Associations between educators’ and children’s physical activity and sedentary time in Norwegian preschools: A cross-sectional study

The purpose of the study is to investigate the relationship between kindergarten employees’ and children’s physical activity and sedentary time in kindergarten. The study also looks at the connection between kindergarten employees’ characteristics and children’s physical activity and sedentary time. The study aims to help understand the factors that affect children’s physical activity levels in kindergarten, thus laying the foundation for the development of effective strategies that promote physical activity among children in this age group.

The study found that there is a correlation between kindergarten employees’ and children’s physical activity during kindergarten hours. The kindergarten employees’ moderate and vigorous physical activity was positively associated with children’s physical activity at all intensity levels. The study also found that the proportion of male employees and the employees’ BMI was associated with children’s physical activity levels.

The study included 1230 children (average age 4.8 years, 48% girls) and 422 kindergarten employees (average age 42.4 years, 90% women) from 68 kindergartens in Vestland County in Norway. Physical activity and sedentary time were measured over 10 kindergarten days using accelerometers, which were attached on the hip. In addition, data on height and weight were collected to calculate BMI, as well as information on outdoor time and demographic factors.

Nilsen, A. K. O., Espedal, H., Aadland, K. N., & Aadland, E. (2023). Associations between educators’ and children’s physical activity and sedentary time in Norwegian preschools: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Sports Sciences, 41(3), 200–208.