scholarly journals Pedometer-determined physical activity among primary schoolchildren in Kuala Lumpur

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-123
Author(s):  
Bee Suan Wee ◽  
Awang Bulgiba ◽  
Abd. Talib Ruzita ◽  
Mohd. Noor Ismail ◽  
Bee Koon Poh

Objective: The aim of this study was to objectively measure physical activity and its association with sociodemographic factors among Malaysian primary school-age children. Methods: A total of 111 primary school children in Kuala Lumpur were selected through random sampling. Activity pattern was determined using pedometers and differences by sex, ethnicity and body mass index categories were analysed. The relationship between pedometer-determined physical activity and sociodemographic factors were also studied. Results: Overall, boys attained significantly higher daily step counts than girls (9573 ± 4145 vs 7313 ± 2697). Significant difference in daily step counts between boys and girls were observed during weekdays ( p<0.01), weekends ( p<0.05) and total mean step counts ( p<0.01). Malay ethnicity showed higher daily step counts during weekdays than weekends ( p<0.05). Compared with boys, girls had higher odds (OR=5.58; 95% CI 1.12, 27.77) of not meeting the recommended daily step counts. Those who had low physical activity levels had higher odds (OR=15.75; 95% CI 1.78, 139.33) of not meeting recommended daily step counts than children who had moderate physical activity level. Conclusion: Boys were significantly more active than girls and physical activity was greater during weekdays than on weekends. The primary schoolchildren in Kuala Lumpur were sedentary, with minimum physical activity being observed. Differences in sexes and physical activity levels influenced pedometer step counts in children.

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 230-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine M. Murtagh ◽  
Marie H. Murphy

The purpose of this study was to (1) determine the physical activity levels of 9–11 year old children, and (2) compare the activity levels of children who commute to school by active and passive modes. 140 children aged 9–11 years (85 boys) were recruited from four urban Irish schools. Mode of commuting was assessed by questionnaire. Step counts were measured for 4 consecutive days. Mean daily step counts for the sample were 14386 ± 5634. Boys were significantly more active than girls (15857 ± 5482 vs. 12113 ± 5127 steps). Eighty-seven children (62.1%) traveled by car, 51 children (36.4%) walked to school, one child traveled by bus and one child cycled. Children who walked or cycled to school had higher daily step counts than those who traveled by passive modes (16118 ± 5757 vs. 13363 ± 5332 steps). Active commuting to school may therefore represent a worthwhile strategy for improving children’s physical activity levels.


Author(s):  
Kathy Kornas ◽  
Laura C. Rosella ◽  
Ghazal S. Fazli ◽  
Gillian L. Booth

Promoting adequate levels of physical activity in the population is important for diabetes prevention. However, the scale needed to achieve tangible population benefits is unclear. We aimed to estimate the public health impact of increases in walking as a means of diabetes prevention and health care cost savings attributable to diabetes. We applied the validated Diabetes Population Risk Tool (DPoRT) to the 2015/16 Canadian Community Health Survey for adults aged 18–64, living in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area, Ontario, Canada. DPoRT was used to generate three population-level scenarios involving increases in walking among individuals with low physical activity levels, low daily step counts and high dependency on non-active forms of travel, compared to a baseline scenario (no change in walking rates). We estimated number of diabetes cases prevented and health care costs saved in each scenario compared with the baseline. Each of the three scenarios predicted a considerable reduction in diabetes and related health care cost savings. In order of impact, the largest population benefits were predicted from targeting populations with low physical activity levels, low daily step counts, and non active transport use. Population increases of walking by 25 min each week was predicted to prevent up to 10.4 thousand diabetes cases and generate CAD 74.4 million in health care cost savings in 10 years. Diabetes reductions and cost savings were projected to be higher if increases of 150 min of walking per week could be achieved at the population-level (up to 54.3 thousand diabetes cases prevented and CAD 386.9 million in health care cost savings). Policy, programming, and community designs that achieve modest increases in population walking could translate to meaningful reductions in the diabetes burden and cost savings to the health care system.


2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-136
Author(s):  
Magdalena Zalewska ◽  
Agnieszka Genowska ◽  
Jacek Jamiołkowski ◽  
Rafał Nowak ◽  
Andrzej Szpak ◽  
...  

