The effects of warm weather on children's outdoor heat stress and physical activity in a preschool yard in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Hot weather conditions can have negative impacts on the thermal comfort and physical activity of vulnerable groups such as children. The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of warm weather on 5-year-old children's thermal comfort and physical activity in a preschool yard in Gothenburg, Sweden. In situ measurements were conducted for 1-1.5 h in the early afternoon on 8 days in May, June, and August of 2022. The thermal comfort and physical activity was estimated with GPS-tracks, heart rate monitors, and step counts and compared to observed weather conditions. Results show that physical activity decreases under warmer weather conditions, depicted by a decrease in distance moved, step counts, and highest registered pulse. Moreover, on warm days, the children avoid sunlit areas. For 50% or more of the time spent in sunlit areas, the children are exposed to cautious levels of heat. In shaded areas, on the other hand, the children are less exposed, with five out of 8 days having 50% or more of the time at neutral levels. The study demonstrates the importance of access to shaded areas in preschool yards where children can continue their active play while simultaneously maintaining a safe thermal status.

Pupils' use of school outdoor play settings across seasons and its relation to sun exposure and physical activity.

BACKGROUND: Long outdoor stay may cause hazardous exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun even at high latitudes as in Sweden (Spring to Autumn). On the other hand, long outdoor stay is a strong predictor of primary school children´s free mobility involving moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). UV-protective outdoor environments enable long outdoor stay. We investigated the concurrent impact of different school outdoor play settings upon pupils´ sun exposure and levels of physical activity across different ages, genders, and seasons. METHOD: During 1 week each in September, March, and May, UVR exposure and MVPA were measured in pupils aged 7-11 years. Erythemally effective UVR exposure was measured by polysulphone film dosimeters and MVPA by accelerometers. Schoolyard play was recorded on maps, and used areas defined as four play settings (fixed play equipment, paved surfaces, sport fields, and green settings), categorized by season and gender. RESULTS: During the academic year, sport fields yielded the highest UVR exposures and generated most time in MVPA. In March, time outdoors and minutes in MVPA dropped and UVR exposures were suberythemal at all play settings. In May, green settings and fixed play equipment close to greenery promoted MVPA and protected from solar overexposure during long outdoor stays. CONCLUSION: More outdoor activities in early spring are recommended. In May, greenery attractive for play could protect against overexposure to UVR and stimulate both girls and boys to vigorous play.

School-based study showed a correlation between physical activity and smartphone and tablet use by students aged eight, 11 and 14.

AIM: This study investigated correlations between objectively measured physical activity (PA) and smartphone and tablet usage by sex and age in subjects aged eight, 11 and 14. METHODS: We recruited 549 children and adolescents (264 boys) from six schools in three middle-class communities in south-eastern Sweden. Steps per day were objectively measured using sealed pedometers and a brief daily questionnaire about smartphone and tablet usage. Correlations between mean steps per day and mean daily minutes of smartphone and tablet usage, and differences between low and high users, were investigated. RESULTS: There was a moderately inverse correlation between steps per day and smartphone and tablet usage in the total sample (r = -.329, P < .001), but it was lower in boys (r = -.340, P < .001) than girls (r = -.401, P < .001). When stratified further by both sex and age, this correlation was only found among 14-year-old girls (r = -.385, P < .001) and this group only, differences between low and high users (P = .005) were seen. CONCLUSION: There was a moderately inverse correlation between steps per day and smartphone and tablet usage. When stratified by both sex and age groups, this correlation was only observed in 14-year-old girls. The results may have implications for future PA interventions that target adolescent girls.

Comparisons of pedometer-determined weekday physical activity among Swedish school children and adolescents in 2000 and 2017 showed the highest reductions in adolescents.

