
Mary Corey ◽  
Guy Faulkner ◽  
Jennifer L Russell ◽  
Brian W McCrindle
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Daily Activity ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Daily Physical Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional

Introduction: This cross-sectional study evaluated the healthy, active lifestyle capacity (daily physical activity, strength, flexibility, body composition) of children after Fontan, which was hypothesized to be lower than healthy peers. Methods: Participants (n=64, 25 female) were 9 ± 2 years of age. Fontan completion occurred at 3 ± 1 years of age. Canadian Health Measures Survey protocols assessed aerobic endurance (walking up/down steps at set pace), strength (handgrip dynamometry), flexibility (sit and reach), body composition (body mass index) and daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (7-day accelerometry). Participant versus published norm differences were evaluated with t-tests. Linear regression evaluated associations with age/gender/demographic factors. Results: Children after Fontan had strength scores similar (mean difference 1 kg) to their peers, were less likely to be obese (mean difference of body mass index = 1.1 ± 2.5, p=.001) and performed 50 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity per day. Estimated maximal aerobic endurance (mean difference = 21 ± 3 ml/kg/min or 61% of expected) and flexibility (mean difference = 9 ± 8 cm or 64% of expected) were lower than peers(p<.001). Participants performed fewer minutes of daily activity (mean difference from normal 12 ± 17 minutes/day, p<.001), but almost all (60/63) demonstrated the capacity for at least 20 minutes per day. Daily activity was higher with Fontan completion at a younger age (4 ± 2 mins/year) and for those taking antithrombotic medication (7 ± 18 and 22 ± 17 fewer minutes/day for those taking/not taking antithrombotics, respectively). Conclusions: Children after Fontan demonstrate the capacity to successfully perform the daily physical activity associated with optimal health. They have similar levels of strength and good body composition. We recommend that children after Fontan be counselled to expect that they can successfully participate in physically active peer play.

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