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Childhood and Teenage Learning, Lifestyle, Health Factors and Physical Activity...
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Childhood and Teenage Learning, Lifestyle, Health Factors and Physical Activity in Children

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Global Pediatric Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 March 2025) | Viewed by 11611

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Marcos Mecías-Calvo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Facultad de Formación del Profesorado, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27001 Lugo, Spain
2. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, 39011 Santander, Spain
Interests: physical education; motor competence; motor skills; psychosocial factors in physical education; teaching basic life support; sport performance; sports injuries; drowning and life saving
Prof. Dr. Rubén Navarro Patón

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Facultade de Formación do Profesorado, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27001 Lugo, Spain
Interests: physical activity; physical education; first aid; physical exercise
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are delighted to launch this Special Issue of Children, in which we intend to collect the results of research on the improvement and advances of compulsory education with a multidisciplinary nature. The general titles allow the publication of articles on the early preschool stages (approximately 0 to 6 years, depending on the country), primary education (up to approximately 12 years), and secondary education (up to approximately 12 years). In addition, to flexibility in the age of the research subjects, the research topics can also be diverse and cover the research content of this age group: sports, physical education, motor skills, art, music, children's language, games, health, first aid, or other topics of interest in early childhood and primary and secondary education that are necessary and that may be requested by researchers or academics.

Prof. Dr. Marcos Mecías-Calvo
Prof. Dr. Rubén Navarro Patón
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Children is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • physical education
  • childhood
  • primary education
  • secondary education
  • sport
  • physical activity
  • first aid
  • music teaching
  • teaching of plastic expression
  • teaching of language and literature
  • STEM

