Parameters that influence the accumulation of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during the physical education class: JOYMVPA project

Abstract

Background. Better health and general fitness are related to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of children and adolescents (Ruiz et al., 2006). However, during the PE class, much of the dedicated time is spent at lower intensities than MVPA. Therefore, schools and sport clubs are great environments for physical activity interventions. Research methods. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of enjoyment, motivation, game familiarity and size of the group in terms of MVPA during the PE class. 100 different skill-based games were played in 10 min blocks during regular PE lessons, with two 10 min blocks in a row. Each game was tested three times. Heart rate was measured with Polar heart rate sensors with the criteria for MVPA was set as 140 beats or higher. Children’s motivation, game familiarity and enjoyment were subjectively measured after the games. Results and discussion. Multivariate linear regression model was used to associate MVPA with different variables. The average amount of the MVPA during the 10 min game was 76%. Smaller group size, higher motivation and better game familiarity were related to higher MVPA level of the game (b = -0.147, b = 0.338 and b = 0.308, respectively; p ≤ 0.01). Conclusions. In conclusion, group size, game familiarity and motivation of the child are related to the amount of MVPA acquired during a 10 min skill-based game in the PE class. The study was founded by Erasmus+ project no: 2019-1-EE01-KA201-051595.