Physical Activity Questionnaire For Older Children Research Articles

Physical activity questionnaire for older children (PAQ-C) versi Indonesia: confirmatory factor analysis

This study aims to adapt the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) for Indonesian children aged 9 to 11. It is an analytical survey with a cross-sectional study approach. The instrument was adapted the research developed by Kowalski et al., 1997. It was translated to Indonesian language and also validated by academics of sports science so that the adaptation of the questionnaire was better before the data was collected. The results of the questionnaire adaptation contained the identity of the sample (name, gender, date of birth and age, class, weight, height) and 10 question items. A sample of 401 students, aged 9-11, was collected from urban, suburban, and rural areas. The data analysis used was Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) using LISREL. The results of this study showed that the Standardized Loading Factor (SLF) value in each questionnaire item was >0.5, the Average Variance Extracted (AVE) value was 0.659>0.5, and the Construct Reliability (CR) value was 0.892>0.7. Based on these results, the questionnaire had good convergent validity. Thus, the PAQ-C Indonesian version for ages 9 – 11 was suitable for use. It can be concluded that the measuring instrument can accurately measure the level of children physical activity in urban, suburban, and rural areas, and provide confidence for researchers in Indonesia to use it. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of a holistic and integrated approach in supporting children's physical activity, which is influenced by the interaction of various layers of the physical and social environment. Keywords: Physical Activity Questionnaire, Children, Physical Education

Effect of Centrality on Physical Activity in Late Childhood: A 1-Year Prospective Cohort Study.

Engaging in physical activity (PA) is crucial for children's physical and mental health, with PA in childhood influencing lifelong activity levels. However, PA during childhood tends to decrease with age. Childhood friendship networks influence various health behaviors, including physical activity. Centralities are objective measures of an individual's position and role in friendship networks. The relationship between centrality and PA is inconsistent. This study aimed to determine how centrality affects changes in PA in late childhood longitudinally and to investigate the distribution of centrality in the network. This prospective cohort study recruited fourth- and fifth-grade children (9-11 years old). A total of 143 children participated. We calculated three centralities-in-degree, closeness, and betweenness-based on social network analysis (SNA). PA was assessed using the physical activity questionnaire for older children (PAQ-C). To explore the relationship between centralities and the percentage change in PA, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. Children with higher closeness had a significantly higher rate of decrease in PA after adjusting for confounding factors. There was no significant association between betweenness and percentage change in PA (p = 0.66) or in-degree and percentage change in PA (p = 0.21). This study highlights the importance of considering social network dynamics in PA interventions, particularly for children with high social closeness. Future research should incorporate objective PA measures and explore broader social networks to enhance intervention strategies, especially for Generation Z and Alpha, who experience unique opportunities and motivations for PA due to pervasive digital environments.

Physical Activity Habits and Sleep Duration According to Gender: A Cross-Sectional Study of Elementary School Children.

(1) Background: The main goals of this study were to describe the physical activity (PA) and sleep habits of 8-12-year-old children according to their gender and to evaluate the relationship between PA and sleep habits (i.e., duration and timing). (2) Methods: A total of 236 children (114 boys and 122 girls) completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) and an ad hoc sleep habits questionnaire. (3) Results: Boys were more physically active than girls (2.62 ± 0.51 vs. 2.46 ± 0.48, p = 0.026) and enacted higher PA levels in school recess (3.82 ± 1.36 vs. 3.56 ± 1.38, p = 0.003), during the afternoon (3.37 ± 1.20 vs. 2.89 ± 1.12, p = 0.003), and during weekends (3.54 ± 1.20 vs. 3.18 ± 0.48, p = 0.009). Per sleep habits, boys had a significantly later bedtime (21:53 ± 2:08 vs. 21:34 ± 2:14, p = 0.009) and a significantly smaller total sleep duration (9.64 ± 0.86 vs. 9.89 ± 0.87 h, p = 0.023) than girls. No significant correlations between PA and sleep habits were found. (4) Conclusions: We found differences in the PA and sleep habits between school-age boys and girls. Institutions and entities should consider designing specific interventions to improve PA and sleep habits according to gender.

