1
|
Buckler EJ, Faulkner GE, Beauchamp MR, Rizzardo B, DeSouza L, Puterman E. A Systematic Review of Educator-Led Physical Literacy and Activity Interventions. Am J Prev Med 2023; 64:742-760. [PMID: 37085246 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2023.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Early childhood is a key time for the development of physical activity behaviors and physical literacy. A growing proportion of children spend a significant portion of their daytime in early childhood education and care settings where an early childhood educator cares for them. This systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42018087249) aimed to identify the differences between effective and noneffective educator-led interventions with a goal to improve physical literacy and/or physical activity in children aged 3-5 years in early childhood education and care settings. METHODS Interventions were included if they aimed to improve at least 1 physical literacy component or physical activity time in children aged 2-6 years through educator training. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, ERIC, Australian Education Index, and Sport Discus were searched in March 2018 and April 2021. Risk of bias was assessed through a modified Cochrane assessment tool. RESULTS Data from 51 studies were analyzed in 2021 and 2022 and summarized narratively. Thirty-seven interventions aimed to promote physical activity, and 28 sought to promote physical literacy; 54% and 63% of these were effective, respectively. Interventions that were underpinned by theory, included ongoing support, or measured intervention fidelity were more effective, especially when all 3 were done. DISCUSSION This review was limited by a high risk of bias and inconsistency in reporting results across interventions. Reporting physical activity by minutes per hour and reporting both sub and total scores in physical literacy assessments will allow for greater cross-comparison between trials. Future training of educators should be underpinned by theory and incorporate ongoing support and objective fidelity checks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Jean Buckler
- School of Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education, Faculty of Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; Institute on Aging & Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Guy E Faulkner
- School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mark R Beauchamp
- School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Beth Rizzardo
- Department of Kinesiology, Langara College, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Liz DeSouza
- School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eli Puterman
- School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Meeting a Physical Activity Guideline in Preschool and School Readiness: A Program Evaluation. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2021; 52:719-727. [PMID: 32914291 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-020-01055-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluates if the Kiddie Children and Teachers on the Move physical activity (PA) program improves the proportion of days meeting the Institute of Medicine (IOM) PA guideline, and whether meeting the guideline is correlated with improvement in school readiness. Thirteen Head Start-affiliated pre-kindergarten classrooms participated in this study. Minutes per hour of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and proportion of days meeting the IOM PA guideline were examined across three types of intervention days: days during a non-intervention period, non-program days during the intervention period, and program days during the intervention period. Children displayed increasingly more MVPA and a greater proportion of days meeting the IOM guideline from non-intervention days to non-program days, and from non-program days to program days. Proportion of days meeting the guideline significantly predicted improvement in school readiness in five of six domains. Examination of program fidelity indicated the program was run with high fidelity.
Collapse
|
3
|
Tassitano RM, Weaver RG, Tenório MCM, Brazendale K, Beets MW. Physical activity and sedentary time of youth in structured settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2020; 17:160. [PMID: 33276782 PMCID: PMC7716454 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-020-01054-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Structured settings, such as school, childcare, afterschool programs, summer camps, and physical activity/sport programs are crucial to promoting physical activity (PA) opportunities and reducing sedentary (ST) for children and adolescents. However, little is known about how much PA and ST children and adolescents accumulate in structured settings. The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the absolute amount of time youth spend physically active and sedentary in different structured settings (Prospero number: 42018111804). METHODS Observational and experimental/quasi-experimental studies (baseline data only) with full-text available, written in English and published in a peer-reviewed journal, reporting the total amount of objectively measured PA (light, moderate, vigorous, and/or total physical activity) and/or time spent ST during structured settings among youth (3 to 18 years) were eligible. Adjusted meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the pooled mean of time spent in PA and ST, by settings and sex. RESULTS A total of 187 studies (childcare n=60; school n=91; afterschool programs n=14; summer camp n=4; and Physical activity/ sport programs n=18) from 30 countries (47.9% United States), representing 74,870 youth (mean age 8.6 years old) were included. Overall, there was a high variation between studies in outcomes and settings. The meta-analyses revealed, on average, youth spend 221.8 minutes (36.7 min/hour) in ST and 32.1 minutes (5.1 min/hour) in MVPA during childcare hours, and 223.9 minutes (36.7min/hour) in ST and 27.8 min (4.4 min/hour) in MVPA at school. Relatively, youth are engaged in more MVPA in afterschool programs (11.7 min/hour), PA/ sport programs (20.9 min/hour), and summer camps (6.4 min/hour), when compared to childcare and school. CONCLUSION Total PA accumulated during childcare and MVPA accumulated during schools hours were close to recommendations, despite high proportion of ST. Afterschool programs, summer camp and PA/ sport programs are important settings that can contribute to daily PA and reduced ST. Ensuring all youth have access to these structured settings may be an important step forward for public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael M Tassitano
- Department of Physical Education, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, SN Dom Manoel de Medeiros St, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil.
