Children's Physical Activity Levels Research Articles

Investigation of The Relationship between Physical Activity Level and Quality Of Life in Children with Specific Learning Disabilities Using Regression Analysis

It has been reported that the academic skills of children with specific learning disabilities (SLDs) and their participation in physical activity may be affected. This study aimed to examine the relationship between physical activity level and quality of life in children with SLDs. The study was conducted with children diagnosed with SLDs at the Afyonkarahisar Special Education and Rehabilitation Center. Once the sociodemographic information of the participants was recorded, their physical activity levels were determined using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C, ages 8-14 years), and their quality of life levels were assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). A total of 51 individuals, 21 girls and 30 boys, were included in the study. The mean age of the participants was 10.58±1.51 years. Physical activity score had a weak positive correlation with the physical health summary score (rspearman=0.342, p=0.014); weak positive correlations with the emotional functionality score (rspearman=0.308, p=0.028) and the school functionality score (rspearman=0.337, p=0.016); and moderate positive correlations with the school functionality score (rspearman=0.427, p=0.002), the psychosocial health summary score (rspearman=0.440, p=0.001), and the total PedsQL score (rspearman=0.462, p=0.042). In addition, the physical activity score was determined to statistically significantly predict the total PedsQL score (F=13.297; p=0.001). In conclusion, this study revealed that the physical activity levels of children with SLDs significantly affected their quality of life.

Plasma pentraxin-3 levels and its role in childhood obesity-Is it anti-inflammatory? A matched group study.

Obesity has been associated with chronic low-grade systemic inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) with anthropometric measurements, dietary content and physical activity level in children. A matched group study. This study was conducted with 91 children aged 6-17 years, divided into two groups: "non-obese group" (Body Mass Index Standard Deviation Score [BMI SDS] <95th percentile) and "obese group" (BMI SDS ≥95th percentile). Plasma PTX-3 levels. The mean age of 91 children included in the study was 12.34 ± 2.86 years. Plasma PTX-3 levels were significantly higher in obese children (p = .028). No significant correlation was found between BMI SDS and plasma PTX-3 values, but a weak positive correlation was found when physical activity level was controlled (r = .176, p = .049). In addition, it was found that fat mass was a partial mediator of plasma PTX-3 level, and an increase in the amount of subcutaneous adipose tissue negatively affected plasma PTX-3 level. Plasma PTX-3 level showed a weak positive correlation (r = .223, p = .017) with physical activity score and dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid intake, while a weak negative correlation with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. One unit increase in physical activity score or polyunsaturated fatty acid level caused 0.730 and 2.061 unit increases in plasma PTX-3 level, respectively; while one unit increase in dietary fat intake caused 0.413-unit decrease. There was an indirect relationship between the amount of subcutaneous adipose tissue and PTX-3 level. The results of our study suggested that plasma PTX-3 was associated with lower levels of inflammation in children.

Association of Recess Provision With Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Time in a Representative Sample of 6- to 11-Year-Old Children in the United States.

To assess the association between the amount of recess provision and children's accelerometer-measured physical activity (PA) levels. Parents/guardians of 6- to 11-year-olds (n = 451) in the 2012 National Youth Fitness Survey reported recess provision, categorized as low (10-15min; 31.9%), medium (16-30min; 48.0%), or high (>30min; 20.1%). Children wore a wrist-worn accelerometer for 7days to estimate time spent sedentary, in light PA, and in moderate to vigorous PA using 2 different cut points for either activity counts or raw acceleration. Outcomes were compared between levels of recess provision while adjusting for covariates and the survey's multistage, probability sampling design. Children with high recess provision spent less time sedentary, irrespective of type of day (week vs weekend) and engaged in more light or moderate to vigorous PA on weekdays than those with low recess provision. The magnitude and statistical significance of effects differed based on the cut points used to classify PA (eg,4.7 vs 11.9 additional min·d-1 of moderate to vigorous PA). Providing children with >30minutes of daily recess, which exceeds current recommendations of ≥20minutes, is associated with more favorable PA levels and not just on school days. Identifying the optimal method for analyzing wrist-worn accelerometer data could clarify the magnitude of this effect.

