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The Preliminary Effects of a Multi-Recess School Intervention: Using Accelerometers to Measure Physical Activity
David Farbo1, Laura C Maler1, Deborah J Rhea1
1Kinesiology Department, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|December 3, 2020
Summary
Increasing daily recess time for young elementary students significantly boosts physical activity. Children with 60 minutes of recess took more steps and engaged in more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) than those with 30 minutes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Exercise Science
- Educational Interventions
Background:
- Physical activity is crucial for children's health.
- Current school recess policies may limit opportunities for physical activity.
- Understanding the impact of structured recess interventions is important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of a multiple recess intervention on physical activity in young elementary children.
- To compare physical activity patterns between students in an intervention school and a control school.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study utilized accelerometers to measure physical activity in first and second graders (N=157) over two weeks.
- The intervention group received four 15-min outdoor recesses daily, while the control group received two 15-min recesses.
- Data analyzed included daily steps and time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).
Main Results:
- Intervention students took significantly more steps daily (p < 0.001) compared to control students.
- Students in the intervention group demonstrated significantly more time in moderate and vigorous physical activity (p < 0.001).
- Intervention students averaged approximately 900 more steps per day.
Conclusions:
- Providing 60 minutes of daily recess increases physical activity patterns in young children compared to 30 minutes.
- This intervention shows potential for improving children's daily physical activity levels.
- Future research should assess the impact on body fat levels.
