What are effective strategies to promote physical activity in schools?

1 Why physical activity matters

Physical activity, such as walking, running, playing, dancing, or sports, is any bodily movement that requires energy expenditure and has multiple benefits for the physical, mental, and social health of children and adolescents. It can improve cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, bone health, and body composition; reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases; enhance cognitive function, academic performance, and learning skills; boost mood, self-esteem, and resilience; and foster social skills, teamwork, and leadership. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), children and adolescents aged 5-17 years should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily and engage in muscle-strengthening activities at least three times per week. However, many students fail to meet these guidelines due to lack of time, space, equipment, motivation, or support.

2 How schools can promote physical activity

Schools can play a key role in promoting physical activity among students by providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for them to be active during and beyond the school day. To encourage physical activity, schools should develop a comprehensive policy that aligns with national and local guidelines, and involves the participation of students, staff, parents, and community partners. Quality physical education (PE) classes should also be offered that are fun, engaging, and developmentally appropriate, teaching students the skills to be physically active for life. Additionally, a variety of extracurricular physical activity programs should be available that cater to different student interests, needs, and abilities. Furthermore, a physical activity-friendly school culture should be created that celebrates and rewards student achievements. Furthermore, physical activity opportunities and facilities such as playgrounds, sports fields, gyms or bike racks should be accessible, safe, and well-maintained. Finally, physical activity should be integrated into the academic curriculum by using active learning methods or incorporating movement breaks. It is also important to collaborate with families and the community to support and reinforce the physical activity messages and behaviors at home and in the neighborhood.

3 What are the challenges and solutions

Implementing strategies to promote physical activity and health outcomes in students can be beneficial, but schools may face challenges such as limited time, budget, or resources, lack of qualified staff, resistance from students or stakeholders, competing demands from the academic curriculum, and environmental factors. To overcome these issues, schools can seek external funding or sponsorship, provide professional development for staff, raise awareness among the school community about physical activity, solicit feedback from stakeholders to identify their needs and preferences, balance physical activity and academic goals, and adapt physical activity programs and facilities to suit local conditions.

4 How to evaluate and sustain physical activity promotion

To ensure that physical activity promotion strategies are effective and sustainable, schools need to monitor and evaluate their progress and outcomes, making adjustments as needed. Establishing clear objectives and indicators based on the school's vision, mission, and values is a great place to start. Data and evidence on physical activity levels, behaviors, and attitudes of students, staff, and parents should be collected and analyzed. It's also important to communicate and report results to the school community, identifying gaps or weaknesses and seeking feedback for solutions. The physical activity policy and action plan should be reviewed regularly to ensure alignment with current needs. Lastly, building commitment and support from the school leadership, staff, students, parents, and partners is essential for physical activity promotion. Physical activity is a vital component of a healthy school life for children and adolescents. With effective strategies in place, schools can help students develop the habits and skills necessary to be active for life.