BACKGROUND: Children’s 24-hour movement behaviors (physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep) during early childhood influence healthy development. Variations in 24-hour movement behaviors may lead to differences in health between children with developmental differences and those with typical development. Nevertheless, little research has examined these differences using a holistic 24-hour movement approach in preschool-aged children.

PURPOSE: To identify the levels and proportions of preschool children with and without developmental differences who meet the global 24-hour movement guidelines, and to determine if there are differences between these groups. 

METHODS: With a cross-sectional design, in preschool children, movement behaviors were measured using wrist-based activity monitors worn for one week, and caregivers completed a survey and daily logs. The proportion of meeting the overall 24-hour movement behavior guidelines was determined, as well as the proportion meeting each behavior recommendation. 

RESULTS: Descriptive statistics were used for the characteristics and adherence to the guidelines. To explore group differences in the levels of 24-hour behaviors, independent t-tests were used. To examine differences around meeting the guidelines, we used Fisher’s exact tests. We predicted that children with developmental differences would have higher sedentary behavior, lower physical activity, and a lower proportion meeting the combined movement guidelines compared to those without developmental differences.  

CONCLUSIONS: This study may help identify disparities related to developmental considerations, which may help inform intervention targets in preschool children.