Physical Activity and Nutrition Research

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Global and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2021) | Viewed by 35482

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83 Huddinge, Sweden
Interests: dietary intake; dietary assessment; childhood nutrition; body composition; overweight and obesity; randomized controlled trials; prevention

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
Interests: cardiometabolic risk factors; childhood obesity; physical activity; screen time; sleep

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Childhood, especially early childhood, is a critical period to create a healthy diet and physical activity habits, which are vital for optimal growth, development, and health. Furthermore, as diet and physical activity habits have been found to track into adolescence and adulthood, there is a great need for the promotion of healthy lifestyle behaviors early in life. Poor nutrition and insufficient physical activity are risk factors for overweight and obesity as well as for metabolic disorders in childhood. Thus, the promotion of a healthy diet and adequate physical activity in young children is essential. This Special Issue entitled “Physical Activity and Nutrition Research” welcomes original research articles, reviews, and meta-analyses on any subject related to nutrition and physical activity in children aged 0 to 12 years.

Dr. Christine Delisle Nyström
Dr. Marja Leppänen
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Children is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Physical activity
  • Sedentary behavior
  • Physical activity intensity
  • Nutrition
  • Diet quality
  • Diet patterns
  • Lifestyle behaviors

Published Papers (13 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

28 pages, 2865 KiB  
Article
Predicting VO2max in Children and Adolescents Aged between 6 and 17 Using Physiological Characteristics and Participation in Sport Activities: A Cross-Sectional Study Comparing Different Regression Models Stratified by Gender
by Vilelmine Carayanni, Gregory C. Bogdanis, Elpis Vlachopapadopoulou, Dimitra Koutsouki, Yannis Manios, Feneli Karachaliou, Theodora Psaltopoulou and Stefanos Michalacos
Children 2022, 9(12), 1935; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children9121935 - 09 Dec 2022
Viewed by 2498
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study is to use different regression models to capture the association between cardiorespiratory fitness VO2max (measured in mL/kg/min) and somatometric characteristics and sports activities and making better predictions. Methods: multiple linear regression (MLR), quantile regression (QR), [...] Read more.
Background: The aim of this study is to use different regression models to capture the association between cardiorespiratory fitness VO2max (measured in mL/kg/min) and somatometric characteristics and sports activities and making better predictions. Methods: multiple linear regression (MLR), quantile regression (QR), ridge regression (RR), support vector regression (SVR) with three different kernels, artificial neural networks (ANNs), and boosted regression trees (RTs) were compared to explain and predict VO2max and to choose the best performance model. The sample consisted of 4908 children (2314 males and 2594 females) aged between 6 and 17. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by the 20 m maximal multistage shuttle run test and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was calculated. Welch t-tests, Mann–Whitney-U tests, X2 tests, and ANOVA tests were performed. The performance measures were root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and coefficient of determination (R2). All analyses were stratified by gender. Results: A comparison of the statistical indices for both the predicted and actual data indicated that in boys, the MLR model outperformed all other models in all indices, followed by the linear SVR model. In girls, the MLR model performed better than the other models in R2 but was outperformed by SVR-RBF in terms of RMSE and MAE. The overweight and obesity categories in both sexes (p < 0.001) and maternal prepregnancy obesity in girls had a significant negative effect on VO2max. Age, weekly football training, track and field, basketball, and swimming had different positive effects based on gender. Conclusion: The MLR model showed remarkable performance against all other models and was competitive with the SVR models. In addition, this study’s data showed that changes in cardiorespiratory fitness were dependent, to a different extent based on gender, on BMI category, weight, height, age, and participation in some organized sports activities. Predictors that are not considered modifiable, such as gender, can be used to guide targeted interventions and policies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

8 pages, 237 KiB  
Article
Effect of a Strategic Physical Activity Program on Cognitive Flexibility among Children with Internet Addiction: A Pilot Study
by Yu-Hsien Tseng, Hsiao-Han Chao and Chiao-Ling Hung
Children 2022, 9(6), 798; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children9060798 - 29 May 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1701
