Exploring if Playground Quality Predicts Head Start Preschoolers' School Day Physical Activity.

ABSTRACT: Physical activity (PA) engagement in Early Childcare and Education Centers (ECEC) supports preschoolers' ability to meet the national physical activity guidelines. However, the influence of Head Start playground quality, as assessed by the Head Start Body Start Play Space Assessment (PSA), on Head Start preschoolers' school day PA is under-researched. This study examined (1) the relationship between PSA quality scores and Head Start preschoolers' school day PA engagement and (2) the association between PSA quality scores and the likelihood of preschoolers' meeting the national PA guidelines during Head Start hours. Head Start preschoolers (N = 240, Mage = 3.9 years, 47% boys) from three centers participated in the study. Playground quality was assessed using the PSA, and preschooler

SUBMITTER: Palmer SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12017775 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature