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14 pages, 391 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Activity and BMI before and after the Situation Caused by COVID-19 in Upper Primary School Pupils in the Czech Republic

by Jana Pyšná, Ladislav Pyšný, David Cihlář, Dominika Petrů, Lenka Hajerová Müllerová, Luděk Čtvrtečka, Anna Čechová and Jiří Suchý

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 3068; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19053068 - 5 Mar 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3300

Abstract

Regular physical activity is a very important factor in the healthy development of an individual and an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. However, today’s population still suffers from an insufficient amount of exercise caused mainly by technological progress and often inappropriate conditions [...] Read more.

Regular physical activity is a very important factor in the healthy development of an individual and an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. However, today’s population still suffers from an insufficient amount of exercise caused mainly by technological progress and often inappropriate conditions for practising sports. In relation to this, we are grappling with a steady increase in obesity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, conditions for regular physical activity became even more unfavourable, with the declaration of a state of emergency and antipandemic measures leading to the closure of sports grounds and sporting competitions. Using a questionnaire survey of a sample of children (n = 1456), we found that, already before the pandemic, 69% of the observed sample had not met the recommended amount of physical activity, and only 67% of the sample was of normal weight. By comparing both groups after the end of pandemic restrictions, we found statistically significant differences at examined indicators of the children’s Body Mass Index (BMI), their physical activity, and free time spending habits. We noticed the significant differences in BMI indicators in two different categories, normal weight (7.5%) and stage 1 obesity (1.66%). Simultaneously, we noticed differences in the children’s physical activities, especially with children who attend sports playgroups connected to athletic development (8.74%). More differences were noticed in free time spending habits indicators; the most significant ones were with the children who spend their free time behind the personal computer for more than 14 h a week (5.4%) and with the children who spend their free time on social media for 8–14 h a week (18.56%). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children, Physical Activity, Exercise and Obesity)

21 pages, 507 KiB

Open AccessArticle

What Happened in ‘The HERizon Project’?—Process Evaluation of a Multi-Arm Remote Physical Activity Intervention for Adolescent Girls

by Emma S. Cowley, Lawrence Foweather, Paula M. Watson, Sarahjane Belton, Andrew Thompson, Dick Thijssen and Anton J. M. Wagenmakers

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(2), 966; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19020966 - 15 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3246

Abstract

This mixed-methods process evaluation examines the reach, recruitment, fidelity, adherence, acceptability, mechanisms of impact, and context of remote 12-week physical activity (PA) interventions for adolescent girls named The HERizon Project. The study was comprised of four arms—a PA programme group, a behaviour change [...] Read more.

This mixed-methods process evaluation examines the reach, recruitment, fidelity, adherence, acceptability, mechanisms of impact, and context of remote 12-week physical activity (PA) interventions for adolescent girls named The HERizon Project. The study was comprised of four arms—a PA programme group, a behaviour change support group, a combined group, and a comparison group. Data sources included intervention deliverer and participant logbooks (100 and 71% respective response rates, respectively), exit surveys (72% response rate), and semi-structured focus groups/interviews conducted with a random subsample of participants from each of the intervention arms (n = 34). All intervention deliverers received standardised training and successfully completed pre-intervention competency tasks. Based on self-report logs, 99% of mentors adhered to the call guide, and 100% of calls and live workouts were offered. Participant adherence and intervention receipt were also high for all intervention arms. Participants were generally satisfied with the intervention components; however, improvements were recommended for the online social media community within the PA programme and combined intervention arms. Autonomy, sense of accomplishment, accountability, and routine were identified as factors facilitating participant willingness to adhere to the intervention across all intervention arms. Future remote interventions should consider structured group facilitation to encourage a genuine sense of community among participants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children, Physical Activity, Exercise and Obesity)

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23 pages, 462 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations between Second-Hand Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Physical Activity, and Respiratory Health in Children

by Melissa Parnell, Lawrence Foweather, Greg Whyte, John Dickinson and Ivan Gee

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11445; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111445 - 30 Oct 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4586

Abstract

Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and physical activity (PA) are associated with a plethora of positive health effects. Many UK children fail to meet the recommended level of PA, with an observed decline in CRF levels over recent decades. Second-hand tobacco smoke (SHS) is [...] Read more.

Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and physical activity (PA) are associated with a plethora of positive health effects. Many UK children fail to meet the recommended level of PA, with an observed decline in CRF levels over recent decades. Second-hand tobacco smoke (SHS) is responsible for a significant proportion of the worldwide burden of disease, but little is understood regarding the impact of SHS exposure on CRF and PA in children. The aim of this study was to test the associations between SHS exposure and CRF, PA, and respiratory health in children. Method: Children (9–11 years) from UK primary schools in deprived areas participated (n = 104, 38 smoking households). Surveys determined household smoking, and exhaled carbon monoxide was used to indicate children’s recent SHS exposure. CRF (VO_2peak) was assessed via maximal treadmill protocol using breath-by-breath analysis. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide and spirometry were utilised as indicators of respiratory health. Results: Linear regression models demonstrated that SHS exposure was negatively associated with allometrically scaled VO_2peak (B = −3.8, p = 0.030) but not PA or respiratory health. Conclusion: The results indicate that SHS is detrimental to children’s CRF; given that approximately one-third of children are regularly exposed to SHS, this important finding has implications for both public health and the sport and exercise sciences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children, Physical Activity, Exercise and Obesity)

13 pages, 570 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is There a Link between Balance and Body Mass Composition in Children and Adolescents?

by Wojciech Rusek, Marzena Adamczyk, Joanna Baran, Justyna Leszczak, Grzegorz Inglot, Rafał Baran and Teresa Pop

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10449; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910449 - 4 Oct 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3531

Abstract

School-age children are particularly prone to disturbances in body composition, because this is a period of intensive growth and a period in which correct habits are shaped, especially in relation to diet. This is why it is so important to diagnose emerging disorders [...] Read more.

School-age children are particularly prone to disturbances in body composition, because this is a period of intensive growth and a period in which correct habits are shaped, especially in relation to diet. This is why it is so important to diagnose emerging disorders early so as to implement therapeutic or educational activities. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the factors of body mass composition and body mass index (BMI), as well as the balance parameters in children and adolescents. The study group consisted of 1137 children aged 7 to 15. There were 559 girls and 578 boys among the subjects. The study used the Tanita 780 body mass composition analyser and the Zebris stabilometric platform. It was found that girls were characterized by a significantly higher content of adipose tissue (24.37% vs. 20.45%), while boys were characterized by a higher content of lean tissue (32.99% vs. 30.43%), muscle tissue (31.23% vs. 28.86%) and water (24.15% vs. 22.28%). Interestingly, the girls had better balance than their peers in all analyzed parameters (COF TTL.—616.72 vs. 661.50; CEArea—73.63 vs. 112.24; COF HD—3.44 vs. 4.23; COF VD—4.52 vs. 5.12). It turned out that among children in adolescence, a higher adipose tissue content and a higher BMI correlated with a smaller surface area (p < 0.05) defined by the center of gravity and smaller deviations of the center of gravity in the horizontal plane (p < 0.05). Sex and adolescence play an important role in differentiating both body composition and body balance. The results of this study allow us to conclude that children with higher BMI values have better balance. Due to the fact that these conclusions are inconsistent with those of other researchers, it will be worth continuing the research (e.g., on a different population group) in order to confirm the results and to draw far-reaching conclusions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children, Physical Activity, Exercise and Obesity)

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15 pages, 375 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Associations between Non-School Time Physical Activity, Sedentary Time, and Adiposity among Boys and Girls: An Isotemporal Substitution Approach

by Kelsey L. McAlister, Jennifer Zink, Daniel Chu, Britni R. Belcher and Genevieve F. Dunton

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4671; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094671 - 27 Apr 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2979

Abstract

This study investigated the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of the substitution of non-school time light physical activity (LPA), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and sedentary time (ST) with adiposity in boys and girls. Boys (n = 65, baseline Mage= 9.93 ± 0.86 [...] Read more.

