Level of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Sleep in the Child and Adolescent Population in the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country (6-17 Years Old): Protocol for the Mugikertu Study.

Arkaitz Larrinaga-Undabarrena,Neritzel Albisua,Garazi Angulo-Garay,Ilargi Gorostegi-Anduaga,Sara Maldonado-Martín,Myriam Guerra-Balic,Xabier Río,José Ramón Sánchez Isla,Iker Etxeberria Atxa,Xabier González-Santamaria,Malen Ruiz De Azua Larrinaga,Gorka Martínez De Lahidalga Aguirre,Aitor Martínez Aguirre-Betolaza,Mikel Bringas,Aitor Coca,Juan Aldaz Arregui

doi:10.2196/31325

Abstract

BackgroundPhysical inactivity and sedentary behavior are increasingly common problems in the general population, which can lead to overweight, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and decreased motor and cognitive capacity among children and adolescents. Establishing healthy habits in childhood on the basis of the World Health Organization’s 2020 Physical Activity Guidelines is essential for proper physical, motor, and cognitive development.ObjectiveThe primary aim of this study is to describe the level of physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, and sleep of the child and adolescent population from 6 to 17 years of age in the Basque Autonomous Community (BAC). Our secondary aim is to establish a starting point for future research and intervention protocols to improve the existing reality.MethodsThis cross-sectional study aims to recruit 1111 children and adolescents, aged 6 to 17 years from the BAC in a representative random sample. Participants will wear the ActiGraph WGT3X-BT triaxial accelerometer for 7 consecutive days in their nondominant wrist, and fill out a habit diary log of PA, mobility, and sleep routine. PA intensities, sedentary behavior, and sleep parameters (total bedtime, total sleep time, and sleep efficiency) will be calculated from raw accelerometer data using SPSS (IBM Corp). Participants will be randomly selected.ResultsThe results of this study intend to demonstrate significant differences in PA levels in different age and gender groups since the volume of school PA in the BAC decreases as the age of the schoolchildren increases. The total study sample includes 1111 participants. In April 2021, up to 50% of the sample size was reached, which is expected to increase to 100% by April 2022. This sample will allow us to analyze, discuss, compare, and assess the reality of the school population, in a sensitive period of adherence to behavior patterns, using data from the geographical and administrative area of the BAC. This study will provide a realistic insight into PA levels among children and adolescents in the BAC. It will also offer scientific contributions on the positive relationship between PA levels and sleep quality in this population.ConclusionsThis study might highlight the need for the promotion of cross-sectional policies so that children and adolescents may increase their levels of PA, thus improving both the school environment and positive healthy behavior.Trial RegistrationISRCTN Registry ISRCTN65573865; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN65573865International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/31325

Highlights

BackgroundPhysical inactivity (PI) and sedentary behavior are highly prevalent around the world and are associated with high morbidity and mortality [1]
This study will provide a realistic insight into physical activity (PA) levels among children and adolescents in the Basque Autonomous Community (BAC)
This study might highlight the need for the promotion of cross-sectional policies so that children and adolescents may increase their levels of PA, improving both the school environment and positive healthy behavior

Summary

Introduction

BackgroundPhysical inactivity (PI) and sedentary behavior are highly prevalent around the world and are associated with high morbidity and mortality [1]. There has been an increase in the levels of sedentary lifestyle among the child and adolescent population, which is associated with lifestyle and has an impact on increasing obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cognitive capacities, and mental health [2,3]. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that children and adolescents between 5 and 17 years of age engage in at least an average of 60 minutes of PA per day, involving moderate to vigorous intensity (MVPA), mainly aerobic PA, with a minimum of 3 days a week of vigorous-intensity PA to limit sedentary behavior [2]. Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior are increasingly common problems in the general population, which can lead to overweight, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and decreased motor and cognitive capacity among children and adolescents. Establishing healthy habits in childhood on the basis of the World Health Organization’s 2020 Physical Activity

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