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Relationship Between the Physical Environment and Physical Activity Levels in Preschool Children: A Systematic Review

Marta Terrón-Pérez1,2, Javier Molina-García2,3, Vladimir E Martínez-Bello3,4

  • 1Department of Nursing, University of Valencia, Jaume Roig, s/n, 46010, Valencia, Spain.

Current Environmental Health Reports
|May 2, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The physical environment significantly impacts preschool children's physical activity (PA). Availability of play equipment, open spaces, and natural elements like hills encourage PA, highlighting the need for healthier environments.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Environmental Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Physical activity (PA) is crucial for preventing childhood obesity and cardiovascular diseases.
  • The physical environment directly influences where individuals engage in PA.
  • Limited reviews focus on the physical environment's impact on preschooler PA, despite rising inactivity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the influence of the physical environment on preschool children's PA.
  • To provide an overview from an ecological model perspective.
  • To identify environmental factors promoting or hindering PA in early childhood.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies examining the physical environment and PA in preschool children.
  • Analysis of findings related to different environmental domains (school, natural environment).
  • Synthesis of associations between specific environmental features and PA levels.

Main Results:

  • School environments: Availability of diverse portable and fixed play equipment, and open spaces, positively correlate with higher PA.
  • Natural environments: Features like natural settings and hills are associated with increased children's PA.
  • Gaps identified: Further research needed on transportation and leisure domains.

Conclusions:

  • The physical environment plays a key role in preschool children's PA.
  • Environmental design in homes, schools, and neighborhoods can promote children's health.
  • Continued research is essential to optimize environments for physical activity from an early age.
Abstract

Keywords:
Built environmentChildcare centersPhysical activityPhysical environmentPreschool-aged children

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