Little is known about the relationships of dietary factors, physical activity, and sedentary beha... more Little is known about the relationships of dietary factors, physical activity, and sedentary behavior to dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations among prepubertal children. Therefore, we studied the associations of these lifestyle factors with serum DHEAS and IGF-1 in children. Cross-sectional analysis of a population sample of 431 prepubertal children aged 6-9 years. Assessment of dietary factors by food records and physical activity and sedentary behavior by a combined heart rate and movement monitor and a questionnaire. Measurement of serum DHEAS and IGF-1. Consumption of low-fiber grain products (standardized regression coefficient β=0.118, P=0.017) and intake of vegetable protein (β=0.100, P=0.045) were positively and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (β=-0.117, P=0.018) was inversely associated with DHEAS after adjustment for sex, age, and body fat percentage. Energy intake (β=0.160, P=0.001) was positively associat...
We investigated the cross-sectional associations of sedentary behavior, physical activity, cardio... more We investigated the cross-sectional associations of sedentary behavior, physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body fat content with pain conditions in prepubertal children. The participants were a population sample of 439 children aged 6 to 8 years. Sedentary behavior, physical activity, and pain conditions were assessed using questionnaires, cardiorespiratory fitness using maximal cycle ergometer test, and body fat percentage using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The associations of sedentary behavior, physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body fat percentage with the risk of pain conditions were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Children in the highest sex-specific third of sedentary behavior had 1.95 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20-3.17; P = .007 for trend across thirds) times higher odds of any pain than children in the lowest third. Children in the highest sex-specific third of cardiorespiratory fitness had 46% (odds ratio [OR] = .54; 95% CI, .32-.91; P = .019) lower odds of any pain and 50% (OR = .50; 95% CI, .28-.87; P = .015) lower odds of headache than children in the lowest third. Children in the highest sex-specific third of body fat percentage had 44% (OR = .56; 95% CI, .34-.93; P = .023) lower odds of any pain, 49% (OR = .51; 95% CI, .30-.86; P = .011) lower risk of multiple pain, and 48% (OR = .52; 95% CI, .31-.86; P = .010) lower odds of lower limb pain than children in the lowest third. Physical activity was not associated with pain conditions. These findings suggest that prepubertal children with high levels of sedentary behavior, low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, and low body fat content have increased likelihood of various pain conditions. This information could be used to develop strategies to prevent chronic pain in childhood. Our findings suggest that low cardiorespiratory fitness, high levels of sedentary behavior, and low body fat content are associated with increased likelihood of various pain conditions among prepubertal children. This information could be used to develop strategies to prevent chronic pain in childhood.
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 2015
Associations of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, and ... more Associations of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, and body fat percentage (BF%) with arterial stiffness and dilation capacity were investigated in 160 prepubertal children (83 girls) 6-8 years of age. We assessed CRF (watts/lean mass) by maximal cycle ergometer exercise test, total PA, structured exercise, unstructured PA, commuting to and from school, recess PA and total and screen-based sedentary behavior by questionnaire, BF% using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and arterial stiffness and dilation capacity using pulse contour analysis. Data were adjusted for sex and age. Poorer CRF (standardized regression coefficient β = -0.297, P < 0.001), lower unstructured PA (β = -0.162, P = 0.042), and higher BF% (β = 0.176, P = 0.044) were related to higher arterial stiffness. When CRF, unstructured PA, and BF% were in the same model, only CRF was associated with arterial stiffness (β = -0.246, P = 0.006). Poorer CRF was also related to lower arterial dilation capacity (β = 0.316, P < 0.001). Children with low CRF (< median) and high BF% (≥ median; P = 0.002), low CRF and low unstructured PA (< median; P = 0.006) or children with low unstructured PA and high BF% (P = 0.005) had higher arterial stiffness than children in the opposite halves of these variables. Poor CRF was independently associated with increased arterial stiffness and impaired arterial dilation capacity among children.
Objectives Methods Results Conclusions Low levels of physical activity (PA) have been associated ... more Objectives Methods Results Conclusions Low levels of physical activity (PA) have been associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adults, but there are limited data on the relationships of PA and media time (MT) in children. We therefore studied these associations among children in the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) Study. The subjects were 512 children 6-8 years of age examined at baseline of the PANIC Study in 2007-2009. Habitual physical activity (PA) and MT were assessed by the PANIC Physical Activity Questionnaire. We used a continuous metabolic risk score (MetSs) variable that was calculated by the following formula that included age-, sex-and height-adjusted variables standardized by Z-scores: waist circumference + fasting insulin + fasting glucose + systolic blood pressure + fasting triglycerides – fasting HDL cholesterol. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and statistical significance was defined as P<0.05.
