Profiles of 24-h movement behaviors and physical fitness among preschool children: a latent profile analysis.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to provide theoretical and empirical support for promoting physical fitness enhancement and implementing evidence-based behavioral interventions on university campuses. Through a rigorous compositional data analysis framework combined with isotemporal substitution model (ISM), we systematically examined the associations between 24-h movement behaviors and physical fitness among college students.MethodsThis study employed a stratified random cluster sampling design to recruit 3,974 participants from the physical education classes at a technological university located in Central South China during the 2022–2023 academic year. Data collection comprised two standardized assessments. The 24-h movement behaviors Questionnaire (24HMBQ) was administered to quantify five critical domains of daily movement patterns: sleep (SLE), sedentary behavior (SED), light physical activity (LPA), moderate physical activity (MPA), and vigorous physical activity (VPA). The participants’ physical fitness was assesed against the Chinese National Student Physical Fitness Standards (CNPFSS). Employing compositional isotemporal substitution analysis, this study examined the dose–response relationship between 24-h movement behaviors and physical fitness in college students.ResultsCompositional regression analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and the total physical fitness test score among total students, science students, male students, and male science students (all P < 0.05). MVPA exhibited consistent positive correlations with indicators in sit-and-reach, standing long jump, and pull-up tests among total students, while demonstrating a negative correlation with indicators for 50-m and 800/1000-m run (all P < 0.05). Meanwhile, LPA was found to be positively linked to indicators in vital capacity and 800/100 m run (all P < 0.05). ISM revealed that reallocating 30 min from LPA, sleep, and SED to MVPA significantly enhanced the total physical fitness test scores for science students, male students, and male science students (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, substituting 60 min of MVPA for other activity behaviors led to significant improvements in the total physical fitness test scores for the total students, as well as these three subgroups(all P < 0.05). In the dose–response analysis, a symmetrical pattern emerged when substituting MVPA for other activities, with respect to the total physical fitness test score. For the total student cohort, the substitution duration displayed a positive correlation with the test score, peaking at 50 min within the range of -40 to + 50 min. For science students, male students, and male science students, the peak correlation occurred at 45 min within the range of -40 to + 45 min.ConclusionFor students in technological universities, it is imperative to enhance both MVPA and LPA, with a stronger focus on increasing MVPA. Additionally, the frequency of MVPA during 45-min physical education classes should be intensified.

BackgroundEngaging in regular physical activity (PA) and limited sedentary behaviour (SB) are critical for healthy cognitive aging. However, it is unclear what combination of PA and SB patterns (e.g., high PA and low SB, high PA and high SB, etc.) is most beneficial for cognition. We thus examined how different combinations of PA and SB were associated with cognitive performance in community‐dwelling middle‐aged and older adults.MethodA cross‐sectional analysis using baseline data from the Comprehensive cohort of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA; 2010‐2015) among participants with complete PA and SB data (n = 23,125; age range 45‐86 years). PA and SB were indexed using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and cognition using a three‐factor structural equation model (i.e., memory, executive function, and verbal fluency). Participants' PA and SB levels were classified as 1) low PA and high SB; 2) low PA and low SB; 3) high PA and high SB; and 4) high PA and low SB. Linear regressions assessed associations between PA and SB combinations and cognition, adjusted for age, sex, activities of daily living, income level, educational attainment, and depression. Contrasts with Bonferroni correction tested associations of combinations of PA and SB with cognition.ResultHigh PA was associated with better cognition whether combined with low or high SB. A high PA and low SB combination was associated with better executive function (Estimated mean difference = ‐0.24, 95%CI ‐0.39 to ‐0.10, p&lt;0.001) and verbal fluency (Estimated mean difference = ‐0.29, 95%CI ‐0.42 to ‐0.16, p&lt;0.001) vs. low PA and low SB. A combination of high PA and high SB was associated with better executive function (Estimated mean difference = 0.17, 95%CI 0.01 to 0.33, p = 0.034) and verbal fluency (Estimated mean difference = 0.20, 95%CI 0.05 to 0.34, p = 0.002) vs. high PA and low SB. Surprisingly, low PA and high SB was associated with better executive function vs. low PA and low SB (Estimated mean difference = 0.26, 95%CI 0.11 to 0.41, p&lt;0.001) (Table 1 and Figure 1).ConclusionHigh PA, irrespective of SB, is associated with better cognition. Low PA levels may be more detrimental to cognition than high SB levels.

