Development of accelerometer‐based light to vigorous physical activity in fitness profiles of school‐aged children

This study examined the developmental trajectories of light (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in fitness profiles derived from motor competence, perceived health-related fitness, MVPA behavior. Locomotor, stability, object control skills, muscular cardiovascular were assessed 510 (girls 285 boys 225) Finnish school-aged children (Mage  = 11.26 ± 33 years) over three years. Physical was measured using hip-mounted accelerometers. Fitness identified latent profile analysis, development levels across four assessments analyzed with growth curve models. Results showed that (1) homogeneous identified: At-risk, Intermediate, Desirable; (2) Desirable group more physically active than other groups, Intermediate At-risk group; (3) LPA decreased similarly time, while remained stable all profiles. Initial advanced higher behavior associated long-term MVPA. finding supports importance competence skills acquisition early school Attention should also be paid to increasing engagement activities, especially inactive or insufficiently low skills.