Where are preschool children active? Research using device-based measures of physical activity behaviour and objective measures of the physical environment.

This thesis used a combination of Global Positioning Systems, Geographic Information System and accelerometry data to explore the role of the physical environment in supporting physical activity in preschoolers. The results highlight that childcare outdoor spaces, local parks and playgrounds, and other people’s homes beyond a child’s neighbourhood are important for preschooler’s physical activity. Furthermore, preschoolers who predominantly engaged in physical activity at home had significantly higher overall social-emotional difficulties compared to those who engaged in physical activity across different domains. The findings can be used to inform the planning and design of physical activity supporting childcare and neighbourhood environments.