A1 Journal article (refereed)
Development of accelerometer‐based light to vigorous physical activity in fitness profiles of school‐aged children (2021)

Gråstén, A., Huhtiniemi, M., Hakonen, H., & Jaakkola, T. (2021). Development of accelerometer‐based light to vigorous physical activity in fitness profiles of school‐aged children. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 31(12), 2343-2355. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.14056

JYU authors or editors

Gråsten, Arto
Huhtiniemi, Mikko
Jaakkola, Timo

Publication details

All authors or editors: Gråstén, Arto; Huhtiniemi, Mikko; Hakonen, Harto; Jaakkola, Timo

Journal or series: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports

ISSN: 0905-7188

eISSN: 1600-0838

Publication year: 2021

Publication date: 18/09/2021

Volume: 31

Issue number: 12

Pages range: 2343-2355

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.14056

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/78586

Abstract

This study examined the developmental trajectories of light (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in fitness profiles derived from motor competence, perceived motor competence, health-related fitness, and MVPA behaviour. Locomotor, stability, and object-control skills, muscular and cardiovascular fitness, and physical activity were assessed in 510 (girls 285, boys 225) Finnish school-aged children (Mage = 11.26 ± .33 years) over three years. Physical activity was measured using hip-mounted accelerometers. Fitness profiles were identified using latent profile analysis and the development of physical activity levels across four assessments was analysed with latent growth curve models. Results showed that 1) three homogeneous profiles were identified: At-risk, Intermediate, and Desirable; 2) the Desirable group was more physically active than the other groups, the Intermediate group was more physical active than the At-risk group; and 3) LPA decreased similarly over time, while MVPA remained stable in all three profiles. Initial more advanced motor competence, perceived motor competence, health-related fitness, and higher MVPA behaviour were associated with higher levels of long-term LPA and MVPA. This finding supports the importance of motor competence skills acquisition in the early school years. Attention should also be paid to increasing engagement in light physical activities, especially in inactive or insufficiently active children with low motor competence skills.

Keywords: children (age groups); school-age children; physical activity; physical fitness; motor skills (general); measuring methods

Free keywords: motor competence; health-related fitness; latent profile analysis; latent growth curve model

Fields of science: