G493 Structured physical education– an answer to obesity crisis?

Abstract

Background Malta is currently struggling through a childhood obesity epidemic, having the highest overweight and obesity rates in Europe and North America. The enrolment of schools to provide adequate levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels during physical education (PE) lessons, through a structured PE curriculum, has not yet been studied in Malta. Moreover, student fitness testing through objective biomechanical modalities was carried out. Methods A time-series non-equivalent control group study design was used to examine 120 children aged 9-to-10-years attending state primary school, after ethical approval has been achieved. Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids (SPARK) PE curriculum was implemented as the intervention PE programme (n=76) during one scholastic year. The national PE curriculum was delivered in the control group (n=44). Measurements included: BMI z-score, waist circumference, resting heart rate, Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C) scores, MVPA levels, jump height, posturography and annual exam results. Results Significant improvements were registered in BMI z-scores (p=0.007), resting heart rate (p=0.009) and balance parameters (8 of 9) in intervention group but not in control group. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels achieved in the intervention group were 60.43% vs 39.06% in control group. Significant jump height improvement (p=0.020) was seen in one of 2 intervention schools, possibly dependent on high MVPA levels achieved (68.77%). No significant decline in academic achievement was noted. Conclusion The innovative concept of biomechanical fitness tests in school children is introduced as an efficient and objective tool in fitness progress monitoring. This study proposes targeting school children and providing them with a structured PE curriculum as a public health initiative in the fight against childhood obesity.