Reducing sedentary behaviour and increasing physical activity among 10-year-old children: Overview and process evaluation of the 'Switch-Play' intervention.

Salmon, Jo; Ball, Kylie; Crawford, David; Health Promotion International, Vol 20(1), Mar 2005. pp. 7-17.

Target Group: 10-year old children

Program Name: Switch-Play

Location: Australia

Study Objective: The aim of this study was to describe a randomized controlled trial ('Switch-Play') developed to prevent unhealthy weight gain among 10-year-old children and to report the findings of the process evaluation.

Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial

Intervention or Program:

• Children from three government primary schools were randomized by class to one of four conditions: a behavioural modification group (BM; n = 69); a fundamental motor skills group (FMS; n = 73); a combined BM and FMS group (n = 90); or a control (usual classroom lessons) group (n = 61).
• Children in the BM group participated in 19 sessions that encouraged them to reduce screen-based behaviours, and identified physical activity alternatives.
• Parents were asked to complete a questionnaire and provide support to the children in turning off the TV. Parents were provided with information about the program
• The FMS group participated in 19 lessons that focused on mastery of six skills: run, throw, dodge, strike, vertical jump and kick.
• The combined group participated in all the BM and FMS activities .

Impact on Physical Activity:

• The intervention specialist teacher reported that the children showed high enjoyment and engagement (88% lessons attended) in most aspects of the program.
• The at-home tasks of completing physical activity and sedentary behaviour monitoring sheets were completed by 57-62% of the children , and 92% completed the in-class tasks.
• Two-thirds of the children in the BM group participated in the behavioural contracting to switch off the TV.
• Most of the children reported high enjoyment in the programs, and only a small proportion (7-17%) reported difficulties in switching off their nominated TV shows.
• More than half the children reported reducing their TV viewing; however, less than half reported increasing their physical activity . It was found that most aspects of the intervention were successfully delivered to the majority of children participating in 'Switch-Play'; that the programs were delivered as intended; and that the programs were favourably evaluated by participating children and their parents.

Implications for Practitioners:

• Support from parents is critical to the success of this program
• Behaviour contracting to reduce physical inactivity may have good impact if linked directly to increasing physical activity. Children should have the opportunity to consider their physical activities with support.

Author's Email: Jo Salmon jsalmon@deakin.edu.au