Johnstone, A. et al. (2022) Nature-based early childhood education and children’s physical activity, sedentary behavior, motor competence, and other physical health outcomes: a mixed-methods systematic review. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 19(6), pp. 456-472. (doi: 10.1123/jpah.2021-0760) (PMID:35537707) (PMCID:PMC7613039)
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Abstract
Background: The purpose was to synthesize evidence on the association between nature-based Early Childhood Education (ECE) and children’s physical activity (PA) and motor competence (MC). Methods: A literature search of 9 databases was concluded in August 2020. Studies were eligible if (1) children were aged 2–7 years old and attending ECE, (2) ECE settings integrated nature, and (3) assessed physical outcomes. Two reviewers independently screened full-text articles and assessed study quality. Synthesis was conducted using effect direction (quantitative), thematic analysis (qualitative), and combined using a results-based convergent synthesis. Results: 1370 full-text articles were screened and 39 (31 quantitative and 8 qualitative) studies were eligible; 20 quantitative studies assessed PA and 6 assessed MC. Findings indicated inconsistent associations between nature-based ECE and increased moderate to vigorous PA, and improved speed/agility and object control skills. There were positive associations between nature-based ECE and reduced sedentary time and improved balance. From the qualitative analysis, nature-based ECE affords higher intensity PA and risky play, which could improve some MC domains. The quality of 28/31 studies was weak. Conclusions: More controlled experimental designs that describe the dose and quality of nature are needed to better inform the effectiveness of nature-based ECE on PA and MC.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Martin, Dr Anne and Thomson, Dr Hilary and Wells, Ms Valerie and Mccrorie, Dr Paul and Reilly, Prof John and Johnstone, Dr Avril |
| Authors: | Johnstone, A., McCrorie, P., Cordovil, R., Fjørtoft, I., Iivonen, S., Jidovtseff, B., Lopes, F., Reilly, J. J., Thomson, H., Wells, V., and Martin, A. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU |
| Journal Name: | Journal of Physical Activity and Health |
| Publisher: | Human Kinetics |
| ISSN: | 1543-3080 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1543-5474 |
| Published Online: | 10 May 2022 |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2022 Human Kinetics |
| First Published: | First published in Journal of Physical Activity and Health 19(6): 456-472 |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher |
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