scholarly journals Considerations for Individual-Level Versus Whole-School Physical Activity Interventions: Stakeholder Perspectives

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7628
Author(s):  
Byron Tibbitts ◽  
Kathryn Willis ◽  
Tom Reid ◽  
Simon J. Sebire ◽  
Rona Campbell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
School Environment ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Whole School ◽  
School Based ◽  
School Based Interventions ◽  
Whole School Approach

Strategies to address declining physical activity levels among children and adolescents have focused on ‘individual-level’ approaches which often fail to demonstrate impact. Recent attention has been on an alternative ‘whole-school’ approach to increasing physical activity that involves promoting physical activity throughout all aspects of the school environment. There is, however, a lack of evidence on how whole-school physical activity approaches could be implemented in the UK. This qualitative study explored perspectives of key stakeholders on potential reasons for the lack of impact of individual-level school-based interventions on children’s physical activity, and key considerations for adopting a whole-school approach. Nineteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with a range of stakeholders involved in the implementation of physical activity programmes in UK schools. Data were analysed using an inductive approach. Respondents suggested that individual-level school-based interventions to increase physical activity often failed to consult end users in the design and were typically implemented in environments unsupportive of long-term change. They subsequently outlined specific barriers and key facilitators for the adoption and implementation of whole-school approaches in UK settings and recommended a shift in research foci towards building an evidence base around educational outcomes and whole-school implementation insights.

scholarly journals Protocol for a scoping review to identify and map intervention components of existing school-based interventions for the promotion of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness among school children aged 6–10 years old

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. e037848
Author(s):  
Berit Brandes ◽  
Heide Busse ◽  
Louisa Sell ◽  
Lara Christianson ◽  
Mirko Brandes
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
School Environment ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
School Setting ◽  
General Information ◽  
Hand Search ◽  
School Based ◽  
School Based Interventions

IntroductionPhysical inactivity is known as a leading cause of mortality and tracks from childhood to adulthood. Many types of school-based single-component and multicomponent interventions to promote physical activity (PA) have been undertaken and evaluated, with mixed findings overall. Enlarging the intervention areas beyond the school setting is a promising approach. WHO’s Health Promoting School (WHO HPS) framework is a holistic, setting-based approach where health is promoted through the whole school environment with links to other settings such as the home environment and wider community. In this paper, we outline our scoping review protocol to systematically review the published literature from the last 10 years to identify existing school-based interventions to promote PA and cardiorespiratory fitness among children aged 6–10 years old and to map intervention components according to the features of this framework.Methods and analysisArksey and O’Malley’s scoping review methodology framework will guide the conduct of this review. We will search Medline, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Sports Medicine & Education Index, Education Resources Information Centre and CENTRAL and hand search the reference lists of key studies to identify studies appropriate for inclusion. Any empirical study that evaluated the effectiveness of a school-based intervention promoting PA and/or cardiorespiratory fitness in children aged 6–10 years old will be included. Two reviewers will independently screen all abstracts and full texts for inclusion. One reviewer will extract general information, study characteristics and intervention contents to classify them according to the features of the WHO HPS framework. Results will be synthesised narratively.Ethics and disseminationFindings will be disseminated in conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications. A condensed version of the results will be made available for the public. Stakeholder meetings will be arranged to discuss and disseminate the findings.

scholarly journals Efficacy of School-Based Interventions for Improving Muscular Fitness Outcomes in Adolescent Boys: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 543-560 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley Cox ◽  
Stuart J. Fairclough ◽  
Maria-Christina Kosteli ◽  
Robert J. Noonan
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
School Environment ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Adolescent Males ◽  
Medium Effect ◽  
Adolescent Boys ◽  
Muscular Fitness ◽  
School Based ◽  
School Based Interventions

