Calculation and Comparison of Step Guidelines for Preschooler Physical Activity While Indoors.

OBJECTIVES: Preschooler physical activity (PA) is vital for growth and development. The World Health Organization PA guidelines state preschoolers should achieve ≥ 180 min/day of Total PA (TPA) of which ≥ 60 min is moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). A step/day recommendation to match these guidelines may be a more practical metric for caregivers to promote PA. The purpose of our investigation is to improve upon existing step recommendations by creating one for indoor-based activities, acknowledging where preschoolers spend most of their time, and various cut-points for PA. METHODS: In a laboratory study (Aim 1), a validated direct observation protocol was used to quantify preschooler PA intensity while performing indoor activities (n = 35). Actigraph GT3x accelerometers were placed on the waist, wrist, and ankle to measure step count. In a field study (Aim 2), habitual PA of 881 preschoolers (7113 valid days) via waist-worn accelerometers was used to assess the agreement between created guidelines (Aim 1) and other step recommendations with PA guidelines using Receiver Operating Characteristic and Area Under the Curve (ROC-AUC). RESULTS: In the laboratory study, calculated indoor step ranges were 6960-7440 (waist), 7200-8640 (wrist), and 7680-9120 (ankle) to align with existing PA guidance. In the field, the higher step guidelines (> 12 000) achieved very limited agreement, due to few preschoolers achieving this metric. The 6000 step/day guidelines had the highest agreement (AUCs: TPA: 0.637; MVPA: 0.751; TPA + MVPA: 0.761) with PA guideline. CONCLUSIONS: When preschoolers are indoors, 6000 steps may be the minimum for adequate PA.

New parents' sleep, movement, health, and well-being across the postpartum period.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine changes and the bi-directional relationship in sleep and movement, and health and well-being among new parents and differences by sex. METHODS: This secondary data analysis included both conditions from a randomized control trial to improve new parents'physical activity [PA] and recruited couples. Parents (n = 181, 117 couples represented 31.5 ± 4.4 years, 51.3% women, 83.3% White) completed questionnaires on regular overnight sleep duration, PA, mental health (perceived stress), physical health (physical quality of life [PQoL]), and well-being (life satisfaction) at 2-, 4-, 6-, and 8-month postpartum. Random-intercept cross-lagged panel models were stratified by sex to examine changes in sleep and PA with health and well-being across time. RESULTS: Sleep and stress were interrelated at different times for fathers (2 months), and mothers (8 months). Sleep and PQoL improved across time, with mothers reporting less sleep than fathers at 4 and 6 months. PQoL at 4 months was related to MVPA at 6-months. Life satisfaction and PA at 2 months was related to PA at 4 months. CONCLUSION: Mothers and fathers experienced different sleep and stress trajectories. Mental health improved postpartum with early connections to PA. Supporting the 24-hour movement behavior cycle and mental health across the parenthood transition may benefit couples.

Effect of exercise training on insulin-stimulated glucose disposal: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The effect of exercise training on whole-body insulin sensitivity has not been systematically summarized. We aimed to summarize the data from randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of exercise training on insulin action, in adults. SUBJECTS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases were searched until January 2021. Randomized controlled trials lasting ≥4 weeks, including adults, and evaluating the effect of exercise on insulin-stimulated glucose disposal measured using the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp, were included. METHODS: Three reviewers extracted summary data from published trials. The primary outcome was insulin-stimulated glucose disposal. Standardized weighted mean differences (SMD) in glucose disposal between intervention and control were compared. The PEDro scale was used to assess risk of bias. RESULTS: We included 25 trials (36 interventions, N = 851). Exercise increased insulin-stimulated glucose disposal relative to control, SMD = 0.52 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.39, 0.65; p < 0.001; I2 = 47%) without significantly suppressing hepatic glucose production. In trials without isotopic tracers, exercise increased glucose disposal (SMD = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.48, 0.77; p < 0.001, I2 = 55%). In trials with isotopic tracers, exercise increased glucose disposal only when tracers were added to the exogenous glucose used for clamping (SMD = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.66, p = 0.034. I2 = 0%). In a meta-regression model including aerobic exercise, weight change, and tracer technique, only percent weight change explained between trial heterogeneity (ß = 0.069; 95% CI: 0.005, 0.013). The PEDro rating indicated relatively low risk of bias (5.8 ± 0.22). CONCLUSIONS: Exercise training for at least four weeks significantly increases insulin-stimulated glucose disposal. Weight loss maximizes the effect and may be needed to improve hepatic insulin sensitivity. Differences in tracer methodology contribute to divergent outcomes and should be considered when assessing conclusions from research examining the effect of exercise on insulin action. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42019124381).

