ABSTRACT
Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was calculated by summing MPA and VPA. Time being sedentary was defined as <100 counts per minute (Nilsson et al., 2009). Counts per minute were also obtained for each day. Sustained 20 minute periods of zero counts were deemed to indicate that the accelerometer had been removed. Physical activity data were downloaded using manufacturer software (Actisoft Analysis Software v. 3.2, MTI Health Services) Children who did not achieve min. 600 min wear time/day were excluded from the statistical analysis. 42.2.3 Procedure Due to equipment availability, 18 children per each week during the investigation had their physical activity quantified across three consecutive days (Wednesday to Friday) between May and October 2008. Participants wore the Actigraph over the right hip using elastic belt. Following a familiarisation session, the children were asked to wear the monitor during all waking hours, except during water-based activities. Prior to attaching the monitors, anthropometric measurements of body mass (to the nearest 0.1kg; Beuer BG22, Beuer, Germany) and stature (to the nearest 0.1cm; Sieber-Hagner, Switzerland) and 7 skinfolds (to the nearest 0.1cm; Lange calliper, USA) were recorded according to the International Biological Program (Weiner and Lourie 1969, Parizkova 1961). BMI and relative body fat content were calculated (Szmodis et al. 1976). Measurements were taken by the same skilled anthropometrist. 42.2.4 Statistical analysis Standard statistical methods were used for the calculation of means and standard deviations. The gender differences in body dimensions were analysed and the means of each activity level per day were compared across three investigated days, that way we excluded the daily routine difference. Differences between boys and girls were assessed using independent samples t-tests. Statistical analyses were conducted using Statistica for Windows 8.0. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.
