Deliver classroom-based physical activity with an academic focus to potentially support both academic performance and overall physical activity levels¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 2 claims (2 for) · 3 studies (2 review, 1 quant-synthesis), q2–q3 · 1 of 3 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

Classroom-based physical activity is an approach of providing physical activity opportunities to students during the school day, distinct from physical education classes and break times. The review notes it "may involve the integration of PA into academic lessons or may include incorporating PA into the regular classroom routine without an academic focus". The review reports preliminary evidence that classroom-based PA, particularly with an academic focus, may positively impact academic performance and overall physical activity levels, while noting research in this area is still in its infancy with inconsistent findings.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Activities must be delivered during the school day, distinct from PE classes and break times
• An academic focus on the integrated activity is indicated by the preliminary evidence

Constraints¶

• Research evaluating the impact of classroom-based PA on learning is still in its infancy, with inconsistent findings from a small number of studies of varying methodological quality

Target Learners¶

• school-aged children in primary school settings

Target Learning Goals¶

• mathematics performance
• reading performance
• physical activity levels

Claims¶

• Classroom physical activity increases children's on-task behaviour, with no consistent gain on attention or other cognitive tests [+M]
• Preliminary evidence from a small number of experimental studies suggests motor skill interventions in primary school settings may positively impact mathematics and/or reading performance [+W]

Related Strategies¶

• Add physical activity to the school day via PA breaks, extra PA sessions, more intense PE lessons, or PA integrated into academic lessons
• GoNoodle: Physical Activity & Movement Breaks
• Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs
• Mini Classroom Exercise 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
• Physical Activity & Recess

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Macdonald Kirstin, Milne Nikki, Orr Robin, Pope Rodney. (2018). Relationships between Motor Proficiency and Academic Performance in Mathematics and Reading in School-Aged Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15081603