Physical activity during the school day: an exploratory study in 2- to 3-year-old children
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v71.117274Keywords:
early childhood education, gender, outdoor play, physical activity, stepsAbstract
Introduction. An exploratory and quantitative research study was conducted, focusing on the objective measurement of physical activity among pupils in a municipal early childhood center in A Coruña, which allows for freedom of play and movement during the school day.
Objectives: to find out the levels of physical activity during the school day. To analyze the effect of gender, age and type of space (indoor/outdoor) on levels of physical activity.
Methodology. Sample of 18 children in early childhood education (0 to 3 years). Objective measurement of physical activity using Geonaute pedometers. Non-parametric statistics were used for data analysis.
Results. The average number of daily steps during the school day was 5440.7 (41.84% of the steps recommended by health agencies for this age group). Girls are less active, and being outdoors is associated with a higher level of physical activity.
Discussion. The results reinforce the trend indicated by research that the school day contributes to higher levels of physical activity in school settings that allow outdoor play and physical activity.
Conclusions. The school day contributed to more than 41% (5,440.7 steps) of the recommended amount of physical activity for these age groups in early childhood education. Gender differences are detected from a very early age, favoring boys, and the outdoors is confirmed as a key context for children's physical activity.
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