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The Effect of Upgrades to Childcare Outdoor Spaces on Preschoolers’ Physical Activity: Findings from a Natural Experiment

Author

Listed:
  • Michelle Ng

    (Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia)

  • Michael Rosenberg

    (School of Human Sciences M408, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth 6009, Australia)

  • Ashleigh Thornton

    (School of Human Sciences M408, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth 6009, Australia)

  • Leanne Lester

    (School of Human Sciences M408, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth 6009, Australia)

  • Stewart G. Trost

    (Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Centre for Children’s Health Research, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4101, Australia)

  • Pulan Bai

    (Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia)

  • Hayley Christian

    (Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
    School of Population and Global Health M431, University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia)

Abstract

Physical inactivity is a significant risk factor for childhood obesity. Preventing obesity in the early years reduces the risk of developing chronic health conditions later. Early childhood education and care (ECEC) services are important settings to establish good preschooler physical activity behaviors. This natural experiment investigated the influence of ECEC outdoor physical environment upgrade on preschoolers’ physical activity (aged 2–5 years). Centers implemented upgrades without researcher input. Physical activity was measured by 7-day accelerometry for intervention (n = 159; 6 centers) and control (n = 138; 5 centers) groups. ECEC outdoor space was assessed using a modified Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation (EPAO) Instrument. Key outcomes were measured at baseline and 6–12 months follow-up. Fixed sandboxes, balls, portable slides, portable floor play equipment (e.g., tumbling mats), and natural grassed areas were positively associated with activity levels; fixed tunnels and twirling equipment were negatively associated with activity levels (all p < 0.05). Post-upgrade portable play equipment (balls, twirling equipment, slides, floor play equipment) increased intervention preschoolers’ moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels compared to control ( p < 0.05). Intervention preschoolers were more active than control at follow-up (58.09 vs. 42.13 min/day increase in total physical activity; 30.46 vs. 19.16 min/day increase in MVPA (all p < 0.001)). Since few preschoolers meet daily activity recommendations while at ECEC, the findings may help ECEC providers to optimize outdoor physical environments and encourage more active play among preschoolers.

Suggested Citation

  • Michelle Ng & Michael Rosenberg & Ashleigh Thornton & Leanne Lester & Stewart G. Trost & Pulan Bai & Hayley Christian, 2020. "The Effect of Upgrades to Childcare Outdoor Spaces on Preschoolers’ Physical Activity: Findings from a Natural Experiment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-17, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:2:p:468-:d:307360
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. repec:mpr:mprres:4373 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Jessica S. Gubbels & Dave H. H. Van Kann & Greet Cardon & Stef P. J. Kremers, 2018. "Activating Childcare Environments for All Children: the Importance of Children’s Individual Needs," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-11, July.
    3. Leigh M. Vanderloo & Patricia Tucker & Andrew M. Johnson & Melissa M. Van Zandvoort & Shauna M. Burke & Jennifer D. Irwin, 2014. "The Influence of Centre-Based Childcare on Preschoolers’ Physical Activity Levels: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-9, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jessica C. Watterworth & Jill Korsiak & Farhana K. Keya & Kelly P. Arbour-Nicitopoulos & Abdullah Al Mahmud & Vivian Tam & Daniel E. Roth, 2021. "Physical Activity and the Home Environment of Pre-School-Aged Children in Urban Bangladesh," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-14, March.
    2. Clover Maitland & Leanne Lester & Stewart G. Trost & Michael Rosenberg & Jasper Schipperijn & Georgina Trapp & Pulan Bai & Hayley Christian, 2020. "The Influence of the Early Childhood Education and Care Environment on Young Children’s Physical Activity: Development and Reliability of the PLAYCE Study Environmental Audit and Educator Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-10, April.

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