Activity In Boys Research Articles

Abdominal adiposity is associated with fatty acid desaturase activity in boys: Implications for C-reactive protein and insulin resistance

Fatty acid composition, which is altered in patients with abdominal obesity, is influenced not only by dietary intake but also by the desaturating enzymes stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), delta-6 desaturase (D6D) and delta-5 desaturase (D5D). We investigated desaturase activities and their associations with metabolic risk factors, C-reactive protein levels (CRP) and insulin resistance in Japanese children. There were 237 school children in this study; 115 were boys. The fatty acid composition of plasma phospholipids was analyzed, and the following desaturase activities were estimated: SCD (16:1n-7/16:0 and 18:1n-9/18:0), D6D (20:3n-6/18:2n-6) and D5D (20:4n-6/20:3n-6). D6D and D5D activities, but not SCD activity, were significantly associated with triglyceride levels, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and insulin resistance in both sexes, and with CRP levels in boys. In addition, increased abdominal adiposity was significantly associated with increased D6D activity, and decreased D5D activity and insulin resistance in both sexes, and with increased CRP levels in boys. The n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid desaturation pathway may be associated with metabolic risk factors, insulin resistance and increased inflammation in children with abdominal obesity, especially in boys.

Associations between Neuromuscular Function and Levels of Physical Activity Differ for Boys and Girls during Puberty

To compare the associations between neuromuscular performance and anthropometric characteristics with habitual levels of physical activity in boys and girls during the initial stages of puberty. In a cross-sectional study of 72 healthy children (39 boys and 33 girls) ranging in age from 8 to 14 years, sex differences in anthropometric and motor performance characteristics were compared at 3 Tanner stages (T1-T3). Outcome variables included dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry measurements of body composition, assessments of neuromuscular function, and levels of physical activity (steps/day) measured by accelerometry. Physical activity was lower in girls than boys at T2 and T3, but there was no sex difference at T1. Physical activity increased with Tanner stage for boys but did not differ between Tanner stages in girls. Physical activity at each Tanner stage was strongly associated (R(2) > 0.85) with neuromuscular characteristics for both boys and girls, but percentage of body fat also was associated with physical activity for T3 girls. The attenuated gains in neuromuscular function experienced by girls in early stages of puberty were strongly associated with lower levels of physical activity, whereas the increase in physical activity exhibited by boys was mostly related to increases in the strength and endurance of leg muscles. Because sedentary activity is a known contributor to the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes in youth, this study helps to identify possible contributors to decreases in physical activity in young girls and provides potential targets for early intervention.

Anthropometric outcomes associated with a primary school-based health promotion programme in the Italian city of Parma

The City Council of Parma and allied partners launched a programme based on professionally guided physical exercise and nutritional education in all primary schools of the metropolitan area, with a total of 7,000 children involved, ranging from 6 to 10 years of age. One scientific end-point of the programme was the definition of the parameter(s) most associated with increased physical activity and potential modification of eating habits. To this purpose we studied in a cohort of 2,151 9-year-old children the associations among BMI, fat mass (FM), breakfast eating and the amount of physical activity, the most relevant variables that characterize lifestyle. There was a consistent significant inverse correlation between FM and physical activity and a significant correlation between FM and breakfast skipping. When sorted by BMI, an inverse significant correlation was found between FM and physical activity in boys, except in those underweight. In girls, a significant correlation was found in those of normal weight, but not in those overweight or obese. The number of sports practised was related to FM only in overweight and obese boys. Breakfast skipping was significantly correlated with FM only in underweight girls. Taken together, our data show that FM can be used to accurately evaluate physical activity and eating habits in children, and suggest that, in preventive health programmes, the fundamental parameter to pay attention to is the amount rather than the type of physical activity.

