title: 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.
authors.affiliation: School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Virginie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Nicaise
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kahan
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Reuben
authors.forename: James F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Sallis
mesh_terms: D000054:Acceleration; D000886:Anthropometry; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002669:Child Welfare; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004779:Environment Design; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D010988:Play and Playthings; D012572:School Health Services