Cumprimento das recomendações da OMS sobre tempo de exposição a ecrãs e sua relação com a aptidão física em pré-escolares: projeto piloto SUNRISE em Portugal.

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the association between compliance with screen time (ST) recommendations and physical fitness (PF) in preschool children. It was an observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study conducted within the framework of the SUNRISE pilot project in Portugal, with a sample of 89 children (3-4 years old). PF was assessed through body mass index (BMI), calculated from body mass and height, as well as the Supine-Timed Up and Go (STuG) test, standing long jump, and handgrip strength (right and left). Daily ST was obtained using a parent-reported questionnaire, categorizing children as meeting vs. not meeting the recommendation of a maximum of 1 hour/day of ST. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 29.0. Normality of the variables was verified with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and homogeneity of variances with Levene's test. To compare continuous variables between groups, Student's t-test for independent samples or the Mann-Whitney test was applied, depending on data distribution. Categorical variables were analyzed using the Chi-square or Fisher's exact test. To assess the correlation between ST (min/day) and PF variables, Spearman's correlation coefficient was used. The significance level was set at p<0.05. The results indicated no statistically significant differences between groups meeting or not meeting ST recommendations regarding BMI, STuG, standing long jump, and handgrip strength (p>0.05). Similarly, no significant correlations were found between ST and PF variables (ρ between -0.07 and 0.12; p>0.05). In conclusion, among the children assessed, ST was not associated with PF. Further studies with representative samples are needed to confirm these findings. Keywords: