Changes in physical activity patterns of students from primary to secondary school: a 5-year longitudinal study

Abstract

This study aimed to annually examine anthropometric characteristics and physical activity (PA) among children transitioning from fourth grade (9–10 years of age) to eighth grade (13–14 years of age) in Japan. The participants’ (n = 63) age, grade, sex, weight, height, and weight status were recorded at baseline. Accelerometry assessments were performed annually following established protocols. Time spent on activities requiring ≥ 3 metabolic equivalents (METs), 1.6–2.9 METs, and ≤ 1.5 METs were defined as moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA), light PA (LPA), and sedentary behavior (SB), respectively. Two linear mixed models were used to examine whether MVPA, LPA, and SB min/day changed over time. Fifty-five participants provided complete data. A significant, nonlinear, longitudinal decline in MVPA, an increase in SB, and a linear decline in LPA were observed. Changes in MVPA and SB were accelerated in seventh grade (12–13 years of age). Male sex and maintenance of normal weight status were associated with higher MVPA levels. Changes in LPA and SB were not associated with sex or weight status. During the transition period from primary to secondary school, MVPA and SB showed nonlinear accelerations. Sex and normal weight were associated with more time spent performing MVPA.

Is the transition from primary to secondary school a risk factor for energy balance-related behaviours? A systematic review

“…Overall, based on inconsistent findings, we found inconclusive evidence for a change in TPA, LPA, MVPA and active transport of adolescents across the transition from primary to secondary school. Sedentary behaviour SB was assessed using accelerometers (22,36,(54)(55)(56)59,60,64) and questionnaires (53,55,57,58,60) . Three studies received a strong methodological quality rating (54,56,64) , and one study received a strong methodological quality rating for the accelerometer-based data and a moderate quality rating for the questionnaire-based outcomes (55) .…”

“…Sedentary behaviour SB was assessed using accelerometers (22,36,(54)(55)(56)59,60,64) and questionnaires (53,55,57,58,60) . Three studies received a strong methodological quality rating (54,56,64) , and one study received a strong methodological quality rating for the accelerometer-based data and a moderate quality rating for the questionnaire-based outcomes (55) . Six studies received a moderate methodological quality rating (22,36,(57)(58)(59)(60) , and one study received a poor quality rating (53) .…”

“…Six studies received a moderate methodological quality rating (22,36,(57)(58)(59)(60) , and one study received a poor quality rating (53) . Six studies could be included in the evidence synthesis (36,(54)(55)(56)58,64) . Five studies examined the change in sedentary time, of which four studies showed a significant increase across the transition from primary to secondary school.…”

“…We combined findings of the MPA and VPA studies with those of the studies examining MVPA, as results for these behaviours were in the same direction. Four studies with a strong quality rating showed a significant decrease in total MVPA (54,55,64) and MVPA during recess and lunchtime (56) . Two moderate quality studies showed a significant decrease in MVPA of which one among girls only (36,52) .…”

Hemodynamics of short-duration light-intensity physical exercise in the prefrontal cortex of children: a functional near-infrared spectroscopy study

“…However, 81% of children worldwide are physically inactive 11 . Moreover, longitudinal studies have revealed that decreased physical activity and increased sedentary behavior during childhood and adolescence [12][13][14] . Concerns remain regarding the adverse effects on healthy brain development and cognitive function in children.…”