Early rising children are more active than late risers

BACKGROUND: A low level of physical activity impacts mental as well as physical health. This study investigated the daily lifestyle habits that affect physical activity in young children. METHODS: The relationship between physical activity, assessed by means of a Mini-Mitter Actiwatch device, and observed daily lifestyle habits was analyzed for 204 children, aged 12 to 40 months (average: 22.6 months), for whom 6-consecutive-day data from both the Actiwatch and sleep log were obtained. RESULTS: An older age, male gender, and early waking time showed significant positive correlations with physical activity level. Multiple regression analysis revealed that these three variables were significant predictors of physical activity. CONCLUSION: Promoting an early rising time is suggested to be an important element of cultivating good health in young children.