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. 2022 May 10;19(6):456-472.
doi: 10.1123/jpah.2021-0760. Print 2022 Jun 1.

Nature-Based Early Childhood Education and Children's Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, Motor Competence, and Other Physical Health Outcomes: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review

Avril Johnstone  1 , Paul McCrorie  1 , Rita Cordovil  2 , Ingunn Fjørtoft  3 , Susanna Iivonen  4 , Boris Jidovtseff  5 , Frederico Lopes  6 , John J Reilly  7 , Hilary Thomson  1 , Valerie Wells  1 , Anne Martin  1
Affiliations

Nature-Based Early Childhood Education and Children's Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, Motor Competence, and Other Physical Health Outcomes: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review

Avril Johnstone et al. J Phys Act Health. .

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.

Keywords: development; harms; preschool; sleep; weight status.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Result from the literature search
Figure 2
Figure 2. Quality of quantitative studies by assessment item.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Trustworthiness of qualitative studies by assessment item.
Figure 4
Figure 4. Findings from the thematic analysis
Figure 5
Figure 5. Hypothesized pathway on how Nature-based ECE can benefit motor competence.
An arrow denotes where factors are hypothesised to lead to better motor competence
Figure 6
Figure 6. Hypothesized pathway on how Nature-based ECE might influence MVPA levels.
An arrow denotes where factors are hypothesised to lead to more time spent in MVPA. A blocked end highlight high levels of risk does not lead to more time spent in MVPA.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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