Changes In Moderate-to-vigorous Physical Activity Research Articles

Late breast cancer treatment-related symptoms and functioning: associations with physical activity adoption and maintenance during a lifestyle intervention for rural survivors.

Physical activity may be difficult for survivors with poorer functioning following primary treatment. The study examined whether late symptoms of breast cancer treatment impact PA adoption (0-6months) and maintenance (6-18months) during a weight management intervention, and whether late symptoms influence PA when accounting for overall functioning. Secondary analyses were conducted using a sample of survivors participating in a weight management intervention and who provided valid weight and accelerometer data at baseline and 6months (N=176). The Breast Cancer Prevention Trial Symptom Checklist (BCPT) assessed late treatment-related symptoms. SF-12 Physical Component Scale (PCS) and Mental Component Scale (MCS) scores assessed functioning. Change in bouted moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) min/week from baseline to 6months was not associated with BCPT scales (all p values>0.05). When adding SF-12 scores to the model, change in bouted MVPA min/week was significantly associated with the PCS (p=0.045). Change in MVPA min/week from 6 to 18months was significantly associated with cognitive symptoms (p=0.004), but not musculoskeletal or vasomotor symptoms (p values>0.05). When adding 6-month SF-12 scores to the model, MVPA min/week was significantly associated with PCS (p=0.001) and MCS (p=0.028); however, BCPT cognitive problems score became non-significant (p>0.05). Poorer physical functioning was associated with lower PA adoption, and poorer mental and physical functioning was associated with lower maintenance of PA, while late symptoms generally were not. Interventionists should consider level of functioning when identifying individual PA goals during weight management interventions.

The Impact of a Community-Based Childhood Obesity Prevention Program on Children’s Physical Activity and Fitness

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of South County Food, Fitness and Fun (SCFFF), a 16-week community-based obesity prevention program, on children’s moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), physical fitness, body mass index (BMI), and BMI z-score. A non-randomized pre-test and post-test study design was used to assess changes in MVPA, physical fitness, BMI and BMI z-score from baseline to program end. MVPA was measured by accelerometer, physical fitness measured by Fitnessgram, and height and weight were measured by stadiometer and scale and used to calculate BMI. The analytic sample for this study included 53 children from nine SCFFF programs conducted between 2011-2016. There was a significant increase in the percentage of time children spent participating in MVPA (1.12%; p=0.022), curl-ups (p<0.001) and trunk lifts (p=0.004). BMI z-score decreased (p<0.001). Results reinforce the importance of offering community-based interventions that include caregivers to prevent excess weight gain in children.

Evaluating Accelerometry Thresholds for Detecting Changes in Levels of Moderate Physical Activity and Resulting Major Mobility Disability.

An important decision with accelerometry is the threshold in counts per minute (CPM) used to define moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). We explore the ability of different thresholds to track changes in MVPA due to a physical activity (PA) intervention among older adults with compromised function: 760 CPM, 1,041 CPM, and an individualized threshold. We also evaluate the ability of change in accelerometry and self-reported PA to attenuate treatment effects on major mobility disability (MMD). Data from a week of hip worn accelerometers and self-reported PA data (30-day recall) were examined from baseline, 6-, 12-, and 24-months of follow-up on 1,528 older adults. Participants were randomized to either PA or Health Education (HE). MMD was objectively defined by loss of ability to walk 400 m during the follow-up. The three thresholds yielded similar and higher levels of MVPA for PA than HE (p < .001), however, this difference was significantly attenuated in participants with lower levels of physical function. Self-reported PA that captured both walking and strength training totally attenuated the intervention effect for MMD, an 18% reduction to a 3% increase. Accelerometer CPMs showed less attenuation of the intervention effect. Accelerometry assessment within the LIFE study was not sensitive to change in level in physical activity for older adults with very low levels of physical function. A combination of self-report and objective measures are recommended for use in physical activity intervention studies of the elderly; limitations of accelerometry deserve closer attention.

Effects of a randomized exercise trial on physical activity, psychological distress and quality of life in older adults.