Abstract Physical activity, along with proper nutrition, is a very important element in child development. Lack of everyday, regular physical activity among young people is a public health problem. The aim of the study was to use cluster analysis to assess the relationship between nutrition and physical activity levels of primary school children. The study included 682 students from randomly selected elementary schools and was performed using a proprietary questionnaire during the 2013/2014 school year. The questionnaire contained questions about eating habits and physical activity, as well as the socio-economic conditions of families. Clusters of students of similar dietary habits were identified using cluster analysis and subsequently compared in terms of physical activity level. We identified four clusters, characterized by relative internal homogeneity and at the same time variability between one another in terms of number of meals throughout the day and time of their consumption. The most important characteristic of Cluster 1 was eating four meals a day including breakfast, which is the most important meal of the day. The diets of children in Cluster 2 abounded with raw vegetables and fruits. Students in Cluster 3 were characterized by a regular and varied diet. The least appropriate behaviour in the field of nutrition was observed among students belonging to Cluster 4. Cluster analysis in the studied population allowed relationships between dietary habits and physical activity to be described. By using the UIAF indicator (Moderate to Intense Physical Activity), a statistically significant association between the eating habits of the children and their physical activity levels was observed. A sufficient level of physical activity was observed in most students belonging to Cluster 3, and high levels of physical activity were observed in a small percentage of children belonging Cluster 4. An average level of physical activity was observed in a high percentage of children belonging to Cluster 4. Low levels of physical activity were most frequently observed in Clusters 4 and 1 and least frequently observed in Cluster 3. All of the identified active forms of free-time activity were most commonly acknowledged in Cluster 3. The study supports a beneficial relationship between students’ eating behaviours and physical activity.


Circulation ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 127 (suppl_12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cemal Ozemek ◽  
Wonwoo Byun ◽  
Katrina Riggin ◽  
Scott Strath ◽  
Leonard Kaminsky

Introduction: Pedometer feedback with step goals has previously been demonstrated to be effective in increasing daily steps in cardiac rehabilitation patients. These monitors allow the individual to track steps taken during a day, which may influence the frequency or duration of structured physical activity that is intended to achieve a step goal. However, it is not known whether an increase in step counts by pedometer feedback with step goals also increases time spent in recommended intensity levels for improved health, specifically moderate-to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), in cardiac rehabilitation patients. Hypothesis: Pedometer feedback with weekly step goals will increase time spent in MVPA, mediated by an increase in step counts in cardiac rehabilitation patients. Methods: A total of 31 (22 men and 9 women, age 62 ± 9 years) patients participated in a 12-week maintenance cardiac rehabilitation, pedometer based step goal intervention. Prior to the intervention, each subject’s one week baseline average daily step count was measured and 10% of this value was used to increase step goals during the intervention. Each week the step goal was met, the following week’s goal was appropriately increased. However, if the step goal for the week was not achieved, the step goal would not increase until the goal was fulfilled. Additionally, daily step counts and time spent in MVPA and light physical activity were assessed at baseline (without pedometer feedback) and for each intervention week (with pedometer feedback) using a Kenz Lifecorder PLUS monitor (Nagoya, Japan). Average time spent in light physical activity (activity level of 1-2) and MVPA (activity levels ≥3), were determined according to activity intensity level defined by the manufacturer’s analyses program. Results: The average step count for the baseline week was 5546 ± 2679 steps/day which significantly increased to 8348± 3613 steps/day by week 12 (p<0.01). The average time spent in MVPA also significantly increased (p<0.01) from 19 ± 16 min/day at baseline to 38 ± 23 min/day at week 12. In addition, there was a significant increase (p<0.05) in time spent in light physical activity from baseline (42 ± 18 min/day) to week 12 (51 ± 24 min/day). Conclusion: Findings of this study demonstrate that a 12-week pedometer feedback-based intervention was effective in increasing time spent in MVPA in maintenance cardiac rehabilitation patients. Cardiac rehabilitation facilities can utilize pedometer feedback and goal setting to promote increases in time spent in recommended activity levels previously associated with improved health outcomes.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gema Insa-Sánchez ◽  
Lorena Fuentes-Broto ◽  
Alberto Cobos ◽  
Elvira Orduna Hospital ◽  
Francisco Segura ◽  
...  

