Elementary school staff perspectives on the implementation of physical activity approaches in practice: an...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Educational Research
• Kinesiology

Background:

• A whole-of-school approach is optimal for promoting physical activity.
• Implementing multicomponent physical activity programs in schools presents challenges.
• Understanding the practical implementation of school-based physical activity is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To qualitatively explore physical activity approaches and their implementation in elementary schools.
• To quantitatively assess the levels of physical activity program implementation.
• To examine the association between school-wide physical activity promotion and academic performance.

Main Methods:

• Exploratory sequential mixed methods design.
• Semi-structured interviews with school staff (principals, physical educators, teachers).
• District-wide survey to assess implementation levels of physical activity approaches.

Main Results:

• Top-down implementation for physical education (PE) and recess; bottom-up for classroom, before/after school, and active transport initiatives.
• 54.6% of schools met PE guidelines (≥135 min/week), 72.7% met recess guidelines (30 min/day).
• A significant positive association was found between the number of physical activity opportunities and school academic ratings (r=0.53, p=0.01).

Conclusions:

• Elementary schools implement physical activity opportunities consistent with a whole-of-school model, but with variability and challenges.
• Tailored implementation strategies and leveraging existing school resources are key to successful physical activity promotion.
• Increased physical activity opportunities in schools are linked to improved academic outcomes.