Physical activity interventions were consistently ( > 60 % of studies ) associated with improved motor and cognitive development , and psychosocial and cardiometabolic health .
Across observational studies , physical activity was consistently associated with favourable motor development , fitness , and bone and skeletal health .
For intensity , light- and moderate-intensity physical activity were not consistently associated with any health indicators , whereas moderate- to vigorous-intensity , vigorous-intensity , and total physical activity were consistently favourably associated with multiple health indicators .
Across study design s , consistent favourable associations with health indicators were observed for a variety of types of physical activity , including active play , aerobic , dance , prone position ( infants ; ≤1 year ) , and structured/organized .
Apart from ≥30 min/day of the prone position for infants , the most favourable frequency and duration of physical activity was unclear .
However , more physical activity appeared better for health .
Conclusions Specific types of physical activity , total physical activity , and physical activity of at least moderate- to vigorous-intensity were consistently favourably associated with multiple health indicators .
Background Given the rapid development during the early years ( 0 - 4 years ) , an underst and ing of the health implication s of physical activity is needed .
The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the relationships between objective ly and subjectively measured physical activity and health indicators in the early years .
Objectively measured physical activity in four-year-old British children: a cross-sectional analysis of activity patterns segmented across the day
Background Little is known about preschool-aged children ’s levels of  physical activity ( PA ) over the course of the day . Using time-stamped data , we describe the levels and patterns of PA in a population -based sample of four-year-old British children . Methods Within the Southampton Women ’s Survey the PA levels of 593 4-year-old children ( 51 % female ) were measured using ( Actiheart ) accelerometry for up to 7 days . Three outcome measures : minutes spent sedentary ( < 20 cpm ) ; in light ( LPA : ≥20 – 399 cpm ) and in moderate-to-vigorous activity ( MVPA : ≥400 cpm ) were derived . Average daily activity levels were calculated and then segmented across the day ( morning , afternoon and evening ) . MVPA was log-transformed . Two-level r and om intercept models were used to analyse associations between activity level and temporal and demographic factors . Results Children were active for 67 % ( mean 568.5 SD 79.5 minutes ) of their daily registered time on average , with 88 % of active time spent in LPA . All children met current UK guidelines of 180 minutes of daily activity . There were no differences in children ’s average daily levels of sedentary activity and LPA by temporal and demographic factors : differences did emerge when activity was segmented across the day . Sex differences were largest in the morning , with girls being more sedentary , spending fewer minutes in LPA and 18 % less time in MVPA than boys . Children were more sedentary and less active ( LPA and MVPA ) in the morning if they attended childcare full-time compared to part-time , and on weekend mornings compared to weekdays . The reverse was true for weekend afternoons and evenings . Children with more educated mothers were less active in the evenings . Children were less sedentary and did more MVPA on summer evenings compared to winter evenings . Conclusions Preschool-aged children meet current physical activity guidelines , but with the majority of their active time spent in LPA , investigation of the importance of activity intensity in younger children is needed . Activity levels over the day differed by demographic and temporal factors , highlighting the need to consider temporality in future interventions . Increasing girls ’ morning activity and providing opportunities for daytime activity in winter months may be worthwhile
Physical activity interventions were consistently ( > 60 % of studies ) associated with improved motor and cognitive development , and psychosocial and cardiometabolic health .
Across observational studies , physical activity was consistently associated with favourable motor development , fitness , and bone and skeletal health .
For intensity , light- and moderate-intensity physical activity were not consistently associated with any health indicators , whereas moderate- to vigorous-intensity , vigorous-intensity , and total physical activity were consistently favourably associated with multiple health indicators .
Across study design s , consistent favourable associations with health indicators were observed for a variety of types of physical activity , including active play , aerobic , dance , prone position ( infants ; ≤1 year ) , and structured/organized .
Apart from ≥30 min/day of the prone position for infants , the most favourable frequency and duration of physical activity was unclear .
However , more physical activity appeared better for health .
Conclusions Specific types of physical activity , total physical activity , and physical activity of at least moderate- to vigorous-intensity were consistently favourably associated with multiple health indicators .
Background Given the rapid development during the early years ( 0 - 4 years ) , an underst and ing of the health implication s of physical activity is needed .
The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the relationships between objective ly and subjectively measured physical activity and health indicators in the early years .