Visual factors associated with physical activity in schoolchildren

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Physical activity is crucial for childhood development.
• Sedentary lifestyles in children are increasingly linked to health issues, including visual problems.
• Previous research highlighted potential visual problems associated with inactivity in Irish children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between children's engagement in physical activity outside of school and their visual function.
• To determine if different levels of physical activity correlate with specific visual acuity and refractive error outcomes.
• To identify visual impairments that may be associated with lower levels of physical activity.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 1,626 schoolchildren (aged 6-7 and 12-13 years) in Ireland.
• Physical activity levels were categorized based on parental questionnaires (no, light, moderate, regular activity).
• Visual assessments included visual acuity (distance and near), stereoacuity, cover test, and cycloplegic autorefraction.

Main Results:

• Children with regular physical activity demonstrated significantly better distance and near visual acuity and stereoacuity compared to less active groups.
• Regular physical activity was associated with a lower prevalence of clinically significant refractive errors.
• Children with visual impairment, amblyopia, or not wearing spectacles were more likely to report no physical activity.

Conclusions:

• Regular physical activity is positively associated with better visual function and stereoacuity in children.
• Visual impairment and amblyopia are linked to lower levels of physical activity, suggesting a bidirectional relationship.
• Interventions to improve children's vision are essential for promoting physical activity and participation in sports, particularly in disadvantaged communities.