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
How to access
Areas of Focus
Population Groups
Settings (location)
Provision (delivery type & infrastructure)
Topics
Views
1694
Added
June 29, 2012