A Classroom-based Intervention to Promote Physical Literacy in Children: ALPHYL Study Protocol

University of Valencia285 enrolled

Overview

The goal of this study, named the Active Learning for PHYsical Literacy (ALPHYL) study, was to describe a multicomponent class-based physically-active learning randomized control trial (RCT) in primary school children. The main purpose was to promote children's physical literacy, academic achievement and cognitive function. The ALPHYL study is mainly based on physical literacy, active school models and Supportive, Active, Autonomous, Fair and Enjoyable principles.

The ALPHYL is an 8-10-week RCT that will be conducted in six primary schools (12 classes) in Valencia and its metropolitan area. Schools will be randomly assigned to the intervention or a waiting-list control group. After a 30 h in-person training course for teachers and weekly meetings in the three months of resource preparation, the ALPHYL intervention will be conducted in physical education (PE) and non-PE lessons by teachers. The intervention consists of at least three physically active learning sessions per day plus model-based PE classes. Its feasibility will be evaluated weekly according to the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework. To assess its effectiveness, a pre-test, post-test and retention (8-10 weeks after the intervention) with primary outcomes (i.e. physical activity level, motor competence, perceived motor competence and physical literacy, motivation, perceived social support, academic achievement and cognitive function), secondary outcomes and covariates will be collected.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

285

Conditions

Physical Activity

Interventions

Physical active learningBEHAVIORAL

The intervention will last for 8-10 weeks. The ALPHYL intervention will be conducted in physical education (PE) and non-PE lessons by teachers. In addition to the PE lessons, at least three physically active activities in subjects other than PE will be conducted every day (5 days per week), with a total duration of approximately 30 minutes of light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day. The weekly dose of physically active learning will thus be 100-150 minutes, so that a volume of 800-1200 minutes is foreseen during the 8-10 weeks. The PE classes will also be conducted in a mix of cooperative learning, non-linear pedagogy and health-based PE.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 10 YearsMax age: 11 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Participants enrolled in 5th grade (i.e., 10-11 years old). * Schools must have at least two groups of primary school 5th grade and the teachers involved in both agree to participate. * Each class group includes at least 75% of the participants. * Children must not have taken part in other physical activity promotion interventions in the two previous years. Exclusion Criteria: • None.

Locations (1)

University of Valencia

Valencia, Spain