Daily Physical Activity Recommendations Research Articles

Physical Education Classes with different durations, and their contribution to Daily Physical Activity Recommendations of Adolescents in Porto, Portugal

Physical Education Classes with different durations, and their contribution to Daily Physical Activity Recommendations of Adolescents in Porto, Portugal

Patterns of Physical Activity of Adolescents With ADHD in the School Context: A Cross-Sectional Study for Clinical Practice

Objectives: To describe the daily Physical Activity (PA) patterns of adolescents with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), to analyze the differences in terms of PA patterns between adolescents with ADHD and those without ADHD, and to study the factors associated with achieving the daily PA recommendations. Methods: The sample was composed of 778 adolescents who provided complete information on their PA patterns through the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A). Of these, 97 had ADHD according to DSM-5 criteria. Results: The results show that being a girl or being of foreign origin and having ADHD have an impact on the achievement of the recommended amount of daily PA. Conclusions: When promoting PA in adolescents with ADHD within the school environment, it is necessary to consider different domains and specific contexts of a school day, paying special attention to girls and adolescents with ADHD of immigrant origin.

Accelerometry-assessed daily physical activity and compliance with recommendations in Spanish children: importance of physical education classes and vigorous intensity.

Physical activity (PA) is associated with numerous health benefits. Vigorous PA (VPA) may have a greater impact on public health than lower-intensity PA. The incorporation of a specific recommendation on VPA could complement and improve existing recommendations for average daily moderate-vigorous PA (MVPA). Physical education classes could have a positive impact on children's adherence to average daily physical activity recommendations. The aim was to investigate the association between MVPA and VPA in children, as well as adherence to recommendations, and obesity and the presence of physical education classes. A cross-sectional study of physical activity was conducted in a sample of 8 and 9-year-old children in Andalusia (Spain). GENEActiv accelerometers were used, placed on the non-dominant wrist for at least eight consecutive days (24-h protocol). School days with and without physical education class, and weekend days were defined. ROC curves were used to calculate the threshold associated with obesity for average daily MVPA and VPA for recommendations. A total of 360 schoolchildren were included in the analyses (184 girls). An average of 7.7 (SD 1.4) valid days per participant were evaluated, with 19.9 (SD 10.5) and 11.4 (SD 5.1) minutes of VPA performed by boys and girls respectively. 25.8% of the participants were classified with central obesity. The optimal threshold determined with ROC analysis was 12.5 and 9.5 minutes of average daily VPA for boys and girls, respectively (RecVPA), and 75 minutes of average daily MVPA for both sexes (RecMVPA). The RecVPA showed stronger association with obesity. On school days with physical education class, compared to days without this class, children showed increased VPA and MVPA engagement and better compliance with recommendations, with smaller differences in adherence according to sex or obesity. On days with physical education class, more physical activity was accumulated at all intensities and greater adherence to the recommendations than on days without this class. VPA had a stronger correlation with the absence of obesity than lower-intensity activity. It was also observed that boys were physically more active and had higher adherence to the recommendations than girls.

Physical activity of older children and adolescents in Germany - Results of the HBSC study 2022 and trends since 2009/10.

Physical activity is central to health, beginning in childhood and adolescence, and regular monitoring provides important information for strategic decisions on promoting physical activity in Germany. The current survey cycle of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study gives an insight into the prevalence of the indicators daily recommended physical activity, high and low physical activity, and sporting activity among students aged between 11 and 15 for 2022. In addition, the data is compared to the survey cycles of the 2009/10, 2013/14, and 2017/18 school years and analysed over time. The results of the current survey cycle show that 10.8 % of girls, 20.9 % of boys, and 12.4 % of gender diverse adolescents fulfil the daily physical activity recommendation. There are also major gender-specific differences for the other indicators. The group of gender diverse adolescents needs to be analysed further. The changes over time between 2009/10 and 2022 are relatively small. While girls' physical activity habits decreased slightly for the various indicators between 2009/10 and 2022, boys' prevalence remained relatively stable over the same period. Overall, in part due to the effects of the various COVID-19 lockdowns, the need for effective and population-based measures to promote physical activity in childhood and adolescence remains high.

