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12 pages, 919 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Screen Time on Physical Activity and Lifestyle Factors in German School Children: Interim Results from the Hand-on-Heart-Study (“Hand aufs Herz”)

by Jennifer Wieprecht, Delphina Gomes, Federico Morassutti Vitale, Simone Katrin Manai, Samar Shamas, Marcel Müller, Maren Baethmann, Anja Tengler, Roxana Riley, Guido Mandilaras, Nikolaus Alexander Haas and Meike Schrader

Children 2025, 12(5), 576; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12050576 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Today, digital technologies are integral to children’s lives; their increasing use, however, may raise health concerns. This study aims to examine the effect of screen time on physical activity and lifestyle factors in German school children. Methods: As part of [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Today, digital technologies are integral to children’s lives; their increasing use, however, may raise health concerns. This study aims to examine the effect of screen time on physical activity and lifestyle factors in German school children. Methods: As part of the prospective hand-on-heart-study (“Hand-aufs-Herz”), a comprehensive cardiovascular system check-up examination was conducted on 922 German schoolchildren. The pupils were asked for a self-report on their daily physical activities and club sports. The examinations on-site contained measurements of the pupils’ weight and height as well as their physical fitness, which was assessed by a stair-climbing test. Results: A large proportion of pupils had a screen time of more than 2 h daily, regardless of the day of the week (63–76%). In fact, pupils with a screen time ≥ 2 h were more likely to achieve poor grades in school (weekday ORs 3.23, 95% CI 1.76, 5.95; weekend ORs 3.28, 95% CI 1.53, 7.00) and not be members of a sports club (weekday ORs 2.35, 95% CI 1.68, 3.29; weekend ORs 2.13, 95% CI 1.44, 3.14). Pupils who did not meet both recommendations for physical activity and screen time walked <5000 steps daily (60%), had a high proportion of overweight/obesity (40%), were non-swimmers (38.5%), spent ≥7 h sitting (35.8%), and slept fewer hours than recommended (30%). It has also been shown that longer screen time has a negative impact on the lifestyle of children and young people. Conclusions: Our results show that excessive screen time in children is linked to higher weight and an unhealthy lifestyle, increasing long-term cardiovascular risks. Public health initiatives aimed at reducing screen time, promoting physical activity, and encouraging healthier habits are essential to improve children’s overall health and prevent future chronic diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Effects of Daily Physical Activity Behaviours in Children: Physical and Psychological Outcomes)

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14 pages, 1569 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Sex-Specific Physical Activity and Weight Status in German Schoolchildren: Interim Results from the Hand on Heart Study

by Meike Schrader, Jennifer Wieprecht, Federico Morassutti Vitale, Simone Katrin Manai, Samar Shamas, Marcel Müller, Maren Baethmann, Anja Tengler, Roxana Riley, Guido Mandilaras, Nikolaus Alexander Haas and Delphina Gomes

Children 2025, 12(4), 412; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12040412 - 26 Mar 2025

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: physical activity (PA) in children offers lifelong benefits, yet nearly four in five children are insufficiently active. We examined sex-specific differences in sport participation by sport type and its association with weight status. Methods: in the ongoing hand-on-heart-study (“Hand-aufs-Herz”), comprehensive data on [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: physical activity (PA) in children offers lifelong benefits, yet nearly four in five children are insufficiently active. We examined sex-specific differences in sport participation by sport type and its association with weight status. Methods: in the ongoing hand-on-heart-study (“Hand-aufs-Herz”), comprehensive data on sociodemographic profiles, PA, and anthropometry were collected from 922 school-aged children, adolescents, and young adults (8–20 years) in Germany. Sex-specific differences in sport participation, sport types, and weight status were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models. Results: based on the eligibility criteria for analysis (ages 8–18 years), 883 pupils were included (mean age 13.1 ± 2.4 years), 406 (46%) were females. Compared to females, males had a 43% higher chance of being members of a sports club and were more likely to spend more days/week on sports (44–85%). Males participated more in football, martial arts, and basketball while females favored gymnastics and volleyball. As age increased, males had a 30% higher likelihood of not being sports club members (females: 13%). Overweight/obese males had twice the risk of lacking sports memberships. The largest body mass index (BMI) difference was found in males and females participating in athletics, with −4.64 kg/m² (males) and −1.99 kg/m² (females) compared to their counterparts without club memberships. Conclusions: in conclusion, sports participation should be encouraged especially among females and overweight/obese males. Targeted strategies should focus on promoting inclusive and non-competitive activities that cater to their interests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Effects of Daily Physical Activity Behaviours in Children: Physical and Psychological Outcomes)

