Measuring Physical Activity in Toddlers with Accelerometers
Author Information
Author(s): Van Cauwenberghe Eveline, Gubbels Jessica, De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse, Cardon Greet
Primary Institution: Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, University of Ghent
Hypothesis
Can accelerometer measurements accurately assess physical activity in toddlers aged 1 to 3 years?
Conclusion
ActiGraph accelerometer measurements are feasible and valid for quantifying physical activity in toddlers.
Supporting Evidence
- 83% of parents found wearing the accelerometer 'not unpleasant'.
- Mean registration time was 9.4 hours on weekdays and 9.9 hours on weekends.
- Mean ActiGraph activity counts were significantly associated with observed activity intensity.
Takeaway
Researchers used special devices to see how much toddlers move, and they found that these devices work well for this age group.
Methodology
Forty-seven toddlers wore accelerometers for 6 days, and their activity was compared to direct observations.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to low participation rates and reliance on parental reports.
Limitations
The study had a low response rate from parents and child care centers, and the sample size was small.
Participant Demographics
47 toddlers (25 boys; average age 20 ± 4 months) from 11 child care centers.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website