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Class Time Physical Activity Programs for Primary School Aged Children at Specialist Schools: A Systematic Mapping
Chloe Emonson1, Jane McGillivray1, Emily J Kothe2
1Deakin Child Study Centre, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia.
Summary
Children with disabilities need more physical activity (PA). This review found few class time PA programs in specialist schools, with dance/drama most common. More opportunities and research are needed to support these children's development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric physical activity
- Special education research
- Disability studies
Background:
- Children with disabilities are less active than peers, missing developmental benefits.
- Class time physical activity (PA) programs offer benefits in mainstream settings.
- PA opportunities in specialist education settings are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and map class time PA programs implemented in specialist schools and classes.
- To synthesize the types of PA activities offered in these settings.
- To assess the extent of program evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of nine electronic databases and grey literature.
- Inclusion criteria: primary/elementary specialist setting, PA component, during class time, multiple participants.
- Narrative synthesis of included programs by activity type.
Main Results:
- 34 programs were included from 2068 records.
- Dance/drama activities (11 programs) were most common; stretching activities (2 programs) were least common.
- 23 programs were evaluated, with only 2 randomized controlled trials.
Conclusions:
- Class time PA opportunities are underprovided in specialist education settings.
- There is a need for more PA programs tailored to specialist settings.
- Further research is required to establish an evidence base for these interventions.