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore whether a strategic physical activity program can improve cognitive flexibility among children with Internet addiction. Ten school-aged children were recruited by distributing flyers at an elementary school in Taiwan. The participants were screened using the [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to explore whether a strategic physical activity program can improve cognitive flexibility among children with Internet addiction. Ten school-aged children were recruited by distributing flyers at an elementary school in Taiwan. The participants were screened using the Chinese Internet Addiction Scale. Their executive functions were assessed by a task-switching paradigm and their motor competence was evaluated by the Movement Assessment Battery for Children–Second Edition (MABC-2) before and after a 12-week strategic physical activity intervention (twice per week, 90 min per session). The posttest scores showed significant improvements in accuracy in the pure, mixed, and switch trials and in the manual dexterity and total score of the MABC-2 compared with the pretest scores. Despite the inherited limitations of a single group pretest-posttest design this study employed, the findings shed light on the possibility that a strategic physical activity intervention might be a feasible and effective behavioral approach to enhance cognitive function and motor competence in children with Internet addiction. Further studies including a control group, preferably with a randomized controlled trial design, will be needed to validate the findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition Research)
11 pages, 1921 KiB  
Article
The Role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in the Relation between Physical Activity and Executive Functioning in Children
by Julie Latomme, Patrick Calders, Hilde Van Waelvelde, Tineke Mariën and Marieke De Craemer
Children 2022, 9(5), 596; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children9050596 - 22 Apr 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1675
Abstract
Physical activity (PA) can improve children’s executive functioning (EF), which might be caused by increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This study investigated whether acute and/or chronic PA leads to increased BDNF levels and enhanced EF in children. Methods: In total, 47 [...] Read more.
Physical activity (PA) can improve children’s executive functioning (EF), which might be caused by increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This study investigated whether acute and/or chronic PA leads to increased BDNF levels and enhanced EF in children. Methods: In total, 47 children (mean age 9.69 ± 0.60; 46.8% boys) participated. Children performed a maximal exercise test to measure acute PA. Before and after, BDNF was collected and EF was measured. Chronic PA was proxy-reported. Repeated Measures ANOVAs were performed to study the effect of acute PA on BDNF and EF. Mediation analyses were performed to investigate the mediation effect of BDNF on the association between chronic PA and BDNF. Results: A borderline significant effect of acute PA on BDNF was found (F = 3.32, p = 0.075) with an increase in BDNF (+29.58 pg/mL) after acute PA. A significant effect was found for performance on inhibition tasks (Flanker (accuracy +5.67%, p = 0.034) and Go/No-Go (+0.15%, p = 0.022)). No effect of acute PA was found on the EF outcomes. No significant correlation between chronic PA and EFs nor BDNF was found. Conclusions: Acute PA might increase BDNF and improve some EFs (i.e., inhibition) in children. Chronic PA was not associated with EF nor BDNF. Trial Registration Number: NCT02503579. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 671 KiB  
Article
Body Mass Index, Physical Activity, and Body Image in Adolescents
by Marja H. Leppänen, Aku-Ville Lehtimäki, Eva Roos and Heli Viljakainen
Children 2022, 9(2), 202; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children9020202 - 04 Feb 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2796
Abstract
Body image dissatisfaction is a concern for adolescents’ mental and physical well-being, and the role of body mass index (BMI) and physical activity (PA) in it is still unclear. This study investigates the associations of BMI and PA with body image, separately for [...] Read more.
Body image dissatisfaction is a concern for adolescents’ mental and physical well-being, and the role of body mass index (BMI) and physical activity (PA) in it is still unclear. This study investigates the associations of BMI and PA with body image, separately for boys and girls, in a large sample of Finnish adolescents. We also examine the associations of BMI with body image in varying PA levels. A total of 10,496 adolescents (girls 52.6%) were included in the analyses. Body image was assessed using a pictorial tool, and categorized as wishing for a smaller body, being satisfied, and wishing for a bigger body. BMI (kg/m2) was categorized as thin, normal weight, and overweight/obese. Self-reported PA was divided into three similar-sized categories as low, moderate, and high PA levels. Adjusted ordinal regression analyses were conducted. Our results show that adolescents with thinness had higher odds of wishing for a bigger body compared to their normal-weight peers, while adolescents with overweight/obesity had smaller odds of wishing for a bigger body. Adolescents in low and middle PA levels had lower odds of wishing for a bigger body compared to adolescents in the high PA level. Yet, the PA level modified the associations between BMI and body image, especially in adolescents with thinness and more so in girls than in boys. These findings highlight the need to pay attention to healthy weight gain and PA in adolescents to support their body image satisfaction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 612 KiB  
Article
Fundamental Movement Skills and Physical Activity of 3–4-Year-Old Children within Early Childhood Centers in New Zealand
by Ajmol Ali, Claire McLachlan, Tara McLaughlin, Owen Mugridge, Cathryn Conlon, Karen Mumme and Tayla Knightbridge-Eager
Children 2021, 8(9), 742; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children8090742 - 27 Aug 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2567
Abstract
We sought to describe and explore relationships between fundamental movement skills (FMS) and level of physical activity (PA; light-, medium-, vigorous, and kCal/hour) in preschool children, aged 3–4-years-old, across four early childhood education (ECE) settings. Children’s FMS were assessed using the Test for [...] Read more.
