Physical Activity and Social Interactions of Rural Elementary Children during Recess

Prewitt, Steven L.; Rosselli, C; Rosselli, Anthony

doi:10.12691/jpar-4-2-6

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 10 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…SOCARP is a validated protocol to measure physical activity levels on a single child in timed intervals [ 44 ]. The observers record information about activity types, social group size, and social interactions that can be used to assess occurrences of pro-social and anti-social behaviors before and after the greenspace enhancements [ 15 , 45 , 46 ]. We are also interested in whether these behaviors vary by gender and by weight status.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of the Little Rock Green Schoolyard initiative: a quasi-experimental study protocol

et al. 2023

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background Evidence suggests that access to green schoolyards may facilitate vigorous play and lead to increased physical activity, which could lead to improved academic outcomes and reduce excess childhood weight gain. Greener schoolyards can also provide additional outdoor amenities that help the community at large. The Little Rock Green Schoolyard Initiative, a program aiming to promote outdoor learning and play in two of the city’s community schools, provides a natural experiment to evaluate the role of such interventions. This article presents the protocols and study plans that will be used to evaluate this community-led initiative on several outcomes including physical activity, sleep quality, use of schoolgrounds, and perceptions of the school environment. Administrative datasets will be used to assess exposure to green schoolyard improvements on academic achievement, attendance, and disciplinary referrals during elementary school. Methods Data will be gathered in two community schools where the green schoolyard improvements are taking place and in two demographically-matched comparison schools located elsewhere within the Little Rock School District. Data will be collected before, during, and after the green schoolyard improvements go into effect. Physical activity and sleep quality will be measured using actigraphy. Physical activity will also be assessed through direct playground observations during recess and outside of school hours. During the final year of the study, administrative data will be assembled and evaluated using difference-in-differences estimation and synthetic controls, two causal inference methods from the program evaluation literature. Discussion The study is designed to provide new insights into the design, implementation, and evaluation of playgrounds among schoolchildren, especially those who are at risk of developing severe obesity during their elementary school years. The research herein will develop empirical data, elucidate potential mechanisms, and practical experience for future study, policymaking, and health services.

show abstract

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%