scholarly journals Clusters of Adolescent Physical Activity Tracker Patterns and Their Associations With Physical Activity Behaviors in Finland and Ireland: Cross-Sectional Study

10.2196/18509 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. e18509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kwok Ng ◽  
Sami Kokko ◽  
Tuija Tammelin ◽  
Jouni Kallio ◽  
Sarahjane Belton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Wearable Devices ◽  
Active Travel ◽  
Wearable Device ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sports Clubs ◽  
Males And Females

Background Physical activity trackers (PATs) such as apps and wearable devices (eg, sports watches, heart rate monitors) are increasingly being used by young adolescents. Despite the potential of PATs to help monitor and improve moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) behaviors, there is a lack of research that confirms an association between PAT ownership or use and physical activity behaviors at the population level. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the ownership and use of PATs in youth and their associations with physical activity behaviors, including daily MVPA, sports club membership, and active travel, in 2 nationally representative samples of young adolescent males and females in Finland and Ireland. Methods Comparable data were gathered in the 2018 Finnish School-aged Physical Activity (F-SPA 2018, n=3311) and the 2018 Irish Children’s Sport Participation and Physical Activity (CSPPA 2018, n=4797) studies. A cluster analysis was performed to obtain the patterns of PAT ownership and usage by adolescents (age, 11-15 years). Four similar clusters were identified across Finnish and Irish adolescents: (1) no PATs, (2) PAT owners, (3) app users, and (4) wearable device users. Adjusted binary logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate how PAT clusters were associated with physical activity behaviors, including daily MVPA, membership of sports clubs, and active travel, after stratification by gender. Results The proportion of app ownership among Finnish adolescents (2038/3311, 61.6%) was almost double that of their Irish counterparts (1738/4797, 36.2%). Despite these differences, the clustering patterns of PATs were similar between the 2 countries. App users were more likely to take part in daily MVPA (males, odds ratio [OR] 1.27, 95% CI 1.04-1.55; females, OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.20-1.85) and be members of sports clubs (males, OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.15-1.62; females, OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.07-1.50) compared to the no PATs cluster, after adjusting for country, age, family affluence, and disabilities. These associations, after the same adjustments, were even stronger for wearable device users to participate in daily MVPA (males, OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.49-2.23; females, OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.80-2.82) and be members of sports clubs (males, OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.55-2.88; females, OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.71-2.52). Significant associations were observed between male users of wearable devices and taking part in active travel behavior (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.04-1.86). Conclusions Although Finnish adolescents report more ownership of PATs than Irish adolescents, the patterns of use and ownership remain similar among the cohorts. The findings of our study show that physical activity behaviors were positively associated with wearable device users and app users. These findings were similar between males and females. Given the cross-sectional nature of this data, the relationship between using apps or wearable devices and enhancing physical activity behaviors requires further investigation.

scholarly journals Clusters of Adolescent Physical Activity Tracker Patterns and Their Associations With Physical Activity Behaviors in Finland and Ireland: Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kwok Ng ◽  
Sami Kokko ◽  
Tuija Tammelin ◽  
Jouni Kallio ◽  
Sarahjane Belton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Wearable Devices ◽  
Active Travel ◽  
Wearable Device ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sports Clubs ◽  
Males And Females

