Longitudinal effects of parental, child and neighborhood factors on moderate-vigorous physical activity and sedentary time in Latino children

Mothers' Awareness of Obesity and Its Complications Among Children in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Awareness about obesity, its complications, and an age-appropriate, healthy, active lifestyle are essential to maintaining a healthy life. This study aimed to determine the level of awareness Saudi Arabian caregivers have regarding obesity and regular physical activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, a survey was conducted among parents in Saudi Arabia using a structured questionnaire. A convenience and snowball sampling method was employed to recruit participants from various regions of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire assessed parents' knowledge about obesity, its complications, and healthy, active lifestyle practices. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and associations between variables were examined using chi-squared tests.

RESULTS

In this study, responses from 256 moms in various Saudi Arabian locations were included in the analysis. Merely 35.5% of the participants demonstrated good knowledge about obesity and its complications. Regarding the promotion of a healthy, active lifestyle, only 11.3% of the participants were aware that kids should eat five types of vegetables and fruits daily, whereas 85% were aware that kids should have <2 hours a day of screen time, and 75.4% were aware that kids should be engaged in physical activity for at least one hour daily.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights a concerning gap in knowledge among caregivers in Saudi Arabia concerning obesity and its consequences, with merely 35.5% of participants demonstrating a good understanding of obesity and its complications. Alarmingly, only a fraction (11.3%) showed awareness of the importance of promoting a healthy, active lifestyle. These findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced awareness initiatives focused on obesity and its prevention to ensure optimal child health development, avert health issues, and strengthen positive dynamics between parents and children.

Autonomous motivation, social support, and physical activity in school children: moderating effects of school-based rope skipping sports participation

Purpose

Recent studies have shown that physical activity (PA) levels are low among children and adolescents globally. In order to reverse this trend, PA interventions are increasingly favoured. The school setting is the ideal place to address the issues that many children face. The purpose of this study was to (a) The primary focus of this study is to delve into the mediating role played by school-based rope skipping sports participation (SRSP) in the connection between social support and moderate to high-intensity physical activity (MVPA) among school children. (b) Additionally, this research aims to examine the moderating effect of within this pathway.

Methods

We conducted a survey involving 721 adolescents residing in Changsha City. The participants' ages ranged from 8 to 12 years, with an average age of 9.84 ± 1.535 years. Out of these participants, 406 were boys, and 315 were girls. To assess variables such as social support and autonomous motivation, we employed standardized measurement scales. Subsequently, we analyzed the collected data using various statistical methods, including independent s-amples t-tests, bivariate correlation analysis, descriptive statistical analysis, structural equation modeling (SEM), and the Johnson-Neyman method.

Results

An independent samples t-test revealed a statistically significant difference in MVPA between genders (p = 0.003 < 0.05), with boys exhibiting a higher level of engagement in MVPA compared to girls, Correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations among several key variables. Specifically, social support demonstrated a noteworthy positive correlation with autonomous motivation (r = 0.331, p < 0.01) as well as school children's engagement in MVPA (r = 0.308, p < 0.01). Moreover, autonomous motivation displayed a significant positive correlation with school children's involvement in MVPA (r = 0.459, p < 0.01). The moderating analysis revealed a significant influence of the interaction between increased participation in and social support on school children's engagement in MVPA.

Conclusion

Social support and autonomy support have been proven effective in enhancing school children's engagement in MVPA. They exert their influence indirectly by fostering autonomous motivation. Notably, robust social support can significantly benefit MVPA school children with high activity requirements, particularly those regularly engaged in MVPA during the school day.

Modelling count, bounded and skewed continuous outcomes in physical activity research: beyond linear regression models

BACKGROUND

Inference using standard linear regression models (LMs) relies on assumptions that are rarely satisfied in practice. Substantial departures, if not addressed, have serious impacts on any inference and conclusions; potentially rendering them invalid and misleading. Count, bounded and skewed outcomes, common in physical activity research, can substantially violate LM assumptions. A common approach to handle these is to transform the outcome and apply a LM. However, a transformation may not suffice.

METHODS

In this paper, we introduce the generalized linear model (GLM), a generalization of the LM, as an approach for the appropriate modelling of count and non-normally distributed (i.e., bounded and skewed) outcomes. Using data from a study of physical activity among older adults, we demonstrate appropriate methods to analyse count, bounded and skewed outcomes.

RESULTS

We show how fitting an LM when inappropriate, especially for the type of outcomes commonly encountered in physical activity research, substantially impacts the analysis, inference, and conclusions compared to a GLM.

CONCLUSIONS

GLMs which more appropriately model non-normally distributed response variables should be considered as more suitable approaches for managing count, bounded and skewed outcomes rather than simply relying on transformations. We recommend that physical activity researchers add the GLM to their statistical toolboxes and become aware of situations when GLMs are a better method than traditional approaches for modeling count, bounded and skewed outcomes.

