Self-Administered Physical Activity Checklist Research Articles

Trends of physical activity and sedentary behaviours among secondary school students in Singapore: what has changed in 15 years?

ABSTRACT The objective of the current study was to examine the trends of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) of adolescents in Singapore with two datasets 15 years apart (2006 and 2021). A total sample of 1075 secondary students (mean age = 14.91 ± 0.43 years old) from 15 schools in Singapore took part in the study. A seven-day recall Self-administered Physical Activity Checklist (SAPAC) questionnaire was used to capture time spent on the internet/computer, gaming, homework, reading, sitting and talking/listening to music, telephone, television watching, and PA. Results showed that the 2021 sample spent significantly more time on gaming, homework, sit and talk/listening to music, phone, and PA compared to the 2006 sample, while time spent watching television was significantly lower than the 2006 sample. Both datasets found PA had low or close to zero correlations with all the seven SB, however, the patterns of correlations were different in the two datasets, indicating changes in the trends of SB and PA. Cluster analysis found similar cluster profiles in the two samples but the cluster proportions for certain profiles were different from the two datasets. Significant sex differences were also found in the cluster compositions. Overall, this study shows that PA and SB trends of adolescents have changed significantly.

Impact of California Children’s Power Play! Campaign on Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Physical Activity among Fourth- and Fifth-Grade Students

Examine the impact of the Children's Power Play! Campaign on fruit and vegetable (FV) intake and physical activity (PA). Study design was a cluster randomized, controlled trial. Forty-four low-resource public schools in San Diego County, California, were included in the study. Study subjects comprised a total of 3463 fourth/fifth-graders (1571 intervention, 1892 control), with an 86.9% completion rate. Throughout 10 weeks, activities were conducted during/after school, including weekly FV/PA lessons and PA breaks; biweekly classroom promotions/taste tests; posters displayed in/around schools; and weekly nutrition materials for parents. Self-reported FV intake (cups/d) and PA (min/d) were collected at baseline and follow-up using a diary-assisted, 24-hour dietary recall and Self-Administered Physical Activity Checklist. Multivariate regression models adjusted for demographics and cluster design effects were used, with change as the dependent variable. Intervention children, compared with controls, showed gains in daily FV intake (.26 cups, p < .001) and PA time at recess/lunch (5.1 minutes, p = .003), but not total daily PA minutes. Power Play! can help schools and community organizations improve low-income children's FV intake and PA during recess/lunch.

F-63 Thematic Poster - Physical Activity Correlates Across Populations

PURPOSE: Few studies investigate how moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in PE classes and after-school MVPA contribute to adolescents’ fitness development differently. This study examined how MVPA in PE classes versus after-school MVPA was associated with adolescents’ cardiorespiratory fitness development. METHODS: A total of 132 students (64 girls) in a PE4life Academy middle school (S1) and 96 students (50 girls) in a same-area school (S2) with a traditional PE program completed PACER at the beginning of their 6th grade (baseline) and the end of 8th grade (follow-up). PACER scores between S1 and S2 at the follow-up were compared using one-way MANCOVA controlling for the baseline scores. In addition, 45 lessons were observed at each school during the three years to measure MVPA in the PE class using the System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time, and the between-school differences in MVPA in PE classes were compared with one-way MANOVA. Further, weekly after-school MVPA was measured using Self-Administered Physical Activity Checklist at the spring semester of 6th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade, respectively, and the results between S1 and S2 were compared using independent t tests. Two schools were comparable in socioeconomic status (median household income $30K), ethnicity (White > 90%), and weekly PE class time (approximately 90 minutes). RESULTS: Difference in percentage of the PE class time spent in MVPA between S1 and S2 was significant (p < .001) in favor of S1, 67.56±10.57 vs. 43.25±12.03, but there were no significant between-school differences in after-school MVPA minutes at any of the three assessment points for both boys (S1 258.21±175.43 vs. S2 288.70±168.11, 311.75±203.64 vs. 313.54±115.89, 328.91±163.60 vs.345.00±218.01) and girls (S1 262.50±164.43 vs. S2 303.33±217.49, 297.69±130.40 vs. 314.04±191.26, and 280.38±153.99 vs. 312.00±157.17). As for the PACER performance, S1 demonstrated significantly higher adjusted means (p < .001) at the follow-up for both boys (51.58 vs. 33.84) and girls (30.15 vs. 25.15). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with after-school activities, PE classes reach every kid in the school, and quality PE classes provided by PE4life Academy School with large percentage of MVPA time are more associated with adolescents’ cardiorespiratory fitness development.

