Background
Despite overwhelming evidence of the health benefits of physical activity, most American
youth are not meeting the 60 minutes per day recommendation for moderate- to vigorous-intensity
physical activity (MVPA). Policy changes have the potential to bring about substantial
increases in physical activity in youth, within school and community settings.
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to quantify the increase in energy expenditure for school-based
policies and built environment changes.
Methods
Scientific literature reviews were consulted, and more than 300 published studies
(1995–2011) in English were identified based on titles and abstracts. After an initial
screening, 85 articles were included. Study quality was assessed, and the impact of
various strategies for increasing physical activity in youth was estimated from objective
measurements/direct observation.
Results
Within school settings, the average minutes of MVPA gained per school day for studies
in each intervention category were as follows: mandatory physical education (23 minutes);
classroom activity breaks (19 minutes); afterschool activity programs (10 minutes);
standardized physical education curricula (6 minutes more than traditional physical
education); modified playgrounds (6 minutes); and modified recess (5 minutes more
than traditional recess). Within community settings, significant MVPA was associated
with active commuting (16 minutes) and park renovations (12 minutes), but proximity
to parks had a small effect (1 minute). No conclusions could be drawn regarding joint-use
agreements, because of a lack of studies quantifying their impact on energy expenditure.
Conclusions
Of the various policies and built environment changes examined, the largest effects
were seen with mandatory physical education, classroom activity breaks, and active
commuting to school. Policymakers can use this information along with estimates of
the cost, feasibility, and population reach, to identify the best options for increasing
physical activity in youth.
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© 2013 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
