Activity Levels Of Adolescents Research Articles

Adolescents with hemophilic knee arthropathy can improve their gait characteristics, functional ability, and physical activity level through kinect-based virtual reality: A randomized clinical trial

BackgroundHemophilic arthropathy is caused by recurrent intra-articular bleeding, most commonly in the knee joints. In terms of physical impact, this arthropathy causes significant disability and hampers the physical activity and functionality of he affected individuals. ObjectiveThis study intended to examine the effect of a physical rehabilitation program incorporating Kinect-based virtual reality (KBVR) on gait characteristics, functional ability, and physical activity level in adolescents diagnosed with hemophilic knee arthropathy (HKA) Materials and methodsIn a randomized clinical trial, 56 boys, aged 10–14 years, with moderate HKA, were randomly allocated into two groups. The control group (n = 28) received conventional physical therapy (CPT), while the KBVR group (n = 52) received a 30-min KBVR exercise program in addition to the CPT. Training was conducted three times/week for 12 successive weeks. Gait characteristics (step length, cadence, velocity, peak knee extension moment during stance, and knee flexion amplitude during swing) were assessed using a gait analysis system, the functional ability was assessed through the 6-min walk test, and physical activity level assessed by the Adolescents' Physical Activity Questionnaire on the pre- and post-treatment occasions. ResultsThe KBVR group achieved more favorable changes in the gait characteristics [step length (P = 0.015), cadence (P = 0.004), velocity (P = 0.024), peak knee extension moment during stance (P = 0.018), and Knee flexion amplitude during swing (P = 0.032)], functional capacity (P = 0.002), and physical activity levels (P = 0.007) compared to the control group. ConclusionThe use of KBVR exercises within a rehabilitation program is a potentially effective therapeutic option for the total care of adolescents with HKA.

Impact of Lateral Extra-Articular Procedure Augmentation on Rerupture Risk and Tegner Activity Scale Outcomes in Adolescent Anterior Cruciate Ligament: A Matched Comparative Study With a Minimum 2-Year Follow-up

Background: Despite the well-established role of lateral extra-articular procedures (LEAPs) in reducing failure rates after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) in the adult population, similar in-depth research for the adolescent and pediatric population remains lacking. Purpose: To examine the effect of the LEAP augmentation on the rerupture rate after ACLR in patients aged <18 years. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from October 2012 to June 2020, involving adolescents <18 years old undergoing primary ACLR with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Two groups, matched for age, sex, Tegner activity scale, and presence of meniscal injury, were established: ACLR alone and ACLR+LEAP augmentation. The primary outcome measure was the rate of rerupture after ACLR. The secondary outcome measures were the rate of non–graft rupture related reoperation after ACLR; rate of return to sport (RTS) rate, timing, and level compared with preinjury status; and functional scores including the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) (Pain, Symptoms, Activities of Daily Living, Sport and Recreation, and Quality of Life), Tegner activity scale score, ACL Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) score, and Lysholm score. Results: After accounting for follow-up losses, we analyzed 132 patients who underwent ACLR alone and 121 patients who underwent ACLR+LEAP from the initial 147 per group. The mean age of the patients in both groups was 16.1 years (SD, 1.1 and 1.0 years, respectively), with similar patient and injury characteristics across both groups (P > .05). Both groups also showed comparable preoperative functional scores. A significantly lower preoperative ACL-RSI score was observed in the ACLR-alone group compared with the ACLR+LEAP group (P = .0044). Graft rupture was significantly less common in the ACLR+LEAP group (2.5%) than in the ACLR-alone group (13.6%) (P = .002). The attributable risk reduction for ACLR+LEAP was 11.1%, and the calculated number needed to treat was 9. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significantly better rerupture-free survival at 5 years for the ACLR+LEAP group (P = .001). Cox regression confirmed a 6-fold increased rerupture risk in the ACLR-alone group (P = .004). At the final follow-up, despite similar IKDC, KOOS, Lysholm, and ACL-RSI values across both groups, the ACLR+LEAP group had a significantly higher Tegner score (7.2 vs 6.3; P = .0042). No significant differences were observed in RTS rates or sport level compared with preinjury states between the groups. Conclusion: ACLR+LEAP augmentation significantly reduced rerupture risk and facilitated higher postoperative activity levels in adolescents. Registration: NCT02511158 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Investigation of the Relationship Between Mobile Phone Addiction and Physical Activity Level in Adolescents

