Measuring a child’s physical activity

Measuring how much time children spend in physical activity can be done using questionnaires, activity monitors, and observations.

Activity monitors

Children aged between 3 and 5 years should spend at least three hours in physical activity every day. The most accurate method of measuring physical activity for young children is using an activity monitor. Activity monitors record the amount and intensity of physical activity (light, moderate, or vigorous).

Intensity of physical activity for children 3-5 years of age

It is recommended that children this age should participate in all intensities of physical activity, with minimal time spent in sedentary behaviours.

Studies show that children aged 3-5 years spend about 70% of their time in sedentary behaviours, 20% in light intensity physical activity, and 10% in moderate and vigorous intensity physical activity.