Compliance with the 24-h movement behaviors guidelines among urban and rural Brazilian preschoolers.

BACKGROUND: The importance of movement behaviors for health is well-known, although few studies have examined the compliance with movement guidelines in preschoolers from different living contexts. This study reported the compliance with the 24-h movement behaviors guidelines among low-income Brazilian preschoolers from rural and urban areas, according to age. METHODS: A total of 453 preschoolers (n = 222 urban), aged between 3 and 5 years, provided physical activity (PA) data (Actigraph wGT3X). Sleep duration, and screen time were parent-reported. Preschoolers were classified as compliant/non- compliant with the 24-h movement guidelines, according to age. The association between prevalence of compliance with the recommendations and the children's living setting were estimated (SPSS; 27.0). RESULTS: Preschoolers were active (mean = 299.19 ± 76.42; and 369.76 ± 95.56 min/day in urban and rural areas, respectively), though moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) time was below the 60 daily minutes recommended in both urban and rural settings (mean = 38.39 ± 21.36; and 47.32 ± 24.28, respectively). None of the urban children complied with the three recommendations simultaneously, while in the rural area, only 2.6% were compliant. Single movement behaviors compliances in the urban setting were 6.8%, 28.8% and 5.4% for PA, sleep, and screen time, respectively; while for rural settings were 16.5%, 21.2%, and 7.4%. Living in the rural area was related to the compliance with PA recommendation for the 5-year-old preschoolers. CONCLUSION: In both urban and rural Brazilian areas, very few preschoolers are compliant with the guidelines, and more than one third of the children do not comply with any of the recommendations. Strategies and programs to promote compliance with movement behaviors guidelines should consider children's living setting and their age groups.

Sex differences in 3- to 5-year-old children's motor competence: A pooled cross-sectional analysis of 6241 children.

There is some, albeit inconsistent, evidence supporting sex differences in preschoolers' motor competence (MC), with these observations not uniform when analyzed by age, and cultural groups. Thus, this study examined sex differences across ages in 3- to 5-year-old children's MC. A cross-country pooled sample of 6241 children aged 3-5 years (49.6% girls) was assessed for MC using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2nd/3rd edition, and children were categorized into groups of age in months. Multiple linear regression models and predictive margins were calculated to explore how sex and age in months affect scores of MC (i.e., locomotor and ball skills), with adjustments for country and BMI. The Chow's Test was used to test for the presence of a structural break in the data. Significant differences in favor of girls were seen at 57-59 and 66-68 months of age for locomotor skills; boys performed better in ball skills in all age periods, except for 42-44 and 45-47 months of age. The higher marginal effects were observed for the period between 45-47 and 48-50 months for locomotor skills (F = 30.21; and F = 25.90 for girls and boys, respectively), and ball skills (F = 19.01; and F = 42.11 for girls and boys, respectively). A significantly positive break point was seen at 45-47 months, highlighting the age interval where children's MC drastically improved. The identification of this breakpoint provides an evidence-based metric for when we might expect MC to rapidly increase, and an indicator of early delay when change does not occur at that age.

Effects of a physical education intervention on children's physical activity and fitness: the PROFIT pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Physical education classes are widely accepted as one of the most effective settings for promoting physical activity and health and have often been used to implement physical activity interventions. The aim of this pilot study was to test a physical education intervention program on physical activity levels and physical fitness in a sample of school-age children. METHODS: Participants were a convenience sample of 50 children (34 experimental group and 16 in the comparative group) aged between 6 and 11 years old (Mean = 8.28 years). A 21-week intervention was implemented, consisting of high-intensity and physical fitness-focused exercises, in addition to a once-a-month extra class nutritional education. The following variables were evaluated before and post-intervention: physical fitness, sedentary behavior (SB), light physical activity (LPA), moderate physical activity (MVA), and vigorous physical activity (VPA). Propensity score analyses calculated the average treatment effect on the treated (ATET) within a quasi-experimental framework. RESULTS: Physical fitness variables showed improvements after the intervention, specifically for agility (ATET = -0.67 s; p < 0.001), cardiorespiratory fitness (ATET = 89.27 m; p = 0.045), lower limbs power (ATET = 4.47 centimeters; p = 0.025), and speed (ATET = -1.06 s; p < 0.001). For physical activity and SB levels, there were no improvements after intervention implementation. CONCLUSION: The intervention program showed preliminary effectiveness to improve physical fitness of children, but not SB nor physical activity.

