A Comparative Analysis of Fourth-Grade Students' Satisfaction With Opportunities for Physical Activity in "School in...

Comprehensive school-based physical activity (PA) interventions are considered effective for fostering movement-supportive school cultures. This study examined differences in fourth-grade students' satisfaction with PA opportunities between schools participating in the School in Motion (SiM) network and nonnetwork schools in Estonia from 2018 to 2024.

Data from 77,677 fourth-grade students (participation rate 70%-81%) in the National School Satisfaction Survey were analyzed. Satisfaction was assessed on a 5-point Likert scale and dichotomized into "satisfied" (Ratings 4-5) and "not satisfied" (Ratings 1-3). Proportions of satisfied students were calculated annually, and differences between school types were analyzed using Generalized linear mixed models, with school as a random intercept, adjusting for language of instruction and regional poverty rates.

Students in SiM network consistently reported higher satisfaction with PA opportunities in almost all survey years (P < .001). Overall satisfaction with PA opportunities ranged from 36.5% to 41.9% in SiM network and 29.7% to 34.4% in nonnetwork schools. Differences remained significant after adjusting for socioeconomic factors (odds ratios [OR] = 1.21-1.35; P < .001). The strongest difference was observed for student-organized activities (OR 1.29-2.40), while active lessons (OR 1.16-1.39) and teacher encouragement (OR 1.09-1.31) showed modest but consistent effects. For recess-related opportunities, effects were smaller, ranging from OR 0.98 to 1.19 for indoor recess and OR 0.74 to 1.30 for outdoor recess.

Participation in the SiM network was associated with higher student satisfaction with school-based PA opportunities. Whole-of-school approaches may help to promote more equitable access to PA and contribute to movement-supportive school cultures.