Physical and Social Contexts of Physical Activity Behaviors of Fifth and Seventh Grade Youth

Change in general and domain-specific physical activity during the transition from primary to secondary education: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Knowledge of changes in the domains of physical activity (PA) during the transition period from primary to secondary education and the factors associated with these changes, are prerequisites for the design of effective PA promotion strategies. Therefore, the first aim of this study was to systematically review changes in general, leisure-time, school, transport, work, and home PA across the transition from primary to secondary education. The second aim was to systematically review the individual, social, and physical environmental factors that were associated with these changes.

METHODS

Records published up until September 2023 were retrieved from five electronic databases. We included longitudinal and cross-sectional studies that investigated general or domain-specific PA from 2 years before to 2 years after the transition from primary to secondary education. Information on source, study characteristics, sample characteristics, PA, and factors were extracted from the papers included. We reported the direction of change in general and domain-specific PA and the direction of association of the factors with change in general and domain-specific PA.

RESULTS

Forty-eight papers were included in the study. The evidence on changes in PA and associated factors was greatest for general PA. A limited number of the studies investigated the separate domains of leisure-time, school, and transport. Most studies on general and school PA reported a decline in PA, but there were no consistent results for the domains of leisure-time and transport. With respect to the associated factors, evidence was predominantly found for individual factors and to a lesser degree for physical environmental and social environmental factors. None of the factors were consistently associated with changes in general or domain-specific PA during the school transition.

CONCLUSIONS

For the design of targeted PA promotion strategies, further studies are warranted to explore changes in the specific domains of PA across the transition from primary to secondary education, especially in the domains of leisure-time, transport, home, and work PA. In addition, the interactions between factors at different socioecological levels to influence changes in PA need to be addressed more in the future.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42020190204.

Puberty timing and relative age as predictors of physical activity discontinuation during adolescence

Among same-age adolescents, those who enter puberty relatively later and those who are relatively younger (e.g., born later in the year) might be at greater risk of physical activity discontinuation. This study aimed to (1) describe gender-specific discontinuation, re-engagement, and uptake rates in various types of physical activities from the age of 11 to 17 years, and (2) assess puberty timing and relative age as predictors of discontinuation from organized, unorganized, individual, and group-based physical activities. Longitudinal data from 781 (56% girls, age 10-13 years at study baseline) Canadian participants who self-reported puberty status, birthdate, and involvement in 36 physical activities every four months from 2011 to 2018 was analyzed. The incidence of discontinuation, re-engagement, and uptake in organized/unorganized and individual/group activities from grade 6 until grade 12 was described and Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate associations of puberty timing and relative age with organized/unorganized and individual/group activity discontinuation. Results demonstrate that individual and unorganized activities are maintained longer than group-based and organized activities. Girls who started puberty earlier were more likely to discontinue organized activities than girls with average-puberty timing [Hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) 1.68 (1.05-2.69)]. Compared to boys born in the 4th quarter of the year, boys born in the 2nd quarter of the year were less likely to discontinue organized [HR (95% CI) 0.41 (0.23-0.74)], unorganized [HR (95% CI) 0.33 (0.16-0.70)], group [HR (95% CI) 0.58 (0.34-0.98)], and individual activities[HR (95% CI) 0.46 (0.23-0.91)], and boys born in the 3rd quarter were less likely to discontinue unorganized activities[HR (95% CI) 0.41 (0.19-0.88)]. This study illustrates the patterns of physical activity participation throughout adolescence. However, the generalizability of findings may be limited due to participant representation.

