Tracking Exercise in Kids

Date

2017-03-01

Authors

Breau, Rebecca
Ma, David
Haines, Jess
Vallis, Lori

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Abstract

Monitoring physical activity has never been more convenient. Devices such as FitBit, Garmin Vivofit or the Apple watch can track our daily steps, hours of sleep, and number of stairs climbed. These technological advances allow researchers to track and obtain fitness data from large populations.

While it is common to study physical activity levels in adults, teens and children, very few researchers have undertaken fitness tracking in preschool aged children. This age group is critical to study, not only because childhood obesity rates continue to rise, but also because both positive and negative lifelong habits develop during this age. As such, investigating how much and what level of physical activity children aged 18 months - 5 years complete on a daily basis is needed, as these trends may indicate the fitness levels they will maintain throughout their lives.

As part of the Guelph Family Health Study, this project will analyze data captured from activity monitors worn by preschool aged children for a period of up to seven days before and after a family interview-based intervention. This study will note the effects of the intervention and the levels and intensities of physical activity that these children complete, and compare this data to other health outcomes. This project will enhance our understanding of how to track fitness levels in young children, and will facilitate examining correlations between physical activity and health outcomes.

Description

Poster was part of 'What We Know' display, held on March 1, 2017 at the Quebec Street Mall in Downtown Guelph. At 'What We Know,' the Community Engaged Scholarship Institute brought together 50 posters featuring diverse research on Guelph and Wellington from community organizations, municipal staff, faculty and students. Topics included feral cats, farmland loss, food waste, the wellbeing of children and more - all specific to Guelph and Wellington.

Keywords

What we know, Guelph, Guelph Wellington, Guelph Family Health Study, Wellington, physical activity in children, preschool aged children, childhood obesity, childhood activity levels

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