Abstract Background It has been reported that boys’ and girls’ physical activity (PA) levels decline throughout adolescence. Boys are at risk of physical inactivity during adolescence; however, in intervention research, they are an under-represented group relative to girls. It is suggested that the school environment may be central to developing interventions that support adolescents in meeting the current PA guidelines. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the efficacy of school-based physical activity interventions for improving muscular fitness (MF) in adolescent males. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the preferred reporting systems for meta-analyses guidelines and was registered on PROSPERO (Registration number: CRD42018091023). Eligible studies were published in English within peer-reviewed articles. Searches were conducted in three databases, with an additional grey literature search in Google Scholar. Studies investigating MF outcomes were included. Results There were 43 data sets identified across 11 studies, from seven countries. Overall methodological quality of the studies was moderate-to-strong. Interventions targeting MF evidenced a small-to-medium effect (g = 0.32, CI 0.17, 0.48, p < 0.00). Subgroup analyses of MF delivery method resulted in small-to-medium effects: upper limb MF measures (g = 0.28, 95% CI − 0.02, 0.58, p = 0.07), lower limb MF measures (g = 0.28, 95% CI 0.09, 0.68, p = 0.03), combined MF activities (g = 0.24, 95% CI − 0.04 to 0.49, p = 0.05), plyometric activities (g = 0.39, 95% CI 0.09, 0.68, p = 0.01), body weight (g = 0.27, 95% CI − 0.10, 0.65, p = 0.15), and traditional MF methods (g = 0.43, 95% CI 0.09, 0.78, p = 0.01). Conclusions School-based interventions which aimed to increase MF outcomes in adolescent boys demonstrated small-to-moderate effects. Traditional and plyometric methods of resistance training appear to be the most effective form of PA delivery in adolescent males. More quality research is required to assess the impact of MF delivered in the school environment to inform future intervention design.

scholarly journals A Systematised Review of Primary School Whole Class Child Obesity Interventions: Effectiveness, Characteristics, and Strategies

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elise C. Brown ◽  
Duncan S. Buchan ◽  
Julien S. Baker ◽  
Frank B. Wyatt ◽  
Danilo S. Bocalini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Child Obesity ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Sweetened Beverages ◽  
School Based ◽  
School Based Interventions ◽  
Whole Class

Background. A systematised review was conducted to examine the effectiveness of school-based interventions that focus on changing dietary intake and physical activity levels to reduce childhood obesity.Methods. Multiple databases were searched for randomised and nonrandomised interventions from 2007 to 2016 in full-time elementary schools, which were delivered to the whole class, included dietary and physical activity components, involved both sexes, were written in English, and used body mass index (BMI) as an outcome.Results. The database search produced 8,866 titles from which 78 were deemed relevant and assessed for inclusion resulting in 15 studies meeting all inclusion criteria. From these 15 studies, 9 yielded a reduction or stabilisation in BMI or BMIz-score in the entire intervention group and/or subgroups. Programmes lasting between 6 and 12 months that involve multiple environmental, educational, and physical strategies appear to be most likely to result in BMI or BMIz-score improvement. Moderators most likely influencing an improvement in BMI included increased physical activity, decreased sugar sweetened beverages intake, and increased fruit intake.Conclusions. School-based interventions may be an effective means for child obesity prevention. The identification of consistent elements used in school-based interventions that have demonstrated effectiveness may aid in preventing child obesity.

scholarly journals The Daily Mile: teachers’ perspectives of the barriers and facilitators to the delivery of a school-based physical activity intervention

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. e027169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Malden ◽  
Lawrence Doi
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
School Environment ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
School Curriculum ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
School Based ◽  
School Day ◽  
Context Specific ◽  
Teachers Perspectives

