Physical Inactivity In Children Research Articles

Portuguese translation and validation of the questionnaires from the Canadian Physical Literacy Assessment-2: a pilot study.

Physical literacy assessment is considered a vital resource to decrease the prevalence of sedentary lifestyles and physical inactivity in children and adolescents worldwide. In Portugal, there is no physical literacy assessment tool for children under 15 years old. The main objective of this study was to carry out a translation and cultural adaptation of the Canadian Physical Literacy Assessment 2 (CAPL-2) into Portuguese, as well as to test its psychometric properties, in children between 8 and 12 years of age. The questionnaires included in the CAPL-2 were translated using the translation-back-translation method and adapted to their context. The test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and confirmatory factor analysis of the CAPL-2 Portuguese version were analyzed in a sample of 69 and 138 students, respectively, from a school in the Alentejo region (Portugal). The Portuguese version of the CAPL-2 questionnaires demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's α: 0.713-0.979) and test-retest reliability ranging from moderate to nearly perfect in the motivation and confidence domain and knowledge and comprehension domain (ICC = 0.549-0.932). The results showed a good fit after adjusting for covariation paths (CMIN/DF = 1.382, p = 0.105, RMSEA = 0.053, CFI = 0.971, TLI = 0.955, NFI = 0.907). The CAPL-2 version of the questionnaires, translated and adapted to the Portuguese context, demonstrated validity and reliability, making them suitable for assessing physical literacy in children aged 8-12 years.

FUNCTIONAL TRAINING FOR CHILDREN

With the current situation in society, in which a sedentary lifestyle is part of everyday life, it is necessary to create alternatives to develop and improve the physical qualities of healthy children and adolescents with safe and effective conditioning methods to meet their various needs, goals and capabilities. It is justified by the need to have a clear, precise and defined survey of physical activities that can be applied functionally to children. This prevents physical, mental and social health problems. It aims to identify, from a literature review, which physical activities can be taught to children in functional training. The research is a bibliographical review where 10 articles published between the years 2013 and 2023 were selected. The methodological proposals related to functional training for children must be at the discretion of the teacher in order to adopt the best practice and must encourage them in the search for a healthier lifestyle, combating a sedentary lifestyle and preventing obesity, which is a major cause of physical inactivity in children.

Effectiveness of Brisk Walking on VO2 Max, Agility and Flexibility in Physically Inactive Children

Background and Objectives: Physical inactivity is on the ascent in today's technology environment, and it is one of the main risk factors for noncommunicable diseases and death worldwide. It raises the risk of a broad range of lifestyle diseases. Physical inactivity is the world's fourth largest cause of death. The use of tech gadgets and transportation infrastructure may lead to a higher level of physical inactivity in children and adolescents, which has an impact on their physical fitness and academic performance. To encourage physical exercise and fitness, early intervention is required. Therefore, this study was undertaken to determine the effect of brisk walking on VO2 Max, agility, and flexibility in physically inactive children Methodology: Thirty subjects were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, then divided in to two groups. Group A (Experimental group = 15) received warm up exercise, brisk walking and cool down exercises. Group B (control group = 15) does not receive any exercise. Exercise programme was held for 3 days per week for 40 minutes for 6 weeks. Pre and post measurements were taken using queen college step test for VO2 Max, agility t test and modified sit and reach test for flexibility. Results & Discussion: Paired t test is used to analyze the results within the group and independent t test were used to analyze the results between the group. The significant level kept at p ≤ 0.05. From pre to post six week intervention, a statistically significant changes were observed in all outcome measures. In paired t test VO2 Max, flexibility and agility expressed significant improvement in experimental group. In case of independent t test all the three parameters of the experimental group expressed significant improvement compared to control group. Conclusion: The study concluded that brisk walking exercise is effective in improving VO2 Max, agility and flexibility in physically inactive children. The experimental group shows significant improvement in all three parameters compared to control group. Keywords: Brisk walking, VO2 Max, agility, Flexibility, Physical inactivity, Queen college step test, modified sit and reach test, Agility t test.

