Journal
PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
Volume 99, Issue -, Pages 140-145Publisher
ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE
DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2017.02.006
Keywords
Physical activity; Children; Academic achievement; Cluster-randomized trial; Cognitive function; Cardiovascular fitness
Funding
- [R01-DK85317]
- [F32-DK103493]
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We compared changes in academic achievement across 3 years between children in elementary schools receiving the Academic Achievement and Physical Activity Across the Curriculum intervention (A+PAAC), in which classroom teachers were trained to deliver academic lessons using moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) compared to a non-intervention control. Elementary schools in eastern Kansas (n=17) were cluster randomized to A+PAAC (N=9, target >= 100min/week) or control (N=8). Academic achievement (math, reading, spelling) was assessed using the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test-Third Edition (WIAT-III) in a sample of children (A+PAAC =316, Control=268) in grades 2 and 3 at baseline (Fall 2011) and repeated each spring across 3 years. On average 55 min/week of A+PACC lessons were delivered each week across the intervention. Baseline WIAT-III scores (math, reading, spelling) were significantly higher in students in A+PAAC compared with control schools and improved in both groups across 3 years. However, linear mixed modeling, accounting for baseline between group differences in WIAT-III scores, ethnicity, family income, and cardiovascular fitness, found no significant impact of A+PAAC on any of the academic achievement outcomes as determined by non-significant group by time interactions. A+PAAC neither diminished or improved academic achievement across 3-years in elementary school children compared with controls. Our target of 100 min/week of active lessons was not achieved; however, students attending A+PAAC schools received an additional 55 min/week of MVPA which may be associated with both physical and mental health benefits, without a reduction in time devoted to academic instruction. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier Inc.
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