1
|
Saravanamuttoo K, Bourke M, Szpunar M, Tucker P. The Effectiveness of Physical Activity Policies in Center-Based Childcare: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. RESEARCH QUARTERLY FOR EXERCISE AND SPORT 2024; 95:555-568. [PMID: 37820370 DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2023.2252030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: Many young children spend a significant portion of time in center-based childcare settings; however, these children are often not sufficiently active during care. Promoting physical activity through policy implementation is one mechanism which has the potential to increase physical activity. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide an overview of physical activity policies implemented in childcare centers and determine their effect on children's physical activity. Methods: Electronic searches were conducted in CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Sports Medicine and Education Database. Two reviewers independently examined 3,286 articles to find peer-reviewed, original studies that assessed the impact of physical activity policies on children's physical activity. Random effects meta-analyses were used to determine the impact of policies. Results: A total of 13 articles met the inclusion criteria; in which 12 unique policies were implemented. Results of the meta-analyses suggest that introducing new physical activity policies did not increase children's moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA); however, compared to centers without a formalized physical activity policy, children in centers with a formalized policy engaged in significantly more MVPA and total physical activity. Conclusions: Introducing new physical activity policies alone may not be sufficient to increase children's engagement in physical activity, and it may be important to combine with capacity-building initiatives for childcare staff and early childhood educators. Results reinforce the value of childcare centers implementing their own formalized physical activity policies to support children's physical activity, which highlights the importance of regulating physical activity practices in childcare. Registration: CRD42022326037.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Patricia Tucker
- University of Western Ontario
- Children's Health Research Institute
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jerebine A, Heering T, Barnett LM. Educator-Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to Structured-Physical Activity in Early Childhood Centres: A Systematic Review. RESEARCH QUARTERLY FOR EXERCISE AND SPORT 2024; 95:243-262. [PMID: 37327492 DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2023.2193243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: Physical activity (PA) and motor competence development are vital for young children, yet many early childhood education and care (ECEC) centers struggle to successfully implement PA programs, particularly those organized and led by educators. This review aimed to synthesize qualitative literature to (1) identify educator-perceived barriers and facilitators to structured-PA in ECEC centers, and (2) map these to the COM-B model and Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of five databases was conducted in April 2021 and updated in August 2022. Records were screened in Covidence software using predefined eligibility criteria. Using the framework synthesis method, data extraction and synthesis were conducted in coding forms in Excel and NVivo. Results: Of 2382 records identified, 35 studies were included, representing 2,365 educators across 268 ECEC centers in 10 countries. Using the COM-B model and TDF, an evidence-informed framework was developed. Findings revealed the greatest barriers concerned educator "opportunity" (e.g. competing time and priorities, policy tensions, indoor/outdoor space constraints) and "capability" (e.g. lack of PA knowledge and practical, hands-on skills) to implement structured-PA. Although fewer studies reported factors that influenced educator "motivation", several themes intersected across the three COM-B components illustrating the complexity of behavioral determinants in this setting. Conclusions: Interventions grounded in theory that utilize a systems approach to target multiple levels of influence on educator behavior, and are flexible and adaptable locally, are recommended. Future work should seek to address societal barriers, structural challenges in the sector, and the PA educational needs of educators. PROSPERO Registration: CRD42021247977.
