The Influence of Norwegian Kindergarten Staff Gender on Girls’ and Boys’ Physical Activity: What Accelerometer Measurements Reveal

Abstract This case study investigates the impact of Norwegian female and male kindergarten staff on the physical activity levels of 3–5-year-old girls and boys when they promote physical activity in the outdoor playground of the kindergarten. The study included 50 children (28 girls and 22 boys) and 10 adults (8 females and 2 males). Accelerometers (Acti-Graph GT 1 M) were used for unbiased measurements of physical activity. Direct, systematic observation was used to note the time and type of physical activity. A total of 177 observations were noted. Both girls and boys had statistically significantly higher activity levels when male staff promoted the activities ( p = 0.004, 95% CI: -304—-2180). All children were statistically significantly more active during “spontaneous physical play” when the activity was initiated by male kindergarten staff, ( p = 0.025, 95% CI: -114—-3076). Boys had no marked difference in physical activity levels regarding the type of activity, regardless of whether female or male staff promoted the activity. Compared with female staff, girls had statistically significantly higher activity levels during “spontaneous physical play” when male staff promoted the activity ( p = 0.047, 95% CI -461—-3757). More research is needed to confirm these findings.