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 267 KiB  
Article
Effect of Physical Activity Participation on Lifestyle Habits and School Life Among Korean Children
by Seungok An, Su-Yeon Roh and Jeonga Kwon
Children 2025, 12(5), 570; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12050570 - 28 Apr 2025
Viewed by 187
Abstract
Objectives: This study explored the impact of physical activity (PA) participation on the lifestyle habits and school life of Korean elementary school students. Methods: We collected survey data from 28,514 elementary school students participating in the 2023 Student Health Examination conducted by the [...] Read more.
Objectives: This study explored the impact of physical activity (PA) participation on the lifestyle habits and school life of Korean elementary school students. Methods: We collected survey data from 28,514 elementary school students participating in the 2023 Student Health Examination conducted by the Korea Ministry of Education. PA participation was the independent variable, defined as whether elementary school students participate in exercise that makes them out of breath or sweat more than three times a week. The variables related to lifestyle habits included breakfast intake, amount of sleep, TV viewing, gaming/Internet use, thoughts about running away from home, perceived body image, and body mass index. The variables for school life included experiences of being bullied, the need for counseling regarding school life problems, and the need for counseling for distress. The collected data were analyzed using frequency analysis, chi-squared tests, and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: PA was significantly associated with regular breakfast intake, sufficient sleep, limited television viewing, reduced gaming/Internet use, and a positive perception of body image. Specifically, regarding breakfast intake, the average odds ratio (OR) was 1.160 for always having it. Regarding the amount of sleep, the average OR was 0.836 for less than 6 h, 0.692 for 6–7 h, and 0.767 for 7–8 h. Regarding TV viewing, the average OR was 0.831 for yes. For gaming, the average OR was 0.770 for yes. Regarding perceived body image, the average OR was 1.429 for slightly thin, 1.487 for normal, and 1.400 for slightly fat. Conclusions: These results suggest that children’s PA facilitates the formation of good lifestyle habits; therefore, it should be actively encouraged in children. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Childhood and Teenage Learning, Lifestyle, Health Factors and Physical Activity in Children)
14 pages, 217 KiB  
Article
Child Poverty and Its Associated Issues in A City, Tokyo: Insights from Community-Based Participatory Research
by Shinpei Ikeda, Yuriko Iwabuchi, Masato Nakamura, Kanta Ohno and Hirotomo Shibahashi
Children 2025, 12(2), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12020252 - 19 Feb 2025
Viewed by 714
Abstract
Background/Objectives: In recent years, despite growing awareness of child poverty in Japan, research examining its impact on the daily lives of children and their families within schools and communities remains limited. This study aims to clarify the extent of child poverty and associated [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: In recent years, despite growing awareness of child poverty in Japan, research examining its impact on the daily lives of children and their families within schools and communities remains limited. This study aims to clarify the extent of child poverty and associated issues in A City, Tokyo, through qualitative research conducted as part of the Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) process. Methods: Twelve research participants were selected, including Vice Principals of schools, Community and Child Welfare Officers, and other stakeholders involved in supporting economically disadvantaged households raising children. A focus group discussion (FGD) was conducted on 16 October 2021 to examine the current state of child poverty in A City and local initiatives addressing the issue. Data were analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach. Results: Three categories emerged from the analysis: (1) Children Disadvantaged by Their Family’s Financial Situation, (2) Challenges in Supporting Financially Struggling Families in Schools and Communities, and (3) the Necessity of Establishing Comprehensive Systems to Support Families. These findings highlight the complex challenges schools and communities face in supporting economically disadvantaged families. Conclusions: Addressing child poverty in A City requires strengthening collaboration between the education sector and community stakeholders, enhancing early detection of poverty-related issues, and establishing comprehensive support systems for timely intervention. However, cultural norms in Japan, such as the reluctance to impose a burden on others, might create barriers to seeking assistance. To overcome these challenges, CBPR is expected to play a key role in fostering networks among children, parents, and support providers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Childhood and Teenage Learning, Lifestyle, Health Factors and Physical Activity in Children)
18 pages, 3810 KiB  
Article
On the Road to Safety: Examining Children’s Cycling Skills and Physical Activity Levels
by Juliane Stark and Michael Meschik
Children 2024, 11(12), 1556; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11121556 - 22 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1007
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Studies indicate a decline in children’s physical activity (PA) levels, active mobility, and psychomotor skills, reflected in poorer cycling abilities. These trends are worrying given the rising prevalence of childhood obesity and sedentary lifestyles. This study assessed cycling skills among primary school [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Studies indicate a decline in children’s physical activity (PA) levels, active mobility, and psychomotor skills, reflected in poorer cycling abilities. These trends are worrying given the rising prevalence of childhood obesity and sedentary lifestyles. This study assessed cycling skills among primary school children in Lower Austria, comparing self-perceptions with objective assessments, and explores the relationship between cycling skills, PA levels, and school performance, as well as the impact of cycling training on skill development. Methods: A multi-level approach was employed, including cycling tests and interviews with children, parents, and teachers. Children’s cycling skills were evaluated through objective assessments, while parents and children provided self-assessments. Interviews explored children’s preferences, physical activity and travel habits, and school performance. Results: Overall, the children’s cycling skills were rated as good, though turning left, slalom, and emergency braking proved particularly challenging. Significant discrepancies were identified between objective assessments and self-perceptions, with many children—especially girls—overestimating their abilities. Despite some tendencies, no significant associations were found between PA levels or school performance and cycling skills. However, cycling training was significantly associated with improvements in cycling skills. Conclusions: In light of children’s strong preference for incorporating more cycling into their daily travel patterns, the findings underscore the importance of policies promoting safer school environments and encouraging parental support for cycling. More targeted cycling training programs are needed to further enhance children’s skills. It is also important to address the tendency of parents to overestimate their children’s cycling abilities. These measures could help foster greater use of bicycles for school commutes and improve children’s cycling competence and overall health outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Childhood and Teenage Learning, Lifestyle, Health Factors and Physical Activity in Children)
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17 pages, 2330 KiB  
Article
Decoding Motor Skills: Video Analysis Unveils Age-Specific Patterns in Childhood and Adolescent Movement
by Luca Russo, Massimiliano Micozzi, Ghazi Racil, Alin Larion, Elena Lupu, Johnny Padulo and Gian Mario Migliaccio
Children 2024, 11(11), 1351; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11111351 - 5 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1549
Abstract
Motor skill development is crucial in human growth, evolving with the maturation of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Quantifying these skills, especially coordinative abilities, remains challenging. This study aimed to assess the performance of five motor tasks in children and adolescents using high-speed [...] Read more.
Motor skill development is crucial in human growth, evolving with the maturation of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Quantifying these skills, especially coordinative abilities, remains challenging. This study aimed to assess the performance of five motor tasks in children and adolescents using high-speed video analysis, providing data for movement and health professionals. Seventy-two volunteers were divided into three age groups: 27 first-grade primary school students (19 males and 8 females, aged 6.5 ± 0.5 years), 35 fourth-grade primary school students (16 males and 19 females, aged 9.2 ± 0.4 years), and 28 s-year middle school students (16 males and 12 females, aged 13.0 ± 0.3 years). Participants performed five motor tasks: standing long jump, running long jump, stationary ball throw, running ball throw, and sprint running. Each task was recorded at 120 frames per second and analyzed using specialized software to measure linear and angular kinematic parameters. Quantitative measurements were taken in the sagittal plane, while qualitative observations were made using a dichotomous approach. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests with Bonferroni correction. Significant differences were observed across age groups in various parameters. In the standing long jump, older participants exhibited a longer time between initial movement and maximum loading. The running long jump revealed differences in the take-off angle, with fourth-grade students performing the best. Ball-throwing tests indicated improvements in the release angle with age, particularly in females. Sprint running demonstrated the expected improvements in time and stride length with age. Gender differences were notable in fourth-grade students during the running long jump, with females showing greater knee flexion, while males achieved better take-off angles. Video analysis effectively identified age-related and gender-specific differences in motor skill performance. The main differences were measured between first-grade primary school and second-year middle school students while gender differences were limited to all age groups. This method provides valuable insights into motor development trajectories and can be used by professionals to objectively assess and monitor the technical aspects of motor skills across different age groups. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Childhood and Teenage Learning, Lifestyle, Health Factors and Physical Activity in Children)
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Review

