Researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center, in collaboration with researchers from 32 countries participating in the international SUNRISE study, have published new findings examining how restrained seating contributes to everyday movement in early childhood.
Led by postdoctoral researcher Dr. Katherine Spring, “Likelihood of Adherence to the Restrained Seating Guideline in Early Childhood: An International Cross-sectional Study,” published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, explored how time spent restrained in devices such as car seats and strollers can affect children’s ability to meet critical developmental stage movement recommendations.
The World Health Organization defines restraint as when a child is strapped into a seat or device and recommends that children aged 3-4 years should not be restrained for more than 60 minutes at a time.
Findings showed that while most children (82%) met recommended guidelines for restrained seating, significant differences emerged based on daily routines and environment. Children who lived in urban areas and those who spent more time in motor vehicles each day were significantly less likely to follow the guidelines.
Accumulating 60 minutes or more per day in a vehicle – a context where restriction is required – was associated with lower odds of meeting the recommendation. Conversely, higher levels of physical activity were associated with a greater likelihood of meeting recommended guidelines.
These findings highlight that restrained seating is an important but often overlooked component of sedentary behavior in early childhood. While the use of restraints is critical for safety during transport, prolonged periods of inactivity may limit opportunities for movement at a key developmental stage.”
Dr. Katherine Spring, postdoctoral researcher
The results highlight the importance of balancing safety with opportunities for movement, including breaking up long periods of restraint and encouraging daily physical activity.
Dr. Spring and colleagues encourage parents to consider frequent stops on road trips, limiting the time their child spends in a stroller and eliminating the time their child spends in a car seat outside of a vehicle. Policy makers and urban planners should continue to explore ways to reduce daily commuting time as a way to promote active movement and reduce prolonged sitting in children.
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