Increasing Children's Physical Activity Levels through Game Equipment

Strategic Insights -

A study published in The European Journal of Public Health investigated the effect of providing game equipment on children's physical activity levels during recess periods in elementary schools. The researchers, from Ghent University, found that providing game equipment increased children's moderate and vigorous physical activity during lunch break, and moderate physical activity during morning recess, compared to a control group. This study suggests that promoting physical activity through game equipment provision can contribute to reaching daily activity levels recommended for good health.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involved 235 children (122 in the intervention group and 113 in the control group) aged 10.8-10.9 years, from seven elementary schools in Belgium.
  • Children's activity levels were measured using MTI accelerometers before and three months after providing game equipment.
  • During lunch break, children's moderate and vigorous physical activity significantly increased in the intervention group (moderate: from 38 to 50%, vigorous: from 10 to 11%), while it decreased in the control group (moderate: from 44 to 39%, vigorous: from 11 to 5%).
  • At morning recess, providing game equipment was effective in increasing children's moderate physical activity (from 41 to 45%), while it decreased in the control group (from 41 to 34%).
  • The researchers concluded that promoting physical activity through game equipment provision during recess periods can contribute to reaching daily activity levels recommended for good health.
  • The study was published in The European Journal of Public Health in 2006 (Verstraete et al., 2006).

Statistics:

  • 235 children participated in the study, with 122 in the intervention group and 113 in the control group.
  • Children's moderate physical activity increased from 38% to 50% in the intervention group, and decreased from 44% to 39% in the control group, during lunch break.
  • Children's vigorous physical activity increased from 10% to 11% in the intervention group, and decreased from 11% to 5% in the control group, during lunch break.
  • At morning recess, moderate physical activity increased from 41% to 45% in the intervention group, and decreased from 41% to 34% in the control group.

Sources:

  • Verstraete, S. J., et al. (2006). Increasing children's physical activity levels during recess periods in elementary schools: the effects of providing game equipment. The European Journal of Public Health, 16(4), 415-419.