Devaluation of sports culture in the school environment

The objectives of this study were to analyze and identify probable relationships between sedentary behavior and physical inactivity in children and adolescents, with the predominance of the Cartesian body concept in the school environment and the lack of learning about sports culture in Physical Education classes in elementary school. The research was based on a qualitative transversal approach with the participation of 19 students aged between 14 and 17 years, both sexes. The information collection instrument – questionnaire – discursive question submitted to the adapted technique of discourse analysis. It was identified that the devaluation of sports culture, which are apparently physical activities, in the school environment from the predominance of Cartesian conception of the body and the absence of access and appropriation of sports culture during Physical Education classes can contribute to sedentary behavior and inactivity. physical activity of children and adolescent students.

The Effect Of Teaching Style In Children's Physical Activity Levels Within Structured Physical Activity Settings

Structured physical activity (i.e., physical education or out-of-school movement programs) is the primary method where children start learning movement skills, develop physical fitness, practice healthy habits, and have shown to be quite successful in tackling physical inactivity in children. PURPOSE: This study aims to explore the effect of different teaching styles in physical activity levels among children in structured physical activity settings. METHODS: 35 Preschool and 25 School-age children were each divided into two groups (N = 15 and N = 20, preschool; N = 14 and N = 20, school-age), participating in two 60-minute developmentally appropriate lessons. The first lesson was delivered using a teacher-centered teaching style, while the second lesson used a child-centered approach. Each lesson was composed of a warm-up, physical fitness development, motor skill learning, and activity closure, whereas the equipment and other environmental variables remained the same between the two lessons. Physical activity was measured in step count using an OMRON HJA-308 pedometer, and data were obtained every fifteen minutes. An independent t-test was used to assess teaching styles' effect on overall physical activity and examine gender differences in this sample. RESULTS: Teaching style did not significantly affect physical activity level in preschool children; however, step count was significantly higher in school-aged children when a student-centered teaching style (2115 ± 460 steps vs. 1679 ± 387 steps, P < 0.05) was adopted. School-age boys were significantly more active in a student-centered teaching style (2253 ± 463.5 steps vs. 1635 ± 401 steps, P < 0.05), but the choice of teaching style did not affect school-aged girls' physical activity levels. In contrast, no significant gender differences were observed in preschoolers in both groups. CONCLUSION: While teacher-centered teaching style is still the most common way of delivering instruction in structured physical activity settings today, educators and coaches in the field should be aware not to overuse it. Instead, a comprehensive teaching strategy that includes both teacher and child-centered approaches would be more developmentally appropriate. Supported by the Planning subject for the 13th five year plan of Beijing education sciences (BEAA19045)

A Mixed-Methods Participatory Intervention Design Process to Develop Intervention Options in Immediate Food and Built Environments to Support Healthy Eating and Active Living among Children and Adolescents in Cameroon and South Africa.

Rates of obesity and related non-communicable diseases are on the rise in sub-Saharan Africa, associated with sub-optimal diet and physical inactivity. Implementing evidence-based interventions targeting determinants of unhealthy eating and physical inactivity in children and adolescents’ immediate environments is critical to the fight against obesity and related non-communicable diseases. Setting priorities requires a wide range of stakeholders, methods, and context-specific data. This paper reports on a novel participatory study design to identify and address contextual drivers of unhealthy eating and physical inactivity of children and adolescents in school and in their home neighborhood food and built environments. We developed a three-phase mixed-method study in Cameroon (Yaoundé) and South Africa (Johannesburg and Cape Town) from 2020–2021. Phase one focused on identifying contextual drivers of unhealthy eating and physical inactivity in children and adolescents in each setting using secondary analysis of qualitative data. Phase two matched identified drivers to evidence-based interventions. In phase three, we worked with stakeholders using the Delphi technique to prioritize interventions based on perceived importance and feasibility. This study design provides a rigorous method to identify and prioritize interventions that are tailored to local contexts, incorporating expertise of diverse local stakeholders.

Association between Physical Literacy and Self-Perceived Fitness Level in Children and Adolescents.

