Physical Activity In Preschool Children Research Articles

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

The aim of this paper is to examine the effect of socio-demographic factors, children’s motor skills and parents’ physical activity on the physical activity of preschool children with intellectual disabilities. The research sample included 47 children with intellectual disabilities, as well as 47 parents. For the examination of socio-demographic variables, a questionnaire was created, which included information about parents and children. The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale was used to assess adaptive behaviour in the domain of motor skills. For assessing the children’s gross motor skills, the Test of Gross Motor Development was used, and the Family Lifestyle Survey was used for the assessment of the physical activity of parents, and children with intellectual disabilities. The results show that the majority of children with intellectual disabilities partake in some physical activity for at least 20 minutes, one to four times a week. Multiple linear regression analysis found that the independent variables explained 11.2% of the variance in children’s physical activity. Gross motor skills represented the strongest individual contribution to the physical activity of children with intellectual disabilities.

Which behaviour change techniques are associated with interventions that increase physical activity in pre-school children? A systematic review

BackgroundInsufficient physical activity (PA) is a significant risk factor that contributes to several health problems and there is a need to improve our understanding of how to increase PA, particularly among young children. This review (PROSPERO registration: CRD42022328841) investigated the relationship between behaviour change techniques (BCTs) and interventions that increased PA among pre-school children aged < 6 years old.MethodsSystematic searches of six databases were undertaken from inception to July 2022, updated in December 2022, to locate studies that evaluated interventions and reported a positive change in PA levels in children aged < 6 years old.ResultsA total of 5,304 studies were screened, and 28 studies involving 10,605 subjects aged 2.5 to 5.9 years met the eligibility criteria. Each eligible study (n = 28) was independently appraised by two researchers using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The BCT Taxonomy v1 and the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) guided the extraction and analysis of data, and this process led to the identification of 27 BCTs.ConclusionsPotentially promising BCTs for increasing PA among young children included ‘shaping knowledge,’ ‘antecedents,’ ‘goals and planning,’ and ‘comparison of behaviour.’ Future PA interventions that target young children should consider integrating these promising BCTs into their programmes. However, such consideration needs to be tempered by the fact that most of the reviewed studies were deemed to have a high or unclear risk of bias and/or were limited with respect to the populations that they targeted. Further research using rigorous methodologies is required to establish a higher standard that addresses the needs of young children who are expected to have insufficient levels of physical activity.

Associations between basic motor competencies and physical fitness in Spanish pre-schoolers: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundBasic motor competencies (BMC) play a vital role in child development and are a primary focus of physical education. However, there is a lack of research on BMC in preschool-aged children, making this study particularly significant. The present study aims to examine the relationship between BMC and physical fitness components in Spanish preschool children.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 101 children (n = 52 boys, average age of 4.80 years) living in Pamplona, North Spain. Components of physical fitness (handgrip strength, standing long jump, speed-agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness) were assessed using the PREFIT Battery. Overall physical fitness was computed from the four selected fitness components separately for boys and girls. Higher z-scores values in physical fitness indicate better fitness performance. To assess BMC, the MOBAK KG test battery was applied (subscales of object control and self-movement). Sex, age, and body mass index were used as main confounders.ResultsAfter adjustment for confounding factors, the BMC was positively associated with single (z-scores) components and overall physical fitness sum of z-scores (R2 from 0.178 to 0.469, all P-values < 0.05). Additional percentile scores weakened the associations, but they still remained significant (R2 from 0.146 to 0.337, all P-values < 0.05). Compared with participants in the lowest tertile, those in the highest tertile of the MOBAK KG sum score, and in both object movement and self-movement test subscales had significantly higher scores in single fitness component (z-scores or percentile) and overall physical fitness sum of z-scores (all P for trend < 0.001).ConclusionsOur results revealed that higher BMC is associated with better physical fitness in Spanish preschool children. The findings emphasize the crucial role that basic motor competence plays in promoting physical activity in preschool children.

Neighborhood Places for Preschool Children's Physical Activity: A Mixed-Methods Study Using Global Positioning System, Geographic Information Systems, and Accelerometry Data.

This study adds to the current literature by using a novel device-based method to explore where preschool children are physically active outside of home and childcare settings. This study combined accelerometry with geospatial data to explore the influence of the environment on preschool children's physical activity by objectively identifying the locations where preschool children engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) within and outside of their neighborhood. Accelerometry, Global Positioning System, and Geographic Information Systems data from 168 preschool children aged 2-5years were processed in ArcGIS Pro to identify locations (per 25 × 25-m fishnet cell) with high MVPA counts. Locations with high MVPA counts were defined as those with the top 20% of MVPA counts per fishnet cell. The land use for high MVPA count location was determined for 3 domains: <500m from home, 500 to 1600m from home, and >1600m from home. Locations with high MVPA counts <500m from home were playgrounds (66.6%), schools (16.7%), and parks (16.7%). Locations with high MVPA counts 500 to 1600m from home included playgrounds (33.3%), nonhome residential (29.6%), childcare centers (11.1%), and parks (3.7%). Locations with high MVPA counts >1600m from home included nonhome residential (54.7%), sports and recreation centers (11.1%), playgrounds (6.8%), and parks (5.3%). Our findings highlight that local parks and playgrounds provide physical activity opportunities for preschool children, yet beyond the local neighborhood, the homes of others are important locations for preschool children to accumulate MVPA. These findings can be used to inform the design of current and future neighborhood places to better accommodate preschool children's MVPA.

Physical activity in kindergarten, fundamental movement skills, and screen time in Spanish preschool children

AbstractSchools have been postulated as ideal environments to encourage physical activity (PA). This study aimed to assess the relationship between PA in school hours, motor competence, and screen time in a sample of Spanish preschool children. Fifty‐seven 4–5‐year‐old preschoolers (n = 32 girls) participated. The Garmin Vivofit wristband was used to measure the PA levels during school hours in a week. Sedentary behavior was estimated through screen‐time hours reported by preschoolers' families and motor competence was assessed by the Athletic Skills Track. The anthropometry (weight/height) and demographic data were also collected. We found that motor competence was significantly associated with PA both in minutes and in steps. Therefore, increased motor competence was related to higher engagement in PA during school hours. No association was found between screen time and PA or proficiency of motor competence. No gender differences were found in any variable assessed. Based on the relationship between motor competence proficiency and the amount of PA in preschool children, our findings support the need for specific strategies to promote fundamental movement skills and increase PA practice from early childhood.

CONDITIONS FOR THE CONDITIONING OF CHILDREN OF THE SCHOOL PREPARATORY GROUP THROUGH THE MEANS OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION

This article discusses the most important mechanisms of organizing physical activity in preschool children, mechanisms for explaining and fixing physical exercises for them in the process of activity.

Validity and reliability of the turkish version of the early activity scale for endurance in preschool children with cerebral palsy

ABSTRACT This study presented the Turkish translation of the Early Activity Scale for Endurance (T-EASE) which was developed to evaluate the endurance for physical activity of preschool children with Cerebral Palsy (CP), and its validity and reliability. Fifty-five children with CP aged between 2 and 5 years were included in the study. The Gross Motor Function Classification Scale (GMFCS) and Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) were used to determine motor function levels and quality of life of the study population. The T-EASE had good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.996), internal consistency (α = 0.903), higher construct validity approved by confirmatory factor analysis, and criterion validity supported by the weak-to-strong correlations between T-EASE and GMFCS, and PODCI. The T-EASE scores were significantly different between GMFCS levels (p < .05). The T-EASE was found to be valid and reliable to determine the endurance for physical activity of Turkish pre-school children with CP with the sensitivity to changes in motor function levels.

Bibliometric analysis of the scientific evolution of physical activity in preschool children

Bibliometric analysis of the scientific evolution of physical activity in preschool children

Perceptions of Caregivers about Preschool Children’s Nutritional Care and Physical Activity through Tai Lue Traditions: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

The problem of malnutrition among preschool children in northern Thailand is on the upsurge, while engagement in physical activities among these children has decreased. The Tai Lue community has long been recognized for its traditional wisdom and unique culture, which has an effect on the dietary intake and exercise behavior of these children. This study focused on the perceptions among caregivers of preschool children’s nutritional care and the physical activity through Tai Lue traditions. This study employed a qualitative descriptive approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews during four focus group discussions and five in-depth interviews. Participants were 30 people, including family caregivers of children aged 2-6 years and Tai Lue community leaders. Sample groups were selected by purposive sampling and data were analyzed using a content analysis method.Findings were classified into four themes: 1) accessing healthcare services; 2) caring under Tai Lue traditions; 3) thinking of problems and obstacles; and 4) providing community support. Our findings provide a better understanding of how nutritional care is administered to preschool children living in the Tai Lue community along with the promotion of their physical activities, and provide valuable insights for healthcare providers. Nurses can apply these insights when giving advice about nutrition screening and when designing guidelines for how they care for patients and promote nutrition care and physical activity in preschool children through the culture of the Tai Lue community.