This study investigated the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of the substitution of non-school time light physical activity (LPA), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and sedentary time (ST) with adiposity in boys and girls. Boys (n = 65, baseline Mage= 9.93 ± 0.86 years) and girls (n = 77, baseline Mage = 10.17 ± 0.95 years) wore waist-worn accelerometers (ActiGraph GT3X) at baseline and at a 30-month follow-up, from which non-school time LPA, MVPA, ST, and total device wear were quantified. Body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height-ratio (WHR) were measured at baseline and follow-up. Body fat percent (BF%) was obtained at follow-up only. Isotemporal substitution models assessed the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of reallocating non-school time activity with BMI, WHR and BF%. In boys, replacing 30 min/day of LPA with MVPA was cross-sectionally (β = −8.26, p < 0.05) associated with a lower BF%. Replacing 30 min/day of ST with MVPA was cross-sectionally (β = −6.02, p < 0.05) associated with a lower BF% in boys. Longitudinally in boys, replacing 30 min of change in LPA with MVPA (β = −7.42, p < 0.10) and replacing 30 min of change in MVPA with ST (β = 5.78, p < 0.10) over 30 months was marginally associated with less BF%. Associations were null in girls (p > 0.05). These results may support targeting activity reallocation during non-school time for the purposes of adiposity improvement in boys. A multi-behavioral approach may be more appropriate for girls, as non-school time activity may not be driving adiposity status. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children, Physical Activity, Exercise and Obesity)

9 pages, 346 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Muscular Strength of Upper and Lower Limbs and Self-Esteem in Chilean SchoolChildren: Independent Associations with Body Composition Indicators

by Cristian Cofre Bolados, Gerson Ferrari, Mónica Suárez-Reyes, Daiana Quintiliano Scarpelli Dourado, Helen Diaz-Peña and Tito Pizarro

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(2), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020361 - 6 Jan 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2795

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between muscular strength from upper and lower limbs with self-esteem among Chilean schoolchildren, drawing independent associations with body composition indicators. The sample consisted of 1078 schoolchildren. The muscular strength of the upper and [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between muscular strength from upper and lower limbs with self-esteem among Chilean schoolchildren, drawing independent associations with body composition indicators. The sample consisted of 1078 schoolchildren. The muscular strength of the upper and lower limbs was evaluated using a digital dynamometer and long jump performance. The general strength index was calculated based on Z-score values. Rosenberg’s test was used to determine the level of self-esteem of participants. Body fat and body mass index were employed as body composition indicators. Boys had significantly more upper and lower strength, and a general strength index higher than girls (11.7 vs. 10.6; 109.7 vs. 97.4; 0.19 vs. −0.24, respectively). For boys and girls combined, there were no significant associations between all muscular strength variables and self-esteem. In boys, upper and lower limb strength was positively associated with self-esteem. In girls, no association between muscular strength and self-esteem was found. In both sexes, the general strength index was not associated with self-esteem. Strategies and programs that promote mental health and muscular strength among schoolchildren, specifically in boys, are needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children, Physical Activity, Exercise and Obesity)

18 pages, 3129 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is Adiposity Associated with the Quality of Movement Patterns in the Mid-Adolescent Period?

by Josip Karuc, Goran Marković, Marjeta Mišigoj-Duraković, Michael J. Duncan and Maroje Sorić

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(24), 9230; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17249230 - 10 Dec 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2986

Abstract

This study examined the association between functional movement (FM) and adiposity in adolescent population (16–17 years). This study was conducted in a representative sample of urban adolescents as the part of the CRO-PALS longitudinal study (n = 652). Body mass index (BMI), a [...] Read more.

This study examined the association between functional movement (FM) and adiposity in adolescent population (16–17 years). This study was conducted in a representative sample of urban adolescents as the part of the CRO-PALS longitudinal study (n = 652). Body mass index (BMI), a sum of four skinfolds (S4S), waist and hip circumference were measured, and FM was assessed via Functional Movement Screen^TM (FMS^TM). Furthermore, total FMS^TM screen was indicator of FM with the composite score ranged from 7 to 21, with higher score indicating better FM. Multilevel analysis was employed to determine the relationship between different predictors and total FMS score. In boys, after controlling for age, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and socioeconomic status, total FMS score was inversely associated only with BMI (β = −0.18, p < 0.0001), S4S (β = −0.04, p < 0.0001), waist circumference (β = −0.08, p < 0.0001), and hip circumference (β = −0.09, p < 0.0001). However, among girls, in adjusted models, total FMS score was inversely associated with S4S (β = −0.03, p < 0.0001), while BMI (β = −0.05, p = 0.23), waist circumference (β = −0.04, p = 0.06), and hip circumference: (β = −0.01, p = 0.70) failed to reach statistical significance. Results showed that the association between adiposity and FM in adolescence is sex-specific, suggesting that boys with overweight and obesity could be more prone to develop dysfunctional movement patterns. Therefore, exercise interventions directed toward correcting dysfunctional movement patterns should be sex-specific, targeting more boys with overweight and obesity rather than adolescent girls with excess weight. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children, Physical Activity, Exercise and Obesity)

