Pedometer step count and BMI of Irish primary school children aged 6-9 years

Abstract

Objective: (1) To assess step count and Body Mass Index in Irish children, (2) to examine variation in (i) weekday and weekend activity, (ii) during-school and after-school activity, and (3) to evaluate the utility of pedometer based PA recommendations for health in predicting Body Mass Index.

Methods: Three hundred and one Irish primary school children aged 6-9 years wore a sealed pedometer for seven consecutive days in 2008, had their height and weight measured, and completed a short Physical Activity questionnaire.

Results: The majority of children were classed as of normal weight, and met the age and sex specific pedometer recommendations for health. Children took significantly more steps at weekends than on weekdays, and after school than during school. A child being classed as normal or overweight/obese based on Body Mass Index did not predict the likelihood of them meeting the pedometer recommendations.

Conclusions: The majority of children were achieving sufficient steps/day for health but interventions to target those falling short should be considered. Further research examining the relationship between steps per day and Body Mass Index is warranted.