Relationship between motor ability and step count or physical activity intensity in preschool children

Abstract

abstract Children need a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity per day, a standard proposed by various national guidelines. To our knowledge, however, it is unclear whether there is any positive association between motor ability and vigorous intensity time in preschool children. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the relationship between motor ability and step counts or vigorous physical activity time in preschool children（n＝754, 383 boys and 371 girls). We measured the subjectsʼ motor ability while performing 6 activities. The performance in each activity was rated on a 5-point scale（5-1), as suggested by Japanese previous study. Daily physical activity was assessed using accelerometers（Lifecorder EX, Suzuken, Japan） throughout the day for 7 consecutive days. LC intensity assessed LC1-6（lower intensity than runnning）and LC7-9（higher intensity than running). LC7-9 time（min／day）was from 23.4±8.3 to 24.4±8.2 in boys and from 18.0±5.2 to 18.9±7.8 in girls on weekdays and from 15.5±9.1 to 17.0±10.7 in boys and from 15.2 ±8.3 to 15.5±9.4 in girls on weekends, respectively. The total fitness scores were weakly but significantly positively correlated with step counts in both sexes and LC7-9 time in girls. Until B rank in the total fitness scores, step counts（step／day）needed 14685.4 boys and 12419.0 girls on weekdays, and 11384.4 boys and 10398.0 girls on weekends, respectively. LC7-9 needed 24.1 boys and 18.5 girls on weekdays, and 21.4 boys and 17.1 on weekends at least, respectively. Our findings were suggested daily step counts and LC7-9 time to improve motor ability in preschool children. Key words：infant, motor ability, daily physical activity, LC7-9, a statement of physical activity guidelines for Japanese preschool children 幼児，運動能力，日常の身体活動量，LC7-9，幼児期運動指針 Ⅰ 緒 言 子どもの日常の身体活動量は，健康に有益だけ でなく，特に幼児期の行動様式（身体活動量）の 確立は，成人期以降まで影響を受けることから重 要な問題である（Kraut, et al., 2003；Serdula et al., 1993；Williams et al., 2002） ．身体活動量の低下 は，有酸素性能力の低下を生み，高脂血症，高血 圧，心臓病，骨に関する様々な問題を引き起すこ と が 明 ら か に な っ て い る（Beets et al., 2011； Cardon and De, 2008；Hinkley et al., 2012；Taylor et al., 2009；Timmons et al., 2007） ． ［原 著］ 発育発達研究 第 70 号