Physical Activity In Boys Research Articles

Relationship between physical activity, dietary intake and bone parameters in 10-12 years old Hungarian boys and girls

Physical activity (PA) and adequate macro- and micronutrient intake have favourable influence on the bone status. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationships among PA, anthropometric data, dietary intake and ultrasound bone characteristics in children. 10-12 years old Hungarian children (N = 123, 59 girls, 64 boys) provided physical activity, diet, anthropometric and bone data. PA was measured with accelerometer (Actigraph GT3X+). Diet was evaluated with three-day, 24-hour food recall. Calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) bone parameters were registered with Sonost3000 bone densitometer. Nutrition and anthropometry did not differ by gender. The values of broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) were significantly higher in boys. Girls spent significantly more time being sedentary, boys had greater light, moderate, vigorous, and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels. The children accumulated more than twice the suggested amount of public health guidelines for MVPA. QUS parameters correlated significantly with vigorous physical activity in boys, and with age, height, weight, fat percentage, and body mass index (BMI) for both genders. There was no significant relationship between nutrition and QUS; however, inadequate vitamin K intake correlated with less favourable bone parameters. Multiple linear regression analysis confirmed the importance of vigorous PA - speed of sound (SOS): β = 0.358, p = 0.006; BUA: β = 0.340, p = 0.007; bone quality index (BQI): β = 0.377, p = 0.002; vitamin K intake - SOS: β = 0.256, p = 0.025; BUA: β = 0.235, p = 0.033; BQI: β = 0.295, p = 0.007; BMI - SOS: β = 0.207, p = 0.064; BUA: β = 0.455, p < 0.001; BQI: β = 0.284, p = 0.008; and age - SOS: β = 0.450, p < 0.001; BUA: β = 0.318, p = 0.004; BQI: β = 0.444, p < 0.001). Changes in the characteristics of ultrasound bone parameters among 10-12 years old children mainly depended on the amount of intense PA, adequate vitamin K intake and anthropometric variables related to age.

Sociocultural factors related to the physical activity in boys and girls

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE:To verify in male and female Brazilian adolescents the association of demographic, psychosocial, behavioral and sociocultural characteristics with the regular practice of physical activity.METHODS:The sample consisted of 109,104 adolescents from all Brazilian states attending the 9th year of elementary education in 2012. The response variable was the regular practice of physical activity (300+ minutes/week). The explanatory variables were grouped into four fields: demographic, psychosocial, behavioral and sociocultural. The Poisson regression was stratified by sex to evaluate the association.RESULTS:The prevalence of active adolescents was 20.2%, higher in boys (27.9%) than in girls (13.1%). It was observed a greater practice of physical activity in boys of lower age group, children of mothers with higher schooling, who consumed healthy foods such as beans, fruits, vegetables, and milk, as well as among those with family supervision. At the same time, unhealthy habits such as insomnia and alcohol consumption were also positively associated with physical activity. In girls, greater physical activity was observed among those who lived with mothers and whose mothers had higher schooling. In addition to family supervision, the practice of physical activity in girls was also positively associated with the frequency of meals with their parents. However, as in boys, insomnia and alcohol consumption were associated with an increase in the practice of physical activity.CONCLUSIONS:One-fifth of adolescents practice physical activity regularly, demonstrating the need for specific public policies to increase the percentage of active young people in the country. Maternal schooling, healthy eating habits and family supervision were associated with regular physical activity in boys and girls, evidencing the importance of the family for the acquisition of healthy habits in this age group.

Physical activity levels are associated with regional bone mineral density in boys

ABSTRACTBackground: Youth is a crucial period for bone gain, and physical activity (PA) has shown to increase bone mineral density (BMD) in this period. However, whether PA affects regional BMD is unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between PA levels and regional BMD in youths. Methods: The sample included 110 children and adolescents aged 6–14 years. Body mass, height, sitting trunk length, and leg length were obtained for body mass index and maturity offset calculation. The arms, pelvis, spine, trunk, and legs BMD were measured by double energy X-ray absorptiometry. The PA was evaluated by questionnaire, and youths were classified as low, moderately, or highly physically active.Results: The sample included 63.7% boys and 36.3% girls with mean age of sample 9.5 (±1.6) yrs. Age, body mass index, and maturity offset were similar between sexes (p > 0.05). Boys with low PA levels had lower BMD Z-score for arms (−0.20 ± 0.71 vs. 0.30 ± 1.19, p = 0.006) and legs (−0.14 ± 1.00 vs. 0.35 ± 1.06, p = 0.026) compared to highly physically active youths. Multiple linear regression showed a positive linear relationship between legs BMD and PA in boys (β = 0.72 [95% CI = 0.09; 1.36]).Conclusion: In boys, low PA levels are associated with lower BMD in arms and legs.

