Objectively Measured Environmental Correlates of Toddlers’ Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior
in Pediatric Exercise SciencePurpose: Examine objectively measured environmental correlates of physical activity and sedentary behavior in toddlers (12–35 mo). Methods: Participants were recruited at immunization appointments in Edmonton, Canada. Physical activity and sedentary time were objectively measured via accelerometers (n = 149). The parents reported screen time and demographic characteristics via a questionnaire (n = 249). Postal codes were used to link neighborhood data via geographic information systems. Neighborhood data included 4 environmental domains: functional (ie, walkability), safety (ie, crime), esthetic (ie, tree density), and destination (ie, cul-de-sac density, wooded area percentage, green space percentage, recreation density, park density). Weather data (temperature and precipitation) were obtained via historical weather records. Multilevel multiple linear regression models were used to account for clustering of participants within neighborhoods and adjustment of demographic variables. Results: Each additional 10°C of mean temperature was significantly associated with 5.74 (95% confidence interval, 0.96–10.50) minutes per day of higher light-intensity physical activity, though the effect size was small (f2 = 0.08). No other significant associations were observed. Conclusions: The lack of significant findings for neighborhood environment factors suggests proximal factors (eg, features of the home environment) may be more important in predicting toddlers’ physical activity and sedentary behavior. More indoor physical activity opportunities may be needed on colder days for toddlers.
Hunter, Rodgers, Spence, and Carson are with the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. Rosu is with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Aylmer District Office, Aylmer, Canada. Hesketh is with the Faculty of Health, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia. Rhodes is with the School of Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada. Rinaldi is with the Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
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