Introduction
As a practitioner dedicated to improving children's outcomes, leveraging data-driven interventions is crucial. A recent study titled "Time-efficient intervention to improve older adolescents’ cardiorespiratory fitness: findings from the ‘Burn 2 Learn’ cluster randomised controlled trial" provides valuable insights that can be implemented in school settings to enhance adolescents' cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). This blog will discuss the study's findings and how practitioners can apply these insights to improve their practice.
Study Overview
The study conducted a two-arm cluster randomised controlled trial involving 670 participants from 20 secondary schools in New South Wales, Australia. The intervention group participated in the Burn 2 Learn (B2L) program, which included high-intensity interval training (HIIT) activity breaks during curriculum time. The control group continued their usual practice. The primary outcome measured was CRF, assessed using a 20-meter multi-stage fitness test. Secondary outcomes included muscular fitness, physical activity, hair cortisol concentrations, mental health, and cognitive function.
Key Findings
- At the 6-month primary endpoint, the intervention group showed a significant improvement in CRF (difference = 4.1 laps, 95% CI 1.8 to 6.4).
- Secondary outcomes such as muscular fitness, steps during school hours, and cortisol levels also showed improvements at 6 months.
- However, these improvements were not sustained at the 12-month follow-up.
- The study concluded that embedding HIIT sessions within the school day is crucial for sustained benefits.
Implementing Findings in Practice
To apply these findings in your practice, consider the following strategies:
1. Incorporate HIIT into the School Curriculum
Ensure that HIIT sessions are a regular part of the school day. This can be achieved by training teachers to facilitate these sessions and providing them with the necessary resources and support.
2. Monitor and Evaluate Progress
Regularly assess students' CRF and other health metrics to monitor progress and make data-driven adjustments to the program. Use tools like the 20-meter multi-stage fitness test to track improvements.
3. Engage Stakeholders
Involve school administrators, teachers, parents, and students in the planning and implementation process. Their buy-in is crucial for the program's success and sustainability.
4. Provide Ongoing Support
Offer continuous training and resources to teachers to maintain the quality and consistency of HIIT sessions. Consider using technology, such as smartphone apps and heart rate monitors, to support session delivery and track student engagement.
5. Address Barriers
Identify and address potential barriers to implementation, such as time constraints and lack of resources. Tailor the program to fit the unique needs and constraints of each school.
Encouraging Further Research
While the B2L study provides valuable insights, further research is needed to explore long-term strategies for sustaining CRF improvements. Practitioners are encouraged to collaborate with researchers to conduct additional studies and refine intervention approaches.
Conclusion
Implementing time-efficient HIIT interventions within the school curriculum can significantly improve adolescents' CRF and other health outcomes. By incorporating these strategies into your practice, you can contribute to better health and academic performance for students. For more detailed information, you can read the original research paper: Time-efficient intervention to improve older adolescents’ cardiorespiratory fitness: findings from the ‘Burn 2 Learn’ cluster randomised controlled trial.