Social support, self-efficacy and level of physical activity of students aged 13-15 years

Abstract The aim of this study was to verify the relationship, the population attributable fraction (PAF) and the relative risk reduction (RRR) of social support and self-efficacy with level of physical activity in students. Probabilistic cross-sectional study with 1,472 students aged 13-15 years. Gender, age, social support from parents and friends, self-efficacy and levels of physical activity were evaluated through questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using Poisson regression with robust variance, PAF and RRR, adopting p≤0.05. A total of 56.1% (n = 826) of students were considered active, boys (68.7%) presenting the largest proportion. Social support from parents was positively associated with physical activity in boys (PR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.12-1.48, PAF = 21.88) and girls (PR: 2.00; 95%CI: 1.59-2.51, PAF = 50.00). Social support from friends was positively associated with physical activity in boys (PR: 1.34, 95%CI: 1.16-1.54, PAF = 25.37) and girls (PR: 1.32, 95%CI: 1.06-1.64, PAF = 24.24). Self-efficacy was not associated with physical activity. Social support was associated with levels of physical activity, and PAF indicated that the absence of high social support from parents and friends might reduce the level of physical activity in adolescents.

Association of sports and physical activity with obesity among teenagers in Poland.

The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between the body mass index and sports and physical activities in an unbiased, simple, random sample of teenagers from mid-northeastern Poland. Children and adolescents aged 10-19 years old were surveyed. The Internet-based survey was conducted to collect information on physical activity, leisure time, studying hours, weight, and height. Obesity was found to be low in the study population. The overall prevalence of overweight was not higher than 8%. Only 0.6% of participants were underweight. Overall, 68% of them confirmed participating in sports. Boys were frequently more active than girls (> 70% boys and > 60% girls). Participants mostly played soccer, volleyball, handball, or basketball (30.5%); 7% of them practiced martial arts and 16.5% of them participated in swimming. Sports activity significantly influenced body mass index. Obesity was not related to the lack of participation for physical activity in girls but a significant relationship was observed in boys (p < 0.02). The risk of obesity or overweight for inactive teenagers increased 2-fold (p < 0.01). We report the overall participation of teenagers from 2 cities in mid-northeastern Poland in sports and physical activities and demonstrate that the lack of statistically significant differences in the body mass index and obesity and overweight is prevalent among boys and girls. Obesity was significantly related to less physical activity in boys, and the likelihood of obesity or overweight increased in inactive teenagers. Thus, we suggest that the importance of overweight and obesity prevention programs should be emphasized. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2018;31(6):771-782.

Biocultural approach of the association between maturity and physical activity in youth

ObjectiveTo test the biocultural model through direct and indirect associations between biological maturation, adiposity, cardiorespiratory fitness, feelings of sadness, social relationships, and physical activity in adolescents. MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study conducted with 1,152 Brazilian adolescents aged between 10 and 17 years. Somatic maturation was estimated through Mirwald's method (peak height velocity). Physical activity was assessed through Baecke questionnaire (occupational, leisure, and sport contexts). Body mass index, body fat (sum of skinfolds), cardiorespiratory fitness (20‐m shuttle run test), self‐perceptions of social relationship, and frequency of sadness feelings were obtained for statistical modeling. ResultsSomatic maturation is directly related to sport practice and leisure time physical activity only among girls (β=0.12, p<0.05 and β=0.09, respectively, p<0.05). Moreover, biological (adiposity and cardiorespiratory fitness), psychological (sadness), and social (satisfaction with social relationships) variables mediated the association between maturity and physical activity in boys and for occupational physical activity in girls. In general, models presented good fit coefficients. ConclusionBiocultural model presents good fit and emotional/biological factors mediate part of the relationship between somatic maturation and physical activity.

