investigating the validity and reliability of accelerometer-based measures of PhysicaL Activity and sedentarY time in toddlers (iPLAY)

The toddler period is characterized by rapid motor development as toddlers learn how to walk and run. Every toddler progresses at a unique pace which may have an effect on how best to measure their physical activity levels and patterns.

Our goal is to find out how to accurately monitor and measure physical activity and sedentary time in Canadian toddlers using physical activity monitors.

To do this, we are going to answer the following questions:

• What is the best method to measure physical activity and sedentary time in toddlers?
• Are Canadian toddlers meeting the physical activity guidelines?
• How can we consistently classify active time from sedentary time in toddlers?
• What factors affect how best to measure physical activity?
  • • • Age
      • Motor development
      • Activity monitor settings

What does this study involve?

This study takes place at McMaster Children’s Hospital. We will measure your child’s height and weight. We will assess their motor skill level by watching how they move and perform specific activities, such as crawling, walking, and jumping. During the visit the child will wear two small activity monitors around their waist and will be video-recorded while engaging in a number of fun activities. The child will then take one physical activity monitor home to measure their physical activity for one week.

Who is eligible to participate?

We are looking for healthy boys and girls between 12 and 35 months with no known physical disabilities.

If I am interested, who do I contact?

If you have questions or want to learn more about this study, please contact Elyse by email at iplay@mcmaster.ca.

The iPLAY study is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).