Regular 30 minute activity sessions may positively influence health-related measures in Grade 4 children

(8.) Stephens & Wentz (1998). Supplemental fitness activities and fitness in urban elementary school classrooms. Family Medicine, 30, 220-223

Target Group: 8-10 year old children (grade 4)

Program Name: unknown

Location: United States

Program Theory: unknown

Study Objective: To determine whether a supplemental program of physical activity would significantly alter children’s physical activity levels.

Study Design:
- randomized trial
- 99 students from two urban schools; 45 intervention students, 44 control students

Intervention or Program:
- 15 week intervention (in addition to regularly scheduled 45 minute physical activity classes)
- pairs of medical student volunteers met with students for 3 physical activity sessions per week; sessions consisted of a 5 minute warm-up, 20 minute aerobic activity and 5-10 minute cool down
- medical students provided information about exercise and nutrition during cool-down period

Impact on Physical Activity:
- compared to the control group, intervention group had improved performance on physical fitness measures (Note: improved physical fitness measures are commonly linked to increased amount or quality of physical activity behavior)
- intervention group showed significantly greater improvement on a flexibility test (sit and reach) and significantly lower heart rate during moderate to vigorous physical activity and recovery

Comments:
- intervention group showed a significant decrease in skinfold thickness (a measure to estimate percent body fat) compared to control group