Are Self-Efficacy and Weight Perception Associated With Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Hispanic Adolescents?

Little is known about the correlates of physical activity and sedentary behavior in Hispanic adolescents. This study examined at baseline and 2-year follow-up: (1) the relationship between self-efficacy for physical activity and physical activity, (2) the association of weight perception with physical activity and sedentary behavior, and (3) whether sex moderated these associations. Hispanic adolescents ( N = 483 at baseline; age 15-17 years; 55.1% girls) completed questionnaires that assessed their self-efficacy for physical activity, weight perception, and time spent in physical activity and sedentary behavior. Multiple-group path analyses were conducted to examine the proposed relationships and determine whether they were moderated by sex. Models controlled for body mass index, weight loss intention, participation on a sports team, language spoken at home, parental education, and country of birth. Self-efficacy was related to time spent in physical activity in boys ( b = .35, p < .001) and girls ( b = .41, p < .001) at baseline, but not 2 years later. No association was found for weight perception and time spent in physical activity and sedentary behavior. Post hoc analyses for overweight participants at baseline showed that weight perception was associated with time spent watching television. Overall, the findings suggest that self-efficacy is an important correlate, but not a predictor, of physical activity among Hispanic adolescents. Including strategies to address and enhance self-efficacy for physical activity in lifestyle interventions may increase adherence to physical activity recommendations and help reduce the high prevalence of obesity in this population.

Predisposing, reinforcing and enabling factors for physical activity in boys and girls from socially disadvantaged communities

Objective: This study investigated relative associations between physical activity and selected predisposing, reinforcing and enabling factors among 9- to 10-year-old children from socially disadvantaged communities and examined the extent to which these associations varied by sex. Design: Cross-sectional design. Setting: Ten public primary schools in Liverpool, England. Methods: A total of 194 children (107 girls) completed measures of stature, body mass, waist circumference and cardiorespiratory fitness. Physical activity, physical activity self-efficacy, perceived physical competence and parental physical activity support were self-reported. Sex-specific associations were examined by multiple linear regression and mediator analyses using bootstrapping method. Results: Boys’ physical activity was positively associated with parental physical activity support and perceived physical competence ( p &lt; .01), whereas girls’ physical activity was positively associated with parental physical activity support and physical activity self-efficacy ( p &lt; .01). Sex-specific mediation analyses revealed that perceived physical competence and physical activity self-efficacy partially mediated the association between parental physical activity support and boys’ and girls’ physical activity, respectively. Conclusion: As parents influence child physical activity directly and indirectly their involvement in future child physical activity intervention programmes is essential. Formative research with parents living in socially disadvantaged communities is warranted to explore the range and interaction of challenges they face to support different modes of physical activity participation for their children.

A longitudinal study of urban moveability and physical activity in the transition phase from childhood to adolescence