| | | | - Maria Cecília M Tenório
- Department of Physical Education, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, SN Dom Manoel de Medeiros St, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Scott-Sheldon LAJ, Hedges LV, Cyr C, Young-Hyman D, Khan LK, Magnus M, King H, Arteaga S, Cawley J, Economos CD, Haire-Joshu D, Hunter CM, Lee BY, Kumanyika SK, Ritchie LD, Robinson TN, Schwartz MB. Childhood Obesity Evidence Base Project: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of a New Taxonomy of Intervention Components to Improve Weight Status in Children 2-5 Years of Age, 2005-2019. Child Obes 2020; 16:S221-S248. [PMID: 32936038 PMCID: PMC7482126 DOI: 10.1089/chi.2020.0139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of childhood obesity interventions and conduct a taxonomy of intervention components that are most effective in changing obesity-related health outcomes in children 2-5 years of age. Methods: Comprehensive searches located 51 studies from 18,335 unique records. Eligible studies: (1) assessed children aged 2-5, living in the United States; (2) evaluated an intervention to improve weight status; (3) identified a same-aged comparison group; (4) measured BMI; and (5) were available between January 2005 and August 2019. Coders extracted study, sample, and intervention characteristics. Effect sizes [ESs; and 95% confidence intervals (CIs)] were calculated by using random-effects models. Meta-regression was used to determine which intervention components explain variability in ESs. Results: Included were 51 studies evaluating 58 interventions (N = 29,085; mean age = 4 years; 50% girls). Relative to controls, children receiving an intervention had a lower BMI at the end of the intervention (g = 0.10, 95% CI = 0.02-0.18; k = 55) and at the last follow-up (g = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.04-0.30; k = 14; range = 18-143 weeks). Three intervention components moderated efficacy: engage caregivers in praise/encouragement for positive health-related behavior; provide education about the importance of screen time reduction to caregivers; and engage pediatricians/health care providers. Conclusions: Early childhood obesity interventions are effective in reducing BMI in preschool children. Our findings suggest that facilitating caregiver education about the importance of screen time reduction may be an important strategy in reducing early childhood obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lori A J Scott-Sheldon
- Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Larry V Hedges
- Department of Statistics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Chris Cyr
- Impact Genome Project, Mission Measurement, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Deborah Young-Hyman
- Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Laura Kettel Khan
- Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Heather King
- Impact Genome Project, Mission Measurement, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sonia Arteaga
- Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - John Cawley
- Department of Policy Analysis and Management, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Economics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Christina D Economos
- Division of Nutrition Interventions, Communication, and Behavior Change, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Debra Haire-Joshu
- Center for Obesity Prevention and Policy Research, Brown School, Washington University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Christine M Hunter
- Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bruce Y Lee
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Policy, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shiriki K Kumanyika
- Department of Community Health and Prevention, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lorrene D Ritchie
- Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Thomas N Robinson
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Stanford Solutions Science Lab, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Marlene B Schwartz
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
