Comparability of accelerometer- and IPAQ-derived physical activity and sedentary time in South Asian women: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

There is limited research documenting objectively measured physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (ST) in South Asian (SA) women, with no published evidence of the validity of self-report methods for assessment of PA/ST in SA. The purpose of this study was to compare accelerometer- and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-derived PA/ST among SA women in the United Kingdom (UK) via a mixed-methods approach. One hundred and forty SA women wore an accelerometer for seven consecutive days; a sub-sample (n = 50) completed the IPAQ-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and a brief structured interview. Accelerometer-derived metabolic equivalent (MET) minutes per week (min/wk) moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (mean ± SD) for the full sample was 793.94 (±519.44) and mean accelerometer-derived ST wk was 530.20 (±81.76). IPAQ-SF-derived MVPA (MET min/wk) was 636.80 (±2113.56) and mean ST wk was 315.31 (±266.98). Pearson correlations were not significant between accelerometer- and IPAQ-SF-assessed MVPA (r = ?.119, p = .579) and ST (r = ?.140, p = .229). Major themes synthesised from interviews included inability to recall sitting time and limited general knowledge of real-life examples of MVPA. These results suggest that the IPAQ-SF may not accurately measure PA/ST in the UK SA women. These findings are supported by qualitative evidence indicating several issues with interpretation and recall of PA/ST as assessed via this questionnaire.     

Accelerometry to measure physical activity in toddlers: Determination of wear time requirements for a reliable estimate of physical activity

Accelerometry is widely used to evaluate physical activity in toddlers however recommendations regarding wear time are needed to understand physical activity behaviours in this age group. This study aimed to determine the minimum wear time to reliably evaluate physical activity in toddlers. Children from the 3D Birth Cohort (n = 255, 49.8% boys, 2.1 ± 0.2 years) were asked to wear an accelerometer (GT3X+, ActiGraph) for 7 days. Physical activity was expressed in active time (min/day) and counts per minute (CPM). Single day intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to assess the effect of varying minimal wear time on reliability estimates. The Spearman-Brown formula was used to determine wear time required to achieve reliability levels of 70%, 80% and 90%. For active time, a reliability of 72.1% was achieved with wearing the accelerometer for ≥ 4 days of ≥ 6 h, which comprised 85.9% of the sample. For CPM, ≥ 4 days of ≥ 6 h provided a reliability of 74.7% and comprised 85.9% of the children. Results differed slightly when girls and boys were analysed separately, but restricting analyses to children with a weekend day did not. In summary, a minimum of 4 days with ≥ 6 h of accelerometry data provides a reliable estimate of physical activity in 2-year toddlers.     

Comparison of two Actigraph models for assessing free-living physical activity in Indian adolescents

Abstract

This aim of this study was to compare the new Actigraph (GT1M) with the widely used Model 7164. Seven days of free-living physical activity were measured simultaneously using both the Model 7164 and GT1M in 30 Indian adolescents (mean age 15.8 years, s = 0.6). The GT1M was on average 9% lower per epoch than model 7164, thus a correction factor of 0.91 is suggested for comparison between the two monitors. The differences between monitors increased in magnitude with intensity of activity (P < 0.001) but remained randomly distributed (r = 0.01, P = 0.96). No significant difference was observed between monitors for time spent in moderate (P = 0.31) and vigorous (P = 0.34) physical activity when using the same epoch length. The Model 7164 classified less time as sedentary (P < 0.001) and more time as light-intensity activity (P < 0.001) than the GT1M. In conclusion, data from the GT1M can be compared with historical data using average counts per minute with a correction factor, and the two models might be comparable for assessing time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity in children when using the same epoch length.     

