Children’s Physical Activity Levels and Utilization of a Traditional versus Natural Playground

Authors

  • Dawn P. Coe
  • Jennifer I. Flynn
  • Dana L. Wolff
  • Stacy N. Scott
  • Sean Durham

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7721/chilyoutenvi.24.3.0001

Keywords:

natural playground, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, early childhood, preschool, sedentary

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine differences in sedentary behaviors and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels and playground utilization of young children before and after renovating a traditional playground to incorporate more natural elements. After initial assessments, the traditional playground was converted to a natural playground. Both playgrounds consisted of a covered porch and a play area. A significantly greater proportion of children engaged in MVPA on the playground after the renovation.The average number of children using the covered porch decreased and increased for the play area. These results suggest that the use of natural playgrounds may be a way to increase MVPA in children.

Published

2023-01-06