Worker acceptability of the Pennington Pedal Desk™ occupational workstation alternative.

BACKGROUND: Active workstation alternatives (e.g., treadmill desks and pedal desks) have the potential to elevate workplace energy expenditure by replacing occupational sedentary behavior with opportunities to generate low-intensity non-exercise physical activity, but only to the extent that workers find them acceptable and congruent with their primary working tasks and therefore can frequently use them for extended periods of time. OBJECTIVE: To assess workers' acceptability of the Pennington Pedal Desk™. METHODS: Full-time sedentary workers (N = 42; 76% female; mean+SD age 39.6±11.3 years; BMI 25.7±5.4 kg/m2) used the pedal desk for 15 minutes while they: 1) searched the internet, 2) composed an email, and 3) completed acceptability ratings using an online Likert scale anchored from 1/strongly disagree to 5/strongly agree. Garmin Vector power meter pedals and EDGE 510 GPS bike computer (Garmin ®, USA) continuously captured revolutions per minute (RPM) and power. RESULTS: Participants indicated that they would use the pedal desk for 4 (median) hours per work day and 97.6% of participants were somewhat or completely confident that they could type proficiently while using the pedal desk. Participants pedaled at 54.8±11.2 RPM and 23.1±8.6 watts (mean+SD). CONCLUSIONS: Participants rated the Pennington Pedal Desk™ workstation positively and indicated potential for extended daily use.

Accelerometer-determined peak cadence and weight status in children from São Caetano do Sul, Brazil.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between peak cadence indicators and body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BF%)-defined weight status in children. The sample comprised 485 Brazilian children. Minute-by-minute step data from accelerometry were rank ordered for each day to identify the peak 1-minute, 30-minute and 60-minute cadence values. Data were described by BMI-defined and bioelectrical impedance-determined BF% weight status. BMI-defined normal weight children had higher peak 1-minute (115.5 versus 110.6 and 106.6 steps/min), 30-minute (81.0 versus 77.5 and 74.0 steps/min) and 60-minute cadence (67.1 versus 63.4 and 60.7 steps/min) than overweight and obese children (p<.0001), respectively. Defined using %BF, normal weight children had higher peak 1-minute (114.5 versus 106.1 steps/min), 30-minute (80.4 versus 73.1 steps/min) and 60-minute cadence (66.5 versus 59.9 steps/min) than obese children (p<.0001). Similar relationships were observed in boys; however, only peak 1- minute cadence differed significantly across BMI and %BF-defined weight status categories in girls. Peak cadence indicators were negatively associated with BMI and BF% in these schoolchildren and significantly higher among normal weight compared to overweight or obese children.

Accelerometer-determined peak cadence and weight status in children from São Caetano do Sul, Brazil / Determinação do pico de cadência via acelerometria e estado de peso corporal em crianças de São Caetano do Sul, Brasil

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between peak cadence indicators and body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BF%)-defined weight status in children. The sample comprised 485 Brazilian children. Minute-by-minute step data from accelerometry were rank ordered for each day to identify the peak 1-minute, 30-minute and 60-minute cadence values. Data were described by BMI-defined and bioelectrical impedance-determined BF% weight status. BMI-defined normal weight children had higher peak 1-minute (115.5 versus 110.6 and 106.6 steps/min), 30-minute (81.0 versus 77.5 and 74.0 steps/min) and 60-minute cadence (67.1 versus 63.4 and 60.7 steps/min) than overweight and obese children (p<.0001), respectively. Defined using %BF, normal weight children had higher peak 1-minute (114.5 versus 106.1 steps/min), 30-minute (80.4 versus 73.1 steps/min) and 60-minute cadence (66.5 versus 59.9 steps/min) than obese children (p<.0001). Similar relationships were observed in boys; however, only peak 1- minute cadence differed significantly across BMI and %BF-defined weight status categories in girls. Peak cadence indicators were negatively associated with BMI and BF% in these schoolchildren and significantly higher among normal weight compared to overweight or obese children.