Simple SummaryAlarming data on physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyles in children and young people are increasing. The level of physical fitness is considered a predictor of morbidity and comorbidities resulting from physical inactivity. Physical literacy, which includes the assessment of physical fitness, could be considered a crucial element for understanding adolescents’ health status and physical activity-related behaviours. Moreover, the self-perceived physical fitness should also be considered. Thus, this study analysed the relationship between physical literacy and self-perceived physical fitness in children and adolescents aged 8–12 years. It could be concluded that a higher level of self-perceived physical fitness would be associated with a greater level of physical literacy.Background: Physical fitness is considered a predictor of mortality and comorbidities resulting from physical inactivity in children and adolescents. Physical literacy provides a robust and comprehensive assessment of physical fitness. Thus, it is considered a crucial element for understanding children and adolescents’ health status and their physical activity-related behaviours. Moreover, the self-perceived fitness should also be considered. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the relationship between physical literacy and self-perceived physical fitness in children and adolescents aged 8–12 years. Methods: A single-measure cross-sectional study was conducted with 135 children and adolescents. Anthropometric measurements and the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy Development (CAPL-2) were applied. Descriptive statistics and correlations were calculated. The Fitness Perception Scale for Adolescents (FP VAS A) scale was also administered to assess participants’ self-perceived fitness. Results: Moderate significant correlations were found between “physical competence”, “motivation and confidence”, and the total CAPL-2 score with FP VAS A. Conclusions: The influence of motivation on self-perceived fitness has been demonstrated. Moreover, cardiorespiratory fitness could be considered one of the most relevant and influential factors in the total CAPL-2 score. It means that higher levels of self-perceived fitness would be associated with greater levels of physical literacy.

Posture of Adolescent and the Relationship with Body Mass Index, Sex, and Physical Activity.

Background: The increase in overweight and the physical inactivity in children and adolescents in the last years have been causing constant concerns. The comprehension of the postural patterns contributes to the prevention of postural deviations that could predispose to future pain and disabilities. The aim of this study was to assess the association between posture, sex, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity to understand the relationship of these factors with the posture of adolescents. Methods: We evaluated 217 adolescents of both sexes between 11 and 15 years of age who were students in municipal schools in São Paulo. The posture was assessed by photogrammetry, Foot Posture Index, Flexicurve, and the Scoliometer®. Physical activity was evaluated by the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children and Adolescent. Results: The group of adolescents with obesity presented a higher angle of lumbar lordosis and the overweight group showed greater anteriorization of the head when compared with the group with normal weight. The females presented greater head anteriorization, Q angle and lumbar lordosis, and the males presented greater projection of the trunk and body forward. The group with sedentary habits showed greater abduction of the scapulae. Conclusions: We concluded that BMI and sex had the highest relationship with the posture of adolescents. Further studies are needed to clarify the association between physical activity and posture. Our results may assist future studies and support preventive and therapeutic actions in the treatment of adolescents' postural changes.

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

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

Association between Objectively Determined Physical Activity Levels and Body Composition in 6–8-Year-Old Children from a Black South African Population: BC–IT Study

Physical inactivity in children is a global pandemic in parallel with increasing obesity prevalence. However, studies assessing the association between physical activity (PA) and body composition (BC) report conflicting findings, possibly because of the different methodologies across studies, with objective methods promising reliable results. This study determines the association between objectively determined PA levels and BC in 6–8-year-old children from a black South African population. Ninety-three children aged 6–8 years, who formed part of a larger study on BC using the deuterium dilution method (DDM), were included. Height and weight were measured according to the standard procedures, and body mass index z-score was calculated. Fatness was determined by DDM. An accelerometer was used to measure PA levels. Regression models were performed to determine the relationship between PA and BC. Approximately 23% of the children did not meet the recommended PA guidelines and 27% were overfat. After adjustments were made, more time spent in vigorous PA was significantly associated with lower fat mass (β = −0.25, p = 0.01, 95%CI: −11.08; −1.20) and fat mass % (β = −0.20, p = 0.04, 95%CI: −12.63; −0.18). Participation in high PA, especially of high intensity, was associated with reduced adiposity in children. Behavioural changes such as increasing high intensity PA is strongly recommended for reducing adiposity.

