The Role of Preschool Hours in Achieving Physical Activity Recommendations for Preschoolers

Abstract

Research on physical activity (PA) in different educational settings could elucidate which interventions promote a healthy school lifestyle in early childhood education (ECE). The aims of this study were: (a) to analyse the PA levels of preschoolers during school hours, as well as the rate of compliance with specific recommendations on total PA (TPA) and moderate-vigorous PA (MVPA); (b) to examine the role of structured movement sessions and recess time in the MVPA levels during school hours; (c) to evaluate the sociodemographic correlates of preschoolers and the school environment on MVPA behaviour during school hours. PA was evaluated with Actigraph accelerometers. Our main findings were that: (a) preschoolers engaged in very little TPA and MVPA during school hours; (b) children showed significantly higher MVPA levels on days with versus without structured movement sessions, and the contribution of the structured sessions to MVPA was significantly higher than that of recess time; (c) gender and age were associated with PA, and a high density of young children on the playground was associated with high levels of vigorous PA, whereas in the classroom, high density was associated with more sedentary behaviour. Structured PA could reduce the gap in achieving international recommendations.

Physical environmental opportunities for active play and physical activity level in preschoolers: a multicriteria analysis

“…In particular, playing outdoors requires social support and parental supervision [ 80 ]. In addition, because parental restrictions can prevent participation in PA and outdoor play in preschoolers [ 81 ], our data reinforce the importance of external and internal space for active play at home, since most of the responsibility for promoting healthy behaviors and PA practices currently falls on families [ 82 ].…”

Role of Spanish Toddlers’ Education and Care Institutions in Achieving Physical Activity Recommendations in the COVID-19 Era: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…However, further studies are necessary to analyse specifically how MVPA is modulated by the different curricular practices (structured/unstructured PA opportunities, the role of the teacher, free/instructed play, among others) and by the location where these practices are performed (indoors/outdoors). In any case, following Lahuerta-Contell et al [ 32 ], reaching the recommended levels of MVPA during school time requires further efforts to encourage less active children—with a particular eye on gender differences—to increase intensity during their curricular activities. For instance, Carson et al [ 31 ] have found that sedentary time and MVPA in educators may be an important correlation of MVPA in toddlers during child care hours [ 31 ].…”

“…In line with its findings (i.e., an association between SB and classroom density), indoor environmental characteristics, such as the ‘modified open-plan space’, are positively associated with PA in toddlers, so providing enough spaces for playing likely keeps children engaged and active [ 27 ]. Indeed, a high density of preschoolers was associated with higher levels of SB during school hours [ 32 ]. Overall, it is possible that larger classrooms and/or lower student/teacher ratios could decrease SB and keep children active.…”

“…Individual factors encompass the child care educator modelling or the co-participation of sedentary time and PA [ 31 ]. In fact, Lahuerta-Contell et al [ 32 ] found that a high density of preschoolers was associated with higher levels of SB during school hours. Thus, given the multidimensional correlates of children’s PA, ECEC stand out as an important setting for young children’s development, providing safe and convenient opportunities for children to be active [ 33 ].…”

The Impact of Integrating Musical and Image Technology upon the Level of Learning Engagement of Pre-School Children

“…Therefore, many studies focus on investigating how to enhance motor or activity skills in childhood education. For instance, Scholars [16] used Palestine to explore which intervention measures can improve children's health conditions in school life through physical activity among preschool children in different educational circumstances. The results found that preschool children rarely engage in total physical activity and moderatevigorous physical activity when in class.…”