The Effect of Upgrades to Childcare Outdoor Spaces on Preschoolers’ Physical Activity

Findings from a Natural Experiment

Datos Bibliográficos

ID15468160
AutoresMichelle Ng (0000-0002-4125-5224, The Kids Research Institute Australia, autor de correspondencia), Michael Rosenberg (0000-0003-1490-3115, The University of Western Australia), Ashleigh Thornton (0000-0003-3712-3330, The University of Western Australia), Leanne Lester (0000-0003-2339-7832, The University of Western Australia), Stewart G Trost (0000-0001-9587-3944, Queensland University of Technology), Pulan Bai (0000-0002-5523-4029, The Kids Research Institute Australia), Harry Christian (0000-0001-8486-5746, The Kids Research Institute Australia)
Año2020
Volumen17
Número2
Páginas468-468
Fecha de publicación2020-01-10
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
EditorialMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph17020468
PMID31936783
OpenAlexW2999678937
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas6
Referencias citadas47

Physical inactivity is a significant risk factor for childhood obesity. Preventing obesity in the early years reduces the risk of developing chronic health conditions later. Early childhood education and care (ECEC) services are important settings to establish good preschooler physical activity behaviors. This natural experiment investigated the influence of ECEC outdoor physical environment upgrade on preschoolers' physical activity (aged 2-5 years). Centers implemented upgrades without researcher input. Physical activity was measured by 7-day accelerometry for intervention (n = 159; 6 centers) and control (n = 138; 5 centers) groups. ECEC outdoor space was assessed using a modified Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation (EPAO) Instrument. Key outcomes were measured at baseline and 6-12 months follow-up. Fixed sandboxes, balls, portable slides, portable floor play equipment (e.g., tumbling mats), and natural grassed areas were positively associated with activity levels; fixed tunnels and twirling equipment were negatively associated with activity levels (all p p p < 0.001)). Since few preschoolers meet daily activity recommendations while at ECEC, the findings may help ECEC providers to optimize outdoor physical environments and encourage more active play among preschoolers

Childhood obesity · Developmental psychology · Early childhood · Early childhood education · Environmental health · Intervention (counseling · Natural experiment · Obesity · Outdoor activity · Overweight · Physical activity · Physical therapy · Medicine · Noise Effects and Management · Nursing · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet · Psychology · Urban Green Space and Health · Gerontology