Evidence for data missing at random in youth physical activity monitoring research

This study examined whether or not activity monitor data collected as part of a typical 7-day physical activity (PA) measurement protocol can be expected to be missing at random. A total of 315 participants (9–18 years) each wore a SenseWear Armband monitor for 7 consecutive days. Participants were classified as “compliant” (86 boys and 124 girls) if they had recorded accelerometer data during 70% or more of the predefined awake time (7 AM–10 PM) on four different days; and “non-compliant” (44 boys and 51 girls) when not meeting these criteria. Linear mixed models were used to examine differences in energy expenditure (EE) levels by compliance across 10 different time periods. The results indicated that non-compliant girls were older (13.4 ± 2.9 vs. 12.2 ± 2.5) and taller (156.8 ± 10.3 vs. 152.8 ± 11.3) than their same gender compliant peers (P < .05). Comparisons of EE rates at segmented portions of the day revealed no differences between compliant and non-compliant groups (P ≥ .05). Differences in EE ranged from ?0.32 kcal · kg^?1 · h^?1 (before school time) to 0.62 kcal · kg^?1 · h^?1 (physical education class) in boys and ?0.39 kcal · kg^?1 · h^?1 (transportation from school) to 0.37 kcal · kg^?1 · hour^?1 (recess) in girls. The results showed that compliant and non-compliant individuals differed in a few demographic characteristics but exhibited similar activity patterns. This suggests that data were considered to be missing at random, but additional work is needed to confirm this observation in a representative sample of children using other types of activity monitors and protocols.     

The influence of maturation,body size and physical self-perceptions on longitudinal changes in physical activity in adolescent girls

Abstract

The aim of this study was to adopt a longitudinal design to explore the direct effects of both absolute and relative maturation and changes in body size on physical activity, and explore if, and how, physical self-perceptions might mediate this effect. We recruited 208 girls (11.8 ± 0.4 years) at baseline. Data were collected at three subsequent time points, each 6 months apart. At 18 months, 119 girls remained in the study. At each time point, girls completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children, the Pubertal Development Scale (from which, both a measure of relative and absolute maturation were defined) and the Physical Self-Perception Profile, and had physical size characteristics assessed. Multilevel modelling for physical activity indicated a significant negative effect of age, positive effect for physical condition and sport competence and positive association for relatively early maturers. Absolute maturation, body mass, waist circumference and sum of skinfolds did not significantly contribute to the model. Contrary to common hypotheses, relatively more mature girls may, in fact, be more active than their less mature peers. However, neither changes in absolute maturation nor physical size appear to directly influence changes in physical activity in adolescent girls.     

Playing outdoor and practising sport: A study of physical activity levels in Portuguese children

In outdoor activities, it seems reasonable that the longer children spend in spontaneous physical activity (PA), the higher the probability of being active. Indeed, the time spent outdoor has been identified as a variable consistently associated with the children’s PA. Outdoor playing, such as the organized sports practice, appears associated with healthier lifestyle standards. All the recommendations mention the importance of increasing daily PA practice in children and teenagers, but few studies highlight the relationship between outdoor play and the recommended PA levels. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships between the frequency of outdoor play, the frequency of the organized sports practice, and the compliance of the recommendations for PA practice in children in the inner city area of Porto. The sample of this study is composed of 422 individuals (mean age of 11.6 years). Two hundred and twenty-five of them were girls and 197 were boys from the sixth grade (elementary schools located in the inner city area of Porto). PA was objectively evaluated using accelerometers. Participants reported frequency of participation in different PA contexts, such as sports practice and outdoor play. The results show a predictor effect of participating in sports three or more times per week on compliance of PA guidelines.

In conclusion, organized sports practice seems more effective than outdoor play to reach the recommended levels of PA in children.     

