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Research
Play Active physical activity policy intervention and implementation support in early childhood education and care: results from a pragmatic cluster randomised trialPolicy interventions to increase physical activity in early childhood education and care (ECEC) services are effective in increasing physical activity among young children. However, a large proportion of ECEC services do not have nor implement a physical activity policy.
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Developmental trends in young children’s device-measured physical activity and sedentary behaviourKnowledge of developmental trends in meeting age-specific 24-hour movement behaviour guidelines is lacking. This study describes developmental trends in device-measured physical activity and sedentary time over a three-year period among Western Australian children aged two to seven years, including differences between boys and girls.
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Preschool children’s physical activity in the home, childcare and neighbourhood environment: A latent profile analysis using device-based measuresBased on the socioecological conceptual model, the physical environment within the home, childcare and neighbourhood domains are key factors that influence preschool children's physical activity; however, the relative importance of each of these domains for preschool children's physical activity is unclear.
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Exploring variation in beach environments and physical activity by neighbourhood socioeconomic status in Perth, AustraliaBeaches are important settings for physical activity, with their quality (safety, amenities, aesthetics) influencing how well they support health. The quality of beaches may differ across neighbourhoods, with higher socioeconomic status neighbourhoods having disproportionately better access to beaches. This study examined the attributes of and activities taking place in beaches by neighbourhood socioeconomic status.

Our Child Physical Activity, Health and Development team focuses on improving children’s physical activity levels, health and development. We work to uncover the best environments, policies and programs to facilitate physically active lifestyles for lifelong health and wellbeing.
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BEACHES: Built Environments and Child Health in WalEs and AuStraliaThe BEACHES project aims to provide high quality evidence of aspects of the built environment which can be modified to reduce the negative impact on children’s physical activity, eating behaviours and weight status.
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Family Friendly EnvironmentsHayley Christian BSc (1st Class Hons), PhD (Distinction) W.Aust. Head, Child Physical Activity, Health and Development; Ascend Senior Research Fellow
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Activated Outside School Hours Care (OSHC)Hayley Karen Christian Lombardi BSc (1st Class Hons), PhD (Distinction) W.Aust. BHSc (Hons), PhD Head, Child Physical Activity, Health and
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Barriers and motivators for preschoolers playing and walking with their dog: Results from qualitative researchA large proportion of preschoolers do not meet the recommended three hours of daily physical activity. A potential source of daily physical activity could be that provided via the family dog. This qualitative study aimed to explore the barriers and motivators to preschoolers playing with their dog and participating in family dog walks.
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Interpregnancy intervals and child development at age 5: A population data linkage studyTo investigate the associations between interpregnancy intervals (IPIs) and developmental vulnerability in children's first year of full-time school (age 5). A retrospective cohort study using logistic regression. ORs were estimated for associations with IPIs with adjustment for child, parent and community sociodemographic variables.