TitleCost-Effectiveness of Ready for Recess to Promote Physical Activity in Children.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2017
AuthorsWang, H, Li, T, Siahpush, M, Chen, L-W, Huberty, J
JournalJ Sch Health
Volume87
Issue4
Pagination278-285
Date Published04/2017
ISSN1746-1561
KeywordsAccelerometry, Child, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Exercise, Health Promotion, Humans, Inservice Training, Metabolic Equivalent, Program Evaluation, School Health Services
Abstract

BACKGROUND: Many school-based recess interventions have been shown to be effective in increasing physical activity but their relative efficiency compared to other school-based programs are unknown. This study examined the cost-effectiveness of Ready for Recess, a program designed to increase students' physical activity in 2 elementary schools.

METHODS: Standard cost-effectiveness analysis method was used from a program's perspective for this study. Program effectiveness was measured as total metabolic equivalent (MET) hours gained. Program costs included equipment, training, and personnel costs during the 1-year intervention. The cost-effectiveness was measured as the ratio of program costs to total MET-hours gained.

RESULTS: Ready for Recess cost $27,643.97 for the 2 schools in the first year of implementation. Physical activity increased by 1.8 MET-hours per day per student. Approximately 32 cents were spent on Ready for Recess to produce an additional MET-hour per student per school day in the 2008-2009 school year.

CONCLUSIONS: Ready for Recess was cost-effective in its first year of implementation using 35 cents as a benchmark and it was cost-effective relative to other school-based physical activity interventions. The program may be more cost-effective if implemented for a longer time and on a larger scale.

DOI10.1111/josh.12495
Alternate JournalJ Sch Health
PubMed ID28260240