Study: Fewer than 1 in 4 preschoolers meet the recommended daily physical activity levels

Fewer than 1 in 4 children aged 2 to 4 meet the recommended daily physical activity levels, a new study has found. Additionally, while children are much more active on days when they attend early years settings, most preschoolers are not meeting the recommended activity levels within early years settings or at home.

The University of Bristol-led research analysed data from 419 preschool-aged children (49.6% boys) attending early years providers in 4 different local authorities in England (Somerset, Swindon, and Sandwell) and Scotland (Arran and Ayrshire). This is the first accelerometer-based comparison of physical activity in preschoolers across days spent within early years settings and days spent outside of the setting.

Using activity belts (accelerometers), the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)-funded study examined how children's physical activity levels varied between weekdays and weekends.

The study, carried out in collaboration with the universities of Birmingham, Glasgow and Cardiff, is published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health today [24 November].

The researchers assessed the children's activity patterns for a week when they were in early years settings and outside of settings.

Key findings include: 

• Children aged 2 to 4 were significantly more active (on average 15 minutes) on days when they attended early years settings.

• Less than a quarter (23%) of preschoolers met the World Health Organisation (WHO) activity guidelines of 180 minutes of daily physical activity, and just 2.4% achieved the target of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity.
• 8% more boys met the activity guidelines.
• Girls were significantly less likely to meet these guidelines than boys, while older children were more likely to meet the targets.

• Outside of early years settings, the least deprived children were more active than the most deprived. Whereas, when children were in early years settings activity levels were similar.

• Early years settings play an important role in providing opportunities to be more active and reducing inequalities.

Dr. Kim Hannam, Research Fellow in the Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences (PHS), and senior author on the study, said: "These findings highlight a critical gap in physical activity among preschoolers.

"While early years settings provide a more active environment, most children are still not achieving the movement levels needed for healthy growth and development.

"Our study highlights the need for coordinated strategies between policymakers, educators, and families to support early childhood physical activity."

Low levels of physical activity in early childhood can impact on children's healthy development and increase the risk of a range of chronic conditions in later life.

"Early years settings play an important role in promoting physical activity and reducing inequalities, especially as government-funded childcare expands. However, the low proportion of children meeting activity guidelines highlights the need for continued investment and research to support healthy development in the early years."

Ruth Kipping, Professor of Public Health in the Bristol Medical School: PHS

The researchers suggest that interventions to increase activity levels should focus on both Early Years settings and home environments. Strengthened national policy, parental engagement, and play-friendly environments could help ensure young children build the foundations for lifelong health.