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between mobile phone addiction and physical activity. This study was planned as a descriptive relational study. The study was carried out with 165 students in a high school located of Konya province. Adolescents'total physical activity score average was 2267.15±1257.161. When the mobile phone ddiction of the adolescents was evaluated, the mean deprivation subscale score was 17.04±7.56, the uncontrolled subscale mean score was 14.13±5.01, the tolerance subdimensionmean score was 13.36±7.89, and the mobile phone total score mean It was found to be 44.54±18.57. A very strong negative correlation was found between mobile phone addiction and physical activity level. In our study, in which we evaluated the relationship between the physical activity level of the students and the desire to be liked, who perceive their health as bad and those who were inactive in terms of physical activity were included in the risk group.

A Machine Learning Approach to Predicting Physical Activity Levels in Adolescents

The ongoing evolution of technology has had both positive and negative effects on modern society. On the positive side, it has significantly improved the ease with which various activities can be performed. However, it has also had a negative impact by reducing physical activity. This reduction in physical activity, in turn, increases the risk of chronic diseases that contribute to global mortality rates. This research aims to assess the effectiveness of machine learning in predicting the physical activity levels of adolescents. The study utilizes data from accelerometers, specifically the ActiGraph GT3X. The research methodology employs a semi-supervised machine learning approach, using the support vector machine and decision tree algorithms to make these predictions. The sample comprises 61 adolescents (males = 17, female = 44), including high school students and university students aged 18-21, from the West Java region. The results from the machine learning model using the decision tree algorithm indicated a model accuracy of 97.50% in predicting physical activity levels. In contrast, the accuracy obtained from the performance analysis using the confusion matrix for the support vector machine model was 92.5%. Based on these accuracy levels, the decision tree algorithm outperforms the support vector machine algorithm's accuracy. Further analyses involving different models are necessary to determine which algorithm offers the highest level of accuracy.

The Association between Physical Activity Levels and Social Media Addiction among Adolescents: A Descriptive Correlational Study

The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between physical activity levels and social media addiction in adolescents. The study was designed as a descriptive correlational study, and the research group consisted of 160 volunteer students (90 female, 70 male) residing in Agri, Turkey. Two scales were used to collect data: the Social Media Addiction Scale for Adolescents and the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using correlation and regression analysis. The results of the study showed that there was no significant relationship between the physical activity levels of the participants and their social media addiction (p&gt;0.05). However, a strong positive correlation was found between the genders of the participants and their moderate physical activity and total physical activity levels (p 0.05), but a weak positive correlation was found between social media addiction and the age of the students (p &lt; 0.05). The study concludes that there is no significant relationship between social media addiction and physical activity levels in adolescents. However, there is a positive correlation between the genders of the participants and their physical activity levels. These findings may be useful in developing interventions to promote physical activity and reduce social media addiction in adolescents.

Subjective and objective indicators of neighbourhood safety and physical activity among UK adolescents.

The health benefits of regular physical activity in adolescence are well-documented and many health-related behaviours are established in adolescence. The neighbourhood environment is a key setting for physical activity for adolescents and feeling unsafe in their neighbourhood may be a potential barrier to physical activity. This study aimed to examine associations between neighbourhood safety and physical activity using objective and subjective measures for both. Participants (n=10,913) came from the Millennium Cohort Study, a nationally representative UK longitudinal birth cohort. Linear regression and Zero Inflated Poisson models were used to examine associations between subjective and objective indicators of safety (self-reported safety, Index of Multiple Deprivation crime, Reported Crime Incidence) and physical activity (self-reported weekly and device-measured physical activity). Adolescents who feel unsafe in their neighbourhood, or who live in areas with high IMD crime or violent crime rates report 0.29 (95% CI -0.49, -0.09) 0.32 (95% CI -0.47, -0.16) and 0.20 (95% CI -0.39, -0.20) fewer days of physical activity, respectively. No associations were found between Reported Crime Incidence and either objective or subjective measures of physical activity. This study demonstrates varying associations between subjective safety and objective crime with physical activity levels in adolescence, highlighting the complexities around subjective and objective measurements and their associations with health outcomes.

