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Webster EK, Kepper MM, Saha S, Beyl RA, Kracht CL, Romain JS, Staiano AE. Painted playgrounds for preschoolers' physical activity and fundamental motor skill improvement: a randomized controlled pilot trial of effectiveness. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:455. [PMID: 37689622 PMCID: PMC10492343 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04260-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preschool children are not meeting recommended levels of physical activity (PA) nor are they proficient in fundamental motor skills (FMS), which are the foundation for PA. As such, interventions are needed to increase PA and FMS in young children. This trial examined the effects of an environmental ("painted playgrounds") and capacity-building (written toolkit) intervention on child FMS, PA, and sedentary behavior at early childhood education (ECE) centers and examined feasibility. METHODS In a randomized controlled trial, four ECE centers were randomly assigned to an intervention group or wait-list control. For intervention centers, stencils were spray painted adjacent to playgrounds and teachers were provided material for using stencils for FMS practice. Follow-up assessments were conducted six to eight weeks after baseline. Time spent in PA and sedentary behavior was assessed via accelerometry and FMS were evaluated using the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-3) at baseline and follow-up. A repeated measures linear model was performed to test the effects of the painted playgrounds on the primary outcomes of interest. Feasibility was measured by stencil engagement via direct observation and satisfaction surveys. RESULTS A total of 51 preschoolers completed baseline assessments (4.3±0.6 years; 43.1% male). There were no significant changes in PA or sedentary behavior (all confidence intervals contain 0) between control and intervention groups. Intervention children significantly improved ball skill, locomotor, and overall TGMD-3 percentile scores at follow-up (all (all confidence intervals contain 0), which was not observed in control group. However, there was no significant change in FMS between the control and intervention groups (confidence intervals contain 0). For stencil use, boys and girls interacted with different stencils during their free play. Directors and teachers reported children incorporated academic concepts and initiated games, and teachers prompted more PA opportunities on the playground. CONCLUSIONS This intervention did not show statistically significant changes in children's PA, FMS, or sedentary behavior compared to a control group; however, small FMS improvements for the intervention group were found from baseline to follow-up. Further work should examine intervention fidelity as well as inexpensive supplies, teacher training, or other strategies to increase preschool children's PA and improve FMS at ECE centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Kipling Webster
- Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies, University of Tennessee, 1914 Andy Holt Ave, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA.
| | - Maura M Kepper
- Washington University of St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Sanjoy Saha
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808, USA
| | - Robbie A Beyl
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808, USA
| | - Chelsea L Kracht
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808, USA
| | - Jessica St Romain
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808, USA
- Virginia Commonwealth University Health, Sanger Hall 1101 E. Marshall, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Amanda E Staiano
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808, USA
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Neshteruk C, Burkart S, Flanagan EW, Melnick E, Luecking C, Kracht CL. Policy, systems, and environmental interventions addressing physical activity in early childhood education settings: A systematic review. Prev Med 2023; 173:107606. [PMID: 37414226 PMCID: PMC10699121 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2023.107606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) approaches can facilitate physical activity in priority populations (e.g., racial and ethnic minority, low wealth groups) within early childhood education (ECE) settings. The purpose of this review was to 1) characterize the inclusion of priority populations within ECE physical activity interventions containing PSE approaches and 2) identify and describe interventions within these populations. Seven databases were systematically searched (January 2000-Febrary 2022) for ECE-based interventions focusing on children (0-6 years) that utilized at least one PSE approach. Eligible studies included a child physical activity or physical activity environment outcome and child or center-level population characteristics. Forty-four studies, representing 42 interventions were identified. For Aim 1, half of interventions included one PSE approach (21/42), with only 11/42 including three or more approaches. Physical environment changes [e.g., adding play equipment, modifying space (25/42)] were the most used PSE approaches followed by system [e.g., integrating activity into routines, (21/42)] and policy [e.g., outdoor time (20/42)] approaches. Nearly half of interventions were conducted in predominantly priority populations (18/42). Studies were primarily rated as good (51%) or fair (38%) methodological quality using the Downs and Black checklist. In Aim 2, of the 12 interventions assessing child physical activity in priority populations, 9/12 reported at least one physical activity outcome in the expected direction. Of the 11 interventions assessing the physical activity environment, 9/11 reported an effect in the expected direction. Findings indicate clear opportunities exist to target priority populations by incorporating PSE approaches in ECE physical activity interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody Neshteruk
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States of America.
