Physical Activity Environment Research Articles

Association between the environment for physical activity in public schools and childhood obesity: a view in the light of complex systems.

This article aims to analyse the relationship between physical activity (PA) environment at schools, sex, age, and obesity in children, using a network approach. This is a cross-sectional study, with 1,200 children (8.1±1.0 years old) from eight public schools in the same municipality. Weight and height measurements were assessed to calculate the Body Mass Index (BMI) and classified as healthier weight or overweight. To assess the PA environment at school, a interview with the school´s manager was conducted. The association between the PA environment at school and obesity was tested using a Network Analysis performed on the Jasp software. Positive associations between BMI and Physical Education classes (0.847), physical education teacher (0.349), break duration (0.564), and indoor sports court (0.662) were observed. Negative associations were seen with sex (-0.212) age (-0.387), extracurricular PA (-0.492), and playground (-0.557). Additionally, the centrality indicators highlighted extracurricular PA (1.789) as the variables with the highest betweenness values, and BMI with the highest closeness (2.239) and strength (1.230) values. Extracurricular PA and the presence of playgrounds in school´s environment are associated with healthier weight in low-income children.

Exposome-Wide Association Study of Body Mass Index Using a Novel Meta-Analytical Approach for Random Forest Models.

Overweight and obesity impose a considerable individual and social burden, and the urban environments might encompass factors that contribute to obesity. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of research that takes into account the simultaneous interaction of multiple environmental factors. Our objective was to perform an exposome-wide association study of body mass index (BMI) in a multicohort setting of 15 studies. Studies were affiliated with the Dutch Geoscience and Health Cohort Consortium (GECCO), had different population sizes (688-141,825), and covered the entire Netherlands. Ten studies contained general population samples, others focused on specific populations including people with diabetes or impaired hearing. BMI was calculated from self-reported or measured height and weight. Associations with 69 residential neighborhood environmental factors (air pollution, noise, temperature, neighborhood socioeconomic and demographic factors, food environment, drivability, and walkability) were explored. Random forest (RF) regression addressed potential nonlinear and nonadditive associations. In the absence of formal methods for multimodel inference for RF, a rank aggregation-based meta-analytic strategy was used to summarize the results across the studies. Six exposures were associated with BMI: five indicating neighborhood economic or social environments (average home values, percentage of high-income residents, average income, livability score, share of single residents) and one indicating the physical activity environment (walkability in buffer area). Living in high-income neighborhoods and neighborhoods with higher livability scores was associated with lower BMI. Nonlinear associations were observed with neighborhood home values in all studies. Lower neighborhood home values were associated with higher BMI scores but only for values up to . The directions of associations were less consistent for walkability and share of single residents. Rank aggregation made it possible to flexibly combine the results from various studies, although between-study heterogeneity could not be estimated quantitatively based on RF models. Neighborhood social, economic, and physical environments had the strongest associations with BMI. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13393.

Association between density of food retailers and fitness centers and gestational diabetes mellitus in Eastern Massachusetts, USA: population-based study

Few studies have investigated the relationship between the food and physical activity environment and odds of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study quantifies the association between densities of several types of food establishments and fitness centers with the odds of having GDM. The density of supermarkets, fast-food restaurants, full-service restaurants, convenience stores and fitness centers at 500, 1000 and 1500m (m) buffers was counted at residential addresses of 68,779 pregnant individuals from Eastern Massachusetts during 2000-2016. The 'healthy food index' assessed the relative availability of healthy (supermarkets) vs unhealthy (fast-food restaurants, convenience stores) food retailers. Multivariable logistic regression quantified the cross-sectional association between exposure variables and the odds of having GDM, adjusting for individual and area-level characteristics. Effect modification by area-level socioeconomic status (SES) was assessed. In fully adjusted models, pregnant individuals living in the highest density tertile of fast-food restaurants had higher GDM odds compared to those living in the lowest density tertile (500m: odds ratio (OR):1.17 95% CI: [1.04, 1.31]; 1000m: 1.33 95% CI: [1.15, 1.53]); 1500m: 1.18 95% CI: [1.01, 1.38]). Greater residential density of supermarkets was associated with lower odds of GDM (1000m: 0.86 95% CI: [0.74, 0.99]; 1500m: 0.86 95% CI: [0.72, 1.01]). Similarly, living in the highest fitness center density tertile was associated with decreased GDM odds (500m:0.87 95% CI: [0.76, 0.99]; 1500m: 0.89 95% CI: [0.79, 1.01]). There was no evidence of effect modification by SES and no association found between the healthy food index and GDM odds. In Eastern Massachusetts, living near a greater density of fast-food establishments was associated with higher GDM odds. Greater residential access to supermarkets and fitness centers was associated with lower the odds of having GDM. NIH.

