Moderate-to-vigorous Physical Activity Guideline Research Articles

Prevalence and association of compliance with the Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines with sociodemographic aspects in Brazilian adults: a cross-sectional epidemiological study

BackgroundThe physical inactivity is a global health concern, so that recommendations on sufficient physical activity levels are elaborated worldwide, such as in Brazil. However, the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines were first in the world to consider time-specific recommendations for physical activity, sedentary behavior and sleep, which is still not developed for Latin-American population. The present study aimed to verify the adherence to Canadian 24-hour guidelines in a Brazilian inner city and to analyze its association with sociodemographic aspects.MethodsA cross-sectional epidemiological study, with a sample composed by 250 adults (140 women), with a median age of 41.0 years. Objective measures of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior were collected by accelerometry. Sleep duration and sociodemographic aspects (ethnicity, gender, age, educational attainment and socioeconomic level) were obtained through a face-to-face questionnaire. Canadian 24-hour guidelines considered ≥ 150 min/week of MVPA, <8 h/day of sedentary behavior and daily sleep time between 7 and 9 h, being analyzed separately and in combination. Poisson regression with robust variance estimator was used to analyze the prevalence ratio (PR) of meeting the 24-hour guidelines according to the categories of sociodemographic variables, being performed by the software IBM SPSS version 25.0.ResultsThe complete 24-hour guidelines were met only by 24.4% of sample (n = 61). Sedentary behavior was the most met guideline (88%), followed by MVPA (56.8%) and sleep (53.2%), without significant difference according to sex. When compared to elderly participants, those participants in younger groups (18–39 years and 40–59 years) were more likely to meet MVPA guideline (PR = 2.51 [95%CI = 1.47; 4.28] and PR = 2.60 [95%CI = 1.52; 4.45], respectively), as well as the combination of MVPA and sedentary behavior (PR = 1.98 [95%CI = 1.13; 3.44] and PR = 2.17 [95%CI = 1.25; 3.79], respectively) and MVPA with the sleep guideline (PR = 2.39 [95%CI = 1.09; 5.27] only for 18–39 years group). Men were more likely to meet MVPA guideline than women (PR = 1.29 [95%CI = 1.04; 1.59]).ConclusionYounger aged and male adults were more likely to meet the Canadian 24-hour guidelines in a small Brazilian city. However, further studies with larger and representative samples of sociodemographic stratum are still needed.

Playing it safe: The relationship between parent attitudes to risk and injury, and children’s adventurous play and physical activity

BackgroundChildren naturally seek risk in play and adventurous play outdoors confers many benefits, including the potential to increase moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between parent attitudes to risk and injury, and their elementary school-aged child’s daily adventurous play and MVPA. MethodsA panel sample of 645 Australian parents/guardians completed an online survey consisting of several validated measures of risk and injury attitudes, and physical activity and play behaviour. Data were analysed via descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariable regressions using Stata 17. A series of exploratory univariate logistic regressions were conducted, followed by a series of multivariable logistic regressions fitted to test the association between parent risk and injury attitudes and (i) children’s MVPA, (ii) active play and (iii) adventurous play, while adjusting for socio-demographic factors. ResultsMost adult participants (81%) were female. The mean age of the child participants (53% male) was 8.6 years (SD = 2.4). On average, parents were positive about children’s engagement with risk, however, 78% of parents had low tolerance of risk when presented with specific play scenarios, and attitudes towards injuries varied, with mothers more concerned than fathers. After adjusting for confounders, children with parents who were tolerant of risk in play were more likely to meet the MVPA guideline of ≥60 min daily (OR 2.86, CI: 1.41, 5.82, p < 0.004) and spend more time playing adventurously (OR 3.03, CI: 1.82, 5.06, p < 0.001). Positive associations for MVPA and adventurous play were observed across all models examining parent attitudes to risk and injury. Younger children engaged in more play and physical activity, however, more positive parent attitudes appeared to moderate the age-related influences. ConclusionsWe found a divergence between the outcomes parents desire for their children through engagement with risk and the play activities they are comfortable with in practice. Parent attitudes to risk and injury are potentially modifiable factors that may increase children’s affordances for adventurous play and physical activity. Interventions that provide parents with practical approaches to address injury concerns and support children’s risk-taking in play outdoors are recommended.

