Associations of Physical Activity and Sedentary Time in Primary School Children with Their Parental Behaviors and Supports

Parenting Practices Are Associated With Out-of-School Physical Activity in US Adolescents in 2014

INTRODUCTION

Lack of physical activity (PA) is associated with obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Parenting practices influence PA in young children. However, there is little evidence available for adolescents. We examined whether parenting practices were associated with out-of-school PA (OSPA) in US adolescents.

METHODS

This cross-sectional 2019 study analyzed data from the 2014 FLASHE study, a web-based, quota-sampled survey of parent-adolescent dyads. Inclusion required survey completion and parents to live with their teen (ages 12-17 y old). Physically limited adolescents were excluded. Dyads were stratified by teen age. Exposures included parental modeling, monitoring, facilitation, restriction, guided choice, and pressure. The outcomes of interest were OSPA Youth Activity Profile scores. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using adjusted logistic regressions.

RESULTS

A total of 1109 dyads were included. Guided choice increased odds of OSPA for 15- to 17-year-olds (OR = 2.12; 95% CI, 1.17-3.84). Facilitation increased odds of OSPA for 12- to 14-year-olds (OR = 2.21; 95% CI, 1.13-4.33). Monitoring decreased odds of OSPA for 15- to 17-year-olds (OR = 0.34; 95% CI, 0.20-0.57) and 12- to 14-year-olds (OR = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.27-0.74). Friend support increased odds of OSPA in 15- to 17-year-olds (OR = 4.03; 95% CI, 2.29-7.08) and 12- to 14-year-olds (OR = 3.05; 95% CI 1.69-5.51).

CONCLUSION

Future interventions should prioritize (1) shared decision making for older teens, (2) access to PA opportunities for younger adolescents, and (3) promoting peer PA and friend support for everyone.

Factors associated with physical inactivity among the pre-school children: A cohort of 1681 participants

AIM

To investigate the risk factors associated with physical inactivity of young children in Hong Kong.

METHODS

This follow-up study was part of a prospective cohort study named Studying Impact of Nutrition on Growth (SING) initiated in 2015. Subjects were recruited from randomly selected local nurseries and kindergartens in Hong Kong. Self-administrated questionnaires were distributed to parents in 2016-2017 to collect information on: (i) socio-economic background; (ii) health-related factors, including gestation at time of birth, and hospitalisation of the child since birth; (iii) types of leisure activities, including time spent on electronic games and physical activity.

RESULTS

A total of 1681 responses were collected. A higher likelihood of physical inactivity on weekdays was associated with being female, not being the firstborn, having been hospitalised three or more times since birth, and having physically inactive care givers. Meanwhile, children whose mother was unemployed/retired, and who spent more than 1 h on electronic games per day were significantly less likely to be physically inactive. Similarly, being female, being the secondborn or the thirdborn, and having a care giver with low physical activity level were associated with a higher chance of physical inactivity on weekends.

CONCLUSIONS

Parental support could play a pivotal role in determining a child's physical activity level. Public health policies should be implemented to promote family-based physical activities.

Associations between parental and pre-adolescents' physical activity and diet quality: The role of parental child care involvement and child's sex

BACKGROUND

Research has demonstrated the importance of the family environment in the eating and activity levels of offspring. We examined the cross-sectional associations between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and diet quality of parents and the MVPA and diet quality of pre-adolescents. Interactions were tested to assess whether the child's sex and the parental level of involvement in daily child care moderated these associations.

METHODS

Data from 2467 pre-adolescents (age 11.5 ± 0.2 years; collected in 2015-2016) and their parents or caregivers from a large-scale prospective birth cohort study in Amsterdam (ABCD-study) was used. Parents and pre-adolescents individually reported their diet quality and physical activity. Child care involvement was assessed using the Caregiver Child Interaction Scale. With hierarchical linear regression analyses, we assessed the independent contribution of fathers and mothers.

RESULTS

An association between mother-child MVPA was found (β = 0.013; 95 % CI: 0.006;0.021). The association between father-child MVPA was only significant for highly involved fathers (β = 0.014; 95 % CI: 0.004;0.023). The child's sex did not change these MVPA associations. Regarding diet quality, associations were found between mother-child diet quality score (DQS) (β = 0.254; 95 % CI: 0.192;0.316) and father-child DQS, with stronger associations between fathers and sons (β = 0.234; 95 % CI: 0.169;0.298) than between fathers and daughters (β = 0.114; 95 % CI: 0.047;0.181). Parental levels of involvement did not change these associations.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrate that both parental behaviours represent an important factor in physical activity and diet quality in pre-adolescents in a sex-specific manner. As such, it is essential to include both parents in research to obtain the necessary insights for developing effective interventions to promote children's healthy eating and physical activity behaviours.

Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors in Primary School Children in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Association with Parents' Behaviors

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a few studies used accelerometers to assess physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior in the family context. This study aimed to assess children and parents' moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time, as well as their relationship in MVPA and sedentary time. Data were collected from 30 parent-child dyads during the COVID-pandemic for seven days, using a hip-worn accelerometer. Children and parents engaged in 65.6 and 34.6 min/day in MVPA and 442.2 and 427.9 min/day sedentary, respectively. There was no evidence of gender difference in MVPA and sedentary between boys and girls. Male parent spent more time in MVPA than female parents. A total of 50% of children and 53.3% of parents met the recommended PA. Children's MVPA and sedentary time were both correlated with that of their parents. Adjusted linear regression showed that only child MVPA was negatively associated with their parents' MVPA. There is evidence that multi-level interventions involving parents and children are more effective than interventions focusing on a single group. This study also provides evidence to support the link between MVPA and sedentary time between parents and children. Generalization of the findings is difficult due to the bias of self-selection sample.

Does earlier acquisition of motor competence promote pubertal physical activity in Japanese elementary school children: A 4-year follow-up study

This 4-year follow-up study investigated which profile of motor competence (MC) in early childhood more strongly correlated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in early pubescence. A total of 247 first-grade children (152 boys) aged 6 to 7 years old participated in the baseline measurement. MVPA was measured using an accelerometer annually until the fifth grade. Body fat percentage was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline. MC included fundamental movement skills (FMS) and motor performance, which were assessed in terms of locomotor and object control. FMS was assessed by the Test of Gross Motor Development-2, while motor performance (locomotor: run, hop, jump, and side-step, object control: throw, kick, and hand dribble) was assessed by Japanese Physical Fitness and Motor Abilities Test at baseline. Multiple regression analysis showed that locomotor and object control performance were significant predictors of MVPA in later grades in boys but not in girls. These associations between locomotor performance and MVPA mainly remained significant after controlling for body fat and MVPA at baseline. FMS in both genders was not a significant predictor of MVPA in early pubescence. This study suggests that appropriate strategies for increasing MVPA from prepubescence to early pubescence may differ between boys and girls.

Psychosocial and environmental determinants of active transport to school in Austrian rural communities: a cross-sectional study among schoolchildren and their parents

Background

Active transport to school (ATS) is an effective health-promoting intervention to integrate physical activity into children’s everyday lives. While previous studies have examined environmental and behavioural determinants on ATS in urban areas, evidence on rural areas is rare.

Method

This study examined whether environmental and psychosocial characteristics are associated with ATS in two rural communities in Austria. Participants from four schools (two primary / two secondary schools) returned a self-reported questionnaire on individual and environmental determinants of ATS consisting of one section for parents and one for children, with 382 of the 467 total responses being included in the analysis.

Results

Bivariate analyses showed a significant association of psychosocial characteristics of parents and children (intention, attitude, social norm, perceived behavioural control: p < 0.001), one environmental item (walking and cycling network: p ≤ 0.001) as well as distance and duration for walking to/from school between ATS. In a multiple regression model, the chances of participating in ATS were higher among children who have higher perceived behavioural control, walk between 5 to 10 minutes to school, and whose parents have a higher commitment to ATS.

Conclusions

Future initiatives to enhance ATS in rural areas should focus on the control beliefs of parents and children, and should involve parents in order to increase parents’ commitment to ATS. Additionally, measures should explore the effects of active transport promotion in the context of public transport and school buses. Above all, further opportunities for ATS should be considered in spatial and community planning.

Results from the Japan 2022 report card on physical activity for children and youth

Background/Objective: The 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic was held in 2021, although postponed due to the spread of COVID-19. This event might have an impact on physical activity (PA) of children and adolescents, but the national data on PA during the pandemic were not available. Therefore, the goal of the 2022 Japan Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth (The 2022 Japan Report Card) is to assess and track levels of health behaviors related to PA, and health outcomes in Japanese children and adolescents, and environments and government strategy for PA just before the pandemic.

Methods

The 2022 Japan Report Card consists of health behaviors and outcomes (8 indicators), and influences on health behaviors (4 indicators). Nationally representative data were used to score the indicators.

Results

The key five health behaviors and outcomes (Overall PA: B⁻; Organized Sport: B⁻; Active Transportation: A⁻; Physical fitness: B, Weight status: A) were favorable. Sedentary Behavior and Sleep received C⁻ and D⁻ grades, respectively. Active Play could not be graded (INC). In the influences domain, Family and Peers was graded as C⁻, while School (B⁺), Community and Environment (B), and Government (B) were favorable.