A Longitudinal Study of Acculturation in Context and Cardiovascular Health and Their Effects on Cognition Among Older Latino Adults

Background We previously outlined the importance of considering acculturation within the context of older Latino adults' lived experience (ie, acculturation in context) to better capture contributors to cognitive aging. We now examine this conceptual framework as related to level of and change in cardiovascular health, and whether cardiovascular health modifies previously documented associations of acculturation in context with cognition. Methods and Results Acculturation in context data from 192 Latino participants without dementia at baseline (age ~70 years) were compiled into 3 separate composite scores: acculturation-related (nativity, language-, and social-based preferences), contextually related socioenvironmental (experiences of discrimination, social isolation, social networks), and familism-related (Latino-centric family ethos). A modified American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 (mLS7; ie, smoking, physical activity, body mass index, blood pressure, total cholesterol, blood glucose) was used to measure cardiovascular health. Mixed effects regressions simultaneously tested the association of all 3 composite scores with total mLS7 adjusting for confounders. Separate models tested whether mLS7 modified associations of the 3 composite scores and cognition. The contextually related socioenvironmental composite score reflecting higher discrimination, higher social isolation, and smaller social networks (estimate=0.22, SE=0.10, P=0.02) and the familism score (estimate=0.16, SE=0.07, P=0.02) both significantly associated with change in total mLS7. The acculturation-related composite was not significantly associated with change in mLS7. No composite was significantly associated with level of mLS7. Total mLS7, however, significantly modified associations between the acculturation-related composite and change in working memory (estimate=-0.02, SE=0.01, P=0.043). Conclusions Acculturation within the context of older Latino adults' lived experience is important for maintaining cardiovascular health, relationships that also affect domain-specific cognitive decline.

Relation between Demographics and Physical Activity among Preschoolers Attending Head Start

Limited empirical evidence is available about preschoolers' sedentary behavior (SB) and physical activity (PA) patterns in Head Start programs, we explored (a) preschoolers' SB and PA patterns (ranging from SB to light-moderate-vigorous physical activity [LMVPA]) and (b) their relationships with sociodemographic factors, weight status, and motor development. Participants included 216 preschoolers (M age = 4.32 ± 0.63; girls 56.5%) from six Head Start centers in an urban area in the southwestern region of the United States, assessing Actical® activity monitor-based PA, weight status, and motor development. The findings revealed preschoolers who were female, Hispanic/Latinx, with an at risk weight level, and/or in the below average motor development group tended to engage in less MVPA/LMVPA and also had higher SB patterns while participating in the Head Start program (p < 0.05-0.001, d ranged from 0.23 to 0.62). Head Start stakeholders (e.g., policymakers, leaders, curriculum coordinators, health professionals, and teachers) need to acknowledge the PA and health disparities, and intervene in underserved preschoolers' health-promoting behaviors.

Life style, dietary patterns and physical activity in different obesity phenotypes of 2–18 years old children in Tabriz, Iran

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the eating habits, physical activity, and body size perception by obesity status among 2–18 years old children in Iran. METHODS: This cross sectional study included 250 children and adolescents aged between 2 and 18. Participants’ anthropometric measurements were measured, adherence of Mediterranean Diet was evaluated by a questionnaire, the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents (KIDMED), body satisfaction, and perception of body size. RESULTS: Mean age of subjects was 9.07±4.80 years, and 52.4% were girls. The KIDMED index score was 16.3% low, 54.3% moderate and 29.4% good. 72.7% of parents with overweight children and 36.4% with obese children, were perceived that their child was normal, and compared with 58.3% of overweight and 7.7% of obese participants perceived normal body size. There were no significant differences between physical activity in any weight status (p >  0.05) and between boys and girls in the KIDMED index and any of foods intake. There was a significant difference in mean differences of KIDMED index in boys in the four obesity statuses (P = 0.04), as well as in food consumption (P = 0.04), except for pulses in boys and girls. CONCLUSION: The percentage of obesity in boys is more compared to girls, the lowest KIDMED index score is for boys in the obesity group. Therefore, adopting healthier dietary habits and lifestyle in childhood is especially important for boys and also for girls.

Sleep duration, physical activity, and caloric intake are related to weight status in Mexican American children: a longitudinal analysis

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a serious issue, spanning all ages, and, in the U.S., disproportionately affects Latinos and African Americans. Understanding sleep, physical activity and dietary behaviors that may predict childhood obesity can help identify behavioral intervention targets.

METHODS

Data were drawn from a U.S. cohort study of 323 Mexican American 8-10-year-old children and their mothers, who participated in a longitudinal study over a 2-year period. Measures were collected at baseline (BL; child mean age = 8.87, SD = 0.83), year 1 (FU1) and year 2 (FU2). Mothers reported on household income and acculturation at BL. Child height and weight were collected and BMI z-scores (BMIz) were calculated for weight status at BL, FU1, and FU2. Accelerometer-estimated sleep duration (hours) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA; minutes) were collected across 3 days at BL, FU1, and FU2. Two 24-h dietary recalls were performed at each time point; from these, average energy intake (EI, kcals/day) was estimated. Cross-lagged panel analysis was used to examine behavioral predictors on BMIz at each time point and across time.

RESULTS

At BL and FU1, longer sleep duration (β = - 0.22, p < 0.001; β = - 0.17, p < 0.05, respectively) and greater MVPA (β = - 0.13, p < 0.05; β = - 0.20, p < 0.01, respectively) were concurrently related to lower BMIz. At FU2, longer sleep duration (β = - 0.18, p < 0.01) was concurrently related to lower BMIz, whereas greater EI (β = 0.16, p < 0.01) was related to higher BMIz. Longer sleep duration at BL predicted lower BMIz at FU1 (β = - 0.05, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Longer sleep duration was concurrently related to lower weight status at each time point from ages 8-10 to 10-12. Higher MVPA was concurrently related to lower weight status in earlier childhood (ages 8-10 and 9-11) and higher EI was concurrently related to higher weight status toward the end of childhood (ages 10-12 years). Furthermore, longer sleep in earlier childhood was protective of children's lower weight status 1 year later. These findings suggest that sleep duration plays a consistent and protective role against childhood obesity; in addition, MVPA and healthy EI remain important independent factors for obtaining a healthy weight.