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11 pages, 243 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association Between Food Habits with Mental Health and Executive Function in Chilean Children and Adolescents

by Felipe Caamaño-Navarrete, Indya del-Cuerpo, Carlos Arriagada-Hernández, Mauricio Cresp-Barria, Claudio Hernández-Mosqueira, Guido Contreras-Díaz, Pablo Valdés-Badilla, Daniel Jerez-Mayorga and Pedro Delgado-Floody

Children 2025, 12(3), 268; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12030268 - 22 Feb 2025

Viewed by 775

Abstract

Objective: To determine the association between foods habits with mental health (i.e., anxiety, depression, and stress) and executive function (i.e., attention, inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility) in Chilean children and adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 498 children and adolescents (52.6% female) [...] Read more.

Objective: To determine the association between foods habits with mental health (i.e., anxiety, depression, and stress) and executive function (i.e., attention, inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility) in Chilean children and adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 498 children and adolescents (52.6% female) aged 10–17 years participated. The Krece Plus questionnaire (Food habits), Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21, metal health), and the CogniFit (executive functions) test were used to assess the study variables. Results: The poor and moderate food habits groups reported higher prevalence of extremely severe anxiety (poor, 40.8%; moderate, 41.4%; good, 21.6%; p = 0.013) and extremely severe depression (poor, 20.4%; moderate, 21.3%; good, 5.7%; p < 0.001). The food habits were linked inversely to anxiety (β −0.07, 95%CI −0.11 to −0.03, p = 0.001), depression (β −0.08, 95%CI −0.12 to −0.04, p < 0.001), stress (β −0.07, 95%CI −0.11 to −0.02, p = 0.004), and total score of negative mental health (β −0.03, 95%CI −0.04 to −0.01, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The food habits were inversely associated with negative metal health in Chilean children and adolescents, where the good food habits group reported better mental health in all dimensions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Effects of Daily Physical Activity Behaviours in Children: Physical and Psychological Outcomes)

12 pages, 865 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association Between Screen Time and Lifestyle Parameters with Executive Functions in Chilean Children and Adolescents: Potential Mediating Role of Health-Related Quality of Life

by Felipe Caamaño-Navarrete, Carlos Arriagada-Hernández, Lorena Jara-Tomckowiack, Jordan Hernandez-Martinez, Pablo Valdés-Badilla, Guido Contreras-Díaz, Indya del-Cuerpo and Pedro Delgado-Floody

Children 2025, 12(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12010002 - 24 Dec 2024

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Abstract

Background/Objective: This study aimed to (i) investigate the association between lifestyle parameters (i.e., screen time [ST], food habits, and physical activity [PA]) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with executive functions (EFs, i.e., attention, inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility) in Chilean [...] Read more.

Background/Objective: This study aimed to (i) investigate the association between lifestyle parameters (i.e., screen time [ST], food habits, and physical activity [PA]) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with executive functions (EFs, i.e., attention, inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility) in Chilean children and adolescents, and (ii) determine the potential mediating role of HRQoL in the relationship between ST and EFs. Methods: A total of 511 children and adolescents (51.3% female) aged 10–17 years participated. Lifestyle parameters and EFs were evaluated. Results: Attention was inversely associated with ST (β = −19.51, p < 0.001) and positively associated with HRQoL (β = 4.17, p < 0.001). Inhibition was negatively linked to ST (β = −25.17, p < 0.001) and positively associated with HRQoL (β = 3.23, p = 0.041). Working memory was inversely related to ST (β = −28.89, p = 0.001) and positively associated with PA (β = 34.01, p < 0.001) and HRQoL (β = 4.22, p = 0.003). Cognitive flexibility was associated with ST (β = −26.76, p = 0.001), PA (β = 23.23, p = 0.047), and HRQoL (β = 4.91, p = 0.004). The indirect effect confirmed that HRQoL partially mediated the relationship between ST and EFs, including attention (5%), inhibition (3.18%), working memory (3.82%), and cognitive flexibility (5.3%). Conclusions: ST was inversely associated with all EFs assessed, and HRQoL showed a potential mediating role in these relationships. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Effects of Daily Physical Activity Behaviours in Children: Physical and Psychological Outcomes)

