Health-related physical fitness in children among five Mediterranean countries: a cross-cultural study from the DELICIOUS project

Frontiers in Public Health, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 12

Published: Jan. 7, 2025

Health-related fitness (HRF) components are essential for supporting healthy growth and reducing long-term health risks in children. This study explored cross-cultural variations HRF among children from five Mediterranean countries-Egypt, Italy, Lebanon, Portugal, Spain-within the framework of DELICIOUS project. A total 860 participated study, including 204 Egypt (n = 204, 11.72 ± 1.46 years), 150 Italy (9.66 1.10 200 Lebanon (10.73 1.90 181 Portugal (11.04 1.83 125 Spain (12.33 2.27 years). Participants completed International Physical Performance Test Profile (IPPTP), which assesses sprint speed (20 m dash), coordination (jumping sideways), upper body strength (push-ups), abdominal (sit-ups), lower power (standing long jump), cardiovascular endurance (6-min run). Children were categorized into two age groups: 8-10 11-14 years. ANCOVA, adjusting BMI, was performed to analyze differences across countries groups. Analysis revealed significant groups (p < 0.05). Spanish boys girls consistently demonstrated superior performance dash) run) compared peers other countries. Lebanese exhibited stronger (sit-ups) than Egyptian girls, while also excelled lower-body jump). These findings underscore outcomes Cross-cultural physical education programs sports participation appear influence region. need culturally tailored strategies public initiatives ensure balanced development diverse cultural populations.

Language: Английский

Childhood Mediterranean Diet Compliance Is Associated with Lower Incidence of Childhood Obesity, Specific Sociodemographic, and Lifestyle Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study in Children Aged 6–9 Years

Pediatric Reports, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 16(4), P. 1207 - 1222

Published: Dec. 17, 2024

Background: Mediterranean diet (MD) constitutes a commonly examined dietary model. It includes plethora of bioactive ingredients with strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic and anticancer properties. Several substantial studies support evidence that MD can exert preventing actions against human morbidity mortality, promoting well-being quality life. The present study aims to evaluate whether childhood compliance may be associated socio-demographic, anthropometric, lifestyle factors in children at the age 6–9 years. Methods: This is cross-sectional survey on 3875 aged years old their matched mothers. Qualified questionnaires were used collect by one-to-one interviews trained professionals above data. Results: Elevated adherence was observed only 22.2% enrolled children, while 37.5% maintained intermediate 40.3% adopted lower levels. Children related an independent manner maternal education level, anthropometric such as Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist circumference Height ratio (WtHR), life, exclusively breastfeeding behaviors after adjusting for several possible confounders (p ˂ 0.05). Conclusions: showed obesity overweight/obesity, including abdominal obesity. A higher educational status adopting practices greater levels children’s adherence, life well-being. Based results, future prospective surveys need performed if there causality relation concerning this topic.

Language: Английский