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 .
The contribution of preschool playground factors in explaining children's physical activity during recess
Background Low levels of physical activity are characteristic in preschoolers . To effectively promote physical activity , it is necessary to underst and factors that influence young children 's physical activity . The present study aim ed to investigate how physical activity levels are influenced by environmental factors during recess in preschool . Methods Preschool playground observations and pedometry during recess were carried out in 39 r and omly selected preschools ( 415 boys and 368 girls ; 5.3 ± 0.4 years old ) . In order to examine the contribution of playground variables to physical activity levels , taking adjustment for clustering of subjects within preschools into account , multilevel analyses were conducted . Results During recess boys took significantly more steps per minute than girls ( 65 ± 36 versus 54 ± 28 steps/min ) . In both genders higher step counts per minute were significantly associated with less children per m2 and with shorter recess times . Only in boys a hard playground surface was a borderline significant predictor for higher physical activity levels . In girls higher step counts were associated with the presence of less supervising teachers . Playground markings , access to toys , the number of playing or aim ing equipment pieces and the presence of vegetation or height differences were not significant physical activity predictors in both genders . Conclusion In preschool children physical activity during outdoor play is associated with modifiable playground factors . Further study is recommended to evaluate if the provision of more play space , the promotion of continued activity by supervisors and the modification of playground characteristics can increase physical activity levels in preschoolers
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 .