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Association between physical activity and health-related quality of life in children: a cross-sectional study
Sharifah Wajihah Wafa Bte Syed Saadun Tarek Wafa1, Mohd Razif Bin Shahril2, Aryati Bte Ahmad2
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Gong Badak Campus, 21300, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu Darul Iman, Malaysia. sharifahwajihah@unisza.edu.my.
Insights
Physical activity significantly improves health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children. Active children, especially those not obese, report better psychosocial health and overall HRQOL.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Quality of Life Research
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Physical activity is linked to improved health-related quality of life (HRQOL).
- Limited research exists on physical activity and HRQOL in pediatric populations.
- Understanding this relationship is crucial for child health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between physical activity levels and HRQOL in Malaysian children.
- To compare HRQOL between normal weight and obese children.
- To determine the impact of sedentary behavior on HRQOL.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 78 normal weight and 78 obese children (aged 9-11) participated.
- Objective physical activity measurement using accelerometers for one week.
- Validated quality of life (QoL) inventory administered to all participants.
Main Results:
- Obese children exhibited significantly lower Psychosocial Health and Total QoL scores.
- Increased sedentary behavior correlated with diminished Psychosocial Health and Total QoL.
- A strong positive correlation was found between QoL and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).
Conclusions:
- Promoting physical activity is essential for enhancing children's quality of life.
- Interventions targeting physical activity may improve both physical and psychosocial well-being in children.
- Addressing sedentary behavior is important for improving pediatric HRQOL.
Background:
Research suggests that physical activity plays a role to improve health related- quality of life (QoL), however studies examining the association between physical activity and HRQOL are limited in the paediatric literature. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between physical activity and HRQoL among Malaysian children.
Methods:
Participants (n = 78 normal weight; 78 obese children) aged 9-11 years completed a validated quality of life (QoL) inventory and wore an accelerometer to objectively measure physical activity for 1 week.
Results:
Psychosocial Health domain and Total QoL (all p < 0.05) were significantly lower for obese compared to normal weight children. Children who spent more time in sedentary behaviour had significantly lower QoL on Psychosocial Health domain and Total QoL except for the Physical Health domain. There was also a strong positive correlation between QoL and moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) indicating that children who are physically active have a better quality of life.
Conclusions:
Physical activity promotion should be emphasised to improve QoL in children.
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