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Relationship between Sedentary Time, Physical Activity, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Spanish Children
Manuel Ávila-García1, María Esojo-Rivas1, Emilio Villa-González2
1PA-HELP Physical Activity for Health Promotion Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Camino de Alfacar 402, 18011 Granada, Spain.
Insights
Children
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Exercise Science
- Quality of Life Research
Background:
- Sedentary time and physical activity (PA) significantly impact children's health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
- Understanding sex-specific associations between PA, sedentary behavior, and HRQoL is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze sedentary time, objectively measured PA levels (light, moderate, vigorous, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA]), and HRQoL dimensions in children.
- To examine sex-specific associations between sedentary time, PA levels, and HRQoL in children.
Main Methods:
- Objective measurement of PA using tri-axial accelerometers over 7 consecutive days in 459 children (aged 8.4 ± 0.4 years).
- HRQoL dimensions assessed using the Revidierter KINDer Lebensqualitätsfragebogen (KINDL-R) questionnaire.
- Statistical analysis to determine associations between sedentary time, PA, and HRQoL, stratified by sex.
Main Results:
- Males exhibited higher moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) than females.
- Both sedentary time and PA levels were significantly associated with self-esteem and total HRQoL scores (p < 0.05).
- Specific PA intensities showed differential associations with HRQoL: moderate and vigorous PA linked to higher HRQoL in males, while light PA linked to higher HRQoL in females.
Conclusions:
- Objective PA measures and sedentary time are linked to children's self-esteem and overall HRQoL.
- Sex-specific approaches considering different activity intensities are recommended to enhance HRQoL in children.
- Future interventions should focus on tailored physical activity strategies to improve pediatric HRQoL.
Abstract:
Higher sedentary time and lower physical activity (PA) are associated with a poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children. The aims of this study were: (1) to analyze the sedentary time, objectively measured PA levels (light, moderate, vigorous, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)), and HRQoL dimensions (physical well-being, emotional well-being, self-esteem, family, friends, school, and total score) in children; and (2) to examine the association between sedentary time, PA levels, and HRQoL in children separately by sex. A total of 459 children (8.4 ± 0.4 years old, 50.54% males) from 15 schools in Granada (Spain) participated in the study. A tri-axial accelerometer was used to measure PA levels in the children for 7 consecutive days. The Revidierter KINDer Lebensqualitätsfragebogen (KINDL-R) questionnaire was used to determine the children's HRQoL dimensions. The results showed that males presented more minutes engaged in MVPA than females. Both sedentary time and PA levels were associated with self-esteem and total score (all p < 0.05). In males, moderate and vigorous PA levels were associated with higher HRQoL, whereas light PA was associated with higher HRQoL in females. Future studies should take into account the use of activities with difference intensities in order to increase HRQoL in males and females.
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