Effects of school-based interventions on all 24-hour movement behaviours in young people: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of school-based interventions on all 24-hour movement behaviours.

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Studies published in English, French, and Spanish from four databases from inception to February 2024 were identified.

Eligible articles were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that targeted and assessed physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour (SB) and sleep duration among school-aged youth (3-17 years). Risk of bias and quality assessment were assessed using the Risk of Bias Tool 2 and Quality Assessment of Controlled Intervention Studies tool, respectively. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) tool evaluated the certainty of evidence. The study was registered in International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (ID: removed for peer review).

Of the 5141 records initially identified, 41 studies remained for full-text review. After full reading, 7 RCTs, comprising 8234 participants (49% girls), were included. Results indicated no effect in PA-related outcomes (Hedge's g=0.12, -0.05 to 0.28), a small reduction in SB-related outcomes (g=-0.33, -0.51 to -0.16) and a small increase in sleep duration (g=0.30, 0.16 to 0.43) according to Hedges' g (small effects (0≤g ≤0.50)). The GRADE, risk of bias and quality assessment tools indicated that most of the studies have a low risk of bias and are of good quality.

More school-based interventions promoting all movement behaviours are needed to determine if schools are optimal for encouraging 24-hour movement behaviours among young people.