Associations Between 24‐h Movement Behaviours Guidelines and Physical Fitness in Uruguayan Preschoolers

BACKGROUND: Twenty-four-hour movement behaviours-physical activity (PA), sleep and screen time (ST)-are key determinants of child health, yet evidence in Latin American preschoolers remains limited. This study examined associations between these behaviours and physical fitness in Uruguayan preschool children. METHODS: Children (n = 135, 3-4 years) from Rivera, Uruguay, were recruited. PA and sleep were assessed via accelerometry (ActiGraph GT3X-BT); ST was parent-reported. Fitness was evaluated using SUNRISE and PREFIT batteries (strength, power, balance and cardiorespiratory fitness). Regression models adjusted for age and sex were applied. RESULTS: = -0.190, p = 0.034). No significant associations were observed in girls (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: ST was most consistently associated with poorer muscular fitness in preschoolers. Sex-specific patterns suggest the need for tailored interventions, while universally prioritising the reduction of screen time exposure during early childhood.