Tuesday, June 30, 2015

The paucity of physical play in preschoolers

Pediatrics: In an observational study of a cohort of preschoolers (ages 3 to 5 years) attending 10 child care centers in the Seattle area, researchers found that the children spent only 14% of their time in moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Only 12% of the time spent in day care was available for active play opportunities. When they did have time for active play, children were more active when outside and when play was child-initated.