title: Using heart-rate feedback to increase physical activity in children.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to test whether heart-rate feedback prompts increased physical activity (PA) in primary school students.
  
  
  METHODS
  A controlled trial with 210 9-11 year olds from subsidized Hong Kong Government primary schools was completed in December 2006. Schools were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Control (CG); Educational program (EG); No-educational program (NEG).
  
  
  METHODS
  In a short-term school-based intervention, heart-rate feedback was given either in combination with an educational program (EG) or in isolation (NEG). Long-term retention was assessed in comparison to the control group after 6 months follow-up.
  
  
  METHODS
  Physical activity and changes in attraction to PA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the short-term, heart-rate monitor feedback increased total daily PA by an average of 24% (p<0.001) and vigorous PA by 0.6% (p<0.05). No change was found for moderate PA. Increases occurred regardless of involvement in the educational program, and in the absence of any change in attitudes towards PA. No long-term retention was apparent.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings from the study suggest that feedback from heart-rate monitors encourages low intensity PA, but when removed increases do not persist.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Human Performance, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China. alimac@hku.hk
authors.forename: Alison M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: McManus
authors.forename: Rich S W
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Masters
authors.forename: Raija M T
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Laukkanen
authors.forename: Clare C W
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Cindy H P
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Sit
authors.forename: Fiona C M
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Ling
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003479:Curriculum; D015444:Exercise; D030141:Feedback, Psychological; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006339:Heart Rate; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012572:School Health Services; D016896:Treatment Outcome