Policy, systems, and environmental interventions addressing physical activity in early childhood education settings: A systematic review.

Policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) approaches can facilitate physical activity in priority populations (e.g., racial and ethnic minority, low wealth groups) within early childhood education (ECE) settings. The purpose of this review was to 1) characterize the inclusion of priority populations within ECE physical activity interventions containing PSE approaches and 2) identify and describe interventions within these populations. Seven databases were systematically searched (January 2000-Febrary 2022) for ECE-based interventions focusing on children (0-6 years) that utilized at least one PSE approach. Eligible studies included a child physical activity or physical activity environment outcome and child or center-level population characteristics. Forty-four studies, representing 42 interventions were identified. For Aim 1, half of interventions included one PSE approach (21/42), with only 11/42 including three or more approaches. Physical environment changes [e.g., adding play equipment, modifying space (25/42)] were the most used PSE approaches followed by system [e.g., integrating activity into routines, (21/42)] and policy [e.g., outdoor time (20/42)] approaches. Nearly half of interventions were conducted in predominantly priority populations (18/42). Studies were primarily rated as good (51%) or fair (38%) methodological quality using the Downs and Black checklist. In Aim 2, of the 12 interventions assessing child physical activity in priority populations, 9/12 reported at least one physical activity outcome in the expected direction. Of the 11 interventions assessing the physical activity environment, 9/11 reported an effect in the expected direction. Findings indicate clear opportunities exist to target priority populations by incorporating PSE approaches in ECE physical activity interventions.

Painted playgrounds for preschoolers' physical activity and fundamental motor skill improvement: a randomized controlled pilot trial of effectiveness.

BACKGROUND: Preschool children are not meeting recommended levels of physical activity (PA) nor are they proficient in fundamental motor skills (FMS), which are the foundation for PA. As such, interventions are needed to increase PA and FMS in young children. This trial examined the effects of an environmental ("painted playgrounds") and capacity-building (written toolkit) intervention on child FMS, PA, and sedentary behavior at early childhood education (ECE) centers and examined feasibility. METHODS: In a randomized controlled trial, four ECE centers were randomly assigned to an intervention group or wait-list control. For intervention centers, stencils were spray painted adjacent to playgrounds and teachers were provided material for using stencils for FMS practice. Follow-up assessments were conducted six to eight weeks after baseline. Time spent in PA and sedentary behavior was assessed via accelerometry and FMS were evaluated using the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-3) at baseline and follow-up. A repeated measures linear model was performed to test the effects of the painted playgrounds on the primary outcomes of interest. Feasibility was measured by stencil engagement via direct observation and satisfaction surveys. RESULTS: A total of 51 preschoolers completed baseline assessments (4.3±0.6 years; 43.1% male). There were no significant changes in PA or sedentary behavior (all confidence intervals contain 0) between control and intervention groups. Intervention children significantly improved ball skill, locomotor, and overall TGMD-3 percentile scores at follow-up (all (all confidence intervals contain 0), which was not observed in control group. However, there was no significant change in FMS between the control and intervention groups (confidence intervals contain 0). For stencil use, boys and girls interacted with different stencils during their free play. Directors and teachers reported children incorporated academic concepts and initiated games, and teachers prompted more PA opportunities on the playground. CONCLUSIONS: This intervention did not show statistically significant changes in children's PA, FMS, or sedentary behavior compared to a control group; however, small FMS improvements for the intervention group were found from baseline to follow-up. Further work should examine intervention fidelity as well as inexpensive supplies, teacher training, or other strategies to increase preschool children's PA and improve FMS at ECE centers.

Family child care home providers' self-reported nutrition and physical activity practices, self-efficacy, barriers and knowledge: baseline findings from happy healthy homes.

