Walter Tokarski

Correlation between BMI, leisure habits and motor abilities in childhood (CHILT-Project)

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing with its negative medical and psychosocial consequences. This paper examines the association between body mass index (BMI), motor abilities and leisure habits of 668 children within the CHILT (Childrens Health InterventionaL Trial) project.APPROACH: A total of 668 children (51.0% boys; 49.0% girls) and their parents were questioned on sport and leisure behaviour of the children. The anthropometric data were measured. Motor abilities were determined by a body gross motor development test for children (Köperkoordinationstest für Kinder; KTK) and a 6-min run.RESULTS: The children were 6.70±0.42 y old, 122.72±5.36 cm tall and weighed 24.47±4.59 kg, the average BMI was 16.17±2.27 kg/m2. KTK showed an average motor quotient (MQ) of 93.49±15.01, the 6-min run an average of 835.24±110.87 m. Both tests were inversely correlated with BMI (KTK and BMI r=−0.164 (P<0.001); 6-min run and BMI r=−0.201 (P<0.001)); the group of overweight/obese children showed poorer results than the normal/underweight ones, even after adjustment for gender and age (in each case P<0.001). Children with the greatest extent of exercise achieve the highest MQ (P=0.035).SUMMARY: Overweight/obesity is associated with a poorer body gross motor development and endurance performance. On the other hand, an active lifestyle is positively correlated with a better gross motor development in first-grade children. Therefore, to prevent the negative consequences of physical inactivity and overweight/obesity early intervention to support exercise and movement is recommended.

Physical activity, leisure habits and obesity in first-grade children

Background Overweight and obesity are already on the rise in early childhood years. The relationships between genetic factors, malnutrition and physical inactivity are the underlying mechanisms. In this study, we examine the association between body indices, motor abilities and active (sport) and passive (television/computer) leisure time activities in a cohort of first-grade pupils. Methods The study group consisted of 344 children (51.5% male, 48.5% female). They were 6.8 ± 0.4 years old, height was 123.9 ± 4.9 cm, weight 24.8 ± 5.0 kg, body mass index (BMI) 16.1 ± 2.3 kg/m2. After determination of the anthropometric data, a fitness test was performed in order to determine motor abilities. Parents were questioned about their childrens leisure time activities, using a standardized questionnaire. Differences between BMI groups were evaluated using multivariate ANCOVA, adjusted for gender and age. Results Based on German BMI references, overweight and obesity were found in 12% of the children. They had poorer results with respect to endurance (P<0.001), leg strength (P=0.002), co-ordination and balance (P = 0.045) and spent more leisure time in watching television and at the computer (each P<0.001). No differences were found between their active leisure habits such as club sports. Discussion Our examinations with first-grade children show no differences in active leisure habits between obese children and their counterparts, although the former had poorer results in motor abilities, but they spend more time on sedentary leisure habits like audiovisual media. A possible explanation is their fewer regular daily activities.

School-based prevention: Effects on obesity and physical performance after 4 years

Abstract Juvenile obesity is increasing worldwide. Preventive strategies are warranted. The school-based Childrens Health Interventional Trial (the CHILT Project) combines health education and physical activity for children. The effect on obesity and physical performance was studied after four years in 12 primary schools compared with five control schools. Anthropometric data were recorded. Physical performance was measured by a coordination test for children (balancing backwards, one-legged obstacle jumping, lateral jumping, sideways movements) and a 6-min run (endurance). No difference in the prevalence and incidence of overweight and obesity was found between the intervention and control schools before and after the intervention. Remission of overweight was higher in the intervention schools (23.2 vs. 19.2%), but not significant. An increase in coordination related to lateral jumping and balancing backwards was apparent in the intervention schools (30.6, s = 10.8 vs. 26.1, s = 10.8, P = 0.005; 21.8, s = 11.8 vs. 19.4, s = 11.7, P = 0.007), and the increase in endurance performance tended to be higher in intervention schools (100.8, s = 122.7 vs. 92.8, s = 126.0, P = 0.055), adjusted for age, sex, baseline test result, and body mass index at final examination. Therefore, preventive intervention in primary school offers the possibility to improve physical performance in children. The prevalence and incidence of obesity were not affected.