DETERMINANTS OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY: A REGRESSION ANALYSIS OF SOCIOECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Childhood obesity is a complex public health issue with significant implications for long-term health outcomes and healthcare costs. This study investigates the determinants of childhood obesity, focusing on socioeconomic and environmental factors. Data were collected from 310 children and their families using a structured questionnaire from Jodhpur City. Socioeconomic variables included parental education level and household income, while environmental factors encompassed access to healthy food options and safe outdoor spaces for physical activity. Multiple regression analysis examined the relationship between these factors and childhood obesity, controlling for potential confounders. Results indicate that parental education level and household income were inversely associated with childhood obesity, suggesting that higher socioeconomic status may protect against obesity risk. Additionally, access to healthy food options in the neighborhood emerged as a significant predictor of childhood obesity, highlighting the importance of environmental factors in shaping dietary behaviors. These findings underscore the need for multifaceted interventions targeting socioeconomic disparities and ecological barriers to promote healthy weight among children. Effective strategies may include improving access to nutritious foods and creating supportive environments for community physical activity. Addressing the determinants of childhood obesity is crucial for mitigating its adverse health effects and reducing the burden on healthcare systems. KEYWORDS: Childhood Obesity, Public Health, Healthy Lifestyle, Socioeconomic Factors, Physical Activity

THRIVING IN MOTION – YOUTH MOVES: MOVEMENT FOR TRANS AND GENDER DIVERSE YOUNG FOLK

CASE SETTING Gender diverse young people have lower rates of exercise, and higher rates of mental and physical health challenges, perpetuated by a lack of trans-friendly physical activity providers and environments. Our collaborative project aimed to create and support community-based exercise opportunities for trans and gender diverse young people (15-25yrs) to increase participation and improve their physical and mental health outcomes. Alongside feasibility data from 18 months delivery, two case studies will be presented (23 yrs non-binary individual, presenting with disordered eating and exercise, neurodivergence and mental illness; 18yrs transfeminine presenting with neurodivergence and participation barriers). APPROACH AND TREATMENT Through targeted community collaboration with young people and multidisciplinary support services, a supportive and inclusive structured exercise program was created. Specifically, we delivered and evaluated the feasibility of the exercise program for gender diverse young people; and educated the wider exercise and health community on inclusive exercise practices. RESULTS Forty-six gender diverse young people participated across the delivery of 11 x 8-10 week programs in 5 Perth metro locations, totalling 4518 exercise therapy hours. On average 100% of participants reported a score higher than 3/5 for program enjoyment, 79% of participants reported a score higher than 3/5 for motivation to return. Participants on average increased weekly physical activity participation by 50% since commencing the program, and 100% of participants would recommend the program to other trans peers. REFLECTIONS/LEARNINGS In WA, the absence of exercise opportunities for gender diverse young people prompted our tailored program. We prioritized inclusivity, safety, and participant-specific needs. Our proactive approach included health screenings, upskilling staff, and encouraging a supportive environment. Listening to participant expectations, involving a Youth Advisory Group, and engaging a Youth Engagement Officer proved vital for program success. Our reflections incorporate the significance of tailored, inclusive programs and community involvement in fostering active, safe spaces.

