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Levels, factors and interventions of preschool children physical activity: a systematic review
Vitor Antonio Cerignoni Coelho1, Rute Estanislava Tolocka2
1Universidade Federal do Tocantins. Av. Lourdes Solino s/n, Setor Universitário. 77650-000 Miracema do Tocantis TO Brasil. v7coelho@yahoo.com.br.
Insights
Physical activity (PA) levels in preschool children are declining, necessitating targeted interventions. Parental involvement and structured activities can boost PA, while parental obesity is a barrier. Further research into sedentary behavior is crucial.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Preschool children's physical activity (PA) is crucial for development.
- Concerns exist regarding declining PA levels in this age group.
- Understanding associated factors and interventions is vital for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review research on physical activity (PA) levels, interventions, and associated factors in preschool children.
- To analyze studies published between 2006 and 2016.
- To identify trends and influencing factors in preschool children's physical activity.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of literature from PubMed and SPORTDiscus databases.
- Inclusion criteria focused on studies published between 2006-2016 concerning preschool children's PA.
- Analysis of 41 selected articles regarding goals, methodologies, and results.
Main Results:
- A concerning trend of increasing low physical activity (PA) levels among preschool children was observed.
- Positive factors influencing PA include parental/teacher involvement, informational resources, parent instruction, and extracurricular activities.
- Parental obesity was identified as a negative factor impacting children's PA.
Conclusions:
- Low physical activity (PA) in preschool children is an escalating concern.
- Interventions should focus on ecological designs involving schools, families, and communities.
- Further research is needed to define sedentary behavior and develop effective prevention programs.
Abstract:
The goal of this study was to complete a systematic review of research on the occurrence the levels of physical activity (PA), forms of intervention and factors associated with this practice among preschool children. Studies published in the period between 2006 and 2016 were investigated, using the PubMed and SPORTDiscus databases. The search terms identified 177 articles, of which 41 met the inclusion criteria. Goals, methodologies and results were analysed. The studies used various cut-off points to establish the desired level of PA, along with different types of interventions. Overall, the problem of low level of PA among preschool children appears to be increasing. Involvement and participation of parents and teachers, guidance from booklets and other information sources, parent instruction and availability of extracurricular activities were considered positive factors that tended to increase children's PA levels, whereas parental obesity was a negative factor. New studies to define sedentary behaviour in preschool children are required to clarify the nature of this problem, along with the establishment of prevention programmes with ecological design aimed at schools, families and other sectors of society.
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