OBJECTIVE: Describe nutrition and physical activity practices, nutrition self-efficacy and barriers and food programme knowledge within Family Child Care Homes (FCCH) and differences by staffing. DESIGN: Baseline, cross-sectional analyses of the Happy Healthy Homes randomised trial (NCT03560050). SETTING: FCCH in Oklahoma, USA. PARTICIPANTS: FCCH providers (n 49, 100 % women, 30·6 % Non-Hispanic Black, 2·0 % Hispanic, 4·1 % American Indian/Alaska Native, 51·0 % Non-Hispanic white, 44·2 ± 14·2 years of age. 53·1 % had additional staff) self-reported nutrition and physical activity practices and policies, nutrition self-efficacy and barriers and food programme knowledge. Differences between providers with and without additional staff were adjusted for multiple comparisons (P < 0·01). RESULTS: The prevalence of meeting all nutrition and physical activity best practices ranged from 0·0-43·8 % to 4·1-16·7 %, respectively. Average nutrition and physical activity scores were 3·2 ± 0·3 and 3·0 ± 0·5 (max 4·0), respectively. Sum nutrition and physical activity scores were 137·5 ± 12·6 (max 172·0) and 48·4 ± 7·5 (max 64·0), respectively. Providers reported high nutrition self-efficacy and few barriers. The majority of providers (73·9-84·7 %) felt that they could meet food programme best practices; however, knowledge of food programme best practices was lower than anticipated (median 63-67 % accuracy). More providers with additional staff had higher self-efficacy in family-style meal service than did those who did not (P = 0·006). CONCLUSIONS: Providers had high self-efficacy in meeting nutrition best practices and reported few barriers. While providers were successfully meeting some individual best practices, few met all. Few differences were observed between FCCH providers with and without additional staff. FCCH providers need additional nutrition training on implementation of best practices.

Comparison of abdominal visceral adipose tissue measurements in adolescents between magnetic resonance imaging and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Excess abdominal visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents. VAT is mainly measured using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), yet dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is more affordable and available. The purpose was to compare adolescent VAT values obtained by MRI and DXA. A sample of 330 adolescents 10-16 years of age were recruited (52.3% female, 58.5% White). Abdominal VAT was measured using a General Electric (GE) Discovery MRI scanner with imaging software. A whole-body DXA (GE iDXA) scan was performed, and software calculated VAT within the android region. Wilcoxon signed-rank t-tests were used to determine differences between VAT values, within sex, race (White, African American, and Other race), and BMI categories (normal weight, overweight, and obese). VAT values from MRI and DXA were significantly correlated (r = 0.78, p < 0.001). Average VAT from MRI (0.54 ± 0.43 kg) was significantly higher than VAT from DXA (0.33 ± 0.39 kg) in the overall sample (p < 0.001) and within all subgroups (p < 0.001). All standardized values between the two measurements fell within ±1.96 standard deviations, and differences between the methods were not associated with level of VAT. In this sample, DXA values were correlated with MRI values, but DXA consistently underestimated VAT compared with MRI.

Adolescents' sedentary time, affect, and contextual factors: An ecological momentary assessment study.

BACKGROUND: Few adolescents achieve sufficient levels of physical activity, and many are spending most of their time in sedentary behavior. Affective response following sedentary time may influence motivation to remain sedentary. Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) is a real-time data capture methodology that can be used to identify factors influencing sedentary time, such as the context of the home setting, and resulting affective state within a free-living setting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between context at home and adolescent sedentary time, and the relationship of sedentary time and subsequent affect. METHODS: Adolescents (n = 284; 10-16 y) participated in an EMA study that used random, interval-based sampling methods. Adolescents each received 22 unannounced surveys over 7-days through a smartphone application. One survey was randomly sent within each 2-h time-period. These time-periods occurred between 4:00 pm-8:00 pm on weekdays and 8:00 am-8:00 pm on the weekend. This 15-question survey included a series of questions on context (indoors/outdoors, alone/not alone) and positive affect. Adolescents concurrently wore an accelerometer at the hip, and the 30-min bout of accelerometry data prior to each survey was used in analyses. Mixed-effect location scale models were used to examine the association between context at home and sedentary time (stage 1) and the adjusted sedentary time and positive affect (stage 2), with each model adjusted for covariates. RESULTS: Adolescents were 12.6 ± 1.9 y of age on average, about half were White (58%), and engaged in high levels of sedentary behavior during the 30 min prior to the survey (21.4 ± 6.8 min). Most surveys occurred when adolescents were with others (59%) and indoors (88%). In Stage 1, both being alone and being indoors at home were positively associated with sedentary time (p <  0.001 for both). In Stage 2, adjusted sedentary time was not related to positive affect. Age was negatively related to positive affect (p <  0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both contextual factors, being alone and indoors at home, were related to additional time spent sedentary compared to being with someone or outdoors. After adjustment, sedentary time was not related to subsequent positive affect, indicating other factors may be related to adolescent's positive affect in home settings.