Longitudinal Analysis of Physical Activity Levels and Characteristics Among Boys and Girls in Middle School During the COVID-19 Pandemic (2019, 2020, 2021)

PURPOSE This study conducted a longitudinal analysis of physical activity levels and characteristics of middle-school boys and girls over a three-year period before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.METHODS This study used a sequential mixed-methods research design. In the quantitative study; three-dimensional accelerometers were used to measure weekly physical activity and sedentary time over three years (2019, 2020, and 2021) among 33 middle-school boys and girls, and the data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. In the qualitative study, data were collected and analyzed through focus group interviews with five participants.RESULTS The quantitative study indicated a significant increase in sedentary behavior and significant decrease in low-intensity activity and MVPA during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the second year of the pandemic, no significant difference was observed in sedentary behavior, low-intensity activity, and MVPA compared to the data collected in the first year. During the pandemic’s first year, qualitative study identified the following physical activity problems: “lockdowns,” “sedentarization of leisure,” and “reduced structured physical activity.” The following reasons were identified for the lack of improvement in physical activity during the second year: “intensified sedentary lifestyle habits,” “weak social networks,” and “lack of energy to exercise.”CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant decrease in physical activity and a significant increase in sedentary behavior among middle-school students in South Korea, and even as the environments for physical activity have recovered, the physical activity problems of the early stages of the pandemic have not improved.

Community-based interventions targeting multiple forms of malnutrition among adolescents in low-income and middle-income countries: protocol for a scoping review

BackgroundAdolescent malnutrition is a significant public health challenge in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), with long-term consequences for health and development. Community-based interventions have the potential to address multiple forms...

Physical fitness levels and trends of kindergarteners in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background/objectivesThe study aimed to examine the physical fitness and activity levels of kindergarteners in Hong Kong during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. MethodsA total of 2052 kindergarteners (48% girls; 32.9% Grade 1, 34% Grade 2, and 33.1% Grade 3) were recruited from July 2020 to November 2021. Participants completed the physical fitness tests, including body composition, flexibility, lower-limb muscle strength, upper-limb muscle strength, lower-limb muscle endurance, and agility. Children's physical activity and overall well-being were examined using parental proxy reports. Parents also reported their physical activity and parental support to children's physical activity engagement, as well as their perception of children's kindergarten physical activity environment. Fitness differences by age and gender were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and ANCOVA measuring effect size with partial eta-squared. Additionally, correlations assessed the relationship between children's fitness and parents' proxy reports. ResultsThe results of the physical fitness tests were higher than those in previous studies conducted by the Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong in 2015–2018. Gender-based differences were observed in most tests for children aged 4 years and older, with boys showing higher scores in the standing long jump, shot put, and balance tests, while girls had higher scores in the sit-and-reach test. Parents' proxy questionnaire answers indicated that children's continuous jump test performances were significantly related to their frequency of physical activity per week (r = 0.19, p < 0.001), and that children's health was significantly and positively correlated with their fitness level (r = 0.179, p < 0.009). Inadequate school physical activity was associated with poor upper-limb strength (r = 0.078, p < 0.005). Moreover, a high level of parental support for their children's participation in physical activity was correlated with a high level of parental participation in vigorous-intensity physical activities (r = 0.167, p < 0.005). ConclusionThe physical fitness of children in Hong Kong was less affected by the epidemic. Parents' healthy behaviors and support were related to children's participation in PA. Efforts to improve children's physical fitness and motor development should include parent education and physical activity involvement.

