Playful kids more likely to remain active, says study

Children who climb trees and engage in other physical activities are more likely to grow into active teenagers, an Otago University study suggests.

The finding comes from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study, which has followed 1000 Dunedin-born people since their birth in 1972-73.

Lead author Dr Rose Richards said the research - published in the Journal of Adolescent Health - found that adults whose childhood family environment involved more social and recreation activities and opportunities to play at home were more likely to have maintained that active lifestyle during adolescence.

At ages 7 and 9, home-based opportunities to climb trees and fences, play on swings, play in paddling pools, ride bikes and play ball games were recorded, as well as family involvement in social and recreational activities.

Later, at ages 15 and 18, physical activity participation was also measured.

"We already know that keeping kids and teens physically active is important for their health and development," Dr Richards said.

"Unfortunately, physical activity usually declines during adolescence. So it is exciting to find childhood factors that we can encourage to help protect against this."

- NZPA