Collapse
|
3
|
Tugault-Lafleur CN, Naylor PJ, Carson V, Faulkner G, Lau EY, Wolfenden L, Mâsse LC. Factors associated with physical activity policy and practice implementation in British Columbia's childcare settings: a longitudinal study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1651. [PMID: 37644564 PMCID: PMC10463809 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16502-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2016-17, the government of British Columbia (BC) enacted a mandatory policy outlining Active Play Standards (AP Standards) alongside a capacity building initiative (Appetite to Play) focused on implementing policies and practices to support physical activity in childcare centres. We aimed to identify factors at the provider and organizational levels as well as attributes of the Standards hypothesized to influence implementation (i.e., changes in policies and practices). METHODS We conducted surveys before (2016-2017) and after (2018-2019) enforcement of the AP Standards among 146 group childcare centres across BC. The 2018-19 surveys measured theoretically based constructs associated with implementation of policies and practices (9 childcare- and 8 provider- level characteristics as well as 4 attributes of the licensing standards). Characteristics that were associated in simple regression models were entered in multivariable regression models to identify factors associated with policy and practice changes related to fundamental movement skills (FMS), screen time, total amount of active play (AP) and total amount of outdoor AP from baseline to follow-up. RESULTS In multivariable analyses, higher staff capacity (OR = 2.1, 95% 1.2, 3.7) and perceived flexibility of the standards (OR: 3.3, 95% 1.5, 7.1) were associated with higher odds of a policy change related to FMS. Higher staff commitment to the AP standards was associated with a higher odds of policy changes related to screen time (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1, 2.4) and amount of AP (OR: 1.5, 95% 1.0, 2.3). Higher institutionalization of PA policies was associated with a higher odds of policy changes related to the amount of AP (OR: 5.4, 95% CI: 1.5, 20). Higher self-efficacy was associated with a higher odds of policy changes related to outdoor AP (OR = 2.9, 95% 1.1, 7.8). Appetite to Play training was a positively associated with practice changes related to FMS (β = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.1, 0.9). CONCLUSIONS A hierarchy of theoretically defined factors influenced childcare providers' implementation of the AP Standards in BC. Future research should test the feasibility of modifying these factors to improve the implementation of PA policy and practice interventions in this setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire N Tugault-Lafleur
- School of Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 25 University Private, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Patti-Jean Naylor
- School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, Faculty of Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, V8W 3P1, Canada
| | - Valerie Carson
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, 8840-114 St., Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H9, Canada
| | - Guy Faulkner
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, 210-6081 University Blvd, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Erica Y Lau
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 828 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Luke Wolfenden
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Louise C Mâsse
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, F508-4490, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Szpunar M, Bruijns BA, Vanderloo LM, Shelley J, Burke SM, Tucker P. Development of a Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Policy for Canadian Childcare Settings: A Delphi Study. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION JOURNAL 2023:1-20. [PMID: 37360589 PMCID: PMC10042097 DOI: 10.1007/s10643-023-01473-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to obtain consensus on physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) policy items for use in Canadian childcare settings. Purposeful sampling of Canadian experts in PA/SB (n = 19) and Early Childhood Education (ECE; n = 20) was used to form two distinct (i.e., PA/SB and ECE) panels for a 3-round Delphi study. In round 1, the PA/SB experts suggested their top 10 items for a Canadian childcare PA/SB policy. Policy items were then pooled to generate a list of 24 unique items. In round 2, experts in both panels rated the importance of the 24 policy items using a 7-point Likert scale (i.e., 1 = Not at all important to 7 = Extremely important). The ECE panel was also asked to report on the feasibility of the policy items using a 4-point Likert scale (i.e., 1 = Not at all feasible to 4 = Very feasible). Policy items that received an interquartile deviation (IQD) score of ≤ 1 (indicating consensus) and a median score of ≥ 6 (indicating importance) in both panels were considered shared priorities. In round 3, members of both panels re-rated the importance of the policy items that did not achieve consensus among their respective panel in round 2 and were asked to order items based on importance. Descriptive statistics were used to assess feasibility of policy items, and differences in panel ratings were quantified using Mann Whitney U tests. Consensus was achieved for 23 policy items in the PA/SB panel and 17 items in the ECE panel. Overall, 15 shared priorities were identified (e.g., provide 120 min of outdoor time per day, sedentary behaviour should not be used as a punishment), and six policy items exhibited a statistical difference in ratings across panels. Members of the ECE panel indicated that the policy item, "children should be permitted to go outside whenever they want, for as long as they want" (M = 1.78; SD = 0.65) was lowest in terms of feasibility, and the policy item, "children should receive opportunities to engage in both unstructured and structured physical activity opportunities daily" (M = 3.89; SD = 0.32) was the most feasible for daily implementation. Findings from this study can inform the development of an expert-generated and feasibility-informed institutional PA/SB policy for use in Canadian childcare settings. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10643-023-01473-z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Szpunar
- Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7 Canada
| | - Brianne A. Bruijns
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7 Canada
| | - Leigh M. Vanderloo
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7 Canada
- ParticipACTION, 77 Bloor Street West, Suite 1205, Toronto, ON M5S 1M2 Canada
| | - Jacob Shelley
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7 Canada
- Faculty of Law, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7 Canada
| | - Shauna M. Burke
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7 Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 4V3 Canada
| | - Patricia Tucker
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7 Canada
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7 Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 4V3 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being of preschoolers: A parental guide. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14332. [PMID: 36974319 PMCID: PMC10028354 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Unexpected changes brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have affected humans worldwide. This review attempts to address major parental concerns about the development of preschool-aged children during the pandemic from the perspectives of neuropsychology, consultation, and motor development for preschoolers aged 2–5 years. Methods A total of 273 articles including original data, review articles, national and regional perspectives, government websites, and commentaries were considered in this review, of which 117 manuscripts were excluded because they were unrelated to children, adolescents, or COVID -19 pandemic/upper respiratory infections. A total of 156 manuscripts were included after reading the abstract and entire article. Results Telehealth could be an effective tool for addressing cognitive and emotional challenges that arise during the pandemic. Online consultations are highlighted for nutritional guidelines and to overcome problems that parents face when caring for children in difficult times. Outdoor activities using sanitisers, proper cleanliness, and following standard operating procedures are recommended. Parental preoccupation with media should be avoided. Interpretation: Many preschoolers show delays in reaching their developmental milestones, and the pandemic has increased parents' concerns, as access to practitioners is limited. Therefore, parents should be encouraged to undergo neuropsychological consultations whenever necessary. This study emphasises important strategies to ensure that children's development is minimally affected while staying in the confined environment of their homes. This study serves as a new guide for parents, as they raise young children in the new normal. Parents should undergo basic yearly physical, neuropsychological, nutritional, and speech checkups.
Collapse
|
6
|
Tugault-Lafleur CN, Naylor PJ, Carson V, Faulkner G, Lau EY, Wolfenden L, Mâsse LC. Does an active play standard change childcare physical activity and healthy eating policies? A natural policy experiment. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:687. [PMID: 35395752 PMCID: PMC8991472 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13079-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2017, the provincial government of British Columbia (BC) implemented a mandatory policy outlining Active Play Standards (AP Standards) to increase physical activity (PA) levels, sedentary and motor skills among children attending licensed childcare centers. Concurrently, a capacity-building initiative was launched to help implement policies and practices supporting both PA and healthy eating (HE) in the early years. This study evaluated differences in center-level PA and HE policies and practices before and after the enforcement of the new provincial AP Standards. Methods Using a repeat cross-sectional design, surveys were distributed to managers and staff of licensed childcare facilities serving children aged 2–5 years before (2016–2017 or ‘time 1’) and after (2018–2019 or ‘time 2’) implementation of the AP Standards across BC. The total sample included 1,459 respondents (910 and 549 respondents at time 1 and time 2, respectively). Hierarchical mixed effects models were used to examine differences in 9 and 7 PA/sedentary policies and practices, respectively, as well as 11 HE policies between time 1 and time 2. Models controlled for childcare size and area-level population size, education, and income. Results Compared to centers surveyed at time 1, centers at time 2 were more likely to report written policies related to: fundamental movement skills, total amount of Active Play (AP) time, staff-led AP, unfacilitated play/free play, total amount of outdoor AP time, limiting screen time, breaking up prolonged sitting, staff role modeling of PA, and training staff about PA (P < 0.01 for all 9 policies examined). Compared to time 1, centers at time 2 reported more frequent