Exercise Level and Energy Expenditure in the Take 10! ® In-Class Physical Activity Program

Acknowledgements: Stewart, James A. ;  Dennison, David A. ;  Kohl, Harold W., III ;  Doyle, J. Andrew ; Journal of School Health, v74 n10 p397 Dec 2004

Target Group: Students in First, Third and Fifth Grade classes

Program Name: Take 10! ®

Location: DeKalb County , Georgia

Study Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of an innovative, classroom-based physical activity program designed to integrate academic curriculum elements along with a physical activity program in providing moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity .

Study Design: Unknown

Intervention or Program:

• A convenience sample of three public school classrooms (a first, third, and fifth grade class) was observed implementing the TAKE 10! program while monitored by either accelerometers or digital pedometers (motion detectors).
• Take 10 combines 10 minutes of physical activity with academics and activities are linked to grade level expectations with positive health messages incorporated through the OrganWise Guys materials (see www.organwiseguys.com )
• Pedometer step counts and CSA data were recorded for each student and physical activity .

Impact on Physical Activity:

• Moderate level intensity physical activity levels were recorded for all grades
• Students averaged 25-43 calories expended in each grade.
• Measured pedometer step counts per session ranged from 644-931 in first grade, 659-1,376 in third grade, and 1,002-1,041 in fifth grade.
• TAKE 10! ® sessions for all three grades produced exercise levels in the moderate intensity range throughout full duration of the session. Classroom-based physical activity promotion provides a useful strategy to promote meaningful physical activity among school children

Implications for Practitioners:

Incorporating a very minor change – such as 10 minutes of physical activity into a classroom can improve physical activity of children.

Materials and information about the program can be obtained from the website ( www.take10.net ).

Author's Email: James Stewart jimsaba@hotmail.com

Take 10! Program Website: http://www.take10.net/whatistake10.asp?page=new