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Objective assessment of levels and patterns of physical activity in preschool children
Martin Brasholt1, Bo Chawes, Eskil Kreiner-Møller
1Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Danish Pediatric Asthma Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte, Gentofte, Denmark. mbrasholt@hotmail.com
Insights
Preschool boys are generally more active than girls, with distinct activity patterns on weekdays versus weekends. Higher body mass index (BMI) in children correlates with reduced physical activity levels.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric physical activity research
- Childhood obesity and activity patterns
- Gender-based activity differences in early childhood
Background:
- Understanding physical activity in preschool children is crucial for public health.
- Gender and Body Mass Index (BMI) are potential factors influencing activity levels.
- Detailed analysis of activity patterns can inform targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate physical activity levels and patterns in 5-year-old children.
- To examine the influence of gender on physical activity.
- To assess the relationship between BMI and physical activity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized accelerometers worn continuously for 4 weeks by 253 children.
- Measured overall physical activity and time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA).
- Employed Fourier series analysis to detail temporal activity patterns.
Main Results:
- Boys exhibited higher overall activity than girls, except during winter months.
- Distinct activity patterns were observed between weekdays (higher activity) and weekends.
- Children in the highest BMI tertile showed flatter activity profiles and lower overall activity compared to those in the lowest tertile.
Conclusions:
- Significant gender disparities exist in preschool children's physical activity.
- Activity patterns vary notably between weekdays and weekends throughout the year.
- Elevated BMI is associated with decreased physical activity in this age group.
Background:
The aim of this study was to examine in detail levels and patterns of physical activity in preschool children and the effects of gender and BMI on this activity.
Methods:
Two hundred and fifty-three children aged 5 y participating in the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood wore an accelerometer day and night over a 4-wk period. The main outcome measure was level of physical activity using the raw data. A secondary measure was time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). A Fourier series analysis was applied to study in detail patterns over time.
Results:
Activity profiles throughout the year were unique for each sex, with boys being overall more active than girls except for winter months. Preschool children also showed distinct patterns of physical activity during weekdays as compared with weekends and were most active during weekdays. Preschool children in the highest tertile of BMI had a flat yearly activity profile and tended to be less active as compared with those in the lowest tertile.
Conclusion:
Preschool children showed significant gender differences in physical activity, with distinct patterns throughout the year as well as between weekdays and weekends. A high BMI tended to be associated with lower levels of physical activity.
