The challenge of understanding and assessing physical activity in preschool-age children: Thinking beyond the framework of intensity, duration and frequency of activity

Genevieve M Dwyer; Louise A Baur; Louise L Hardy

doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2008.10.005

The challenge of understanding and assessing physical activity in preschool-age children: Thinking beyond the framework of intensity, duration and frequency of activity

J Sci Med Sport. 2009 Sep;12(5):534-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2008.10.005. Epub 2009 Jan 4.

Authors

Genevieve M Dwyer¹, Louise A Baur, Louise L Hardy

Affiliation

¹ The University of Sydney Discipline of Pediatrics and Child Health, The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Australia. g.dwyer@usyd.edu.au

PMID: 19124273
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2008.10.005

Abstract

The physical activity behavior of young preschool-aged children is different from that seen in older children and adults, due in part to biological, psychosocial and cognitive immaturity. This paper: (a) provides an overview the relevant development of young children in relation to physical activity; and (b) outlines the relationship between child development, play, and physical activity in young children. Understanding, assessing and promoting physical activity in young children should include identification of contextual factors such as developmental stage and aspects of play.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Child Development / physiology*
Child, Preschool
Humans
Motor Skills / physiology*
Physical Fitness*
Play and Playthings*