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi determinar a relação entre indicadores de pico de cadência com índice de massa corporal (IMC) e percentual de gordura corporal (% GC) definidos pelo estado de peso corporal de crianças. Participaram 485 crianças brasileiras. Minutos de acelerometria foram ranqueados para identificar os valores de picos de cadência de 1, 30 e 60 minutos. O estado de peso corporal foi apresentado pelo IMC e %GC, avaliados pela bioimpedância elétrica. No IMC, crianças eutróficas apresentaram maior pico de cadência de 1 minuto (115,5 versus 110,6 e 106,6 passos/min), 30 minutos (81,0 versus 77,5 e 74,0 passos/min) e 60 minutos (67,1 versus 63,4 e 60,7 passos/min) do que aqueles com excesso de peso e obesidade (p < 0,001). Na %GC, crianças eutróficas apresentaram maior pico de cadência de 1 minuto (114,5 versus 106,1 passos/min), 30 minutos (80,4 versus 73,1 passos/min) e 60 minutos (66,5 versus 59,9 passos/min) do que as obesas. Relações semelhantes foram observadas nos meninos; no entanto, apenas o pico de cadência de 1 minuto foi significativamente diferente nas categorias do estado de peso corporal definido pelo IMC e %GC nas meninas. Indicadores de pico de cadência foram negativamente associados com IMC e %GC e maior nos eutróficos do que naqueles com excesso de peso e obesidade.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Lifestyle Behavior Clusters in School-Aged Children from 12 Countries.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between children's lifestyles and health-related quality of life and to explore whether this relationship varies among children from different world regions. STUDY DESIGN: This study used cross-sectional data from the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment. Children (9-11 years) were recruited from sites in 12 nations (n = 5759). Clustering input variables were 24-hour accelerometry and self-reported diet and screen time. Health-related quality of life was self-reported with KIDSCREEN-10. Cluster analyses (using compositional analysis techniques) were performed on a site-wise basis. Lifestyle behavior cluster characteristics were compared between sites. The relationship between cluster membership and health-related quality of life was assessed with the use of linear models. RESULTS: Lifestyle behavior clusters were similar across the 12 sites, with clusters commonly characterized by (1) high physical activity (actives); (2) high sedentary behavior (sitters); (3) high screen time/unhealthy eating pattern (junk-food screenies); and (4) low screen time/healthy eating pattern and moderate physical activity/sedentary behavior (all-rounders). Health-related quality of life was greatest in the all-rounders cluster. CONCLUSIONS: Children from different world regions clustered into groups of similar lifestyle behaviors. Cluster membership was related to differing health-related quality of life, with children from the all-rounders cluster consistently reporting greatest health-related quality of life at sites around the world. Findings support the importance of a healthy combination of lifestyle behaviors in childhood: low screen time, healthy eating pattern, and balanced daily activity behaviors (physical activity and sedentary behavior). TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01722500.

Socioeconomic status indicators, physical activity, and overweight/obesity in brazilian children / Indicadores de nível socioeconômico, atividade física e sobrepeso/obesidade em crianças brasileiras

Objective: To analyze the associations between socioeconomic status (SES) indicators and physical activity and overweight/obesity in children. Methods: 485 children wore accelerometers for 7 days. Variables included time in sedentary behavior and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and steps/day. Children were further categorized as meeting or not meeting guidelines of ≥60min/day MVPA and ≥12,000 steps/day. Body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BF%) were measured using bioelectrical impedance. Overweight/obesity was defined as BMI >+1 SD and BF% ≥85th percentile. Parents answered questionnaires that questioned total annual household income, parental education level, parental employment status and automobile ownership. Results: Children averaged 59.5min/day in MVPA (44.1% met MVPA guidelines), and 9639 steps/day (18.4% met steps/day guidelines). 45.4% and 33% were overweight/obese classified by BMI and BF% respectively. Higher relative total annual household income level (Odds Ratio 0.31; 95% confidence interval=0.15-0.65), and relatively higher maternal (OR=0.38; 95%CI=0.20-0.72) and paternal (OR=0.36; 95%CI=0.17-0.75) education levels were associated with lower odds of children meeting MVPA guidelines. Household automobile ownership was associated with lower odds of children meeting MVPA (OR=0.48; 95%CI=0.31-0.75) and steps/day guidelines (OR=0.44; 95%CI=0.26-0.74). Conclusions: SES indicators were not associated with overweight/obesity, but higher SES was associated with lower odds of children meeting MVPA guidelines.

