Levels And Patterns Of Physical Activity And Sedentary Time Among Low Income Brazilian Preschoolers

Abstract

Knowledge of physical activity in preschool populations is important for public health promotion. However, little is known about physical activity and sedentary patterns in low-income children, suggesting an urgent need for data covering this population. PURPOSE: to describe physical activity levels and sedentary time of low-income preschool children during preschool time; to describe physical activity patterns of actives during preschool time at public preschools in João Pessoa/Brazil. METHOD: a representative sample of 237 preschool was randomly selected and 204 provided valid accelerometer measurements (boys: 4.5±0.8years, girls: 4.5±0.7years). Measured levels of physical activity and sedentary time, and physical activity patterns were observed during preschool time (7am to 5pm) (Actigraph, WGT3-X). Data were presented in quartiles of total physical activity by sex and age. Univariate General Linear Model with Bonferroni´s post-hoc was used to analyze differences between the quartiles. Data were performed using SPSS (version 25, Inc., Chicago, USA), level of significance:95%. RESULTS: physical activity at preschool range from 68 to 114% of total physical activity daily´s recommendation and from 28 to 83% of moderate to vigorous physical activity recommendation. For the two most active quartiles, the daily total physical activity recommendation was achieved during preschool time. Physical activity patterns were similar between the least and the highest actives, and all the evaluated children were more active outdoors than indoors. For the least actives, preschool time correspond 30% of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity recommendation. Physical activity patterns are quite similar between the least and the highest actives. CONCLUSION: this information is important for tailoring interventions.