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14 pages, 8506 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impaired Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Muscle Strength in Children with Normal-Weight Obesity

by Martin Musálek, Cain C. T. Clark, Jakub Kokštejn, Šarka Vokounova, Jan Hnízdil and Filip Mess

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(24), 9198; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17249198 - 9 Dec 2020

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4419

Abstract

Despite the health-related implications of normal-weight obesity in children, very little research has explored the fundamental associations between this status and important long-term health parameters. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate the physical fitness of children with normal-weight obesity, [...] Read more.

Despite the health-related implications of normal-weight obesity in children, very little research has explored the fundamental associations between this status and important long-term health parameters. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate the physical fitness of children with normal-weight obesity, in comparison to normal-weight non obese and overweight and obese counterparts. A total of 328 middle-school-aged children (9.8 ± 0.5 y) took part in this study (n = 44 normal-weight obese; n = 237; normal-weight non obese; n = 47 overweight and obese). Height, weight, and body-fatness were measured. Four physical fitness tests were conducted: (1) Multistage fitness test; (2) shuttle run 4 × 10 m; (3) sit-ups for 60 s; (4) the broad jump. Welch’s analysis of variance (ANOVA), stratified by sex, with post-hoc testing where necessary, was performed. Children with normal-weight obesity had significantly (p < 0.01) lower cardio-respiratory and muscular fitness than normal-weight non obese peers. In addition, normal-weight obese and overweight and obese boys had comparable deficits in strength and explosiveness of lower limbs, speed coordination, and endurance, compared to normal-weight non obese counterparts. Normal-weight obese children appear to have similar deficits in PF as their overweight and obese peers, compared to normal-weight non obese counterparts, whilst boys had larger deficits than girls. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children, Physical Activity, Exercise and Obesity)

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13 pages, 368 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Body Weight Dissatisfaction Is Associated with Cardiovascular Health-Risk Behaviors among Brazilian Adolescents: Findings from a National Survey

by Luciane Duarte, Elizabeth Fujimori, Ana Luiza Borges, Aline Kurihayashi, Mary Steen and Alejandra Roman Lay

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(23), 8929; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17238929 - 1 Dec 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2817

Abstract

Body weight dissatisfaction (BWD) among adolescents may be a predictor of adoption of health-risk behaviors. The study aimed to assess the gendered association between two forms of BWD (feeling underweight/overweight) and cardiovascular health-risk behaviors among Brazilian adolescents. This cross-sectional study used data from [...] Read more.

Body weight dissatisfaction (BWD) among adolescents may be a predictor of adoption of health-risk behaviors. The study aimed to assess the gendered association between two forms of BWD (feeling underweight/overweight) and cardiovascular health-risk behaviors among Brazilian adolescents. This cross-sectional study used data from the National Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA) in Brazil, including 71,740 adolescents aged 12–17 years. BWD was defined as satisfied, dissatisfied feeling underweight and dissatisfied feeling overweight. We considered four health-risk behaviors: tobacco use, alcohol use, physical inactivity and skipping breakfast. Assessment of the associations between BWD and these behaviors were undertaken using logistic regression models. All analyses were stratified by gender. Analyses revealed that 14.9% of male adolescents and 14.5% of female adolescents were dissatisfied feeling underweight and 21.5% of males and 39.9% of females were dissatisfied feeling overweight. Among male adolescents, dissatisfied feeling overweight was associated with greater odds of physical inactivity and skipping breakfast. Among female adolescents, dissatisfied feeling underweight and overweight were associated with higher odds of alcohol use and skipping breakfast. These results highlight the importance of BWD and the association with a range of adolescent health behaviors increasing cardiovascular risk over the life course, depending on gender. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children, Physical Activity, Exercise and Obesity)