Household chaos, family routines, and young child movement behaviors in the U.S. during the COVID-19 outbreak: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The home environment is an important facilitator of young child movement behaviors, including physical activity (PA), sleep, and screen-time. Household chaos, characterized by crowding, noise, and disorder in the home, may hinder efforts to obtain adequate amounts of movement behaviors. The COVID-19 outbreak impacted many families, and social distancing during this time may create conditions for more household chaos. Family routines can help establish order in the home and encourage an appropriate balance of movement behaviors, such as less screen-time and more sleep. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between household chaos and young child movement behaviors during the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States, and the role of family routines in this relationship. METHODS: A national online survey including 1836 mothers of preschoolers (3.0-5.9 years) was conducted during May 2020. Mothers reported demographic characteristics, household chaos, family routines, and the preschooler's movement behaviors during the outbreak. Mothers completed a household chaos questionnaire and were grouped into chaos categories (low, moderate/low, moderate/high, and high) for analysis. Linear regression was used to assess the association between chaos category, family routines, and movement behaviors with adjustment for covariates. RESULTS: Mothers were 35.9 ± 4.1 years of age, middle income (47.8%), and preschoolers were 3.8 ± 0.8 years of age. Most mothers reported their preschooler was less physically active (38.9%), slept the same amount of time (52.1%), and increased their screen-time (74.0%) after the COVID-19 outbreak. Preschoolers in the high chaos households performed less total PA (ß = - 0.36 days/week, 95% CI:-0.62 to - 0.09, p = 0.008), slept less (ß = - 0.42 h, 95% CI:-0.59 to - 0.25, p = 0.001) and had more screen-time (ß = 0.69 h, 95% CI:0.45 to 0.92, p = 0.001) compared to those in low chaos households. In most chaos categories, having a bed-time ritual was related to more child sleep, and mothers who viewed routines as "less/not important" reported more preschooler screen-time compared to mothers who viewed routines as "very important". CONCLUSION: Promoting bed-time rituals and prioritizing routines, even somewhat, may be related to an improved balance of child movement behaviors. Innovative measures are needed to support families during periods of disruption such as that experienced in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bullying experiences, body esteem, body dissatisfaction, and the moderating role of weight status among adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: The present study examined the relationships between bullying victimization experiences, body esteem (BE), and body dissatisfaction (BD) by obesity status. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, adolescents (10-16y) from the U.S. completed surveys. Weight and height were objectively assessed. Bullying was assessed using the Personal Experiences Checklist, with a total score that included three subscales (cyber, verbal-relational, and physical). BE was assessed using total score on the BE Scale, and BD was assessed using the Body Image Assessment for Pre-Adolescents, operationalized as the discrepancy between current and ideal body figure. Linear regression models, controlling for sociodemographics, were used to examine obesity status (with vs. without obesity) and sex as moderators of the relationships between bullying, BE, and BD. RESULTS: On average, adolescents (n = 328) were 12.6 ± 1.9 y, 45.4% male, 58.2% White, 35.7% Black, and 36.0% had obesity. Obesity status moderated the relationship between bullying experiences and BE, such that these relationships were only significant (B = -0.38, p<.05) among adolescents with obesity compared to adolescents without obesity. In both groups, greater verbal-relational bullying experiences were associated with lower BE, while greater physical bullying experiences were related to higher BE only among adolescents with obesity. In adolescent girls without obesity, greater cyberbullying experiences were associated with lower BD. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest different associations between sub-types of bullying victimization experiences and BE and BD, highlighting the importance of examining these associations separately by obesity status.

A natural experiment of state-level physical activity and screen-time policy changes early childhood education (ECE) centers and child physical activity.

