Development Of Cut-points To Measured Habitual Physical Activity And Sedentary Behavior In A Representative Sample Of Toddlers

Background Accelerometers are now the method of choice to objectively assess activity in young children. While numerous cut-points exist for preschoolers, cut points for children aged 1-3 years are limited.

Purpose To determine ActiGraph GT1M cut-points for sedentary (SED), light (LPA) and moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in toddlers.

Methods Twenty three- (10 boys, 13 girls) toddlers (n= 22 toddlers, mean age 1.65 ± 0.49) were asked to attend an adult-led structured play class. All participants wore the GT1M (Pensacola, Florida) secured using an elastic strap on their right hip. Accelerometer data collection was synchronized with direct observation of activity using the Children’s Physical Activity Form (CPAF). The CPAF categorizes activity on a scale of 1-4: 1, stationary, no movement; 2, stationary with limb movement but no trunk movement (e.g. drawing); 3, slow trunk movement (e.g. walking); 4, rapid trunk movement (e.g. running). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine accelerometer cut-points.

Results For the GT1M, the SED cut-point was 0-181 cpm, LPA was 182-201cpm, MVPA >202. Sensitivity (Se), and specificity (Sp) for SED were 90.0% and 83%. For LPA, Se and Sp were 70% and 64.4% and for MVPA, Se and Sp were 40% and 37.5%.

Conclusion The cut-points established for the GT1m can be used to quantify time toddler spend in sedentary behavior and at different physical activity intensities.