An Exploration of Swedish Adolescents’ Experiences of Mobile Apps for Physical Activity

Recent reports on children and adolescents’ physical activity indicate that approximately 80% do not meet the World Health Organisation’s recommended levels of physical activity. Childhood is a critical period of development; as such, it is important to prioritize health promotion in this phase of one’s life. Use of gamification in mobile apps has been shown to positively influence physical activity levels in children and adolescents. Inclusion of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) has been noted to increase the effect of health promoting interventions. Previous research highlights that children and adolescents find the BCTs of goal setting/planning, feedback, reward, self-monitoring, social comparison, and social support to be of interest. The aim of this study was to explore Swedish adolescents’ experience with physical activity and apps with a focus on the influence of BCTs. Three focus group interviews were undertaken with a total of 18 participants (11-15 years of age). The data were explored using reflective thematic analysis. In addition to the BCTs identified in previous research, participants in the present study indicated they were positive about mobile apps providing instruction on how to perform a behaviour, demonstration of the behaviour, and the influence of removal of reward. Other attractive features of physical activities apps included developing a streak, competition, and provision of an adequate level of challenge. The present study contributes to a deeper understanding of how BCTs and other features can be implemented in physical activity apps, where individualization and renewal appear to be more important than the actual content features. These findings are important for future work to create interventions that increase the level of physical activity among adolescents both in Sweden and other countries.

The Odds of Meeting Physical Activity Guidelines in Children Receiving School-Based Fitness Testing Awards: NHANES 2013–2016

Fitness testing and awards have been used in physical education classrooms for over 50 years. While their initial intention was to promote physical activity engagement, analyses show they are not achieving their goal. This article highlights fitness testing awards and the need to re-evaluate how they can help meet the physical activity guidelines for children ages 5 to 15 years. A cross-sectional secondary data analysis was employed using data from the 2013-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (N = 3973). Analysis results showed that receiving fitness awards is not associated with children meeting physical activity guidelines. It is thus important for physical education teachers and school administrators to adopt and implement process-based fitness testing awards (e.g., giving awards for an individual's fitness-behavior goal achievement or improvement) along with performance-based fitness awards to enhance children's physical activity levels.

Promoting public playgrounds usage and children's physical activity with sports activities: A quasi-experimental study

This study aimed to evaluate the children's usage and their physical activity levels at playgrounds with (N = 4) and without (N = 4) organized sports activities, following a quasi-experimental study design. Direct observations were used to assess the playground usage and estimate the playground users' age category, sex, and physical activity intensity level. The results indicated that playgrounds with sports activities were associated with 53% more users at the time of the activities. However, this increase was only seen in boys. Furthermore, playgrounds with sport activities were not associated with different physical activity levels in children as compared to children on regular playgrounds.

Effects of Family-Professional Partnerships in Adapted Physical Education on the Fundamental Motor Skills, Adaptive Behaviors, and Physical Activity Levels of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and on Parent Satisfaction.

This study aimed to explore the effect of family-professional partnerships in adapted physical education on the fundamental motor skills, physical activity levels, and adaptive behaviors of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and on parental satisfaction. A randomized controlled trial design was used, with pre-and post-intervention evaluations. Participants (n = 40), including children with ASD and their parents, were divided into three groups: (a) a family-school group (FSG-A, n = 14), (b) a school group (SG-B, n = 13), and (c) a control group (CG-C, n = 13). After 12 weeks of intervention, the within-group comparison revealed that the FSG-A performed better than the SG-B and CG-C for all variables. The among-group comparison further revealed that the FSG-A had greater fundamental motor skill scores than the SG-B (p = 0.021) and CG-C (p < 0.001), had greater adaptive behavior and family-professional partnership scores than the SG-B and CG-C (p < 0.001 for all), and had higher physical activity levels than the SG-B (p < 0.05) and CG-C (p < 0.001). This study underscores the significance of robust family-professional partnerships in exercise interventions for children with ASD.

Should organized sport characteristics be considered as a strategy for meeting physical activity guidelines in children?

