The Impact of Daily Habits on the Physical Activity Levels of Children Aged 7-10: An Investigation

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of the body mass index in children between the ages of 7-10 on their physical activity levels. The target population of the study is children between the ages of 7 and 10. The sample population consists of children between the ages of 7 and 10 who continue their primary education in various primary schools in Cankaya district of Ankara province in Turkey. 508 students voluntarily participated in the survey. The physical activity level was measured using the pedometer device for 3 days of the week and the mean was identified by taking the average. The questionnaire developed by the researcher was conducted to determine the daily life habits of the sample population. Statistical calculations were made using the SPSS package program 23. As a result of the Anova analysis performed according to the age variable, a significant difference was found between the children's physical activity levels at p<0.01 level. There is a significant negative correlation between physical activity level and body mass index (r = -0,730) at the p<0,001 level. A significant negative correlation was found between the level of physical activity and daily use of computer or smartphone (r = -0125) at level p<0.05. A significant negative correlation was found between the level of physical activity and the habit of playing on the playground or on the street (r = -0,094) at level p<0.05. As a result, it can be said that the children's body mass index values are healthy and their levels of physical activity is found to be vigorously active. In addition, it is thought that there is a positive increase in physical activity level by decreasing the screen time by using television, computer and phone less.

Locomotor Basic Movement Levels in Improving the Health of Elementary School Students

“…Westlund Stewart, Divine, O, & Law also described that Task Force on Community Preventive Services is recommended to schools that incorporate it has managed to enhance students' physical activity through modification of social circle and behaviour [5]. Increasing the number of physical activity areas in playgrounds in school and after school play an important role in children's physical activity habits [6] Thus, the approach of active playing should be considered and incorporated by physical education teachers in schools.…”