Family Influence on Children's Nutrition and Physical Activity Patterns in Oman

PURPOSE

The objective of this study is to expand the understanding of the family influence on children's nutrition and physical activity patterns in Oman.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A cross-sectional research design was used in this study. We recruited 204 dyads (a mother with a child) conveniently. Research data were collected in public cycle one schools, nongovernmental community centers, and home visits from five provinces in Oman. Study measures included a general information survey, anthropometric measurements, electronic children and family nutrition and physical activity questionnaires, and a single-day dietary recall for children. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were used.

RESULTS

Children's nutrition intake was significantly associated with parental education level, family income, and family nutrition and physical activity patterns, while children's physical activity patterns were significantly associated with maternal BMI and parental education level.

CONCLUSIONS

Children's nutrition and physical activity patterns are associated with maternal BMI, family's sociodemographic characteristics, and family's nutrition and physical activity pattern.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Family is a key element in shaping and influencing children's lifestyle-related behaviors. School-health programs that actively involve the families hold promise in promoting children's nutrition and physical activity pattern. Future research should be directed toward understanding the moderating and mediating factors.

Exploring the relationship between adolescent biological maturation, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour: a systematic review and narrative synthesis

CONTEXT

Across adolescence, there is a notable decline in physical activity in boys and girls. Maturational timing may be a risk factor for disengagement from physical activity and increased sedentary behaviours during adolescence.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aimed to summarise literature that examined the relationship between maturational timing, physical activity and sedentary behaviour in adolescents.

METHODS

Six electronic databases were searched for articles that assessed biological maturation and physical activity (including sports participation and active transportation) or sedentary behaviours in adolescents. Two reviewers conducted title, abstract, and full-text screening, reference and forward citation searches. Included articles were evaluated for quality using a standardised tool. A narrative synthesis was used to analyse the findings due to the heterogeneity of the studies.

RESULTS

Searches yielded 78 articles (64 unique studies) that met the inclusion criteria, representing 242,316 participants (153,179 unique). Studies ranged from 30.0% (low) to 91.7% (high) in quality. An inverse relationship between maturational timing and physical activity (in 50 and 60% of studies in boys and girls, respectively) and a positive relationship between maturational timing and sedentary behaviour (in 100% and 53% of studies in boys and girls, respectively) was most commonly reported. Evidence supporting an association between maturational timing, sports participation, and active transportation was inconsistent.

CONCLUSIONS

While this review demonstrates some evidence for early maturational timing as a risk factor for disengagement from physical activity and increase in sedentary behaviours, the reviewed literature also demonstrates that this relationship is complex. Future research that tracks maturity-related variations in physical activity and sedentary behaviours over adolescence is warranted.

Sedentary Behaviors of a School Population in Brazil and Related Factors

Background. Overweight and obesity arise from a complex range of genetic, environmental, behavioral, educational, and socioeconomic factors. The present study explored the sedentary practices and some life habits related to health among children from the school population of Uruguaiana (Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil). Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to characterize the life habits of the school boys and girls from fourth grade (9-10 years old). Results: A total of 470 fourth-grade boys and girls (9-10 years old) participated in the study. As regards the variables linked to habits, 24% of the boys and girls answered they had not had breakfast the day they completed the questionnaire and 51.8% stated they did not have breakfast any given day of the week. Regarding sedentary habits, 25.3% of children watched TV or played video games five or more hours a day and 9% rarely played sports with their parents or caregivers. Statistical significance was recorded between "number of hours watching TV and playing video games" and "playing sports with parents or caregivers" (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Association between the times spent watching TV or playing video games and the practice of physical exercise in the family proves once again the importance of the family in education for the health of children. The school provides direct access to schoolchildren and their parents to launch numerous health education programs.

A Systematic Review of Children's Physical Activity Patterns: Concept, Operational Definitions, Instruments, Statistical Analyses, and Health Implications

Despite the widespread use of the expression “physical activity pattern” (PAP), there apparently is no general consensus regarding its definition. This systematic review aimed to examine available research focussing on (1) definitions of PAP, (2) instruments/techniques used to describe PAP, (3) statistical approaches used to analyse PAP, and (4) implications of PAP on children’s health. A systematic review of the available literature was done to identify studies published up to October 2019, and 76 studies were eligible. None of the studies presented a formal definition of PAP; a wide range of instruments were used to investigate children’s PAP, and most of the revised studies did not explicitly present a formal statistical model to define PAP. Twenty-four papers purported to examine associations between PAP and health indicators. The review highlights no consensus on a clear PAP definition whatever the instrument used to capture it, and we did not find any agreement regarding how best to analyse PAP. We suggest that PAP should be used when targeting the investigation of similarities/dissimilarities, as well as stabilities and/or changes in children’s PA at an intra-personal level. In sum, PAP should be used to best describe individual streams of behaviours, and not exclusively PA levels/intensities.

