Step it up! Using the good behavior game to increase physical activity with elementary school students at recess

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Pediatric Health
• Physical Education

Background:

• Childhood obesity is a growing concern, necessitating interventions to increase physical activity.
• School recess provides a critical opportunity to promote student movement and healthy habits.
• Behavioral interventions can be effective in modifying children's activity levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a modified Good Behavior Game (GBG) on student step counts during school recess.
• To compare physical activity levels during GBG intervention periods versus non-intervention recess periods.

Main Methods:

• An alternating-treatments design was used to compare the GBG with standard recess.
• A classroom was divided into two teams, with the winning team receiving raffle tickets.
• Student step counts were measured during both conditions.

Main Results:

• Students consistently took more steps during recess periods when the GBG was implemented.
• The GBG effectively motivated increased physical activity among students.

Conclusions:

• A modified Good Behavior Game is an effective strategy to enhance physical activity in school-aged children.
• Integrating behavioral interventions into school recess can positively influence student health outcomes.