BACKGROUND Physical activity trackers (PATs) such as apps and wearable devices (eg, sports watches, heart rate monitors) are increasingly being used by young adolescents. Despite the potential of PATs to help monitor and improve moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) behaviors, there is a lack of research that confirms an association between PAT ownership or use and physical activity behaviors at the population level. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine the ownership and use of PATs in youth and their associations with physical activity behaviors, including daily MVPA, sports club membership, and active travel, in 2 nationally representative samples of young adolescent males and females in Finland and Ireland. METHODS Comparable data were gathered in the 2018 Finnish School-aged Physical Activity (F-SPA 2018, n=3311) and the 2018 Irish Children’s Sport Participation and Physical Activity (CSPPA 2018, n=4797) studies. A cluster analysis was performed to obtain the patterns of PAT ownership and usage by adolescents (age, 11-15 years). Four similar clusters were identified across Finnish and Irish adolescents: (1) no PATs, (2) PAT owners, (3) app users, and (4) wearable device users. Adjusted binary logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate how PAT clusters were associated with physical activity behaviors, including daily MVPA, membership of sports clubs, and active travel, after stratification by gender. RESULTS The proportion of app ownership among Finnish adolescents (2038/3311, 61.6%) was almost double that of their Irish counterparts (1738/4797, 36.2%). Despite these differences, the clustering patterns of PATs were similar between the 2 countries. App users were more likely to take part in daily MVPA (males, odds ratio [OR] 1.27, 95% CI 1.04-1.55; females, OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.20-1.85) and be members of sports clubs (males, OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.15-1.62; females, OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.07-1.50) compared to the no PATs cluster, after adjusting for country, age, family affluence, and disabilities. These associations, after the same adjustments, were even stronger for wearable device users to participate in daily MVPA (males, OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.49-2.23; females, OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.80-2.82) and be members of sports clubs (males, OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.55-2.88; females, OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.71-2.52). Significant associations were observed between male users of wearable devices and taking part in active travel behavior (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.04-1.86). CONCLUSIONS Although Finnish adolescents report more ownership of PATs than Irish adolescents, the patterns of use and ownership remain similar among the cohorts. The findings of our study show that physical activity behaviors were positively associated with wearable device users and app users. These findings were similar between males and females. Given the cross-sectional nature of this data, the relationship between using apps or wearable devices and enhancing physical activity behaviors requires further investigation.

scholarly journals An examination of the prospective association between physical activity and academic achievement in youth at the population level

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. e0253142
Author(s):  
Mia Papasideris ◽  
Scott T. Leatherdale ◽  
Kate Battista ◽  
Peter A. Hall
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Academic Achievement ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physical Activity Guidelines

Exercise has significant benefits for brain health and this may have downstream learning benefits for youth. However existing studies looking at links between physical activity and academic achievement are limited by relatively small sample sizes and/or cross-sectional designs. The objective of this study is to determine the direction and magnitude of the association between physical activity and academic achievement in a large prospective sample of adolescents. Linear mixed models with random intercepts and multinomial ordinal generalized estimating equations were employed to analyze the prospective relationship between measures of physical activity and academic achievement from the COMPASS study (N = 9,898 linked participant data cases from year 2 (2013–2014) to year 4 (2015–2016)). The linear relationships between minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity and academic achievement (English: r = -.047, p < .000; Math: r = -.026, p = .008) as well as meeting the national physical activity guidelines and academic achievement (English: est = -.052, p = .004; Math: est = -.052, p = .028) were negative and trivial in magnitude. Organized sport participation showed slight positive associations with academic achievement indices, but these were also of trivial magnitude. In conclusion, the relationship between physical activity and academic achievement was effectively null in this population sample. Advocacy for physical activity programming for adolescent populations may best be undertaken with reference to lack of net academic achievement cost, rather than presence of benefit, or simply with reference to the many other physical and mental health benefits for youth.

scholarly journals Contexts of sedentary time and physical activity among ageing workers and recent retirees: cross-sectional GPS and accelerometer study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. e042600
Author(s):  
Sanna Pasanen ◽  
Jaana I Halonen ◽  
Anna Pulakka ◽  
Yan Kestens ◽  
Benoit Thierry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Time ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Behaviour ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Active Travel ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ageing Workers ◽  
Activity Behaviour