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28 pages, 792 KiB  
Review
The Impact of Parental Behaviors on Children’s Lifestyle, Dietary Habits, Screen Time, Sleep Patterns, Mental Health, and BMI: A Scoping Review
by Cátia Maia, Diogo Braz, Helder Miguel Fernandes, Hugo Sarmento and Aristides M. Machado-Rodrigues
Children 2025, 12(2), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12020203 - 8 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1911
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Childhood obesity and being overweight are influenced by the family environment, diet, sleep, and mental health, with parents playing a key role in shaping behaviors through routines and practices. Healthy parental habits can encourage positive outcomes, while poor routines and [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Childhood obesity and being overweight are influenced by the family environment, diet, sleep, and mental health, with parents playing a key role in shaping behaviors through routines and practices. Healthy parental habits can encourage positive outcomes, while poor routines and stress often lead to unhealthy weight gain. This study analyzed the impact of parental behaviors on children’s lifestyles and habits, as well as the trend and intensity of the effect of these behaviors on different age groups. Methods: A systematic review of 1504 articles from Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and APA PsycNet (as of 22 July 2024) included studies on parents and children aged 4–18 years, focusing on physical activity, sleep, screen time, nutrition, and mental health. Twenty-six studies were analyzed, including 19 cross-sectional and 7 longitudinal studies. The outcomes included physical activity, sedentary behaviors, eating and sleeping habits, mental health, and BMI. Bias was assessed using JBI tools according to the GRADE framework and Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment. Results: The studies involved 89,545 youths and 13,856 parents. The key findings revealed associations between parental physical activity, sleep, dietary habits, mental health, screen time, and their children’s BMIs. Parenting styles significantly influence children’s behaviors. This review highlights the crucial influence of parenting styles and behaviors on children’s physical activity, diet, sleep, and mental health, emphasizing the link between family dynamics and childhood obesity. The findings stress the importance of targeting parental habits in interventions focused on healthy routines and stress management. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine causality, while research involving diverse populations is essential to enhance the applicability of these findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Childhood and Teenage Learning, Lifestyle, Health Factors and Physical Activity in Children)
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21 pages, 398 KiB  
Review
The Effect of Diaphragmatic Breathing as a Complementary Therapeutic Strategy in Stress of Children and Teenagers 6–18 Years Old
by Pelagia Tsakona, Ioannis Kitsatis, Thomas Apostolou, Ourania Papadopoulou and Alexandra Hristara-Papadopoulou
Children 2025, 12(1), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12010059 - 5 Jan 2025
Viewed by 4255
Abstract
Background: Few studies are reported on interventions that have been carried out in children and adolescents using diaphragmatic breathing (DB) together with methods like counseling, muscle relaxation, therapeutic exercise, and music therapy. Objective: The goal of the review is to evaluate the effectiveness [...] Read more.
Background: Few studies are reported on interventions that have been carried out in children and adolescents using diaphragmatic breathing (DB) together with methods like counseling, muscle relaxation, therapeutic exercise, and music therapy. Objective: The goal of the review is to evaluate the effectiveness of DB as complementary therapy in the stress of the pediatric population (6–18 years old). Methods: Detailed research was carried out in the current literature to find relevant studies published from 2010 to October 2024 in PubMed and Cochrane Library. Thirteen studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Nine studies involved obese and overweight pediatric populations and the other four involved pediatric patients. Results: The interventions comprised two 8-week studies in an obese pediatric population, seven studies in healthy children and adolescents with normal weight. The studies were based on DB, muscle relaxation, nutrition, counseling, music therapy, and slow breathing exercises. The participants in the intervention group improved in comparison to those in the control group in terms of stress and depression in most included studies, in terms of school performance in two studies, in terms of better family relationships in one study, and showed improvement in anthropometric indicators in two studies. In four studies that involved pediatric patients, stress and fear of medical procedures were reduced. Conclusions: DB can effectively contribute on its own or in combination with other therapeutic methods to improving physiological and psychological indicators in the pediatric population. It is useful to integrate stress management programs that include DB training as clinical practice in primary healthcare and in school schedules for elementary and high-school students. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Childhood and Teenage Learning, Lifestyle, Health Factors and Physical Activity in Children)
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Other

