Does parents' perception of the environment associates with outdoor physical activity duration in low-income preschoolers?

Parents' perception of the environment may influence the time spent in outdoor physical activities in pre-school children. This study aimed to analyze the association between parents' perception of the environment and outdoor physical activities outside the school in low-income preschoolers. In total, 129 preschoolers aged 3 to 5 years (4.4 years ± 0.7 years, 50% boys) and their parents participated in the study. An adapted version of the Neighborhood Environmental Walkability Scale was used to obtain parents' environmental perceptions. Outdoor physical activities was measured based on two questions considering the usual time spent in these activities during week and weekend days. Information on sociodemographic was collected by interview. Logistic regression was used to analyze the associations. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS, version 21.0. Most preschoolers (76.9%) had ≤ 2 hours/day in outdoor physical activities during the week while at the weekend, 65.9% reached > 2 hours. Parents' perception of unsafe traffic (OR = 0.39; p = 0.03) was associated with higher chances for a shorter time in outdoor physical activities both during the week and at the weekend (OR = 0.46; p = 0.04). Moreover, preschoolers' whose parents perceive a lack of places to walk (OR = 0.33; p = 0.02) and unsafe night time (OR = 0.36; p = 0.04) are more likely to spend less time in outdoor physical activities during the week. After adjustments for sociodemographic confounders, the perception of unsafe traffic (OR = 0.26; p = 0.01) and places to walk (OR = 0.15; p = 0.01) were predictors of preschooler's shorter time in outdoor physical activities during the week. Parents' perception of unsafe traffic and places to walk were associated with less time in outdoor physical activities in low-income preschoolers.

Physical Activity Guidelines for the Brazilian Population: Recommendations Report.

BACKGROUND: This article presents the recommendations from the Physical Activity Guidelines for the Brazilian Population. METHODS: A steering committee composed of a chair, 6 experts in physical activity, and representatives from the Ministry of Health/Brazil, Pan American Health Organization, Brazilian Society of Physical Activity and Health designed the guidelines, which was implemented by 8 working groups, as follows: (1) understanding physical activity, (2) children up to 5 years old, (3) children and youth from 6 to 17 years old, (4) adults, (5) older adults (60 years and above), (6) physical education at school, (7) pregnant and postpartum women, and (8) people with disabilities. The methodological steps included evidence syntheses, hearings with key stakeholders, and public consultation. RESULTS: Across 8 chapters, the guidelines provide definitions of physical activity and sedentary behavior, informing target groups on types of physical activity, dosage (frequency, intensity, and duration), benefits, and supporting network for physical activity adoption. The guidelines are openly available in Portuguese, Spanish, English, and Braille and in audio versions, with a supplementary guide for health professionals and decision makers, and a report about the preparation and references. CONCLUSIONS: The Physical Activity Guidelines for the Brazilian Population provide evidence-based recommendations, being a public-directed resource to contribute to the physical activity promotion in Brazil.

Physical Activity Guidelines for the Brazilian Population: Development and Methods.

BACKGROUND: This article describes the process and methods used in the development of the first ever Physical Activity Guidelines for the Brazilian Population. METHODS: The steering committee established 8 working groups based on other guidelines and the Brazilian agenda for public health and physical activity (PA) promotion: (1) understanding PA; (2) children up to 5 years; (3) children and youth (6-17 y); (4) adults; (5) older adults (60 years and above); (6) physical education at school; (7) pregnant and postpartum women; and (8) people with disabilities. Working groups were formed to (1) synthesize the literature on each topic; (2) conduct workshops with stakeholders, health professionals, researchers, and the public; and (3) prepare a draft chapter for open online consultation. RESULTS: The document provides guidance for the population on the benefits of being active and recommendations regarding the amount (frequency, intensity, and duration) of PA recommended across all chapters. It also includes information on supporting networks for PA. CONCLUSIONS: The PA guidelines are widely accessible in Portuguese, including versions in English, Spanish, audiobook, and Braille, and will assist policy makers and professionals from several sectors to promote PA. The ultimate goal is to increase population levels of PA in Brazil.

Does parents' perception of the environment associates with outdoor physical activity duration in low-income preschoolers? / A percepção dos pais sobre o ambiente se associa à duração da atividade física ao ar livre em pré-escolares de baixa renda? / ¿La percepción de los padres sobre el entorno se asocia con la duración de la actividad física al aire libre en preescolares de bajos ingresos?

Parents' perception of the environment may influence the time spent in outdoor physical activities in pre-school children. This study aimed to analyze the association between parents' perception of the environment and outdoor physical activities outside the school in low-income preschoolers. In total, 129 preschoolers aged 3 to 5 years (4.4 years ± 0.7 years, 50% boys) and their parents participated in the study. An adapted version of the Neighborhood Environmental Walkability Scale was used to obtain parents' environmental perceptions. Outdoor physical activities was measured based on two questions considering the usual time spent in these activities during week and weekend days. Information on sociodemographic was collected by interview. Logistic regression was used to analyze the associations. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS, version 21.0. Most preschoolers (76.9%) had ≤ 2 hours/day in outdoor physical activities during the week while at the weekend, 65.9% reached > 2 hours. Parents' perception of unsafe traffic (OR = 0.39; p = 0.03) was associated with higher chances for a shorter time in outdoor physical activities both during the week and at the weekend (OR = 0.46; p = 0.04). Moreover, preschoolers' whose parents perceive a lack of places to walk (OR = 0.33; p = 0.02) and unsafe night time (OR = 0.36; p = 0.04) are more likely to spend less time in outdoor physical activities during the week. After adjustments for sociodemographic confounders, the perception of unsafe traffic (OR = 0.26; p = 0.01) and places to walk (OR = 0.15; p = 0.01) were predictors of preschooler's shorter time in outdoor physical activities during the week. Parents' perception of unsafe traffic and places to walk were associated with less time in outdoor physical activities in low-income preschoolers.

A percepção dos pais sobre o ambiente pode influenciar o tempo gasto em atividades físicas ao ar livre em crianças pré-escolares. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a associação entre a percepção dos pais sobre o ambiente e atividades físicas ao ar livre fora da escola em pré-escolares de baixa renda. No total, 129 pré-escolares de 3 a 5 anos (4,4 anos ± 0,7 anos, 50% meninos) e seus pais participaram do estudo. Uma versão adaptada da Escala de Caminhabilidade Ambiental do Bairro foi usada para obter as percepções ambientais dos pais. A atividade física ao ar livre foi mensurada com base em duas questões considerando o tempo habitual despendido nessas atividades durante a semana e os dias de fim de semana. As informações sociodemográficas foram coletadas por meio de entrevista. Foi utilizada regressão logística para analisar as associações. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas no SPSS, versão 21.0. A maioria dos pré-escolares (76,9%) teve ≤ 2 horas/dia em atividade física ao ar livre durante a semana enquanto no final de semana, 65,9% atingiu > 2 horas. A percepção dos pais sobre o trânsito inseguro (OR = 0,39; p = 0,03) foi associada a maiores chances de menor tempo de atividade física ao ar livre tanto durante a semana quanto no final de semana (OR = 0,46; p = 0,04). Além disso, pré-escolares cujos pais percebem falta de lugares para caminhar (OR = 0,33; p = 0,02) e período noturno inseguro (OR = 0,36; p = 0,04) são mais propensos a passar menos tempo em atividade física ao ar livre durante a semana. Após ajustes para fatores de confusão sociodemográficos, a percepção de trânsito inseguro (OR = 0,26; p = 0,01) e locais para caminhar (OR = 0,15; p = 0,01) foram preditores de menor tempo do pré-escolar em atividade física ao ar livre durante a semana. A percepção dos pais sobre o trânsito inseguro e os lugares para caminhar foram associados ao menor tempo de atividade física ao ar livre entre pré-escolares de baixa renda.

