title: Community-identified strategies to increase physical activity during elementary school recess on an American Indian reservation: A pilot study.
abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an 8-week recess intervention on physical activity levels in children attending elementary school on an American Indian reservation during fall 2013. Physical activity was measured with direct observation in three zones on the playground. Lines were painted on existing pavement in zone 1. Zone 2 had permanent playground equipment and was unchanged. Zone 3 contained fields where bi-weekly facilitators led activities and provided equipment. Pre- to post-changes during recess in sedentary, moderate physical activity, moderate-to-vigorous, and vigorous physical activities were compared within zones. Females physical activity increased in Zone 1 (moderate: 100% increase; moderate-to-vigorous: 83%; vigorous: 74%, p < 0.01 for all) and Zone 3 (moderate: 54% increase, p < 0.01; moderate-to-vigorous: 48%, p < 0.01; vigorous: 40%, p < 0.05). Male sedentary activity decreased in Zone 2 (161%, p < 0.01). Physical activity changes in Zone 3 were not dependent upon the presence of a facilitator. Simple and low-cost strategies were effective at increasing recess physical activity in females. The findings also suggest that providing children games that are led by a facilitator is not necessary to increase physical activity as long as proper equipment is provided.
authors: Department of Health and Human Performance, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA.
authors: Vernon
authors: V
authors: Grant
authors: Department of Health and Human Performance, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA.
authors: Blakely
authors: B
authors: Brown
authors: Department of Psychology, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA.
authors: Gyda
authors: G
authors: Swaney
authors: Department of Sociology, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA.
authors: Dusten
authors: D
authors: Hollist
authors: School of Public and Community Health Sciences, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA.
authors: Kari Jo
authors: KJ
authors: Harris
authors: Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA.
authors: Curtis W
authors: CW
authors: Noonan
authors: Department of Health and Human Performance, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA.
authors: Steve
authors: S
authors: Gaskill
keywords: American Indian children; American Indian community; Facilitator-led recess activities; Physical activity; Recess intervention; School-based research