Exercise level and energy expenditure in the TAKE 10! in-class physical activity program

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Exercise Science
• Educational Kinesiology
• Public Health Interventions

Background:

• Childhood obesity is a growing concern, necessitating effective physical activity interventions.
• Traditional physical education may not consistently provide sufficient moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
• Integrating physical activity into academic settings offers a novel approach to increase daily energy expenditure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the TAKE 10! program in delivering moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
• To assess the intensity and duration of physical activity during classroom-based interventions.
• To examine the impact of the program across different elementary grade levels.

Main Methods:

• A convenience sample of first, third, and fifth-grade classrooms implemented the TAKE 10! program.
• Physical activity intensity was measured using ActiGraph accelerometers (CSA).
• Physical activity volume was assessed using digital pedometers for step counts.

Main Results:

• Average MET levels ranged from 4.98-7.19 across grades, indicating moderate-to-vigorous intensity.
• Caloric expenditure per 10-minute session ranged from 25.6-42.9 Kcal.
• Pedometer step counts per session were substantial, with higher counts in older grades.

Conclusions:

• The TAKE 10! program successfully delivers moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during classroom time.
• Classroom-based physical activity programs are a viable strategy for promoting student health.
• This intervention demonstrates potential for widespread adoption in elementary schools.