Physical Activity in Preschool Children in Lithuania

Abstract

The survey on physical activity in preschool children was accomplished in Lithuania. In the survey participated 512 preschool children (urban and rural). Chi-square test was used and the significance level p ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study revealed that 21.7 % preschool children during leisure time are walking outside more than 1 hour per day, and 9.2 % preschool children are walking outside less than 15 minutes per day; no significant differences between boys and girls were observed. The rural preschool children are walking outside significantly longer compared with urban preschool children. Out of school, during leisure time everyday are taking physical exercises or go in for sports 22.5 % preschool children, and never exercise almost the same percent respondents (21.9 %). The survey showed that 36,1 % children exercise 2 and more times per week and 19.5 % preschool children exercise only few times per month. All investigated preschool children take physical exercises or go in for sports with almost the same rate, and there are no significant differences between boys and girls, and between urban and rural preschool children (p>0.05). The study revealed that the more than half of preschool children’s (57%) health is good. Only 1% respondents’ health is bad. The study showed that in Lithuania, preschool children physical activity is low, it is therefore necessary to implement measures for its promotion. Article in Lithuanian doi:10.5200/sm-hs.2012.075