Evidence suggests improvements in positive psychological health indices (e.g., self-esteem) may explain the relationship between physical activity and quality of life (QoL) in older adults. Less is known about the role of reductions in negative psychological health indices (e.g., depression). The present study examined the effects of changes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and psychological distress on change in QoL in older adults enrolled in an exercise program. Older adults (N=247, Mage=65.68±4.59) participated in a six-month randomized exercise trial. Participants wore accelerometers and completed questionnaires to measure MVPA, psychological health, and QoL at baseline and post-intervention. Psychological distress was modeled as a latent factor comprised of anxiety, depression, sleep dysfunction, and stress. Structural models were used to examine the effects of changes in MVPA and distress on change in QoL. Increases in MVPA predicted reductions in distress from baseline to post-intervention (B=-0.10, p=0.05). In turn, reductions in distress predicted increases in QoL (B=-0.51, p=0.001). The indirect effect of MVPA on QoL through distress was also significant (p=0.05; 90% CI=0.005, 0.125). Findings extend previous research on the mediators of the MVPA-QoL relationship in older adults, suggesting reductions in negative psychological health outcomes may also mediate this pathway.

Change in Sedentary Time, Physical Activity, Bodyweight, and HbA1c in High-Risk Adults.

In recent years, there has been a migration toward the use of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in determining glycemic control. This study aimed to quantify the associations between changes in body weight, sedentary time, and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) time with HbA1c levels for a 3-yr period among adults at high risk of type 2 diabetes. This study reports baseline and 3-yr follow-up data from the Walking Away from Type 2 Diabetes study. ActiGraph GT3X accelerometers captured sedentary time and MVPA. Linear regression examined the independent associations of changes in sedentary time, MVPA, and body weight with HbA1c between baseline and 3-yr follow-up. The sample composed of 489 participants (mean age = 64.2 ± 7.3 yr, body mass index = 31.7 ± 5.1, 63.4% male) with valid baseline and follow-up accelerometer, body weight, and HbA1c data. After adjustment for known confounders, an increase in MVPA time (per 30 min·d) was associated with a decrease in HbA1c percentage (β = -0.11 [-0.18 to -0.05], P = 0.001), and an increase in body weight (per 6 kg) was associated with an increase in HbA1c percentage (β = 0.08 [0.04-0.12], P < 0.001). The presence of dysglycemia at baseline (HbA1c ≥ 6.0%) strengthened these associations (P < 0.001 for interactions). Change in sedentary time was not significantly associated with change in HbA1c after adjustment for change in MVPA time. Increases in MVPA and body weight were associated with a reduction and increase in HbA1c, respectively, particularly in those with dysglycemia. Quantifying the effect that health behavior changes have on HbA1c can be used to inform prevention programs.

An examination of how changing patterns of school travel mode impact moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among adolescents over time

Abstract Background This study examined temporal variations in school travel mode and whether these variations predicted changes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among adolescents (Grades 9 to 12). Methods We analyzed data from Years 1, 2 and 3 of the COMPASS study. Students included in the analysis were those who had provided information on sociodemographic factors, MVPA and school travel modes. A final longitudinal sample included 19,868 participants for the analyses related to travel mode to school (AM period) and 17,678 for the travel mode from school (PM period). The proportion of participants who changed their school travel modes between years was calculated to determine the stability of school travel mode. Linear-mixed models were used to examine whether changes in mode predicted changes in MVPA one year later. These models adjusted for sociodemographic factors as covariates and accounted for the clustering within schools. Results Stability in school travel mode was observed for both time periods. Across data collection waves, only 9.3% consistently used an active transportation mode in the AM period and 15.6% in the PM period. Only 2.5% switched from a passive to active mode in the AM period and 3.1% in the PM period, whereas 3.5% switched from an active to passive mode in the AM period and 5.2% in the PM period. No significant association was observed for the AM period. For the PM period, the decrease in MVPA was significantly greater in adolescents who switched from an active to a passive transportation mode than those who remained using a passive transportation mode across years. Conclusion School travel makes a contribution to the amount of MVPA youth accumulate during the school week although evidence for this was restricted to those shifting from active to passive modes in the afternoon period.

Association of physiological and psychological health outcomes with physical activity and sedentary behavior in adults with type 2 diabetes

PurposeTo examine the association between change in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior (SB) over a 6-month period with physiological and psychological factors in adults with type 2 diabetes...

Lifestyle Changes After a Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes.

