The Future of Education
Assessing the Impact of a School-based Intervention, TransformUs, on Adolescents’ Movement Behaviours in Three Secondary Schools
Ana Maria Contardo Ayala, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong (Australia)
Natalie J. Lander, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong (Australia)
Nicola D. Ridgers, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Austral (Australia)
Anna Timperio, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong (Australia)
Eduardo Cofre-Lizama, Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), University of Melbourne (Australia)
Jo Salmon, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong (Australia)
Abstract
TransformUs program has been shown to improve physical activity (PA) and reduce sedentary time (SED) in primary schools through active pedagogy and supportive classroom and school ground environments [1]. This pilot study aims to trial an adaptation of TransformUs to determine the effect on PA and SED in secondary schools. This study involved adolescents (n=129) from three Australian schools. Each school selected a different combination of TransformUs strategies (active classrooms, active recreation, and supportive school environments) to increase PA and reduce SED, which included active academic breaks/lessons, standing desks, teacher’s professional development, sport/fitness equipment, and organised activities. Interventions spanned 12, 11, and 6 weeks for schools 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Garmin Vivosmart 4 heart rate monitoring tracked SED and PA (light [LPA], moderate [MPA], and vigorous [VPA]) at baseline, every 2 weeks during the interventions, and at follow-up. Mixed model analysis assessed intervention effects on each school's SED and PA during school, class, and recess times separately. School 1 showed no significant intervention effect. School 2 exhibited increased MPA during class time in the first 2 weeks, with significant variations during recess. School 3 displayed decreased LPA during the second 2 weeks of intervention compared to baseline, particularly during class time. Secondary analysis revealed significant differences within the intervention period, including increased SED and decreased LPA during recess in the first 2 weeks. Overall, no movement behaviours were significantly changed before and after the intervention in any of the three schools during school time. Significant changes in SED, LPA and MPA within the intervention period indicate variability in the response to the implemented strategies.
Keywords: Adolescents, physical activity, sedentary time, schools
References:
[1] Salmon J, Arundell L, Cerin E, et al. Transform-Us! cluster RCT: 18-month and 30-month effects on children’s physical activity, sedentary time and cardiometabolic risk markers. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2023;57(5):311. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2022-105825
