Early physical activity and sedentary behaviours

Authors

Anthony D. Okely, University of WollongongFollow
Xanne Janssen, University of StrathclydeFollow

RIS ID

98818

Publication Details

Okely, A. D. & Janssen, X. (2015). Early physical activity and sedentary behaviours. In L. Stewart & J. Thompson (Eds.), Early Years Nutrition and Healthy Weight (pp. 46-58). Chichester, United Kingdom: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract

Health professionals play a key role in promoting physical activity and limiting sitting and screen-time behaviour in the early years. When working with parents of young children, it is important for health professionals to understand the relationship of these behaviours to health outcomes, what evidence exists around the tracking of these behaviours from early childhood into childhood and adulthood, and on what evidence current physical activity and screen-time guidelines are based. This chapter summarises the evidence in these areas, based on a recent literature search of longitudinal and intervention studies (up to and including September 2013), and provides advice on promoting health- enhancing levels of these behaviours.