In this study, we examined a difference of physical activity in free play (in the nursery school and in the park). Furthermore, we examined a characteristic of fundamental movement to by the free play in a nursery school and the park. A total of 14 children (5 boys, 9 girls) participated.
Physical activity during free play was evaluated with accelerometer (Lifecorder). We used the observation method for the measurement of the fundamental movement during free play.
We found the following:
1) By the free play in the nursery school and the park, the physical activity of the girl had a difference (nursery school: 1,191 steps, park: 2,361 steps).
2) A kind of fundamental movement had a no difference, but, in the free play in the nursery school and the park, a difference was seen in the frequency according to the exercise category.
3) In the “inactive” girls, a positive effect was seen in physical activity and fundamental movement by the free play in the park in comparison with the free play in the nursery school.
These results suggest that for “inactive” children, in different environment may improve physical activity level.