Comparison between Self-Reported and Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity in Young versus Older Children

Physical inactivity in children is a major public health challenge, for which valid physical activity assessment tools are needed. Wearable devices provide a means for objective assessment of children’s physical activity, but they are often not adopted because of issues such as cost, comfort, and privacy. In this context, self-reporting tools could be employed, but their validity in relation to a child’s age is understudied. We present the agreement of one of the most popular self-reporting tools, the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C) with accelerometer-measured physical activity in 9-year-old versus 12-year-old children, wearing an accelerometer-based wearable device for seven consecutive days. We study the relationship between the PAQ-C and accelerometer scores using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients and Bland–Altman plots in a sample of 131 children included for analysis. Overall, there was correlation between PAQ-C score and physical activity measures for the 12-year-old children (rho = 0.47 for total physical activity, rho = 0.43 for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, rho = 0.41 for steps, p &lt; 0.01), but not for the 9-year-old children (rho = 0.08 for total physical activity, rho = 0.21 for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, rho = 0.19 for steps, p &gt; 0.05). All PAQ-C items other than item 3 (activity at recess) did not reach significance in correlation with accelerometry for the 9-year-old children (p &gt; 0.05). Therefore, the use of wearable devices for more objective assessment of physical activity in younger children should be preferred.

Bone Mineral Density in Adolescent Boys: Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

Physical inactivity of children can be a precursor of reduced bone mineral density, considered to be a typical problem only in old age. The aim of this study was to evaluate bone mineral density in 96 Polish boys aged 14–17 years with varied physical activity (swimmers, track and field athletes, non-athletes) and the effect of bone composition, birth weight and breastfeeding during infancy on bone parameters. Anthropometric and body composition measurements were performed according to the kinanthropometric standards. Bone parameters of the forearm were measured by means of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Data on the infant’s birth weight and the length of breastfeeding were collected during direct interviews with mothers. The strongest links with bone parameters were found for the type of physical activity and birth weight. Regardless of birth weight, track and field athletes had the most advantageous bone parameters (mainly sT-score prox values). Swimmers with normal or low birth weight had less favourable sT-score prox values than non-athletes. The type of physical activity proved to be an important determinant of bone parameters. Childhood and adolescence are important periods of bone development and increasing the content of bone mineral components, and the bone status in later years of life depends to a large extent on this period. The perinatal period, especially the correct birth weight of the child, not only has a significant effect on general health, but also on bone status.

Prenatal exposure to gestational diabetes is associated with anxiety and physical inactivity in children during COVID-19.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with adverse child mental health outcomes and reduced physical activity. Moreover, prenatal exposure to gestational diabetes (GDM) is associated with increased risk for adverse psychological outcomes in children. Assess prenatal exposure to GDM on anxiety levels and physical activity in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sixty-five children age 9 to 15 reported their physical activity and anxiety levels using the 24-hours physical activity recall and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children via phone or video meetings. Prenatal exposure to GDM was obtained from maternal electronic medical records. The 38 GDM-exposed children reported significantly higher anxiety levels and were less likely to engage in any vigorous physical activity (VPA) (5% vs 30%) compared to the 27 GDM-unexposed children. Lower levels of physical activity were significantly associated with higher levels of anxiety. Less engagement in VPA explained 75% of the association between GDM exposure and anxiety levels. Engaging in physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic may be beneficial for reducing anxiety, particularly amongst GDM-exposed children.

Physical Activity Level among School Going Children in Surat City, Gujarat: A Cross Sectional Survey

Background: Physical inactivity in children and adolescents is a major issue in public health. Physical activity (PA) is a best predictor of cardiovascular, skeletal, and mental health in children and adolescents, yet contemporary youth, and especially girls, are often insufficiently active. However, PA levels in children of Surat city, Gujarat has been less explored. So present study was undertaken. Methodology: A Cross sectional survey was conducted on 82 children from 3 different schools of Surat city using self -reported PAQ-C (Physical Activity Questionnaire -Children) in last seven days to measure PA after obtaining permission from school authorities. Anthropometric measures and self-reported socio-demographic data were also recorded. Descriptive statistics were used to depict the characteristics of the study population and PA levels. Results: Mean PA level amongst children was 2.55 (SD=0.60). PA level in girls (2.24, SD=0.73) was significantly lower than in males (2.67, SD=0.67), (p<0.05). 82% (n=66) of students fell in low PA group (PA score <3). PA declined with increasing age (r= -0.17, p<0.05).Conclusion: Inadequate PA was reported among children. The present study even suggested that children should be engaged in more amount of PA which will help in reducing the health risks.