Physical Fitness and Activity Levels among Urban School Children and their Rural Counterparts

To evaluate and compare physical activity and physical fitness among urban school children and their rural counterparts. This cross sectional study included children aged between 9 and 13 y in eight middle schools; 4 urban and 4 rural. Data on health related fitness parameters was obtained by using the procedures described in the Euro fit physical fitness test manual. The data regarding physical activity was collected by using the Self Administered Physical Activity Checklist (SAPAC). Six hundred and fifty subjects (341 rural and 309 urban) with the mean age 10.84 in rural and 10.85 in urban were included. This study showed statistically significant differences in the height, weight, BMI and SAPAC score between the rural and urban children. Also, rural children were more flexible (mean SRT = 23.42 cm) with a good cardiovascular endurance when compared to their urban counterparts. The results reveal that rural children performed better in flexibility and cardio vascular endurance tests when compared to their urban counterparts. Promotion of health related fitness involves physical activity associated with weight management which is the prime need of the hour.

Validade e reprodutibilidade de um questionário para medida de atividade física em adolescentes: uma adaptação do Self-Administered Physical Activity Checklist

To evaluate test-retest reproducibility and the validity of a physical activity questionnaire for adolescents (adapted from Self-Administered Physical Activity Checklist). The test-retest reproducibility analysis was completed by 239 adolescents (average age 16 years, SD = 1.2; 56.4% female), and the validity analysis by 70 adolescents (average age 15.7 years, SD = 1.2; 55.7% female). All adolescents were high school students in João Pessoa, PB, in Northeastern Brazil, in 2009. The test-retest reproducibility was determined by repeated evaluations with one week interval between them. Validity of the physical activity questionnaire was assessed by comparing the results of the questionnaire with those of four 24-hour recalls (reference method). The test-retest reproducibility was high (intraclass correlation coefficient: ICC = 0.88; 95%CI: 0.84 - 0.91), and the agreement was moderate for physical activity classified in two groups (< 300 min/week vs. > 300 min/week; kappa coefficient: k = 0.52). Spearman correlation coefficient comparing the questionnaire data with those of four 24-hour recalls (reference method) was moderate (rho = 0.62; p < 0001). The agreement between these measures (questionnaire and 24-hours recalls) for physical activity classified in two groups was moderate (k = 0.59). The physical activity questionnaire showed high reproducibility, and moderate validity, and therefore, its use is recommended for assessing adolescents' physical activity level.

Environment factors associated with adolescents’ body mass index, physical activity and physical fitness in Kuching South City, Sarawak: a cross-sectional study

This study examined the relationship between perceived built environment attributes and physical activity, physical fitness and body weight among adolescents aged 14-16 years in Sarawak. This was a cross-sectional study, using multi-stage sampling. A set of questionnaires consisting of socio-demographic information, a self-administered physical activity checklist and a Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale-Youth (NEWS-Y) was used. Body mass index (BMI) was measured and physical fitness was tested using a maximal multistage 20 m shuttle run test. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 17.0. A total of 316 respondents participated. The mean BMI for boys was almost equal to the mean BMI for girls. Only 7.9% of the sampled population was found to be overweight or obese. The overall mean duration spent per day on physical activity was 128.4 min (SD 118.43), with mean of 56.1 min (SD 73.94) after school time. Girls reported to spend longer each day taking physical activity before and during school. Boys were found to have significantly higher VO2max of 27.79±5.91 mL/kg/min as compared to girls (t=11.22, p<0.000). Based on comparison with other countries, the NEWS-Y scores indicated a mixture of low and high walkability neighborhoods. Respondents who had lower BMIs reported living in lower residential density areas and less risk of crime, and respondents who had better physical fitness reported less suitable infrastructure for walking. Promotion of exercise at all levels should be continuously encouraged as it would lead to improvement in the well-being of an individual.