Are neighborhood characteristics associated with sedentary behavior in adolescents? A systematic review

Sedentary behavior (SB) has emerged as a potential risk factor for chronic diseases. SB includes activities requiring low energy expenditure (≤1.5 metabolic equivalents) performed in a sitting or reclining posture. Our study aimed to gather evidence on the association between SB outcomes in adolescents (10-19 years) and neighborhood characteristics. This systematic review (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42018076877) examined studies indexed in PubMed Central®, LILACS, ScienceDirect, and SPORTDiscus databases. Sixteen articles were included. Insecurity during daytime hours, crime incidence, physical and social disorders, a higher neighborhood socioeconomic level, and time spent with peers were associated with higher levels of SB. Traffic, availability of a favorable environment for physical activity, and higher residential density were associated with lower levels of SB. Despite great variability in the SB cutoff points and methodology used for evaluating SB and neighborhood characteristics among studies, the evidence suggests that adolescent SB might be influenced by neighborhood characteristics.

Ethnic Disparities in Mental Health and Movement Behaviors During Childhood: Examining the Longitudinal Developmental Patterns

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine the longitudinal developmental patterns of mental health (i.e., physical, psychosocial, and executive functioning) and movement behaviors (i.e., sedentary behavior and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA]) between Hispanic and non-Hispanic children.

METHOD

We tracked 153 children for 3 years from kindergarten (time 1) to third grade (time 2; 91 Hispanic; mean age = 5.36, SD = .48). Physical, psychosocial, and executive functioning was assessed using validated surveys, while school-based sedentary behavior and MVPA were assessed by accelerometers.

RESULT

A 2 × 2 (time × ethnicity) factorial repeated measures MANCOVA (gender and SES as covariates) revealed significant ethnicity effect (p = .05) and time by ethnicity interaction effect (p < .05). Hispanic children reported lower physical (p < .05) and psychosocial functioning (p > .05) but higher executive functioning (p < .05) than non-Hispanic children in kindergarten, but the gaps narrowed in third grade. Results also revealed that children's sedentary behavior increased significantly (p < .05) and MVPA showed a declining trend (p > .05) over time.

CONCLUSION

Ethnic disparities in mental health between Hispanic and non-Hispanic children exist but may reduce from early to middle childhood. The longitudinal changes relative to ethnicity highlight the need for tailored interventions to address health disparities in mental health and movement behaviors between Hispanic and non-Hispanic children.

Accessing Physical Activity and Health Disparities among Underserved Hispanic Children: The Role of Actual and Perceived Motor Competence

Promoting physical activity (PA) and eliminating health disparities among underserved minority children is a public health priority. The main purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of actual motor competence (a set of object control skills) and perceived motor competence with PA participation and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among underserved Hispanic children who were born in the U.S. Guided by Stodden et al.’s conceptual model, we tested the direct and indirect effects (mediational model) of actual motor competence on health-related outcomes (PA and HRQoL) through perceived motor competence. Participants were 215 underserved Hispanic children (M_age = 10.55 years, SD = 0.53 [age range 10–12]; 51.6% boys), recruited from four elementary schools in the southwestern U.S., who completed validated questionnaires assessing their perceived motor competence, PA, and HRQoL. Their actual motor skills were assessed using PE Metrics^TM. After examining the associations among the variables, we tested the hypothesized model using structural equation modeling (SEM; AMOS 25). The hypothesized model indicated a good fit (χ²/df = 38.427/24 = 1.60 < 5; non-normed fit index (NFI) = 0.93; comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.968; root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.053 [0.016, 0.083]). The effect of actual motor competence on PA and HRQoL was fully mediated by perceived motor competence. The findings demonstrated the mediating role of perceived motor competence between actual motor competence and health-related outcomes (PA and HRQoL) among underserved Hispanic children. The results highlight that actual motor competence significantly predicted underserved Hispanic children’ perceived motor competence, which in turn positively predicted their PA and HRQoL. These findings have significant practical implications for future intervention strategies of randomized clinical trials in schools aimed at promoting PA and HRQoL and eliminating health disparities among underserved Hispanic children.

Are Movement Behaviors and Fundamental Motor Skills Associated With Fitness and Fatness in Early Childhood? Findings From the 2012 NHANES National Youth Fitness Survey

PURPOSE

Using 2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) National Youth Fitness Survey data, the authors conducted a cross-sectional secondary analysis to examine the associations of movement behaviors (ie, physical activity [PA] and screen-based sedentary behaviors) and fundamental motor skills (FMS) with fitness (ie, muscular fitness) and fatness (ie, body mass index and waist circumference) in 3- to 5-year-old children. The effect of ethnicity (Hispanic vs non-Hispanic) on these associations was also examined.

METHODS

A total of 352 children (173 girls; mean age = 4.02 y) from the 2012 NHANES data set were included. Parents reported their child's PA and screen-based sedentary behaviors. FMS (ie, locomotor and object control) were assessed with the Test of Gross Motor Development, 2nd edition. Other variables used were body mass index, waist circumference, and plank.

RESULTS

Hispanic children demonstrated lower levels of PA than non-Hispanic children (P < .05). Children's FMS emerged as significant predictors of muscular fitness and waist circumference, but not for body mass index in the Hispanic group. In the non-Hispanic group, FMS (ie, object control skills) and PA accounted for significant variances of muscular fitness and waist circumference, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The associations of movement behaviors and FMS with fitness and fatness are different between Hispanic and non-Hispanic young children. Changes in policy or early childhood curriculum may be tailed to promote FMS for an impact on fitness and fatness in both Hispanic and non-Hispanic children.

