1
|
Kinder CJ, Nam K, Kulinna PH, Woods AM, McKenzie TL. System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity in Youth: A Systematic Review of US and Canadian Studies. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2023; 93:934-963. [PMID: 37340586 DOI: 10.1111/josh.13345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The System of Observing Play and Leisure Activity in Youth (SOPLAY) has assisted in providing valid and reliable data of youth physical activity and characteristics specific to environmental contexts. The review aimed to examine empirical research that employed the SOPLAY instrument to measure physical activity in leisure-based activity environments in North American countries. METHODS The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. A systematic search was conducted with an exhaustive process using 10 electronic databases to locate peer-reviewed studies implementing SOPLAY that were published between 2000 and 2021. RESULTS A total of 60 studies were included in the review. Most studies (n = 35) reported physical activity findings related to contextual characteristics measured using SOPLAY. Interestingly, a few of the studies (n = 8) found the provision of equipment and supervision, particularly adult supervision, significantly increased child physical activity observed. CONCLUSIONS This review provides information relative to the group-level physical activity observed across multiple contexts (ie, playgrounds, parks, recreation centers) using a validated direct observation instrument.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Kinder
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 906 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL, 61801
| | - Kahyun Nam
- Arizona State University, 200 E. Curry Road, Unit 146, Tempe, AZ, 85281
| | - Pamela H Kulinna
- Arizona State University, 200 E. Curry Road, Unit 146, Tempe, AZ, 85281
| | - Amelia M Woods
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 906 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL, 61801
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Neshteruk C, Burkart S, Flanagan EW, Melnick E, Luecking C, Kracht CL. Policy, systems, and environmental interventions addressing physical activity in early childhood education settings: A systematic review. Prev Med 2023; 173:107606. [PMID: 37414226 PMCID: PMC10699121 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2023.107606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) approaches can facilitate physical activity in priority populations (e.g., racial and ethnic minority, low wealth groups) within early childhood education (ECE) settings. The purpose of this review was to 1) characterize the inclusion of priority populations within ECE physical activity interventions containing PSE approaches and 2) identify and describe interventions within these populations. Seven databases were systematically searched (January 2000-Febrary 2022) for ECE-based interventions focusing on children (0-6 years) that utilized at least one PSE approach. Eligible studies included a child physical activity or physical activity environment outcome and child or center-level population characteristics. Forty-four studies, representing 42 interventions were identified. For Aim 1, half of interventions included one PSE approach (21/42), with only 11/42 including three or more approaches. Physical environment changes [e.g., adding play equipment, modifying space (25/42)] were the most used PSE approaches followed by system [e.g., integrating activity into routines, (21/42)] and policy [e.g., outdoor time (20/42)] approaches. Nearly half of interventions were conducted in predominantly priority populations (18/42). Studies were primarily rated as good (51%) or fair (38%) methodological quality using the Downs and Black checklist. In Aim 2, of the 12 interventions assessing child physical activity in priority populations, 9/12 reported at least one physical activity outcome in the expected direction. Of the 11 interventions assessing the physical activity environment, 9/11 reported an effect in the expected direction. Findings indicate clear opportunities exist to target priority populations by incorporating PSE approaches in ECE physical activity interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cody Neshteruk
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States of America.