Reliability and criterion validity of the Self-Administered Physical Activity Checklist in Greek children

The purpose of this study was to assess the test–retest reliability and criterion validity the Self-Administered Physical Activity Checklist (SAPAC) translated into the Greek language. To evaluate reliability, 72 students (35 girls and 37 boys) of the fifth and sixth grade completed SAPAC on two separate occasions, two weeks apart. Internal consistency was determined with Cronbach alpha coefficient and test–retest reliability with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). To evaluate criterion validity, the RT3 Research Tracker accelerometer was used as standard measure, in 90 randomly selected Greek children (51 girls and 39 boys), aged between 10 and 13. Each subject participated for two consecutive days. On day one, an accelerometer was fitted when school started. On day two, the accelerometers were returned and each subject completed the questionnaire. The internal consistency and the test–retest reliability of SAPAC on total metabolic equivalent (MET) score, MET score of low physical activities (LPA) and MET score of moderate to vigorous physical activities (MVPA) were very satisfactory (all Cronbach's alpha > 0.87, and all ICC > 0.85, P <0.001). The Kendall's tau-b test revealed that the degree of agreement between SAPAC and RT3 accelerometer on total MET score and MET score of MVPA were 0.31 and 0.37, respectively (P <0.01). It was concluded that the Greek translated version of SAPAC is a reliable questionnaire that provides valid estimates of total, as well as moderate to vigorous activities MET scores.

Weight Status, Physical Activity, and Fitness Among Third-Grade Rural Children

Rural children are at a particular high risk for obesity. Given the importance of exercise in obesity and chronic disease prevention, this study evaluated the level and relationship between physical activity and fitness in a sample of rural third graders. The second purpose of the study was to determine potential differences in physical activity and fitness level by weight status in this sample. Twelve schools participating in a multidisciplinary research project were randomly selected for the study. Body mass index-for-age percentile, the modified Self-administered Physical Activity Checklist, and the FITNESSGRAM battery tests were utilized to determine children's weight status, physical activity, and fitness level, respectively. Thirty-eight percent of the 237 participating children (9.2 ± 0.4 years) were overweight or obese. Nearly 15% were extremely obese. Children spent 91.8 ± 83.8 and 32.2 ± 47.7 minutes in moderate- and vigorous-intensity activities. Obese children spent less time in moderate-intensity activity (p < .01) and combined moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity more than other children (p < .05). Forty-three percent of all children failed to meet the fitness standard for muscular strength and 36% failed to meet it for flexibility. Rural children in this sample had higher rates of obesity compared to the national average; they had poor fitness and 30% failed to meet the minimum physical activity recommendations on the previous day. Future interventions should focus on increasing physical activity, especially of moderate-intensity, and improving physical fitness in order to reduce obesity and decrease the risk of future chronic diseases in this high-risk population.

Validity of self-reported leisure-time sedentary behavior in adolescents.