Objective.Whether patients with type 2 diabetes change their lifestyle in response to their diagnosis and maintain behavior changes is unclear. This study aimed to 1) compare changes in lifestyle behaviors among participants who were newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and those never diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and 2) investigate changes in lifestyle behaviors in relation to the duration of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.Methods.We used self-reported information from the New South Wales 45 and Up Study and a follow-up study. Changes in body weight; amount of walking, moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and sitting; fruit and vegetable consumption; and smoking status and number of cigarettes smoked were used as measures of health behavior change. These variables were compared between participants in a “new type 2 diabetes” group and a “no type 2 diabetes” group.Results.The new type 2 diabetes group had a smaller decrease in vegetable consumption, lost more weight, and were more likely to quit smoking than the no type 2 diabetes group. MVPA, fruit consumption, and number of cigarettes smoked did not change significantly for either group. Although no significant changes were found in any of the health behaviors based on time since diagnosis, the magnitude of changes in weight and walking increased as duration of diagnosis increased, whereas changes in MVPA, number of cigarettes smoked, and proportion of participants who quit smoking decreased.Conclusion.In this population-based study, participants with incident type 2 diabetes reported only minimal changes in their lifestyle factors after receiving their diagnosis.

Does image congruence impact the effectiveness of a gain–framed physical activity message?

BackgroundGain–framed messages can improve processing and physical activity, however inconsistency remains about the merits of using different accompanying images. This study explored whether gain–framed messages alongside positive images (congruent) were more effective than negative (incongruent) images at increasing Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) constructs and moderate–to–vigorous physical activity (MVPA).MethodUsing a mixed design participants (N=110) were randomly assigned to read a gain–framed physical activity booklet containing either congruent or incongruent images. Data were collected at two time points (baseline and one week later) using online questionnaires assessing SCT constructs and interviews about MVPA over the previous seven days.ResultsA time by condition interaction showed that intentions (p=.039, η2=.04) and self–efficacy (p=.005, η2=.07)increased in the congruent condition only. There was a time main effect for self–regulation (p=.001, η2=.09) and MVPA (p=.011, η2=.06), but no difference between conditions. Changes in self-regulation predicted changes in MVPA in both conditions (congruent, p=.003; incongruent, p=.030).ConclusionsCongruence between message content and images increased intentions and self–efficacy, but not MVPA. Improving self–regulation may increase physical activity levels regardless of message congruence.

Patterns and Predictors of Change in Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity Over Time in Multiple Sclerosis.

Physical inactivity is common in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), but there is very little known about the pattern and predictors of changes in physical activity over time. This study examined changes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) over a 30-month time period and the demographic and clinical predictors of such changes in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). 269 persons with MS wore an accelerometer for a 7-day period and completed a demographic/clinical scale every 6 months over a 30-month period. Data were analyzed using latent class growth modeling (LCGM). LCGM identified a two-class model for changes in levels of MVPA over time. Class 1 involved higher initial levels of MVPA and linear decreases in MVPA over time, whereas Class 2 involved lower initial levels of MVPA and linear increases in MVPA over time. LCGM further indicated that males were more likely (OR = 5.8, P < .05) and those with higher disability status were less likely (OR = 0.51, P < .05) to belong to Class 1 than Class 2. Levels of MVPA change over time in persons with RRMS and the pattern of change suggests that behavioral physical activity interventions for persons with MS might target men and those with lower disability.

Feasibility study and pilot cluster-randomised controlled trial of the GoActive intervention aiming to promote physical activity among adolescents: outcomes and lessons learnt

ObjectivesAssess the feasibility of implementing the GoActive intervention in secondary schools, to identify improvements, test study procedures, determine preliminary effectiveness to increase moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and inform power calculations...

Ten-year change in sedentary behaviour, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiometabolic risk: independent associations and mediation analysis

BackgroundWe aimed to study the independent associations of 10-year change in sedentary behaviour (SB), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and objectively measured cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), with concurrent change in clustered cardiometabolic...

