Is independent outdoor play linked to more physical activity in children?

Details

Independent mobility is children's freedom to travel and play in public spaces without adult supervision. Its potential benefits include social interactions with peers, spatial and traffic safety skills, and increased physical activity. However, its health benefits, particularly for accumulating physical activity, remain largely unexplored. The researchers investigated associations between children's independent mobility and their light, moderate-to-vigorous, and total physical activity.

In 2011–2012, 375 Australian children aged 8–13 years, 62% of whom were girls, were recruited into a cross-sectional study. Child and parent surveys assessed socio-demographics and independent mobility, including travel to school and non-school destinations and independent outdoor play. An Actiheart monitor worn for four consecutive days objectively measured physical activity intensity. The researchers used generalized linear models to analyze associations, accounting for clustered sampling, Actiheart wear time and socio-demographics, and assessing interactions by sex.

Independent travel by walking, cycling or public transport to school and non-school destinations was not associated with light, moderate-to-vigorous or total physical activity. However, a sub-analysis excluding public transport found that independent walking and cycling to school was positively associated with total physical activity only in boys (b = 36.03, p < 0.05).

Frequent independent outdoor play, defined as three or more days per week, was positively associated with light activity (b = 29.76, p < 0.01) and total activity (b = 32.43, p = 0.03). There was no significant association with moderate-to-vigorous activity. When assessed by sex, the significant associations with light and total activity remained in girls but not boys. All other associations showed no significant differences by sex.

The researchers concluded that independent outdoor play may boost children's daily physical activity, predominantly at light intensity, and that facilitating it could be a viable intervention strategy, particularly for girls. Associations between independent travel and physical activity were inconsistent overall and need further investigation.