Participants’ physical activity levels and evaluations of a school sport programme in Papua New Guinea

Abstract

In its contemporary form, sport for development has been positioned as an important part of strategic policy for a variety of governmental and sporting organisations. One area that has been targeted by governments and a variety of sporting partners has been the impact of sport on non-communicable diseases (NCDs, sometimes colloquially referred to as 'lifestyle diseases' such as obesity). However, relatively little evidence exists for the impact of sport programs on the reduction of NCDs and future health burden. This study sought to examine the physical activity levels of school-aged children in Papua New Guinea (PNG) during their participation in a targeted sport program operating during school hours. Data collection methods employed were physical activity recall; pedometer counts; as well as perceptions, intentions, and knowledge of participants. Children in this study were found to have lower physical activity levels during the after school period than has been reported in the literature for children in other countries. Overall children were active during the sport program, completing 1179 steps on average (which constitutes 10% of the suggested daily values for children of a similar age). No profound differences were observed in either the qualitative or quantitative data across different schools, regions, or genders. The responses from children regarding the sport program were notably positive.

Sports Participation in South African Schools. Have We Lost the Plot?

“…A specific selection of schools were subsequently combined with the convenience (availability) of schools. Schools selected for this research included six former (ex) Model C 1 , of which one was technically inclined (quantile four and five) and six rural schools (quantile one to three) 2 , five township schools (quantile one to three) 3 as well as four schools for learners with special educational needs (LSEN). In the South African school context, all public schools are categorized based on the socioeconomic status of the school.…”

“…All relevant documentation regarding school-based statistical information contributing to the profile of the school, networking, and partnerships relating to school sport and PE-related practices were captured for description and analysis. On-site procedures followed the same pattern at each school, inclusive of the following: an introduction to the research with each research cohort, completion of questionnaires by educators and HODs, separate focus group interviews with learners, 2 Rural schools are schools found in farms, villages, semi-urban areas, remote areas, and mainly infrastructurally underdeveloped. 3 Township schools refer to schools in residential areas of South Africa, which originated as racially segregated, low cost-housing developments for black learners, that is, Africans, Coloreds, and Indians.…”

“…Sport has become an international focus as it transcends language, social, cultural, religious, financial, and political barriers [1]. Equally important, sport is also an integral part of human being and relating with others, and being physically active [2,3]. It has the potential to be a positive force in the life of all children, but if the context and benefits thereof, amongst others, are not understood, it can contribute to poor choices and health risks.…”

The Kick-Smart Program: A Randomised Feasibility Trial Evaluating the Feasibility and Efficacy of a Primary-School Based Martial Arts Program Integrating Mathematics, Physical Fitness and Well-Being

“…National physical activity guidelines recommend that children and adolescents engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous daily physical activity for achieving good health (Vetter, O'Connor, O'Dwyer, & Orr, 2018). Despite the well published and extensive physiological, psychological and cognitive benefits of physical activity, many children and adolescents worldwide do not acquire the minimum amount required to achieve health benefits (Joschtel et al, 2019) Physical inactivity has been linked to a large number of preventable health issues, including obesity, hypertension, metabolic disease, (Joschtel et al, 2019), and a range of mental health problems (Biddle, Ciaccioni, Thomas, & Vergeer, 2019;Hanrahan, Rynne, Beckman, & Rossi, 2019). In 2018, metabolic disease and/or childhood obesity was evident in approximately 26% of school-aged Australian children (Vetter et al, 2018).…”

“…In 2018, metabolic disease and/or childhood obesity was evident in approximately 26% of school-aged Australian children (Vetter et al, 2018). Recently there has been wide scale research investigating relationships between physical activity and cognitive functioning, and mental health in young people (Biddle et al, 2019), with evidence for causal relationships between cognitive function, academic performance, anxiety, and depression emerging (Biddle et al, 2019;Hanrahan et al, 2019). However, investigation into the links between physical activity and mental health issues remains a domain requiring greater documentation among varied populations and settings (Biddle et al, 2019).…”