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Summary: Background: The association between physical activity and adiposity in preschool‐aged children is unclear. Objective: To assess the cross‐sectional association between objectively measured physical activity and body fat in preschool‐aged children. Methods: In the preschool review in an Australian birth cohort study (n = 1074), mean duration and time accumulated in ≥1‐min bouts of physical activity at light‐intensity (LPA), moderate‐ to vigorous‐intensity (MVPA) and light‐ to vigorous‐intensity (LMVPA) were computed from accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X+) data. Percent body fat was assessed by bioelectrical impedance. Associations between physical activity and percent body fat were examined by multiple regression, adjusted for accelerometer wear time, MVPA (in analyses of LPA), maternal body mass index (BMI) and maternal education. Results: A total of 450 participants (n = 450) had valid data. There was evidence of associations between physical activity and adiposity: each additional hour of LVPA was associated with 0.6% (CI95 –0.2%, 1.3%) higher body fat; ≥1‐min bouts of LPA was associated with 1.0% (CI95 0.1%, 1.9%) higher body fat; each additional hour of MVPA was associated with −0.8% (CI95 −1.6%, −0.1%) less body fat; and ≥1‐min bouts of MVPA was associated with −1.3% (CI95 −2.5%, −0.1%) body fat. Conclusions: Among a cohort of preschool‐aged children, there was evidence that more intensive physical activity assessed by an accelerometer is associated with reduced body fat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe cycling behaviours and examine individual, social and neighbourhood correlates of cycling among children living in socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods., Design: Cross-sectional., Methods: Mothers of 289 children (46% boys) aged 8-15 (mean 12±2.2) years living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Victoria, Australia were surveyed about their child's cycling frequency and duration in a typical week. Perceptions of cycling, cycling ability, cycling behaviours and road safety were proxy- and self-reported by mothers. Shortest road distance from home to school was determined using a Geographic Information System. Multivariable logistic regression analyses examined associations between individual, social and neighbourhood variables and cycling frequency (>once/week) and duration (>60min/week)., Results: Overall, 70% of boys and 49% of girls cycled>once/week; rates of cycling for >60min/week were 60% and 32%, respectively. Children had greater odds of cycling>once/week if they enjoyed cycling for fun (OR=13.3, 95%CI=2.0, 86.9). Children had greater odds of cycling for >60min/week if they enjoyed cycling for fun (OR=17.1, 95%CI=1.7, 167.7) or if they were allowed to cycle on main roads (OR=3.2, 95%CI=1.1, 9.1). Children who had to cross several roads to access play areas had lower odds of cycling for >60min/week (OR=0.3, 95%CI=0.1, 0.7)., Conclusions: Future research should investigate strategies to increase children's enjoyment of cycling, independent mobility and safe access by cycling to key destinations such as play areas., (Copyright © 2019 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)