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Comparative Analysis of 24-h Movement Behaviours in Non-Overweight and Overweight/Obese Children: Findings from the
Erik Sigmund1, Jaroslava Voráčová2, Jan Dygrýn1
1Institute of Active Lifestyle, Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University Olomouc, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic.
Insights
Children with overweight/obesity spent less time in physical activity (PA) and more time in sedentary behaviour (SB) compared to non-overweight peers. These movement behaviour differences were independent of age, gender, or socioeconomic status.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood overweight and obesity are significant global health issues.
- These conditions are linked to low physical activity (PA), high sedentary behavior (SB), and insufficient sleep.
- Understanding movement behaviors in relation to weight status is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in 24-hour movement behaviors between Czech children with and without overweight/obesity.
- To examine if these differences vary by gender, age, or family socioeconomic status (SES).
Main Methods:
- 381 children aged 3-10 years were studied.
- Physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep were measured using accelerometers over one week.
- Weight status was assessed by BMI z-scores; family SES was determined using the Family Affluence Scale.
Main Results:
- Non-overweight children averaged 414 min/day PA, 472 min/day SB, and 554 min/day sleep.
- Children with overweight/obesity averaged 392 min/day PA, 503 min/day SB, and 545 min/day sleep.
- Non-overweight children had significantly more PA (22 min/day) and less SB (31 min/day) than overweight/obese peers (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
- Non-overweight children demonstrate higher PA and lower SB levels compared to overweight/obese children.
- These associations persist regardless of gender, age, or family SES.
- Findings underscore the link between daily movement patterns and childhood weight status, suggesting potential targets for intervention.
Background:
Childhood overweight and obesity are global health concerns associated with insufficient physical activity (PA), excessive sedentary behaviour (SB), and inadequate sleep. This study aimed to determine whether differences exist in 24 h movement behaviours between Czech non-overweight children and children with overweight/obesity aged 3-10 years, with respect to their gender, age, or family socioeconomic status (SES).
Methods:
A total of 381 children (49.9% girls), aged 3-10 years, participated. Their PA, SB, and sleep were continuously monitored over a regular week using wrist-worn accelerometers. Weight status was determined by BMI z-scores, according to World Health Organization standards. SES was assessed using the Family Affluence Scale.
Results:
Non-overweight children had averages of 414 min of PA, 472 min of SB, and 554 min of sleep per day, while children with overweight/obesity had averages of 392 min of PA, 503 min of SB, and 545 min of sleep. Non-overweight children engaged in significantly more PA (22 min per day; p = 0.014) and significantly less SB (31 min per day; p = 0.002) than children with overweight/obesity. No significant differences were found between the weight groups in gender distribution, age, family SES, or maternal and paternal obesity.
Conclusions:
Non-overweight children exhibited higher levels of PA and lower levels of SB compared to their counterparts with overweight/obesity, independent of gender, age, or family SES. These findings highlight an association between daily movement behaviours and weight status in young children. Further research is needed to explore the impact of modifying PA and SB on weight outcomes.
