Personal characteristics and demographic factors associated with objectively measured physical activity in children attending preschool.
Independent associations between personal- and demographic characteristics and physical activity in 3-6 year old children attending preschool were identified in this study. Boys spent a larger proportion of the time on moderate-and-vigorous physical activity (MVPA; p < .001) and had a higher total physical activity level compared with girls (p < .001). The 3-4 year old children spent less time on MVPA and had a lower total physical activity level compared with both 4-5 (p < .01) and 5-6 year old children (p < .001). The individual preschool, gender and age of preschool children were strong predictors of physical activity (R2-total model=(0.36-0.39)) during preschool attendance.
Grontved
Anders
A
Institute of Sport Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
Pedersen
Grete Skott
GS
Andersen
Lars Bo
LB
Kristensen
Peter Lund
PL
Moller
Niels Christian
NC
Froberg
Karsten
K
D000367:Age Factors; D000886:Anthropometry; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D012574:Schools; D012737:Sex Factors; D013334:Students; D013997:Time Factors