Validation of a short physical activity recall questionnaire completed by Spanish adolescents

Abstract

Self-report recall questionnaires are commonly used to measure physical activity in children and adolescents. However, they have been shown to have low to moderate validity, mainly due to inaccuracies in recall activity. The purpose of the present study was to determine the reliability and validity of an adapted version of the Assessment of Physical Activity Levels Questionnaire (APALQ) among a sample of Spanish adolescents. Test–retest reliability of the APALQ was assessed using a sample of 150 adolescents (72 males, 78 females), aged 13.6±1.1 years, who answered the APALQ twice within 7 days. Criterion validity was assessed using a sample of 77 adolescents (50 males, 27 females), aged 13.6±1.1 years, by comparing the APALQ against the Computer Science and Application (CSA) monitor. All participants were volunteers recruited from local schools in the Aragon region of Spain. Test–retest reliability for all items was high with intra-class coefficients of 0.77 for boys and 0.74 for girls. The APALQ demonstrated modest criterion validity with Pearson correlation coefficients (r) ranging from 0.53 between Physical Activity Index (PAI) and CSA minutes of moderate and vigorous physical activity, and 0.47 between PAI and CSA steps per day. When the data were analysed by gender, girls had higher correlations than boys (P < 0.01). The Spanish APALQ seems to be a valid and reliable short self-report physical activity questionnaire.     

Weekday and weekend physical activity patterns of French and Spanish adolescents

Abstract

Adolescents' objectively assessed physical activity (PA) patterns during specific segments of the day remain unclear. In order to develop a clearer understanding this study examined country and gender differences in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels during specific segments of weekdays and weekend days, and explored the contribution of each segment to PA guidelines. Morpho-demographic, socio-economic and PA data were collected from a sample of 829 French and Spanish adolescents (45.0% Spanish; 55.2% females; 14.33±.73 years). Actigraph GT3X accelerometers were worn for seven days to assess adolescents' MVPA for three segments of weekdays (school-travel-time, school-time, and non-school-time), and weekend days (morning-time, afternoon-time and night-time). Data were analysed using multilevel modelling. The most active segments were non-school-time (29.2±17.5 min) and school-time (25.8±14.2 min) during weekdays, and morning-time (28.2±25.8 min) on weekend days. Except for school-time, Spanish adolescents were more significantly active than French adolescents during all segments. Significant gender differences were found in all segments. Country differences highlight the need to recognise cultural contexts that influence adolescents' PA. Common European-wide strategies may be insufficient to increase MVPA levels if cultural variability is not considered. Spanish and French PA intervention programmes should target girls and low-active boys during non-school-time and weekends.     

Impact of compliance with different guidelines on physical activity during pregnancy and perceived barriers to leisure physical activity

Abstract

The aims of the this prospective study were to analyse physical activity (PA) engagement during the first and second trimesters, considering the different guidelines published on PA, to document the individual characteristics associated with the accomplishment of these guidelines and to examine pregnant women’s perceived barriers to leisure PA, using a socioecological framework. A sample of 133 pregnant women in two stages – at 10–12 weeks’ gestation (T1) and 20–22 weeks’ gestation (T2) – were evaluated. PA was assessed by accelerometry during the T1 and T2 evaluation stages. Socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors and barriers to leisure PA were assessed via questionnaire. A large proportion of women (ranging from 32% to 96%) did not reach the levels of PA recommended by the guidelines. There were no significant differences between T1 and T2 with regard to compliance with PA recommendations. A decrease in PA levels from T1 to T2 was noted for all recommendations. No associations were found between participants’ characteristics and adherence to the recommendations in T1 and T2. No significant differences were found in barriers to leisure PA between T1 and T2. The most commonly reported barriers to leisure PA were intrapersonal, not health related. Our results indicate that there were no differences between trimesters regarding compliance of PA recommendations, and perceived barriers were similar in both trimesters.     

Prospective bi-directional associations between sedentary time and physical activity with cognitive performance: a cohort study

