Association between the environment for physical activity in public schools and childhood obesity: a view in the light of complex systems.

This article aims to analyse the relationship between physical activity (PA) environment at schools, sex, age, and obesity in children, using a network approach. This is a cross-sectional study, with 1,200 children (8.1±1.0 years old) from eight public schools in the same municipality. Weight and height measurements were assessed to calculate the Body Mass Index (BMI) and classified as healthier weight or overweight. To assess the PA environment at school, a interview with the school´s manager was conducted. The association between the PA environment at school and obesity was tested using a Network Analysis performed on the Jasp software. Positive associations between BMI and Physical Education classes (0.847), physical education teacher (0.349), break duration (0.564), and indoor sports court (0.662) were observed. Negative associations were seen with sex (-0.212) age (-0.387), extracurricular PA (-0.492), and playground (-0.557). Additionally, the centrality indicators highlighted extracurricular PA (1.789) as the variables with the highest betweenness values, and BMI with the highest closeness (2.239) and strength (1.230) values. Extracurricular PA and the presence of playgrounds in school´s environment are associated with healthier weight in low-income children.

Association between the environment for physical activity in public schools and childhood obesity: a view in the light of complex systems / Associação entre ambiente para atividade física em escolas públicas e obesidade infantil: um olhar à luz de sistemas complexos

Abstract This article aims to analyse the relationship between physical activity (PA) environment at schools, sex, age, and obesity in children, using a network approach. This is a cross-sectional study, with 1,200 children (8.1±1.0 years old) from eight public schools in the same municipality. Weight and height measurements were assessed to calculate the Body Mass Index (BMI) and classified as healthier weight or overweight. To assess the PA environment at school, a interview with the school´s manager was conducted. The association between the PA environment at school and obesity was tested using a Network Analysis performed on the Jasp software. Positive associations between BMI and Physical Education classes (0.847), physical education teacher (0.349), break duration (0.564), and indoor sports court (0.662) were observed. Negative associations were seen with sex (-0.212) age (-0.387), extracurricular PA (-0.492), and playground (-0.557). Additionally, the centrality indicators highlighted extracurricular PA (1.789) as the variables with the highest betweenness values, and BMI with the highest closeness (2.239) and strength (1.230) values. Extracurricular PA and the presence of playgrounds in school´s environment are associated with healthier weight in low-income children.

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a relação entre ambiente de atividade física (AF) nas escolas, sexo, idade e obesidade em crianças, usando uma abordagem de rede. Trata-se de um estudo transversal com 1.200 crianças (8,1±1,0 anos) de oito escolas públicas do mesmo município. Peso e estatura foram avaliadas para cálculo do Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) e classificadas como peso saudável ou sobrepeso. Para avaliar o ambiente de AF na escola, foi aplicado um questionário por meio de entrevista com o gestor da escola. A associação entre o ambiente de AF na escola e a obesidade foi testada por meio Análise de Redes realizada no software Jasp. Foram observadas associações positivas entre o IMC e as aulas de Educação Física (0,847), professor de educação física (0,349), duração do intervalo (0,564) e quadra poliesportiva (0,662). Associações negativas foram observadas com sexo (-0,212), idade (-0,387), AF extracurricular (-0,492) e playground (-0,557). Adicionalmente, os indicadores de centralidade destacaram a AF extracurricular (1,789) como a variável com o maior valor de intermediação, e o IMC com o maior valor de proximidade (2,239) e força (1,230). A AF extracurricular e a presença de playgrounds no ambiente escolar estão associadas a um peso mais saudável em crianças de baixa renda.

A Novel Exploratory Graph-Based Analytical Tool for Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Naturalistic Experiments: An Illustrative Application in Typically Developing Children.

Naturalistic paradigms are being increasingly applied to investigate human brain function. Compared with resting-state and task-based paradigms in neuroimaging, naturalistic stimuli and situations can be potentially more readily translated to daily-life applications. Among neuroimaging modalities, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is particularly suitable for naturalistic investigations and applications. However, specific and tailored statistical analysis to interrogate brain function using naturalistic fNIRS is warranted. Here, we describe an exploratory graph-centrality-based approach to investigating participants' spatiotemporal similarities from the fNIRS signal. We illustrate the usefulness of our approach in a sample of typically developing children (10 males and 9 females; mean age of 5.2 years old; sd = 0.78) while they watch the Inscapes movie designed for neuroimaging acquisition. A node in the left dorsal prefrontal cortex presented similar responses across children, and those fNIRS responses were in line with scene transitions in the movie stimulus. Our results suggest the feasibility of applying centrality graph-based measures to investigate brain function in naturalistic fNIRS during development.