Objective: Physical activity (PA), watching TV and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) have been link... more Objective: Physical activity (PA), watching TV and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) have been linked to metabolic risk in children. However, few studies have investigated the independent associations of PA and watching TV with metabolic risk. Moreover, most previous studies have used weight-proportional CRF measures that are confounded by adiposity. Methods: We investigated the independent associations of PA, watching TV and CRF with metabolic risk. Participants were 479 children aged 6–8 years. We assessed PA and watching TV using questionnaire and maximal CRF using maximal workload scaled by lean mass (LM) from maximal cycle ergometer exercise test. LM and fat percentage (%BF) were assessed by DXA. Metabolic risk score (MetS) was computed using Z-scores of waist circumference, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and mean of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Data were analyzed using linear stepwise regression and adjusted for sex and growth maturati...
Study Objectives: To examine independent and combined associations of sleep duration and sleep va... more Study Objectives: To examine independent and combined associations of sleep duration and sleep variability with body composition, obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in elders at high cardiovascular risk. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of 1986 community-dwelling elders with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome from PREDIMED-Plus trial. Associations of accelerometry-derived sleep duration and sleep variability with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and body composition were assessed fitting multivariable-adjusted linear regression models. Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for obesity and T2D were obtained using multivariable-adjusted Cox regression with constant time. "Bad sleepers" (age-specific non-recommended sleep duration plus sleep variability above the median) and "good sleepers" (age-specific recommended sleep duration plus sleep variability below the median) were characterized by combining sleep duration and sleep variability, and their associations with these outcomes were examined. Results: One hour/night increment in sleep duration was inversely associated with BMI (β −0.38 kg/m 2 [95% CI −0.54, −0.23]), WC (β −0.86 cm [95% CI −1.25, −0.47]), obesity (PR 0.96 [95% CI 0.93, 0.98]), T2D (PR 0.93 [95% CI 0.88, 0.98]) and other DXA-derived adiposity-related measurements (android fat and trunk fat, all p < .05). Each 1-hour increment in sleep variability was positively associated with T2D (PR 1.14 [95% CI 1.01, 1.28]). Compared with "good sleepers," "bad sleepers" were positively associated with obesity (PR 1.12 [95% CI 1.01, 1.24]) and T2D (PR 1.62 [95% CI 1.28, 2.06]). Conclusions: This study revealed cross-sectional associations of sleep duration with adiposity parameters and obesity. Sleep duration and sleep variability were associated with T2D. Considering simultaneously sleep duration and sleep variability could have additional value, particularly for T2D, as they may act synergistically.
Habitual physical activity (PA) is decreasing and sedentary activity (SA), particularly media tim... more Habitual physical activity (PA) is decreasing and sedentary activity (SA), particularly media time (MT), is increasing among children. Few studies have provided comprehensive data on different types of PA and SA in population samples of children and the associations of socioeconomic status (SES) with PA and SA. We studied these issues in a large population sample of children at the baseline of The Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) Study in 2007-2009. We found that 66 % of the girls and 55 % of the boys spent less than the Finnish recommendation of at least 2 hours per day in PA. Moreover, 19 % of the boys and 10 % of the girls spent more than the recommended maximum of 2 hours of MT per day on weekdays. However, 57 % of the boys and 35 % of the girls exceeded the recommended MT on weekend. The most common types of PA in both genders were unorganized PA, commuting to school, PA during recess and physical education at school. The most common types of SA in the boys were watching TV, using computer and reading, and those in the girls were watching TV, drawing, reading and hobby crafts. A lower parental education was associated with lower levels of organized PA (p=0.002) and higher levels of unorganized PA (p=0.014) and a higher MT on weekdays (p=0.001). A lower family income was related to lower levels of organized PA (p<0.001) and a higher MT on weekdays (p<0.001). These associations were stronger in the boys than the girls.
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 2014
Background: Lower levels of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) have been associa... more Background: Lower levels of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) have been associated with increased cardiometabolic risk among children. However, little is known about the independent and combined associations of PA and SB as well as different types of these behaviours with cardiometabolic risk in children. We therefore investigated these relationships among children. Methods: The subjects were a population sample of 468 children 6-8 years of age. PA and SB were assessed by a questionnaire administered by parents and validated by a monitor combining heart rate and accelerometry measurements. We assessed body fat percentage, waist circumference, blood glucose, serum insulin, plasma lipids and lipoproteins and blood pressure and calculated a cardiometabolic risk score using population-specific Z-scores and a formula waist circumference + insulin + glucose + triglycerides -HDL cholesterol + mean of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. We analysed data using multivariate linear regression models. Results: Total PA was inversely associated with the cardiometabolic risk score (β = −0.135, p = 0.004), body fat percentage (β = −0.155, p < 0.001), insulin (β = −0.099, p = 0.034), triglycerides (β = −0.166, p < 0.001), VLDL triglycerides (β = −0.230, p < 0.001), VLDL cholesterol (β = −0.168, p = 0.001), LDL cholesterol (β = −0.094, p = 0.046) and HDL triglycerides (β = −0.149, p = 0.004) and directly related to HDL cholesterol (β = 0.144, p = 0.002) adjusted for age and gender. Unstructured PA was inversely associated with the cardiometabolic risk score (β = −0.123, p = 0.010), body fat percentage (β = −0.099, p = 0.027), insulin (β = −0.108, p = 0.021), triglycerides (β = −0.144, p = 0.002), VLDL triglycerides (β = −0.233, p < 0.001) and VLDL cholesterol (β = −0.199, p < 0.001) and directly related to HDL cholesterol (β = 0.126, p = 0.008). Watching TV and videos was directly related to the cardiometabolic risk score (β = 0.135, p = 0.003), body fat percentage (β = 0.090, p = 0.039), waist circumference (β = 0.097, p = 0.033) and systolic blood pressure (β = 0.096, p = 0.039). Resting was directly associated with the cardiometabolic risk score (β = 0.092, p = 0.049), triglycerides (β = 0.131, p = 0.005), VLDL triglycerides (β = 0.134, p = 0.009), VLDL cholesterol (β = 0.147, p = 0.004) and LDL cholesterol (β = 0.105, p = 0.023). Other types of PA and SB had less consistent associations with cardiometabolic risk factors.
To investigate the independent and combined associations of cardiorespiratory performance (CP), n... more To investigate the independent and combined associations of cardiorespiratory performance (CP), neuromuscular performance (NP, including motor performance, MP) and body fat percentage (BF%) with cognition in children. The participants were 202 boys and 201 girls aged 6-8 years. CP was assessed using maximal cycle ergometer test and was expressed as maximal workload per lean body mass. NP score included muscle strength, speed, agility, balance, manual dexterity, and flexibility and MP included speed and agility, balance, and manual dexterity. BF% was assessed by dual-energy x-ay absorptiometry. Cognition was assessed using Raven´s Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM). Linear regression and General Linear Models were used to analyze the independent and combined associations of CP, NP, MP, and BF% with Raven´s CPM score. NP and MP were directly associated with Raven´s CPM score (β=0.138-0.190, P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.01). Children in the lowest or the highest thirds of BF% and in the lowest third of MP had a lower Raven´s CPM score than other children (P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.05). Children in the lowest or highest third of BF% along with the poorest MP had a lower Raven´s CPM score than those in the middle third of BF% and higher MP (P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.05). These associations and differences were much stronger in boys than in girls. CP was not related to Raven´s CPM score. Poorer NP and MP were associated with a worse cognition in children and particularly in boys. Cognition was poorer especially among children with the lowest or highest BF% accompanied with a poorer MP.
Background: There are no prospective studies that would have compared the relationships of differ... more Background: There are no prospective studies that would have compared the relationships of different types of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) with academic skills among children. We therefore investigated the associations of different types of PA and SB with reading and arithmetic skills in a follow-up study among children.
We studied differences in physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour (SB), and the types of PA a... more We studied differences in physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour (SB), and the types of PA and SB between Finnish girls and boys and children from different socioeconomic backgrounds (SES). We assessed PA, SB, parental education, and household income using detailed questionnaires in a representative population sample of 486 children (238 girls, 248 boys) aged 6-8 years. Girls spent on average 1.7 h/day and boys 2.0 h/day in total PA (p = 0.002). Altogether 66% of girls and 54% of boys had less than 2 h of total PA per day (p = 0.012). Girls had lower levels of unsupervised PA (45 vs. 54 min/day, p = 0.001), supervised PA (1.5 vs. 1.9 h/week, p = 0.009), and PA during school recess (1.8 vs. 1.9 h/week, p = 0.032) than boys. Girls had higher levels of total SB (3.8 vs. 3.4 h/day, p = 0.015) but lower levels of screen-based SB (1.5 vs. 1.9 h/day, p < 0.001) than boys. Lower parental education and household income were associated with lower levels of supervised PA in girls (p = ...
