Obesity and inactivity are increasignly prevalent among young children, impacting their health, well-being, and development. Supporting young children in developing an active lifestyle is essential.. To be able to do so, we have to understand which factors influence children’s physical activity levels.
This project will start with a literature review to summarize previous research on physical activity patterns in children aged 2-8 years, Following this, a longitudinal study will be conducted including children aged 2.5 – 3.0 years old and 3.5 to 4.0 years old. These children will be followed during two subsequent years and measures of physical activity (using an accelerometer), motor skills and physical fitness will be assessed. We are interested in how physical activity levels might change in the transition to primary school and if a child’s motor skills are associated with their physical activity levels. Additionally, we will consider the child’s social environment by using questionnaires completed by parents and childcare workers.
The final study will focus on what strategies can be implemented within childcare centers to enhance the physical activity levels of children during childcare hours.
