Physical activity outcomes in afterschool programs: A group randomized controlled trial

IntroductionAfterschool programs (ASPs) across the US are working towards achieving the standard of all children accumulating 30 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during program time. This study describes the two-year impact of an intervention designed to assist ASPs meeting the 30 min/day MVPA standard.MethodsUsing a two-year delayed treatment, group randomized controlled trial, 20 ASPs serving ~ 1700 children/year (6–12 yrs) were randomized to either an immediate (n = 10, baseline-2013 and 2 yrs intervention fall-2013-to-spring-2015) or delayed group (n = 10, baseline 2013–2014 and 1 yr intervention fall-2014-to-spring-2015). The intervention, Strategies-To-Enhance-Practice (STEPs), focused on programming MVPA in the daily schedule, training of staff and leaders, and ongoing technical support/assistance. Accelerometry-derived proportion of children meeting the 30 min/day MVPA standard was measured in the spring of each year. Mixed model logistic regressions were used to examine the change in the odds of achieving the MVPA standard. Analyses were conducted in 2015. Data were collected in one southeastern US state.ResultsImmediate boys (n = 677) and delayed girls (n = 658) increased the percent achieving 30 min MVPA/day from 35.9% to 47.0% (odds ratio [OR] = 1.88, 95% CI 1.18–3.00) and 13.1% to 19.1% (OR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.03–1.96). Immediate girls (n = 613) and delayed boys (n = 687) exhibited a nonsignificant increase from 19.1% to 21.6% (OR = 1.20, 95% CI 0.84–1.72) and 29.0% to 31.3% (OR = 1.13, 95%CI 0.80–1.58).ConclusionsSTEPs can have an impact on children's MVPA and time spent sedentary, yet was unable to fully achieve the goal of all children accumulating 30 min MVPA/day. Additional efforts are need to identify strategies ASPs can use to meet this important public health standard.     

Developmental trajectories of physical activity during elementary school physical education

ObjectivePhysical education (PE) during school provides an opportunity for children to be physically active. Few empirical studies have investigated developmental trajectories and determinants of objective moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during PE classes. The purpose of this study was to examine the developmental trajectories and determinants of MVPA during PE lessons in young children (8–12 years of age) in primary schools.MethodsStudents in grades 5–7 (n = 1202; 51.2% girls) were recruited from 17 elementary schools from the Geneva canton in 2012–2013. The percentage of time spent in accelerometer-assessed MVPA during regular PE lessons was used as a dependent variable.ResultsLinear mixed-model analyses revealed (a) that boys had a higher percentage of MVPA than girls, but none of the children reached the recommended activity levels (i.e., 50% of the PE class time spent in MVPA), (b) a linear decrease in the percentage of MVPA with age, (c) that higher perceived competence predicted a higher percentage of MVPA, and (d) that higher perceived competence reduced the negative linear effect of age among boys, but not among girls.ConclusionThe percentage of PE time spent in MVPA did not reach recommendations made by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and decreased from 8 to 12 years old both for boys and girls. Perceived competence appears crucial to reduce MVPA decline for boys, but not for girls.     

Evaluation of policies to promote physical activity in afterschool programs: Are we meeting current benchmarks?

BackgroundPolicies now recommend afterschool programs (ASP, 3–6 pm) provide children a minimum amount of physical activity daily. We examined the extent to which children attending ASPs meet existing national and state-level policies that specify expected levels of physical activity (PA).MethodsAccelerometer-derived physical activity (light and moderate-to-vigorous, MVPA) of 253 children (5–13 years) was compared to policies that recommend varying amounts of PA children should achieve during an ASP.ResultsThe proportion of children achieving a policy ranged from 0.0% (California 60 min MVPA and North Carolina 20% of daily program time devoted to MVPA), 1.2% (California 30 min MVPA), to 48.2% (National Afterschool Association 30 min light plus MVPA). Random effects logistic models indicated boys (odds ratio [OR] range 2.0 to 6.27) and children from a minority background (Black/Hispanic, OR range 1.87 to 3.98) were more likely to achieve a recommended level of physical activity, in comparison to girls and White children. Neither age nor BMI were related to achieving a policy.ConclusionsThe PA of children attending ASP falls below policy recommended levels; however, these policies were developed in absence of data on expected PA levels during ASPs. Thus, concerted effort towards building a stronger ASP evidence-base for policy refinement is required.     

Joint effects of objectively-measured sedentary time and physical activity on all-cause mortality

ObjectiveExamine the joint effects of objectively-measured sedentary time and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on all-cause mortality.MethodsThe present study included data from the 2003–2006 National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey, with mortality follow-up data (via National Death Index) through 2011 (N = 5575 U.S. adults). Sedentary time (activity counts/min between 0 and 99) and MVPA (activity counts/min ≥ 2020) were objectively measured using the ActiGraph 7164 accelerometer.ResultsThe median age of the participants was 50 yrs; proportion of men was 50.2%; proportion of whites was 53.8%, 18.7% for blacks; median follow-up was 81 months; and 511 deaths occurred over the follow-up period. After adjusting for age, gender, race-ethnicity, cotinine, weight status, poverty level, C-reactive protein and comorbid illness (summed score of 0–8 chronic diseases), and for a 1 min increase in MVPA and sedentary time, both MVPA (HR_adjusted = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.96–0.99; P = 0.04) and sedentary time (HR_adjusted = 1.001; 95% CI: 1.0003–1.002; P = 0.008) were independently associated with all-cause mortality. Further, MVPA was associated with all-cause mortality among those with greater (above median) sedentary time (HR_adjusted = 0.95; 95% CI: 0.93–0.97; P < .001). Sedentary time was not associated with all-cause mortality among those engaging in above median levels of MVPA (HR_adjusted = 0.998; 95% CI: 0.996–1.001; P = .32), but sedentary time was associated with increased mortality risk among those below median levels of MVPA (HR = 1.002; 95% CI: 1.001–1.003; P < 0.001).ConclusionsSedentary time and MVPA are independently associated with all-cause mortality. Above median sedentary time levels did not negate the beneficial effects of MVPA on all-cause mortality risk.     

Objectively measured sedentary time and associations with insulin sensitivity: Importance of reallocating sedentary time to physical activity

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to quantify associations between objectively measured sedentary time and markers of insulin sensitivity by considering allocation into light-intensity physical activity or moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA).MethodsParticipants with an increased risk of impaired glucose regulation (IGR) were recruited (Leicestershire, United Kingdom, 2010–2011). Sedentary, light-intensity physical activity and MVPA time were measured using accelerometers. Fasting and 2-hour post-challenge insulin and glucose were assessed; insulin sensitivity was calculated by HOMA-IS and Matsuda-ISI. Isotemporal substitution regression models were used. Data were analysed in 2014.Results508 participants were included (average age = 65 years, female = 34%). Reallocating 30 min of sedentary time into light-intensity physical activity was associated a 5% (95% CI 1, 9%; p = 0.024) difference in Matsuda-ISI after adjustment for measured confounding variables. Reallocation into MVPA was associated with a 15% (7, 25%; p < 0.001) difference in HOMA-IS and 18% (8, 28%; p < 0.001) difference in Matsuda-ISI. Results for light-intensity physical activity were modified by IGR status with stronger associations seen in those with IGR.ConclusionsReallocating sedentary time into light-intensity physical activity or MVPA was associated with differences in insulin sensitivity, with stronger and more consistent associations seen for MVPA.     

