193 © 2019 by the authors; licensee Asian Online Journal Publishing Group Asian Journal of Education and Training Vol. 5, No. 1, 193-197, 2019 ISSN(E) 2519-5387 DOI: 10.20448/journal.522.2019.51.193.197 © 2019 by the authors; licensee Asian Online Journal Publishing Group The Effect of Body Mass Index on Physical Activity Level in Children between 10- 11 Years of Age Gökmen Kilincarslan1 1Bingol University, School of Physical Education and Sports, Bingol, Turkey. Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of body mass index on physical activity (PA) level in children between 10-11 years of age. This research is an experimental study. While the universe of the research is composed of children studying in primary schools in Ankara province in 2017-2018 education and academic year, the sample is composed of students studying and teaching in Gazi Primary School in Yenimahalle district. The study included 271 students between the ages of 10 and 11 who voluntarily participated. The necessary permissions were obtained from school principals and student parents before the investigation. This research were taken weight (kg), height (m), PA level (pedometer) and BMI (kg/height2) measurements. SPSS 23 package program was used in the analysis of the obtained data. The mean age of children was 10,57±0,49, mean height was 1,42±8,45 and body weight was 38,33±10,91. BMI was 17.64±3.07 in 10 age group and 19.43±3.94 in 11 age group. The level of PA was determined as 12288±1687 for 10 years and 11328±1721 for 11 years. There was a significant difference between the two groups (p<0.001). There was found to be negatively correlation with PA (r=-0,269) p<0.001, whereas a significant correlation was found between BMI level (r=0,240) p<0,001. A significant correlation was found between BMI and PA level (r-0.817) p<0.001. As a result, it can be said that the body mass indexes of children between 10-11 years of age are in good level and their PA levels are generally active. Keywords: BMI, Physical activity, Sedantery, Pedometer, Fitness, Children. Citation | Gökmen Kilincarslan (2019). The Effect of Body Mass Index on Physical Activity Level in Children between 10-11 Years of Age. Asian Journal of Education and Training, 5(1): 193-197. History: Received: 28 November 2018 Revised: 31 December 2018 Accepted: 1 February 2019 Published: 5 March 2019 Licensed: This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License Publisher: Asian Online Journal Publishing Group Funding: This study received no specific financial support. Competing Interests: The author declares that there are no conflicts of interests regarding the publication of this paper. Transparency: The author confirms that the manuscript is an honest, accurate, and transparent account of the study was reported; that no vital features of the study have been omitted; and that any discrepancies from the study as planned have been explained. Ethical: This study follows all ethical practices during writing. Contents 1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................................... 194 2. Methods ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 194 3. Findings ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 195 4. Conclusion and Discussion ........................................................................................................................................................... 195 References ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 196 http://crossmark.crossref.org/dialog/?doi=10.20448/journal.522.2019.51.193.197&domain=pdf&date_stamp=2017-01-14 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ http://asianonlinejournals.com/index.php/EDU/article/view/403 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5176-6477 http://asianonlinejournals.com/index.php/EDU/article/view/403 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5176-6477 http://asianonlinejournals.com/index.php/EDU/article/view/403 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5176-6477 Asian Journal of Education and Training, 2019, 5(1): 193-197 194 © 2019 by the authors; licensee Asian Online Journal Publishing Group 1. Introduction PA is associated with numerous immediate and long-lasting health benefits in children (Loprinzi et al., 2012) and an increased amount of physical activity generally increases the benefits (Klakk et al., 2013). PA is energy expenditure as a result of the body's movement through the skeletal muscles. Any PA requires energy expenditure. PA can be varied in different ways according to the characteristics of the training (aerobic, anaerobic or static, dynamic, etc.) PA is perceived synonymous with the word “sport” in the majority of society. However, physical activity is defined as activities that take place in daily life using muscles and joints with energy expenditure, increase heart and respiratory rate and result in fatigue at different intensity. In this context, as well as sports activities, exercise, games and various activities during the day are considered physical activity (Kutlu and Civi, 2013). Current recommendations on physical activity for children endorsed by the European Commission and the World Health Organization are for a minimum 60 minutes of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity (World Health Organization, 2010; Demirtas et al., 2017). The reported proportion of children actually achieving the recommendation varies across studies, partly due to dissimilar definitions of moderate to vigorous physical activity (Guinhouya et al., 2013). Childhood is a period in which growth and development is fast. In this period, the intake of nutritional elements increasing the need is an important factor in preventing chronic diseases during adulthood. Healthy eating and lifestyle habits are shaped during childhood and become permanent. These habits are necessary for the protection and development of health. Being physically inactive, consuming “fast food” type foods frequently, spending a long time on television and computer, and consuming high calorie foods during these periods are the most important factors that affect being overweight and fat in children. Regular and balanced eating habits and regular physical activity are the most important factors for maintaining and improving health. Shaping healthy life habits in childhood can be achieved by education starting with childhood (Kutlu and Civi, 2013). Differences in neighbourhood characteristics could be another reason for the variety of physical activity levels in children. Positive effects of environmental factors in the neighbourhood, for example recreational facilities and parks, have been indicated for both physical activity levels and general health among children (Roemmich et al., 2006). A recent review concluded significant positive associations between access, density and proximity to parks and objectively measured physical activity among children in four out of eight studies included, whereas no significant associations were seen in the other four studies (Ding et al., 2011). A lifestyle that includes physical activity plays an important role in disability and mortality in daily life. The fact that regular physical activity can prevent or delay different chronic diseases is well understood today (Pitta et al., 2006). Socioeconomic factors have been associated with physical activity among children, albeit with conflicting results (Singh et al., 2008) probably partly due to dissimilarities in the factors measured (e.g. income or education). Also seasonal factors may explain some of the differences (Rich et al., 2012). This factor could be especially important in a Scandinavian context with large seasonal variations in weather conditions, temperature and hours of daylight (Hjorth et al., 2013). Characteristics of the neighbourhood environment of children are likely to differ between countries and contexts. A majority of previous research that has found a relation between neighbourhood resources and physical activity in children has been performed in North America, while studies reflecting north European contexts are scarce (Davison and Lawson, 2006). In addition, lack of physical activity leads to obesity (Simşek, 2005). Obesity is a disorder of energy metabolism resulting from excessive fat storage in the body, which can cause physical and mental problems. Taking more energy than consumed is the most important cause of obesity (Donohoue, 2004). The regulation of adipose tissues in the body and the etiology of obesity are multi-factor and are influenced by genetic structure, environmental warnings and developmental phenomena (Popkin, 2001). Changes in eating and activity habits cause obesity to be seen more frequently. Especially in genetically predisposed children, obesity is known to be caused by environmental factors (Donohoue, 2004). It is shown in a variety of studies in which the child's nutritional intake is shaped by the eating habits during the infancy period, the parents ' nutritional properties and the family environment may cause obesity (Birch and Fisher, 1998). On the other hand, obesity and being overweight are closely related to sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity (Martinez- Gonzalez et al., 2001). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of body mass index on physical activity level in children. 2. Methods 2.1. Participants This research is an experimental study. While the universe of the research is composed of children studying in primary schools in Ankara province in 2017-2018 education and academic year, the sample is composed of students studying and teaching in Gazi Primary School in Yenimahalle district. The study included 271 students between the ages of 10 and 11 who voluntarily participated. The necessary permissions were obtained from school principals and student parents before the investigation. 2.2. Height (cm) and Weight (kg) Measurements Height was measured to the nearest 0.1 cm by using a stadiometer. Weight was measured to the nearest 0,1 kg on an electronic scale (Seca Corp, Birmingham, United Kingdom). 2.3. Measurement of Physical Activity Level Physical activity levels were measured on 5 weekdays and 2 weekend day using Kenz Lifecorder pedometer. Pedometers were placed on the hip and they were checked against any problems by taking a few steps before the measurements. They were made to wear these pedometers after getting up and kept them until going to bed. Daily step standards graphics were developed for youth by Tudor-Locke et al. (2008). Asian Journal of Education and Training, 2019, 5(1): 193-197 195 © 2019 by the authors; licensee Asian Online Journal Publishing Group Table-1. Physical Activity Levels Classification. Sedentary Lifestyle Low Active Somewhat Active Active Very Active <5000 5000-7499 7500-9999 10000-12499 >12500 Source: Tudor-Locke et al. (2008). 2.4. BMI (Body Mass Index) BMI was calculated as body mass in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (kg/m2). Body Composition was evaluated by using Body Mass Index criteria which were designed by Welk et al. (2000). Table-2. Body Mass Index Classification. Gender Too low Borderline Good Fitness Overweight Obesity Male 12 or less 13-16 17-25 26-30 30+ BMI (weight/height2) Famale 12 or less 13-16 17-25 26-30 30+ Source: Welk et al. (2000). 