Adherence to 24-hr Activity Guidelines and Quality of Life in Singapore Children: A Self-Reported Survey Study

There are limited data on how the lifestyle behaviours of school-aged children in Singapore fare against the Singapore Integrated 24-hr Activity Guidelines. One hundred and thirty-eight children ages 9 to 13 years self-reported their recreational screen time, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), night-time sleep duration, and health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in a survey package. Their lifestyle behaviours were then benchmarked against the Singapore Integrated 24-hr Activity Guidelines recommendations, specifically, (i) at least 1 hr/day of MVPA, (ii) no more than 2 hr/day of recreational screen time, and 7-9 hr/day of sleep. Association between the number of guideline recommendations met and HRQoL z-scores were explored. Of the 138 children, 6.5% met all three guideline recommendations while 29.0% did not meet any guideline recommendations. MVPA guideline recommendation was least adhered to followed by recreational screen time and sleep. The number of guideline recommendations met was significantly associated with children’s HRQoL, with an increase of 0.289 in HRQoL z-score (5.9%) for every additional guideline met. The 24-hr activity behaviours of Singapore children was sub-optimal in which the proportion of children who did not meet any guideline recommendations is higher than those who met all guideline recommendations. Nonetheless, larger cohort studies are needed to establish its prevalence. Greater dissemination of the guidelines and ameliorative programs targeted at different groups of children should be made to help support children in adopting healthy lifestyle habits.

MVPA and Motor Proficiency between Children with ADHD and Typical Development: Associations with Sleep Quality.

This study examined the associations of motor proficiency with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sleep quality in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and children with typical development (TD). This cross-sectional study included 88 medical-naive children with ADHD age 6-12 yr (mean (SD) age, 8.43 (1.38) yr; 81.8% boys) and 40 age-matched children with TD (mean (SD) age, 8.46 (1.44) yr; 60% boys). MVPA was recorded by a wGT3X-BT accelerometer for 7 consecutive days. Motor proficiency was assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development-Third Edition. Sleep quality was assessed using a self-report questionnaire. Children with ADHD spent significantly less time in MVPA daily, displayed less proficiency in locomotor and ball skills, and reported poorer sleep quality (e.g., longer sleep latency, less sleep duration, and lower sleep efficiency) than children with TD. MVPA guideline attainment and sleep duration significantly predicted locomotor skills development; in turn, locomotor skills predicted MVPA guideline attainment. MVPA and ball skills increased by age in children with ADHD. Our results highlight the importance of promoting MVPA, motor proficiency, and sleep duration in children with ADHD and TD since childhood.

Physical Activity And Mental Health Of Parents Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is demanding, and parents of children with ASD are speculated to have challenges in mental health, such as anxiety and depression. Regular physical activity (PA) participation, such as meeting the 150 minutes per week moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) guideline, is recommended for physical and mental health benefits; however, little is known about the PA levels in parents of children with ASD. PURPOSE: To examine the current PA levels and mental health status (i.e., anxiety and depression) among parents of children with ASD. METHODS: A secondary data analysis was conducted using the 2018 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). We identified 139 parents of children with ASD (66.9% mothers; Mage = 41.19 ± 8.7) and 4470 parents of children with no disability (59.8% mothers; Mage = 38.82 ± 8.8). Their PA levels (meeting the 150 minutes per week MVPA guideline; frequency of light-to-moderate PA, vigorous PA, and strengthening PA), anxiety, and depression were analyzed. Weighted logistic and ordinal regression analyses were conducted on PA levels, anxiety, and depression between parents of children with ASD and parents of children with no disability, after controlling for age, sex, race, family income, and medication use for anxiety and depression. RESULTS: Parents of children with ASD were significantly less likely to meet the MVPA guideline compared to parents of children with no disability (50.7% vs. 58.8%; aOR = .729 p < .001). Meanwhile, parents of children with ASD had significantly lower odds in vigorous PA (aOR = .706, p < .001) and strengthening PA (aOR = .884, p < .001) but both groups were similar in light-to-moderate PA (aOR = 1.001, p > .05). Compared to parents of children with no disability, parents of children with ASD had two times and four times higher rates of experiencing daily anxiety and depression, respectively. Parents of children with ASD reported significantly higher odds of feelings of anxiety (aOR = 1.521, p < .001) and depression (aOR = 1.923, p = < .001). CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals the lower levels of PA and higher risks of anxiety and depression in parents of children with ASD. It underscores the need to provide PA and mental health support for this parent population in the United States. Supported by Office of Special Education Program: H325H190001