A clearer understanding of the relationships between specific sport context with overall physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (ST) may contribute to the development of more accurate preventive strategies to increase children's engagement in PA. This study aimed to examine how different organized sports contributed to children's daily PA and ST. PA was measured for seven days via accelerometers, in 410 children aged 6-10 years (49.8% boys). Of those, 332 (53.0% boys) were engaged in an organized sport and were further considered for statistical analyses. Parents reported children's sport participation (e.g. which sport, number of times per week, duration). The sports were classified into: indoor vs. outdoor; individuals vs. team; combat vs. individual aesthetic vs. racing vs. invasion. Children's height and weight were objectively collected. Multiple one-way analyses of covariance were used to examine the effects of sport characteristics on PA and ST. A linear regression, adjusted for children's sex, age, body mass index and father's educational level, determined the relationship between being involved in multiple PA and sedentary behaviours with Moderate to Vigorous PA (MVPA) levels. Although engaged in an organized sport, only 30% of the children achieved the PA recommendations. Sport (compared with active commute and active play) was the best contributor to daily MVPA. Outdoor sports (vs. indoor) contributed the most to vigorous PA (VPA) and MVPA. Team sports (vs. individual) were significantly associated with lower ST. Children in combat sports accumulated more VPA and MVPA, while those in racing sports showed a higher ST. Sport participation alone does not guarantee children will reach the PA guidelines, and the type of sport can influence children's PA levels. Gender-stereotypes in sports may prevent girls from achieving their 60 minutes of MVPA daily.

Level and correlates of physical activity among children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis compared to controls: results from a German nationwide prospective observational cohort study

BackgroundPhysical active lifestyles are essential throughout growth and maturation and may offer potential preventive and therapeutic benefit in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Insufficient physical activity (PA), in contrast, can lead to aggravation of disease-related symptoms. This study aimed to i) examine PA levels in children and adolescents with JIA compared to general population controls and ii) investigate correlates of pronounced physical inactivity in order to identify risk groups for sedentary behaviour.MethodsData from children and adolescents with JIA and population controls aged 3 to 17 years documented in the National Pediatric Rheumatologic Database (NPRD) and the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS) were used. Self-reported PA was collected from parents/guardians of children up to 11 years of age or adolescents 12 years of age and older. To compare PA-related data, age- and sex-specific pairwise analyses were conducted considering NPRD/KiGGS participants' data from 2017. Correlates of physical inactivity among patients were identified using a linear regression model.ResultsData of 6,297 matched-pairs (mean age 11.2 ± 4.2 years, female 67%, patients’ disease duration 4.5 ± 3.7 years, persistent oligoarthritis 43%) were available for evaluation. Almost 36% of patients aged 3–17 years (vs. 20% of controls) achieved the WHO recommended amount of PA, while PA steadily decreased with age (18% of patients aged ≥ 12 years) and varied between JIA categories. Female adolescents and patients with enthesitis-related arthritis were least likely to achieve the minimum recommended level of PA. Physical inactivity was associated with female sex, higher age at disease onset, longer disease duration, more functional disability (C-HAQ) and higher disease activity (cJADAS-10).ConclusionsDepending on JIA category, children and adolescents with JIA were similarly or even more likely to achieve the WHO recommended minimum level of PA compared to general population controls. However, since a large proportion of young JIA patients appear to be insufficiently physically active, engagement in targeted efforts to promote PA is urgently needed.

Exploring the Feasibility of Using ChatGPT to Create Just-in-Time Adaptive Physical Activity mHealth Intervention Content: Case Study.