O'Brien KT, Vanderloo LM, Bruijns BA, Truelove S, Tucker P. Physical activity and sedentary time among preschoolers in centre-based childcare: a systematic review. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2018; 15:117. [PMID: 30463585 PMCID: PMC6249856 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-018-0745-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many preschoolers spend a substantial portion of their day enrolled in centre-based childcare; the amounts of physical activity and sedentary time accumulated in this environment are critical to preschoolers’ ability to meet movement guidelines. The purpose of this systematic review was to provide a comprehensive overview of the objectively assessed physical activity and sedentary time of preschoolers in centre-based childcare (registration no. CRD42016033502). Methods Eight online databases were searched using terms related to physical activity, sedentary time, preschoolers and centre-based childcare. Published, peer-reviewed primary studies written in English that objectively assessed (via accelerometry) the physical activity and sedentary time of preschoolers (2-5 years) in centre-based childcare were included. Results Fifty-five studies (published 2004-2017) from 11 countries, representing 13,956 participants were included. Studies reported light physical activity (n=38) ranging from 2.94 to 29.96 mins/hr, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (n=46) which ranged from 1.29 to 22.66 mins/hr, and total physical activity (n=42) ranging from 4.23 to 47.17 mins/hr. Sedentary time (n=47) ranged from 12.38 to 55.77 mins/hr. Conclusion Physical activity and sedentary time were highly varied and inconsistent between studies; therefore, it is difficult to determine preschoolers’ true amount of physical activity and sedentary time during childcare hours. Despite this variability, preschoolers were noted to participate in high rates of sedentary time in this setting. The lack of homogeneity is an important finding in and of itself as it highlights the lack of consistency in measuring, processing, and reporting paediatric physical activity data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen T O'Brien
- Department of French Studies, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leigh M Vanderloo
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brianne A Bruijns
- Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephanie Truelove
- Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patricia Tucker
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, 1201 Western Road, Elborn College, Room 2547, London, N6G 1H1, Ontario, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Determinants of Change in Physical Activity in Children 0-6 years of Age: A Systematic Review of Quantitative Literature. Sports Med 2018; 47:1349-1374. [PMID: 27988875 PMCID: PMC5488114 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-016-0656-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the determinants of children's health behaviours is important to develop successful behaviour-change interventions. OBJECTIVE We aimed to synthesise the evidence around determinants ('preceding predictors') of change in physical activity (PA) in young children (0-6 years of age). METHODS As part of a suite of reviews, prospective quantitative studies investigating change in physical activity in children aged 0-6 years were identified from eight databases (to October 2015): MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Knowledge, British Nursing Index, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts, and Sociological Abstracts. Determinants and direction of association were extracted, described and synthesised according to the socio-ecological model (individual, interpersonal, organisational, community, policy). RESULTS Forty-four determinants, predominantly in the interpersonal and organisational domains, were reported across 44 papers (six prospective cohort, 38 interventional); 14 determinants were assessed in four or more papers. Parental monitoring showed a consistent positive association with change in PA; provider training was positively associated with change in children's moderate-to-vigorous PA only. Five (sex, parental goal setting, social support, motor skill training and increased time for PA) showed no clear association. A further seven (child knowledge, parental knowledge, parental motivation, parenting skills, parental self-efficacy, curriculum materials and portable equipment) were consistently not associated with change in children's PA. Maternal role-modelling was positively associated with change in PA in all three studies in which it was examined. CONCLUSIONS A range of studied determinants of change in young children's PA were identified, but only parental monitoring was found to be consistently positively associated. More evidence dealing with community and policy domains from low-/middle-income countries and about lesser-explored modifiable family- and childcare-related determinants is required. INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTIVE REGISTER FOR SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS (PROSPERO) REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42012002881.