Exercise Capacity Vs. Mobile And Screen Time In Healthy Pediatric Population

BACKGROUND: Exercise capacity is related to morbidity and mortality in the general population. Screen time is related to sedentary behavior and physical inactivity in children and adults. There is a paucity of data on screen time vs. exercise capacity using cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in children and adolescents. Our aim was to evaluate and compare exercise capacity using CPET and screen time in healthy pediatric population. METHODS: Cross-sectional retrospective study assessing daily screen time (questionnaire) and CPET (cycle ergometer). Screen time was analyzed as “total screen time”, “mobile devices” (smartphones and tablets) and “sedentary devices” (computer and television). RESULTS: Seventy-two healthy non-obese children (mean age 13.6 ± 3.4 y/o, 47% Female, BMI%tile 50 ± 30.3) were evaluated. Peak oxygen uptake (peak V˙O2 %predicted) was preserved (mean peak VO2%pred 98.8 ± 19.2%). A negative correlation was found between peak V˙O2 and “total screen time” (r=-0.32, p<0.007) and peak V˙O2 and “mobile devices” (r=-0.33, p<0.004) while no correlation was found for “sedentary devices”. CONCLUSIONS: “Mobile devices” and “total screen time” were negatively correlated with exercise capacity in pediatric healthy population. Children and adolescents should be encouraged to decrease daily screen time and highlight mobile technology. Larger longitudinal studies are needed to better study the impact of screen time on morbidity in children.

Excessive Screen Media Use in Preschoolers Is Associated with Poor Motor Skills

Excessive screen media use exposure is a robust childhood predictor of sedentary behavior. The association between excessive exposure to sedentary behaviors (e.g., screen media use) and motor skills and how this association differs across sociodemographic strata is an important knowledge gap that needs to be addressed. The study aims to investigate the association of motor skills and screen media use in preschool children, taking into account sociodemographic variables, physical activity, and sleep profile. A cross-sectional survey of 926 children from 27 preschools was performed. The main outcome was defined as motor skills assessed using the general motor quotient (GMQ). Independent variables included sociodemographic variables, screen media use, screen habits, physical activity, and sleep duration. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the associations between the children's motor skills and each exposure factor. More than 55 percent of the children ate while watching television and 28 percent spent a long time watching television, playing video games, or using a computer, tablet, or cell phone. Excessive screen media use increased the risk of a low GMQ by 72 percent and inactivity in children increased the odds by 90 percent; sleep duration at night decreased the odds of a low GMQ by 51 percent and daytime sleep decreased the odds by 33 percent. Excessive screen media use has been associated with poor motor skills and increased physical inactivity in children, especially among those with prolonged exposure. Our findings can alert parents to the consequences of excessive screen media use and can motivate policymakers to encourage sports and other health-promotion strategies.

Prevalência de sobrepeso, obesidade e alterações de pressão arterial em crianças do ensino fundamental de uma escola privada em Belém-PA

Objetivo: Verificar a prevalência do sobrepeso, obesidade, pressão arterial elevada e sedentarismo em crianças do 1° ao 5° ano do ensino fundamental de uma escola da rede privada.  Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo observacional transversal. Participaram do estudo 139 estudantes, com faixa etária entre 6 a 11 anos, de ambos os sexos, que estavam devidamente matriculados em uma escola da rede privada na cidade de Belém (PA) através de amostra de conveniência.  Resultados: O excesso de peso foi identificado em 40 (28,8%) crianças, o sedentarismo foi identificado em 39 (28,1%) crianças, a pressão arterial elevada foi identificada em 10 (7,2%) alunos. Entre os 39 alunos sedentários encontramos 6 (60%) hipertensos, e dos 129 não hipertensos 33 (26%) são sedentários. Dos 39 alunos sedentários 12(46,2%) estão com sobrepeso e 9 (64,3%) são obesos. Conclusão: O sedentarismo pode estar correlacionado com o excesso de peso bem como a pressão arterial elevada, mostrando que crianças nestas faixas etárias, quando menos ativas fisicamente podem ter pressão arterial mais elevada e maior índice de massa corporal.