Achieving physical activity (PA) guidelines' recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA per week has been shown to reduce the risk of many chronic conditions. Despite the overwhelming evidence in this field, PA levels remain low globally. By creating engaging mobile health (mHealth) interventions through strategies such as just-in-time adaptive interventions (JITAIs) that are tailored to an individual's dynamic state, there is potential to increase PA levels. However, generating personalized content can take a long time due to various versions of content required for the personalization algorithms. ChatGPT presents an incredible opportunity to rapidly produce tailored content; however, there is a lack of studies exploring its feasibility. This study aimed to (1) explore the feasibility of using ChatGPT to create content for a PA JITAI mobile app and (2) describe lessons learned and future recommendations for using ChatGPT in the development of mHealth JITAI content. During phase 1, we used Pathverse, a no-code app builder, and ChatGPT to develop a JITAI app to help parents support their child's PA levels. The intervention was developed based on the Multi-Process Action Control (M-PAC) framework, and the necessary behavior change techniques targeting the M-PAC constructs were implemented in the app design to help parents support their child's PA. The acceptability of using ChatGPT for this purpose was discussed to determine its feasibility. In phase 2, we summarized the lessons we learned during the JITAI content development process using ChatGPT and generated recommendations to inform future similar use cases. In phase 1, by using specific prompts, we efficiently generated content for 13 lessons relating to increasing parental support for their child's PA following the M-PAC framework. It was determined that using ChatGPT for this case study to develop PA content for a JITAI was acceptable. In phase 2, we summarized our recommendations into the following six steps when using ChatGPT to create content for mHealth behavior interventions: (1) determine target behavior, (2) ground the intervention in behavior change theory, (3) design the intervention structure, (4) input intervention structure and behavior change constructs into ChatGPT, (5) revise the ChatGPT response, and (6) customize the response to be used in the intervention. ChatGPT offers a remarkable opportunity for rapid content creation in the context of an mHealth JITAI. Although our case study demonstrated that ChatGPT was acceptable, it is essential to approach its use, along with other language models, with caution. Before delivering content to population groups, expert review is crucial to ensure accuracy and relevancy. Future research and application of these guidelines are imperative as we deepen our understanding of ChatGPT and its interactions with human input.

The relationship between food habits and physical activity and the IQ of primary school children

BackgroundChildren's intelligence quotient (IQ) is influenced by various environmental and genetic variables. The current study aimed to determine how children's dietary choices and physical activity levels correlated with their IQ.MethodsA total of 190 students (111 girls and 79 boys) between the ages of 8 and 10 were chosen randomly for this cross-sectional research. For all children, questionnaires were utilized to gather information on their anthropometry, socio-economic position, food habits, and 24-h memory. Children's physical activity questionnaire (CPAQ) was also used to gauge their level of physical activity. Raven's color progressive intelligence test was also used to gauge children's IQ. All the questions may be filled out online with the assistance of parents. SPSS software was used to gather and evaluate the generated data.ResultsOf 190 respondents, 79 (41.6%) are males, and 111 (58.4%) are girls. The results of the study showed that, a positive correlation between children's IQ and physical activity (P = 0.017, r = 0.17), if this relationship was not seen by gender. In addition, a positive correlation was observed between the IQ and food habits scores in all children (P = 0.001, r = 0.24), as well as by gender, that is, male (P = 0.04, r = 0.23) and female (P = 0.006, r = 0.26), which indicates that children with better food habits were associated with higher IQ.ConclusionIt was shown that elementary school children's IQ, food habits, and degree of physical activity are all positively correlated.

Physical activity and unexpected weight change in Ontario children and youth during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional analysis of the Ontario Parent Survey 2.

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between children's parent-reported physical activity levels and weight changes during the COVID-19 pandemic among children and youth in Ontario Canada. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in parents of children 5-17 years living in Ontario from May to July 2021. Parents recalled their child's physical activity and weight change during the year prior to their completion of the survey. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using multinomial logistic regression for the association between physical activity and weight gain or loss, adjusted for child age and gender, parent ethnicity, current housing type, method of school delivery, and financial stability. Overall, 86.8% of children did not obtain 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day and 75.4% of parents were somewhat or very concerned about their child's physical activity levels. For all physical activity exposures (outdoor play, light physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity), lower physical activity was consistently associated with increased odds of weight gain or loss. For example, the adjusted OR for the association between 0-1 days of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity versus 6-7 days and child weight gain was 5.81 (95% CI 4.47, 7.56). Parent concern about their child's physical activity was also strongly associated with child weight gain (OR 7.29; 95% CI 5.94, 8.94). No differences were observed between boys and girls. This study concludes that a high proportion of children in Ontario had low physical activity levels during the COVID-19 pandemic and that low physical activity was strongly associated with parent reports of both weight gain and loss among children.

