Association between objectively measured body composition, sleep parameters and physical activity in preschool children: a cross-sectional study

Objective Associations between self-reported sleep duration and obesity indices in children are well recognised; however, there are no studies on associations between objectively measured other sleep parameters and physical activity with body composition in preschoolers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the associations between sleep parameters and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with body composition indices in preschoolers using objective measures. Design A cross-sectional study. Participants The study group consisted of 676 children aged 5-6 years, who were enrolled in kindergartens in the 2017/2018 school year. Outcome measures Sleep parameters and MVPA were measured using accelerometers for 7 days. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to estimate body composition. Results Sleep duration and sleep efficiency were inversely associated with body fat percentage (BFP) (beta=-0.013 and beta from -0.311 to -0.359, respectively) and body mass index (BMI) (beta from -0.005 to -0.006 and from -0.105 to -0.121, respectively), and directly associated with fat-free mass (FFM) (beta from 0.010 to 0.011 and from 0.245 to 0.271, respectively) and muscle mass (beta from 0.012 to 0.012 and from 0.277 to 0.307, respectively) in unadjusted and adjusted models. BFP was inversely associated with MVPA and positively associated with number of awakenings and sleep periods. Number of sleep periods was inversely associated with FFM, and positively with BMI and muscle mass. Correlation matrix indicated significant correlation between BFP, FFM and muscle mass with sleep duration, sleep efficiency, number of sleep periods and MVPA. Conclusions Periodic assessment of sleep parameters and MVPA in relation to body composition in preschool children may be considered, especially in those who are at risk for obesity.

Automated summary

The study found that sleep duration and efficiency in preschoolers were negatively associated with body fat percentage and body mass index, and positively associated with fat-free mass and muscle mass. Body fat percentage was inversely associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and positively associated with number of awakenings and sleep periods. Regular assessment of sleep parameters and physical activity in preschool children may be beneficial in preventing obesity.