A systematic review of physical activity levels in Native American populations in Canada and the United States in the last 50 years

2013 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 593-603 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. J. A. Foulds ◽  
D. E. R. Warburton ◽  
S. S. D. Bredin
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
United States ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Native American ◽  
The United States ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

scholarly journals Effects of trees, gardens, and nature trails on heat index and child health: design and methods of the Green Schoolyards Project

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Lanza ◽  
Melody Alcazar ◽  
Deanna M. Hoelscher ◽  
Harold W. Kohl
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
United States ◽  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
The United States ◽  
Heat Index ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Natural Setting ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Nature Trails

Abstract Background Latinx children in the United States are at high risk for nature-deficit disorder, heat-related illness, and physical inactivity. We developed the Green Schoolyards Project to investigate how green features—trees, gardens, and nature trails—in school parks impact heat index (i.e., air temperature and relative humidity) within parks, and physical activity levels and socioemotional well-being of these children. Herein, we present novel methods for a) observing children’s interaction with green features and b) measuring heat index and children’s behaviors in a natural setting, and a selection of baseline results. Methods During two September weeks (high temperature) and one November week (moderate temperature) in 2019, we examined three joint-use elementary school parks in Central Texas, United States, serving predominantly low-income Latinx families. To develop thermal profiles for each park, we installed 10 air temperature/relative humidity sensors per park, selecting sites based on land cover, land use, and even spatial coverage. We measured green features within a geographic information system. In a cross-sectional study, we used an adapted version of System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) to assess children’s physical activity levels and interactions with green features. In a cohort study, we equipped 30 3rd and 30 4th grade students per school during recess with accelerometers and Global Positioning System devices, and surveyed these students regarding their connection to nature. Baseline analyses included inverse distance weighting for thermal profiles and summing observed counts of children interacting with trees. Results In September 2019, average daily heat index ranged 2.0 °F among park sites, and maximum daily heat index ranged from 103.4 °F (air temperature = 33.8 °C; relative humidity = 55.2%) under tree canopy to 114.1 °F (air temperature = 37.9 °C; relative humidity = 45.2%) on an unshaded playground. 10.8% more girls and 25.4% more boys interacted with trees in September than in November. Conclusions We found extreme heat conditions at select sites within parks, and children positioning themselves under trees during periods of high heat index. These methods can be used by public health researchers and practitioners to inform the redesign of greenspaces in the face of climate change and health inequities.

Results from the United States’ 2014 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (s1) ◽  
pp. S105-S112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kara N. Dentro ◽  
Kim Beals ◽  
Scott E. Crouter ◽  
Joey C. Eisenmann ◽  
Thomas L. McKenzie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
United States ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Comprehensive Evaluation ◽  
The United States ◽  
Report Card ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

Background:The National Physical Activity Plan Alliance partnered with physical activity experts to develop a report card that provides a comprehensive assessment of physical activity among United States children and youth.Methods:The 2014 U.S. Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth includes 10 indicators: overall physical activity levels, sedentary behaviors, active transportation, organized sport participation, active play, health-related fitness, family and peers, school, community and the built environment, and government strategies and investments. Data from nationally representative surveys were used to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the physical activity indicators. The Committee used the best available data source to grade the indicators using a standard rubric.Results:Approximately one-quarter of children and youth 6 to 15 years of age were at least moderately active for 60 min/day on at least 5 days per week. The prevalence was lower among youth compared with younger children, resulting in a grade of D- for overall physical activity levels. Five of the remaining 9 indicators received grades ranging from B- to F, whereas there was insufficient data to grade 4 indicators, highlighting the need for more research in some areas.Conclusions:Physical activity levels among U.S. children and youth are low and sedentary behavior is high, suggesting that current infrastructure, policies, programs, and investments in support of children’s physical activity are not sufficient.

