ORCID Profile
0000-0002-2532-9019
Current Organisation
University of Basel
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Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 22-06-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-05-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-021-10779-9
Abstract: Cardiovascular fitness has been associated with both executive function and academic achievement in multiple cohort studies including children and adolescents. However, research is scarce among children from low- and middle-income countries. Hence, this paper focuses on South African primary schoolchildren living in marginalized areas and examines if academic achievement and inhibitory control can be explained by children’s age, socioeconomic status, soil-transmitted helminth infections, food insecurity, stunting, grip strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness. The s le of this cross-sectional study consisted of 1277 children (48% girls, mean age: 8.3 years). Data were assessed via questionnaires, stool s les, anthropometric measurements, 20 m shuttle run test, grip strength test, Flanker task, and school grades. Data were analysed with mixed linear regression models with random intercepts for school classes, separately for boys and girls. Higher socioeconomic status was most closely associated with academic achievement among boys ( p 0.05), whereas higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness and not being stunted explained most variance in academic achievement in girls ( p 0.05). Higher age turned out to be associated with better performance in the Flanker task ( p 0.01). Additionally, in boys, higher grip strength was associated with better information processing and inhibitory control of attention ( p 0.01), whereas in girls, higher cardiorespiratory fitness levels were positively associated with these cognitive abilities ( p 0.05). Academic performance has been shown to be compromised in schoolchildren living in marginalised areas, compared to schoolchildren in less disadvantaged parts of South Africa. The present study suggests that cardiorespiratory fitness and grip strength are two potentially modifiable factors that are associated with children’s academic achievement and cognitive performance, and that should be targeted in future school-based interventions.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.SMRV.2016.06.010
Abstract: Adolescents are vulnerable to inadequate sleep due to a unique constellation of risk factors. In particular, the puberty-related phase delay in the timing of the circadian system postpones the onset of sleep. Resultantly, disordered sleep is common among teenagers and young adults, with the most common sleep problem being delayed sleep wake-phase disorder (DSWPD). Although current treatments for DSWPD show promise, novel ways to improve our youth's sleep are needed. The purpose of this review is to critically evaluate the evidence for the role of exercise as a method to shift and/or regulate circadian timing, and thus improve sleep, in adolescents and young adults. A growing body of evidence suggests that nocturnal exercise can delay circadian timing. However, exercise administered at different times of the 24-h day may result in phase advances, particularly when the timing of exercise is gradually advanced in small daily increments. The implications of these results for young people's sleep health are discussed and suggestions are provided for ways that exercise could be used clinically, to improve the treatment of DSWPD.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-11-2013
DOI: 10.1111/JORA.12097
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-08-2014
DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2014.946072
Abstract: Stress exposure may undermine exercisers' capability to self-regulate their exercise behaviour. This longitudinal study examined the interplay between perceived stress, exercise self-regulation (assessment of action and coping planning) and participation in vigorous exercise in vocational students. Moreover, this study examined whether high exercise self-regulation moderates the assumed negative relationship between stress and exercise. A s le of 580 physically active vocational students ([Formula: see text] ± s 17.8 ± 1.3 years, 33.8% girls) was assessed. All participants completed two identical validated questionnaires assessing stress, exercise self-regulation and exercise with a span of 10 months in between survey completion periods. The cross-sectional analyses show that high exercise self-regulation attenuated the assumed negative relationship between stress and exercise. In the longitudinal analyses, however, only a non-significant trend was found. Significant longitudinal relationships existed between exercise self-regulation and exercise involvement. Latent difference score models revealed that a drop in the exercise self-regulation was associated with a concurrent decrease in exercise participation. Cross-lagged panel analyses showed that high exercise self-regulation levels positively predicted exercise behaviour, but an inverse relationship was not supported. The findings suggested that higher exercise self-regulation levels were positively associated with future exercise involvement in currently active adolescents. While partial support was found that exercise self-regulation moderated the influence of stress on exercise, the findings demonstrated that higher exercise self-regulation levels had a positive impact on future exercise involvement in already active in iduals.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-05-2016
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1093/SLEEPADVANCES/ZPAC021
