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This 4-year follow-up study investigated which profile of motor competence (MC) in early childhood more strongly correlated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in early pubescence. A total of 247 first-grade children (152 boys) aged 6 to 7 years old participated in the baseline measurement. MVPA was measured using an accelerometer annually until the fifth grade. Body fat percentage was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline. MC included fundamental movement skills (FMS) and motor performance, which were assessed in terms of locomotor and object control. FMS was assessed by the Test of Gross Motor Development-2, while motor performance (locomotor: run, hop, jump, and side-step, object control: throw, kick, and hand dribble) was assessed by Japanese Physical Fitness and Motor Abilities Test at baseline. Multiple regression analysis showed that locomotor and object control performance were significant predictors of MVPA in later grades in boys but not in girls. These associations between locomotor performance and MVPA mainly remained significant after controlling for body fat and MVPA at baseline. FMS in both genders was not a significant predictor of MVPA in early pubescence. This study suggests that appropriate strategies for increasing MVPA from prepubescence to early pubescence may differ between boys and girls.

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OBJECTIVES: The later achievement of gross motor milestones during infancy is associated with adiposity in early childhood. However, the associations between gross motor development and adiposity after entering primary school are unclear. This study examined the associations between the ages at which six gross motor milestones were achieved and adiposity during early school years. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted in 2012 and 2013. Data were collected from 225 first-grade primary school children (mean age, 6.9 years; 39% girls). Adiposity was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and expressed as body fat percentage. Data describing the ages of achieving six gross motor milestones (holding head up, sitting, crawling, standing supported, walking supported, and independent walking) were obtained from the Maternal and Child Health Handbooks. RESULTS: Mean body fat percentage was 21.7%. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that later ages of achieving crawling (p < .001 [95% confidence interval: 0.33-1.16]), standing supported (p < .001 [95% confidence interval: 0.64-1.65]), and walking supported [p = .013 (95% confidence interval: 0.13-1.07)] were associated with increased fat. However, the ages of achieving holding head up (p = .053), sitting (p = .175), and independent walking (p = .736) were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Achieving crawling, standing supported, and walking supported later predict increased body fat when aged 6-7 years. The practice of observing gross motor milestone achievements may allow early targeted interventions to optimize body composition before beginning school and thereby, potentially prevent childhood obesity.

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This study aimed to compare the accuracy for predicting body composition using single-frequent segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) between pre- and postmenopausal women. A total f 559 Japanese women aged 30-88yr were divided into 4 groups by questionnaire: natural menopause, pathological menopause, regular menstruation, or irregular menstruation. The measurement values by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were used as a reference of the body composition. In terms of the results, regardless of the menopausal status, BIA slightly but significantly overestimated the percentage of body fat (standard error of estimate: 5.3%-6.7%) and the leg lean soft tissue mass (LSTM; 5.1%-6.1%), and underestimated the LSTM in the whole body (6.2%-7.6%) and arm (2.8%-3.7%). The absolute values of the predictive error for leg LSTM were significantly higher in postmenopausal groups than in the premenopausal ones. The corresponding values for the whole body and arm LSTM, and the percentage of body fat were higher in premenopausal groups than in postmenopausal ones. In conclusion, the predictive accuracy of BIA for postmenopausal women is not inferior to that for premenopausal ones, unless we target the leg LSTM.

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PURPOSE: Weight retention during the postpartum period is critical for the later development of obesity in women. Traditional physical activity is frequently discontinued because of incompatibility with mothers' agenda (i.e., baby care). In the present study, active video games (AVG) are proposed for postpartum women to improve their body composition. METHODS: Thirty-four postpartum women (body mass index = 24.5 ± 3.4 kg·m) were randomized to an AVG group or a control group. Subjects assigned to the AVG group were given a Wii Nintendo console with the game Wii Fit Plus for 40 d. The two groups were tested for weight, body mass index, body fat mass, waist and hip circumferences, and other anthropometric parameters. Physical fitness, energy expenditure, energy intake, and adverse events were also investigated. RESULTS: The AVG group lost more weight than the control group (-2.2 ± 0.9 vs. -0.5 ± 0.7 kg, P < 0.001). They also exhibited more important reductions of BMI, waist and hip circumferences, and body fat (P < 0.05). During the 40-d period, subjects expended an estimated 4682 ± 2874 kcal just by playing AVG. Daily energy intake was reduced by 206 ± 559 kcal. There were significant positive correlations between playing frequency, total playing time, total energy expenditure during the 40-d period, and decrease in daily energy intake respectively, and weight loss (P < 0.05). Playing time data suggested no conflict with baby care activities. CONCLUSIONS: AVGs could represent an interesting spare physical activity for postpartum women. In the present study, these games promoted physical activity, induced a reduction of energy intake, and subsequently minimized weight retention.

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