An observational assessment of physical activity levels and social behaviour during elementary school recess

Abstract

Objective:The purpose of the present study was to assess children's physical activity, social play behaviour, activity type and social interactions during elementary school recess using a pre-validated systematic observation system. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Two elementary schools located in Merseyside, England. Method: Fifty-six elementary school children (27 boys, 29 girls) were systematically observed during recess over a three-month period using a standardized physical activity observation instrument. Results:The results revealed the boys were engaged in significantly higher levels of physical activity during recess than girls. The boys were also involved in more sport-specific activities and participated in larger group sizes. Positive associations between physical activity and availability of equipment during recess were also reported. Conclusion: This study has confirmed recess as a valuable opportunity for elementary school children to increase their levels of physical activity. However, further studies with larger sample sizes need to identify and explore the relationship between physical activity (PA) and availability of equipment.

Predictors of Segmented School Day Physical Activity and Sedentary Time in Children from a Northwest England Low-Income Community

“…This is consistent with previous research studying break time periods of the school day, in which an inverse association was reported between sedentary activities and percentage of time engaged in MVPA [64]. Whilst our analysis found that one behaviour predicted less of another, this does not imply that ST displaces PA and vice versa.…”

Physical and Social Contexts of Physical Activity Behaviors of Fifth and Seventh Grade Youth

“…It is difficult to separate the effects of personal preference, sex‐related social norms, and other social influences from opportunity; additional research is needed to examine the specific mechanisms operating. It is also possible that the physical and social environments influence boys and girls differently . Furthermore, the social context, the people with whom one is physically active, may be more salient for girls than boys .…”

“…It is also possible that the physical and social environments influence boys and girls differently . Furthermore, the social context, the people with whom one is physically active, may be more salient for girls than boys . Similarly, different elements of the physical environment may be salient for boys and girls …”

A Guide for Educators to Move Beyond Conventional School Playgrounds: The RE-AIM Evaluation of the Lunchtime Enjoyment Activity and Play (LEAP) Intervention

“…The findings from the present study may highlight an effective strategy teachers could use to engage girls in physical activity at an early age may assist with the prevention of transitional declines of physical activity into secondary school reported (Pate et al, 2007). Playing with 'unfixed equipment' has previously been associated with girls' activity within the school playground and providing further play options with unfixed equipment may encourage girls' physical activity participation (Roberts, Fairclough, Ridgers, & Porteous, 2012). As it has been reported that girls prefer engaging in social behaviour during school breaks (Roberts et al, 2012) it is possible that the social opportunities associated with introducing the intervention could be a key strategy to developing the physical activity of girls.…”

“…Within the physical environment all materials added to the array of play options except cardboard boxes (didn't last long and their use would require regular replacement) and water containers (no play purpose). Despite 'ball associated' games being regularly seen as popular by school students (Roberts et al, 2012) when play balls were introduced to the field during the LEAP intervention program, students used them as part of imaginary play and construction (e.g. cannon balls) rather than ball sports.…”