Defining and Measuring Active Play Among Young Children: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Pediatric physical activity research
• Childhood development studies

Background:

• Many young children do not meet Canadian physical activity guidelines.
• Active play is a primary method for children's physical activity.
• The term 'active play' is used to encourage higher activity levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize literature on active play definitions in young children.
• To identify key concepts defining active play.
• To explore methods for measuring active play.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of seven online databases.
• Inclusion of English-language original research and reports.
• Focus on studies defining or measuring active play in children aged 2–6 years.

Main Results:

• Common active play themes include: high energy, rough-and-tumble, gross motor skills, unstructured, self-chosen, and enjoyable.
• Active play is frequently equated with physical activity.
• Questionnaires are the predominant method for assessing active play.

Conclusions:

• Significant variability exists in active play definitions, measurement methods, and settings.
• A consistent, accepted definition of active play is needed.
• This review provides a foundational definition for active play.