Abstract: During adolescence, an interplay between biological and environmental factors leads to constrained sleep duration and timing. The high prevalence of sleep deprivation during this developmental period is a public health concern, given the value of restorative sleep for mental, emotional, and physical health. One of the primary contributing factors is the normative delay of the circadian rhythm. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of a gradually advanced morning exercise schedule (30 min shift each day) completed for 45 min on 5 consecutive mornings, on the circadian phase and daytime functioning of adolescents with a late chronotype, compared with a sedentary control group. A total of 18 physically inactive male adolescents aged 15–18 years spent 6 nights at the sleep laboratory. The morning procedure included either 45 min walking on a treadmill or sedentary activities in dim light. Saliva dim light melatonin onset, evening sleepiness, and daytime functioning were assessed during the first and last night of laboratory attendance. The morning exercise group had a significantly advanced (earlier) circadian phase (27.5 min ± 32.0), while sedentary activity resulted in a phase delay (−34.3 min ± 53.2). Morning exercise also led to higher evening sleepiness in the earlier hours of the night, but not at bedtime. Mood measures improved slightly in both study conditions. These findings highlight the phase-advancing effect of low-intensity morning exercise among this population. Future studies are needed to test the transference of these laboratory findings to adolescents’ real life.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 11-03-2022
DOI: 10.3389/FPSYT.2022.785079
Abstract: Adolescents with a late chronotype are at greater risk for mood disorders, risk-taking behaviors, school absenteeism, and lower academic achievement. As there are multiple causes for late chronotype, the field lacks studies on the relationship between mood, circadian phase, and phase angle of entrainment in late chronotype adolescents. Three objectives guide this explorative study: (1) to describe sleep, circadian phase, and phase angle of entrainment in late chronotype adolescents, (2) to explore how different levels of lateness are associated with sleep quality, sleep propensity, and mood, and (3) to investigate the influence of circadian phase on bedtime choice and sleep duration. Baseline data from 19 male adolescents (M = 16.4 ± 1.0 yrs), who were part of a larger intervention trial, were analyzed. Chronotype was measured with the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire, circadian timing via dim light melatonin onset (DLMO), and sleep habits with a 7-day sleep log. Further questionnaires assessed daytime sleepiness, sleep quality, and mood. Evening sleepiness and sustained attention were used as a proxy for evening sleep propensity. On school nights, sleep duration averaged 7.78 h (±1.65), and 9.00 h (±1.42) on weekend nights. Mean DLMO was observed at 23.13 h (± 1.65), with a weekend phase angle of entrainment of 2.48 h. Regression fittings revealed a tendency for shorter phase angles with delayed DLMOs. Further analysis with chronotype subgroups revealed that this was only true for light and moderate late types, whereas extreme late types showed wide phase angles. Even though daytime sleepiness and sleep duration did not differ between subgroups, mood and sleep quality declined as lateness increased. Extreme late chronotypes experienced higher evening sleepiness, while slight late chronotypes showed higher evening attention. Chronotype but not DLMO predicted bedtime on school- and particularly weekend-nights. Our findings suggest that with increasing lateness, the likelihood of experiencing poor sleep quality and mood disorders increases. As DLMO did not predict bedtime, our data indicate that the factors contributing to a late chronotype are versatile and complex, particularly for extreme late types. Further studies involving a larger and gender-balanced s le are needed to confirm findings.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2021
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 29-01-2023
DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.27.23285061
Abstract: School-aged children in low- and middle-income countries carry the highest burden of intestinal helminth infections, such as soil-transmitted helminths (STH). STH infections have been associated with negative consequences for child physical and cognitive development and wellbeing. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the association of STH infections in schoolchildren from Gqeberha, focusing on physical activity, physical fitness, and clustered cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk score. This cross-sectional study involved 680 schoolchildren (356 girls and 324 boys mean age 8.19 years, SD±1.4) from disadvantaged communities in Gqeberha (formerly, Port Elizabeth), South Africa. Stool s les were collected and examined for STH infections using the Kato-Katz method. Physical activity (accelerometer) and physical fitness (grip strength, 20 m shuttle run) were measured using standard procedures. Furthermore, anthropometry, blood pressure, as well as glycated haemoglobin and lipid profile from capillary blood s les were assessed. We employed one-way ANOVAs to identify the associations of STH infections in terms of species and infection intensity with physical activity, physical fitness, and clustered CVD risk score. We found a low STH infection prevalence (7.2%) in our study, with participants infected with at least one intestinal helminth species. In comparison to their non-infected peers, children infected with STH had lower mean grip strength scores, but higher mean VO2max estimation and higher levels of MVPA (p .001). When considering type and intensity of infection, a positive association of A. lumbricoides infection and MVPA was found. In contrast, light T. trichiura -infected children had significantly lower grip strength scores compared to non-infected children. VO2max and MVPA were positively associated with light T. trichiura infection. No significant association between the clustered CVD risk score and infection with any STH species was evident. STH-infected children had lower grip strength scores than their non-infected peers, yet, achieved higher VO2max and MVPA scores. Our study highlights that the type and intensity of STH infection is relevant in understanding the disease burden of STH infections on children’s health. The findings of our study must be interpreted cautiously due to the low infection rate, and more research is needed in s les with higher prevalence rates or case-control designs.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2013
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.SLEEP.2019.07.024
