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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06684808

Impact of Active Breaks in Elementary School Children

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of 12 weeks of Active Breaks on motor, academic and cognitive performance in elementary school children.

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Key information

Conditions

Physical Performance Academic Acheivement Behavior Cognitive Performance Motor Activity

Age range

6 year–8 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Università degli Studi del Molise

Campobasso, CB, 86100, Italy

About this study

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of 12 weeks of Active Breaks on motor, academic and cognitive performance in elementary school children. 159 children were recruited: 92 for experimental group (EG) and 67 for Control Group(CG); after the baseline assessment, the EG classes were randomly assigned into three experimental groups: creativity AB (CREAT; n = 30 ), fitness AB (FIT; n =31 ) and combined AB (COM; n= 31 ) . Specifically, the EG carried out an active break intervention for 12 weeks during curricular time, repeated twice a day, with the duration of 10 minutes, three times a week. CG did not performed any type of active breaks.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • attending second and third elementary classroom

Exclusion criteria

  • to be free from injury, which could preclude the PA practice.

Treatment and study plan

Fitness

Other

The Fitness group engaged in active breaks aimed at improving cardiovascular efficiency. These breaks were designed to provide moderate to vigorous physical activity, incorporating both strength and aerobic exercises such as squats, jumping jacks, lunges, and running in place. Children were instructed to imitate the teacher's movements.

Creative

Other

The Creative group participated in active breaks that combined cognitive-creative and physical demands, incorporating activities like improvisations, dramatizations of events or short stories, simulation, and imitation games. These activities aimed to stimulate the creative process and enhance emotional expression within environmental constraints. Constraints, set by the teacher-such as specific rules, partner positioning, or speed of execution-limited movement options, encouraging students to explore new solutions to complete each task.

Combined

Other

The Combined group took active breaks by combining the Fitness protocol in the first break and the Creative protocol in the second.

Control

Other

Regular physical activity at school during the weeks.

Primary outcomes

  1. Height

    Time frame: after 12 weeks

  2. Weight

    Time frame: after 12 weeks

  3. Leaps forward on one foot

    Time frame: after 12 weeks

    Hopping forward on one foot along a line for 10 meters. This test consists of 4 items (what to do), each with specific execution criteria (what to observe). Generally, these criteria represent a mature execution pattern for that skill. Children receive 1 point if they perform the item correctly and 0 points if not

  4. Side Gallop

    Time frame: after 12 weeks

    Gallop sideways for 10 meters. This test consists of 4 items (what to do), each with specific execution criteria (what to observe). Generally, these criteria represent a mature execution pattern for that skill. Children receive 1 point if they perform the item correctly and 0 points if not

  5. Alternating forward hops on one foot

    Time frame: after 12 weeks

    Hopping forward by alternating the supporting foot for 10 meters. This test consists of 4 items (what to do), each with specific execution criteria (what to observe). Generally, these criteria represent a mature execution pattern for that skill. Children receive 1 point if they perform the item correctly and 0 points if not

  6. Throwing a ball with one hand

    Time frame: after 12 weeks

    Throw the ball against the wall 10 meters away. This test consists of 4 items (what to do), each with specific execution criteria (what to observe). Generally, these criteria represent a mature execution pattern for that skill. Children receive 1 point if they perform the item correctly and 0 points if not

  7. Receiving with the hands a thrown ball

    Time frame: after 12 weeks

    Catch the ball on the fly from a distance of 5 meters. This test consists of 4 items (what to do), each with specific execution criteria (what to observe). Generally, these criteria represent a mature execution pattern for that skill. Children receive 1 point if they perform the item correctly and 0 points if not

  8. Hitting the ball with a tennis racket

    Time frame: after 12 weeks

    hitting the ball from a distance of 5 meters. This test consists of 4 items (what to do), each with specific execution criteria (what to observe). Generally, these criteria represent a mature execution pattern for that skill. Children receive 1 point if they perform the item correctly and 0 points if not

  9. Long jump from a standing start

    Time frame: after 12 weeks

    Perform as long a forward jump as possible starting from a standing position.

  10. Fast shuttle run 10x5m

    Time frame: after 12 weeks

    Run 5 m for 10 times at the highest possible speed

  11. Assessment Test of Calculation Skills AC.MT 6-11

    Time frame: after 12 weeks

    AC-MT 6-11 test proposes tests to ascertain the level of learning of calculus, basic assessment, and problem solving

  12. Reynolds Interference Task (RIT) test

    Time frame: after 12 weeks

    Measurement of complex processing speed

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Molise

Other

Collaborators

  • Alessandra di Cagno
  • Andrea Buonsenso
  • Giovanni Fiorilli
  • Giuseppe Calcagno

Registry information

Official study title

Impact of Active Breaks in the Classroom on Physical, Mathematical and Cognitive Performance in Elementary School Children

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Nov 12, 2024
Registry last updated
Nov 12, 2024

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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