Conclusions

The 2022 Japan Report Card shows that Japanese children and adolescents had favorable levels of overall PA, active transportation to and from school, and weight status, and there was a generally favorable environment for PA and health, though sedentary behavior and sleep were unfavorable. Future nationally representative surveys on active play are needed.

Parental Factors Associated With Physical Activity Among East Asian Children/Youth: A Meta-Analysis Based on the Active Healthy Kids Report Cards

Insufficient physical activity (PA) is a leading risk factor for mortality. The Active Healthy Kids Report Cards provide comprehensive evidence related to PA in children/adolescents. Associations of (1) parental support for PA with amount of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA) performed by children/adolescents and (2) amount of MVPA performed by parents with amount of MVPA performed by children/adolescents, as indicated by Report Cards, have not been critically synthesized in meta-analysis. We selected data in Asian countries/regions Report Cards and performed meta-analyses to assess pooled associations of influence indicators and behavior indicators among children/adolescents in Asian countries/regions. Our meta-analyses included five studies that assessed association of parental support or MVPA performance with child/adolescent MVPA performance. Positive association was observed between the amount of time spent by parents on MVPA per week, regardless of gender, and the amount of time spent by children and adolescents on MVPA per week (r = .11; 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.06, 0.16]; I² = 40%; p < .0001). In East Asia, the amount of MVPA performed by parents appears to be an important factor influencing the participation of children/adolescents in PA.

Paternal and maternal support of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in children on weekdays and weekends: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Most studies of associations between parental support behaviours for physical activity (PA) and children's moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) have been conducted in developed countries, and they have focused on maternal or parental support behaviours. Children's MVPA time (i.e., weekdays vs. weekends) has not been adequately differentiated. This paper investigated the associations of paternal and maternal support behaviours for PA with the proportion of children who met the MVPA recommendations on weekdays and weekends in China.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data of 517 father-child dyads and 1422 mother-child dyads were analysed. The children recorded PA diaries on 7 consecutive days to assess their MVPA time. The father or mother completed a questionnaire concerning their support for children's PA. Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate the independent effects of paternal and maternal support behaviours for PA on whether children met the MVPA recommendations for weekdays, weekends, and the whole week.

RESULTS

Significantly fewer children met the MVPA recommendations on weekends (37.8%) than on weekdays (62.8%). Higher paternal (odds ratio [OR] = 1.098, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.009-1.195) and maternal (OR = 1.076, 95% CI: 1.021-1.134) total support behaviour scores were associated with higher odds of children meeting the MVPA recommendations on weekends, after controlling for covariates. Paternal PA knowledge-sharing with the child was positively associated with children meeting the MVPA recommendations on weekends (OR = 1.319, 95% CI: 1.055-1.649); it tended to be associated with children meeting the MVPA recommendations on weekdays and throughout the week, although these associations were not statistically significant. Maternal reservation of PA time for the child was positively associated with a higher likelihood of children meeting the MVPA recommendations on weekdays (OR = 1.160, 95% CI: 1.025-1.313), weekends (OR = 1.241, 95% CI: 1.097-1.403), and throughout the week (OR = 1.214, 95% CI: 1.076-1.369).

CONCLUSIONS

Paternal and maternal support behaviours for PA should be enhanced on weekends to increase children's MVPA. Fathers should share PA knowledge with children and mothers should reserve PA time for children every day.

Familial Correlates of Leisure Time Activities among Polish Early School-Age Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

The after-school period may play a critical role in the accumulation of children’s physical activity and sedentary time. The study aimed to characterize familial correlates of early school-age children’s leisure time activities. A cross-sectional study was conducted among a group of 223 children (mean age 8.7 ± 0.5) and their parents. The percentage of children with daily leisure time physical activity (LTPA) >1 h was 23.32%, and with daily screen time <2 h was 32.74%. The average children’s leisure time physical activity was significantly higher on weekend days than on weekdays (114.85 vs. 89.43 min, p = 0.005). Similarly, the average screen time was higher on weekend days than on weekdays (95.50 vs. 66.10 min, p < 0.001). The multivariate regression analysis revealed that independent predictors of children’s leisure time physical activity were the father’s education level and the father’s occupational status, whereas at least one parent with higher education correlated negatively with children’s longer screen time. The study showed that children’s leisure time activities are associated with parental education and differ significantly between weekdays and weekend days. These findings underline the need for screening for unfavorable health behaviors among early school-age children, and indicate that health promotion programs should be oriented on both parents and children aiming to improve parental health consciousness, reduce screen time and increase physical activity, especially during the weekend.