La percepción de los padres sobre el entorno puede influir en el tiempo dedicado a actividades físicas al aire libre en niños en edad preescolar. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la asociación entre la percepción de los padres sobre el ambiente y la actividade física al aire libre fuera de la escuela en preescolares de bajos recursos. En total, participaron en el estudio 129 preescolares de 3 a 5 años (4,4 años ± 0,7 años, 50% niños) y sus padres. Se utilizó una versión adaptada de la Escala de Caminabilidad Ambiental del Vecindario para obtener las percepciones ambientales de los padres. La actividade física al aire libre se midió a partir de dos preguntas considerando el tiempo habitual dedicado a estas actividades durante los días de semana y los fines de semana. La información sociodemográfica se recogió mediante entrevista. Se utilizó regresión logística para analizar las asociaciones. Los análisis estadísticos se realizaron con SPSS, versión 21.0. La mayoría de los preescolares (76,9%) tenían ≤ 2 horas/día en actividade física al aire libre durante la semana mientras que el fin de semana, el 65,9% alcanzaba > 2 horas. La percepción de los padres sobre el tráfico inseguro (OR = 0,39; p = 0,03) se asoció con mayores posibilidades de pasar menos tiempo en actividade física al aire libre tanto entre semana como en fin de semana (OR = 0,46; p = 0,04). Además, los preescolares cuyos padres perciben la falta de lugares para caminar (OR = 0,33; p = 0,02) e inseguridad en la noche (OR = 0,36; p = 0,04) tienen más probabilidades de pasar menos tiempo en actividade física al aire libre durante la semana. Después de los ajustes por factores de confusión sociodemográficos, la percepción de tráfico inseguro (OR = 0,26; p = 0,01) y lugares para caminar (OR = 0,15; p = 0,01) fueron predictores de menor tiempo en actividade física al aire libre de los preescolares durante la semana. La percepción de los padres sobre el tráfico inseguro y los lugares para caminar se asoció con menos tiempo en actividades físicas al aire libre en preescolares de bajos ingresos.

Atividade física para gestantes e mulheres no pós-parto: Guia de Atividade Física para a População Brasileira / Physical activity for pregnant and postpartum women: Physical Activity Guidelines for the Brazilian Population

Este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar as recomendações de atividade física para gestantes e mu-lheres no pós-parto desenvolvidas para o Guia de Atividade Física para a População Brasileira. Para isso, utilizou-se uma abordagem de métodos mistos que incluiu quatro etapas: 1) levantamento das diretrizes internacionais mais recentes; 2) revisão narrativa de literatura sobre efeitos da prática de atividade física durante a gestação para a saúde da mulher e do bebê; 3) escuta com gestantes, mu-lheres no pós-parto, profissionais e pesquisadores; 4) consulta pública. As evidências sumarizadas suportam que a prática de atividade física durante a gestação e no período pós-parto é segura, traz be-nefícios à saúde da mãe e do bebê, e reduz os riscos de algumas complicações relacionadas à gestação. Gestantes devem ser incentivadas a realizar pelo menos 150 minutos por semana de atividade física de intensidade moderada. Gestantes com contraindicações devem procurar auxílio de profissionais qualificados. Em alguns casos, a prática de atividade física durante a gestação não é recomendada. Este documento servirá como ferramenta para nortear profissionais de saúde que atuam com ges-tantes e mulheres no pós-parto e irá orientar a população-alvo quanto a prática de atividade física

This manuscript aims to present the recommendations of physical activity for pregnant and postpartum women developed for the Physical Activity Guidelines for the Brazilian Population. A mixed-method ap-proach that included four steps was used: 1) review of the most recent international guidelines for physical activity during pregnancy; 2) narrative literature review on the effects of physical activity during pregnancy on the health of the woman and the baby; 3) consultation with pregnant women, postpartum women, pro-fessionals and researchers; 4) public consultation. The summarized evidence supports that physical activity during pregnancy and in the postpartum is safe, has benefits to the health of the mother and baby, and reduces the risks of some complications related to pregnancy. Pregnancy should be encouraged to do at least 150 min-utes a week of moderate intensity physical activity. Pregnancy women with contraindications should seek help from qualified professionals. In some cases, physical activity during pregnancy is not recommended. This document will be used as a tool to guide health professionals who work with pregnant women and women in the postpartum period. Also, it will inform and guide women during pregnancy and postpartum about the benefits of physical activity

Physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey with adults in Northern Brazil / Atividade física durante a pandemia de COVID-19: uma pesquisa com adultos do norte do Brasil

The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the social distancing recommendations during COVID-19 pandemic on the physical activity behavior in adults living in the Northern Brazil region. A final sample of 654 adults (386 women) aged 33 ± 10 years old participated in this study. A questionnaire with 45 questions concerning sociodemographic characteristics, self-perception of health and characteristics of physical activity behavior before and after the recommendations of social distancing was applied in an online format. Comparisons between levels of physical activity be-fore and after pandemic were conducted applying a McNemar test. A binary logistic regression was applied to analyze the factors associated to being physically active during the pandemic. Analyzing the percentage levels of physical activity before and during social distancing, we observed an increase of physically inactive behavior (19% vs. 36.7%), as well as a decrease in active (32.6% vs. 18.6%) and very active (16.7% vs. 6.6%) behaviors, respectively. Among participants, 59.2% of them became sedentary during pandemic. Walking and running activities continued to be among the most practiced, although they showed a reduction during social distancing. Social distancing recommendations due to the COVID-19 pandemic caused a decrease in the overall levels of physical activity in adults living in the Amazonas State and specifically in the practice of individuals who were physically active and very physically active before pandemic

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o impacto das recomendações de distanciamento social durante a pandemia COVID-19 sobre os níveis de prática de atividade física em adultos residentes na região Norte do Brasil. Uma amostra final de 654 adultos (386 mulheres) com idade de 33 ± 10 anos participou deste estudo. Foi aplicado, em formato online, um questionário com 45 questões sobre características sociodemográficas, autopercepção de saúde e características do comportamento de prática de atividade física antes e após as recomendações de distanciamento social. As comparações entre os níveis de atividade física antes e depois da pandemia foram realizadas aplicando um teste de McNemar. Uma regressão logística binária foi aplicada para analisar os fatores associados à atividade física durante a pandemia. Analisando os níveis percentuais de atividade física antes e durante o distanciamento social, observamos um aumento do comportamento fisicamente inativo (19% vs. 36,7%), bem como uma diminuição dos comportamentos ativo (32,6% vs. 18,6%) e muito ativo (16,7%) vs. 6,6%). Entre os participantes, 59,2% deles se tornaram sedentários durante a pandemia. As atividades de caminhada e corrida continuaram entre as mais praticadas, embora tenham apresentado redução durante o distanciamento social. As recomendações de distanciamento social devido à pandemia COVID-19 causaram diminuição nos níveis gerais de atividade física em adultos residentes no Estado do Amazonas e especificamente na prática de indivíduos que eram fisicamente ativos e muito ativos antes da pandemia

Validation of a Single Question for the Evaluation of Physical Activity in Adolescents.

We aimed to assess the validity of a single question to evaluate leisure-time physical activity (PA) in adolescents. We included 209 participants (57.4% girls) aged 14-18 years from Porto, Portugal, evaluated as part of the SALTA project. A self-reported question with four answer options, designed for the EPITeen study, was used to classify the intensity level of usual leisure-time activities. Actigraph accelerometers were used to objectively measure total PA during 7 consecutive days. Since the accelerometers measured PA as a continuous variable, hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify clusters of individuals with similar level of objectively measured PA. Correlations between self-reported and objective measures were evaluated through polychoric correlations. In girls, we found higher mean time on sedentary activities among those describing their leisure-time PA as "sitting", and an increase on the time spent on light and moderate activities with increasing intensity of PA on self-reported classification. A similar trend was found in boys, but not reaching statistical significance. The correlation between the two measures of PA was 0.42 for girls and 0.46 for boys. We found an acceptable correlation between our single question and the objectively measured PA, showing that, although the single question is not adequate to quantify the intensity of the physical activity, it allows to rank adolescents according to leisure-time physical activity.

The influence of socioeconomic, biogeophysical and built environment on old-age survival in a Southern European city.

Old-age survival is a good indicator of population health and regional development. We evaluated the spatial distribution of old-age survival across Porto neighbourhoods and its relation with physical (biogeophysical and built) and socioeconomic factors (deprivation). Smoothed survival rates and odds ratio (OR) were estimated using Bayesian spatial models. There were important geographical differentials in the chances of survival after 75 years of age. Socioeconomic deprivation strongly impacted old-age survival (Men: least deprived areas OR=1.31(1.05-1.63); Women OR=1.53(1.24-1.89)), explaining over 40% of the spatial variance. Walkability and biogeophysical environment were unrelated to old-age survival and also unrelated to socioeconomic deprivation, being fairly evenly distributed through the city.

Percepção de regras e de confiança em reduzir o tempo de tela em adolescentes / Rules perception and confidence in the ability to reduce screen time in adolescents

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a associação entre o tempo de tela com a percepção de regras e a confiança em reduzir o tempo de tela em adolescentes. Participaram 358 adolescentes (58,2% meninas), entre 14 e 18 anos, da cidade do Porto - Portugal. A percepção de regras e a confiança em reduzir o tempo de tela foram avaliadas por medidas autorreportadas através de instrumentos validados para esta população. Os adolescentes que percebem alguma regra por parte dos pais apresentam menor prevalência de exposição ao tempo de tela ( 2 horas/dia) para uso da internet (RP=0,62; IC95%: 0,28-0,99). A moderada (RP=0,60; IC95%: 0,34-0,99) ou elevada (RP=0,51; IC95%: 0,27-0,96) confiança na capacidade de reduzir o tempo de tela foi associado de forma inversa com a prevalência de não cumprir as recomendações do tempo de tela para assistir TV e usar vídeo game/computador. A percepção de regras e moderada ou elevada confiança na capacidade de reduzir o tempo de tela foram associados com menor proporção de adolescentes expostos a atividades sedentárias, tais como assistir TV e usar internet por +- 2 horas/dia.

The aim of this study was examine the association between screen time with rules perception and confidence to reduce screen time in adolescents. Data were obtained from 358 adolescents (58.2% girls) aged between 14 and 18 years old in the city of Porto - Portugal. To evaluate the amount time in screen time activities, as well as the confidence and rules perception we used validated self-reported surveys. Adolescents who perceived some rule have less likelihood to screen time ( 2 hours/day) for Internet use (PR = 0.62; 95% IC: 0.28 to 0.99). The moderate (RP= 0.60; 95% IC 0.34 to 0.99) or high (RP = 0.51; 95% IC: 0.27 to 0.96) confidence in the ability to reduce screen time was associated inversely with prevalence to meet the recommendations of screen time to watch TV and play video game/computer. There was an association in the capacity to reduce screen time between adolescents who perceive some rules and showed moderate to high confidence and the exposed time sedentary activities, such as, watching TV and Internet utilization for more +- 2 hours/day.

[The association between proximity to sports facilities and participation in sports among 13-year-olds in the city of Porto, Portugal]. / A associação entre a proximidade a equipamentos desportivos e a prática de atividade desportiva em adolescentes de 13 anos de idade do Município do Porto, Portugal.

The built environment can influence sports practice. The objective of this study was to examine the association between proximity (< 500m) to sports facilities and participation in sports. We evaluated 1,175 13-year-olds (54% girls) enrolled in public and private schools in Porto, Portugal. Sports activity was assessed using a self-completed questionnaire. The adolescents' residences and sports facilities were georeferenced. A matrix of distances from each residence to the facilities was calculated. For the majority (87%) of the adolescents, there was at least one sports facility close to their place of residence. No statistically significant differences were found in participation in sports based on proximity to facilities (< 500m vs. > 500m); the proportions were 44% vs. 38% (p = 0.414) in girls and 72% vs. 61% (p = 0.094) in boys. In conclusion, proximity to sports facilities was not significantly associated with participation in sports.

A associação entre a proximidade a equipamentos desportivos e a prática de atividade desportiva em adolescentes de 13 anos de idade do Município do Porto, Portugal / The association between proximity to sports facilities and participation in sports among 13-year-olds in the city of Porto, Portugal

O ambiente construído pode influenciar a prática desportiva. O objetivo foi examinar a associação entre a proximidade (500m) de equipamentos desportivos e a participação em atividades desportivas. Foram avaliados 1.175 (54 por cento meninas) estudantes de 13 anos de idade matriculados em escolas públicas e privadas do Município do Porto, Portugal. A atividade desportiva foi avaliada utilizando um questionário autoaplicável. As residências dos participantes e os equipamentos públicos foram georreferenciados. Foi calculada uma matriz de distância da residência de cada participante até os equipamentos. A maioria dos adolescentes (87 por cento) reside na proximidade de, pelo menos, um equipamento desportivo. Não foram encontradas diferenças na prática desportiva relacionadas com a proximidade aos equipamentos (< 500m vs. > 500m), sendo as proporções 44 por cento vs. 38 por cento, p = 0.414 (meninas) e 72 por cento vs. 61 por cento, p = 0.094 (meninos). A proximidade de equipamentos não estava associada com a prática do desporto.

The built environment can influence sports practice. The objective of this study was to examine the association between proximity (< 500m) to sports facilities and participation in sports. We evaluated 1,175 13-year-olds (54 percent girls) enrolled in public and private schools in Porto, Portugal. Sports activity was assessed using a self-completed questionnaire. The adolescents' residences and sports facilities were georeferenced. A matrix of distances from each residence to the facilities was calculated. For the majority (87 percent) of the adolescents, there was at least one sports facility close to their place of residence. No statistically significant differences were found in participation in sports based on proximity to facilities (< 500m vs. > 500m); the proportions were 44 percent vs. 38 percent (p = 0.414) in girls and 72 percent vs. 61 percent (p = 0.094) in boys. In conclusion, proximity to sports facilities was not significantly associated with participation in sports.