CSPAP Implementation During Student Teaching: Lessons Learned From the Field

In the United States, less than half of adolescents meet national recommendations for daily physical activity (PA). Schools are an integral intervention point for achievement of national PA youth guidelines. To help schools achieve PA guidelines, multicomponent Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs (CSPAP) were developed. Each CSPAP component works synergistically to help students achieve 60 min of PA per school day. Physical educators are expected to implement CSPAP components in their schools, but little is known about the preservice physical education teacher (PPET) perception of CSPAP training experiences in teacher education. The purpose of this research study was to understand PPET perceptions of implementing a component of CSPAP at the elementary and secondary level during a student teaching course. Undergraduate (n = 5) and graduate (n = 4) physical education majors enrolled in a semester of student teaching were recruited. Data collection encompassed individual semistructured interviews at three distinct phases (N = 25): (a) pre–student teaching, (b) between student teaching school placements, and (c) post–student teaching. Data coding first revealed codes, then categories, and eventually four themes emerged, each with its own subthemes: (a) preparedness, (b) perceived challenges, (c) implementation, and (d) moving forward. Findings indicate PPETs developed confidence, achieved personal growth and self-actualization, perceived career benefit, and gained a desire for implementing CSPAP in the future. Additionally, implementing CSPAP components during student teaching can increase confidence and desire to implement CSPAP in the future. Further research needs to explore if CSPAP experiences during preservice training influence in-service teachers’ CSPAP involvement.

Recommendations for Physical Activity in Segments of the School Day Support the Increase in Daily Physical Activity in Adolescents

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the impact of segment-specific physical activity (PA) recommendations during the school day on the daily PA in both boys and girls. Methods: A total of 426 Czech and 219 Polish adolescents participated in this study. They were divided into two groups: one receiving segment-specific PA recommendations for the school day and the other receiving general daily PA recommendations. The Youth Activity Profile questionnaire, the World Health Organization-5 Well-Being Index, and the wearable Garmin vívofit were used in the research. Results: The application of segment-specific PA recommendations during the school day was significantly associated with higher PA on school days. It also increased the odds of meeting the recommendations of 6,000 steps/day after school (odds ratio = 1.63, confidence interval [1.19, 2.24], p = .003) and 11,000 steps/day (odds ratio = 1.59, confidence interval [1.16, 2.18], p = .004) on school days. Conclusions: Segment-specific PA recommendations during the school day are effective and should be integrated into physical education curricula, comprehensive school PA programs, and broader school educational strategies.

Acute Effects of Cadence-Controlled Walking on Cognition and Vascular Function in Physically Inactive Older Adults: A Randomized Crossover Study.

Cadence-controlled walking may be a desirable approach for older adults to self-monitor exercise intensity and achieve physical activity guidelines. We examined the acute effects of cadence-controlled walking on cognition and vascular function in physically inactive older adults. In a randomized crossover design, 26 participants (65% females, 67.8 ± 11.3years) underwent 30-min acute exercise (walking at 100steps/min) and control (sitting) conditions. We measured cognition, central blood pressure (BP), and arterial stiffness before, and immediately, after each condition. We observed significant Time × Condition interactions in the Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention (Flanker) test and Dimensional Change Card Sort (DCCS) test scores, and in central systolic BP, central pulse pressure, and carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (p < .05). The Flanker and DCCS scores significantly increased after walking (d = 0.4 and 0.5, respectively), but not after sitting. Central systolic BP, central pulse pressure, and carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity significantly increased after sitting but remained unchanged after acute walking (d = 0.4-0.2), with p-values < .05. After walking, significant correlations were observed between DCCS and diastolic BP and central pulse pressure change scores and change scores in central pulse wave velocity,Flanker, and DCCS (rs = -0.45 to -0.52). These findings suggest that a single bout of cadence-controlled walking elicited an immediate improvement in cognition and might have mitigated increases in arterial stiffness and central BP observed in the seated control condition. Further research is needed to examine the association between cognition and vascular function following acute exercise compared to control conditions. Our findings may have practical implications for developing daily physical activity recommendations for improving the cognitive health for successful aging.

