The Importance Of Physical Activity In Childhood

Abstract

Purpose 100 Norwegian children representing 3 different schools are followed closely from grade 1 (6 year old) to grade 4 (9 year old). The study focuses on physical activity, fitness, physical, cognitive and social development, health parameters, social background and family life style. The purpose of the study is to look at elements in children's everyday life that promote physical activity, and to study possible consequences for children's development. Methods Physical activity is recorded by questionnaires to children and parents regarding participation in sports, leisure time activities like walking and skiing and physical play. The children have also been wearing accelerometers (CSA) two weekdays and two week-ends every year. Physical performance is measured by a fitness test in 9 parts, partly built on AST - Allgemeiner Sportmotorisher Test für Kinder. Aerobic capacity is measured by using a maximal cycle ergometer test. Gross motor skills development were tested every year with KTK - Körper koordinationstest für Kinder. Results High level of physical activity is associated with higher score on the physical fitness test, higher score on the gross motor test, lower BMI, higher level of the HDL Cholesterol and less time spent on television. Physical fitness is associated with the development of children's BMI from grade 1- to grade 4, BMI of parents (Especially the relation between mothers BMI and girls), participation in sports, level of education of parents - especially mothers, level of physical activity by parents, family leisure time activities and social support for sports by mothers. High aerobic capacity is associated with low BMI, low level of total Cholesterol low level of LDL, high level of HDL and high score on gross motor tests. Development of gross motor skills is associated with level of education of parents - especially mothers, age of mothers, older siblings and family leisure time activities. Above average gross motor skills is associated with high sociometric status, high social self-esteem and higher score on tests in mathematics. Conclusion Physical activity is strongly related to family life style and contributes to a holistic development of children.