Permanent Play Facilities in School Playgrounds as a determinant of children's activity Research Completed

Title

Permanent Play Facilities in School Playgrounds as a determinant of children's activity

Lead Author

Nielsen, G., Taylor, R. W., Williams, S. M., Mann, J. I.

Organisation(s)

Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Publication Year

2010

Publisher

Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Contacts

Prof Jim Mann, University of Otago profile and contact information: http://hsvm03.otago.ac.nz/staffprofiles/dsm_staff_profile.php?staffid=721

Glen Nielsen, University of Copenhagen profile and contact information: http://www.ifi.ku.dk/english/staff/profile/?id=180703&f=3

Abstract

The study’s aim was to investigate whether the number of permanent playground facilities in schools influences objectively measured physical activity. Results showed that the number of permanent play facilities in schools ranged from 14 to 35 and was positively associated with all measures of activity. For each additional play facility, average accelerometry counts were 3.8% higher at school and 2.7% higher overall. Each additional play facility was also associated with 4 minutes more moderate/vigorous activity during school hours and 9 minutes over the course of the day. School playground area did not affect activity independent of the number of permanent play facilities. The study concluded that increasing the number of permanent play facilities at schools may offer a cost-effective and sustainable option for increasing physical activity in young children.

Keywords:

Facilities, School, Play, Playground, Activity, Exercise, Young children

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Added

June 29, 2012