An Objective Method for Measurement of Sedentary Behavior in 3- to 4-Year Olds

Objective: To test the ability of accelerometry to quantify sedentary behavior in 3- to 4-year-old children. Research Methods and Procedures: We developed a cut-off for accelerometry output (validation study) in 30 healthy 3 to 4 year olds, which provided highest sensitivity and specificity for the detection of sedentary behavior relative to a criterion method of measurement, direct observation using the children's physical activity form. We then cross-validated the cut-off in an independent sample of healthy 3 to 4 year olds (n = 52). Results: In the validation study, optimal sensitivity and specificity for the detection of sedentary behavior were obtained at an accelerometry output cut-off of