We sought to describe and explore relationships between fundamental movement skills (FMS) and level of physical activity (PA; light-, medium-, vigorous, and kCal/hour) in preschool children, aged 3–4-years-old, across four early childhood education (ECE) settings. Children’s FMS were assessed using the Test for Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2; n = 81) and PA via accelerometers (S = 53). Eighty-four children participated, with 50 in both assessments. The TGMD-2 showed as the children got older, their locomotor skills (p < 0.001, r = 0.512) and object control motor skills (p < 0.001, r = 0.383) improved. Accelerometry showed children were primarily inactive at ECE (78.3% of the time). There were significant correlations between kCal/hour and light (p < 0.001, r = −0.688), moderate (p < 0.001, r = 0.599) and vigorous (p < 0.001, rs = 0.707) activity, and between gross motor quotient and locomotor (p < 0.001, r = 0.798) and object control (p < 0.001, r = 0.367) skills. No correlation was observed between gross motor quotient and kCal/hour. To conclude, children in this cohort were primarily inactive during ECE center hours. Moreover, gross motor quotient was significantly correlated to locomotor and object control skills. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 781 KiB  
Article
How to Support Child Healthcare Nurses in Sweden to Promote Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors from the Start of Life
by Matilda Ersson, Maria Henström, Gerd Almquist-Tangen, Kylie D. Hesketh and Christine Delisle Nyström
Children 2021, 8(8), 696; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children8080696 - 12 Aug 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2608
Abstract
Child healthcare (CHC) nurses have a key role in promoting and supporting healthy lifestyle behaviors from a young age. Thus, this study aims to investigate the perspectives of CHC nurses regarding discussing food introduction, physical activity/active play, and screen time with parents; explore [...] Read more.
Child healthcare (CHC) nurses have a key role in promoting and supporting healthy lifestyle behaviors from a young age. Thus, this study aims to investigate the perspectives of CHC nurses regarding discussing food introduction, physical activity/active play, and screen time with parents; explore facilitators and barriers influencing the discussion of healthy lifestyle behaviors with parents; and explore the perspectives of CHC nurses regarding a complementary program to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors from the start of life. A total of fifteen nurses participated in semi-structured interviews, which were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. There were four themes that were generated: parental needs; facilitators and barriers; parental groups; and future working methods. This study found that CHC nurses have seen an increase in the need for support among today’s parents. Time, the need to tailor information, and confidence to address sensitive topics were perceived as the largest barriers during daily work for the nurses. Furthermore, large variations in parental groups were found. Finally, the CHC nurses displayed a willingness and openness to change and develop current working methods using digital solutions. These solutions could possibly ease the workload and at the same time, support parents to create healthy lifestyle behaviors from the start of their child’s life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 262 KiB  
Article
Nutrition and Physical Activity Behavior in 11–14-Year-Old Schoolchildren in Serbia
by Biljana Cvetković, Milan Cvetković, Tanja Petrušič, Višnja Đorđić, Saša Bubanj, Boris Popović, Slobodan Andrašić, Svetlana Buišić and Špela Bogataj
Children 2021, 8(8), 625; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children8080625 - 23 Jul 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2072
Abstract
Regular physical activity and healthy diet have a significant positive impact on children’s health. Lack of physical activity increases the risk of various diseases, while obesity has become an alarming health problem worldwide. The aim of this study is to investigate the patterns [...] Read more.
