Impact of exergaming on young children's school day energy expenditure and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels

Background: Although emerging research is demonstrating the potential health impact of exergaming,investigations have primarily been conducted in laboratory settings among small samples with short-term interventions.Information on the effectiveness of exergaming in underserved children's objective physical activity(PA) in population-based settings is also scarce.Moreover,most empirical studies have only included 1 type of exergame in the intervention.Therefore,this study's purpose was to investigate the long-term impact of a multigame exergaming intervention among underserved children integrated within school curricula.Specifically,this study examined the effect of exergaming on children's accelerometer-determined sedentary behavior(SB),light PA,moderate-to-vigorous PA(MVPA),and energy expenditure(EE) over 2 years as compared with regular physical education(PE) classes.Methods: A total of 261 second-and third-grade children(134 girls,127 boys; mean age 8.27 years) were recruited from 2 Texas elementary schools.Children's pre-test 3-day SB,light PA,MVPA,and EE at school were assessed in the fall of 2012.Participants were assigned to 1 of 2groups:(1) exergaming/PE group(125 min weekly of exergaming-based PA program) and (2) comparison group(125 min weekly of PE).PA(SB,light PA,and MVPA) and EE outcome variables were assessed again in 2013(post-test) and 2014(follow-up).Results: Significant time effects were observed for SB(F(1,162)=25.0,p<0.01,η~2= 0.14),light PA(F(1,162)=9.6,p<0.01,η~2= 0.06),and MVPA(F(1,162)=6.2,p=0.01,η~2= 0.04) but not for EE(F(1,162)=0.63,p>0.05,η~2= 0.004).Subsequent pairwise comparisons revealed significant increases from pre-to post-test for light PA(p<0.01),MVPA(p<0.01),and EE(p=0.02) with no changes in SB(p>0.05).Conversely,significant decreases occurred in light PA(p<0.01) from post-test to follow-up with no differences seen in MVPA(p=0.08) and EE(p=0.06) over the same time period.A significant increase was seen,however,for SB from post-test to follow-up.Conclusion: Exergaming PE can have the same positive effect on children's light PA,MVPA,and EE as regular PE.More research is necessary to discern how to promote long-term PA participation after conclusion of the intervention.

Empowering youth sport environments: Implications for daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and adiposity

Background: Evidence suggests involvement in youth sport does not guarantee daily guidelines for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity(MVPA) are met, and participation may not mitigate the risks associated with physical inactivity. The need to promote higher habitual MVPA engagement amongst children active in the youth sport context has therefore been underlined. Framed by self-determination theory, the aim of the present study was to examine the implications of the motivational climate created in youth sport, for children's daily engagement in MVPA and associated adiposity. Specifically, we sought to test a motivational sequence in which children's perceptions of an empowering coach-created motivational climate were related to autonomous and controlled motivation, which in turn predicted sport-related enjoyment. Finally, enjoyment was assumed to predict accelerometer assessed daily MVPA and, following this, adiposity.Methods: Male and female youth sport participants aged 9–16 years(n = 112) completed multi-section questionnaires assessing their perceptions of the motivational climate created in youth sport(i.e., autonomy supportive, task involving, socially supportive), autonomous and controlled motivation, and sport-related enjoyment. Daily MVPA engagement was determined via 7 days of accelerometry. Percent body fat(BF%) was estimated using bio-electrical impedance analysis.Results: Path analysis revealed perceptions of an empowering motivational climate positively predicted players' autonomous motivation, and in turn, sport-related enjoyment. Enjoyment was also significantly negatively related to players' BF%, via a positive association with daily MVPA.Conclusion: Fostering more empowering youth sport environments may hold implications for the prevention of excess adiposity, through encouraging higher habitual MVPA engagement. Findings may inform the optimal design of youth sport settings for MVPA promotion, and contribute towards associated healthy weight maintenance amongst youth active in this context. Longitudinal and intervention studies are required to confirm these results.

Physical activity among Chinese school-aged children:National prevalence estimates from the 2016 Physical Activity and Fitness in China The Youth Study

Purpose: This study was to present national estimates of participating in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity(MVPA) and adherence to the recommendations of 60 min/day of MVPA among Chinese school-aged children and to assess demographic differences in MVPA.Methods: Cross-sectional analyses of data from the 2016 Physical Activity and Fitness in China—The Youth Study. Participants were 90,712 primary, junior middle, and junior high school children(boy: 47%; girl: 53%), recruited from 1204 rural and urban schools across 32 administrative provinces and regions in the Mainland of China. Main outcomes were(a) average MVPA minutes per day in the previous 7 days by self-reports and(b) percentage meeting MVPA recommendations.Results: Average MVPA time was 45.4 min/day, with boys having more MVPA(47.2 min/day) than girls(43.7 min/day) overall and across the 3 school grade categories. About 30% of participants met MVPA recommendations, with a higher percentage of boys(32%) than girls(28%) overall and across the 3 grades categories. Urban school children outperformed rural children in terms of MVPA time. Overall, boys were more likely to meet MVPA recommendations(adjusted odds ratio(a OR) = 1.19, 95% confidence interval(CI): 1.16–1.22) compared with girls; children in higher grades(junior middle(a OR = 0.92, 95%CI: 0.87–0.98) and junior high(a OR = 0.59, 95%CI: 0.53–0.66)) were less likely to meet recommendations compared with primary school children. The odds of meeting recommendations did not differ between urban and rural children(p = 0.07),but urban boys were found to be more likely to meet recommendations compared with rural boys(a OR = 1.14, 95%CI: 1.06–1.19).Conclusion: Overall, the average MVPA minutes per day among Chinese school-aged children is low, and less than one-third of them meet MVPA recommendations. These results were most evident among junior middle and junior high school children and those living rural areas.

Effects of exergaming on motor skill competence,perceived competence,and physical activity in preschool children

Background: Few school settings offer opportunities for preschool children to engage in structured physical activity, and only a few studies have been conducted examining exergaming's effectiveness on health outcomes in this age group. This study's purpose, therefore, was to examine a school-based exergaming intervention's effect on preschool children's perceived competence(PC), motor skill competence(MSC), and physical activity versus usual care(recess), as well as to examine gender differences for these outcomes.Methods: A total of 65 preschool children from 2 underserved urban schools were assigned to 1 of 2 conditions, with the school as the experimental unit:(1) usual care recess group(8 weeks of 100 min of recess/week(5 days ￡ 20 min)) and(2) exergaming intervention group(8 weeks of100 min of exergaming/week(5 days ￡ 20 min) at school). All children underwent identical assessments of PC, MSC, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity(MVPA) at baseline and at the end of the 8 th week.Results: A significant Group ￡ Time effect was observed for MVPA, F(1, 52) = 4.37, p = 0.04, h2 p= 0.04, but not for PC, F(1, 52) = 0.83, p = 0.37,h2 p= 0.02, or MSC, F(1, 52) = 0.02, p = 0.88, h2 p= 0.00. Specifically, the intervention children displayed significantly greater increased MVPA after8 weeks than the comparison children. Additionally, there was a significant time effect for MSC, F(1, 52) = 15.61, p < 0.01, h2 p= 0.23, and gender effect for MVPA, F(1, 52) = 5.06, p = 0.02, h2 p= 0.09. Although all preschoolers' MSC improved across time, boys demonstrated greater MVPA than girls at both time points.Conclusion: Exergaming showed a positive effect in promoting preschool children's MVPA at school and has the potential to enhance PC and MSC. More research with larger sample sizes and longer study durations are warranted.

Meeting 24-h movement guidelines: Prevalence, correlates, and the relationships with overweight and obesity among Chinese children and adolescents

Background:Meeting 24-h movement guidelines by children and adolescents has been associated with improved indicators of health,although it has been under-studied in China.Hence,this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of meeting the 24-h movement guidelines,its correlates,and its relationships with body mass index in children and adolescents in China.Methods:Cross-sectional data from the 2017 Youth Study in China of 114,072 children and adolescents(mean age=13.75 years,49.18%boys)were used.Meeting 24-h movement guidelines(60 min of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity,2 h of daily leisure screen time,911 h and 810 h nightly sleep duration for 613-year-olds and 1417-year-olds,respectively)and height and weight of all participants were assessed.The prevalence of meeting the 24-h movement guidelines and World Health Organization weight status categories were determined.Generalized linear models were used to determine the correlates of meeting the 24-h movement guidelines and the relationships of meeting the 24-h movement guidelines with overweight(OW)and obesity(OB).Results:Only 5.12%of Chinese children and adolescents met the 24-h movement guidelines,and 22.44%were classified as OW/OB.Older children and adolescents were less likely to meet the 24-h movement guidelines.Parental education level and family income were positively related to meeting the 24-h movement guidelines.Children and adolescents meeting the 24-h movement guidelines showed lower odds ratios for OW/OB.Compared with participants meeting the 24-h movement guidelines,boys in 4th6th grades met none of the recommendations(OR=1.22,95%CI:1.061.40),met the screen time recommendation only(OR=1.13,95%CI:1.011.28),met the nightly sleep duration recommendation only(OR=1.14,95%CI:1.031.28),and had significantly higher odds ratios for OW/OB.Similar trends were observed for girls in 4th6th grades:meeting none of the guidelines(OR=1.35,95%CI:1.141.59),meeting sleep duration guidelines only(OR=1.23,95%CI:1.081.39),and meeting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity+nightly sleep duration guidelines(OR=1.24,95%CI:1.011.54).For girls in 7th9th grades,the following trend was observed:meeting none of the guidelines(OR=1.30,95%CI:1.011.67).Conclusion:Very few Chinese children and adolescents met the 24-h movement guidelines.Age(negatively correlated),parental education level,and family income(both positively correlated)were correlates of meeting the 24-h movement guidelines.Children and adolescents meeting the 24-h movement guidelines were more likely to have lower risks for OW/OB,especially in the youngest age group(Grades 46);and girls in the middle age group(Grades 79)were also more likely to have lower risks for OW/OB.Further research studies should explore additional correlates and determinants for meeting the 24-h movement guidelines.Also,future studies should use longitudinal or interventional designs to determine the relationships between meeting the 24-h movement guidelines and OW/OB and other health indicators,while taking sex and age differences into account.

The effects of a bike active video game on players' physical activity and motivation

Background: Players may not acquire adequate levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity(MVPA) when playing commercial video games.This study's goal was to evaluate the effects of an exercise bike video game played by using a mobile application-based exergame that was designed exclusively to promote participants' MVPA, with additional attention paid to this game's ability to promote greater situational interest.Methods: An experimental design was used with 163 students(aged 20.31 ± 1.30, 18–26 years, 61.3% male), all of whom were randomly allocated into an experimental group and a control group. Physical activity(PA) levels were assessed with Acti Graph GT3X+(Acti Graph Inc., Fort Walton Beach, FL, USA) accelerometers. The situational interest scale was used to evaluate students' situational interest in both groups.Multivariate analysis of variance was conducted to examine the differences between sedentary behavior, PA levels, and situational interest between groups. Regression analyses were also used, with the purpose being to evaluate the strength of the relationship between PA and situational interest.Results: Results revealed that the experimental group had higher degrees of sedentary behavior, light PA, total interest, instant enjoyment,exploration intention, attention demand, novelty, and challenge, whereas the control group received higher scores for MVPA(control 95.01% vs.experimental group 89.94%). Regression analysis indicated that instant enjoyment(β = 0.49, p < 0.01), exploration intention(β = 0.18, p < 0.05),and attention demand(β = 0.17, p < 0.05) were positive predictors for total interest, explaining 43% of its variance.Conclusion: A newly designed mobile application-based exergame played via an exercise bike may enhance situational interest and provide a decent level of PA for players.