THE BARRIERS TO ADOLESCENTS’ PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

The habit of engaging in physical activity is one of the many life habits that are developed during adolescence. Due to a variety of barriers, many adolescents do not meet the daily physical activity recommendations. This study aimed to determine the barriers to engaging in physical activity among adolescents, i.e. whether there are differences in the barriers to physical activity between male and female adolescents, and whether these barriers differ depending on age. The sample of subjects included 1350 adolescents between the ages of 15 and 18 (672 boys, and 678 girls). The research utilised a customised questionnaire that was adapted from similar pre-existing questionnaires, and it contained a total of nine questions. All questions were of the close-ended type, and each question was rated on a four-point Likert scale. The Chi-square test was used to determine the differences according to gender and age. Based on the obtained results, it was determined that girls reported a higher number of barriers in comparison to boys, although there is no statistically significant difference, and that the highest number of barriers was reported at the age of 15 (p&lt; .05).

Children's physical activity and sedentary behaviour in before school care: An observational study

ObjectiveIn Australia, less than one quarter of children aged 5–12 years meet national physical activity (PA) guidelines. Before school care operates as part of Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) services and provide opportunities for children to meet their daily PA recommendations. The aim of this study was to explore factors associated with children meeting 15 min of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) while attending before school care. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 25 services in New South Wales, Australia. Each service was visited twice between March and June 2021. Staff behaviours and PA type and context were captured using staff interviews and the validated System for Observing Staff Promotion of Physical Activity and Nutrition (SOSPAN) time sampling tool. Child PA data were collected using Actigraph accelerometers and associations between program practices and child MVPA analysed. ResultsPA data were analysed for 654 children who spent an average of 39.2% (±17.6) of their time sedentary; 45.4% (±11.4) in light PA; and 14.9% (±11.7) in MVPA. Only 17% of children (n = 112) reached ≥15 min MVPA, with boys more likely to achieve this. Children were more likely to meet this recommendation in services where staff promoted and engaged in PA; PA equipment was available; children were observed in child-led free play; and a written PA policy existed. ConclusionsBefore school care should be supported to improve physical activity promotion practices by offering staff professional development and guidance on PA policy development and implementation practices.

Exploring Knowledge of the Concept of Physical Literacy among Rehabilitation Professionals, Students and Coaches Practicing in a Pediatric Setting

Approximately 22% of Canadian children with physical disabilities meet the daily physical activity recommendations. Physical activity is attributed to physical literacy, a conceptualization of the domains required to be physically active throughout life. In Canada, pediatric rehabilitation professionals’ and coaches’ roles are essential for developing physical literacy. The aim of the study was to explore knowledge of physical literacy and strategies for developing physical literacy for children with physical disabilities among pediatric rehabilitation professionals, students, and coaches in Quebec. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with pediatric rehabilitation professionals, students and coaches and thematically analyzed using NVivo. Twenty professionals and students reported having variable knowledge about physical literacy, but suggested that adaptation, play and interdisciplinarity were essential in the development of physical literacy for children with physical disabilities. Participants highlighted the need to redefine fundamental movement skills for children with physical disabilities. Despite perceiving varied knowledge of the physical literacy concept, pediatric rehabilitation professionals and coaches described essential domains to foster physical literacy in children with disabilities. Pediatric rehabilitation professionals and coaches play a vital role in fostering physical literacy. Therefore, it is essential to support the development of knowledge that may support professionals, such as through training programs and continuing education.

