Early Physical Activity Provides Sustained Bone Health Benefits Later in Childhood

Abstract

Purpose This study examined the potential effect of early childhood moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on later bone health. Methods Three hundred and thirty-three children, participating in the Iowa Bone Development Study, were studied at ages 5, 8, and 11. MVPA (min/d) was measured using an accelerometry-based physical activity monitor. Bone mineral content (BMC, g) of the whole body, lumbar spine, and hip was measured using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Mixed regression models were used to test whether age 5 MVPA had an effect on BMC at ages 8 and 11, after adjustment for concurrent height, weight, age, maturity, and MVPA. The analysis was repeated to control for age 5 bone outcomes. Mixed model least-squares means at the person level of covariates for age group were used to compare the BMC at age 8 and 11 of children in the highest and lowest quartiles of age 5 MVPA. Results For boys and girls, age 5 MVPA predicted BMC adjusted for concurrent height, weight, age, maturity, and MVPA at ages 8 and 11 (p<0.05). When the analysis was repeated to also control for age 5 BMC, the effect of age 5 MVPA was significant for boys but not girls. Boys and girls in the highest age 5 MVPA quartile had 4 to 14% more BMC at age 8 and 11 than those in the lowest age 5 MVPA quartile (p < 0.05). Conclusion These results provide support for the benefits of early MVPA on sustained bone health during childhood especially for boys. Results indicate the importance of increasing MVPA as a strategy to improve BMC later in childhood.

Barriers to Providing Quality Physical Education in Primary Schools in Ghana

“…However, in a global survey of the situation of PE in schools, [11] observed that the sports dominated nature of PE in many countries runs counter to achieving this goal. Furthermore, research indicates that most children do not accrue sufficient amounts of moderate to vigorous physical activity [12,13]. Major goals of primary school PE in Ghana are to help students to develop their personal health, moral and social capabilities, and self-confidence [14].…”

Perceptions of the Neighborhood Environment and Children’s Afterschool Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity

“…(24, 25, 43) On the basis of this evidence, the United States Department of Health and Human Services developed physical activity guidelines which recommend that youth engage in at least 60 minutes of MVPA daily. (53) However, national surveillance studies suggest that the majority of children (58%) do not meet this guideline.…”

A comparison of the upper limb movement kinematics utilized by children playing virtual and real table tennis

“…Regular participation in physical activity (PA) is important for children's health and development -improving bone mineral density (Janz et al, 2010), reducing the risk of obesity, improving cardiovascular function, providing psychological benefits (Australian Government: Department of Health and Ageing 2010) and enhancing the development of gross motor skills (McKenzie, Alcaraz, & Sallis, 1998). Reduced participation in PA can lead to poorer gross motor skills which in turn can lead to reduced confidence and motivation to participate in PA (McKenzie, et al, 1998), Conversely, poor motor skills during childhood have been associated with physical inactivity in adults (Lloyd, Saunders, Bremer, & Tremblay, 2014), thus creating a vicious cycle of physical inactivity and poor motor skills (Straker et al, 2011).…”