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

Nicola D Ridgers,Gareth Stratton,Stuart J Fairclough

doi:10.1186/1479-5868-7-74

Abstract

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.

Highlights

School recess provides a daily opportunity for children to engage in physically active behaviours
Habitual physical activity is associated with numerous health benefits in children, with observational studies suggesting greater health benefits are associated with higher levels of physical activity [1]
Girls engaged in 13.8% more sedentary activity and 8.2% less vigorous activity than boys during recess

Summary

Introduction

School recess provides a daily opportunity for children to engage in physically active behaviours. 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. Efforts to increase physical activity in children are important for public health objectives, and schools are one particular setting that can be targeted for intervention implementation [3]. One context within schools that provides a valuable opportunity for the promotion of and engagement in associated with activity during recess [11] Such information is likely to inform future intervention designs as the context in which the behaviour occurs is an important consideration

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