Abstract: Development induces changes in sleep, and its duration has been reported to change as a function of aging. Additionally, sleep timing is a marker of pubertal maturation, where during adolescence, the circadian rhythm shifts later. Typically, this is manifested in a later sleep onset in the evening and later awakening in the morning. These changes across development seem to be universal around the world but are unlikely to persist into adulthood. This study utilized accelerometer data from 17,355 participants aged 16-30 years (56% female) measured by validated Polar wearables over a 14-day period. We compared sleep duration, chronotype (sleep midpoint) and weekend catch-up (ie, social jetlag) sleep across ages and regions over 242,948 nights. The data indicate a decline in sleep duration as well as a dramatic shift in sleep onset times throughout adolescence. This continues well into early adulthood and stabilizes nearer age 30. Differences in sleep duration across ages were significant, and ranged from 7:53 h at age 16 to 7:29 h at age 30 in the s le. Additionally, there was a clear difference between females and males throughout adolescence and young adulthood: girls had longer sleep duration and earlier timed sleep in the current study. Differences in sleep were found between regions across the world, and across European areas. Both sleep duration and sleep timing go through a clear developmental pattern, particularly in early adulthood. Females had an earlier sleep midpoint and obtained more sleep. Regional differences in sleep occurred across the world.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 06-2022
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2021-052326
Abstract: Muscular strength represents a specific component of health-related fitness. Hand grip strength (HGS) is used as an indicator for musculoskeletal fitness in children. HGS can also be used as a marker of cardiometabolic risk, but most available HGS data are derived from Western high-income countries. Therefore, this study examines whether HGS is associated with body composition and markers of cardiovascular risk in children from three sub-Saharan African countries. Cross-sectional study. Public primary schools (grade 1–4) in Taabo (Côte d’Ivoire), Gqeberha (South Africa) and Ifakara (Tanzania). Data from 467 children from Côte d’Ivoire (210 boys, 257 girls), 864 children from South Africa (429 boys, 435 girls) and 695 children from Tanzania (334 boys, 361 girls) were analysed. Body composition (assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis) was the primary outcome. Cardiovascular risk markers were considered as secondary outcome. Blood pressure was measured with an oscillometric monitor, and blood markers (cholesterol, triglycerides, glycated haemoglobin) via Afinion point-of-care testing. HGS (independent variable) was assessed with a hydraulic hand dynamometer. Inferential statistics are based on mixed linear regressions and analyses of covariance. Across all study sites, higher HGS was associated with lower body fat, higher muscle mass and higher fat-free mass ( p .001, 3.9%–10.0% explained variance), both in boys and girls. No consistent association was found between HGS and cardiovascular risk markers. HGS assessment is popular due to its simplicity, feasibility, practical utility and high reliability of measurements. This is one of the first HGS studies with children from sub-Saharan Africa. There is a great need for further studies to examine whether our findings can be replicated, to develop reference values for African children, to establish links to other health outcomes, and to explore whether HGS is associated with later development of cardiovascular risk markers. ISRCTN29534081 .
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-01-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S13063-019-3883-5
Abstract: In low- and middle-income countries, infectious diseases remain a key public health issue. Additionally, non-communicable diseases are a rapidly growing public health problem that impose a considerable burden on population health. One way to address this dual disease burden, is to incorporate (lifestyle) health promotion measures within the education sector. In the planned study, we will (i) assess and compare physical activity, physical fitness, micronutrient status, body composition, infections with soil-transmitted helminths, Schistosoma mansoni , malaria, inflammatory and cardiovascular health risk markers, cognitive function, health-related quality of life, and sleep in schoolchildren in Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa and Tanzania. We will (ii) determine the bi- and multivariate associations between these variables and (iii) examine the effects of a school-based health intervention that consists of physical activity, multi-micronutrient supplementation, or both. Assuming that no interaction occurs between the two interventions (physical activity and multi-micronutrient supplementation), the study is designed as a cluster-randomised, placebo-controlled trial with a 2 × 2 factorial design. Data will be obtained at three time points: at baseline and at 9 months and 21 months after the baseline assessment. In each country, 1320 primary schoolchildren from grades 1–4 will be recruited. In each school, classes will be randomly assigned to one of four interventions: (i) physical activity (ii) multi-micronutrient supplementation (iii) physical activity plus multi-micronutrient supplementation and (iv) no intervention, which will serve as the control. A placebo product will be given to all children who do not receive multi-micronutrient supplementation. After obtaining written informed consent from the parents/guardians, the children will be subjected to anthropometric, clinical, parasitological and physiological assessments. Additionally, fitness tests will be performed, and children will be invited to wear an accelerometer device for 7 days to objectively assess their physical activity. Children infected with S. mansoni and soil-transmitted helminths will receive deworming drugs according to national policies. Health and nutrition education will be provided to the whole study population independently of the study arm allocation. The study builds on the experience and lessons of a previous study conducted in South Africa. It involves three African countries with different social-ecological contexts to investigate whether results are generalisable across the continent. The study was registered on August 9, 2018, with ISRCTN. 10.1186/ISRCTN29534081 .