Preschool children's physical fitness is critical for lifelong health, yet recent trends show declining fitness levels, rising obesity, and reduced physical competence. Physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep (SLP) are key lifestyle factors influencing health. Compositional data analysis (CDA) addresses multicollinearity among these behaviors, while the isotemporal substitution model evaluates the effects of reallocating time between them. This study investigates the associations between 24-hour movement behaviors and preschool children's physical fitness, offering evidence-based recommendations. Method: A total of 806 preschool children aged 3–6 years were recruited from three kindergartens in Shanghai using cluster random and convenience sampling. Demographic information (gender, age, parental education, parental attitudes toward physical activity, and BMI) was collected via questionnaires. Physical fitness was assessed using the 2023 National Physical Fitness Assessment Standards, including body morphology and physical abilities. The Actigraph wGT3X-BT accelerometer recorded 24-hour activity behaviors, including moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), SB, and SLP over seven days, with at least three valid days required. Data were processed using ActiLife 6.5 software. Compositional multivariate linear regression and isotemporal substitution models were applied, with isometric log-ratio (ilr) transformations used to address multicollinearity. Statistical analyses were conducted using R 4.3.2 and Stata 17.0. The study included 806 preschool children (432 boys, 374 girls). Boys outperformed girls in grip strength (P &lt; 0.01), while girls excelled in sit-and-reach flexibility (P &lt; 0.01). MVPA was positively associated with overall fitness, grip strength, standing long jump, and flexibility (P &lt; 0.01), but negatively associated with BMI and coordination (P &lt; 0.05). SB and SLP showed inverse associations. Reallocating 15 minutes from LPA, SB, or SLP to MVPA significantly improves fitness, with the greatest improvements observed when replacing LPA (P &lt; 0.05). Specifically, substituting LPA with MVPA grip strength, standing long jump, and flexibility, while replacing SB or SLP with MVPA BMI and coordination. Conversely, reallocating time from MVPA to LPA, SB, or SLP fitness outcomes. This study highlights the link between 24-hour activity behaviors and physical fitness in preschool children, with boys excelling in strength and girls in flexibility. Reallocating time to MVPA, particularly by replacing LPA, SB, or SLP, fitness. Interventions should promote outdoor play, reduce screen time, and consider gender differences. Future research should employ longitudinal designs to establish causality, expand samples to diverse regions, refine activity measurement, and incorporate additional covariates like diet and family environment.

Physical fitness in preschoolers, encompassing muscular strength, speed-agility, balance, and cardiorespiratory fitness, serves as a key health indicator. While preschools are ideal settings for promoting physical fitness, the association between preschool-based movement behaviors and physical fitness remains unclear. This cross-sectional study included 1144 Chinese preschoolers aged 3-6 years. Preschool-based movement behaviors including moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), and sedentary behavior (SB), were measured using ActiGraph GT9X accelerometers. Physical fitness was assessed via the PREFIT battery, which includes handgrip strength, standing long jump, 4 × 10 m shuttle run, one-leg stance, and 20 m shuttle run. Compositional linear regression and isotemporal substitution modeling were employed to examine associations and time-reallocation effects, respectively. Greater amounts of MVPA during preschool hours were positively associated with better performance in muscular strength, speed-agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Reallocating time from SB or LPA to MVPA enhanced physical fitness, whereas substituting MVPA with SB or LPA reduced fitness levels, demonstrating an asymmetric effect. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during preschool hours significantly enhances physical fitness. Prioritizing the implementation of physical activity programs to increase MVPA in preschool settings is crucial for improving physical fitness and addressing insufficient MVPA in this age group. First large-scale study (N = 1144) demonstrating preschool-based moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is essential for developing preschoolers' muscular strength, speed-agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness, complementing existing 24-h movement behavior research. Reveals critical asymmetry: Reducing MVPA time significantly harms fitness, with losses exceeding the benefits from equivalent MVPA increases. Provides objective evidence to guide policymakers in optimizing preschool schedules to prioritize MVPA for enhancing children's physical fitness.