Children's physical activity levels and psychological correlates in interactive dance versus aerobic dance

Purpose： The purpose of this study was to compare children＇s physical activity （PA） levels, self-efficacy, and enjoyment when experiencing dance-exergaming （Dance Dance Revolution, DDR） and aerobic dance in physical education. Methods： A total of 53 urban fourth grade children were divided into two groups, with one group playing DDR and the other group engaged in aerobic dance. After 15 min, the groups switched activities and continued their respective activities for another 15 min. Participants wore NL- 1000 pedometers in four consecutive sessions, and responded to a questionnaire measuring their self-efficacy and enjoyment toward two dance activities at the end of the first session. Results： Children spent more moderate-to-vigorous PA （MVPA） time （p 〈 0.01, 72 = 0.49） in aerobic dance than DDR. Additionally, children reported significantly higher self-efficacy （p 〈 0.001, 72 = 0.28） and enjoyment （p 〈 0.01, η2 = 0.18） in DDR than in aerobic dance. Conclusion： Health care professionals and educators may not replace the traditional PAs and sports with interactive video games, but may use exergaming as an excellent addition to promote PA. Copyright 2013, Shanghai University of Sport. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effectiveness of a 17-week lifestyle intervention on health behaviors among airline pilots during COVID-19

Purpose:The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a 17-week,3-component lifestyle intervention for enhancing health behaviors during the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic.Methods:A parallel-group(intervention and control)study was conducted amongst 79 airline pilots over a 17-week period during the COVID-19 pandemic.The intervention group(n=38)received a personalized sleep,dietary,and physical activity(PA)program.The control group(n=41)received no intervention.Outcome measures for sleep,fruit and vegetable intake,PA,and subjective health were measured though an online survey before and after the 17-week period.The changes in outcome measures were used to determine the efficacy of the intervention.Results:Significant main effects for time￡group were found for International Physical Activity Questionnaire-walk(p=0.02)and for all other outcome measures(p<0.01).The intervention group significantly improved in sleep duration(p<0.01;d=1.35),Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score(p<0.01;d=1.14),moderate-to-vigorous PA(p<0.01;d=1.44),fruit and vegetable intake(p<0.01;d=2.09),Short Form 12v2 physical score(p<0.01;d=1.52),and Short Form 12v2 mental score(p<0.01;d=2.09).The control group showed significant negative change for sleep duration,Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score,and Short Form 12v2 mental score(p<0.01).Conclusion:Results provide preliminary evidence that a 3-component healthy sleep,eating,and PA intervention elicit improvements in health behaviors and perceived subjective health in pilots and may improve quality of life during an unprecedented global pandemic.

Correlates of long-term physical activity adherence in women

Background: Little is known about the factors that may influence women's adherence to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity(MVPA) using longitudinal data. The purpose of this study was to examine the correlates of long-term physical activity(PA) participation among women.Methods: Female data from Waves I, III, and IV(n = 5381) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health(Add Health) were used for the analysis. The outcome of PA adherence was operationalized as(1) consistently physically active(at least 5 instances during the week)in both Waves III and IV(during adulthood), and(2) consistently not physically active or only physically active in either Wave III or IV. Predictor variables from Wave I(during adolescence) included race/ethnicity, PA level, self-perception of being physically fit, general health status, attempt to change weight, parents' income level, parents' education, well-being, depression, access to PA resources, days of physical education(PE), and grade level. Crude and adjusted logistic regression models were utilized to estimate the adjusted odds ratio(a OR) and 95% confidence interval(95%CI) for the outcome variable.Results: PA levels during adolescence significantly predicted PA adherence(a OR = 1.67, 95%CI: 1.35–2.05). Additionally, wanting to lose weight(a OR = 1.49, 95%CI: 1.20–1.85), using fitness center in the neighborhood(a OR = 1.29, 95%CI: 1.05–1.58), and having 5 days of PE a week(a OR = 1.48, 95%CI: 1.09–2.02) were significant predictors. Women who did not perceive being physically fit(a OR = 0.65, 95%CI: 0.44–0.95)and Black, non-Hispanics(a OR = 0.60, 95%CI: 0.44–0.82) were less likely to adhere to PA.Conclusion: The findings suggested that physically active adolescents were more likely to become active adults. Future research should address interventions(e.g., PE program, community resources) that may promote lifetime PA in women, with the goal of decreasing morbidity and mortality.

