Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
Volume 12, Issue 5 , Pages 534-536, September 2009

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

      Affiliations

    • The University of Sydney Discipline of Pediatrics and Child Health, The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Australia
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author.
    • ,
  • Louise A. Baur

      Affiliations

    • The University of Sydney Discipline of Pediatrics and Child Health, The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Australia
    • NSW Centre for Overweight and Obesity, University of Sydney, Australia
    • ,
  • Louise L. Hardy

      Affiliations

    • NSW Centre for Overweight and Obesity, University of Sydney, Australia

Received 30 April 2008; received in revised form 21 October 2008; accepted 21 October 2008.

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.

Keywords: Assessment, Child development, Child, Preschool, Physical activity, Play

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PII: S1440-2440(08)00207-7

doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2008.10.005

Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
Volume 12, Issue 5 , Pages 534-536, September 2009

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