With children more glued to their screens than ever before, how can schools play a role in getting them to be more active? A recent study titled "Recommendations for Physical Activity in Segments of the School Day Support the Increase in Daily Physical Activity in Adolescents" sheds light on a practical approach for schools to incorporate physical activity into students' daily routines. The study suggests that breaking up exercise into smaller segments throughout the school day can help students meet recommended activity levels, ultimately benefiting their physical and mental health.
Important
Statistics
·
According
to the CDC only 24% of children between the age of 6 and 17 participate in 60
minutes of physical activity everyday
·
In 2020, 28.3% of men and 20.4% of women met
the guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities
·
The
percentage of men who met both physical activity guidelines decreased with age
o
41.3% of
those aged 18–34
o
29.4% of
those aged 35–49
o
21.6% of
those aged 50–64
o
15.3% of
those aged 65 and over
·
Percentage
of women who met the guidelines for both physical activities decreased with age
o
28.7% of
those aged 18–34
o
22.7% of
those aged 35–49
o
17.6% of
those aged 50–64
o
10.8% of
those aged 65 and over
The Challenge
of Physical Inactivity Among Adolescents
Today’s adolescents
are more sedentary than ever before, with increased screen time, reduced
physical activity, and less time outdoors. Physical inactivity not only
contributes to a rise in obesity rates but also impacts mental health, well-being,
and cognitive function. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) recommends that adolescents engage in at least 60 minutes of
moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily, many teens struggle to meet this
goal due to limited opportunities for exercise, especially during the school
day.
Schools play a
critical role in shaping adolescents’ physical activity habits, given that
students spend a significant portion of their day there. However, traditional
school structures often prioritize academic classes, leaving minimal time for
physical education (PE). As a result, students may lack adequate exercise
during school hours, which is often compounded by sedentary time at home. This
is where the study’s segmented approach to activity during the school day
presents a promising solution.
This challenge gets exacerbated
as they grow older into adults. According to a study by Kirsten
Corder, et.al., during the transition from adolescent to adulthood physical
activity declines by an average of 5.2 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical
activity per day. It’s concerning that, while 24% of youths don’t meet the
daily or weekly physical activity goal, this trend worsens with age.
Segmenting
Physical Activity Throughout the School Day
The study suggests
that by breaking physical activity into shorter, manageable segments and
embedding these throughout the school day, schools can support students in
achieving their daily activity goals. Here’s how it might look:
1. Morning Energizers: Starting the day with a 10-minute exercise
session, such as a stretching routine or light aerobic activities, can boost
students' energy and focus, setting a positive tone for learning.
2. Mid-Morning Activity Breaks: Incorporating 5–10-minute breaks between
classes allows students to move around, break up long periods of sitting, and
reset mentally for the next lesson.
3. Active Lunch Breaks: Offering active options during lunch, such
as open gym, dance sessions, or outdoor games, encourages students to get
moving. This also creates a social environment for physical activity, making it
more enjoyable.
4. Classroom-Based Activities: Teachers can integrate physical activity
into lessons, such as having students stand and stretch during presentations or
incorporating movement into educational games.
5. Afternoon Stretch or Cooldown: Ending the day with a brief, low-intensity
activity, like yoga or stretching, can help students relax and transition out
of the school day.
Benefits of
Daily Physical Activity in Adolescents
By adopting a
segmented approach, schools can help students enjoy a variety of benefits, from
improved physical health to enhanced academic performance.
1. Physical Health: Regular physical activity improves
cardiovascular health, builds muscle strength, and supports healthy weight
management. Adolescents who engage in regular exercise are also at a lower risk
for developing chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
2. Mental
Health: Exercise
is known to reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. For
adolescents, who often face academic pressures and social challenges, these
mental health benefits are especially valuable. Physical activity promotes the
release of endorphins, which can improve mood and foster a sense of well-being.
3. Cognitive Benefits: Physical activity has been linked to
improved cognitive function, attention, and memory. Adolescents who engage in
regular exercise are often better able to focus, perform problem-solving tasks,
and retain information, which directly benefits their academic performance.
4. Social Engagement: Group activities during active breaks or PE
classes encourage social interaction, teamwork, and cooperation. This builds
social skills and helps students feel more connected to their peers and school
community.
Implementation
Challenges and Considerations
While the segmented
approach to physical activity offers numerous benefits, there are some
challenges to its implementation.
1. Scheduling: Many schools already have tightly packed schedules, making it
challenging to integrate additional physical activity segments. Schools may
need to adjust their timetables or consider shorter activity breaks to make
this approach feasible.
2. Teacher Training: Implementing regular activity breaks or
classroom-based exercises requires teachers to be on board and comfortable
incorporating physical activity into their lessons. Providing professional
development on the benefits of physical activity and strategies for integrating
it into the classroom can help teachers feel more prepared.
3. Facilities and Resources: Some schools may lack the facilities, space,
or equipment to support active breaks, especially for larger student
populations. Creative solutions, such as outdoor activities or in-class
exercises, can help mitigate these limitations.
Recommendations
for Schools
The study offers a few
actionable recommendations for schools considering a segmented approach to
adolescent physical activity:
- Promote a School-Wide Physical Activity
Policy: By
establishing a school-wide commitment to daily physical activity,
educators and administrators create a shared vision for student health.
- Engage Students in Planning: Involving students in the planning
process for active breaks can make physical activity more enjoyable and
tailored to their interests. For instance, offering a rotating schedule of
activities like dance, yoga, or basketball can cater to various preferences.
- Evaluate and Adapt: Schools should regularly assess the
effectiveness of their physical activity initiatives by gathering feedback
from students and teachers. Based on feedback, schools can adapt their
strategies to maximize engagement and benefits.
Moving
Forward
Implementing segmented
physical activity in schools has the potential to create a more active,
engaged, and healthy generation of students. By embedding short, frequent
activity sessions into the school day, schools can support adolescents in
meeting their daily exercise goals, ultimately benefiting their physical,
mental, and academic development.
This approach
represents a step forward in making physical activity more accessible,
especially for students who may not have time for sports or exercise outside of
school. Encouraging students to be active throughout the day aligns with
broader health recommendations and sets the foundation for lifelong healthy
habits.
As schools continue to
explore ways to enhance student well-being, adopting structured, segmented
activity breaks could be a game-changer, helping students not only excel
academically but also thrive physically and mentally.
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