Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools
Published on: June 20, 2020
International Study of Movement Behaviours in the Early Years (SUNRISE): A Pilot Study From Ecuador
José Francisco López-Gil1, Emily Cisneros-Vásquez1, José Adrián Montenegro-Espinosa1
1School of Medicine, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Samborondón, Ecuador.
Insights
Only 11.8% of Ecuadorian preschoolers met WHO 24-hour movement guidelines. This pilot study found the SUNRISE protocol feasible, highlighting the need for strategies promoting healthy lifestyles in early childhood.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Assessing adherence to World Health Organization (WHO) 24-hour movement behaviour guidelines in Ecuadorian preschoolers.
- Investigating variations in guideline adherence based on sex and geographic location.
- Evaluating the feasibility and acceptability of the International Study of Movement Behaviours in the Early Years (SUNRISE) protocol in Ecuador.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the proportion of Ecuadorian preschool children meeting WHO movement behaviour guidelines.
- To examine differences in guideline adherence by sex and geographic location.
- To assess the feasibility and acceptability of the SUNRISE study protocol.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study involving 108 children aged 3-4 years in Quito, Ecuador.
- Objective assessment of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep using accelerometry.
- Evaluation of gross and fine motor skills and executive functions using validated tasks and the Early Years Toolbox.
Main Results:
- Only 11.8% of children met all three WHO movement behaviour recommendations; 16.1% met none.
- Boys exhibited higher physical activity compliance than girls; urban children showed better screen time adherence.
- High completion rates for motor skill and executive function assessments; acceptable accelerometer data yield (86.1% with >=1 valid day, 75.9% with >=3 valid days).
Conclusions:
- The SUNRISE study protocol is feasible and acceptable for assessing movement behaviours in Ecuadorian children.
- A low proportion of children meet WHO movement guidelines, indicating a need for interventions.
- Long-term strategies are crucial to promote healthy early childhood lifestyles in Ecuador.
Background:
This study aimed to determine the proportion of Ecuadorian preschool children meeting the World Health Organization (WHO) 24-hour movement behaviour guidelines for physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep, to examine differences by sex and geographic location and to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the International Study of Movement Behaviours in the Early Years (SUNRISE) protocol.
Methods:
In this pilot study, a total of 108 children aged 3-4 years from kindergartens in Quito (Ecuador) participated in 2024. Physical activity, sleep and sedentary behaviour were evaluated using accelerometry (ActiGraph wGT3x-BT). Gross and fine motor skills were evaluated using validated tasks, and executive functions were assessed via the Early Years Toolbox.
Results:
Only 11.8% of children met all three WHO recommendations of 24-hour movement behaviours, while 16.1% did not meet any. Boys showed higher compliance with the physical activity guidelines compared to girls, and urban children demonstrated slightly better adherence to the screen time guideline. A total of 100% of participants completed anthropometric, executive function and motor skill assessments, respectively. Additionally, 86.1% of children provided at least one valid day of accelerometer data, and 75.9% accumulated three or more valid days, supporting the feasibility and acceptability of the SUNRISE study protocol in this population.
Conclusion:
This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of the SUNRISE study methods among Ecuadorian children. Given the low proportion of children meeting the WHO movement guidelines, long-term strategies are needed to promote healthier lifestyles from early childhood in Ecuador.