11 pages, 341 KiB

Open AccessArticle

60 Minutes Per Day in Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity as a Natural Health Protector in Young Population

by Joanna Baran, Aneta Weres, Justyna Wyszyńska, Grzegorz Pitucha, Ewelina Czenczek-Lewandowska, Wojciech Rusek, Justyna Leszczak and Artur Mazur

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(23), 8918; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17238918 - 30 Nov 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3559

Abstract

The aim of this study was to check whether following the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) concerning physical activity protects children and adolescents against the occurrence of overweight and obesity. A total of 1002 children were included in the analysis. The [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to check whether following the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) concerning physical activity protects children and adolescents against the occurrence of overweight and obesity. A total of 1002 children were included in the analysis. The average age of the studied children was 9.36 years ± 3.52 years. Measurement of height and body mass was performed for every child, followed by physical activity assessment over seven days. In each group analyzed, the overweight and obese children had a shorter time in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) than the children with normal body mass. Among the children spending < 60 min per day in MVPA, the risk of occurrence of overweight and obesity was greater than among children with physical activity > 60 min per day. It was also shown that the greatest risk of occurrence of body mass disorder was a situation in which the mother’s gestational weight gain (GWG) is over 18 kg and the child does not spend a minimum of 60 min/day in MVPA. Not meeting the recommendation is connected with an increased chance of the occurrence of overweight and obesity. The level of physical activity influences the incidence of overweight and obesity. The children with overweight and obesity spent less time per day in MVPA. An increased body mass in mothers during pregnancy associated with a child’s low level of physical activity increases the risk of the occurrence of overweight and obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children, Physical Activity, Exercise and Obesity)

14 pages, 1805 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship between Obesity and Physical Activity of Children in the Spotlight of Their Parents’ Excessive Body Weight

by Erik Sigmund and Dagmar Sigmundová

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(23), 8737; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17238737 - 24 Nov 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 7234

Abstract

Background: The study reveals the relationships between daily physical activity (PA) and the prevalence of obesity in family members separated according to the participation of their offspring in organized leisure-time physical activity (OLTPA), and answers the question of whether the participation of children [...] Read more.

Background: The study reveals the relationships between daily physical activity (PA) and the prevalence of obesity in family members separated according to the participation of their offspring in organized leisure-time physical activity (OLTPA), and answers the question of whether the participation of children in OLTPA is associated with a lower prevalence of obesity in offspring with respect to parental PA and body weight level. Methods: The cross-sectional study included 1493 parent-child dyads (915/578 mother/father-child aged 4–16 years) from Czechia selected by two-stage stratified random sampling with complete data on body weight status and weekly PA gathered over a regular school week between 2013 and 2019. Results: The children who participated in OLTPA ≥ three times a week had a significantly lower (p < 0.005) prevalence of obesity than the children without participation in OLTPA (5.0% vs. 11.1%). Even in the case of overweight/obese mothers/fathers, the children with OLTPA ≥ three times a week had a significantly lower (p < 0.002) prevalence of obesity than the children without OLTPA (6.7%/4.2% vs. 14.9%/10.7%). Conclusions: The cumulative effect of regular participation in OLTPA and a child’s own PA is a stronger alleviator of children’s obesity than their parents’ risk of overweight/obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children, Physical Activity, Exercise and Obesity)

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16 pages, 502 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Dietary Diversity Reduce the Risk of Obesity? Empirical Evidence from Rural School Children in China

by Chang Tao, Qiran Zhao, Thomas Glauben and Yanjun Ren

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(21), 8122; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17218122 - 3 Nov 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3627

Abstract

Childhood and adolescence overweight and obesity have implications for both health consequences and economic burden. Although it has been an emerging public health problem for primary school children in rural China and the importance of the diet–health link has been stressed for many [...] Read more.

Childhood and adolescence overweight and obesity have implications for both health consequences and economic burden. Although it has been an emerging public health problem for primary school children in rural China and the importance of the diet–health link has been stressed for many years, rigorous analysis of the dietary diversity and obesity among children is rare. To clarify this issue, this study provides a better understanding of the functional linkage between dietary diversity and obesity by analyzing data from nearly 8500 rural primary students (aged from 10 to 13 years old) covering three provinces in China. Our estimation results show that there is a significantly negative correlation between dietary diversity and the probability of being overweight among primary students. In particular, for subgroups with higher dietary diversity, the negative correlation between dietary diversity and the incidence of overweight or obesity is stronger, and the absolute value of the coefficient is greater. The results also suggest that the increase in the consumption frequency of all dietary categories can significantly lead to a lower proportion of overweight. Thus, we conclude that higher dietary diversity can help to lower the risk of overweight and obesity among primary school children, presumably through increasing the daily frequency of food intakes and developing a more diverse dietary pattern. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children, Physical Activity, Exercise and Obesity)

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15 pages, 1058 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Overweight and Obesity in Children of Immigrant Versus Native Parents: Exploring a Local Setting in Portugal

by Susana Moreira and Luzia Gonçalves

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(21), 7897; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17217897 - 28 Oct 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3012

Abstract

In Portugal, the majority of immigrants come from Portuguese-speaking countries. Among children, overweight and obesity are serious public health concerns, but a few studies include children with immigrant background. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and risk of [...] Read more.

In Portugal, the majority of immigrants come from Portuguese-speaking countries. Among children, overweight and obesity are serious public health concerns, but a few studies include children with immigrant background. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and risk of abdominal obesity in school-age children and to explore potential determinants, considering the origin of the children’s parents (both mother and father are non-Portuguese, only one Portuguese, and both are Portuguese). A cross-sectional study included a random sample of 789 children (5–11 years old, 49.2% of males and 50.8% female) attending public primary schools in Barreiro, district of Setubal, Portugal. Fieldwork occurred from 20th April to 3rd July 2009. Data concerning socioeconomic, eating habits, and sports outside school were obtained through a questionnaire applied to the children’s person in charge. Anthropometric measures were collected by certified technicians. One-third of the children presented overweight and obesity (33.7%, 95% CI [30.0; 37.7]) and risk of abdominal obesity (16.4%, 95% CI [13.6; 19.7]) without differences according to parents’ origin. Children with immigrant background presented higher consumption of low-priced, high-sugar, and high-fat foods, with a worse situation for girls. Females from both non-Portuguese parents also practiced less sports outside school than those where one or two parents are Portuguese. Thus, promoting and monitoring a healthy diet and physical activity in this group should be prioritized in this local setting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children, Physical Activity, Exercise and Obesity)

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13 pages, 321 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Predictors of Obesity among Urban Girls and Boys Aged 8–10 Years—A Cross-Sectional Study in North-Western Poland

by Joanna Ratajczak and Elzbieta Petriczko

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(18), 6611; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186611 - 11 Sep 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3173

Abstract

Background: Children worldwide are increasingly becoming overweight and obese and developing related health problems, including hypertension, lipid disorders, abnormal glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes, and secondary psychological disorders. The aim of the study was to determine sociodemographic risk factors that predict an increase [...] Read more.

Background: Children worldwide are increasingly becoming overweight and obese and developing related health problems, including hypertension, lipid disorders, abnormal glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes, and secondary psychological disorders. The aim of the study was to determine sociodemographic risk factors that predict an increase in BMI in children at an early school age. Material and method: The study covered 4972 children aged 8–10 years, including boys (N = 2461) and girls (N = 2511). Measurements of basic anthropometric indicators were used, such as body height, body weight, body composition, and physical fitness. The criteria developed by the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) were adopted. Sociodemographic features were analyzed based on a diagnostic survey. IBM SPSS Statistics v.25 (Mineral Midrange SA, Warsaw, Poland) and IBM SPSS Amos software (Mineral Midrange SA, Warsaw, Poland) were used to perform descriptive statistics, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Pearson′s chi-square test, Student’s t-test, and the Mann-Whitney U test. The statistical significance index was assumed to be p < 0.05, while p < 0.01 was taken as an indicator of a trend which was not completely statistically significant. Results: Both the children and their parents had mainly moderate BMI. A total of 78.7% of children were within the weight norm. Among girls, extreme obesity was two times more frequent than extreme underweight. The examined boys were significantly taller, heavier, and had a higher BMI than girls. There were significant differences between boys and girls in BMI; however, gender alone accounted for less than 1% variance. The influence of parents′ characteristics was much greater, increasing the explained variance to 10%. Body weight of mothers and fathers (p < 0.001), mother′s height (p < 0.01) and both parents′ level of education (p < 0.001) were detected as significant predictors of children’s BMI. Conclusions: The analysis of selected sociodemographic and health factors determining the BMI of the child population indicates the need for preventive action and health promotion both among children and their parents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children, Physical Activity, Exercise and Obesity)