ObjectivesChildren spend a significant amount of their time in a school environment, often engaged in sedentary activities. The Daily Mile is a physical activity intervention which aims to increase physical activity and fitness in children through the completion of an outdoor teacher-led walk or run during the school day. This study aimed to explore the barriers, facilitators and perceived benefits of the Daily Mile from the perspectives of teachers through the use of qualitative semi-structured interviews. It also aimed to identify important context-specific factors, which might require consideration for those who intend to adopt the Daily Mile.SettingEight Local Authority primary schools in the City of Edinburgh and East Lothian, UK.ParticipantsThirteen teachers (eleven women) who teach children in primaries one to seven in a school which delivered the Daily Mile.ResultsData were analysed using an interpretative thematic analysis. Teachers were positive and enthusiastic about the Daily Mile and perceived it to be beneficial to children’s health and fitness. A number of barriers to participation were identified including inadequate all-weather running surfaces and time constraints in an already full school curriculum. The perceived impact on learning time was identified as a concern for teachers, while other benefits were also identified including increased teacher–child rapport and perceived enhanced classroom concentration levels.ConclusionThe Daily Mile appears to be a valuable addition to the school day, however important context-specific barriers to delivery of the Daily Mile exist, which should be considered when implementing the Daily Mile in schools.

scholarly journals The efficacy of school-based interventions to increase MVPA and MBSE outcomes in adolescent males. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley Cox ◽  
Stuart J. Fairclough ◽  
Maria-Christina Kosteli ◽  
Robert J. Noonan
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
School Environment ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Adolescent Males ◽  
Medium Effect ◽  
School Based ◽  
School Based Interventions ◽  
The Impact

Background: It has been reported that boys’ and girls’ physical activity (PA) levels decline throughout adolescence. Boys are at risk of physical inactivity during adolescence however, in intervention research they are an under-represented group relative to girls. It is suggested that the school environment may be central to developing interventions that support adolescents in meeting the current PA guidelines. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the efficacy of school-based interventions to increase moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and muscle and bone strengthening exercise (MBSE) outcomes in adolescent males. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the preferred reporting systems for meta-analyses guidelines and was registered on PROSPERO (Registration number: CRD42018091023). Eligible studies were published in English within peer-reviewed articles. Searches were conducted in three databases, with an additional grey literature search in Google Scholar. Studies with MVPA and MBSE as outcomes were included.Results: There were 51 data sets identified across 15 studies, from eight countries. Overall methodological quality of the studies was moderate to strong. Significant, small effect sizes were identified following a pooled analysis of all studies which aimed to increase MVPA and MBSE outcomes (g = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.15, 0.37, P = &lt;.001). Interventions targeting MVPA were ineffective (g = -0.09, 95% CI -0.72, -0.53, P = 0.77). Interventions targeting MBSE evidenced a small to medium effect (g = 0.27, CI 0.16, 0.39, P = &lt;.001). Sub-group analyses of MBSE delivery method resulted in small to medium effects: Upper limb MBSE (g = 0.23, 95% CI 0.03, 0.43, p = 0.02), lower limb MBSE (g = 0.21, 95% CI 0.09, 0.33, p &lt;0.00), combined resistance activities (g = 0.22, 95% CI 0.05 – 0.39, p = &lt;0.00), plyometric activities (g = 0.39, 95% CI 0.09, 0.68, p = 0.01), body weight (g = 0.21, 95% CI -0.00, 0.44, p = 0.05), and traditional MBSE methods (g = 0.43, 95% CI -0.09, 0.78, p = 0.01).Conclusions: School-based interventions which aim to increase MVPA in adolescent males were not effective. Interventions focused on MBSE demonstrated small to moderate effects. Traditional and plyometric methods of MBSE appear to be the most effective form of PA delivery in adolescent males. More quality research is required to assess the impact of MBSE delivered in the school environment in order to inform future intervention design.

scholarly journals Long-Term Dietary and Physical Activity Interventions in the School Setting and Their Effects on BMI in Children Aged 6–12 Years: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 396
Author(s):  
Purificación Cerrato-Carretero ◽  
Raúl Roncero-Martín ◽  
Juan D. Pedrera-Zamorano ◽  
Fidel López-Espuela ◽  
Luis M. Puerto-Parejo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
School Based ◽  
School Based Interventions

