Evidence-Based Overview of Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity during School Recess: An Updated Systematic Review

Abstract

Interest in analyzing physically active behaviors during school recesses has grown in recent years as the school environment has consolidated (recess, physical education classes, lunch-time, before and after school) as a crucial space to bring these levels towards those recommended through intervention programs and improvements in the school environment. Unfortunately, in most of these studies, children do not achieve the 60 min a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) recommended by the World Health Organization. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the cross-sectional, longitudinal, and intervention studies objectively measured with accelerometers that have emerged in recent years to determine the amount of MVPA of children at recess. This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines. The extraction process for the studies included in this systematic review yielded a total of 43 articles. The studies were classified according to the methodological nature of the research: cross-sectional (n = 34), longitudinal (n = 3) and quasi-experimental (n = 6). The results of the studies confirm that during the recess period younger children are physically more active than older ones and that in general, boys are more physically active than girls. In addition, the data show that the school contributes to more than 40% of the total MVPA. The intervention programs led to an increase in MVPA of up to 5%. Providing schools with equipment and facilities shows that intervention programs are beneficial for raising children’s levels of physical activity.

Health Impact Assessment (HIA) of a Daily Physical Activity Unit in Schools: Focus on Children and Adolescents in Austria Up to the 8th Grade

“…Studies confirm that schools can contribute to 40% of children’s physical activity. Physical activity intervention programs and more sports as well as adequate equipment in schools lead to an increase in physical activity among school-aged children and adolescents [ 28 ]. In addition, the work or school environment has an impact on sedentary behavior.…”

Physical Activity at School Recess: A Key Element in Balancing Social Disparities

“…However, the results found in the literature are not fully conclusive on this point. 13,14 Furthermore, it has been established that obese children engage in less PA than those with a normal weight. 23,24 However, a systematic review by Ridgers et al that specifically analyzed PA at school recess did not find an association with obesity.…”

“…The evidence of sex disparity in the levels of PA at school and throughout the day is overwhelming. In a recent review, 13 34 cross‐sectional studies in different countries from around the world that evaluated PA at school recess via accelerometry were analyzed. In all of the studies (100%) that presented results differentiated by sex, it was observed that boys engaged in more MVPA than girls.…”

“…There are different ways to increase PA at schools, such as more active lessons, physical education classes, and unstructured recess playtime. In recent years, a great effort has been made to elucidate the characteristics surrounding PA at school recess 13,14 . It is essential to continue investigating the factors affecting recess PA in different contexts to provide information regarding the target population and define suitable approaches for increasing PA in children.…”

Factores asociados a la práctica de actividad física, alimentación y otros hábitos relacionados con la salud en adolescentes de la provincia de Valladolid

“…El porcentaje de escolares físicamente activos durante el recreo disminuyó con la edad en nuestro estudio, presentando la disminución más brusca entre el grupo de edad de 11-13 años a los de 14-16 años. Otros estudios también evidenciaron disminución de la actividad física en el recreo con la edad (77,112,266,267).…”