Associations of sport participation, muscle-strengthening exercise and active commuting with self-reported physical fitness in school-aged children.

Background: Numerous studies suggest a positive association between physical activity and physical fitness in schoolchildren. However, little is known about some neglected forms of physical activity and their associations with physical fitness. This study was conducted via a self-reported questionnaire, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic in many regions in China. Purpose: This study explores the associations between participating in sports, muscle-strengthening exercises, and active commuting with self-reported physical fitness assessed by the International Fitness Scale (IFIS). Methods: A total of 3,807 study participants (ages 11-17) from 12 public schools in South-eastern China were recruited, with 2,407 providing valid data on variables for analysis. Study participants were asked to self-report their sociodemographic factors (i.e., sex, grade, age), participation in sports (never, 1-3 times per month, 1-2 times per week, and 3 or more times per week), muscle-strengthening exercise (0-7 days) and active commuting (0-5 days). Generalized linear models were used to explore the associations between sports participation, muscle-strengthening exercise, and active commuting with self-reported physical fitness (comprising general physical fitness, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, speed and agility, and flexibility). A total of 2,407 children and adolescents with a mean age of 13.82 (±2.1) years were included in the study's final analysis. Results: The study found no significant association between active commuting and physical fitness. Regarding participating in sports and muscle-strengthening exercises, positive, significant associations were found, which showed that a higher frequency of participating in sports and more participation in muscle-strengthening exercises are associated with improved physical fitness. Conclusion: This study offered evidence on the roles of some aspects of physical activity in physical fitness. To promote health in children and adolescents, they should be encouraged to participate in more sports and engage in muscle-strengthening exercises.

The Use of Digital Platforms for Adults' and Adolescents' Physical Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic (Our Life at Home): Survey Study.

BACKGROUND: Government responses to managing the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted the way individuals were able to engage in physical activity. Digital platforms are a promising way to support physical activity levels and may have provided an alternative for people to maintain their activity while at home. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine associations between the use of digital platforms and adherence to the physical activity guidelines among Australian adults and adolescents during the COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions in April and May 2020. METHODS: A national online survey was distributed in May 2020. Participants included 1188 adults (mean age 37.4 years, SD 15.1; 980/1188, 82.5% female) and 963 adolescents (mean age 16.2 years, SD 1.2; 685/963, 71.1% female). Participants reported demographic characteristics, use of digital platforms for physical activity over the previous month, and adherence to moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) and muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE) guidelines. Multilevel logistic regression models examined differences in guideline adherence between those who used digital platforms (ie, users) to support their physical activity compared to those who did not (ie, nonusers). RESULTS: Digital platforms include streaming services for exercise (eg, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook); subscriber fitness programs, via an app or online (eg, Centr and MyFitnessPal); facilitated online live or recorded classes, via platforms such as Zoom (eg, dance, sport training, and fitness class); sport- or activity-specific apps designed by sporting organizations for participants to keep up their skills (eg, TeamBuildr); active electronic games (eg, Xbox Kinect); and/or online or digital training or racing platforms (eg, Zwift, FullGaz, and Rouvy). Overall, 39.5% (469/1188) of adults and 26.5% (255/963) of adolescents reported using digital platforms for physical activity. Among adults, MVPA (odds ratio [OR] 2.0, 95% CI 1.5-2.7), MSE (OR 3.3, 95% CI 2.5-4.5), and combined (OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.0-3.8) guideline adherence were higher among digital platform users relative to nonusers. Adolescents' MVPA (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.3-4.3), MSE (OR 3.1, 95% CI 2.1-4.4), and combined (OR 4.3, 95% CI 2.1-9.0) guideline adherence were also higher among users of digital platforms relative to nonusers. CONCLUSIONS: Digital platform users were more likely than nonusers to meet MVPA and MSE guidelines during the COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions in April and May 2020. Digital platforms may play a critical role in helping to support physical activity engagement when access to facilities or opportunities for physical activity outside the home are restricted.