Objetivo: Analisar as associações entre indicadores de nível socioeconômico (NSE) e atividade física e sobrepeso/obesidade em crianças. Métodos: 485 crianças usaram acelerômetros por 7 dias. As variáveis incluíram o tempo em comportamentos sedentários e atividade física moderada a vigorosa (AFMV), e passos/dia. As crianças foram ainda classificadas como satisfazendo ou não o cumprimento das diretrizes de ≥60 min/dia MVPA e ≥12.000 passos/dia. Índice de massa corporal (IMC) e percentual de gordura corporal (%GC) foram medidos através de impedância bioelétrica. Sobrepeso/ obesidade foi definido como IMC>+1SD e um %GC≥percentil 85. Os pais responderam a questionários que questionavam o rendimento total anual das famílias, o nível de educação dos pais, situação de emprego dos pais e propriedade de automóvel. Resultados: As crianças mostraram uma média de 59,5 min/dia de AFMV (44,1% atingiram as diretrizes de AFVM), e 9.639 passos/dia (18,4% atingiram as diretrizes de passos/dia). 45,4% e 33% estavam com sobrepeso/obesidade classificada pelo IMC e %GC, respectivamente. Maior nível de renda familiar anual total (odds ratio 0,31; intervalo de confiança de 95%=0,15-0,65),e níveis relativamente mais elevados de educação materna (OR=0,38; IC95%=0,20-0,72) e paterno (OR=0,36; IC95%=0.17-0.75), foram associados com menor chance de crianças atingirem as diretrizes de AFVM. Propriedade de automóvel foi associada com menor chance de crianças atingirem as diretrizes de AFVM (OR=0,48; IC95%=0,31-0,75) e diretrizes de passos/dia (OR=0,44; IC95%=0,26-0,74). Conclusões: Os indicadores de NSE não foram associados com sobrepeso / obesidade, mas maior NES foi associado com menor chance de crianças atingirem diretrizes de AFVM.

Correlates of Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity in Brazilian Children.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have used ecological models to study multiple levels of association with objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in young children from middle-income countries. The purpose of this study was to examine potential correlates of objectively measured MVPA in Brazilian children. METHODS: The sample consisted of 328 children. An Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometer was used to monitor MVPA over 7 days. Body mass index and body fat percentage were measured using a bioelectrical impedance scale. Questionnaires completed by the children, their parents, and school personnel queried individual, family and home, and school-level environmental correlates. RESULTS: Children averaged 59.3 min/d in MVPA (44.5% met MVPA guidelines), and 51.8% were overweight/obese. For boys and girls combined, significant correlates (P < .05) of MVPA were waist circumference (ß = -.007), travel mode to school (ß = .140), maternal employment status (ß = -.119) and TV in bedroom (ß -.107). In boys, significant correlates of MVPA were waist circumference (ß = -.011), travel mode to school (ß = .133), and maternal employment status (ß = -.195). In girls, the only significant correlate of MVPA was travel mode to school (ß = .143). CONCLUSIONS: Several factors were identified as correlates of MVPA in Brazilian children; however, only travel mode to school was common for both boys and girls.

[Socioeconomic status indicators, physical activity, and overweight/obesity in Brazilian children]. / Indicadores de nível socioeconômico, atividade física e sobrepeso/obesidade em crianças brasileiras.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the associations between socioeconomic status (SES) indicators and physical activity and overweight/obesity in children. METHODS: 485 children wore accelerometers for 7 days. Variables included time in sedentary behavior and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and steps/day. Children were further categorized as meeting or not meeting guidelines of ≥60min/day MVPA and ≥12,000 steps/day. Body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BF%) were measured using bioelec-trical impedance. Overweight/obesity was defined as BMI>+1 SD and BF%≥85th percentile. Parents answered questionnaires that questioned total annual household income, parental education level, parental employment status and automobile ownership. RESULTS: Children averaged 59.5min/day in MVPA (44.1% met MVPA guidelines), and 9639 steps/day (18.4% met steps/day guidelines). 45.4% and 33% were overweight/obese classified by BMI and BF% respectively. Higher relative total annual household income level (Odds Ratio 0.31; 95% confidence interval=0.15-0.65), and relatively higher maternal (OR=0.38; 95%CI=0.20-0.72) and paternal (OR=0.36; 95%CI=0.17-0.75) education levels were associ-ated with lower odds of children meeting MVPA guidelines. Household automobile ownership was associated with lower odds of children meeting MVPA (OR=0.48; 95%CI=0.31-0.75) and steps/day guidelines (OR=0.44; 95%CI=0.26-0.74). CONCLUSIONS: SES indicators were not associated with overweight/obesity, but higher SES was associated with lower odds of children meeting MVPA guidelines.