O.1.3-4 The MOVING policy index: assessing physical activity policy in 30 European countries

Abstract Purpose Physical activity policies play a key role in creating healthier environments where population health and prevention of non-communicable diseases is prioritised. However, fewer than one in five adolescents in Europe meet the daily physical activity recommendations of 60 minutes a day. Greater policy action is needed by national governments to create enabling environments which promote physical activity. The MOVING policy index assesses national government action in physical activity policy across 30 European countries. Methods Physical activity policy actions in 30 European countries were identified through a comprehensive scan with a set methodology, including verification by in-country government experts. These policy actions were benchmarked using evidence-informed aspirational attributes that assess the strength of policy design. Results Of the 30 European countries analysed, more than half did not take a comprehensive approach to physical activity policy, implementing policy actions across three key domains: active societies, people and environments. Policy action was concentrated in public communication, followed by physical activity promotion in schools and the community. Policies that offer physical activity opportunities in the workplace and training in physical activity promotion and that give physical activity training, assessment and counselling in healthcare settings received less attention from governments. The least action was taken on policy targeting active environments, such as active design guidelines and transport infrastructure, including promoting public and active transport. Eleven of the 30 European countries did not implement any policy actions in either policy area. Countries that did implement policy actions in these areas, received mostly poor assessments for their policy design. For example, 15 out of 22 countries that implemented policy actions on building structures received a poor assessment. Conclusions Greater action on better designed policy actions in physical activity is urgently needed across the 30 European countries analysed. Key gaps are seen in policies targeting the built environment and infrastructure for active transport. The MOVING policy index results can be used by policymakers, researchers and civil society, both at European or country level to inform advocacy for and design of physical activity policies.

The benefit and limitations of an online physical activity program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: A quantitative analysis of the virtual Latrobe Streetgames program.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of many physical activity programs, with many online programs being created in place to maintain physical activity engagement. This study explored the outcomes of an online physical program on its participants. A validated survey was used to explore Virtual Streetgames (VSG) participants' perceptions about their physical, mental, and social health while participating in VGS. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to evaluate the impact of the online format. Many VSG participants were not achieving their daily physical activity recommendations, with a considerable portion of individuals feeling frustrated at not being able to socialise. A substantial difference was seen between adults and adolescents, with increased adult activity rates for those adults participating in VSG. Despite this influence on physical well-being, VSG did not seem to influence mental or social wellbeing. The results give detail into how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced adolescent and young adult physical, mental, and social health, noting that the reduction of in-person contact influenced motivation for exercise. Online physical activity programs may have some positive impact in improving adult physical activity rates, but they are not as effective as face-to-face programs in improving overall well-being. SO WHAT?: The findings of this study suggest that online physical activity programs may not be as effective as face-to-face programs in improving overall well-being. Future research should explore ways to improve the social and motivational aspects of online physical activity programs to maximise their benefits for participants.

Healthy weight and overweight adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus do not meet recommendations for daily physical activity and sleep

AimsPhysical activity (PA) plays an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) who are at increased risk. Our aim was to determine levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sedentary behaviour and sleep in adolescents with T1DM, and identify barriers to PA. MethodsParticipants aged 12–18 with T1DM wore an accelerometer and continuous glucose monitor for 24 h over 7-days. Data was processed into PA metrics and sleep. Pearson correlations were used to test associations between MVPA and metabolic measures. Barriers to PA were measured using a questionnaire. ResultsThirty-seven adolescents provided valid accelerometer data. Mean daily MVPA was 44.0 min [SD 17.6] with 16.2% achieving the guideline of ≥ 60 min/day. Participants had 11 h [SD 1.2] of sedentary behaviour and 7.6 h [SD 1.5] of sleep/day. There was no difference in MVPA in overweight or obese (53.8%) vs. healthy weight (44.2%) adolescents (45.0 min [SD 16.6] vs. 43.1 min [SD 18.8]). Only 39.6% reported one or more diabetes specific barrier to PA. ConclusionAdolescents with T1DM engage in insufficient MVPA and sleep, irrespective of body weight status, suggesting the need for targeted interventions.