UK Adults’ Exercise Locations, Use of Digital Programs, and Associations with Physical Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Longitudinal Analysis of Data From the Health Behaviours During the COVID-19 Pandemic Study

BackgroundDigital physical activity (PA) program use has been associated with higher PA guideline adherence during COVID-19 pandemic confinements. However, little is known longitudinally about exercise locations (inside vs outside the home environment), digital program use, and their associations with moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and muscle-strengthening activities (MSAs) during the pandemic.ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to assess the relationship between exercise location and use of digital programs with PA guideline adherence during the COVID-19 pandemic, describe how individuals exercised inside and outside of their home environments, and explore which sociodemographic and contextual factors were associated with exercise locations and digital PA program use.MethodsActive UK adults (N=1938) who participated in the 1-month follow-up survey of the Health Behaviours During the COVID-19 Pandemic (HEBECO) study (FU1, June-July 2020) and at least one more follow-up survey (FU2, August-September; FU3, November-December 2020) reported exercise locations and types of exercises inside and outside their homes, including digital programs (online/app-based fitness classes/programs), MVPA, and MSA. Generalized linear mixed models were used to assess associations of exercise location and digital PA program use with PA guideline adherence (MVPA, MSA, full [combined] adherence), and predictors of exercise location and digital program use.ResultsAs the pandemic progressed, active UK adults were less likely to exercise inside or to use digital PA programs compared with periods of initial confinement: 61% (95% CI 58%-63%; weighted n=1024), 50% (95% CI 48%-53%; weighted n=786), and 49% (95% CI 46%-51%; weighted n=723) performed any exercise inside their homes at FU1, FU2, and FU3, respectively. At FU1, FU2, and FU3, 22% (95% CI 21%-25%; weighted n=385), 17% (95% CI 15%-19%; weighted n=265), and 16% (95% CI 14%-18%; weighted n=241) used digital PA programs, respectively. Most participants who exercised inside already owned indoor equipment, used digital PA programs, or had their own workout routines, whereas MVPA and gentle walking were the most common exercise types performed outside the home. Being female, nonwhite, having a condition limiting PA, indoor exercising space, a lower BMI, and living in total isolation were associated with increased odds of exercising inside the home or garden compared with outside exercise only. Digital PA program users were more likely to be younger, female, highly educated, have indoor space to exercise, and a lower BMI. While exercising inside was positively associated with MSA and exercising outside was positively associated with MVPA guideline adherence, both inside (vs outside only) and outside (vs inside only) activities contributed to full PA guideline adherence (odds ratio [OR] 5.05, 95% CI 3.17-8.03 and OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.10-3.23, respectively). Digital PA program use was associated with a higher odds of MSA (OR 3.97-8.71) and full PA (OR 2.24-3.95), but not with MVPA guideline adherence.ConclusionsDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, full PA guideline adherence was associated with exercising inside and outside of one’s home environment and using digital PA programs. More research is needed to understand the reach, long-term adherence, and differences between digital PA solutions.

Benefits of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption on Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome Are Independent of Physical Activity Behaviors in Older Adults.

Although consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV) is suggested to reduce metabolic risk, there is a paucity of studies taking advantage of objectively assessed physical activity (PA) behaviors when exploring links between FV intake and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in older adults. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between FV intake and MetS prevalence in a population of older community-dwelling adults, while considering time spent being sedentary and health-enhancing PA. Prevalence of MetS was determined in a population of 93 men and 152 women (age: 65–70 years). FV intake was determined by self-report and PA behaviors (time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and in sedentary) were assessed by accelerometry. Likelihood of having MetS by FV intake was determined using logistic regression with stepwise backward elimination including age, sex, educational level, total energy intake, adherence to MVPA guideline and total sedentary time as covariates. A main finding was that lower FV intakes were significantly related to higher prevalence of MetS (odds ratio [OR]: 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–1.47) after considering potential influences by covariates. Additionally, we found that lower intake of vegetables but not fruits was significantly related to higher prevalence of MetS (OR: 1.47; 95%CI: 1.04–2.07). In conclusion, lower intakes of FV in general, and of vegetables in particular, significantly increased likelihood of MetS, regardless of time spent sedentary and adherence to the MVPA guideline. From a public health perspective, our findings emphasize adequate intakes of FV as an independent contributor to metabolic health status in older adults.

The Impact of Changes in Physical Education Class Enrollment on Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity Among a Large Sample of Canadian Youth.

Few youth engage in sufficient daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and the likelihood of meeting guidelines declines through secondary school. Physical education (PE) can afford youth with opportunities for MVPA. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of changes in PE enrollment on MVPA and MVPA guideline adherence in Ontario and Alberta secondary students. Linked survey data was used from 1514 students who participated in year 3 (2014/2015 baseline) and year 6 (2017/2018 follow-up) of the COMPASS Study. Regression models tested whether changes in PE enrollment predicted changes in self-reported MVPA (minutes) and MVPA guideline adherence from grade 9 (baseline) to grade 12 (follow-up), controlling for sports participation and sociodemographic variables. Students who remained enrolled in PE in grade 12 reported a daily average of 30 minutes more MVPA. Among students meeting MVPA guidelines and enrolled in PE in grade 9, students not taking PE in the current term in grade 12 were less likely to continue to meet guidelines than students currently enrolled in PE (adjusted odds ratio 0.53; 95% confidence interval: 0.36, 0.78; p < .0013). Findings from this study could inform the future implementation of a mandatory PE credit for upper year secondary students.

Sleep as a Priority: 24-Hour Movement Guidelines and Mental Health of Chinese College Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Research on the combined role of 24-hour movement behaviors (sleep, sedentary behavior [SB], and physical activity) in adult mental health, though important, is in its infancy. In the context of Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines integrating quantitative recommendations for sleep, SB, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), this study aimed to examine the associations between meeting guidelines and mental health among college students. The study used a cross-sectional sample of 1846 Chinese college students surveyed online in August 2020. Through network analysis and multivariate analysis of covariance, the individual and combined associations between meeting 24-hour movement guidelines and the levels of depression and anxiety after adjusting sociodemographic factors were analyzed. Results indicated that meeting the sleep guideline had stronger associations with depression and anxiety than meeting the SB or MVPA guideline. Specifically, compared to meeting no guidelines, meeting the sleep guideline (alone or in combination with other guidelines) was associated with significantly lower levels of depression and anxiety; meeting both SB and MVPA guidelines was also associated with a significantly lower level of depression. Hence, meeting more guidelines, especially adhering to a healthy sleep routine, may play an important role in promoting the mental health of young adults.

Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary behavior in children with and without developmental coordination disorder: Associations with fundamental movement skills

BackgroundThere is a pandemic of physical inactivity in children. Compared to children with typical development (TD), those with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) are less physically active. Mastery of movement skills such as fundamental movement skills (FMS) are potential correlates of physical activity. AimsTo examine the associations of FMS with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior (SB) in children with DCD and TD. Methods and proceduresThis cross-sectional study included 172 children with DCD (n = 73; boys = 49) or TD (n = 99; boys = 48) aged 6–10 years. Five components of FMS (running, jumping, throwing, catching, kicking) were assessed using process- and product- oriented approaches using the Test of Gross Motor Development-second edition. The time spent in MVPA and SB was measured using accelerometers. Outcomes and resultsChildren with DCD had significantly poorer performance in FMS proficiency in terms of specific movement patterns (jumping and catching) and outcomes (running, jumping, catching, and kicking) when compared to children with TD. MVPA and SB were significantly associated with certain process-oriented FMS assessments in children, which was moderated by motor coordination status and sex. Movement patterns of catching (odds ratio = 1.686, p < .05) was a significant predictor of children’s attainment of the MVPA guideline. Conclusions and implicationsIt is important to develop FMS patterns and ball skills in early childhood, particularly for children with DCD, to combat physical inactivity and its related health problems.