Relationship between Anthropometry and Motor Abilities at Pre-School Age

Objective: Little is known to date about the relationship between poor motor abilities and overweight or obese pre-school children. Thus, this study examined the association between motor abilities and weight status in 1,228 kindergarten children (45.8% female). Method: Anthropometric data were assessed; age 4.7 ± 1.0 years; height 108.6 ± 8.0 cm; weight 19.1 ± 3.6 kg; BMI 16.1 ± 1.5 kg/m2. The modified Karlsruher Motor Ability Screening Test was carried out to determine the motor abilities of speed strength, muscular endurance, coordination, flexibility, and speed. Results: Based on the German BMI reference values, 3.5% of the children were obese, 9.6% overweight, 83.4% normal weight, and 3.5% underweight. During various test tasks, below-average motor abilities were discovered in 44.0–47.3%. In all age groups, overweight and obese children did not differ from their normal and underweight counterparts; except for underweight children which fared worse in flexibility. Conclusion: In contrast to former studies with first graders, overweight or obese pre-school children did not possess worse motor abilities than normal weight children. However, the high number of overweight children and motor deficits suggests that preventive measures should start at this early age.

Sport systems in the countries of the European Union: similarities and differences

Abstract This study provides an overview of the similarities and differences in the sport systems in the European countries. It shows that different reasons are important for carrying out comparative studies of international sport structures. The description of the sport systems consists of the governmental and non-governmental side. The role of the different levels of responsibility of the state as well as the role of the National Olympic Committees are discussed. The EU-member states show a broad spectrum ranging from the embodiment in different constitutions and a strong responsibility on the part of the state to a complete autonomy of the sport movement. Furthermore, the different aspects of the financial support in various countries are analysed. Finally the common principle of European Sport, which is the pyramid-like organizational structure, is discussed.

Recommendations for Promoting Physical Activity for Children and Adolescents in Germany. A Consensus Statement

Increasing physical activity and reduction of sedentary behaviour play important roles in health promotion and prevention of lifestyle-related diseases in children and adolescents. However, the question of how much physical activity is useful for which target group is still a matter of debate. International guidelines (World Health Organization; European Association for the Study of Obesity), which are mainly based on expert opinions, recommend 60 min of physical activity every day. Age- and sex-specific features and regional differences are not taken into account. Therefore, expert consensus recommendations for promoting physical activity of children and adolescents in Germany were developed with special respect to national data, but also with respect to aspects of specific target groups, e.g., children with a lower socio-economic status (SES) or with migration background. They propose 90 min/day of physical activity, or at least 12,000 steps daily. Additionally, lifestyle factors, especially restriction of media consumption, were integrated. The recommendations provide orientation for parents and caregivers, for institutions such as schools and kindergartens as well as for communities and stakeholders.

The Role of Physical Activity in the Development and Prevention of Overweight and Obesity in Childhood

The prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents is increasing rapidly. In Germany, between 10 – 20% of children are overweight or obese. Besides, a possible genetic predisposition and excessive energy intake, decreased physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle have been implicated as risk factors. Data about childrens activity and its correlation with obesity are sparse and also inconsistent, as different measurement criteria are used. Some authors found differences between the fitness of obese and non-obese children, while others did not. Several studies described worse results in motor abilities with overweight children compared to their normal weight counterparts, especially in coordination and endurance performance. There is a general agreement that obese children prefer sedentary habits, mainly audio-visual media like television and PC. The incidence of obesity increases with a daily television consumption of more than five hours. But to what extent, with what intensity, and which sports/exercise techniques are suitable and necessary for preventive measures is not precisely known. As a result, recommendations for daily routine and physical activities as well as minimal requirements can hardly be formulated. This paper presents the current aspects of the role of physical activity in the development and prevention of overweight and obesity during childhood.

Sociocultural Influence on Obesity and Lifestyle in Children: A Study of Daily Activities, Leisure Time Behavior, Motor Skills, and Weight Status

Background: Juvenile overweight is increasing, and effective preventive measures are needed. After years of arbitrarily assigning these measures disregarding socioeconomic and/or cultural differences, it has become necessary to tailor interventions more specific to these target groups. Providing data for such an intervention is the objective of this study. Methods: Influencing variables on childrens weight status, motor skills and lifestyle have been analyzed among 997 first graders (53.2% male) involved in the Childrens Health InterventionaL Trial (CHILT). Results: Median age was 6.9 years; 7.3% were obese, 8.8% were overweight. Children with low socioeconomic status (SES) were more likely to be obese (p = 0.029). Low SES (p ˂ 0.001), migration background (p = 0.001) and low sports activity levels (p = 0.007) contributed most to an increased consumption of television. Migration background (p = 0.003) and male gender (p < 0.001) were the strongest factors in predicting a greater consumption of computer/video games. Children with higher SES (p = 0.02), lower BMI (p = 0.035), and males (p = 0.001) performed better in motor tests. Conclusion: Children with a low SES and migration background were more likely to exhibit unfavorable health behavior patterns, higher BMI scores, and poorer motor skills. Interventions should integrate motivational and targeting strategies and consider cultural and educational differences to address these vulnerable groups.

