Psychological Correlates of Self-Reported and Objectively Measured Physical Activity among Chinese Children-Psychological Correlates of PA

Values, motivation, and physical activity among Chinese sport sciences students

Different studies have shown that values and motivation predict physical activity, but no study has tested how values and motivation may interact to predict physical activity. Specifically, the present research aimed to test how values and motivation toward physical activity measured within the SDT could predict global physical activity among Chinese sports science students. The indirect effects of openness to change and self-transcendence values on predicting physical activity through autonomous motivation were significant. These results help us understand how highly abstract psychological constructs such as values may influence physical activity through motivation. Studying values combined with motivation may help better understand the factors that motivate or inhibit physical activity.

The Cut-Off Value for Classifying Active Italian Children Using the Corresponding National Version of the Physical Activity Questionnaire

The present study aimed to determine a cut-off value following the filling in of a questionnaire (PAQ-C-It) to identify active Italian children. One-hundred-twenty-nine primary school children (5 Piedmont schools; 47.3% female; mean age = 10 ± 1 years) wore an accelerometer (Actigraph wGT3X-BT) to objectively quantify individual moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during one week. Afterwards, the PAQ-C-It was filled in by participants. A ROC curve procedure was applied to obtain an active/non-active cut-off point. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was also applied to establish the relationship between the two parameters. According to the ROC analysis, the PAQ-C-It cut-off point value is identifiable at >2.75 to indicate active children (area under the curve = 0.62; standard error = 0.05; p = 0.025; coefficient intervals = 0.518−0.716; sensitivity = 0.592, specificity = 0.382), determining that 65 participants (55%) were non-active (mean PAQ-C-It value = 2.3 ± 0.4; active mean PAQ-C-It value = 3.3 ± 0.4). Spearman’s correlation coefficient results were significant but with a small effect size (rho = 0.214; p = 0.008). In conclusion, the present results suggest that the PAQ-C-It can be cautiously used as tool to practically classify active Italian children because of a non-solid relationship between respective accelerometer data and MVPA daily data.

Immunomodulatory effects of curcumin in systemic autoimmune diseases

Systemic autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus represent various autoimmune conditions identified by immune system dysregulation. The activation of immune cells, auto-antigen outbreak, inflammation, and multi-organ impairment is observed in these disorders. The immune system is an essential complex network of cells and chemical mediators which defends the organism's integrity against foreign microorganisms, and its precise operation and stability are compulsory to avoid a wide range of medical complications. Curcumin is a phenolic ingredient extracted from turmeric and belongs to the Zingiberaceae, or ginger family. Curcumin has multiple functions, such as inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress, tumor cell proliferation, cell death, and infection. Nevertheless, the immunomodulatory influence of curcumin on immunological reactions/processes remains mostly unknown. In the present narrative review, we sought to provide current information concerning the preclinical and clinical uses of curcumin in systemic autoimmune diseases.

Subjective versus Objective Measure of Physical Activity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Convergent Validity of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C)

This study aimed to highlight the relationship between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) as assessed by accelerometer devices and the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C) to estimate the convergent validity of the questionnaire. A systematic review and a meta-analysis were applied by collecting pertinent studies (PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and SCOPUS) from 1997 until November 2020. The relationship between PAQ-C and MVPA scores was estimated considering correlation coefficients such as the effect size. Fisher’s transformation was used to convert each correlation coefficient into an approximately normal distribution. The pooled correlations between PAQ-C and MVPA scores were measured by r values after converting the Fisher’s z values back into correlation coefficients for presentation. A total of 13 studies were included in the meta-analysis, and a random effects model was adopted. The pooled correlation between PAQ-C and MVPA scores was significant but with a moderate effect size (r = 0.34 [0.29, 0.39], Z = 15.00, p < 0.001). No heterogeneity among the studies was observed (I² < 25%). In conclusion, the results highlighted a moderate relationship (around 0.30–0.40) between PAQ-C and accelerometer measurements. These results suggested to concurrently administer both tools to reach a more comprehensive description of children’s PA, in terms of quality and quantity.

