Research summary
Almost a third of adults worldwide don’t get the recommended amount of physical activity—and modern sedentary lifestyles put people at greater risk of chronic diseases and mental health conditions. Certain demographic groups, such as girls, visible minorities and people living with lower incomes, are more likely to have unhealthy movement patterns. As Canada Research Chair in Movement Behaviours and Child Health, Dr. Valerie Carson is shedding light on effective and equitable ways to promote healthy movement behaviours in early childhood.
She and her research team are studying three interdependent behaviours: physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep. They are evaluating interventions for equitable movement behaviours and studying the associations between screen time and health. They are also identifying the best combinations of movement behaviours in early childhood to ensure health. Carson’s research will help prevent chronic diseases and improve overall health across the lifespan by supporting healthy development and lifelong healthy movement.