Association between Objectively Determined Physical Activity Levels and Body Composition in 6–8-Year-Old Children from a Black South African Population: BC–IT Study

Caroline M. Sedumedi, Xanne Janssen, John J. Reilly, Herculina S. Kruger and Makama Andries Monyeki
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Caroline M. Sedumedi: Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation Research Focus Area, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
Xanne Janssen: Physical Activity for Health Group, School of Psychological Sciences and Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1QE, Scotland, UK
John J. Reilly: Physical Activity for Health Group, School of Psychological Sciences and Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1QE, Scotland, UK
Herculina S. Kruger: Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
Makama Andries Monyeki: Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation Research Focus Area, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 12, 1-12

Abstract: Physical inactivity in children is a global pandemic in parallel with increasing obesity prevalence. However, studies assessing the association between physical activity (PA) and body composition (BC) report conflicting findings, possibly because of the different methodologies across studies, with objective methods promising reliable results. This study determines the association between objectively determined PA levels and BC in 6–8-year-old children from a black South African population. Ninety-three children aged 6–8 years, who formed part of a larger study on BC using the deuterium dilution method (DDM), were included. Height and weight were measured according to the standard procedures, and body mass index z-score was calculated. Fatness was determined by DDM. An accelerometer was used to measure PA levels. Regression models were performed to determine the relationship between PA and BC. Approximately 23% of the children did not meet the recommended PA guidelines and 27% were overfat. After adjustments were made, more time spent in vigorous PA was significantly associated with lower fat mass (? = ?0.25, p = 0.01, 95%CI: ?11.08; ?1.20) and fat mass % (? = ?0.20, p = 0.04, 95%CI: ?12.63; ?0.18). Participation in high PA, especially of high intensity, was associated with reduced adiposity in children. Behavioural changes such as increasing high intensity PA is strongly recommended for reducing adiposity.

Keywords: fat mass; fat free mass; deuterium dilution method; objective; physical activity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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