Introduction Physical activity (PA) is one of the most important lifestyle behaviors to reduce the risk for non-communicable diseases. Positive effects of the urban environment on PA in terms of walkability measures such as street connectivity, land use mix, and availability of public open spaces in the urban neighborhood are well investigated. However, evidence of this association is mostly based on cross-sectional studies. Usually, discrete measures of urban point characteristics such as the simple intensity are calculated based on arbitrary municipal districts inducing scaling bias. The present study aims to longitudinally investigate the effect of built environment characteristics on PA of children in their transition phase to adolescence. We considered a kernel intensity approach to assess built environment characteristics and linked urban measures with objectively measured PA data that were collected in the IDEFICS/I.Family cohort. Methods Spatial data were collected in six study regions of three countries, Germany, Italy, and Sweden, participating in the IDEFICS/I.Family cohort. We considered walkability measures such as population density, land use mix (LUM), street connectivity, and availability of public transit. We additionally assessed the availability of public open spaces (POS). Point characteristics, e.g. intersections or POS, were assessed via adaptive anisotropic kernel functions. Urban measures were calculated in network-dependent home neighborhoods using a network distance of 1 km. We used standardized z-scores of urban measures to construct a moveability index that quantifies urban opportunities for PA of children and adolescents. Based on the place of residence, we linked urban measures with individual-level data of 699 children aged 2 to 14, who provided at least two (n = 610) or three (n = 89) accelerometer measurements, from either baseline, first follow-up (IDEFICS study), or second follow-up (I.Family study) with in total 1487 observations. Trajectories of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) as well as light physical activity (LPA) were modelled using linear mixed models accounting for repeated measurements nested within individuals by means of a random intercept and random linear slope for age (centred at 8 years). Environmental variables (z-scores) were included as fixed effects and as interaction effect with age. All models were stratified by sex and adjusted for age, BMI z-score, parental education, valid wear time, season, and region. Results Mean age was 6.6 in boys and 6.8 in girls. Compared to boys, girls spent on average less minutes in MVPA (boys: 58.8, girls: 51.6) and LPA (boys: 305, girls: 294) per day. Linear trajectories showed a significant decline of MVPA over age (boys: = −2.9, 95%CI: [−3.5; − 2.3], girls: = −3.6, [4.1; − 3.0]) and LPA (boys: = −7.6, [−9.1; − 6.1], girls: = −7.6, [−9.1; − 6.1]). The moveability index interacting with age showed only small effects on PA trajectories that were more pronounced for MVPA in boys (= 0.08, [−0.08;0.24]) and for LPA in girls (= 0.15, [−0.23;0.50]). Considering POS a stronger interaction with age was found for MVPA in boys (= 0.24, [−0.30; 0.78]) than in girls (= −0.08, [−0.58; 0.42]). The interaction of population density with age showed a positive effect on MVPA in boys, but not in girls, while the effect on LPA was stronger in girls compared to boys. Only in Girls, negative effects were found for LUM on MVPA (= −0.22, [−0.76; 0.33]) and LPA (= −1.14, [−2.52; 0.23]). Conclusion The kernel approach allowed for a flexible modelling of urban measures and improved the assessment compared to simple density methods. Although PA strongly declined with age, urban measures showed a supportive effect that attenuated this decline in the transition phase from childhood to adolescence. However, urban measures differently affected PA in boys and girls.

Health self-perception and its association with physical activity and nutritional status in adolescents

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between total physical activities, physical activity in free time and nutritional status with self-perceived health in adolescents of both genders. MethodsThis is a quantitative study that integrates the school-based, cross-sectional epidemiological survey with statewide coverage, whose sample consisted of 6261 adolescents (14–19 years old) selected by random conglomerate sampling. Data were collected using the Global School-based Student Health Survey. The chi-squared test (χ2) and the Poisson regression model with robust variance were used in the data analyses. ResultsIt was observed that 27.3% of the adolescents had a negative health self-perception, which was higher among girls (33.0% vs. 19.0%, p<0.001). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, it was observed that boys who did not practice physical activity during free time (PR=1.44, 95% CI: 1.15–1.81) and were classified as insufficiently active (PR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.04–1.56), as well as girls who did not practice physical activity during free time (PR=1.15, 95% CI: 1.02–1.29) and were classified as overweight (PR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.01–1.29) had a greater chance of negative health self-perception. ConclusionBehavioral issues may have different effects on health self-perception when comparing boys with girls. Negative health self-perception was associated with nutritional status in girls and a lower level of physical activity in boys, and the practice of physical activity in the free time was considered a protective factor against a negative health self-perception for adolescents of both genders.

Body dissatisfaction in normal weight children – sports activities and motives for engaging in sports

ABSTRACTBody dissatisfaction is a phenomenon that may already occur in childhood and is linked to a variety of psychosocial risks. As the role of physical activity in the context of body dissatisfaction is still ambivalent, a cross-sectional study with 602 normal weight children (50.2% girls; Mage = 9.23 years; SD = 0.79) was conducted. The children filled in the MoMo-Questionnaire, including items about their physical activities and motives for being physically active, as well as Bender’s Body Esteem and Muscularity Concern Scale with the three subscales “body satisfaction”, “weight and shape concerns”, and “muscularity concerns”. Independent t-tests revealed that girls were less worried about muscularity than boys (Mgirls = 1.94, SDgirls = 1.11 vs. Mboys = 3.12, SDboys = 1.43; t(560) = 11.33, p < .001, Cohen’s d = 0.92), whereas girls showed greater weight and shape concerns than boys (Mgirls = 2.24, SDgirls = 0.97 vs. Mboys = 2.05, SDboys = 0.92; t(549) = 2.32, p = .02, d = 0.20). In boys, physical activity is associated with less muscularity, weight, and shape concerns. Body satisfaction increases with health and fitness motives. In girls, the role of physical activity is ambivalent: girls who engage in sports do not differ in body dissatisfaction from non-active girls. In sportive girls, weight and shape concerns increased with more health and fitness motives. Finally, the study provides first insights into body dissatisfaction and the different role of physical activity in boys and girls in childhood.