ObjectivesWe examined sedentary time and physical activity in different contexts among ageing workers, between their workdays and days off, and recent retirees, between their weekdays and weekend days.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingFinnish Retirement and Aging study and Enhancing physical activity and healthy ageing among recent retirees—Randomised controlled in-home physical activity trial.Participants137 workers (544 measurement days) and 53 retirees (323 days), who provided data for at least 1 workday/weekday and 1 day off/weekend day.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPhysical activity behaviour was measured with a combined Global Positioning System and accelerometer device (SenseDoc V.2.0), providing information on sedentary time, light physical activity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) by locations (home or non-home) and trips (active travel, ie, speed <20 km/hour and passive travel, ie, speed ≥20 km/hour).ResultsWorkers accumulated more sedentary time and physical activity at non-home locations than at home on workdays, while the opposite was confirmed for days off (p<0.01). Workers accrued more MVPA on days off than on workdays (34 vs 28 min, p<0.05), of which 9 min on workdays and 14 min on days off was accrued during active travel. Retirees’ physical activity behaviour did not differ between weekdays and weekend days (p>0.05). Regardless of the day, retirees accumulated 33 min of daily MVPA, of which 14 min was accrued during active travel.ConclusionsWorkers accumulated more MVPA on days off than on workdays, and their activity behaviour varied between workdays and days off at different locations. Our results showed that a large proportion of the MVPA was accumulated during travel at slower speeds, which suggests that active travel could be a feasible way to increase MVPA among older adults.Trial registration numberNCT03320746.

scholarly journals Income-based inequalities in self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among adolescents in England and the United States: comparisons from two cross-sectional surveys

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaun Scholes ◽  
Jennifer S Mindell
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
The United States ◽  
Active Travel ◽  
High Income ◽  
Absolute Difference ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Us ◽  
Low Income Households

Abstract Background: Inequalities in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) may reflect differences in the propensity to do any, the amount of time spent active, or both. Using self-reported data from 4019 adolescents aged 11-15 years in England (Health Survey for England 2008, 2012, 2015) and 4312 aged 12-17 years in the US (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-16) we examined inequalities in MVPA.Methods: Hurdle models estimated inequalities by household income in three aspects: (1) doing any, (2) average minutes/day (MVPA: including those who did none), and (3) average minutes/day conditional on participation (MVPA-active). Inequalities after confounder adjustment (average marginal effects: AMEs) were quantified by computing the absolute difference in marginal means (low-income households as reference).Results: In England, adolescents in high-income households were more likely than those in low-income households to have done any formal sports/exercise in the last seven days (AMEs boys: 11%; 95% CI: 4, 17; girls: 13%; 6, 20); girls in high-income households spent more time being active than their low-income counterparts (AME formal MVPA: 6 minutes/day, 95% CI: 2, 9). Girls in low-income households spent more time in informal activities than girls in high-income households did (AME informal MVPA: 21 minutes/day; 95% CI: 10, 33), whilst boys in low-income versus high-income households spent longer in active travel (AME active travel MVPA: 21 minutes/week; 95% CI: 8, 34). In the US, in a typical week, recreational activity was greater among high-income versus low-income households (AMEs recreational boys: 15 minutes/day; 95% CI: 6, 24; girls: 19 minutes/day; 95% CI: 12, 27). In contrast, adolescents in low-income versus high-income households were more likely to travel actively (AMEs boys: 11%; 95% CI: 3, 19; girls: 10%; 95% CI: 3, 17) and spend more time engaged. Conclusions: Policy actions and interventions are required to increase levels of MVPA across all income groups in England and the US. Differences in formal sports/exercise (England) and recreational (US) activities suggest that additional efforts are required to move adolescents in low-income households from inactivity to activity, and to enable those already active to do more.

scholarly journals Public health surveillance of habitual physical activity in adolescents and adults in Namibia: a cross-sectional validation of activity questionnaires against accelerometry

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hilde L Nashandi ◽  
John J Reilly ◽  
Xanne Janssen
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Rank Order ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Adult Women ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Activity Questionnaires

Abstract Background Monitoring population-level physical activity is crucial for examining adherence to global guidelines and addressing obesity. This study validated self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) against an accurate device-based method in Namibia. Methods Adolescent girls (n = 52, mean age 16.2 years [SD 1.6]) and adult women (n = 51, mean age 31.3 years [SD 4.7]) completed the PACE+/GPAQ self-report questionnaires and were asked to wear an Actigraph accelerometer for 7 days. Validity of self-reported MVPA was assessed using rank-order correlations between self-report and accelerometry, and classification ability of the questionnaires with Mann–Whitney tests, kappa’s, sensitivity and specificity. Results In the adolescents, Spearman’s rank coefficients between self-reported MVPA (days/week) and accelerometry measured MVPA were positive but not significant (r = 0.240; P = 0.104). In the adults, self-reported MVPA (minutes/day) was moderately and significantly correlated with accelerometer-measured MVPA (r = 0.396; P = 0.008). In both groups, there was fair agreement between accelerometry and questionnaire-defined tertiles of MVPA (adolescents κ = 0.267; P = 0.010; adults κ = 0.284; P = 0.008), and measured MVPA was significantly higher in the individuals self-reporting higher MVPA than those reporting lower MVPA. Conclusions The PACE+ and GPAQ questionnaires have a degree of validity in adolescent girls and adult females in Namibia, though more suitable for population than individual level measurement.

