Efficacy Of A Recess-based Intervention On Academic And Health Outcomes In Elementary School Children

Abstract

Both cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness are important for overall health and may benefit academic related outcomes in children. However, few intervention studies have examined the impact of an intervention that has emphasized both components on academic or cognitive outcomes. Furthermore, school recess may be an ideal time to promote physical activity and fitness and has been a relatively understudied setting in relation to these outcomes. PURPOSE: To evaluate the preliminary efficacy of a 3-month recess-based combined fitness intervention (INT; consisting of both aerobic and muscular fitness activities) on cognition (inhibition and working memory), classroom behaviors (engaged and off-task behaviors), fitness (cardiorespiratory and muscular), and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in elementary school-age children. METHODS: Schools (n=2) were randomized to either the INT (n=27, sex: 66.7% male, age: 8.8±0.1 years) or control group (CON; n=27, sex: 42.3% male, age; 9.4±0.1 years). Baseline and post-intervention measures included a flanker test (inhibition), list sorting test (working memory), classroom behavior observation (on- and off-task behaviors), 20-meter shuttle run (cardiorespiratory fitness), muscular fitness battery (muscular fitness), and accelerometry (MVPA). Process evaluation measures were recorded daily, weekly, and post-intervention. ANCOVA models were adjusted for baseline score, age, and other covariates. An independent samples t-test was used to compare percent of time spent in MVPA during recess between schools. RESULTS: Percent of time spent in MVPA during recess was significantly higher in the INT compared to the CON group (INT=41.7±2.1%; CON=30.4±0.2, p<0.001). No other significant differences were observed. Although participant enjoyment and INT acceptability was high, the average participation in INT sessions was 19.4% (ranging from 0 to 95.6%). CONCLUSION: This pilot study demonstrated some preliminary support that offering a combined fitness program is feasible and can increase percent of time spent in MVPA during recess. Future research is warranted to determine if the INT can impact academic or cognitive outcomes. Supported by: University of Massachusetts Amherst Graduate School Dissertation Research Grant