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

Findings from a Natural Experiment

Bibliographic Data

ID15468160
AuthorsMichelle Ng (0000-0002-4125-5224, The Kids Research Institute Australia, corresponding author), 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)
Year2020
Volume17
Issue2
Pages468-468
Publication date2020-01-10
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph17020468
PMID31936783
OpenAlexW2999678937
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited47

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