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20 pages, 1327 KiB  
Systematic Review
Efficacy of Functional Re-Education as a Treatment for Infantile Flexible Flatfoot: Systematic Review
by Cristina Molina-García, George Banwell, Francisco Álvarez-Salvago, Andrés Reinoso-Cobo, Clara Pujol-Fuentes, Jose Medina-Luque and Laura Ramos-Petersen
Children 2025, 12(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12010008 - 24 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1152
Abstract
Background: Flexible pediatric flatfoot is an anatomical presentation of the foot that is common in children, and its functional impact raises long-term uncertainty. Functional re-education includes strengthening and stretching exercises for the intrinsic and extrinsic musculature of the foot, proposed as an effective [...] Read more.
Background: Flexible pediatric flatfoot is an anatomical presentation of the foot that is common in children, and its functional impact raises long-term uncertainty. Functional re-education includes strengthening and stretching exercises for the intrinsic and extrinsic musculature of the foot, proposed as an effective conservative treatment. However, to date, there is no systematic review examining its effectiveness in the pediatric population. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of functional re-education as a conservative treatment for flexible pediatric flatfoot, determining which exercises are most effective. Methods: A search (PROSPERO: CRD42023391030) was conducted across six databases, resulting in an initial total of 327 studies. Of these, 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria, resulting in a sample of 419 children aged 6 to 14 years with a diagnosis of flexible flatfoot. The evaluated studies present variations in diagnostic criteria, types of exercises, and treatment duration. Results: The results indicate that functional re-education is effective in improving the symptomatology and functionality of the foot in children. In particular, exercises targeting the intrinsic musculature proved to be among the most effective treatments, improving the structural development of the medial longitudinal arch. The reviewed literature recommends a minimum treatment duration of eight weeks. Conclusions: Functional re-education represents an effective conservative treatment option for flexible flatfoot in children, positioning it as the treatment of choice for this condition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Childhood and Teenage Learning, Lifestyle, Health Factors and Physical Activity in Children)
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