The neighourhood obesogenic built environment characteristics (OBCT) index: Practice versus theory

BackgroundObesity is a key risk factor for major chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. To extensively characterise the obesogenic built environment, we recently developed a novel Obesogenic Built environment CharacterisTics (OBCT) index, consisting of 17 components that capture both food and physical activity (PA) environments. ObjectivesWe aimed to assess the association between the OBCT index and body mass index (BMI) in a nationwide health monitor. Furthermore, we explored possible ways to improve the index using unsupervised and supervised methods. MethodsThe OBCT index was constructed for 12,821 Dutch administrative neighbourhoods and linked to residential addresses of eligible adult participants in the 2016 Public Health Monitor. We split the data randomly into a training (two-thirds; n = 255,187) and a testing subset (one-third; n = 127,428). In the training set, we used non-parametric restricted cubic regression spline to assess index's association with BMI, adjusted for individual demographic characteristics. Effect modification by age, sex, socioeconomic status (SES) and urbanicity was examined. As improvement, we (1) adjusted the food environment for address density, (2) added housing price to the index and (3) adopted three weighting strategies, two methods were supervised by BMI (variable selection and random forest) in the training set. We compared these methods in the testing set by examining their model fit with BMI as outcome. ResultsThe OBCT index had a significant non-linear association with BMI in a fully-adjusted model (p<0.05), which was modified by age, sex, SES and urbanicity. However, variance in BMI explained by the index was low (<0.05%). Supervised methods increased this explained variance more than non-supervised methods, though overall improvements were limited as highest explained variance remained <0.5%. DiscussionThe index, despite its potential to highlight disparity in obesogenic environments, had limited association with BMI. Complex improvements are not necessarily beneficial, and the components should be re-operationalised.

Creating healthy eating and active environments in early learning settings: protocol of the CHEERS eHealth intervention study.

Early childhood educators through their daily interactions with children, play a central role in shaping young children's health behaviors. Given their influential role, early childhood educators are often targeted in interventions aiming at enhancing their nutrition and physical activity practices. This paper presents the design of the CHEERS eHealth program to improve nutrition and physical activity practices within Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) centers. The study has a longitudinal quasi-experimental design with recruitment of ECECs across Alberta Canada. ECEC intervention group educators complete 12 weekly online nutrition and physical activity modules and participate in weekly communities of practice sessions to discuss practical applications within their centers. Outcome assessments are scheduled at baseline (T1), mid-point at 5 months (T2), and end of program after 10 months (T3). Outcome measures include the Creating Healthy Eating and Active Environments survey (CHEERS), Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ), Canadian Behavior, Attitude and Nutrition Knowledge Survey (C-BANKS 2.0), Physical Literacy Knowledge, Attitude, Self-Efficacy, and Behavior (PLKASB-ECE), the Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation (EPAO) derived variables, and an objective measure of children's physical activity using ActiGraph GT3X accelerometers. Linear mixed model analyses will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. Qualitative assessments comprise exit interviews and open-response questions embedded within the educational modules. Preliminary baseline data from the 2019 cohort indicate no statistically significant differences between the intervention and control groups for the primary outcome variables, except age. Educators' personal nutrition-related knowledge, attitude and behaviors were positively associated with their self-assessments of the nutrition environment and practices in ECECs. A significant correlation was observed between educators' self-reported physical activity practices and observed activity practices. The CHEERS survey Food Served subscale showed a positive correlation with the objective measures of EPAO-Foods Provided and Nutrition Policy subdomains. We propose that this eHealth intervention would be an effective scaling up approach to enhancing the nutrition and physical activity environments of ECECs by fostering improved nutrition and physical activity-related knowledge, attitudes, and adherence to best practices which will potentially lead to improved outcomes for children in their care.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical activity environment in English primary schools: a multi-perspective qualitative analysis.

