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 .
Risk factors for overweight in 2- to 6-year-old children in Beijing, China.
OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence of overweight among Chinese preschool children and to explore risk factors of childhood obesity focusing on parental characteristics , feeding practice and lifestyle . METHODS Data on 930 families with 2- to 6-year-old children in five kindergartens were obtained in a cross sectional study . Families were r and omly selected from two of all six urban districts in Beijing , China . Information on parental characteristics , dietary habits , lifestyle habits , and feeding practice was collected by parental self-report question naires . The children 's stature and weight were measured in light clothing and without shoes . Overweight and obesity were defined according to international cut-off values , as proposed by the International Obesity Task Force . Multivariate regression analysis was used to explore risk factors of child overweight . RESULTS The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 10.7 % and 4.2 % , respectively , and increased with age . The prevalence of child overweight was 14.1 % and 7.5 % in obese and non-obese families , respectively . Significant associations were observed between child and parent characteristics for overweight , frequency of eating in restaurant , television hours , and hours of physical activity . Child overweight was associated with parental overweight ( Odds Ratio [ OR ] 2.43 , 95 % CI 0.78 , 6.59 ) , low maternal education level ( OR 2.22 , 95 % CI 1.39 , 3.55 ) , food restriction ( OR 2.68 , 95 % CI 1.64 , 4.29 ) , and television watching > 2h/d ( OR 1.56 , 95 % CI 1.17 , 2.09 ) , after adjusting for sex , age , family income and kindergarten ( for cluster study design ) . CONCLUSIONS Overweight prevalence among Chinese preschool children in Beijing is comparable to some European countries . Prevention strategies should include identified lifestyle risk factors
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 .