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 02-03-2023
Abstract: Background: Physical activity has been shown to have a positive effect on life satisfaction in adolescents. Despite these benefits, physical activity levels constantly drop during adolescence, suggesting potential interfering factors in this link. Since worries about physical appearance are an important issue at this age, this study aims to examine the relationship between physical activity and life satisfaction in adolescents and explores possible moderating effects of social physique anxiety and sex. Methods: We used data from a longitudinal study with N = 864 vocational students (mean age = 17.87 years, range: 16–25, 43% female) from Switzerland. To test our hypotheses, we used multiple hierarchical regression analyses as well as simple slope analyses. Results: We did not find a significant direct effect of physical activity on life satisfaction. However, we found a significant two-way interaction between physical activity and social physique anxiety. An additional significant three-way interaction occurred, indicating that a positive effect of physical activity on life satisfaction holds only for female adolescents with low social physique anxiety levels. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of developing a healthy relationship with one’s body to fully benefit from physical activity, especially for female adolescents. Taken together, these results reveal important considerations for physical activity educators.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 19-08-2021
DOI: 10.3389/FPUBH.2021.671782
Abstract: Background: Physical inactivity and low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are independent cardiovascular risk factors among children, but have rarely been investigated concurrently in sub-Saharan Africa. The purpose of this study was to compare physical activity (PA) and CRF of primary schoolchildren living in Côte d'Ivoire (CI), South Africa (ZA), and Tanzania (TZ), to test sex- and age-related differences, and to examine whether PA and CRF are associated with each other. Methods: Baseline data from an ongoing cluster-randomized controlled trial were used, including 499 children from CI (Taabo, 49% girls, M = 8.0 ± 1.6 years), 1,074 children from ZA (Gqeberha, 49% girls, M = 8.3 ± 1.4 years), and 593 children from TZ (Ifakara, 51% girls, M = 9.4 ± 1.7 years). PA was assessed by accelerometry and CRF by a 20 m shuttle-run test. The data were analyzed using multi-/univariate analyses of variance and mixed linear models. Results: Most children met recommendations put forward by the World Health Organization for moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and achieved high CRF scores. In CI, 89.6% of the children met MVPA recommendations (boys: 91.7%, girls: 87.4%), whereas this rate was 76.9% in ZA (boys: 91.0%, girls: 62.4%), and 93.8% in TZ (boys: 95.5%, girls: 92.0%). Children from TZ had the highest CRF and MVPA levels, followed by children from CI and ZA. Boys had higher MVPA levels than girls, whereas girls engaged in more sedentary behavior. Sex differences were strongest in ZA. Sedentary behavior and MVPA were higher among older schoolchildren compared to their younger peers. Higher MVPA, but not sedentary behavior, was associated with better CRF. Conclusions: In all three settings, higher levels of MVPA were associated with higher CRF scores. Nevertheless, children living in the most urbanized setting (such as observed in ZA) were physically less active and had lower CRF than peers living in more rural areas (such as observed in CI and TZ). Particularly for girls, urbanization might increase the risk for insufficient MVPA, which may have negative effects on their CRF, thus negatively influencing health and well-being at later age.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 19-09-2022
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, Mage = 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 (ps 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 (ps 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.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-11-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12887-022-03684-6
Abstract: A balanced nutrition is important for children’s physical and cognitive development yet, remains a challenge in many parts of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Early detection of nutritional deficiency and metabolic syndrome in school-aged children is necessary to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in later life. This study aimed at obtaining baseline data on health, nutritional status, and metabolic markers of NCDs among primary schoolchildren in Côte d’Ivoire. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 620 children from 8 public primary schools located in the south-central part of Côte d’Ivoire. Underweight and overweight were defined as a body mass index (BMI kg/m2) 5th and 85th up to 95th percentile for sex and age, respectively. Dietary ersity of children was calculated based on a 24-hour recall conducted with the primary caretaker according to the guideline of Food and Agriculture Organization. Anaemia, malaria, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and blood glucose levels (HbA1c) were assessed, using capillary blood s les. Logistic models were performed to identify risk factors associated with overweight, HDL-C, LDL-C, and HbA1c. Among the 620 children (330 girls, 290 boys M age 8.0 (± 1.7) years), 530 children attended school in a semi-urban and 90 in a rural area. Around 60% of children had a medium dietary ersity score (DDS). Children in peri-urban areas consumed more cereals (80.2% vs. 63.3%, p 0.05). Most children were normal weight (n = 496), whereas 3.9% of children classified as prediabetic, 5% were underweight, and 15% overweight. LDL-C and HDL-C levels of children were associated with age, high DDS, and moderate anaemia. A significant association was found between prediabetes and malaria infection, as well as medium and high DDS. Overweight was associated with malaria infection and moderate anaemia. Overweight, prediabetes, low HDL-C, malaria, and anaemia are the main concerns of children’s health in Taabo. Our findings highlight interactions between infectious diseases, particularly malaria, and NCD risk factors. Monitoring NCD risk and infectious disease comorbidity in LMIC paediatric populations simultaneously is essential to better understand the dual diseases burden and apply early prevention measures.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 04-2016
