Isotemporal substitution effect of 24-hour movement behavior on the mental health of Chinese preschool children

The 24-h movement behavior of preschoolers comprises a spectrum of activities, including moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA), light-intensity physical activity (LPA), screen-based sedentary behavior (SCSB), non-screen-based sedentary behavior (NSCSB), and sleep. While previous research has shed light on the link between movement behaviors and children's mental health, the specific impacts on the unique demographic of Chinese preschoolers remain underexplored. This study significantly contributes to the literature by exploring how 24-h movement behavior affects the mental health of preschoolers in a Chinese context. The study involved205 Chinese preschool children (117 boys and 88 girls) between the ages of 3 and 6 years wore accelerometers to measure their LPA, MVPA, and sedentary behavior (SB), while their parents reported the time spent on sleep and SCSB. The parents also completed the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire to assess their children's mental health. The study used compositional regression and isotemporal substitution models to examine the relationship between the various components of 24-h movement behavior and mental health. The results showed that greater NCSSB compared to MVPA, LPA, sleep, and SCSB was associated with good prosocial behavior and lower scores on externalizing problems. This highlights the potential of NSCSB as a beneficial component in the daily routine of preschoolers for fostering mental well-being. Replacing 15 min of sleep and SCSB with 15 min of NSCSB was associated with a decrease of 0.24 and 0.15 units, respectively, in externalizing problems. Reallocating 15 min of sleep to NSCSB was linked to an increase of 0.11 units in prosocial behavior. There were no significant substitution effects between LPA and MVPA time with any other movement behavior on prosocial behavior and externalizing problems. Given the positive associations observed, further longitudinal studies are necessary to explore the link between 24-h movement behavior and mental health in preschool children.

Physical Activity, Screen-Based Sedentary Behavior and Physical Fitness in Chinese Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose: The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between screen-based sedentary behavior, physical activity and physical fitness among Chinese adolescents. Methods: This study randomly selected adolescents from 10 administrative districts in Shandong, China. The data gathering tools for demographic and other characteristics (gender, age, body mass index and socioeconomic status), PA (PAQ-A) and screen-based sedentary behavior (YRBSS) and physical fitness (NSPFH 2014) were utilized in this study. Statistical analysis was performed by T-test, chi-square test and multiple linear regression. Results: 10,002 adolescents (14.39 years ± 1.79) participated in the study. The results demonstrated that BMI and high TV viewing time had a significant negative correlation with physical fitness, but there was no association between the amount of time spent playing computer/video games and physical fitness among adolescents. High SES and physical activity in leisure time five or more times per week were significantly associated with most dimensions of physical fitness. Conclusions: the results suggest that we not only need to focus on adolescent risk behavior associated with low socioeconomic status and obesity, but also enforce physical activity and reduce sedentary television-watching behavior, which will be crucial pathways and strategies to improve the physical fitness of Chinese adolescents.