Research Review: Physically Active Lessons and Academics

Preventive Medicine published a systemic review on physically active (PA) lessons to increase physical activity during academic time.

For a study to be included in the review is must have included the following criteria: 1. classroom lessons containing both PA and educational elements; 2. intervention studies featuring a control group or within-subjects baseline measurement period; 3. any age-group; and 4. English language.

Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. The results indicated the following:
1. All studies found improved physical activity following physically active lessons: either in the whole intervention group or in specific demographics.

2. Educational outcomes either significantly improved or were no different compared to inactive teaching.

3. Studies ranged from low to high risk of bias.

The researchers concluded that there are improvements noted with physical activity and educational outcomes following physically active lessons. Although they recommend Future high-quality studies with longer intervention periods are needed.

Reference:
Norris, E., et al. “Physically active lessons as physical activity and educational interventions: A systematic review of methods and results.” Preventive medicine
March 2015, Vol.72:116–125, doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2014.12.027

 

Get Up and Learn – How to Integrate Movement with Learning

This is an electronic book of 48 pages with over 35 activities that incorporate movement and learning.  Find out more at https://www.yourtherapysource.com/getuplearn.html