Global physical activity guidelines for preschoolers include 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) daily. This study, based on the developmental model of motor skill competence, examines how motor competence relates to preschoolers’ likelihood of meeting global guidelines using ankle accelerometry. We measured physical activity using 24-h ankle-placement accelerometry (Actical) for at least two consecutive days (87% with six-seven days), motor competence using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2), and BMI-for-age z-scores (BMIz) using anthropometry and age- and sex-specific CDC norms. Caregivers provided demographic characteristics of children’s age, sex, and race. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine how motor competence, BMIz weight status, and demographic characteristics related to meeting global physical activity guidelines. The sample included 588 preschoolers, age 3–5 years; 55% male; 60% white; and 28% overweight/obese; 75% attained the recommended 60 min of MVPA per day. The odds of meeting MVPA guidelines were associated with higher gross motor quotient, higher object control scores, sex (male), age (older), and race (white), but not with BMIz weight status. Findings support the use of 24-h ankle accelerometry among preschoolers and are consistent with the developmental model of motor competence applied to preschoolers, whereby object control competence relates positively to attaining global physical activity guidelines.
Evaluation:The dissemination feasibility study for Segment 1 will include pre/post survey completed by a key informant at each participating preschool/daycare and brief parent surveys. The new, second segment (Segment 2) of HomeStyles tailored to families with children 6 to 11 years will be evaluated via a randomized controlled trial designed to determine whether this novel, age-appropriate, family intervention enables and motivates English-and Spanish-speaking parents to shape their home environments and weight-related lifestyle practices (diet, exercise, sleep) to reduce risk of obesity during middle childhood more than those in the control condition. Students enrolled in coursework and practicums will be evaluated using rubrics and satisfaction surveys. Conclusions and Implications: This intervention will apply community-based participatory research principles and be aligned with current obesity prevention recommendations and behavior change theories. This project will provide a sustainable model for confronting and combating obesity and safeguarding health that can be brought to scale nationwide.
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