An Evaluation of an Unstructured and Structured Approach to Increasing Recess Physical Activity

The purpose of this study was to evaluate an unstructured and a structured program designed to increase physical activity (PA). The unstructured program increased the amount of equipment during recess, whereas the structured program introduced activities to students.

PA was observed using the System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity in Youth (SOPLAY) in two school districts in Colorado. Researchers recorded baseline and follow-up observations for sedentary activity, moderate PA, and vigorous PA, as well as for available equipment for the unstructured program. Observations from schools were aggregated for data analyses at the district level.

For the program increasing equipment, moderate PA and vigorous PA increased, while sedentary behavior decreased. For the structured program, moderate PA and vigorous PA did not increase, whereas sedentary behaviors increased following the program.

Other variables are likely influencing student PA during recess, such as teachers' interaction with students or the fidelity of the program. Results indicate that funding and implementing a program aimed at increasing PA will not necessarily accomplish that goal, and additional research should be performed to determine the best practice for increasing PA.