Influence of Physical Activity, Nutrition, Educators and Parents on Children's Health Development

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The health development of children is significantly impacted by various factors, including physical activity, nutrition, educators and parents. Physical activity plays a crucial role in promoting healthy growth and development, as it helps in maintaining a healthy weight, building strong bones and muscles and improving cardiovascular health. Regular exercise also enhances cognitive function and reduces the risk of chronic diseases later in life. Educators play a crucial role in promoting healthy habits among children through nutrition education programs, teaching about the importance of making healthy food choices and providing access to nutritious meals in schools. Parents also have a significant influence on their children's health development. They serve as role models for healthy behaviors, such as engaging in regular physical activity, preparing nutritious meals and prioritizing health and wellness within the family. By creating a supportive environment at home and actively involving themselves in their children's physical and dietary habits, parents can help instill lifelong healthy habits that contribute to overall well-being.

In conclusion, physical activity, nutrition, educators and parents all play integral roles in shaping children's health development. By promoting healthy habits and providing support and guidance, these factors collectively contribute to ensuring that children grow up to be healthy and resilient individuals.

Dr. Laura Daniuseviciute-Brazaite
Dr. Lina Draudviliene
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Behavioral Sciences behavsci	2.5	2.6	2011	28.7 Days	CHF 2200	Submit
Children children	2.0	2.7	2014	14 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Education Sciences education	2.5	4.8	2011	29.8 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Social Sciences socsci	1.7	2.6	2012	34.2 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	6.8	2009	19.7 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education ejihpe	3.0	4.4	2011	26.9 Days	CHF 1400	Submit

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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9 pages, 219 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Improved Sleep Quality and Sleep Duration After an 8-Week Exergaming Intervention for Exercise Training Among Elementary Schoolchildren in Taiwan

by Hsiao-Fang Kao, Chi-Fang Lin, I-Tung Lin, Yi-Chuan Hung, Ting-Wei Chang and Chien-Chang Ho

Children 2025, 12(2), 180; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12020180 - 31 Jan 2025

Viewed by 707

Abstract

Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week exergaming intervention for exercise training on sleep quality and sleep duration among elementary schoolchildren in Taiwan. Methods: A randomized controlled trial design was employed, with 68 elementary schoolchildren (aged 10.76 ± [...] Read more.

Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week exergaming intervention for exercise training on sleep quality and sleep duration among elementary schoolchildren in Taiwan. Methods: A randomized controlled trial design was employed, with 68 elementary schoolchildren (aged 10.76 ± 0.49 years) recruited and randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 35) or a control group (n = 33). The experimental group participated in an 8-week exergaming intervention for exercise training; this comprised three sessions per week consisting of three rounds per session, with each round lasting 1 min. The control group did not receive any training and maintained their regular daily routines. All participants provided information on their demographic characteristics and anthropometric measurements and completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire at both pre-test (baseline) and post-test (week 8) assessments. Results: After 8 weeks of exergaming intervention, the experimental group showed a significant reduction in the PSQI global score (6.17 ± 2.96 vs. 4.80 ± 1.97, p < 0.0001). The change in the PSQI global score in the experimental group was significantly greater than in the control group (−1.37 ± 1.97 vs. −0.27 ± 1.89, p = 0.022). Additionally, the experimental group demonstrated a significantly longer sleep duration at week 8 compared with the control group (505.15 ± 53.16 vs. 480.51 ± 54.13, p = 0.047). Conclusions: Overall, the findings of this study indicate a beneficial response of elementary schoolchildren to exergaming, with participants reporting improved sleep quality and sleep duration as a result of engaging in the exergaming intervention sessions three times per week for 8 weeks, with three one-minute rounds per session. Therefore, it appears that exergaming may be an effective method for improving certain aspects of sleep quality and sleep duration among children between 10 and 12 years of age. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Influence of Physical Activity, Nutrition, Educators and Parents on Children's Health Development)

11 pages, 1050 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Two Physiotherapy Methods to Improve the Physical Condition of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

by Lina Draudvilienė, Justas Draudvila, Simona Stankevičiūtė and Laura Daniusevičiūtė-Brazaitė

Children 2024, 11(7), 798; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11070798 - 28 Jun 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4030

Abstract

This study presents two simple physiotherapy programs that were implemented for five weeks and showed positive changes in balance, coordination, and motor skills in kindergarteners with ASD. Physiotherapy programs in a gym and games on a smart board with balance plates and an [...] Read more.

This study presents two simple physiotherapy programs that were implemented for five weeks and showed positive changes in balance, coordination, and motor skills in kindergarteners with ASD. Physiotherapy programs in a gym and games on a smart board with balance plates and an unstable base were applied to improve the physical condition of children with ASD. Thirty children with ASD (4–6 years old) attending special needs kindergarten were enrolled in the study. Three tests were used to assess participants’ physical condition before and after the study: the modified Berg Balance Scale, the Imbalance Coordination Sample, and the Bruininks–Oseretsky Motor Proficiency Test (BOTMP). The resulting mean change, calculated from each group’s scores, shows that the participants who received physical therapy sessions at the smart board had the greatest change of 1.58 points. It shows that the opportunity to play games on a smart board motivates children with ASD to work harder; therefore, it is a simple and easy way to engage children in different types of physical exercise. A slightly smaller change of 1.51 was obtained in the group that received gym sessions. However, working in the gym was more psychologically challenging for the children with ASD due to their lack of desire and motivation. Both methods are relatively simple and easy to apply at home; therefore, parents can make a significant contribution to improving children’s physical condition and that can be an effective tool to assist these individuals with activities in daily life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Influence of Physical Activity, Nutrition, Educators and Parents on Children's Health Development)
(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Mental Health)

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