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Environmental factors associated with physical activity in childcare centers
Kathryn E Henderson1, Gabrielle M Grode2, Meghan L O'Connell3
1Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity Yale University (at time of study), 309 Edwards Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA. kathrynh333@gmail.com.
Insights
Child care environments impact children's physical activity. Increasing outdoor time and indoor play opportunities are key to meeting recommended daily activity levels for young children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Environmental Health
- Child Development
Background:
- Child care settings significantly influence children's physical activity levels.
- Understanding environmental factors that promote physical activity in early childhood is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate child care center practices and environmental features associated with children's moderate and vigorous physical activity.
- To identify specific environmental and staff-related factors that encourage physical activity in preschool-aged children.
Main Methods:
- Assessed environmental characteristics and staff practices in 35 child care centers.
- Measured physical activity in 389 children aged 3-5 years using accelerometers during a single day.
Main Results:
- Children spent 14% of their time in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA).
- Key predictors of MVPA included time spent outdoors, indoor play space suitability, and teacher encouragement of indoor play.
Conclusions:
- Current physical activity levels in child care settings fall short of U.S. recommendations.
- Enhancing opportunities for outdoor play and improving indoor activity spaces are necessary to increase children's daily physical activity.
Background:
Child care centers influence physical activity levels among children, yet little is known about the specific aspects of the environment that support generous amounts of activity. The purpose of this study was to examine the practices, and environmental aspects of the child care center that are associated with children's moderate and vigorous physical activity.
Methods:
Thirty-five child care centers serving 389 3 to 5 year old children were assessed for: 1) environmental characteristics of the center; and 2) staff practices related to child physical activity. Children's physical activity was measured using accelerometers over a single day in child care.
Results:
Fourteen percent (an average of 9 minutes per waking hour) were spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The strongest environmental predictors of MVPA were: time spent in outdoor play, suitability of indoor play space, and teacher encouragement of (but not participation in) indoor play.
Conclusions:
In order to reach the U.S. recommended 120 minutes of physical activity per day, significant changes will need to occur in the child care setting, including increased time outdoors and more opportunities for indoor physical activity.
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