2.5. Statistical Analysis SPSS 23 package program was used in the analysis of the obtained data. The mean and standard deviation values of the subjects ' age, height and body weight were calculated. Independent t test was applied according to age variables. Also a correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship between physical activity and BMI. 3. Findings Table-3. Mean age, height and body weight of children. Variables N Mean Standard Deviation Age 271 10,57 ,496 Height 271 142,30 8,454 Weight 271 38,33 10,913 According to Table 3, mean age of children was 10,57±0,49, mean height was 1,42±8,45 and body weight was 38,33±10,91. Table-4. Comparison of BMI and physical activity level by age. Variables Age N Mean Standard Deviation t p BMI 10 116 17,64 3,07 -4,046 <0,00 11 155 19,43 3,94 Physical Activity Level 10 116 12288,05 1687,77 4,578 <0,00 11 155 11328,44 1721,98 P<0,01***. In Table 4, BMI was 17.64±3.07 in 10 age group and 19.43±3.94 in 11 age group. The level of physical activity was determined as 12288±1687 for 10 years and 11328±1721 for 11 years. There was a significant difference between the two groups (p<0.01). Table-5. Relationship between age, BMI and physical activity levels of children. Variables Methods Age Physical Activity Level Physical Activity Level Pearson Correlation -,269** Sig. (2-tailed) ,000 BMI Pearson Correlation ,240** -,817** Sig. (2-tailed) ,000 ,000 **. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed). According to Table 5,there was found to be negatively correlation with physical activity (r=-0,269) p<0.01, whereas a significant correlation was found between BMI level (r=0,240) p<0,001. A significant correlation was found between BMI and physical activity level (r-0.817) p<0.01. 4. Conclusion and Discussion In our study, a significant difference was found at the level of p <0.001 in physical activity level and BMI values according to age. According to our research, as the level of physical activity increases, BMI is decreasing. As the age increases, the level of physical activity decreases and the BMI increases. In our study, the mean age of the children was 10.57 ± 0.49, the mean height was 1.42 ± 8.45 and the body weight was 38.33 ± 10.91. In our study, BMI was determined as 17.64 ± 3.07 for children aged 10 years and 19.43 ± 3.94 for 11 years. Physical activity level was determined as 12288 ± 1687 for 10 years and 11328 ± 1721 for 11 years. A significant difference was found between the BMI and physical activity level at the level of p <0.01 according to age variable. A negatively significant correlation was found between age and physical activity (r = -0,269) at a p <0.01 level while positively significant correlation with BMI (r=0,240) p<0,01. A negatively significant correlation was found between BMI and physical activity level (r-0,817) p <0,01. Belton et al. (2010) has been determined that the height values of children between 6-9 years of age are 1.31 m., body weight 29.2 kg and BMI 17 kg/ m². As Duncan et al. (2007) the height values of children between 8-11 years Asian Journal of Education and Training, 2019, 5(1): 193-197 196 © 2019 by the authors; licensee Asian Online Journal Publishing Group of age are 1.39 m., body weight 33,3 kg and BMI 17,5 kg/ m². As Kolle et al. (2009) the height values of children in 9 years of age are 1.39 m., body weight 33,9 kg and BMI 17,2 kg/ m². As Deforche et al. (2009) BMI of children between 6-10 years of age are 15,7 kg/ m². As Gorely et al. (2009) BMI of children between 7-11 years of age are 17,5 kg/ m². As Ridgers et al. (2007) the height values of children’s years of age are 1.33 m., body weight 31,9 kg and BMI 17,8 kg/ m². According to Stein et al. (2007) the height, body weight and BMI values of children between 10-12 years old have increased with the age. In the study of Komata (2002) conducted to 10 years old children with 6 months intervals it is indicated that the height and the body weight of boys have increased in terms of the age. Le-Masurier et al. (2003) indicated that there was a negative correlation between BMI and body weight and physical activity levels, and that physical activity steps and levels from childhood to old age showed a steady decline. According to Belton et al. (2010) the physical activity levels of 6-9 boys were defined as 16821 steps, Duncan et al. (2007) stated the physical activity levels of 8-11 year-olds as 12263 steps. Duncan et al. (2006) children have a level of 14124 daily steps. Gorely stated the physical activity level steps of children as 9789 per day. Raustorp and Ludvigsson (2007) indicated that children had a daily step level of 15991-16273. Cox et al. (2006) stated the average daily step levels of men as 15606, Craig et al. (2010) as 12259 steps. Deforche et al. (2009) indicated the physical activity levels of boys between 6-10 years of age as gold. Tudor-Locke and Bassett (2004) indicated in the study named “how many steps are enough?” that 5000 steps and below sedentary, 5000-7459 steps are low active group, 7500-9999 steps are a little active, 10000-12499 steps are active, and 12500 steps and above are high active. Locke stated that children taking physical activity steps between 12000-15000 daily have a healthier and more positive BMI level, as well as children have an average of 8000-12000 steps, and men have an average of 13000 daily steps. In the study of Tudor-Locke and Bassett (2004) they indicated that 5000 steps and below have really bad life quality, between 5000 and 7499 have sedentary, between 7500 and 9999 have low life quality, 1000 steps and above have good life quality. 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