《Increasing Outdoor Activity Time During School Recess to Improve Adolescent Health》

Kang Zhu200 enrolled

Overview

Adolescents spend a substantial amount of time at school, and school recess provides an important opportunity for physical activity and recovery from prolonged sedentary behavior. However, insufficient outdoor activity time during school recess has become a concern for adolescent health. This study is designed to examine whether increasing outdoor activity time during school recess can improve physical and mental health outcomes among adolescents. A school-based intervention study will be conducted, in which participants will receive an increased outdoor activity program during recess periods. The intervention will include structured and free outdoor physical activities designed to increase daily physical activity opportunities. Changes in physical activity levels, psychological well-being, and related health indicators will be assessed before and after the intervention.The results of this study may provide evidence for developing effective school-based strategies to promote adolescent physical activity and health.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

200

Conditions

Adolescent Health Physical Activities

School Recess Outdoor Physical Activity ProgramBEHAVIORAL

The intervention consists of a 10-week outdoor physical activity program implemented during school recess. During each recess period, classroom activities will be suspended and students in the intervention group will participate in outdoor physical activities. Various activity equipment and activity options will be provided, allowing students to select activities according to their interests and abilities. Teachers will supervise and guide students during the activities. Students will return to classrooms after the preparation bell rings. The program aims to increase outdoor activity time during school recess and promote physical and mental health among adolescents.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 12 YearsMax age: 15 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Adolescents aged 12-15 years. 2. Students enrolled in the participating schools. 3. Physically healthy and able to participate in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity without restrictions. 4. Written informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Adolescents with cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, or other medical conditions that limit participation in physical activity. 2. Adolescents who are unable to participate in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity as confirmed by themselves, their parents, or school health records. 3. Adolescents who plan to transfer schools or are unable to complete the intervention and assessments.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in physical activity level assessed by physical activity questionnaire

Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). The questionnaire evaluates vigorous-intensity activity, moderate-intensity activity, walking, and sitting time during the previous 7 days. Physical activity levels were expressed as metabolic equivalent of task minutes per week (MET-min/week), with higher values indicating greater physical activity levels. Sitting time was reported separately as minutes per weekday, with higher values indicating greater sedentary behavior.

Time frame: Baseline and 10 weeks after intervention

Change in mental health status assessed by Chinese Middle School Students Mental Health Scale

Mental health status was assessed using the Mental Health Inventory for Middle School Students in China (MMHI-60) developed by Wang Jisheng. The scale consists of 60 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale. The total score is calculated by summing all item responses, with possible scores ranging from 60 to 300. Higher scores indicate greater mental distress and poorer mental health status.