BACKGROUND: Schools provide a prime environment for interventions that attempt to increase physical activity and prevent obesity. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effect of a 30-min, structured recess using 22 games of known energy expenditure on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity when compared to free play implemented with third graders from two elementary schools over 9 weeks. METHODS: Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and other cardiovascular risk factors were assessed pre- and post-intervention in 27 children. RESULTS: Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during recess increased significantly in intervention school children from 6.9 ± 0.8 to 14.9 ± 0.9 min pre- and post-intervention, respectively (adjusted mean change 8.0 ± 1.1; P < 0.0001), with no differences by gender or body mass index (BMI). In-school, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity also increased significantly more for intervention compared to control children (adjusted mean change 14 ± 4 min vs. 3 ± 3 min; P = 0.014, respectively). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in BMI and cardiovascular risk factors. A structured recess is feasible to implement and can significantly increase moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
BACKGROUND: Schools provide a prime environment for interventions that attempt to increase physical activity and prevent obesity. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effect of a 30-min, structured recess using 22 games of known energy expenditure on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity when compared to free play implemented with third graders from two elementary schools over 9 weeks. METHODS: Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and other cardiovascular risk factors were assessed pre- and post-intervention in 27 children. RESULTS: Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during recess increased significantly in intervention school children from 6.9 ± 0.8 to 14.9 ± 0.9 min pre- and post-intervention, respectively (adjusted mean change 8.0 ± 1.1; P < 0.0001), with no differences by gender or body mass index (BMI). In-school, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity also increased significantly more for intervention compared to control children (adjusted mean change 14 ± 4 min vs. 3 ± 3 min; P = 0.014, respectively). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in BMI and cardiovascular risk factors. A structured recess is feasible to implement and can significantly increase moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
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: Alexander Wray; Gina Martin; Emma Ostermeier; Alina Medeiros; Malcolm Little; Kristen Reilly; Jason Gilliland Journal: Health Promot Chronic Dis Prev Can Date: 2020-04 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Vernon Grant; Blakely Brown; Gyda Swaney; Dusten Hollist; Kari Jo Harris; Curtis W Noonan; Steve Gaskill Journal: Prev Med Rep Date: 2015-08-15