BackgroundTo evaluate the concordance between leisure-time sedentary behavior in adolescents assessed by an activity-based questionnaire and accelerometry.A convenience sample of 128 girls and 73 boys, 11-15 years of age (12.6 ± 1.1 years) from six states across the United States examined as part of the feasibility studies for the Trial of Activity in Adolescent Girls (TAAG). Three days of self-reported time spent watching TV/videos, using computers, playing video/computer games, and talking on the phone was assessed using a modified version of the Self-Administered Physical Activity Checklist (SAPAC). Criterion measure of sedentary behavior was via accelerometry over three days using a cut point of < 50 counts · 30 sec-1 epoch. Comparisons between sedentary behavior by the two instruments were made.ResultsAdolescents generally underestimated minutes of sedentary behavior compared to accelerometry-measured minutes. The overall correlation between minutes of sedentary behavior by self-report and accelerometry was weak (Spearman r = 0.14; 95% CI 0.05, 0.23). Adjustment of sedentary minutes of behavior for total minutes assessed using either percentages or the residuals method tended to increase correlations slightly. However, regression analyses showed no significant association between self-reported sedentary behavior and minutes of sedentary behavior captured via accelerometry.DiscussionThese findings suggest that the modified 3-day Self-Administered Physical Activity Checklist is not a reliable method for assessing sedentary behavior. It is recommended that until validation studies for self-report instruments of sedentary behavior demonstrate validity, objective measures should be used.

Factors associated with self-competence and quality of life in Chinese-American children

The goal of this study was to examine factors associated with self-competence and quality of life in Chinese-American children. A cross-sectional design was used to examine factors associated with Chinese-American children’s self-competence (perception of their own competence) and quality of life. Body mass index was used to measure children’s relative weight. Children completed the Self-Perception Profile for Children, the Pediatric Quality of Life self-report, and the Children's Self-Administered Physical Activity Checklist. Parents provided demographic information and reported their level of acculturation. Sixty-five 8- and 10-year-old Chinese-American children (49% boys, 51% girls) and their parents participated in the study. Boys reported higher levels of competence in athletics than girls reported. Multivariate regression models reveal that an increased level of sedentary activity in Chinese American children contributes to low competence levels with respect to physical appearance and decreased quality of life in the social health domain. Increased BMI is related to decreased selfcompetence in physical appearance. Low levels of sedentary activity have a great influence on selfcompetence and quality of life in Chinese American children. The development of culturally appropriate programs that decrease sedentary activity and improve quality of life is critical for health promotion among Chinese Americans.

Field dependence–independence and physical activity engagement among middle school students

Background: Field dependence–independence (FDI) is a tendency to rely on external frames (given situations and authoritative people) or internal frames (oneself, including one's own body) for one's information processing and behavior. Literature has constantly reported that field-dependent (FD) individuals, who are less autonomous in decision-making processes and less effective in detecting and using body information (kinesthetic feedback and proprioceptive awareness), tend to demonstrate less desirable performance in sport, motor learning, and physical education settings compared with their field-independent (FI) counterparts. Little attempt, however, has been made to investigate whether FD individuals have less desirable physical activity (PA) levels than FI individuals. Lack of knowledge might pose a potential risk of health problems to FD individuals. Purpose: This study was intended to investigate and compare PA levels as well as organized sports participation between FI and FD middles school students. It was hypothesized that FDI would be associated with higher PA levels and more participation in organized sports for FI students as opposed to FD students. Participants and setting: One hundred and thirty eight middle school students (72 girls and 66 boys) in the USA participated in data collection of this study. Of these 138 participants, 46 FI participants (22 girls and 24 boys) and 46 FD participants (24 girls and 22 boys) were identified as final participants whose data were analyzed. Research design: A cross-sectional design was utilized in this study. Participants were grouped based on their FDI status, gender, and cross-classification of FDI status and gender to compare PA variables and participation in organized sports. FDI status and gender were independent variables, and PA variables and participation in organized sports were dependent variables. Data collection: The Rod-and-Frame Test was used to identify FI and FD participants, the Self-Administered Physical Activity Checklist was administered to determine participants' PA amounts, and a demographic inventory was employed to obtain information regarding participants' participation in organized sports. Data analysis: A two-way (FDI × gender) MANOVA was used to detect differences in PA variables among groups, and a Chi-square analysis was employed to test independence of FDI from participation in organized sports. An alpha of .05 was set for significant levels. Findings: This study revealed the contrasting PA levels and participation in organized sports between the FI and FD students. The FD students demonstrated much lower PA levels and were less engaged in organized sports than the FI students. Further, the FD students tended to choose activities that were less related to sports, resulting in shorter PA minutes and lower energy expenditure compared with the FI students. Conclusions: FDI is related to PA levels in addition to being related to sport, motor learning, and physical education. Specifically, FD students have lower sports potential and are less physically active compared with FI students and this could put FD students at a higher risk level in terms of health problems now and in the future. Lifestyle PA and other non-competitive activities might be good choices for FD students to enhance their PA levels.

