Influence of Schoolyard Renovations on Children's Physical Activity: The Learning Landscapes Program

We examined whether schoolyard improvements led to increased physical activity levels among both boys and girls and assessed the aspects of schoolyard design that have an impact on physical activity. In a quasi-experimental research design, 6 schools with renovated schoolyards and 3 control schools...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of public health (1971) 2010-09, Vol.100 (9), p.1672-1678
Main Authors: BRINK, Lois A, NIGG, Claudio R, LAMPE, Sarah M. R, KINGSTON, Beverly A, MOOTZ, Andrew L, VAN VLIET, Willem
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Behavior
Biological and medical sciences
Central business districts
Child
Children & youth
Childrens art
Colorado
Community
Elementary schools
Exercise
Facility Design and Construction
Female
Gardens & gardening
General aspects
Girls
Hispanic people
Humans
Learning
Male
Medical sciences
Miscellaneous
Motor Activity
Obesity
Physical education
Physical fitness
Play and Playthings
Program Evaluation
Public health
Public health. Hygiene
Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine
Qualitative research
Research and Practice
School districts
School dropouts
School environment
Schools
Students
Studies
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Summary:We examined whether schoolyard improvements led to increased physical activity levels among both boys and girls and assessed the aspects of schoolyard design that have an impact on physical activity. In a quasi-experimental research design, 6 schools with renovated schoolyards and 3 control schools were divided into activity areas. We calculated measures of children's physical activity by area during school hours as well as after-school hours. The volume of schoolyard use was significantly higher at schools with renovated schoolyards than at control schools, and students were significantly more active at these schools. Also, activity levels were significantly higher among both boys and girls in certain schoolyard areas, such as those with soft surfaces. Because few public elementary schools in the United States provide daily physical education or its equivalent for all students throughout the school year, noncurriculum approaches to increasing children's physical activity are important. Renovated schoolyards increase the number of children who are physically active, as well as their overall activity levels, and reduce sedentary behaviors.
ISSN:0090-0036
1541-0048
DOI:10.2105/AJPH.2009.178939