The association between social media use and physical activity among Canadian adolescents: a Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study

ObjectiveTo determine the association between social media use (SMU) and physical activity (PA) among Canadian adolescents.MethodsWe used data from 12,358 participants in grades 6 to 10 who responded to the Canadian component of the 2017/2018 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey. Social media intensity and problematic SMU were assessed using a 4-point mutually exclusive scale that contained three categories based on intensity (non-active, active, and intense SMU) and one category based on the presence of addiction-like symptoms irrespective of intensity (problematic SMU). PA was assessed for five domains (i.e., school curriculum, organized sport, exercise, outdoor play, and active transport) and dichotomized using the first quartile to represent high PA engagement in each domain. Meeting PA recommendation of 60 min per day of moderate-to-vigorous PA was calculated using the sum of the five domains. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between SMU and PA, with active SMU used as the reference group for all models.ResultsNon-active SMU was associated with lower odds of meeting the daily PA recommendations and of high engagement in all five domains of PA when compared to active SMU. Intense SMU was associated with higher odds of meeting the daily PA recommendations. Problematic SMU was not associated with meeting daily PA recommendations, but it was significantly associated with lower odds of high PA engagement in the exercise domain.ConclusionThe findings of this study suggest that non-active SMU was significantly associated with lower PA levels. Problematic SMU was only significantly associated with lower PA levels in the exercise domain. Intense SMU was associated with higher odds of meeting the PA recommendation.

Understanding Factors Related to the Development of Obesity Among Preschoolers and the Importance of Promoting Physical Activity Early in Life

It is known that most children do not engage in the recommended amount of physical activity on a daily basis and that physical activity is inversely related to overweight status. Various physical and mental health concerns have been associated with overweight status. Conversely, various physical, mental, and cognitive health benefits have been associated with increased physical activity. While there is some evidence to suggest that the trend in overweight status may be leveling off, the rate of occurrence is still high (Hales et al., 2017). In addition, young children continue to fail to meet the recommendations for daily physical activity as well as for sedentary behavior (Colley et al., 2013). It is known that overweight status and physical activity habits both tend to persist from childhood and adolescence into adulthood. Therefore, the importance of intervening to increase physical activity among young children remains of great importance to overall well-being.

Gendered morphologies and walking: Evidence from smartphone tracking data among young adults in Barcelona

AbstractIt is well established that urban form can encourage or hinder daily walking activity. Consequently, urban form has a direct impact on both spatial accessibility and the ability of achieving daily physical activity recommendations. However, the relationship between urban form and walking patterns may present relevant differences among different population subgroups, for instance in terms of gender. In order to analyse how the relationship between urban form and daily walking time might be modulated by gender, the present study aims to explore walking patterns of men and women living in different neighbourhood types in Barcelona Metropolitan Region (Spain). For this purpose, the study uses data extracted from a smartphone tracking app among a rather specific population group: young adults who commute daily to the same destination. The findings show that compact urban forms promote gender equality. The study especially sheds light on the disadvantaged position of young women living in small towns and suburbs, who walk much less than other women and any men.

