Summary:
In Chinese preschool children with rising obesity risk, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) significantly improved body composition measures such as total body water, skeletal muscle mass, and fat-free mass, and helped prevent fat mass accumulation compared to light physical activity (LPA), though it was associated with no reported adverse effects.
| PICO | Description |
|---|---|
| Population | Eighty-six Chinese preschool children aged approximately 3–5 years from Beijing, with concern for rising obesity rates. |
| Intervention | An 8-week structured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) program, conducted 3 times per week in 30-minute sessions. |
| Comparison | A light physical activity (LPA) intervention of the same duration and frequency as MVPA. |
| Outcome | MVPA resulted in significant improvements in total body water (ηp²=0.17), skeletal muscle mass (ηp²=0.18), and fat-free mass (ηp²=0.23), and helped prevent excessive increases in body fat mass (ηp²=0.11) and percent body fat (ηp²=0.06). Sex differences were observed, with boys responding more strongly in BMI changes. No main group effect or adverse events were reported. |
Source: Sha Qu, et al. “Effects of different game-based physical activity programs on body composition in Chinese preschool children.” Read article here.