Not all sedentary behaviour is equal: Children’s adiposity and sedentary behaviour volumes,patterns and types

ObjectiveThe importance of different constructs of sedentary behaviours in relation to childhood obesity is uncertain. Thus, this study aimed to investigate relationships between volume, patterns and types of sedentary behaviour and adiposity in children.MethodsA case-control study was undertaken involving 234 children aged 10–13 years who were either of a healthy-weight (74 boys, 56 girls) or classified as obese (56 boys, 48 girls). Percent body fat (by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) and waist-to-height ratio were assessed. Time, type (television, videogame, computer, eating, passive transport) and bout length of sedentary behaviours were measured using accelerometry and the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adolescents. Time use (total daily energy expenditure, sleep, physical activity), age, household income and Tanner stage were covariates in sex-stratified partial least squares analyses.ResultsDaily energy expenditure and income were negatively associated with adiposity for both sexes. Television time was consistently positively associated with adiposity. In boys only, prolonged bouts of sedentary behaviour and time spent playing video games/computer were positively linked with adiposity. Non-screen sedentary behaviour was negatively associated with adiposity in girls. Independent of total energy expenditure, total sedentary time was only inconsistently associated with fatness.ConclusionsThese data suggest that (1) characteristics of sedentary time other than duration are associated with adiposity in children, and (2) associations may be sex-specific.     

Associations between physical activity,sedentary time,sleep duration and daytime sleepiness in US adults

ObjectiveTo examine the associations between objectively measured physical activity (PA) or sedentary behavior and self-reported sleep duration or daytime sleepiness in a nationally representative sample of healthy US adults (N = 2128).MethodsWe report analyses of four aspects of sedentary behavior and PA derived from accelerometry data (minutes of sedentary time, activity counts/minute, Minutes of Moderate and Vigorous PA [MVPA], and MVPA in 10-minute bouts) versus self-report of sleep duration and frequency of daytime sleepiness from the 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.ResultsAge and sex dependence of associations between PA and sleep were observed. Aspects of PA were significantly lower in adults reporting more frequent daytime sleepiness in younger (20–39) and older (≥ 60) age groups, but not in middle-aged (40–59), respondents. In younger respondents, PA increased with sleep duration, but in middle aged and older respondents PA was either unrelated to sleep duration or lower in those reporting ≥ 8 h of sleep. Objectively measured sedentary time showed limited evidence of associations with sleep duration.ConclusionsFurther research delineating the relationships between sleep and PA is important because both activities have been implicated in diverse health outcomes as well as in the etiology of obesity.     

Physically active vs. sedentary academic lessons: A dose response study for elementary student time on task

BackgroundPhysically active academic lessons are an effective intervention to reduce sedentary time and increase student physical activity. They have also been shown to enhance task engagement, as indicated by observations of attention and behavior control, time on task (TOT). However, it is not clear if the improved TOT stems from the physical activity or if it is the result of an enjoyable break from traditional instruction. If it is due to physical activity, what dose of intensity is required for the effect? This study was designed to test these questions.MethodsParticipants were 320 children (7–9 years) recruited from school districts in Central Texas in 2012. They were assigned by classroom (n = 20) to one of four conditions: 1) sedentary, standard lesson (n = 72); 2) sedentary academic game (n = 87); 3) low to moderate intensity PA (LMPA), academic game (n = 81); and 4) moderate to vigorous intensity PA (MVPA), academic game (n = 76). Measures included PA via accelerometer and TOT.ResultsMixed-method RMANOVA indicated TOT decreased following the standard lesson (p < 0.001), showed no change following the sedentary academic game (p = 0.68), and increased following the LMPA (p < 0.01) and MVPA (p < 0.001) academic games.ConclusionsWhile the sedentary, academic game prevented the reduction in TOT observed in the standard lesson, PA resulted in increased TOT. Future research should be designed to examine the potential academic benefits of the change in TOT.     

Activité physique de l’enfant scolarisé en France. Le paradoxe d’une priorité de santé publique !

