title: Objectively measured physical activity in Danish after-school cares: Does sport certification matter?
abstract: Inactivity and more sedentary time predominate the daily activity level of many of today's children. In Denmark, certified sport after-school cares have been established in order to increase children's daily physical activity (PA) level. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the activity level among participants in certified sport after-school cares vs regular after-school cares. The study was carried out in 2011 in 10 after-school cares (5 sport/5 regular) throughout Denmark, whereof 475 children aged 5-11 years participated. PA level was assessed using Actigraph GT3X and GT3X+ activity monitors worn by the children for at least 8 consecutive days. Anthropometry and cardiorespiratory fitness were measured as well. A multivariate regression analysis was carried out to check for the differences in the PA level across the two care systems. However, there did not appear to be any differences in overall PA or in time-specific day parts (e.g., during after-school care). The activity levels were quite similar across after-school cares and were mutually high during time spent in the care facility.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Sport Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Domazet
authors.affiliation: Institute of Sport Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
authors.forename: N C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Møller
authors.affiliation: Institute of Sport Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Støckel
authors.affiliation: Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ried-Larsen
mesh_terms: D056044:Actigraphy; D001827:Body Height; D001834:Body Water; D002568:Certification; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003718:Denmark; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D005082:Physical Exertion; D010809:Physical Fitness; D012572:School Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013177:Sports / Q000592:standards*; D055105:Waist Circumference
keywords: School; accelerometer; body mass index; childhood health; intervention