Using heart-rate feedback to increase physical activity in children.
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.
McManus
Alison M
AM
Institute of Human Performance, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China. alimac@hku.hk
Masters
Rich S W
RS
Laukkanen
Raija M T
RM
Yu
Clare C W
CC
Sit
Cindy H P
CH
Ling
Fiona C M
FC
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