PA correlates/determinants were relatively consistent between objective and subjective PA measures .
A small number of demographic/biological and social/cultural factors were associated with PA .
CONTEXT Being physically active during the early years ( age 0 - 6 years ) is vital for healthy development .
Identifying correlates and determinants of physical activity ( PA ) is crucial to guide effective interventions .
This systematic review synthesized studies investigating potential correlates and determinants of PA during the early years , accounting for different types of PA assessment .
Energy balance and physical activity in obese children attending day-care centres
Objective : To evaluate energy balance and physical activity in obese preschool children attending day-care centres . Design : Cross-sectional study .Subjects : Twenty-four 3–5 years old obese children selected at r and om from four different day-care centres in Santiago City , Chile . Total energy expenditure ( TEE ) was measured by doubly labelled water and physical activity as recorded by TRITRAC R3D motion sensor . Energy intake was assessed by measuring food intake while at the centre , along with the recording of additional food intake in the home . Results : Obese children had a 5.4 % higher weighed energy intake than their energy requirements 2001 . Energy intake during the week was 7716±1092 kJ/day and 7401±1023 kJ/day in boys and girls , respectively . Minimal activity was higher in the day-care centres ( 62 % ) compared to 52 % during the weekend at home . Light activity was higher during the weekend at home than during the week ( 25 versus 20 % ) , but moderate-intense activity was similar ( 3–5 % ) . Conclusions : Reduction in dietary energy provided at the day-care centres helps to balance energy requirements during the week . Obese children had marked sedentary characteristics with regards to physical activity , although children are more active at home in weekends . This situation suggests that educators and parents need to improve children 's physical activity levels and nutrition habits
PA correlates/determinants were relatively consistent between objective and subjective PA measures .
A small number of demographic/biological and social/cultural factors were associated with PA .
CONTEXT Being physically active during the early years ( age 0 - 6 years ) is vital for healthy development .
Identifying correlates and determinants of physical activity ( PA ) is crucial to guide effective interventions .
This systematic review synthesized studies investigating potential correlates and determinants of PA during the early years , accounting for different types of PA assessment .