Comparison of Physical Activity Levels by Sex in Public Elementary Schools and Private Elementary Schools

In the development process of primary school students, physical activity plays an important role in supporting this development. Several factors, including school type and student gender, can cause differences in physical activity levels. This study sought to review how physical activity levels are based on school type and how physical activity levels differ between male and female students in public and private primary schools. This study was conducted in Purwakarta Regency, Wanayasa District, and took a population of 3 public and three private elementary schools, with a sample of 60 people. This type of research is descriptive quantitative and uses the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) research instrument. From the results of the study, it is known that public primary schools have better physical activity levels compared to private primary schools. Male and female students in public primary schools have better physical activity levels than private primary school students.

Nutritional status and Mediterranean diet adherence of children with Down Syndrome and their siblings

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the nutritional status, eating practices, dietary intake, and dietary patterns of Down Syndrome (DS) individuals and their non-DS siblings. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out with two groups, consisting of 34 DS individuals and 23 siblings. Socio-demographic data, anthropometric measurements, food consumption, and feeding difficulties were recorded. Dietary patterns are evaluated by the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED). The physical activity was measured with the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C). Results The rates of being overweight and obese were higher in the DS group according to the WHO BMI-z scores classification (p = 0.002). Even using Turkish DS-specific growth curves, being overweight and obese rates were higher (p = 0.041). No statistical difference was found in energy, macronutrient intake, and the mean KIDMED scores. However, most of the DS group had moderate adherence and most siblings had high adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p = 0.037). The PAQ-C scores were lower in the DS group (p = 0.039). Conclusions We conclude that DS individuals have higher rates of being overweight/obese even using DS-specific growth curves despite similar dietary patterns and nutrient intake. To prevent obesity in DS, it is important to evaluate their growth considering specific nutritional requirements.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and bone mineral content in early adolescence: Modification by diet and physical activity

BackgroundPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) exposures may negatively impact bone mineral accrual, but little is known about potential mitigators of this relation. We assessed whether associations of PFAS and their mixture with bone mineral content (BMC) in adolescence were modified by diet and physical activity. MethodsWe included 197 adolescents enrolled in a prospective pregnancy and birth cohort in Cincinnati, Ohio (2003–2006). At age 12 years, we collected serum for PFAS measurements and used dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry to measure BMC. We calculated dietary calcium intake and Health Eating Index (HEI) scores from repeated 24-h dietary recalls, physical activity scores using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C), and average moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) based on accelerometry. We estimated covariate-adjusted differences in BMC z-scores per interquartile range (IQR) increase of individual PFAS concentrations using linear regression and per simultaneous IQR increase in all four PFAS using g-computation. We evaluated effect measure modification (EMM) using interaction terms between each modifier and PFAS. ResultsHigher serum perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, and perfluorononanoic acid concentrations and the PFAS mixture were associated with lower BMC z-scores. An IQR increase in all PFAS was associated with a 0.27 (−0.54, 0.01) lower distal radius BMC z-score. Associations with lower BMC were generally stronger among adolescents classified as < median for calcium intake, HEI scores, or MVPA compared to those ≥ median. The difference in distal radius BMC z-score per IQR increase in all PFAS was −0.38 (−0.72, −0.04) for those with <median calcium intake versus −0.03 (−0.48, 0.35) for ≥ median (EMM p-value = 0.16); the corresponding differences by MVPA were −0.42 (−0.76, −0.07) for < median and −0.05 (−0.42, 0.32) for ≥ median (EMM p-value = 0.13). ConclusionHealthy, calcium-rich diets and higher intensity physical activity may mitigate the adverse impact of PFAS on adolescent bone health.

Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children: Validity and Cut-Points to Identify Sufficient Levels of Moderate- to Vigorous-Intensity Physical Activity Among Children and Adolescents Diagnosed With HIV.