The effect of baseline metabolic rate on pulmonary O2 uptake kinetics during very heavy intensity exercise in boys and men

This study tested the hypothesis that pulmonary VO₂ kinetics would be slowed during 'work-to-work' exercise in adults but not in children. Eight boys (mean age=12.5 ± 0.5 years) and nine men completed very heavy step transitions initiated from either 'unloaded' pedalling (U→VH) or unloaded-to-moderate cycling (i.e. U→M to M→VH). The phase II τ was significantly (p<0.05) lengthened in M→VH compared to U→M and U→VH in boys (30 ± 5 vs. 19 ± 5 vs. 21 ± 5 s) and men (49 ± 14 vs. 30 ± 5 vs. 34 ± 8 s). In U→VH, a greater relative VO₂ slow component temporally coincided with an increased linear iEMG slope in men compared boys (VO₂ slow component: 16 ± 3 vs. 11 ± 4%; iEMG slope: 0.19 ± 0.24 vs. -0.06 ± 0.14%, p<0.05). These results suggest that an age-linked modulation of VO₂ kinetics might be influenced by alterations in muscle fibre recruitment following the onset of exercise.

Sever's injury; treat it with a heel cup: a randomized, crossover study with two insole alternatives

Sever's injury (apophysitis calcanei) is considered to be the dominant cause of heel pain among children. Common advice is to reduce physical activity. However, our previous study showed that application of insoles reduced pain in Sever's injury without having to reduce physical activity. The purpose of this study was to test which of the two insoles, the heel wedge or the heel cup, provided best pain relief during sport activity in boys with Sever's injury (n=51). There was a crossover design in the first randomized part of the study. In the second part, the boys, 9-14 years, chose which insole they preferred. There was a reduction in odds score for pain to a fifth (a reduction of 80%) for the cup compared with the wedge (P<0.001). When an active choice was made, the heel cup was preferred by >75% of the boys. All boys maintained their high level of physical activity throughout. At 1-year follow-up, 22 boys still used an insole and 19 of them reported its effect on pain as excellent or good (n=41).

Tracking of physical activity during middle school transition in Iranian adolescents

Objective: The purpose of this longitudinal study was to examine changes in physical activity behavior, psychological factors and interpersonal influences associated with exercise behavior during the transition from secondary school to high school in Sanandaj, Iran. Design: Data were collected from students in 2006 ( N = 1,073), of whom 844 provided follow-up data in 2009. Setting: The students were in high school in 2009 (51% male) with a mean age of 16.42 ± 1.73 years. Method: Physical activity-related cognitions, interpersonal influences, and physical activity behavior were measured using self-report questionnaires. To assess the effects of time and sex on psychosocial factors, analysis of variances (ANOVAs) were conducted. The relative stability of physical activity psychosocial correlates from wave 1 through wave 2 was assessed using Pearson product-moment correlations. Results: There were significant differences according to sex across time for physical activity, psychological variables and interpersonal influences associated with exercise activities. The girls were less active than boys at both time points. Girls reported lower self-efficacy and perceived more barriers and fewer perceived benefits for physical activity over time. Interpersonal influences on activity were more stable for girls than boys. Conclusion: The results offer evidence for decreasing physical activity in boys and girls and sex differences in cognitive variables and interpersonal influences. This is important for understanding how to address the problem of physical inactivity among Iranian youth.

Trabajo infantil y pobreza de los hogares en la Argentina

El modelo de Basu y Van (1998) plantea a nivel teórico la llamada hipótesis de lujo según la cual los hogares están comandados por padres altruistas y pobres que recurren al trabajo infantil como estrategia de escape de la pobreza. Según este enfoque, si la economía está en una situación de equilibrio múltiple, puede ocurrir que la aplicación efectiva de las leyes que prohíben el trabajo infantil provoque un empeoramiento del bienestar de los hogares y aumente la pobreza. Con datos de la Encuesta de Actividades de Niños, Niñas y Adolescentes realizada en la Argentina en 2004, se explora empíricamente la hipótesis de padres altruistas examinando en qué medida la pobreza monetaria y las privaciones materiales pueden considerarse determinantes de la participación económica de niñas, niños y adolescentes.

