Trajectories of physical activity and screen media use in toddlers and related parenting practices: Child and Mother Physical Activity Study (CAMPAS)

Abstract Background: Physical activity (PA) and screen media use are key behaviors for healthy development in early childhood. This study aimed to investigate 12-month trajectories of PA and screen time among toddlers and examine their associations with parenting practices. Methods: The Child and Mother PA Study (CAMPAS) recruited toddler-mother dyads in the US Chicago area from 2022-2024. Assessments were conducted at approximately 12, 18, and 24 months of age (Waves 1-3). Toddlers’ PA was measured using hip-worn ActiGraph accelerometers and their screen time was mother-reported. The PA Parenting Practices for Preschoolers (PAPPP) questionnaire was used to assess PA-encouraging and screen time-limiting parenting practices. Mixed-effects models were fit to model trajectories of moderate and vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA) and screen time over age. Multivariable regression models examined the associations between toddlers’ MVPA and screen time and their parents’ parenting practice scores. Results: The CAMPAS included 139 toddler participants (74 females). At Waves 1-3, average age was 13.6 (SD=1.7), 19.9 (SD=1.6), and 26.9 (SD=2.1) months, respectively. Average MVPA was 74 (95%CI=70-79), 73 (95%CI=69-77), and 80 (95%CI=75-85) minutes/day, respectively, with no significant change over time ( p =0.13). Average screen time was 27 (95%CI=21-33), 46 (95%CI=38-55), and 59 (95%CI=50-69) minutes/day, respectively, significantly increasing over time ( p