Different gait pattern in adolescence with patellofemoral instability

BackgroundPatellofemoral instability influences the gait pattern and activity level in adolescents. However, gait biomechanics to cope with recurrent patella instability and its relation to radiological findings has hardly been studied. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed kinematic and kinetic gait analysis data, magnetic resonance images and X-ray of 32 adolescents with unilateral recurrent patellofemoral instability aged 12 to 18 years. Subjects were assigned to 3 groups based on their sagittal knee moment in the loading response and mid stance phase. Kinematic and kinetic differences among the groups were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA. A multinomial logistic regression model provided a further analysis of the relationship between gait biomechanics and MRI as well as X-ray parameters. FindingsAll three groups showed different characteristics of the knee kinematics during loading response and single stance: while the patella-norm-loading group showed a slightly reduced knee flexion (p 〈0,01), the patella-unloading group kept the knee nearly extended (p < 0,01) and patella-overloading group showed an increased knee flexion (p = 0,01) compared to the other groups. In single stance the patella-overloading group maintained increased knee flexion (p < 0,01) compared to patella-unloading group and patella-norm-loading group. None of the radiological parameters proved to be related to gait patterns. InterpretationThe paper describes different gait coping strategies and their clinical relevance in subjects with patellofemoral instability. However, we did not find any relation of gait biomechanics to skeletal morphology.

Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Physical Activity Level in Adolescents During the Lockdown in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study in Greek Island of Rhodes

Background: Nutrition is involved in various ways in the 17 distinct SDGs of United Nations Agenda 2030. The COVID-19 pandemic is testing the world threatening health, nutrition, education, and social protection. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the adolescents’ adherence to the Mediterranean diet that attended senior high school in the Greek city of Rhodes during the lockdown period. Methods: In this cross-sectional, observational study the sample of the research was 227 students aged 11-15 years old, that self-reported their weight and height and completed validated questionnaires for their nutritional attitudes. Results: The percentages of students who were overweight/obese were 22.5% of the total sample (17.2% overweight and 5.3% obese) according to the IOTF (International Obesity Taskforce) cutoffs and 30.4% (21.6% overweight and 8.8% obese) according to the WHO (World Health Organization) cutoffs. The average KIDMED score of the sample was medium (6.00) and the adherence to the Mediterranean diet of the sample needs improvement. Conclusion: Results support a shift from traditional Mediterranean diet to more unhealthy eating patterns. Adolescents' limited physical activity mainly on weekdays was reported, and further research could examine the role of distant education for this behavior. Policies and strategies targeting the students’ population are essential for adolescents’ nutrition education and the improvement of their dietary habits toward the sustainable Mediterranean diet, during the specific circumstances of covid pandemic.

Sleep quality is mediated by physical activity level in adolescents.

Sleep is essential for the adolescent's health and well-being. Despite existing evidence of the positive relationship between physical activity and quality of sleep, some other factors could mediate this association. The purpose of the present study was to clarify the interaction between the level of physical activity and sleep in adolescents depending on their gender. A total of 12,459 subjects 11 to 19 years old (5073 male and 5016 female) reported data regarding their quality of sleep and their level of physical activity. Better quality of sleep was reported by males regardless of the level of physical activity (d=0.25, P<0.001). Better quality of sleep was reported by active subjects (P<0.05), and it improved in both sexes as the level of physical activity was higher (P<0.001). Male adolescents have better sleep quality than females regardless of their competitive level. The higher the adolescents' physical activity level the higher the quality of sleep.

FATORES ASSOCIADOS AO NÍVEL DE ATIVIDADE FÍSICA EM ADOLESCENTES

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the factors associated with physical activity levels in adolescents. Method: cross-sectional, quantitative study, conducted with adolescents enrolled in two educational institutions in a capital of the midwest region of Brazil. Data collection occurred from April to October 2021, through a self-administered questionnaire composed of validated scales. The association between the variables was verified by logistic regression. Results: 219 adolescents participated in the study, with a mean age of 15.7 years, more than half were girls (52.5%) from medium economic class (51.1%); 55.3% were very active/active; 39.3% had low self-esteem; 17.8% were at risk for developing an eating disorder; 12.3% at risk for severe anxiety symptoms; and 13.3% at risk for moderate depression symptoms. The factors associated with the level of physical activity were self-esteem and risk for depression. Conclusion: Early screening of adolescents with low self-esteem and risk for symptoms of depression is proposed as an initial strategy to direct actions that encourage the practice of physical activity.