AIM: This study compared differences in weekday physical activity among school children and adolescents in middle-class communities in south-eastern Sweden in 2000 and 2017. METHODS: Data were drawn from two independent cross-sectional cohorts of children and adolescents aged 8, 11 and 14. The same six schools, protocols, procedures and instruments were used in both years, with 332 subjects in 2000 and 562 in 2017. Mean steps per day (SPD) were measured with a Yamax SW-200 pedometer. RESULTS: The mean weekday SPD was similar among eight-year-old girls in both years, but 8% (p = 0.040) higher among eight-year-old boys in 2017. However, among 11-year-old children, the mean SPD were 12% lower among both girls (p = 0.033) and boys (p = 0.001). The SPD among 14-year-old adolescents were 24% (p = 0.012) and 30% (p < 0.001) lower among girls and boys, respectively. CONCLUSION: This school-based study from south-eastern Sweden showed that weekday physical activity differed between age groups in 2000 and 2017. The highest reductions were seen among older children and adolescents, particularly 14-year-old girls and boys. The only group that increased was eight-year-old boys, with no significant change in eight-year-old girls. A possible explanation might be the dramatically increased use of the Internet on phones and tablets.

Levels of physical activity during physical education lessons in Sweden.

AIM: The aim of this study was to measure the percentage of sedentary light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (%MVPA) provided by physical education (PE) lessons for Swedish second, fifth and eighth grade students, aged eight, 11 and 14. METHODS: We observed 39 PE lessons and divided them into seven lesson categories: ball play, ball games, dance, fitness, playing games, orienteering and gymnastics. Physical activity (PA) during PE was estimated using accelerometers and the height and weight of the children were measured. RESULTS: We studied 149 children: 63 in the second grade, 66 in the fifth grade and 19 in the eighth grade. On average, 25% of the PE lessons were spent in MVPA and the mean %MVPA varied with the lesson content, with fitness, orienteering and playing games being the most intense. The highest %MVPA was in the fitness category, providing 33% (8-62%) for girls and 37% (7-72%) for boys. With the exception of the second grade, no significant gender differences in %MVPA were seen. CONCLUSION: The content of Swedish PE lessons affected the %MVPA in all age groups. In some content, individuals reached two-thirds of their daily PA recommendations, highlighting the potential that PE contributes to public health goals.

Reduction in pedometer-determined physical activity in the adult Danish population from 2007 to 2012.

AIMS: To examine the development in pedometer-determined physical activity from 2007-2008 to 2011-2012 in the adult Danish population. METHODS: The study population comprised two random samples of 18-75-year-old individuals who took part in cross-sectional studies in 2007-2008 (n=224) and 2011-2012 (n=1515). Pedometer data (sealed Yamax SW 200) were obtained for seven consecutive days. Data for 1624 participants (48.2% men) were included in the analysis. An overall step-defined activity level was examined based on a graduated step index (sedentary, low active, somewhat active, active, highly active). The pedometer-determined outcomes were analysed using regression models. RESULTS: A borderline significant decline (p=0.077) from 8788 to 8341 steps/day (-446 (95% confidence intervals -50, 943)) was found between 2007-2008 and 2011-2012. Furthermore, a 23.7% (95% confidence intervals -41.7%, -0.1%) lower overall step-defined activity level was observed in 2011-2012 compared to 2007-2008. These changes were primarily due to a reduced level of activity among women. The proportion of individuals taking ⩾10,000 steps/day decreased non-significantly from 34.8% to 29.3%, whereas the proportion taking <5000 steps/day did not differ between survey periods. CONCLUSIONS: This nationally representative survey suggests an overall reduction in the physical activity level among Danish adults. The reduction was due to a shift in the population distribution from higher to lower levels of activity. If this shift is true, it is worrying from a public health perspective. Our study result needs, however, to be confirmed by other population studies.

Physical activity decreased by a quarter in the 11- to 12-year-old Swedish boys between 2000 and 2013 but was stable in girls: a smartphone effect?

