Changes in Physical Activity Patterns from Childhood to Adolescence: Genobox Longitudinal Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Adolescent Development
• Physical Activity Research

Background:

• Longitudinal physical activity (PA) data in Spanish children transitioning to adolescence is scarce.
• Understanding PA changes is crucial for public health interventions.
• Previous studies lack detailed accelerometry-based insights for this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To longitudinally assess changes in physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (ST) in Spanish children.
• To analyze PA intensity variations from pre-puberty to puberty.
• To investigate sex-based differences and the impact of body weight on PA trends.

Main Methods:

• Accelerometry and anthropometric measurements were used.
• A cohort of 213 children was initially recruited, with 75 providing valid data at both time points.
• Data analysis focused on changes from the pre-pubertal to pubertal period.

Main Results:

• Sedentary time (ST) increased by approximately 50% from pre-puberty to puberty.
• All physical activity (PA) intensities decreased, with Light PA (LPA) declining by about 30%.
• Boys showed a greater decline in PA, particularly moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and a larger drop in meeting PA recommendations compared to girls.

Conclusions:

• A significant decrease in PA and increase in ST occurs during the childhood-to-adolescence transition in Spanish youth.
• Boys are particularly vulnerable to reduced PA levels and increased sedentarism.
• Intervention programs should consider sex-specific differences to promote optimal PA and reduce sedentary behavior in children and adolescents.