Association Between Television Viewing and Physical Activity in 10-Year-Old Brazilian Children.

BACKGROUND: Studies have found an association between television (TV) viewing and physical activity levels. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between TV viewing and physical activity in 10-year-old Brazilian children. METHODS: The sample consisted of 485 children. Self-reported TV viewing on weekdays and weekends was assessed by questionnaire. An Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometer was used to monitor the range of physical activity intensities (including moderate-to-vigorous physical activity; MVPA), sedentary behavior (SB) and steps/day over 7 days. RESULTS: Daily MVPA was highest among children viewing TV <1 hour/day (69 min) compared with children viewing 1 to 2 hours/day (61 min), 3 to 4 hours/day (55 min) and ≥ 5 hours/day (59 min) on weekdays (P = .0015). Differences in MVPA were not observed across TV categories on weekends. The prevalence of reaching 60 min/day of MVPA and 12,000 steps/day on weekdays was significantly greater in children viewing ≤ 2 hours/day (51.7% and 23.5%, respectively) compared with those viewing > 2 hours/day (38.6%, P = .0058; and 15.1%, P = .0291, respectively). There was no difference in SB across TV viewing categories. CONCLUSION: Time spent in MVPA and the frequency of meeting MVPA guidelines were significantly higher among children viewing ≤ 2 hours/day of TV on weekdays compared with those viewing more.

Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior: Independent Associations With Body Composition Variables in Brazilian Children.

This study aimed to analyze the independent associations of accelerometer-determined sedentary behavior, physical activity, and steps/day with body composition variables in Brazilian children. 485 children wore accelerometers for 7 days. Variables included time in sedentary behavior and different physical activity intensities (light, moderate, vigorous, or moderate-to-vigorous) and steps/day. Body fat percentage was measured using a bioelectrical impedance scale, and BMI was calculated. Children spent 55.7% of the awake portion of the day in sedentary behavior, 37.6% in light physical activity, 4.6% in moderate physical activity, and 1.9% in vigorous physical activity. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and steps/day were negatively associated with body composition (BMI and body fat percentage) variables, independent of sex and sedentary behavior. Beta values were higher for vigorous physical activity than moderate physical activity. Vigorous physical activity was negatively associated with BMI (ß-.1425) and body fat percentage (ß-.3082; p < .0001). In boys, there were significant negative associations between moderate, vigorous, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and steps/day with body composition, and in girls, there was only a negative association with vigorous physical activity, independent of sedentary behavior. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and steps/day (in boys), but especially vigorous physical activity (in boys and girls), are associated with body composition, independent of sedentary behavior. Sedentary behavior was not related with any of the body composition variables once adjusted for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

Normative steps/day and peak cadence values for united states children and adolescents: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006.

OBJECTIVE: To provide sex-and-age specific normative values for children and adolescents' accelerometer-determined steps/day, and peak 60-minute cadence adjusted to a pedometer-based scale. STUDY DESIGN: The analysis sample was 2610 children and adolescents (1329 girls) from the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Accelerometer data were adjusted by eliminating steps counted when activity counts/min <500. Peak 60-minute cadence represented the 60 highest minutes of accumulated steps, averaged over monitored days. Normative data included quintile-defined categories of adjusted steps/day and peak 60-minute cadence for 7 age groups (6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15, 16-17, and 18-19 years). LMSChartmakerPro produced 10 age-group-specific smoothed curves (5 for each sex) showing the 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 95th percentiles, respectively, for steps/day and peak 60-minute cadence. RESULTS: Steps/day was inversely associated with age in both boys and girls. The age-associated reduction was apparent in only small decrements for boys; the girl's reduction was steeper. Boys appeared to maintain or increase their peak 60-minute cadence with increased age between 8 and 15 years of age, with a reduction apparent over the last 2 age groups investigated. The peak 60-minute cadence was more variable for girls; a similar sharp reduction (3-6 steps/min) in tandem with the steps/day was apparent between 10- to 11-year-old girls and 12- to 13-year-old girls. CONCLUSIONS: We provided detailed information and normative data pertaining to steps/d and peak 60-minute cadence in US children and adolescents. Like well-known body mass index growth curves, these data may be useful for scientists and clinical practitioners.