Validity of low-cost measures for global surveillance of physical activity in pre-school children: The SUNRISE validation study.

To validate parent-reported child habitual total physical activity against accelerometry and three existing step-count thresholds for classifying 3 h/day of total physical activity in pre-schoolers from 13 culturally and geographically diverse countries. Cross-sectional validation study. We used data involving 3- and 4-year-olds from 13 middle- and high-income countries who participated in the SUNRISE study. We used Spearman's rank-order correlation, Bland-Altman plots, and Kappa statistics to validate parent-reported child habitual total physical activity against activPAL™-measured total physical activity over 3 days. Additionally, we used Receiver Operating Characteristic Area Under the Curve analysis to validate existing step-count thresholds (Gabel, Vale, and De Craemer) using step-counts derived from activPAL™. Of the 352 pre-schoolers, 49.1 % were girls. There was a very weak but significant positive correlation and slight agreement between parent-reported total physical activity and accelerometer-measured total physical activity (r: 0.140; p = 0.009; Kappa: 0.030). Parents overestimated their child's total physical activity compared to accelerometry (mean bias: 69 min/day; standard deviation: 126; 95 % limits of agreement: -179, 316). Of the three step-count thresholds tested, the De Craemer threshold of 11,500 steps/day provided excellent classification of meeting the total physical activity guideline as measured by accelerometry (area under the ROC curve: 0.945; 95 % confidence interval: 0.928, 0.961; sensitivity: 100.0 %; specificity: 88.9 %). Parent reports may have limited validity for assessing pre-schoolers' level of total physical activity. Step-counting is a promising alternative - low-cost global surveillance initiatives could potentially use pedometers for assessing compliance with the physical activity guideline in early childhood.

Where are preschoolers active in childcare centers? A hot-spot analysis using GIS, GPS and accelerometry data

ABSTRACT This study investigated where preschool children were more or less active in outdoor play areas in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) centers using a novel method of combined device-measured physical activity, spatial data and on-site audit data. Preschool children (n = 237) aged 2–5 years from 30 ECEC centers wore accelerometer (Actigraph GT3X+) and Global Positioning System device (Qstarz Q-1000XT) for 7 days. Optimized hot spot analysis was performed to identify physical activity hot and cold spots in ECEC outdoor play areas. Preschoolers’ mean daily minutes of physical activity per ECEC day were significantly higher in large-very large ECEC centers compared to small-medium sized ECEC centers (all p < .01). Physical activity hot spots were frequently found in open areas and sometimes also found in their adjacent outdoor play areas if children can freely move between these areas. The amount of running space in ECEC outdoor play area and its location in relation to open areas are important for facilitating physical activity in preschool children. The findings provide objective behavioral and spatial information of ECEC outdoor play area designs that promote physical activity behavior in preschoolers, which can be used to inform the planning and design of physical activity promoting ECEC outdoor environments.

Weekday and Weekend Physical Activity of Preschool Children in Relation to Selected Socioeconomic Indicators.

Physical activity (PA) is as vital for improving the health of young children as it is positively associated with a broad range of psychological, cognitive, and cardio-metabolic outcomes. The aims of this study were to: (1) to assess the level of PA and meeting the WHO recommendations: moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and the number of steps in Polish preschool boys and girls on weekdays and on weekends; (2) to investigate the relationship between selected socioeconomic indicators (self-reported by parents) and PA, including meeting the WHO recommendation for daily MVPA and the number of steps on weekdays and on weekends among Polish preschoolers. Data were collected in the 2017/2018 school year. The study included a total of 522 boys and girls both aged between 5 and 6 years. The ActiGraph GT3X-BT tri-axial accelerometer was used to measure PA. Selected socioeconomic indicators as well as parental body weight and body height were self-reported by parents/caregivers using a questionnaire. In most of the PA indicators analyzed for girls (moderate, vigorous, total MVPA, and steps/day), the averages were higher during the week than during the weekend. Moreover, significantly more boys met the criteria of MVPA, both on weekdays and over the weekend (32.3% boys and 19.2% girls on weekdays and 31.1% boys and 18.1% girls on weekends). Additionally, more boys met the step recommendations, but only on weekends (15.5% boys and 6.6% girls). It was found that if there were two people in a household, there was an almost a three-fold greater chance (adj. OR = 2.94, p = 0.032) of meeting the MVPA criterion with an even stronger association (over fivefold greater chance) in meeting the step recommendation (adj. OR = 5.56, p = 0.033). The differences in the day schedule may potentially contribute with the level of PA in girls. Among the analyzed selected socioeconomic indicators, only the number of people in a household had a significant association on PA.

Physical activity in preschool children and its association with perceived competence and social acceptance.

Physical activity in preschool children and its association with perceived competence and social acceptance.

The Importance of Parents' Income and Education Level in Relation to Their Preschool Children's Activity Level at Leisure.

Previous research indicate that socioeconomic status positively corresponds with adults’ and adolescents’ physical activity levels. This study investigated the relationship between parents’ education and income, and preschool children’s physical activity level. A total of 244 Norwegian preschool children aged four to six and their parents were enrolled in the study. The children wore an Actigraph GT1M accelerometer for seven consecutive days to measure their physical activity level. Parents completed a questionnaire that provided information about their education level and income level. To examine the relationship between the parents’ education and income and their children’s physical activity level at leisure, the Kruskal-Wallis H test was conducted. The results revealed that neither mothers’ nor fathers’ education level or income, were associated with their children’s minutes in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) at leisure. The preschool curriculum of Norway may be one explanation why socioeconomic status was not linked to physical activity in this study. Another possibility is that this study was limited to full-time students with two parents. More research is needed to determine whether parent income or education is linked to physical activity among more diverse or older children in Norway.

An Exploration of Child-Staff Interactions That Promote Physical Activity in Pre-School.

A previous study identified a significant association between the average physical activity levels of pre-school staff and children during pre-school hours but did not determine if this association was initiated by pre-school staff or children. The present study aimed to explore the interactions between children and staff to better understand the conditions of such a relationship. Observations using the Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation (EPAO) protocol were carried out in three pre-schools, and a focus-group interview and semiformal interviews were conducted with five pre-school staff in one of the three pre-schools to examine the research question. Both the observations and the interview data revealed that physical activity by pre-school staff initiated physical activity among the children. The findings pointing to the importance of pre-school staff as organizers of the physical activity of children and the willingness of staff to join a physical activity initiated by the children also appear to be important. The findings also indicate that most of the physical activity took place outdoors. The study highlights the importance of pre-school staff as major contributors to the physical activity of pre-school children.

Teaching Methodologies and School Organization in Early Childhood Education and Its Association with Physical Activity.

Early childhood represents a crucial period for child development. Physical activity is essential in this process, but studies show that children are very inactive and do not meet the recommended minimums. Due to the large proportion of time they spend at school, it is necessary to examine active and sedentary behaviors in these environments. The aim of the study is to analyze the amount and intensity of physical activity in preschool children during the school day according to the methodology used. Using accelerometry, the amount and intensity of physical activity and sedentary behavior of 156 children aged 4–6 years at different times of the school day were evaluated. The results revealed that preschoolers spend most of their class time sedentary, with children participating in active methodologies registering the highest amount and intensity of physical activity. Recess and specific motor sessions are the most active times, although the latter should increase the time of intense activity that they imply. To increase physical activity during the school day, it is necessary to establish movement integration methodologies, while increasing the number and adjusting the duration of specific motor sessions and of recesses, so that the maximum possible use is made of them.

Physical Activity of Preschool Children in COVID-19 Pandemic: Focusing on Activity Content and Exercise Intensity during Childcare

The present study examined the relationship between children’s activities at a nursery school and the amount of physical activity in the COVID-19 pandemic and obtained primary data to promote future childcare activities. Healthy preschool children aged 3 - 5 (N = 21) participated in the survey. Children wore an activity tracker (Polar, A360) on the wrist of the non-dominant hand for three hours in the morning on five days, just after the state of emergency was lifted. The measurements included “activity time”, “moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) time”, and “average heart rate (HR)”. The activity time was defined as physical activity time with an intensity of over 60% HRmax (maximum heart rate). MVPA time was defined as time doing physical activity with an intensity higher than 70% HRmax. From the results of this study, in childcare under COVID-19 pandemic, the activity time of each day was 37.8 ± 25.0 min to 87.0 ± 34.7 min, and the MVPA time was 4.7 ± 6.3 min to 33.7 ± 26.1 min, and the average heart rate was 111.3 ± 7.3 bpm at the lowest and 126.8 ± 9.9 bpm at the highest. In particular, the time of MVPA, which is expected to improve physical strength, was approximately 15min on a five-day average, which was significantly shorter than previous studies. Children’s health and development of athletic ability are hindered by insufficient opportunities for physical activities and exercise because of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Securing exercise time and increasing exercise intensity should be considered in childcare to increase children’s physical activity in childcare.

Association between objectively measured body composition, sleep parameters and physical activity in preschool children: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveAssociations between self-reported sleep duration and obesity indices in children are well recognised; however, there are no studies on associations between objectively measured other sleep parameters and physical activity with...

Povezanost upotrebe mobilnih telefona i fizičke aktivnosti dece predškolskog uzrasta u slobodnom vremenu

We are witnesses to an ever faster and more "aggressive" influence of modern technologies, not only on lives of adults and adolescents, but also children of preschool age. This planetary trend has not bypassed contemporary Serbian society either. The subject of this paper is the analysis of the data collected through the original empirical research in relation to establishing a connection between (1) the dimension of smartphone control imposed by the parents and (2) the dimensions of physical activity of children of preschool age in their leisure time. The paper analyzes the physical activities of preschool children depending on the following variables: children's gender and age (4, 5 or 6 years old), whether the child owns a smartphone or not, whether the child is included in a programmed sports activity; all this in relation to the parents' statement on whether they limit the time of the child's smartphone use. The relationship between these variables is justified by applying the Parental Smartphone Use Management Scale (PSUMS), while Baecke questionnaire is used for the data on preschool children's physical activity in their leisure time. The empirical research was carried out in the first half of 2020 by conducting a survey among the parents of 943 preschool children aged from 4 to 6 attending preschool and daycare centres in the territory of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina (Serbia). Based on the analysis of the collected data, we have deduced the following: 1. a large percentage of children from 4 to 6 do not own their own smartphones (77.9%), but nonetheless they use smartphones on a daily basis (73.4%); 2. there are no differences in children's physical activities in relation to their gender and age; 3. children spend more time on physical activities in their leisure time if they do not have their own smartphones, if they are engaged in an organized sports activity ("recreational schools"), as well as if their parents limit their smartphone use, and 4. children participate more in physical activities in their leisure time if their parents are consistent regarding children's smartphone time management. Recommendations to parents based on our research are that children should be included in free physical activities at the earliest preschool age, and in the structured/programmed ones at a later preschool age, because that is the period most suitable for accepting adequate habits of physical exercise that are carried on into adulthood. In that manner, children will more easily "give up" their passive (sedentary) activities in leisure time, which is usually spent alongside use of smartphone, all with the aim of optimizing the quality of their growing up.

Predictors and barriers to physical activity among rural preschool children in Kuching and Samarahan Divison, Sarawak, Malaysia

Introduction: Physical activity improves the physical and mental health of children as well as their social wellbeing. Physical activity of preschool children is influenced by individual, social, nutritional and environment factors. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of physical activity and associated factors among preschool children in rural districts of Kuching and Samarahan Divison, Sarawak, Malaysia. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 227 children, aged 4 to 6 years, from KEMAS preschools and their parents from rural area of Kuching and Samarahan Division, Sarawak. Socio-demographic profile, physical activity, sedentary behaviour and perceived environmental factors were obtained using interview-guided validated questionnaires. Nutritional status of the children was measured using anthropometric measurement. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 22.0 Results: The proportion of physically active children in this study was 46.3%; 50.7% were found to have high screen time and 40.5% had high quiet play. The prevalence of overweight was 12.8% and the prevalence of obesity was 5.2%. Multivariate analysis revealed that the proportion of children who were physically active was higher among those who were of the Malay ethnicity with unemployed mothers, high safety and crime score, and walkable environment in the surrounding. Conclusions: This study showed that only half of preschool children were engaged in physical activity in sufficient levels. The study also identified the several predictors related to physical activity using the socio-ecological model. Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2020; 49(4): 353-360