Introduction:
lack of physical activity and sedentary
lifestyles in
children are associated with increased
adiposity, low cardiovascular fitness, and
risk of
cardiovascular disease. On the other
hand, adherence to
physical activity recommendations is associated with improvements in
mental health, decreased
anxiety and
depression, and healthier
habits.
Objectives:
to assess the relationship between different domains of
physical activity and sedentary behaviour, measured objectively, and components of
physical fitness in Spanish
children aged 4 and 5 years.
Population and
methods:
cross-sectional study within the project Observatory and intervention programme on
physical exercise and
lifestyles in
families for
children aged 4 to 5 years in
primary care (https//observatorioactividadfisica.es).
Physical fitness was assessed with the PREFIT battery. To
measure the amount and intensity of
physical activity, participants wore a GENEActiv triaxial accelerometer on the non-dominant
hand for 7 consecutive days, 24 hours a day.
Results:
the study sample included 70
children (38
boys and 32
girls) with a mean age of 4.83 years (95%
confidence interval [CI]). There were no significant differences in
physical fitness between
boys and
girls, but we found differences in
physical activity.
Boys were physically active for longer durations and with higher intensity than
girls. We also found a significant and strong
association between the components of
physical fitness and
physical activity domains in
children aged 4 and 5 years.
Conclusions:
these findings highlight the importance of promoting active
lifestyles from an early age and the need for structured
training programs to reduce sedentary behaviour and improve
physical fitness in this
population. (AU)
