Physical activity levels in the early years and factors that influence these

Factors influencing physical activity Physical activity is a complex, multi- dimensional behaviour influenced by a wide range of factors. Young children have relatively little control over their behaviours. Understanding the correlates of physical activity is important in changing behaviour.

Factors influencing physical activity: Early years 5,6,7 Demographic factors Boys are generally more active than girls. Activity levels in this age group are generally stable and do not change significantly with age. Unclear whether a child’s ethnicity or BMI/weight has an impact on their activity levels between the ages of 0- 5 years.

Factors influencing physical activity: Early years 6,7,8 Social/cultural factors A child who watches more television or spends much of their time sitting may have lower overall physical activity levels. Parent-child interactions and role modelling appear to encourage higher levels of physical activity in young children. A parent’s weight and physical activity levels have mixed effects on their children’s physical activity levels.

Factors influencing physical activity: Early years 6,7,8,9 Environmental factors Fewer children within a setting, shorter breaks and more time between breaks can increase levels of physical activity. Children who spend more time playing outdoors have higher levels of physical activity.

Physical activity levels in England: Survey data 10 Based on the 2011 UK physical activity guidelines, in England, in 2012: 9% of boys and 10% of girls aged 2-4 years were classified as meeting the current guidelines for children aged under 5 of at least three hours of physical activity per day. 84% of children of this age were classified in the ‘low activity’ group.*

Sedentary levels in the early years In the UK, for children aged 3 and 4 years, the average time spent being sedentary is hours a day 11. In the early years, typical sedentary behaviours might include watching TV, travelling by car, bus or train, or being strapped into a buggy.

References 1.Department of Health. Start Active, Stay Active – A report on physical activity for health from the four home countries’ Chief Medical Officers. London: Department of Health; Chaput J, Klingenberg L, Rosenkilde M, Gilbert J, Tremblay A, Sjodin A. Physical activity plays an important role in body weight regulation. J Obes. 2011;2011(Article ID ). 3.Monasta L, Batty GD, Cattaneo A, Lutje V, Ronfani L, van Lenthe FJ, et al. Early-life determinants of overweight and obesity: A review of systematic reviews. Obes Rev. 2010;11(10): OECD (2007). Understanding the brain: the birth of a learning science. OECD ISBN Rudolf M. Tackling obesity through the healthy child programme: a framework for action. National Obesity Observatory; Hinkley T, Crawford D, Salmon J, Okely AD, Hesketh K. Preschool Children and Physical Activity: A Review of Correlates. Am J Prev Med 2008 May;34(5): De Craemer M, De Decker E, De Bourdeaudhuij I, Vereecken C, Deforche, B, Manois Y, Cardon G, on behalf of the ToyBox-study group. Correlates of energy balance-related behaviours in preschool children: a systematic review. Obesity reviews 2012;13 Suppl 1: Okely AD, Salmon J, Trost SG, Hinkley T. Discussion paper for the development of physical activity recommendations for children under five years. Canberra, ACT, Australia; Australian Department of Health and Ageing, Government of Australia; Ridgers ND, Fairclough SJ, Stratton G. Variables associated with children's physical activity levels during recess: the A-CLASS project. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2010, 7:74.

References 10.Health and Social Care Information Centre. Health Survey for England Volume 1: Chapter 3 - Physical activity in children. Health and Social Care Information Centre: Leeds; Reilly JJ, Okely AD, Almond L et al. Making the Case for UK Physical Activity Guidelines for Early Years: Recommendations and draft summary statements based on the current evidence. Working paper The Health and Social Care Information Centre, Lifestyles Statistics. National Child Measurement Programme: England, 2012/13 school year. Leeds: NHS Information Centre; Okely AD, Salmon J, Trost SG, Hinkley T. Discussion paper for the development of physical activity recommendations for children under five years. Canberra: Department of Health and Ageing, Government of Australia; Timmons BW, Naylor P, Pfeiffer KA. Physical activity for preschool children: How much and how? Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 32, 122–134; Department for Children, Schools and Families. Statutory Framework for the Early Years foundation Stage - Setting the Standards for Learning, Development and Care for children from birth to five. Nottingham: Department for Children, Schools and Families; Northern Ireland Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment. Understanding the Foundation Stage. Belfast: Early Years Interboard Group; Wales Assembly Government. Framework for Children’s Learning for 3-7-year-olds in Wales. Cardiff: Wales Assembly Government; Allen G. Early Intervention: the Next Steps, An Independent Report to her Majesty’s Government. London: HM Government; 2011.