| | - Sarah Burkart
- Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States of America
| | - Emily W Flanagan
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, United States of America
| | - Emily Melnick
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States of America
| | - Courtney Luecking
- Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States of America
| | - Chelsea L Kracht
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Buckler EJ, Faulkner GE, Beauchamp MR, Rizzardo B, DeSouza L, Puterman E. A Systematic Review of Educator-Led Physical Literacy and Activity Interventions. Am J Prev Med 2023; 64:742-760. [PMID: 37085246 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2023.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Early childhood is a key time for the development of physical activity behaviors and physical literacy. A growing proportion of children spend a significant portion of their daytime in early childhood education and care settings where an early childhood educator cares for them. This systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42018087249) aimed to identify the differences between effective and noneffective educator-led interventions with a goal to improve physical literacy and/or physical activity in children aged 3-5 years in early childhood education and care settings. METHODS Interventions were included if they aimed to improve at least 1 physical literacy component or physical activity time in children aged 2-6 years through educator training. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, ERIC, Australian Education Index, and Sport Discus were searched in March 2018 and April 2021. Risk of bias was assessed through a modified Cochrane assessment tool. RESULTS Data from 51 studies were analyzed in 2021 and 2022 and summarized narratively. Thirty-seven interventions aimed to promote physical activity, and 28 sought to promote physical literacy; 54% and 63% of these were effective, respectively. Interventions that were underpinned by theory, included ongoing support, or measured intervention fidelity were more effective, especially when all 3 were done. DISCUSSION This review was limited by a high risk of bias and inconsistency in reporting results across interventions. Reporting physical activity by minutes per hour and reporting both sub and total scores in physical literacy assessments will allow for greater cross-comparison between trials. Future training of educators should be underpinned by theory and incorporate ongoing support and objective fidelity checks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Jean Buckler
- School of Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education, Faculty of Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; Institute on Aging & Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Guy E Faulkner
- School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mark R Beauchamp
- School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Beth Rizzardo
- Department of Kinesiology, Langara College, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Liz DeSouza
- School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eli Puterman
- School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Phillips SM, Summerbell C, Hesketh KR, Saxena S, Hillier-Brown FC. Parental Views on the Acceptability and Feasibility of Measurement Tools Used to Assess Movement Behaviour of Pre-School Children: A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:3733. [PMID: 35329419 PMCID: PMC8949363 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Movement behaviours (physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep) are important for the health and development of pre-school children (aged 3-4 years). There is limited qualitative research examining the acceptability and feasibility of tools used to assess movement behaviours in pre-schoolers. This study explored parental views on various measurement tools in three deprived areas in England, UK (West Yorkshire, County Durham and Northumberland). The study consisted of a demonstration of the different tools (accelerometers, a diary and a questionnaire), directly followed by focus group discussions. Three focus group discussions with a total of eleven parents and carers were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed four main themes: (1) importance of contextual information when using any measurement tool (e.g., child illness, capturing different routines); (2) practical issues associated with devices (e.g., aversion to devices being attached directly to the skin of their child; concern of larger devices during sleep time); (3) encouraging children to wear a device (e.g., making devices attractive to children-'superpowers'); and (4) presentation of diaries and questionnaires (e.g., age-appropriate movement activities, preference for real-time recording over recall). Practical recommendations for the use of the tools to measure movement behaviours of pre-school children are provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie M. Phillips
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Durham University, Durham DH1 3HN, UK;
- The Centre for Translational Research in Public Health (Fuse), Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK;
| | - Carolyn Summerbell
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Durham University, Durham DH1 3HN, UK;
- The Centre for Translational Research in Public Health (Fuse), Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK;
| | - Kathryn R. Hesketh
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK;
- Population Policy & Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Sonia Saxena
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W6 8RP, UK;
| | - Frances C. Hillier-Brown
- The Centre for Translational Research in Public Health (Fuse), Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK;
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AX, UK
- Human Nutrition Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
- Newcastle University Centre of Research Excellence in Healthier Lives, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bruijns BA, Vanderloo LM, Johnson AM, Adamo KB, Burke SM, Carson V, Heydon R, Irwin JD, Naylor PJ, Timmons BW, Tucker P. Change in pre- and in-service early childhood educators’ knowledge, self-efficacy, and intentions following an e-learning course in physical activity and sedentary behaviour: a pilot study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:244. [PMID: 35125100 PMCID: PMC8818368 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12591-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Early childhood educators (ECEs) are the primary daytime role models for many young children, and are responsible for facilitating physical activity (PA) opportunities and minimizing sedentary behaviour (SB) in childcare. However, they have reportedly received little related education in their pre-service training. The purpose of the Training pre-service EArly CHildhood educators in physical activity (TEACH) pilot study was to explore changes in pre- and in-service ECEs’ knowledge, self-efficacy, behavioural intention, and perceived behavioural control following the TEACH e-Learning course in PA and SB. Methods Pre-service ECEs were purposefully recruited from three Canadian colleges, while in-service ECEs were recruited via social media. A pre-post study design was used. ECEs completed two online surveys; one prior to, and one immediately following the completion of the TEACH e-Learning course (~ 5 h). Descriptive statistics were reported, and McNemar Chi-Square tests and paired samples t-tests were used to examine changes in ECEs’ question-specific, and total knowledge scores, respectively. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks tests were employed to examine changes in self-efficacy, behavioural intention, and perceived behavioural control. Results Both pre- (n = 32) and in-service (n = 121) ECEs significantly increased their total knowledge scores from pre- to post-course completion (p < .05*). Significant positive changes in self-efficacy (p < .025*), behavioural intention (p < .007*), and perceived behavioural control (p < .007*) were demonstrated by in-service ECEs following course completion, while only select composite scores within these tools were significant among pre-service ECEs. Conclusions These findings provide preliminary evidence of the potential efficacy of the e-Learning course at improving ECEs’ knowledge, self-efficacy, behavioural intention, and perceived behavioural control to support PA and minimize SB in childcare. Following the success of the pilot study, testing the effectiveness of the TEACH e-Learning course on a larger scale, with a comparison group, is warranted prior to recommending broader dissemination of the training in pre-service ECE programs and for in-service ECE professional learning.