| | - Sarah Burkart
- Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States of America
| | - Emily W Flanagan
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, United States of America
| | - Emily Melnick
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States of America
| | - Courtney Luecking
- Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States of America
| | - Chelsea L Kracht
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, United States of America
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Yates J, Tucker P, Johnson AM. Child temperament and physical activity in young children. Child Care Health Dev 2023. [PMID: 36693269 DOI: 10.1111/cch.13098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children's temperament has been noted to influence their physical activity (PA) levels. Therefore, understanding the influence of temperament during the early years may be helpful for developing appropriate PA habits and tailoring interventions to align with different personality traits. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between child temperament and objectively-measured PA in preschool-aged children. METHODS Data were collected as part of the Supporting Physical Activity in the Childcare Environment (SPACE) and SPACE extension studies. Temperament data were collected using the validated Very Short Form of the Children's Behavior Questionnaire, which assessed three dimensions of temperament (i.e., surgency, negative affect and effortful control). Physical activity data were measured during childcare hours over the course of 5 days, using Actical® accelerometers. Total PA was summed, along with light and moderate-to-vigorous PA using age-specific cut-points. Three regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the prediction of PA by the dimensions of temperament. RESULTS A total of 399 participants (Mage = 3.34 years, SD = 0.63) were retained for analyses, wearing an accelerometer an average of 7.21 h/day. Temperament significantly predicted all three PA levels (P < 0.05), with both negative affect and surgency being significantly associated with PA. CONCLUSION Surgency is typified by a predisposition towards high activity levels; therefore, it is not surprising that it was the primary predictor of young children's PA. Future research may investigate methods of targeting PA interventions towards children with temperaments that may not predispose them to seeking out increased activity levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Yates
- Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patricia Tucker
- School of Occupational Therapy, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.,Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew M Johnson
- School of Health Studies, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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Bourke M, Vanderloo LM, Irwin JD, Burke SM, Johnson AM, Driediger M, Timmons BW, Tucker P. Association between childcare movement behaviour compositions with health and development among preschoolers: Finding the optimal combinations of physical activities and sedentary time. J Sports Sci 2022; 40:2085-2094. [PMID: 36227866 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2022.2134969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about how wake-time movement behaviour compositions while in childcare relate to children's health and development. This study aimed to use compositional analysis to examine how childcare movement behaviour compositions were associated with standardised body mass index (zBMI) and physical and psychosocial functioning among children in the preschool setting. A total of 405 preschoolers wore accelerometers during childcare hours to measure their moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light intensity physical activity (LPA) and sedentary time. Compositional regression, isotemporal substitution models, and the "Goldilocks" approach was used to examine how wake-time childcare movement behaviour compositions related to each of the outcomes. Engaging in greater LPA relative to MVPA and sedentary time was associated with higher BMI z-scores, replacing sedentary time or time spent in MVPA with LPA was associated with greater physical functioning, and spending more time in sedentary behaviours relative to overall physical activity was related with greater psychosocial functioning. It is not clear what the optimal wake-time movement behaviour composition while in childcare is for health and development; however, LPA and sedentary time while in childcare may have some benefits. More research is needed to aid the development of childcare-specific guidelines for physical activity and sedentary behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Bourke
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Leigh M Vanderloo
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,ParticipACTION, Toronto, ON M5S 1M2, Canada
| | - Jennifer D Irwin
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Shauna M Burke
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew M Johnson
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Molly Driediger
- School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Brian W Timmons
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patricia Tucker
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Child Health & Exercise Medicine Program, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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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.
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Exploring Preschoolers' Physical Activity and Sedentary Time During Outdoor Play at Childcare: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Supporting Physical Activity in the Childcare Environment Study. J Phys Act Health 2021; 18:949-956. [PMID: 34098527 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2020-0849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) offers many health benefits for preschoolers (2.5-5 y). In childcare, MVPA is predominantly accumulated outdoors, with higher rates purported among children within the first few minutes outside. The Supporting Physical Activity in the Childcare Environment intervention included shorter, more frequent outdoor play sessions; this study sought to explore children's activity levels during various outdoor play schedules. METHODS During the final week of the Supporting Physical Activity in the Childcare Environment intervention, preschoolers wore an Actical™ accelerometer for 5 days during childcare and staff logged outdoor times. Separate linear mixed effects models were run to explore the effect of the intervention on preschoolers' physical activity (total and MVPA) and sedentary time during outdoor play. Sex was entered as an interaction effect. RESULTS Preschoolers (n = 292) were significantly more active in the first 10 minutes outdoors compared with remaining time (P < .0083). For total outdoor time, children in the experimental group engaged in significantly less sedentary time than those in the control group (P < .017), and experimental group boys and girls engaged in higher MVPA than boys and girls in the control group (P < .017). CONCLUSIONS Findings support scheduling more frequent outdoor play sessions in childcare to increase physical activity participation among young children.