practices related to ensuring children engaged in at least 120 min of AP, 60 min of outdoor AP daily, and limiting screen time (P < 0.01 for 3 out of 7 practices examined). Despite no additional policy intervention related to HE, centers were more likely to report having written policies related to: HE education for children, encouraging new foods, having family-style meals, offering only milk or water, limiting the amount of juice served, staff role modeling of HE, limiting the types of foods at parties/celebrations and foods brought from home (P < 0.05 for 9 out of 11 HE policies). Conclusion Approximately a year after the implementation of a governmental policy targeting PA supported by a capacity-building initiative, childcare centers reported positive changes in all 9 PA/sedentary policies examined, all 3 out of 7 PA/sedentary practices and 9 out of 11 HE policies evaluated at the center-level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire N Tugault-Lafleur
- School of Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Ottawa, 25 University Private, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Patti-Jean Naylor
- School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, Faculty of Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, V8W 3P1, Canada
| | - Valerie Carson
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, Van Vliet Complex, University of Alberta, 1-151 University Hall, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H9, Canada
| | - Guy Faulkner
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, 210-6081 University Blvd, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Erica Y Lau
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 828West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Luke Wolfenden
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Louise C Mâsse
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada. .,School of Population and Public Health, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, F508-4490Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3V4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bruijns BA, Vanderloo LM, Johnson AM, Adamo KB, Burke SM, Carson V, Heydon R, Irwin JD, Naylor PJ, Timmons BW, Tucker P. Implementation of an e-Learning course in physical activity and sedentary behavior for pre- and in-service early childhood educators: Evaluation of the TEACH pilot study. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2022; 8:64. [PMID: 35300723 PMCID: PMC8927755 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-022-01015-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Childcare-based physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) interventions have traditionally used in-person training to supplement early childhood educators’ (ECEs) knowledge and confidence to facilitate physically active programming for the children in their care. However, this method of delivery is resource-intensive and unable to reach a high number of ECEs. The purpose of the Training pre-service EArly CHildhood educators in PA (TEACH) pilot study was to test the implementation (e.g., fidelity, feasibility, acceptability) of an e-Learning course targeting PA and SB among a sample of pre-service (i.e., post-secondary students) and in-service (i.e., practicing) ECEs in Canada. Methods A pre-/post-study design was adopted for this pilot study, and implementation outcomes were assessed cross-sectionally at post-intervention. Pre-service ECEs were purposefully recruited from three Canadian colleges and in-service ECEs were recruited via social media. Upon completing the e-Learning course, process evaluation surveys (n = 32 pre-service and 121 in-service ECEs) and interviews (n = 3 pre-service and 8 in-service ECEs) were completed to gather ECEs’ perspectives on the e-Learning course. Fidelity was measured via e-Learning course metrics retrieved from the web platform. Descriptive statistics were calculated for quantitative data, and thematic analysis was conducted to analyze qualitative data. Results Moderate-to-high fidelity to the TEACH study e-Learning course was exhibited by pre-service (68%) and in-service (63%) ECEs. Participants reported that the course was highly acceptable, compatible, effective, feasible, and appropriate in complexity; however, some ECEs experienced technical difficulties with the e-Learning platform and noted a longer than anticipated course duration. The most enjoyed content for pre- and in-service ECEs focused on outdoor play (87.5% and 91.7%, respectively) and risky play (84.4% and 88.4%, respectively). Conclusions These findings demonstrate the value of e-Learning for professional development interventions for ECEs. Participant feedback will be used to make improvements to the TEACH e-Learning course to improve scalability of this training. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40814-022-01015-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brianne A Bruijns
- Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Leigh M Vanderloo
- ParticipACTION, Toronto, ON, Canada.,School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, 1201 Western Road, Elborn College, Room 2547, London, ON, N6G 1H1, Canada
| | - Andrew M Johnson
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Kristi B Adamo
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Shauna M Burke
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Valerie Carson
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Rachel Heydon
- Faculty of Education, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer D Irwin
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Patti-Jean Naylor
- School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Brian W Timmons
- Child Health and Exercise Medicine Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Patricia Tucker
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, 1201 Western Road, Elborn College, Room 2547, London, ON, N6G 1H1, Canada. .,Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bruijns BA, Vanderloo LM, Johnson AM, Adamo KB, Burke SM, Carson V, Heydon R, Irwin JD, Naylor PJ, Timmons BW, Tucker P. Change in pre- and in-service early childhood educators’ knowledge, self-efficacy, and intentions following an e-learning course in physical activity and sedentary behaviour: a pilot study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:244. [PMID: 35125100 PMCID: PMC8818368 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12591-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Early childhood educators (ECEs) are the primary daytime role models for many young children, and are responsible for facilitating physical activity (PA) opportunities and minimizing sedentary behaviour (SB) in childcare. However, they have reportedly received little related education in their pre-service training. The purpose of the Training pre-service EArly CHildhood educators in physical activity (TEACH) pilot study was to explore changes in pre- and in-service ECEs’ knowledge, self-efficacy, behavioural intention, and perceived behavioural control following the TEACH e-Learning course in PA and SB. Methods Pre-service ECEs were purposefully recruited from three Canadian colleges, while in-service ECEs were recruited via social media. A pre-post study design was used. ECEs completed two online surveys; one prior to, and one immediately following the completion of the TEACH e-Learning course (~ 5 h). Descriptive statistics were reported, and McNemar Chi-Square tests and paired samples t-tests were used to examine changes in ECEs’ question-specific, and total knowledge scores, respectively. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks tests were employed to examine changes in self-efficacy, behavioural intention, and perceived behavioural control. Results Both pre- (n = 32) and in-service (n = 121) ECEs significantly increased their total knowledge scores from pre- to post-course completion (p < .05*). Significant positive changes in self-efficacy (p < .025*), behavioural intention (p < .007*), and perceived behavioural control (p < .007*) were demonstrated by in-service ECEs following course completion, while only select composite scores within these tools were significant among pre-service ECEs. Conclusions These findings provide preliminary evidence of the potential efficacy of the e-Learning course at improving ECEs’ knowledge, self-efficacy, behavioural intention, and perceived behavioural control to support PA and minimize SB in childcare. Following the success of the pilot study, testing the effectiveness of the TEACH e-Learning course on a larger scale, with a comparison group, is warranted prior to recommending broader dissemination of the training in pre-service ECE programs and for in-service ECE professional learning.
Collapse
|
9
|
Impact of the Childcare Physical Activity (PLAY) Policy on Young Children's Physical Activity and Sedentary Time: A Pilot Clustered Randomized Controlled Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18147468. [PMID: 34299917 PMCID: PMC8304787 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background: The importance of daily physical activity is crucial for healthy development during the early years. Currently, a formal written physical activity policy is lacking in Canadian childcare centers, but holds promise for offering consistent physical activity opportunities. With eight recommendations, the Childcare PLAY policy is an evidence-informed, institutional-level document, targeting children’s physical activity, outdoor play, and sedentary time. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the Childcare Physical Activity (PLAY) policy on the physical activity and sedentary time of young children (18 months–4 years) in childcare. Methods: Nine childcare centers in London, Ontario participated in the cluster, randomized controlled trial. The centers in the control condition (n = 4) continued their typical daily routines, while the centers in the intervention condition (n = 5) implemented the PLAY policy for eight weeks. To assess physical activity levels, toddlers and preschoolers wore ActiGraph wGT3X-BT accelerometers for five consecutive days during childcare hours, at baseline, mid- and post-intervention, and at the six-month follow-up. Raw accelerometry data were converted to 15 s epochs, and age- and device-specific cut-points were applied. The participants with two or more days of at least 5 h/day of wear-time at baseline, and at one additional time point, were included in the linear mixed-effects models. An adjusted alpha (p < 0.017) was used to account for multiple comparison bias. Results: A total of 148 children (31.92 ± 7.41 months) had valid accelerometry data. The intervention resulted in a significant increase in light physical activity among the participants in the experimental group at the six-month follow-up (+1.07 min/h, an 11.16% increase; p = 0.0017). The intervention did not have a statistically significant effect on the total physical activity, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, or sedentary time. Conclusions: The findings indicate that the Childcare PLAY policy was effective at increasing the toddlers’ and preschoolers’ light physical activity. This pilot intervention appears promising for supporting some improved movement behaviors among children in childcare settings; however, additional investigations are needed to explore the feasibility and effectiveness with larger and more-diverse samples.
Collapse
|