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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

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Physical Activity Measurement in Children Accepting Table Tennis Training
Published on: July 27, 2022
Variables associated with children's physical activity levels during recess: the A-CLASS project
Nicola D Ridgers1, Stuart J Fairclough, Gareth Stratton
1Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia. nicky.ridgers@deakin.edu.au.
Summary
Providing equipment and adequate space during school recess can increase children's physical activity. Factors like gender and temperature also influence activity levels, highlighting opportunities for targeted interventions to promote healthier habits.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric physical activity research
- Childhood obesity prevention
- School health interventions
Background:
- School recess is a key opportunity for children's physical activity.
- Limited research exists on factors influencing physical activity during recess.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for designing effective recess interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate associations between recess variables and children's physical activity.
- To identify factors influencing sedentary, moderate, and vigorous physical activity during recess.
Main Methods:
- 128 children (9-10 years old) from 8 elementary schools participated.
- Physical activity was observed using the System for Observing Children's Activity and Relationships during Play (SOCARP).
- Multilevel prediction models analyzed associations between playground variables and physical activity.
Main Results:
- Girls exhibited more sedentary and less vigorous activity than boys.
- Lack of equipment provision correlated with increased sedentary and decreased moderate activity.
- Increased play space per child was linked to decreased sedentary and increased vigorous activity.
- Higher temperatures were negatively associated with vigorous activity.
Conclusions:
- Both modifiable and unmodifiable factors influence children's recess physical activity.
- Providing portable equipment and designated activity areas may enhance physical activity levels.
- Further research is needed to assess the long-term impact of these strategies.
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