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Family variables and physical activity in preschool children
J F Sallis1, T L Patterson, T L McKenzie
1Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92093-0631.
Insights
Parental role modeling influences preschool children's physical activity, even during school free-play. Family cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, parent activity, and father BMI were key factors in children's moderate activity levels.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Preschool children's physical activity habits are crucial for long-term health.
- Understanding correlates of physical activity in early childhood is essential for developing effective interventions.
- Sedentary behavior is prevalent among young children during free-play settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlates of physical activity habits in a multiethnic sample of preschool children.
- To examine the relationship between child's body mass index (BMI), Type A behavior, and parental factors with physical activity levels.
- To determine the influence of parental role modeling on children's physical activity during preschool free-play.
Main Methods:
- Systematic observation of physical activity levels during free-play periods in 33 low-income preschool children.
- Multiple regression analysis was used to assess the impact of independent variables on moderate-intensity activity.
- Independent variables included child BMI, teacher-rated Type A behavior, and parent-reported mother BMI, father BMI, parent vigorous activity, and family cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
Main Results:
- Children spent 58% of free-play time in sedentary activities and only 11% in vigorous activity.
- Family CVD risk, parent vigorous activity, and father BMI significantly predicted moderate-intensity physical activity.
- These factors accounted for a significant amount of variance in children's physical activity levels.
Conclusions:
- Parental role modeling appears to significantly influence preschool children's physical activity.
- These effects extend beyond the home environment, impacting activity during school free-play.
- Interventions targeting parental physical activity and family CVD risk may promote healthier habits in young children.
Abstract:
Correlates of the physical activity habits of preschool children were studied in a multiethnic sample. Physical activity levels of 33 low-income children were observed systematically during free-play periods at preschool. Children spent 58% of free-play time in sedentary activities (e.g., sitting), and were vigorously active only 11% of the time. Independent variables studied were child body mass index (BMI), teacher-rated Type A behavior, and parent-reported mother BMI, father BMI, parent vigorous activity, and family cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The multiple regression of moderate-intensity activity was significant, with family CVD risk, parent vigorous activity, and father BMI accounting for significant amounts of variance. The results suggest that the effects of parental role modeling on child physical activity levels may extend to free-play settings far beyond the confines of the home environment.