Embed bodyweight resistance exercises such as squats into classroom active learning breaks¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 5 claims (5 for) · 1 study (1 quant-synthesis), q3 · 1 of 1 report an effect size · 5 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The review recommends including resistance training in active learning in schools, e.g. classroom activity breaks and cognitively challenging physical activity, since most included interventions were delivered in schools. It proposes that "Bodyweight exercises (e.g., squats) could be a feasible solution as they are a scalable form of resistance training that does not require equipment and is suitable for children and adolescents." This addresses the challenge of designing classroom active breaks with minimal disruption while providing adequate intensity.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Classroom active breaks that require minimal disruption to the learning environment while providing adequate intensity and energy expenditure

Constraints¶

• Reviews cited found positive effects for active learning on academic achievement but not executive function

Target Learners¶

• school-aged youth (5–18 years) in primary or secondary school

Target Learning Goals¶

• cognitive function
• academic achievement
• on-task behaviour

Claims¶

• Resistance training interventions have a small positive effect on combined cognition, academic achievement, and on-task behaviour in school-aged youth [+W]
• Higher muscular fitness is associated with better cognition and academic achievement in school-aged youth [+W]
• Resistance training alone is more effective than concurrent (resistance plus aerobic) training for cognition and academic outcomes in youth [+W]
• Mathematics shows the strongest association with muscular fitness among school subjects [+W]
• Neither age nor acute-versus-chronic study design moderates the effect of resistance training on academic outcomes [+W]

Related Strategies¶

• Mini Classroom Exercise Breaks
• Movement Breaks
• Include opportunities for mini-breaks during lessons, such as drawing, music, games, stretching, or going outside
• University educators can introduce classroom movement breaks or physically active learning into classes to improve student health and wellbeing

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Robinson Katie, Riley Nicholas, Owen Katherine, Drew Ryan, Mavilidi Myrto F., Hillman Charles H., Faigenbaum Avery D., Garcia-Hermoso Antonio, Lubans David Revalds. (2023). Effects of Resistance Training on Academic Outcomes in School-Aged Youth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-023-01881-6