The physical activities in Hong Kong preschools and their effectiveness in developing active lifestyles in young children

The incidence of child overweight and obesity is increasing worldwide. In 2001, the rate of childhood obesity in Hong Kong was estimated to be 10.1% and it was rapidly increasing. More and more evidence has supported the fact that obesity can best be prevented in children by making permanent lifestyle modifications. However, more than 60% of parents and children in Hong Kong have not developed the habit of regular physical activity. As stated in Reform proposals for the education system in Hong Kong (Education Commission, 2000), one major aim of early childhood education is "to help to cultivate a positive attitude towards learning and good living habits in an inspiring and enjoyable environment". In addition, according to the Guide to Pre-primary Curriculum (CDI, 1996), young children should have 30-45 minutes physical activities for the half-day program every day. Thus, in this study, we reviewed the physical activities in 7 Hong Kong preschools and evaluated their effectiveness in developing active lifestyles in young children.
2001年體重過重/肥胖症的香港兒童人口比例約為10.1%，數字仍在不斷攀升﹔雖然越來越多證據顯示培養兒童健康生活習慣是最有效預防肥胖的方法，但是超過60% 的香港家長與兒童並沒有經常運動的健康生活習慣。「幫助幼兒培養良好的生活習慣」是香港教育改革其中一項重要目標。《學前教育課程指引》(課程發展處，1996) 亦建議半日制課程應讓幼兒每天進行30-45 分鐘的體能活動。此研究檢視及評估七所香港幼兒園的幼兒體能活動對培養幼兒健康生活習慣的效能，本文報告有關評估結果，並進行分析與討論。 Copyright © 2004 The Hong Kong Institute of Education.