Stability and Predictability of Video Throughout Childhood: Iowa Bone Development Longitudinal Study

Abstract

PURPOSE: Sedentary behaviors are generally assumed to be related to the development of obesity. Tracking studies can help determine the stability and predictability of a sedentary behavior. This information is important to the development of effective intervention strategies. The current study examined tracking of video game use (Video) from middle childhood through early adolescence. METHODS: Video was measured at ages 5, 8, 11, and 13 yr (n = 434) via parental- and self-report. In addition, we measured moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) using the Actigraph, % BF using Hologic dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and maturity via Mirwald predictive equations. Unadjusted and adjusted Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) were used to assess stability and logistic regression to predict children "at risk" for maintaining high Video (1 hr or more video/d) compared to children playing Video less than 1 hr/d. RESULTS: At baseline (age 5 yr) 10.7% boys and 5.3% girls spent at least 1 hr/d playing Video. Time spent in Video increased for both boys and girls over the four measurement periods. At age 13 yr, 66% boys and 18% girls spent at least one hr/d playing video games. Unadjusted GEE coefficients were 0.15 (95% CI = 0.05, 0.25) for boys, 0.24 (0.09, 0.39) for girls. GEE coefficients adjusted for MVPA, % BF, and maturity were 0.14 (0.05, 0.24) for boys and 0.24 (0.10, 0.38) for girls. The unadjusted odds ratios (OR) were 1.87 (1.1, 3.2) for boys and 3.43 (2.1, 5.8) for girls. The adjusted OR were 1.83 (1.1, 3.1) for boys and 3.46 (2.1, 5.8) for girls. CONCLUSION: Throughout childhood and into early adolescence more boys play Video than girls; however, playing Video tracks better in girls (when compared to boys). In both boys and girls, the tracking of Video is not influenced by physical activity, adiposity, or maturity. In addition, girls who play 1 hr or more of Video at age 5 are 3.5 times more likely than peers to play Video later in life. These results suggest that the effectiveness of interventions for the reduction of Video use may need to be tailored by gender. Supported by National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (R01-DE12101 and R01-DE09551), General Clinical Research Centers Program (M01-RR00059[BB1]) and National Center for Research Resources (UL1 RR024979).