Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
A Method for Quantifying Upper Limb Performance in Daily Life Using Accelerometers
Published on: April 21, 2017
Accelerometer-Based Physical Activity Levels Differ between Week and Weekend Days in British Preschool Children
Clare M P Roscoe1, Rob S James2, Michael J Duncan2
1Human Sciences Research Centre, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB, UK.
Insights
British preschoolers spend most of their day sedentary, with significantly less moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on weekends. None met recommended daily activity levels, highlighting a need for increased physical activity interventions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Sports Science
Background:
- Physical activity (PA) is crucial for children's long-term health.
- Limited research exists on weekday vs. weekend PA patterns in UK preschoolers.
- Objective measurement of PA is needed to accurately assess children's activity levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare physical activity (PA) levels between weekdays and weekend days in UK preschool children.
- To objectively measure PA using accelerometers in preschool-aged children.
- To determine if preschool children meet recommended daily PA guidelines.
Main Methods:
- 185 preschool children (4-5 years) from central England wore triaxial accelerometers (GENEActiv) for 4 days.
- Activity data was analyzed using specific cut-points for light, moderate, and vigorous PA (MVPA).
- Time spent in sedentary behavior and MVPA was calculated for weekdays and weekend days.
Main Results:
- No children met the UK recommendation of 180+ minutes of daily PA.
- Preschool children spent 91.9% of weekdays and 96.9% of weekend days in sedentary behavior.
- Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) comprised 6.3% of weekdays and only 2.0% of weekend days.
Conclusions:
- British preschool children exhibit high levels of sedentary behavior, particularly on weekends.
- Weekend days show significantly lower moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) compared to weekdays.
- Weekday PA engagement offers crucial opportunities for activity that may be missed on weekend days.
Abstract:
Participation in physical activity (PA) is fundamental to children's future health. Studies examining the temporal pattern of PA between weekdays and weekends in British preschool children are lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare PA levels between week and weekend days for UK preschool children, using objective measurements. One hundred and eighty-five preschool children (99 boys, 86 girls, aged 4-5 years), from central England wore a triaxial accelerometer (GENEActiv) for 4 days to determine PA. The time (min) and percentage (%) of time spent in light, moderate and vigorous PA (MVPA) was determined using specific cut-points for counts per minute related to 3-5 year olds. Of the sample, none of the children met the UK recommended 180 min or more of PA per day. A significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed between the amount of time that preschool children spent in sedentary behaviours on weekdays (91.9%) compared to weekend days (96.9%). During weekdays and weekend days, 6.3% and 2.0% of time was spent in MVPA, respectively. Therefore, a substantial proportion of British preschool children's day is spent in sedentary behaviours, with less MVPA accrued during the weekend. Regular engagement during the weekdays provides opportunities to accrue PA, which may not be present on weekend days.
