Published: July 2015

ID #: 67307

Journal: Health Behav Policy Rev

Authors: Kwon S, Mason M, Becker AB

See more related research

Share


Physical activity (PA) at a young age is an important health behavior to prevent childhood obesity and establish healthy PA habits. Because the majority of preschool-age children attend child-care centers, child-care environment can play an important role in promoting PA among this population. This study examined environmental factors associated with children’s moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) during indoor and outdoor PA sessions at urban child-care centers. Investigators observed daily activity schedules, recreational space, and play equipment at 16 Chicago child-care centers in winter and spring of 2011, and measured child PA using ActiGraph accelerometers for preschoolers ages 3 to 5 years. Statistical analyses were conducted to predict MVPA time and inactivity time during indoor and outdoor PA sessions. More indoor play equipment, structured PA sessions, and spring season were associated with more MVPA during indoor PA sessions. Presence of an outdoor playground and spring season were associated with more MVPA during outdoor PA sessions. These findings support previous studies that indicate the positive impact of access to PA space and equipment on child engagement in PA, and suggest the need for more detailed strategies in scheduling structured PA sessions.

Related Research

February 2010

Assessing Changes in Regulations at Chicago Child-Care Facilities to Prevent Childhood Obesity

In the fall of 2009, the Chicago Board of Health will adopt changes to child-care regulations intended to improve nutrition standards, establish minimum time requirements for physical activity and set maximum time requirements for screentime. During a two-year voluntary phase-in period child-care providers will receive education and training to facilitate compliance. This study will evaluate More

December 2024

Evidence to Support an Additional CACFP Meal Reimbursement for Family Childcare Home Providers

This policy brief provides evidence supporting the need for an increase in the number of reimbursable meals and snacks under the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program, also known as CACFP, from three to four per child daily. CACFP provides nutritious meals to nearly 625,000 children attending family childcare homes nationwide, primarily from lower-income More

September 2024

Water Is K’é: Learning from the Navajo Community to Promote Early Child Health

Drinking water instead of sugary drinks is key to reducing health disparities. Since beverage habits are shaped by complex personal, community, and environmental factors, community input is critical to design any intervention promoting water. The research team worked with community partners to design a program to promote healthy beverage habits among young Navajo children. The More