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1Department of Urban Affairs and Planning, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA. john.chin@hunter.cuny.edu
American Journal of Public Health
|May 18, 2013
Summary
Schools participating in the Recess Enhancement Program (REP) showed significantly higher rates of children's vigorous physical activity. This low-cost program may help combat childhood obesity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric health
- Physical education
- Public health interventions
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern.
- Increasing children's physical activity during school is crucial for health.
- Recess is a key opportunity for physical activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the Recess Enhancement Program's (REP) impact on children's vigorous physical activity.
- To determine if REP participation is associated with increased physical activity rates in elementary schools.
Main Methods:
- Quasi-experimental design comparing REP and non-REP schools.
- Direct observation and scanning of children's activity levels during recess.
- Data collected from 25 New York City public elementary schools in Spring 2011.
Main Results:
- REP schools had 52% higher rates of vigorous physical activity compared to non-REP schools.
- Vigorous physical activity was 14 percentage points higher in REP schools (41% vs. 27%).
- Increased activity rates in REP schools were observed even without the coach present, suggesting cultural change.
Conclusions:
- The Recess Enhancement Program (REP) effectively increases children's vigorous physical activity.
- REP is a low-cost, potentially valuable intervention for combating childhood obesity.
- The program's success suggests it is worth replicating in other school settings.
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