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Abstract
This study describes engagement in and stability of physical activity and sedentary behaviours in early life, and assesses associations with sex, maternal education and developmental stage. Maternal-report data at child age 4, 9 and 20 months were collected from 542 families in the Melbourne Infant Feeding Activity and Nutrition Trial Program. Parents estimated average time per day their child spent in active pursuits or pursuits that restricted movement. With increasing age, children generally spent more time in active pursuits and watching television, and less time in situations that restrict movement. Associations were found with age of developmental milestone attainment but not sex or maternal education. Stability over time was strongest for television viewing (β = 0.34–0.38) and time spent outdoors (β = 0.27–0.33). Contrary to guidelines, television viewing increased and showed stability, suggesting a need to target this behaviour very early in life to achieve optimal longer term outcomes.
Acknowledgements
Dr Hesketh conceptualised and designed the study, oversaw data collection and analyses, drafted the initial manuscript and approved the final manuscript as submitted. Professors Crawford and Salmon contributed to the design of the study, critically reviewed the manuscript and approved the final manuscript as submitted. Dr Abbott conducted data analyses, critically reviewed the manuscript and approved the final manuscript as submitted. A/Prof Campbell conceptualised and designed the study, oversaw data collection, critically reviewed the manuscript and approved the final manuscript as submitted.
Notes on contributors
Dr Kylie Hesketh is a Senior Research Fellow in the Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research at Deakin University and holds an Australian Research Council Future Fellowship and an Honorary National Heart Foundation of Australia Future Leader Fellowship. Her research is concerned with the epidemiology of childhood overweight, physical activity and sedentary behaviour, with a particular focus on prevention and early childhood.
Professor David Crawford is the Head of School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences and Director of the Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research at Deakin University. His research is concerned with obesity prevention.
Dr Gavin Abbott is a Research Fellow and data analyst in the Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research at Deakin University. His research examines personal, social and environmental factors related to obesity and well-being.
Associate Professor Karen Campbell holds a research and teaching position in the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at Deakin University. Her research focuses on understanding and promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours in young children, with a view to promoting health generally and reducing the risks of overweight and other chronic lifestyle disease.
Professor Jo Salmon holds a personal chair in the Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research at Deakin University and is a National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia) Principal Research Fellow. She is an active researcher in understanding and influencing physical activity in populations, in particular children and families.