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With a concerning two-thirds of children in the U.S. failing to meet national physical activity guidelines, researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst are investigating whether the family dog could play a role in getting kids on their feet.
A preliminary study conducted in 2022 by kinesiologists at UMass Amherst, reported in the Journal for the Measurement of Physical Behaviour, tested a new approach for measuring physical activity facilitated by dogs among children. The study, involving 12 children, found that approximately 20% of their daily physical activity came from spending time in close proximity with the family dog.
Now, a larger study aimed at including a more diverse population is underway, led by the UMass Behavioral Medicine Lab, directed by exercise scientist Katie Potter. The lab focuses on finding ways to promote physical activity, particularly among children and dogs.
“We’re interested in replicating that study to see whether that 20% value holds at a significant sample size of participants,” says Colleen Chase, lead author of the recent paper and a doctoral student in Potter’s lab.
The ongoing study involves children between 7 and 10 years old, along with a family dog that has been part of the household for at least six months. Participants will wear ActiGraph accelerometers, which measure proximity via Bluetooth, as they go about their daily routines.
“Our preliminary study was the first time that this type of research had been done specifically quantifying physical activity with the dog and the kid in proximity together,” Chase explains.
Research has shown that children are more likely to engage in physical activity when it is enjoyable, motivating, and involves social interaction. The bond between children and their dogs can enhance the enjoyment of activities and provide social support, potentially leading to increased physical activity levels.
“If the research continues to show that dogs have a positive impact on the physical activity of children, researchers can look for ways to involve kids who don’t have a family dog,” Chase suggests.
The study acknowledges the financial and time burdens associated with pet ownership and aims to find alternative ways to provide access to the benefits of interacting with dogs. This research aligns with broader efforts to address physical inactivity among children and promote healthier lifestyles.
“This is a pretty concerning issue in the United States right now,” Chase emphasizes. “That’s why we’re trying to get creative with methods to address this.” Through innovative research exploring the human-dog bond, researchers hope to inspire children to lead more active lives and combat the growing problem of physical inactivity.