18 pages, 806 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Age-Related Association between Perceived Motor Competence and Actual Motor Competence in Adolescence

by Conor Philpott, Brian Donovan, Sarahjane Belton, Diarmuid Lester, Michael Duncan, Fiona Chambers and Wesley O’Brien

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(17), 6361; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17176361 - 1 Sep 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4257

Abstract

Irish adolescents have been found to possess high perceptions of motor competence. However, there is an evidential value to investigating the strength of the relationship between adolescent perceptions of motor competence and their low levels of actual motor competence. The purpose of this [...] Read more.

Irish adolescents have been found to possess high perceptions of motor competence. However, there is an evidential value to investigating the strength of the relationship between adolescent perceptions of motor competence and their low levels of actual motor competence. The purpose of this research was to gather data on the fundamental, functional, and perceived motor competence in adolescents, differentiated by year group, to discern if participants could assess their perceptions of ability. Data were collected on adolescents (N = 373; mean age: 14.38 ± 0.87 years; 47.7% female) across six second-level schools in Ireland, including measurements of fundamental movement skills, functional movement, and perceived motor competence. Poor levels of fundamental and functional movement were observed, with significant differences between year groups detected. Participants in 1st year scored the highest in overall fundamental movement skills; however, for overall functional movement, 3rd-year participants scored highest. High levels of perceived motor competence were reported across the entire sample. These scores did not align with actual motor competence, nor did any alignment between these measurements improve with aging, countering theorized age-related associations. Future research should target low levels of actual motor competence while emphasizing the cognitive aspects of movement to ensure greater accuracy between actual and perceived motor competence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children, Physical Activity, Exercise and Obesity)

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13 pages, 1179 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Compliance with the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines and Fundamental Movement Skills in Preschoolers: A Network Perspective

by Clarice Maria de Lucena Martins, Cain Craig Truman Clark, Paulo Felipe Ribeiro Bandeira, Jorge Mota and Michael Joseph Duncan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(15), 5443; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17155443 - 28 Jul 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5175

Abstract

The present study aimed to analyze the compliance with the 24-h movement guidelines and its association with fundamental motor skills (FMS) in early childhood, considering sex and Body Mass Index (BMI) in a network perspective. Two hundred and twelve preschoolers (109 boys, 4.45 [...] Read more.

The present study aimed to analyze the compliance with the 24-h movement guidelines and its association with fundamental motor skills (FMS) in early childhood, considering sex and Body Mass Index (BMI) in a network perspective. Two hundred and twelve preschoolers (109 boys, 4.45 ± 0.78 years old) provided physical activity (PA), sleep duration, screen time, fundamental motor skills (FMS) and BMI data. Relationships between compliance with movement behaviors guidelines, FMS, sex and BMI were calculated using a network analysis. Only two percent of the entire sample complied with the overall 24-h movement behaviors recommendations; while the emerged network in the present study emphasized ball skills as the most critical centrality variable, according to age, reinforcing the importance of ball skills for the engagement and maintenance of PA in children. The present study presents a novel statistical and theoretical perspective that permits hitherto unseen insight into the associations between movement behavior, FMS and their correlates, that appropriately consider the inherent, multifaceted, complexity of these relationships. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children, Physical Activity, Exercise and Obesity)

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13 pages, 935 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Weight Status Is Related to Health-Related Physical Fitness and Physical Activity but Not to Sedentary Behaviour in Children

by José Francisco López-Gil, Javier Brazo-Sayavera, Juan Luis Yuste Lucas and Fernando Renato Cavichiolli

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(12), 4518; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17124518 - 23 Jun 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4520

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this research was to describe, examine, and compare the level of physical fitness, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour in pupils aged 6–13 in the Region of Murcia, Spain, in accordance with weight status. Methods: A total of 370 children [...] Read more.