Associations of meeting 24-h movement guidelines with stress and self-rated health among adults: is meeting more guidelines associated with greater benefits?

BackgroundSeveral countries have recently issued 24-h movement guidelines that include quantitative recommendations for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sedentary behaviour (SB), and sleep. This study explored the associations of meeting the 24-h movement guidelines with stress and self-rated health among adults, and whether the likelihood of favourable outcomes increases with the number of guidelines met.MethodsA total of 2476 adults aged 18 years and over completed a questionnaire on their time spent in MVPA, SB and sleep, frequency of stress (never, very rarely, occasionally, often, every day), self-rated health (very good, good, fair, bad, very bad), sociodemographic characteristics, and lifestyle variables.ResultsIn an ordinal logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, education, socio-economic status, employment, place of residence, living with or without partner, and smoking, lower odds of higher frequency of stress were found for those meeting the combined 24-h movement guidelines (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.32, 0.63; p < 0.001), any combination of two guidelines (OR range: 0.48–0.63; p < 0.05 for all), and sleep guideline only (OR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.35, 0.75; p = 0.001). Higher odds of better self-rated health were found for those meeting the combined 24-h movement guidelines (OR = 2.94; 95% CI: 2.07, 4.19; p < 0.001), combination of MVPA and SB guidelines (OR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.57, 3.44; p < 0.001), combination of MVPA and sleep guidelines (OR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.23, 2.59; p = 0.002), and MVPA guideline only (OR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.50, 3.36; p < 0.001). Meeting more guidelines was associated with greater odds of favourable outcomes (p for linear trend < 0.001).ConclusionAdults who meet the sleep guideline, any combination of two guidelines, or all three guidelines experience stress less frequently. Meeting the MVPA guideline alone or in combination with any other movement behaviour guideline was associated with better self-rated health. The likelihood of less frequent stress and better self-rated health increases with the number of guidelines met. Adults should be encouraged to meet as many movement behaviour guidelines as possible.

Engagement in Muscle-Strengthening Activities Lowers Sarcopenia Risk in Older Adults Already Adhering to the Aerobic Physical Activity Guidelines

Sarcopenia in older adults is associated with a higher risk of falls, disability, loss of independence, and mortality. Current physical activity (PA) guidelines recommend engagement in muscle-strengthening activities (MSA) in addition to aerobic moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). However, little is known about the impact of MSA in addition to adherence to the MVPA recommendation in the guidelines. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to determine whether or not engagement in MSA is linked to sarcopenia risk in older adults who meet the PA guidelines of 150 min of MVPA per week. A total of 193 community-dwelling older men and women (65–70 years) were included in the study. A continuous sex-specific clustered sarcopenia risk score (SRS) was created based on muscle mass assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis, handgrip strength, and five times sit-to-stand (5STS) time, assessed using standardized procedures. Adherence to PA guidelines was assessed using the Actigraph GT3x accelerometer and the EPAQ2 questionnaire. Guideline adherence to MSA twice a week was related to a significantly (p < 0.05) lower SRS compared to those who did not. This finding was evident after adjustment for adherence to the protein intake guideline and abdominal obesity. Similar impacts were observed for muscle mass and 5-STS but not for handgrip strength. In conclusion, guideline adherence to MSA is related to lower sarcopenia risk in older adults who already accumulate 150 weekly minutes of MVPA, which reinforces the promotion of the MSA guideline, alongside the MVPA guideline, to fight against sarcopenia progression in ageing populations.

