Correlates of Physical Activity Self-efficacy in Children Born with Very Low Birth Weight at School-age

Abstract

Self-efficacy (SE) has been positively associated with level of physical activity (PA) in healthy children. However, no studies to date have examined the relationship between SE, habitual PA, and aerobic fitness in children born prematurely with very low birth weight (VLBW) who have been shown to be less active and less aerobically fit than their term-born peers. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among child physical activity self-efficacy (PASE), parent's perception of child's efficacy (PPASE), and measures of habitual PA and aerobic fitness in children born prematurely with VLBW. METHODS: Sixty-four VLBW children were evaluated at 8 to 10 years of age. The PASE questionnaire was administered to the child and parent separately using a 5-point Likert scale. Habitual PA for the past year was assessed using Kriska's Modifiable Activity Questionnaire (MAQ), with parent present to assist. The average total hours of PA per week (Tot-hrs) as well as average hours of vigorous (>6 METs) activity (Vig-hrs) were determined. Aerobic fitness was determined from peak oxygen uptake (VO2pk) from progressive maximal exercise testing on a cycle ergometer. RESULTS: Mean VO2pk was 38.4 ml.kg-1.min-1 (range: 11.1-55.4). Mean Tot-hrs was 8.3 hrs.wk-1 (range: 0-28.6), and mean Vig-hrs was 1.3 hrs.wk-1 (range: 0-1.4), with more than 20% of the children engaging in no Vig-hrs. Mean weight z-score was 0.10 (range: −3.22-2.99). The PASE score was 26.6 (15, 34), and the PPASE score was 29.6 (21.1-34.7). VO2pk was significantly correlated with both PASE and PPASE (r=0.376 and 0.470, respectively). Tot-hrs was significantly correlated with PPASE (r=0.373) but not with PASE. Child's weight z-score, based on age and gender, was inversely correlated with PPASE (rsp=−0.307). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that physical activity and aerobic fitness of the child born prematurely with VLBW may be influenced by the parent's perception of the child's ability. This influence may have a negative impact on the child's current weight and future health.