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Testing for inter-group contamination in a controlled longitudinal study of added physical education
R Labarre1, J C Jéquier, R J Shephard
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Université de Québec à Trois Rivières, Canada.
The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness
|December 1, 1994
Summary
This study found no evidence of cross-contamination between students in physical education classes and their siblings in control groups. Children
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Physical Education
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cross-contamination in educational studies can affect results.
- Understanding potential contamination between sibling cohorts is crucial for accurate research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential cross-contamination between primary school students receiving additional physical education and their siblings in control cohorts.
- To assess the impact of sibling interactions on study outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A 6-year controlled longitudinal study was conducted in urban and rural primary schools in Québec.
- 546 primary students participated, with entire class cohorts receiving daily physical education.
- Control groups included preceding and succeeding class cohorts without the intervention.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant evidence of cross-contamination was found between siblings in experimental and control groups.
- Physical measurements including height, body mass, and maximal oxygen intake were analyzed.
Conclusions:
- Cross-contamination between sibling cohorts in primary school settings appears to be a negligible source of error.
- Children's preference to interact with peers from their own age group likely mitigates contamination effects.