Regular physical activity and healthy diet have a significant positive impact on children’s health. Lack of physical activity increases the risk of various diseases, while obesity has become an alarming health problem worldwide. The aim of this study is to investigate the patterns of physical activity and diet among 11–14-year-old school children in Serbia. The sample included 623 primary school children, of whom 333 were boys (53.45%) and 290 were girls (46.55%). The children were also divided according to their age/grade: fifth grade/11 years (24.40% (n = 152; M = 84, F = 68)), sixth grade/12 years (25.68% (n = 160; M = 91, F = 69)), seventh grade/13 years (26.81% (n = 167; M = 83, F = 84)) and eighth grade/14 years (23.11% (n = 144; M = 75, F = 69)). Children’s lifestyle was assessed using two subscales of questionnaires based on the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile model II. The Mann–Whitney U test showed no statistically significant difference between boys and girls in the variables Nutrition (p = 0.81) and Physical Activity (p = 0.91). The Kruskal–Wallis test was applied and showed no statistically significant differences between children of different ages, regardless of gender, in the variable Nutrition (p = 0.63). However, differences were evident in the variable Physical Activity (p < 0.001), with the highest mean scores recorded in 12- and 13-year-old children and the lowest in 14-year-old children. Additionally, no statistically significant differences were found among boys as a function of age in the variables Nutrition (p = 0.55) and Physical Activity (p = 0.15), nor among girls in the variable Nutrition (p = 0.43), but in the variable Physical Activity (p = 0.01). In general, it can be concluded that the older primary school children have relatively satisfactory dietary and physical activity habits, but that these behaviors decrease with age, especially the level of physical activity. There is a need for better and more effective education of children about the benefits and importance of proper nutrition and regular physical activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition Research)
10 pages, 261 KiB  
Article
Association of Family Nutrition and Physical Activity with Preschooler’s Working Memory: A Cross-Sectional Study among Mexican Children
by Liliana Aguayo, Maria Pineros-Leano, Rifat B. Alam, Rosalba Aguirre-Pereyra, Andiara Schwingel and Solveig A. Cunningham
Children 2021, 8(6), 506; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children8060506 - 15 Jun 2021
Viewed by 2276
Abstract
Healthy eating and active lifestyles are associated with children’s healthy weight and cognitive development. This study examines whether family behaviors relevant for nutrition and activity levels are associated with children’s working memory, independent of their weight status. A convenience sample of child–caregiver dyads [...] Read more.
Healthy eating and active lifestyles are associated with children’s healthy weight and cognitive development. This study examines whether family behaviors relevant for nutrition and activity levels are associated with children’s working memory, independent of their weight status. A convenience sample of child–caregiver dyads (n = 85 dyads) were recruited from a public preschool serving a low-income community in central Mexico. Caregivers reported the frequency of ten family behaviors using the Family Nutrition and Physical Activity screening tool. Children completed a test of their ability to recall four words after a 60-s distraction task, an assessment of working memory. Multiple linear regression models were used to test the association of children’s working memory with each family behavior, adjusting for children’s sex, age, mother’s age and education, and subjective social status and then also adjusting for children’s age- and sex-specific body mass index percentile (BMI-P) and covariates. Higher frequency of breakfast intake was significantly associated with working memory (β = 0.57, p = 0.013). This association was independent of children’s BMI-P. Other family behaviors (frequent family mealtimes, limiting screen time, and others) were not significantly associated with children’s working memory. Frequent breakfast intake could benefit young children’s working memory, regardless of their weight status. This association merits further investigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition Research)
13 pages, 244 KiB  
Article
How to Change Young Children’s Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior: Mechanisms of Behavior Change in the INFANT Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
by Kylie D. Hesketh, Konsita Kuswara, Gavin Abbott, Jo Salmon, Jill A. Hnatiuk and Karen J. Campbell
Children 2021, 8(6), 470; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children8060470 - 02 Jun 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2036
Abstract
Background: Understanding the mechanisms (mediators) of behavior change is crucial to designing more effective interventions. However, this is rarely reported. This paper investigates the mechanisms that explain the lack of intervention effect on physical activity and the significant effect on television viewing time [...] Read more.
