24-Hr Behaviors in Preschool Children with Developmental Differences
This collaborative review project involves a multidisciplinary research team examining physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep among preschool-aged children with developmental delays, disabilities, and disorders. Through a series of systematic and scoping reviews, the project seeks to better understand 24-hour movement behaviors, identify factors that influence health and development, evaluate intervention approaches, and highlight gaps in the scientific literature. Findings will help inform future research, clinical practice, and public health recommendations for young children with developmental differences.
Research Team
The collaborative team includes researchers, librarians, graduate students, and trainees from multiple disciplines and institutions, including the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the University of South Carolina. Team expertise spans kinesiology, developmental science, psychology, speech-language-hearing sciences, exercise science, and evidence synthesis.
Investigators
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Christine W. St. Laurent, Department of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst
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Serena Cacciola, Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst
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Sarah Burkart, Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina
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Eric Toole, UMass Libraries, University of Massachusetts Amherst
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Melissa N. Horger, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst
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Ashley C. Woodman, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst
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Keagan Kiely, Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina
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Megan Fisher, Department of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Our Questions
Aim 1
Purpose: To identify 24-hour behavior levels in preschool-aged children with developmental differences.
Findings Published: Exploring 24-h Movement Behaviors in Preschool Children with Developmental Disabilities: A Scoping Review
Aim 2
Purpose: To determine the effects of interventions on sleep outcomes in preschool-aged children with developmental differences
Findings: Our completed review paper is under review.
Aim 3
Purpose: To determine the (a) associations and (b) effects of sedentary behavior and physical activity on health outcomes in preschool-aged children with developmental differences.
Findings: This review is in progress.
Aim 4
Purpose: To identify associations between caregiver practices/bedtime routines and health outcomes for preschool children with developmental differences.
Findings: This review is in progress.