To investigate the independent and combined associations of objectively measured moderate-to-vigo... more To investigate the independent and combined associations of objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time (ST) with reading and arithmetic skills. Cross-sectional/prospective. Participants were 89 boys and 69 girls aged 6-8 years. MVPA and ST were measured using a combined heart rate and movement sensor and body fat percentage by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in Grade 1. Reading fluency, reading comprehension, and arithmetic skills were assessed using standardized tests in Grades 1-3. The data were analyzed using linear regression analyses and analyses of covariance with repeated measures. In boys, MVPA was directly and ST inversely associated with reading fluency in Grades 1-3 and arithmetic skills in Grade 1 (P<0.05). Higher levels of MVPA were also related to better reading comprehension in Grade 1 (P<0.05). Most of the associations of MVPA and ST with reading and arithmetic skills attenuated after mutual adjustment for MVPA or ST....
To investigate the effects of a long-term, individualized and family-based lifestyle intervention... more To investigate the effects of a long-term, individualized and family-based lifestyle intervention on physical activity, sedentary behavior and diet quality in children. We carried out a 2-year intervention study in a population sample of 506 children aged 6-8years in Finland in 2007-2012. We allocated the participants at baseline in the intervention and control group. We assessed physical activity and sedentary behavior by questionnaires and diet by food records. Total physical activity (+9min/d in intervention group vs. -5min/d in control group, p=0.001 for time*group interaction), unsupervised physical activity (+7min/d vs. -9min/d, p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001) and organized sports (+8min/d vs. +3min/d, p=0.001) increased in the intervention group but not in the control group. Using computer and playing video games increased less in the intervention group than in the control group (+9min/d vs. +19min/d, p=0.003). Consumption of vegetables (+12g/d vs. -12g/d, p=0.001), high-fat vegetable-oil based margarine (+10g/d vs. +3g/d, p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001) and low-fat milk (+69g/d vs. +11g/d, p=0.042) and intake of dietary fiber (+1.3g/d vs. +0.2g/d, p=0.023), vitamin C (+4.5mg/d vs. -7.2mg/d, p=0.042) and vitamin E (+1.4mg/d vs. +0.5mg/d, p=0.002) increased in the intervention group but not in the control group. Consumption of butter-based spreads increased in the control group but not in the intervention group (+2g/d vs. -1g/d, p=0.002). Individualized and family-based lifestyle intervention increased physical activity, attenuated increase in sedentary behavior and enhanced diet quality in children. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01803776.
To investigate the relationships of objectively measured physical activity (PA) and sedentary tim... more To investigate the relationships of objectively measured physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (ST) to arterial stiffness in pre-pubertal children. Altogether 136 children (57 boys, 79 girls) aged 6-8-years participated in the study. Stiffness index (SI) was assessed by pulse contour analysis based on photoplethysmography. ST, light PA, moderate PA, and vigorous PA were assessed using combined acceleration and heart rate monitoring. We investigated the associations of ST (<1.5METs) and time spent in intensity level of PA above 2-7METs in min/d with SI using linear regression analysis. We studied the optimal duration and intensity of PA to identify children being in the highest quarter of SI using Receiver Operating Characteristics curves. Moderate PA, vigorous PA, and cumulative time spent in PA above 3 (β=-0.279, P=0.002), 4 (β=-0.341, P<0.001), 5 (β=-0.349, P<0.001), 6 (β=-0.312, P<0.001), and 7 (β=-0.254, P=0.005) METs were inversely associated with SI after adjus...
We investigated the associations of body fat percentage (BF%), objectively assessed moderate-to-v... more We investigated the associations of body fat percentage (BF%), objectively assessed moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and different types of physical activity assessed by a questionnaire with neuromuscular performance. The participants were 404 children aged 6-8 years. BF% was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and physical activity by combined heart rate and movement sensing and a questionnaire. The results of 50-m shuttle run, 15-m sprint run, hand grip strength, standing long jump, sit-up, modified flamingo balance, box-and-block and sit-and-reach tests were used as measures of neuromuscular performance. Children who had a combination of higher BF% and lower levels of physical activity had the poorest performance in 50-m shuttle run, 15-m sprint run and standing long jump tests. Higher BF% was associated with slower 50-m shuttle run and 15-m sprint times, shorter distance jumped in standing long jump test, fewer sit-ups, more errors in balance test and less cubes moved in box-and-block test. Higher levels of physical activity and particularly MVPA assessed objectively by combined accelerometer and heart rate monitor were related to shorter 50-m shuttle run and 15-m sprint times. In conclusion, higher BF% and lower levels of physical activity and particularly the combination of these two factors were associated with worse neuromuscular performance.