Perceived coach-created environment directly predicts high school athletes’ physical activity during sport

Sport participation is an important means for adolescents to achieve moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), yet most high school students including athletes do not achieve the 60-minute daily MVPA guideline. As psychosocial factors influence athlete engagement and physical activity during sport, the perceived environment created by coaches could play a role in this influence. Guided by self-determination and achievement goal theories, this four-month prospective study examined the direct and indirect effects of perceived coach-created environment on high school athletes’ MVPA and sedentary behavior (SB) during sport. During the third to fourth week of a sport season, 225 high school athletes ( Mage = 15.24 years) completed a survey assessing perceptions of coach-created empowering and disempowering climates as well as psychological need satisfaction and frustration. Four months later, their MVPA and SB percentage times (%) during sport were measured using accelerometers. Path analyses partially supported our hypothesis, indicating significant direct effects of a perceived empowering climate on need satisfaction (β = .41) and need frustration (β = –.29), and direct effects of a perceived disempowering climate on need frustration (β = .38) and MVPA% (β = –.28). No significant indirect effects on MVPA% or SB% were found. Findings support and provide new insights into the important role of disempowering beyond empowering climates in predicting high school athletes’ PA. Specifically, when coaches display ego-involving and controlling behaviors, high school athletes may disengage during sport and achieve less overall MVPA. Further examination of these relationships using a longitudinal design across more diverse samples is warranted.

Is the positive relationship of infant weight gain with adolescent adiposity attenuated by moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in childhood? Evidence from the Millennium Cohort Study.

Rapid infant weight gain is a key risk factor for paediatric obesity, yet there is very little evidence on how healthy behaviours in childhood might modify this association. We aimed to examine how the association of infant weight gain with adolescent adiposity might be attenuated by moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in childhood. The sample comprised 4666 children in the UK Millennium Cohort Study. The two outcomes were BMI Z-score and % fat at 14 years. Sex-stratified regression models were developed testing for interactions between infant weight Z-score gain between 0 and 3 years (continuous or categorical) and MVPA at 7 years (continuous or binary). Models were sequentially adjusted for basic covariates, socioeconomic variables, and parental BMI levels. Effect modification was observed in boys but not girls and, among boys, was stronger for % fat than BMI. In a fully adjusted model for boys, the association between infant weight Z-score gain and adolescent % fat was 1.883 (1.444, 2.322) if MVPA < 60 min/day and 1.305 (0.920, 1.689) if MVPA ≥ 60 min/day; the difference between these two estimates being -0.578 (-1.070, -0.087). Similarly, % fat was 2.981 (1.596, 4.367) units higher among boys who demonstrated rapid infant weight gain (+0.67 to +1.34 Z-score) compared to normal weight gain (-0.67 to +0.67 Z-scores), but having MVPA ≥ 60 min/day reduced this effect size by -2.259 (-3.989, -0.535) units. In boys, ~75% of the excess % fat at 14 years associated with rapid infant weight gain was attenuated by meeting the MVPA guideline. In boys known to have demonstrated rapid infant weight gain, increasing childhood MVPA levels, with the target of ≥60 min/day, might therefore go a long way to towards offsetting their increased risk for adolescent obesity. The lack of effect modification in girls is likely due to lower MVPA levels.

Turn up the healthy eating and activity time (HEAT): Physical activity outcomes from a 4-year non-randomized controlled trial in summer day camps.

Summer day camps (SDCs) serve over 14 million children in the U.S. and are well-positioned to help children accumulate the guideline of 60min per day (60min/d) of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate a multi-component intervention to increase the percentage of children meeting 60min/d of MVPA. Twenty SDCs serving 3524 children (7.9yrs., 46.2% girls, 66.1% non-Hispanic Black) participated in a 4-summer non-randomized two-group intervention. Children's accelerometer-derived MVPA was collected using accelerometers worn on the non-dominant wrist. SDCs were assigned to either 2 summers of intervention (n=10, no intervention summer 2015, intervention summer 2016 and 2017) or 1 summer of intervention (n=10, no intervention summer 2015 and 2016, intervention summer 2017). The final summer (July 2018) was a no intervention follow-up. Multilevel mixed effects regression models estimated changes in percent of children meeting 60min/d of MVPA. Across all summers and SDCs, children accumulated an average of 89.2min/day (±22.5) of MVPA. The likelihood of meeting the 60min/d MVPA guideline was not different during intervention versus baseline summers for boys or girls (p>0.05). Girls and boys were 3.5 (95CI=1.5, 8.1) and 3.7 (95CI=1.6, 8.4) times more likely to meet the 60min/d guideline during intervention summers versus follow-up, respectively. The intervention was not successful at increasing the percentage of children meeting the 60min/d MVPA guideline. However, children attending SDCs accumulated substantial amounts of MVPA thus efforts should focus on making SDCs an accessible setting for all children.