The influence of coaching behaviors, experience, and training on children's physical activity levels during youth sport practices

The purpose of this study was to examine how coaching behaviors, coaching experience, and coach training relate to physical activity (PA) levels of children during their participation in a youth sport program. Youth soccer teams (N = 27) serving children ages 6–11 years were directly observed during one practice using momentary time-sampling procedures consisting of 30-s intervals (10-s observation, 20-s recording). Team coaches reported prior coaching experience, training, and demographic characteristics. Multilevel logistic regression was conducted to describe associations between coaching behaviors and intensity of children's PA. Interaction terms were added to the models to determine if the associations differed across girls-only, boys-only, and coed teams. ANOVAs were used to describe associations between coaching experience, coach training, and team PA level. Children were more likely to engage in moderate or vigorous PA when coaches were watching without verbal feedback (Odds Ratio [OR], 3.2, 95% CI = 1.70–5.83) or watching with verbal feedback (OR, 2.1, 95% CI = 1.27–3.59), compared to when the coach was disengaged, regardless of team sex composition. The number of prior seasons coached was positively related to team PA levels. These findings can be used to inform coaching strategies for promoting increased PA during youth sport practices.

Primary School-Aged Children's Physical Activity Level, Eating Habit, and Sleeping Pattern Changes During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia.

Background and objective This study aims to explore the effect of physical distancing on physical activity, eating habits, and sleeping patterns among Indonesian primary schoolchildren during theCOVID-19pandemic. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2020, involving 489 primary schoolchildren. Parents/caregivers were queried about changes in their children's physical activity (utilizing the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children - PAQ-C), eating habits (via a questionnaire modified from Southeast Asian Nutrition Surveys - SEANUTS), and sleeping patterns (assessed using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire - CSHQ) both before and during the pandemic. Various sociodemographic characteristics and income status were also obtained. Paired univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted where applicable. Results In comparison to the period before the pandemic, both the PAQ-C score and active proportion significantly decreased during the pandemic (P= 0.000). Children consumed more snacks (322, 65.8%)but less canned and processed foods (180, 36.8%, and 128, 26.2%, respectively). Sleep duration and sufficiency increased significantly, with a CSHQ score mean of 48.62 ± 9.88 (P= 0.000, P= 0.004), and sleep disturbance was observed in 391 (79.96%)subjects. Conclusions Children were physically less active during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also experienced variable changes in eating habits based on parental employment, family income and expenses, and the presence of governmental support. While more children had longer sleep duration and more achieved the recommended sleep time, sleep disturbance happened in most subjects.

Association Between Children's and Parents' Physical Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Lagged Analysis.

COVID-19 caused closures of movement supporting environments such as gyms and schools in Canada. This study evaluated the association between Ontario parents' and children's physical activity levels across time during COVID-19, controlling for variables that were identified as significant predictors of children's and parents' physical activity (e.g.,children's age, parents' employment status). Parents (n = 243; mean age = 38.8y) of children aged 12 and under (n = 408; mean age = 6.3y) living in Ontario, Canada completed 2 online surveys, the first between August and December 2020 and the second between August and December 2021. At baseline, parents were asked to recall prepandemic physical activity levels. To determine the association between parent and child physical activity during COVID-19, a cross-lagged model was estimated to determine the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between parents' and children's physical activity across time. Bivariate associations revealed that parents' and children's physical activity levels were significantly related during lockdown and postlockdown but not prelockdown. The autoregressive paths from prelockdown to during lockdown were significant for children (β = 0.53, P < .001) and parents (β = 1.058, P < .001) as were the autoregressive paths from during lockdown to postlockdown for children (β = 0.61, P < .001) and parents (β = 0.48, P < .001). In fully adjusted models, the cross-lagged association between parents' physical activity prelockdowns was significantly positively associated with their children's physical activity during lockdowns (β = 0.19, P = .013). Resources are needed to ensure that children and parents are obtaining sufficient levels of physical activity, particularly during a pandemic.