BackgroundFor their health and an appropriate development, it is recommended that schoolchildren get on a daily basis a minimum of 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). With only about 11% of girls and 25% of boys completing these recommendations, French children are among the least active in the world. In addition, most of them spend almost 3 h/day in front of a screen while it is generally suggested to limit children's screen time to less than 2 h/day.MethodsAn inspection of available opportunities in the French context reveals many occasions for sufficient physical activity at school, at home, in the neighbourhood, and during commuting to and from school.ResultsAvailable opportunities which encompass about 245 min/day, could contribute to at least 100 min/day of MVPA to all children, considering sport as a subsidiary and economically constraint opportunity. Moreover, in France there is an interesting legal background and political willpower to promote physical activity in the general population, and especially among children. Several factors may explain the high level of physical inactivity among French children, including the lack of investments for strategies aiming to uphold physical activity when compared to other major risks of diseases such as smoking or alcoholism. Furthermore, there may be a failure of the main actors (e.g., parents, teachers, health, sport and physical activity professionals) directly involved in the promotion of physical activity in children. Given its influence on many dimensions of a child's health, it is necessary that adults’ attitudes towards physical activity and sedentary lifestyles change more quickly.ConclusionIt is important to increase awareness of the adult population, in that education/knowledge, role modelling, encouragement and counselling in physical activity undertaken by trained professionals are of paramount value for the integration of physical activity as part of the children's routine. These actions should be based on an accurate assessment/surveillance system and an adequate characterization of physical activity profiles of children.     

Empowering adolescents to be physically active: Three-year results of the Sigue la Huella intervention

ObjectiveTo examine the effects of a school-based intervention called Sigue la Huella (Follow the Footstep) on adolescents' daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).MethodThis quasi-experimental, cohort study took place in four secondary schools in Huesca (Spain) during the 2009–2010, 2010–2011, and 2011–2012 academic years (students aged 12–15 years). Two schools were assigned to the experimental condition (n = 368) and two schools to the control condition (n = 314). Sigue la Huella was based on the social ecological model and self-determination theory. MVPA was measured for 7 days on 4 occasions using accelerometers. Data were analyzed with individual growth curve models.ResultsThere was a significant difference in linear growth rate of daily MVPA between the experimental and the control group, independent of study wave, type of school (public vs. private), grade level and gender (p < 0.001). Specifically, MVPA increased in the experimental group (β = 7.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.27 to 12.78, p = 0.017) and tended to decrease in the control group (β = − 5.26, 95% CI = − 11.17 to 0.65, p < 0.081). The observed increase was larger in boys than in girls (p = 0.003).ConclusionsSigue la Huella had a positive effect on adolescents' daily MVPA over three school years. Both genders benefited from the intervention, although boys to a greater extent.     

Patterns of sedentary time and cardiometabolic risk among Canadian adults

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to examine the associations of total sedentary time and patterns of sedentary time with cardiometabolic biomarkers in a large representative sample of Canadian adults.MethodsThe study is based on 4935 adults aged 20–79 years, from the 2007/09 and 2009/11 Canadian Health Measures Survey. Total sedentary time, patterns of sedentary time (≥ 20 minute prolonged sedentary bouts, number of sedentary breaks), and moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) were accelerometer-derived. Waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and C-reactive protein were measured. Triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, insulin, and glucose were also measured in a fasting sub-sample (n = 2551).ResultsTotal sedentary time and time in ≥ 20 minute prolonged sedentary bouts were associated with higher insulin and lower diastolic blood pressure levels (P < 0.05). On average, each additional 10 breaks/day was associated with 0.83 (95%CI: 1.35, 0.31) cm lower waist circumference, 0.32 (0.62, 0.02) mm Hg lower systolic blood pressure, 0.01 (0.00, 0.02) mmol/l higher HDL-cholesterol, 3.72 (1.34, 6.13) % lower triglycerides, 0.57 (0.23, 0.92) % lower glucose, and 4.19 (1.80, 6.63) % lower insulin.ConclusionThese findings in a large representative sample of Canadian adults indicate that breaking up sedentary time may be particularly important for cardiometabolic health.     