Latent profile analysis of young adolescents’ physical activity across locations on schooldays

PurposeTo investigate whether adolescents cluster into profiles based on where they accumulate moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), if overall MVPA differs across profiles, and if walking to school and participant and neighborhood characteristics explain profile membership. MethodsAdolescents (N=528; mean age=14.12±1.44; 50% girls) wore accelerometers and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) trackers for 3.9±1.5 days to assess MVPA minutes in five locations: at home, at school, in home neighborhood, in school neighborhood, and other. Walking to school and participant characteristics were assessed by questionnaire, and neighborhood environment by Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify profiles/groups of participants based on accumulation of physical activity across the five locations. Mixed-effects regression tested differences in overall MVPA, walking to school, and other characteristics across profiles. ResultsFour initial profiles emerged: one Insufficiently Active profile and three Active profiles (Active Around School, Active Home Neighborhood, and Active Other Locations). The Insufficiently Active profile emerging from the first LPA (90% of participants) was further separated into four profiles in a second LPA: Insufficiently Active, and three additional Active profiles (Moderately-Active Around School, Moderately-Active Home Neighborhood, and Active At Home). Those in the six Active profiles had more overall MVPA (41.1–92.7 min/day) than those in the two Insufficiently Active profiles (34.5–38.3 min/day). Variables that differed across profiles included walking to school, sports/athletic ability, and neighborhood walkability. ConclusionsAlthough most participants did not meet the MVPA guideline, the six Active profiles showed the places in which many adolescents were able to achieve the 60-min/day guideline. The home and school neighborhood (partly through walking to school), other locations, and to a lesser extent the home, appeared to be key sources for physical activity that distinguished active from insufficiently active adolescents. Finding the right match between the individual and physical activity source/location may be a promising strategy for increasing active travel and MVPA in adolescents.

Latent Profiles of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Elementary School-Age Youth:Associations With Health-Related Quality of Life.

The objectives were to identify and describe profiles of elementary school-age youth based on objective measurements of total time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior (SB) and in bouts of the activities, to examine predictors of profiles, and to examine whether profiles were differentially associated with physical and psychosocial health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Participants included 204 youth (aged 8-11 years) who wore accelerometers to gather objective activity data. The average proportion of time in MVPA and SB and average proportion of time in MVPA and SB bouts were used for analyses. Participants completed a self-report measure of HRQOL. Latent variable mixture modeling was conducted. Overall, participants did not meet the MVPA guideline (M = 50.7 min) and spent 47% of waking hours in SB, indicating that elementary school is a critical developmental period to study activity levels. Three profiles emerged: "Active," "Inactive," and "Moderate." Boys were significantly more likely to be in the Active profile than the other profiles, and older youth were significantly more likely to be in the Inactive profile. After controlling for child sex and age, participants in the Active profile reported significantly higher psychosocial HRQOL than the participants in the other profiles; however, no significant differences were found in physical HRQOL. Identification of these naturally occurring profiles suggests need for interventions early in development focused on increasing the intensity of physical activity from light to moderate-to-vigorous for at least 60 min per day as way to improve psychosocial HRQOL.

Identifying a motor proficiency barrier for meeting physical activity guidelines in children.