Abstract: In most physical education (PE) syllabuses, promoting life skills constitutes an important educational objective. The aim of this study was to implement a coping training program (EPHECT) within regular PE and to evaluate its effects on coping and stress among vocational students. Eight classes from a vocational school were selected for study four were allocated to the intervention group (IG) and four to the control group (CG). The study examined intervention effects between pre- and postintervention, and postintervention and 6-months follow-up. Compared with the CG, the IG showed improved coping skills from pre- to postintervention. From postintervention to follow-up, stress decreased for the IG. A path analysis suggests an indirect effect on stress perception at follow-up via improved adaptive coping skills. The findings support EPHECT as a positive contribution to the development of adaptive coping skills. The project further shows how physical educators can translate psychological theory into practice.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-03-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S10072-017-2921-X
Abstract: Research shows that dysfunctional sleep-related cognitions play an important role in the development, maintenance and exacerbation of insomnia. This study examines the factorial validity, psychometric properties and both concurrent and predictive validity of the German version of the 16-item DBAS (dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep) scale. Data was collected in 864 vocational students from the German-speaking part of Switzerland (43% females, M
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-08-2021
DOI: 10.3390/NU13082735
Abstract: (1) Background: Early childhood malnutrition may result in increased fat mass (FM) among school-aged children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We explored whether South African children with shorter stature have greater overall and abdominal FM compared to normal stature children. (2) Methods: Baseline assessments of body composition and weight were determined among school-aged children enrolled in a randomized controlled trial in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Multiple linear regression models tested associations of children’s height and degree of stunting with FM, fat free mass (FFM), truncal fat mass (TrFM), and truncal fat free mass (TrFFM) overall and by sex. (3) Results: A total of 1287 children (619 girls, 668 boys) were assessed at baseline. Reduced child height was associated with higher FM and lower FFM and TrFFM, but these associations were reversed with increases in height. Girls classified as mildly or moderately/severely stunted had higher FM and TrFM but lower FFM and TrFFM, while no association was found for boys. (4) Conclusions: Our study suggests that efforts to reduce the non-communicable disease burden in LMICs should target growth-impaired children who may have greater overall FM and greater abdominal FM.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-01-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12916-021-02223-X
Abstract: The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing among African children potentially predisposing them to greater obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in adulthood. This risk may be higher among growth-impaired children who may have greater fat mass. Therefore, we examined the effects of school-based physical activity (PA) promotion and multi-micronutrient supplementation (MMNS) on body composition among South African children enrolled in a longitudinal school-based randomized controlled trial. Children were cluster-randomized by class to one of four groups: (a) a physical activity group (PA), (b) a multi-micronutrient supplementation group (MMNS), (c) a physical activity + multi-micronutrient supplementation group (PA + MMNS), and (d) control group, and were being followed for 3 years. Linear random effects regression models with random intercepts for school classes tested the associations of each intervention arm with overall fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), truncal fat mass (TrFM), and truncal fat-free mass (TrFFM) at 9 months (T2) for boys and girls. These differences were then explored among children who differed in height velocity (HV). A total of 1304 children (614 girls, 667 boys) in twelve clusters were assessed at baseline and after 9 months follow-up (T2). At baseline, approximately 15% of children were classified as overweight or obese while approximately 38% of children were classified as mildly stunted or moderately/severely stunted. Among girls, promotion of PA was associated with reduced FM and TrFM at T2 while MMNS was associated with increased FFM. Children with reduced HV in the PA arm had reduced FM while children in the MMNS arm with lower HV had increased FFM compared to children in the control arm. Similarly, children with lower HV in the MM and PA groups had reduced TrFM compared to children in the control arm. Our study suggests that the promotion of school-based physical activity programs and micronutrient supplementation can reduce childhood adiposity and so reduce the risk of obesity and chronic diseases later in adulthood. ISRCTN, ISRCTN29534081 . Registered on August 9, 2018. The trial was designed, analyzed, and interpreted based on the CONSORT protocol (Additional file 1: CONSORT checklist for randomized trial)
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 08-0100
Abstract: Background : Little is known whether physical activity (PA)-promoting environments are equally accessible to children with ergent socioeconomic status (SES) in low-/middle-income countries. The authors, therefore, examined whether South African children from poorer versus wealthier families living in marginalized communities differed in moderate to vigorous PA and cardiorespiratory fitness. We also tested associations between family car ownership and PA/cardiorespiratory fitness. Methods : Parents/guardians of 908 children (49% girls, mean age = 8.3 [1.4] y) completed a survey on household SES. PA was assessed via 7-day accelerometry, parental and child self-reports, and cardiorespiratory fitness with the 20-m shuttle run test. Results : Based on accelerometry, most children met current moderate to vigorous PA recommendations (≥60 min/d). About 73% of the children did not engage in structured physical education lessons. Whereas children of the lowest SES quintile accumulated higher levels of device-based moderate to vigorous PA, peers from the highest SES quintile engaged in more sedentary behaviors, but self-reported higher engagement in sports, dance, and moving games after school. Families’ car ownership was associated with higher parent/self-reported leisure-time PA. Conclusions : A deeper understanding is needed about why wealthier children are more sedentary, but simultaneously engage in more leisure-time PA. The fact that access to structural physical education is denied to most children is critical and needs to be addressed.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-01-2018
DOI: 10.1007/S40279-017-0832-X
