Associations Between Postnatal Pollution Exposures, 24‐h Movement Behaviours, and Motor Development Outcomes Among Children (0–12 Years Old): A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Little is known about how exposure to different types of pollution is associated with motor development in children or how pollution may be related to time spent in physical activity, sedentary behaviour—including screen time, and sleep. The purpose of this study was to review the evidence on these associations, especially in light of the World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines for these behaviours.Methods: We searched eight electronic databases: CINAHL, Embase, ERIC, Global Health, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science, from inception to May 2023. Studies that reported an association between a pollution measure (air, water, noise, or land) and at least one movement behaviour (physical activity, sleep, or sedentary time) or motor development outcome (fine or gross motor) among apparently healthy children from birth to 12 years were included. Eligibility of the studies was assessed, and extracted data was based on the study design, sample characteristics, pollution type, and type of association reported.Results: The search returned 5358 studies, of which 18 were eligible for inclusion. Most studies were conducted in high‐income countries (n = 13). Studies reported measures of outdoor air (n = 7), indoor air (n = 4), land (n = 3), and noise pollution (n = 4). Findings from the review were mixed and inconsistent. Most studies reported associations between a pollution measure and motor development outcomes (n = 12), followed by sleep (n = 5) and physical activity and sedentary behaviour (n = 1).Conclusions: There is limited evidence regarding associations between pollution measures, 24‐h movement behaviours, and motor development. Future research should pay more attention to postnatal exposure to different types of pollution and its impact on healthy levels of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep, and motor development and consider confounders such as geographic location, weather conditions, and country income level.Trial Registration: PROSPERO: CRD42022340130.