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.
Environmental Factors Associated with Child Physical Activity at Childcare
Published: July 2015
ID #: 67307
Journal: Health Behav Policy Rev
Authors: Kwon S, Mason M, Becker AB
Focus Area: Early Childhood
Age Group: Preschool-age children (ages 3 to 5)
Resource Type: Journal Article
Race/Ethnicity: Multi-racial/ethnic
Keywords: Child Care/Preschool, Physical activity, Urban
State: Illinois
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 … More
March 2020
Toddler Drink Marketing: Opportunities to Address Harmful Practices
Toddler drinks are a relatively new product category, typically offered by infant formula manufacturers and promoted as beneficial for young children ages 12 months and older. Marketing promotes these drinks as the “next step” after infant formula, using claims that imply unproven benefits for children’s nutrition and health. However, these drinks … More
February 2020
Improving the actionable research base for health equity in breastfeeding by assessing an intervention to increase rates in minority populations
Breastfeeding equity is a critical component of nutrition-related equity. Breastfeeding rates in the United States are strongly correlated with poverty and race. Communities and Hospitals Advancing Maternity Practices (CHAMPS) is a multi-sectoral, policy, system, and environmental initiative which has significantly increased breastfeeding rates among black populations. CHAMPS was launched in … More