Relationship between Outdoor and TV Viewing Time with Children's Movement in Early Care Settings

Abstract

ABSTRACT Childhood obesity may be prevented by decreasing sedentary behavior (SB) and increasing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in young children. Outdoor time and TV viewing time may contribute to SB and MVPA. Early childcare and education (ECE) settings are important environments for SB and MVPA. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between outdoor and TV viewing time with body mass index (BMI) percentile and movement in children attending ECE. An observational study at ECE centers and classrooms within those centers was conducted. Outdoor and TV viewing times were collected for 2 d using trained research assistants. Height and weight of children were objectively measured. Movement was measured for the entire school day using accelerometry. Dependent variables included BMI percentile, minutes of SB, light physical activity (LPA), MVPA, and steps. Hierarchical models adjusted for confounders and clustering of children in classrooms. In 34 classrooms (202 children), outdoor time was associated with BMI percentile (P < 0.03), SB (P < 0.01), LPA (P < 0.01), MVPA (P < 0.01), and steps (P < 0.01). On the classroom level, more outdoor time was associated with lower BMI percentile and higher MVPA, but outdoor time had different directions of association for SB and LPA on the classroom level. TV viewing time was associated with MVPA (P < 0.01). In TV viewing time, there were differing directions of association at the classroom level. Differing directions indicate that there was no consistent direction of association between classrooms. In conclusion, individual classrooms within centers had different relationships to outdoor time and TV viewing time to movement. Investigating the differences between classrooms may improve movement.