Familial and lifestyle factors related to physical activity in elementary school students: a cross-sectional study based on a nationally representative survey in Japan.

PURPOSE: The decrease in physical activity (PA) among children has become a global concern. Since the analysis of sociodemographic factors as determinants of exercise habits has been inconclusive, this study investigated the factors related to participation in organized sports and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) levels. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from the Sports-Life Survey conducted in 2019 by the Sasagawa Sports Foundation were used. Data on the gender, age, grade, annual household income, family members, and lifestyle habits of elementary school children as well as information on participation in organized sports and MVPA were collected by written questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression models were applied to calculate the adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for the association of each variable with participation in organized sports and frequent MVPA (≥ 60 min/day for ≥ 5 days/week). RESULTS: A total of 1,197 participants were included in the analysis. Whereas 1,053 (88.2%) students expressed a like for PA, only 725 students (60.8%) actually took part in organized sports. Organized sports participation was significantly associated with gender, grade, population density, household income, daily breakfast, lower screen time, and frequent exercise with parents (all P < 0.05). We observed that 12.3% of participants met the frequent MVPA level, which was significantly related to lower screen time and exercise habits with parents (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Social and family factors may be strong determinants of engagement in PA among Japanese elementary school-aged children. Parental involvement appears particularly important for promoting PA among youths.

Severely obese 14-year-old boy with central sleep apnea several years after head trauma.

Central sleep apnea (CSA) is rare in older children. Although CSA mostly arises from neurological diseases such as Chiari malformation, the frequency of CSA is significantly higher in obese children. Herein, we describe the case of a 14-yr-old boy who presented with CSA secondary to severe obesity and a history of traumatic lateral medullary syndrome at 8 yr of age. Polysomnography revealed severe sleep apnea syndrome with apnea-hypopnea index of 41.4 per hour and central apnea index of 8.9 per hour. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head showed no new brainstem or cerebellar infarcts; however, old changes in the cerebellar infarction persisted. Obesity is primarily associated with obstructive sleep apnea. However, obesity can result in CSA through pharyngeal collapse and the reduction of oxygen reserves caused by reduced thoracic volume, which suppresses respiratory center stimulation. Because the respiratory center disorder owing to head injury sequelae improved after the acute stage, obesity was deemed the cause of CSA in this case. Hence, children with severe obesity may require CSA monitoring.