Table 2 Overview of included studies
Author, year and setting | Study design | sample size intervention/ control | Age (range or mean ± SD), sex (n or % m/f | Intervention duration | Outcome(s) | Intervention Details | Comparison / Treatment | EPHPP Quality Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cluster RCT | 40/ 43 | Intervention: age (3.4 ± 0.3), sex (18/22) Control: age (3.4 ± 0.4), sex (23/20) | 6-months | PA measured using an Actical accelerometer FMS measured using the TGMD-2 Weight status measured using stadiometer and digital scales. | Two 3-h training workshops to childcare providers. Workshops encouraged childcare providers to provide more outdoor active play (manuals provided). Basic equipment provided. Bi-weekly booster sessions provided. | Regular childhood curriculum | Moderate | |
Engelen et al. 2013 Australia [34] | Cluster RCT | 113/ 108 | Intervention: age (6.0 ± 0.6), sex (59/54) Control: age, (6.0 ± 0.6), sex (60/48) | 13-weeks | PA measured using an ActiGraph accelerometer | Loose parts equipment provided in the playground. Two-hour information session for staff on playground duties aimed at highlighting the benefits of active free play. | Standard break times | Weak |
O’Dwyer et al. 2012 England [36] | Cluster RCT | 33/ 43 | All: age (3.8 ± 0.6), sex (52%/48%), | 10-weeks | PA measured using an ActiGraph accelerometer | 5 sessions over 10 weeks. 60 min delivery. The first 20 min children and parents were separated. Parents received educational component and children participated in active play. Final 40 min both children and parents participated in active play together. | No treatment | Weak |
Tortella et al. 2016 Italy [35] | Cluster RCT | 71/ 39 | Intervention: age (5.6 ± 0.31), sex (41/30) Control: age (5.7 ± 0.3), sex (22/17) | 10-weeks | FMS measured using Movement ABC | 30 min of free play and 30 min of structured activities once a week for 10 weeks in the playground | No treatment | Weak |