Collapse
|
7
|
Ward DS, Welker E, Choate A, Henderson KE, Lott M, Tovar A, Wilson A, Sallis JF. Strength of obesity prevention interventions in early care and education settings: A systematic review. Prev Med 2017; 95 Suppl:S37-S52. [PMID: 27693295 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.09.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
2010-2015; INTERNATIONAL: Given the high levels of obesity in young children, numbers of children in out-of-home care, and data suggesting a link between early care and education (ECE) participation and overweight/obesity, obesity prevention in ECE settings is critical. As the field has progressed, a number of interventions have been reviewed yet there is a need to summarize the data using more sophisticated analyses to answer questions on the effectiveness of interventions. We conducted a systematic review of obesity prevention interventions in center-based ECE settings published between 2010 and 2015. Our goal was to identify promising intervention characteristics associated with successful behavioral and anthropometric outcomes. A rigorous search strategy resulted in 43 interventions that met inclusion criteria. We developed a coding strategy to assess intervention strength, used a validated study quality assessment tool, and presented detailed descriptive information about interventions (e.g., target behaviors, intervention strategies, and mode of delivery). Intervention strength was positively correlated with reporting of positive anthropometric outcomes for physical activity, diet, and combined interventions, and parent engagement components increased the strength of these relationships. Study quality was modestly related to percent successful healthy eating outcomes. Relationships between intervention strength and behavioral outcomes demonstrated negative relationships for all behavioral outcomes. Specific components of intervention strength (number of intervention strategies, potential impact of strategies, frequency of use, and duration of intervention) were correlated with some of the anthropometric and parent engagement outcomes. The review provided tentative evidence that multi-component, multi-level ECE interventions with parental engagement are most likely to be effective with anthropometric outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dianne S Ward
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
| | - Emily Welker
- Healthy Eating Research, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Ashley Choate
- Healthy Eating Research, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | | | - Megan Lott
- Healthy Eating Research, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Alison Tovar
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Rhode Island, South Kingstown, RI, United States
| | - Amanda Wilson
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - James F Sallis
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ward S, Bélanger M, Donovan D, Carrier N. Systematic review of the relationship between childcare educators' practices and preschoolers' physical activity and eating behaviours. Obes Rev 2015; 16:1055-70. [PMID: 26345462 DOI: 10.1111/obr.12315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Revised: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The role of childcare educators is important given that 81% of preschoolers living in developed countries receive childcare outside their home. Since children learn by observing and imitating others, childcare educators may play a role in promoting healthy eating behaviours and physical activity in young children. Six databases were searched for quantitative peer-reviewed, English or French primary studies reporting the correlates, predictors or effectiveness of childcare educators' practices on preschoolers' healthy eating and physical activity behaviours. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. Fifteen articles were included in this review: 10 measured physical activity levels and five assessed eating behaviours. The quality score was rated as low for eight of these articles, and as moderate for the remaining seven. Two of four cross-sectional studies reported a positive relationship between educators and children's behaviours. Eleven intervention studies reported significant favourable effects of interventions. Educators may play a positive role in promoting healthy behaviours in children, but this is mainly based on a small number of intervention type studies of low or moderate quality. The influence of specific components of educators' practices on children's healthy eating and physical activity behaviours remains inconclusive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Ward
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Moncton, Canada
| | - M Bélanger
- Department of Family Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Moncton, Canada
| | - D Donovan
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Moncton, Canada
| | - N Carrier
- École des sciences des aliments, de nutrition et d'études familiales, Université de Moncton, Moncton, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Effects of a cognitive-behaviorally based physical activity treatment for 4- and 5-year-old children attending US preschools. Int J Behav Med 2014; 20:562-6. [PMID: 24114718 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-013-9361-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inadequate volumes of physical activity may be associated with the increases in inappropriately high weight in children of 5 years of age and younger. Preschools have typically lacked sufficient time in daily physical activity. PURPOSE A preschool-administered physical activity treatment based on social cognitive and self-efficacy theory (Start For Life) was tested for its association with increased physical activity and reduced body mass index (BMI). METHODS Data from accelerometer and BMI assessments over a 9-month preschool year (18 treatment and 8 control classes of 17 to 20 children each; mean age = 4.4 years) were used to contrast the behaviorally based treatment of 30 min per day with a usual care condition of the same duration. The sample was primarily African-American. Preschool teachers administered all processes. RESULTS The Start For Life treatment was associated with a significantly greater percentage of the preschool day in moderate-to-vigorous and vigorous physical activity (approximately 30 min per week more), with sedentary time unaffected. The treatment was also associated with a significant reduction in BMI, with effect sizes greatest in overweight and obese children. CONCLUSIONS Although results were positive in contrast to usual care and other related interventions, the specific sample requires that the Start For Life treatment undergo sufficient replication to increase confidence in generalizability of the findings to others. Although reduction in sedentary time may require a different strategy, the practical application of the present treatment suggests possibilities for addressing overweight through increasing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in preschool settings.
Collapse
|
10
|
Mehtälä MAK, Sääkslahti AK, Inkinen ME, Poskiparta MEH. A socio-ecological approach to physical activity interventions in childcare: a systematic review. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2014; 11:22. [PMID: 24559188 PMCID: PMC3936868 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5868-11-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2013] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mari Elina Inkinen
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Keskussairaalantie 4, Jyväskylä 40014, Finland
| | | |
Collapse
|