PLAYgrounds.

Rationale:

The relative number of children meeting the minimal required dose of daily physical activity (PA) remains execrably low. It has been estimated that in 2015 one out of five children is overweight. Therefore, low levels of PA during early childhood may compromise the current and future health and well-being of the population, and promoting PA in younger children is a major PH priority.




Objective:

To gain insight into effects of physical alterations of the school’s playground on the levels of daily physical activity in primary school children aged 4-12.
Study design: The effectiveness of the intervention programme will be evaluated using a prospective controlled trial in which schools will be matched, with a follow-up of one school year. Furthermore, a process evaluation will be conducted.




Study population:

The research population will consist of 4-12 year old primary school children.




Intervention:

The intervention programme will be aimed at improving PA levels and will consist of a multi-component alteration of the schools’ playground. The playground will be modified. In addition, playground usage will be increased through an altered time management of recess times, as well as a modification of the physical education (PE) content.




Main study parameters/endpoints:

The effects of the intervention on PA levels and fitness (primary outcome measures), as well as on play duration and play intensity during recess (secondary outcome measures) will be assessed.

It is hypothesised that PA levels will increase as a result of the intervention. In addition, an increase in play duration and play intensity will be expected. As a result of the positive effects mentioned above overall fitness is expected to improve.

10 months for all outcomes.

Stimulating children to play by a playground program connected to the PE lessons, a structuring of the playground and play material.

The intervention consist of a multi-component adaptation of the playground of the school; the playground will receive colored lines corresponding with games or sports. These games and sports will be offered during gymclass, so that the children will learn the skills, learn to agree rules with each other and to consider variations. Every month the accent is pointed at a certain theme, like chalk line jumps in April. Going outside is regulated with the result that more square meters are available per child. Every class has a box containing playmaterial, adjusted to age.

Adjustements of the playground are carried out according to an analysis, so that the playground can be optimally used after adjustements, for example: a soccer field, a basketball-set shot area, a circle for circle activities, a dancing area, a throw-and-catch area and a chalk line jumps area. These areas summon children to move. Areas most used are designated as hotspots and divided over the classes.

Once a week the teachers join and once a month the parents are invited.