Change in physical fitness due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in French adolescents: a comparison between two independent large samples from Diagnoform battery.

Numerous studies reported a significant decline in physical activity level in adolescents as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown. Physical fitness is recognized as a powerful marker of health in youth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on health-related physical fitness in French adolescents. Two cross-sectional studies were performed comparing two different groups of French adolescents, before (sample 1) and after the first lockdown (sample 2). A total of 1231 adolescents (aged to 16.5 ± 1.5 years) participated in the two cross-sectional studies. Complete data for physical fitness and anthropometrics data were obtained. Adolescents from sample 2 showed lower physical fitness levels compared to adolescents from sample 1. Regarding physical fitness for boys and girls, physical fitness levels were significantly lower in both sex between adolescents from the sample 1 and adolescents from the sample 2, except for cardiorespiratory fitness and flexibility for boys and girls, respectively. The physical fitness global score was also significantly lower between adolescents from the sample 1 and 2 for boys (−9.8%, p < 0.01) and girls (−16.2%; p < 0.01), respectively. Overall, the higher difference was found for performance in the speed body displacement test (−30%). A difference of 12.8% and 25% was observed for boys and girls, respectively. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic lockdown had a negative impact on physical fitness in French youth. This study highlights the need to develop, in a near future, prevention programmes in order to improve the physical fitness in youth.What is Known:• COVID-19 pandemic deeply impacted lifestyle habits. A worrying decrease of physical activity, associated to a dramatic increase of time spent in sedentary behaviors was found in many coutries.What is New:• Our study bring first data on the health-related physical fitness consequences due to lockdown in French adolescents. Our study demonstrate the negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on health-related physical fitness in French adolescents.

Exploring why young Australians participate in the sport of fencing: Future avenues for sports-based health promotion.

Australian sport policy calls for a diverse sector to get more individuals more active. This study contributes to an evidence base of alternative sport options that may increase physical activity levels in adolescents, as we sought to understand why Australians decide to participate in fencing when aged <18 years. A retrospective, mixed-methods survey design was employed to measure why a participant started fencing and what participants like about fencing compared to other sports. Free-text qualitative data were analysed thematically. Quantitative data were collected to answer secondary objectives, using nonparametric tests to determine significance between the median scores prefencing and postfencing for enjoyment and frequency of participation. One hundred and one fencers across Australia who started fencing aged <18 years completed the survey. Respondents primarily started fencing for fun/enjoyment, followed by the desire to try something different/alternative/nonmainstream. Four themes were identified relating to why a participant decided to start fencing: (i) external motivators, (ii) influence of interest and imagination, (iii) developing the self and (iv) the supportive culture. Fencing may encourage adolescent participation in physical activity due to unique characteristics which attracts individuals for reasons beyond the need to be active alone, and instead affords a space for self-exploration, learning, and belonging. Further research is required to identify how fencing can engage different cohorts of adolescents, and any barriers to participation. SO WHAT?: Fencing could be utilised to promote engagement in physical activity among Australian adolescents by emphasising the creative, mental, and inclusive aspects of the sport.

P03-04 Perceived and objective indicators of neighbourhood safety and physical activity in early adolescence: a national cohort study