Gender differences in the clustering patterns of risk behaviours associated with non-communicable diseases in Brazilian adolescents

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to investigate gender differences in the clustering of risk behaviours associated with chronic non-communicable diseases in Brazilian adolescents.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2011 comprising 6529 adolescents aged 15–19 years from Santa Catarina State, Brazil. Excessive screen-time, insufficient moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), low fruit/vegetable intake and consumption of alcohol were investigated. Poisson regression was performed in the analysis of sociodemographic factors associated with the clustering of three or more risk behaviours.ResultsGirls presented with higher insufficient MVPA (76.3%), while boys presented with lower fruit or vegetable intake (53.0%) and greater consumption of alcohol (40.8%). A total of 21.2% of the teenagers had one risk behaviour, 37.3% had two, 28.5% had three, and 8.0% had all of the measured risk behaviours. Adolescents who did not work and boys who lived in urban areas exhibited more risk behaviours, whereas girls aged 17–19 years old and boys who had mothers with ≥ 12 years of study exhibited fewer risk behaviours.ConclusionThere was a difference between genders for individual risk behaviours, and a high degree of clustering in both genders. Prevention programs could focus on these behaviours in order to reduce negative health outcomes in adolescents.     

The effects of objectively measured sedentary behavior on all-cause mortality in a national sample of adults with diabetes

BackgroundDiabetes is a highly prevalent chronic disease that has been increasing globally and is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Sedentary behavior is associated with increased risk of diabetes and is unfavorably related to all-cause mortality, but there are limited studies examining the sedentary–mortality relationship among those with diabetes, which was the purpose of this study.MethodsUsing data from the 2003–2006 NHANES, 712 adult participants with evidence of diabetes had complete data on the study variables. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard model was used to examine the association between objectively measured sedentary behavior and all-cause mortality among this diabetic sample.ResultsResults showed that for every 60 min/day increase in sedentary behavior, independent of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and other covariates, adults with diabetes had a 13% increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR_adjusted = 1.13; 95% CI = 1.03–1.24; P = 0.01). However, after adjusting for total physical activity (light and MVPA), sedentary behavior was no longer associated with mortality risk (HR_adjusted = 1.04; 95% CI = 0.92–1.16; P = 0.46).ConclusionAmong those with diabetes, sedentary behavior may not have increased mortality risk independent of total physical activity behavior.     

Daily movement patterns and biological markers among adults in the United States

ObjectiveTo examine the combined effects of sedentary (SED), light (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on biological markers among a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults.MethodsData from the 2003–2006 NHANES study was used, with 5580 adults (≥ 20 years) included in the study. Participants wore an ActiGraph 7164 accelerometer with accelerometry data used to create four movement pattern groups: ≥ 150 min/week of MVPA and LPA ≥ SED; ≥ 150 min/week of MVPA and LPA < SED; < 150 min/week of MVPA but LPA ≥ SED; and < 150 min/week of MVPA and LPA < SED. Blood samples were taken to assess various biological parameters (e.g., cholesterol).Results47.2% (SE: 1.2) of Americans engaged in < 150 min/week of MVPA and had a negative LPA–SED balance. In general, participants who engaged in ≥ 150 min/week of MVPA, regardless of LPA–SED balance, had more favorable biological levels; however, there was evidence showing that even if individuals engaged in < 150 min/week of MVPA, but if their LPA exceeded SED, they had more favorable levels of triglycerides and insulin.ConclusionsPrograms are needed to increase American's engagement in MVPA, and also ensure that LPA exceeds SED behavior.     

Abdominal obesity as a mediator of the influence of physical activity on insulin resistance in Spanish adults