The COVID-19 lockdowns and social distancing measures, including school closures, had a major impact on children's physical activity in England, with data showing an initial reduction in activity in the short-term post-lockdown phase of the pandemic followed by a recovery on average in the medium-term post-lockdown period. The school environment is an important context for child physical activity. The purpose of this study is to understand the changes that took place to school physical activity environments once schools reopened after lockdowns. This information will improve understanding of why changes to children's physical activity have occurred over the course of the pandemic and the implications for future promotion of physical activity in schools. Interviews with parents (n = 43), school staff (n = 18) and focus groups with 10- to 11-year-old children (participant n = 92) were conducted at two time points: between September-December 2021 and February-July 2022. Interview and focus group guides covered the impact of the pandemic on child physical activity and changes to this over time. The framework method was used for analysis. Three themes and three subthemes were generated: (1) the return to school; (2) over-pressured staff and environment and (3) the uneven impact of the pandemic. Theme 3 consists of three subthemes: (a) retained pandemic policies, (b) impact on physical activity culture and (c) different children need different things. Conducting this research in schools during ongoing COVID-19 disruptions was a challenge and may have limited school and participant participation, particularly school staff. The parent interview sample is predominantly female, active and of higher socioeconomic status, so the experiences of male, less active and lower socioeconomic parents are limited. This study suggests that the impact of COVID-19 on child physical activity is uneven, affecting some children more than others. Future work is therefore needed to explore the details of this potential diverging experience. The COVID-19 pandemic, school closures and post-lockdown school policies have impacted upon primary school physical activity environments. The post-lockdown school environment is highly pressured, impacting the extent to which schools can support and encourage child physical activity. Future research is needed to further explore the impact of post-lockdown changes on physical activity environments in schools, particularly over the longer term, as schools continue to adapt post lockdowns. Strategies required to support school physical activity environments must be context specific and sensitive to these changes, pressures and needs. This article presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme as award number NIHR131847.

From Global Domains to Physical Activity Environments: Development and Initial Validation of a Questionnaire-Based Physical Literacy Measure Designed for Large-Scale Population Surveys

ABSTRACT This study aimed to develop and test MyPL, a questionnaire that measures self-reported physical literacy (PL) among children and adolescents. First, the item pool was developed and adapted, and face validity was tested with cognitive interviewing. Then, factor structures were identified through multidimensional scaling and exploratory factor analyses in a sample of 951 children (ages 7–13). Then, the identified models were tested using confirmatory factor analyses CFA) within a sample of 2861 children (ages 7–12) and a sample of 1518 children (ages 13-15). Finally, measurement invariance and predictive validity were investigated. CFA showed that the identified physical activity (PA) environment-based models fitted better with the data than the domain-derived model. Reliability analyses showed that the internal consistency of the total PL scale was good and that, the reliability of the identified scales, except the cognitive scale, of the two models based on PA environments was satisfactory. Additionally, MyPL also showed measurement invariance across gender. This study suggests that the type of PA and the environment in which PA occur is important to consider when designing PL measurement tools. This study indicated that MyPL can be used to measure children and young people’s PL in large surveys.

Physical Activity Policy, Systems, and Environment Change Through Extension SNAP-Ed: A Multistate Perspective.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) provides nutrition education and support for healthy living in SNAP-qualifying communities. SNAP-Ed supports policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) efforts to make the healthy choice an easier choice. SNAP-Ed implementers have widely adopted healthy eating PSE supports. However, physical activity (PA) PSE strategies are less common, with limited awareness between states of how other SNAP-Ed implementers approach PA-focused PSE work. Physical Activity Policy, Research, and Evaluation Network (PAPREN) Rural Active Living Workgroup project members sought to explore how Extension-based SNAP-Ed implements PA-focused PSE approaches. A sample of Extension-based SNAP-Ed program (n = 8) leaders were purposefully recruited from eligible universities in six of the seven SNAP-Ed regions. An interview guide to systematically collect information about current Extension SNAP-Ed implementation focused on PA PSE strategies was developed iteratively by the PAPREN Rural Active Living Workgroup Extension PA PSE project team. PA PSE Extension SNAP-Ed implementation efforts occurred at the state, county, and community levels and/or within local organizations. PA PSEs included school PA policy change, shared-use agreements, active transportation promotion, park development, walking challenges, and PA-promoting signage. All interviews highlighted the importance of partnerships at local, county, and state levels for PSE efforts. Extension-based SNAP-Ed shows potential to bring community partners together to plan and implement PA-focused PSE approaches. With a focus on SNAP-eligible people and substantial geographic reach, Extension SNAP-Ed is uniquely situated as a public health partner to broadly implement PA PSE changes.

Measuring Policy, Systems, and Environmental Changes at Elementary Schools Involved in SNAP-Ed New Mexico Programming, 2018-2022.

In 2018, the New Mexico Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed NM) incorporated policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) strategies into the state plan to increase healthy eating and physical activity. Studies of multiple PSE strategies in elementary schools are lacking. We conducted assessments of physical activity and nutrition environments at 11 elementary schools in New Mexico before and after schools were given school-specific PSE recommendations and technical assistance. Baseline data were collected in 2018 by using the School Physical Activity and Nutrition Environment Tool (SPAN-ET), which measures policy, situational, and physical environments in elementary schools. PSE scores were calculated as the proportion of criteria met within and across 27 areas of interest. Implementation of evidence-based PSE interventions began in 2019. COVID-19 school closures delayed follow-up assessments until 2022. We analyzed descriptive data to examine changes in PSE scores over time. Overall mean PSE scores increased significantly from baseline (53.6%) to follow-up (62.7%). Nutrition PSE scores significantly increased by 17.6 percentage points; the policy environment showed the largest improvement (+26.0 percentage points), followed by the situational environment (+13.8 percentage points), and physical environment (+9.1 percentage points). We found a nonsignificant increase in the overall average physical activity score (+2.7 percentage points). Use of a standardized instrument for assessing implementation of PSE strategies across multiple schools showed significant overall improvement in nutrition scores and nonsignificant increases in physical activity scores. Providing school-specific recommendations combined with technical assistance may be an effective approach to implementing evidence-based nutrition and physical activity PSE strategies.

Priority populations’ experiences of the accessibility and inclusion of recreation centres: a qualitative study

BackgroundAlthough the health benefits of physical activity are well documented, certain priority populations are often disproportionately insufficiently active and at higher risk of poor health. Recreation centres have the potential to provide accessible and supportive environments for physical activity for all. However, little is known about priority populations’ experiences of these venues and their views of how accessibility and inclusion can be optimised. This study aimed to gain in-depth insights of recreation centre experiences and potential strategies for improving inclusion and accessibility amongst priority populations (women, older adults, ethnic minorities, persons living with disabilities/additional needs, individuals identifying as LGBTQIA+, low socio-economic position).MethodsThis qualitative study (2021–2022) involved 18 semi-structured individual interviews with adult priority population users of recreation centres (50% 65 + years, 61.2% female) in one Melbourne municipality. Participants were asked to discuss their positive and negative experiences at the centres and to identify strategies for enhancing accessibility and inclusion. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis was performed for data analysis.ResultsWhile many participants had positive views of the facilities and programs at the centres, as they met their needs, they also had suggestions for improving accessibility and inclusion. Similarly, most participants were happy with the communications, felt included, and perceived the culture positively. Those who did not feel included at the centres offered many potential strategies for changing the culture, modifying communications (e.g., signage), and establishing partnerships for better access and inclusion.ConclusionsThe present study adds to essential knowledge concerning priority populations’ experiences of recreation centres. For recreation facilities that were generally perceived as having positive inclusion and accessibility, the findings nonetheless highlighted suggestions for further enhancement. These strategies may be useful more broadly for improving accessibility and inclusion, thereby promoting physical activity and ultimately health for all.