Physical Activity, Sleep, and Demographic Patterns in Alaska Native Children and Youth Living in Anaktuvuk Pass

Physical activity (PA), sleep, and weight are important factors for youth health. However, data about these factors are unknown in youth living in isolated Alaska Native communities. This study aims to assess PA, sleep, height and weight in elementary through high school students living in Anaktuvuk Pass. Fourteen children (<12) and 24 youths (12-20) volunteered to participate in this study. PA and sleep data were collected with actigraphy. Height and weight were assessed with standard procedures. Demographics were collected via survey. Results show that 10.53% and 18.42% of participants were overweight and obese, respectively. Average bedtime was 00:15 am and wake time 08:23 am. Total sleep time was 498.21 min. Participants averaged 477.64 min in sedentary activity, 297.29 min in light activity, 150.66 min in moderate activity, and 18.05 min in vigorous activity. Adjusted models suggest that high school students engage in significantly more sedentary activity, and significantly less light, moderate, and vigorous activity compared to those in middle and elementary school. All students engaged in less moderate and vigorous activity on the weekend compared to the weekday. Data suggest that as children age they become more sedentary. Future studies should focus on increasing daily PA in high school students while considering other obesogenic factors.

Determining Trends and Factors Associated with Self-Reported Physical Activity among Adolescents in Rural North Carolina

It is important to better understand factors associated with physical activity (PA) levels in adolescents in rural areas. Cross-sectional data were used to obtain self-reported PA levels among adolescents in a school-based intervention in fall 2018. Demographic data, environmental variables, and cardiovascular fitness (PACER score) were also measured. Analyses included a two-sample t-test, ANOVA, a Chi-square test_, and a linear regression model. Participants included 3799 7th graders. Male (p < 0.0001), white (p < 0.0001), and healthy weight (p < 0.0001) participants reported more days of PA. The correlation between school physical education (PE) and PACER was modest (r = 0.27, p < 0.0001). Multiple linear regression model showed significant effects of school PE (p = 0.0011), gender (p < 0.0001), race (p < 0.0001), and weight category (p < 0.0001) on self-reported PA. The percentage of students reporting 60 min of PA for 5 (p < 0.0001) or 7 (p = 0.0307) days per week tended to be higher with increased days per week of school PE. Policy changes that increase PA and PE in middle schools may present opportunities to improve PA levels in adolescents, with emphasis on being inclusive and mindful of minority and female youth.

Changes in subdomains of non-organized physical activity between childhood and adolescence in Australia: a longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Physical activity (PA) participation among youth tends to be insufficient and is prone to decline with age. In Australia, this decline has been shown to particularly occur in the domain of non-organized PA (e.g. active play and informal sport) between childhood and adolescence. However, information about changes in more specific groupings of activities within non-organized PA (i.e. subdomains) is needed, as this could support more targeted intervention strategies. This study aimed to investigate changes in the duration of specific subdomains of non-organized PA between late childhood (10-11 years) and early adolescence (12-13 years) in Australia, as well as whether these changes are moderated by sex.

METHODS

Data were sourced from Waves 6 and 7 of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (n = 3614). Youth time-use diaries (24-h) were used to measure the duration of eight subdomains of non-organized PA at both waves (athletics/gymnastics, ball sports, cycling/motor/roller sports, fitness/gym/exercise, martial arts/dancing, water/ice/snow sports, active play and other outdoor/nature PA). Multilevel mixed modelling was used to explore longitudinal changes between waves and the potential moderation effect of sex.

RESULTS

Active play declined the most of all subdomains (β = -20.5 min/day; 95% CI = -23.4, -17.6, p < 0.001). A smaller decline was observed in the subdomain of non-organized ball sports (β = -4.1 min/day; 95% CI = -5.9, -2.3, p < 0.001). Other subdomains remained stable or had only very small changes in participation. The decline in active play was moderated by sex, with a steeper decline among girls. No other notable moderation effects were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Future studies may seek to explore and test the acceptability of PA promotion strategies to encourage active play participation, such as 'reframing' childhood play activities to be appropriate for adolescents. Such studies might particularly seek the perspectives of girls in the transition to adolescence.

Moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity among adolescents in the USA during the COVID-19 pandemic

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The study examined adolescents’ physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Median moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was 2 h per week.

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8.9% met physical activity guidelines during the pandemic compared to 16.1% before.

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Poor mental health, worry, and stress were associated with lower physical activity.

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Higher coping and social support were associated with higher physical activity.

