Accelerometers were used to objectively measure PA and accurately measure sitting, standing, and movement time. The accelerometer (ActiLife 6.13.2; model wGT3X-BT, Actigraph, Pensacola, FL, USA) was attached to a belt placed around the child’s waist. The unit itself was attached over the child’s right hip. One of the researchers (O.M.) showed the early childhood educators how to correctly place the units on a child. ECE teachers were asked to place the units on a selected number of participants (due to available numbers of accelerometers) every weekday for a one-week period. Participants wore the accelerometers for the duration of time they were present at the ECE center, and teachers were tasked with removing the units before the child left the center. Data were analyzed using appropriate software (ActiLife 6.13.2; model wGT3X-BT Actigraph, Pensacola, FL, USA) and based on previously established activity models for preschool children [45 (link),46 (link)].
Ali A., McLachlan C., McLaughlin T., Mugridge O., Conlon C., Mumme K, & Knightbridge-Eager T. (2021). Fundamental Movement Skills and Physical Activity of 3–4-Year-Old Children within Early Childhood Centers in New Zealand. Children, 8(9), 742.
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