Introduction
As practitioners in the field of speech-language pathology and educational therapy, understanding the impact of school-related sedentary behaviours on children's health and well-being is crucial. The systematic review titled "School-related sedentary behaviours and indicators of health and well-being among children and youth" provides valuable insights into these associations. This blog aims to guide practitioners in applying these findings to improve outcomes for children and encourages further research in this area.
Understanding the Research
The systematic review synthesized evidence from 116 reports involving over 1.3 million participants, examining the relationship between school-related sedentary behaviours and various health and well-being indicators. The findings revealed mixed associations, with some sedentary behaviours being beneficial for cognitive and social-emotional indicators, while others were detrimental to physical activity levels.
Key Findings
- Cognitive and Social-Emotional Benefits: Approximately one-third of the associations indicated that sedentary behaviours, such as homework, were beneficial for cognitive and social-emotional indicators. However, excessive homework (>2 hours/day) was found to be detrimental.
- Physical Activity and Movement: Active lessons were found to be highly beneficial, with 72% of associations indicating improved health and well-being when sedentary behaviours were replaced with active lessons.
- Age-Related Differences: Secondary school-aged children benefited more from homework in terms of cognitive and social-emotional outcomes compared to primary school-aged children.
Implications for Practice
Practitioners can leverage these findings to advocate for balanced homework policies and the integration of active lessons within the school curriculum. By doing so, they can promote a holistic approach to children's education that supports both academic and physical development.
Encouraging Further Research
While the review provides a comprehensive overview, it also highlights the need for further research, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where data is scarce. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this research by exploring the impact of school-related sedentary behaviours in diverse settings and populations.
Conclusion
Understanding the impact of school-related sedentary behaviours is essential for developing effective interventions that enhance children's health and well-being. Practitioners play a pivotal role in applying these insights to create supportive educational environments. For those interested in delving deeper into the research, the original paper can be accessed here.
