Understanding children's 24-hour movement behaviours and their relation to health, wellness, and physical literacy

The Context of the Research: Recently, 24-hour movement guidelines have been introduced in a number of countries to help the public to understand how best to structure a child's day. These guidelines focus on daily behaviours advocating that children should participate in at least 60 minutes of daily MVPA, display low levels of sedentary behaviour (SB), as well as getting enough sleep. To date, the UK has not adopted such an approach. Further, and a concept that aims to support healthy lifestyle behaviours and mental health, is physical literacy (PL). Targeting children is important, as childhood is a critical period of development. During this time, the home and school environment play a crucial role in shaping children's health behaviours (including PA).
Aims/Objectives: The present study will aim to better understand (i) the relationships among 24-hour behaviours and mental and physical health; and (ii) test interventions that build on motivation and awareness to support markers of PL in interventions based at the child's home and school environment.
Expected Outcomes: It is hoped that this project will contribute important knowledge regarding (i) the mental and physical benefits associated with different 24-hour lifestyle behaviour profiles; and (ii) incorporate motivation theory alongside this information to enhance indices of PL.