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Our aim was to evaluate the changes in choroidal thickness (CT) and volume (CV) following aerobic physical exercise in healthy young adults. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This study included 72 eyes from healthy volunteers between 22 and 37 years old. Using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, total physical activity was computed. Measurements using an autorefractometer, ocular biometry, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography using the Enhanced Depth Imaging protocol were taken. OCT was performed as a baseline measurement and after performing 10 min of dynamic physical exercise (3 and 10 min post-exercise). The choroidal layer was manually segmented, and the CT and CV in different areas from the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study grid were obtained. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In healthy adults, at 3 min post-exercise, CT was higher in the subfoveal, the 3-mm nasal, and the 6-mm superior areas. Between 3 and 10 min post-exercise, the CT was reduced in all areas, and in some areas, the values were even smaller than the baseline measurements. The CV values showed changes after exercise similar to those of thickness. The total CV recovery after exercise was related to sex and physical activity level. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Individuals with higher physical activity habits had greater CV at rest than those with lower physical activity levels. During exercise, healthy young people adjust CT and CV. At 3 min post-exercise, CT and CV increase. Women and individuals with greater physical activity levels reduce their total CV more than others during recovery.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo José Puccinelli ◽  
Taline Santos da Costa ◽  
Aldo Seffrin ◽  
Claudio Andre Barbosa de Lira ◽  
Rodrigo Luiz Vancini ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a strong negative impact on economic and social life worldwide. It has also negatively influenced people’s general health and quality of life. The aim of the present study was to study the impact of social distancing on physical activity level, and the association between mood state (depression and anxiety level) or sex with actual physical activity levels, the change in physical activity caused by social distancing period, the adhesion level to social distancing, the adoption time of social distancing, family income and age. Methods A self-administered questionnaire with personal, quarantine, physical activity, and mood state disorders information’s was answered by 2140 Brazilians of both sex who were recruited through online advertising. Results The physical activity level adopted during the period of social distancing (3.5 ± 0.8) was lower than that the adopted prior to the pandemic period (2.9 ± 1.1, p < 0.001). Thirty percent of the participants presented symptoms of moderate/severe depression and 23.3% displayed moderate/severe anxiety symptoms. A greater presence of symptoms related to anxiety and depression were associated with low physical activity levels, low family monthly income, and younger age. A higher percentage of men who had no mood disorders was observed among those who were very active than among those less active. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has a negative impact on physical activity. Those who reduced their level of physical activity had the highest levels of mood disorders. Therefore, physical activity programs should be encouraged, while respecting the necessary social distancing to prevent the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.


2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (21_suppl) ◽  
pp. 38-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Hai Deng ◽  
Per Morten Fredriksen

Aims: The objective was to investigate moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels (MVPA) of primary school children at baseline of the Health Oriented Pedagogical Project (HOPP), Norway. Methods: Data on 2123 children aged 6–12 years were included for analysis (75% participation rate). Average minutes per day in MVPA was objectively measured using accelerometry based on seven-day averages. The sample was analysed for age-, sex-, socioeconomic-, and season-related patterns. A linear regression investigated the moderating effect of these factors as well as body mass index and waist circumference. Results: Some 86.5% of the sample had at least 60 min/day MVPA, averaging 90.7 min/day. The main differences in daily averages were between age groups 6½–9 and 10–12 ( p < .05). Boys (95.8 min/day, 95% CI: 94.1–97.5) were more active than girls (85.6 min/day, 95% CI: 83.9–87.2) in all age groups ( p < .0001). MVPA was lower by 3.5 min ( p < .0001) per additional year of age in the linear regression (R2 = 0.176) and was reduced by 20 min less per day in MVPA in the winter months compared with the summer months ( p < .0001). Conclusions: Physical activity levels are already in decline from 6–7 years old and are likely to continue to decline into adolescence. Interventions must therefore focus on primary school children.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre-Charles Gauthier ◽  
Marie-Eve Mathieu

