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Published on: June 20, 2020
Compositional analysis of the associations between 24-hour movement behaviours, motor skills, and executive function
Ankhmaa Byambaa1,2, Kar Hau Chong1, Rachel A Jones3
1School of Social Sciences, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia.
Insights
Movement behaviour composition in Mongolian preschoolers is linked to motor skills, not executive function. Prioritizing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) shows the most benefit for developing motor skills in young children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Movement Science
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Limited data exists on 24-hour movement behaviour composition in low- and middle-income countries.
- Understanding movement patterns is crucial for early childhood development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the movement behaviour composition of Mongolian preschoolers.
- To examine associations between movement behaviours and motor skills/executive function.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 201 Mongolian preschoolers (3-5 years).
- Movement behaviours measured via ActiGraph accelerometers over 5 weekdays.
- Motor skills and executive function assessed using established tools.
- Compositional linear regression and isotemporal substitution models used.
Main Results:
- Movement behaviour composition significantly associated with motor skills, but not executive function.
- Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) demonstrated the strongest positive link with motor skills.
- Reallocating 30 minutes to MVPA from light physical activity yielded significant improvements in strength and dexterity.
- Shifting time to light physical activity from other behaviours was linked to poorer strength outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The distribution of 24-hour movement behaviours significantly impacts preschoolers' motor development.
- Public health policies should prioritize MVPA in early childhood, utilizing kindergarten settings for interventions.
Abstract:
Evidence is limited on 24-hour movement behaviour composition and health outcomes among children under 5 from low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to explore movement behaviour composition of Mongolian preschoolers and its associations with motor skills and executive function. This cross-sectional study measured movement behaviours (physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep) using ActiGraph accelerometers for 5 weekdays among 201 preschool children (3-5 years) from Mongolia. Motor skills and executive function were assessed using established tools. Compositional linear regression and isotemporal substitution models were employed to explore movement behaviour associations and reallocation effects on health outcomes. Movement behaviour composition was significantly associated with motor skills but not with executive function. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) showed strongest favourable associations with motor skills. Largest effect sizes occurred when 30 minutes were reallocated to MVPA from light physical activity: lower body strength (ES = 0.64; CI = 0.22, 1.05); upper body strength (ES = 0.72; CI = 0.28, 1.15); and dexterity (ES = -0.50; CI = -0.95, -0.05) [favourable]. Reallocating time to light physical activity from other behaviours was associated with poorer strength outcomes. Time distribution across 24-hour movement behaviours impacts preschoolers' motor development. Public health policy and interventions should prioritise MVPA among young children by leveraging kindergarten settings.
