Designing Classroom Routines to Promote Physical Activity in Children

Abstract

Physical inactivity, a risk factor for childhood obesity, may contribute to difficulties with learning, social participation, and chronic disease in adulthood. This study examined the efficacy of ABC for Fitness™, a classroom-based physical activity program, at improving physical fitness in third grade students in two school districts. The sample included 229 students with 110 in the intervention and 129 in the control groups. Outcome measures included body mass index, curl-ups, push-ups, ½ mile run, and flexibility. Over a five month period, intervention schools showed greater improvement than controls in curl-ups and push-ups with trends toward significance in flexibility and ½ mile run. The study demonstrates the potential for designing classroom environments that promote physical fitness in children. Macro-level challenges for implementing programs in school systems are presented.