BackgroundThe health benefits of regular physical activity in adolescence are well-documented. Currently, young people in the UK are not achieving recommended levels of physical activity. The neighbourhood environment is a key setting for physical activity in adolescence. Due to lack of financial independence and mobility restrictions, adolescents spend a significant amount of time in their neighbourhood. Feeling unsafe in their neighbourhood may be a potential barrier to physical activity.This study aims to examine associations between objective and subjective measures of neighbourhood safety and physical activity.MethodsParticipants (n = 11,726) came from the Millennium Cohort Study; a nationally representative UK longitudinal birth cohort. At age 11 perceived neighbourhood safety was assessed via questionnaire and the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) crime domain was linked to participant postcode data. At age 14, participants self-reported physical activity and a subsample (n = 4,813) also wore GENEActiv wrist-worn activity monitors for one weekday and one weekend day. Associations between perceived safety, IMD crime and self-reported physical activity were quantified using linear regression models. Zero Inflated Poisson (ZIP) models were used to examine associations with accelerometer-measured physical activity. We adjusted for parental education, family income, ethnicity and season of accelerometer wear. An interaction term for sex was tested to assess whether associations between perceived safety and physical activity differed by sex. Models were also stratified by sex.ResultsFeeling not safe compared to very safe was associated with 0.28 (95% CI -0.50, -0.06) fewer days of self-reported physical activity. However, no association was seen between perceived safety and accelerometer physical activity. Those living in the highest IMD crime areas reported on average 0.31 (95% CI -0.47, -0.15) fewer days of physical activity compared to those living in the lowest crime areas. Individuals living in the highest IMD crime areas achieved 5.56 fewer minutes of daily accelerometer-measured exercise than those in least crime areas.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates consistent associations between perceived safety and objective crime with physical activity levels in adolescence.

Effects of prenatal alcohol and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol exposure via electronic cigarettes on motor development.

BackgroundPrenatal alcohol exposure can lead to a wide range of neurological and behavioral deficits, including alterations in motor domains. However, much less is known about the effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on motor development, despite cannabis being the most consumed illicit drug among women. Cannabis use among pregnant women has become increasingly popular given the widespread perception that consumption is safe during pregnancy. Moreover, alcohol and cannabis are commonly used together, even among pregnant women. Yet few studies have explored the potential consequences of combined prenatal exposure on behavioral domains.MethodsUsing our previously established model, during gestational days 5 to 20, four groups of pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed to vaporized alcohol, delta‐9‐Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) via electronic (e‐) cigarettes, the combination of alcohol and THC, or a vehicle. Following birth, offspring were tested on early sensorimotor development, adolescent motor coordination, and adolescent activity levels.ResultsPrenatal THC e‐cigarette exposure delayed sensorimotor development early in life and impaired motor coordination later in early adolescence; combined prenatal alcohol and THC exposure did not have additive effects on sensorimotor development. However, combined prenatal exposure produced hyperactivity among male offspring.ConclusionsPrenatal cannabis exposure may lead to impaired motor skills throughout early development and combined exposure with alcohol during gestation may lead to hyperactivity in early adolescence. These findings have important implications for informing pregnant women of the risks to the fetus associated with prenatal cannabis exposure, with and without alcohol, and could influence public policy.

Association between Enjoyment in Physical Education Online Classes and Physical Activity Levels in Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Motivation, with special emphasis on intrinsic motivation is important factor that influences physical activity levels (PAL). The COVID-19 pandemic forced Physical education (PE) teachers to switch to online classes, which increased the problem of keeping students motivated to be physically active. This study aimed to determine the associations between enjoyment in online PE classes and PAL during the COVID-19 lockdown. 198 highschool students aged 14-19 years participated in this study. Variables included interest and enjoyment in PE classes assessed by the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory questionnaire and PAL assessed by Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated to evaluate the associations between variables. Independent samples T-test and χ2 test were used for determining the gender differences in study variables. Significant correlation between PAL and interest/enjoyment in online PE classes was recorded (R=0.23, p&lt;0.05). There were no significant differences between girls and boys in the total subset interest/ enjoyment of intrinsic motivation. However, the difference was observed in the subset enjoyment (χ2(1, N=198)=9.53), with boys showing more enjoyment. Because of the evidenced positive association between interest/enjoyment in PE classes and PAL, it is crucial to provide students fun and interesting PE online classes to maintain PAL during the pandemic and similar situations. The special emphasis should be placed on girls.

