Variables associated with children's physical activity levels during recess: the A-CLASS project

International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity

Research

Nicola D Ridgers¹  Stuart J Fairclough²  Gareth Stratton³ 

[1] Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, 3125, Burwood, Victoria, Australia;Research in to Exercise, Activity and Children's Health (REACH) Group, Liverpool John Moores University, UK;Faculty of Education, Community and Leisure, Liverpool John Moores University, I.M. Marsh Campus, Barkhill Road, L17 6BD, Liverpool, UK;Research in to Exercise, Activity and Children's Health (REACH) Group, Liverpool John Moores University, UK;Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Byrom Street, L3 3AF, Liverpool, UK;Research in to Exercise, Activity and Children's Health (REACH) Group, Liverpool John Moores University, UK;

关键词: Physical Activity;    Sedentary Behaviour;    Physical Activity Level;    Vigorous Physical Activity;    Vigorous Activity;   

DOI  :  10.1186/1479-5868-7-74

 received in 2010-06-24, accepted in 2010-10-12,  发布年份 2010

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundSchool recess provides a daily opportunity for children to engage in physically active behaviours. However, few studies have investigated what factors may influence children's physical activity levels in this context. Such information may be important in the development and implementation of recess interventions. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between a range of recess variables and children's sedentary, moderate and vigorous physical activity in this context.MethodsOne hundred and twenty-eight children (39% boys) aged 9-10 years old from 8 elementary schools had their physical activity levels observed during school recess using the System for Observing Children's Activity and Relationships during Play (SOCARP). Playground variables data were also collected at this time. Multilevel prediction models identified variables that were significantly associated with children's sedentary, moderate and vigorous physical activity during recess.ResultsGirls engaged in 13.8% more sedentary activity and 8.2% less vigorous activity than boys during recess. Children with no equipment provision during recess engaged in more sedentary activity and less moderate activity than children provided with equipment. In addition, as play space per child increased, sedentary activity decreased and vigorous activity increased. Temperature was a significant negatively associated with vigorous activity.ConclusionsModifiable and unmodifiable factors were associated with children's sedentary, moderate and vigorous physical activity during recess. Providing portable equipment and specifying areas for activities that dominate the elementary school playground during recess may be two approaches to increase recess physical activity levels, though further research is needed to evaluate the short and long-term impact of such strategies.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© Ridgers et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. 2010