There was some evidence that school-based physical activity interventions had a positive impact on four of the nine outcome measures .
Specifically positive effects were observed for duration of physical activity , television viewing , VO2 max , and blood cholesterol .
Generally , school-based interventions had little effect on physical activity rates , systolic and diastolic blood pressure , BMI , and pulse rate .
At a minimum , a combination of printed educational material s and changes to the school curriculum that promote physical activity result ed in positive effects .
Few changes in outcomes were observed in this up date with the exception of blood cholesterol and physical activity rates .
For example blood cholesterol was no longer positively impacted upon by school-based physical activity interventions .
The evidence suggests the ongoing implementation of school-based physical activity interventions at this time , given the positive effects on behavior and one physical health status measure .
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization ( WHO ) estimates that 1.9 million deaths worldwide are attributable to physical inactivity and at least 2.6 million deaths are a result of being overweight or obese .
In addition , WHO estimates that physical inactivity causes 10 % to 16 % of cases each of breast cancer , colon , and rectal cancers as well as type 2 diabetes , and 22 % of coronary heart disease and the burden of these and other chronic diseases has rapidly increased in recent decades .
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize the evidence of the effectiveness of school-based interventions in promoting physical activity and fitness in children and adolescents .
Evaluation of implementation and effect of primary school based intervention to reduce risk factors for obesity
Abstract Objectives : To implement a school based health promotion programme aim ed at reducing risk factors for obesity and to evaluate the implementation process and its effect on the school . Design : Data from 10 schools participating in a group r and omised controlled crossover trial were pooled and analysed . Setting : 10 primary schools in Leeds . Participants : 634 children ( 350 boys and 284 girls ) aged 7 - 11 years . Main outcome measures : Response rates to question naires , teachers ' evaluation of training and input , success of school action plans , content of school meals , and children 's knowledge of healthy living and self reported behaviour . Results : All 10 schools participated throughout the study . 76 ( 89 % ) of the action points determined by schools in their school action plans were achieved , along with positive changes in school meals . A high level of support for nutrition education  and promotion of physical activity was expressed by both teachers and parents . 410 ( 64 % ) parents responded to the question naire concerning changes they would like to see implemented in school . 19 out of 20 teachers attended the training , and all reported satisfaction with the training , re sources , and support . Intervention children showed a higher score for knowledge , attitudes , and self reported behaviour for healthy eating and physical activity . Conclusion : This programme was successfully implemented and produced changes at school level that tackled risk factors for obesity . What is already known on this topic Prevention of obesity is an increasingly important aspect of health promotion Few trials have investigated school based primary prevention programmes directed at obesity What this study adds The programme was successful in producing school level changes to tackle risk factors for obesity High levels of participation indicated support from schools , staff , parents , and pupils Positive changes were seen in school meals , tuck shops , and playground
There was some evidence that school-based physical activity interventions had a positive impact on four of the nine outcome measures .
Specifically positive effects were observed for duration of physical activity , television viewing , VO2 max , and blood cholesterol .
Generally , school-based interventions had little effect on physical activity rates , systolic and diastolic blood pressure , BMI , and pulse rate .
At a minimum , a combination of printed educational material s and changes to the school curriculum that promote physical activity result ed in positive effects .
Few changes in outcomes were observed in this up date with the exception of blood cholesterol and physical activity rates .
For example blood cholesterol was no longer positively impacted upon by school-based physical activity interventions .
The evidence suggests the ongoing implementation of school-based physical activity interventions at this time , given the positive effects on behavior and one physical health status measure .
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization ( WHO ) estimates that 1.9 million deaths worldwide are attributable to physical inactivity and at least 2.6 million deaths are a result of being overweight or obese .
In addition , WHO estimates that physical inactivity causes 10 % to 16 % of cases each of breast cancer , colon , and rectal cancers as well as type 2 diabetes , and 22 % of coronary heart disease and the burden of these and other chronic diseases has rapidly increased in recent decades .
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize the evidence of the effectiveness of school-based interventions in promoting physical activity and fitness in children and adolescents .