Empirical Article Summary Form
Hailey Poss
Paper Topic: ____ Directly observed physical activity levels in preschool children
Complete Reference (APA style): Pate,, R. R., McIver, K., Dowda, M., Brown, W.
H., & Addy, C. (2008). "Directly observed physical activity levels in preschool
children.(Research Article). . Journal of School Health, 78.8, 438. Retrieved September
3, 2008, from the Kansas State University Libraries database
1. Introduction:
Physical activities in a structured setting of children care faculties.
The purpose of this study was to describe the physical activity levels and demographic
and school-related correlates of physical activity in children attending preschools, using a
direct observation measurement system. It also discussed the link between lack of activity
and high childhood obesity rates.
2. Methods:
Direct observation of 593 3- to 5-year-old children in 24 licensed preschools in South
Carolina. A minimum of six hundred 30-minute observation intervals were recorded for
each child for a total of 600-720 minutes. The activity monitored was over a ten day
period.
3. Results: What were the major findings of the study? (If you cannot
understand the statistics, summarize the findings based on what the authors say
about the data.)
The children that were observed engaged in moderate to vigorous activities only 3% of
the time and were sedentary 80%. Boys engaged in more physical activity than girls.
The conclusion was that children are physically inactive during the most of the preschool
day. It was also observed that there is a link between higher childhood obesity rates and
lack of activity.
4. Discussion:
Children were engaged in physical activity in only 3% of the time during a day care
setting. There was a lack of activity due to a number of reasons size restraints, lack of
equipment, lack of scheduled time for free play, and outdoor play. The 4-5 age range
received less activity than the 3-4 age range due to a more structured classroom setting in
preparation for school. The findings did support the lack of physical activity being in
relation childhood obesity.
5. So what?:
The author suggested the more time spent outside the more physical activity they
participated in. Children are naturally active and when given the opportunity with free
play and equipment to use. And it is suggested that there is a link between childhood
obesity and life long obesity.