Introduction
In today's educational landscape, the importance of physical activity (PA) in schools is increasingly recognized. The research article titled Impacts of active school design on school-time sedentary behavior and physical activity: A pilot natural experiment provides insightful data on how school design can influence students' sedentary behavior (SB) and physical activity levels. This blog post will delve into the findings of this study and explore how practitioners can leverage these insights to enhance their educational environments.
Understanding the Research
The study conducted a natural experiment to assess whether an elementary school designed to promote movement could impact students' school-time SB and PA. Utilizing accelerometers, researchers measured SB and PA before and after the intervention in both an experimental group and a control group. The results were significant, showing that the intervention group experienced a reduction in SB and an increase in light physical activity (LPA), although there was a decrease in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA).
Key Findings
- The intervention attenuated the increase in SB by 81.2 minutes per day, while increasing the number of breaks from SB by 23.4 times daily.
- Students in the new school environment spent 67.7 more minutes in LPA daily.
- There was a decrease in MVPA by 10.3 minutes per day.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners, these findings highlight the potential of active school design in reducing SB and promoting LPA. Here are some practical steps to consider:
- Incorporate Dynamic Furniture: Use height-adjustable chairs and tables to encourage movement and reduce static sitting.
- Create Movement-Friendly Spaces: Design classrooms with ample space for activity areas and movement.
- Promote Outdoor Activities: Ensure quick access to outdoor spaces to facilitate high-intensity activities.
- Integrate Active Breaks: Encourage short, frequent breaks from sitting to increase overall activity levels.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, it also underscores the need for further research to explore the optimal balance between different types of physical activity in school settings. Practitioners are encouraged to participate in or initiate studies that investigate the long-term impacts of active school design on children's health and academic performance.
Conclusion
The research on active school design offers a promising avenue for enhancing student health and engagement through thoughtful environmental changes. By implementing these strategies, educators can create more dynamic and health-promoting learning environments.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Impacts of active school design on school-time sedentary behavior and physical activity: A pilot natural experiment.
