Physical Activity Habits and Well-Being among 6-Year-Old Children: The “Improving Umbrian Kids’ Healthy Lifestyle”, an Uncontrolled Pilot Study Project

Abstract

There is evidence that promoting physical activity programs and decreasing sedentary behavior is a potential strategy for improving health-outcomes, peer relationships and social/emotional well-being in at-risk youth. The World Health Organization recommends enhancing physical education and school-based programs with multi-component and evidence-based assessment methodology. In Umbria (Italy) an uncontrolled pilot study project referred to as “Improving Umbrian kids’ healthy lifestyle” was implemented as a systemic school-based intervention directed at 6-year-old primary school children. The intervention applied a consolidated assessment methodology developed by the C.U.R.I.A.Mo. and Eurobis projects that inserted two hours per week of physical education activity into the school curriculum, structured and supervised by specialists with Exercise and Sport Science degrees, for eight months (from October to June) of the school year. We measured anthropometric values (BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio index) with objective tools. Moreover, we evaluated physical performance variables (speed, strength, and flexibility) using standard tests. Additionally, self-report measures (measured physical activity during the week, sedentary habits, and psychological well-being) were assessed using validated questionnaires. We observed a significant decrease in waist to height ratio, and improvements in physical performance values and self-report questionnaire measures. Our study suggests that the promotion of physical activity in the school setting is likely to result in physically, mentally, and psycho-socially healthier primary-school-age children.

Impact of the Mass Media on Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, Psychological Well-Being and Physical Activity. Structural Equation Analysis

“…Likewise, the educational context should take on great importance in the early stages of life in order to establish healthy physical habits and the responsible use of new technologies, as this has been shown to benefit individuals’ physical and mental health and quality of life [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. In fact, when a habit or lifestyle is acquired in the early stages of education, it will rarely be forgotten in adulthood [ 9 , 10 , 11 ].…”

Physical Inactivity During The COVID-19 Outbreak

“…Dünya Sağlık Örgütü (WHO) tarafından yayınlanan Fiziksel Aktivite Küresel Eylem Planı" bulaşıcı olmayan hastalıkların önlenmesi için fiziksel aktivitenin zorunlu olduğunu belirtmiştir (32). Bunun nedeni düzenli fiziksel aktivitenin, kardiyovasküler hastalıklara yakalanma risklerini azaltması ile ilişkilidir.…”

“…Bunun nedeni düzenli fiziksel aktivitenin, kardiyovasküler hastalıklara yakalanma risklerini azaltması ile ilişkilidir. (32)(33)(34) "2019 Kardiyovasküler Hastalığın Birincil Önlenmesine İlişkin Kılavuz" da yetişkinler için haftada en az 150 dakika orta yoğunlukta veya haftada 75 dakika şiddetli aerobik egzersiz yapılmasının kardiyovasküler hastalık riskini azalttığı belirtilmiştir. ( 35) Arnett ve ark.…”

“…Düzenli fiziksel aktivite inflamasyonu ve oksidatif stresi azaltır ve normal kilonun korunmasına, visseral yağ birikiminin azaltılmasına yardımcı olduğu bilinmektedir. (32,33) COVID-19 salgını döneminde toplu karantinanın bir sonucu olarak sınırlı fiziksel aktivite ve kişinin evinden düzenli bir yürüyüşe çıkmaması, kardiyovasküler riski artıracak birkaç metabolik etkiyle ilişkilendirilmiştir. Ayrıca, fiziksel egzersize yanıt olarak bir çok yararlı metabolik ve kardiyovasküler ayarlamanın, sadece iki haftalık hareketsizlik sonucu aerobik kapasiteyi bozduğunu ve/veya kan basıncının artmasına sebep olduğu bildirilmiştir.…”

Learning and Well-being in Educational Practices with Children and Adolescents Undergoing Cancer Treatment

“…Well-being involves subjective issues, but the initial references of well-being are physical health, happiness and pleasure -synonyms of well-living [23][24][25]. Well-being encompasses several elements that should consider relevant aspects of children, such as health, safety, education and socialization.…”