Evaluating a Peer-Implemented Intervention for Increasing Physical Activity During School Recess

• Main Author: Luque, Carolina E.
• Format: Others
• Published: Scholar Commons 2018
• Subjects: feedback; pairing; pedometer; physical activity; Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Online Access: https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/7332; https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=8529&context=etd

Physical inactivity is a significant issue in the United States that has been linked to multiple health concerns. Few studies have used behavioral interventions during opportunities available in school, such as recess. There is a need for low effort and accessible interventions to increase children’s physical activity during these opportunities. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy of a peer-implemented recess intervention that uses student pairing and feedback to increase physical activity. Step count was recorded by a pedometer. Peer leaders were trained in a group using behavioral skills training. A new leader performed the task-analyzed duties each week of intervention. An ABAB reversal design was used to evaluate the efficacy of the intervention. The results were mixed across the participants, but generally this study did not achieve experimental control in an ABAB design.