Change in Physical Activity Prior to Bariatric Surgery does not Predict Post-Surgery Weight Loss

Few studies have examined if change in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) prior to bariatric surgery is associated with post-surgery weight loss. PURPOSE: To examine if change in pre-surgery MVPA resulting from 6-months of usual care (UC) or a pre-surgical behavioral lifestyle intervention (BLI) is associated with weight change following bariatric surgery. METHODS: Data from adults with severe obesity (N=97; BMI 47±5.9 kg/m2) electing to undergo either Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) were used for this study. These subjects are a subset from a larger trial who provided complete physical activity and weight data, were randomized to UC or BLI for 6 months prior to their bariatric surgery procedure, and not lost to follow-up. UC received physician recommendations for diet and activity. BLI participated in a behavioral weight management program that included 12 in-person sessions and 12 telephone contacts. BLI was prescribed a reduced energy diet (1200–1400 kcal/day) and to increase MVPA to 30 minutes on 5 days/wk. MVPA was measured prior to and following the pre-surgical period, with MVPA defined as min/wk from activity bouts ≥10 minutes in duration at ≥3 METS. Weight was assessed pre- and post-UC or BLI, and 6, 12 and 24 months post-surgery. RESULTS: After controlling for weight change pre-surgery, change in MVPA prior to surgery in those receiving UC was not significantly associated with 24 month weight change post-surgery for LABG (r=0.40, p=0.13) or RYGB (r=0.09, p=0.74). The association between change in MVPA prior to surgery and 24 month loss post-surgery in those receiving BLI was 0.42 (p=0.09) in LAGB and 0.07 (p=0.80) in RYGB. CONCLUSION: Pre-surgery change in MVPA was not predictive of post-surgery weight loss in patients undergoing either RYGB or LAGB. Whether pre-surgery MVPA is associated with other health benefits post-surgery warrants additional investigation. Supported by the NIH (R01 DK077102)

Association of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior with Psychological and Physiological Outcomes in Patients with Type II Diabetes.

Objective: To quantify the association of changes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior (SB) with changes in physiological and psychological factors over a 6 month period in adults with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: 24 adults (mean age: 57.4 yrs., 54% male) with type 2 diabetes participazted. At times 0 and 6-months, eating behavior (consumption of high and low glycemic foods), and psychological functioning (quality of life, depressive symptoms, diabetes emotional distress), were assessed via self-report questionnaires, along with physiological variables (heart rate, BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, high sensitive C-reactive protein (HS-CRP), insulin, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Minutes per day of MVPA and SB were assessed with an accelerometer worn over 7 days at the same two times. Correlations were conducted to assess the association of change in MVPA and SB with changes in health outcomes. RESULTS: MVPA min/day increased from 21.48 ± 18.49 at baseline to 28.96 ± 22.26, while SB minutes slightly increased from 565.18 ± 84.2 to 570.26 ± 105.32. An increase in MVPA was associated with decreases in heart rate (r=-.48p<.05), BMI (r=-.45, p<.05), systolic blood pressure (r=-.39, p<.05), HbA1c levels (r=-.42, p<.05), and decreased HS-CRP (r=-.33, p=.09). An increase in MVPA was associated with an increase in consumption of low glycemic load foods (r=49, p<.05), and an increase in quality of life (r=.4, p=.05). An increase in SB minutes per day was correlated with greater diabetes distress (r=-.43, p<.05) and an increase in depressive symptoms (r=.56, p<.01). Interestingly, change in MVPA was not correlated with changes in SB (r=.23, p=.3). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the small sample, significant associations existed between MVPA and improvement in both psychological and physiological health factors, while SB was associated with worse psychological outcomes in participants. Changes in MVPA and SB independently affect psychological and physiological outcomes in participants with type 2 diabetes, suggesting interventions should focus separately on increasing MVPA and decreasing SB for optimal health benefits.

Ten-year Change In Sedentary Behavior And Cardiorespiratory Fitness Are Independently Associated With Clustered Cardio-metabolic Risk

PURPOSE: We aimed to study the independent associations between change in sedentary behavior (SB), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and objectively measured cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) over 10 years, and concurrent change in clustered cardio-metabolic risk and its individual components (waist circumference, fasting glucose, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure). We also determined whether any associations were mediated by change in waist circumference or dietary intake. METHODS: A population-based sample of 425 adults (age (mean±SD) 55.83±9.40; 65%men) were followed prospectively for 9.6±0.52 years. Participants self-reported SB and MVPA and performed a maximal cycle ergometer test to estimate peak oxygen uptake at baseline (2002–2004) and follow up (2012–2014). Multiple linear regression and the product of coefficients method were used to examine independent associations and mediation effects, respectively. RESULTS: Greater increase in SB was associated with more detrimental change in clustered cardio-metabolic risk (standardized β = 0.12, p<0.01) and triglycerides (standardized β = 0.12, p<0.05), independently of baseline and change in MVPA and CRF. Greater increase in MVPA was associated with greater increase in HDL-cholesterol, independent of baseline and change in SB and CRF (standardized β = 0.15, p<0.01). Greater decrease in CRF was associated with more detrimental change in clustered cardio-metabolic risk and all other individual components, independently of baseline and change in SB (absolute standardized β ranging from 0.12 to 0.38, p<0.05). Change in waist circumference mediated the relationship between change in CRF and change in fasting glucose, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides (a*b [95% CI]: fasting glucose: −0.11 [−0.18, −0.04]; HDL-cholesterol: 0.15 [0.08, 0.22]; triglycerides: −0.40 [−0.81, −0.01]). CONCLUSIONS: A combination of decreasing SB and increasing MVPA and CRF is most beneficial towards cardio-metabolic health. However, some associations between changes in CRF and changes in cardio-metabolic risk were mediated through changes in waist circumference. Therefore, from a public health perspective, lifestyle intervention programs need to focus on all three components, which is decreasing SB, increasing MVPA and CRF.

Physical Activity, Television Viewing Time, and 12-Year Changes in Waist Circumference.

ABSTRACTPurposeBoth moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior can be associated with adult adiposity. Much of the relevant evidence is from cross-sectional studies or from prospective studies with relevant exposure measures at a single time point before weight gain or incident obesity. This study examined whether changes in MVPA and television (TV) viewing time are associated with subsequent changes in waist circumference, using data from three separate observation points in a large population-based prospective study of Australian adults.MethodsData were obtained from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity, and Lifestyle study collected in 1999–2000 (baseline), 2004–2005 (wave 2), and 2011–2012 (wave 3). The study sample consisted of adults age 25 to 74 yr at baseline who also attended site measurement at three time points (n = 3261). Multilevel linear regression analysis examined associations of initial 5-yr changes in MVPA and TV viewing time (from baseline to wave 2) with 12-yr change in waist circumference (from baseline to wave 3), adjusting for well-known confounders.ResultsAs categorical predictors, increases in MVPA significantly attenuated increases in waist circumference (P for trend < 0.001). TV viewing time change was not significantly associated with changes in waist circumference (P for trend = 0.06). Combined categories of MVPA and TV viewing time changes were predictive of waist circumference increases; compared with those who increased MVPA and reduced TV viewing time, those who reduced MVPA and increased TV viewing time had a 2-cm greater increase in waist circumference (P = 0.001).ConclusionDecreasing MVPA emerged as a significant predictor of increases in waist circumference. Increasing TV viewing time was also influential, but its impact was much weaker than MVPA.

Associations between neighborhood socioeconomic environment and physical activity in Cuban immigrants

Physical inactivity is a major public health concern because it is a determinant of obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases. Few longitudinal studies have examined the association between neighborhood socioeconomic (SES) environment and change in physical activity behaviors. Additionally, few studies have examined this association in immigrant groups or Hispanic subgroups such as Cubans. This research aimed to determine if neighborhood SES is associated with longitudinal change in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among Cuban immigrants who participate in the Cuban Health Study in Miami, Florida. Data on 280 participants [mean age: 37.4 (±4.6), 48.9% women, mean body mass index: 25.0 (±2.5)] collected at baseline, 12 months and 24 months were analyzed. Minutes of MVPA were objectively measured during each data collection period using accelerometers. A neighborhood SES score was calculated for each participant’s residential census tract from American Community Survey data on median household income, median housing value, educational attainment and occupation. The neighborhood SES score was grouped into tertiles, reflecting low, moderate and high neighborhood SES environment. Multilevel linear models were used to examine the relationship between neighborhood SES and change in MVPA over 24 months. At baseline, 94 (33.6%), 108 (38.6%) and 78 (27.9%) participants resided in low, moderate, and high SES neighborhoods, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index, no difference in average change in MVPA over time was observed between participants residing in low and moderate SES neighborhoods (p=0.48) or low and high SES neighborhoods (p=0.62). In Cuban immigrants, longitudinal change in MVPA may not vary by neighborhood socioeconomic environment.