BackgroundOlder adults have low physical activity(PA) and high sedentary behaviour(SB) levels. We investigate how total volume and specific patterns of moderate to vigorous PA(MVPA), light PA(LPA) and SB are related to adiposity and metabolic syndrome (MS). Then, with reference to physical activity guidelines which encourage MVPA in bouts > =10 min and avoiding “long” sedentary bouts, we investigate whether accumulating PA and SB in bouts of different defined durations are differently associated with these outcomes.MethodsCross-sectional study of men (71–91 years) recruited in UK primary care centres. Nurses made physical measures (weight, height, bio-impedance, blood pressure) and took fasting blood samples. 1528/3137 (49 %) surviving men had ≥3 valid days (≥600 min) accelerometer data. 450 men with pre-existing chronic disease were excluded. 1009/1078 (93.6 %) had complete covariate data.ResultsMen (n = 1009, mean age 78.5(SD 4.7) years) spent 612(SD 83), 202(SD 64) and 42(SD 33) minutes in SB, LIPA and MVPA respectively. Each additional 30 min/day of SB and MVPA were associated with 0.32 (95 % CI 0.23, 0.40)Kg/m2 higher Body Mass Index (BMI) and −0.72(−0.93, −0.51) lower BMI Kg/m2 respectively. Patterns for waist circumference (WC), fat mass index (FMI), fasting insulin and MS were similar. MVPA in bouts lasting <10 min or ≥10 min duration were not associated differently with outcomes. In models adjusted for total MVPA, each minute accumulated in SB bouts lasting 1–15 min was associated with lower BMI −0.012 kg/m2, WC −0.029 cm, and OR 0.989 for MS (all p < 0.05), and coefficients for LPA bouts 1–9 min were very similar in separate models adjusted for total MVPA. Minutes accumulated in SB bouts 1–15 min and LPA bouts 1–9 min were correlated, r = 0.62.ConclusionsObjectively measured MVPA, LPA and SB were all associated with lower adiposity and metabolic risk. The beneficial associations of LPA are encouraging for older adults for whom initiating MVPA and maintaining bouts lasting ≥10 min may be particularly challenging. Findings that short bouts of LPA (1–9 min) and SB (1–15 min), but that all MVPA, not just MVPA accumulated in bouts ≥10 min were associated with lower adiposity and better metabolic health could help refine older adult PA guidelines.

Few studies have focused on relating physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) to identify homogeneous groups. This study aimed to identify patterns of PA and SB in France general population and their correlates. A sample of 3294 (mean age 44 ± 17 years) from the general population in France was included. PA and SB were assessed by the World Health Organization Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Cluster analysis was used to identify PA and SB patterns, with polytomous logistic regression to identify their correlates. Five clusters were identified: (i) 'low total PA, active-transportation and low SB' (41%), (ii) 'low total PA and moderate SB' (22%), (iii) 'low total PA, leisure-time PA and high SB' (15%), (iv) 'high total PA, moderate occupational PA and moderate SB' (17%) and (v) 'high total PA, vigorous occupational PA and low SB' (5%). Occupational PA substantially contributed to total PA which depended on socioeconomic status (SES): low total PA and high SB in higher SES and high total PA and low SB in lower SES. Based on PA and SB, French adults were clustered into groups with socioeconomic differences emphasizing that adapted interventions may be more beneficial for health.

