Evaluation of a Redesigned Outdoor Space on Preschool Children’s Physical Activity During Recess

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of renovation and redesign of a university preschool's outdoor space on children's sedentary behavior, light activity, and moderate-to-vigorous-physical-activity (MVPA) during unstructured recess. Physical activity was measured by accelerometry and direct observation in two independent samples of 50 (baseline) and 57 (postintervention) children (Mage = 4.4 yrs ± 0.5). Controlling for gender, age, BMI and recess length, observational data, but not accelerometry, revealed a significant decrease in intervals spent sedentary (-26.5%) and increases in light physical activity (+11.6%) and MVPA (+14.9%). Higher levels of MVPA were associated with specific environmental changes (new looping cycle path, OR = 2.18; increased playground open space, OR = 7.62; and new grass hill, OR = 3.27). Decreased sedentary behavior and increased light activity and MVPA may be realized with environmental changes that promote continuous and novel movement experiences in more expansive spaces.

Physical Activity–Related and Weather-Related Practices of Child Care Centers from 2 States

“…Research shows that the presence of portable play equipment may increase children's PA, while fixed play structures may inhibit activity. 17,[22][23][24][25] However, a recent study suggests there is some evidence to the contrary. 30 Nonprofit centers were also more likely to have an indoor play area within the center.…”

“…20 Modifiable playground characteristics, equipment use, and equipment availability were also related to the PA levels of young children. 17,[21][22][23][24][25] A few studies have compared characteristics of the child care environment to national PA recommendations. Using an observational instrument to measure child care practices and environmental characteristics in North Carolina centers, McWilliams et al 26 found that 13% of centers provided children with at least 120 minutes of PA daily.…”

Physical Activity–Related and Weather-Related Practices of Child Care Centers From 2 States

“…Research shows that the presence of portable play equipment may increase children’s PA, while fixed play structures may inhibit activity. 17,22–25 However, a recent study suggests there is some evidence to the contrary. 30 Nonprofit centers were also more likely to have an indoor play area within the center.…”

“…20 Modifiable playground characteristics, equipment use, and equipment availability were also related to the PA levels of young children. 17,21–25 …”

The effect of the cluster randomized HIPPA intervention on childcare children’s overall physical activity

“…Most of the studies have been short term (less than 14 weeks), and follow-up has been rare or non-existent. There have been attempts to transfer the associations shown in cross-sectional studies between children's PA levels and outdoor time [23] to intervention programs, but these have met with mixed results [24][25][26][27][28][29]. In addition to the policies and practices of the childcare centers, the influence of teachers on children's PA levels has been recognized [19,30], and so teachers are often essential targets for the intervention.…”