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and insulin resistance (IR) in Spanish adults and to examine whether this relationship is mediated by abdominal obesity (waist circumference — WC).MethodsThe cross-sectional study included 1162 healthy subjects belonging to the EVIDENT study (mean age 55.0 ± 13.3 years; 61.8% women) from six different Spanish provinces. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was measured objectively over 7 days using Actigraph accelerometers, collecting data in 60-second epochs, and retaining respondents with ≥ 4 valid days for the analysis. The homeostasis model of assessment (HOMA-IR) was used to determine IR, and its individual components – fasting glucose and insulin – were determined using standard protocols. Linear regression models were fitted according to Baron and Kenny's procedures for mediation analysis.ResultsFasting insulin and HOMA-IR levels were significantly worse in adults who spent fewer minutes in MVPA (first quartile ≤ 30.1 and 22.7 min/day in men and women, respectively) after adjusting for age, sex, smoking habits, drinking habits, accelerometer wear time, sedentary time, and Mediterranean diet adherence. However, when WC was added to the ANCOVA models as a covariate, the effects disappeared. Mediation analysis reported that WC acts as a full mediator in the relationship between MVPA and IR (HOMA-IR and fasting insulin).ConclusionThese findings show that WC plays a pivotal role in the relationship between MVPA and IR, and therefore highlights that decreasing abdominal obesity might be considered as an intermediate outcome for evaluating interventions aimed at preventing diabetes mellitus.     

Establishing school day pedometer step count cut-points using ROC curves in low-income children

Previous research has not established pedometer step count cut-points that discriminate children that meet school day physical activity recommendations using a tri-axial ActiGraph accelerometer criterion. The purpose of this study was to determine step count cut-points that associate with 30 min of school day moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in school-aged children. Participants included 1053 school-aged children (mean age = 8.4 ± 1.8 years) recruited from three low-income schools from the state of Utah in the U.S. Physical activity was assessed using Yamax DigiWalker CW600 pedometers and ActiGraph wGT3X-BT triaxial accelerometers that were concurrently worn during school hours. Data were collected at each school during the 2014–2015 school year. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine pedometer step count cut-points that associated with at least 30 min of MVPA during school hours. Cut-points were determined using the maximum Youden's J statistic (J max). For the total sample, the area-under-the-curve (AUC) was 0.77 (p < 0.001) with a pedometer cut-point of 5505 steps (J max = 0.46, Sensitivity = 63%, Specificity = 84%; Accuracy = 76%). Step counts showed greater diagnostic ability in girls (AUC = 0.81, p < 0.001; Cut-point = 5306 steps; Accuracy = 78.8%) compared to boys (AUC = 0.72, p < 0.01; Cut-point = 5786 steps; Accuracy = 71.4%). Pedometer step counts showed good diagnostic ability in girls and fair diagnostic ability in boys for discriminating children that met at least 30 min of MVPA during school hours.     

Objectively assessed physical activity,fitness and subjective wellbeing

BackgroundThe existing evidence for a cross-sectional association between physical activity and subjective wellbeing is inconsistent, mainly because of the reliance on self reported physical activity, which might have conceptual overlap with subjective health.PurposeTo examine associations of objectively assessed physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness with subjective wellbeing.MethodsA sub-sample of participants (921 men and women, mean age 44.6 ± 15.0 yrs, 46.4% men) from the 2008 Health Survey for England completed objective measures of physical activity (Actigraph) and an 8 min sub-maximal step test to estimate levels of cardiorespiratory fitness. The General Health Questionnaire and self-rated health was used as indicators of subjective wellbeing.ResultsThe recorded levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were higher in participants reporting very good health (adjusted mean difference = 6.7, 95% CI, 1.1–12.4 min/d, p = 0.019) compared with participants reporting fair–poor health after adjustment for various confounders and fitness level. Neither physical fitness, objectively assessed sedentary time or light activity was related to self-rated health. There was also no association between objectively measured physical activity and fitness with psychological health, despite a robust association with self reported MVPA in the overall sample.ConclusionsObjectively assessed MVPA is independently associated with self-rated health. Self reported, but not objectively assessed MVPA, was associated with psychological health. The null findings with regards to psychological health might partly reflect selection biases associated with the healthy nature of this sub-sample of participants.     

