P1-492 Predictors of childhood physical activity: the Gateshead millennium study

Abstract

Conflicting evidence exists for associations between birth weight and childhood physical activity (PA) levels. Further, it is important to know what other, potentially modifiable, factors may influence PA in children given its' association with childhood and later adiposity. The aim of this analysis was to identify predictors of childhood PA levels in the Gateshead Millennium Study (GMS), a population based cohort of 1029 infants born in 1999-2000 in Gateshead in Northern England. Throughout infancy and early childhood, detailed information was collected. Assessments at age 9 yrs included body composition, objective measures of habitual PA (using accelerometers during waking hours). Mean total volumes of PA (accelerometer count per minute, cpm) and moderate-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA), and the percentage of time spent in sedentary behavior (%SB) were quantified and direct and mediating associations analysed within path models. Significant differences were seen in all 3 outcome variables between males and females (p < 0.001). No direct significant associations were seen with birth weight. Increased paternal age was associated with significant increases in %SB and decreases in cpm and MVPA (p < 0.033). Significant associations with BMI at 9 yrs were in the expected directions. Increased time spent in sports clubs was significantly associated with decreased %SB (p = 0.02) and increased MVPA (p = 0.01), but not cpm (p = 0.13). Although we found no evidence for an effect of birth weight on PA, path models suggest indirect effects mediated through BMI. Having an older father appeared to have a negative impact on the child's PA levels, while participation in sports clubs increases time spent in MVPA, but not cpm.