title: Proposal for an Enhanced Physical Education Program in the Primary School: Evaluation of Feasibility and Effectiveness in Improving Physical Skills and Fitness.
abstract: A large proportion of children do not reach the recommended levels of physical activity for health. A quasiexperimental study with nonrandom assignment was performed to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of a school-based physical education intervention aimed at increasing the levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).
  
  
  
  Ten classes from 4 primary schools, including 241 children aged 8 to 10 years, were recruited. The experimental group (n = 97) received 4 additional sessions/week of 60 minutes of MVPA for 8 months. The control group (n = 135) continued their standard program (2 sessions of 50 minutes/week). Motor abilities (standing long jump, handgrip strength, Harre circuit, sit and reach), physical fitness (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level-1), anthropometric measures (body mass index, waist to height ratio), and self-efficacy (Perceived Physical Ability Scale for Children) were evaluated at baseline and after the intervention.
  
  
  
  The experimental group significantly improved in the Harre circuit both in males (P < .001) and females (P < .01), whereas physical fitness test improved only in males (P < .001). Males in the experimental group improved the perception of self-efficacy in coordinative abilities (P = .017).
  
  
  
  The proposed school-based MVPA program showed effectiveness and feasibility. The differences observed by gender highlight the need to use different strategies to increase the involvement of all the participants.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dallolio
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ceciliani
authors.forename: Tiziana
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sanna
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Garulli
authors.forename: Erica
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Leoni
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D010809:Physical Fitness; D012572:School Health Services; D012574:Schools; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012737:Sex Factors
keywords: body weight; exercise performance; physical activity; youth