A comparative analysis of objectively assessed physical activity levels in kindergarten and home among children aged 5 to 6

Children's physical activity (PA) is strongly and positively associated with a wide range of psychological, cognitive and cardiometabolic outcomes. The aim of the study was to compare the individual levels of PA in children in both kindergarten and at home. A total of 522 boys and girls aged 5 to 6 years participated in the study. A three-axis ActiGraph GT3X-BT accelerometer was used to measure PA. Selected socioeconomic indicators (SSI) were self-reported by parents/guardians using a questionnaire. At home, boys showed significantly higher values of PA parameters compared to girls (MVPA in boys 31 ± 16.6 min/day vs. 27.5 ± 15.2 min/day in girls). Similarly, in kindergarten, boys also showed significantly higher values of PA parameters (MVPA in boys 23.1 ± 13,0 min/day vs. in girls 19.1 ± 10.6 min/day in girls). In terms of step count, children took 4,456 steps in kindergarten and 4,819 steps at home. There was no significant relationship between socioeconomic factors (mother's education, financial conditions, number of people living in the household) and MVPA levels measured via accelerometry. Boys consistently exhibited higher PA levels than girls in both settings. Additionally, children were more active at home than in kindergarten, highlighting the role of home environments in fostering PA.