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Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, Weight Status, and Body Composition among South African Primary Schoolchildren

Author

Listed:
  • Markus Gerber

    (Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Grosse Allee 6, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland)

  • Christin Lang

    (Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Grosse Allee 6, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland)

  • Johanna Beckmann

    (Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Grosse Allee 6, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland)

  • Rosa du Randt

    (Human Movement Science, Nelson Mandela University, P.O. Box 7700, Gqeberha 6031, South Africa)

  • Kurt Z. Long

    (Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
    University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland)

  • Ivan Müller

    (Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Grosse Allee 6, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland)

  • Madeleine Nienaber

    (Human Movement Science, Nelson Mandela University, P.O. Box 7700, Gqeberha 6031, South Africa)

  • Nicole Probst-Hensch

    (Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
    University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland)

  • Peter Steinmann

    (Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
    University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland)

  • Uwe Pühse

    (Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Grosse Allee 6, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland)

  • Jürg Utzinger

    (Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
    University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland)

  • Siphesihle Nqweniso

    (Human Movement Science, Nelson Mandela University, P.O. Box 7700, Gqeberha 6031, South Africa)

  • Cheryl Walter

    (Human Movement Science, Nelson Mandela University, P.O. Box 7700, Gqeberha 6031, South Africa)

Abstract

Background: Over the past decades, childhood overweight has increased in many African countries. We examined the relationship between sedentary behaviour, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and body composition in South African primary schoolchildren living in peri-urban settings. Methods: MVPA was measured via 7-day accelerometry and body composition via bioelectrical impedance analysis in 1090 learners (49.2% girls, M age = 8.3 ± 1.4 years). The relationships between MVPA and sedentary behaviour with the various body composition indicators (body fat and fat-free mass [total, truncal, arms, and legs], bone mass, muscle mass, and body water) were tested with mixed linear regressions. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 9.8% and 6.6%, respectively; 77.1% of the children engaged in ≥60 min of MVPA/day. Girls were more likely to be overweight/obese, to accumulate less than 60 min of MVPA/day, and had significantly higher relative body fat than boys ( p s < 0.001). Lower MVPA was associated with a higher likelihood of being overweight/obese, higher relative body fat, and lower relative fat-free mass, bone mass, muscle mass, and body water ( p s < 0.001). For lower sedentary behaviour, the associations with body composition pointed in the opposite direction. Conclusions: In this South African setting, girls are a particularly relevant target group for future physical activity interventions to prevent overweight/obesity-related non-communicable diseases in later life.

Suggested Citation

  • Markus Gerber & Christin Lang & Johanna Beckmann & Rosa du Randt & Kurt Z. Long & Ivan Müller & Madeleine Nienaber & Nicole Probst-Hensch & Peter Steinmann & Uwe Pühse & Jürg Utzinger & Siphesihle Nqw, 2022. "Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, Weight Status, and Body Composition among South African Primary Schoolchildren," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-16, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:18:p:11836-:d:919243
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sibusiso Cyprian Nomatshila & Sikhumbuzo A. Mabunda & Thandi Puoane & Teke R. Apalata, 2022. "Prevalence of Obesity and Associated Risk Factors among Children and Adolescents in the Eastern Cape Province," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-15, March.
    2. Johanna Beckmann & Christin Lang & Rosa du Randt & Annelie Gresse & Kurt Z. Long & Sebastian Ludyga & Ivan Müller & Siphesihle Nqweniso & Uwe Pühse & Jürg Utzinger & Cheryl Walter & Markus Gerber, 2021. "Prevalence of Stunting and Relationship between Stunting and Associated Risk Factors with Academic Achievement and Cognitive Function: A Cross-Sectional Study with South African Primary School Childre," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-17, April.
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