Fewer than 1 in 4 children ages 2 to 4 meet recommended levels of daily physical activity, according to a new study. Additionally, while children are much more active on the days they attend early grades, most preschoolers do not meet recommended activity levels in early years settings or at home.
The University of Bristol research analyzed data from 419 pre-school children (49.6% boys) attending early years providers in 4 different local authorities in England (Somerset, Swindon and Sandwell) and Scotland (Arran and Ayrshire). This is the first comparison of accelerometer-based physical activity in preschool children between days spent within the early years setting and days spent outside the setting.
Using activity zones (accelerometers), the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)-funded study looked at how children’s physical activity levels differed between weekdays and weekends.
The study, carried out in collaboration with the universities of Birmingham, Glasgow and Cardiff, is published in Journal of Physical Activity and Health today [24 November].
The researchers assessed the children’s activity patterns over a week when they were in an early years setting and out of context.
Key findings include:
- Children aged 2 to 4 were significantly more active (15 minutes on average) on days they attended early years workshops.
- Less than a quarter (23%) of preschool children met the World Health Organization (WHO) activity guidelines of 180 minutes of daily physical activity, and just 2.4% met the target of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity.
- 8% more boys met activity guidelines.
- Girls were significantly less likely than boys to meet these guidelines, while older children were more likely to meet the targets.
- Outside of early years contexts, the least deprived children were more active than the most deprived. Whereas, when the children were in their early years the activity levels were similar.
- Early years settings play an important role in providing opportunities for the more active and reducing inequalities.
Dr Kim Hannam, Research Fellow at Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences (PHS), and senior author of the study, said: “These findings highlight a critical gap in physical activity among preschool children.
“While early years settings provide a more active environment, most children still do not achieve the levels of movement required for healthy growth and development.
“Our study highlights the need for coordinated strategies among policymakers, educators, and families to support early childhood physical activity.”
Low levels of physical activity in early childhood can affect children’s healthy development and increase the risk of a range of chronic conditions later in life.
“Early years settings have an important role to play in promoting physical activity and reducing inequalities, especially as government-funded childcare expands. However, the low proportion of children meeting activity guidelines highlights the need for continued investment and research to support healthy development in the early years.”
Ruth Kipping, Professor of Public Health at Bristol Medical School: PHS
The researchers suggest that interventions to increase activity levels should focus on both early years settings and home environments. Strengthened national policy, parental engagement and play-friendly environments could help ensure that young children build the foundations for lifelong health.
