Qualitative study of the association between psychosocial health and physical activity/sleep quality in toddlers
Abstract
Physical activity and sleep are important factors of mental and physical health in children, with some reports indicating that their effects can persist into adulthood. However, there is limited research on the qualitative aspects of physical activity and sleep in preschool children, particularly in those aged < 3 years. Therefore, to elucidate the association between psychosocial health and physical activity/sleep in early childhood in terms of qualitative aspects, we conducted a retrospective cohort study in 2985 3-year-old children (37.2 ± 0.75 months) in Shanghai, China. An analysis using structural equation modeling indicated that current physical activity had a direct and moderate impact on current psychosocial health evaluated using the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. In particular, past physical activity had an indirect and mild effect on current psychosocial health via current physical activity in girls. However, regardless of sex, past sleep quality had slight impact on current psychosocial health, not only indirectly via current sleep quality, but also directly. These findings highlight the importance of considering the qualitative aspects of physical activity and sleep quality as significant factors influencing the current and future psychosocial health of children, even at a very early age (< 3 years).
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Tryptophan Metabolism and Gut-Brain Homeostasis
- Rationale for a Multi-Factorial Approach for the Reversal of Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Disease and MCI: A Review
- Prioritized Research for the Prevention, Treatment, and Reversal of Chronic Disease: Recommendations From the Lifestyle Medicine Research Summit
- Relationship between sleep disorders and gut dysbiosis: what affects what?
- The role of CLOCK gene in psychiatric disorders: Evidence from human and animal research
- Genetic, Transcriptome, Proteomic, and Epidemiological Evidence for Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption and Polymicrobial Brain Invasion as Determinant Factors in Alzheimer’s Disease
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.