School and weekend physical activity of 15-16 year-old Czech, Slovak and Polish adolescents

Background: When it comes to physical activity, adolescents are the group at the highest risk. When monitoring physical activity in adolescents, it is necessary to differentiate school and weekend days. School days are crucial in adolescents' weekly physical activity. Objective: The aim of the study is to identify to what extent the school day and weekend physical activity levels differ in Czech, Polish and Slovakian boys and girls with different cultural and education backgrounds in Central Europe. Methods: The research was carried out in the Czech Republic in Moravia (11 schools, 383 participants), in Poland in the Katowice region (11 schools, 327 participants) and in Slovakia in the Presov region (8 schools, 252 participants). In total, 421 boys and 541 girls participated in the study. Participants wore YAMAX pedometers for seven days and recorded measured values onto a record sheet and into the internet Indares system. The results were processed using repeated ANOVA analyses and contingent charts. Results: Czech, Polish, and Slovak boys and girls showed a significantly higher number of steps on school days than on weekend days. No difference between boys and girls was found on any day of the week in any of the states. The lowest number of steps was found, both in girls and boys, on Sundays. The highest number of daily steps was measured in Czech boys (n = 14015 steps * day-1), Polish girls (n = 12074 steps * day-1) and Slovakian girls (n = 12040 steps * day-1) on Fridays. Conclusions: Boys and girls in all three states were more physically active on school days than on weekend days. Wearing pedometers eliminated the differences between weekly physical activity in boys and girls in the Czech Republic, Poland and in Slovakia. Under Central European conditions, it was proven that wearing pedometers positively influences physical activity in girls.

Influence of Perceived Sport Competence and Body Attractiveness on Physical Activity and other Healthy Lifestyle Habits in Adolescents

The purpose of this study was to test an explanatory model of the relationships between physical self-concept and some healthy habits. A sample of 472 adolescents aged 16 to 20 answered different questionnaires assessing physical self-concept, physical activity, intention to be physically active and consumption of alcohol and tobacco. The results of the structural equation model showed that perceived sport competence positively correlated with current physical activity. Body attractiveness positively correlated with physical activity in boys and negatively in girls. Current physical activity positively correlated with the intention to be physically active in the future and negatively with the consumption of alcohol and tobacco. Nevertheless, this last relationship was only significant in boys. The results are discussed in connection with the promotion of healthy lifestyle guidelines among adolescents. This model shows the importance of physical self-concept for engaging in physical activity in adolescence. It also suggests that physical activity is associated with the intention to continue being physically active and with healthy lifestyle habits.

Gender differences in sexual risk behaviour among adolescents in Catalonia, Spain

Objective To analyze the factors associated with sexual risk behavior in adolescent girls and boys in order to plan future school health interventions. Methods A cross-sectional study with two-stage cluster sampling that included 97 schools and 9,340 students aged between 14 and 16 years old was carried out in 2005-2006 in Catalonia (Spain). For the survey, a self-administered paper-based questionnaire was used. The questionnaire contained items on sociodemographic variables, use of addictive substances and mood states, among other items. These variables were tested as risk factors for unsafe sexual behavior. Results This study included 4,653 boys and 4,687 girls with a mean age of 15 years. A total of 38.7% of students had had sexual relations at least once and 82.3% of boys and 63.0% of girls were engaged in sexual risk behaviors. The prevalence of sexual relations and risk behaviors was generally higher in boys than in girls, independently of the variables analyzed. Boys had more sexual partners ( P < .001) and used condoms as a contraceptive method less frequently than girls ( P < .001). Foreign origin was related to unsafe sexual activity in both genders. Alcohol consumption was also a risk factor in boys. Conclusions Sexual risk behaviors among adolescents in Catalonia are higher in boys than in girls. Factors related to unsafe sexual activity in boys were foreign origin and alcohol consumption. In girls only foreign origin was a significant risk factor.