Background: Understanding the mechanisms (mediators) of behavior change is crucial to designing more effective interventions. However, this is rarely reported. This paper investigates the mechanisms that explain the lack of intervention effect on physical activity and the significant effect on television viewing time from an early childhood trial. Methods: Secondary analyses were undertaken of data from a cluster randomized controlled trial. The Melbourne Infant Feeding, Activity and Nutrition Trial (INFANT) was a 15-month group program promoting obesity-protective behaviors from the age of 4 months. Outcomes relevant to the current study were child physical activity (accelerometer), television viewing time (maternal report) and 12 potential mediator scales (maternal report). Linear regression models used the product of coefficients method with a joint significance test. Results: Complete data were from 398 mother-child dyads. Despite weak evidence of an intervention effect on the mother’s physical activity knowledge and optimism, there was no effect on children’s physical activity, and no clear mechanisms were identified. An intervention effect was observed for the mothers’ television knowledge (unstandardized regression coefficient for a path (a) = 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI95) = 0.22, 0.45), with weak evidence for maternal efficacy (a = 0.11, CI95 = −0.02, 0.24) and the use of television (a = −0.10, CI95 = −0.22, 0.01). The intervention impact on television knowledge explained 75% of the difference between the intervention and control groups in children’s television viewing. Conclusions: In the very early childhood period, as mothers are commencing their parenting journey, improving their behavioral knowledge appears to be the biggest contributor to reducing child television viewing, constituting a relatively simple strategy that could be implemented across clinical and public health settings. In contrast, it remains unclear what mechanisms may increase physical activity levels in this age group. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition Research)
12 pages, 1169 KiB  
Article
The Effect of a 10-Week Physical Activity Programme on Fundamental Movement Skills in 3–4-Year-Old Children within Early Childhood Education Centres
by Ajmol Ali, Claire McLachlan, Owen Mugridge, Tara McLaughlin, Cathryn Conlon and Linda Clarke
Children 2021, 8(6), 440; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children8060440 - 24 May 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3558
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the effect of a 10-week physical activity (PA) programme, in early childhood education (ECE) settings, on 3 and 4-year-old children’s fundamental movement skills (FMS). A further aim was to examine FMS three-months post-intervention. The PA [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to examine the effect of a 10-week physical activity (PA) programme, in early childhood education (ECE) settings, on 3 and 4-year-old children’s fundamental movement skills (FMS). A further aim was to examine FMS three-months post-intervention. The PA instructors delivered one 45 min session/week over 10 weeks, to 3- and 4-year-old children (n = 46), across four ECE centres. These sessions involved participation from ECE teachers. Children in the control group (CON; n = 20) received no PA classes and completed pre- and post-intervention assessments only. Locomotor (e.g., running/hopping) and object-control (e.g., kicking/throwing) skills were assessed using the Test for Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2), before and after the intervention and, for the intervention group (EXP), at 3 months. Locomotor and object-control skills significantly improved in the EXP group, with typically no change in the CON group. The EXP group’s locomotor and object-control skills were maintained at 3 months. The 10-week PA intervention successfully improved 3- and 4-year-old children’s FMS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 253 KiB  
Article
Physical Activity Levels among Preschool-Aged Children in Family Child Care Homes: A Comparison between Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Children Using Accelerometry
by Augustine W. Kang, Kim M. Gans, Tayla von Ash, Danielle Castagneri, Laura Dionne, Alison Tovar and Patricia M. Risica
Children 2021, 8(5), 349; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children8050349 - 28 Apr 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1786
Abstract
Obesity prevalence among Hispanic children is twice that of non-Hispanic white children; Hispanic children may also engage in less physical activity (PA) compared to non-Hispanic white children. A large number of U.S. preschool-aged children are cared for in Family Child Care Homes (FCCH), [...] Read more.
