Mounting evidence from intervention research suggests that physical activity (PA) may contribute to children's social and emotional learning (SEL), which is an essential factor in healthy development and well-being. However, there have been no systematic reviews or meta-analyses of PA interventions and their effects on children's SEL. Such…

Purpose: We aimed to determine gender differences in students' moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels measured in primary school by accelerometry. Methods: Our systematic search (PROSPERO: CRD42023422799) was developed using four electronic databases (from January 2013 to December 22, 2023). Our meta-analysis was conducted based on a…

The drop off in physical activity (PA) for children has led to an increased focus on their PA engagement, due to the poor health outcomes often linked to this decline. Subsequently, stakeholders, across a variety of fields, have problematised and intervened in activity settings to address this decline. Many of these studies acknowledge high levels…

This study's objective was to examine whether the relationship between actual motor competence and physical activity (PA) in children is mediated by perceived motor competence (PMC) and physical activity enjoyment. The participants consisted of a total of 167 students (male = 92, female = 75) in 10 different schools in the fourth grade of primary…

In Montana, SHAPE Montana Board members saw the reduction and replacement of physical education with traditional classroom time and decided to spring into action. Collectively, they leveraged their state organization (SHAPE Montana) and created an advocacy program called "The 150 Program" to promote the importance of physical education…

Aim: We investigated the dose--response relationship between acute physical activity (PA) intensity during physical education (PE) lessons (dose), and task behaviour and learning experiences in the classroom after PE (response), and mediation effects of acute PA on-task behaviour via learning experiences. Method: A total of 78 children…

Objective: 24-hour movement behaviours can effect sustainable long-term benefits in children, but their implementation and effectiveness have not previously been reviewed in the school setting. Thus, the aim of this scoping review was to provide an overview of school-based interventions targeting physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour (SB),…

Unintentional Falls is the second leading cause of nonfatal injuries in the United States (U.S.). Sedentary behaviors are at an all-time high in schools leading to children not engaging in enough physical activity throughout their school day. Physical education and recess opportunities have decreased in school for the past ten years, leading to…

Spending time in nature during childhood can improve mental and physical health, support academic success, and cultivate pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors. Increasing outdoor time during school can enhance the likelihood of those outcomes for all students. However, in practice incorporating outdoor time into the school day can be…

Physical activity (PA) estimates from the Fitbit Flex 2 were compared to those from the ActiGraph GT9X Link in 123 elementary school children. Steps and intensity-specific estimates of PA and 3-month PA change were calculated using two different ActiGraph cut-points (Evenson and Romanzini). Fitbit estimates were 35% higher for steps compared to…

Purpose: Classroom-based physical activity (PA) provides students the opportunity to achieve PA recommendations. However, limited research has examined grassroots efforts for classroom-based PA. The purpose of this study was to share the story of a grassroots initiative to increase PA during school, titled the 150 Project. Methods: Narrative…

Once a hallmark of the elementary experience, recess time is now being exchanged for increased classroom time as standardized test results drive decision-making. This scoping review examined the impact of recess on school-age students, providing decision-makers valuable evidence to help determine the role recess should play in the academic day.…

Afterschool settings have continued to be identified as an ideal outlet for supporting youth development in many arenas, including physical activity (PA) behaviors and social emotional learning (SEL) skills. In fact, PA centered programs are ideal settings for youth to 8 develop and practice SEL skills in authentic ways. However, there a several…

Background: Recess is an integral part of a comprehensive school physical activity program. Immediately prior to the pandemic, state legislation doubled the amount of required recess, creating an opportunity to better understand how policies and practices influence recess. Purpose: To describe changes to recess due to COVID-19 and extended recess…

Children's motor competence (MC) levels tend to be low, and the investigation of variables that facilitate skillfulness is an important concern. The socioecological model is a useful framework to explore factors that influence MC and to inform the development of targeted interventions. This cross-sectional study aimed to perform an exploratory…