Levels, factors and interventions of preschool children physical activity: a systematic review.

Vitor Antonio Cerignoni Coelho,Rute Estanislava Tolocka

doi:10.1590/1413-812320202512.14332018

Abstract

The goal of this study was to complete a systematic review of research on the occurrence the levels of physical activity (PA), forms of intervention and factors associated with this practice among preschool children. Studies published in the period between 2006 and 2016 were investigated, using the PubMed and SPORTDiscus databases. The search terms identified 177 articles, of which 41 met the inclusion criteria. Goals, methodologies and results were analysed. The studies used various cut-off points to establish the desired level of PA, along with different types of interventions. Overall, the problem of low level of PA among preschool children appears to be increasing. Involvement and participation of parents and teachers, guidance from booklets and other information sources, parent instruction and availability of extracurricular activities were considered positive factors that tended to increase children's PA levels, whereas parental obesity was a negative factor. New studies to define sedentary behaviour in preschool children are required to clarify the nature of this problem, along with the establishment of prevention programmes with ecological design aimed at schools, families and other sectors of society.

Highlights

MethodsAccording to Kohl et al.[1] the sedentary lifestyle is the world’s fourth leading cause of death
Until the end of the twentieth century, sedentary lifestyle and obesity were studied as public health problems in adults, especially the elderly and little was known about their incidence in children under age five[2]
The goal of this study was to complete a systematic review of research on the occurrence the levels of physical activity (PA), forms of intervention and factors associated with this practice among preschool children

Summary

Introduction

According to Kohl et al.[1] the sedentary lifestyle is the world’s fourth leading cause of death. It is manifested at all ages and has been linked with numerous diseases, such as obesity, hypertension and heart disease. Until the end of the twentieth century, sedentary lifestyle and obesity were studied as public health problems in adults, especially the elderly and little was known about their incidence in children under age five[2]. Studies concerning preschool children began to emerge in the early 21st century, demonstrating the negative consequences of obesity, sedentary behaviour, low physical activity levels and motor deficits. There is evidence to suggest engaging in physical activity in the early years of life, as behavioral changes in the lifestyle healthy are more likely in children than in youth and adults[3,4]

Objectives

Methods

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Conclusion