Longitudinal changes in moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) is important for childhood obesity prevention and treatment, yet declines with age. Timing and magnitude of the decline in MVPA in children and adolescents are unclear but important for informing effective obesity intervention development. This systematic review aimed to determine and compare the year-to-year changes in MVPA among children and adolescents. Longitudinal studies were identified by searching 10 relevant databases up to December 2018. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they reported accelerometer-assessed MVPA (min day^-1 ) separately for boys and girls and had follow-up duration of at least 1 year. After screening 9,232 studies, 52 were included representing 22,091 aged 3 to 18 year olds (boys=8,857; girls=13,234). Pooled-analysis of the relative change in MVPA per year showed a decline of -3.4% (95% CI, -5.9 to -0.9) in boys and -5.3% (95% CI, -7.6 to -3.1) in girls, across all age groups. There were notable declines in MVPA at age 9 for both boys (-7.8%, 95% CI, -11.2 to -4.4) and girls (-10.2%, 95% CI, -14.2 to -6.3). The relative decline in MVPA affects both sexes from an early age; however, it is greater among girls. Interventions to promote MVPA should start before adolescence.

Physical Activity and Body Composition in Children and Their Mothers According to Mother's Gestational Diabetes Risk: A Seven-Year Follow-Up Study

Background and Objectives: There is lack of knowledge on whether mothers' gestational diabetes (GDM) risk is related to their physical activity (PA) or their children's PA and body composition. We aimed to examine the difference in (1) change in self-reported PA from pre-pregnancy to seven-year follow-up and (2) accelerometer-based PA at seven years after delivery between the mothers having GDM risk (GDMRyes-mothers) and not having GDM risk (GDMRno-mothers). Furthermore, we examined the difference in children's PA and/or body composition at six years of age according to their mothers' GDM risk. Materials and Methods: The study included 199 Finnish women. GDM risk factors were screened at the beginning of pregnancy, and the women were classified as GDMRyes-mothers if they had at least one GDM risk factor (body mass index ≥25 kg/m²; age ≥40 years; family history of diabetes; GDM, signs of glucose intolerance, or newborn's macrosomia (≥4500 g) in earlier pregnancy) or as GDMRno-mothers if they had no risk factors. Mothers' PA was assessed by self-reporting at 8-12 gestational weeks concerning pre-pregnancy PA and at a follow-up seven years after the delivery. Moreover, mothers' and their children's PA was measured using a triaxial Hookie AM20-accelerometer at seven years after delivery. Children's body composition was assessed using a TANITA bioelectrical impedance device. Adjusted linear regression analyses were applied. Results: GDMRno-mothers increased their self-reported PA more than GDMRyes-mothers from pre-pregnancy to the seven-year follow-up. Concerning women's measured PA as well as children's PA and body composition at seven years after delivery, the differences were non-significant between GDMRyes-mothers and GDMRno-mothers. However, of the GDM risk factors, mothers' pre-pregnancy body mass index was positively related to unhealthier body composition in boys at six years of age. Conclusion: Health promotion should be targeted at women with GDM risk factors, in particular overweight women, in enhancing women's PA in the long term and their children's healthy body composition.

Young Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Children’s Fundamental Motor Competence and Physical Activity Behaviors

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between fundamental motor skills (FMS; including locomotor and object-control skills), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and sedentary behavior among young Hispanic and non-Hispanic children. Using the prospective research design spanning one academic school year, we recruited 671 children (6.96 ± 1.6 years, 46% girls) from four primary schools in North Texas, 300 of whom were Hispanic and 371 non-Hispanic children, with 90% of the Hispanic and 74% of the non-Hispanic children from low-income families. All participants completed the PE Metrics™ FMS assessment and wore Actical accelerometers. Hispanic children demonstrated a lower level of MVPA on school days than their non-Hispanic peers. After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, both locomotor and object-control skills significantly predicted school-based MVPA for the non-Hispanic groups, while only object-control skills significantly predicted MVPA for the Hispanic group. For both ethnic groups, locomotor skills significantly predicted school-based sedentary behavior. The findings shed light on future motor competence–based interventions for physical activity promotion and obesity prevention among young Hispanic as well as non-Hispanic children.

Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior From 6 to 11 Years

: media-1vid110.1542/5849572910001PEDS-VA_2018-0994Video Abstract OBJECTIVES: Physical activity (PA) is presumed to decline during childhood and adolescence, but only few long-term studies about PA development during this period of life exist. We assessed PA and sedentary behavior (SB) over a 5-year period to gain a better understanding of the extent of change in activity and potential influencing factors.

METHODS

PA and SB of 600 children from the Childhood Obesity Project were objectively measured with the SenseWear Armband 2 at the ages of 6, 8, and 11 years, resulting in 1254 observations. Longitudinal changes of total PA, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), and SB were modeled with mixed-effects models.

RESULTS

Total PA revealed a significant quadratic decline with age (P < .001), resulting in a change of total PA by -75.3 minutes per day from 6 to 11 years. LPA linearly declined (P < .001) by 44.6 minutes per day, MVPA quadratically declined (P < .001) by an overall 30.7 minutes, whereas SB increased significantly (+107 minutes; P = .001). Boys showed a steeper decline in LPA (P = .003) and MVPA (P < .001) than did girls. Higher fat mass index and BMI z scores were associated with lower levels of total PA and MVPA and higher levels of SB (all P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that PA decreased, and SB increased in earlier years than previously thought. MVPA remained relatively stable until 8 years, but revealed a drop-off at 11 years, identifying this period as a crucial time for intervention.

