Table 3.

Recommendations for further research on physical activity and health in children and youth under 6 years of age

Conduct randomized controlled trials and prospective observational studies to elucidate the dose-response relationships for physical activity and health outcomes, including adiposity, cardiometabolic health, and bone health.

Undertake randomized controlled trials and prospective observational studies to determine whether the health effects of physical activity during early childhood differ across groups based on sex, age, maturational status, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.

Conduct randomized controlled and prospective observational studies to examine the health effects of physical activity in young children with elevated risk status based on adiposity, cardiometabolic health, and bone health.

Develop valid methods for measuring physical activity and examine the health effects of physical activity in very young children between birth and 2 years.

Examine the interactive effects of sedentary behavior and physical activity on health outcomes in young children.

Undertake prospective observational studies to examine the effects of physical activity during early childhood on health outcomes later in life.

Determine in young children the impact of genetic profiles on behavioral and physiological responses to physical activity and on the health effects of physical activity.