This prospective study determined whether: (1) objective physical activity (PA) and sedentary (SED) time at 9 years was associated with cognition at 15 years, (2) cognition at 9 years was associated with PA and SED at 15 years, and (3) the change in PA and SED from 9 to 15 years was associated with the change in cognition. Cognitive performance was assessed from picture vocabulary, verbal analogy, passage comprehension, and applied problem tasks. Regression models were used to explore each aim while adjusting for covariates. Among the combined sample, SED (min· day^?1) at 9 years was unrelated with cognitive performance at 15 years, whereas participating in ≥ 60 min· day^?1 of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) at 9 years predicted lower cognitive scores at 15 years. In the reverse direction, cognitive performance at 9 years was unrelated with SED and MVPA (min· day^?1) at 15 years. Over 6 years, increased SED (min· day^?1) predicted lower improvement to verbal analogy scores (B = ?0.01, p = 0.028). In comparison, an increase (or relatively smaller decline) in MVPA (min· day^?1) predicted greater improvement in applied problem scores (B = 0.06, p = 0.007). Contextual information regarding SED and MVPA behavior would help understand bi-directional associations of activity and cognition.     

Daily physical activity and sports participation among children from ethnic minorities in Denmark

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Danish children from immigrant backgrounds are less physically active than children from the ethnic majority, and to investigate the possible reasons for any differences found. Accelerometer measures of physical activity as well as questionnaire data about organised sports, family demography, resources and values were collected from 594 children of whom 67 had other ethnic background than Danish. Data were collected when the children were 6–7 years old and again later when the children were 9–10 years old. It was found that children from immigrant backgrounds were not less physically active than other children when their amounts of daily physical activity were measured by direct objective measures, despite their participation rate in organised sports being much lower. Using multiple logistic regression modelling, this study showed that lack of parental experience with organised sports and lack of economic/material resources explained much of the difference in sports participation. Children of immigrant background had significant lower participation in club sports but this did not affect their overall physical activity level.     

The use of accelerometry in adolescents and its implementation with non-wear time activity diaries in free-living conditions

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a non-wearing time activity diary (hereafter non-wear activity diary) when using accelerometry in adolescents to provide insight into their physical activity levels. In total, 213 Belgian adolescents (89 boys, 124 girls) were eligible for this study. Adolescents wore an accelerometer for seven consecutive days and kept a non-wear activity diary. On the last day, they completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents. The differences between the accelerometer data with and without use of the non-wear activity diary were significant for all physical activity intensities according to the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Bland-Altman plots showed that with more time spent in any physical activity intensity, the difference between including and not including the non-wear activity diary increased. The correlation coefficient between the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents and the accelerometer data increased when the non-wear activity diary was included. Differences in the percentage of adolescents reaching the physical activity recommendations between the accelerometer data only and the accelerometer with the non-wear activity diary were significant. We conclude that if the non-wear activity diary data are not included, some adolescents could be misclassified as not being physically active according to the physical activity recommendations. It is therefore recommended to use a non-wear activity diary for gaining insight into the physical activity levels of individuals.     

Comparing ActiGraph equations for estimating energy expenditure in older adults

Accurate estimation of energy expenditure (EE) from accelerometer outputs remains a challenge in older adults. The aim of this study was to validate different ActiGraph (AG) equations for predicting EE in older adults. Forty older adults (age = 77.4 ± 8.1 yrs) completed a set of household/gardening activities in their residence, while wearing an AG at the hip (GT3X+) and a portable calorimeter (MetaMax 3B – criterion). Predicted EEs from AG were calculated using five equations (Freedson, refined Crouter, Sasaki and Santos-Lozano (vertical-axis, vectormagnitude)). Accuracy of equations was assessed using root-mean-square error (RMSE) and mean bias. The Sasaki equation showed the lowest RMSE for all activities (0.47 METs) and across physical activity intensities (PAIs) (range 0.18–0.48 METs). The Freedson and Santos-Lozano equations tended to overestimate EE for sedentary activities (range: 0.48 to 0.97 METs), while EEs for moderate-to-vigorous activities (MVPA) were underestimated (range: ?1.02 to ?0.64 METs). The refined Crouter and Sasaki equations showed no systematic bias, but they respectively overestimated and underestimated EE across PAIs. In conclusion, none of the equations was completely accurate for predicting EE across the range of PAIs. However, the refined Crouter and Sasaki equations showed better overall accuracy and precision when compared with the other methods.     

