Putting physical activity where it fits in the school day: preliminary results of the ABC (Activity Bursts in the Classroom) for fitness program.
BACKGROUND
Despite well-documented evidence that physical activity is beneficial to children, average fitness levels of US children have declined. Lack of physical activity has been associated with childhood obesity. We evaluated the effects of a physical activity program in the elementary school classroom on health outcomes.


METHODS
Three schools in the Independence School District in Independence, Missouri, were assigned to receive the ABC (Activity Bursts in the Classroom) for Fitness program, and 2 comparable schools served as controls. The program, led by classroom teachers, provides multiple, brief, structured physical activity breaks throughout the day. Baseline data for the study were collected in September 2007, and follow-up data were collected in April 2008.


RESULTS
Physical fitness measures of upper-body strength, abdominal strength, and trunk extensor improved (P <.001). Medication use for asthma (P = .03), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (P = .07), or either medication combined (P = .005) decreased.


CONCLUSIONS
The effects of the program on daily physical activity, fitness, and measures of health are beneficial.
Katz
David L
DL
Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center, 130 Division St, Derby, CT 06418, USA. katzdl@pol.net
Cushman
Daniel
D
Reynolds
Jesse
J
Njike
Valentine
V
Treu
Judith A
JA
Walker
Jennifer
J
Smith
Erica
E
Katz
Catherine
C
D001288:Attention; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D004521:Educational Measurement; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D010809:Physical Fitness; D012572:School Health Services