Interventions to increase physical activity in children 0-5 years old: a systematic review, meta-analysis and realist synthesis

Obes Rev. 2019 Jan;20(1):75-87. doi: 10.1111/obr.12763. Epub 2018 Sep 26.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to increase physical activity (PA) in 0-5 year olds and to determine what works, for whom, in what circumstances.

Design: Systematic review, meta-analysis and realist synthesis.

Data sources: Embase and EBSCOhost (Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Complete, Global Health, MEDLINE Complete, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus with full text), up to and including April 2017.

Eligibility criteria: Published in a peer-reviewed English language journal; randomized or controlled trial design; aimed to increase children's PA levels; reported on objectively assessed PA in children between 0 and 5.9 years at baseline and post-intervention.

Results: Thirty-four studies were included in the review, mostly conducted in the preschool/childcare setting. Meta-analyses showed an overall non-significant (Z = 0.04, p = 0.97) mean difference of 0.03 (95% CI = -1.57, 1.63) minutes/day for light-intensity PA (n = 11). The overall mean difference for moderate-intensity to vigorous-intensity PA (n = 21) was 2.88 (95% CI = 1.54, 4.23) minutes/day, indicating a small but significant overall positive effect (Z = 4.20, p < 0.001). The realist synthesis provided insights into the key contexts and mechanisms that appeared to be effective at changing children's PA.

Conclusion: Based on a quantitative and qualitative examination of the evidence, this review provides specific recommendations for effective early childhood PA interventions for practitioners and policymakers.

Keywords: early childhood; meta-analysis; physical activity; realist review.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Exercise*
  • Health Promotion
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Schools