The preschool mover: A comparison between naturally‐occurring and program‐directed physical activity patterns

This study described children's physical activity patterns during structured and unstructured daily activity. In Experiment 1, eleven children (3‐5 years) wore heart rate monitors for 12 consecutive hours, including a 2‐ hour developmental movement program. Program heart rates were significantly higher than during home activity, where physical activity was predominantly sedentary. In Experiment 2, heart rate telemetry was used to monitor the daily activity of children in a movement program and in a private daycare. Physical activity during the movement program was significantly more intense than home activity for either group, or than daycare activity. No differences were found in home activity, or for peak heart rate, resting heart rate or age. Females in both groups were significantly more active than males during certain periods of the day. While children's naturally‐occurring activity is fairly sedentary, youngsters can maintain moderate or vigorous activity if given proper guidance.