YOUTH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND THE PROCESS OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN LUBLIN PROVINCE, POLAND

The research was conducted on a randomly chosen group of 916 students aged 16-18 in Lublin Province, Poland. The research was carried out in 2016 using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the extended version, and supplemented with additional questions regarding the students’ assessment of physical education lessons. The majority of students (77.4%) meet the requirements for a high level of physical activity, with the remaining 16.5% demonstrating moderate and only 6.1% − low level. There were no significant reductions of physical activity visible in the older age group, although in subsequent periods (in 16-18 year-olds), it was successively lower. The mean level of total physical activity in boys was 65566 MET[1] - min week, and it was significantly higher than in girls, i.e. 5345,5 MET-min/week. The vast majority of students (92.2%) participate in school physical education classes, and over 75% think that they like these activities. Students enrolled in physical education classes demonstrate a higher level of total physical activity (5960.5MET-min/week), in contrast to the non-participating ones (5637,2MET-min/week); however, no significant relationship has been found. Furthermore, it has been shown that girls and boys were willing to get involved in different physical activities. Apart from PE classes, boys would mainly get involved in football (23.2%), volleyball (15.5%), table tennis (13.0%), and swimming (12.5%). Girls would instead choose volleyball (14.7%), football (12.6%), swimming (9.4%) and gymnastics (8.9%). This favourable image of physical activity of students in the Polish schools in Lublin Province can contribute to the discussion of the place of physical activities in the modern school educational process.

Association between Clustering of Lifestyle Behaviors and Health-Related Physical Fitness in Youth: The UP&DOWN Study

To examine clustering of lifestyle behaviors in Spanish children and adolescents based on screen time, nonscreen sedentary time, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, Mediterranean diet quality, and sleep time, and to analyze its association with health-related physical fitness. The sample consisted of 1197 children and adolescents (597 boys), aged 8-18 years, included in the baseline cohort of the UP&DOWN study. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was assessed by accelerometry. Screen time, nonscreen sedentary time, Mediterranean diet quality, and sleep time were self-reported by participants. Health-related physical fitness was measured following the Assessing Levels of Physical Activity battery for youth. A 2-stage cluster analysis was performed based on the 5 lifestyle behaviors. Associations of clusters with fatness and physical fitness were analyzed by 1-way ANCOVA. Five lifestyle clusters were identified: (1) active (n = 171), (2) sedentary nonscreen sedentary time-high diet quality (n = 250), (3) inactive-high sleep time (n = 249 [20.8%]), (4) sedentary nonscreen sedentary time-low diet quality (n = 273), and (5) sedentary screen time-low sleep time (n = 254). Cluster 1 was the healthiest profile in relation to health-related physical fitness in both boys and girls. In boys, cluster 3 had the worst fatness and fitness levels, whereas in girls the worst scores were found in clusters 4 and 5. Clustering of different lifestyle behaviors was identified and differences in health-related physical fitness were found among clusters, which suggests that special attention should be given to sedentary behaviors in girls and physical activity in boys when developing childhood health prevention strategies focusing on lifestyles patterns.

