Objectively measured daily physical activity related to aerobic fitness in young children

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate by direct measurement the cross-sectional relationship between accelerometer-measured physical activity and peak oxygen uptake (VO(2peak): ml x min(-1) x kg(-1)), in a population-based cohort of young children, since such data are scarce. The study included 468 children (246 boys, 222 girls) aged 6.7 + or - 0.4 years, recruited from a population-based cohort. Peak oxygen uptake was measured by indirect calorimetry during a maximal treadmill exercise test. Physical activity was assessed by accelerometers over a 4-day period. Minutes of sedentary, light, moderate, moderate-to-vigorous, and vigorous activity per day were calculated. Mean counts per minute were considered to reflect total physical activity. Pearson correlation coefficients indicated a weak relationship between daily physical activity variables and VO(2peak) in boys (r = 0.15-0.28, P < 0.05), with the exception of time in sedentary and light activity, which was not related to VO(2peak). None of the daily physical activity variables were related to VO(2peak) in girls, with the exception of a very weak relationship for moderate activity (r = 0.14, P < 0.05). Multiple regression analyses indicated that the various physical activity variables explained between 2 and 8% of the variance in VO(2peak) in boys. In this population-based cohort, most daily activity variables were positively related to aerobic fitness in boys, whereas less clear relationships were observed in girls. Our finding that physical activity was only uniformly related to aerobic fitness in boys partly contradicts previous studies in older children and adolescents.

Systematic review of the relationships between objectively measured physical activity and health indicators in school-aged children and youth

“…None Aerobic fitness: VERY LOW i 1 study reported no effect of PA intervention on aerobic fitness (Rowland et al 1996); 1 study reported a favourable effect of PA intervention for INT compared with CTRL (Dimitriou et al 2011); and 1 study reported no differential effect of PA intervention on aerobic fitness between INT and CTRL, however, the intervention group decreased from baseline to post-test (Shore et al 2014) Muscular strength and endurance: 1 study reported a favourable effect of PA intervention on upper-body strength for INT compared with CTRL (Dimitriou et al 2011); and 1 study reported no differential effect of PA intervention on muscular fitness; however, the control group improved upper body strength from baseline to post-test (Shore et al 2014) Flexibility: 1 study reported a favourable differential effect of PA intervention for INT compared with CTRL (Dimitriou et al 2011) 1 study reported no differential effect of a PA intervention on flexibility, and an increase from baseline to post-test for the intervention group (Shore et al 2014 Butte et al 2007b;Hands et al 2009;Schofield et al 2009;Ruiz et al 2011;Machado-Rodrigues et al 2012;Martinez-Gomez et al 2012;Hjorth et al 2013;Lambourne et al 2013;Hansen et al 2014;Larouche et al 2014;Saavedra et al 2014) or mixed (favourable and null; 4/18 studies; Rizzo et al 2007;Dencker et al 2010;Kristensen et al 2010;Jimenez-Pavon et al 2013c) o VPA: associations were favourable (11/12 studies; Gutin et al 2005a;Ruiz et al 2006;Butte et al 2007b;Rizzo et al 2007;Lohman et al 2008;Martinez-Gomez et al 2010aKristensen et al 2010;Ottevaere et al 2011;Hay et al 2012;…”

Relationship of physical activity with motor skills, aerobic fitness and body fat in preschool children: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study (Ballabeina)

“…11,12,36 Depending on its intensity, PA may have different effects on physical fitness. 24 That is why several cross-sectional studies reported a stronger relationship between VPA and a higher aerobic fitness level in school children and adolescents.…”

“…11,12 In addition, a study in school children showed that the decrease in habitual PA between 1975 and 2005 was accompanied by a decrease in aerobic fitness. 13 Similarly, high levels of PA in school children were associated with a better aerobic fitness 4 years later.…”

Physical activity and physical fitness in obese, overweight, and normal-weight children

“…Physical activity is positively associated with motor skills and aerobic fitness in children. Through aerobic fitness, physical activity is positively linked with the risk reduction of chronic diseases and metabolic syndrome (13)(14)(15). Children who are overweight but participate in physical activities that positively impact physical fitness may have fewer metabolic syndrome risk factors compared to children who are overweight but do not engage in activities that improve physical fitness (15).…”