Moving beyond moderate-to-vigorous physical activity: the role of light physical activity during adolescence.

Regular physical activity is an important component of a healthy lifestyle for young people. However, an estimated 80% of adolescents globally are insufficiently active. Traditionally, health benefits were attributed only to physical activity of at least moderate intensity, and recommendations focused on achieving a threshold of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, without consideration of other aspects of movement within the 24 h cycle. Recently, the overall daily balance of active and sedentary behaviours has gained recognition as an important determinant of health. However, the relationship between light intensity physical activity and health has not been fully explored. In this perspective paper, we discuss key challenges in defining, measuring and analysing light physical activity which have hindered the advancement of knowledge in this area. Next, we suggest three ways in which light physical activity may enhance adolescent wellbeing: firstly, by replacing sedentary behaviours to increase daily movement; secondly, by supporting the accumulation of higher intensities of physical activity; and thirdly, by providing positive experiences to facilitate lifelong engagement with physical activity. In highlighting the importance of light physical activity during adolescence, we aim to encourage critical reflection and the exploration of new approaches towards physical activity within public health and beyond.

Physical Activity in Adolescents with and without Type 1 Diabetes during the New Zealand COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown of 2020.

Physical activity (PA) is an important part of lifestyle management for adolescents with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Opportunities for PA were reduced by COVID-19 restrictions. Therefore, the purpose of this cross-sectional study was to compare PA among adolescents with and without T1D during the first New Zealand (NZ) COVID-19 lockdown. PA levels of adolescents aged 11-18 years with T1D (n = 33) and healthy controls (n = 34) were assessed through self-reported and parent proxy-reported questionnaires. Overall, PA levels during lockdown were below recommended levels. PA levels did not differ between T1D and control participants (p = 0.212) nor between genders (p = 0.149). Younger adolescents tended to be more active than older adolescents (p = 0.079). PA level was negatively associated with BMI z-score (r = -0.29, p = 0.026) but was not associated with socioeconomic status (SES) or T1D-related parameters. In the T1D group, higher HbA1c was associated with lower school decile (r = -0.58, p < 0.001) and higher BMI z-score (r = 0.68, p < 0.001). Overall, young people were insufficiently active during lockdown, and some sub-groups were more affected than others by the restrictions. Pandemics are likely to be part of our future, and further studies are needed to understand their impact on the health and wellbeing of adolescents.

The Effect of Vibration Therapy on Walking Endurance in Children and Young People With Cerebral Palsy: Do Age and Gross Motor Function Classification System Matter?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of age and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level on walking endurance after 20 weeks of vibration therapy in children and young people with cerebral palsy (CP). DESIGN: The study was a clinical trial without control group comparing baseline and postintervention outcomes within participants. SETTING: Vibration therapy was performed at school or at home. Assessments took place in a clinical research unit. PARTICIPANTS: Children and young people (N=59) with CP, aged 5-20 years, GMFCS level II, III, or IV, recruited through schools, physiotherapy services, and District Health Board clinics, Auckland, New Zealand. INTERVENTIONS: Participants performed side-alternating whole-body vibration therapy (WBVT) at 20 Hz and 3-mm amplitude, 9 minutes per day, 4 times per week for 20 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Distance walked in the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) was recorded before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Participants baseline results for the 6MWT were lower, independent of age or GMFCS, when compared to non-CP literature. On average, participants walked 12% further in the 6MWT after the intervention (P<.001). There was significant improvement in 6MWT distance in all age groups (5-10y: 16%, P<.001; 11-15y: 10%, P=.001; 16-20y: 13%, P<.001) and all GMFCS levels (level II: 10%, P<.001, level III: 40%, P=.013, level IV: 57%, P=.007). There was a greater percentage improvement in the distance walked in those with GMFCS level III and level IV than level II (P=.049 and P<.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: WBVT had a beneficial effect on walking endurance in children and young people with CP, independent of age and GMFCS.