IntroductionThe relationship between 24-h movement behaviours (i.e. sleep, sedentary behaviour and physical activity) and adiposity in preschoolers remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the associations between 24-h movement behaviours and adiposity in preschoolers making use of compositional data analysis (CoDA).MethodsAustralian preschoolers (3–5 years) from the Early Start Baseline Study wore an ActiGraph accelerometer to assess sedentary behaviour (SB), light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Their weight and height were measured using standardized protocols and converted to Body Mass Index (BMI) z-scores using the World Health Organisation growth references. Their parents completed a questionnaire to assess their level of education and the child’s sleep duration, age and sex. CoDA was employed to investigate the association between 24-h movement behaviours and adiposity in R.ResultsThis study included 169 preschoolers and their overall 24-h movement behaviour composition was associated with BMI z-scores (F = 5.02, p = 0.002). When examining the association between each movement behaviour relative to the others and BMI z-scores, we observed a statistically significant favourable association for sleep (p = 0.025) and unfavourable association for MVPA (p = 0.010), but not for the other behaviours. As such, reallocating 10 min from sleep or from MVPA, proportionally to all other behaviours was associated with a difference of + 0.031 (95%CI = 0.004,0.06) and -0.085 (95%CI = -0.15,-0.02) in BMI z-score, respectively.ConclusionDespite the association between more time spent in MVPA and higher BMI z-scores, promoting a balanced amount of time in each 24-h movement behaviour—more MVPA, less sedentary time, and sufficient sleep—remains important for overall health. Future studies should address methodological challenges (e.g. recruitment bias that may exist in the parents/children willing to participate versus the general population, recall bias in parent reported sleep duration, or other confounding variables such as diet), use larger and more diverse samples, and consider longitudinal designs. Additionally, focusing on other adiposity indicators, such as waist-to-height ratio or fat percentage, could enhance understanding of these relationships.

Objective: This study aimed to identify and characterise distinct 24-hour movement behaviour profiles among adults across 16 European countries using proportional data on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LIPA), sedentary behaviour (SB), and sleep duration (SD) 2. Methods: Data came from the Harmonized European Time Use Surveys (HETUS, Wave 2, 2008–2015) including adults aged 18–80+ (N ≈ 181,000). Each participant completed two 24-hour diaries coded into 144 ten-minute intervals. Activities were assigned metabolic equivalent of task (MET) values based on the 2024 Compendium and aggregated 3 into MVPA, LIPA, SB, and SD. Time in each behaviour was expressed as a proportion of the 24-hour day 1. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was applied separately by sex and age group to identify movement behaviour profiles using the tidyLPA 4 package in R (v4.5.0). Models with two to six profiles were estimated under equal variance and zero-covariance assumptions. Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) and entropy guided selection of the optimal number of profiles. Results: Four stable profiles consistently emerged: - Sedentary Short-Sleepers (high SB, low SD, low MVPA/LIPA) - Active Balanced Types (moderate MVPA/LIPA, balanced SB and SD) - Lightly Active Long Sleepers (high LIPA and SD, low SB) - Highly Active Short Sleepers (high MVPA, low SD) Profile distributions varied by sex and age. Younger adults showed a higher likelihood of MVPA-dominant profiles, whereas older adults tended toward light activity and long sleep profiles. Conclusions: Four distinct and recurring 24-hour movement behaviour profiles emerged among European adults. These profiles reflect diverse combinations of activity, sedentary time, and sleep, underscoring the need for population-specific approaches to movement-behaviour promotion.

Physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour (SB) and sleep (SLP)-key components of 24-h movement behaviours-have each been independently linked to motor development in preschool children. However, the lack of understanding regarding their integrated and mutually exclusive nature has limited research on their combined impact on early health outcomes. This study employed compositional data analysis (CoDA) to examine the relationships between these behaviours and fundamental movement skills (FMS), as well as potential changes in FMS resulting from isotemporal reallocation. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 292 preschool children (3-6 years old; 149 boys and 143 girls). SB, light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were measured using accelerometers, whereas sleep duration was parent-reported. FMS, including locomotor skills, object-control skills and total motor skills (total MS), were assessed using the third edition of the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-3). CoDA was used to analyse the relationship between 24-h movement behaviours and FMS. After adjusting for gender, age, family socioeconomic status (SES) and the number of children in the household, a higher proportion of MVPA was significantly positively associated with both total MS (β = 9.39, p = 0.008) and locomotor skills (β = 6.69, p = 0.003). In a 15-min isotemporal reallocation model, substituting MVPA for other behaviours resulted in significant improvements in both total MS and locomotor skills. Dose-response analysis revealed that reallocating even a small amount of time (e.g., 15 min) to MVPA resulted in meaningful benefits for FMS. Notably, this relationship was asymmetric: The negative impact of reducing MVPA outweighed the gains from increasing MVPA. These findings highlight the importance of prioritizing MVPA within the 24-h movement behaviours framework to optimize motor development in preschool-aged children.

24-H movement behaviors and physical fitness in preschoolers: A compositional and isotemporal reallocation analysis

There is scarcity of studies using device-based measures to examine how relationship and parenthood transitions modify 24-h movement behaviors. This study examined how the composition of 24-h movement behaviors changes during these life transitions. Young adults (n = 170, mean age 25.6 years, SD 0.6) from the Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project (STRIP) wore wrist-worn accelerometers for 1 week and completed questionnaire at ages 26 and 31 years. Participants were categorized by relationship status into single (16%), those transitioning from single to partnered (31%), partnered (47%), and separated (7%), and by parenthood status into non-parents (73%), new parents (19%), and parents (8%). Changes in daily movement behaviors, including sleep, sedentary behavior (SED), light physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), were examined using compositional linear mixed models. In general, LPA and MVPA decreased relative to sleep and SED (p = 0.007). Differences emerged between LPA and MVPA in relationship and parenthood groups (p for group × time interaction 0.008 and 0.001). Those transitioning to partnership decreased MVPA by 17 min/day, while partnered and separated individuals showed no notable MVPA change but decreased LPA by 14 and 43 min/day. Single individuals and non-parents decreased LPA and MVPA in similar proportions. New parents decreased MVPA by 20 min/day, while parents increased it by 19 min/day. Becoming first-time parent and starting relationship was associated with decline of MVPA. Our results suggest the importance of considering these life transitions and providing guidance for maintaining physical activity despite changes in life situations.

Little is known about the longitudinal trajectories and associations regarding physical activity (PA), physical fitness (PF), and cognitive skills in childhood. Accelerometer-based PA, sedentary behavior (SB), PF, and cognitive skills were measured in Estonian children (n = 147) in kindergarten (6.6 years) and again at school (7.6 years). Children were subgrouped into lower and upper quartiles by their moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) at 6.6 years. Children in the upper quartile had lower SB, higher PA, and greater muscular strength. Attending school, MVPA in the lower quartile improved. In both subgroups, most strength values and cognitive skills improved, while balance deteriorated in first grade. In the upper quartile, a greater MPA at 6.6 years predicted lower perceptual skills at 7.6 years. A greater SB at 6.6 years predicted higher verbal skills, light and moderate PA and MVPA, and lower verbal skills at 7.6 years after taking into account confounding factors such as the child’s sex, age, awake wear time (AWT), maternal education, and/or child’s sports participation. A vigorous PA at 6.6 years predicted perceptual (in upper quartile) or verbal (in lower quartile) skills at 7.6 years after controlling for similar confounders. No correlation for PF at 6.6 years and cognitive skills at 7.6 years existed; after adjusting for the above-mentioned confounders relative to upper/lower-limb strength, the 4 × 10 m shuttle run results predicted higher perceptual or verbal skills; static balance and cardiorespiratory fitness predicted lower verbal skills. Cardiorespiratory fitness predicted higher perceptual skills after controlling for sex, age, and AWT. Overall, PA and strength were constantly better and SB lower in the upper quartile, yet the lower quartile demonstrated improved MVPA in first grade, and both subgroups increased most components of their strength and cognitive skills in first grade. Higher levels of VPA at kindergarten predicted either better perceptual or verbal skills in first grade after controlling for confounders; the opposite associations were found for other PA levels and cognitive skills in the higher quartile. PF components at kindergarten predicted either superior or inferior cognitive skills in first grade after adjusting for confounders.

