Relationship between Physical Activity and Physical Fitness in Preschool Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Exercise Science
• Childhood Physical Activity and Fitness
• Growth and Development Studies

Background:

• Understanding the link between physical activity and fitness in early childhood is crucial for long-term health.
• Objective measurement of physical activity provides reliable data for research.
• Preschool years are a critical period for establishing healthy physical habits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations between objectively measured physical activity and physical fitness in preschool children.
• To explore how different components of physical fitness relate to physical activity levels.
• To identify potential sex-specific differences in these relationships.

Main Methods:

• 346 preschool children (ages 3.5-5.5 years) from Shanghai participated.
• Physical fitness was assessed using multiple tests (e.g., grip strength, jump, balance, aerobic capacity).
• Physical activity was objectively measured using accelerometers (ActiGraphGT3X+).

Main Results:

• Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) showed positive associations with standing long jump, tennis throwing, and 20mSRT.
• Negative associations were found between MVPA and triceps skinfold thickness, 10mSRT time, and balance beam performance.
• Sex-specific results indicated positive associations for boys in explosive strength and tennis throwing, and for girls in balance and aerobic fitness.

Conclusions:

• Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is a significant predictor of physical fitness in preschoolers.
• Increasing MVPA can enhance body composition, muscular strength, explosive strength, agility, and aerobic fitness in boys.
• Improvements in agility, aerobic fitness, and balance are associated with increased MVPA in girls.