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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Study protocol

Rationale and protocol paper for the Healthy Active Peaceful Playgrounds for Youth (HAPPY) study

Authors: Wayne Cotton, Dean Dudley, Kirsten Jackson, Matthew Winslade, Janice Atkin

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

A growing body of evidence suggest an association between physical activity levels and students psychological well-being. A number of research studies have evaluated playground interventions that aim to increase physical activity levels, decrease conflict and bullying, and improve students behaviour. The HAPPY Study will evaluate the success of an intervention combining environmental modifications, teacher development, and peer support that can culminate in an easy to implement, low cost and effective model for increasing physical activity, and improving psychological well-being for children.

Methods/Design

Data will be collected at six New South Wales (NSW) primary schools, on physical activity levels, on-task time during classes, and social support for physical activity during a 12 month Cluster Controlled Trial (CT). Three quantitative data collection tools will be used to capture student’s physical activity levels during lunch and recess breaks (the SOPARC tool), student’s on-task behaviour during classes following recess and lunch breaks (the BOSS tool) and where students receive the most encouragement to be physically active from (the Physical Activity Social Support Scale survey). Baseline data will be analysed against follow-up data, collected after an intervention that is rolled out in all schools as part of a stepped wedge CT design.

Discussion

A review of relevant Australian and New Zealand literature suggests that playground interventions can be successful at increasing physical activity levels, increasing social and conflict resolution skills in students, and decreasing incidences of bullying. This study will investigate any correlation between physical activity levels, and student behaviour during classes following breaks.

Trial Registration

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register ACTRN12616000575​437, registered May 2016.
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Metadata
Title
Rationale and protocol paper for the Healthy Active Peaceful Playgrounds for Youth (HAPPY) study
Authors
Wayne Cotton
Dean Dudley
Kirsten Jackson
Matthew Winslade
Janice Atkin
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-017-4445-y

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