BACKGROUND: Early childhood education (ECE) centers are an important place for preschool-aged children to obtain physical activity (PA). A U.S. state government (Louisiana) recently updated requirements for licensed centers' PA and screen-time policies, which allowed for assessment of 1) ECE center practices, environment, staff behaviors, and policies changes on child-level PA and 2) state level changes on the ECE center. METHODS: ECE centers were assessed at the beginning of state licensing changes and 1-year later. The ECE centers were assessed via the Environmental Policy Assessment and Observation (EPAO) tool. The EPAO Sedentary Opportunities score, which primarily assesses television viewing time, was revised to reflect viewing non-television devices (e.g. tablets). Child-level PA was measured using accelerometry. For Aim 1, mixed models assessed ECE center changes and child PA with adjustment for demographic characteristics (fixed effects), baseline EPAO score (random effects), and clustering for center. For Aim 2, paired t-tests assessed ECE center environment differences between baseline and follow-up. RESULTS: Nine ECE centers participated and 49 preschoolers provided complete measures at both time points. For Aim 1, increases in the EPAO revised-Sedentary Opportunities score (as in less non-television screen-time) resulted in increased child PA (p = 0.02). For Aim 2, ECE centers improved their EPAO Active Opportunities and Staff Behaviors score (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: ECE centers improved their environment after 1-year, resulting in additional child PA. Changes in ECE centers environment, possibly through policy, can positively influence children's PA.

Difference in Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Obesity in Children With and Without Siblings.

Background/Context: Children without siblings (singletons) have higher rates of obesity than do children with siblings (nonsingletons). Higher moderate to vigorous physical activity (PA) and less sedentary behavior (SB) are associated with lower childhood obesity. PURPOSE: To examine the difference in PA and SB between singleton and nonsingleton children. METHODS: Mothers of children ages 5.0-7.9 years old who were singletons or nonsingletons with a sibling between the ages of 2.0 and 4.9 years old were recruited. Height, weight, and waist circumference of the 5.0- to 7.9-year-old children were measured, and age and sex percentiles were calculated. Accelerometry measured SB and PA, including light PA, moderate to vigorous PA, and counts per minute. RESULTS: Fifty-six mother-child dyads (23 singletons and 33 nonsingletons) with an average child age of 5.7 (0.7) years participated. More singletons were classified as overweight or obese than were nonsingletons (49% vs 17%, P = .04). In adjusted linear models, singletons had less light PA per day (ß = -38.1, SE = 19.2, P = .001) and more SB (ß = 38.0, SE = 16.5, P = .02) than did nonsingletons, with no difference in moderate to vigorous PA or counts per minute. CONCLUSION: In this sample, singletons had higher obesity and lower light PA than did nonsingleton children. Investigation into differences in singleton/nonsingleton families, including family health behaviors, may help assess sibling influence in early behavior development.

Modification of childcare's outdoor setting for toddler physical activity and nature-based play: A mixed methods study.

BACKGROUND: Toddler physical activity is critical for child health, but little is known about its applications in early childhood education (ECE) centers. The aims of this study were 1) to determine if pragmatic and nature-based modifications to an ECE center's outdoor setting were feasible and acceptable, and 2) to identify barriers and facilitators of toddler physical activity at ECE centers. METHODS: A multiphase mixed-methods study (QUANT+QUAL) was conducted. In the QUANT study, a stepped, sequential modification of the outdoor setting, using pragmatic and cost-effective nature-based elements, was conducted with a delayed control group over 10-weeks, with follow-up assessments 3-months later (week-20). Five elements (tree cookies, garden, teacher training, playground stencils, and nature table) were introduced individually. Feasibility was assessed using teacher surveys. Acceptability and engagement were assessed by direct observation of toddler use of outdoor elements. Accelerometers were used to assess toddlers' physical activity during outdoor sessions. The QUAL study included semi-structured interviews from ECE center directors (n = 27, 55.6% African American, 92.5% female) that were analyzed using content analysis for themes related to 1) toddler physical activity, 2) barriers and facilitators to toddler outdoor environment changes, 3) perspectives on nature-based elements, and 4) provider training. Member check focus groups (n = 2, 7-10/group) were conducted for additional interpretation. All three sources were reviewed for integration. RESULTS: Toddlers engaged in physical activity for most of the outdoor sessions (>85%). This limited the effect of the intervention, but aligned with directors' and members' sentiments that toddlers were already quite active. Across directors, reported barriers to toddler outdoor environment changes were teacher turnover and finances. All nature-based elements, except the stencils, were feasible and acceptable, even at week-20. Directors and members identified additional age-appropriate elements, and desired pragmatic training with technical assistance and funding to implement these changes. Directors and members also desired a curriculum that could be used outdoors. CONCLUSIONS: Nature-based elements were feasible and acceptable to toddlers. Directors were enthusiastic about nature-based elements, but barriers exist in linking directors with these elements. Opportunities to combine toddler-age curricula and pragmatic options for outdoor play may improve ECE centers' outdoor settings and ultimately toddler health.