Childhood and adolescence physical activity and multimorbidity later in life: A systematic review

Background No systematic summary exists on childhood physical activity and later-life multimorbidity risks. We primarily investigated the association of physical activity in childhood and adolescence and the development of multimorbidity in adulthood. Secondarily, we examined whether physical activity level differ in children and adolescents with and without multimorbidity and whether there is a cross-sectional association between physical activity and multimorbidity. Methods Following Cochrane Handbook guidelines and adhering to PRISMA recommendations, we included cross-sectional, case-control and longitudinal studies that investigated the association between physical activity in children and adolescents and development of multimorbidity. Results were summarized narratively and we assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO, CRD42023407063. Results Of 9064 studies identified, 11 were included in 13 papers. Longitudinals studies suggested that being physically active in childhood and adolescence was associated with a lower risk of multimorbidity in adulthood. Three out of five studies reported lower physical activity level in children and adolescents with multimorbidity compared to those without, and two did not find a between-group difference. Cross-sectional evidence on the association between multimorbidity and lower physical activity was uncertain. Overall, the evidence certainty for all outcomes was considered low due to the indirectness and inconsistency in findings. Conclusions Childhood and adolescence physical activity appeared to be linked with a reduced risk of later-life multimorbidity but the certainty of the evidence is low. These results support the promotion of physical activity during childhood and adolescence.

A37: An Experimental Study on the Effect of Traditional Old Games on Fundamental Motor Skills of Children Aged 7-8

Purpose: Fundamental Motor Skills as the "cornerstone" of children's healthy growth, its firmness determines children's future development. However, with the progress of science and technology and the convenience of modern life, the physical activity level of children has decreased significantly, and the development of basic motor skills has increased rapidly. Therefore, in October 2020, it was clearly proposed to gradually improve the school physical education teaching model of "health knowledge + basic sports skills + special sports skills". At the same time, as the wisdom crystallization of human development, traditional old games are increasingly replaced by the ever-changing electronic games and gradually fade out of human's vision. The inheritance of excellent traditional sports culture is in urgent need of improvement. Based on this, standing at the intersection of two hundred years of history, this study takes the opportunity of the introduction of excellent traditional sports culture into the campus, fully explores the action education value of traditional old games, integrates the design and implementation of online sports intervention of traditional old games, deeply discusses the influence and effect of traditional old games on basic sports skills, and tries to expand the ideas and perspectives of the inheritance of excellent traditional sports culture. To effectively promote the healthy growth of children to provide empirical reference. Methods: In this study, literature, experiment, interview, mathematical statistics, and other research methods were used to design and improve the teaching design of traditional games, and the first-grade students at a primary school in Shenzhen were selected for experimental research. Among them, 24 students (11 boys and 13 girls) in the experimental class used traditional old games for experimental intervention, while the control class (11 boys and 13 girls) conducted routine teaching arrangements. The experiment lasted for 4 weeks, twice a week for 30 minutes each time. The Gross Motor Development Scale III (TGMD-3) was used before and after the experiment to evaluate children's basic motor skill development, in order to verify the effectiveness of traditional games in improving children's basic motor ability development. Results: After the experiment, the overall level of basic motor skills (t=3.091, p=0.000 &lt; 0.01), mobile skills (t=4.694, p=0.000 &lt; 0.05) and mobile skills of female students (t=6.502, p=0.000 &lt; 0.05) were significantly different between the experimental class and the control class. Conclusion: Through reasonable design and creation of the five principles of fun, feasible, antagonistic, educational, and changeable traditional games, can effectively improve the basic motor skills of 7-8 years old children; The intervention was suitable for the sensitive period of children's motor development, and the traditional online games had the most obvious effect on improving the mobile skills of 7-8 years old children. Influenced by social role awareness and growth sequence, there are significant gender differences in the influence of traditional old games on basic motor skills of children aged 7-8 years, and the development of motor skills of girls is significantly better than that of boys.

A 5-Week Guided Active Play Program Modulates Skin Microvascular Reactivity in Healthy Children.

