Negative correlation between body mass index category and physical activity perceptions in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Behavioral Science
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Children's physical activity (PA) choices are influenced by self-perceptions of ability and inclination.
• Understanding factors affecting PA is crucial for promoting healthy lifestyles in youth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) category and perceptions of physical activity (PA) in sixth-grade children.
• To explore gender differences in the relationship between BMI and PA perceptions.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 267 sixth-grade children (119 boys, 148 girls) had their height and weight measured to determine BMI category.
• Children completed the Children's Self-perceptions of Adequacy in and Predilection for Physical Activity (CSAPPA) scale.
• Spearman rank-order correlation analysis examined the relationship between BMI category and CSAPPA scores (total, adequacy, predilection, enjoyment).

Main Results:

• A significant negative correlation was found between BMI category and overall CSAPPA scores, including adequacy and predilection, for all children.
• This negative correlation was significant for girls across all CSAPPA scores but not for boys.
• The relationship between higher BMI category and lower PA perceptions was stronger in girls.

Conclusions:

• Children with higher BMI categories exhibit poorer perceptions of their adequacy and predilection for physical activity.
• The findings suggest that elevated BMI in children may be linked to negative attitudes towards PA and an increased risk of sedentary behavior.
• Interventions targeting PA promotion may need to consider BMI status and gender-specific approaches.