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PACE: A group randomised controlled trial to increase children's break-time playground physical activity
Anne-Maree Parrish1, Anthony D Okely1, Marijka Batterham2
1Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Wollongong, Australia; Interdisciplinary Educational Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Australia.
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
|July 25, 2015
Summary
School playground interventions increased physical activity in children. Environmental and policy changes during break-time significantly boosted moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), especially for girls.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric health
- Public health interventions
- School-based physical activity promotion
Background:
- Childhood physical activity is crucial for health.
- School environments offer opportunities to promote activity.
- Previous interventions have shown mixed results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a school playground intervention on children's physical activity.
- To assess changes in Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) levels.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial involving primary/elementary schools.
- Intervention included policy changes and portable equipment.
- MVPA measured using the System for Observing Playground Activity in Youth (SOPLAY).
Main Results:
- Intervention schools showed a significant increase in MVPA during recess (18.0 percentage points).
- Overall break-time MVPA did not significantly increase.
- Positive effects were more pronounced in girls.
Conclusions:
- Environmental and policy modifications in schools are effective for promoting physical activity.
- School break-times are a key period for intervention.
- Targeted strategies may enhance physical activity promotion for specific groups.