Associations between three measures of physical activity and selected influences on physical activity in youth transitioning from elementary to middle school

Measurement of physical activity is challenging, and objective and subjective methods can be used. The purposes of this study were to apply structural equation modeling in: 1) examining the associations between three distinct measures of physical activity and three factors that are often found to be correlated to physical activity in children, and 2) examining the associations of the combination of three measures with the same correlates in a cohort of youth followed from 5th to 7th grade. A total of 409 children (45% boys) had complete physical activity data derived from accelerometers, self-report by youth, and proxy-report by parents. The potential correlates of physical activity included self-efficacy, physical activity support, and facilities for physical activity. Structural equation models were used to assess the relationship between physical activity and the correlates. The structural equation models examining associations between individual measures of physical activity and selected correlates showed that parent-reported and child self-reported physical activity were associated with parental support for physical activity and self-efficacy. Objectively measured physical activity was associated only with facilities for physical activity. A structural equation model showed that a composite expression of physical activity, based on the inclusion of all three individual measures, was associated with all three correlates of physical activity. In conclusion, combining measures of physical activity from different sources may improve the identification of correlates of physical activity. This information could be used to plan more effective physical activity interventions in children and youth.

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

Similar to their Western counterparts, children in Hong Kong generally fail to reach the recommended levels of physical activity (PA). As an ultra-dense metropolis, Hong Kong is different from most Western cities. It is therefore important to update and appraise previous PA research in order to inform future PA promotion for Hong Kong children. Using a scoping review, the current study aimed to evaluate PA research among preschool and school-aged children in Hong Kong aged 3-12 years old who are at a critical development stage. Literature was searched from four English databases: Medline via EBSCOhost, SPORTDiscus, ERIC and PsycINFO via ProQuest; and three Chinese databases: CNKI, CQVIP and WAN-FANG. PA research among Hong Kong children published from 1 January 1997 to the searching date, 31 March 2020 was included. A total of 63 studies were identified, with the majority of studies focused on school-aged children as compared to preschoolers, adopted a cross-sectional design, using self-reported PA measures, and with small to medium sample sizes. We classified eligible studies into five main categories: (a) Health benefits of PA (k = 12). Consistent evidence on the health benefits of skeletal and cardiovascular capacity, quality of life, cognitive function, and sleep quality was revealed. However, inconsistent evidence was found on the benefits of weight-related indicators and academic performance. (b) Patterns of PA (k = 12). There is a general pattern of low levels of PA among Hong Kong children, in particular girls and children with special educational needs. (c) Measures of PA and related constructs (k = 11). The Chinese versions of self-reported measures of PA, PA-related social environment, and PA-related psychological constructs showed acceptable reliabilities and validities. (d) Correlates of PA (k = 18). The correlates of PA include physical environment, social environment, physical factors, psychological factors, and multiple correlates, which is in line with the social-ecological model. (e) Interventions for promoting PA (k = 10). PA interventions among Hong Kong children were conducted for healthy children, children with special educational needs, and children with cancer. Overall, there is a growing volume of PA research among children in Hong Kong in the recent decade. Yet, there is a lack of high-quality research for measuring, understanding, and promoting PA among Hong Kong children. It is highly recommended that future PA research among children should pay more attention on the preschoolers, adopting robust research design (e.g., randomized controlled trials), recruiting large and representative sample, and collecting device-assessed data.

Gaelic4Girls-The Effectiveness of a 10-Week Multicomponent Community Sports-Based Physical Activity Intervention for 8 to 12-Year-Old Girls

Girls are less active than boys throughout childhood and adolescence, with limited research focusing on female community sports-based programs. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a multi-component, community sports-based intervention for increasing girl's physical activity (PA) levels, fundamental movement skill (FMS) proficiency, and psychological wellbeing, as relative to a second treatment group (the traditionally delivered national comparative program), and a third control group. One hundred and twenty female-only participants (mean age = 10.75 ± 1.44 years), aged 8 to 12 years old from three Ladies Gaelic Football (LGF) community sports clubs (rural and suburban) were allocated to one of three conditions: (1) Intervention Group 1 (n = 43) received a novel, specifically tailored, research-informed Gaelic4Girls (G4G) intervention; (2) Intervention Group 2 (n = 44) used the traditionally delivered, national G4G program, as run by the Ladies Gaelic Football (LGF) Association of Ireland; and (3) Control Group 3 (n = 33) received no G4G intervention (group 1 or 2) conditions and were expected to carry out their usual LGF community sports activities. Primary outcome measurements (at both pre- and 10-week follow up) examining the effectiveness of the G4G intervention included (1) PA, (2) FMS and (3) Psychological correlates (enjoyment levels, self-efficacy, peer and parental support). Following a two (pre to post) by three (intervention group 1, intervention group 2, and control group 3) mixed-model ANOVA, it was highlighted that intervention group 1 significantly increased in PA (p = 0.003), FMS proficiency (p = 0.005) and several psychological correlates of PA (p ≤ 0.005). The findings demonstrate that the 10-week, specifically tailored, research-informed G4G intervention is a feasible and efficacious program, leading to a positive effect on the physical and psychological wellbeing of pre-adolescent Irish girls, relative to the traditionally delivered national G4G comparative program and control group conditions.

