Longitudinal Examination of the Impact of Daily Physical Education on the Fitness of Underserved Youth

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to examine the impact of 45 minutes of daily physical education on fitness levels among elementary aged students attending Legacy Charter School. METHODS: An analysis of variance (ANOVA) mixed effect linear model was used to evaluate the effectiveness of 45 minutes of daily physical education and physical fitness levels among youth in grades 3rd-5th attending Legacy Charter, a Title I school in the southeastern US. Gain scores (final post-test assessment in May 2015 - original pre-test assessment in September 2013) were calculated and analyzed for significance. The interaction between school and time was estimated for each outcome. Each analysis was stratified by grade, gender and age to control for baseline differences by school. A Title I control school who provided physical education once per week was identified and utilized as a comparison. RESULTS: Legacy Charter students observed significant gain increase on: 3 of 3 (p<.05) FITNESSGRAMR assessments. Legacy Charter school females significantly improved on the number of PACER laps (Gain Score= 7.01;F=12.20;df=1,278; p=0.001), the number of curl-ups (Gain Score=14.8;F=17.79; df=1,274; p=0.000), and the number of push-ups (Gain Score=2.93; F=52.78; df=1,274; p=0.000) over time from 2013 to 2015. Legacy Charter 8-year old males significantly improved in PACER laps (Gain Score=10.55; F=9.11; df=1,42; p=0.004) and curl-ups completed (Gain Scores=21.82; F=5.11; df=1,42; p=0.029). 3rd graders at Legacy Charter improved in the number of PACER laps (Gain Score=8.66; F=739.27; df=1,116; p=0.000) and push-ups performed (Gain Score=4.47; F=35.00; df=1,116; p=0.023) over time. CONCLUSION: 45 minutes of daily physical education led to an increase in fitness levels among elementary aged students attending Legacy Charter School over time. Funded by Campbell Young Leaders Foundation.