Análise da relação entre broncoespasmo induzido por exercício, aptidão cardiorrespiratória e nível de atividade física de adolescentes

ABSTRACT This study aims to verify the association between exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB), cardiorespiratory fitness, and physical activity levels in adolescents. To do so, we evaluated 202 healthy adolescents aged from 13 to 18 years, out of which 94 (46.5%) were females and 108 (53.5%) males. Participants performed a bronchial challenge test in a treadmill (Master Super ATL, Inbramed®) to evaluate bronchial hyper-responsiveness; a spirometric test (Microquark, Cosmed®) to evaluate lung function; answered the Baecke’s Questionnaire of Habitual Physical Activity; and performed the progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run test. Data were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation, chi-square test, and odds ratio. The significance level adopted was p&lt;0.05. No statistically significant correlations were found between the decrease of the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), cardiorespiratory fitness, and physical activity levels. Likewise, the chi-squared test revealed no significant differences between classifications of cardiorespiratory fitness (low or adequate) and EIB (presence or absence) (χ2=0.155; p=0.694). Finally, odds ratio showed no increased chances of the presence of EIB in participants who presented low cardiorespiratory fitness (OR=1.130; CI: 0.616-2.073). We concluded that cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity levels are not associated with the decrease of FEV1 and that there is no relation between the presence of EIB and the classification of cardiorespiratory fitness of adolescents.

Comparative mapping approach of energy intake and expenditure of obesity prevalence among school adolescents.

This study aims to describe the prevalence of overweight and obesity in an obesogenic environment among adolescents in the wilaya of Bejaia (eastern Algeria), and to assess their Physical Activity Level (PAL), Daily Energy Expenditure (DEE) and Total Energy Intake (TEI). A cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 3038 adolescents consisting of 1635 girls and 1403 boys in middle and high schools in 19 regions of Bejaia. The average age was 14.78±2.53. Two questionnaires were assigned to collect data on their nutritional habits (24-h dietary call) and physical activity levels. BMI measurement was adopted in this study to determine the weight status of this sample and to assess the distribution of BMI, PAL, DEE, TEI over geographical areas of an administrative territory using the Student test descriptive statistical method (p<0.05). The prevalence of obesity and overweight was equal to 3.3%, the physical activity level in adolescents was 1.72±0.21, with boys more likely to participate in sports than girls (16.5% for boys and 6% for girls). However, energy intake (3775.44±719.07kcal/day), energy expenditure (3144.13±850.54kcal) and body mass index (30.51±2.99kg/m2) were high. Body mass index (BMI) is negatively correlated with PAL (r=-0.05) and positively correlated with TEI (r=0.31) and DEE (r=0.30), these results show that DEE and TEI factors play an important role in the prevalence of BMI with excessive consumption of high carbohydrate (614.55g) and fat (98.9g) foods, which is due to poor diet and are related to insufficient level of physical activity. The mapping shows that there is a disparity between the studied parameters: high BMI, low PAL and consumption of unhealthy foods (DEE, TEI). The lack of physical activity and the imbalance between energy intake and expenditure are the main factors that could lead to an increased risk of obesity in adolescents.

Nutritional Status, Anthropometric Measurements and Physical Activity Level in Adolescents 13-18 Years Old in Tehran, Iran, in 2019.

Background:Considering the importance of adolescent obesity on adulthood health, this cross-sectional study aimed 408 students aged 13-18 years from different socioeconomic districts through convenience sampling to investigate nutritional status and physical activity (PA) level focusing on sex and socioeconomic differences.Methods:Weight and height were measured to investigate prevalence of obesity and underweight based on percentile of body mass index (BMI) for age. Information on dietary intake were collected via 3-day food recalls. PA level was investigated using a valid and reliable questionnaire.Results:The prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity were 4.9%, 15.9% and 23%, respectively. Weight and height were higher in boys than girls significantly (P-value < 0.001). Calorie intake in prosperous districts was higher than semi-prosperous districts (P = 0.01). Intake of zinc and calcium in prosperous districts was higher than semi-prosperous and disadvantaged districts (P-value < 0.001 and 0.02, respectively). Intake of calcium and zinc in both sexes and iron in girls, was lower than recommended dietary allowances (RDA) in all districts (P-value < 0.001).Conclusions:High prevalence of obesity and low micronutrients intake, especially in disadvantaged districts, suggest an urgent need to plan many efficient programs to prevent serious problems in future.