Field Dependence-Independence and Physical Activity of Black and White Adolescents

Self-administered Physical Activity Checklist and portable rod-and-frame test were administered to 47 black and 66 white adolescents in a middle school. One-way multivariate analysis of variance indicated that, relative to the group of white adolescents, the black adolescent group scored significantly more field-dependent and reported significantly fewer minutes of physical activity participation, although no significant difference was noticed on three other physical activity variables. This group of black adolescents' relatively field-dependent scores were weakly associated with fewer mean total minutes of physical activity.

Dietary Intakes, Physical Activity, and Predictors of Child Obesity among 4-6th Graders in the Czech Republic

The prevalence of child obesity in the Czech Republic has increased in the last several years, especially among school-aged children. While obesity trends are closely monitored in the Czech Republic, very little is known about the dietary habits and exercise behaviors of Czech children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate nutrient intakes and physical activity, as well as identify predictors of BMI-for-age in a sample of Czech school-aged children. Ninety-seven fourth, fifth and sixth graders and their parents from two large Czech cities participated in the study. Two 24-hour recalls provided total amount of energy, fat, percentage of energy derived from fat, dietary fiber, and servings of fruits and vegetables. Physical activity was measured by the Self-administered Physical Activity Checklist (SAPAC). Children consumed less energy and dietary fiber than suggested by Czech dietary recommendations. The proportion of energy that children consumed from fat was 28.5%. Children consumed 1.4 cups of fruit and 1.2 cups of vegetables. Children's physical activity levels fell within the current recommendations. Age was the only significant predictor of higher BMI-for-age. Poor dietary quality may be responsible for increasing rates of child obesity in the Czech Republic. Nutritional professionals in the Czech Republic should focus on increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, and other high-fiber foods in order to reduce the risk for overweight among Czech children.

Association of depression with Body Mass Index, sedentary behavior, and maladaptive eating attitudes and behaviors in 11 to 13-year old children

We examined the relation of different behavioral dimensions of depression with weight-related variables (BMI percentile, sedentary behavior, eating attitudes, and weight control behaviors) in children aged 11 to 13 years. Depression was assessed using the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). Sedentary behavior was measured in 45 sixth grade students (23 boys and 22 girls) using a validated 24-hour recall instrument, the Self-Administered Physical Activity Checklist. BMI was calculated directly from measured height and weight (kg/m2). The Children's Eating Attitudes Test (ChEAT) was used to measure eating attitudes and weight control behaviors. There were not significant gender differences in reported minutes (142 vs. 91 minutes for boys vs. girls; p=0.25) of sedentary behavior (i.e., television watching and video game playing). The major finding of this study was that certain aspects of depression (i.e., interpersonal problems and feelings of ineffectiveness) were correlated with higher levels of sedentary behavior in children aged 11 to 13. A factor analysis of the study variables indicated that most dimensions of depression, sedentary behavior, and body size represent distinct but correlated behavioral dimensions. This study provides support for a link between specific aspects of depression (i.e., interpersonal problems and feelings of ineffectiveness) and sedentary behavior in children.

P83: Differences in Dietary Intake and Physical Activity between U.S. and Czech Children

While obesity rates continue to rise in Europe, research shows that Czech children aged 13-15 have lower body mass indices (BMIs) than American children of the same age. The goal of this study was to compare BMI, dietary intake, amount and intensity of physical activity, and time spent watching television and using a computer between Czech and U.S. children. Data for this cross-sectional study came from a sample of 31 Czech and 29 American 4th-6th graders. In addition to measured height and weight, subjects provided two 24-hour recalls and a modified 2-day Self-Administered Physical Activity Checklist.