Children's poor levels of physical activity (PA) participation and early-onset vascular aging are identified as global health challenges. Children's guided activity play (GAP)-based PA programs have emerged as effective strategies to improve cardiovascular risk factors and health-related fitness. This study proposes to investigate whether GAP improves children's cutaneous microvascular reactivity and health-related fitness. Children's (n = 18; 9.8 [1.5]y) PA during a 5-week (4d/wk; 1h/d) GAP program was assessed (accelerometry) with preassessments and postassessments for anthropometric, musculoskeletal fitness, blood pressure, estimated aerobic power, and cutaneous microvascular reactivity. PA averaged 556 (132)kcal·week-1 at 34.7% (7.5%) time at moderate to vigorous intensity. Resting heart rate (-9.5%) and diastolic blood pressure (-7.8%) were reduced without changes in health-related fitness indices. Cutaneous microvascular reactivity to sodium nitroprusside iontophoresis increased the average perfusion (+36.8%), average cutaneous vascular conductance (+30%), the area under the curve (+28.8%), and a faster rise phase (+40%) of perfusion (quadratic modeling; P ≤ .05). Chi-square and crosstabulation analysis revealed significant association between children's PA levels and sodium nitroprusside average perfusion levels, where children with PA levels ≥205.1kcal.55minute-1 were overrepresented in the medium/high levels of sodium nitroprusside perfusion. A 5-week GAP modified the microvascular reactivity in children without changes in body mass, musculoskeletal fitness, or estimated aerobic power.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and school closures on children and young people: A scoping review

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in widespread school closures and social distancing measures in several countries. This scoping review examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and school closures on various aspects of children's lives, including physical activity, nutrition, screen time, and mental health. Various psychosocial databases were researched. The findings of this review highlight the adverse effects of school closures on children's physical activity levels, with a significant reduction in exercise reported. Additionally, there has been an increase in unhealthy eating habits and weight gain among children during the closures. Electronic devices and screen time have also seen a notable increase, raising concerns about the potential impact on children’s well-being and physical health. This review emphasizes the adverse effects of school closures on children’s mental health. Increased stress, anxiety, depression, and other psychological symptoms have been reported among children during the pandemic. Social isolation, disruption of daily routines, and the lack of social interaction with peers have contributed to these mental health challenges. The importance of providing psychological support to children and young people during school closures to mitigate the negative impact on their mental health was also highlighted throughout. Overall, this review underscores the multifaceted impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and school closures on children’s physical and mental well-being. It highlights the need for interventions and strategies to promote physical activity, healthy nutrition, and mental health support for children during times of crisis.

Examining the Effects of Reproductive and Productive Teaching Styles Interventions on Primary Schoolchildren. What Implications for Physical Education Teachers?

Background. In recent years, the study of the teacher-student relationship in the teaching-learning processes in physical education has had great emphasis. Previous studies have shown that the use of the Spectrum of Teaching Styles can enhance intrinsic motivation, enjoyment, adherence to physical activity and physical activity levels in children and adolescents. Study purpose. The present study aims to assess if a physical education (PE) intervention based on the variations in teaching styles, with reference to productive ones, can also have positive effects on physical fitness. Materials and methods. The sample involved 4 primary school classes (n = 124 children, mean age = 8–10 years) recruited from the SBAM (Health, Wellness, Food Education and Movement at School) Project in Apulia, Southern Italy. The classes were randomly assigned to the Experimental Group (EG) and the Control Group (CG). The EG followed a 5-month experimental intervention based on the variation of teaching styles, while the CG performed regular PE lessons. Physical fitness was assessed with Standing Long Jump (SLJ), 1kg Medicine Ball Throw (MBT), and 20 m sprint (20 m)tests, while two validated questionnaires were used to evaluate physical self-perception (PSP) and enjoyment. A 2x2 (intervention group x time) ANOVA was carried out to assess significant difference and interaction effect pre (t0) and post (t1) intervention protocol. Results. Data analysis showed a significant improvement of physical fitness in both EG and CG, while PSP and enjoyment increased only in EG. Moreover, significant (p &lt; .05) interaction effects were found for 20m sprint, PSP and Enjoyment with low effect size (η2 ~ .20). Conclusions. The results of the present study highlight the effectiveness of a PE intervention based on the variation of teaching styles in improving physical fitness, self-perception, and enjoyment. Moreover, the use of productive teaching styles significantly impacts self-perception and enjoyment that are important mediating factors for guaranteeing better adherence to physical activity.