Prevalence and Correlates of Physical Activity Among Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Population-Based Study of a Rural City in Japan

BACKGROUND

Although moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) has multiple health benefits, current participation in recommended MVPA level and its determinants among Japanese children and adolescents remain unclear. Therefore, this cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of meeting recommended MVPA level and its correlates among Japanese children and adolescents.

METHODS

Using the Japanese version of the World Health Organization (WHO) Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey questionnaire, we confirmed the prevalence of meeting recommended MVPA level in all primary schools (PS) and junior high schools (JHS) in Unnan City, Japan. We evaluated its association with school grade, gender, body weight status, screen time, consumption of breakfast, physical activity (PA) preference, and population density using Poisson regression.

RESULTS

We found that 20.1% of the 1,794 students (9-15 years old) met the WHO recommendation. Meeting recommended MVPA level was significantly associated with being in the sixth grade of PS (prevalence ratio [PR] 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39-0.84) and first (PR 1.52; 95% CI, 1.16-1.99), second (PR 1.45; 95% CI, 1.10-1.90), and third grade of JHS (PR 0.40; 95% CI, 0.26-0.62) (vs fourth grade of PS); being a boy (PR 1.33; 95% CI, 1.12-1.59) (vs girl); liking PA (PR 3.72; 95% CI, 2.22-6.22) (vs dislike); and belonging to a medium-population-density (PR 0.73; 95% CI, 0.61-0.88) or low-population-density area (PR 0.67; 95% CI, 0.48-0.94) (vs high-population-density area).

CONCLUSIONS

About 20% of Japanese children and adolescents engaged in the recommended MVPA level. MVPA was associated with grade, gender, preference for PA, and population density.

Motivational processes in physical education and objectively measured physical activity among adolescents

PURPOSE

Grounded in self-determination theory (SDT), the present study tested how students' perceptions of autonomy support from physical education teachers predicts objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of adolescents. According to SDT, it was expected that psychological needs and autonomous and controlled forms of motivation would mediate these relationships.

METHODS

Students (n = 397) aged from 11 to 15 years in 17 different schools filled in questionnaires regarding SDT variables. In addition, objective MVPA was measured using an accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X; ActiGraph, Pensacola, FL, USA) for 7 days. Structural equation modelling was used to examine the hypothesized relationships among the study variables.

RESULTS

The theory-based model showed a good fit with the data: χ2 = 642.464, df = 257; comparative fit index = 0.932; non-normed fit index = 0.921; root mean square error of approximation = 0.062; root mean square error of approximation 90% confidence interval: 0.054-0.067. As hypothesized, there was a significant and positive direct relationship between autonomy support and need satisfaction (β = 0.81, p = 0.001). In turn, need satisfaction positively predicted intrinsic motivation (β = 0.86, p = 0.001). Intrinsic motivation was positively related to MVPA (β = 0.29, p = 0.009). A significant indirect effect (β = 0.20, p = 0.004) supported the mediating role of psychological need satisfaction and intrinsic motivation in the relationship between perceived autonomy support and objectively measured MVPA.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the current study support the applicability of the SDT-based model in explaining the antecedents of objectively measured MVPA of adolescents. To enhance adolescents' daily MVPA, special focus should be put on increasing their intrinsic motivation toward physical education.

Accelerometer-measured physical activity and sedentary behavior in Chinese children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To synthesize evidence on accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior (SB) levels of Chinese children and adolescents.

STUDY DESIGN

This is both a systematic review and meta-analysis study.

METHODS

Online databases were searched for studies published from January 2009 up to February 2019. These studies reported accelerometer-measured daily minutes of MVPA and/or SB among Chinese children and adolescents. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to separately pool the time spent in MVPA and SB.

