Active recess as a strategy to promote physical activity: a systematic review

Abstract

Nowadays, it is known the importance that the practice of physical activity has on children’s health. However, the reality shows that the majority of Spanish children don’t achieve the minimums of the daily physical activity that international recommendations propose. For this reason, There are evidence that indicates that physical activity must be encouraged from school so that children can achieve them, and school recess is an ideal context for this purpose. The purpose of this study was to make a systematic review of those interventions during school recess intended to increase physical activity, in order to provide recommendations for future research and interventions. To do this, a systematic search was performed following the PRISMA’s guidelines and the articles were included following these criteria: (a) studies published in the last 13 years (from 2007 to 2020); (b) written in English or Spanish; (c) in a school context; (d) the subject matter is  school breaks and physical activity and/or attention; (e) intervention plans. Finally, seven articles were included. Strategies such as the increment of spaces, colours marks, supply of equipment, structured activities and teacher involvement were used for active breaks. As conclusion, Healthy interventions during active recesses appear to be effective in increasing physical activity.