Physical Activity and Quality of Life in Children Aged 9-12 Years

Abstract

Introduction The aim of this study was to explore the associations between the duration of physical activity (PA) , the kind of PA and the intensity of PA on the one hand and quality of life (QoL) on the other hand. Methods This cross-sectional study was based on a database which gradually expands. At the time of the analyses of which the results are presented here, the database comprised information about 825 Dutch primary school children aged 9 to 12 years. PA was measured with the modified Sport Monitor Questionnaire Youth 8-12 Years. The Kidscreen-10 was used to assess QoL. Results Children in the highest three quartiles of duration of PA had a better QoL than children in the lowest quartile. With respect to the kind of PA the research findings showed that participating in sports is also positively associated with QoL. The intensity of PA appeared to be not related to QoL. Discussion The observed positive effects of a longer duration of PA and participating in sports offer possibilities to develop preventive programs that promote the QoL of Children.