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Supported playgroups as a setting for promoting physical activity of young children: Findings from a feasibility study in south‐west S ydney, A ustralia
Author(s) -
Weber Danielle,
Rissel Chris,
Hector Debra,
Wen Li Ming
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/jpc.12466
Subject(s) - medicine , intervention (counseling) , physical activity , screen time , family medicine , pediatrics , physical therapy , nursing
Aim This study examined the feasibility of the supported playgroups ( SPG s) setting to promote physical activity among young children and increase staff and parental knowledge of the physical activity recommendations for young children. Methods A 10‐week Active P lay@ P laygroup intervention was conducted with 28 co‐ordinators and 174 parents attending SPGs located in south‐west Sydney. The intervention involved training and providing support to SPG co‐ordinators to help promote active play and reduce screen time for young children. The effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated using pre‐ and post‐intervention surveys. The main outcomes included changes in parents' knowledge of physical activity recommendations for 0‐ to 5‐year‐olds, and children's physical activity and sedentary behaviours outside of playgroup. Results The mean time children spent playing actively outdoors during the week increased (pre: 1.48 h/day vs. post: 1.95 h/day, P = 0.02), and the time parents spent playing actively with their children increased both during weekdays (pre: 1.57 h/day vs. post: 2.42 h/day, P = 0.01) and on the weekend (pre: 2.95 h/day vs. post: 3.83 h/day, P = 0.02). There was also a significant increase in the proportion of parents with correct knowledge of recommended screen time for 0‐ to <2‐year‐olds (pre: 7.9% vs. post: 23.4%, P = 0.02). Conclusions It is feasible and potentially effective to use the SPG setting to promote active play among young children and increase parents' knowledge of physical activity recommendations for young children.