Effects of a multicomponent intervention on cardiovascular risk factors in overweight children: a randomized clinical trial in light of complex systems.

Analyzing the effects of interventions from a theoretical and statistical perspective that allows understanding these dynamic relationships of obesity etiology can be a more efficient and innovative way of understanding the phenomenon's complexity. Thus, we aimed to analyze the pattern of cardiovascular risk factors between-participants, and the effects within-participants of a multidisciplinary intervention on cardiovascular risk factors in overweight children. This is a randomized clinical trial, and 41 participated in this study. A multicomponent intervention (physical activities, nutritional and psychological counseling) was performed for 10 weeks. Anthropometric and hemodynamics measurements, lipid and glucose profile, cardiorespiratory fitness, and left ventricular mass were evaluated. A network analysis was done. Considering patterns in the network at baseline, WC, WHR, BMI, and Fat were the main variables for cardiovascular risks. Group was the most critical variable in the within-participant network. Participating in a multicomponent intervention and decreasing body fat promoted beneficial cardiovascular factors.

A Network Perspective on the Relationship Between Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity and Fundamental Motor Skills in Early Childhood.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and fundamental motor skill (FMS) is inconsistent in early childhood, due to its complex and nonlinear characteristics. This study aimed to analyze the nonlinear relationships between MVPA, FMS, body mass index (BMI), sex, and age in preschoolers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study with preschoolers (n = 204; 4.0 [0.8] y old; 99 boys), provided objective physical activity data, FMS assessments, and BMI. The associations between MVPA, FMS, BMI, sex, and age were explored using the network analysis (RStudio and qgraph). RESULTS: Boys were more motor competent than girls in all FMS skills, while girls were more active than boys during the weekend. Older children were less active than their younger peers during these days. MVPA is weak and differently related to each FMS, and the leap skill emerged with the highest betweenness and strength values in the network. CONCLUSIONS: For the assessed preschoolers, when considering BMI, age, and sex, the relationships between MVPA and FMS are inconsistent, and leap emerged as the main variable. During early childhood, these variables are connected as part of a complex system in which each skill has a dynamic role within the emerging pattern.

Atividade física para gestantes e mulheres no pós-parto: Guia de Atividade Física para a População Brasileira / Physical activity for pregnant and postpartum women: Physical Activity Guidelines for the Brazilian Population

Este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar as recomendações de atividade física para gestantes e mu-lheres no pós-parto desenvolvidas para o Guia de Atividade Física para a População Brasileira. Para isso, utilizou-se uma abordagem de métodos mistos que incluiu quatro etapas: 1) levantamento das diretrizes internacionais mais recentes; 2) revisão narrativa de literatura sobre efeitos da prática de atividade física durante a gestação para a saúde da mulher e do bebê; 3) escuta com gestantes, mu-lheres no pós-parto, profissionais e pesquisadores; 4) consulta pública. As evidências sumarizadas suportam que a prática de atividade física durante a gestação e no período pós-parto é segura, traz be-nefícios à saúde da mãe e do bebê, e reduz os riscos de algumas complicações relacionadas à gestação. Gestantes devem ser incentivadas a realizar pelo menos 150 minutos por semana de atividade física de intensidade moderada. Gestantes com contraindicações devem procurar auxílio de profissionais qualificados. Em alguns casos, a prática de atividade física durante a gestação não é recomendada. Este documento servirá como ferramenta para nortear profissionais de saúde que atuam com ges-tantes e mulheres no pós-parto e irá orientar a população-alvo quanto a prática de atividade física

This manuscript aims to present the recommendations of physical activity for pregnant and postpartum women developed for the Physical Activity Guidelines for the Brazilian Population. A mixed-method ap-proach that included four steps was used: 1) review of the most recent international guidelines for physical activity during pregnancy; 2) narrative literature review on the effects of physical activity during pregnancy on the health of the woman and the baby; 3) consultation with pregnant women, postpartum women, pro-fessionals and researchers; 4) public consultation. The summarized evidence supports that physical activity during pregnancy and in the postpartum is safe, has benefits to the health of the mother and baby, and reduces the risks of some complications related to pregnancy. Pregnancy should be encouraged to do at least 150 min-utes a week of moderate intensity physical activity. Pregnancy women with contraindications should seek help from qualified professionals. In some cases, physical activity during pregnancy is not recommended. This document will be used as a tool to guide health professionals who work with pregnant women and women in the postpartum period. Also, it will inform and guide women during pregnancy and postpartum about the benefits of physical activity

Effects of a randomized controlled study on the behaviors of overweight schoolchildren / Efeitos de um estudo controlado randomizado sobre os comportamentos de escolares sobrepesados

This study aimed to determine the effects of a school-based multi-component intervention on accel-erometer-measured physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) in schoolchildren overweight. This is a randomized controlled study with overweight schoolchildren, allocated to experimental group (EG; n = 13; 7.6 ± 0.8 years; 42.9% boys) and control group (CG; n = 17; 8.2 ± 0.9 years; 26.7% boys). The EG was submitted to a 10-week school-based intervention, comprised of PA and psychological sessions (behavioral therapy), and nutritional guidance. The CG followed the daily routine of life. The time of PA and SB were measured using accelerometers used for seven days. To compare mean SB, moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and total physical activity (TPA), generalized estimation equations (GEE) were used. It was observed thatthe average time in MVPA and TPA increased significantly in EG at the weekend (+ 40.9 min / day, p < 0.001; and + 51.6 min /day, p = 0.035, respectively) and at full week (+ 62.9 min/day, p < 0.001; and + 225.0 9 min/day, p = 0.038, respectively). There was no significant difference in time spent in SB after the intervention in both groups. Thus, it was concluded that the proposed school-based multicomponent intervention was effective in increasing levels of MVPA and TPA in overweight schoolchildren. This finding can optimize future interventions to promote a healthy lifestyle for schoolchildren in the school environment

Este estudo objetivou analisar o efeito de uma intervenção multicomponente de base-escolar sobre os níveis de atividade física (AF) e comportamento sedentário (CS) mensurados por acelerômetro, de escolares com sobrepeso. Trata-se de um estudo controlado randomizado com escolares sobrepesados alocadas em grupo ex-perimental (GE; n = 13; 7,6 ± 0,8 anos; 42,9% meninos) e grupo controle (GC; n = 17; 8,2 ± 0,9 anos; 26,7% meninos). O GE foi submetido a uma intervenção escolar de 10 semanas, composta por sessões de AF e psicológica (terapia comportamental) e orientação nutricional. O GC seguiu a rotina diária de vida. O tempo de AF e o CS foram medidos por meio de acelerômetros, utilizados durante sete dias. Para comparar o tempo médio de CS, atividade física moderada a vigorosa (AFMV ) e atividade física total (AFT), foram utilizadas equações de estimativa generalizadas (GEE). Observou-se queo tempo médio em AFMV e AFT aumentaram significativamente no GE no fim de semana (+ 40,9 min / dia, p < 0,001; e + 51,6 min / dia, p = 0,035, respectivamente) e na semana inteira (+ 62,9 min / dia, p < 0,001; e + 225,0 min/dia, p = 0,038, respectivamente). Não houve diferença significativa no tempo gasto em CS após a intervenção em ambos os grupos. Assim, conclui-se que uma intervenção multicomponente de base escolar proposta foi eficaz no aumento dos níveis de AFMV e AFT em escolares com sobrepeso. Esse achado pode otimizar futuras intervenções em promover um estilo de vida saudável de crianças no âmbito escolar

24-hour movement behaviour and executive function in preschoolers: A compositional and isotemporal reallocation analysis.

Adherence to healthy behaviours promotes several health benefits in preschool children, including executive function (EF). Recently, the predictive power of the 24-hour movement behaviour (24 h MB) composition on health outcomes has been evidenced; however, its relationship with EF in preschoolers is unknown. Thus, the present study had two objectives: (1) to analyse the associations between the 24 h MB composition and EF of preschoolers; and (2) to investigate the theoretical changes in EF when time in different movement behaviours is reallocated. This cross-sectional study was carried out with 123 preschoolers (3-5 years old) of low socioeconomic status. Physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour were assessed using an accelerometer for 7 days, sleep time was obtained through interviews with parents, and EF was measured using the Early Tool Box battery. To verify the association between 24 h MB and EF, compositional data analysis was used, and for time reallocation, compositional isotemporal substitution analysis was utilized. It was observed that the 24 h MB composition was positively associated with EF (p < .0001; R² = 0.34), and that reallocating 5, 10, 15 or 20 min of the time spent on sleep and light PA to moderate-to-vigorous PA, respectively, was associated with significant improvements in EF (p < .05). These findings provide hitherto unseen insight into the relationship between 24 h MB and EF in preschool children, and warrants consideration for researchers and practitioners seeking to improve EF and PA in preschool children.

Adherence to 24-hour movement guidelines in low-income Brazilian preschoolers and associations with demographic correlates.

BACKGROUND: The importance of movement behaviors for health is well known, although few studies have examined the adherence to movement guidelines in low-income preschoolers from a middle-income country, as Brazil. This study reports the proportion of preschoolers meeting the 24-hour movement guidelines and investigates its associations with demographic correlates in Brazilian low-income preschoolers. METHODS: Two hundred and seventy preschoolers (132 boys, means age = 3.97 ± 0.80) provided physical activity (PA) data (Actigraph wGT3X). Sleep duration, screen time, and social correlates were parent-reported. Preschoolers were classified as compliant/not compliant with the 24-hour movement guidelines. Relationships between compliance with movement behaviors guidelines and demographic correlates were calculated using a network analysis (Mplus 8.0; Rstudio). RESULTS: Preschoolers were active (273.52 ± 62.08 minutes/day of total PA), though moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) time was below the guideline (58.68 ± 22.51 minutes/day); spent more than the recommended 60 minutes/day on screen time (169.91 ± 97.07 minutes/day); and slept less than 10 hours per night (9.44 ± 1.12 hours/day). Only 3% of the sample complied with the guidelines. PA showed the highest compliance (43%), compared to sleep duration (35%) and screen time (15%). Male sex was related to adherence to MVPA recommendations, while female sex, with adherence to total PA recommendations. Child's primary caregiver was the most important centrality indicator in the network. CONCLUSION: Only 3% of the assessed preschoolers are compliant with the 24-hour movement behaviors guidelines. Strategies to promote adherence to movement behaviors among low-income preschoolers should consider child's primary caregivers to support movement behaviors.

A Network Perspective on the Relationship between Screen Time, Executive Function, and Fundamental Motor Skills among Preschoolers.

The present study aimed to analyze the dynamic and nonlinear association between screen time, executive function (EF), and fundamental motor skills (FMS) in preschoolers, considering sex and body mass index (BMI) from a network perspective. Forty-two preschoolers (24 boys, 3.91 ± 0.77 years old) provided screen time, EF, FMS, and BMI data. EF was measured using the Go/No Go task, and accuracy of Go (sustain attention), reaction time of Go, and accuracy of No Go (inhibitory control) were considered. Relationships between screen time, EF, FMS, sex, and BMI were explored using a network analysis. The emerged network highlights that screen time is intensely associated with the other variables in the network, while the accuracy of Go has the greater connectivity with other nodes in the network (2.27), being the most sensitive to potential intervention changes. Moreover, sex (1.74), screen time (0.93), and accuracy of Go (0.71) showed the greatest closeness. This study showed that in the emerged network, independent of sex, screen exposure affects the accuracy on Go task, and these components affect the variables in the network, as motor abilities and tasks involved in inhibitory control.

Twenty-four-hour movement behaviours and fundamental movement skills in preschool children: A compositional and isotemporal substitution analysis.

Studies that have analysed the association between the different movement behaviours and fundamental movement skills (FMS) have considered it in an independent manner, disregarding the compositional nature of 24-h movement behaviours (24-h MB). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the 24-h MB and FMS in preschoolers using a compositional data analysis . Two hundred and four preschoolers (4.5 ± 0.8 years old; 101 boys) provided objectively assessed physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) data (Actigraph wGT3X), and FMS (TGMD-2). Sleep duration (SD) was reported by parents. Association of daily composition of movement behaviours with FMS was explored using compositional analysis and isotemporal substitution (R Core Team, 3.6.1). When considered as a 24-h MB composition (PA, SB and SD), adjusted for age, BMI and sex, the composition predicted locomotor (r2 = 0.31), object control (r2 = 0.19), and total motor score (r2 = 0.35), respectively (all P < 0.001). Reallocation of time from light to moderate-to-vigorous PA was associated with greatest positive changes in total motor score. Achieving adequate balance between movement behaviours over the 24-h period, and its relationship with locomotor and object control skills should be considered and further investigated in early childhood.

Is lifestyle a determining factor for body satisfaction in higher education? / ¿Estilo de vida es un factor determinante para la satisfacción corporal en la educación superior? / ¿O estilo de vida é um fator determinante para a satisfação corporal no ensino superior?