Little is known about the relationships of dietary factors, physical activity, and sedentary beha... more Little is known about the relationships of dietary factors, physical activity, and sedentary behavior to dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations among prepubertal children. Therefore, we studied the associations of these lifestyle factors with serum DHEAS and IGF-1 in children. Cross-sectional analysis of a population sample of 431 prepubertal children aged 6-9 years. Assessment of dietary factors by food records and physical activity and sedentary behavior by a combined heart rate and movement monitor and a questionnaire. Measurement of serum DHEAS and IGF-1. Consumption of low-fiber grain products (standardized regression coefficient β=0.118, P=0.017) and intake of vegetable protein (β=0.100, P=0.045) were positively and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (β=-0.117, P=0.018) was inversely associated with DHEAS after adjustment for sex, age, and body fat percentage. Energy intake (β=0.160, P=0.001) was positively associat...
We investigated the cross-sectional associations of sedentary behavior, physical activity, cardio... more We investigated the cross-sectional associations of sedentary behavior, physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body fat content with pain conditions in prepubertal children. The participants were a population sample of 439 children aged 6 to 8 years. Sedentary behavior, physical activity, and pain conditions were assessed using questionnaires, cardiorespiratory fitness using maximal cycle ergometer test, and body fat percentage using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The associations of sedentary behavior, physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body fat percentage with the risk of pain conditions were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Children in the highest sex-specific third of sedentary behavior had 1.95 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20-3.17; P = .007 for trend across thirds) times higher odds of any pain than children in the lowest third. Children in the highest sex-specific third of cardiorespiratory fitness had 46% (odds ratio [OR] = .54; 95% CI, .32-.91; P = .019) lower odds of any pain and 50% (OR = .50; 95% CI, .28-.87; P = .015) lower odds of headache than children in the lowest third. Children in the highest sex-specific third of body fat percentage had 44% (OR = .56; 95% CI, .34-.93; P = .023) lower odds of any pain, 49% (OR = .51; 95% CI, .30-.86; P = .011) lower risk of multiple pain, and 48% (OR = .52; 95% CI, .31-.86; P = .010) lower odds of lower limb pain than children in the lowest third. Physical activity was not associated with pain conditions. These findings suggest that prepubertal children with high levels of sedentary behavior, low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, and low body fat content have increased likelihood of various pain conditions. This information could be used to develop strategies to prevent chronic pain in childhood. Our findings suggest that low cardiorespiratory fitness, high levels of sedentary behavior, and low body fat content are associated with increased likelihood of various pain conditions among prepubertal children. This information could be used to develop strategies to prevent chronic pain in childhood.
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 2015
Associations of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, and ... more Associations of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, and body fat percentage (BF%) with arterial stiffness and dilation capacity were investigated in 160 prepubertal children (83 girls) 6-8 years of age. We assessed CRF (watts/lean mass) by maximal cycle ergometer exercise test, total PA, structured exercise, unstructured PA, commuting to and from school, recess PA and total and screen-based sedentary behavior by questionnaire, BF% using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and arterial stiffness and dilation capacity using pulse contour analysis. Data were adjusted for sex and age. Poorer CRF (standardized regression coefficient β = -0.297, P &lt; 0.001), lower unstructured PA (β = -0.162, P = 0.042), and higher BF% (β = 0.176, P = 0.044) were related to higher arterial stiffness. When CRF, unstructured PA, and BF% were in the same model, only CRF was associated with arterial stiffness (β = -0.246, P = 0.006). Poorer CRF was also related to lower arterial dilation capacity (β = 0.316, P &lt; 0.001). Children with low CRF (&lt; median) and high BF% (≥ median; P = 0.002), low CRF and low unstructured PA (&lt; median; P = 0.006) or children with low unstructured PA and high BF% (P = 0.005) had higher arterial stiffness than children in the opposite halves of these variables. Poor CRF was independently associated with increased arterial stiffness and impaired arterial dilation capacity among children.
Objectives Methods Results Conclusions Low levels of physical activity (PA) have been associated ... more Objectives Methods Results Conclusions Low levels of physical activity (PA) have been associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adults, but there are limited data on the relationships of PA and media time (MT) in children. We therefore studied these associations among children in the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) Study. The subjects were 512 children 6-8 years of age examined at baseline of the PANIC Study in 2007-2009. Habitual physical activity (PA) and MT were assessed by the PANIC Physical Activity Questionnaire. We used a continuous metabolic risk score (MetSs) variable that was calculated by the following formula that included age-, sex-and height-adjusted variables standardized by Z-scores: waist circumference + fasting insulin + fasting glucose + systolic blood pressure + fasting triglycerides – fasting HDL cholesterol. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and statistical significance was defined as P<0.05.