AIM: This study explored physical activity, body mass index (BMI) and overweight and obesity from 2000 to 2013 using a convenience sample of second- and fifth-grade Swedish schoolchildren aged 8-9 years and 11-12 years, respectively. METHODS: We examined cross-sectional cohorts of 126 second-grade children in 2000, 84 in 2006 and 44 in 2013 and 105 fifth-grade children in 2000 and 38 in 2013. No fifth graders were available in 2006. Physical activity data were collected based on pedometer readings over four consecutive weekdays, and height and weight were measured. Identical instruments and procedures were used in all three years. RESULTS: There was an increase in physical activity in second-grade girls from 2000 to 2006 (p < 0.01), which then stabilised between 2006 and 2013, but second-grade boys and fifth-grade girls were stable throughout the study period. Fifth-grade boys decreased significantly (24%) from 16 670 to 12 704 steps per day (p < 0.01) from 2000 to 2013. Mean BMI scores remained stable over time. CONCLUSION: Time trends in physical activity differed between boys and girls. Second-grade boys and fifth-grade girls were stable throughout, whereas second-grade girls increased from 2000 to 2006 before stabilising. Fifth-grade boys showed a significant 24% reduction from 2000 to 2013. Changes in recess and leisure time habits, such as smartphone use, may have influenced the result.

Objectively measured sedentary behaviour and cardio-metabolic risk in youth: a review of evidence.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this paper was to review studies that examine the association between volume and pattern of objectively measured sedentary behaviour and markers of cardio-metabolic risk in youth. A search for relevant articles was conducted in PubMed and SportDiscus, and the following inclusion criteria were applied: (i) youth participants (age range 6-19); (ii) accelerometer-measured volume and/or pattern of sedentary behaviour and its association with ≥1 cardio-metabolic outcome; and (iii) published, in press or accepted in an English language peer-reviewed journal between January 2000 and October 2013. A total of 45 articles met the a priori criteria and, thus, were considered eligible for inclusion. Although youth accumulate approximately 6 to 8 h of daily sedentary behaviour, little evidence supports an association with individual and clustered cardio-metabolic risk when adjusted for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). CONCLUSION: We suggest that youth should be encouraged to engage in recommended levels of MVPA and reduce excessive time spent in screen-based sedentary behaviour. Future studies should examine the association between volume and pattern of objectively measured sedentary behaviour and cardio-metabolic risk independent of time spent in MVPA.

A repeated measurement study investigating the impact of school outdoor environment upon physical activity across ages and seasons in Swedish second, fifth and eighth graders.

BACKGROUND: School children are confined to and exposed to outdoor environment that happens to be at their disposal during compulsory school time. The health-promoting potential of outdoor environment, and the use of it, is therefore important. We have studied the impact of school outdoor environment in terms of playground features, space, topography and vegetation upon the patterns of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) across ages and seasons in Swedish pupils at compulsory school. METHODS: Four schools in the Middle and Southern parts of Sweden, with outdoor environments differing in playground features, space, topography and vegetation were analyzed during one school year. A sample of 196 children was drawn from eligible pupils in grades 2, 5 and 8, aged 7-14 years. PA was monitored with time-stamped Actigraph accelerometers GT3X+, measuring different intensity levels during outdoor time. Maps were used to mark places where the children stayed and what they did during outdoor time. RESULTS: Mean MVPA during outdoor stay was 39 minutes for the entire school year, time in MVPA correlated positively with outdoor time, as did MVPA with used outdoor play area (p < 0.001). Outdoor MVPA declined with age, boys accumulated more MVPA than girls at all ages (p < 0.001). Ball play areas increased MVPA in 5th graders in September and May (p < 0.001). Overall, ball play areas increased 5th graders' relative MVPA, and helped maintaining it with increasing age in boys but not in girls, whereas woodland stimulated and contributed to maintaining girls' MVPA with increasing age. Outdoor temperature significantly impacted (p < 0.01) MVPA throughout all seasons. CONCLUSION: We conclude that school outdoor environment design and outdoor play time impact physical activity on a daily basis and may contribute to increasing girls' physical activity and moderate the sharp decline in physical activity by age. The school outdoor environment may thus be a potential health promoter during school time.

