Nature-based early childhood education and children's physical activity, sedentary behavior, motor competence, and other physical health outcomes : a mixed-methods systematic review

Johnstone, Avril and McCrorie, Paul and Cordovil, Rita and Fjørtoft, Ingunn and Iivonen, Susanna and Jidovtseff, Boris and Lopes, Frederico and Reilly, John J. and Thomson, Hilary and Wells, Valerie and Martin, Anne (2022) Nature-based early childhood education and children's physical activity, sedentary behavior, motor competence, and other physical health outcomes : a mixed-methods systematic review. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 19 (6). pp. 456-472. ISSN 1543-3080 (https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2021-0760)

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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.

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