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11 pages, 283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gender and Educational Stage Differences in Motivation, Basic Psychological Needs and Enjoyment: Evidence from Physical Education Classes

by Rubén Navarro-Patón, Josune Rodríguez-Negro, María Muíño-Piñeiro and Marcos Mecías-Calvo

Children 2024, 11(12), 1503; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11121503 - 10 Dec 2024

Viewed by 931

Abstract

Background/Objectives: There is evidence that shows an association between basic psychological needs, motivation, and enjoyment in the context of school physical education. However, there are no studies that have included all of them in a single study. Therefore, the objective of this research [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: There is evidence that shows an association between basic psychological needs, motivation, and enjoyment in the context of school physical education. However, there are no studies that have included all of them in a single study. Therefore, the objective of this research was to determine if there are differences in motivation, basic psychological needs, and enjoyment in physical education classes between primary and secondary education students and between boys and girls. Methods: A total of 740 schoolchildren (410 girls, 55.4%) from primary education (n = 310; 41.9%) and secondary education (n = 430; 58.1%) between the ages of 10 and 17 participated (M = 13.60; SD = 2.03). The Perceived Locus of Causality in Physical Education Scale (PLOC Scale), the Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale (BPNES), and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Measurement Scale (PACES) were administered. Results: Statistically significant differences were found in the educational stage factor with higher scores in primary education students in intrinsic regulation (p < 0.001), identified regulation (p < 0.001), introjected regulation (p = 0.004), perceived competence (p < 0.001), relatedness (p < 0.001), and enjoyment (p < 0.001). In terms of the gender factor, there were significant differences in intrinsic regulation (p = 0.005), identified regulation (p = 0.007), and enjoyment (p = 0.010), with higher scores in boys. Conclusions: Primary education students present greater self-determined motivation (intrinsic, identified, and introjected regulation), as well as a greater sense of competition, relatedness, and enjoyment than secondary education students. Boys have greater regulation and intrinsic enjoyment than girls in physical education classes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Effects of Daily Physical Activity Behaviours in Children: Physical and Psychological Outcomes)

17 pages, 625 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of a 12-Week Mixed-Method Physical Exercise Program on Physical Fitness, Stress, Anxiety, and Quality of Life in Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: A Case Series Study

by Alexandrina Cavalcante Rodrigues Nitz, José Pedro Ferreira, Elaine Maria Ribeiro, Juliana Albuquerque da Rocha, Chrystiane Vasconcelos Andrade Toscano and Maria João Campos

Children 2024, 11(10), 1257; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11101257 - 18 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1624

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Although the health benefits related to physical exercise for adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) have been recognized, studies indicate that individuals with CP at school age are less involved in physical activities than their typical peers and are twice as likely to [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Although the health benefits related to physical exercise for adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) have been recognized, studies indicate that individuals with CP at school age are less involved in physical activities than their typical peers and are twice as likely to engage in sedentary behaviors. Therefore, our study aims to investigate the effects of a physical exercise program on physical fitness, stress, anxiety, and quality-of-life variables. Methods: A total of 15 teenagers with ambulatory CP (n = 8 boys, n = 7 girls, between 12 and 18 years old; M = 14.35; SD = 1.76) completed a 12-week program based on a mixed-method approach with face-to-face and live online activities. The outcome measures were physical fitness, stress, anxiety, and quality of life. Results: The 12-week exercise program resulted in gains in muscular strength, flexibility, and aerobic endurance tests, characterized by an increase in average walking speed and average VO₂ max. There was also a significant change in the perception of emotional states of depression, anxiety, and stress reported by the participants. Conclusions: The program proved to be effective in physical fitness tests and perception of emotional states. Given the positive effects produced by the program, its design appears to meet the demands of adolescents with cerebral palsy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Effects of Daily Physical Activity Behaviours in Children: Physical and Psychological Outcomes)

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15 pages, 322 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predictors of Social Exclusion among Adolescents: The Weight of Physical Self-Concept Dimensions

by Rosa González-Delgado, Antonio J. Rodríguez-Hidalgo, Rosario Ortega-Ruiz, Juan de Dios Benítez-Sillero and Javier Murillo-Moraño

Children 2024, 11(10), 1235; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11101235 - 14 Oct 2024

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Abstract

Background: Social exclusion victimization among adolescents causes significant damage and harm to development and social balance. Many of the aggressions that lead to this are based on social stigmas, particularly related to physical appearance in school settings involving physical and sports activities. This [...] Read more.

Background: Social exclusion victimization among adolescents causes significant damage and harm to development and social balance. Many of the aggressions that lead to this are based on social stigmas, particularly related to physical appearance in school settings involving physical and sports activities. This study investigates the relationship between victimization through social exclusion (both manifest and subtle forms) and physical self-concept, specifically examining ability, attractiveness, physical condition, and strength. Methods: A total of 876 adolescents (mean age = 14.91; standard deviation = 1.71 years), evenly divided between boys and girls, from secondary schools in Andalusia, Spain participated. They completed a self-report questionnaire assessing physical abilities, attractiveness, physical condition, and self-perceived strength, alongside an instrument measuring experiences of social exclusion and manifest exclusion. Results: Our findings indicate that physical ability, attractiveness, and condition are negative statistical predictors of both manifest and subtle exclusion victimization, while self-perceived strength is a statistical predictor of subtle exclusion. Manifest exclusion impacts both genders similarly, but girls are more vulnerable to subtle forms of exclusion. Regardless of gender, physical ability and attractiveness significantly predict both types of exclusion. Conclusions: Our results highlight the importance of physical self-concept for wellbeing and maintaining self-concept balance. The inclusion of interventions addressing social exclusion in physical education is crucial, particularly those that work to mitigate social stigmas against adolescents who struggle in physical or sporting activities. A gender-sensitive approach should also be incorporated. The growing field of research on adolescent social exclusion, both manifest and subtle, underscores the need for further exploration of its links to physical condition, physical activity, self-perception, and societal stereotypes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Effects of Daily Physical Activity Behaviours in Children: Physical and Psychological Outcomes)

11 pages, 302 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Academic Performance, Physical Activity, and Academic Stress in Compulsory Secondary Education: An Analysis by Sex

by Dilan Galeano-Rojas, Marina Cuadros-Juárez, Borys Bismark León Reyes, Mónica Alexandra Castelo Reyna, Claudio Farías-Valenzuela and Pedro Valdivia-Moral

Children 2024, 11(10), 1161; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11101161 - 25 Sep 2024

Viewed by 5213

Abstract

Objectives: The main objective of this study is to analyze the relationships between academic performance, physical activity, and academic stress in secondary education students, while the secondary objective is to establish differences by gender in the physical activity and academic stress levels of [...] Read more.

Objectives: The main objective of this study is to analyze the relationships between academic performance, physical activity, and academic stress in secondary education students, while the secondary objective is to establish differences by gender in the physical activity and academic stress levels of secondary students based on academic performance. Methods: The sample was composed of students from both sexes who attended public institutions. Data collection was conducted applying an ad hoc questionnaire for academic performance, the PAQ-C questionnaire for physical activity, and the QASSE questionnaire for academic stress. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics: Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used for associations, while comparisons were conducted via the Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis H test. Results: The results show that academic stress is negatively correlated with physical activity and academic performance. Men present significantly higher values in physical activity, while women present higher mean values in general academic stress and the academic overload dimension. Lastly, regarding academic performance, significant differences were observed in the family pressure dimension, with students who perform better academically presenting lower mean values in this dimension of academic stress. Conclusions: In conclusion, the more the general academic stress, the lower the physical activity levels and academic performance. In addition, physical activity appears as a potential coping strategy for academic stress, and its influence on academic performance should be further studied in secondary education. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Effects of Daily Physical Activity Behaviours in Children: Physical and Psychological Outcomes)

7 pages, 260 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differences in the Development of Motor Skills in Portuguese Children Aged 12 Months after 3 Years of COVID-19 Confinement

by Miguel Rebelo, Rui Paulo, Samuel Honório, João Petrica, Marco Batista, Pedro Duarte-Mendes, Catarina Marques and João Serrano

Children 2024, 11(8), 918; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11080918 - 30 Jul 2024

