The effect of multicolor playground markings on children’s physical activity level during recess

Stratton, Gareth and Mullan, Elaine (2005) The effect of multicolor playground markings on children’s physical activity level during recess. Preventive Medicine, 41. pp. 828-833.

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Abstract

Background. British children do not meet daily physical activity recommendations, and as yet no sustainable intervention has been reported to address their sedentary lifestyle. The purpose of this investigation was twofold: First, to examine whether painting playgrounds with multicolored markings would increase the percent of recess time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and vigorous physical activity (VPA)in girls and boys and second to quantify the contribution recess makes to national recommendations for young people’s physical activity. Methods. MVPA and vigorous physical activity (VPA) were measured using short wave heart rate telemetry. Physical activity levels were compared before and after playgrounds were painted in 4 intervention schools and compared to 4 matched schools with unmarked playgrounds. Schools were situated in areas of deprivation. Ninety-nine children completed the study. Results. A significant interaction (group time) was evident for MVPA and VPA. Time spent in MVPA and VPA increased significantly in intervention schools as a result of playground painting. Boys were more active than girls, and activity decreased with age, but neither difference reached significance. Conclusion. Multicolor playground markings can be a low-cost method of increasing children’s daily physical activity levels in the short term. If these increases were sustained, then school playgrounds with multicolor markings would make a valuable contribution to physical activity recommendations for young people. D 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Schools; Children; Recess; Physical activity; Multicolor markings
Departments or Groups: Centre for Health Behaviour Research
Divisions: School of Health Sciences > Department of Health, Sport and Exercise Studies
Depositing User: Elaine Mullan
Date Deposited: 27 May 2009 08:42
Last Modified: 22 Aug 2016 10:26
URI: https://repository.wit.ie/id/eprint/1300

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