Translation of children's cycling into steps: the share of cycling in 10-year-olds' physical activity.

BACKGROUND: Active travel has a potential to increase children's physical activity (PA). Pedometers offer a valid option to measure PA, but do not capture cycling activity. Children's self-reported cycling distances can be analyzed by the Geografic Information System (GIS). AIM: To combine pedometry and GIS mapping to identify the relative amount of cycling in children's PA. STUDY GROUP: Of all children in 4th grade (n=187) in Staffanstorp Sweden, 144 had valid pedometer data. Fifty-six children were non-cyclists while 88 children (32 boys, 47 girls, 9 gender unknown) reported at least one cycle journey. METHODS: Cycle trips were entered into GIS and calculated to total cycling distance. Average length of the single distances cycled per day was 676 m (SD=534 m). A previously reported cycling speed (13.5 km/h) was used to calculate time spent cycling. Consequently distance=676 m, speed=13.5 km/h=13,500 m/3600 s=3.75 m/s and time=676m/3.75m/s=180.26 s=3 min. Expenditure of 4 and 5 metabolic equivalents (METs) has in children been reported equivalent to 122 and 127 steps/min, respectively. We estimated 4.7 METs (13.5 km/h) as 126 steps for every min of cycling (127-122=5×0.7=125.5). RESULTS: The daily mean cycle distance was 676 m, on average 379 additional steps/day for cycling children (min. 21, max. 1385, SD=299) with no gender difference. Additional "steps" obtained by cycling corresponded to on average 3% of their PA. CONCLUSION: The relative contribution of cycling in 10-year-old children's PA level is quite small and stable between children across different levels of activity levels, regardless of gender.

Time Trends in Physical Activity Using Wearable Devices: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Studies from 1995 to 2017.

INTRODUCTION: Conflicting evidence exists on whether physical activity (PA) levels of humans have changed over the last quarter-century. The main objective of this study was to determine if there is evidence of time trends in PA, from cross-sectional studies that assessed PA at different time points using wearable devices (e.g., pedometers and accelerometers). A secondary objective was to quantify the rate of change in PA. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted of English-language studies indexed in PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science (1960-2020) using search terms (time OR temporal OR secular) AND trends AND (steps per day OR pedometer OR accelerometer OR MVPA). Subsequently, a meta-analytic approach was used to aggregate data from multiple studies and to examine specific factors (i.e., sex, age-group, sex and age-group, and PA metric). RESULTS: Based on 16 peer-reviewed scientific studies conducted between 1995 and 2017, levels of ambulatory PA are trending downward in developed countries. Significant declines were seen in both males and females (P < 0.001) as well as in children (P = 0.020), adolescents (P < 0.001), and adults (P = 0.004). The average study duration was 9.4 yr (accelerometer studies, 5.3 yr; pedometer studies, 10.8 yr). For studies that assessed steps, the average change in PA was -1118 steps per day over the course of the study (P < 0.001), and adolescents had the greatest change in PA at -2278 steps per day (P < 0.001). Adolescents also had the steepest rate of change over time, expressed in steps per day per decade. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from studies conducted in eight developed nations over a 22-yr period indicates that PA levels have declined overall, especially in adolescents. This study emphasizes the need for continued research tracking time trends in PA using wearable devices.

How many steps/day are enough? for children and adolescents.