Abstract: Athletes experience various situations and conditions that can interfere with their sleep, which is crucial for optimal psychological and physiological recovery as well as subsequent performance. Conventional sleep screening and intervention approaches may not be efficacious for athletes given their lifestyle, the demands of training and travel associated with interstate/international competition. The present systematic review aimed to summarize and evaluate sleep intervention studies targeting subsequent performance and recovery in competitive athletes. Based on the findings, a secondary aim was to outline a possible sleep intervention for athletes, including recommendations for content, mode of delivery and evaluation. A systematic review was conducted based on the PRISMA guidelines in May 2016 with an update completed in September 2017. Ten studies met our inclusion criteria comprising a total of 218 participants in the age range of 18-24 years with athletes from various sports (e.g., swimming, soccer, basketball, tennis). A modified version of the quality assessment scale developed by Abernethy and Bleakley was used to evaluate the quality of the studies. The included studies implemented several sleep interventions, including sleep extension and napping, sleep hygiene, and post-exercise recovery strategies. Evidence suggests that sleep extension had the most beneficial effects on subsequent performance. Consistent with previous research, these results suggest that sleep plays an important role in some, but not all, aspects of athletes' performance and recovery. Future researchers should aim to conduct sleep interventions among different athlete populations, compare results, and further establish guidelines and intervention tools for athletes to address their specific sleep demands and disturbances.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 21-02-2021
Abstract: The coexistence of multiple cardiovascular risk factors has been reported in school-aged children from the age of nine years, but most evidence stems from high-income countries. This cross-sectional study aimed at describing the cardiovascular health risk, physical activity (PA) behavior and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) levels of South African primary schoolchildren, and at examining the associations between PA/CRF and a composite measure of cardiovascular risk. Cross-sectional data from 832 primary schoolchildren (grade 1–4) were analyzed. Total cholesterol/HDL ratio, triglycerides, systolic/diastolic blood pressure, body fat, and glycated hemoglobin were assessed as cardiovascular risk markers. Data were analyzed via mixed linear regressions and analyses of covariance. Overall, 24.2% of the participants did not meet current PA standards. Higher CRF/PA were associated with lower body fat and lower clustered cardiovascular risk (p 0.05). When categorizing children into CRF/PA quartiles, a lower clustered cardiovascular risk gradient was found in children with higher CRF (p 0.05) or PA (p 0.05). Our data shows that higher CRF/PA is associated with lower clustered cardiovascular risk already from a young age. Given that clustered cardiovascular risk present during childhood can track into adulthood, we advocate for PA participation and a healthy weight from a young age onwards.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.PHYSBEH.2013.07.001
Abstract: Both scientists and the general public assume that physical activity (PA) is an effective, non-pharmacological approach to improvement in sleep quality. However, objective and reliable data on this relationship are scarce, particularly for adolescents. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to test the relationship by assessing both PA and sleep subjectively and objectively. A total of 56 adolescent vocational school students (Mean age=17.98, SD=1.36 28 males, 28 females) participated in the study. Sleep and PA were subjectively assessed via questionnaires. Accelerometers objectively assessed PA, while sleep-EEG devices objectively assessed sleep. The data supported our prediction that adolescents with high PA levels would have longer TST, fewer wakening at night (WASO), fewer symptoms of insomnia, and higher sleep quality. However, gender influenced this pattern of results in that significant findings were only found between high self-reported PA levels and shorter perceived sleep onset latency (SOL). Though self-reported PA levels were a better predictor of good sleep than objectively assessed PA levels, gender was associated with sleep complaints females reported more sleep complaints. Results indicate that among a non-clinical s le of adolescents increased PA is favorably associated with restoring sleep. Therefore, PA seems beneficial not only for physical and mental health, but also for sleep restoration.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 25-04-2016
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 04-2015
Abstract: This study examines how students who met the current recommendations for vigorous physical activity (VPA) of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) differ from peers who did not reach these standards with regard to self-reported burnout, before and after controlling for light physical activity and moderate physical activity. A s le of 144 vocational students ( M age = 16.2 years, SD = 1.13, 98 males) completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure, and the School Burnout Inventory. Bivariate correlations revealed that only VPA was associated with reduced burnout. Both the ACSM and CDC guidelines were useful to identify significant differences in burnout symptoms between students who met versus did not meet the standards. Health policy makers should develop strategies to integrate more VPA into the lives of adolescent students so as to reach a minimum of 60 min per week.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 16-04-2021
Abstract: Childhood stunting can have negative long-term consequences on cognitive development, academic achievement, and economic productivity later in life. We determined the prevalence of stunting and examined whether stunting and associated risk factors (low dietary ersity, insufficient hemoglobin, food insecurity, and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections) are associated with academic achievement and cognitive function among South African children living in marginalized communities. A cross-sectional s le of 1277 children (aged 5–12 years) was analyzed. Stunting was defined according to 2007 WHO growth references. Cognitive functioning was measured with the computerized Flanker task and academic performance via school grades. Blood and stool s les were collected to obtain hemoglobin level and STH infection. Dietary ersity was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire. Associations were examined via mixed linear regression (with school class as a random intercept). Nine percent of the children were stunted (95% CI: 7.6–10.8%). Low dietary ersity (β = 0.13, p = 0.004), food insecurity (β = −0.12, p = 0.034), and stunting (β = −0.13, p = 0.031) were associated with poorer end of the year results among girls. No such associations were found among boys. No significant associations were found for socioeconomic status and hemoglobin levels. The prevalence of stunting and STH infections were low in the present s le. Risk factors seem differently associated with girls’ and boys’ academic achievement. Promoting nutrition may help to promote academic achievement among girls living in low- and middle-income countries.