Individual, family, and environmental correlates of fundamental motor skills among school-aged children: a cross-sectional study in China

ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study examined the socio-ecological factors influencing fundamental motor skills (FMS) in Chinese school-aged children.MethodsA total of 1012 parent-child pairs were randomly sampled between March-1st and April-15th, 2022. Based on the socio-ecological model of Children’s FMS, three levels of factors: individual-level (e.g., demographic, physical, psychological, and behavioral characteristics of children), family-level (e.g., caregiver demographics, parental support, and socioeconomic status), and environmental factors (e.g., availability of physical activity equipment) were assessed using self-reported scales (e.g., the Self-perception Profile for Children, the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale, and the 12-item Psychological Well-Being Scale for Children) and objective measures (e.g., ActiGraph GT3X, the Chinese National Student Physical Fitness Standard, and the Test of Gross Motor Development-Third Edition). Multi-level regression models were employed using SPSS.ResultsThe results demonstrated that children’s age, sex, physical fitness, parental support, and the quality of home and community physical activity environments consistently influenced all three types of FMS, including locomotor, ball, and composite skills. Additionally, seven individual-level factors (children’s age, sex, body mass index, light physical activity, sleep duration, perceived motor competence, and physical fitness) were associated with different types of FMS.ConclusionsThe findings underscore the multidimensional and complex nature of FMS development, with individual-level factors playing a particularly significant role. Future research should adopt rigorous longitudinal designs, comprehensive assessment tools covering various FMS skills, and objective measurement of parents’ movement behaviors to better understand the strength and direction of the relationship between socio-ecological factors and children’s FMS.

Management of physical culture and sports in the territorial communities of Ukraine

The article examines the essence and necessity of managing physical culture and sports in the territorial communities of Ukraine. It is emphasized that in the conditions of territorial communities, the role of ma naging physical culture and sports takes on a new dimension. Scientific opinions on the understanding of physical culture and sports are considered. It was determined that the modern market socio-economic system of Ukraine contributes to the formation and development of key aspects of the market of physical culture and sports services. It is highlighted that the field of physical culture and sports serves as an indicator of the quality of life of an individual, social groups and society in general. The state of its activity helps to identify types of social inequality and to some extent can overcome certain types of inequality, thereby improving the quality of life of a significant number of people. It has been established that the management of physical culture and sports in the territorial communities of Ukraine is a key factor for the social, economic and cultural development of the country, covers various spheres of public life and has a great impact on the general state of society. It is noted that the important aspects of physical culture and sports management at the local level are: physical activity and sports are the basis of a healthy lifestyle; sport unites citizens of different age groups, social classes and cultures; sport is an effective tool for developing youth potential; developed sports infrastructure attracts tourists and contributes to the development of the service sector; sport develops discipline, dedication and team spirit; active participation in physical exercises and sports events contributes to the formation of civic culture, increases the level of patriotism and readiness for active participation in public life. It has been proven that the management of physical culture and sports in territorial communities is a strategically important task for ensuring the sustainable development of society, improving the quality of life of citizens, and preserving national health. The creation of a favorable environment for physical activity, the development of sports infrastructure and the support of sports initiatives contribute to the preservation and strengthening of the health of citizens, social integration and the formation of a unified national identity.

Policies, Practices, and Environmental Characteristics Among Family Child Care Homes in South Carolina.

Background: Child care program requirements have adopted nutrition and physical activity standards to address childhood obesity, but few studies have examined the effects of these standards in family child care homes (FCCHs). Methods: In a cross-sectional study (2017-2019), the Childcare Home Eating and Exercise study examined self-reported provider characteristics and observed policies and practices related to physical activity and nutrition in FCCHs in South Carolina. Two-sample t-tests were used to compare observed nutrition and physical activity policy, practice, and environment scores in child care homes that participated in versus did not participate in the state's ABC Quality program, which is designed to improve child care and includes policies and practices intended to increase physical activity levels and improve diet quality. Results: Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation results for nutrition and physical activity were 7.5 out of 21 and 11.8 out of 30, respectively, indicating much room for improvement in nutrition and physical activity policies, practices, and environment in South Carolina FCCHs. The study found one difference between FCCHs that did and did not participate in the ABC Quality program; non-ABC homes provided more time for physical activity. Conclusions: Future research should develop ways to strengthen the guidelines and improve the implementation of obesity prevention standards in FCCHs.