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Bruijns BA, Johnson AM, Irwin JD, Burke SM, Driediger M, Vanderloo LM, Tucker P. Training may enhance early childhood educators' self-efficacy to lead physical activity in childcare. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:386. [PMID: 33607984 PMCID: PMC7893737 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10400-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Early childhood educators (ECEs) play a critical role in promoting physical activity (PA) among preschoolers in childcare; thus, PA-related training for ECEs is essential. The Supporting PA in the Childcare Environment (SPACE) intervention incorporated: 1. shorter, more frequent outdoor play sessions; 2. provision of portable play equipment; and, PA training for ECEs. An extension of the SPACE intervention (the SPACE-Extension) incorporated only the shorter, more frequent outdoor play periods component of the original SPACE intervention. The purpose of this study was to explore the individual impact of these interventions on ECEs’ PA-related self-efficacy and knowledge. Methods ECEs from the SPACE (n = 83) and SPACE-Extension (n = 31) were administered surveys at all intervention time-points to assess: self-efficacy to engage preschoolers in PA (n = 6 items; scale 0 to 100); self-efficacy to implement the intervention (n = 6 items); and, knowledge of preschooler-specific PA and screen-viewing guidelines (n = 2 items). A linear mixed effects model was used to analyze the impact of each intervention on ECEs’ self-efficacy and knowledge and controlled for multiple comparison bias. Results The SPACE intervention significantly impacted ECEs’ self-efficacy to engage preschoolers in PA for 180 min/day (main effect), and when outdoor playtime was not an option (interaction effect). Further, the interaction model for ECEs’ knowledge of the total PA guideline for preschoolers approached significance when compared to the main effects model. Participants within the SPACE-Extension did not demonstrate any significant changes in self-efficacy or knowledge variables. Conclusions Findings from this study highlight the benefit of ECE training in PA with regard to fostering their PA-related self-efficacy and knowledge. Future research should explore the impact of PA training for ECEs uniquely in order to determine if this intervention component, alone, can produce meaningful changes in children’s PA behaviours at childcare. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-10400-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianne A Bruijns
- Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Andrew M Johnson
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer D Irwin
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shauna M Burke
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Molly Driediger
- School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leigh M Vanderloo
- Child Health and Evaluative Science, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, 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.
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Willis EA, Hales D, Burney R, Smith FT, Vaughn AE, Ward DS. Providing Time in the Schedule Is Insufficient for Increasing Physical Activity in Childcare. TRANSLATIONAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SPORTS MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.1249/tjx.0000000000000156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Effects of an Unstructured Free Play and Mindfulness Intervention on Wellbeing in Kindergarten Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17155382. [PMID: 32722634 PMCID: PMC7432887 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17155382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Play is known as the core occupation of young children as it lays a foundation for their early development and physical, emotional and social wellbeing. Literature suggests that unstructured free play and mindfulness interventions may independently promote wellbeing among preschoolers. However, there is no clear evidence of their combination in supporting wellness in early learning environments. We conducted a quasi-experimental study with 42 children aged four to six years, attending two kindergartens in Hong Kong. The intervention included unstructured play with non-directional loose parts (play materials), conducted outdoors for one hour daily followed by a mindfulness intervention for 10 min per day indoors. The intervention lasted for five consecutive days. We examined happiness and aspects of playfulness before and after the intervention, finding a significant increase in all areas. Given greater freedom in play choice, children showed more disruptive behaviors during unstructured play than the control group engaging in recess as usual. We conclude that unstructured play in addition to mindfulness intervention is effective in promoting students’ happiness and playfulness, both of which may help maintain mental health and wellbeing amid stressors such as transition and separation. The increased disruptive behavior requires additional investigation.
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