Mobility Status as a Predictor of Obesity, Physical Activity, and Screen Time Use among Children Aged 5-11 Years in the United States

J Pediatr. 2016 Sep:176:23-29.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2016.06.016. Epub 2016 Jun 29.

Abstract

Objective: To examine physical activity participation, screen time habits, and the prevalence of overweight/obesity among children in the general population with mobility limitations and those enrolled in special education services.

Study design: An observational, cross-sectional analysis of the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a representative sample of the US population. Mobility limitations, special education services utilization, proxy-reported physical activity and screen time, and overweight/obesity status were assessed in children aged 5-11 years.

Results: Boys with mobility limitations were less likely to meet physical activity guidelines (≥60 minutes daily) compared with those with no limitations (58.1% vs 74.4%, adjusted F = 4.61, P = .04). In a logistic regression model, boys with mobility limitations had significantly lower odds (0.42, 95% CI 0.20-0.86) of meeting physical activity guidelines. The prevalence of children meeting screen time recommendations (≤2 hours daily) among those receiving special education services (42.4%) was lower than children not receiving services (53.2%; adjusted F = 8.87, P < .01). In a logistic regression model, children receiving special education services showed a trend toward significantly lower odds (0.74, 95% CI 0.54-1.03, P = .07) of meeting screen time recommendations. No statistically significant differences for overweight/obesity were found.

Conclusions: Clear differences were present in physical activity between boys with and without mobility limitations. Furthermore, children receiving special education services demonstrated a lower likelihood of meeting screen time recommendations. Children with disabilities may benefit from targeted interventions aimed at increasing physical activity while decreasing screen time.

Keywords: epidemiology; exercise; pediatrics; public health.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Computers*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Exercise*
  • Humans
  • Mobility Limitation*
  • Pediatric Obesity / epidemiology*
  • Prevalence
  • Sedentary Behavior*
  • Television*
  • Time Factors
  • United States / epidemiology