Physical Activity Patterns and Obesity Status Among 10- to 12-Year-Old Adolescents Living in Athens, Greece

Childhood obesity has become a modern epidemic with escalating rates. The aim of our study was to identify physical activity patterns among Greek schoolchildren and to examine their relationship with obesity. 700 adolescents age 10 to 12 years were evaluated through a standardized questionnaire. Several demographic, socioeconomic, and physical activity characteristics were recorded. Physical activity was assessed and adolescents were characterized as active and nonactive. Body height and weight were measured and body mass index was calculated in order to classify subjects as overweight or obese (IOTF classification). Multiple logistic regression and multivariate techniques (principal components analysis) were performed. Eight physical activity patterns were identified, including increased physical activity in weekdays and weekends, sports physical activity, vigorous, moderate, and low physical activity. Increased physical activity on weekends and vigorous physical activity in boys were negatively associated with being overweight or obese (OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.48-0.90 and OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.49-0.88, correspondingly) and moderate physical activity was marginally positively associated in girls (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 0.97-1.69), after adjusting for several confounders. Our findings demonstrate the important role of vigorous physical activity in the maintenance of normal weight of adolescents.

Participation in extracurricular activities and emotional and behavioral adjustment in middle childhood in Spanish Boys and Girls

AbstractThis study examined the concurrent relationship between participation in extracurricular activities and externalizing and internalizing problems and social school behavior in a Spanish community sample, separately for boys (n=439) and girls (n=428), enrolled in 2nd, 4th, or 6th grades. Weekly participation in extracurricular activities was related to better emotional and behavioral adjustment and social competence. Overall, the relations were low and different according to gender, type of activity, and informant. Better adjustment was more related to participation in sports activities in boys and to participation in nonsports activities in girls. Size effect was higher for girls and decreased for both boys and girls when parental education and parenting practices were considered. Findings supported previous results obtained in American adolescents. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Atividade física, horas de assistência à TV e composição corporal em crianças e adolescentes

Physical inactivity is a predisposing factor to the onset/worsening of other cardiovascular risk factors, particularly obesity. To determine physical activity level (PAL) and daily number of hours of TV (HTV) and the association and/or correlation of these variables with age, gender, economic class, public/private school, overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. Cross sectional study, school-based population, public and private education, primary and secondary education. The sample was calculated based on the minimum expected prevalence of several variables, including physical inactivity. Cluster sampling. structured questionnaire, including Physical Activity for Older Children Questionnaire (PAQ-C) measurements of weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and triceps skinfold (TSF). Chi-square, linear correlation. Among the 1,253 students, averaging 12.4 ± 2.9 years old, of which 549 were male, there was a prevalence of inactivity in 93.5%, more commonly found in female adolescents and there was no association between PAL and excess weight or body fat, soccer and dance were the most frequent activities in boys and girls, respectively; 60% of students did not have physical education classes. Average and median HTV were respectively 3.6 and 3 hours; there was a significant association between HTV and obesity and significant correlation between PAL and age (negative) and between BMI and TSF (positive). Physical inactivity is present in 93.5% of children and adolescents from Maceió. It is more commonly found among teenagers and females, with no association or correlation of this variable with excess weight or body fat; obesity was associated with ≥ 3 HTV.

Psychosocial correlates of objectively measured physical activity in children

A large proportion of UK children do not reach the recommended levels of physical activity (PA) required for optimum health. Few studies have investigated the psychosocial correlates of objectively measured PA in preadolescents. This study examined child attitudes and parental behaviours as correlates of children's activity. In total, 278 children (138 boys and 140 girls) aged 7-9 years were recruited as part of the Physical Exercise and Appetite in Children Study (PEACHES). Activity was objectively measured using the Actigraph GT1M accelerometer; the variables were total PA (mean accelerometer counts min(-1)) and moderate and vigorous PA (MVPA) >2000 counts min(-1). Child-focussed variables were self-efficacy (Physical Activity Self-Efficacy scale), physical performance self-concept (Self-Perception Profile for Children), positive and negative outcome expectancies and liking for PA. Parental variables were PA and support for child activity. Significant sex-by-psychosocial outcome interactions were observed for total PA and MVPA, so data from boys and girls were analysed separately. No psychosocial or parental outcomes were correlated with activity in girls. Significant correlates of activity in boys (self-efficacy, self-concept and parental support) were entered in to a hierarchical regression using both total PA and MVPA and, controlling for BMI SD, SES and ethnicity. PA self-efficacy and self-concept were significantly independently associated with total PA, explaining around 12% of the variance. Self-efficacy was significantly associated with time spent in MVPA, also explaining around 12% of the variance in this behaviour. Parental support was not significant in the regression model. PA self-efficacy and self-concept are significant correlates of objectively measured PA in UK boys.

Psychosocial correlates of physical activity in adolescents with haemophilia

Boys with haemophilia are now encouraged to exercise and take part in physical activities, but actual measures of time spent in active participation is lacking. The aim of this study was to obtain an objective measure of daily physical activity in boys with haemophilia as compared with healthy controls. The study also aimed to ascertain the social and cognitive factors associated with exercise in this population. Seventeen patients (aged 11-18 years) with haemophilia were studied and compared with 44 healthy controls (aged 10-16.5 years). Physical activity was measured by accelerometry. Psychosocial correlates were assessed using validated questionnaires. Measured physical activity levels in subjects with haemophilia were slightly higher than for the control group. Both groups spent 70% of the day inactive, with similar proportions of time in moderate and vigorous activity. Subjects with haemophilia had a favourable self-image and similar levels of anxiety as peers without a bleeding disorder. Self-efficacy scores were lower than for controls suggesting increased sensitivity to barriers and lack of acceptance of alternatives. Health beliefs did not influence physical activity, but a negative correlation of time spent in high or vigorous activity with scores for support-seeking was observed. The data demonstrate that in the appropriate social environment and with medical support, patients with haemophilia may be as physically active as their peers without a bleeding disorder. Further investigation into the psychosocial barriers of physical activity in patients with haemophilia is needed to more effectively encourage healthy behaviours.

Parental Education and Living Environmental Influence on Physical Development, Nutritional Habits as well as Level of Physical Activity in Polish Children and Adolescents

The aim of this work was to evaluate the physical development and nutritional status, the nutrition habits as well as level of physical activity of boys and girls in relation to the socio-economic status of their families. The study was conducted on a group of 529 boys and 535 girls aged 7-16 years from Swietokrzyskie Province in Poland. Boys and girls from high SES families had the greatest body height, BMI, upper arm muscle area, as well as upper arm fat tissue area, while the lowest values of these features occurred among those studied coming from families of a low SES. The higher the family SES, the higher habitual frequency of consuming vegetables and fruit as well as fish. The diet of children coming from higher SES families was also linked with a higher total protein content as well as animal protein, all analysed minerals and some vitamins, but there were no significant differences of energetic value in daily food rations as well as fat content. The longer time spent on some sedentary activities was connected with a higher family SES. The girls coming from a high status families also declared a higher level of physical activity, whereas such relationship was not observed among boys. A more rational set of nutritional habits observed among children from a higher SES families can be the basic reason for their higher advancement in development. A shorter time devoted to sedentary activities is assumed to be the main cause of a smaller relative body mass and less obesity among girls and boys from low SES families.

