Abstract
To explore whether the physical activity (PA) component of the Coordinated Approach to Child Health Early Childhood (CATCH EC) program helps increasing preschoolers' PA during active times at preschool. Nonrandomized controlled experimental study. Head Start centers in Houston, Texas, 2009 to 2010 school year. A total of 439 preschoolers aged 3 to 5 years (3 intervention centers, n = 220; 3 comparison centers, n = 219). The CATCH EC preschool-based teacher-led nutrition and PA program. Preschoolers' PA was measured at baseline and postintervention using the System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time-Preschool version, a direct observation method measuring PA at the classroom level. Parent surveys provided demographic data. Pre-to-post changes in preschoolers' PA were examined using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results show a significant decrease in the percentage time preschoolers spent in level 2 PA (low activity) at intervention ( P = .005) and comparison ( P = .041) centers. Indoor vigorous activity increased significantly on an average by +6.04% pre-to-post intervention among preschoolers in the intervention group ( P = .049); no significant change was found in the comparison group. The CATCH EC favorably increased indoor vigorous PA level among low-income children attending Head Start.
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