BackgroundRetirement often leads to a more passive lifestyle and may therefore lead to weight gain. This study aims to investigate longitudinal associations between changes in 24-h movement behaviors and BMI and waist circumference in relation to the transition from work to retirement.MethodsThe study population included 213 retiring public sector workers (mean age 63.5 years, standard deviation 1.1) from the Finnish Retirement and Aging study. Before and after retirement participants wore an Axivity accelerometer on their thigh and filled in a daily log for at least four days to measure daily time spent sleeping, in sedentary behavior (SED), light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Also, their body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were measured repeatedly. Compositional linear regression analysis and isotemporal substitution analysis were used to study associations between one-year changes in 24-h movement behaviors and concurrent changes in BMI and waist circumference.ResultsAn increase in MVPA in relation to sleep, SED and LPA was associated with a decreasing BMI (β = −0.60, p = 0.04) and waist circumference (β = −2.14, p = 0.05) over one year from before retirement to after retirement. In contrast, increasing sleep in relation to SED, LPA and MVPA was associated with an increasing BMI (β = 1.34, p = 0.02). Reallocating 60 min from MVPA to SED or sleep was estimated to increase BMI by on average 0.8–0.9 kg/m2 and waist circumference by 3.0 cm during one year.ConclusionsDuring the transition from work to retirement, increasing MVPA was associated with a slight decrease in BMI and waist circumference, whereas increasing sleep was associated with an increasing BMI. Common life transitions, like retirement, should be considered when giving recommendations and guidance for physical activity and sleep.

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the relationships between accelerometer-measured physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) with physical function (PF) among older Chinese women in the community.MethodsThe present study comprised 1,113 community-dwelling older females, with an average age of 65 ± 2 years. We employed a linear regression analysis to investigate the relationship between patterns of PA and SB with PF. PA variables consisted of total PA time, bouted PA time (a continuous PA that lasts equal to or more than 10 min), and sporadic PA time (a continuous PA that lasts less than 10 min). SB variables included total SB time, 30-min bout of SB (a continuous SB that lasts equal to or more than 30 min), and 60-min bout of SB (a continuous SB that lasts equal to or more than 60 min). PF variables comprised handgrip strength (HGS), one-legged stance test with eyes closed (OLSTEC), usual walking speed (UWS), maximum walking speed (MWS) and chair-stand time (CT). To explore the joint effects of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA) and SB on PF, we divided the duration of SB and MVPA participation in older women into different combinations: low MVPA & high SB, low MVPA & low SB, high MVPA & high SB, high MVPA & low SB.ResultsThe study revealed a significant association between 30-min bout of SB and CT, which remained after adjusting for total MVPA time (P = 0.021). Both total MVPA and bouted MVPA were found to be positively associated with better UWS, MWS, CT, and PF Z-score. When the combination of low MVPA & high SB was used as a reference, the regression coefficients for PF ascended by 1.32 (P < 0.001) in the high MVPA & high SB group and by 1.13 (P < 0.001) in the high MVPA & low SB group.ConclusionsA significant association was observed between poorer lower limb function and prolonged, uninterrupted SB in older women, rather than with the total SB time. Concurrently, the insufficient engagement in MVPA may also be a crucial factor contributing to poorer PF in older women. Engaging in longer durations and higher intensity of PA, such as bouts of MVPA lasting a minimum of 10 min or longer, may contribute to better PF.

Association between 24-hour movement behavior and depression in college students: A compositional data analysis