Obesity prevalence among Hispanic children is twice that of non-Hispanic white children; Hispanic children may also engage in less physical activity (PA) compared to non-Hispanic white children. A large number of U.S. preschool-aged children are cared for in Family Child Care Homes (FCCH), yet few studies have examined PA levels and ethnicity differences in PA levels among these children. We examine baseline data from a cluster-randomized trial (Healthy Start/Comienzos Sanos) to improve food and PA environments in FCCHs. Children aged 2-to-5-years (n = 342) wore triaxial accelerometers for two days in FCCHs. Variables examined include percentage of time (%) spent in sedentary, and light, moderate, and vigorous PA. The full dataset (n = 342) indicated sedentary behavior 62% ± 11% of the time and only 10% ± 5% of the time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA. Among children in the upper-median half of wear-time (n = 176), Hispanic children had significantly greater % sedentary time vs. Non-Hispanic children (66.2% ± 8.3% vs. 62.6% ± 6.9%, p = 0.007), and lower % light PA (25.4% ± 6.3% vs. 27.7% ± 4.9%, p = 0.008) and moderate PA (5.5% ± 2.1% vs. 6.4% ± 2.2%, p = 0.018). Our results highlight that PA levels were lower among our sample compared to previous studies, and that Hispanic children were more sedentary and less active compared to non-Hispanic white children. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition Research)
11 pages, 823 KiB  
Article
Impact of a Series of Educational Talks Taught by Health Professionals to Promote Healthy Snack Choices among Children
by Víctor Arufe Giráldez, Javier Puñal Abelenda, Rubén Navarro-Patón and Alberto Sanmiguel-Rodríguez
Children 2021, 8(3), 203; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children8030203 - 08 Mar 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2460
Abstract
Background: One of the great challenges facing today’s society is the need to combat overweight and obesity in schoolchildren. This study aimed to analyze the impact of a cycle of didactic talks—given to families by a specialist in pediatrics, a specialist in nutrition [...] Read more.
Background: One of the great challenges facing today’s society is the need to combat overweight and obesity in schoolchildren. This study aimed to analyze the impact of a cycle of didactic talks—given to families by a specialist in pediatrics, a specialist in nutrition and dietetics and a specialist in physical exercise—on childrens’ snack choices and nutrition quality. Methods: A longitudinal, quasi-experimental and quantitative investigation was designed, working with a total sample of 50 students divided into control and experimental groups. The nutritional quality of daily snacks was recorded during the month before and the month after the cycle of talks given by health experts. Results: An increase in the nutritional quality of the snacks was observed in the days after the talk—but, after a week, values returned to normal. Conclusions: The giving of educational talks to promote healthy habits may have a positive impact on the nutritional quality of school snacks in the days immediately following the talks. However, some forgetfulness was detected over time, which reduced the nutritional quality of the snacks once more. For future work, it is recommended that researchers measure the impact produced by giving regular talks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

30 pages, 791 KiB  
Review
Scoping Review of Yoga in Schools: Mental Health and Cognitive Outcomes in Both Neurotypical and Neurodiverse Youth Populations
by Niamh Hart, Samantha Fawkner, Ailsa Niven and Josie N. Booth
Children 2022, 9(6), 849; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children9060849 - 08 Jun 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5228
Abstract
Yoga is used widely as a therapeutic tool for physical and mental well-being. The mind-body activity could be an inclusive and cost-effective intervention used within schools to help tackle the mental health crisis in youth populations. To date, research has focused on mainly [...] Read more.
Yoga is used widely as a therapeutic tool for physical and mental well-being. The mind-body activity could be an inclusive and cost-effective intervention used within schools to help tackle the mental health crisis in youth populations. To date, research has focused on mainly neurotypical youth populations. However, greater acknowledgement of the impact for neurodiverse youth populations is warranted. Therefore, the aim of this scoping review is to understand what is known about the relationships between yoga in schools and mental health and cognition in neurotypical and neurodiverse youth populations. Methods: This review followed O’Malley and Arskey’s methodological framework. A comprehensive database search using fundamental keywords and index terms was conducted. Screening was carried out in CovidenceTM software. Results: Substantial evidence to support the use of school-based yoga programmes for the improvement of anxiety, self-concept, resilience, depression, self-esteem, subjective and psychological well-being, executive function, inhibition, working memory, attention and academic performance in neurotypical populations was found. Evidence to support school-based yoga programmes in neurodiverse populations with improvements in self-concept, subjective well-being, executive function, academic performance and attention was also found. Conclusions: The findings support the provision of yoga in schools to improve mental health and cognition whilst also creating clear pathways for future research and school-based yoga intervention development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop