Effects of obesity, social interactions, and physical environment on physical activity in preschoolers.

Abstract

Examined demographic, environmental, and parent-child interactional correlates of physical activity in a group of 222 preschoolers. Activity levels were assessed with a system that quantified directly observed physical activity in the natural environment. Using regression-modeling procedures, results revealed a significant relationship between (a) child's relative weight, parental weight status, and percentage of time spent outdoors (environment) and (b) children's activity levels. Parental obesity was associated with lower levels of physical activity in children, childhood relative weight was associated with slightly higher levels of physical activity, and more outdoor activity was associated with higher activity levels. Parental participation in children's activities also significantly interacted with levels of parental obesity in predicting activity levels. Those children with a 50% risk for obesity (as defined by both, one, or neither parent being overweight) had small changes in activity across levels of parent-child interaction, whereas those at higher risk for obesity responded with increased activity as parent-child interactions increased. Results are discussed, and the implications of these findings for future intervention efforts are examined.

Directly observed physical activity and fundamental motor skills in four-year-old children in day care

“…This speculation is supported by earlier studies indicating that time spent outdoors is associated with a higher amount of physical activity (Klesges et al 1990), and a positive relationship between high level of play activities and gross motor skills (Sääkslahti et al 1999). Earlier studies using different measures than ours have indicated weak and conflicting directions in the relationships between FMS and MVPA intensity in this age group (Cliff et al 2009;Fisher et al 2005;Williams et al 2008).…”

The German Environmental Survey for Children (GerES IV): Reference values and distributions for time-location patterns of German children

“…Consistently, Klesges et al (1990) reported a correlation coefficient of 0.34 between outdoor time and physical activity in pre-schoolers. Similar correlations have been found by Burdette et al (2004).…”

Reliability and validity of the Family Eating and Activity Habits Questionnaire

“…Sedentary lifestyle is one of the factors associated with the increased prevalence of obesity in modern society (Klesges et al, 1990).…”

“…Barnstable et al (1986) note that the single best predictor of weight loss in an adult behavior modi®cation program was the change in food consumption. Increased awareness of health-promoting nutrition and stimulus control techniques are intended to limit the individual's exposure to food and thus prevent incidental eating (Wadden, 1992).Sedentary lifestyle is one of the factors associated with the increased prevalence of obesity in modern society (Klesges et al, 1990).Leisure time is an important determinant in children's weight balance. A linear relationship exists between the hours of daily television viewing and childhood obesity owing to the more sedentary life-style encouraged by watching television and the greater exposure of the viewer to advertisements promoting food products (Dietz & Gortmaker 1985).…”