Relationship between Physical Activity and Physical Fitness in Preschool Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate the relationships between objectively measured physical activity and physical fitness among preschool children. Methods A total of 346 participants (201 boys and 145 girls) aged 3.5–5.5 years (M = 4.5 yr, SD = 0.47) from Shanghai, China, completed physical fitness assessments, including triceps skinfold thickness (TSFT), grip strength, tennis throwing, sit and reach test, standing long jump, balance beam, 10mSRT, and 20mSRT. Physical activity was objectively measured by ActiGraphGT3X+ accelerometer. Multiple linear regression models were used to explore the cross-sectional associations between PA and physical fitness after adjusting for age, gender, BMI, and valid wearing time. Results Positive associations were observed between stand long jump (p < .01), tennis throwing (p < .01), laps in 20mSRT (p < .01), and MVPA. However, TSFT (p < .05), time in 10mSRT (p < .01), and balance beam (p < .05) were negatively associated with MVPA. Furthermore, positive associations were found between stand long jump (p < .01), tennis throwing (p < .01), and MVPA only in boys. Negative associations were found between time on balance beam (p < .01) and MVPA only in girls. Conclusions MVPA appears to be an effective and reliable predictor of preschoolers' physical fitness. Boys' body composition, muscular strength, explosive strength, agility, aerobic fitness, girls' agility, aerobic fitness, and balance could improve as MVPA increases.

Long Jump Ability: A Comparison Between Students with High and Low Physical Fitness

“…The aspect of physical fitness is an important part of supporting physical activity and as a measure of one's health. Fang et al [8] revealed the importance of physical fitness as an effort to prevent obesity in children. Furthermore, Ortega et al [10] added that the level of physical fitness had a positive effect on reducing depression, anxiety, and supporting higher academic performance.…”

“…Research on physical fitness has been carried out and shows the relationship between physical fitness and physical activity undertaken [7][8][9]. However, there is still few researches that concerns on physical fitness in Physical Education.…”

Associations between Daily Step Counts and Physical Fitness in Preschool Children

“…Our findings support the research hypothesis, a n d are with previous studies indicating that PA was significantly associated with physical fitness in preschool children. Data from cross-sectional studies suggested active children were more likely to have better physical fitness than less active [11] and sedentary behavior children [43]. Vigorous PA was also found beneficial to CRF, a s children who accumulated 40 min vigorous PA was greater than those only had 18 min [44].…”

“…PA is regarded as a basic component of healthy lifestyles [10], which facilitates the preschooler's CRF, musculoskeletal fitness, a n d motor fitness [11][12][13]. To achieve health benefits from regular PA participation, the U.S. [14], Canada [15], Australia [16], a n d the World Health Organization (WHO) [17] have issued specific PA guidelines for preschool children, which have stated that preschoolers should engage in ≥ 180 min per day in PA of all intensity levels, including ≥60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).…”

Vztah úrovně pohybové aktivity ke komponentám tělesné zdatnosti u dětí školního věku z libereckého regionu

“…Vztah pohybové aktivity a tělesné zdatnosti je u dětské populace mnohem problematičtější než se obecně předpokládá [6]. Pohybová aktivita přispívá k úrovni tělesné zdatnosti u dospělých jedinců, ale u dětské populace není tento vztah tak silný.…”