Light-intensity physical activity patterns and associated factors in adolescents

Leonardo Alex Volpato,Enio Ricardo Vaz Ronque,Catiana Leila Possamai Romanzini,Daniel Zanardini Fernandes,Vinícius Muller Reis Weber,Marcelo Romanzini,Renan Camargo Correa

doi:10.1590/s1980-65742021017220

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to measure light-intensity physical activity (LPA) patterns in adolescents according to weekdays and school period and investigated associations between LPA patterns and associated factors. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with 388 students of both genders, selected from public schools from Londrina city, Parana state. LPA was measured using accelerometry for seven consecutive days and was analyzed by the time spent in very short (15 to 30 s), short (30 to 60 s), intermediate (1 to 3 min), and long bouts (≥ 3 min). Results: Approximately 22% of the total daily time was spent in LPA. The time in LPA accumulated in short or intermediate bouts was higher than the time accumulated in very short or long bouts (P < 0.05). Gender was associated with short (β = 2.180; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.357 to 4.003) and intermediate bouts (β = 2.822; 95% CI, 0.681 to 4.964), girls presented higher daily time. Age was inversely associated with very short (β = −0.925; 95% CI, −1.676 to −0.175) and intermediate bouts (β = −1.985; 95% CI, −3.579 to −0.390). The total time in LPA and time accumulated in very short, short, and intermediate bouts was higher in the school period when compared to the non-school period (P < 0.05). Conclusion: It could be concluded that the LPA patterns are predominantly composed of time spent in bouts between 30 seconds and three minutes. Gender, age, and school period appear to influence the LPA pattern in adolescents.

Highlights

It is well documented that physical activity is an important health determinant in adolescence[1]
The sample consisted mostly of girls (52.5%), approximately 70% of the daily time was spent in sedentary behavior, and boys remain longer time in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) when compared to girls (P < 0.05)
The time spent in light physical activity (LPA) in short (30-60 s) or intermediate bouts (1-3 min) was statistically higher than time spent in very short (15-30 s) or long bouts (≥ 3 min) (P < 0.05)

Summary

Introduction

It is well documented that physical activity is an important health determinant in adolescence[1]. Despite being characterized according to these intensities, the recommendation for the daily practice of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for at least 60 minutes to achieve health benefits is evident[3]. Recent investigations have focused on light physical activity (LPA)[7,8] due to its potential to reduce time in sedentary behavior and increase total levels of physical activity[9]. LPA corresponds to a significant portion of the daily behavior[10] and is characterized between borderline sedentary behavior and MVPA values[11]. Current global guidelines for the practice of physical activity do not mention LPA, recent evidence suggests health benefits resulting from the practice of LPA in adults, such as reduced mortality and cardiovascular disease indicators[7,8]

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Conclusion