Ethnic and residential differences in adherence to the 24-h movement guidelines and self-reported physical fitness among Zhuang and Han adolescents in southern China
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background The 24-h movement guidelines integrate physical activity (PA), screen time, and sleep for health benefits, yet little is known about how adherence to these guidelines relates to physical fitness (PF) among adolescents, particularly in the context of ethnic and residential differences. This study examines the independent and combined associations of adhering to the 24-h movement guidelines with self-reported PF among Han and Zhuang adolescents in southern China, while exploring potential differences by residence and ethnicity. Methods Cross-sectional data from 6,913 adolescents were analyzed using a validated self-reported questionnaire to assess adherence to the 24-h movement guidelines and PF components (cardiorespiratory fitness, cardiorespiratory fitness, speed/agility, muscular strength, and flexibility). Generalized linear models were used to examine associations. Results In this sample, only 1.6% of participants met the overall guidelines. Meeting more guidelines was significantly ( p < 0.001) associated with better self-reported PF indicators. The combinations containing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) guideline were significantly ( p < 0.05) associated with self-reported PF indicators enhancement compared to those combinations without MVPA guideline. Meeting screen time guideline was significantly ( p < 0.05) associated with more self-reported PF indicators, but not in the case of meeting sleep duration guideline. Most of the results were similar for Han and Zhuang ethnicity, whereas residence differences exerted a significant impact on the relationship between adherence to “Screen only,” “Sleep only,” and “Screen + sleep” guideline and self-reported PF indicators. Conclusion Our findings highlight the critical role of adhering to the 24-h movement guidelines, mainly MVPA, in improving self-reported PF among adolescents and underscore the need to address urban–rural disparities in promoting the 24-h movement guidelines.
Source: Frontiers in Public Health
Authors: Hongsheng Qian, Jingwang Tan, Jiaxing Tang, Yu Zou
Institutions: Wuhan Sports University, Zhejiang University, Xiangnan University
Language: English
Topic: Physical Activity and Health
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W4416977057