Association between compliance with physical activity guidelines,sedentary behavior and depressive symptoms

Physical inactivity, i.e. not engaging in adequate moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), has been identified as a risk factor for depression. Increased sedentary time has further been identified as a potential risk factor for depression. We analyzed NHANES 2005–2006 data to examine the associations between compliance with physical activity guidelines (PAG) and sedentary time with depression. We utilized accelerometer data to assess compliance with PAG and sedentary time, and we used the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to assess presence of depression. Participants were classified as compliant with PAG or non-compliant based on MVPA accumulated in bouts of 10 min or more. We further divided these two groups into quartiles of sedentary time. We conducted logistic regression analyses to test for the interaction effect of PAG compliance and sedentary behavior on depression. Analyses were conducted in 2014–2015 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Mean depression score among compliant participants was 1.65 (SD = 2.61), whereas it was higher among the non-compliant participants (mean = 2.52, SD = 3.51). Logistic regression indicated a statistically significant interaction effect between MVPA and sedentary time on depression scores. There was no apparent trend in depression scores across quartiles of sedentary time in the compliant group. However, adjusted odds ratios for depression increased with increasing sedentary time among the non-compliant group. We provide evidence that compliance with PAG is associated with reduced depressive symptoms regardless of sedentary behavior; however, increased sedentary behavior may increase the risk of depression among those who are not physically active at a level which meets national guidelines.     

Breaking tradition: Increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary time of children with developmental disabilities

BackgroundChildren with developmental disabilities (DD) are less active and more sedentary than their typically developing peers. There is a lack of research exploring strategies to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary time in children with DD.Objective/HypothesisThe purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to compare moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time of children with DD attending a summer day camp in modified versus traditional physical activity sessions. It was hypothesized that youth with DD would spend a greater amount of time in MVPA and less time sedentary during modified compared to traditional activity sessions.MethodsFifty-two children (mean age 11.5 years, 84% male, 81% non-Hispanic white, 90% DD diagnosis) attending a specialized summer day camp participated in counterbalanced physical activity sessions for 8 weeks receiving either games/activities in their ‘traditional’ manner versus a modified approach. The modified approach incorporated a physical activity promotion strategy with a social narrative. Repeated measures mixed-effects regression models were used to estimate accelerometer-derived MVPA and sedentary time.ResultsChildren increased the percent of time spent in MVPA and reduced sedentary time in 3 out of the 4 modified physical activities compared to traditional activity physical sessions across (p < 0.05). Modified soccer and kickball presented the highest increase in MVPA (5.9, 95%CI: 2.9, 8.8%) and reduction in sedentary time (−8.9, 95%CI: −13.9, −4.0%), respectively.ConclusionModifying existing physical activities by combining a physical activity-promoting strategy with a social narrative is a promising approach to increase MVPA and reduce sedentary time in children with DD.     

Risk factors for overweight and obesity in French adolescents: Physical activity,sedentary behavior and parental characteristics

ObjectiveWe determined the prevalence by age and sex and associated factors of overweight and obesity in French adolescents.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of 2385 adolescents aged 11–18 y (1213 boys and 1172 girls) from middle and high schools in the Aquitaine region (southwest France) in 2004–2005. Weight and height were measured, and adolescents filled in a questionnaire about their characteristics and those of their parents. Overweight and obesity were defined according to the age- and sex-specific body mass index cutoff points of the International Obesity Task force.ResultsPrevalence of overweight (obesity included) was greater in boys and younger children. The odds ratio (OR) for an adolescent being overweight increased with parents' being overweight (at least one parent overweight, OR 1.97, 1.48–2.62, P < 0.0001), low paternal socioeconomic status (OR 1.78, 1.22–2.60, P < 0.01) and sedentary behavior (22 h/wk, OR 1.33, 1.02–1.74, P < 0.05), and decreased with physical activity of parents (at least one parent active, OR 0.67, 0.51–0.89, P = 0.01).ConclusionOur data support the hypothesis that parental overweight and low socioeconomic status and adolescents' sedentary behavior are strong risk factors for adolescent overweight and obesity, and that parents active lifestyle is associated with a lower risk of overweight in their adolescents.