Study protocol: effects of school gardens on children’s physical activity

Archives of Public Health

Nancy M Wells¹  Beth M Myers¹  Charles R Henderson² 

[1] Design & Environmental Analysis Department, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA

[2] Department of Human Development, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA

关键词: Randomized controlled trial;    Schools;    Health behaviors;    Sedentary behavior;    Physical activity;    Gardens;    Children;   

Others  :  1083886
DOI  :  10.1186/2049-3258-72-43

 received in 2014-06-20, accepted in 2014-09-11,  发布年份 2014

【 摘 要 】

Background

Childhood obesity is an epidemic. Strategies are needed to promote children’s healthy habits related to diet and physical activity. School gardens have the potential to bolster children’s physical activity and reduce time spent in sedentary activity; however little research has examined the effect of gardens on children’s physical activity. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) examines the effect of school gardens on children’s overall physical activity and sedentary behavior; and on children’s physical activity during the school day. In addition, physical activity levels and postures are compared using direct observation, outdoors, in the garden and indoors, in the classroom.

Methods/Design

Twelve New York State schools are randomly assigned to receive the school garden intervention or to serve in the wait-list control group that receives gardens and lessons at the end of the study. The intervention consists of a raised bed garden; access to a curriculum focused on nutrition, horticulture, and plant science and including activities and snack suggestions; resources for the school including information about food safety in the garden and related topics; a garden implementation guide provided guidance regarding planning, planting and maintaining the garden throughout the year; gardening during the summer; engaging volunteers; building community capacity, and sustaining the program.

Data are collected at baseline and 3 post-intervention follow-up waves at 6, 12, and 18 months. Physical activity (PA) “usually” and “yesterday” is measured using surveys at each wave. In addition, at-school PA is measured using accelerometry for 3 days at each wave. Direct observation (PARAGON) is used to compare PA during an indoor classroom lesson versus outdoor, garden-based lesson.

Discussion

Results of this study will provide insight regarding the potential for school gardens to increase children’s physical activity and decrease sedentary behaviors.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrial.gov # NCT02148315

【 授权许可】

   
2014 Wells et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

【 图 表 】

Figure 1.

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