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A recess intervention to promote moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity
Author(s) -
Howe C. A.,
Freedson P. S.,
Alhassan S.,
Feldman H. A.,
Osganian S. K.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
pediatric obesity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.226
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 2047-6310
pISSN - 2047-6302
DOI - 10.1111/j.2047-6310.2011.00007.x
Subject(s) - medicine , physical activity , body mass index , obesity , physical therapy , psychological intervention , intervention (counseling) , physical activity level , energy expenditure , psychiatry
Summary 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.