An Update on Physical Activity Research among Children in Hong Kong: A Scoping Review

24-H movement behaviours research in Chinese population: A scoping review

Background

Numerous studies examining 24-h movement behaviours have been exponentially published globally. However, no comprehensive reviews summarized and synthesized the evidence on the Chinese population. This review aimed to map the most recent research state and fill the gaps related to 24-h movement behaviours in the Chinese population.

Methods

Five electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, EBSCOhost, and CNKI (Chinese database)) were searched from their inceptions through October 2023. Quantitative studies published in English and/or Chinese were included if they were related to 24-h movement behaviours in the Chinese population.

Results

From 9431 documents screened, 53 met the inclusion criteria. All the included studies were published between 2019 and 2023, showing a notable increasing trend over the years. Most studies used cross-sectional designs (96.2 %) and self-reported measures (56.6 %). Nearly all the studies targeted general healthy population (96.2 %), especially children and adolescents (64.2 %). The main three research topics observed were health outcomes (81.1 %), prevalence (66.0 %), and correlates (15.1 %) of 24-h movement behaviours.

Conclusion

24-h movement behaviours in the Chinese population has been an increasingly important research topic in the literature, with predominant focus on children and adolescents (study population), self-report measure (measurement), cross-sectional design (study design), guidelines adherence (study topic), and health outcomes examination (study topic). These findings delineate a research landscape in the Chinese population, and highlight the research gaps needed to be addressed. Future studies are suggested to target these research gaps, expanding evidence base for the Chinese populations. For instance, more studies using device-based measures, longitudinal or interventional designs, as well as qualitative and mixed-methods approaches are required.

Asia-Pacific consensus statement on integrated 24-hour activity guidelines for the early years

Background

Early childhood is a vital period for development and growth. Promoting beneficial lifestyle behaviours in early childhood can help optimise children's health, development and learning, shape their behaviours in adulthood and offer the best protection against future non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In the Asia-Pacific region, NCDs are significant causes of healthcare burden and mortality. Furthermore, there is also a high prevalence of adverse metabolic risk factors and unhealthy lifestyle behaviours among these children.

Method

Representatives from 19 Asia-Pacific nations and/or jurisdictions developed a consensus statement on integrated 24-hour activity guidelines for the early years using the GRADE-ADOLOPMENT framework.

Findings

These guidelines apply to all infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers below 5 years of age. The guidelines aim to provide a holistic and practical approach to lifestyle activities by framing physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep within a 24-hour period. Dietary patterns were included as they play an integral role in metabolic health and energy balance.

Interpretation

Aligned with the World Health Organization's Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs through health promotion interventions in early life, through cultivating healthy lifestyle behaviours in the children's early years, we aim to provide children with the best start in life and reduce the burden of future NCDs in the Asia-Pacific region.

Funding

Funded by Integrated platform for research in advancing metabolic health outcomes of women and children.

Associations of public open space attributes with active and sedentary behaviors in dense urban areas: A systematic review of observational studies

In the context of rapid urbanization, public open spaces in dense urban areas are critical built environment elements to support active lifestyles. Several reviews have explored the associations of public open space attributes with physically active and sedentary behavior. However, few reviews have included studies from Asia, and no studies have focused on dense urban areas. This systematic review analyzed 18 observational studies investigating associations between public open space attributes with physical activity and sedentary behavior in dense urban areas of East Asian countries, including Japan, Taiwan, China, and Hong Kong. We found that closer distance to and a greater number of public open spaces and features within them were positively associated with leisure-time physical activity. Places near water features and corridors within public open spaces were associated with more sedentary behavior. These findings inform landscape and urban design guidelines for (re)designing public open spaces to support active lifestyles in high dense urban areas.