Low levels of physical activity are associated with dysregulation of energy intake and fat mass gain over 1 year

Previous studies suggest that appetite may be dysregulated at low levels of activity, creating an energy imbalance that results in weight gain. The aim was to examine the relation between energy intake, physical activity, appetite, and weight gain during a 1-y follow-up period in a large sample of adults. Participants included 421 individuals (mean ± SD age: 27.6 ± 3.8 y). Measurements included the following: energy intake with the use of interviewer-administered dietary recalls and calculated by using changes in body composition and energy expenditure, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with the use of an arm-based monitor, body composition with the use of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and questionnaire-derived perceptions of dietary restraint, disinhibition, hunger, and control of eating. Participants were grouped at baseline into quintiles of MVPA (min/d) by sex. Measurements were repeated every 3 mo for 1 y. At baseline, an inverse relation existed between body weight and activity groups, with the least-active group (15.7 ± 9.9 min MVPA/d, 6062 ± 1778 steps/d) having the highest body weight (86.3 ± 13.2 kg) and the most-active group (174.5 ± 60.5 min MVPA/d, 10260 ± 3087 steps/d) having the lowest body weight (67.5 ± 11.0 kg). A positive relation was observed between calculated energy intake and activity group, except in the lowest quintile of activity. The lowest physical activity group reported higher levels of disinhibition (P = 0.07) and cravings for savory foods (P = 0.03) compared with the group with the highest level of physical activity. Over 1 y of follow-up, the lowest activity group gained the largest amount of fat mass (1.7 ± 0.3 kg) after adjustment for change in MVPA and baseline fat mass. The odds of gaining >3% of fat mass were between 1.8 and 3.8 times as high for individuals in the least-active group as for those in the middle activity group. These results suggest that low levels of physical activity are a risk factor for fat mass gain. In the current sample, a threshold for achieving energy balance occurred at an activity level corresponding to 7116 steps/d, an amount achievable by most adults. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01746186.

Variability and Stability in Daily Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity among 10 Year Old Children.

Day-to-day variability and stability of children’s physical activity levels across days of the week are not well understood. Our aims were to examine the day-to-day variability of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), to determine factors influencing the day-to-day variability of MVPA and to estimate stability of MVPA in children. The sample comprises 686 Portuguese children (10 years of age). MVPA was assessed with an accelerometer, and BMI was computed from measured height and weight. Daily changes in MVPA and their correlates (gender, BMI, and maturity) were modeled with a multilevel approach, and tracking was calculated using Foulkes & Davies γ. A total of 51.3% of boys and 26.2% of girls achieved 60 min/day of MVPA on average. Daily MVPA was lower during the weekend (23.6% of boys and 13.6% of girls comply with the recommended 60 min/day of MVPA) compared to weekdays (60.8% and 35.4%, boys and girls, respectively). Normal weight children were more active than obese children and no effect was found for biological maturation. Tracking is low in both boys (γ = 0.59 ± 0.01) and girls (γ = 0.56 ± 0.01). Children’s MVPA levels during a week are highly unstable. In summary, boys are more active than girls, maturation does not affect their MVPA, and obese children are less likely to meet 60 min/day of MVPA. These results highlight the importance of providing opportunities for increasing children’s daily MVPA on all days of week, especially on the weekend.

Improvements in fundamental movement skill competency mediate the effect of the SCORES intervention on physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in children

Numerous studies have identified a positive association between fundamental movement skill (FMS) competency and physical activity in children; however, the causal pathways have not been established. The aim of this study is to determine if changes in FMS competency mediated the effect of the Supporting Children’s Outcomes using Rewards, Exercise and Skills (SCORES) intervention on physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in children. Eight primary schools (25 classes) and 460 children (aged 8.5 ± 0.6, 54% girls) were randomised to the SCORES intervention or control group for the 12-month study. The outcomes were accelerometer-determined moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and cardiorespiratory fitness. The hypothesised mediators were actual FMS competency and perceived sport competence. Mediation analyses were conducted using multilevel linear analysis in MPlus. From the original sample, 138 (30.0%) and 370 (80.4%) children provided useable physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness data at post-test assessments. There were significant treatment effects for locomotor skills and overall FMSs. Changes in MVPA were associated with changes in object-control skills, overall FMSs and perceived competence. The overall FMSs had a significant mediating effect on MVPA (AB = 2.09, CI = 0.01–4.55). Overall FMSs (AB = 1.19, CI = 0.002–2.79) and locomotor skills (AB = 0.74, CI = 0.01–1.69) had a significant mediating effect on cardiorespiratory fitness. The results of this study conclude that actual but not perceived movement skill competency mediated the effect of the SCORES intervention on physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness.