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Physical activity levels among children attending family day care
Kelly R Rice1, Stewart G Trost2
1Department of Physical Activity, Health, and Wellness, Eastern Oregon University, OR.
Insights
Children in family day care programs have low physical activity (PA) levels. Promoting PA is crucial, especially for overweight and obese children, as boys and older children showed higher activity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Child Development
- Public Health Interventions
Background:
- Family day care settings are common for young children.
- Understanding physical activity (PA) levels in these settings is vital for child health.
- Current PA levels in family day care are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively measure the physical activity (PA) levels of children in family day care programs.
- To identify factors influencing PA in this population.
- To inform interventions aimed at increasing PA.
Main Methods:
- 114 children from 47 family day care centers participated.
- Accelerometers were used to measure time in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and total PA.
- Data were analyzed using validated cut points.
Main Results:
- Children averaged 5.8 minutes of MVPA and 10.4 minutes of total PA per hour.
- Boys demonstrated significantly higher PA than girls.
- Healthy weight 4- and 5-year-olds were more active than younger children, while overweight/obese 4- and 5-year-olds were less active than healthy weight peers.
Conclusions:
- Children in family day care exhibit low PA levels during care hours.
- Intervention programs are needed to enhance PA in family day care settings.
- PA levels vary by sex, age, and weight status, indicating targeted approaches may be beneficial.
Objective:
To objectively measure the physical activity (PA) levels of children attending family day care programs.
Methods:
A total of 114 children from 47 family day care centers wore an accelerometer for the duration of their time in care. Time in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and total PA was calculated using previously validated cut points.
Results:
Children accumulated 5.8 ± 3.2 minutes of MVPA and 10.4 ± 4.4 minutes of total PA per hour of attendance. Boys exhibited significantly higher levels of PA than girls. Among healthy weight children, 4- and 5-year-olds exhibited significantly higher levels of PA than 2- and 3-year-olds. Overweight and obese 4- and 5-year-olds exhibited significantly lower levels of PA than their healthy weight counterparts.
Conclusions And Implications:
Children attending family day care participate in low levels of PA during the child care day. The results highlight the need for effective programs to promote PA in family day care.