Lung function, obesity and physical fitness in young children: The EXAMIN YOUTH study.

The prevalence of obesity and physical inactivity in children are increasing globally. The study aimed to investigate the association of obesity and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with patterns of lung function in young children. In this cross-sectional study, lung function, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP) and CRF (shuttle run stages) were measured in an unselected cohort of 1246 children aged 7.2 ± 0.4 years. All parameters and lung function, such as the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) to forced vital capacity (FVC), were assessed by standardized procedures for children. Statistical models were applied for systematic adjustment of potential confounders. Obese children had significantly higher FEV1 (Coef. (95% CI) (1.57 (1.50; 1.64) L) and FVC (1.75 (1.67; 1.83) L) compared to normal weight children (1.38 (1.37; 1.40) L; (1.53 (1.51; 1.54) L, respectively). However, with each unit increase of BMI, FEV1/FVC decreased (-0.003 (-0.005; -0.001)) due to a disproportional increase in FVC compared to FEV1. Per stage increase of CRF, FEV1 (0.017 (0.008; 0.025) L) and FVC increased (0.022 (0.012; 0.031) L)). In obese children, higher CRF was independently associated with higher FEV1/FVC (0.03 (0.5E-4; 0.06)) due to a higher increase of FEV1 over FVC with increasing fitness. The decrease of FEV1/FVC with increasing BMI suggests that childhood obesity is associated with an imbalance of ventilation and airway flow. In children with obesity, higher CRF is associated with an improved FEV1/FVC ratio. Physical exercise programs may have the potential to improve patterns of lung function in children with obesity.

A Review of Acute Physical Activity Effects on Brain and Cognition in Children

ABSTRACT The prevalence of physical inactivity in children has become a global pandemic and has consequences for physical, as well as cognitive and brain, health. Single bouts of physical activity (PA), however, have shown a transient, positive effect on cognitive performance in preadolescent children. Acute bouts of moderate to vigorous PA have demonstrated benefits for cognition, including attention and executive function. These acute effects of PA on cognitive performance can be seen both immediately after and following a delay from the cessation of PA. Further, event-related potentials have been used to delineate real-time neural responses to behavioral tasks after PA interventions. A short bout of moderate-intensity aerobic PA serves to increase the allocation of attentional resources and improved cognitive processing and stimulus classification speed. As such, there are implications for evaluating the effect of PA within schools. Several neural mechanisms are suggested to explain the observed improvements in executive function after PA, such as the importance of brain-derived neurotrophic factor on synaptogenesis, the expression of human growth factors, the activated release of catecholamines, and increased blood lactate levels. The ensuing descriptive review demonstrates the current understanding of the effects of acute PA on childhood brain and cognition and may serve as a basis for understanding PA-induced improvements in academic achievement.

Results from the Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) 2018 Report Card on physical activity for children and youth

Background/ObjectiveTaiwan is facing a high prevalence of physical inactivity in children and adolescents, which has led to rising obesity and morbidity levels in young people. Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) joined the Global Matrix 3.0 to share the local information on childhood physical activity and related factors with the international community. This study reports the grades for 10 indicators endorsed by the Global Matrix 3.0. MethodsThe local data for school-aged children and youth (∼5–17 year-olds) from 2010 to 2018 were used to determine the grades. The highest priority was given to the national survey data released by the government or academic institutions, followed by academic publications using nationally representative samples. Government or academic publications relying on only regional samples were excluded. ResultsThe data showed very poor Overall Physical Activity and Organized Sport Participation (F and D−, respectively). The grades for Active Transportation and Sedentary Behavior were C−. Low physical activity levels and high screen time may have led to sub-optimal Physical Fitness levels (B−). The central and local governments have recognized the importance of physical activity by creating related policy and improving facilities. Therefore, School, Community and the Built Environment, and Government Strategies and Investments all received the grade of B+. Active Play and Family and Peers received INC for a lack of sufficient data. ConclusionsDespite great effort by the governments and schools, physical activity and fitness levels are low while sedentary behavior is prevalent in Taiwanese children and youth.