The first 1000 days of a child’s life are critical to development. Understanding the factors related to the development of physical activity habits and promoting these early in life is critical to the long-term health and well-being of children. Below are a few projects we have collaborated with colleagues and the community on
Assessment of Physical Activity in Early Childhood
Typically infants have been thought of as "active enough." However, just as adults are sitting more, so are infants. In order to best promote movement in early childhood (0-2 years), we must first be able to accurately assess it.
We are working with different researchers across the University of Nebraska system on how to accurately use sensors to measure movement.
Sample Publication:
Influence of Physical Activity on Developmental Outcomes
Our research efforts to date have focused on factors impacting infant movement. Currently, we are exploring how parents promote physically active play with a variety of infants with different demographics and developmental status in order to examine differences in motor development.
Our long-term goal is to identify the need for, and type of strategies required to promote infant physical activity and motor skill development.
Sample Publications:
- A qualitative comparison case study exploring perceptions of infants’ physical activity, and communication by parents, childcare providers, and healthcare providers
- Exploring gender differences in infant motor development related to parents’ promotion of play.
- He's just content to sit: A qualitative study of mothers’ perception of infant obesity and physical activity
- Postural control strategies differ in normal weight and overweight infants
Supporting Physical Activity in Childcare Settings
We have worked with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and Nebraska Go NAP SACC (Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care) to evaluate Go NAP SACC to determine areas where additional resources may be needed.
Sample Publications:
- Comparison of urban and rural physical activity and outdoor play environments of childcare centers and family childcare homes
- Exploring rural and urban Go NAP SACC trained child care providers perceptions and needs regarding the promotion of physical activity and healthy eating
- Improving the physical activity and outdoor play environment of family child care homes in Nebraska through Go NAP SACC
Resources to Support Young Children's Physical Activity
We have developed a variety of resources to support physical activity in early childhood, much of which has focused on the childcare setting due to our partnership with Nebraska Go NAP SACC. Feel free to share!
Additionally, we provide trainings regarding movement in early childhood. If you are interested in a training from our lab, please contact Dr. Danae Dinkel at dmdinkel@unomaha.edu.
12-week Physical Activity Guides for:
Active story time posters for: