Search Results

The aim of this study was to describe walking (stride) activity frequency and intensity in 428 children ages 2–15 years with a single accelerometer-based device. With comparison with published pedometer-determined data, the influence of leg length was examined. Decline in stride frequency and intensity throughout childhood increased with adjustment for leg length. The accelerometer-based device documented higher stride counts than published pedometer-based data with the greatest discrepancy in 4–5 year olds. Recommended walking levels for optimal weight throughout childhood should be examined with knowledge of the device measurement differences and the natural history of walking activity changes with age.

Over 60 years ago, Robinson published the first investigation of boys’ aerobic fitness; almost 50 years ago, Åstrand conducted his pioneering studies of both sexes. Twenty four percent of the papers published during the first 10 years of Pediatric Exercise Science (1989-98) involved the determination of peak V̇O₂. Yet, the interpretation of aerobic fitness during childhood and adolescence is still shrouded with controversy. In this paper we review peak V̇O₂ in relation to age, growth, maturation, and sex. We describe the increase in peak V̇O₂ with age, challenge the traditional interpretation of peak V̇O₂ during growth, demonstrate the independent contribution of maturation to peak V̇O₂, and address the progressive divergence of boys’ and girls’ peak V̇O₂, during childhood and adolescence.

The increasing prevalence of childhood obesity, persistence of obesity over time, and health risks associated with it place childhood obesity among the highest national health concerns. The extent to which excess caloric intake or insufficient energy expenditure contribute to childhood obesity has not yet been clearly delineated. This report examines the components of the energy alance equation, focusing on the major components of energy expenditure (rest, thermic effect of food, and physical activity) whereby differences may affect energy balance and promote or perpetuate obesity among children. Some implications of differences in energy expenditure to childhood obesity and areas of needed research are suggested.

Although primarily considered a disorder of the elderly, emerging evidence suggests the antecedents of osteoporosis are established during childhood and adolescence. A complex interplay of genetic, environmental, hormonal and behavioral factors determines skeletal development, and a greater effort is needed to identify the most critical factors that establish peak bone strength. Indeed, knowledge of modifiable factors that determine skeletal development may permit optimization of skeletal health during growth and could potentially offset reductions in bone strength with aging. The peripubertal years represent a unique period when the skeleton is particularly responsive to loading exercises, and there is now overwhelming evidence that exercise can optimize skeletal development. While this is not controversial, the most effective exercise prescription and how much investment in this prescription is needed to significantly impact bone health continues to be debated. Despite considerable progress, these issues are not easy to address, and important questions remain unresolved. This review focuses on the key determinants of skeletal development, whether exercise during childhood and adolescence should be advocated as a safe and effective strategy for optimizing peak bone strength, and whether investment in exercise early in life protects against the development of osteoporosis and fractures later in life.