This study aimed to evaluate adolescents’ moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) during the COVID-19 pandemic with regards to sociodemographic characteristics and determine mental health and resiliency factors associated with MVPA among a diverse national sample of adolescents ages 10–14 years. Data were collected during the pandemic in May 2020 from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD, N = 5,153), a national prospective cohort study in the U.S. MVPA was quantified as the product of reported duration and frequency (hours per week), which was further summarized as the proportion meeting age-appropriate 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. A similar estimate was generated using MVPA data collected prior to the pandemic. Mental health and resiliency measures were collected during the pandemic. Regression models examined associations between mental health or resiliency measures and MVPA during the pandemic. Median MVPA was 2 h per week (IQR 0, 6). Overall, the percentage of the cohort meeting MVPA guidelines decreased from 16.1% (pre-pandemic) to 8.9% (during the pandemic). Racial/ethnic minority adolescents and adolescents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds were significantly less likely to meet MVPA guidelines during the pandemic. Poorer mental health, COVID-related worry, and stress were associated with lower MVPA, while more social support and coping behaviors were associated with higher MVPA during the pandemic. In this large, national sample of adolescents, the proportion of those meeting MVPA Guidelines was lower during the COVID-19 pandemic, with significant disparities by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Interventions to promote social support and coping behaviors may improve MVPA levels among adolescents during the pandemic.

Walkability indices and children's walking behavior in rural vs. urban areas

PURPOSE

This study described associations between selected walk indices (WI) and walking and physical activity behaviors in rural and urban children.

FINDINGS

WI were higher in urban environments, yet children from rural areas walked for transportation more than children from urban areas. There was a negative correlation between National WI scores and walking for transportation in urban areas, and between the Frank WI scores and walking for exercise in rural areas.

CONCLUSIONS

Indices of walkability are not associated with objectively measured physical activity or self-reported walking behavior in children living in rural and urban settings.

The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on physical activity in U.S. children

BACKGROUND

Daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is vital to the physical, mental, and social well-being of children. Early restrictions during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic included the closure of schools and physical activity (PA) amenities across the US. This study aimed to examine the impact of the pandemic on the PA and play behavior of U.S. children and to provide evidence-based recommendations to improve their PA.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, online, parent-reported survey was conducted of children aged 3-18 years between April and June 2020 to assess light PA and MVPA using a modified Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. Additional items included family/child socioeconomic demographics, child adaptability to the pandemic, and community access. The survey was shared through social media and snowball sampling distribution.

RESULTS

Analysis of 1310 surveys indicated child PA scores declined significantly during the pandemic (from 56.6 to 44.6, max 119, p < 0.001). Specifically, MVPA score decreased (from 46.7 to 34.7, max 98, p < 0.001) while light PA remained the same. Age-based changes were seen in the quantity, variety, and intensity of PA, with the lowest pandemic-related impact seen in preschoolers and the highest in high schoolers (-4.7 vs. -17.2, p < 0.001). Community-based peer PA decreased across all age groups.

CONCLUSION

This study shows decreased PA levels in U.S. children, according to parent reporting, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recommendations for community leaders, educators, and parents to improve PA in children are provided. With continued spread of COVID-19, these results and recommendations may be imperative to the physical well-being of U.S. children.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) & youth sports participation: Does a gradient exist?

BACKGROUND

Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may be an important factor in understanding sport participation in youth. Yet, very little research has examined this relationship directly using nationally representative data from the United States.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the associations between ACEs and sport participation in adolescents.

METHODS

Using a 2017-2018 pooled dataset of the National Survey of Children's Health [NSCH], survey weighted chi-squared analysis and multivariable logistic regressions were implemented to assess the association between ACEs and sport participation among youth aged 10-17 years, comparing those without reports of ACEs (ref) to those reporting ACEs. The sample was also stratified to examine gendered differences. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic and child health covariates (physical activity, gender, age, BMI, race/ethnicity, parent reported child health, parental educational attainment, family structure, health insurance coverage, year and mental health conditions).

RESULTS

Of 23,557 youth included in our study (12,454 boys [51%], 11,303 girls [49%]; 21.9% reported 1 ACE, 10.1% reported 2 ACEs, and 14.3% reported 3 or more ACEs. In fully adjusted models, we observed significant associations between all levels of ACE exposure and decreased sport participation. When examined by gender, adjusted models revealed that only boys reporting 1ACE exhibited decreased odds of participating in sport OR = 0.70 (95% CI: 0.56, 0.89).

