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Physical activity patterns in nonobese and obese children assessed using minute-by-minute accelerometry
A Page1, A R Cooper, E Stamatakis
1Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Bristol, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TP, UK. a.s.page@bristol.ac.uk
International Journal of Obesity (2005)
|May 27, 2005
Summary
Obese children exhibit significantly lower physical activity levels and intensity compared to nonobese children. These activity patterns, particularly during free time, may contribute to and sustain childhood obesity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric obesity research
- Physical activity and health
- Childhood development
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern.
- Understanding physical activity patterns is crucial for intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare physical activity levels and patterns between obese and nonobese children.
- To identify specific activity behaviors associated with childhood obesity.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 133 children (aged 10.5 years).
- Objective measurement of physical activity using accelerometry over 7 days.
- Classification of obesity based on body mass index (BMI) percentile.
Main Results:
- Obese children showed significantly lower overall physical activity (counts/h) than nonobese children.
- Obese children spent less time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
- Activity patterns revealed obese children were less active during free-choice periods, especially outside school hours.
Conclusions:
- Observed physical activity patterns in obese children may contribute to their condition.
- Accelerometry is effective for detailed analysis of physical activity in obese children.
- Findings support targeted interventions and exercise prescription for childhood obesity.