Cluster Analysis of Physical Activity Patterns, and Relationship with Sedentary Behavior and Healthy Lifestyles in Prepubertal Children: Genobox Cohort

Abstract

Sedentary habits during childhood are associated with adverse health outcomes. The aim of this work was to cluster lifestyle behaviors and metabolic biomarkers to establish different patterns in children. Their physical and sedentary activities were evaluated by accelerometry, and questionnaires that included lifestyle behaviors, such as adherence to a Mediterranean diet, anthropometry and blood biochemical markers. Cluster analysis was performed to establish different groups based on physical activity levels. A total of 489 children were finally selected. Cluster 1 included children with a mostly sedentary state, whereas Cluster 3 included the most active children and Cluster 2 included children that did not fit into either the sedentary or the highly active groups. In Cluster 3, 56% of children were in a sports club, and a lower percentage used electronic devices in their rooms compared to the other groups. Cluster 1 children exhibited higher insulin, HOMA-IR and triacylglycerides with respect to the other groups. No differences were found regarding adherence to a Mediterranean diet. The choice to practice an extracurricular sport could be an influencing factor to increase exercise and ensure an active lifestyle in children. Reducing or limiting screen time mainly in children's rooms could contribute to an active lifestyle.

Keywords: Mediterranean diet; cardiovascular diseases; exercise; obesity.

Figure 1

Cluster characteristics based on the measurement of physical activity (cluster 1, cluster 2, cluster 3). DBP: diastolic blood pressure; HOMA-IR: homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance; HDL-c: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; LDL-c: low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; MVPA: moderate–vigorous physical activity; PA: physical activity; SBP: systolic blood pressure; TAG: triacylglycerides; WC: waist circumference.