A socio-ecological approach to physical activity interventions in childcare: a systematic review

Abstract

The promotion of physical activity (PA) in young children requires effective interventions. This article reviews the evidence on PA interventions in childcare by applying a socio-ecological approach. A computer-based literature search for intervention studies aimed at increasing children’s PA levels was run across four databases: SPORTDiscus, ISI Web of Science, PsycINFO and ERIC. The participants had to be in childcare, aged 2-6-year-old, and their pre- and post- intervention PA levels measured. Selection was restricted to peer-reviewed publications and to studies conducted in childcare settings. Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria and their methodological quality was assessed. Seven studies exhibited high methodological quality; twelve were rated as moderate and four low. The effectiveness of the interventions was determined according to the post-intervention behavioral changes reported in children’s PA. Fourteen studies found increases in PA levels or reductions in sedentary time, although the changes were modest. The data remain too limited to allow firm conclusions to be drawn on the effectiveness of the components mediating PA interventions, although PA-specific in-service teacher training seems a potential strategy. The findings of this review indicate that children’s PA remained low and did not approach the 180 min/day criteria. It may be that more intensive multilevel and multicomponent interventions based on a comprehensive model are needed.

Using theory to develop and test interventions to promote changes in health behaviour: evidence, issues, and recommendations

“…However, other reviews have provided equivocal support [7][8][9][10][11][12][13] , although some of these reviews were based on relatively few studies. More worryingly, some reviews suggest that theory-based interventions are less effective than interventions that are not reliant on theory [14][15][16] . Several issues (see Figure 1) could explain the mixed effects of theory on health behaviour change.…”

Contexto familiar e atividade física de adolescentes: cotejando diferenças

“…Among the factors correlated with the adoption of the regular practice of PA are those within the family context. 4 Family context characteristics have been highlighted in this process, since families have a set of values, knowledge and attitudes that can interfere in the PA of its members 5 . Adolescents' practice of PA can be molded not only by the presence of someone in the home who does PA, but also by the social support provided by the family, especially by the parents, for example through incentive, transportation and financial support 5,6 .…”

The effect of the cluster randomized HIPPA intervention on childcare children’s overall physical activity

“…During the past decade, interventions to promote childcare children's PA have been implemented to an increasing extent [21,22], but the results have been modest. Most of the studies have been short term (less than 14 weeks), and follow-up has been rare or non-existent.…”

“…Children's families are in constant contact with their local childcare centers, a situation that provides an opportunity to intervene in the home environment as well [33]. There is currently no evidence about the effect of involving parents in childcare center interventions, but research on this topic is limited [21].…”