"Oh oobe doo, I wanna be like you” associations between physical activity of preschool staff and preschool children

The study investigates whether there is a correlation between kindergarten employee initiative, participation and attitudes towards physical activity, and the children’s level of physical activity in everyday kindergarten life. 

A significant connection was found between the average physical activity of pre-school employees during working hours and the children’s corresponding level of activity while in kindergarten. However, there was no significant connection between the employees’ self-reported attitudes towards participation in and initiative for physical activity and the children’s level of activity during the kindergarten day. 

289 children aged 4–6 years old and 72 pre-school employees from 13 randomly selected pre-schools in Nord-Trøndelag participated in the investigation. All participants wore accelerometers that measured their level of activity for seven consecutive days during their time in kindergarten. In addition, the employees filled out questionnaires to in order map their attitudes towards participation in and initiative for physical activity. A statistical analysis was then carried out to shed light on the connections between the employees’ and the children’s level of activity. 

Fossdal, T. S., Kippe, K., Handegård, B. H. & Lagestad, P. (2018). "Oh oobe doo, I wanna be like you” associations between physical activity of preschool staff and preschool children". PLoS One, 13(11).