People's lives are increasingly hurrying because of several factors that interfere with lifestyle. However, little is known how much this style interferes in people body satisfaction. This study investigated the impact of lifestyle on body satisfaction of the university community. A total of 659 students (n=460), professors (n=49) and administrative staff (n=150) of a federal northeastern Brazilian university, answered the Body Satisfaction Situational Scale and Fantastic Lifestyle Questionnaire. Linear regression indicated that the work has a positive impact on the satisfaction of external parties for students, while for the administrative staff was the lowest alcohol consumption and being with family/friends that the impact, as professors, body satisfaction suffered impact of higher alcohol consumption, aggressive behavior, sleep deprivation, lower stress management and unsafe attitudes (p < .05). It is concluded that the lifestyle profile can be considered a determining factor for body satisfaction in higher education, contributing or not for higher body satisfaction

La vida de las personas están cada vez más corrida a varios factores que afectan el estilo de vida. Sin embargo, poco se sabe cómo este estilo interfiere en la satisfacción con el cuerpo de la personas. Este estudio investigó el impacto del estilo de vida en la satisfacción corporal de los estudiantes, profesores y personal administrativo de una universidad brasileña. Un total de 659 estudiantes (n=460), profesores (n=49) y técnicos (n=150) de una universidad federal en el noreste del Brasil, respondieron la Escala Situacional de Satisfacción del Cuerpo y el Cuestionario "Estilo de Vida Fantástico". El trabajo ha impactado positivamente la satisfacción de las partes externas para los estudiantes, mientras para los técnicos fue el bajo consumo de alcoholy estar entre familia/amigos que ha impactado, y los profesores, la satisfacción corporal sufrió impacto del mayor consumo de alcohol, comportamiento agresivo, privación de sueño, menor control del estrés y actitudes inseguras (p < .05). Concluye se que el perfil de estilo de vida puede ser considerado un factor determinante para la satisfacción corporal en la educación superior, que contribuyen o no a una mayor satisfacción corpora

A vida das pessoas está cada vez mais corrida devido a diversos fatores que interferem no estilo de vida. No entanto, pouco se sabe o quanto que este estilo interfere na satisfação corporal das pessoas. Este estudo investigou o impacto do estilo de vida na satisfação corporal de estudantes, professores e técnicos administrativos de uma universidade brasileira. Um total de 659 alunos (n=460), docentes (n=49) e técnicos (n=150) de uma universidade federal do nordeste brasileiro, responderam a Escala Situacional de Satisfação Corporal e o Questionário "Estilo de Vida Fantástico". Para os alunos o trabalho impactou positivamente a satisfação das partes externas, enquanto para os técnicos foi o menor consumo de álcool e estar entre família/amigos, já os docentes, a satisfação corporal sofreu impacto do maior consumo de álcool, comportamento agressivo, privação de sono, menor controle do estresse e atitudes não seguras (p < .05). Conclui-se que o perfil de estilo de vida pode ser considerado um fator determinante para a satisfação corporal no ensino superior, contribuindo ou não para uma maior satisfação corporal

Frequency and duration of physical activity practice of university teachers and servants / Frequência e duração da prática de atividade física de discentes e servidores universitários

ABSTRACT Physical inactivity is considered a risk factor with unfavorable conditions to health. This study aimed at comparing the frequency and duration of physical activity practice between the students and staff of the university known as Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF). The sample comprised 483 students, 49 professors and 153 subjects of the administrative staff. The short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and a sociodemographic data questionnaire were used. The results showed that 61.8% of the participants were more physically active, and highlighted that women practice more moderate activities, whereas men do more vigorous ones, in addition to the fact that the individuals inserted in the human field with master and doctorate degrees practice less walking in days and minutes per week. In conclusion, when considering the frequency and duration of physical activity practice, the students were more active than the professors and the administrative staff; moreover, the individuals with master and doctorate degrees who are inserted in the human field were less active in walking.

RESUMO A inatividade física é considerada fator de risco para condições desfavoráveis à saúde. Objetivou-se comparar a frequência e duração da prática de atividade física dos discentes e servidores da Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF). A amostra foi composta por 483 alunos, 49 docentes e 153 técnicos administrativos. Foram utilizados o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física - versão curta e um questionário de dados sociodemográficos. Os resultados mostram que 61,8% dos participantes foram mais ativos fisicamente, evidenciando que as mulheres praticam mais atividades moderadas enquanto os homens mais atividades vigorosas, e indivíduos da área de humanas e com nível de escolaridade de mestrado e doutorado praticam menos caminhada em dias e minutos por semana. Conclui-se que os alunos foram mais ativos que os docentes e técnicos administrativos em relação a frequência e duração da prática de atividade física, destacando que indivíduos com mestrado e doutorado e pertencentes à área de humanas foram menos ativos na caminhada.