Abstract
Background: Very few studies have evaluated the independent and combined associations of sedentary behavior (SB), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) on obesity. Our recent work has evaluated this paradigm in the adult population,but no study has evaluated this paradigm in the child population, which was the purpose of this study. Methods: A national sample of children (N=680, 6-11 years) were evaluated via the National Youth Fitness Survey; this study was conducted in 2012, employing a nationally representative sample, occurring across 15 different geographic regions in the United States. SB and MVPA were assessed via parental recall, with CRF objectively measured via a treadmill-based aerobic test. Obesity was determined for measured body mass index. A PACS (Physical Activity Cardiorespiratory Sedentary) score was created ranging from 0-3, indicating each child’s number of positive characteristics (PA, CRF, SB). Results: Meeting MVPA guidelines (OR adjusted=0.47; 95% CI: 0.29-0.77) and above-median CRF (OR adjusted=0.12; 95% CI: 0.07-0.21), but not SB (OR adjusted=0.62; 95% CI: 0.35-1.10),were associated with reduced odds of obesity. Compared to those with a PACS score of 0, the odds of obesity for PACS scores of 1-3, respectively, were: 0.31 (0.18-0.53), 0.12 (0.04-0.34), and 0.05 (0.02-0.10). Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for public health strategies to promote child MVPA and CRF, and to reduce SB.
Highlights
Recent declines in youth physical activity (PA) levels[1] are concerning, given irrefutable evidence that regular PA has myriad health benefits among this population.[2,3] While regular PA among children may enhance cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF),[2] CRF has been shown to associate with health,[4] independent of PA,[4] underscoring the importance of evaluating the unique health effects of PA and CRF
Few studies[4] have evaluated the independent and cumulative associations of PA, CRF, and sedentary behavior (SB) with health, and no studies have examined this paradigm among children, which was the purpose of this short communication
Within a national sample of children, we examined the independent and cumulative associations of PA, CRF and SB on weight status
Summary
Recent declines in youth physical activity (PA) levels[1] are concerning, given irrefutable evidence that regular PA has myriad health benefits among this population.[2,3] While regular PA among children may enhance cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF),[2] CRF has been shown to associate with health,[4] independent of PA,[4] underscoring the importance of evaluating the unique health effects of PA and CRF. Within a national sample of children, we examined the independent and cumulative associations of PA, CRF and SB on weight status. This investigation is of importance given the recent trends,[6] high prevalence (17.7%),[6] and deleterious consequences. Very few studies have evaluated the independent and combined associations of sedentary behavior (SB), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) on obesity. Results: Meeting MVPA guidelines (ORadjusted = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.29-0.77) and above-median CRF (ORadjusted = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.07-0.21), but not SB (ORadjusted = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.35-1.10), were associated with reduced odds of obesity. Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for public health strategies to promote child MVPA and CRF, and to reduce SB
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