Influence of schoolyard renovations on children's physical activity: the Learning Landscapes Program.
OBJECTIVE
We examined whether schoolyard improvements led to increased physical activity levels among both boys and girls and assessed the aspects of schoolyard design that have an impact on physical activity.


METHODS
In a quasi-experimental research design, 6 schools with renovated schoolyards and 3 control schools were divided into activity areas. We calculated measures of children's physical activity by area during school hours as well as after-school hours.


RESULTS
The volume of schoolyard use was significantly higher at schools with renovated schoolyards than at control schools, and students were significantly more active at these schools. Also, activity levels were significantly higher among both boys and girls in certain schoolyard areas, such as those with soft surfaces.


CONCLUSIONS
Because few public elementary schools in the United States provide daily physical education or its equivalent for all students throughout the school year, noncurriculum approaches to increasing children's physical activity are important. Renovated schoolyards increase the number of children who are physically active, as well as their overall activity levels, and reduce sedentary behaviors.
Brink
Lois A
LA
College of Architecture and Planning, Learning Landscapes, Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Campus Box 126, PO Box 173364, Denver, CO 80217-3364, USA. lois.brink@ucdenver.edu
Nigg
Claudio R
CR
Lampe
Sarah M R
SM
Kingston
Beverly A
BA
Mootz
Andrew L
AL
van Vliet
Willem
W
D002648:Child; D003120:Colorado; D005160:Facility Design and Construction; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D010988:Play and Playthings; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012574:Schools