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OBJECTIVE: To characterize the environmental factors of children and adolescents with Cerebral Palsy (CP) in the state of Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving 164 caregivers of children/adolescents with CP, aged 1-14 years. The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) were used to classify the participants' functioning, and environmental factors were evaluated by an on-line questionnaire that examined products and technologies, physical environment, services, and systems. A descriptive analysis was performed using percentage and frequency. RESULTS: Most participants had bilateral CP (66.9%) and 45% of them were spastic. Levels II and V of the GMFCS and MACS were the most frequent. About half (49.4%) used anticonvulsants, 27.4% underwent botulinum toxin application, and 29% went through orthopedic surgery in the lower limbs. Among the participants, 71.3% used orthoses in the lower limbs, and 51.8% used the public health care system. Most had access to physiotherapy (91.5%), but found difficulties to access interventions with other professionals, such as psychologists (28%) and nutritionists (37.8%). The school was the most frequently adapted environment (78%), and had the highest level of structural adaptation (42.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the barriers to access health services and barriers to the physical environment may impact participation and social inclusion.

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ABSTRACT Objective: To characterize the environmental factors of children and adolescents with Cerebral Palsy (CP) in the state of Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving 164 caregivers of children/adolescents with CP, aged 1-14 years. The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) were used to classify the participants' functioning, and environmental factors were evaluated by an on-line questionnaire that examined products and technologies, physical environment, services, and systems. A descriptive analysis was performed using percentage and frequency. Results: Most participants had bilateral CP (66.9%) and 45% of them were spastic. Levels II and V of the GMFCS and MACS were the most frequent. About half (49.4%) used anticonvulsants, 27.4% underwent botulinum toxin application, and 29% went through orthopedic surgery in the lower limbs. Among the participants, 71.3% used orthoses in the lower limbs, and 51.8% used the public health care system. Most had access to physiotherapy (91.5%), but found difficulties to access interventions with other professionals, such as psychologists (28%) and nutritionists (37.8%). The school was the most frequently adapted environment (78%), and had the highest level of structural adaptation (42.7%). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the barriers to access health services and barriers to the physical environment may impact participation and social inclusion.

RESUMO Objetivo: Caracterizar os fatores ambientais de crianças e adolescentes com paralisia cerebral (PC) no estado de Minas Gerais (MG), Brasil. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal envolvendo 164 cuidadores de crianças/adolescentes com PC, na faixa etária de um a 14 anos. O Sistema de Classificação da Função Motora Grossa (GMFCS) e o Sistema de Classificação da Habilidade Manual (MACS) foram utilizados para classificar a funcionalidade dos participantes e os fatores ambientais foram avaliados por um questionário on-line que abordou produtos e tecnologias, ambiente físico, serviços e sistemas. Análises descritivas foram realizadas por meio de porcentagem e frequência. Resultados: A maioria dos participantes tinha PC bilateral (66,9%) e 45% deles eram espásticos. Os níveis II e V do GMFCS e MACS foram os mais frequentes. Cerca de metade (49,4%) fazia uso de anticonvulsivantes, 27,4% realizaram aplicação de toxina botulínica e 29% cirurgia ortopédica em membros inferiores. Utilizavam órteses em membros inferiores 71,3% e eram usuários do sistema público de saúde 51,8%. A maioria tinha acesso à fisioterapia (91,5%), mas dificuldade de acesso a intervenções com outros profissionais, como psicólogos (28%) e nutricionistas (37,8%). A escola foi o ambiente mais frequentado (78%) e também mais adaptado estruturalmente (42,7%). Conclusões: Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que barreiras de acesso aos serviços de saúde e barreiras no ambiente físico podem impactar a participação e inclusão social.