Physical Activity Pattern among Undergraduate Medical Students in a Rural Medical College in Southkerala: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Physical inactivity is the prime contributor to one –third of the world’s adult population’s noncommunicablediseases. Doctors, in spite of their knowledge regarding the benefits, often find it hard to stick toa proper exercise regime and follow their own advice. This could be due to habits they picked up during theircollege years. The present study aims to estimate the proportion of physical activity among MBBS students of arural medical college in Kerala using WHO’s GPAQ questionnaire (Global Physical Activity Questionnaire) andalso to determine the factors associated with their physical activity pattern.Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students ofa private medical college in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, from December 2021 to April 2022. Physical activitypatterns were assessed using the WHO’s Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. An online questionnaire usingKobo Toolbox was developed and shared to record their physical activity patterns .Results: A total of 341 students participated in the study. The study showed that only 25% of students achievedabove 600 METs (Metabolic equivalents) and had adequate physical activities. The mean duration of hours spenton sedentary activities on average per day by the study participants was 6.75 hours (SD 3.6). Among the 341students, 78 (22.8%) reported that they were unable to do physical activities. The reasons for unable to do physicalactivities were study burden 48 (61%), engaging in other activities 35(44.8%), lack of motivation 22 (28.2%), lack offacilities 19 (24.5%), health issues 18 (23%) and environmental barriers 5 (6.5%),. Among the students with aboveaverage screen time, 71% of them were found to be physically inactive. and was found to be statistically significant.Conclusion: Medical institutions should have an adequate environment for physical activity. It is ideal to appointa physical education trainer and allot mandatory time for physical activities for a few hours every week. Studentsmust be encouraged to reduce time spent glued to their mobile screens. Hostels must have properly maintainedand easily accessible exercise areas with adequate equipment. Health awareness programs and marathons mustbe promoted.

Associations of school physical activity environment with comorbid obesity and myopia in children and adolescents: Findings from a Chinese national follow-up study.

Overweight and obesity (OWOB) and myopia have become two of the most important issues affecting the health of children and adolescents worldwide. Despite the recognition that the school physical activity (PA) environment is a critical factor for preventing and controlling overweight, obesity (OWOB), and myopia in children and adolescents, research on OWOB and myopia as a comorbidity remains unexplored, with evidence for effective strategies still being inconclusive. Hence, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and progression of comorbid OWOB/myopia and each condition alone, and to explore the association with school PA environment. A total of 9814 children and adolescents aged 6-18 years were included from the Chinese National Survey on Students' Constitution and Health follow-up survey conducted from November 2019 to November 2020 in China. Anthropometric measurements, unaided distance vision acuity and non-cycloplegic refraction data were collected to assess OWOB and myopia, while eight indicators from questionnaires for children and adolescents aged 9-18 years were investigated to assess school PA environment. We calculated the one-year incidence and progression rates of comorbid OWOB/myopia, OWOB alone, and myopia alone. Mixed effect logistic regression was evaluated the association between school PA environment and incidence and progression of comorbid OWOB/myopia, OWOB, and myopia. The prevalence of comorbid OWOB/myopia increased from 11.1% in 2019 to 17.9% in 2020, and the incidence of comorbid OWOB/myopia was 10.9%. Children and adolescents experiencing an unfavorable school PA environment had a higher risk of the incidence of comorbid OWOB/myopia compared to a favorable school environment (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.42-2.42). Similar findings were seen in the incidence of obesity (OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.26-2.75). Children and adolescents in an unfavorable school PA environment had a higher risk of myopia progression (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.01-1.65). Obesity and myopia and their comorbidity have been serious among children and adolescents in China. A favorable school PA environment might mitigate the risk of comorbid OWOB/myopia, OWOB, and myopia progression.