Introduction Taste is a key sensory modulator of eating behaviour and thus energy intake. The effects of acute exercise has recently been confirmed especially regarding sweet and salty tastes. Physical activity is a safe and effective countermeasure to certain types of chemosensory losses, especially in older populations. Knowing that taste can be impaired with increased adiposity, it is unknown if the adoption of an active lifestyle on a regular basis can mitigate such impairments. Methods Data were extracted from NHANES 2013-2014 database. Perception of salt and bitter tastes for Tongue Tip Test and Whole Mouth Test, physical activity levels over an 8-9-day period and adiposity were analyzed. Moderation analyses were used to study the impact of adiposity on taste perceptions, with physical activity level as the moderator. Results The 197 participants (130 males) included in this project had a mean+/-standard deviation age of 49.1+/-5.2 years, a mean body fat percentage of 31.7+/-7.6% and mean daily physical activity levels of 11 084+/-3531 Monitor-Independent Movement Summary unit (MIMS). The positive association between adiposity and both bitter Tongue Tip Test and overall result (salt+bitter) of Tongue Tip Test were moderated by the adoption of an active lifestyle, with better taste scores observed in individuals achieving higher physical activity levels. When moderation analysis were stratified by gender, the effect of physical activity was no longer significant. Perspectives This study is the first to evaluate the influence of an active lifestyle on the preservation of some taste perceptions across a wide range of adiposity levels. While differences in taste can be observed regarding body fat percentage, physical activity moderates that relation only when men and women are analysed together.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 174550651987118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura P Abell ◽  
Kelly A Tanase ◽  
Madison L Gilmore ◽  
Anna E Winnicki ◽  
Victor L Holmes ◽  
...  

Objectives: While physical activity is important for health, many women do not meet recommended levels, particularly mothers. The purpose of this study was to assess whether physical activity levels differ by number of children at home in women aged 25–44 in the general US population. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis used 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data for females aged 25–44 (N = 6266) from California, Colorado, New York, Texas, and Utah. Ordered logistic regression analysis assessed the relationship between physical activity levels and number of children at home while controlling for state and demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related factors. Results: About half of participants reported “inactive” or “insufficiently active” physical activity levels and about two-thirds reported having one or more children at home. The results of adjusted analysis indicated that physical activity level was significantly related to having one child (adjusted odds ratio = 0.75, 95% confidence interval = 0.63, 0.89), two children (adjusted odds ratio = 0.79; 95% confidence interval = 0.67, 0.93), and three or more children (adjusted odds ratio = 0.80, 95% confidence interval = 0.67, 0.94) at home. Conclusion: Overall, physical activity levels were significantly related to presence of children at home for women aged 25–44, but increasing number of children at home did not impact effect size. For women aged 25–44 in a primary care setting, a moderate prevalence of inactive or insufficiently active physical activity may be expected. Providers should address physical activity with all patients in this target population during well-visits, but particularly for women with children at home; educate patients about the health benefits of regular physical activity; and provide resources that will help them integrate physical activity into their daily lifestyles.


Author(s):  
Samantha Hajna ◽  
Kaberi Dasgupta ◽  
Nancy Ross

Active-living-friendly environments have been linked to physical activity, but their relationships with specific markers of cardiometabolic health remain unclear. We estimated the associations between active-living environments and markers of cardiometabolic health, and explored the potential mediating role of physical activity in these associations. We used data collected on 2809 middle-aged adults who participated in the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009; 41.5 years, SD = 15.1). Environments were assessed using an index that combined GIS-derived measures of street connectivity, land use mix, and population density. Body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), hemoglobin A1c, and cholesterol were assessed in a laboratory setting. Daily step counts and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) were assessed for seven days using accelerometers. Associations were estimated using robust multivariable linear regressions adjusted for sociodemographic factors that were assessed via questionnaire. BMI was 0.79 kg/m2 lower (95% confidence interval (CI) −1.31, −0.27) and SBP was 1.65 mmHg lower (95% CI −3.10, −0.20) in participants living in the most active-living-friendly environments compared to the least, independent of daily step counts or MVPA. A 35.4 min/week difference in MPVA (95% CI 24.2, 46.6) was observed between residents of neighborhoods in the highest compared to the lowest active-living-environment quartiles. Cycling to work rates were also the highest in participants living in the highest living-environment quartiles (e.g., Q4 vs. Q1: 10.4% vs. 4.9%). Although active-living environments are associated with lower BMI and SBP, and higher MVPA and cycling rates, neither daily step counts nor MVPA appear to account for environment–BMI/SBP relationships. This suggests that other factors not assessed in this study (e.g., food environment or unmeasured features of the social environment) may explain this relationship.


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