Sport practice with friends and perceived physical competence as predictors of physical activity in adolescents

Understanding which factors influence participation in physical activity is essential for the development and improvement of public health intervention. The aim of this study was to provide an explanatory prediction model for physical activity level in adolescents, involving a number of influencing variables. 576 participants took part in the study: 275 boys and 301 girls aged between 12 and 18 years old ( M = 14.80; SD = 1.180). They attended one of the 11 selected schools from Galicia (Spain), chosen by sampling in the seven main urban areas in that region. The International Questionnaire on Physical Education, Health and Lifestyle was administered. The findings revealed that age, sex, physical perceived competence and sport practice with friends had statistically significant influence on physical activity index. By contrast, the influence of perception of physical attractiveness could not be confirmed. Sport practice with friends and physical perceived competence were the main predicting variables for physical activity level. All this knowledge must be taken into account by physical activity and sport professionals, such as teachers or trainers. Likewise, to improve physical perceived competence, it is essential to offer a wide variety of activities, to propose different levels of problem resolution, to help students make adaptive causal attributions based on effort, and to break gender stereotypes. Strategies involving school mates or friends in different PA and sport projects are needed.

The use of physical activity trackers devices and physical activity levels in adolescents and adults.

El propósito fue investigar el uso de rastreadores de actividad física (RAF) y analizar la relación entre su uso y los niveles de actividad física (AF). Los participantes fueron N = 1498 (N = 841 mujeres) de 14 a 85 años. El interés, el uso y las preferencias de RAF se midieron mediante un cuestionario. La AF se midió utilizando la versión corta de IPAQ. La prueba de Kruskal-Wallis se utilizó para evaluar las diferencias en los niveles de AF entre los participantes. De todos los participantes que practican AF regularmente, el 59% no usa RAF, el 27% lo estaba usando y el 14% lo ha usado. Los adolescentes, las mujeres de mediana edad y los hombres mayores, que usan RAF, hicieron significativamente más AF intensa que los participantes que no lo usan. Los adultos jóvenes que usan RAF tuvieron niveles de AF moderada y vigorosa significativamente máselevada que los participantes que no lo usan. Los hombres de mediana edad que usan RAF tuvieron significativamente más AF global y AF vigorosa y caminaban más que los participantes que no lo usan. Alrededor de la mitad de los participantes que hacen ejercicio regularmente usan RAF. A pesar de que los participantes que usan RAF tienden a tener niveles más altos de AF, no es concluyente que el uso de RAF conduzca a más PA. The purpose was to investigate the use of physical activity trackers (PAT) and to analyze the relationship between its use and physical activity (PA) levels. Participants were N=1498 (N=841 females) aged 14—85 years. Interest, use and preferences for PAT were measured by questionnaire. PA was measured using IPAQ short version. Kruskal-Wallis Test was used to test the differences in PA levels between participants. Out of all the participants who practice PA/exercise regularly, 59% do not use PAT, 27% were using, and 14% have used. Adolescents, middle-aged females and older males, who use PAT did significantly more vigorous PA than participants who not use. Young adults who use PAT did significantly more moderate and vigorous PA than participants who not use. And middle-aged males who use PAT did significantly more total week PA, vigorous PA and walking PA than participants who not use. About half of the participants that exercise regularly use PAT. Despite participants that use PAT tend to have higher levels of habitual PA, it is not conclusive that the use of PAT leads to do more PA. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o uso de dispositivos de avaliação da atividade física (PAT) e analisar a relação entre o seu uso e os níveis de atividade física (AF). Os participantes foram N = 1498 (N = 841 mulheres) com idades compreendidas entre 14 e 85 anos. O interesse, uso e preferências pelo PAT foram medidos por questionário. A AF foi avaliada usando a versão curta do IPAQ. O teste de Kruskal-Wallis foi utilizado para testar as diferenças nos níveis de AF entre os participantes. De todos os participantes que praticam AF / exercitam-se regularmente, 59% não usam PAT, 27% estavam a usar e 14% já usaram. Adolescentes, mulheres de meia idade e homens mais velhos, que usam o PAT, fizeram AF significativamente mais vigorosa do que os participantes que não usam. Jovens adultos que usam PAT fizeram AF significativamente mais AF moderada a vigorosa do que os participantes que não usam. E os homens de meia-idade que usam PAT fizeram significativamente mais AF total na semana, AF vigorosa e AF de caminhada que os participantes que não usam. Cerca de metade dos participantes que se exercitam regularmente usam o PAT. Apesar dos participantes que usam o PAT tenderem a ter níveis mais altos de AF habitual, não é conclusivo que o uso do PAT indica mais AF.