To investigate the validity of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) to assess the moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) level of children and adolescents diagnosed with HIV and propose cut-points, with accelerometer measures as the reference method. Children and adolescents, aged 8-14years (mean age = 12.21y, SD = 2.09), diagnosed with HIV by vertical transmission, participated in the study. MVPA was investigated through the PAQ-C and triaxial accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X+). Receiver operating characteristic curve and sensitivity and specificity values were used to identify a cut-point for PAQ-C to distinguish participants meeting MVPA guidelines. Fifty-six children and adolescents participated in the study. Among those, 16 met MVPA guidelines. The PAQ-C score was significantly related to accelerometry-derived MVPA (ρ = .506, P < .001). The PAQ-C score cut-point of 2.151 (sensitivity = 0.625, specificity = 0.875) was able to discriminate between those who met MVPA guidelines and those that did not (area under the curve = 0.751, 95% confidence interval, 0.616-0.886). The PAQ-C was useful to investigate MVPA among children and adolescents diagnosed with HIV and to identify those who meet MVPA guidelines.

Peak expiratory flow, core performance and physical activity in normal-weight, overweight, and obese adolescents.

The objectives of this study were to (1) compare peak expiratory flow (PEF), physical activity (PA), and core performance among normal-weight, overweight, and obese adolescents and (2) explore the relationships between PEF, physical activity, core performance, and anthropometric measurements across these groups. Ninety adolescents aged 10-13 yr were categorized based on BMI: normal weight (n = 30, 5th to < 85th percentile, BMI-Z score -2 to < 1), overweight (n = 30, 85th to < 95th percentile, BMI-Z score 1 to < 2), and obese (n = 30, > 95th percentile, BMI-Z score > 2). PEF and percent-predicted values ofPEF(PEF% pred) values were calculated. Waist and neck circumferences were measured. Physical activity levels were assessed using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C), from which total and subscores were derived. Core performance was evaluated through modified push-up (MPU) and sit-up tests. The PEF% pred and PAQ-C scores showed no significant differences between groups (p > 0.05). However, MPU repetition rates were significantly lower in obese adolescents compared to overweight (p = 0.019) and normal-weight peers (p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between PEF% pred and PAQ-C total scores (p = 0.014), as well as out-of-school subscores (p = 0.039) in overweight adolescents. Similarly, PEF% pred was linked to MPU repetitions in obese adolescents (p = 0.029). Obese adolescents exhibited decreased core performance relative to their overweight and normal-weight counterparts, which correlated with the PEF% pred. Physical activity was associated with PEF% pred exclusively in overweight adolescents.

Health-related fitness knowledge, physical activity attitude and physical activity in secondary school students: A mediation analysis

Abstract Study aim: The aim of this study was to examine the mediating role of secondary school students’ physical activity attitudes between health-related fitness knowledge (HRFK) and physical activity (PA). Materials and methods: The research employed a quantitative research method, using the relational survey model. The participants of the study consisted of a total of 603 (female = 295, male = 308) secondary school students from six different secondary schools in Isparta and Burdur provinces in the fall semester of the 2023–2024 academic year. The data of the study were collected with a personal information form, the Turkish HRFK Test, the Physical Activity Attitude Scale for Secondary School Students and the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C). The analysis of the data was made using the Process Macro v3.3 plug-in with model 4 and 5000 resampling methods with a 95% confidence interval. Results: It was found that students’ HRFK had significant positive effect on their physical activity attitudes and physical activities. It was observed that physical activity attitudes also positively affected physical activity. Additionally, physical activity attitudes were found to have a mediating role between HRFK and physical activity. Conclusions: To conclude, it was found that secondary school students’ HRKF affected their participation in physical activity. However, our research showed that the effect of HRFK on physical activity of secondary school students may occur indirectly through physical activity attitudes. It can be concluded that the HRFK level of secondary school students is important for participation in physical activity.

Physical Activity Is Associated with Physical Fitness and Executive Function among School Children in the Jiangxi Region of China.