Collapse
|
6
|
Relationship Between the Physical Environment and Physical Activity Levels in Preschool Children: A Systematic Review. Curr Environ Health Rep 2021; 8:177-195. [PMID: 33934294 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-021-00318-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this study was to understand the influence of the physical environment on the physical activity (PA) behavior of preschool children (aged 2 to 6 years), in order to provide an overview of these influences from the perspective of the ecological model. RECENT FINDINGS PA is of great importance for the prevention of obesity and cardiovascular diseases since childhood. The physical environment has a direct relationship with the different domains, where people can spend their time being physically active. Nonetheless, despite the importance of the physical environment to engagement in PA, very few reviews have focused on this relationship in the context of the growing problem of physical inactivity among preschool children. Studies that had analyzed the school domain had found that greater availability of a wider variety of portable play equipment, presence of certain fixed playground equipment, and presence of open spaces had favored PA levels. Furthermore, different studies had shown that the natural environment and the presence of hills were important for children's PA. Thus, despite the associations with PA we were able to identify in this review, new studies will still be needed to link the physical environment with PA levels, especially regarding transportation and leisure time. In conclusion, promoting studies on this subject from an early age will allow us to obtain information that could allow the adaptation, design, and construction of healthier homes, neighborhoods, and schools that promote children's health.
Collapse
|
7
|
Bruijns BA, Johnson AM, Irwin JD, Burke SM, Driediger M, Vanderloo LM, Tucker P. Training may enhance early childhood educators' self-efficacy to lead physical activity in childcare. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:386. [PMID: 33607984 PMCID: PMC7893737 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10400-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Early childhood educators (ECEs) play a critical role in promoting physical activity (PA) among preschoolers in childcare; thus, PA-related training for ECEs is essential. The Supporting PA in the Childcare Environment (SPACE) intervention incorporated: 1. shorter, more frequent outdoor play sessions; 2. provision of portable play equipment; and, PA training for ECEs. An extension of the SPACE intervention (the SPACE-Extension) incorporated only the shorter, more frequent outdoor play periods component of the original SPACE intervention. The purpose of this study was to explore the individual impact of these interventions on ECEs’ PA-related self-efficacy and knowledge. Methods ECEs from the SPACE (n = 83) and SPACE-Extension (n = 31) were administered surveys at all intervention time-points to assess: self-efficacy to engage preschoolers in PA (n = 6 items; scale 0 to 100); self-efficacy to implement the intervention (n = 6 items); and, knowledge of preschooler-specific PA and screen-viewing guidelines (n = 2 items). A linear mixed effects model was used to analyze the impact of each intervention on ECEs’ self-efficacy and knowledge and controlled for multiple comparison bias. Results The SPACE intervention significantly impacted ECEs’ self-efficacy to engage preschoolers in PA for 180 min/day (main effect), and when outdoor playtime was not an option (interaction effect). Further, the interaction model for ECEs’ knowledge of the total PA guideline for preschoolers approached significance when compared to the main effects model. Participants within the SPACE-Extension did not demonstrate any significant changes in self-efficacy or knowledge variables. Conclusions Findings from this study highlight the benefit of ECE training in PA with regard to fostering their PA-related self-efficacy and knowledge. Future research should explore the impact of PA training for ECEs uniquely in order to determine if this intervention component, alone, can produce meaningful changes in children’s PA behaviours at childcare. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-10400-z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brianne A Bruijns
- Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Andrew M Johnson
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer D Irwin
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shauna M Burke
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Molly Driediger
- School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leigh M Vanderloo
- Child Health and Evaluative Science, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patricia Tucker
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, 1201 Western Road, Elborn College, Room 2547, London, ON, N6G 1H1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|