Factors related to objectively measured physical activity in preschool children

Pediatr Exerc Sci. 2009 May;21(2):196-208. doi: 10.1123/pes.21.2.196.

Abstract

This study examined correlates of objectively measured physical activity (PA) in a diverse sample of preschool children (age 3-5 years; n = 331). Accelerometer min x hr-1 of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and nonsedentary activity (NSA) were the outcome measures. Correlations among potential correlates and PA ranged from r= -0.12-0.26. Correlates in the final MVPA model were age, race, sex, BMI Z score, and parent perception of athletic competence, explaining 37% of the variance. The NSA model included the latter two variables, explaining 35% of the variance. Demographic factors were correlates of PA; parent perceptions of children's.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Acceleration
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Anthropometry
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motor Activity*
  • Parents
  • Physical Fitness
  • Statistics as Topic