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Changes in Physical Activity over Time in Young Children: A Longitudinal Study Using Accelerometers

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  • Rachael W Taylor
  • Sheila M Williams
  • Victoria L Farmer
  • Barry J Taylor

Abstract

Previous research has suggested that marked declines in physical activity occur during the preschool years, and across the transition into school. However, longitudinal studies using objective measures of activity have been limited by sample size and length of follow-up. The aims of this study were to determine how overall activity and time in different intensities of activity change in children followed from 3 to 7 years. Children (n = 242) wore Actical accelerometers at 3, 4, 5, 5.5, 6.5 and 7 years of age during all waking and sleeping hours for a minimum of 5 days. Time in sedentary (S), light (L), moderate (M), and vigorous (V) physical activity was determined using available cut points. Data were analyzed using a mixed model and expressed as counts per minute (cpm, overall activity) and the ratio of active time to sedentary time (LMV:S), adjusted for multiple confounders including sex, age, time worn, and weather. At 5 years, physical activity had declined substantially to around half that observed at 3 years. Although starting school was associated with a further short-term (6-month) decline in activity (cpm) in both boys (difference; 95% CI: -98; -149, -46) and girls (-124; -174, -74, both P

Suggested Citation

  • Rachael W Taylor & Sheila M Williams & Victoria L Farmer & Barry J Taylor, 2013. "Changes in Physical Activity over Time in Young Children: A Longitudinal Study Using Accelerometers," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(11), pages 1-1, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0081567
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081567
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