Locomotive and non-locomotive activity as determined by triaxial accelerometry and physical fitness in Japanese preschool children

Pediatr Exerc Sci. 2012 Aug;24(3):420-34. doi: 10.1123/pes.24.3.420.

Abstract

This study examined the potential relationship between participation in physical activity (PA) assessed by triaxial accelerometry and physical fitness testing, including health-related and skill-related parameters of fitness, in 136 Japanese preschoolers (65 girls and 71 boys, 5.5 ± 0.6 years). In partial correlation analyses, grip strength and 20m shuttle run test were positively correlated with time spent in physical activity ratio (PAR) ≥ 4. Better scores on standing long jump distance and jump over and crawl under tests were associated with lower sedentary time and greater moderate-to-vigorous PA time and PAR ≥ 4 time, and increased physical activity level. Moreover, 25m run speed was positively correlated with time spent in PAR ≥ 4 and locomotive activity. These findings suggest that development of both health-related (muscle strength and aerobic fitness) and skill-related fitness (power, agility and speed) may make engagement in PA easier for preschool children, although further research on the cause-effect relationship is needed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Accelerometry* / methods
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Body Mass Index
  • Child
  • Child Behavior / physiology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Hand Strength
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Locomotion / physiology*
  • Male
  • Motor Activity / physiology*
  • Motor Skills / physiology
  • Physical Fitness / physiology*
  • Sex Factors