‘FIFA 11 for Health’ for Europe. II: effect on health markers and physical fitness in Danish schoolchildren aged 10–12 years

Abstract

ObjectivesTo evaluate whether a modified ‘FIFA 11 for Health’ programme for non-communicable diseases had effects on body composition, blood pressure and physical fitness of Danish schoolchildren aged 10–12 years.DesignA cluster-randomised controlled study with 7 intervention and 2 control schools.Participants546 Danish 5th grade municipal schoolchildren allocated to an intervention group (IG; n=402: 11.1±0.4 (±SD) years, 150.1±7.0 cm, 41.3±8.4 kg) and a control group (CG; n=144: 11.0±0.5 years, 151.2±7.8 cm, 41.3±9.0 kg).InterventionAs part of the physical education (PE) curriculum, IG carried out 2 weekly 45 min ‘FIFA 11 for Health’ sessions focusing on health issues, football skills and 3v3 games. CG continued regular school PE activities. Measurements of body composition, blood pressure at rest, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 children's test (YYIR1C), balance, jump and sprint performance were performed before and after the 11-week study period.ResultsDuring the 11-week study period, systolic blood pressure (−3.5 vs 0.9 mm Hg), mean arterial blood pressure (−1.9 vs 0.4 mm Hg), body mass index (−0.02 vs 0.13 kg/m2) and body fat percentage (−0.83% vs −0.04%) decreased more (p<0.05) in IG than in CG. Within-group improvements (p<0.05) were observed in IG for 20 m sprint (4.09±0.29 to 4.06±0.28 s) and YYIR1C performance (852±464 to 896±517 m), but these changes were not significantly different from CG, and balance or jump performance remained unchanged in both groups.ConclusionsThe modified ‘FIFA 11 for Health’ programme has beneficial effects on body composition and blood pressure for Danish schoolchildren aged 10–12 years, thereby providing evidence that this football-based health education programme can directly impact participants' cardiovascular health profile.

Improved cognitive performance in preadolescent Danish children after the school‐based physical activity programme “FIFA 11 for Health” for Europe – A cluster‐randomised controlled trial

“…These results add to the emerging research showing that school-based chronic physical activity programmes can positively affect cognitive performance in children (Donnelly et al, 2016). Furthermore, together with previously reported positive effects of the modified "FIFA 11 for Health" for Europe programme on health knowledge, psychosocial and physiological health Ørntoft et al, 2016), these results suggest that "FIFA 11 for Health" for Europe could also improve the cognitive performance of preadolescent children.…”

“FIFA 11 for Health” for Europe in the Faroe Islands: Effects on health markers and physical fitness in 10‐ to 12‐year‐old schoolchildren

“…The "FIFA 11 for Health" program is an 11-week education program for children aged 10-12 years based on football practice and health education. 13,17 In this study, the aim of the program was to incorporate physical activity in the Faroese public education system and to improve physical fitness and general health knowledge. The program lasted 11 weeks, with two weekly sessions (2 × 45 minutes).…”

“…The program was modified to meet the health demands of the western world, with a primary focus on reducing the risk of developing NCDs. 13,17 The modifications in the physical section of the program were based on studies of football-based exercises showing that 6-to 16-week interventions involving two weekly sessions, lasting 30-60 minutes, of football exercises and 3v3 games, improved the physical health of children and adults. [19][20][21] The modifications in the education section were focused on the themes of physical activity, nutrition, hygiene, and alcohol and tobacco consumption.…”

“…The education also covered wellbeing in school, respect and a positive mindset. 13 The "FIFA 11 for Health" in Europe protocol consists of 2 × 45-minutes interactive football sessions per week over 11 weeks, with the two weekly 45-minutes sessions carried out at least 2 days apart. The first session is deemed "Play Football" and teaches football skills, while the second session is called "Play Fair" and emphasizes health education through active football training.…”

“…The original European "FIFA 11 for Health" initiative, implemented in Denmark, demonstrated improved cardiovascular and metabolic health profile. 13 Furthermore, the intervention markedly increased the children's health knowledge. 17 In support of this, initiatives in Africa and Latin American also significantly increased health knowledge.…”