Relation between Environmental Factors and Children's Health Behaviors Contributing to the Occurrence of Diet-Related Diseases in Central Poland

Proper nutrition is a key element in maintaining normal body weight in children and one of the most important factors influencing their optimum development, growth, and health in the future. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to identify environmental factors which affect health behaviors of children aged 7–14, contributing to the occurrence of diet-related diseases. The study was performed with participation of 892 school children. The investigated environmental factors were as follows: the place of residence, maternal education level, and the level of family income. A questionnaire was used to collect the data from mothers. The study indicated a prevalence of overweight and obesity among children of 13.9% and 1.2%, respectively. Being underweight applied to 20.0% of examined children, more often to girls. In terms of nutritional behaviors an insufficient consumption of vegetables, fruit, whole grain products, dairy products, and fish was observed. The frequency of vegetable and fruit consumption significantly decreased with an increase in child’s body mass index (BMI) (G = −0.110, p < 0.05 and G = −00.114, p < 0.05). Overall, 29.7% of children devoted less than 30 minutes a day to physical activity, besides the physical education classes at school. Boys were more often physically active than girls (G = 0.205, p < 0.0005). There was a positive correlation between frequency of vegetable (G = 0.167, p < 0.0005) and fruit (G = 0.155, p < 0.005) consumption and mothers’ education level. Girls ate fruit more frequently than boys (G = 0.116, p < 0.05). Higher family income was associated with more frequent whole grain consumption (G = 0.095, p < 0.05), while living in the city was negatively correlated with activity (G = −0.121, p < 0.05) and dairy consumption (G = −0.186, p < 0.005). Continuous investigation of environmental factors affecting children eating behaviors may help to bring benefits in increasing the effectiveness of health promotion and educational programs.

Temporal associations between circadian sleep and activity patterns in Mexican American children

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the relationship between circadian sleep and activity behaviors (sedentary time [SED], light-intensity physical activity [LPA], and moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity [MVPA]) across 3 consecutive days.

METHODS

This study included 308 Mexican American children aged 8-10 years from the San Francisco Bay Area. Minutes of sleep duration, SED, LPA, and MVPA were estimated using hip-worn accelerometers from Wednesday night to Saturday night. A cross-lagged panel model was used to estimate paths between sleep duration the prior night and subsequent behaviors, and paths between behaviors to subsequent sleep duration across the 3 days. We adjusted for child age, sex, body mass index, and household income.

RESULTS

Overall, children were 8.9 (SD 0.8) years old; the weighted average for weekday and weekend combined was 9.6 (SD 0.7) hours per night in sleep duration, 483 (SD 74) min/d SED, 288 (SD 61) min/d LPA, and 63 (SD 38) min/d MVPA. Cross-lagged panel analyses showed that, over 3 days, for every 1-hour increase in sleep duration, there were an expected 0.66-hour (40-minute) decrease in SED, 0.37-hour (22-minute) decrease in LPA, and 0.06-hour (4-minute) decrease in MVPA. For every 1-hour increase in LPA, there was an expected 0.25-hour (15-minute) decrease in sleep duration.

CONCLUSION

An additional hour of sleep the night before corresponded to an hour decrease in combined SED and LPA the next day in Mexican American children. For every hour of LPA, there was an associated 15-minute decrease in sleep. Encouraging longer sleep may help to reduce SED and LPA, and help offset LPA's negative predictive effect on sleep.

Sleep duration in Mexican American children: Do mothers' and fathers' parenting and family practices play a role?

This study examined parenting styles, parenting practices and family practices that may be associated with weeknight sleep duration among 8- to 10-year-old Mexican American (MA) children. This cross-sectional study of MA children used baseline data from a 2-year cohort study of mother-child pairs (n = 308) with additional data on fathers (n = 166). Children's weeknight sleep duration was accelerometer estimated and averaged for 2 weeknights. Parents reported on their parenting styles and practices regarding food and family food-related practices. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to examine sleep duration with parenting styles and practices, and family practices, and adjusting for child gender and body mass index. Model 1 included mothers' parenting styles and practices; Model 2 included both mothers' and fathers' parenting styles and practices. Children's average sleep duration was 9.5 (SD = 0.8) hr. Mothers who used pressure to encourage their children to eat and those who used food to control behavior had children with longer sleep duration (β = 0.21, p < 0.01; β = 0.15, p = 0.03, respectively). Mothers who reported their children ate dinner with the TV on and those who valued eating dinner as a family had children with shorter sleep duration (β = -0.16, p = 0.01; β = -0.18, p = 0.01, respectively). Fathers who restricted the amount of food their children ate had children with shorter sleep duration (β = -0.27, p = 0.01). Mothers' and fathers' feeding practices, the child's eating dinner with the TV on, and valuing family dinners, played a role in children's weeknight sleep duration among Mexican American families. Parental feeding practices and family mealtime contexts may have an effect on children's weeknight sleep duration.

Developmental Trends and Determinants of Physical Activity From Adolescence to Adulthood Differ by Ethnicity/Race and Sex

BACKGROUND

Interventions to raise population physical activity generally show modest effects; one possible reason is that trends and determinants of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) differ between population subgroups. This study examined differences in trends and determinants of reported MVPA by ethnicity/race and sex in a 15-year longitudinal study.