The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on physical activity in U.S. children

Background:Daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity(MVPA)is vital to the physical,mental,and social well-being of children.Early restrictions during the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic included the closure of schools and physical activity(PA)amenities across the US.This study aimed to examine the impact of the pandemic on the PA and play behavior of U.S.children and to provide evidencebased recommendations to improve their PA.Methods:A cross-sectional,online,parent-reported survey was conducted of children aged 318 years between April and June 2020 to assess light PA and MVPA using a modified Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire.Additional items included family/child socioeconomic demographics,child adaptability to the pandemic,and community access.The survey was shared through social media and snowball sampling distribution.Results:Analysis of 1310 surveys indicated child PA scores declined significantly during the pandemic(from 56.6 to 44.6,max 119,p<0.001).Specifically,MVPA score decreased(from 46.7 to 34.7,max 98,p<0.001)while light PA remained the same.Age-based changes were seen in the quantity,variety,and intensity of PA,with the lowest pandemic-related impact seen in preschoolers and the highest in high schoolers(4.7 vs.17.2,p<0.001).Community-based peer PA decreased across all age groups.Conclusion:This study shows decreased PA levels in U.S.children,according to parent reporting,during the COVID-19 pandemic.Recommendations for community leaders,educators,and parents to improve PA in children are provided.With continued spread of COVID-19,these results and recommendations may be imperative to the physical well-being of U.S.children.

Comparison of daily physical activity parameters using objective methods between overweight and normal-weight children

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to determine if there were any differences in various aspects of physical activity such as energy expenditure, intensity, and type of activity between normal-weight and overweight boys.Methods: Children aged 9—12 years were recruited from 2 elementary schools located in different urban districts in Republic of Korea. The present study included 45 Korean boys, of which 19 were normal-weight and 26 were overweight. Daily physical activity was estimated over the same 1-week study period under free-living conditions using the doubly labeled water(DLW) method and a tri-axial accelerometer. Resting metabolic rate(RMR) was measured using the Douglas bag method and open-circuit indirect calorimetry. We calculated the physical activity level(PAL) as the total energy expenditure(TEE)/RMR.Results: PAL was not significantly different between the groups. In the accelerometer data, time spent in locomotive moderate-to-vigorous physical activity(MVPA) was significantly lower in overweight boys than in normal-weight subjects, whereas other variables including non-locomotive activity did not differ between groups. In addition, among all participants, time spent in total locomotive activity was significantly associated with PAL. Time spent in locomotive MVPA was significantly associated with PAL.Conclusion: Overweight boys may be less physically active based on locomotive MVPA, which was positively related with PAL. Our findings suggest that the contribution of locomotive MVPA to the increase in PAL was relatively significant.

Nutritional supplement drink reduces inflammation and postoperative depression in patients after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery

BACKGROUND Coronary artery bypass grafting is a surgical treatment for ischemic heart disease.Although development in surgical technique and improvement of perioperative management reduced the postoperative complications,some patients still delayed in progress of postoperative rehabilitation.In this study,we aimed to investigate the effect of daily intake of an herbal medicine-containing drink for rehabilitation after surgery in patients with ischemic heart disease.AIM To investigate the effect of taking an herbal medicine-containing,commercially available drink for postoperative rehabilitation in those patients.METHODS Patients who underwent isolated off-pump coronary artery bypass(OPCAB)surgery were divided into two groups depend on the timing of the admission to the hospital:the Yunker(YKR)group,that consumed one bottle of a caffeine-free nutritional supplement drink on a daily basis and the control group(CTL)that underwent regular rehabilitation.RESULTS A total of 229 patients(CTL=130,YKR=99)were enrolled.No significant differences were observed in the baseline characteristics between the two groups.The YKR group had a significantly increased number of daily steps postoperatively(P<0.05)and had significantly lower postoperative serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels(P<0.01),while no significant differences were observed in the levels of other inflammatory or stress-related cytokines(interleukin-6,adiponectin,superoxide dismutase,and urine 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine)between the two groups.Also,the YKR group showed a significant improvement in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score(P<0.05).Moreover,there were no differences in postoperative complications and the duration of postoperative hospital stay between the two groups.CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that the daily intake of an herbal medicine-containing drink after OPCAB surgery may have beneficial effects on cardiac rehabilitation by reducing inflammation markers and depression.

Youth Physical Activity and Enjoyment during Semi-Structured versus Unstructured School Recess

Background: Physical activity throughout the school day may help reduce the risk of childhood obesity. Semi-structured recess is a unique approach to create more physical activity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the physical activity and enjoyment of urban school children during traditional unstructured recess and semi-structured recess. Method: Children from the Southwestern US (N = 165) wore a NL-1000 piezoelectric accelerometer during their 15-minute lunch recess. Children participated in both their traditional unstructured (no structure and no equipment) recess and semi-structured (organized games and equipment) recess. An enjoyment scale was completed after both types of recess formats. Results: During unstructured recess, children accumulated 1028 ± 356 steps and 4.59 ± 2.2 minutes of MVPA compared to 1156 ± 434 steps and 5.44 ± 2.76 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during semi-structured recess. Paired sample t-tests revealed that children took significantly more steps (t = &#87224.98;p < 0.001) and MVPA (t = &#87225.940;p < 0.001) during semi-structured recess. No significant differences were found for enjoyment (p = 0.847) between recesses. Conclusions: It is important for schools to consider creative, semi-structured recess opportunities to increase step counts and time in MVPA (while maintaining enjoyment) and reinforce recess as an important component of a comprehensive school physical activity program.

Associations between sociodemographic factors and physical activity and sedentary behaviors in adults with chronic diseases during COVID-19 pandemic

The pandemic of the new coronavirus(COVID-19)may be affecting the physical activity(PA)level in much of the population.This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of physical inactivity and sedentary behavior(SB)among adults with chronic diseases and their associations with sociodemographic factors during the COVID-19 pandemic.This cross-sectional study included 249 participants(age:18-91 years;61.4%female)with chronic conditions and attended the Family Health Strategy program in a small town in Brazil.Data were collected between 2020-07-13 and 2020-07-24 by face-to-face interviews.Self-reported PA,sitting time,chronic diseases,medication use,sociodemographic data,and self-isolation adherence were obtained by questionnaire.During this specific time point of the COVID-19 pandemic,71.5%of participants did not meet the PA recommendations(≥500 METs-min/week),and the prevalence of SB risk(≥4 h sitting)was 62.7%.Adjusted logistic regression indicated that male participants(odds ratio[OR]:1.89[95%CI 1.02-3.53]),living alone(OR:2.92[95%CI 1.03-8.30])or in a two-person household(OR:2.32[95%CI 1.16-4.63]),and those who reported sometimes performing self-isolation(OR:3.07[95%CI 1.47-6.40])were more likely to meet the minimum PA recommendations.Current smokers had a lower odds(OR:0.36[95%CI 0.14-0.95])of meeting the PA recommendations.Older participants(OR:2.18[95%CI 1.06-4.50])and those who had multimorbidity(OR:1.92[95%CI 1.07-3.44])were more likely to have a higher degree of SB.There is an urgent need to mitigate physical inactivity and SB,and public health interventions must take into account sociodemographic status.