Previous studies have suggested that a positive relationship exists between physical activity (PA), physical fitness, and cognitive function in children and adolescents. However, research remains limited on the relationship among these three variables in Chinese individuals not living in big cities or specific regions. Therefore, this study investigated the association of PA with physical fitness and cognitive function (specifically, executive function) among 1100 children aged 9-12 years living in the Jiangxi region of China. Participants' PA levels were measured using the PA questionnaire for older children. Physical fitness was assessed based on cardiorespiratory endurance, muscle strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body mass index (BMI). Executive function was assessed using the Behavior Rating in Inventory of Executive Function questionnaire. Data were analyzed using one-way analyses of variance, Scheffé tests, one-way analyses of covariance, and Pearson's correlation coefficients. The results showed that PA is significantly associated (p < 0.01) with cardiorespiratory endurance (r = 0.460), muscular endurance (r = 0.270), muscle strength (r = 0.190), BMI (r = -0.114), and executive function (r = -0.140). Moreover, all components of physical fitness and executive function differed significantly based on PA level, with and without age and sex as covariates (p < 0.05). Overall, our results highlight the importance of higher PA levels during childhood to improve physical fitness and cognitive function. Including the goal of improving health-related fitness factors, such as cardiorespiratory endurance and muscle strength, is particularly important in PA programs for children.

Configurations of actual and perceived motor competence among elementary school children in China: differences in physical activity.

Actual motor competence (AMC) and perceived motor competence (PMC), as determinants of children's active participation in physical activity (PA), were important for children's healthy development. The correlation between the two had been confirmed. To further understand this relationship, this study investigated the current status of AMC, PMC, and PA in Chinese school-age children, used a person-centered approach to reveal the characteristics of the development of motor competence (MC) in Chinese school-age children and the differences in the level of PA among different MC profiles of children. A total of 532 children (age: M = 9.37, SD = 1.80 years-old) from grades 1 to 6 participated in this cross-sectional study (male, n = 284, 53.4%; female, n = 248, 46.6%). The Test of Gross Motor Development-3 (TGMD-3) was used to measure children's AMC, the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence (PMSC) to measure children's PMC, and the revised Chinese version of Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) to assess children's PA levels. There were some gender differences in AMC but no significant gender differences in PMC and PA in children. AMC and PA levels increased as the children aged, while PMC showed some decline. Cluster analysis identified four groups of children with different MC profiles. Two groups of children had corresponding AMC and PMC levels (the "high-high" cluster, N = 200, 38.91%; the "low-low" cluster, N = 63, 12.26%), and the other two groups were inconsistent in AMC and PMC (the "high-low" cluster, N = 100, 19.46%; the "low-high" cluster, N = 151, 29.38%). Significant differences in PA levels were found between children with different MC profiles. The "high-high" cluster children had the highest PA levels, whereas the "low-low" cluster children demonstrated the lowest PA levels. AMC, PMC, and PA in Chinese school-age children were consistent with the pattern of child growth and development. Children with high AMC and high PMC usually had high levels of PA. Therefore, it was recommended to seize the best opportunity to intervene with children, and family, school, and community should synergize to help children improve AMC and PMC, and then actively participate in PA.

The effects of speed and terrain characteristics on the distribution of force and plantar pressure during the gait of children with different levels of physical activity

&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Introduction. &amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt;The adoption of correct walking patterns is an indicator of the locomotor system readiness to establish optimal interaction between body force and the surface, and the way of creating pressure exerted by the feet during the walking cycle. The aim was to examine how the speed and characteristics of the terrain affect the distribution of force and plantar pressure during the gait of children with different levels of physical activity.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt; &amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Methods.&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; A prospective comparative study included 150 students aged 11&amp;amp;ndash;12 years and their parents from Banja Luka. According to the protocol, each group of subjects walked at average and maximum speed on flat and 5% inclined terrain. For the purposes of the research, the Physical Activity Questionnaire PAQ-C (The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children), a survey questionnaire for parents, measurement of anthropometric parameters and Zebris strips (Zebris Medical GmbH, Germany) were used for gait analysis.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt; &amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Results.&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; When walking at maximum speed in inactive subjects, the maximum force on the left (F(148) = 14.878, p &amp;amp;lt; 0.001) and right (F(148) = 8.204, p &amp;amp;lt; 0.001) heel decreased, while in moderately and highly active subjects it grew moderately. In highly active subjects, the highest value of maximum pressure was registered (d = -1.41 for the left leg and d = 1.36 for the right leg). When the slope of the terrain changes in inactive subjects, the maximum force on the front part of both feet decreased (F(148) = 5.043, p = 0.008, d = 0). The influence of terrain characteristics was such that walking on a 5% incline almost as a rule had greater effects on inactive children, while moderately and highly physically active children gave an adequate response when walking on the 5% incline.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt; &amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Conclusion.&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; Urbanization and new developments in society impose the need to involve children in organized activities so that children acquire the skills and demonstrate the competence they face in their environment.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;

Frailty in Children and Adolescents with Lymphoblastic Leukemia or Lymphoma Receiving Maintenance Chemotherapy - a Pilot Study

Background: Increased survivorship of childhood cancer has revealed a number of long-term morbidities related to treatment. Evidence suggests that cancer and its treatment may accelerate normal loss of physiologic capacity that occurs during aging.The advanced physiologic aging and related morbidities often seen in childhood cancer survivors suggests that these patients may present with signs of early-onset frailty. Frailty is a measure of global infirmity and impaired physical function and has been correlated with adverse health outcomes and elevated incidence of mortality in the general population. Research into the incidence and applicability of the frailty phenotype in children being treated for cancer may aid in the identification of the most vulnerable patients and identify those who may require intervention. The purpose of this study is to explore the frailty phenotype in children and adolescents receiving maintenance chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia or lymphoma. Methods: We prospectively recruited children and adolescents (aged 5-18 years-old) diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia or lymphoma in the first cycle of their maintenance chemotherapy. Frailty was assessed twice: at an initial visit in cycle 1 maintenance treatment (V1), and 6-months following the initial assessment (V2). The frailty phenotype consists of 5 domains, which were assessed using developmentally appropriate measures: 1) Slowness: 6-minute walk test; 2) Weakness: Handgrip strength dynamometry - calibrated to the size of the participant's hand; 3) Exhaustion/Fatigue: The PedsQL TM Multidimensional Fatigue Scale; 4) Body Composition: InBody 270 body composition analyzer; and 5) Physical activity/Energy expenditure: Self-administered physical activity questionnaire for older children (PAQ-C) and physical activity questionnaire for adolescents (PAQ-A).Each assessment was scored individually and “Frailty points” were assigned based on age and sex-based normative z-scores or survey scores, and a composite “Frailty Score” ranging from 0=least frail to 25=most frail. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare V1 and V2 frailty scores. Results:The analysis sample consisted of 19 participants (mean age 9.1 [SD=3.4] years old; 63% female) who completed V1 and 7 participants that completed V2. Diagnoses of participants who completed V1 include precursor B-Cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n=15), T-Cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n=3), and T-Cell lymphoblastic Lymphoma (n=1). Median V1 z-scores and survey scores per domain are as follows: Slowness: z-score -3.11 [-4.02, -2.48]; Weakness: z-score -1.48 [-2.06, -1.38]; Exhaustion/Fatigue: score 58.3 [46.5, 70.8]; Body composition: z-score (total body fat) 0.90 [0.47, 1.79]; Physical activity/Energy expenditure: score 2.26 [1.73, 2.54]. Domain specific frailty score for V1 are displayed in Figure 1. Of the 7 participants with a V2 frailty assessment, paired analysis demonstrated significant improvement in Exhaustion/Fatigue (median score V1=56.94, V2=70.83 [p=0.016]). However, improvements in weakness, body composition, and physical activity/energy expenditure did not reach statistical significance. Median slowness z-scores at V2 were similar to V1. Median composite frailty score improved from 12 to 11 in V2 but was not statistically significant (p=0.054). Comparison of V1 and V2 overall composite scores are displayed in Figure 2. Conclusion: Children and adolescents receiving maintenance chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia or lymphoma scored poorly in all five domains of frailty. We observed some improvements in exhaustion/fatigue, and trending improvements in subdomain and composite frailty scores in the small sample of participants with V1 and V2 assessments. Given that frailty has been shown to persist into adulthood in survivors of childhood cancer, the frailty assessment may be an effective tool for identifying patients who may require additional intervention. Initial and follow-up frailty measurements for this study are currently ongoing.

A Cross Sectional /Descriptive Study to Assess the Physical Activity Level of School Children in Selected School in Trichy

Background of the study: Physical activity is any skeletal muscle-generated energy expenditure, according to the WHO. Regular exercise improves mental and physical health. To promote health, people of all ages and abilities should be more active and less sedentary. Purpose: The purpose of this research is to quantify the extent to which schoolchildren engage in physical activity during the school day. Methodology: The methodology employed in this study is that of quantitative research, and the research design chosen was a cross-sectional one. The investigation was conducted in a chosen Trichy school. Students in the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth grades made up the study population. The overall sample size for the study was sixty people, and its samples were picked using convenience sampling methods. A preplanned questionnaire was used to compile the information. The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C), by Kent C. Kowalski, is a standardized tool. Interviews were conducted to gather information, and both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to make sense of the results. Results: Most samples (49, or 98.0%) were moderately active. Low physical activity was found in sample 1 (2.0%). The mean weight was 146.99, the SD was 7.75. The average sample height was 40.84, with a standard deviation of 12.12. BMI averaged 18.67, with a standard deviation of 4.25. BMI variation was 18.11 and mean percentage was 29.53. Diet and mother's education were found to be linked with physical activity levels (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: This study underlines the importance of physical activity in preventing non-communicable diseases including obesity and hypertension in schoolchildren. Primary prevention methods, such as mandated physical education programs, can reduce non-communicable diseases and their long-term effects on students.

The mediating role of social support in promoting physical activity among children in South Africa

Background: Low physical activity (PA) participation levels and increasing non-communicable diseases in children are concerning in South Africa and globally.Objectives: We sought to assess the mediating role of perceived social support factors on the relationship between PA enjoyment and PA levels among rural, peri-urban and urban school children.Method: A cross-sectional study was adopted to assess peer, family and teacher encouragement as mediators on the relationship between perceived PA enjoyment and perceived physical activity participation among children, using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C). The sample comprised a random sample of primary school learners aged 9–14 years.Results: The sample consisted of 870 primary school learners with a mean age of 11.0 ± 1.49 years. Most participants were girls (n = 519; 59.7%). The findings suggest low levels of perceived PA participation (mean = 2.33, standard deviation [s.d.]: 0.43). Peer (β = 0.0187, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0088, 0.0307), family (β = 0.0280, 95% CI: 0.0155, 0.0425) and teacher (β = 0.0242, 95% CI: 0.0127, 0.0378) encouragement partially mediates the relationship between perceived PA enjoyment and perceived PA participation. Family encouragement (β = 0.0158, 95% CI: 0.0017, 0.0311) has the most considerable mediating effect, followed by teacher encouragement (β = 0.0125, 95% CI: 0.0010, 0.0269).Conclusion: The findings demonstrated low levels of perceived PA participation in school learners. Therefore, we recommends including social factors as mediators in PA intervention programmes in primary schools.Clinical implications: Social support factors as mediators on the relationship between PA enjoyment and PA participation among children may improve children’s PA participation levels and help prevent non-communicable diseases in future.

Evaluation of the Relationship between School Age Children's Refractive Errors and Outdoor Activity

Abstract Background Uncorrected refractive errors, one of the most common health problems of the pediatric age group. It is known that outdoor activities are effective in the prevention of refractive errors in childhood. The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of refractive errors in primary school children and their relationship with outdoor activity. Methods This croos-sectional study conducted with 4th grade primary school students in Eskisehir in 2023. Schools in the city center were divided into clusters according to their socio-economic status. Then, 1009 students from seven schools selected according to their randomization weights were included in the study. A questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics, The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) and questions about outdoor activities was administered to the students. They were examined for visual impairments. Outdoor activities were taken on weekdays and weekends and the daily average value was calculated. Results The mean age of the students was 9.8±0.5 years and 52.3% of them were female. Of 16.4% students had refractive errors, 5.85% had strabismus and 1.20% had depth perception deficits. Students with refractive error had lower scores on the PAQ-C scale and lower mean daily outdoor activity duration (p &amp;lt; 0.001 for each). In multivariate analysis, the risk of refractive error was found to be higher 4.61 times in those with good income (OR; 95%CI; 1.975; 10.75), 4.55 times in students who have visual impairment other than refractive error (OR; 95%CI; 3.01; 6.83), and 2.63 times (OR; 95%CI; 1.75; 3.95) in those who did outdoor activities for two hours or less a day. Conclusions Physical activity and outdoor activity duration were shorter in students with refractive errors. The risk of refractive error was found to be higher in those with good income, who have visual impairment other than refractive error, and those who did outdoor activities for two hours or less a day. Key messages • It is important to include regular screening programs on visual impairments and physical activity within school health studies. • In order to prevent the development or progression of refractive errors, children should be encouraged to engage in outdoor activities during the day.

Effect of Yogic Practices on Body Posture and its Correlation with Physical and Mental Health in Adolescents

Abstract Introduction: A state of physical and mental well-being affects posture through energy and balance. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to poor postural habits in children, putting them at risk for adverse health effects. This study attempts to demonstrate that yoga can prevent and correct postural alterations in childhood, the most crucial time for musculoskeletal development. Materials and Methods: This was a two-group pre-post study. A Randomized control trial with two arms was conducted. Based on the selection criteria, 200 students between 10 and 15 years were randomized into yoga and wait-list control (WLC) groups. For 3 months, the yoga group participated in a yoga program, while the WLC group engaged in routine activities. Physiological and psychological health assessments such as body posture (PostureScreen), Harvard step test (HST), physical activity questionnaire for older children (PAQ-C), patient health questionnaire (PHQ), body mass index (BMI), digit span test, emotion regulation questionnaire for children and adolescents (ERQ-CA), adolescent stress questionnaire, academic performance, and Vedic Personality Inventory (VPI) were collected before and after the 3-month study. Results: Five out of eight posture displacement parameters and physiological parameters (HST, PHQ, and BMI) were statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05) in the posttest between-group comparison. There was a significant mean difference between groups for all psychological parameters except VPI-Sattva. Anterior and posterior displacements were significantly correlated to ERQ-CA, VPI-Rajas, and Sattva. Anterior translations and left and right lateral angulations were correlated to BMI, PAQ-C, and PHQ, respectively. Conclusion: The present study concludes that regular yoga practice from an early age can help establish a healthy posture. Body posture is shaped to a certain extent by underlying physical and emotional conditions affecting activities of daily living.

Association of accelerometry-based and self-reported physical activity with cardiovascular risk in South African children

