More physical activity, less screen time linked to better functioning in babies

A new study found that 24-month-old children who spent less than 60 minutes looking at screens each day and those who engaged in at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity had better executive function than their peers. More physical activity, less screen time linked to better functioning in babies The Journal of Pediatrics reported that 24-month-old children who spent less than 60 minutes looking at screens each day and those who engaged in daily physical activity had better executive function than those who didn't meet the guidelines. "We wanted to test the hypothesis that healthy weight status and adherence to the AAP guidelines for diet and physical activity would extend to greater executive function in 24-month-old children," McMath said. McMath said that previous studies have linked adherence to guidelines for physical activity levels, screen time, and diet quality with executive function in school-aged or adolescent children.