Title | From policy to practice: Examining the role of recess in elementary school |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2021 |
Authors | Thalken, J, Massey, WV, Szarabajko, A, Ozenbaugh, I, Neilson, L |
Journal | Public Health in Practice |
Volume | 2 |
Pagination | 100091 |
Date Published | 02/2021 |
ISSN | 26665352 |
Abstract | Highlights
ObjectivesTo examine the relationship between school recess policies, the quality of the recess environment and body mass index (BMI) among elementary school children. Study designObservational. MethodsData were collected at 23 schools across four geographically distinct regions of the United States. Measures included recess observations using the Great Recess Framework-Observational Tool (GRF-OT), recess policies were collected with the School Physical Activity and Policy Assessment, and BMI was obtained through height and weight measurements among 429 students in third and fifth grade. ResultsResults showed that school policies related to recess access significantly predicted children’s BMI, and school policies related to investment in recess significantly predicted recess quality as measured by the GRF-OT. ConclusionsResults from this study can be used to help inform future research regarding how school recess policies can impact child-level outcomes and the recess environment. |
DOI | 10.1016/j.puhip.2021.100091 |
Short Title | Public Health in Practice |