scholarly journals A population-level examination of the magnitude of relationship between physical activity and academic achievement

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mia Papasideris ◽  
Scott Leatherdale ◽  
Kate Battista ◽  
Peter A. Hall
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Academic Achievement ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Physical Activity Guidelines ◽  
Linear Relationships

Abstract Background Although physical activity has traditionally been thought to compete with academic activities in terms of academic performance outcomes, more recent studies have suggested that the brain health benefits of exercise could in theory compensate for this. However, to date no adequately powered prospective studies have attempted to reconcile these two competing possibilities. The objective of this study is to determine the direction and magnitude of the association between physical activity and academic performance in a large prospective sample of adolescents. Methods Linear regression mixed models with random intercepts and multinomial ordinal generalized estimating equations were employed to analyze the relationship between measures of physical activity and academic performance from the COMPASS study (N=9,898 linked participant data cases from year 2 (2013-2014) to year 4 (2015-2016)). Results The linear relationships between minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity and academic performance (English: r= -.047, p<.000; Math: r= -.026, p=0.008) as well as meeting the national physical activity guidelines and academics performance (English: est =-0.052, p=.004; Math: est = -0.052, p=.028) were negative and trivial in magnitude. Organized sport participation showed slight positive associations with academic performance, but these were also of trivial magnitude. Conclusions Physical activity does not predict academic achievement prospectively in this population sample; findings suggest no net cost or clear benefit in relation to academic performance. Advocacy for physical activity programming for adolescent populations may best be undertaken with reference to lack of net academic performance cost, rather than presence of benefit.

Comparisons of physical activity and sedentary behavior between owners and non-owners of commercial wearable devices

2021 ◽  
Vol 141 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-96
Author(s):  
Hsin-Yen Yen ◽  
Hao-Yun Huang
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Sedentary Time ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Wearable Devices ◽  
Wearable Device ◽  
World Health ◽  
World Health Organization Quality ◽  
Quality Of Life Scale

Aims: Wearable devices are a new strategy for promoting physical activity in a free-living condition that utilizes self-monitoring, self-awareness, and self-determination. The main purpose of this study was to explore health benefits of commercial wearable devices by comparing physical activity, sedentary time, sleep quality, and other health outcomes between individuals who used and those that did not use commercial wearable devices. Methods: The research design was a cross-sectional study using an Internet survey in Taiwan. Self-administered questionnaires included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile, and World Health Organization Quality-of-Life Scale. Results: In total, 781 participants were recruited, including 50% who were users of wearable devices and 50% non-users in the most recent 3 months. Primary outcomes revealed that wearable device users had significantly higher self-reported walking, moderate physical activity, and total physical activity, and significantly lower sedentary time than non-users. Wearable device users had significantly better sleep quality than non-users. Conclusion: Wearable devices inspire users’ motivation, engagement, and interest in physical activity through habit formation. Wearable devices are recommended to increase physical activity and decrease sedentary behavior for promoting good health.