Objective: Physical activity (PA), watching TV and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) have been link... more Objective: Physical activity (PA), watching TV and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) have been linked to metabolic risk in children. However, few studies have investigated the independent associations of PA and watching TV with metabolic risk. Moreover, most previous studies have used weight-proportional CRF measures that are confounded by adiposity. Methods: We investigated the independent associations of PA, watching TV and CRF with metabolic risk. Participants were 479 children aged 6–8 years. We assessed PA and watching TV using questionnaire and maximal CRF using maximal workload scaled by lean mass (LM) from maximal cycle ergometer exercise test. LM and fat percentage (%BF) were assessed by DXA. Metabolic risk score (MetS) was computed using Z-scores of waist circumference, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and mean of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Data were analyzed using linear stepwise regression and adjusted for sex and growth maturati...
Study Objectives: To examine independent and combined associations of sleep duration and sleep va... more Study Objectives: To examine independent and combined associations of sleep duration and sleep variability with body composition, obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in elders at high cardiovascular risk. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of 1986 community-dwelling elders with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome from PREDIMED-Plus trial. Associations of accelerometry-derived sleep duration and sleep variability with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and body composition were assessed fitting multivariable-adjusted linear regression models. Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for obesity and T2D were obtained using multivariable-adjusted Cox regression with constant time. "Bad sleepers" (age-specific non-recommended sleep duration plus sleep variability above the median) and "good sleepers" (age-specific recommended sleep duration plus sleep variability below the median) were characterized by combining sleep duration and sleep variability, and their associations with these outcomes were examined. Results: One hour/night increment in sleep duration was inversely associated with BMI (β −0.38 kg/m 2 [95% CI −0.54, −0.23]), WC (β −0.86 cm [95% CI −1.25, −0.47]), obesity (PR 0.96 [95% CI 0.93, 0.98]), T2D (PR 0.93 [95% CI 0.88, 0.98]) and other DXA-derived adiposity-related measurements (android fat and trunk fat, all p < .05). Each 1-hour increment in sleep variability was positively associated with T2D (PR 1.14 [95% CI 1.01, 1.28]). Compared with "good sleepers," "bad sleepers" were positively associated with obesity (PR 1.12 [95% CI 1.01, 1.24]) and T2D (PR 1.62 [95% CI 1.28, 2.06]). Conclusions: This study revealed cross-sectional associations of sleep duration with adiposity parameters and obesity. Sleep duration and sleep variability were associated with T2D. Considering simultaneously sleep duration and sleep variability could have additional value, particularly for T2D, as they may act synergistically.
Habitual physical activity (PA) is decreasing and sedentary activity (SA), particularly media tim... more Habitual physical activity (PA) is decreasing and sedentary activity (SA), particularly media time (MT), is increasing among children. Few studies have provided comprehensive data on different types of PA and SA in population samples of children and the associations of socioeconomic status (SES) with PA and SA. We studied these issues in a large population sample of children at the baseline of The Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) Study in 2007-2009. We found that 66 % of the girls and 55 % of the boys spent less than the Finnish recommendation of at least 2 hours per day in PA. Moreover, 19 % of the boys and 10 % of the girls spent more than the recommended maximum of 2 hours of MT per day on weekdays. However, 57 % of the boys and 35 % of the girls exceeded the recommended MT on weekend. The most common types of PA in both genders were unorganized PA, commuting to school, PA during recess and physical education at school. The most common types of SA in the boys were watching TV, using computer and reading, and those in the girls were watching TV, drawing, reading and hobby crafts. A lower parental education was associated with lower levels of organized PA (p=0.002) and higher levels of unorganized PA (p=0.014) and a higher MT on weekdays (p=0.001). A lower family income was related to lower levels of organized PA (p<0.001) and a higher MT on weekdays (p<0.001). These associations were stronger in the boys than the girls.