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BACKGROUND: Although it is well known that obesity is frequently associated with reduced levels of habitual physical activity (HPA), which contributes to determining severe oxidative stress and inflammatory state, this association is however unknown in preschoolers so far. This study aimed to investigate the association between biomarkers of redox status and cytokines with different patterns of HPA according to the adiposity of preschoolers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 50 preschoolers (25 overweight/obese, OW/OB and 25 eutrophic, EU), matched for age, sex, economic level, and maternal education. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, substances reactive to thiobarbituric acid (TBARS), soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors (sTNFRs), and leptin levels were evaluated. HPA levels were evaluated by accelerometry (ActiGraph GT9X accelerometer). Correlation, multiple linear regression, and partial least squares regression analysis were used to determine the association between redox status biomarkers and cytokines with different patterns of HPA (HPA level, bouts of moderate to vigorous physical activity [MVPA], and multivariate pattern of HPA) in EU and OW/OB preschoolers. RESULTS: OW/OB preschoolers had lower CAT activity, higher levels of TAC, TBARS, and cytokines, and similar levels of HPA to EU preschoolers. In EU preschoolers, SOD activity exhibited a stronger negative association with moderate intensity ranges of HPA (R2 = 0.18), and negative correlation with sTNFRs (r = -0.40 to -0.46). TBARS had a stronger positive association with ranges of light intensity in the multivariate pattern of HPA (R2 = 0.10). In OW/OB preschoolers, the HPA multivariate associative pattern was predominantly from vigorous intensity ranges. Thus, SOD activity had a positive association with the multivariate pattern of HPA (R2 = 0.38) and MVPA bouts (ß [95% CI] = 0.457 [0.0026. 0.0576]). TAC had a negative association with the multivariate pattern of HPA (R2 = 0.38) and MVPA bouts (ß [95% CI] = -0.718 [-0.0025. -0.0003]). Additionally, leptin levels were lower in OW/OB preschoolers engaged in vigorous physical activity (VPA) (8000-9999 counts/min) for longer periods of time. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that OW/OB preschoolers have higher levels of oxidative stress biomarkers and pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to EU preschoolers. Moreover, VPA may exert antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects in OW/OB preschoolers.

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Access to environmental opportunities can favor children's learning and cognitive development. The objectives is to construct an index that synthesizes environmental learning opportunities for preschoolers considering the home environment and verify whether the index can predict preschoolers' cognitive development. A quantitative, cross-sectional, exploratory study was conducted with 51 preschoolers using a multi-attribute utility theory (MAUT). The criteria used for drawing up the index were supported by the literature and subdivided in Group A "Resources from the house" extracted from HOME Inventory including: (1) to have three or more puzzles; (2) have at least ten children's books; (3) be encouraged to learn the alphabet; (4) take the family out at least every 2 weeks. Group B "Screens" (5) caution with using television; (6) total screen time in day/minutes. Group C "Parental Schooling" (7) maternal and paternal education. Pearson correlation analyses and univariate linear regression were performed to verify the relationship between the established index with cognitive test results. The index correlated with the total score of the mini-mental state exam (MMC) and verbal fluency test (VF) in the category of total word production and word production without errors. Multicriteria index explained 18% of the VF (total word production), 19% of the VF (total production of words without errors) and 17% of the MMC. The present multicriteria index has potential application as it synthesizes the preschooler's environmental learning opportunities and predicts domains of child cognitive development.

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Background: Preschool is a crucial period for developing motor skills. Objective: This study evaluated factors associated with motor competence in preschoolers from a Brazilian urban area. Methods: A total of 211 preschoolers (51.2% girls and 48.8% boys) were evaluated. Body mass index was calculated; the Brazilian Economic Research Criterion, the Mini-Mental Scale (MMC) and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale®, Revised (ECERS-R™) were applied; the Habitual Physical Activity time was recorded; the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2) was performed. Univariate analysis was performed using simple linear regression for the independent variables, considering the motor test subscales as dependent variables. Variables with p < 0.20 in the univariate analysis were considered for the multiple linear regression model and were entered into the stepwise method. Results: The independent variables remaining in the Standard Score Locomotor model were BMI, presence of park at school, and MMC (R2 = 0.16). The independent variables remaining in the Standard Object Control score were MMC and gender (R2 = 0.03). The variables associated with the highest scores of Gross Motor Quotient were MMC, body mass index, and presence of a park at school, respectively (R2 = 0.11). Conclusion: Male eutrophic preschoolers who are physically active and attend schools with parks or courtyards in a Brazilian urban area have the highest scores for global cognitive function and motor competence.

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ABSTRACT Purpose: to examine the influence of familial environment, parental perception, and socioeconomic conditions on the receptive vocabulary of elementary school children. Methods: an analytical cross-sectional observational study. The students were selected by stratified proportional sampling, using the Receptive Vocabulary Test. Those responsible for the children answered the anamnesis and the inventory of family environmental resources. Initially, a bivariate analysis was performed using the chi-square test, considering p<0.20. In the multivariate analysis of binary logistic regression, p<0.05 was considered, and the quality of the model was evaluated through the Hosmer-Lemeshow method. Results: out of the 263 students, 131 were males, 142 were in the third grade and were on average 7.6 years old (±0.57), and 111 had a low receptive vocabulary. In the bivariate analysis, there was a relationship between parental perception about learning to read and write, school failure, and the outcome (p<0.05). The variables environment, resources, and stability of family life were also used for multivariate analysis (p<0.20). Conclusion: Parental perception of difficulty in reading and writing and a lack of family stability were factors associated with poor receptive vocabulary.

RESUMO Objetivo: verificar a influência do ambiente familiar, percepção parental e condições socioeconômicas no vocabulário receptivo de escolares do ensino fundamental. Métodos: trata-se de estudo observacional transversal analítico. Os escolares, selecionados por amostragem proporcional estratificada, realizaram o Teste de Vocabulário Receptivo. Os responsáveis responderam à anamnese e ao Inventário de Recursos do Ambiente Familiar. Inicialmente, realizou-se análise bivariada pelo teste Qui-quadrado, considerando p<0,20. Na análise multivariada de regressão logística binária, considerou-se o valor p<0,05 e a qualidade do modelo foi avaliada pelo método Hosmer-Lemeshow. Resultados: dos 263 escolares, 131 são do sexo masculino, 142 do terceiro ano, possuem idade média de 7,6 anos (±0,57) e 111 apresentam vocabulário receptivo rebaixado. Na análise bivariada, observou-se relação entre percepção parental acerca do aprendizado da leitura, da escrita, repetência escolar e o desfecho (p<0,05). Também foram para análise multivariada as variáveis recursos do ambiente e estabilidade da vida familiar (p<0,20). Conclusão: a percepção parental de dificuldade de leitura e de escrita e a falta de estabilidade familiar foram fatores associados ao pior vocabulário receptivo.

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BACKGROUND: Preschool age (3-5 years old) is a crucial period for children to acquire gross motor skills and develop executive functions (EFs). However, the association between the qualitative gross motor skills and EFs remains unknown in preschoolers, especially among overweight and obese children. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, exploratory, and quantitative study carried out on 49 preschool children, divided into two subgroups according to their body mass index (overweight/obese: 24; eutrophic [normal weight]: 25). The mean age was 4.59 years. More than half of the sample were boys (55%) and most of the mothers had completed high school (67%) and were class C socioeconomic level (63%). Gross motor skills were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2, while EFs were evaluated using Semantic verbal fluency (SVF), Tower of Hanoi (TH), Day/Night Stroop, and Delayed Gratification tests. Multiple linear regression models adjusted for sex, age, maternal education, socioeconomic status, quality of the home environment, and quality of the school environment using the stepwise method were executed, considering the cognitive tasks as independent variables and gross motor skills as dependent variable. RESULTS: The overweight/obese preschoolers showed worse locomotor skills than their eutrophic peers and below average gross motor quotient (GMQ). Overweight/obese girls performed worse in OC skills than boys with excess weight. SVF (number of errors) and TH (rule breaks) explained 57.8% of the variance in object control (OC) skills and 40.5% of the variance in GMQ (p < .05) in the overweight/obese children. Surprisingly, there was no significant association between any of the EF tasks and gross motor skills in the eutrophic children. CONCLUSION: A relationship between EF tasks (number of errors in SVF and rule breaks in TH) and gross motor skills (OC and GMQ) was demonstrated in the overweight/obese preschoolers, indicating that worse cognitive flexibility, working memory, planning, and problem solving are associated with worse gross motor skills in this population when compared to eutrophic children.

