Overview

Abstract (English)

A large number of Canadian children are enrolled in childcare, and they spend substantial time there. Capturing a national picture of the relationship between childcare type and physical activity (PA; i.e., light, moderate- to-vigorous, and total) and sedentary time (ST) in young children is needed. Using a nationally representative sample of preschoolers (aged 3-5 years), this cross-sectional study used cycles 3 and 4 of the Canadian Health Measures Survey. Childcare type (e.g., centre-, home-based childcare, home with parent, kindergarten) was reported by parents. Preschoolers wore an accelerometer for 7 consecutive days. Device and population-specific cut-points were applied to delineate PA intensities and ST. Means and descriptive statistics were calculated to analyze the weighted data. No significant differences in PA or ST were found across the 4 childcare environments. Future research is necessary to clarify the influence of childcare type on PA and ST.

Abstract (French)

Please note that abstracts only appear in the language of the publication and might not have a translation.