Localization of Physical Activity in Primary School Children Using Accelerometry and Global Positioning System

Abstract

BackgroundEcological approaches have highlighted the importance of the built environment as a factor affecting physical activity. However, knowledge on children’s activity patterns is still incomplete. Particularly, data on the spatial context of physical activity is limited, which limits the potential to design location-based interventions effectively. Using global positioning system (GPS) and accelerometry, this study aimed to identify locations where children engage in moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).MethodsParticipants included 119 children (11–14 years, 57% girls) from public schools in Winterthur, Switzerland. During a regular school week between February and April 2013, children wore an accelerometer and GPS sensor for seven consecutive days. Time-matched accelerometer and GPS data was mapped with a geographic information system and each data point was assigned to one of seven defined activity settings. Both the absolute amount of MVPA and proportion of time in MVPA were calculated for every setting. Multilevel analyses accounting for the hierarchical structure of the data were conducted to investigate any gender differences.ResultsChildren achieved most MVPA on streets (34.5%) and on school grounds (33.4%). The proportion children spent in MVPA was highest in recreational facilities (19.4%), at other schools (19.2%) and on streets (18.6%). Boys accumulated significantly more MVPA overall and on other school grounds (p < 0.05) and showed a significantly higher proportion of time in MVPA at own school and outside of Winterthur (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe results indicate the importance of streets and school grounds as activity-promoting environments. The high use of streets may be an indicator for active transportation, which appears to contribute to an active lifestyle in both genders. In contrast, the school setting is more likely to encourage physical activity in boys. Recreational facilities seem to be conducive for MVPA among both genders, although infrequently visited during the week of measurement.

Examen rapide des études spatialisées traitant des lieux d’activité physique et de sédentarité des enfants et des adultes

“…Burgi, 2015 45 Suisse • La proportion de temps consacré à des APMV était plus élevée dans les installations de loisirs, mais celles-ci étaient moins souvent fréquentées.…”

Gender Differences in the Relationship between Built Environment and Non-Communicable Diseases: A Systematic Review

“…Looking at locations where children engaged in PA, the Winterthur authors found that boys achieve more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) than girls at school playgrounds, sports facilities, at recess and during the day. 15 The Denmark study pointed out that boys spend more time outdoor for MVPA than the time spent by girls. Also, half of the girls who participated in the study did not accumulate any MVPA in sports clubs and sports facilities.…”

“Spatial Energetics”

“…12–16 These technologies allow researchers to ask what types of activities at certain times, in specific locations, for various types of people matter for health outcomes. These data can be used, for instance, to test the influence of new infrastructure to affect behavior change 17,18 ; to evaluate characteristics of locations that provide opportunities for physical activity 19,20 ; or to create personalized metrics of air pollution exposure based on location and respiratory rate. 21 …”