Classroom Physical Activity Breaks

Do They Work?

Rockland County School Health and Wellness Coalition

2014

Kakiat Elementary School North Rockland High School

Vision

To have the healthiest students and school communities in the nation

Mission

To educate and provide opportunity for collaboration between schools, community organizations and businesses

Quarterly meetings

Provide informative presentations featuring community resources and model school programs and partnerships

Workgroups

Focus on specific projects related to school health

www.rocklandsteps.org go to School Health and Wellness

Rockland County School Health and Wellness Coalition

2008 - present

Purpose of This Presentation:

• To summarize the research on the academic and health impact of physical activity during the school day

• To prepare educators to use physical activity breaks on March Forward, Rockland County’s school-based physical activity awareness day

• To demonstrate physical activity breaks educators can use with students any day

Physical Activity and Health

• 1 out of 3 American children and teens are overweight or obese.

• Most children and teens do not get the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day.

• School-aged children and teens spend more than half their waking hours at school.

• Schools are a prime location to increase physical activity.

• There are several evidence-based strategies for increasing physical activity at school.

Physical Activity and Schools

Schools Can Be a Barrier to Physical Activity

• Children are required to sit

quietly for the majority of the day to receive academic instruction.

• Schools may lack adequate space, equipment and teacher training.

• Teachers may not prioritize physical activity.

Physical Activity and Schools continued

Studies show an increase in academic achievement when additional time is provided for physical activity, even when time is removed from academic instruction.

 .

Physical Activity and Schools continued

In one study, a reduction of 240 minutes per week in class time for academics to enable increased physical activity led to higher mathematics scores.

Physical Activity and Schools continued

• There is substantial evidence of a relationship between physical activity, fitness and improved cognitive and executive functioning and executive control.

• Physical activity throughout the school day has been shown to have positive effects on academic achievement.

• Research worldwide demonstrates a correlation between overall physical fitness and improved cognitive functioning.

• Studies show no negative impact of classroom-based physical activity on academic achievement.

Benefits of Physical Activity in School:

Fitness and Academic Achievement Correlation between Fitness Standardized Test Scores in

Language Arts 2004 California Study

Figure 1. English-Language Arts Mean Scale Score (California State Test) by the Number of Fitnessgram® Tests Passed (2004)

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0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Number of Fitnessgram tests passed (out of six)

Mea

n Sc

ale

Scor

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CA

Stat

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st: E

nglis

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Grade 5 Grade 7 Grade 9

Population: Grade 5 (371,198 students)Grade 7 (366,278 students)Grade 9 (298,910 students)

Slide courtesy of Paul Zientarski

Fitness and Academic Achievement Correlation between Fitness Standardized Test Scores in Math

2004 California Study

Cardiovascular (CV) Fitness Corresponds with Academic Performance when Schools Stratified by State Rating SystemPe

rcen

t Ach

ievi

ng S

tand

ards CV Fitness

Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS)

Reference: Welk, G. J., Jackson, A. W., Morrow, J. R., Jr., Haskell, W. H., Meredith, M. D., & Cooper, K. H. (2010). The association of health-related fitness with indicators of academic performance in Texas schools. Res. Q. Exerc. Sport, 81 (3 Suppl):, S16-S23..

Texas Youth Fitness Study (2007-2008 school year)

Slide courtesy of Paul Zientarski

Physical Activity Positively Effects Brain Physiology

Increases:

• Blood flow

• Neuro-chemical production

• Brain volume

Vascular effects

Physical activity affects the physiology of the brain by increasing:

• Cerebral capillary growth• Blood flow• Oxygenation

Brain chemistry

Physical activity affects the physiology of the brain by

increasing:

• Production of neurotrophins• Neurotransmitter levels • Development of nerve

connections

Brain mass

Physical activity affects the physiology of the brain by increasing:

• Growth of nerve cells in the hippocampus (center of learning and memory):

• Density of neural network

• Brain tissue volume

Easy task

Hard task

Higher Fit Lower Fit

9 and 10 year olds students

Slide Compliments of Dr. Chuck Hillman University of Illinois

Correlation Between Fitness and Brain Activity

Slide courtesy of Paul Zientarski

Shorter bouts of physical activity improves cognitive processes central to problem-solving and goal-oriented action, including response speed and accuracy, and ability to focus.

