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Correlates of Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity Among Prepubertal Girls: A Bioecological Approach
Leonardo Gomes de Oliveira Luz1,2, Danilo Rodrigues Pereira da Silva3,4, Rafael Dos Santos Henrique5
1Federal University of Alagoas, LACAPS, Arapiraca, Brazil.
Objective:
This study aimed to analyze the correlates of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among prepubertal girls using a broad spectrum of variables, including biological factors, behavioral attributes, and maternal and built environmental factors.
Methods:
The sample was comprised of 81 girls, aged 7.50-9.49 years, from Portugal. The dependent variable of the study was sufficient MVPA, measured by accelerometry. The independent variables included: decimal age, somatic maturation, body mass index, gross motor coordination evaluated by Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK), participation in physical education classes, maternal education, maternal physical activity level, and built environment.
Results:
The results revealed that higher gross motor coordination (OR: 1.017; 95% CL = 1.000; 1.035), the "hopping on one leg" KTK item (r: 0.295; 95% CL = 0.082; 0.483), and sufficiently active mothers (OR: 4.264; 95% CL = 1.358; 13.385) are associated with sufficient involvement in MVPA in girls.
Conclusions:
This sex-specific, biocultural approach to MVPA may help to promote PA in girls during the prepubertal years through behavioral and familiar determinants.
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