论体力活动与学校体育

深入探讨了体力活动的定义、理论意义，体力活动在学校体育中的理论地位以及体力活动的相关知识和技能对学生体育实践的意义，以引起学校体育工作对这一概念的重视。     

Evaluation of wrist and hip sedentary behaviour and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity raw acceleration cutpoints in older adults

Wrist-based accelerometers are now common in assessing physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) in population-based studies, but there is a scarcity of raw acceleration cutpoints in older adults. The study aimed to determine and evaluate wrist-based GENEActiv (GA) and hip-based ActiGraph GT3X+ (AG) raw acceleration cutpoints for SB and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) in older adults ≥60 years of age. A laboratory-based calibration analyses of 34 healthy older adults involved receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves to determine raw acceleration cutpoints for SB and MVPA. ROC analysis revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.88 for GA SB and MVPA, and 0.90 for AG SB and 0.94 for AG MVPA. Sensitivity optimised SB and specificity optimised MVPA GA cutpoints of 57 mg and 104 mg, and AG cutpoints of 15 mg and 69 mg were also generated, respectively. Cross-validation analysis revealed moderate agreement for GA and AG SB cutpoints, and fair to substantial agreement for GA and AG MVPA cutpoints, respectively. The resultant cutpoints can classify older adults as engaging in SB or not engaging in MVPA but the sensitivity optimised SB cutpoints should be interpreted with a degree of caution due to their modest cross-validation results.     

Energy Expenditure and Intensity of Active Video Games in Children and Adolescents

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the energy expenditure and intensity of active video games to that of treadmill walking in children and adolescents. Method: Seventy-two boys and girls (aged 8–13 years) were recruited from local public schools. Energy expenditure and heart rate were measured during rest, during 3-km/hr, 4-km/hr, and 5-km/hr walks, and during active games (Adventure, Boxing I, Boxing II, and Dance). During walking and active games, we also assessed physical activity using an accelerometer. Results: The energy expenditure of the active games Adventure, Boxing I, Boxing II, and Dance was similar to that of treadmill walking at 5 km/hr in boys and girls. Heart rate was significantly higher for the game Adventure compared with walking at 3 km/hr, 4 km/hr, and 5 km/hr and the game Dance in both genders. The heart rate of girls during the games Adventure and Dance was significantly higher compared with boys. There was a statistically significant difference (p < .05, with an effect size ranging from 0.40 to 3.54) in the counts·min^?1, measured through accelerometry, between activities. Conclusion: XBOX 360 Kinect games provide energy expenditure and physical activity of moderate intensity for both genders. The use of active video games can be an interesting alternative to increase physical activity levels.     

Non-wear or sleep? Evaluation of five non-wear detection algorithms for raw accelerometer data

ABSTRACT

Detection of non-wear periods is an important step in accelerometer data processing. This study evaluated five non-wear detection algorithms for wrist accelerometer data and two rules for non-wear detection when non-wear and sleep algorithms are implemented in parallel. Non-wear algorithms were based on the standard deviation (SD), the high-pass filtered acceleration, or tilt angle. Rules for differentiating sleep from non-wear consisted of an override rule in which any overlap between non-wear and sleep was deemed non-wear; and a 75% rule in which non-wear periods were deemed sleep if the duration was < 75% of the sleep period. Non-wear algorithms were evaluated in 47 children who wore an ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer during school hours for 5 days. Rules for differentiating sleep from non-wear were evaluated in 15 adults who wore a GeneActiv Original accelerometer continuously for 24 hours. Classification accuracy for the non-wear algorithms ranged between 0.86–0.95, with the SD of the vector magnitude providing the best performance. The override rule misclassified 37.1 minutes of sleep as non-wear, while the 75% rule resulted in no misclassification. Non-wear algorithms based on the SD of the acceleration signal can effectively detect non-wear periods, while application of the 75% rule can effectively differentiate sleep from non-wear when examined concurrently.     

