Physical Activity Interventions in Schools for Improving Lifestyle in European Countries

Abstract

Background : In the last decades, children’s and adolescents’ obesity and overweight have increased in European Countries. Unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyle have been recognized to determine such an epidemic. Schools represent an ideal setting to modify harmful behaviors, and physical activity could be regarded as a potential way to avoid the metabolic risks related to obesity. Methods : A systematic review of the literature was carried out to summarize the evidence of school-based interventions aimed to promote, enhance and implement physical activity in European schools. Only randomized controlled trials were included, carried out in Europe from January 2000 to April 2014, universally delivered and targeting pupils aged between 3 and 18 years old. Results : Forty-seven studies were retrieved based either on multicomponent interventions or solely physical activity programs. Most aimed to prevent obesity and cardiovascular risks among youths. While few studies showed a decrease in BMI, positive results were achieved on other outcomes, such as metabolic parameters and physical fitness. Conclusion : Physical activity in schools should be regarded as a simple, non-expensive and enjoyable way to reach all the children and adolescents with adequate doses of moderate to vigorous physical activity.

Effect of an intervention in Physical Education classes on health related levels of physical fitness in youth

“…The studies show the importance of having a program directed at this goal, suggesting subjects have considerable positive changes in physical fitness for health 30 . As such, the present study collaborated to the knowledge on this subject, in agreement with many other studies in European and North American countries that highlighted PE classes as support of high relevance for public health programs [15][16][17] . At last, it is suggested that PE through the teaching of different manifestations of body culture and human movement, may be a health promoter, since at times the school is the only space where school-aged children have access to physical activity.…”

“…This result can be explained by the lack of control in food consumption, as well as the limitation the BMI itself presents, since in adolescents this variable should be cautiously analyzed once muscular body mass could be gained during an intervention and lead to wrong interpretation of the possible relation between growth and development indicators in youth 1 . However, it is important to highlight that other studies have shown a low effect of intervention programs in body composition [15][16][17]26,27 . In fact, research has presented positive results in levels of physical fitness and metabolic parameters [15][16][17] , indicating effectiveness of the interventions on those aspects even when there is no decrease in BMI, in agreement with the present findings.…”

“…However, it is important to highlight that other studies have shown a low effect of intervention programs in body composition [15][16][17]26,27 . In fact, research has presented positive results in levels of physical fitness and metabolic parameters [15][16][17] , indicating effectiveness of the interventions on those aspects even when there is no decrease in BMI, in agreement with the present findings.…”

“…That fact has been responsible for the early increase in prevalence of disease such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and osteoporosis 7,8,[10][11][12][13][14] . Under the perspective to modify the scenario, some studies have highlighted the importance of different intervention programs in the school environment 15,16 . Such studies have suggested that physical activity should be practiced during classes, at recess, in PE and in non-school hours 15 .…”

“…Under the perspective to modify the scenario, some studies have highlighted the importance of different intervention programs in the school environment 15,16 . Such studies have suggested that physical activity should be practiced during classes, at recess, in PE and in non-school hours 15 . In the same way, this study presents a PE intervention with the aim to promote health through good levels of physical fitness.…”