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Physical Activity Characteristics of Preschool Children on Different School Days: Comparison of Soccer Class, Outdoor Activity, and Usual School Day [Received July 19, 2021; Accepted November 2, 2021] The purpose of this study was to clarify physical activity characteristics of the soccer kids program (Japan Football Association recommended program) by comparing with typical daily activities in nursery school children. In particular, we focused on the differences among individuals and nursery schools. The subjects were 38 children in the 5-year-old class and 29 children in the 4-year-old class in nursery schools. Physical activity (moderate-to-vigorous physical activity: MVPA and step counts) was measured by using a uniaxial accelerometer (Lifecorder EX; Suzuken Co. Ltd, Nagoya, Japan). The physical activity measurement was performed for 3 days (from 9:00 to 12:00) of “usual school day”, “outdoor activity day”, and “soccer class day”. As the results of repeated ANOVA, physical activity of the soccer class day was significantly higher than other days, and physical activity of the usual school day was significantly lowest in the 5-years class (p<0.05). The coefficient of variation (CV) values of physical activity during the soccer class day were the lowest compared to other days in both classes. One-way ANOVAs showed there were no significant differences between nursery schools in physical activity during the soccer kids program. Our findings suggest that the soccer kids’ program has an effect on increasing physical activity a day in nursery school children, and the program may also increase physical activity of those who are not active in the outdoor activity program. Keywords: MVPA, step count, individual difference, nursery school |