Seasonal Variation in Physical Activity Among Preschool Children in a Northern Canadian City

Abstract

Little research has examined seasonal differences in physical activity (PA) levels among children. Proxy reports of PA were completed by 1,715 parents on their children in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Total PA (TPA) minutes were calculated, and each participant was classified as active, somewhat active, or inactive. Logistic regression models were conducted to examine associations between PA status and seasons. Significant seasonal differences were observed for TPA, weekday PA, weekend PA, and active play. Children were significantly more likely to be physically active in the summer and spring and somewhat physically active in the summer and fall, relative to winter. Children living in cold climates are less likely to be physically active in the winter

Key words:

• Epidemiology
• Exercise
• Seasons

Additional information

Notes on contributors

John C. Spence

This study was conducted with financial support from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (HSFC). The first author is supported by a CIHR-Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarship-Master's Award. Please address correspondence concerning this article to John C. Spence, Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, E-488 Van Vliet Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2H9.