A mixed method investigation of teacher-identified barriers, facilitators and recommendations to implementing daily physical activity in Ontario elementary schools

BackgroundFewer than 17% of children worldwide are meeting the international recommendations for daily physical activity. Since most children are in school for the bulk of their day, the classroom has been identified as an ideal space to incorporate physical activity opportunities. In Ontario (Canada), the Daily Physical Activity (DPA) policy aims to ensure all elementary school children receive a minimum of 20 min of moderate to vigorous physical activity each school day during instructional time. However, a 2015 evaluation found that only half of Ontario teachers were meeting this expectation; this work advocated for additional research to monitor implementation and its predictors and to further identify fidelity recommendations. Thus, the current study investigated contemporary factors influencing DPA fidelity in Ontario elementary schools and provides teacher-identified recommendations to support DPA implementation.MethodsThe first part of the study was a quantitative approach surveying 186 elementary school teachers across Ontario. Descriptive statistics including frequencies and means were used to characterize barriers, facilitators, and recommendations to DPA implementation. Spearman’s correlations were used to assess the relation between the likelihood of DPA implementation and intrapersonal factors of gender, teaching experience, prior DPA training and personal physical activity participation. The second part of the study consisted of a qualitative approach using teacher interviews to explore in-depth teachers’ recommendations to support DPA implementation. A thematic analysis was used to analyze the transcripts and identify recommendations for DPA.ResultsSurvey results showed that only 23% of teachers met the mandated 20 min of DPA per day. Barriers to implementation included space and time constraints, inadequate training, student behavioural issues and low self-efficacy. Gender, teaching experience and prior DPA training were not related to the likelihood of DPA implementation. Teachers who rated themselves as more physically fit were more likely to implement DPA. Teacher interviews elucidated key areas for improving DPA implementation including greater DPA training opportunities, resources, community partnerships, accountability and strategies that support school-wide implementation.ConclusionThe current study demonstrated that fidelity to the DPA policy in Ontario elementary schools is on the decline. This work highlights unique factors implicated in DPA fidelity and brings to the forefront teacher recommendations to improve DPA implementation.

Physical Inactivity and Health

Health is the measure of our body’s efficiency and over-all well-being. Health triangle consisting of physical, social, and mental health is a standard for many health aspects. Physical activity (PA) is any bodily movement that uses energy produced by the skeletal muscles. It is obvious that PA is important for both social and physical development. Physical inactivity has a large-scale detrimental influence on health-related concerns such as cardiovascular disease (including hypertension and stroke), hyperlipidemia, obesity, depression, and anxiety, which is the root of many non-communicable diseases. Approximately 60-85% of the world's population is unable to meet the minimum daily PA recommendation. It is estimated that 2 million people die each year because of physical inactivity. Insufficient activity increased by 5% (from 31.6-36.8%) in high-income countries between 2001 and 2016. Globally, 81% of adolescents aged 11-17 years were insufficiently physically active in 2016 [1]. In Pakistan, levels of PA are far from adequate. Overall, sedentary lifestyle is prevalent, and 58.7% subjects had no or low PA in their routine daily lives. Medium-level PA was observed in 34.8% of male and 39.8% of female subjects [2]. Several benefits and risks are associated with physical activity. Regular physical exercise has been shown to aid in the prevention and management of noncommunicable illnesses. PA lowers the risk of some types of cancer. It can be used to control and treat type II diabetes (noninsulin-dependent), as well as to preserve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. It also aids in the prevention of hypertension, the maintenance of a healthy body, improvement of mental health and quality of life. Furthermore, PA has been used to maintain and increase weight and gives physical, social, emotional, and cognitive advantages. Promoting physical activity in the early stages of life is critical for children's and adults' healthy development. In Pakistan sedentary lifestyle is growing with rapid urbanization and modernization. Use of television, mobile and social media has increased. Number of sedentary jobs have raised in recent years and health is suffering because of all that inactivity. Several infectious and non-infectious diseases are prevailing within the population dye to physical inactivity. Following the global approach, healthy lifestyle and diet culture should be promoted in workplaces and households. Newest versions of research questionnaires and surveys used globally, need to be used in Pakistan. Different scales are needed to be devised and assessed contemplating socio-economic and geographic profile of Pakistan. National wide analysis of knowledge, attitude, and practice of is also recommended that will help stakeholders and government for taking adequate and direct initiatives for an ultimate healthy community.