The burden of non-communicable diseases is increasing, with risk factors emerging early in life. Physical activity reduces cardiovascular risk, but limited evidence exists for children from lower-income countries and mostly relies on self-reported methods that might be inaccurate and biased. We aimed to compare self-reported and accelerometer-measured physical activity in relation to cardiovascular risk markers in children from underserved communities in South Africa. We analysed cross-sectional data from 594 children aged 8 to 13. Physical activity was measured via accelerometry and the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C). Correlation analyses and linear regression models examined the relationship between accelerometer-measured and self-reported physical activity and their association with cardiovascular risk markers (body mass index, blood pressure, blood lipid profile and glycated haemoglobin). Results show a positive but weak correlation between PAQ-C scores and accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). MVPA was inversely associated with body mass index, whilst sedentary behaviour correlated positively with lipid levels. PAQ-C scores were inversely associated with systolic blood pressure. The comparison of self-reported and accelerometer-measured physical activity in children from Gqeberha, South Africa, revealed inconsistencies in their correlation and association with cardiovascular risk markers. Accelerometry provided a more accurate cardiovascular risk estimation than PAQ-C, although associations were weak. Further, longitudinal studies should investigate the predictive power of both methodologies. These findings inform researchers and public health practitioners in the choice of method for physical activity appraisal beyond practical considerations, especially when combined with cardiovascular risk and in lower-income settings. Significance: We explore two widely used methods to assess physical activity levels in children. By comparing both methods, we expose inconsistencies in their correlation and association with cardiovascular risk markers. These data can guide researchers and public health practitioners in the use of one method beyond practical considerations. Whilst this work focuses on children from marginalised areas of South Africa, the issues explored are of relevance to other lower-income settings. Open data set: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7217145

Body Mass Index, Physical Activity, Cardiorespiratory Endurance and Quality of Life among Children with Physical Disabilities.

Children with physical disabilities (PD) have reduced levels of physical activity (PA) compared to typically developing children, which increases their risk of becoming overweight and obese, which leads to numerous adverse health consequences. This study aimed to determine the differences between groups classified by body mass index (BMI) percentile in terms of PA levels, cardiorespiratory endurance and quality of life (QoL), and also to evaluate the relationship between BMI percentile and PA levels, cardiorespiratory endurance and QoL in children and adolescents with physical disabilities. A total of 172 children and adolescents with PD aged between 5 and 17 years from Hospital Tunku Azizah were included in this cross-sectional study. The BMI percentile was calculated to determine the weight status. PA levels were assessed with the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C), cardiorespiratory endurance was measured by the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and QoL was measured by the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory version 2.0 (PedsQL 2.0). According to the BMI percentile, 70.3% had a healthy BMI percentile (50th to 84th percentile), 11.6% were overweight (50th to 84th percentile), 11% were underweight (0-49th percentile) and 7.0% were obese (95th percentile and above). Most children reported a healthy weight, and the rates of being overweight and obese were higher in children who could ambulate without aids (6.4% and 3.5%, respectively) compared to those who used walking aids (5.2% and 3.5%, respectively). Significant differences were found in the PAQ-C, 6MWT and PedsQL 2.0 scores between different BMI percentile groups (p < 0.05). There were also significant correlations between the BMI percentile and the PAQ-C (r = 0.209, p < 0.001), 6MWT (r = 0.217, p < 0.001) and PedsQL 2.0 (r = 0.189, p < 0.001). The rate of being overweight and obese is greater among children who ambulate without aids than among those with aids. An increase in the BMI percentile can reduce the QoL in different ways. This study suggests that children with PD who can walk without aids are at a greater risk of being overweight and obese. Hence, the engagement of this population in PA is crucial for their weight management.

Effects of physical exercise, LEGO, and Minecraft activities on anxiety in underserved children with autism: Study design and methodological strategies

Anxiety is a common comorbidity for individuals with ASD, and there is some preliminary data about the efficacy of physical exercise to alleviate anxiety. However, we are not aware of any studies that have compared the effects of a physical exercise program on anxiety in underserved children with ASD using a randomized controlled research design. This paper describes a method to evaluate and compare the efficacy of an 8-week physical exercise intervention with a sedentary play intervention to alleviate anxiety in young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) from underserved backgrounds. We assessed anxiety and its physical symptoms using the parent-rated Child Behavior Checklist DSM-5 anxiety (CBCL DSM-5) subscale, the child-rated Screen for Childhood Anxiety Related Emotional Disorder (SCARED), the parent-rated Child's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), and salivary cortisol. We also utilized the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) to assess physical activity level and identify compounds. Unique components of this study include:•Implementation of novel physical exercise and sedentary play interventions that have been designed for children with ASD.•Recruitment of predominantly underserved and non-English speaking families.