Research

NLI > Motivation to Move: Physical Activity Affordances in Outdoor Preschool Areas

Motivation to Move: Physical Activity Affordances in Outdoor Preschool Areas

The goal of this cross sectional, multi-method study is to investigate the association between different types of play area designs in childcare centers and physical activity of 3-5 year old children. A key purpose of the study is to influence childcare licensing policy and accreditation regulations so that outdoor play areas include characteristics that support daily physical activity of preschool children.

children playing in a mud kitchen
shaded area for children to rest at
children playing hide and seek
children playing together with a wheeled toy

Study supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (through Active Living Research, Sand Diego State University). Dissertation grant.

Principal Investigator:
Nilda Cosco, Education Specialist, Natural Learning Initiative, College of Design, NC State University.