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OBJECTIVE: Determine the social, environmental, and personal factors associated with high fat mass index in preschoolers. DESIGN: A quantitative, exploratory, and cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-one Brazilian preschoolers from public schools living in urban areas. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The preschoolers' fat mass index was determined using dual-energy radiological absorptiometry. The quality of home and school environments were accessed using the Early Childhood Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment and Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales. The physical activity levels were recorded by accelerometers. The daily energy intake was recorded and sociodemographic data using the Brazilian Economic Classification criterion. Data on exposure time to screens and parental obesity were collected according to the parents' reports. ANALYSIS: Data analyses were performed using simple and multiple regressions models. RESULTS: Parental obesity (ß, 0.516; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.078-5.133), high quality of environmental stimulation of home (ß, 0.429; 95% CI, 1.294-4.023), and high exposure time to screens (ß, 0.256; 95% CI, 0.215-2.554) explained 43% of preschoolers' high fat mass index. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Identification of parental obesity, high quality of environmental stimulation of home, and high exposure time to screens as the most important determinants of the high fat mass index in preschoolers from Brazilian urban areas.

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We compared the motor competence between overweight/obese and eutrophic preschoolers with similar physical activity levels, age, socioeconomic status, maternal education, quality of the home environment and quality of the school environment. We also investigated to what extent excess body fat mass explains gross motor skills in preschoolers. A cross-sectional quantitative and exploratory study was conducted with 48 preschoolers assigned into eutrophic and overweight/obese groups. Overweight/obese preschoolers had worse Locomotor subtest standard scores than the eutrophic ones (p = 0.01), but similar Object Control subtest and Gross Motor Quotient scores (p > 0.05). Excess body fat mass explained 12% of the low Locomotor subtest standard scores in preschoolers (R2 = 0.12; p = 0.007). Excess body fat mass was associated with worse locomotor skills when the model was adjusted for physical activity levels, age, socioeconomic status, maternal education, quality of the home environment and quality of the school environment. Thus, excess body fat mass partly explains lower locomotor skills in preschoolers.

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BACKGROUND: Active play opportunities seems to influence the level of physical activity during childhood. However, a gap remains about which environmental opportunities including the daycare physical environment could have a positive impact on the level of physical activity in preschoolers. OBJECTIVES: (1) To develop an index to measure the environmental opportunities of free active play for preschoolers of middle-income countries; (2) to check the relationship and contribution of the index to explain objectively the level of physical activity. METHODS: A quantitative, cross-sectional, exploratory study with 51 preschool children. The established criteria for the index according to the literature were: (1) Outdoor time on typical days of the week. (2) Outdoor time on a typical weekend day. (3) The presence of internal space and external environment in the child's home that allows playing. (4) Presence of patio with space for games at the school. (5) Presence of a playground with a toy at the school. We applied multi-attribute utility theory for the determination of the multicriteria index of physical environmental opportunities. Pearson's correlation analysis and simple linear regression were used to verify the association between the index and the physical activity level. RESULTS: The index showed a positive correlation with the level of physical activity, e.g., the average time of MVPA (r = 0.408, p = 0.003). The univariate linear regression demonstrated that the quality of physical environmental opportunities for physical activity explained 20% of the preschooler's classification as active and 16% of the time in moderate to vigorous physical activity (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Physical environmental opportunities for active play have a positive effect on physical activity in preschoolers and should be encouraged in different social segments.

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