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 2014
Background: Lower levels of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) have been associa... more Background: Lower levels of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) have been associated with increased cardiometabolic risk among children. However, little is known about the independent and combined associations of PA and SB as well as different types of these behaviours with cardiometabolic risk in children. We therefore investigated these relationships among children. Methods: The subjects were a population sample of 468 children 6-8 years of age. PA and SB were assessed by a questionnaire administered by parents and validated by a monitor combining heart rate and accelerometry measurements. We assessed body fat percentage, waist circumference, blood glucose, serum insulin, plasma lipids and lipoproteins and blood pressure and calculated a cardiometabolic risk score using population-specific Z-scores and a formula waist circumference + insulin + glucose + triglycerides -HDL cholesterol + mean of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. We analysed data using multivariate linear regression models. Results: Total PA was inversely associated with the cardiometabolic risk score (β = −0.135, p = 0.004), body fat percentage (β = −0.155, p < 0.001), insulin (β = −0.099, p = 0.034), triglycerides (β = −0.166, p < 0.001), VLDL triglycerides (β = −0.230, p < 0.001), VLDL cholesterol (β = −0.168, p = 0.001), LDL cholesterol (β = −0.094, p = 0.046) and HDL triglycerides (β = −0.149, p = 0.004) and directly related to HDL cholesterol (β = 0.144, p = 0.002) adjusted for age and gender. Unstructured PA was inversely associated with the cardiometabolic risk score (β = −0.123, p = 0.010), body fat percentage (β = −0.099, p = 0.027), insulin (β = −0.108, p = 0.021), triglycerides (β = −0.144, p = 0.002), VLDL triglycerides (β = −0.233, p < 0.001) and VLDL cholesterol (β = −0.199, p < 0.001) and directly related to HDL cholesterol (β = 0.126, p = 0.008). Watching TV and videos was directly related to the cardiometabolic risk score (β = 0.135, p = 0.003), body fat percentage (β = 0.090, p = 0.039), waist circumference (β = 0.097, p = 0.033) and systolic blood pressure (β = 0.096, p = 0.039). Resting was directly associated with the cardiometabolic risk score (β = 0.092, p = 0.049), triglycerides (β = 0.131, p = 0.005), VLDL triglycerides (β = 0.134, p = 0.009), VLDL cholesterol (β = 0.147, p = 0.004) and LDL cholesterol (β = 0.105, p = 0.023). Other types of PA and SB had less consistent associations with cardiometabolic risk factors.
To investigate the independent and combined associations of cardiorespiratory performance (CP), n... more To investigate the independent and combined associations of cardiorespiratory performance (CP), neuromuscular performance (NP, including motor performance, MP) and body fat percentage (BF%) with cognition in children. The participants were 202 boys and 201 girls aged 6-8 years. CP was assessed using maximal cycle ergometer test and was expressed as maximal workload per lean body mass. NP score included muscle strength, speed, agility, balance, manual dexterity, and flexibility and MP included speed and agility, balance, and manual dexterity. BF% was assessed by dual-energy x-ay absorptiometry. Cognition was assessed using Raven´s Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM). Linear regression and General Linear Models were used to analyze the independent and combined associations of CP, NP, MP, and BF% with Raven´s CPM score. NP and MP were directly associated with Raven´s CPM score (β=0.138-0.190, P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.01). Children in the lowest or the highest thirds of BF% and in the lowest third of MP had a lower Raven´s CPM score than other children (P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.05). Children in the lowest or highest third of BF% along with the poorest MP had a lower Raven´s CPM score than those in the middle third of BF% and higher MP (P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.05). These associations and differences were much stronger in boys than in girls. CP was not related to Raven´s CPM score. Poorer NP and MP were associated with a worse cognition in children and particularly in boys. Cognition was poorer especially among children with the lowest or highest BF% accompanied with a poorer MP.
Background: There are no prospective studies that would have compared the relationships of differ... more Background: There are no prospective studies that would have compared the relationships of different types of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) with academic skills among children. We therefore investigated the associations of different types of PA and SB with reading and arithmetic skills in a follow-up study among children.
We studied differences in physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour (SB), and the types of PA a... more We studied differences in physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour (SB), and the types of PA and SB between Finnish girls and boys and children from different socioeconomic backgrounds (SES). We assessed PA, SB, parental education, and household income using detailed questionnaires in a representative population sample of 486 children (238 girls, 248 boys) aged 6-8 years. Girls spent on average 1.7 h/day and boys 2.0 h/day in total PA (p = 0.002). Altogether 66% of girls and 54% of boys had less than 2 h of total PA per day (p = 0.012). Girls had lower levels of unsupervised PA (45 vs. 54 min/day, p = 0.001), supervised PA (1.5 vs. 1.9 h/week, p = 0.009), and PA during school recess (1.8 vs. 1.9 h/week, p = 0.032) than boys. Girls had higher levels of total SB (3.8 vs. 3.4 h/day, p = 0.015) but lower levels of screen-based SB (1.5 vs. 1.9 h/day, p < 0.001) than boys. Lower parental education and household income were associated with lower levels of supervised PA in girls (p = ...