Physical activity levels and differences in the prevalence of diabetes between the United States and Canada☆

2010 ◽  
Vol 50 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 241-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuanping Zhang ◽  
Linda S. Geiss ◽  
Carl J. Caspersen ◽  
Yiling J. Cheng ◽  
Michael M. Engelgau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
United States ◽  
The United States ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

scholarly journals Effects of trees, gardens, and nature trails on heat index and child health: Design and methods of the Green Schoolyards Project

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Lanza ◽  
Melody Alcazar ◽  
Deanna M. Hoelscher ◽  
III Harold W. Kohl
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
United States ◽  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
The United States ◽  
Heat Index ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Natural Setting ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Nature Trails

Abstract Background: Latinx children in the United States are at high risk for nature-deficit disorder, heat-related illness, and physical inactivity. We developed the Green Schoolyards Project to investigate how green features—trees, gardens, and nature trails—in school parks impact heat index (i.e., air temperature and relative humidity) within parks, and physical activity levels and socioemotional well-being of these children. Herein, we present novel methods for a) observing children’s interaction with green features and b) measuring heat index and children’s behaviors in a natural setting, and a selection of baseline results.Methods: During two September weeks (high temperature) and one November week (moderate temperature) in 2019, we examined three joint-use elementary school parks in Central Texas, United States, serving predominantly low-income Latinx families. To develop thermal profiles for each park, we installed 10 air temperature/relative humidity sensors per park, selecting sites based on land cover, land use, and even spatial coverage. We measured green features within a geographic information system. In a cross-sectional study, we used an adapted version of System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) to assess children’s physical activity levels and interactions with green features. In a cohort study, we equipped 30 3rd and 30 4th grade students per school during recess with accelerometers and Global Positioning System devices, and surveyed these students regarding their connection to nature. Baseline analyses included inverse distance weighting for thermal profiles and summing observed counts of children interacting with trees.Results: In September 2019, average daily heat index ranged 2.0°F among park sites, and maximum daily heat index ranged from 103.4°F (air temperature = 33.8°C; relative humidity = 55.2%) under tree canopy to 114.1°F (air temperature = 37.9°C; relative humidity = 45.2%) on an unshaded playground. 10.8% more girls and 25.4% more boys interacted with trees in September than in November.Conclusions: We found extreme heat conditions at select sites within parks, and children positioning themselves under trees during periods of high heat index. These methods can be used by public health researchers and practitioners to inform the redesign of greenspaces in the face of climate change and health inequities.

scholarly journals Effects of trees, gardens, and nature trails on heat index and child health: Design and methods of the Green Schoolyards Project

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Lanza ◽  
Melody Alcazar ◽  
Deanna M. Hoelscher ◽  
III Harold W. Kohl
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
United States ◽  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
The United States ◽  
Heat Index ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Natural Setting ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Nature Trails

Abstract Background: Latinx children in the United States are at high risk for nature-deficit disorder, heat-related illness, and physical inactivity. We developed the Green Schoolyards Project to investigate how green features—trees, gardens, and nature trails—in school parks impact heat index (i.e., air temperature and relative humidity) within parks, and physical activity levels and socioemotional well-being of these children. Herein, we present novel methods for a) observing children’s interaction with green features and b) measuring heat index and children’s behaviors in a natural setting, and a selection of baseline results.Methods: During two September weeks (high temperature) and one November week (moderate temperature) in 2019, we examined three joint-use elementary school parks in Central Texas, United States, serving predominantly low-income Latinx families. To develop thermal profiles for each park, we installed 10 air temperature/relative humidity sensors per park, selecting sites based on land cover, land use, and even spatial coverage. We measured green features within a geographic information system. In a cross-sectional study, we used an adapted version of System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) to assess children’s physical activity levels and interactions with green features. In a cohort study, we equipped 30 3rd and 30 4th grade students per school during recess with accelerometers and Global Positioning System devices, and surveyed these students regarding their connection to nature. Baseline analyses included inverse distance weighting for thermal profiles and summing observed counts of children interacting with trees.Results: In September 2019, average daily heat index ranged 2.0°F among park sites, and maximum daily heat index ranged from 103.4°F (air temperature = 33.8°C; relative humidity = 55.2%) under tree canopy to 114.1°F (air temperature = 37.9°C; relative humidity = 45.2%) on an unshaded playground. 10.8% more girls and 25.4% more boys interacted with trees in September than in November.Conclusions: We found extreme heat conditions at select sites within parks, and children positioning themselves under trees during periods of high heat index. These methods can be used by public health researchers and practitioners to inform the redesign of greenspaces in the face of climate change and health inequities.

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