Activity-Related Parenting Practices and Children’s Objectively Measured Physical Activity

This study examined the relationship between activity-related parenting practices and children's objectively measured physical activity (PA) in 117 UK children (mean age 8.3 +/- 0.95). No significant gender differences in the mean level of activity support were identified although it was found that mothers and fathers favored different activity-related parenting practices. Mothers provided higher levels of limiting sedentary behavior for both boys and girls compared with fathers as well as higher levels of logistic support for girls than fathers. Results showed that for boys, paternal explicit modeling was significantly associated with MVPA (r = .31) and VPA (r = .37). Overall, mothers and fathers favored different activity-related parenting practices when encouraging their children to be active and explicit modeling from fathers appears to be important in shaping physical activity in boys.

Physical Activity in Normal-Weight and Overweight Youth: Associations with Weight Teasing and Self-Efficacy

Objective: To examine self-reported physical activity with regard to weight teasing and self-efficacy. Methods: Within a cross-sectional study, 321 overweight and normal-weight students, consisting of 51% girls (n = 161) and 49% boys (n = 160) at a mean age of 12.22 years (SD = 1.07), were sampled from German secondary schools. The Perception of Teasing Scale, the Physical Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Leipzig Lifestyle Questionnaire for Adolescents were used to assess experiences with weight-related teasing, self-efficacy, physical activity and social context variables. Results: Self-efficacy, weight teasing and social context variables were related to physical activity within the full sample (R² = 0.433). More frequent weight teasing was associated with decreased physical activity in boys, but not in girls. Overweight participants reported more frequent weight teasing experiences and less self-efficacy than participants of normal weight (all p < 0.001), but there was no difference in physical activity (p > 0.05).There were large correlations between self-efficacy and physical activity (r = 0.614, p < 0.01), and medium correlations for male sex and physical activity (r = 0.298, p < 0.01). Weight teasing and self-efficacy were negatively correlated (r = –0.190, p < 0.05). Conclusions: These results suggest that self-efficacy and an encouraging social context are beneficial to physical activity while weight teasing experiences are detrimental. Interventions against weight teasing in youth are needed.

Children in schoolyards: Tracking movement patterns and physical activity in schoolyards using global positioning system and heart rate monitoring

The aim of this study was to investigate how 6-year-old school children used their schoolyard during recess and how the yard invited physical activity. Correlates for physical activity were in focus for the investigation. Two different schoolyards, one in the city and one rural, in Southern Norway were chosen for the study. The schoolyards were mapped and the affordances for physical activity described and presented in an ortophoto. The children's movement patterns were recorded with portable global positioning system (GPS) and the level of physical activity monitored by heart rate (HR) applying a Polar pulse watch. GPS and heart rate data were transferred to geographical information systems for further analyses and visualisation. The results indicated physical activity (mean heart rate) to be similar for the children in the two schoolyards. Asphalt areas invited running and soccer play and favoured more physical activity in boys than in girls. The rural schoolyard afforded playing in a little forest, which was more attractive to girls than boys. In both schoolyards the children were physically active in free play at moderate to vigorous levels half the time of a recess period of 40 min. The methods of GPS tracking and HR monitoring seemed to be applicable for this purpose. For further studies with young children the equipment needs adjustments. Experiences from this study recommend more attractive landscapes and facilities that afford increased physical activity in schoolyards.

Observations on Boys, Girls, Youths and Age Categories in Roman Sports and Spectacles

This study is not intended to be a full discussion of all age categories in all sports and spectacles in ancient Italy, for space does not permit. Yet it does comment on certain aspects of boys (and to a lesser extent girls) in Greek-style athletics, age groups in Roman boys' events, the youth movement known as the iuvenes, equestrian parades, boys in gladiatorial and circus games, the mysterious pueri gymnici and other features. There will be seen to be a distinction between activities for boys of all classes, boys of a high social background, and those of low or servile origins. The Romans had an interest not only in the competition of boys, but also in their exhibition in various activities before the public. The primary sources for this review are largely the writings of the intellectuals, inscriptions such as dedications by parents and masters and iconography. [1]