Ethnic differences in sedentary behaviour and physical activity among primary school age children. Towards a movement behaviour intervention for primary school age children

Abstract

High levels of sedentary behaviour (SB) and low levels of physical activity (PA) in primary school children are a health concern especially for the South Asians (SA) because of increased cardiovascular risk. The study investigated ethnic differences in movement behaviours among primary school children in three studies: 1) inclinometer and accelerometer measured movement behaviours in White British (WB) vs. SA 6-8-year-old children; 2) qualitative studies with children, parents and teachers explored barriers and facilitators to reducing SB; and, 3) accelerometer measured movement behaviours in children aged 8-11-years. The inclinometer outcomes were: total SB, SB from bouts >30 minutes and breaks in SB, while accelerometry considered: SB, light PA and moderate to-vigorous PA and counts per minute. 525 children, eight parents and six teachers participated. No ethnic differences were identified in inclinometer outcomes except for SB breaks. SA children had 25 fewer breaks compared to WB. Accelerometry identified higher SB for SA children vs. WB in study one but no ethnic differences in study three; a pattern for higher SB/lower PA for SA children vs. WB was consistent in studies. Reasons for engagement in SB included: knowledge and beliefs about SB, child characteristics, cultural norms, parenting, educational system and the built environment. A large proportion of movement behaviour interventions components were related to education and policy. Children’s levels of SB were similar to office workers regardless of ethnicity. Interventions to reduce SB need to consider SB breaks and PA, especially for SA children who were less active and more sedentary than WB.