Publisher: Hogrefe Publishing Group
Date: 02-2023
DOI: 10.1024/2674-0052/A000017
Abstract: Abstract: Introduction: Finding ways to efficiently monitor the balance between recovery and stress is one of the most frequent requests from coaches and athletes and probably one of the best ways to prevent maladaptive psychological and physiological states. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to monitor recovery-stress states of adolescent elite athletes across an entire school year using the 32-item Acute Recovery and Stress Scale (ARSS), and to examine the predictive value of recovery and stress states for depressive symptoms, burnout symptoms, and insomnia symptoms. Methods: Data are based on a 10-month longitudinal observational study. The s le consisted of 135 adolescent elite athletes ( M age =16.8 years) recruited from Swiss Olympic Partner Schools. The participants completed the ARSS 19 times (every second week), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure (SMBM) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) at baseline and follow-up. Results: Participants reported higher recovery than stress states across the entire school year. However, lower recovery and higher stress states significantly predicted mental health problems as indexed by depressive, burnout and insomnia symptoms. The predictive power of recovery and stress states was similar for depressive and burnout symptoms. For insomnia symptoms, only recovery state was a significant predictor. Conclusion: Our study highlights that a short psychometric instrument allows longitudinal monitoring of recovery-stress states. Coaches are encouraged to implement such an instrument to identify periods that are characterized by high stress and/or low recovery. Continuous monitoring may allow the timely implementation of prevention and intervention strategies in the training process.
Publisher: Hogrefe Publishing Group
Date: 04-2022
DOI: 10.1026/1612-5010/A000366
Abstract: Abstract. Sleep disorders are an important issue among elite athletes. In this study, we used data from two studies to examine the prevalence, pattern, and risk factors of insomnia symptoms among adolescent elite athletes. We assessed insomnia symptoms using the Insomnia Severity Index. The prevalence of moderate-to-severe insomnia varied between 5 – 11 %, with 36 – 54 % of the athletes reporting subthreshold insomnia and 61 – 73 % perceiving at least one insomnia symptom. Female participants were more prone to report insomnia symptoms. Dysfunctional sleep-related cognitions were the most critical risk factor. We identified three groups with distinct insomnia symptom patterns via latent class analyses: 43 % of the participants were characterized as healthy sleepers, 45 % reported medium sleep without heightened concerned about sleep problems, and 12 % reported poor sleep and were substantially worried/distressed about their impaired sleep. More information is needed on how dysfunctional sleep-related cognitions can be influenced to improve athletes’ sleep and to foster their well-being.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 23-06-2022
DOI: 10.3390/NU14132609
Abstract: Executive functions (EFs) are essential for optimal academic development. Appropriate nutrition and physical activity (PA) have been shown to facilitate optimal cognitive development. Therefore, this study examined whether a 12-week school-based PA and multi-micronutrient supplementation (MMNS) intervention would improve cognitive and academic performance. A cluster-randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted. Children from four schools located in a peri-urban area of South Africa were randomly assigned to (i) PA + MMNS, (ii) PA + placebo, (iii) MMNS or (iv) placebo. Information processing and inhibitory control were measured with a computerized Flanker task. End-of-year results provided insight into academic achievement. Anthropometric measures were used to determine nutritional status. Data were analyzed with linear mixed-models, adjusting for baseline scores, school classes and age 932 children (458 girls (49.1%), Mage (mean age) = 8.42 ± 1.94 years) completed baseline and post-intervention assessments. Cognitive performance improved among all four groups, with no significant group × time effects. For academic achievement, there was no significant interaction effect between the combined intervention group and placebo. We encourage future studies in this neglected area in order to determine the most optimal design of school-based nutrition and PA programs to enhance overall cognitive performance.
Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 24-10-2022
Abstract: Background. Changing lifestyles and the widespread use of artificial lighting have contributed to the disruption of circadian rhythms in modern society. As various aspects of affect and cognition are also controlled by circadian rhythms, this is of concern. Thus, circadian phase assessment is increasingly applied in the diagnostic process in clinical practice, as knowledge of circadian timing and the etiology of symptoms associated with circadianVer misalignment inform treatment choices. However, clinicians should be aware that certain psychopharmaceuticals may influence endogenous melatonin profiles. Other pharmacological agents and behaviors have shown to mask, suppress, or promote DLMO and nighttime melatonin levels (e.g. caffeine, bright light, exercise). Moreover, health and nutritional organizations are increasingly emphasizing certain foods and dietary supplements (e.g. magnesium, tryptophan) that contain melatonin or boost the body’s natural melatonin production. Although it remains unclear whether the increase in melatonin through these foods and supplements can enhance sleep or cause a significant phase shifting effect for accurate diagnosis, it is important to consider possible masking effects when assessing DLMO and treating circadian misalignment. To date, a comprehensive overview of findings relevant for the application in routine clinical care is lacking.Aim. To review the melatonin altering effect of common behaviors, supplements and pharmaceuticals, which are relevant in clinical cases where circadian phase assessments are indicated. Findings will highlight the possible melatonin promoting and/or inhibiting pathways of certain behaviors or substances. We will end by providing suggestions for clinical practice and future research studies. Methods. First, a “mini systematic review” was conducted, in which a s le of papers was synthesized. This ensured that in the full review all important keywords are included in the search strings, and that the most useful and relevant information will be extracted. Next, the full systematic literature search will be conducted in the online databases of PubMed and EMBASE. To collect all relevant studies, we will search abstract, title and keyword fields, and if available, the corresponding Mesh term (for PubMed) and/or Emtree term (for EMBASE). Separate searches for the three main topics of this review will be conducted: 1) (Psycho)pharmaceuticals and substances 2) food, beverages, and supplements and 3) behaviors (light exposure, exercise, meal timing, and sleep scheduling).Results. Appendix A of the present systematic review protocol contains a comprehensive overview of the generated search strings.
Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 28-07-2021
Abstract: Background. Physical activity is known to improve health and cognitive function in children. Yet, in Côte d’Ivoire, physical education (PE) receives little attention in the current school curricula due to insufficient time allocation, lack of fresh-up training for teachers, as well as insufficient governmental financial contribution towards school infrastructure, materials and sport facilities. Objective. In the frame of the implementation of a randomized-controlled trial, in which we will examine the effects of a school-based physical activity and multi-micronutrient supplementation intervention on primary school children in Côte d’Ivoire, we carried out a situational analyses of PE in eight randomly selected public primary schools in Taabo, Côte d’Ivoire, from November 2019 to March 2020 in advance. Methods. First, the study comprised a systematic observation of the school environment. Second, guided interviews were conducted with the Inspection of the Ministry of National Education of Taabo, and the general inspectorate of national education in charge of PE and sport at Abidjan. The primary focus in these interviews was placed on primary school organization, training of teachers, time allocated to PE in the official schedule, as well as monitoring and evaluation of the PE curriculum. Third, eight focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 40 teachers and 8 school principals focusing on the PE program, teacher`s perception and motivation towards teaching PA. Fourth, we carried out cost analysis to estimate the required financial resources for basic school infrastructure (sport fields), teacher salary and consumables, sport materials and equipment, which are required to meet minimal standards for implementing quality PE at public primary schools in rural Côte d’Ivoire. Last, we implemented a participatory dialog with an educational inspector, school teachers and principals to improve the situation of PE in Taabo. FGD transcriptions were transferred to MAXQDA for analysis. Results. In line with the national curricula, teachers perceive PE to be important for children’s motor and social learning. Despite this importance, PE remains a neglected school subject. The main reasons stated were (i) significant reduction of PE lessons per week in favour of academic subjects, (ii) lack of training, (iii) insufficient sports facilities and equipment, and (iv) absence of an evaluation guideline on how to grade a child`s PE performance. Our financial appraisal reveals that a minimum investment of FCFA 2’710’000 (~ US $ 5’000) per school is needed to establish a basic infrastructure at each school and to empower teachers to conduct standardised and quality PE in this area.Discussion. The promotion of PE is currently not a key educational target in Côte d’Ivoire. Thus, the neglected importance at national level perpetuates the marginalized status of PE. Overall, teachers claim that the lack of support in a setting without proper facilities, equipment, and personal skills h ers their motivation to implement PE. Conclusion. In order to initiate a change to the current situation, evidence on the overall health benefits and academic performance of regular physical activity among primary school children is urgently needed to highlight the importance of this neglected school subject to education authorities
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.SMRV.2015.07.004
Abstract: Physical activity (PA) is considered an effective, non-pharmacological approach to improve sleep. However, the accurate measurement of PA and sleep among adolescents is fraught with challenges. Additionally, comparing the results of different studies is often difficult due to the ersity of assessment tools, analyses and data reporting procedures used. While previous reviews have considered variables that may confound this relationship, this systematic review examines the variations in measurement methods. Based on this overview, a meta-analysis was performed to assess possible influences of the various approaches on effect sizes. Twenty-one studies were included in the systematic review, of which 12 were appropriate for meta-analysis. For this, four subgroups were formed: subjective PA and subjective sleep, objective PA and subjective sleep, subjective PA and objective sleep, and objective PA and objective sleep. The majority of studies used subjective measures, often with unknown reliability or validity. Few studies employed objective tools to measure sleep. The results suggest that adolescents with higher subjective and objective PA are more likely to experience good sleep subjectively and objectively. More studies employing subjective and objective measures for both PA and sleep are needed. Researchers should take into account several assessment factors unique to the adolescent population.
Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 21-07-2021
Abstract: Study Objectives. During adolescence, an interplay between biological and environmental factors leads to constrained sleep duration and timing. Given the importance of restorative sleep for cognitive, emotional, and physical health during this developmental period, the high prevalence of sleep deprivation is a public health concern. One of the primary contributing factors is the normative delay of the circadian rhythm. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of a gradually advanced morning exercise schedule (30 min shift each day) completed for 45 minutes on 5 consecutive mornings, on circadian timing and daytime functioning of adolescents with a late chronotype, compared to a sedentary control group. Methods. 19 sedentary male adolescents aged 15-18 years spent one week of school holiday at the sleep laboratory. Morning procedure included either 45 min walking on a treadmill or sedentary activities in dim light. Saliva dim light melatonin onset (DLMO), evening sleepiness and daytime functioning were assessed during the first and last night of laboratory attendance. Results. The morning exercise group had significantly advanced (earlier) circadian timing (27.5 min ± 32.0), while sedentary activity resulted in a phase delay (-34.3 min ± 53.2). Morning exercise also led to higher evening sleepiness in the earlier hours of the night, but not at bedtime. Mood measures reduced meaningfully in both study conditions.Conclusions. These findings highlight the preventative effect of low-intensity morning exercise among this population. Future studies are needed to test the transference of these laboratory findings to adolescents’ real life.
Start Date: 2016
End Date: 2017
Funder: Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2022
End Date: 2023
Funder: Freiwillige Akademische Gesellschaft
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