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Published in: Annals of Behavioral Medicine 1/2013

01-02-2013 | Original Article

District and School Physical Education Policies: Implications for Physical Education and Recess Time

Authors: Monica A. F. Lounsbery, Ph.D., Thomas L. McKenzie, Ph.D., James R. Morrow Jr., Ph.D., Shannon M. Monnat, Ph.D., Kathryn A. Holt, M.S.

Published in: Annals of Behavioral Medicine | Special Issue 1/2013

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Abstract

Background

The relationship between physical education (PE) policies and children’s PE and recess time is not well understood.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the association of district and school PE policies, the PE environment, and PE and recess time.

Methods

Key informants in 65 schools from 9 states completed instruments assessing district and school PE policies, the school PE environment, and time in PE and recess.

Results

Few significant associations were found between PE policies and PE or recess minutes; no policies were associated with both. A number of PE environmental variables were associated with both policies and time in PE and recess.

Conclusions

PE policies, their implementation, and PE environmental variables can have important implications for recess time. Some school PE environment measures designed to improve PE may result in PE time limitations. Deficiencies in PE and recess time are not likely to be effectively addressed through policy adoption alone.
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Metadata
Title
District and School Physical Education Policies: Implications for Physical Education and Recess Time
Authors
Monica A. F. Lounsbery, Ph.D.
Thomas L. McKenzie, Ph.D.
James R. Morrow Jr., Ph.D.
Shannon M. Monnat, Ph.D.
Kathryn A. Holt, M.S.
Publication date
01-02-2013
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Annals of Behavioral Medicine / Issue Special Issue 1/2013
Print ISSN: 0883-6612
Electronic ISSN: 1532-4796
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-012-9427-9

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