Fitness,physical activity and academic achievement in overweight/obese children

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to examine the associations of fitness and physical activity with academic achievement in children with overweight/obesity. A total of 106 (10.0 ± 1.1y, 61 boys) children participated. The fitness components were assessed by field and laboratory-based tests. Physical activity was measured via accelerometry. The academic achievement was assessed by a standardised test and school-grades. Field-based cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with language skills (ß-standardised- ranging from 0.281 to 0.365, p < 0.01). The field-based muscular strength was associated with grade point average, natural and social sciences, and foreign language (ß = 0.280–0.326, all p ≤ 0.01). Speed-agility was associated with some language-related skills (ß = 0.325–0.393, all p ≤ 0.01). The laboratory-based muscular strength also showed an association with mathematics skills (ß = 0.251–0.306, all p ≤ 0.01). Physical activity did not show significant association with academic achievement (p > 0.01). Overall, the significant associations observed for muscular strength and speed/agility were attenuated and disappeared in many cases after additional adjustments for body mass index and cardiorespiratory fitness, indicating that these associations are inter-dependent. Our study contributes by indicating that other fitness components apart from cardiorespiratory fitness, such as muscular strength and speed-agility, are positively associated with academic achievement. However, these associations appear to be dependent on body mass index and cardiorespiratory fitness.     

Validation of a one-day self-report questionnaire for physical activity assessment in healthy adults

Abstract

A self-report physical activity scale (PAS) has previously been developed to document physical activity (MET-hours) undertaken by adults during an average weekday. The current study aimed to validate the PAS over 24 hours via pedometer determinations of physical activity in healthy, active adults, and to determine possible influences of gender and body mass status on this relationship. One-hundred and seven healthy university students (age 18–41 years) wore a pedometer (Yamax DigiWalker SW-700) during the waking hours of an average weekday followed by successful completion of the PAS. Relationships between the PAS and pedometer measures (steps taken and energy expenditure) were examined by Pearson's correlation coefficients. Significant (P<0.05) gender and body mass status differences were examined by two-way analysis of variance with Tukey post-hoc tests. Participants reported 48.0±10.4 MET-hours of activity, completed 11,506±4195 steps, and expended 499±227 kcal during an average weekday. Physical activity measures, except energy expenditure, were similar across groups by gender and body mass status. The total number of MET-hours was significantly associated with pedometer steps taken (r=0.375–0.568, P<0.01), and this relationship varied by gender and to a lesser extent by body mass status. The results of the current study show that the self-reported physical activity of healthy active adults was in line with the popular recommended dose of daily physical activity (10,000 steps per day) and was not influenced by gender or body mass status. Furthermore, over an average weekday, the PAS provided a simple, quick, and valid method to document physical activity undertaken by young healthy active adults that is comparable to pedometer readings.     

Characteristics of extracurricular physical activity and cognitive performance in adolescents. The AVENA study

Abstract

The aim of this report was to examine the associations between some characteristics (i.e., structure and number) of extracurricular physical activity (EPA) and cognitive performance in adolescents. A total of 1662 adolescents (880 girls; 13.0–18.5 years) from 5 Spanish cities (Granada, Madrid, Murcia, Santander and Zaragoza) were included in this study. Structure (organised and non-organised) and number of EPAs, and participation at vigorous intensity during EPA were self-reported. Cognitive performance (verbal, numeric and reasoning abilities, and an overall score) was measured with the “SRA-Test of Educational Ability”. Results showed that vigorous EPA was positively associated with all cognitive variables. Adolescents who practiced an organised EPA had higher scores in 3 of the 4 cognitive variables than those who practiced a non-organised EPA (all P < 0.05). Likewise, the group who participated in more than one EPA had higher cognitive performance in all variables than the group who participated in only one EPA (all P < 0.05). Regardless of potential confounder variables, including vigorous EPA, both structure and number of EPAs were each other independently associated with cognitive performance. Therefore, structure and number of EPAs may positively influence cognitive performance in adolescents. Participating in multiple, organised EPA may have benefits for cognitive performance.