This study examined the existence of a threshold level (proficiency barrier) of actual motor competence (MC) below which a child is not likely to attain 60min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day. A cross-sectional study. Actual MC was assessed in 326 children (48.5% boys; age=9.50±1.24years) using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2; MVPA was measured with ActiGraph GT3X+accelerometers. Perceived MC, included as a potential mediating variable, was assessed with the Self-Perception Profile for Children. Binary logistic (mediation) regression analyses controlling for sex and a chi-squared test were used to gain insight into the relationship between (the levels of) actual MC and the percentage of children meeting the MVPA guideline. Actual MC significantly predicted the percentage of children meeting the guideline (B=.03, SE=.01, p<.001), even when controlling for sex. Perceived MC did not mediate this relationship. Children with high actual MC (65-100 percentile) were 2.46 (p=.003) times more likely to meet the guideline than children with low actual MC (0-27 percentile). The present study demonstrates the potential impact of low MC on children's MVPA levels and suggests evidence for the existence of a proficiency barrier for meeting MVPA guidelines. Almost 90% of the children whose actual MC is below the 'average' threshold do not meet the MVPA guideline. As more children with higher levels of actual MC meet the guideline than their less competent peers, it is crucial to provide opportunities to sufficiently develop children's actual MC.

First year physical activity findings from turn up the HEAT (Healthy Eating and Activity Time) in summer day camps.

BackgroundSummer day camps (SDCs) serve 14 million children yearly in the U.S. and aim to provide participating children with 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). This study evaluated an intervention designed to increase the percent of children meeting this MVPA guideline.DesignTwo-group, pre-post quasi-experimental.Setting/ParticipantsTwenty SDCs serving 1,830 children aged 5–12 years were assigned to MVPA intervention (n = 10) or healthy eating attention control (n = 10).InterventionThe STEPs (Strategies to Enhance Practice) intervention is a capacity-building approach grounded in the Theory of Expanded, Extended and Enhanced Opportunities. Camp leaders and staff receive training to expand (e.g., introduction of activity breaks/active field trips), extend (e.g., schedule minimum of 3 hours/day for PA opportunities), and enhance (e.g., maximize MVPA children accumulate during schedule activity) activity opportunities. Camps in the comparison condition received support for improving the types of foods/beverages served.Main outcome measuresPercent of children accumulating the 60min/d MVPA guideline at baseline (summer 2015) and post-test (summer 2016) measured via wrist-accelerometry.ResultsMultilevel logistic regression conducted fall 2016 indicated boys and girls attending intervention SDCs were 2.04 (95CI = 1.10,3.78) and 3.84 (95CI = 2.02,7.33) times more likely to meet the 60min/d guideline compared to boys and girls attending control SDCs, respectively. This corresponded to increases of +10.6% (78–89%) and +12.6% (69–82%) in the percentage of boys and girls meeting the guideline in intervention SDCs, respectively. Boys in comparison SDCs increased by +1.6% (81–83%) and girls decreased by -5.5% (76–71%). Process data indicated intervention SDCs successfully extended and enhanced PA opportunities, but were unable to expand PA opportunities, compared to control SDCs.ConclusionsAlthough substantial proportions of children met the MVPA guideline at baseline, no SDCs ensured all children met the guideline. This intervention demonstrated that, with support, SDCs can help all children in attendance to accumulate their daily recommended 60min MVPA.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02161809

Business car owners are less physically active than other adults: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Active transport contributes to increased daily physical activity (PA). Car ownership is associated with less frequent active transport and less PA. For business car ownership this relation is unknown. Therefore, we explored whether business car owners and their adult household members comply less with the Dutch moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) guideline and are more sedentary than private car owners and persons without a car. From October 2011 to September 2012 questions about use and availability of cars in the household were included in the survey Injuries and Physical Activity in the Netherlands. Multiple linear regression was used to compare six mutual exclusive groups of ownership and availability of (business and/or private) cars in the household. Business car owners complied less (15.8 percent points) with the MVPA guideline than the other respondents. They also reported 1.5 h more sitting time during workdays than the other respondents, but after adjusting for covariates, this difference was no longer significant. We concluded that owners of a business car in the Netherlands are at higher risk of not complying with the MVPA guideline and tend to spend more hours sitting during workdays than other adults. Further research in this group, e.g. with objective instruments to measure physical activity and sedentary behavior, is recommended. Policy makers on transport and fiscal arrangements, employers, employees, occupational health professionals and car lease companies should be aware of this possible health risk.