BACKGROUND: Recess is an important component of a Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program, providing approximately 1268 and 914 steps for boys and girls, respectively, within a 15-minute time period. The purpose of this study was to determine the contribution of unstructured recess on children's school-day physical activity levels and to examine if recess and school-day physical activity levels varied by BMI, gender, and grade level. METHODS: One-hundred sixty third- to fifth-grade students from 2 elementary schools wore pedometers during 4 recess periods. RESULTS: Recess accounted for 17% to 44% of school-day step counts. There was a significant main effect for grade level, but not for BMI or gender, on the percentage of school-day steps accumulated during recess. CONCLUSIONS: A 15-minute recess makes a valuable contribution to children's school-day physical activity, especially for the least active children. More research is warranted to determine environmental influences on children's recess physical activity.
BACKGROUND: Recess is an important component of a Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program, providing approximately 1268 and 914 steps for boys and girls, respectively, within a 15-minute time period. The purpose of this study was to determine the contribution of unstructured recess on children's school-day physical activity levels and to examine if recess and school-day physical activity levels varied by BMI, gender, and grade level. METHODS: One-hundred sixty third- to fifth-grade students from 2 elementary schools wore pedometers during 4 recess periods. RESULTS: Recess accounted for 17% to 44% of school-day step counts. There was a significant main effect for grade level, but not for BMI or gender, on the percentage of school-day steps accumulated during recess. CONCLUSIONS: A 15-minute recess makes a valuable contribution to children's school-day physical activity, especially for the least active children. More research is warranted to determine environmental influences on children's recess physical activity.
Authors: Francesco Acciai; Michael J Yedidia; Robin S DeWeese; Sarah Martinelli; Punam Ohri-Vachaspati Journal: J Adolesc Health Date: 2019-03-25 Impact factor: 5.012
Authors: Anne-Maree Parrish; Kar Hau Chong; Abbe L Moriarty; Marijka Batterham; Nicola D Ridgers Journal: Sports Med Date: 2020-12 Impact factor: 11.136
Authors: Tessa M Pollard; Yvonne C Hornby-Turner; Adarshini Ghurbhurrun; Nicola D Ridgers Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2012-12-18 Impact factor: 3.295