Are low-income preschoolers physically active at preschool settings? A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Preschools may provide opportunities for children to engage in physical activity (PA), to benefit their health, although little is known when concerning low-income preschoolers. This study aimed (1) to describe time spent in PA among low-income children during preschool hours and (2) to analyse how many children meet the PA recommendations during preschool hours. METHODS: A total of 204 low-income preschoolers (4.51 ± 0.79 years) from João Pessoa/Brazil provided valid accelerometer (Actigraph, WGT3-X) data during the preschool period. Children were grouped in quartiles of PA in counts per minute, according to sex and age. The General Linear Model Univariate was used to examine the differences in PA intensities between the quartiles and the time spent in total PA (TPA) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) by quartiles, according to age. An hour-by-hour description of children's PA was presented. RESULTS: TPA during preschool hours ranged from 68.33% to 113.89% of the recommended and from 28.34% to 81.68% of the MVPA recommendations. Among 5-year-old children, those in the highest quartile met the PA recommendations. All children were more active outdoors than indoors. For the less actives, preschool time corresponded to 30% of the recommended daily MVPA. CONCLUSION: The current results reinforce the importance of preschool settings for promoting preschoolers' PA and provide particularly important and useful information for tailoring preschool-based interventions focused on those who need it most. Strategies to increase children's MVPA should be prioritized during free-play time.

The 24-h movement behaviours composition is associated with parasympathetic modulation in preschoolers.

AIM: To investigate the associations between 24-h movement behaviours and heart rate variability (HRV) in preschool children. METHODS: A total of 123 preschoolers (4.52 ± 0.25 years old; 62 girls) were assessed for physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) using an accelerometer (Actigraph WGT3x). Sleep duration (SD) was parent-reported. Children were laid down in a supine position for 10 min to assess HRV data. The R-R intervals recorded during the last 5 min of this period were analysed. We conducted compositional analysis in R studio, and the significance level was 95%. All ethical procedures were followed, and the study had the approval of the local ethical board. RESULTS: When considered as a composition, adjusted for age, body mass index and sex, the 24-h movement composition (PA, SB and SD) significantly predicted better parasympathetic modulation (Root mean square of the successive differences [RMSSD] [p = 0.04; r2 = 0.13]), but not high frequency (HF) (nu) (p = 0.51, r2 = 0.01), low frequency (nu) (p = 0.52, r2 = 0.02),or standard deviation (standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals) (p = 0.55, r2 = 0.02), respectively. CONCLUSION: These results suggest the 24-h movement composition predicted the RMSSD time-domain index related to parasympathetic activity.

WEB OF TRANSFORMATIONS: impact of multicomponent intervention on the relationship between sociodemographic indicators, changes in body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and biochemical markers in adolescents with overweight and obesity.

The study aims to analyze the relationships between changes after multicomponent intervention in sociodemographic indicators, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and biochemical markers in overweight/obese adolescents. Quasi-experimental study with 33 overweight/obese adolescents (17 in the intervention group (IG) and 16 in the control group (16)), in which the GI participated in the multicomponent intervention for 24 weeks. Sociodemographic indicators, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and biochemical markers were evaluated. Network analysis was performed using JASP software. In GI, the reduction in %BF proved to be the variable with greater connectivity and strength in the network compared to the control network. Changes in %BF were related to changes in ACR, BMI and leptin. It is concluded that the reduction in %BF is the most important variable in network relationships after the intervention, suggesting that the greater the reduction in %BF, the greater the effect on variables such as BMI, ACR and leptina.

Paths towards a healthier BMI among short and adequate sleepers: A pathway network analysis considering movement behaviors in low-income preschoolers.

INTRODUCTION: Short sleep duration has been seen as a predictor of higher body mass index (BMI) in youth. Sleep duration varies substantially along early childhood, and the paths towards a healthier BMI, considering the other movement behaviors (physical activity-PA and screen time) are unexplored in preschoolers. AIM: To construct a sleep-BMI model to capture the direct and indirect paths to intervening towards a healthier BMI, according to low-income preschoolers' compliance with the other movement behaviors. METHODS: Two hundred and seventy two preschoolers (4.5 ± 0.0; 138 boys) participated in the study. Sleep and screen time (ST) were assessed in a face-to-face interview with primary caregivers. PA was assessed using accelerometer (wGT3X-BT). Preschoolers were categorized as compliant or not with sleep, screen time, total and moderate to vigorous PA recommendations. BMIz-score was calculated according to preschoolers' sex and age. All the assessed variables, besides sex and age were included in a Network Pathway Analysis (NPA) according to age as nodes. RESULTS: At 3 years old, a direct and negative path between sleep-BMIz score was observed. At four and 5 years old, this relationship became positive. Further, girls were more compliant with sleep, ST and total PA recommendations. Total PA (TPA) showed the highest expected influence value in the general, 3 and 4 years old NPA. CONCLUSION: The NPA analysis showed different directions for the relationship between sleep and BMIz score, according to age. Intervention strategies to a healthier BMI among preschoolers compliant or not with sleep recommendations should focus in increasing TPA.

The relative age effect on fundamental movement skillsl in Chinese children aged 3-5 years.

BACKGROUND: The cut-off date in the education system causes a relative age difference, with developmental advantages for children who are born on the "early side" of the cut-off date and disadvantages for those born later, which is known as the relative age effect (RAE). Very few studies have examined whether there is a RAE on the development of fundamental movement skills (FMSs) in preschool children, and no studies have been conducted in China. The purpose of this study is to identify whether a RAE exists on FMS in Chinese preschool children, comparing RAEs according to gender and age. METHODS: From a total of 378 invited preschool children regularly registered at one Chinese kindergarten, a total of 288 healthy and typically developing preschoolers (4.33 ± 0.84 years-old; 56.6% boys) were included in this study. All children were required to take part in anthropometry and FMS assessments. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was applied to examine the difference in each of the FMS items across quarter categories, year and gender groups, controlling for body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: For the overall sample, the data show the significant main effects on the quarter of birth factor in locomotor skills (LC; F (3, 265) = 2.811, p = 0.04, ηp2 = 0.031), object control skills (OB; F (3, 265) = 6.319, p = 0.04, ηp2 = 0.031), and total test score (TTS; F (3, 265) = 5.988, p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.063). There were also significant differences in the age effect on all the domains of FMS (FLC (2, 265) = 100.654, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.432; FOB (2, 265) = 108.430, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.450; FTTS (2, 265) = 147.234, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.526) but a gender effect only in LC (F (1, 265) = 20.858; p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.073). For gender and quarter of birth groups, RAEs in LC only exists in girls. Moreover, regarding age and quarter of birth factors, RAEs are only found at younger ages. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests the existence of RAEs in the FMS of Chinese preschool children. Teachers need to be aware of the effect of RAEs on the FMS when approaching development, evaluation, and teaching approaches in preschools.

Prevalence and Sociodemographic Correlates of Meeting the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines Among Low-Income Brazilian Older Adults With Chronic Diseases.

This study examined the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of meeting individual behavior and 24-hr movement behavior guidelines among Brazilian older adults with chronic diseases. The sample comprised 273 older adults aged ≥60 years (80.2% women) with chronic diseases from Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. Sociodemographic variables were self-reported, while 24-hr movement behaviors were assessed by accelerometry. Participants were classified as meeting (or not meeting) individual and integrated recommendations for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sedentary behavior, and sleep duration. No participant met the 24-hr movement behavior guidelines, while only 8.4% met integrated MVPA/sleep recommendations. The prevalence of meeting recommendations of MVPA, sedentary behavior, and sleep was 28.9%, 0.4%, and 32.6%, respectively. Discrepancies according to sociodemographic variables on meeting MVPA recommendations existed. The findings show the need for dissemination and implementation strategies to foster adoption of the 24-hr movement behavior guidelines among Brazilian older adults with chronic diseases.

Effects of a multicomponent intervention on cardiovascular risk factors in overweight children: a randomized clinical trial in light of complex systems.

Analyzing the effects of interventions from a theoretical and statistical perspective that allows understanding these dynamic relationships of obesity etiology can be a more efficient and innovative way of understanding the phenomenon's complexity. Thus, we aimed to analyze the pattern of cardiovascular risk factors between-participants, and the effects within-participants of a multidisciplinary intervention on cardiovascular risk factors in overweight children. This is a randomized clinical trial, and 41 participated in this study. A multicomponent intervention (physical activities, nutritional and psychological counseling) was performed for 10 weeks. Anthropometric and hemodynamics measurements, lipid and glucose profile, cardiorespiratory fitness, and left ventricular mass were evaluated. A network analysis was done. Considering patterns in the network at baseline, WC, WHR, BMI, and Fat were the main variables for cardiovascular risks. Group was the most critical variable in the within-participant network. Participating in a multicomponent intervention and decreasing body fat promoted beneficial cardiovascular factors.

Crucial workload variables in female-male elite Brazilian Beach Handball: An exploratory factor analysis.

This study aimed to identify the most important variables of male and female beach handball workload demands and compare them by sex. A total of 92 elite Brazilian beach handball players (54 male: age 22.1 ± 2.6 years, height 1.8 ± 0.5 m, weight 77.6 ± 13.4 kg; and 38 female: age 24.4 ± 5.5 years, height 1.7 ± 0.5 m, weight 67.5 ± 6.5 kg) were analyzed in 24 official matches during a four-day congested tournament. From 250 variables measured by the inertial measurement unit, fourteen were extracted for analysis using Principal Component Analysis as selection criteria. Five Principal Components (PC) were extracted that explained 81.2-82.8% of total variance (overview of workload demands during beach handball). Specifically, 36.2-39.3% was explained by PC1 (DistanceExpl, Distance, Distance4-7 km/h, and Acc), 15-18% by PC2 (AccMax, Acc3-4 m/s, Dec4-3 m/s), 10.7-12.9% by PC3 (JumpsAvg Take-Off, JumpsAvg Landing and PLRT), 8-9.4% by PC4 (Distance> 18.1 km/h, SpeedMax), and 6.7-7.7% by PC5 (HRAvg and Step Balance). Sex-related differences were found in the PC distribution of variables, as well as in selected variables (HRAvg, Dec4-3 m/s, Acc3-4 m/s, JumpsAvg Take-Off, JumpsAvg Landing, AccMax, Distance, Distance4-7 km/h, Acc, SpeedMax) with higher values in male players (p < .05). In conclusion, the sex-related PC distribution and workload demands in beach handball should consider for training design and injury prevention programs.

Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of physical activity and sitting time among South American adolescents: a harmonized analysis of nationally representative cross-sectional surveys.

BACKGROUND: To identify the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of different domains of physical activity (PA) and higher sitting time among South American adolescents. METHODS: Data from national surveys of 11 South American countries were analyzed, and comprised information on 166,901 adolescents. PA (≥ 60 min/day of moderate-vigorous PA), physical education classes (PEC) (≥ 3 classes/wk), active commuting to school (≥ 1 d/wk), and higher sitting time (≥ 3 h/d) were self-reported. Sociodemographic correlates, such as gender, age, and food security status were explored using a random effect meta-analysis for logistic parameters. RESULTS: Recommended PA ranged between 7.5% (Brazil) and 19.0% (Suriname). Peru (2.2%) and Guyana (43.1%) presented the lowest prevalence of PEC and active commuting to school, respectively. Higher sitting time was less prevalent in Bolivia (24.6%) and more prevalent in Argentina (55.6%). Compared to girls, boys were more prone to reach recommendations for PA [OR = 1.94(1.65;2.28)]; to reach ≥ 3 PEC [OR = 1.17(1.04;1.33)] and to be active in commuting to school [(OR = 1.14(1.06;1.23)], but less prone to higher sitting time [OR = 0.89(0.82;0.96)]. Older adolescents had less odds of reach PA guidelines [OR = 0.86(0.77; 0.97)] and accumulated higher sitting time [OR = 1.27(1.14;1.41)]. Adolescents with food insecurity reported more PEC [OR = 1.12(1.04;1.21)] and active commuting to school [OR = 1.12(1.02;1.22)] but had less higher sitting time than their food security pairs [OR = 0.89(0.81;0.98)]. CONCLUSIONS: Few adolescents reach the PA recommendation. Actions aiming the promotion of PA and the reduction of sitting time must consider girls and older adolescents as target groups, as well as the specifics of each country.

Movement behaviors in short versus adequate nocturnal sleepers: A compositional analysis of preschoolers.

BACKGROUND: Accruing adequate daily amounts of time spent on movement behaviors (physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep) in childhood has been associated with positive short and long-term health outcomes. Nonetheless, how waking time is distributed across PA and SB among preschoolers who are short and adequate sleepers at night is unknown. AIM: This study investigated: (1) if there are differences in a movement behaviors composition among adequate and short nocturnal sleepers; and (2) the association between preschoolers' time spent in PA, SB, and sleep among adequate and short nocturnal sleepers. METHODS: A total of 270 preschoolers (132 boys; 3.97 ± 0.81 years old; 15.48 ± 1.62 kg/m2 ) participated in this study. PA and SB were assessed using accelerometry (model wGT3X). Sleep duration was assessed through a parental-proxy interview, and preschoolers were stratified as short and adequate sleepers, according to attendance to international sleep duration guidelines. Compositional data analysis was used to explore the time-use patterns of behaviors among adequate and short sleepers. RESULTS: Short sleepers spent 64 min less time asleep, accumulated 32 min in more sedentary time (p = .005, Cohen's d = 0.36, Bayes Factor: 6.17), and 24 min more in light PA (p = .0005, Cohen's d = 0.44, Bayes Factor: 46.37) compared to adequate sleepers. CONCLUSIONS: Being a short sleeper was associated with greater time spent in SB and light PA during their waking hours. The health implications of movement behaviors composition among short sleep preschoolers should be further investigated.

TGMD-3 short version: Evidence of validity and associations with sex in Irish children.

This study examined the internal structure and evidence of validity of the Test of Gross Motor Development 3rd edition (TGMD-3) in primary school aged children. Participants (n = 1608, 47% girls, age range 5-11 years, mean age 9.2 ± 2.04) were recruited from Irish schools across twelve counties (56% rural, 44% urban). The TGMD-3 was used to measure FMS proficiency (Ulrich, 2020). A two-factor model (13 skills) was used and confirmatory indexes were calculated. The Bayesian criteria and the Composite Reliability were employed to evaluate alternative models. Relationships between the final model proposed with age, sex and BMI were calculated using a network analysis. Mplus 8.0 and Rstudio were used. A two-factor model (locomotion and object control) with adequate values (> 0.30) for the seven skills (gallop, hop, jump, two-hand strike, bounce, catch, overhand throw) presented excellent indexes. The skills with the highest indicator of strength centrality in the network were bounce and catch for both boys and girls and hop for boys and horizontal jump for girls. This study evidences the validity and reliability of the internal structure of the TGMD-3 and demonstrates that a short version of the TGMD-3, comprising seven skills is a valid measure of FMS in this population.

The combination of three movement behaviours is associated with object control skills, but not locomotor skills, in preschoolers.

The objective of this study is to analyze the association between combinations of adherence to movement behaviour recommendations and fundamental movement skills (FMS) in preschoolers. This is a cross-sectional study. Participants of the study were 212 preschool children (M = 3.97 years old; 51.4% male), who provided objectively assessed physical activity (PA) data (Actigraph wGT3X), and completed FMS assessments (TGMD-2). Sleep time and screen time were parent-reported through face-to-face interview. Associations between the combination of two or three movement behaviours and FMS were analyzed using structural equation modeling (Mplus; 8.0; p < 0.05). Positive and significant associations were found between adherence to screen + sleep recommendations and locomotor skills (ß = 0.23; p = 0.027); and between adherence to PA + screen + sleep recommendations with object control skills (ß = 0.28; p = 0.014). Negative and significant associations were found between screen + sleep with object control skills (ß = - 0.28; p = 0.007). The adherence to the 24-h movement behaviour recommendations explained locomotor and object control skills variability by 5% and 7%, respectively.Conclusion: The adherence to the combined movement behaviour recommendations may be a more important influence on FMS in preschoolers compared to any single movement behaviour in isolation. What is Known: • The association between the isolated adherence to movement behaviour (physical activity, screen time and sleep time) recommendations and fundamental movement skills (FMS) in preschoolers, and the role of the 24-h movement behaviours on FMS, has been previously reported. What is New: • This study adds important information to the current literature, when highlighting that the combined adherence to physical activity, screen time and sleep time recommendations is positively associated with object control skills (such as throwing and kicking), and the combination of screen time and sleep is positively associated with locomotor skills (such as running and hopping).

Child's body mass index and mother's obesity: the moderating role of physical fitness.

The aim of this study was to verify the association between children's body mass index and their mother's obesity, considering children's physical fitness as a possible moderator. Cross-sectional study developed with 1842 children and adolescents, aged seven to 17 years, from Santa Cruz do Sul-RS, Brazil. Body weight and height were assessed to determine body mass index. Cardiorespiratory fitness was determined by the 6-min walk/run test and muscular strength through the lower limb strength test. Mother's perception of obesity was self-assessed. Moderation was tested through a SPSS program extension. Results indicated that higher children's body mass index (p < 0.001) and lower levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (p = 0.001) and muscular strength (p = 0.035) were associated with mother's obesity. Likewise, higher body mass index (p < 0.001) and lower cardiorespiratory fitness (p < 0.001) in adolescents were associated with maternal obesity. Moreover, physical fitness moderates the relationship between body mass index and mother's obesity in children (cardiorespiratory fitness: ß = - 0.006; 95% CI = (- 0.010, - 0.001); muscular strength: ß = - 8.415; 95% CI = (- 12.526, - 4.304)) and in adolescents (cardiorespiratory fitness: ß = - 0.004; 95% CI = (- 0.008, - 0.0008); muscular strength: ß - 2.958; 95% CI = (- 5.615, - 0.030)).Conclusion: increasing physical fitness is an important strategy to protect youths from high body mass index, when their mothers are obese. What is Known: • Mother's obesity is associated with their children's body mass index. • Parents' obesity is associated with their children's physical fitness What is New: • Cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength are moderators in the relationship between mother's obesity and BMI of their children. • Children and adolescents with high cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength levels are protected against elevated body mass index, considering mother's obesity.

Adherence to 24-hour movement guidelines in low-income Brazilian preschoolers and associations with demographic correlates.

BACKGROUND: The importance of movement behaviors for health is well known, although few studies have examined the adherence to movement guidelines in low-income preschoolers from a middle-income country, as Brazil. This study reports the proportion of preschoolers meeting the 24-hour movement guidelines and investigates its associations with demographic correlates in Brazilian low-income preschoolers. METHODS: Two hundred and seventy preschoolers (132 boys, means age = 3.97 ± 0.80) provided physical activity (PA) data (Actigraph wGT3X). Sleep duration, screen time, and social correlates were parent-reported. Preschoolers were classified as compliant/not compliant with the 24-hour movement guidelines. Relationships between compliance with movement behaviors guidelines and demographic correlates were calculated using a network analysis (Mplus 8.0; Rstudio). RESULTS: Preschoolers were active (273.52 ± 62.08 minutes/day of total PA), though moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) time was below the guideline (58.68 ± 22.51 minutes/day); spent more than the recommended 60 minutes/day on screen time (169.91 ± 97.07 minutes/day); and slept less than 10 hours per night (9.44 ± 1.12 hours/day). Only 3% of the sample complied with the guidelines. PA showed the highest compliance (43%), compared to sleep duration (35%) and screen time (15%). Male sex was related to adherence to MVPA recommendations, while female sex, with adherence to total PA recommendations. Child's primary caregiver was the most important centrality indicator in the network. CONCLUSION: Only 3% of the assessed preschoolers are compliant with the 24-hour movement behaviors guidelines. Strategies to promote adherence to movement behaviors among low-income preschoolers should consider child's primary caregivers to support movement behaviors.

24-hour movement behaviors and fitness in preschoolers: A compositional and isotemporal reallocation analysis.

This study analyzed the associations between the 24-hour movement behaviors composition and fitness in preschoolers and investigated predicted changes in fitness when time in active behaviors is reallocated. This cross-sectional study was carried out with 270 preschoolers (132 boys; 3.97 ± 0.80 years-old). Light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (LPA and MVPA), and sedentary behavior (SB) were verified using an accelerometer. Sleep time was obtained through interviews with parents. Components of physical fitness (cardiorespiratory fitness-CRF, speed-agility, and lower-body muscular strength) were assessed using the PREFIT Battery. To verify the association between 24-hour movement behaviors and physical fitness, the compositional analysis was used, and for the time reallocation, the compositional isotemporal substitution analysis was used for active behaviors (LPA and MVPA). The daily composition, adjusted for body mass index, sex, and age, was significantly associated with CRF (P = .007; r2  = 0.29), speed-agility (P < .001; r2  = 0.14), and lower-body muscular strength (P = .01; r2  = 0.07). For CRF, the addition of MVPA, at the expense of any other behavior, was associated with significant improvements. For speed-agility and lower-body muscular strength, only reallocations between sleep and LPA yielded significant associations. The variation in CRF, speed-agility, and lower-body muscular strength was associated with the 24 hours movement composition, and reallocating 5, 10 or 15 minutes of SB or sleep for MVPA was significantly positive for CRF (P < .05). The present findings highlight the relevance of decreasing SB and increasing physical activity practice, particularly at high intensities, to promote a better CRF profile for preschoolers.

Higher Physical Activity Is Related to Lower Neck Adiposity in Young Men, but to Higher Neck Adiposity in Young Women: An Exploratory Study.

The role of lifestyle behaviors on neck adipose tissue (NAT), a fat depot that appears to be involved in the pathogenesis of different cardiometabolic diseases and in inflammatory status, is unknown. In this cross-sectional and exploratory study, the authors examined the relationship between sedentary time and physical activity (PA) with neck adiposity in young adults. A total of 134 subjects (69% women, 23 ± 2 years) were enrolled. The time spent in sedentary behavior and PA of different intensity were objectively measured for 7 consecutive days (24 hr/day), using a wrist (nondominant)-worn accelerometer. The NAT volume was assessed using computed tomography, and the compartmental (subcutaneous, intermuscular, and perivertebral) and total NAT volumes were determined at the level of vertebra C5. Anthropometric indicators and body composition (by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) were determined. The time spent in light physical activity and moderate physical activity (MPA) and the overall PA were inversely associated with the intermuscular NAT volume in men, as were the MPA and overall PA with total NAT volume (all ps ≤ .04). Sedentary time was directly related to the total NAT volume (p = .04). An opposite trend was observed in women, finding a direct relationship of MPA with the subcutaneous NAT; of light physical activity, MPA, and overall PA with the perivertebral NAT; and of light physical activity with total NAT volumes (all ps ≤ .05). The observed associations were weak, and after adjusting for multiplicity, the results became nonsignificant (p > .05). These findings suggest that the specific characteristics of PA (time and intensity) might have sex-dependent implications in the accumulation of NAT.

Is motor competence associated with the risk of central obesity in preschoolers?

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between motor competence (MC) and central obesity in preschool children. METHODS: The sample comprised of 472 children aged 3 to 5 years (4.58 ± 0.70 years, 248 boys) from Recife, Brazil. MC was assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2. Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) was calculated and a cutoff of 0.5 was used to define central obesity. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between MC and WHtR ≥ 0.5. RESULTS: The prevalence of central obesity (WHtR) was 54.0% and 46.4% for boys and girls, respectively. Older children (OR = 0.61; CI = 0.44-0.84; P < .01) and those with higher MC in locomotor skills (OR = 0.96; CI = 0.93-0.99; P < .01) were less likely to present WHtR ≥ 0.5. Sex and object control skills were not associated with WHtR ≥ 0.5. CONCLUSIONS: To reduce the risks of central obesity in children, health practitioners should focus on increasing competence in locomotor skills since preschool years.