Older Adult Compendium of Physical Activities: Energy costs of human activities in adults aged 60 and older.

PURPOSE: To describe the development of a Compendium for estimating the energy costs of activities in adults ≥60 years (OA Compendium). METHODS: Physical activities (PAs) and their metabolic equivalent of task (MET) values were obtained from a systematic search of studies published in 4 sport and exercise databases (PubMed, Embase, SPORTDiscus (EBSCOhost), and Scopus) and a review of articles included in the 2011 Adult Compendium that measured PA in older adults. MET values were computed as the oxygen cost (VO2, mL/kg/min) during PA divided by 2.7 mL/kg/min (MET60+) to account for the lower resting metabolic rate in older adults. RESULTS: We identified 68 articles and extracted energy expenditure data on 427 PAs. From these, we derived 99 unique Specific Activity codes with corresponding MET60+ values for older adults. We developed a website to present the OA Compendium MET60+ values: https://pacompendium.com. CONCLUSION: The OA Compendium uses data collected from adults ≥60 years for more accurate estimation of the energy cost of PAs in older adults. It is an accessible resource that will allow researchers, educators, and practitioners to find MET60+ values for older adults for use in PA research and practice.

2024 Adult Compendium of Physical Activities: A third update of the energy costs of human activities.

BACKGROUND: The Compendium of Physical Activities was published in 1993 to improve the comparability of energy expenditure values assigned to self-reported physical activity (PA) across studies. The original version was updated in 2000, and again in 2011, and has been widely used to support PA research, practice, and public health guidelines. METHODS: This 2024 update was tailored for adults 19-59 years of age by removing data from those ≥60 years. Using a systematic review and supplementary searches, we identified new activities and their associated measured metabolic equivalent (MET) values (using indirect calorimetry) published since 2011. We replaced estimated METs with measured values when possible. RESULTS: We screened 32,173 abstracts and 1507 full-text papers and extracted 2356 PA energy expenditure values from 701 papers. We added 303 new PAs and adjusted 176 existing MET values and descriptions to reflect the addition of new data and removal of METs for older adults. We added a Major Heading (Video Games). The 2024 Adult Compendium includes 1114 PAs (912 with measured and 202 with estimated values) across 22 Major Headings. CONCLUSION: This comprehensive update and refinement led to the creation of The 2024 Adult Compendium, which has utility across research, public health, education, and healthcare domains, as well as in the development of consumer health technologies. The new website with the complete lists of PAs and supporting resources is available at https://pacompendium.com.

A systematic review of research reporting practices in observational studies examining associations between 24-h movement behaviors and indicators of health using compositional data analysis.

Background: Compositional data analysis (CoDA) techniques are well suited for examining associations between 24-h movement behaviors (i.e., sleep, sedentary behavior, physical activity) and indicators of health given they recognize these behaviors are co-dependent, representing relative parts that make up a whole day. Accordingly, CoDA techniques have seen increased adoption in the past decade, however, heterogeneity in research reporting practices may hinder efforts to synthesize and quantify these relationships via meta-analysis. This systematic review described reporting practices in studies that used CoDA techniques to investigate associations between 24-h movement behaviors and indicators of health. Methods: A systematic search of eight databases was conducted, in addition to supplementary searches (e.g., forward/backward citations, expert consultation). Observational studies that used CoDA techniques involving log-ratio transformation of behavioral data to examine associations between time-based estimates of 24-h movement behaviors and indicators of health were included. Reporting practices were extracted and classified into seven areas: (1) methodological justification, (2) behavioral measurement and data handling strategies, (3) composition construction, (4) analytic plan, (5) composition-specific descriptive statistics, (6) model results, and (7) auxiliary information. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed by the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-sectional Studies. Results: 102 studies met our inclusion criteria. Reporting practices varied considerably across areas, with most achieving high standards in methodological justification, but inconsistent reporting across all other domains. Some items were reported in all studies (e.g., how many parts the daily composition was partitioned into), whereas others seldom reported (e.g., definition of a day: midnight-to-midnight versus wake-to-wake). Study quality and risk of bias was fair in most studies (85%). Conclusions: Current studies generally demonstrate inconsistent reporting practices. Consistent, clear and detailed reporting practices are evidently needed moving forward as the field of time-use epidemiology aims to accurately capture and analyze movement behavior data in relation to health outcomes, facilitate comparisons across studies, and inform public health interventions and policy decisions. Achieving consensus regarding reporting recommendations is a key next step. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s44167-024-00062-8.

