Child Development - RESEARCH

Physical Activity

The influence of parents on the physical activity levels of children is significant, particularly during their formative years. Establishing the importance of regular physical activity at a young age not only contributes to current physical health and fitness but also lays the foundation for sustained activity levels into adolescence and adulthood and this to lifelong good health.

Beyond the well-known benefits of physical activity for physical health, we now recognise its profound impact on mental well-being. Engaging in regular physical activity has been established as a valuable tool for promoting mental health, and its positive effects extend to addressing core symptoms associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Notably, improvements in executive functioning have been observed, showcasing the holistic benefits of an active lifestyle.

We remain eager to support projects that contribute valuable insights in the following domains:

Childhood Physical Activity and Psychological Outcomes: Investigating the impact of physical activity, or the lack thereof, on child psychological outcomes, encompassing behavioral, emotional, and cognitive aspects. This exploration can include both typically-developing children and those with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), providing a comprehensive understanding of the nuanced relationships.

Mechanisms of Physical Activity Benefits: Delving into the mechanisms that underlie the positive benefits of physical activity on cognition, mood, and behaviour. This exploration can span general child development or focus specifically on individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, offering valuable insights into the pathways through which physical activity exerts its positive effects.

Type of Physical Activity: Illuminating the significance of different types of physical activity for various demographic groups and developmental stages. Understanding what types of activities are most beneficial for specific populations and when they are most impactful can guide tailored recommendations for promoting physical activity.

Interventions to Increase Physical Activity: Assessing and developing interventions aimed at increasing physical activity levels in children and adolescents. Whether implemented in schools, homes, or communities, these interventions can play a pivotal role in promoting a physically active lifestyle, contributing to both physical and psychological well-being.

Across all of these interests it is likely any application supported would either be looking at children in general or those with neurodevelopmental disorders. It is unlikely we would fund a project looking at PA specific to a different childhood disorder.

We welcome proposals that align with these research avenues and encourage innovative approaches to advance our understanding of the benefits of PA on psychological outcomes.

Please see our active funding calls page for information on the timelines for these.