Übergewicht und Adipositas im Kindes- und Jugendalter

ZusammenfassungDie Prävalenz von Übergewicht und Adipositas im Kindes- und Jugendalter nimmt weltweit zu. Zurzeit geht man in Deutschland von etwa 10–20% übergewichtigen und adipösen Kindern aus. Bereits in diesem Alter ist eine Adipositas mit zahlreichen Komorbiditäten assoziiert. So weisen etwa 25% der Betroffenen eine arterielle Hypertonie und/oder eine Fettstoffwechselstörung und 1% einen manifesten Diabetes mellitus Typ 2 auf. Zusätzlich finden sich bei etwa einem Drittel dieser Kinder und Jugendlichen orthopädische und psychosoziale Störungen.Gegenmaßnahmen sind daher unbedingt erforderlich. Als geeignete Settings für primärpräventive Ansätze haben sich Kindergärten und Schulen erwiesen. Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse sind jedoch inkonsistent und von vielen verschiedenen Faktoren abhängig, z. B. dem sozioökonomischen Status einer Familie, der Integration der Eltern etc.Um den epidemischen Ausmaßen von Übergewicht und Adipositas im Kindes- und Jugendalter tatsächlich entgegenwirken zu können, müssen die Daten nationaler und internationaler Studien konsequent zusammengetragen und die Resultate bzw. Handlungsempfehlungen den entsprechenden Bedürfnissen angepasst werden. Darüber hinaus kann eine breitflächige Umsetzung nur durch ein gemeinsames und qualitätsgesichertes Vorgehen der verschiedenen im Gesundheitswesen Tätigen auf der Basis adäquater politischer Strukturen erfolgen.AbstractThe prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents is increasing. In Germany, 10–20% of children and youth are overweight and obese. Childhood obesity is associated with cardiovascular and other comorbidities. 25% suffer from arterial hypertension and/or hypercholesterolemia, 1% from diabetes mellitus type 2. In addition, one third suffer from orthopedic and psychosocial disorders.Therefore, countermeasures are necessary. Kindergarten or school settings offer a possibility for preventive measures. Results, however, are inconsistent and depend on several factors such as socioeconomic status, parental integration, etc.To counteract the epidemic of obesity, national and international data should be collected, results and recommendations adapted to individual necessities of different settings. The implementation of such strategies is only possible with a combined and qualified procedure by a concerted and qualified action of all health care employees based on adequate political structures.

Overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence. Is prevention possible

ZusammenfassungDie Prävalenz von Übergewicht und Adipositas im Kindes- und Jugendalter nimmt weltweit zu. Zurzeit geht man in Deutschland von etwa 10–20% übergewichtigen und adipösen Kindern aus. Bereits in diesem Alter ist eine Adipositas mit zahlreichen Komorbiditäten assoziiert. So weisen etwa 25% der Betroffenen eine arterielle Hypertonie und/oder eine Fettstoffwechselstörung und 1% einen manifesten Diabetes mellitus Typ 2 auf. Zusätzlich finden sich bei etwa einem Drittel dieser Kinder und Jugendlichen orthopädische und psychosoziale Störungen.Gegenmaßnahmen sind daher unbedingt erforderlich. Als geeignete Settings für primärpräventive Ansätze haben sich Kindergärten und Schulen erwiesen. Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse sind jedoch inkonsistent und von vielen verschiedenen Faktoren abhängig, z. B. dem sozioökonomischen Status einer Familie, der Integration der Eltern etc.Um den epidemischen Ausmaßen von Übergewicht und Adipositas im Kindes- und Jugendalter tatsächlich entgegenwirken zu können, müssen die Daten nationaler und internationaler Studien konsequent zusammengetragen und die Resultate bzw. Handlungsempfehlungen den entsprechenden Bedürfnissen angepasst werden. Darüber hinaus kann eine breitflächige Umsetzung nur durch ein gemeinsames und qualitätsgesichertes Vorgehen der verschiedenen im Gesundheitswesen Tätigen auf der Basis adäquater politischer Strukturen erfolgen.AbstractThe prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents is increasing. In Germany, 10–20% of children and youth are overweight and obese. Childhood obesity is associated with cardiovascular and other comorbidities. 25% suffer from arterial hypertension and/or hypercholesterolemia, 1% from diabetes mellitus type 2. In addition, one third suffer from orthopedic and psychosocial disorders.Therefore, countermeasures are necessary. Kindergarten or school settings offer a possibility for preventive measures. Results, however, are inconsistent and depend on several factors such as socioeconomic status, parental integration, etc.To counteract the epidemic of obesity, national and international data should be collected, results and recommendations adapted to individual necessities of different settings. The implementation of such strategies is only possible with a combined and qualified procedure by a concerted and qualified action of all health care employees based on adequate political structures.