Preschoolers' Technology-Assessed Physical Activity and Cognitive Function: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Early childhood is a critical period for development of cognitive function, but research on the association between physical activity and cognitive function in preschool children is limited and inconclusive. This study aimed to examine the association between technology-assessed physical activity and cognitive function in preschool children. A cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the Physical Activity and Cognitive Development Study was conducted in Shanghai, China. Physical activity was measured with accelerometers for 7 consecutive days, and cognitive functions were assessed using the Chinese version of Wechsler Young Children Scale of Intelligence (C-WYCSI). Linear regression analyses were used to assess the association between physical activity and cognitive function. A total of 260 preschool children (boys, 144; girls, 116; mean age: 57.2 ± 5.4 months) were included in analyses for this study. After adjusting for confounding factors, we found that Verbal Intelligence Quotient, Performance Intelligence Quotient, and Full Intelligence Quotient were significantly correlated with light physical activity, not moderate to vigorous physical activity, in boys. Standardized coefficients were 0.211, 0.218, and 0.242 (all p < 0.05) in three different models, respectively. However, the correlation between physical activity and cognitive functions were not significant in girls (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that cognitive function is apparently associated with light physical activity in boys. Further studies are required to clarify the sex-specific effect on physical activity and cognitive functions.

Nutrition and Bone Density in Boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder

BackgroundBoys with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have lower bone mineral density (BMD) than typically developing controls. Differences in diet and exercise may contribute to low BMD. ObjectiveOur aim was to examine macro- and micronutrient intakes and self-reported physical activity in boys with ASD compared to TDC and the relationship of these variables with BMD. Design/methodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of 49 boys (25 ASD, 24 typically developing controls) assessed for 3-day food records and physical activity records, and BMD of the whole body less head, hip, and spine using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Fasting levels of 25(OH) vitamin D and calcium were obtained. ParticipantsParticipants were adolescent boys, aged 8 to 17 years, recruited from a clinic population (ASD) or community advertisements (ASD and typically developing controls) matched for age. ResultsASD participants were approximately 9 months younger than typically developing control participants on average. Body mass index and serum vitamin D and calcium levels were similar. Boys with ASD consumed 16% fewer calories, with a larger percentage obtained from carbohydrates, and 37% less animal protein and 20% less fat than typically developing controls. A lower proportion of ASD participants were categorized as “very physically active” (27% vs 79%; P<0.001). BMD z scores were 0.7 to 1.2 standard deviations lower in ASD than typically developing controls at all locations. Higher animal protein, calcium, and phosphorus intakes were associated positively with bone density measures in boys with ASD. ConclusionsCompared to typically developing controls, boys with ASD had lower protein, calcium, and phosphorus intakes, activity levels, and BMD z scores at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, total hip, and whole body less head. Protein, calcium, and phosphorus intakes were associated positively with BMD.

Associations Between Parent-Perceived Neighborhood Safety and Encouragement and Child Outdoor Physical Activity Among Low-Income Children.

A growing body of research has examined the relationship between perceived neighborhood safety and parental encouragement for child physical activity (PA), yet these potential predictors have not been studied together to predict child outdoor PA. The purpose of this study is to examine these predictors and parent- and child-reported child outdoor PA. The Texas Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration study collected data from fifth-grade students attending 31 elementary schools across Austin and Houston and their parents (N = 748 parent-child dyads). Mixed-effects linear and logistic regressions stratified by gender and adjusted for sociodemographic covariates assessed associations among parental-perceived neighborhood safety, parental encouragement for child's outdoor PA, and parent- and child-reported child's outdoor PA. Parental-perceived neighborhood safety was significantly associated with encouraging outdoor PA (P = .01) and child-reported child's outdoor PA in boys, but not in girls. Significant associations were found between parental encouragement and child-reported outdoor PA for girls (P < .05) and parent-reported outdoor PA (P < .01) for boys and girls. Parent encouragement of PA and neighborhood safety are potential predictors of child outdoor PA and could be targeted in youth PA interventions.

Biocultural approach of the association between maturity and physical activity in youth

ObjectiveTo test the biocultural model through direct and indirect associations between biological maturation, adiposity, cardiorespiratory fitness, feelings of sadness, social relationships, and physical activity in adolescents. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted with 1,152 Brazilian adolescents aged between 10 and 17 years. Somatic maturation was estimated through Mirwald's method (peak height velocity). Physical activity was assessed through Baecke questionnaire (occupational, leisure, and sport contexts). Body mass index, body fat (sum of skinfolds), cardiorespiratory fitness (20-m shuttle run test), self-perceptions of social relationship, and frequency of sadness feelings were obtained for statistical modeling. ResultsSomatic maturation is directly related to sport practice and leisure time physical activity only among girls (β=0.12, p<0.05 and β=0.09, respectively, p<0.05). Moreover, biological (adiposity and cardiorespiratory fitness), psychological (sadness), and social (satisfaction with social relationships) variables mediated the association between maturity and physical activity in boys and for occupational physical activity in girls. In general, models presented good fit coefficients. ConclusionBiocultural model presents good fit and emotional/biological factors mediate part of the relationship between somatic maturation and physical activity.