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Abstract

(1) Background: The objective of the study was to verify the effects of COVID-19 confinement on motor skills through a longitudinal study in Portuguese children who were one year old at the beginning of the pandemic. (2) Methods: The sample consisted of 88 [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The objective of the study was to verify the effects of COVID-19 confinement on motor skills through a longitudinal study in Portuguese children who were one year old at the beginning of the pandemic. (2) Methods: The sample consisted of 88 children of both sexes, in the pre-COVID-19 assessment, they were 13.31 ± 2.4 months old and in the post-COVID-19 assessment, the same children were already 49.31 ± 2.5 months old. Motor skills were assessed using the PDMS-2 scales. For the statistical analysis, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was used to test normality, and the Wilcoxon test was used to compare the results of the two assessments in the same sample. (3) Results: There were statistically significant differences in all motor skills assessed, with children presenting, on average, worse results in all global motor skills in the post-COVID-19 assessment, as opposed to fine motor skills, showing better results in the post-COVID-19 assessment. (4) Conclusions: These results show the negative impact of the pandemic on children evaluated with a special emphasis on global motor skills, with the majority demonstrating values considered below average for their age, noting that the pandemic protocols may have had serious consequences on children’s motor development, warning professionals who deal daily with children in these age groups about the importance of stimulating global motor skills. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Effects of Daily Physical Activity Behaviours in Children: Physical and Psychological Outcomes)

14 pages, 881 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Mediating Role of Cardiorespiratory Fitness in the Association between a Negative Lifestyle and Poor Mental Health in Chilean Schoolchildren

by Pedro Delgado-Floody, Felipe Caamaño-Navarrete, Guillermo Barahona-Fuentes, Carlos Arriagada-Hernández, Pablo Valdés-Badilla, Indya Del-Cuerpo, Mauricio Cresp-Barría and Manuel Gómez-López

Children 2024, 11(7), 866; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11070866 - 17 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1143

Abstract

Background: A negative lifestyle has a reported relationship with psychological problems and deteriorated well-being. However, there is little information regarding the mediating role of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in this relationship. Objectives: The objectives of the present study are twofold: first, to investigate the [...] Read more.

Background: A negative lifestyle has a reported relationship with psychological problems and deteriorated well-being. However, there is little information regarding the mediating role of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in this relationship. Objectives: The objectives of the present study are twofold: first, to investigate the association between negative lifestyle, physical self-concept (PSC), and depression, and second, to assess the potential mediating role of CRF in this complex relationship. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 612 schoolchildren aged between 9 and 14 years from the Araucanía region (southern Chile). CRF was measured using the Leger test, and lifestyle, depression, and PSC were measured using validated questionnaires. Results: A negative lifestyle reported an inverse association with PSC (p < 0.001) and a positive association with depression levels (p < 0.001). The mediation analysis showed that CRF was positively related to PSC (p < 0.001) and inversely related to depression (p = 0.001); besides, the indirect effect CRF acted as a partial mediator in the association between a negative lifestyle and PSC (indirect effect = −1.15; SE = 0.01; 95% CI, −1.87, −0.55) and depression levels (indirect effect = 0.22; SE = 0.08; 95% CI, 0.08, 0.38). Conclusion: In conclusion, CRF in schoolchildren played a potential mediating role in the association between a negative lifestyle and depression and PSC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Effects of Daily Physical Activity Behaviours in Children: Physical and Psychological Outcomes)

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17 pages, 812 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Effectiveness of Exercise on Sleep Quality in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Daniel González-Devesa, Miguel Adriano Sanchez-Lastra, Benito Outeda-Monteagudo, José Carlos Diz-Gómez and Carlos Ayán-Pérez

Children 2025, 12(2), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12020119 - 22 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1646

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to systematically review the available evidence on the effects of exercise training programs on sleep quality in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Methods: Studies were searched in five electronic databases until March 2024. The methodological quality of the [...] Read more.

Objective: This study aimed to systematically review the available evidence on the effects of exercise training programs on sleep quality in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Methods: Studies were searched in five electronic databases until March 2024. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database and Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies scales. Results: A total of five randomized clinical trials, two non-randomized comparative studies, and one single-arm trial were included. Self-reported sleep quality (n = 7) and objective sleep status (n = 3) were the main outcomes analyzed. Generally, exercise induced positive effects on self-reported sleep outcomes. The performed meta-analysis with data from 131 participants indicated that exercise showed a non-significant trend towards increasing objective sleep duration (Hedges’ g −2.67; 95% CI −11.33; 5.99, p = 0.185). While exercise appears safe for individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, its efficacy in managing sleep disturbances in this population remains uncertain. Conclusions: While there is evidence suggesting a positive impact of exercise on self-reported sleep quality, its efficacy for improving sleep duration could not be confirmed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Effects of Daily Physical Activity Behaviours in Children: Physical and Psychological Outcomes)

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