Effects of Physically Active Lessons on Movement Behaviors, Cognitive, and Academic Performance in Elementary Schoolchildren: ERGUER/Aracaju Project

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the effects of the introduction of physically active lessons on movement behaviors, cognitive, and academic performance in schoolchildren. Methods: This was a cluster-controlled trial. A total of 61 students from the second year of elementary school in a public school in Brazil made up 2 intervention classes (n = 34) with the introduction of physically active lessons and 2 control classes (n = 27). Sedentary behavior, physical activity, cognitive, and academic performance were evaluated in 3 moments, which were compared using models of generalized estimating equations. Results: The intervention was effective for reducing the standing time between the baseline and 3 months while increasing the walking time between baseline and 3 months and baseline and 9 months. There was a reduction in time in stationary activities and increased time in light physical activities between all moments. The intervention group increased their performance in the go/no go test, showing a smaller number of errors between the baseline and 3 months and baseline and 9 months, and a reduction in the test time between baseline and 3 months. No impact on students’ academic performance was observed. Conclusion: Physically active lessons improve movement behaviors and cognitive functions among elementary schoolchildren.

Effects of two years of physically active lessons on cognitive indicators in children

“…In this perspective, school plays a fundamental role in the integral development of students, demonstrating that this environment could be a possible enhancer of cognitive performance, even in less developed countries 19 , 20 . Furthermore, the level of evidence on the likely advantages of replacing sitting time with light physical activity integrated with the curriculum content on cognitive functions remains low or inconclusive 8 .…”

“…This study was described in accordance with the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) reporting guidelines and additional details of the intervention are presented elsewhere 19 , 20 .…”

Implementação de aulas fisicamente ativas e pausas ativas: Um relato de experiência do Projeto Erguer/Aracaju

“…No Brasil, o projeto Erguer/Aracaju já apresentou resultados interessantes a respeito do efeito das aulas fisicamente ativas no comportamento sedentário e desempenho cognitivo (Barbosa et al, 2021). Outro estudo avaliou por dois anos, a eficácia de uma intervenção com aulas fisicamente ativas sobre indicadores de comportamento sedentário e atividade física medidos objetivamente em crianças do ensino fundamental (Silva et al, 2022).…”