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Bi-directional associations between physical activity and growth indicators of pre-school aged children

Otávio Amaral de Andrade Leão1, Thaynã Ramos Flores1, Jaime Barratt2

  • 1Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil.

Journal of Sports Sciences
|July 28, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Regular physical activity in young children is linked to healthier growth. This study found a two-way relationship between physical activity and weight indicators in children under five.

Area of Science:

  • Child Health
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Exercise Science

Background:

  • Physical activity offers numerous health and developmental benefits for young children.
  • The interplay between physical activity and growth indicators in early childhood is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the bidirectional associations between physical activity and growth indicators in children younger than five years.
  • To examine how physical activity influences growth and how growth impacts physical activity levels over time.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 1,575 children, with data collected at 12, 24, and 48 months.
  • Physical activity was measured using accelerometers.
  • Growth indicators including length/height-for-age, weight-for-length/height, weight-for-age, and body mass index (BMI)-for-age Z-scores were calculated.

Main Results:

  • Physical activity was significantly associated with lower weight-related growth indicators (BMI-for-age, weight-for-age, weight-for-length/height).
  • Higher BMI-for-age was associated with lower physical activity levels.
  • A bidirectional relationship was confirmed, with stronger associations observed when physical activity was the exposure.

Conclusions:

  • Physical activity plays a crucial role in regulating weight-related growth in early childhood.
  • Promoting physical activity from a young age is essential for healthy child development.
  • The findings underscore the importance of early interventions to encourage physical activity in children.

Keywords:
Growth indicatorsphysical activitypreschool children

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