Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2025
Physical Activity Measurement in Children Accepting Table Tennis Training
Published on: July 27, 2022
Relationship between physical activity and neighborhood environment in preschool children during COVID-19.-A
Naoki Yamaguchi1,2, Takahiko Fukumoto1, Hidetaka Imagita3
1Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kio University, Nara, Japan.
Insights
Physical activity in preschool children is linked to their neighborhood environment. Safe, crime-free areas with fewer hills encourage more outdoor play, crucial for development post-COVID-19.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Environmental Health
- Child Development
Background:
- Physical activity is vital for preschool children's physical and cognitive development.
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted young children's routines and activity levels.
- Research on physical activity in preschool-aged children during the pandemic is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the duration of physical activity in preschool children on weekend days.
- To investigate the relationship between children's physical activity and their neighborhood environment.
- To provide insights for recovery strategies post-COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Study conducted October-November 2021 with 357 parents of preschoolers.
- Physical activity assessed via a 24-hour physical activity record.
- Neighborhood environment data collected through questionnaires; analyzed using stepwise multiple regression.
Main Results:
- A relationship was found between physical activity and the neighborhood environment, though R2 values were low.
- Positive correlations observed between physical activity and a safe, crime-free neighborhood with no undulating roads.
- Findings align with previous studies despite low prediction accuracy.
Conclusions:
- Neighborhood environment characteristics are associated with preschool children's physical activity levels.
- Safe and accessible outdoor spaces are crucial for promoting physical activity in children.
- Recommendations emphasize providing opportunities for outdoor play in the COVID-19 recovery phase.
Abstract:
Maintaining physical activity and the development of physical and cognitive functions are essential especially in vulnerable populations such as children. Considering the substantial impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on preschool children and the lack of research focusing on this age group, this study examined the duration of physical activity among preschool-aged children on weekend days and its relationship with the environment. This study was conducted between October and November 2021, with the cooperation of 357 parents of preschoolers attending kindergartens, nurseries, and childcare centers. Physical activity was assessed using a 24h physical activity record. A questionnaire was used to collect basic data on the neighborhood environment. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the five physical activity measures (sedentary time, screen time, indoor playing time, outdoor playing time, and going out time) and the questionnaire data. Our findings revealed a relationship between physical activity and the neighborhood environment; however, the R2 values were low. Despite low prediction accuracy, the results of this study were similar to those of previous studies, indicating a positive correlation of physical activity with the absence of undulating roads, a crime-free environment, and safety around the home. Overall, these findings emphasize the need for providing children with opportunities for outdoor physical activity and play in the context of the COVID-19 recovery phase for adherence to the relevant guidelines.