Are the Parents' and Their Children's Physical Activity and Mode of Commuting Associated? Analysis by Gender and Age Group

Background: Some studies have reported a positive parent–child association between physical activity (PA), but few have examined the difference in these associations concerning both genders. The objective of this study was to establish the association between moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and mode of commuting (MC) of the parents with their children by gender and age group. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 686 mothers and fathers (43.4 ± 6.5 years old) and their children (children 9.7 ± 1.7 y. and adolescents 14.0 ± 1.7 y.). Each participant completed a questionnaire on PA and MC. Chi-square test, odds ratio for categorical variables, and lineal regressions for continuous variables were used to examine the parent–child associations. Results: An inverse association was found between fathers–children in the weekend MVPA in children and between mothers–adolescents in out-of-school and weekend MVPA. An inverse association was found in MVPA between mothers-girls, and the different parents’ MC to work was positively associated with the MC to school in children and adolescents except for the association AC parents–adolescents. The AC was mainly associated between mothers and girls and boys. Conclusions: A weak association in parent–child MVPA but a strong association in MC between parent–child was found.

Associations of accelerometer-measured sedentary time, sedentary bouts, and physical activity with adiposity and fitness in children

Sedentary time (ST) has been inconsistently associated with adiposity and cardiorespiratory fitness in children in previous studies. We studied cross-sectional associations of ST, light physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with fat mass index (FMI) and cardiorespiratory fitness (estimated VO₂max). Associations were evaluated with and without considering pattern of ST by bout length. We measured ST and activity by a wrist-worn accelerometer, FMI by bioelectrical impedance, and VO₂max by Pacer test in 443 children (51.2% girls, 10.2 ± 0.6 years). Isotemporal substitution regression models estimated the effects of substituting ST, LPA, and MVPA on FMI and VO₂max. Further models repeated analyses separating ST into short (<10 min) and long (≥10 min) bouts. Only replacing ST or LPA with MVPA was consistently associated with lower FMI and greater VO₂max. When separated by bout length, only one unique association was found where replacing long ST bouts with short ST bouts was associated with lower FMI in girls only. In conclusion, activity pattern is associated with adiposity in girls and fitness in boys and girls. Separating ST into long and short ST bouts may be of minimal importance when assessing associations with adiposity and fitness using wrist-worn accelerometry in children.

Prediction of Physical Activity Intensity with Accelerometry in Young Children

Background: An algorithm for the classification of ambulatory and non-ambulatory activities using the ratio of unfiltered to filtered synthetic acceleration measured with a triaxial accelerometer and predictive models for physical activity intensity (METs) in adults and in elementary school children has been developed. The purpose of the present study was to derive predictive equations for METs with a similar algorithm in young children. Methods: Thirty-seven healthy Japanese children (four- to six-years old) participated in this study. The five non-ambulatory activities including low-intensity activities, and five ambulatory activities were selected. The raw accelerations using a triaxial accelerometer and energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry using the Douglas bag method during each activity were collected. Results: For non-ambulatory activities, especially light-intensity non-ambulatory activities, linear regression equations with a predetermined intercept (0.9) or quadratic equations were a better fit than the linear regression. The equations were different from those for adults and elementary school children. On the other hand, the ratios of unfiltered to filtered synthetic acceleration in non-ambulatory activities were different from those in ambulatory activities, as in adults and elementary school children. Conclusions: Our calibration model for young children could accurately predict intensity of physical activity including low-intensity non-ambulatory activities.

Results from the Japan's 2018 report card on physical activity for children and youth

Background

The momentum to promote physical activity (PA) by various government agencies such as the Japan Sports Agency established in 2015, academic organizations, and companies is increasing towards the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. The goal of the 2018 Japan Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth is to assess and track levels of health behaviors related to PA in Japanese children and youth, facilitators and barriers for PA, and related health outcomes.

Methods

Nationally representative data were used to score the indicators.

Results

The 2018 Japan Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth consists of health behaviors and outcomes (7 indicators), and influences on health behaviors (4 indicators). The key four health behaviors and outcomes (Organized Sport Participation: B—; Active Transportation: A-; Physical fitness: A, Weight status: A) were favorable. Sedentary Behavior received C— grade, while 2 indicators (Overall Physical Activity, and Active Play) could not be graded. In the Influences domain, Family Influence and Community were graded as C—, while School (B+), Community and Environment (B—), and Government Strategies and Investments (B) were favorable.

Conclusions

The 2018 Japan Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth shows that Japanese children and youth have favorable levels of organized sport participation, active transportation to and from school, and physical fitness and weight status. Future nationally representative surveys on overall PA and active play are needed.