Purpose: The aim of this research was to describe, examine, and compare the level of physical fitness, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour in pupils aged 6–13 in the Region of Murcia, Spain, in accordance with weight status. Methods: A total of 370 children (166 girls and 204 boys) aged 6–13 (M = 8.7; DT = 1.8) from the Region of Murcia participated in this descriptive and cross-sectional study. Some anthropometric parameters such as body mass index, waist circumference, as well as skinfold measurements were determined. ALPHA-FIT Test Battery was used to evaluate physical fitness. Krece Plus Short Test was used to measure physical activity level and sedentary behaviour. Results: 52.4% of the children presented excess weight (according to the World Health Organization growth references). Regarding boys, statistically significant differences were found for cardiorespiratory fitness (p < 0.001), relative handgrip strength (p < 0.001), lower muscular strength (p < 0.001), speed-agility (p < 0.001), as well as sport activities hours (p = 0.001) among the three weight status groups (normal weight, overweight, and obesity). As for girls, statistically significant differences were found for cardiorespiratory fitness (p = 0.004), relative handgrip strength (p < 0.001), lower muscular strength (p < 0.001), sport activities hours (p = 0.005), as well as physical activity level (assessed by Krece Plus Test) (p = 0.017). A negative statistically significant correlation was found between body mass index and cardiorespiratory fitness (rho = −0.389), lower muscular strength, (rho = −0.340), and relative handgrip strength (rho = −0.547). At the same time, a positive statistically significant relationship between body mass index and the time spent in speed-agility (rho = 0.263) was shown. Regarding waist circumference and body fat percentage, similar relationships were identified. Moreover, a greater probability of having higher cardiorespiratory fitness (OR = 1.58; CI_95% = 1.38–1.82), relative handgrip strength (OR = 1.25; CI_95% = 1.19–1.31), more hours of sport activities (OR = 1.40; CI_95% = 1.19–1.66), and physical activity level (assessed by Krece Plus Test) (OR = 1.23; CI_95% = 1.07–1.42) was noted in the normal weight group. Conclusions: Children that presented normal weight achieved higher results for health-related physical fitness and physical activity than those with excess weight; this was, however, not found to be the case for sedentary behaviour. The authors emphasise the need for changes in public policies and school-based intervention programmes to develop higher levels of both PF and PA in overweight and obese children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children, Physical Activity, Exercise and Obesity)

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9 pages, 1088 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

BMI Fails to Reflect the Developmental Changes in Body Fatness between Boys and Girls during Adolescence

by Alan M. Nevill, Cézane Priscila Reuter, Caroline Brand, Anelise Reis Gaya, Jorge Mota, Jane Dagmar Pollo Renner and Michael J. Duncan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 7833; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18157833 - 23 Jul 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2643

Abstract

Body mass index (BMI) is thought to reflect excess adiposity in both youth and adults alike. However, the association between BMI and fatness varies, especially as children grow into adults. Thus, the present study sought to address this issue by characterizing how BMI [...] Read more.

Body mass index (BMI) is thought to reflect excess adiposity in both youth and adults alike. However, the association between BMI and fatness varies, especially as children grow into adults. Thus, the present study sought to address this issue by characterizing how BMI reflects age and sex differences in body fatness in 7–16-year-old children. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 2150 children and adolescents, aged 7 to 16 years from the city of Santa Cruz do Sul, Brazil. BMI (kg/m²), and percentage body fat, using tricipital and subscapular folds, were assessed. For statistical analysis, ANOVA and ANCOVA were used. Results: When considered in isolation, there was no significant interaction in the age-by-sex differences in BMI (p = 0.69). However, when we controlled for percent body fatness, the analysis revealed considerable age-by-sex differences in BMI (p < 0.001). Conclusion: For the same body fat (%), there are no differences in BMI in children <10 years. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children, Physical Activity, Exercise and Obesity)

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