Maternal 24-h movement patterns across pregnancy and postpartum: The LIFE-Moms consortium.

Objective: Time spent among the 24-h movement behaviors (physical activity [PA], sleep, sedentary behavior [SB]) in the perinatal period is important for maternal and child health. We described changes to 24-h movement behaviors and behavior guideline attainment during pregnancy and postpartum and identified correlates of behavior changes. Methods: This secondary data analysis included the standard of care group (n = 439) from the U.S.-based Lifestyle Interventions For Expectant Moms (LIFE-Moms) consortium, including persons with overweight and obesity. Wrist-worn accelerometry was used to measure movement behaviors early (9-15 weeks) and late (35-36 weeks) pregnancy, and âˆ¼ 1-year postpartum. Sleep and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) were compared to adult and pregnancy-specific guidelines, respectively. SB was classified into quartiles. PA and SB context were quantified using questionnaires. Mixed models were used to examine changes in behaviors and guidelines and identify correlates. Results: Participants were 31.3 ± 3.5 years, 53.5 % were Black or Hispanic, and 45.1 % had overweight. Sleep duration decreased across time, but participants consistently met the guideline (range: 85.0-93.6 %). SB increased during pregnancy and decreased postpartum, while light PA and MVPA followed the inverse pattern. Participants met slightly fewer guidelines late pregnancy (1.2 ± 0.7 guidelines) but more postpartum (1.7 ± 0.8 guidelines) than early pregnancy (1.4 ± 0.8 guidelines). Black or Hispanic race/ethnicity, higher pregravid body mass index, and non-day work-shift (e.g., night-shift) were identified correlates of lower guideline adherence and varying PA and SB context. Conclusion: Perinatal interventions should consider strategies to prevent SB increase and sustain MVPA to promote guideline adherence.

Community-based diet and obesity-related policy, system, and environmental interventions for obesity prevention during the first 1000 days: A scoping review.

Community-based policy, systems, and environmental interventions have the potential to reduce modifiable risk factors for obesity early in life. The purpose of this scoping review was to characterize the breadth, generalizability, and methodological quality of community-based diet and obesity-related policy, system, and environmental interventions during the first 1000 days of life, from pregnancy to 24 months of age. Eight databases were searched, and 83 studies (122 references) were included. Data were extracted for breadth (intervention characteristics), generalizability (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance), and study quality (Downs and Black Checklist). Systems and environmental approaches were common (> 80%), relative to policy approaches (39%). The majority (60-69%) occurred in the prenatal period and early infancy (0-3 months), assessed breastfeeding or child growth/obesity (53% for both), and included people with lower income (80%) or racial and/or ethnic minority groups (63%). Many interventions reported positive outcomes (i.e., in the expected direction) for child diet, breastfeeding, and feeding practices (> 62%). Few reported intervention maintenance or spanned the full 1000 days. Most studies were classified as good (32%) or fair (56%) methodological quality. The interventions mainly addressed pregnancy and early infancy. Rigorous and representative investigation is needed to improve intervention reach, sustainability, and application in toddlerhood.

Associations Between Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Depressive Symptomatology in Adolescents: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: More moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and less time in sedentary behavior (SB) may protect against poor mental health in adolescence. Depressive symptomatology may also influence adolescents' own MVPA and SB. The aim of this study was to examine the bidirectional relationship between adolescent MVPA, SB, and depressive symptomatology using a longitudinal approach. METHODS: Adolescents (10-16 y) were recruited for a prospective observational cohort. Depressive symptomatology was measured using the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire. Accelerometry was used to measure MVPA and SB. Adolescents were classified by meeting the MVPA guideline (≥60 min/d) and quartiles of SB time, with the lowest amount of time in SB compared to others. Bidirectional associations between MVPA, SB, and depressive symptomatology were assessed using mixed-effects regression models. RESULTS: At baseline, adolescents (n = 205) were 12.5 (2.0) years, 54.6% women, 59.1% White, and 34.6% African American. In unadjusted models, adolescents with less baseline time in SB had lower follow-up Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire scores, and fewer were classified as depressed at follow-up compared to others. After adjustment, adolescents with less baseline time in SB had lower depressive symptomatology at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Limiting time spent in SB in adolescence may improve future mental health.