Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
05:59
Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
Physical activity levels in children and adolescents
M B Hoos1, W J M Gerver, A D Kester
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Maastricht, The Netherlands. Marije.Hoos@kg.unimaas.nl
Summary
Physical activity level (PAL) and activity-related energy expenditure (AEE) increase with age in children. Sex-specific recommendations for AEE are necessary, and basal metabolic rate measurement conditions impact comparisons.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition and Metabolism
- Human Physiology
- Growth and Development Studies
Background:
- Establishing reference data for physical activity level (PAL) and activity-related energy expenditure (AEE) is crucial for understanding childhood health.
- Accurate data is needed to assess the impact of physical activity on growth and development in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct a reference line for PAL and AEE as a function of age.
- To analyze data from 17 studies measuring total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) using doubly labeled water (DLW).
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 17 studies involving 3-16 year old Caucasian children (girls and boys).
- Weighted least-squares regression used to establish reference lines for PAL and AEE based on age and gender.
- Inclusion of basal metabolic rate (BMR) or non-fasted resting metabolic rate and sex in the analysis.
Main Results:
- PAL increased with age (0.025 x age + 1.40), with no significant sex difference.
- AEE showed a significant sex difference, increasing with age for both boys (0.30 x age + 0.025) and girls (0.21 x age + 0.33).
- Adjustments for BMR measurement conditions (non-fasted) were identified for PAL and AEE.
Conclusions:
- PAL and AEE demonstrate age-dependent increases, highlighting the need for age-specific recommendations.
- Activity-related energy expenditure (AEE) recommendations require sex-specific differentiation.
- Standardizing BMR measurement conditions is essential for reliable PAL and AEE comparisons across studies.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, with aerobic exercises being particularly effective. According to the American Heart Association, 150 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic exercise per week is recommended for a healthy heart. Aerobic activities may include brisk walking, running, bicycling, cross-country skiing, and swimming, ideally performed three to five times per week.
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Exercise significantly impacts cardiovascular response, which is crucial for understanding patient health and designing effective treatment plans.
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:17Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution
Drug distribution in the pediatric population exhibits unique challenges and considerations due to the physiological differences between children, particularly neonates and infants, and adults. A crucial aspect of pediatric pharmacology is understanding how these differences impact the pharmacokinetics of various drugs, necessitating age-specific dosing strategies to ensure efficacy and safety.Neonates and infants have a higher total body water content, ~75%–90% of their body weight, compared...