METHODS

Participants (n = 2092) in the Project Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults study were surveyed on MVPA behavior and potential determinants from adolescence to young adulthood. Generalized estimating equations were used to model age trends in MVPA and associations with determinants.

RESULTS

Mean MVPA declined by 2.1 hours per week over 15 years of follow-up from adolescence to young adulthood. Asian males reported the lowest levels of MVPA at each age. Nonwhite females reported less MVPA than white females at each age. The association of body mass index (BMI) with MVPA differed by sex and ethnicity/race. Asian males and females showed lower levels of MVPA at both low and high BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions to increase MVPA may need to begin earlier among Asian men and nonwhite women than among other groups. Asian adolescents with lower BMI show lower MVPA and may benefit from additional intervention efforts compared with Asian adolescents with normal BMI.

Short Sleep Duration Is Associated With Eating More Carbohydrates and Less Dietary Fat in Mexican American Children

Study Objective

Short sleep duration is a risk factor for childhood obesity. Mechanisms are unclear, but may involve selection of high carbohydrate foods. This study examined the association between estimated sleep duration and macronutrient intake as percentages of total energy among Mexican American (MA) 9-11 year olds.

Methods

This cross-sectional study measured diet using two 24-hour recalls and estimated sleep duration using hip-worn accelerometry in MA children (n = 247) who were part of a cohort study. Child and maternal anthropometry were obtained; mothers reported on demographic information. Using linear regression, we examined the relationship of sleep duration with energy intake, sugar intake, and the percentage of energy intake from carbohydrates, fat, and protein.

Results

Children were 47% male; mean age was 10 (SD = 0.9) years. Mean sleep duration was 9.6 (SD = 0.8) hours; 53% were overweight/obese, with a mean energy intake of 1759 (SD = 514) calories. Longer sleep duration was independently associated with a lower percentage of energy intake from carbohydrates (β = -0.22, p < .01) and a higher percentage of energy from fat (β = 0.19, p < .01), driven by the percentage of energy from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA; β = 0.17, p < .05). No association was found with the intake of energy or total sugars, or the percent of calories from protein.

Conclusions

MA children who slept longer consumed diets with a lower percentage of calories from carbohydrates and a higher percentage from fat, especially from PUFA. Short sleep duration may be a risk factor for food cravings that are high in carbohydrate content and may displace heart-healthy dietary fat, and thereby increase obesity risk among children.

Parent's Physical Activity Associated With Preschooler Activity in Underserved Populations

INTRODUCTION

In the U.S., children from low-income families are more likely to be obese. The impact of parent modeling of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors in low-income American ethnic minorities is unclear, and studies examining objective measures of preschooler and parent PA are sparse.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study examined 1,003 parent-child pairs who were of low income, largely Latino and African American, and living in one of two geographically disparate metropolitan areas in the U.S. Parents and children wore GT3X/GT3X+ accelerometers for an average of >12 hours/day (7:00am-9:00pm) for 1 week (September 2012 to May 2014). Analysis occurred in 2015-2016.

RESULTS

About 75% of children were Latino and >10% were African American. Mean child age was 3.9 years. The majority of children (60%) were normal weight (BMI ≥50th and <85th percentiles), and more than a third were overweight/obese. Children's total PA was 6.03 hours/day, with 1.5 hours spent in moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA). Covariate-adjusted models showed a monotonic, positive association between parent and child minutes of sedentary behavior (β=0.10, 95% CI=0.06, 0.15) and light PA (β=0.06; 95% CI=0.03, 0.09). Child and parent MVPA were positively associated up to 40 minutes/day of parent MVPA, but an inverse association was observed when parental MVPA was beyond 40 minutes/day (p=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing parental PA and reducing sedentary behavior correlate with increased PA-related behaviors in children. However, more work is needed to understand the impact of high levels of parental MVPA on the MVPA levels of their children.

Social and Environmental Determinants of Child Physical Activity in a Rural Mexican-Origin Community

California's rural agricultural communities face an increased burden of obesity and metabolic disease. The present objective is to define the social and environmental influences to child obesity and physical activity within Mexican-origin communities in California's Central Valley. A range of data (anthropometric, socioeconomic, demographic, cultural and environmental) were collected on more than 650 children enrolled in Niños Sanos, Familia Sana. Physical activity data were gathered from a subsample of children 4-7 years of age (n = 148) via accelerometer. Cross sectional analyses explored the relationship between BMI and physical activity and the influence of numerous social and environmental variables. In this sample 45 % of children were determined to be overweight or obese. Boys had a higher daily average moderate-to-vigorous physical activity than girls (p = 0.008). Chi square analyses showed weight status was associated with activity level in girls (p = 0.03) but not boys. Multivariate regression revealed several social and environmental indicators influenced BMI and physical activity (p = 0.004). In this population of school-age children of Mexican-origin, girls may benefit more from targeted efforts to increase MVPA. Family and community support systems may also boost child participation in physical activities.