Environment perception and leisure-time physical activity in Portuguese high school students.

This study aims to analyze the association between perceived environmental factors and leisure-time physical activity (PA) among adolescents of both genders. Data were collected in autumn of 2011 from 866 adolescents (412 girls and 454 boys) 12- to 18-years-old, from four Portuguese cities. Perception of environmental factors was assessed by Assessing Levels of Physical Activity and Fitness (ALPHA) questionnaire (Spittaels et al., 2010, IJBNPA). PA was assessed by a questionnaire that evaluated PA during leisure-time and participants were assigned into the following categories: sedentary; low active; moderate active; and very active. Boys presented higher levels of structured PA, frequency and intensity of PA, and level of sport competition than girls (p < 0.001). Distance to local facilities (p = 0.001 for girls; p < 0.001 for boys) and home environment (p = 0.004 for girls; p = 0.015 for boys) were negatively associated with PA. Total, cycling and walking infrastructures (p < 0.001), as well as cycling and walking network (p = 0.049) and connectivity (p = 0.034) showed a positive association with PA in boys. Analysis of variance showed significant differences between girls' PA regarding aesthetics (p = 0.013), study environment (p = 0.023), home environment (p = 0.014) and whether it is pleasant or not (p = 0.023). Differences between boys' PA were observed for distance to local facilities (p = 0.003), total, cycling and walking infrastructures (p < 0.001) and home environment (p = 0.002). This study results support that some environmental factors are associated with adolescents' PA levels, with relevant differences between genders. Therefore, these gender differences must be taken into account, in order to increase levels of PA in Portuguese youth, especially in girls.

Promoting behaviors of healthiness in two domains of physical activity and nutrition statue in high school students

Background Youth' healthiness depends on their hygiene behaviors. Doing promoting behaviors of healthiness is one of best ways of health protect and control. This study aimed to investigate promoting behaviors of healthiness in two physical activity and nutrition statue domains in high school students. Materials and Methods: The study was descriptive-analytic of cross-sectional type study which was done on 800 students of second level of high school in Sabzevar- Iran, during 2015-2016. Sampling method was as clustered and tool of collecting data was questionnaire include: first part demographic information and second part standard of healthiness promoting behaviors (HPLP). Data were entered into using Stata version 12.0 after collecting and were analyzed with statistical-descriptive and Chi-square tests. Results: Average of physical activity in boys and girls were 18.27 ± 5.38 and 13.8 ± 6.3, respectively. There was a significant relationship between rate of students' physical activity with level of parents' education and educational grades of students. Boys had more physical activity compared to girls in terms of gender (P 0.05); while, there was significant relationship between favorable nutritional statue and their educational grade levels, educational field and parents' occupation in students (P<0.05). Conclusion In current study, female students had less physical activity and required programming to improve more physical activities among girls. Parents who had higher educational level, their children had more suitable pattern in terms of physical activity and nutrition statue.

Differences in physical activity, nutritional behaviours, and body silhouette concern among boys and girls from selected european countries

PurposeThe aim of the study was to evaluate the physical activity level, nutritional behaviours, and body silhouette concern in 15–17-year-old boys and girls from Eastern European countries.MethodsThe research, carried out in 2015, involved 2145 secondary school adolescents, including 877 boys and 1268 girls (mean = 16.5, &lt;i&gt;SD&lt;/i&gt; = 2.0). The results of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Health Behaviours Questionnaire were analysed.ResultsThe questionnaire results allowed to conclude that boys were definitely more active than girls. A significant relationship between physical activity and the number of meals was found. Another significant relationship was observed between higher physical activity in boys who wanted to gain weight and in girls who wanted to lose weight.ConclusionsBoth boys and girls have positive attitudes towards their health with regard to their level of physical activity, nutritional behaviours, and body silhouette concern. A significant relationship was found in the interrelationship among the features considered, with simultaneous gender differentiation.