Preventive actions and potential obesity interventions for children are mainly researched throughout the school period, either as part of the school curricula or after regular school hours, via interventions mostly lasting less than 12 months. We aimed to perform a meta-analysis on randomized controlled clinical trials to evaluate the evidence of the efficacy of long-term school-based interventions in the management of childhood obesity in terms of BMI from a dietary and physical activity-based approach. Eleven randomized controlled clinical trials were examined using the random effects model, and the results showed that there were no significant effects associated with physical activity + nutrition intervention in school children aged 6–12 years, with a pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) (95% CI) of −0.00 (−0.05, 0.04). No effects were observed after subgroup analysis based on the intervention length. The findings from our study indicate that long-term school-based interventions on physical activity and dietary habits received by children aged 6–12 years seem to have no effect on BMI. However, the promotion of such interventions should not be discouraged, as they promote additional positive health outcomes for other domains of children’s health.

Rural Neighborhood Walkability: Implications for Assessment

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (s1) ◽  
pp. S40-S45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle C. Kegler ◽  
Iris Alcantara ◽  
Regine Haardörfer ◽  
Alexandra Gemma ◽  
Denise Ballard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Walking Distance ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Neighborhood Walkability ◽  
Bodies Of Water ◽  
Active Adults

Background:Physical activity levels, including walking, are lower in the southern U.S., particularly in rural areas. This study investigated the concept of rural neighborhood walkability to aid in developing tools for assessing walkability and to identify intervention targets in rural communities.Methods:Semi-structured interviews were conducted with physically active adults (n = 29) in rural Georgia. Mean age of participants was 55.9 years; 66% were male, 76% were white, and 24% were African American. Participants drew maps of their neighborhoods and discussed the relevance of typical domains of walkability to their decisions to exercise. Comparative analyses were conducted to identify major themes.Results:The majority felt the concept of neighborhood was applicable and viewed their neighborhood as small geographically (less than 0.5 square miles). Sidewalks were not viewed as essential for neighborhood-based physical activity and typical destinations for walking were largely absent. Destinations within walking distance included neighbors’ homes and bodies of water. Views were mixed on whether shade, safety, dogs, and aesthetics affected decisions to exercise in their neighborhoods.Conclusions:Measures of neighborhood walkability in rural areas should acknowledge the small size of self-defined neighborhoods, that walking in rural areas is likely for leisure time exercise, and that some domains may not be relevant.

scholarly journals Simultaneous presence of excess weight and insufficient hours of sleep in adolescents: prevalence and related factors

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 148
Author(s):  
Tiago Rodrigues de Lima ◽  
Gabriel Renaldo de Sousa ◽  
João Antônio Chula de Castro ◽  
Diego Augusto Santos Silva
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behaviour ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
School Environment ◽  
Paediatric Population ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Insufficient Sleep ◽  
School Based

Introduction: An increase in excess body fat and a decrease in the number of hours of sleep per day are health problems affecting the paediatric population. Objective: To estimate the combined prevalence of overweight and insufficient sleep/day in adolescents, and the association with sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Methods: A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted with 1,132 participants from 14 to 19 years old in São José, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Body fat was assessed by body mass index (BMI) and classified by the Z-score, while adolescents reported the total hours of sleep/day. Sociodemographic data, physical activity and sedentary behaviour were collected by self-filled questionnaire. Results: The simultaneous prevalence of overweight and insufficient sleep/day was 17.5%. The factors associated with this condition were to meet the recommendations of the practice of physical activity per week, participate in gym class twice/week and period greater/equal to four hours/day in front of the screen. Conclusion: Guidelines in the school environment in relation to health problems posed by weight excess and the amount of insufficient hours sleep can be present when recommendations on physical activity and sedentary behaviour are given to students.

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