scholarly journals The Positive Relationship between Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity and Bone Mineral Content Is Not Mediated by Free Leptin Index in Prepubertal Children: The PANIC Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5365
Author(s):  
Annie M. Constable ◽  
Josie E. Porter ◽  
Danielle Benger ◽  
Dimitris Vlachopoulos ◽  
Alan R. Barker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Bone Mineral Content ◽  
Bone Mineral ◽  
Mineral Content ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prepubertal Children ◽  
Total Body ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose: Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) positively influences bone mineral content (BMC) in prepubertal children, but it is unknown whether this relationship is partially mediated by free leptin index. The aim of this study was to examine whether the relationship between MVPA and total body less head (TBLH) BMC is mediated or moderated by free leptin index in prepubertal children. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis on 401 children (194 girls) from baseline examinations of the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Childhood Study. We applied the four-way decomposition mediation analysis method to assess whether free leptin index, measured from fasted blood samples, mediated the relationship between accelerometer-measured MVPA and TBLH BMC measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: MVPA had a positive controlled direct effect on TBLH BMC in girls and boys (β = 0.010 to 0.011, p < 0.05). There was no mediation or interaction between MVPA, free leptin index and TBLH BMC in girls or boys (β = −0.000 to 0.001, p > 0.05). Conclusion: Our study indicates that MVPA positively influences TBLH BMC through pathways not related to free leptin index in predominantly normal-weight prepubertal children, likely primarily through mechanical loading. The relationships between MVPA, free leptin index and TBLH BMC may be influenced by other factors such as pubertal status and adiposity, so it is unknown whether these observations extend to overweight and obese children at different stages of puberty.

scholarly journals Evidence-Based Overview of Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity during School Recess: An Updated Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 578
Author(s):  
Sergio Pulido Sánchez ◽  
Damián Iglesias Gallego
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
School Environment ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Extraction Process ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
World Health ◽  
After School ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Active

Interest in analyzing physically active behaviors during school recesses has grown in recent years as the school environment has consolidated (recess, physical education classes, lunch-time, before and after school) as a crucial space to bring these levels towards those recommended through intervention programs and improvements in the school environment. Unfortunately, in most of these studies, children do not achieve the 60 min a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) recommended by the World Health Organization. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the cross-sectional, longitudinal, and intervention studies objectively measured with accelerometers that have emerged in recent years to determine the amount of MVPA of children at recess. This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines. The extraction process for the studies included in this systematic review yielded a total of 43 articles. The studies were classified according to the methodological nature of the research: cross-sectional (n = 34), longitudinal (n = 3) and quasi-experimental (n = 6). The results of the studies confirm that during the recess period younger children are physically more active than older ones and that in general, boys are more physically active than girls. In addition, the data show that the school contributes to more than 40% of the total MVPA. The intervention programs led to an increase in MVPA of up to 5%. Providing schools with equipment and facilities shows that intervention programs are beneficial for raising children’s levels of physical activity.

scholarly journals Youth sport participation and physical activity in rural communities

2021 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Debra K. Kellstedt ◽  
Michaela A. Schenkelberg ◽  
Ann M. Essay ◽  
Mary J. Von Seggern ◽  
Richard R. Rosenkranz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Youth Sport ◽  
Comparison Groups ◽  
Youth Sport Participation ◽  
6Th Graders

Abstract Background Physical activity, a high-frequency health behavior, varies by where children live, learn, and play. Children accumulate physical activity in adult-led in-school and out-of-school settings. Youth sport is a potential setting for physical activity, but there are differences in youth sport participation based on age, sex, and socioeconomic status. There is a gap in understanding demographic influences on youth sport participation and how these factors interact to influence physical activity. This study examines influences of grade, sex, and family income on youth sport participation and these factors and youth sport participation on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity of children in rural communities. Methods Children (n = 418 3rd–6th graders) living in two rural communities completed the online Youth Activity Profile as part of Wellscapes, a type 3 hybrid implementation-effectiveness community randomized trial. Mixed models with community as a random effect examined main effects and interactions of grade, sex, and family income on youth sport participation and these factors and youth sport participation on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Results About 80% of children engaged in youth sport, and full-pay lunch students were almost four times more likely to have youth sport participation than students with free/reduced lunch (OR = 3.91, 95% CI = 1.95, 7.8). Females and 6th graders (p < 0.05) had lower physical activity than comparison groups. Males with higher family income had greater physical activity; females with higher family income had less physical activity. For 6th graders, high family income had less effect on physical activity than similar 3rd-5th graders (p < 0.01). Conclusions While a fairly high percentage of children participate in youth sports, there are disparities in rural communities on youth sport participation and physical activity outcomes based on age, sex, and family income.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document