Rationale and design of a randomized controlled trial examining the effect of classroom-based physical activity on math achievement

BMC Public Health

Anne Kær Gejl¹  Peter Lund Kristensen¹  Martin Thomsen Ernst¹  Mona Have¹  Sidsel Louise Domazet¹  Anders Grøntved¹  Niels Wedderkopp¹  Jacob Have Nielsen¹  Jan Toftegaard Støckel¹  Claire Gudex²  Kjeld Fredens³ 

[1] Centre of Research in Childhood Health, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark;Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark;Department of Learning and Philosophy, Aalborg University;

关键词: RCT;    Classroom-based PA;    School children;    Academic achievement;    Executive Functions;    Embodied cognition;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12889-016-2971-7

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background Integration of physical activity (PA) into the classroom may be an effective way of promoting the learning and academic achievement of children at elementary school. This paper describes the research design and methodology of an intervention study examining the effect of classroom-based PA on mathematical achievement, creativity, executive function, body mass index and aerobic fitness. Methods The study was designed as a school-based cluster-randomized controlled trial targeting schoolchildren in 1st grade, and was carried out between August 2012 and June 2013. Eligible schools in two municipalities in the Region of Southern Denmark were invited to participate in the study. After stratification by municipality, twelve schools were randomized to either an intervention group or a control group, comprising a total of 505 children with mean age 7.2 ± 0.3 years. The intervention was a 9-month classroom-based PA program that involved integration of PA into the math lessons delivered by the schools’ math teachers. The primary study outcome was change in math achievement, measured by a 45-minute standardized math test. Secondary outcomes were change in executive function (using a modified Eriksen flanker task and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) questionnaire filled out by the parents), creativity (using the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking, TTCT), aerobic fitness (by the Andersen intermittent shuttle-run test) and body mass index. PA during math lessons and total PA (including time spent outside school) were assessed using accelerometry. Math teachers used Short Message Service (SMS)-tracking to report on compliance with the PA intervention and on their motivation for implementing PA in math lessons. Parents used SMS-tracking to register their children’s PA behavior in leisure time. Discussion The results of this randomized controlled trial are expected to provide schools and policy-makers with significant new insights into the potential of classroom-based PA to improve cognition and academic achievement in children. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02488460 (06/29/2015)

【 授权许可】

Unknown