Worldwide, public health physical activity guidelines include special emphasis on populations of children (typically 6-11 years) and adolescents (typically 12-19 years). Existing guidelines are commonly expressed in terms of frequency, time, and intensity of behaviour. However, the simple step output from both accelerometers and pedometers is gaining increased credibility in research and practice as a reasonable approximation of daily ambulatory physical activity volume. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to review existing child and adolescent objectively monitored step-defined physical activity literature to provide researchers, practitioners, and lay people who use accelerometers and pedometers with evidence-based translations of these public health guidelines in terms of steps/day. In terms of normative data (i.e., expected values), the updated international literature indicates that we can expect 1) among children, boys to average 12,000 to 16,000 steps/day and girls to average 10,000 to 13,000 steps/day; and, 2) adolescents to steadily decrease steps/day until approximately 8,000-9,000 steps/day are observed in 18-year olds. Controlled studies of cadence show that continuous MVPA walking produces 3,300-3,500 steps in 30 minutes or 6,600-7,000 steps in 60 minutes in 10-15 year olds. Limited evidence suggests that a total daily physical activity volume of 10,000-14,000 steps/day is associated with 60-100 minutes of MVPA in preschool children (approximately 4-6 years of age). Across studies, 60 minutes of MVPA in primary/elementary school children appears to be achieved, on average, within a total volume of 13,000 to 15,000 steps/day in boys and 11,000 to 12,000 steps/day in girls. For adolescents (both boys and girls), 10,000 to 11,700 may be associated with 60 minutes of MVPA. Translations of time- and intensity-based guidelines may be higher than existing normative data (e.g., in adolescents) and therefore will be more difficult to achieve (but not impossible nor contraindicated). Recommendations are preliminary and further research is needed to confirm and extend values for measured cadences, associated speeds, and MET values in young people; continue to accumulate normative data (expected values) for both steps/day and MVPA across ages and populations; and, conduct longitudinal and intervention studies in children and adolescents required to inform the shape of step-defined physical activity dose-response curves associated with various health parameters.

Comparison of pedometer and accelerometer measures of physical activity during preschool time on 3- to 5-year-old children.

AIMS: To compare pedometer steps with accelerometer counts and to analyse minutes of engagement in light, moderate and vigorous physical activity in 3- to 5-year-old children during preschool time. METHODS: Physical activity was recorded during preschool time for five consecutive days in 55 three- to five-year-old children. The children wore a Yamax SW200 pedometer and an Actigraph GTIM Monitor. RESULTS: The average time spent at preschool was 7.22 h/day with an average step of 7313 (±3042). Steps during preschool time increased with increasing age. The overall correlation between mean step counts and mean accelerometer counts (r = 0.67, p < 0.001), as well as time in light to vigorous activity (r = 0.76, p < 0.001), were moderately high. Step counts and moderate to vigorous physical activity minutes were poorly correlated in 3 years old (r = 0.19, p < 0.191) and moderately correlated (r = 0.50, p < 0.001) for children 4 to 5 years old. CONCLUSION: Correlation between the preschool children's pedometer-determined step counts and total engagement in physical activity during preschool time was moderately high. Children's step counts at preschool were low, and the time spent in moderate and vigorous physical activity at preschool was very short.

A 20-Year Follow-Up Study of Objectively Measured Physical Activity.

BACKGROUND: The objectives of this study were to explore the effect of time, long-term tracking, and the proportion of objectively measured physical activity (PA) from early adolescence to the mid-thirties. METHODS: PA was measured as mean steps per day (SPD) with pedometers during 2000 (T1), 2003 (T2), 2005 (T3), 2010 (T4), 2016 (T5) and 2020 (T6). Data from 64 participants (n = 32 males) were analysed from their early adolescence (T1) to their mid-thirties (T6). RESULTS: SPD decreased in the total sample and among males and females (all, p < 0.001). Males took more mean SPD than females during T1 (p = 0.002), whereas females took more mean SPD during T2 (p = 0.009) and T6 (p = 0.008). Males' mean SPD tracked between T1 and T2 (p = 0.021), T2 and T3 (p = 0.030), T3 and T4 (p = 0.015) and T4 and T5 (p = 0.003). Females' mean SPD tracked between T3 and T4 (p = 0.024) and T5 and T6 (p < 0.001). In the total sample, more mean SPD were found on weekdays compared to weekend days at T3 (p = 0.017) and T5 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: SPD decreased between T1 and T6. Mean SPD tracked low-to-moderate in the short time span. From late adolescence to the mid-thirties, more mean SPD was observed during weekdays compared to weekend days.

Eight years secular trends of physical self-esteem among Swedish adolescents.

UNLABELLED: The main aim of this study was to explore secular trends between 2000 and 2008 in physical self esteem by comparing cross sectional cohorts of young adolescents. METHODS: Data of physical self esteem, mean steps per day and body mass index (BMI) were collected in comparable cohorts comprising 191 (103 girls) (2000) and 170 adolescents (101 girls) (2008) in a middle class Swedish community. RESULTS: There was a significant higher Global Self-esteem in the cohort 2008 compared with the 2000 cohort both in boys (p = .004) and girls (p = .018). Regarding Physical Self-worth, both boys and girls reported higher mean values in 2008, which were however not significant. Boys classified overweight/obese showed a significant lower value in Global Self-esteem (p = .001) in the 2008 cohort when compared with the overweight/obese in the 2000 cohort, but all other domains showed non significant differences. Girls classified overweight/obese showed a significant lower value in Physical Strength (p = .023), in the 2008 cohort when compared with the overweight/ obese in the 2000 cohort, but all other domains showed non significant differences. CONCLUSION: There was significantly higher Global Self-esteem in the cohort 2008 compared with the 2000 cohort both in boys and girls, and regarding Physical Self-worth, both boys and girls reported higher mean values in 2008 that were not significant. In the overweight/obese adolescents group, the only significant difference was a lower perceived Physical Strength in girls in 2008 and a significant lower Global Self-esteem in boys in 2008. Enhanced focus on physical activity in society and actions taken by the school might have influenced the result.

Objectively measured physical activity level during a physical education class: a pilot study with Swedish youth.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study is to advance our knowledge of the contribution of a typical physical education (PE) class to children's daily physical activity. METHODS: The pilot project is a part of a survey study comprising 11 fourth grader classes (250 pupils). One class of 19 pupils (9 girls) participated in the pilot study. Daily step counts were measured by Yamax pedometers during four consecutive weekdays. During PE class, the participants wore a second pedometer and an Actigraph GT1M accelerometer. RESULTS: The total average step count during PE class was 2512, average 74 steps/min. The counts for the whole day were 16668, and 19 steps/min respectively. The total share of moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of the PE class was 50.4% (52.5% and 48.3% for boys and girls respectively). There was an inverse correlation between daily mean step count and contribution of PE class step to daily mean step (r = -0.64, p = .003). CONCLUSION: The contribution of PE class to MVPA was in high in both boys and girls. Considering the suggested independent role of physical fitness for cardiovascular health in children, the PE class must be seen as an important health factor, especially for otherwise inactive children.

Comparing self-perceived global self-esteem and physical self-esteem among children and adolescents in Southeastern Sweden, investigated in 2000 and 2017.

OBJECTIVES: To compare self-perceived global self-esteem (GSE) and physical self-esteem (PSE) among children and adolescents aged 11 and 14 years in Southeastern Sweden, investigated in 2000 and 2017. METHODS: The present study consists of two independent cross-sectional study-cohorts from Southeastern Sweden, investigated in 2000 and 2017. The same protocol, procedures, and instruments were used in 2000 and 2017. In October 2000, data for self-perceived GSE and PSE, and anthropometry were collected from 11-years old children (Grade 5) (n=74) and 14-years old adolescents (Grade 8) (n=84). In October 2017, children (n=186) and adolescents (n=140) from the same grade-levels, schools and classrooms provided data for the same variables as in 2000. GSE and PSE were assessed with the Children and Youth Physical Self-Perception Profile (CY-PSPP). RESULTS: Self-perceived GSE was higher in 2017 as compared to 2000 among both 11-years old boys (p<0.001) and girls (p<0.001) and 14-years old boys (p=0.008) and girls (p<0.001). Similarly, self-perceived PSE was higher in 2017 as compared to 2000 among both 11-years old boys (p<0.001) and girls (p=0.023) and 14-years old boys (p=0.025) and girls (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Self-perceived GSE and PSE among children and adolescents aged 11 and 14 years in Southeastern Sweden were higher in 2017 as compared to 2000. These results are not in agreement with the increased psychological ill-health as being reported among children and adolescents during the last decade in Sweden.

Physical self-esteem, a five year follow-up study on Swedish adolescents.

UNLABELLED: This study describes the levels and inter-correlations of physical self-esteem, physical activity, body mass index (BMI), and body fat and, in addition, distinctive of individuals with high vs. low physical self-worth in a longitudinal design during adolescence. METHODS: At mean ages 12.7, 15.7, and 17.7 years, physical activity (steps/day) was measured for four consecutive schooldays of 77 (41 girls) Swedish adolescents. Perceived physical self-esteem, height, weight, and at ages 15.7 and 17.7 years, body fat percent was also measured. RESULTS: Boys' physical self-perception scores were higher than girls' and an overall stability during adolescents was seen. High and low physical self-worth had a significant impact regarding BMI at ages 12.7 and 17.7 years and regarding body fat at age 17.7 years in both boys and girls. CONCLUSIONS: Regression analysis indicated that BMI and body fat counter-predicted self-worth in girls age-dependently. Efforts to build adapted physical activity programs for overweight and obese are emphasized.

Tracking of Pedometer-Determined Physical Activity: A 16-Year Follow-Up Study.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to explore the effect of time and long-termed tracking on pedometer-determined physical activity (PA) from early adolescent to the 30s. METHODS: PA was measured with pedometers [Yamax™ (SW-200)] during 2000 (time 1), 2003 (time 2), 2005 (time 3), 2010 (time 4), and 2016 (time 5). Anthropometric data were collected during time 1. Data from 59 participants (n = 32 males) were analyzed from early adolescent (time 1) to the 30s (time 5). RESULTS: There was an effect of time for males (P = .005, η2 = .76) and females (P = .002, η2 = .50) where steps per day decreased. Males steps per day tracked between time 1 and time 2 (r = .41, P = .021), time 1 and time 3 (r = .38, P = .03), time 3 and time 4 (r = .42, P = .015), and time 4 and time 5 (r = .50, P = .003). Females steps per day tracked between time 4 and time 5 (r = .39, P = .04). Males took more steps per day than females during time 1 (P = .018), whereas females took more steps per day during time 2 (P = .043) and time 3 (P = .03). CONCLUSION: There was a significant effect of time, where steps per day decreased between the 5 times of measurement. Steps per day tracked low to moderate in the short time span, yet tracked nonsignificantly from early adolescent to the 30s.

Effects of an Empowerment-Based Health-Promotion School Intervention on Physical Activity and Sedentary Time among Adolescents in a Multicultural Area.

Physical activity (PA) decreases with age, and interventions are needed to promote PA during adolescence, especially, among those in low-socioeconomic status (SES) areas. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a two-year, empowerment-based health-promotion school intervention had any effects on changes in (a) moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), (b) sedentary time (SED), (c) exercise training (ET) frequency, and (d) ET duration, among adolescents. Participants (aged 12⁻13 years at baseline) from one intervention school and two control schools, were recruited from a multicultural area of Sweden, characterized by low-SES. During the course of the two-year intervention, a total of 135 participants (43% boys) were included in the study. The intervention was developed and implemented as a result of cooperation and shared decision-making among the researchers and the participants. MVPA and SED were measured with accelerometers, and ET frequency and duration was self-reported at the beginning of the seventh, eighth, and ninth grade, respectively. There were no significant effects of the two-year, empowerment-based health-promotion school intervention on changes in the accelerometer-measured MVPA and SED, or the self-reported ET frequency and duration, among the adolescents. Overall, the intervention was unsuccessful at promoting PA and reducing SED. Several possible explanations for the intervention's lack of effects are discussed.