Social support, physical activity and sedentary behavior among 6th-grade girls: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundDespite the importance of social support in promoting physical activity, little is known about the relative influence of the type or source of social support on adolescent girls' physical activity and sedentary behaviors. This study examined the associations of two types of social support (social participation in and social encouragement for physical activity) and two social support sources (family and friends) with self-reported daily minutes of physical activity and sedentary behavior among sixth-grade girls in Texas.MethodsA secondary analysis of 718 sixth-grade girls between the ages of 10 to 14 was performed using cross-sectional baseline data from an osteoporosis prevention intervention study. Physical activity and sedentary behaviors (television-video viewing and computer-video game playing) were assessed using 3 administrations of the Self-Administered Physical Activity Checklist; social support indicators were assessed with Likert-type items from a psychosocial questionnaire.ResultsIn multiple linear regression analyses, friend physical activity participation (partial correlation coefficient (r) = 0.10, p = .009) and friend (r = 0.12) and family encouragement (r = 0.11) (p < .01, respectively) were positively related to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in the full model with other support variables, BMI and ethnicity; friend encouragement was the only variable positively related to vigorous physical activity (r = 0.11, p = .005). Family participation in physical activity had the strongest negative correlation with total minutes of television-video viewing and computer-video playing (r = -0.08, p < .05).ConclusionFindings lend support to the importance of social support for physical activity among adolescent girls but suggest that the source and type of social support may differ for physical activity and sedentary behaviors. Further research is needed to assess the causal or reciprocal relation between the roles of friends and family in promoting physical activity and of family physical activity in decreasing sedentary behaviors among early adolescent girls.

Comparison of Methods to Estimate Physical Activity and Energy Expenditure in African American Children

Low levels of physical activity and high levels of obesity among children in the US is a public health concern. Accurate methods to estimate physical activity are needed to determine the efficacy of intervention programs and to explore relationships between daily physical activity and health status in children. The purpose of this study was to compare the simultaneous use of the Tritrac-R3D accelerometer (Tritrac), Yamax SW-200 Digiwalker step-counter (Digiwalker) and the Self Administered Physical Activity Checklist (SAPAC) to assess physical activity (PA) and energy expenditure (EE) in African-American children aged 7 to 10 years, using the doubly-labeled water (DLW) as the criterion method. Physical activity and energy expenditure were measured over seven consecutive days under free-living conditions. Resting metabolic rate and peak VO(2) were measured before the experimental period. There was no difference in physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) measured by Tritrac or DLW (p > 0.05). Tritrac activity counts were highly correlated with DLW-PAEE (r = 0.81). High correlations between Digiwalker and DLW were observed when body weight was considered. A low correlation (r = 0.49) was observed between the physical activity energy expenditure by SAPAC and DLW. In conclusion, with some limitations the Tritrac and Digiwalker can provide useful and accurate information about PA and EE in 7- to 10-year-old children.

Frequency of Active Commuting To and From School and Parental Perceived Barriers To Active Commuting

