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Children, Physical Activity, Exercise and Obesity

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Children's Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 51179

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Michael J. Duncan

E-Mail Website
Chief Guest Editor
Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
Interests: physical activity; movement assessment; motor competence; interventions; children and adolescents
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Cain Clark

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centre for Intelligent Healthcare, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5RW, UK
Interests: data analytics; visualization and meta-analyses; physical activity; motor competence; sedentary behaviour
Dr. Clarice Maria De Lucena Martins

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physical Eduction, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil
Interests: physical activity; obesity; preschoolers; children; motor competence
Prof. Dr. Jorge Mota

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Research Center for Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portuga
Interests: physical activity; exercise; pediatrics; obesity; physical fitness; cardiometabolic risk factors
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

Physical activity and exercise remain key behaviours which, when instilled during childhood, promote health throughout the life course. Engaging in sufficient amounts of physical activity during childhood is associated with lower levels of unhealthy weight and obesity, enhanced cardiometabolic health, improved cognition and academic achievement, and a more positive sense of wellbeing. Despite these known benefits, data from across the world still suggest that children are not meeting the required levels of physical activity for health benefits. Additionally, although interventions to enhance physical activity have been had trials, there remain significant gaps in scientific understanding of the effectiveness and utility of physical activity interventions in children. This Special Issue invites contributions from across the spectrum of health, sport and exercise, social and life sciences examining the issue of physical activity, exercise and obesity in children.

This Special Issue is open to original research, review articles, short reports, brief commentaries, case reports, and meta-analyses, related to physical activity and exercise in children and their impact on obesity and other health-related variables. The keywords listed below suggest just a few of the many possibilities.

Potential topics include but are not limited to:

  • Cross-sectional and longitudinal association of physical activity, fitness and health- related variables during childhood
  • Environmental, sociocultural, and biological correlates of physical activity and obesity during childhood
  • Interaction of physical activity, motor competence, obesity, and health markers during childhood through adolescence
  • Intervention strategies targeting physical activity and healthy weight during childhood
  • Process evaluation of interventions designed to enhance physical activity and reduce obesity during childhood
  • Association of motor competence and physical fitness in childhood with lifestyle habits later in life

Measurement issues related to physical activity, exercise and obesity during infancy and through adolescence

Prof. Dr. Michael J. Duncan
Prof. Dr. Jorge Mota
Dr. Cain Clark
Dr. Clarice Maria De Lucena Martins
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • physical activity
  • exercise
  • fitness
  • sedentary behaviour
  • obesity
  • body composition
  • measurement
  • intervention
  • process evaluation
  • implementation
  • public health
  • physical activity promotion
  • physical activity epidemiology

Published Papers (18 papers)

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14 pages, 391 KiB  
Article
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 - 05 Mar 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2394
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  
Article
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 4 | Viewed by 2368
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  
Article
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 2 | Viewed by 3084
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 (VO2peak) 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 VO2peak (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  
Article
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 - 04 Oct 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2303
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  
Article
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 5 | Viewed by 2145
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  
Article
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 - 06 Jan 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2089
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  
Article
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 2 | Viewed by 2322
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 ScreenTM (FMSTM). Furthermore, total FMSTM 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  
Article
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 - 09 Dec 2020
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3017
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  
Article
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 - 01 Dec 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2001
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  
Article
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 12 | Viewed by 2442
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  
Article
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 4 | Viewed by 4971
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  
Article
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 - 03 Nov 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2548
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  
Article
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 4 | Viewed by 2176
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  
Article
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 7 | Viewed by 2419
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  
Article
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 - 01 Sep 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3275
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  
Article
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 10 | Viewed by 4250
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  
Article
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 14 | Viewed by 3236
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; CI95% = 1.38–1.82), relative handgrip strength (OR = 1.25; CI95% = 1.19–1.31), more hours of sport activities (OR = 1.40; CI95% = 1.19–1.66), and physical activity level (assessed by Krece Plus Test) (OR = 1.23; CI95% = 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  
Brief 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 3 | Viewed by 1959
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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