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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Study protocol

Rationale and design of a randomized controlled trial examining the effect of classroom-based physical activity on math achievement

Authors: Mona Have, Jacob Have Nielsen, Anne Kær Gejl, Martin Thomsen Ernst, Kjeld Fredens, Jan Toftegaard Støckel, Niels Wedderkopp, Sidsel Louise Domazet, Claire Gudex, Anders Grøntved, Peter Lund Kristensen

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

Integration of physical activity (PA) into the classroom may be an effective way of promoting the learning and academic achievement of children at elementary school. This paper describes the research design and methodology of an intervention study examining the effect of classroom-based PA on mathematical achievement, creativity, executive function, body mass index and aerobic fitness.

Methods

The study was designed as a school-based cluster-randomized controlled trial targeting schoolchildren in 1st grade, and was carried out between August 2012 and June 2013. Eligible schools in two municipalities in the Region of Southern Denmark were invited to participate in the study. After stratification by municipality, twelve schools were randomized to either an intervention group or a control group, comprising a total of 505 children with mean age 7.2 ± 0.3 years. The intervention was a 9-month classroom-based PA program that involved integration of PA into the math lessons delivered by the schools’ math teachers. The primary study outcome was change in math achievement, measured by a 45-minute standardized math test. Secondary outcomes were change in executive function (using a modified Eriksen flanker task and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) questionnaire filled out by the parents), creativity (using the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking, TTCT), aerobic fitness (by the Andersen intermittent shuttle-run test) and body mass index. PA during math lessons and total PA (including time spent outside school) were assessed using accelerometry. Math teachers used Short Message Service (SMS)-tracking to report on compliance with the PA intervention and on their motivation for implementing PA in math lessons. Parents used SMS-tracking to register their children’s PA behavior in leisure time.

Discussion

The results of this randomized controlled trial are expected to provide schools and policy-makers with significant new insights into the potential of classroom-based PA to improve cognition and academic achievement in children.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02488460 (06/29/2015)
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Rationale and design of a randomized controlled trial examining the effect of classroom-based physical activity on math achievement
Authors
Mona Have
Jacob Have Nielsen
Anne Kær Gejl
Martin Thomsen Ernst
Kjeld Fredens
Jan Toftegaard Støckel
Niels Wedderkopp
Sidsel Louise Domazet
Claire Gudex
Anders Grøntved
Peter Lund Kristensen
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-016-2971-7

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