1356 By incorporating physical activity into the daily routine, children have the opportunity to increase physical activity without participating in organized sports or exercise. One possible avenue of physical activity among children is active commuting to and from school (AC: walking, biking, skating). However, many children are being driven to and from school daily (U.S. Department of Transportation, 1997). Healthy People 2010 objective 22–14 is to increase the proportion of walking trips made to and from school within one mile to 50%. PURPOSE: To determine the frequency of AC of 4th and 5th grade students and to identify barriers to everyday AC as reported by parents. METHODS: To assess frequency of AC, 320 children (age: 10.2 ± 0.7 years; BMI: 19.41 ± 3.65 kg/m−2) reported how they got to and from school for one week during five random months between September and April. In April, parents were sent home a questionnaire and asked to rank environmental perceived barriers that prevented their children from AC daily. Habitual physical activity was assessed each month using the Self-Administered Physical Activity Checklist (SAPAC) (Sallis, 1996). RESULTS: 52% of children living within one mile from school reporting AC to or from school at least once during the year. However, only 24% of these children met the Healthy People 2010 objective of AC 50% of the time. Children who regularly AC reported 19% more time in moderate physical activities, not including AC, compared to children who were regularly driven to school. The top three reported parental perceived barriers to AC to and from school were distance, busy streets, and weather. However, 33% of parents who reported distance as a major barrier actually lived within 0.5 miles of their child's school. This indicates that many children live close enough to school to AC but are not doing so and many children who AC do not AC frequently enough to meet the HP2010 recommendations. CONCLUSION: Because the stimulus of AC has the potential to increase children's daily physical activity and daily energy expenditure, future investigations are needed to determine the specific moderating effects of these parental perceived barriers to AC. Funding source: University of Nebraska at Kearney Research Services Council

Frequency of Active Commuting To and From School and Parental Perceived Barriers To Active Commuting

1356 By incorporating physical activity into the daily routine, children have the opportunity to increase physical activity without participating in organized sports or exercise. One possible avenue of physical activity among children is active commuting to and from school (AC: walking, biking, skating). However, many children are being driven to and from school daily (U.S. Department of Transportation, 1997). Healthy People 2010 objective 22–14 is to increase the proportion of walking trips made to and from school within one mile to 50%. PURPOSE: To determine the frequency of AC of 4th and 5th grade students and to identify barriers to everyday AC as reported by parents. METHODS: To assess frequency of AC, 320 children (age: 10.2 ± 0.7 years; BMI: 19.41 ± 3.65 kg/m−2) reported how they got to and from school for one week during five random months between September and April. In April, parents were sent home a questionnaire and asked to rank environmental perceived barriers that prevented their children from AC daily. Habitual physical activity was assessed each month using the Self-Administered Physical Activity Checklist (SAPAC) (Sallis, 1996). RESULTS: 52% of children living within one mile from school reporting AC to or from school at least once during the year. However, only 24% of these children met the Healthy People 2010 objective of AC 50% of the time. Children who regularly AC reported 19% more time in moderate physical activities, not including AC, compared to children who were regularly driven to school. The top three reported parental perceived barriers to AC to and from school were distance, busy streets, and weather. However, 33% of parents who reported distance as a major barrier actually lived within 0.5 miles of their child's school. This indicates that many children live close enough to school to AC but are not doing so and many children who AC do not AC frequently enough to meet the HP2010 recommendations. CONCLUSION: Because the stimulus of AC has the potential to increase children's daily physical activity and daily energy expenditure, future investigations are needed to determine the specific moderating effects of these parental perceived barriers to AC. Funding source: University of Nebraska at Kearney Research Services Council

Family Functioning, Parenting Style, and Chinese Children’s Weight Status

Childhood obesity is an important health problem affecting Chinese and Chinese American children. A cross-sectional study examined factors that contributed to children’s weight status in Taiwan and the United States. Participants were 163 Chinese children (ages 8 to 10 years) and their mothers. Mothers in both countries completed basic demographic questions and the Family Assessment Device and Attitudes Toward Child-Rearing Scale. U.S. mothers also completed the Suinn-Lew Asian Self-Identity Acculturation Scale. Children had their weight and height measured and also completed the Children Self-Administered Physical Activity Checklist, Food Frequency Questionnaire, and Schoolager’s Coping Strategies Inventory. Multiple regression analyses indicated that five variables significantly contributed to the variance in children’s body mass index: older age (10%), being a boy (5.8%), more democratic parenting style (7.4%), poor communication (8.4%), and poor behavior control (3%). Families with clear communication, adequate behavior control, and structured parenting help to regulate their children’s healthy behavior.