RESULTS

Of 4754 records, 20 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Sample sizes ranged from 96 to 2163. The meta-analysis showed that Chinese children and adolescents spent 41.11 min/day in MVPA and 529.83 min/day in SB averagely. Boys spent more time in MVPA compared with girls (P = 0.01). Children accumulated more MVPA time than adolescents (P = 0.05), and children spent less time in SB than adolescents (P = 0.05). Unlike weekdays, SB was lower on weekends (P = 0.02). There were significant differences in children and adolescents' MVPA time in regions (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

MVPA level in Chinese children and adolescents is well below international recommendations, and their SB level is very high.

Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents at Altitudes over 3500 Meters: A Cross-Sectional Study in Tibet

There is a scarcity of studies on the physical activity (PA) of children and adolescents who live at high altitudes. This study aimed to objectively assess PA of children and adolescents living in the Tibet at altitudes over 3500 m and to examine its difference by ethnicity, gender, age/grade, and body weight status groups. A sample of 397 students aged 9–18 years were recruited from 7 schools in Lhasa, Tibet. PA was measured using accelerometers (ActiGraph GT3X) for seven consecutive days and moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) was identified using the Evenson (2008) cut-points. Participant MVPA was 62.3 min/day, with 65.5 min/day during weekdays and 54.1 min/day on weekends. Indigenous Tibetans were more active than Hans, and boys had more MVPA than girls. Age had a significantly weak negative correlation with MVPA. There was no significant difference in MVPA between the non-overweight and overweight/obese groups. Overall, only 9.1% (13.8% in boys and 4.5% in girls) accumulated at least 60 min of MVPA per day. Compared to their counterparts in other regions, the daily MVPA of children and adolescents living on the Tibetan Plateau at altitudes over 3500 m was relatively high. However, the proportion of meeting the WHO’s PA recommendations was extremely low.

Validity of Research-Grade Actigraphy Unit for Measuring Exercise Intensity

This study was conducted in a free-living setting to investigate the measurement validity of a research-based actigraph for strolling and jogging, and to provide a reference for actual practice and research. Because inadequate physical activity (PA) or sedentary lifestyle has become the fourth leading risk factor for mortality worldwide, many countries have been vigorously promoting the concept of "active living", and the public has been investing greater effort into intensifying their PA. Although research-grade actigraphs have been widely applied to evaluate PA in routine environments, the measurement results may not accurately reflect the wearers' PA. Unlike most relevant research, which is conducted in well-controlled laboratory environments, the present study was implemented in the field to examine the sensitivity and convergent validity of the MicroMini Motionlogger® Actigraph during strolling and jogging. The following results were revealed: (1) Although the exercise movement speed while jogging was significantly faster than that while strolling, the actigraph readings showed no significant difference between strolling and jogging; (2) The actigraph readings were (significantly or nonsignificantly) negatively correlated with metabolic heat and nonsignificantly correlated with movement speeds. Hence, the actigraph validity for measuring PA intensity while strolling and jogging remains debatable.

Factors of physical activity among Chinese children and adolescents: a systematic review

Background

Lack of physical activity is a growing problem in China, due to the fast economic development and changing living environment over the past two decades. The aim of this review is to summarize the factors related to physical activity in Chinese children and adolescents during this distinct period of development.

Methods

A systematic search was finished on Jan 10^th, 2017, and identified 2200 hits through PubMed and Web of Science. English-language published studies were included if they reported statistical associations between factors and physical activity. Adapted criteria from the Strengthening The Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement and evaluation of the quality of prognosis studies in systematic reviews (QUIPS) were used to assess the risk of bias of the included studies. Related factors that were reported in at least three studies were summarized separately for children and adolescents using a semi-quantitative method.

Results

Forty two papers (published 2002–2016) were included. Most designs were cross-sectional (79%), and most studies used questionnaires to assess physical activity. Sample size was above 1000 in 18 papers (43%). Thirty seven studies (88%) showed acceptable quality by methodological quality assessment. Most studies reported a low level of physical activity. Boys were consistently more active than girls, the parental physical activity was positively associated with children and adolescents’ physical activity, children in suburban/rural regions showed less activity than in urban regions, and, specifically in adolescents, self-efficacy was positively associated with physical activity. Family socioeconomic status and parental education were not associated with physical activity in children and adolescents.

Conclusions

The studies included in this review were large but mostly of low quality in terms of study design (cross-sectional) and methods (questionnaires). Parental physical activity and self-efficacy are promising targets for future physical activity promotion programmes. The low level of physical activity raises concern, especially in suburban/rural regions. Future research is required to enhance our understanding of other influences, such as the physical environment, especially in early childhood.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12966-017-0486-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.