Can a school physical activity intervention improve physical self-perception and enjoyment?

Pernille Lund-Cramer, Lars Breum Skov Christiansen, Søren Smedegaard, Anne-Didde Holt, Thomas Skovgaard

Publikation: Konferencebidrag uden forlag/tidsskriftAbstraktForskningpeer review

Abstract

Purpose
Physical activity at school can improve mental health of all children – especially if it is targeted to children’s needs and executed in a positive social climate. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of a multicomponent school-based physical activity intervention on physical self-perception and enjoyment of physical activity among children aged 10-13 years.

Methods
An intervention based on Self-Determination Theory was developed and pilot tested in close co-operation with schools and targeted 1) physical education lessons, 2) in-class activity, and 3) physical activity in recess. Using a cluster-randomized design, 24 Danish schools were randomized to either intervention or control. Study population included 3.136 children aged 10-13 years at baseline. Survey data (socio-demographics, physical activity, self-efficacy, physical enjoyment, physical self-perception, and HRQoL) was collected prior to intervention and after 9 months.

Results
At baseline 2.892 children (92%) completed the survey. Mean physical self-perceptions [1-4] were generally high; Athletic Competence: 2.95, Body Attractiveness: 2.75, Physical Self-Worth: 3.12. However, a large minority had low self-perceptions. Mean Physical Activity Enjoyment [7-35] was 28.7. After collection of follow-up data in June 2016, multivariate multilevel analysis will be used to determine post intervention differences in physical self-perception and enjoyment of physical activity. Results will be available for the conference.

Conclusions
In the past two decades much focus has been on increasing children’s physical activity levels at school, but less on how children feel about the activities. If the aim of the ACTIVE POLICY is to make the school an ACTIVE PLACE, we need to design our interventions to the children’s needs and to put more focus on the psychological aspects of physical activity. This way we give more children optimal opportunities to become ACTIVE PEOPLE.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
Publikationsdatookt. 2016
StatusUdgivet - okt. 2016
BegivenhedISPAH - Bangkok, Thailand
Varighed: 16 nov. 201619 nov. 2016

Konference

KonferenceISPAH
Land/OmrådeThailand
ByBangkok
Periode16/11/1619/11/16

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