title: Effects of two types of activity on the performance of second-, third-, and fourth-grade students on a test of concentration.
abstract: The appropriateness of recess in the elementary program continues to be questioned although generally it is believed to be useful by elementary principals despite a dearth of supportive data. This study was a developmental study of the effects of physical activity on concentration. Comparison of passive and directed physical education activities on the concentration of second-, third-, and fourth-grade children was made. The Woodcock-Johnson Test of Concentration showed better performance by the fourth grades and within Grade 4 in favor of the physical activity group. A structured physical activity or a classroom activity immediately prior to a concentration task was not detrimental to children in Grades 2 and 3. Fourth-grade children performed significantly better on a test of concentration after engaging in a physical activity.
authors.affiliation: West Deptford Middle School, NJ 08066, USA.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Caterino
authors.forename: E D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Polak
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001288:Attention; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D004192:Discrimination, Psychological; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005556:Form Perception; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011581:Psychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology