Increasing opportunities to be physically active in school: longitudinal evaluation of a government measure

Oral

Abstract Overview

Background: Despite the opportunity that schools offer to access many students, the potential impacts of school-based interventions on the practice of moderate to high intensity physical activities (PA) remain uncertain (Love et al., 2019).
Purpose: The objective of the research project was to document the effects, facilitating factors and barriers linked to the implementation of a government measure aimed at integrating a minimum of 60 minutes of opportunities to practice physical activities in a school context.
Methods: A mixed longitudinal study over five years in five elementary schools in Quebec, Canada was carried out. Accelerometry data were collected to characterize the evolution of students’ PA practice. Semi-directed interviews and focus groups were conducted with students and members of school teams to identify the impact of the measure as well as the facilitating factors and barriers related to its implementation.
Results: The measure allows schools to offer more than 60 minutes of opportunity per day to all students. A reduction in sedentary behavior and an increase in mild PA, in both girls and boys, was noted (p < .05). Facilitating factors and barriers are linked to different environments (political, municipal, community and school), as well as to student characteristics. Physical and health education (PE) teachers are identified as essential resources in the sustainability and quality of PA opportunities as well as motivating the school team to continue their actions.
Conclusions: School-based interventions can have a positive effect on students' PA practice, but several factors can influence their implementation, including the central role that the PE teacher can play.
References
Love, R., et al. (2019). Are school‐based physical activity interventions effective and equitable? A meta‐analysis of cluster randomized controlled trials with accelerometer‐assessed activity. Obesity Reviews, 20(6), 859-870.

Additional Authors

Name: Léa Berardinucci
Affiliation: Université de Lorraine
Presenting Author: no
Name: Sylvie Beaudoin
Affiliation: Université de Sherbrooke
Presenting Author: no
Name: Sylvain Turcotte
Affiliation: Université de Sherbrooke
Presenting Author: no

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Information

Study Type: Measurement or surveillance
Subtheme: Other (please specify)
Subtheme other Title: Physical activity school
Population Group: Children
Setting: School

Submitting Author

Felix Berrigan
Professor
Sherbrooke University
Canada

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