Average Composite of 20 Student Brains Taking the Same Test

Brains after sitting quietly Brains after

20 minute walk

Research/scan compliments of Dr. Chuck Hillman University of Illinois Slide courtesy of Paul Zientarski

Some research suggests there are cognitive benefits to

participation in cognitively-engaging exercises

Juggling

Hip Hop dancing

“Brain Gym” type activities

Cardiovascular Fitness The measure of how well the body is able to transport

oxygen to its muscles during prolonged exercise and of how well the muscles are able to absorb and use the oxygen.

“Consistent exercise, and certain types of specific exercises, can both temporarily and permanently affect the way your brain is able to focus, its ability to deal with stress and anxiety, and its ability to learn …

www.johnratey.com/newsite/index.html

“Exercise is like fertilizer for the brain … it’s so good, it’s like Miracle Gro”.-Dr. John Ratey, Harvard Brain Researcher

Physical Activity (PA) in Schools

• Unstructured Recess• Physical education• PA breaks during class• Physically engaging

lessons• Physical Activity before

and after school

Evidenced-based PA Programs for Schools*

• Instant Recess • Take 10!• The Energizers• Happy 10• Promoting Lifestyle

Activity for youth (PLAY)

• Physical Activity Across the Curriculum (PAAC)

• Texas I-Can• Making the Grade

with Diet and Exercise• Activity Bursts in the

Classroom for Fitness (ABC for fitness)

* Reviewed by Active Living Research, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Short Physical Activity (PA) Brain Breaks Increase PA in Students

• Use of classroom physical activity programs increased light to moderate physical activity among students.

• As a result of classroom PA, students measured an increase in their activity level by approximately 640 – 2,300 steps per day.

• Some programs increased physical activity among students on weekends

• Students were more physically active in classrooms when they had physically active teachers.

Short Physical Activity (PA) Brain Breaks Increase PA in Students

Improves Some Measures of Health

One study of “ABC for Fitness” showed increase in student aerobic capacity, body composition, muscle strength, endurance and flexibility.

• Decline in visits to the school nurse

Improves Some Measures of Health

• One study of “Physical Activity Across the Curriculum” (PAAC) showed a slowing of BMI increases with use of 75 minutes of physical activity a week.

Physical Activity in the Classroom Improves On-Task Behavior

• Active school lessons can prevent declines in on-task behavior among students

• Overall on-task behavior increases

• Greatest increase in on-task behavior is seen among the least on-task students.

• Discipline referrals decline

• Grades increase depending on the physical activity program reviewed

Physical Activity in the Classroom Improves On-Task Behavior

Summary Physical Activity Breaks can:

• Improve overall student behavior

• Improve on-task behavior

• Improve some measures of health

• May encourage more physical activity at home

• Can lead to increased academic performance

Research publications used in this presentation came from:

• California School Boards Association

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Illinois Public Health Institute

• Active Living Research

A full bibliography for this presentation is available on the March Forward website.

Thank you to

• Nana Koch, Ed.D., Chairperson, Department of Health, Physical Education and Movement Science, LIU Post

• Physical Activity Workgroup of the School Coalition

Production credits:

Jim Houston, Rockland BOCES – video production

Carlo Pellegrini, Amazing Grace Circus – voice over

Carrie Steindorff, Rockland County Department of Health – Content

Tips for Physical Activity Brain Breaks

Keep it fun or relaxing Be enthusiastic Make sure the physical activity is appropriate

for the surrounding space Developmentally appropriate (see PE teacher

for suggestions) Give positive feedback. No “humorous” put

downs. Encourage all students in the class to move

during activity breaks, even those with limitations.

March Forward

March Forward

1. Teachers engage students in at least 5 minutes of physical activity in each class (middle and high school) or throughout the day (elementary school).

2. Recognition given to: – Schools with the most number of minutes of physical activity (not

including recess and PE) by school population size

– Schools with the highest number of minutes of physical activity per student by grade level (Elementary, Middle and High School)

Talking Points to Share with Students on March Forward• Physical activity helps you look and feel

your best.• Being physically active and physically

fit helps you do better in school.• It is a great way to make friends and

stay healthy.• Children and teens should get at least

60 minutes of physical activity each day.

Live Demonstrations of Physical Activity Breaks

• All Grades - Mariola Strahlberg, Five Star© Program, Shining Mountain Center for Peaceful Childhood, Chestnut Ridge, NY

• 4-6 - Paul Mindich, Kakiat Elementary School, Spring Valley, NY

• 7-8 - Carlo Pellegrini, Director, Amazing Grace Circus, Nyack, NY

• 9-10 - Barry Baloga, North Rockland High School, Thiells, NY