Ketelaar, D. (Dorien) (2016) Cross-sectional association between objectively measured physical activity levels and psychosocial functioning in young children (age 3-7 years): the GECKO Drenthe birth cohort. thesis, Human Movement Sciences.
Full text available on request.Abstract
Introduction: In adolescents and adults physical activity (PA) is a positive contributor to mental health but in young children this is inconclusive. Psychosocial functioning is part of mental health which includes behavioral, social and emotional problems. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between PA levels and psychosocial functioning in a large population of young children. Method: Valid PA data of 1139 children from the Groningen Expert Center for Kids with Obesity (GECKO) Drenthe birth cohort (n=2874) and 1991 valid psychosocial function measures of these children were eligible. In total 898 children (aged 3-7 years, 51.6% boys) were included in this study (both measures present (31%)). PA levels were objectively measured with an accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X) for at least three days. Psychosocial functioning was assessed by parent report of the SDQ (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire). Results: Significant but weak spearman correlations were found. Light PA (LPA) was positively associated with hyperactivity/inattention problems (rs = .100). Moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) was positively associated with hyperactivity/inattention (rs = .218) too, whereas sedentary behavior was inversely associated with this aspect (rs = -.181). MVPA was positively associated with behavioral problems (rs = .107) also. Regression analyses showed that higher PA levels were predictors for higher psychosocial problem scores and higher sedentary levels were predictors for lower psychosocial problem scores. In boys, high LPA was a predictor for hyperactivity/inattention. In both boys and girls, high MVPA and low sedentary behavior were predictors for hyperactivity/inattention. In boys only, high MVPA and low sedentary behavior were predictors for behavioral problems. Conclusion: The association between PA levels and psychosocial functioning in young children was different compared to those in older people. The exact role of PA in this association should be investigated further. Objectively measured PA might be seen as an indicator for psychosocial functioning in young children. These findings could be helpful in screening and diagnostics of psychosocial problems.
| Item Type: | Thesis (UNSPECIFIED) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Corpeleijn, dr. ir. E. and Hartman, dr. E. |
| Faculty: | Medical Sciences |
| Date Deposited: | 29 Apr 2022 12:05 |
| Last Modified: | 29 Apr 2022 12:05 |
| URI: | https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3156 |
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