Daily Physical Activity in Asthma and the Effect of Mepolizumab Therapy.

For the various asthma-specific beneficial effects of physical activity, daily physical activity (DPA) and the potential of asthma therapies on DPA require better characterization. Hence, we aimed to determine (a) the DPA of asthma patients, and (b) the effect of add-on mepolizumab on the DPA of severe asthma patients. Methods: Adult outpatients with mild-to-moderate or severe asthma had accelerometer assessment of DPA. Severe asthma patients who were commenced on mepolizumab had their DPA reassessed after 12 months. Results: For the total cohort (n = 36), daily step count, time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), MVPA volume and Movement Intensity (MI) were 7806 ± 3823 steps, 123 (interquartile range, 63) min, 657 ± 255 MET·min and 1.96 (0.45) m/s2, respectively. All patients met at least one recommendation for DPA but less than half met recommendations for vigorous DPA. Patients on mepolizumab therapy increased daily step count (646 steps; 9%), time in MVPA (20 min; 21%), MVPA volume (87 MET·min; 17%) and MI (0.11 m/s2; 6%) for the same amount of moving time; lung function, asthma control and health-related quality of life also improved. Conclusions: Analysis of the first national data on DPA in asthma and novel comparison against current applicable guidelines and identified beneficial thresholds showed borderline levels of DPA with room for improvement especially for severe asthma patients. In a non-sedentary cohort of severe asthma patients, mepolizumab conferred significant and meaningful improvements in DPA.

Are Wrist-Worn Activity Trackers and Mobile Applications Valid for Assessing Physical Activity in High School Students? Wearfit Study.

The purpose was to examine the validity of three wrist-worn commercial activity trackers (Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2, Apple Watch Series 5, and Xiaomi Mi Band 5) and six mobile apps (Pedometer and Pacer for android and iPhone mobiles, Google Fit for android, and Apple Health for iPhone mobiles) for estimating high school students' steps and physical activity (PA) under free-living conditions. A sample of 56 (27 females; mean age = 14.7 years) and 51 (25 females; mean age = 14.0 years) high school students participated in Study 1 and 2, respectively. Study 1: Students performed a 200-meter course in four different conditions while wearing the wearables. Step counting through a video record was used as the golden standard. Study 2: Students wore the three wrist-worn commercial activity trackers during the waking time of one day, considering ActiGraph model wGT3X-BT accelerometers as a standard of reference. Afterward, the agreement between the PA scores measured by the commercial activity trackers and the video (study 1) or accelerometers (study 2) were calculated as follows: Equivalence test, Limits of Agreement (LOA); Mean Absolute Error (MAE); Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE); and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Results showed that all the wearables presented excellent validity for assessing steps in structured free-living conditions (study 1; MAPE &lt; 5%), although their validity was between poor-excellent based on ICC (95% confidence interval) values (ICC = 0.56-1.00). Regarding Study 2, the Xiaomi wristband and the Samsung Watch presented acceptable-excellent (MAPE = 9.4-11.4%; ICC = 0.91-0.97) validity for assessing steps under unstructured free-living conditions (study 2). However, the Apple Watch presented questionable-excellent validity (MAPE = 18.0%; ICC = 0.69-0.95). Regarding moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and total PA, only the Apple Watch showed low-acceptable validity for MAPE value and questionable-excellent validity for the ICC values for MVPA assessment (MAPE = 22.6; ICC = 0.67-0.93). All wearables checked in this study have shown adequate validity results in order to assess steps in both structured and unstructured free-living conditions for both continuous and dichotomous variables. Moreover, for assessing MVPA, only the Apple Watch reported valid results for compliance or non-compliance with the daily PA recommendations. However, the results showed low validity for total PA and MVPA as continuous variables. In conclusion, depending on the user's/researcher's aim and context, one or another wearable activity tracker could be more adequate, mainly because of its valid measurements and its costs.