Author(s): Mariyam Dalal, Dr. Jagmeet Madan and Panchali Moitra

Abstract:
Aim: The main aim of the study was to assess the duration, frequency and intensity of the physical activity and understand the factors affecting it as well as sleep patterns in 10-12-year-old children in Mumbai, India Methodology: A cross sectional study conducted in 5 schools across Mumbai suburbs. The children were given a self- reported questionnaire to be filled and their anthropometric measurements were taken. Data collection and statistical analysis: Data was collected over a period of 4 months in a sample size of 300 students and SPSS software was used for analysis. Data are presented as Mean ± SD, median (minimum-maximum) or percentage. Results: A positive correlation was observed between familial support and physical activity as well as between the peer support and physical activity (p value<0.005). 60% of the population claimed to engage in more of sedentary activities on a daily basis. About 40% of the population reported sleeping less than 5 hours a day. Students of the private schools had higher physical activity time as compared to the government schools, in spite of the obesity ratio being higher in private schools. When MET values via questionnaires were compared to MET values from the pedometer readings, a positive correlation was observed between them which suggested that the pedometer readings coincided to the self-reported questionnaire and that the children reported correct measures of activity (p value <0.001). Conclusion: The study suggests that more number of children should be engaged in physical activity and the duration should increase. Also, parental and peer support has a greater influence on improving the physical activity of a child.

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