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Physical activity for preschool children--how much and how?
Brian W Timmons1, Patti-Jean Naylor, Karin A Pfeiffer
1Children's Exercise & Nutrition Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. timmonbw@mcmaster.ca
Insights
Regular physical activity is crucial for preschool children's healthy development, supporting physical, cognitive, and social growth. This review highlights the link between activity, motor skills, and healthy weight gain in early childhood.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood obesity trends necessitate understanding physical activity's role in early development.
- Preschool years (ages 2-5) are critical for establishing lifelong health behaviors.
- Optimal physical activity guidelines are needed for this age group.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize scientific evidence linking physical activity to biological and psychosocial development in preschoolers.
- To identify the optimal types and amounts of physical activity for early childhood.
- To explore the relationship between physical activity, motor skill acquisition, and healthy weight.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of studies on physical activity in children aged 2-5 years.
- Analysis of research on physical activity's impact on physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development.
- Examination of factors influencing physical activity levels, including environmental determinants.
Main Results:
- Physical activity is strongly associated with improved motor skills and healthy weight gain.
- Cognitive, emotional, and social development are positively influenced by regular physical activity.
- Family, childcare settings, and socioeconomic status are key determinants of activity levels.
Conclusions:
- Evidence supports specific physical activity recommendations for preschool children's holistic development.
- Further research is needed to refine understanding of physical activity's long-term effects and optimal interventions.
- Promoting physical activity in early childhood is essential for preventing obesity and fostering overall well-being.
Abstract:
Alarming trends in childhood obesity even among preschool children have re-focused attention on the importance of physical activity in this age group. With this increased attention comes the need to identify the amount and type of physical activity appropriate for optimal development of preschool children. The purpose of this paper is to provide the scientific evidence to support a link between physical activity and biological and psychosocial development during early childhood (ages 2-5 years). To do so, we summarize pertinent literature informing the nature of the physical activity required to promote healthy physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development during these early years. A particular focus is on the interaction between physical activity and motor skill acquisition. Special emphasis is also placed on the nature of physical activity that promotes healthy weight gain during this period of childhood. The paper also discusses the strongest determinants of physical activity in preschool-age children, including the role of the child's environment (e.g., family, child-care, and socio-economic status). We provide recommendations for physical activity based on the best available evidence, and identify future research needs.
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