Becoming American, becoming obese? A systematic review of acculturation and weight among Latino youth

Latino youth have the highest rate of overweight and obesity across ethnic and racial groups, placing these individuals at increased risk for a variety of negative immediate and long-term health outcomes. Many studies have shown that acculturative factors play a role in this process for adults, while less is known about the impact of these factors for children and adolescents. This study systematically reviews the current literature on acculturative factors and obesity among Latino children. Three hundred and seventy-nine studies were independently reviewed by two coders for eligibility. Twenty-nine studies met eligibility criteria and were included in the final review. Results indicated that relations between acculturation and obesity among Latino children are equivocal. Across studies reviewed, the significance and directionality of this relation differed. Heterogeneity across studies reviewed, including age, specific population and measures used for assessing acculturation, likely contributed to the mixed results. To provide greater clarity on the role of acculturative factors on obesity, future studies should (i) utilize a longitudinal design; (ii) control for potential confounding factors such as socioeconomic status; and (iii) examine potential moderating and mediating influences.

Relationships between Parental Education and Overweight with Childhood Overweight and Physical Activity in 9-11 Year Old Children: Results from a 12-Country Study

Background

Globally, the high prevalence of overweight and low levels of physical activity among children has serious implications for morbidity and premature mortality in adulthood. Various parental factors are associated with childhood overweight and physical activity. The objective of this paper was to investigate relationships between parental education or overweight, and (i) child overweight, (ii) child physical activity, and (iii) explore household coexistence of overweight, in a large international sample.

Methods

Data were collected from 4752 children (9–11 years) as part of the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment in 12 countries around the world. Physical activity of participating children was assessed by accelerometry, and body weight directly measured. Questionnaires were used to collect parents’ education level, weight, and height.

Results

Maternal and paternal overweight were positively associated with child overweight. Higher household coexistence of parent-child overweight was observed among overweight children compared to the total sample. There was a positive relationship between maternal education and child overweight in Colombia 1.90 (1.23–2.94) [odds ratio (confidence interval)] and Kenya 4.80 (2.21–10.43), and a negative relationship between paternal education and child overweight in Brazil 0.55 (0.33–0.92) and the USA 0.54 (0.33–0.88). Maternal education was negatively associated with children meeting physical activity guidelines in Colombia 0.53 (0.33–0.85), Kenya 0.35 (0.19–0.63), and Portugal 0.54 (0.31–0.96).

Conclusions

Results are aligned with previous studies showing positive associations between parental and child overweight in all countries, and positive relationships between parental education and child overweight or negative associations between parental education and child physical activity in lower economic status countries. Relationships between maternal and paternal education and child weight status and physical activity appear to be related to the developmental stage of different countries. Given these varied relationships, it is crucial to further explore familial factors when investigating child overweight and physical activity.

Physical activity perceptions, context, barriers, and facilitators from a Hispanic child's perspective

BACKGROUND

In order to develop effective physical activity interventions and to address the burden of obesity in Hispanic children, qualitative studies are needed to build descriptive theory and expand the state of the science. The purpose of this study is to describe physical activity perceptions, context, facilitators, and barriers from the perspective of Hispanic immigrant-origin children.

METHOD

This in-depth, ethnographic study included 14, 6- to 11-year old, first- and second- generation Hispanic children recruited from an afterschool program in Southeastern Pennsylvania, USA. Methods included child observation, field notes, semi-structured interviews, and a PhotoVoice activity. Transcripts and field notes were coded and analyzed using the constant comparison method to identify overarching themes and patterns in the data.

RESULTS

Data analysis yielded four overarching themes regarding children's perspectives on physical activity. Children engaged in a variety of physical activities and sedentary behaviors, which differed by physical (e.g., park, outside home, and afterschool programs) and social (e.g., parents, siblings, and friends) contexts. Children discussed specific benefits of physical activity. Children's negative attitudes toward physical activity were related to physical discomfort, low athletic competence, and safety concerns. Children perceived physical activity and play to be one in the same, and "fun" was identified as a primary driver of physical activity preferences. The facilitators and barriers to physical activity were related to specific parent/home, school, and neighborhood factors.

CONCLUSION

Findings from this study suggest that an emphasis on fun and active play, while taking into account family and neighborhood context, may be a desirable intervention approach in Hispanic immigrant-origin children. This study lays the groundwork for future studies to further explore some of the themes identified here to better understand children's conceptualization of and experience with physical activity. Such research may inform the design of programs to increase physical activity or active play, and ultimately promote health and well-being, in this at-risk population.

Quantitative physical activity assessment of children and adolescents in a rural population from Eastern Nepal

OBJECTIVES

We report cross-sectional, objectively measured physical activity data for 399 children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years. We evaluated physical activity of children and adolescents, considered time spent in each activity intensity category, and explored the impact of growth disruption (stunting and wasting) on physical activity patterns.

METHODS

Participants wore an Actical (Mini-Mitter, Bend, OR) omnidirectional accelerometer for one week as part of their annual visit to the Jiri Growth Study. The percentage of time spent in standard activity intensities were computed using standard metabolic equivalents (METS) cutpoints and compared by chronological age, sex, and school versus non-school days.

RESULTS

Primary findings include (1) children are more active on non-school days and adolescents are more active during the school week; (2) Jirel children do not exhibit the reduction in physical activity that most Western populations experience during the transition from childhood to adolescence; and (3) Jirel children and adolescents routinely meet the suggested one hour/day MVPA threshold; (4) Stunting is prevalent and factors leading to this growth disruption may contribute to the amount of time in sedentary or light physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

We report child and adolescent physical activity patterns from the Jirel population of eastern Nepal. In this rural context, children and adolescents are more active than populations reported from Western contexts. This key finding has important biomedical implications for the maintenance of healthy body composition, skeletal health, and other health traits.