CONCLUSIONS

ACE exposure in adolescents is associated with reduced odds of sport participation. While sport is traditionally seen as an intervention for youth to build resilience, it may be prudent to consider targeted interventions that encourage sport participation in youth who experience ACEs. Special consideration may be needed for boys who experience ACEs. Additionally, the results suggest that utilising a trauma informed framework within the world of youth sport and sports medicine may be of value overall.

Analysis of Environmental Activities for Developing Public Health Investments and Policies: A Comparative Study with Structure Equation and Interval Type 2 Fuzzy Hybrid Models

The design of elements which exert pivotal effects on leisurely physical activity (LPA) in open space is an important part of urban development. However, little research has been done about the influence and discrepancies of those elements in different types of open space. To research these issues and to guide the design of urban open space, a survey from 8 open spaces (2 curtilage, 2 neighborhood squares (NS), 2 parks, and 2 campus) is conducted and a questionnaire is administered. Simultaneous analysis of several groups (SASG) of Structure equation model (SEM) is used, and the effects and discrepancies are acquired. In addition to this situation, interval type 2 (IT2) fuzzy hybrid decision making model is proposed in the second analysis. In this framework, IT2 fuzzy decision-making trial, evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL), and IT2 fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) methods are used. The results show that the influence relationships between elements and LPA did exist in four groups. Another important conclusion is that there were discrepancies of influence among different space groups. Physical environment (PE) has the greatest influence on LPA in the curtilage, whereas facilities exert the most effect in NS group. Additionally, amenities only have significant impact in parks and facilities only exercise remarkable influence on duration on campus. In addition to them, it is also identified that key design elements are presented for different types of space and that design strategy is provided through 4 specific examples.

Longitudinal Associations Between Psychosocial, Home, and Neighborhood Factors and Children's Physical Activity

BACKGROUND

Physical activity (PA) provides important health benefits to children, and a large percentage of children's PA occurs at home. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between psychosocial, home, and neighborhood environmental factors and children's reported PA at home and in the neighborhood, during the transition from elementary to high school.

METHODS

A total of 555 participants (44% boys) were recruited in grade 5 and followed through grades 6, 7, and 9. Children self-reported PA in 3 locations-at home, in the neighborhood, and on the street. Children reported parent support and neighborhood environment, parents reported PA equipment, and a windshield survey assessed incivilities and outside PA equipment. Longitudinal Poisson models evaluated the relationships between environmental variables and 3 self-reported PA variables, adjusting for gender, race/ethnicity, and parent education.

RESULTS

Parent support and PA equipment were significant positive predictors of home PA. Child's perceived environment (positive) and incivilities (negative) were significant predictors of neighborhood PA. Parental support, perceived environment, and outside PA equipment were positive significant predictors of street PA.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports the need for both family and community/neighborhood PA interventions that encourage parents to support child PA and for communities to reduce incivilities.

Sedentary Behavior, Exercise, and Cardiovascular Health

Sedentary behavior and physical inactivity are among the leading modifiable risk factors worldwide for cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. The promotion of physical activity and exercise training (ET) leading to improved levels of cardiorespiratory fitness is needed in all age groups, race, and ethnicities and both sexes to prevent many chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular disease. In this state-of-the-art review, we discuss the negative impact of sedentary behavior and physical inactivity, as well as the beneficial effects of physical activity /ET and cardiorespiratory fitness for the prevention of chronic noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease. We review the prognostic utility of cardiorespiratory fitness compared with obesity and the metabolic syndrome, as well as the increase of physical activity /ET for patients with heart failure as a therapeutic strategy, and ET dosing. Greater efforts at preventing sedentary behavior and physical inactivity while promoting physical activity, ET, and cardiorespiratory fitness are needed throughout the healthcare system worldwide and particularly in the United States in which the burden of cardiometabolic diseases remains extremely high.