To investigate the independent and combined associations of objectively measured moderate-to-vigo... more To investigate the independent and combined associations of objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time (ST) with reading and arithmetic skills. Cross-sectional/prospective. Participants were 89 boys and 69 girls aged 6-8 years. MVPA and ST were measured using a combined heart rate and movement sensor and body fat percentage by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in Grade 1. Reading fluency, reading comprehension, and arithmetic skills were assessed using standardized tests in Grades 1-3. The data were analyzed using linear regression analyses and analyses of covariance with repeated measures. In boys, MVPA was directly and ST inversely associated with reading fluency in Grades 1-3 and arithmetic skills in Grade 1 (P<0.05). Higher levels of MVPA were also related to better reading comprehension in Grade 1 (P<0.05). Most of the associations of MVPA and ST with reading and arithmetic skills attenuated after mutual adjustment for MVPA or ST....
To investigate the effects of a long-term, individualized and family-based lifestyle intervention... more To investigate the effects of a long-term, individualized and family-based lifestyle intervention on physical activity, sedentary behavior and diet quality in children. We carried out a 2-year intervention study in a population sample of 506 children aged 6-8years in Finland in 2007-2012. We allocated the participants at baseline in the intervention and control group. We assessed physical activity and sedentary behavior by questionnaires and diet by food records. Total physical activity (+9min/d in intervention group vs. -5min/d in control group, p=0.001 for time*group interaction), unsupervised physical activity (+7min/d vs. -9min/d, p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001) and organized sports (+8min/d vs. +3min/d, p=0.001) increased in the intervention group but not in the control group. Using computer and playing video games increased less in the intervention group than in the control group (+9min/d vs. +19min/d, p=0.003). Consumption of vegetables (+12g/d vs. -12g/d, p=0.001), high-fat vegetable-oil based margarine (+10g/d vs. +3g/d, p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001) and low-fat milk (+69g/d vs. +11g/d, p=0.042) and intake of dietary fiber (+1.3g/d vs. +0.2g/d, p=0.023), vitamin C (+4.5mg/d vs. -7.2mg/d, p=0.042) and vitamin E (+1.4mg/d vs. +0.5mg/d, p=0.002) increased in the intervention group but not in the control group. Consumption of butter-based spreads increased in the control group but not in the intervention group (+2g/d vs. -1g/d, p=0.002). Individualized and family-based lifestyle intervention increased physical activity, attenuated increase in sedentary behavior and enhanced diet quality in children. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01803776.
To investigate the relationships of objectively measured physical activity (PA) and sedentary tim... more To investigate the relationships of objectively measured physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (ST) to arterial stiffness in pre-pubertal children. Altogether 136 children (57 boys, 79 girls) aged 6-8-years participated in the study. Stiffness index (SI) was assessed by pulse contour analysis based on photoplethysmography. ST, light PA, moderate PA, and vigorous PA were assessed using combined acceleration and heart rate monitoring. We investigated the associations of ST (<1.5METs) and time spent in intensity level of PA above 2-7METs in min/d with SI using linear regression analysis. We studied the optimal duration and intensity of PA to identify children being in the highest quarter of SI using Receiver Operating Characteristics curves. Moderate PA, vigorous PA, and cumulative time spent in PA above 3 (β=-0.279, P=0.002), 4 (β=-0.341, P<0.001), 5 (β=-0.349, P<0.001), 6 (β=-0.312, P<0.001), and 7 (β=-0.254, P=0.005) METs were inversely associated with SI after adjus...
We investigated the associations of body fat percentage (BF%), objectively assessed moderate-to-v... more We investigated the associations of body fat percentage (BF%), objectively assessed moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and different types of physical activity assessed by a questionnaire with neuromuscular performance. The participants were 404 children aged 6-8 years. BF% was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and physical activity by combined heart rate and movement sensing and a questionnaire. The results of 50-m shuttle run, 15-m sprint run, hand grip strength, standing long jump, sit-up, modified flamingo balance, box-and-block and sit-and-reach tests were used as measures of neuromuscular performance. Children who had a combination of higher BF% and lower levels of physical activity had the poorest performance in 50-m shuttle run, 15-m sprint run and standing long jump tests. Higher BF% was associated with slower 50-m shuttle run and 15-m sprint times, shorter distance jumped in standing long jump test, fewer sit-ups, more errors in balance test and less cubes moved in box-and-block test. Higher levels of physical activity and particularly MVPA assessed objectively by combined accelerometer and heart rate monitor were related to shorter 50-m shuttle run and 15-m sprint times. In conclusion, higher BF% and lower levels of physical activity and particularly the combination of these two factors were associated with worse neuromuscular performance.
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