Promoting physical activity at the school playground: A quasi-experimental intervention study

Authors

  • Iván López-Fernández University of Málaga, Spain
  • María Molina-Jodar University of Málaga, Spain
  • Francisco J. Garrido-González University of Málaga, Spain
  • Carlos A. Pascual-Martos University of Málaga, Spain
  • José L. Chinchilla University of Málaga, Spain
  • Elvis A. Carnero University of Málaga, Spain

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14198/jhse.2016.112.05

Keywords:

Physical education, Recess, Playtime, Child

Abstract

In looking for new strategies to promote physical activity (PA), the purpose of this study was to determine whether providing equipment, playground markings, and a physical education (PE)-based intervention effectively increases PA levels during school recess. A total of 223 children (mean age = 7.10 years ± 0.6; 45.3% female) from three schools participated in this study in 2012. In the first intervention school (G1; n = 75) six previous PE classes teaching games for recess were performed and playground markings and game equipment were provided. In the second intervention school (G2; n = 68) only playground markings and game equipment were provided. The third school served as the control group (GC; n = 80). PA was assessed with pedometers. The increase in mean steps after intervention in G2 was higher than the G1 and GC (P < 0.001). No differences between G1 and GC were observed at post-intervention (P = 0.05). The effects did not vary by gender or BMI. Providing game equipment and playground marks may increase children PA in recess. Nevertheless, additional PE-based intervention did not imply an improvement, and was not effective in increasing PA.

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References

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Published

29-03-2017

How to Cite

López-Fernández, I., Molina-Jodar, M., Garrido-González, F. J., Pascual-Martos, C. A., Chinchilla, J. L., & Carnero, E. A. (2017). Promoting physical activity at the school playground: A quasi-experimental intervention study. Journal of Human Sport and Exercise, 11(2), 319–328. https://doi.org/10.14198/jhse.2016.112.05

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 2

Section

Physical Education / Children & Exercise

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